P. Kyle McCarter Jr.'s commentary on 2 Samuel represents the culmination of one of the most significant scholarly projects in Samuel studies, completing his comprehensive two-volume analysis of the Samuel narratives with the same methodological rigor and interpretive insight that distinguished his treatment of 1 Samuel. As Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Johns Hopkins University and one of America's foremost experts in Hebrew manuscripts and textual criticism, McCarter brings unparalleled expertise to the complex questions surrounding the composition, transmission, and historical background of 2 Samuel. His work in the prestigious Anchor Bible series provides readers with access to the most current scholarship on these foundational narratives while maintaining clear focus on their enduring significance within the biblical canon.

McCarter's exposition excels in its sophisticated analysis of the literary and textual sources that lie behind the final form of 2 Samuel, demonstrating how careful source-critical and form-critical analysis can illuminate both the historical development of these traditions and their theological message. His fresh translation, informed by the latest manuscript evidence including fragments from Qumran, addresses longstanding textual problems while revealing the literary sophistication of the biblical authors. McCarter's detailed reconstruction of the historical events underlying these narratives provides readers with essential context for understanding how David's reign shaped Israel's political and religious institutions, while his analysis of the book's theological themes demonstrates how these ancient stories continue to address fundamental questions about power, justice, and divine sovereignty.

What makes this commentary indispensable for serious students of biblical literature is McCarter's balanced approach to the relationship between historical reconstruction and theological interpretation, showing how rigorous historical-critical methodology can enhance rather than diminish appreciation for the text's religious significance. His comprehensive engagement with international scholarship provides readers with access to the full range of contemporary discussion surrounding Samuel studies, while his careful attention to literary structure and narrative technique reveals the sophisticated artistry of these ancient authors. For graduate students researching Hebrew narrative, pastors seeking scholarly depth in their preparation, and biblical scholars working in Old Testament studies, McCarter provides the kind of comprehensive critical analysis that has made his Samuel commentary a standard reference work. This volume represents historical-critical scholarship at its most rigorous and constructive, offering the methodological sophistication and interpretive insight necessary for advancing both academic understanding and faithful interpretation of these crucial biblical narratives.