With a formidable combination of methodological discipline, circumspection and creative insight, Eslinger has mounted a massive challenge to conventional readings of 1 Samuel and its narrative of Samuel, the ark, and the choosing of Saul.
After a careful review of previous work he lays the outline of his literary approach and embarks on a detailed exegesis of the material, chapter by chapter, moving constantly between focal point in the text and wider context. The result is not only a new type of commentary but a persuasive and powerful new reading of an important section of 1 Samuel which until now been has viewed largely in fragmentary terms by critical scholarship. Samuel and Saul, God and people, enmesh in a story of theocracy rejected but reimposed.
Eslinger's systematic presentation and clarity of style make his book readily accessible to a wide audience.

Dr Eslinger is Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Dept of Religious Studies, University of Calgary, Alberta.