This is a worthy addition to an increasingly well-known series. In a brief introduction, Evans notes three important interests (adapting Brueggemann): politics, people and preaching. She then suggests an integrating perspective: ‘The book of Samuel examines and reflects on the nature, accession, use and abuse of power’ (9). Much of this reflection is implicit, and Evans needs to cite the beginning of Kings to create an inclusion of weakness (childless Hannah, senile David), but the approach is certainly helpful. The rest of the volume deals competently with this rich and fascinating book in the limited space available, reflecting on power where appropriate.

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