Numbers is an account with two central figures: God and Israel. Although the account appears strange and even cruel at times, the difficulties presented by Numbers deserve to be honestly faced by today’s Bible readers. The New International Commentary: The Book of Numbers will also hone in on the recurring theme of following God without deviation—a theme that speaks to any and every age of Christians.

This intensive commentary is the product of almost ten years of Numbers scholarship by Timothy Ashley. It presents a detailed explanation of the original Hebrew text and comes with an introduction that addresses matters of structure, composition, and theology. A bibliography of major books on Numbers (largely from the English, French, and German) is also included.

Ashley sections the text of Numbers into five parts as he traces and expounds on the theological themes of obedience and disobedience that color the entirety of Numbers. His verse-by-verse notes explain the Hebrew text itself.

New International Commentary on the Old Testament - Series Editor: Robert L. Hubbard Jr.

Maneuvering through Levitical laws, bloodshed in Joshua, or Daniel's apocalyptic visions, sincere readers often wonder what the Old Testament means and how it can be the Word of God. For several decades the New International Commentary on the Old Testament has helped countless people traverse this difficult literary terrain.

All the NICOT volumes combine superior scholarship, an evangelical view of Scripture as the Word of God, and concern for the life of faith today. Each volume features an extensive introduction treating the biblical book's authorship, date, purpose, structure, and theology. The author's own translation of the original Hebrew and verse-by-verse commentary follow. The commentary itself carefully balances coverage of technical matters with exposition of the biblical text's theology and implications.