Characters provide the entry point to the story of the books of Samuel, just as they do in all stories. In this book the history of research into characters in Samuel, and the role(s) they play in the text are examined and discussed. The contributors look at the interpretative function of characters in the Samuel stories, and at issues of textual composition and what profiling of characters within the text can add to theories surrounding this issue. Specific characters are also profiled and studied. The character of God is examined: is God kind towards Israel? Is God loving and 'worthy to be praised' 2 Sam 22.4. Characters such as Hannah are examined from the perspective of literary type, as well as Eli as priest and Samuel himself as prophet. All of the major characters within the books are studied, including David and Jonathan, and chapters also treat the minor characters and offer information on their roles in the structure of the text. The contributors provide a range of different approaches to characterization, according to their specific expertise, and provide a thorough handbook to the characters in Samuel and their roles in the literary make-up of the text.

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