Numbers: Journeying With God (International Theological Commentary | ITC)

by Katharine Doob Sakenfeld

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1995

Overview

Although little studied by most Christians, the book of Numbers offers a rich storehouse of material for reflection on the relationship between God and the human community. This excellent commentary highlights this theme in the context of interpreting the many strange and obscure stories and laws of Israel’s wilderness journey.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Balaam’s specialty is seeing, divining, seeking omens, gaining contact with the world of the gods; he is regarded as the best in the world in this profession. Yet he sees no angel, blames the donkey for making his journey difficult, wants to kill the donkey … until God opens the donkey’s mouth for a conversation that prepares the way for the opening of Balaam’s eyes.” (Page 126)

“Two technical Hebrew expressions are used here: to ‘go out and come in’ before the” (Page 151)

“The story rests on the premise that there is power in the spoken word” (Page 124)

“8:43–48) challenges the church to attend to the voices of those marginalized groups and persons (‘outside” (Page 34)

“In its beginning and its ending, this benediction is about the providence of God.” (Page 45)

Product Details

• Title: Journeying With God: A Commentary on the Book of Numbers
• Author: Katharine Doob Sakenfeld
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1995

About Katharine Doob Sakenfeld

Katharine Doob Sakenfeld is currently the William Albright Eisenberger Professor of Old Testament Literature and Exegesis at Princeton Theological Seminary. She earned her MA at the University of Rhode Island, her BD at Harvard University Divinity School, her PhD at Harvard University, and an honorary STD from Hastings College.

Her research focuses on biblical narratives concerning the premonarchical period and on feminist biblical hermeneutics. She has authored several articles, books, and commentaries including New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible (5 vols.), Journeying With God: A Commentary on the Books of Numbers, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Ruth, and others.