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Numbers: An Introduction and Commentary
The book of Numbers has had something of a renaissance in scholarly engagement in recent years - and this careful and contemporary commentary by Altmann and Peres distils that conversation with sensitivity and rigour.
The joint nature of this commentary by two authors from different contexts helps to illuminate Numbers for the contemporary reader, as it seeks to make God's word a source of blessing, nourishment and hope for all.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary is designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text of the book of Numbers says and what it means. The Introduction to this commentary gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting and purpose.
Following a structural Analysis, the Commentary takes the book of Numbers section by section, drawing out its main themes and also commenting on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties. In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three Context, Comment and Theology. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.
The joint nature of this commentary by two authors from different contexts helps to illuminate Numbers for the contemporary reader, as it seeks to make God's word a source of blessing, nourishment and hope for all.
The Tyndale Old Testament Commentary is designed to help the reader of the Bible understand what the text of the book of Numbers says and what it means. The Introduction to this commentary gives a concise but thorough treatment of its authorship, date, original setting and purpose.
Following a structural Analysis, the Commentary takes the book of Numbers section by section, drawing out its main themes and also commenting on individual verses and problems of interpretation. Additional Notes provide fuller discussion of particular difficulties. In the new Old Testament volumes, the commentary on each section of the text is structured under three Context, Comment and Theology. The goal is to explain the true meaning of the Bible and make its message plain.
432 pages, Hardcover
Published March 11, 2025
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June 26, 2025
Here’s the latest in the popular TOTC series. This 380-page commentary is quite hefty for this series. Joint authors are not as common either, but it did the volume no harm. The Preface tells which author wrote which part, but it was seamless enough to make you forget that there are two writers at work. Some concessions are made to higher critical theories, but no more than some earlier volumes in this series. The authors no matter your level of agreement were excellent writers and could hold your attention well.
The Introduction was thoroughly interesting even if I disagreed with whole paragraphs. The section on “from impurity to holiness” was easily the most captivating. It made more sense than some larger works on the subject. Some of the most far fetched ideas were its explanation of ritual practices as “embodied experiences” or those of the Offerings. Its discussions of the Christian application of the book were unique. I’m not saying they were off, only that they on their on track.
A question you have to discuss in every commentary on this book is how you take the numbers given. In other words, are they literal? Here the authors say no. They do not say they are in error, but only that they are hyperbolic.
The commentary is well done along the lines of this series. As usual, it’s mid-level in depth while providing an economical option that will be enough for most Bible students. For others with larger libraries it’s a fine secondary resource.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Introduction was thoroughly interesting even if I disagreed with whole paragraphs. The section on “from impurity to holiness” was easily the most captivating. It made more sense than some larger works on the subject. Some of the most far fetched ideas were its explanation of ritual practices as “embodied experiences” or those of the Offerings. Its discussions of the Christian application of the book were unique. I’m not saying they were off, only that they on their on track.
A question you have to discuss in every commentary on this book is how you take the numbers given. In other words, are they literal? Here the authors say no. They do not say they are in error, but only that they are hyperbolic.
The commentary is well done along the lines of this series. As usual, it’s mid-level in depth while providing an economical option that will be enough for most Bible students. For others with larger libraries it’s a fine secondary resource.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Displaying 1 of 1 review