Top 5 Commentaries on the Book of Numbers
Although the fourth book of the Pentateuch is titled “Numbers” in English, its Hebrew name bemidbar (“in the wilderness”) is a more accurate description of its contents. It is largely concerned with Israel’s forty years in the wilderness as they slowly made their way from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab. The book of Numbers narrates a key chapter in the story of Israel. It describes a period of transition from the generation that God brought out of Egypt to the generation that God brought into the Promised Land. The following are five of the most helpful commentaries on this neglected book of Scripture.
1. L. Michael Morales — Numbers 1–19, Numbers 20–36 (Apollos Old Testament Commentaries, 2024).
Where to even begin. This is hands down the best commentary available on the Book of Numbers, and second place isn’t even close. It’s Secretariat at the Belmont Stakes winning by 31 lengths. The Introduction to this commentary is by itself invaluable. The commentary proper surpasses expectations in the level of help it provides in understanding not only Numbers, but the entire Pentateuch. I doubt this commentary will come close to being replaced any time soon. If you can own only one commentary on Numbers, make this the one.
2. Gordon Wenham — Numbers (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 1981).
Gordon Wenham is among the best writers of commentaries. I consider his commentaries on Genesis and Leviticus the best available commentaries on those books. He has also written one of the most generally helpful commentaries on the book of Numbers. The format of the Tyndale series means that this commentary is written at an introductory level. It is not as lengthy as his other works, but Wenham is able to say more of significance in one page than most commentators say in ten pages. Highly recommended.
3. Timothy R. Ashley — The Book of Numbers (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, 1993).
For those seeking a more thorough evangelical commentary on Numbers than the Tyndale format will allow, Ashley’s work is a great place to turn. He very helpfully explores the important theological themes within the book.
4. R. Dennis Cole — Numbers (The New American Commentary, 2000).
The argument could be made that Cole’s commentary belongs in the second position before Ashley. Both are very helpful works, and each has its own contribution to make. A pastor or student engaged in serious study of Numbers should consult both.
5. Jacob Milgrom — Numbers (The JPS Torah Commentary, 1990).
The JPS Torah commentaries are written by Jewish scholars and are quite technical, but for those who are interested in digging deeply into the text, they usually offer numerous valuable insights. This is certainly the case with Milgrom’s commentary on Numbers. They are often somewhat critical, however, so they must be used with great care and discernment if they are used at all.
Runners Up:
There are a number of other commentaries on the Book of Numbers that are worth consulting. Among them are those by Iain Duguid, John Currid, Roy Gane, Raymond Brown, David Stubbs, and R. K. Harrison.
