
The Theology of the Book of Numbers
Josef Forsling(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Will be published approx. on 31. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
275 pages
978-1-108-82285-5 (ISBN)
Description
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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
ISBN-13
978-1-108-82285-5 (9781108822855)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Josef Forsling
The Theology of the Book of Numbers
Book
approx. 07/2026
Cambridge University Press
€99.00
Not yet published
Person
Josef Forsling is Lecturer in Biblical Studies at the Stockholm School of Theology, University College Stockholm.
Content
1. What is a 'theology of the Book of Numbers?'; 2. Wandering in the wilderness; 3. Generational change; 4. Characters: politics, priests, and prophets; 5. Murmuring and maturity; 6. Purity and holiness between disgust and delight; 7. Blessing and the God of the Book of Numbers; 8. The reception of the Book of Numbers.