Keith Bodner is Professor of Religious Studies at Crandall University, USA.Benjamin J.M. Johnson is Tutor in Religious Interpretation at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, UK.

The 17 essays found in this volume are a thoughtful collection of scholarly research that focus on the significance of character and characterization in the book of Samuel ... A collection such as this one provides an opportunity to explore the many facets of the characters of Samuel. For those who wish to delve into the world of poetics and characterization with a focus on a particular character in Samuel, this collection is a good place to start. For those who want to explore particular texts in the Book of Samuel and their exegetical analysis, this volume provides a rich source. I look forward to reading the companion volume on the Book of Kings.

• List of ContributorsPrefaceList of Abbreviations1. Character as Interpretive Crux in the Book of Samuel Benjamin J.M. Johnson2. Desire Devine: Poems – Pillars Pivots J.P. Fokkelman3. Worthy to be Praised: God as a Character in Samuel Stephen B. Chapman4. Hannah: A Woman Deeply Troubled Jenni Williams5. Eli a High Priest Thrown under the Wheels of the Ox Cart Marvin A. Sweeney6. Orthodox Theology, Ulterior Motives in Samuel’s Farewell Speech? The Characterization of the Prophet in 1 Samuel 12 J. Richard Middleton7. From a Head above the Rest to No Head at All: Transformations in the Life of Saul Paul S. Evans8. David: Kaleidoscope of a King Keith Bodner and Benjamin J.M. Johnson9. The Heir of Saul: Jonathan's Life and Death in Theological Perspective Diana Abernethy10. Analogies between Minor Characters: The Example of Michal Jonathan Jacobs11. Abigail: A Woman of Wisdom and Decisive Action Philip F. Esler12. Joab’s Coherence and Incoherence: Character and Characterization Barbara Green13. Knowing Abner David Shepherd14. ‘A Man of Shame’: Ridiculing Saul's Son, Ishbosheth Michael Avioz15. Foreigners in David’s Court David G. Firth16. Absalom, A Warrior for Justice – a Life Story in Seven stages Yairah Amit17. Nathan, the Unexpected Gift of a Prophet James E. PatrickAfterwordBibliographyIndex

Keith Bodner is Professor of Religious Studies at Crandall University, USA.Benjamin J.M. Johnson is Tutor in Religious Interpretation at Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, UK.

The 17 essays found in this volume are a thoughtful collection of scholarly research that focus on the significance of character and characterization in the book of Samuel ... A collection such as this one provides an opportunity to explore the many facets of the characters of Samuel. For those who wish to delve into the world of poetics and characterization with a focus on a particular character in Samuel, this collection is a good place to start. For those who want to explore particular texts in the Book of Samuel and their exegetical analysis, this volume provides a rich source. I look forward to reading the companion volume on the Book of Kings.

• List of ContributorsPrefaceList of Abbreviations1. Character as Interpretive Crux in the Book of Samuel Benjamin J.M. Johnson2. Desire Devine: Poems – Pillars Pivots J.P. Fokkelman3. Worthy to be Praised: God as a Character in Samuel Stephen B. Chapman4. Hannah: A Woman Deeply Troubled Jenni Williams5. Eli a High Priest Thrown under the Wheels of the Ox Cart Marvin A. Sweeney6. Orthodox Theology, Ulterior Motives in Samuel’s Farewell Speech? The Characterization of the Prophet in 1 Samuel 12 J. Richard Middleton7. From a Head above the Rest to No Head at All: Transformations in the Life of Saul Paul S. Evans8. David: Kaleidoscope of a King Keith Bodner and Benjamin J.M. Johnson9. The Heir of Saul: Jonathan's Life and Death in Theological Perspective Diana Abernethy10. Analogies between Minor Characters: The Example of Michal Jonathan Jacobs11. Abigail: A Woman of Wisdom and Decisive Action Philip F. Esler12. Joab’s Coherence and Incoherence: Character and Characterization Barbara Green13. Knowing Abner David Shepherd14. ‘A Man of Shame’: Ridiculing Saul's Son, Ishbosheth Michael Avioz15. Foreigners in David’s Court David G. Firth16. Absalom, A Warrior for Justice – a Life Story in Seven stages Yairah Amit17. Nathan, the Unexpected Gift of a Prophet James E. PatrickAfterwordBibliographyIndex