Fr. Feidhlimidh T. Magennis is a priest of the Diocese of Dromore, Ireland. After completing his License in Sacred Scripture at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Rome, he taught in Ireland and Canada. He is currently a principal lecturer in religious studies at St. Mary's University College, Belfast.

• CONTENTSAbbreviations   4THE BOOKS OF FIRST AND SECOND SAMUELIntroduction   5Text and Commentary   9Hannah’s Gift (1 Samuel 1–3)   9The Ark Narratives (1 Samuel 4:1–7:1)   20The Transition to Monarchy (1 Samuel 7–15)   25The Rise of David (1 Samuel 16:1–2 Samuel 5:12)   51The Reign of David (2 Samuel 5:13–8:18)   104The Family of David (2 Samuel 9–20)   113Appendices (2 Samuel 21–24)   149Review Aids and Discussion Topics    161Index of Citations from the Catechism of the Catholic Church    165Maps    166

The author traces the convoluted path which took God’s people from fiercely independent tribes to a community under the Davidic dynasty. His clear, concise, and flowing commentary elucidate the comical clashes that occur when God’s guiding presence and power are made known to people in new ways. At the center of the ancient tale are tensions that arise between human plans and preferences, and divine choices which highlight God’s freedom. Ultimately, readers are led to reflect on how one comes to recognize God’s will and how, even though humans misperceive and make mistakes, God ‘corrects their sins and rectifies their consequences.’Elizabeth Nagel, SSD, Professor, Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, Mundelein Seminary