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Numbers: An Exegetical Commentary

Numbers: An Exegetical Commentary

by R. K. Harrison
Numbers: An Exegetical Commentary

Numbers: An Exegetical Commentary

by R. K. Harrison

Overview

R. K. Harrison was one of the leading evangelical Old Testament scholars of the twentieth century. Well known for his Introduction to the Old Testament and his work as general editor of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series, he also produced several valuable commentaries. In this volume, he applies his considerable skills to interpreting the book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch.

"The book of Numbers is of pivotal importance for all Old Testament study because it covers the formative period of Israel's communal and religious life," notes Harrison in the introduction. "During this period, Israel's religious life was shaped by the promulgation of many laws from God that would establish the nature of her worship and prepare her for a settled community life beyond the confines of the wilderness."

Based on the Hebrew text, Harrison's insightful commentary provides a translation for each pericope, in-depth textual notes, explanations, and exposition. A concise introduction focuses on the place of Numbers in the Pentateuch and the wider canon, as well as its structure, compilation, authorship, and both textual and interpretive histories. Exposition sections interact with theological, archaeological, and historical scholarship.

The primary theme of the commentary is that Numbers represents a covenant-renewal document whose historical narratives graphically describe the Israelites' experiences and difficulties as Yahweh's chosen people.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781540961877
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 05/21/2019
Edition description: Reprint
Pages: 464
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

R. K. Harrison (1920-1993; PhD, University of London) was professor of Old Testament at Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto. He was the author of numerous books, including Introduction to the Old Testament and was general editor of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament series.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Abbreviations xi

Introduction to the Commentary 1

Place in the Canon 1

Title of the Book 4

Literary Studies of Numbers 5

The Materials of Numbers 11

Structure and Compilation 15

Authorship and Date 21

The Hebrew Text 24

The Theology of Numbers 25

1 Organizing the Census of Israel (1:1-4:49) 29

A Mustering of Israel's Warriors (1:1-54) 29

B Arrangement of the Camp (2:1-3:1) 53

C The Levites and Their Census (3:2-51) 63

D Ministry of the Levites (4:1-49) 80

2 Commands for Holiness in Israel (5:1-10:10) 99

A Purity, Restitution, and the Jealousy Ritual (5:1-31) 99

B Purity and the Nazirite Vow (6:1-27) 121

C Tribal Offerings and the Dedication of the Altar (7:1-89) 136

D Consecration of the Levites (8:1-26) 151

E Observing the Passover: The Guiding Cloud (9:1-23) 158

F Trumpets (10:1-10) 166

3 From Sinai to Kadesh (10:11-12:16) 171

A Commencement of the Journey (10:11-36) 171

B Moses' Leadership Tested (11:1-35) 181

C Moses Opposed by Miriam and Aaron (12:1-16) 193

4 Israel at Kadesh (13:1-20:13) 201

A Reports on the Promised Land (13:1-33) 201

B Rebellion Against God (14:1-45) 210

C Various Laws and Statutes (15:1-41) 220

D Further Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron (16:1-50) 231

E A Sign for the Rebels (17:1-13) 243

F Regulations for the Priests (18:1-32) 245

G Two Rituals for Uncleanness (19:1-22) 254

H Water Discovered in the Wilderness (20:1-13) 261

5 From Kadesh to Moab (20:14-21:35) 269

A Denial and Death (20:14-29) 269

B Victories on the Way to Moab (21:1-35) 274

6 Consolidation in Transjordan (22:1-33:56) 291

A Balaam Hired to Curse Israel (22:1-41) 291

B Balaam Blesses Israel and Returns Home (23:1-24:25) 305

C Israel's Sin and God's Punishment (25:1-18) 334

D The Second Census (26:1-65) 341

E Inheritance Laws and Leadership Transition (27:1-23) 354

F Regulations for Offerings (28:1-31) 361

G Legislation for Other Festivals (29:1-40) 368

H Regulations Concerning Vows (30:1-16, MT 2-17) 375

I Destruction of Midian (31:1-54) 381

J The Transjordanian Tribes (32:1-42) 393

K Review of Wanderings and Orders for Conquering Canaan (33:1-56) 402

7 Preparations for Settling in Canaan (34:1-36:13) 411

A The Borders of the Promised Land (34:1-29) 411

B Levitical Cities and Cities of Refuge (35:1-34) 416

C Rules for Inheritance by Women (36:1-13) 424

Epilogue 431

Selected Index of Subjects 439

Index of Authors 441

Selected Index of Scripture 447

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