Forms of Old Testament Literature

This new commentary on Numbers is not only the latest volume in the respected FOTL series; it is also the first commentary to be written using the exegetical methods of the recently redesigned form-critical approach to the Old Testament literature.

Rolf Knierim and George Coats make clear what has traditionally been a difficult portion of Scripture by showing how form criticism sheds light on the text's structure, genre, setting, and intention. Following an extensive introduction to the historical and social background of Numbers, the commentary proper leads readers unit by unit through the text, highlighting the literary development of Numbers and the meaning that it meant to convey to its audience.

Rolf P. Knierim (1928–2018) was professor emeritus of Old Testament at Claremont School of Theology. He also served as Avery Professor of Religion at Claremont Graduate University, where he developed the school’s PhD program in Hebrew Bible. He published numerous works on form-critical methodology and Old Testament theology, and cofounded the Forms of the Old Testament Literature commentary series.