Numbers - Dr. Philip J. Budd

"This
commentary is a product of extended reflection on the problems associated with
the origins, exegesis, and interpretation of the Pentateuch. It builds on
earlier researches into priesthood, and into the murmuring motif as exhibited
primarily in the books of Exodus and Numbers," begins the author in his
preface. He goes on to explain, ". . . this book gathers together some of the
relevant scholarly discussion pertaining to the book of Numbers, and . . . in
certain respects it offers new ways of arranging the pieces, of looking at the
background of the book, and at the possibilities of interpretation."In this
commentary, Dr. Philip Budd divides the book of Numbers into three sections:
Constituting
the community at Sinai (1:1-9:14)
The
journeyits setbacks and success (9:15-25:18)
Final
preparations for settlement (26:1-35:34)From this
outline it becomes apparent that the book of Numbers accounts for that period
of Israelite history known as the "wilderness wanderings," which begins with
the flight from Egypt and closes with the Israelites' successful entry into the
Promised Land. Here are explanations of the origins of Levitical priesthood, of
Israel's holy feasts, of the sobering results of rebellion against God, of the
minutiae of the law, and of the blessings promised those who, like Caleb and
Joshua, can "spy out the land," assess its giants, and still live by faith. While some
modern readers feel distance from the Jewish laws for lepers, or the dietary
requirements laid down in these writings, Dr. Budd shows the formative
influence such material had in transforming the sons of Abraham into the nation
of Israel.Dr. Budd's
treatment gives due respect to the present canonical state of the text, while
inquiring also into the forms in which much of this material must have been
originally cast. His comments provide authoritative illumination of this
important period in Old Testament history.