The Theology of the Book of Numbers (Old Testament Theology) - Softcover

Forsling, Josef

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108822851 ISBN 13: 9781108822855

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2026

Synopsis

The Book of Numbers is an enigmatic Old Testament text, as it challenges traditional notions of theological interpretation. In this volume, Josef Forsling offers a fresh approach to the study of this Biblical book. Bringing a narrative perspective in dialogue with historical research to his study, he analyzes Numbers as a narrative anthology composed of laws, rules, poems, and prophecy. Considering its setting in the desert and the plot of the 40-year wandering, he highlights its themes and motifs regarding generational change, sin, disobedience, maturity, and blessing. Forsling also examines the characters of Numbers and explores its theology of purity and holiness via insights from recent research on emotions. Importantly, his volume also provides an overview of the reception history of Numbers. Written in a non-technical and accessible style, The Theology of Numbers serves as an ideal introduction to one of the most important challenging books of the Hebrew Bible.

About this title

About the Author

Josef Forsling is Lecturer in Biblical Studies at the Stockholm School of Theology, University College Stockholm.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1108822851
• ISBN 13: 9781108822855
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 298