Category Archives: 1 Samuel

The Reopened Wounds of Jacob

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Alastair Roberts

The Theopolis blog has just posted an article of mine, in which I discuss the story of David against the background of the story of Jacob, exploring how things changed following his sin with Bathsheba. Just as the beginning of … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, Bible, Christian Experience, Ethics, Guest Post, OT, OT Theology, Sex and Sexuality, Theological, Theopolis | 2 Comments

Yoram Hazony and the Deception of Isaac

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Alastair Roberts

A post of mine has just been published over on the Theopolis blog. Within it, I engage with part of Yoram Hazony’s superb The Philosophy of Hebrew Scripture, bringing him into conversation with James Jordan’s Primeval Saints on the question … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Samuel, Bible, Genesis, Hermeneutics, OT, OT Theology, Scripture, Theological | 2 Comments

Video: Was Israel Wrong to Ask for a King?

Posted on September 1, 2018 by Alastair Roberts

Today’s question: “Was it a sin for Israel to ask for a king? 1 Sam 8 makes it seem so. But then Deut 17 seemingly gives permission for Israel to ask for a king. How should we think about Israel’s monarchy? … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Samuel, Audio, Bible, Deuteronomy, Genesis, OT, OT Theology, Questions and Answers, Theological, Video | Leave a comment

Video: Should We Read The Story Of David And Goliath Primarily As An Underdog Narrative?

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Alastair Roberts

Today’s question: “Was David’s victory over Goliath a miracle? Was he really an underdog or was this a case of misperception as to who was the favorite? We know it is not uncommon for smaller people to defeat larger people … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Samuel, Audio, OT, OT Theology, Podcasts, Questions and Answers, Theological, Video | Leave a comment

Hearing Scripture Anew in the Story of the Woman of Endor

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Alastair Roberts

I just came across this reading of the story of 1 Samuel 28, where Saul meets the witch of Endor. It is written by Rachael Starke, who was inspired by the recent book, Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Samuel, Bible, Hermeneutics, OT, OT Theology, Scripture, Sex and Sexuality, Theological | 7 Comments

The Levite, the Concubine, and Israel’s Story

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Alastair Roberts

A piece of mine has just been published over on the Theopolis Institute. Within it, I explore the broader scriptural themes that are in play in the story of the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19. The story of … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Samuel, Bible, Exodus, Genesis, Guest Post, Hermeneutics, Hosea, Judges, OT, OT Theology, Theological | 3 Comments

The Politics of the King’s Donkey

Posted on March 14, 2016 by Alastair Roberts

I’ve just posted over on Political Theology Today, discussing the Lukan narrative of Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem: Indeed, the signs of the establishment of the kingdom and of Saul as king given by Samuel correlate remarkably with the signs that … Continue reading →

Posted in #Luke2Acts, 1 Samuel, Bible, Guest Post, Lent, Luke, NT, NT Theology, OT, Politics, Theological | 2 Comments

The Politics of Hannah’s Opened Womb

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Alastair Roberts

I have just posted over on Political Theology Today, on Hannah’s prayer in the temple at the start of 1 Samuel and her prayer of rejoicing after the birth of her son. They are also stories of unrecognized turning points … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Samuel, Bible, Guest Post, OT, OT Theology, Politics, Sex and Sexuality, Society, Theological | 1 Comment

The Politics of the Death of the Nation’s Beloved

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Alastair Roberts

My latest post over at Political Theology Today has just been published. This week, I am reflecting on 2 Samuel 1, and David’s lament over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. David and Solomon are the archetypal kings, not on … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, Guest Post, OT, OT Theology, Politics, Song of Solomon, Theological | Leave a comment

Jesus, the Goat for Azazel

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Alastair Roberts

The following is a long excursus from my previous post on the meaning of Mark’s account of Jesus’ time in the wilderness. As it grew longer, I decided to remove it from that piece and post it separately. Joey Cochran … Continue reading →

Posted in #Luke2Acts, 1 Samuel, Bible, Genesis, Leviticus, Luke, Mark, Matthew, NT, NT Theology, OT, OT Theology, The Atonement, Theological | 22 Comments