1 & 2 Samuel

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: 1 Samuel 2 Samuel
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 6, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

Publication Date(s): 2008
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780830824906
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.6/10
Christ Centredness: 7.8/10
Depth of Insight: 8.3/10
Clarity of Writing: 8.5/10
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.4/10
Readability: 8.2/10

Summary

At a Glance

Length
400 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.3 / 10

We find Havilah Dharamraj’s treatment of Samuel in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries a careful and pastorally alert guide to these foundational books. She reads the narrative with sensitivity to structure, character, and theological movement, helping us see how leadership, kingship, and covenant faithfulness unfold across the story.

The commentary keeps us close to the text while offering clear explanations of difficult passages, historical questions, and narrative tensions. It serves readers who want reliable exposition without being buried under technical detail.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want help preaching and teaching Samuel as unified theological narrative rather than disconnected episodes. Dharamraj consistently helps us trace the rise and fall of leaders under the searching gaze of the Lord.

Her writing supports proclamation shaped by humility, obedience, and the cost of rejecting God’s word. It is especially helpful for pastors working through extended narrative sections week by week.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level commentary for preaching and teaching 1 and 2 Samuel. It combines clarity, faithfulness, and pastoral realism in a way that serves the church well.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview pages for 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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