This is one of about a dozen Bible study guides available in this series. It contains an introduction, 10 study units on key chapters (1 Sam. 2, 8, 12, 15, 16: 2 Sam. 7, 11, 12, 18, 22), and a leader’s guide. Each unit is about 10 pages of well-written thoughtful text, ending with four ‘Questions for Reflection’. This is complemented by occasional pictures or side boxes, with quotes and further reading (often from the same publishers, and from mainstream scholarship). The book would work well for personal reflection, but would leave too much work for study group leaders to do themselves. Fortunately help is available on a website (www.ppcpub.org. IBS Teacher Helps), and this could almost be used independently of the book! It’s a pity it wasn’t included.

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