Numbers (Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 5 | WBC)

by Philip J. Budd

Publisher:

Word

, 1984

Overview

Build your knowledge of Israel’s wilderness wanderings and the development of the Hebrew cult as you study the textual history, composition, theological significance, and historical context of Numbers. Evaluate modern critical perspectives on the book, and consider the legacy of nineteenth-century “higher critical” interpretation. Organized for easy reference, Word Biblical commentaries make an ideal Bible study companion whether you are studying a single passage or a complete biblical book.

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Contents

Top Highlights

“‘rash words.’ The speech is uncalled for, and implies a claim that they, not God, will produce the water. In its arrogance it fails to foster true belief in and reverence for Yahweh.” (Page 219)

“It seems best to concentrate on v 12, where it is claimed that Moses did not ‘believe in’ (האמנתם) Yahweh, and that they did not ‘sanctify’ him (להקדישני) in the eyes of Israel. The general effect is to suggest that they have prevented the full power and might of Yahweh from becoming evident to the people, and have thus robbed him of the fear and reverence due to him. This would correspond very well with the view that the speech to the people in v 10 was uncalled for, and that it was in some measure a claim that they had the power to provide the water. In Num 20:24; 27:14 the author accuses Aaron and Moses of ‘rebellion’ (מרה), a root always used in the Pentateuch of defiance against God.” (Pages 218–219)

“Looking at Num 5–6 as a whole the author has evidently succeeded in marking out a role for the priests in the community, depicting them as the ones who, through their various privileges and responsibilities, safeguard the purity of the people and bring divine blessing and well-being upon them.” (Page 77)

“Theologically, the section emphasizes the goodness and graciousness of divine provision. God’s control of circumstances is massive, his provision abundant, and the essential response of man must be simple faith. The failure of the majority of the spies is not their recognition of the difficulties and obstacles in Israel’s way. Faith is not depicted here as an ignorant or unseeing optimism. The failure consists primarily in an inability to see these difficulties in their true perspective. Caleb’s observation (v 30) is not that their difficulties are imaginary, but that Israel is well able to overcome them. Faith seeks to view the circumstances of existence from a divine perspective.” (Page 147)

Product Details

• Title: Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 5: Numbers
• Author: Philip J. Budd
• Series: Word Biblical Commentary
• Volume: 5
• Publisher: Word
• Print Publication Date: 1984
• Logos Release Date: 2002
• Pages: 409
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Commentaries--Collected works; Bible. O.T. Numbers › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9781418503536, 1418503533
• Resource ID: LLS:29.9.1
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-08-13T23:30:03Z

About Philip J. Budd

Phillip J. Budd is lecturer in Old Testament at Westminster College, Oxford, and Ripon College, Cuddesdon, England.