Acknowledgements
This project could not have begun, let alone been completed, without the encouragement and support of so many.
First of all, my profound thanks go to Brandon Crowe for his supervision of my doctoral dissertation. I am grateful in particular for the freedom that was afforded to tackle such an ambitious project, for the abundant grace that was the hallmark of the entire process, and for the ongoing encouragement to see the project through to publication.
Throughout the years of research and writing, the staff at Westminster Theological Seminary was immensely helpful and gracious, offering assistance whenever needed. Special thanks go to Librarian Donna Roof. During writing, Will Ross was a big help on the difficult issue of the Greek text of Samuel-Kings, while Todd Scacewater provided much-needed critical feedback and support at many points, while continuing to be a great friend and ally.
I have been blessed with so many faithful friends across the miles and years who provided prayers, encouragement, support, and nourishment (spiritual and physical) all throughout. Much gratitude goes to Andrew Seligman, Linda Meiberg, Angie Sacks, Dave Fournier, Frank Capitanio, Ji Eun Kim, Joyce Lin (of blessed memory), Karen Lacy, Kari Reeves, Mike Kytka, Neha Bhatt, Pamela Simpson, Stefanie Bigl, and Robbin Bergfors. I especially wish to thank David and Rebecca Beidel, whose decades of friendship and love have been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Much more than colleagues, my friends and fellow pastors at Citylight Church have been a tremendous source of blessing and encouragement to me in an atmosphere of abundant gospel grace. My deepest gratitude and appreciation go to Matt Cohen, Tim Shutes, Paul Fuller, Gordon Pfeil, Tom Mathew, Nick Dastalfo, Mike Anderson, Michael Murray, and Andy Resh.
I am grateful beyond words for my father and mother, Anthony and Eleanor Giacobbe, who have always been there for me throughout the many twists and turns of my life, cheering me on at every turn. Although my father passed away in 2020, my mother continues to be an example of this faithful love. I am also deeply grateful for my brother and sister-in law, Anthony and Lisa Giacobbe, who likewise have supported me in ways innumerable over the years, as well as for my three nephews Nicholas, Matthew, and Joseph. Dearly missed is my great aunt, Gemma Caramante (known to so many affectionately as “Zizi”), whose love and generosity not only helped to make this path possible, but also left me a shining example of love to follow.
Finally, I am eternally grateful to my God and Savior for redeeming me and for leading me every step of the way. Jesus has surely done all things well (Mark 7:37).