Haftara Unlocked: Purim

By Sam Stonefield, David Qimḥi, Yosef Ibn Kaspi

A compact guide to Shabbat Zakhor's haftara: a clear, scene-by-scene commentary on 1 Shemuʾel 15:1-35 (Samuel), paired with a detailed essay on its literary structure, historical setting, and why this chapter became Purim's prophetic mirror.

Three masters of Miqra sharpen the reading: R. David Qimḥi (RaDaQ) (c. 1160-c. 1235)R. Yosef ibn Kaspi (c. 1280-c. 1345)R. Levi b. Gershom (RaLBaG) (1288-1344)Together they show how the war against Amaleq is narrated as a moral trial: victory that becomes failure, piety that cannot substitute for obedience, a kingship torn in a single grasp, and a command completed only when Shemuʾel finishes what Shaʾul left undone-leaving Shabbat Zakhor as a meditation on memory, motive, and mercy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GPQFMTQM
• ISBN13: 9798249304492
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 81 Pages
• Weight: 0.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.2" x 5.3"