1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart (Focus on the Bible Commentaries) By Dale Ralph Davis

Ralph Davis has become my favorite author of Old Testament commentaries. His writing reflects his high regard for the authority and accuracy of the biblical text. His exposition is thorough, without being cumbersome. He adequately examines and explains the details of the Old Testament narrative, then zeroes in the timeless truths, doctrinal distinctives, and relevant applications of the text. Davis does so in a way that is readable. I read every word of every chapter of these commentaries.

This work on 1 Samuel is a masterpiece of contemporary exposition, for all the reasons noted above. It will satisfy those who look for the “Big Idea” of every text, as well as those who work to extract the Fallen Condition Focus. It is a preacher’s goldmine, although it won’t write your sermons for you.

I highly recommend this volume on 1 Samuel. Like Saul, this volume stands head and shoulders above its peers. If you could purchase only one commentary on 1 Samuel, this would be the one to get. Paperback DRD is one of my favorite commentators. He’s a master at interpreting the OT historical books and teaching through them in a compelling way. I hope to read all of his commentaries. Rarely do you ever call a commentator a delightful writer; but here it applies. Paperback Saul has not been given a fair shake by many modern commentators. His end has been read into his beginning. The problem with doing so is that it leads one to miss the force of the turning points in his life. Davis stays true. If you are looking for a reliable interpretation of the ambiguous and seemingly inexplicable events recorded in 1 Samuel, this is your book. Paperback Very practical and helpful commentary. Paperback Best commentary I have ever read. Davis has a unique ability to explain a text in an exciting, conversational, and yet truly expositional way. He does not shy away from dealing with difficult issues, and he is thoroughly exegetical, but he also is brilliant in applying the scripture to everyday life. Often Old Testament commentaries can either be dry, awkwardly moralistic, or overly allegorical. But Davis is able to avoid those pitfalls and create an excellent exposition of 1 Samuel. I used it in my devotions, but it could easily be used in sermon/lesson prep, and I would be comfortable recommending it to lay people and pastors alike. Paperback

Davis brings cultural and historical colour to the task of interpretation and adds a pastor’s heart for personal application. You will find a point of contact with the lives of Samuel, Saul, Jonathan and David as Davis answers the question ‘What does God seek when he looks on the heart?’ Davis presents simple exposition of the literary and theological character of the text in a bright and fascinating way. 1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart (Focus on the Bible Commentaries)

Dale Ralph Davis è 7 review

I haven’t read many commentaries, but this by far the best one I’ve read. It was actually fun to read! Which is not something I ever thought I’d say about a commentary. Davis is a super engaging writer, and he doesn’t waste time, he just gets right to the point of the passage. He does so without sacrificing any of the scholarship, either. It was very helpful for me in my personal study of 1 Samuel, and I’m going to go to him for all of my OT studies, when I can. Paperback I rarely read a biblical commentary from cover to cover, but Dale Ralph Davis's work is just too readable AND his scholarship is both stellar and (refreshingly) not paraded out to impress his readers. While I only have a few super-minor interpretive quibbles with him, I could almost recommend his work as a devotional supplement to personal Bible study. He's that good, that accessible, and that helpful. Paperback Excellent commentary on the story of Samuel, Saul and David. Davis brings in very interesting stories that make the storylines make more sense and he has a witty way about exegesis that many commentators don’t have. He is definitely one of my favorites. Can’t wait to get his 2 Samuel commentary to finish out the whole book. Paperback This commentary was amazing in its insights, wisdom and application. However, there were several questions I had about the text that were not mentioned. I know that it is written more for the lay person, and so cannot cover everything, but it does seem like some major questions that I had (and other women I was studying 1 Samuel with had) were either glossed over or not addressed at all. Paperback This was the best commentary I read in 1 Samuel. There were others that were good, some that gave me a little more help on background/language (this is, after all, homiletical), but Davis was my must-read commentary every week. My soul was ministered to and challenged as Davis guided me through the narrative of this OT book. I can guarantee you this, anytime from here on out that I preach a book on which Davis has written a commentary, I’ll be picking it up. Paperback