Numbers, ESV Expository Commentary

Mid-levelBusy pastors, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Bible Book: Numbers
Publisher: Crossway
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 17, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.2/10

A clear, mid level expositional guide to Numbers that serves preaching and teaching with steady reliability.

Publication Date(s): 2025
Pages: 1408
ISBN: 9781433546280
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.3/10
We find Ronald Bergey careful to follow the flow of Numbers, with consistent attention to context and to the passage’s own emphasis.
Christ Centredness: 8.2/10
We are helped to preach Christ from Numbers with restraint and confidence, tracing promise and fulfilment without forcing connections.
Depth of Insight: 8/10
We gain solid insight into structure and themes, with enough engagement to sharpen our judgment for preaching and teaching.
Clarity of Writing: 8.1/10
The writing is clear and well organised, making it workable for weekly preparation and easy to consult in the study.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.1/10
The volume repeatedly helps us move from explanation to congregational use, with application that is direct, wise, and not gimmicky.
Readability: 8.3/10
It is a substantial read, but it is paced for pastors and teachers, and it rewards steady use over time.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
1408 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.2 / 10
Strength
Strong sense of structure and emphasis, very usable for sermon preparation.
Limitation
Some sections will still benefit from pairing with a deeper scholarly volume.

We find Ronald Bergey’s contribution to ESV Expository Commentary a steady companion for preaching and teaching Numbers. Volume 1.

The series is not trying to win every debate. It aims to make the text plain, to honour context, and to send us back to Scripture with sharper questions and steadier instincts.

Where technical detail is needed, it is supplied without turning the reader into a specialist. The tone is direct and reverent, and the best sections help us feel the weight of God’s voice in Numbers.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want an expositional guide that keeps us close to the text and still helps us preach to real people. It supports careful reading, then encourages clear, direct application.

It serves pastors and teachers who want to be both accurate and accessible. The explanations are not fussy, but they are careful, and they often expose the heart level stakes of the text.

If we are training others to handle Scripture, this is a helpful model. It shows how to read a passage in context and then speak to the church with warmth and restraint.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend Numbers, ESV Expository Commentary as a strong mid level expositional resource for Numbers. It rewards steady reading, and it will serve us well as we move from study to preaching.

It is not a replacement for close reading of the passage, but it is a wise partner. Used alongside prayerful study, it helps us speak with greater clarity and conviction.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.


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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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