Expositor's Bible: The Book of Numbers

Expositor's Bible: The Book of Numbers is part of the original fifty volumes known as The Expositor's Bible, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll. This commentary on the book of Numbers is the work of Rev. Robert A. Watson. In his introductory chapter, Watson points out that Numbers is written in a similar style and structure to a Greek drama. There are shared elements between a Greek tragedy and the tragic consequences of Israel's disobedience toward God. In the following twenty-five chapters, Watson discusses specifics under broad headings such as"War and Settlement" and"Defilement and Purgation." Three chapters are devoted to Balaam's part in Israel's story. Several other people make it into chapter heads, with the likes of Hobab the Kenite, Lot, Miriam, Aaron, and, of course, the trio of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Watson concludes this work with the Cities of Refuge. Not only are their significance to the process of justice explained, but also the many aspects of the Levitical cities are shared in this final chapter.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer