The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Numbers by Robert A. Watson

(4 User reviews)   3455
By Isabella Wilson Posted on Dec 26, 2025
In Category - Pets & Care
Watson, Robert A. (Robert Alexander), 1845-1921 Watson, Robert A. (Robert Alexander), 1845-1921
English
Ever wondered what happens between the dramatic escape from Egypt and the arrival at the Promised Land? Robert Watson's guide to Numbers takes you into the messy, human reality of that wilderness journey. This isn't just a list of censuses and rules—it's about a nation struggling to become a people, wrestling with faith, complaining about the food, and facing the consequences of their own fear. Watson helps you see the real, relatable people behind the ancient text, showing how their story of doubt, hope, and divine patience still speaks volumes today.
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SONG OF SOLOMON and LAMENTATIONS. By Rev. Prof. W. F. Adeney. ISAIAH. In 2 vols. Vol. I., Chapters I.-XXXIX.; Vol. II., Chapters XL-LXVI. By Prof. George Adam Smith, D.D., LL.D. JEREMIAH. Chapters I.-XX. With a Sketch of his Life and Times. By Rev. C. J. Ball. JEREMIAH. Chapters XXI.-LII. By Rev. Prof. W. H. Bennett. EZEKIEL. By Rev. Prof. John Skinner. DANIEL. By F. W. Farrar, D.D., Dean of Canterbury. THE TWELVE (minor) PROPHETS. In 2 vols. By Rev. George Adam Smith, D.D., LL.D. NEW TESTAMENT VOLUMES ST. MATTHEW. By Rev. J. Monro Gibson, D.D. ST. MARK. By Very Rev. G. A. Chadwick, D.D., Dean of Armagh. ST. LUKE. By Rev. Henry Burton. GOSPEL OF ST. JOHN. In 2 vols. Vol. I., Chapters I.-XI.; Vol. II., Chapters XII.-XXI. By Rev. Prof. Marcus Dods, D.D. THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. In 2 vols. By Rev. Prof. G. T. Stokes, D.D. ROMANS. By Rev. Handley C. G. Moule, D.D. FIRST CORINTHIANS. By Rev. Prof. Marcus Dods, D.D. SECOND CORINTHIANS. By Rev. James Denney, D.D. GALATIANS. By Rev. Prof. G. G. Findlay, D.D. EPHESIANS. By same author. PHILIPPIANS. By Rev. Principal Robert Rainy, D.D. COLOSSIANS and PHILEMON. By Rev. Alexander Maclaren, D.D. THESSALONIANS. By Rev. James Denney, D.D. PASTORAL EPISTLES. By Rev. A. Plummer, D.D. HEBREWS. By Rev. Principal T. C. Edwards, D.D. ST. JAMES and ST. JUDE. By Rev. A. Plummer, D.D. ST. PETER. By Rev. Prof. J. Rawson Lumby, D.D. EPISTLES OF ST. JOHN. By Rt. Rev. W. Alexander, Lord Bishop of Derry. REVELATION. By Prof. W. Milligan, D.D. INDEX VOLUME TO ENTIRE SERIES. _New York_: HODDER & STOUGHTON, _Publishers_ THE BOOK OF NUMBERS BY THE Rev. Robert A. Watson, M.A., D.D. AUTHOR OF "GOSPELS OF YESTERDAY," "JUDGES AND RUTH," "THE BOOK OF JOB," "IN THE APOSTOLIC AGE," ETC. HODDER & STOUGHTON NEW YORK GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY CONTENTS I PAGE INTRODUCTORY 1 II THE CENSUS AND THE CAMP 18 1. The Mustering: ch. i. 1-46 2. The Tribe of Levi: ch. i. 47-54 3. The Camp: ch. ii III PRIESTS AND LEVITES 29 1. The Priesthood: ch. iii. 1-10 2. The First-born: ch. iii. 11-13, 40-51 3. Levitical Service: chs. iii. 14-39, iv IV DEFILEMENT AND PURGATION 46 1. Exclusion from the Camp: ch. v. 1-4 2. Atonement for Trespass: ch. v. 5-10 3. The Water of Jealousy: ch. v. 11-31 V NAZIRITISM: THE BLESSING OF AARON 59 Ch. vi. VI SANCTUARY AND PASSOVER 73 1. The Offerings of the Princes: ch. vii 2. The Candelabrum: ch. viii. 1-4 3. The Passover: ch. ix. 1-14 VII THE CLOUD AND THE MARCH 89 1. The Guiding Cloud: ch. ix. 15-23 2. The Silver Trumpets: ch. x. 1-10 3. The Order of March: ch. x. 11-28 VIII HOBAB THE KENITE 104 Ch. x. 29-36 IX THE STRAIN OF THE DESERT JOURNEY 119 Ch. xi X THE JEALOUSY OF MIRIAM AND AARON 136 Ch. xii XI THE SPIES AND THEIR REPORT 151 Chs. xiii., xiv. 1-10 XII THE DOOM OF THE UNBELIEVING 167 Ch. xiv XIII OFFERINGS: SABBATH-KEEPING: DRESS 179 Ch. xv XIV KORAH, DATHAN, AND ABIRAM 195 Chs. xvi, xvii XV TITHES AND CLEANSINGS 212 Chs. xviii., xix 1. Duties and Support of the Ministry 2. Water of Purification 3. Defilement by the Dead XVI SORROW AND FAILURE AT KADESH 222 Ch. xx XVII THE LAST MARCH AND THE FIRST CAMPAIGN 243 Ch. xxi XVIII BALAAM INVOKED 260 Ch. xxii. 1-19 XIX BALAAM ON THE WAY 276 Ch. xxii. 20-38 XX BALAAM'S PARABLES 290 Chs. xxii. 39-xxiv. 9 XXI THE MATTER OF BAAL-PEOR 309 Chs. xxiv. 10-xxv. 18 XXII A NEW GENERATION...

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If you think the Book of Numbers is just a dry list of names and laws, Robert Watson is here to change your mind. In this volume of The Expositor's Bible, he acts as a friendly guide through one of the Bible's most overlooked sections.

The Story

The book follows the Israelites after they've left Egypt but before they enter Canaan. They're stuck in the wilderness, and things get messy. It's a story of a massive road trip gone awry. There's incredible guidance (the cloud and fire), but also constant grumbling about food and water. There are moments of great faith and spectacular failures of courage. The narrative weaves together laws, a couple of censuses to track the people, and pivotal events that define their identity and test their relationship with God.

Why You Should Read It

Watson's strength is making the ancient feel immediate. He doesn't just explain the text; he helps you feel the frustration of Moses, the panic of the spies, and the weariness of the people. He shows how Numbers is less about counting heads and more about a heart transformation. It's about what it takes to move from being freed slaves to becoming a prepared people. The themes are timeless: dealing with disappointment, the slow work of building trust, and the cost of rebellion.

Final Verdict

Perfect for curious readers of the Bible who find Leviticus intimidating and Numbers confusing. Watson is the patient teacher you wish you had in school. This is for anyone who wants to understand the bigger story of the Old Testament and see the very human drama at its center. It's a rewarding read that proves even the "boring" parts of the Bible are packed with meaning.



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Ava Hill
1 year ago

I didn't expect much, but the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. Worth every second.

Oliver Lee
4 months ago

This book was worth my time since it provides a comprehensive overview perfect for everyone. Absolutely essential reading.

Donald Lewis
3 months ago

Five stars!

George Nguyen
11 months ago

After finishing this book, the pacing is just right, keeping you engaged. I learned so much from this.

5
5 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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