Haftara Unlocked: Shabbat Zakhor

By David Qimhi (Radaq), Levi ben Gershon (Ralbag), Sam Stonefield

A compact guide to Shabbat Zakhor's haftara: a clear, scene-by-scene commentary on 1 Shemuʾel 15:1-35 (Book of Samuel), paired with a detailed essay on its theological insights, historical setting, and why this chapter is relevant to Purim.
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.

DA'AT PRESS

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GPQBDBJW
• ISBN13: 9798249422165
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 82 Pages
• Weight: 0.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.3" x 8.0"