Views Numbers as inseparably connected to the Pentateuch with “no independent unity” (Allen, 673). Allen’s charge may run slightly hyperbolic, however. Budd clearly views Numbers as part of a larger literary whole, but just as clearly grants its unique contribution as a discernable voice within the larger body. As such, Budd contends that the voice of the book speaks especially to the goal of the possession of the land. His commentary is to be appreciated for its textual and text-critical engagement, typically strong features of the WBC series. His interest in treating the religious contribution of Numbers, underscored by the theological reflection throughout, is also to be praised. In all, this is an important resource in the study of Numbers.

The emphasis in this commentary is squarely upon application. In this regard, B’s contribution is fairly middle-of-the-road. However, it will be illuminating for its attention to issues of authorship and sources (i.e., Who is responsible for the various texts in Numbers—is it just Moses, or are other hands involved? And how might we take note of this?). On the other hand, this historical set of questions is insufficient, in our view, to provide a framework for understanding the theological significance of the book and its various parts. There does not seem to be much appreciation for a theological or figural form that holds the whole thing together (e.g., its subject matter in light of each part’s relationship to the form of Christ). A valuable commentary for the positive points mentioned above, but helpfully supplemented by Stubbs (Numbers).

Ashley’s contribution to Numbers study is impressively researched so that it provides not only a measured voice but an expansive bibliography for further study. Along with Budd and Olson, Ashley’s treatment is an important resource for this reason alone. To add, however, those committed to a canonical approach will appreciate Ashley’s resolve to explain literary anomalies (of which there are a number) as features which serve the literary and theological strategy of the book rather than explaining them away as source division.

A lengthy introduction (over 30 pp.) covers such prerequisites as authorship and historical background, location and function as Scripture within the Pentateuch, the difficulties with the organization of the book (with much appreciation Allen adopts Olson’s suggestion; see below), and various theological themes. A section on the use of numbers within the book is a helpful feature, and a detailed outline prior to the commentary aids in the organization of an otherwise unwieldy book. A clear statement on the hermeneutical orientation for the task would have been a welcome inclusion. While Allen’s treatment is a conservative one, he remains in dialogue with scholarship across the field (cf. 663, fn 8) and presents to us a thoughtful voice in the discussion.

A massive contribution in three volumes from a well-known OT scholar. Volume A includes a lengthy introduction discussing sources and their bearing on the book’s construction. Special attention to terminology as a control. At times, the vernacular discussion is tedious and yields little, save more updated theories about relative dating and provenance. Milgrom has an ear to early rabbinic exegesis– slighted in commentary treatment, he thinks, as pre-critical and therefore less erudite. Thorough commentary sections cover much territory, and for this the contribution appears standard in other bibliographies. A full index to all three volumes makes quick reference easy. An important study. Hebrew required.

“The approach favored in this commentary takes with equal seriousness both the plain original meaning of the text and its abiding theological value” (vii). Wenham’s comments note the difficulty of the book and the tendencies of modern interpreters to see it as a prior stage in “Israel’s religious development without any permanent spiritual value” (vii) or to rework the book in a forced Christocentric, allegorical fashion. Wenham strives to understand how the book functions as Scripture for successive generations. Introduction explores the book’s theology, and individual sections along with translation and commentary widen the discussion to explore the importance of Leviticus for the NT, its theology, and the life of the Christian who reads a two-testament Bible.

This volume delivers exactly what the subtitle promises–guidance for those looking to study Leviticus with a view to expounding its message and mandate for holy living. Not heavily detailed, but still textually responsible and richly theological. The kind of work most pastors and teachers will find accessible and for which their congregations will be blessed in the pursuit of holy living and joyful worship.

Consistent with the NAC series, Rooker’s treatment is theologically conservative, readable, and up to date. Occasional extra-biblical detours (e.g., discussion of sacrifice in the ancient world) do not distract overly from an otherwise thoughtful and informing engagement with the biblical text. Includes an extensive introduction, with helpful sections on theological themes in Leviticus and on the law and the Christian. Pitched at a level appropriate for pastors and teachers. Written with conviction that, properly read, Leviticus speaks God’s message to the church.