An Exposition of the First Book of Sameul

the Jewish leaders at the time of Jesus knew their scriptures extremely well. Many people , as today, knew them by heart, having memorized them by the rote learning method. Yet Jesus chided them for not "knowing" the scriptures. By this he clearly meant that they did not apply their knowledge in order to determine the Words's teaching about God and the implications of belief beyond habitual ritual observance.

For us, this principle means that we are invited to explore the implications of the various circumstances brought to our attention by the Word and to consider the thought processes behind the activity of biblical characters and their consequent life pattern, that it might help us in discipleship today

This is the reason behind this commentary. The meaning of the text in presenting the events in the particular political, religious setting of the time is explored in detail. However, people with their thinking, reactions, weaknesses, strengths, attitudes to the challenge that God brings into their lives are at the heart of the approach. In the process of sharing the company and decision making of the Bible characters, the unfailing wonder of the grace of God in patiently working out His will though such people over so many centuries, is enhanced in the believers's mind.