Summary
We find Bill T. Arnold’s 1 and 2 Samuel in the NIV Application Commentary series a strong resource for preaching a long narrative with theological coherence. Arnold helps us trace the Lord’s purposes in kingship, covenant, and repentance, and he keeps the story moving toward the need for a faithful king under God.
The structure encourages disciplined work. We are helped to see what the passage meant, how it functions within the larger narrative, and then how its significance addresses the church today. It is not a sermon ready commentary, but it regularly strengthens sermon preparation.
Why Should I Own This Commentary?
We should own this volume if we want help preaching Samuel without reducing it to character studies. It supports exposition that keeps covenant faithfulness, leadership under God, and the seriousness of sin and repentance in view.
We also benefit where familiar episodes can become predictable. Arnold often forces us back into the text’s actual emphasis, which sharpens application and guards against lazy readings.
For Reformed preaching, we still want a strong Christward line to the true King, but this volume often supplies the narrative and theological clarity that makes that line more faithful.
Closing Recommendation
We recommend this as a strong mid level companion for preaching 1 and 2 Samuel, especially for pastors planning a sustained series.
As pastoral next steps, we can go to the Bible Book Overview for 1 Samuel, browse Top Recommendations, and consult the Reformed Commentary Index to build a balanced shelf for preaching.
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Bill T. Arnold
Bill T. Arnold is an American Old Testament scholar of the modern era whose work reflects a broadly evangelical commitment to the authority of Scripture and a deep concern for the church’s faithful handling of the biblical text.
Arnold has contributed significantly to the study of the Pentateuch and former prophets, writing on Genesis, Deuteronomy and the historical books, as well as producing works on biblical interpretation and Old Testament theology. His scholarship is marked by careful engagement with the original languages, sensitivity to the historical and literary contexts of Scripture, and a steady desire to serve those who teach and preach the Word. His recent NICOT volume on Deuteronomy 1–11 has strengthened his standing as a clear and dependable guide through demanding Old Testament material.
Readers value Arnold for his clarity, well-judged explanations and pastoral instinct. He handles complex issues without overwhelming the reader, and he keeps theological priorities in view without forcing connections. His writing models how rigorous scholarship can serve proclamation, helping pastors and teachers draw lines from the ancient text to the hearts of modern congregations.
Key titles include Deuteronomy 1–11 (NICOT), Genesis (New Cambridge Bible Commentary) and Introduction to the Old Testament.
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical