Robert Gordon has already published an Intro-duction to the Books of Samuel in the Sheffield 'Old Testament Guides' series. Now he has written a substantial commentary on the English text, concentrating on exegesis, although not without giving attention to linguistic and textual problems. He recognizes the value of developing a Christian approach to the Old Testament, but believes that 'the only way to arrive at sensible conclusions in this matter is first to appreciate the Old Testament for its own sake that is, in its own literary, historical, cultural and theological context.

Robert P. Gordon is a Lecturer in Divinity and Fellow of St. Edmund's College in the University of Cambridge.