Michael Morales, a biblical studies professor at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, shares insights from his commentary on the Book of Numbers. He reveals how Numbers transcends mere census data, highlighting themes of covenant community and divine presence. The discussion examines the structure of Israel’s encampment as a reflection of hope, the roles of prophet, priest, and king, and the theological significance of the priestly blessing and Balaam’s oracles. Morales also personalizes the narrative by sharing his decade-long journey of studying this often-overlooked book.
47:47
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Personal Journey Writing Numbers
Michael Morales describes the decade-long process of writing the Numbers commentary as lonely but deeply rewarding.
He experienced moments of joy and theological breakthroughs only shared between him and the Lord.
insights INSIGHT
Numbers Focuses on Leadership
The core theme of Numbers is the leadership and accountability within the covenant community.
Names and leaders of tribes highlight individual responsibility and influence on God's people.
insights INSIGHT
Theological Significance of the Camp
The camp's arrangement around God's dwelling symbolizes covenanted community life and echoes Edenic imagery.
This orientation reflects God's presence among his people, extending to prophetic and eschatological hopes.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Michael Morales' 'Who Shall Ascend?' delves into the significance of ascent and the dwelling place of God, primarily through the lens of the book of Leviticus. The book examines the themes of holiness, sacrifice, and the priestly role in mediating between God and humanity. It explores how the tabernacle and temple symbolize God's presence and how the rituals and laws prescribed in Leviticus point to a deeper theological reality. Morales connects these Old Testament themes to the person and work of Christ, highlighting how Jesus fulfills the Levitical system and provides access to God. The book ultimately emphasizes the importance of understanding the Old Testament in light of Christ. The culmination of it all is the ability to draw near to a holy God.
Exodus Old and New
A Biblical Theology of Redemption
Michael Morales
Benjamin Gladd
Numbers
The Fourth Book of the Torah
Moses
The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Torah and follows the Israelites during their 38-year wilderness journey. It explores themes of obedience, rebellion, and divine mercy, providing crucial insights into the spiritual journey of God's people. The book includes censuses, priestly instructions, and significant events that foreshadow later biblical narratives.
In this episode we welcome Dr. Michael Morales—professor of biblical studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary—for a conversation exploring the profound theological vision of the book of Numbers. Drawing from his newly released two-volume commentary in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series, Dr. Morales unveils Numbers as more than ancient census lists and wilderness wanderings. Instead, it emerges as a richly textured narrative of covenant community, leadership, and the Lord’s presence among his people.
Listeners will discover how the structure of Israel’s camp reflects Edenic hope and eschatological promise, how Numbers addresses the roles of prophet, priest, and king, and why the priestly blessing and Balaam’s oracles form theological bookends to this journey toward the Promised Land. Dr. Morales also shares personal reflections from his ten-year labor on the commentary, emphasizing the pastoral power and redemptive-historical depth of this often-overlooked book.
Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, or serious Bible reader, this conversation will reinvigorate your love for the Pentateuch and deepen your grasp of how all Scripture points us to Christ.
Reformed Forum 
