Best Commentaries on 1 & 2 Samuel

Baldwin offers a concise but serious introduction to the books of Samuel. This volume will ground any reader in both the historical and literary contexts of the books. Longman says her commentary “is characterized by careful scholarship. She writes with the educated lay reader in mind.”

Davis’s commentaries on 1–2 Samuel offer deeply engaging and exegetically rich expositions of the text. While he treats the original language, he does so in an accessible way. Though Davis doesn’t always explore the Christ-centered dimensions of the text, when he does it’s interpretive gold.

A strong introductory commentary from a seasoned scholar and Bible translator.

Longman says Arnold is “a seasoned interpreter of the Old Testament” who “does an excellent job revealing the original meaning of this text and bringing it to life for the modern reader.” Even when a preacher disagrees with Arnold, he’s helpfully provocative, driving his readers to the text again and again.

Mackay’s contribution is a must-have for anyone preaching and teaching 1–2 Samuel. Not only does he offer brief comments on individual verses and most textual issues that arise, but his outlines and Christ-centered reflections provide invaluable help in thinking through how to apply the text.

Long’s commentary offers deeply insightful reflections on the Hebrew text and it’s especially helpful for understanding the stages of ancient Near Eastern ascension to kingship. Though the book is targeted to a broader audience, his engagement with the original languages is robust while also being concise.

Solid expositional commentaries from a known scholar and preacher. Highly recommended.

Widely viewed as one of the top commentaries in the EBC series. Longman says, “The author gives a balanced assessment of both the book’s content as well as the secondary literature, with which he interacts with profit.”

Mathison writes, “Tsumura’s expertise in the languages of the ancient Near East is evident throughout.” Longman says, “Tsumura’s strengths are in the areas of history and grammatical study (using discourse analysis for the above-the-sentence level).”

This is Longman’s only 5-star commentary on 1 and 2 Samuel. He writes, “Firth is sensitive to literary concerns, serious about the book’s historical issues, and insightful on its theological teaching. He sees the major themes of the book as divine and human kingship as well as prophetic authority. All in all a very worthwhile commentary.”

Klein is thorough. His contribution to the WBC series supplies the reader with an extensive bibliography of secondary literature, a close examination of the Hebrew text, and a careful exposition.