Numbers (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament: Pentateuch)

The commentary excellently combines current research in America and Europe on the literary history of the book of Numbers with a theological interpretation of the biblical text that allows the Word of God to become recognizable in a multitude of voices in the text. The commentary is both critical and evangelical in the best sense of the word and an important aid to understanding the book of Numbers for teaching and preaching.

—Eckart Otto, professor emeritus of Old Testament, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, and honorary professor of the University of Pretoria, South Africa

This is a great contribution to this important series. Awabdy’s enthusiasm for Numbers is infectious. He is well versed in the relevant ancient Near Eastern literary and cultural backgrounds as well as in the scholarly discussion of the Pentateuch. He presents his own carefully crafted translation with notes justifying grammatical choices. His discussion is accessible and remains ever cognizant of the broader literary and cultural contexts while also being sensitive to theological themes.

—John A. Cook, professor of Old Testament and director of Hebrew language instruction, Asbury Theological Seminary

Reasoned, comprehensible, and illuminating, Awabdy’s commentary is easy to read and offers insights for every reader through cross-references to the ancient Near East tradition. The narrative form is analyzed, and the relevant motifs are explained. The focus is not on literary history but on the theological message of the book. This is a successful evangelical interpretation of a fascinating biblical book.

—Christian Frevel, professor of Old Testament studies at Ruhr-Universität, Bochum, Germany