Numbers: God's Presence in the Wilderness

Preaching the Word

by Iain M. Duguid

The book of Numbers tells the story of the events occurring in
the years between the nation of Israel's exodus from Egypt and
their entrance into the Promised Land. The lives of two generations
are recorded: the first lacking in faith and receiving their just
punishment from God and the second believing the Word of God and so
entering into their inheritance as his children.

Like those generations of Israelites, Christians today are in
the midst of a journey between events of deepest significance-the
death of Christ that was the exodus from bondage to sin and death
and Jesus' second coming to usher his children into the true and
final promised land as a glorious destination to the journey.
Author Iain Duguid seeks to aid both pastors and laypeople on this
journey by explaining the profundities of the biblical text,
especially its less transparent portions, and communicating the
lasting message of God's devotion to those who follow him in
faith.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Reference

ebook

First published May 5, 2006

About the author

married to Barbara R. Duguid

Reviews

[Jennifer Squire]

After making my way through Numbers in the last year +
I could not have asked for a better commentary that was practically helpful in understanding the ancient world, and also cared for my present soul so well. The wilderness is for worship ❤️

[Jonathan Sussex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful resource for reading numbers

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful Biblical commentary by Iain Duguid. Without fail it has stirred, challenged and comforted my heart with every single chapter. I now want to find any other commentaries he has written.
Apart from being so well-written, the single greatest thing about this volume is that every chapter is so full of the Lord Jesus, invariably leading to the gospel, and the reminder of the atoning blood of Jesus. Constantly the author has taken me to Jesus, taken me to Calvary and shown me my only hope in life and death, in those bloody wounds, and reminded me of the assurance of glory I have in my risen Saviour.
But also in every chapter, the Lord has spoken to me through the plain explanation of the text of scripture.
How good is the God we adore, our faithful, unchangeable friend.

[Mary Felty · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible commentary to help you understand the book of Numbers and make it practical and exciting to learn! Dr. Duguid truly has a gift to not only elaborate on all the details but also point every part of Numbers forward to Christ. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a deep dive into the Israelites’ wilderness journey!

[Ben Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful- and made what can be a difficult book to penetrate much easier.

Only crit would be some of the applications felt crowbarred in because of a vague New Testament control; and the sections the commentary was divided into was too small- so the application often headed in an ill defined 'Jesus is the true Israel' direction.

Certainly that is the great hope of Numbers, particularly the stunning chapter 24. But it can't be found under every rock.

It has been thrilling to be teaching Numbers, it is a stunning and incredibly applicable book- a generation saved on the way to the promised land; just like us. This commentary would be excellent for teachers or simply for personal devotions in a part of the bible that is often, sadly, neglected.

[G. Mark James · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent sermon series through the entire book of Numbers. Dr. Duguid does a good job of explaining the meaning of the text without getting technical, with helpful illustrations and proper application both for is as individual Christians as well as how the text points us to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

[Will Cunningham-Batt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed lots about this more devotional commentary. I think Duguid’s take on Numbers is right (a contrast between two generations, faithless and faithful), though he doesn’t make much of it expect at the beginning and the end of the book. The chapters were robustly evangelical and consistently encouraging, with an eye towards wider biblical theological connections. That said, I found the application veered slightly towards a “beat-up” of Christians in many places and by going to Christ at the end of every chapter (great in and of itself), we lost some of the more organic ways in which Numbers prepares us for the coming of the Messiah.

[Ferry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Teaching

I never thought that the Book of Numbers contain so much relevant wisdom even for today. I learned how the life on the wilderness is the we still face today spiritually.

[Wassenario · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciated the truth and insights that Duguid brings out. Really made this book interesting. I enjoyed my time in numbers which was a little unexpected

[Ben Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best and most Christ-centered sermons on Numbers I have ever read

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

Exegetically insightful, practical, and Christ- entered.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Numbers is one of the most under appreciated books of the Old Testament, and yet it is so rich with symbolism and foreshadowing of the final fulfillment of the promises of God. Digging into the language and cultural context of this fourth book of the Pentateuch opens the way for a hermeneutic that is not only enlightening, but very engaging as well.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iain Duguid has such a way of taking any part of Scripture and showing you how it points to Christ and the gospel. This Numbers commentary was no exception. For the first time I understand how this seemingly dry book of the Bible is actually a really amazing insight into God's mercy and grace and a very important part of His redemption story.