Here are some resources that you might find helpful and interesting in relation to our April session studying the Second Book of Samuel. These are meant as supplemental resources, to be read before or after the session. You will NOT need to read any of these to enjoy the session on 4-11.
General Background on the Book of Samuel:
- Timeline of Jewish Texts - Want to fit this Biblical book to its right place on the timeline, here is a source that does so using scholarly estimates.
- The Book of Samuel - Article from www.myjewishlearning.com - short article summarizing the subject and themes of the book
- Book of Samuel - Overview/Summary of Plot - from the Jewish Encyclopedia - a longer article that includes a summary of the plots points in the text.
- A summary of Samuel from the Reform movement's Haftorah Commentary
Important Figures in the Book of Samuel:
- An article on the namesake for this Biblical book (from www.jewishhistory.org)
- An article on the first king that Samuel chooses, Saul. (from www.jewishhistory.org)
- An article on the most important figure in the book of Samuel, David (from www.jewishhistory.org)
- An entry from Ginsberg's Legends of the Jews on Samuel and Saul
- An entry from Ginsberg's Legends of the Jews on David
Focusing on Texts We Will Study:
- The Jews ask for a king and Samuel's appointed to find him: I Samuel, Ch. 8 - We Want A King
- Summary on this text from Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's Biblical Literacy: Telushkin - King
- The encounter between David and Goliath: David and Goliath, I Samuel, Ch.17
- Summary on this text from Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's Biblical Literacy: Telushkin - Goliath
- The first king's (Saul) demise: Saul's Death - I Samuel, Ch. 31
- Summary on this text from Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's Biblical Literacy:Telushkin - Saul's Death
- King David's most ignominious moment: II Samuel, Ch. 11 - Batsheba and Uriah
- Summary on this text from Rabbi Joseph Telushkin's Biblical Literacy: Telushkin - Uriah