Power, Providence, and Personality: Biblical Insight into Life and Ministry

Prominent biblical scholar and author Walter Brueggemann studies three passages from the books of Samuel, using the methods of literary criticism and rhetorical analysis. He examines the ways the themes of power, divine providence, and David's personality cohere in the biblical narrative to explain David's rise to power and assumption of the kingship and his dominance over Saul. Brueggemann seeks to overcome the usual separation of exegesis and practice and shows in turn how they are intimately related to each other. A fuller appreciation of the complexity of biblical narrative emerges, which shows how fresh proposals for Christian ministry may occur in the world of power, providence, and personality.