Customer Reviews

The New American Commentary Volume 7 - 1, 2 Samuel

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This is an excellent commentary by the author of 'Biblical Hebrew and Discourse Linguistics.' This commentary demonstrates how the application of the discipline of linguistics can contribute to an understanding of the Old Testamtent. The commentary also excels in placing the contents of these Old Testament books within a Biblical Theology; it is sensitive to placing their contents within the context of an unfolding revelation. This commentary also proves that a scholarly commentary does not have to be difficult to read. While some commentaries are boring and dry as dust, this one is fun and exciting.

This commentary is a beautiful and interesting verse by verse exposition of 1 and 2 Samuel. Bergen's insights into the text are greater by far than anyone else I have read. Furthermore, he links the text to other parts of the canon of scripture that express similar or contrasting ideas. As an example, I like how he pointed out in 1 Samuel chapter one that Hannah took her barrenness to the Lord in prayer in contrast to Abram and Sarai's machinations and manmade attempts to solve the problem of her barrenness (Genesis 16).

I have been preparing sermons for over ten years, and if I had only one book on these books, this would be the one.

This commentary is one of my favorites. The scholarship is excellent, treatment is even-handed, and the writing style is fluid and easy to digest. I suppose the account of Israel's first kings makes for a particularly interesting study to begin with, but Bergen leads the reader through the text well. I highly recommend this book.

After reading all the supportive reviews, I was persuaded to buy this commentary. So far I have read the commentary on 1 Samuel (the first 284 pages) and have to say that I am not disappointed. Bergen's style is very understandable and his knowledge of the Old Testament adds a lot to his teaching of 1 & 2 Samuel. I find that his references to the Law or Torah to be excellent and very helpful. For a reader, references are easy to skip because you want to read the book. But I found that his references to other parts of the Bible to be very helpful and worth the time to read for myself.

The way he covers Hannah and her husband Elkanah are very considerate and compassionate. I grew to have greater respect for Hannah than I had before after seeing her single-mindedness and devotion to the Lord. We often hear about Hannah on mother's day (which is wonderful) but Elkanah played a major role in his support of her. This would also make for a great father's day message. And even Samuel was extraordinary to be able to leave home at such a young age. This family had it together. This was a pivotal time for Israel and this family was so faithful that God could use them.

Hannah's prayer is most unusual and seems to be forth telling of the future of Israel's history. Bergen keeps bringing up her prayer as it is fulfilled in the life of Israel. It is such a wonderful prayer that even Mary's Magnificant seems to have been based upon her familiarity with it.

Bergen brings out so many facts that were never obvious to me before. The comparisons between Moses and Samuel were very good; the fulfillment of the Law for a site for central worship was new to me. I was not aware that the Zadokites were promised to be the new priestly line. Understanding the books of 1 & 2 Samuel is greatly helped by our understanding of the law and Bergen often shows from the law why things were as they were.

After reading the commentary on 1 Samuel, a couple of things stand out. 1) Saul really was paranoid about David. The author brings this out very well. I knew that Saul was jealous of David, but after reading this it is clear that Saul was very insecure and immature. 2) David really was careful to obey the Lord. While it is true that he had help from Samuel, Abigail, the Law and the Lord, unlike Saul, David was willing to listen and make wise choices.

I plan on reading this book from beginning to end in a few weeks. I have never heard such good comments on the books of 1 & 2 Samuel in all my life. As I read, I think to myself, I wonder why no one has ever mentioned that before. Bergen is quick to see practical and spiritual lessons for us even today. I have and will learn a lot. What a great book.

If you have any commentary on 1, 2 Samuel this should be it. This is simply the best commentary on 1,2 Samuel that I've ever read and taught from. I recommend it for the library of any pastor, college/seminary student, or bible teacher. It is not overly academic, but certainly wrestles with the academic/theological questions of the text. It is easily transfered into preaching/teaching and is rather easily accessible to read. While Bergen writes from a conservative Evangelical perspective, he still cites numerous contradicting (liberal?) commentators and theologians and discusses the various reasons for respectfully rejecting or nuancing their views.

This is simiply a great commentary that combines depth and scholarship. I would highly recommend it anyone who is preaching or leading a bible study through the books of Samuel. Each time I have picked it up I have found great insights that are unique and original. His character sketches of Samuel, Saul, Jonathan and David are amazing.

Finally, a commentary that is concise and clear without being shallow! The NAC volume on 1,2 Samuel is another example of what I believe is the most effective combination of rich scholarship and quick study. Unless you work in the field of higher education, your career is probably not devoted to pages of peripheral minutia that, although interesting and brilliant, does not touch the core truths of the passages you're studying. The NAC does an outstanding job of balancing in-depth, first degree study while exploring the truths of the Bible for teachers, students, and clergy. This series is far and away my favorite for great study with an easily readable format and vocabulary. If you only want one commentary for 1,2 Samuel, start here.

I am presently preaching through the book of 1st Samuel. This is a great reference tool, well written with insightful and devotion observations that will assit you by complementing the work you put into studying the text first. This book gives a good balance between scholarly observations and devotional insight. A good resource to have on 1st Samuel

I purchased this text because it was required for a class. NAC is a mid-level commentary series, but I am typically interested in more scholarly works. I would say this commentary is well-suited for a non-specialist seeking a relatively informed commentary from a conservative position. Anyone looking for significant dialogue and interaction with scholarship at large (especially critical traditions) should look elsewhere. I would say that in light of commentaries as a whole, Bergen's is helpful in that he tends to be more sensitive to the literary structure of the book than most commentators (conservative, moderate and liberal).