Here in NBBC Numbers, the commentary completing the Old Testament portion of the New Beacon Bible Commentary series, we find the story of two generations of Israelites. The first, departing from Sinai, begins a wilderness journey that is marked by fickle faithfulness and failures; the second finds itself waiting on the plains of Moab on the verge of entering a land of promise. Themes such as God's covenantal faithfulness to a rebellious people, his holiness, and the intercession of their servant leader, Moses, are carefully explored in this outstanding volume. Written by an incomparable team of scholars, this commentary delves into the literary forms, structural issues, and theological details found in this significant Old Testament book. This is truly another well-crafted addition to this pivotal commentary series. The New Beacon Bible Commentary is an engaging, indispensable reference tool to aid individuals in every walk of life in the study and meditation of God's Word. Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, it offers insight and perceptive scholarship to help you unlock the deeper truths of Scripture and garner an awareness of the history, culture, and context attributed to each book of study. Readable, relevant, and academically thorough, it offers scholars, pastors, and laity a new standard for understanding and interpreting the Bible in the 21st century. Each Volume Features: CONTEMPORARY NEW SCHOLARSHIP from notable experts in the Wesleyan theological tradition CONVENIENT INTRODUCTORY MATERIAL, for each book of the Bible including information on authorship, date, history, audience, sociological/cultural issues, purpose, literary features, theological themes, hermeneutical issues, and more CLEAR VERSE-BY-VERSE EXPLANATIONS, which offer a contemporary, Wesleyan-based understanding derived from the biblical text in its original language COMPREHENSIVE ANNOTATION divided into three sections, which cover background elements behind the text; verse-by-verse details and meanings found in the text; and significance, relevance, intertextuality, and application from the text HELPFUL SIDEBARS, which provide deeper insight into theological issues, word meanings, archeological connections, historical relevance, and cultural customs AN EXPANDED BIBLIOGRAPHY for further study of historical elements, additional interpretations, and theological themes
Alex Varughese is professor of biblical literature at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and has been a member of the Department of Religion at MVNU since 1982. Previous to his current position, he served as a professor in the religion department at Eastern Nazarene College. He is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Kerala, India. He received his M.A. in religion from Olivet Nazarene University and M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary. He also holds M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in biblical studies from Drew University. He is currently serving as the Managing Editor for The Centennial Initiative Textbook project for the Church of the Nazarene. Robert Branson, former professor of Biblical Literature at Olivet Nazarene University, also taught at Warner Southern College and Eastern Nazarene College. He has retired and lives with his wife in Pendleton, Indiana. BARRY L. ROSS is a retired professor of Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew at Anderson University School of Theology. He holds a Ph.D. in biblical studies from Drew University. He is also the author of NBBC Isaiah 1-39.
