The Serpent in Samuel: A Messianic Motif
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
In this study, Brian A. Verrett argues that 1-2 Samuel contains a serpent motif by practicing biblical theology and literary criticism. This motif derives from the serpent in Genesis 3, and its function within the Samuel narrative is to heighten the reader’s anticipation in the coming messiah, who is the son of David and the seed of the woman from Genesis 3:15. This messiah will defeat the serpent and inaugurate his glorious reign over a renewed world. When 1-2 Samuel is read in this way, one appreciates previously unnoticed features of the text, understands aspects of the text that were formerly confusing, and rightly sees that the whole of 1-2 Samuel is a messianic document.
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- Argues that 1-2 Samuel contains a serpent motif by practicing biblical theology and literary criticism.
- Shows that the whole of 1-2 Samuel is a messianic document.
- Provides a helpful overview of recent scholarship on the serpent motif in Scripture.
Brian Verrett’s work on the serpent is first-class. He skillfully combines rigorous exegesis with whole-Bible biblical theology.
—Andy Naselli, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament, Bethlehem College & Seminary, Minneapolis
Verrett combines detailed exegesis of the relevant texts in Samuel with a wide-angle view of the entire Bible in this fascinating study of the serpent. This book shows the promise of a canonical biblical theology that can help us understand both individual books of the Bible as well as an important biblical theme. The reader of this thought-provoking book will be rewarded with new perspectives and a valuable model for a thematic biblical theological study.
—Charlie Trimm, Associate Professor and Chair of Old Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University
Verrett has written a detailed defense of an intriguing thesis. He has provided a helpful overview of recent scholarship on the serpent motif in Scripture, both carefully critiquing and often potentially reinforcing the theory.
—Charles L. Quarles, Research Professor in New Testament and Biblical Theology, Charles Page Chair of Biblical Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Brian Verrett has given his readers much to consider in this book. Regardless of full agreement with Verrett, readers can learn to appreciate his efforts to trace the trajectory of Genesis 3:15 in the biblical canon.
—Michael B. Shepherd, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Cedarville University
