MIQRA Institute of Biblical Studies
Reading Scripture, Hearing God
Harrison, R. K. Leviticus. TOTC, 3. InterVarsity, 1980 (253 pp.). Does not shy from a bold assertion that the holiness described in Leviticus is the same required of every believer. Operates with the view that God’s work with his people is riveted to the great high priest, Jesus Christ. Moves forward with an eye on other canonical books like Hebrews, 1 Peter, and Romans. Ties the purpose of Leviticus closely to its theology. Comments by passage without separating excursus discussions, critical issues, or theology and application. Absence of a translation has implications for the amount of textual discussion undertaken, though some may find this frees up space and renders the reading more accessible. A good introductory volume.
Hartley, J. E. Leviticus. WBC, 4. Word, 1992 (496 pp.). Provides a fresh translation with good textual discussion in the notes. Comment sections operate within the horizons of a canonical context. Explanation sections move into theological reflection. Form/structure/setting sections provide opportunity to view the rhetorical design of each division. Places the book of Leviticus in the wider context of Exod 25:1-Num 10:10. Nevertheless, 1:1 along with 26:46 and 27:34 (introduction and two-part conclusion) delimit the actual book of Leviticus within this larger canonical context. Informative and readable all the way around–cause for rejoicing, given the book in view and its failure as a chart-topper in contemporary Christian treatment.
Kaiser, W. C., Jr. “Exodus.” NIB, 1. Abingdon, 1998 (1193 pp.; 985-1191). An evangelical contribution to a prestigious eclectic multivolume commentary. Includes standard introductory discussion (with noteworthy comments on the meaning of sacrifice, Holiness Code, theology of Leviticus, and present-day use of Leviticus) and section-by-section exposition (with introductory overview, textual commentary, and expository reflections). Preachers and teachers will find Kaiser’s treatment generally readable and especially helpful in grasping the significance of Leviticus for the church’s life and faith.
Milgrom, J. Leviticus. AB. Doubleday, 1991 (2714 pp.). A massive contribution in three volumes from a well-known OT scholar. Volume A includes a lengthy introduction discussing sources and their bearing on the book’s construction. Special attention to terminology as a control. At times, the vernacular discussion is tedious and yields little, save more updated theories about relative dating and provenance. Milgrom has an ear to early rabbinic exegesis– slighted in commentary treatment, he thinks, as pre-critical and therefore less erudite. Thorough commentary sections cover much territory, and for this the contribution appears standard in other bibliographies. A full index to all three volumes makes quick reference easy. An important study. Hebrew required.
Rooker, M. F. Leviticus. NAC. Broadman, 2000 (352 pp.). Consistent with the NAC series, Rooker’s treatment is theologically conservative, readable, and up to date. Occasional extra-biblical detours (e.g., discussion of sacrifice in the ancient world) do not distract overly from an otherwise thoughtful and informing engagement with the biblical text. Includes an extensive introduction, with helpful sections on theological themes in Leviticus and on the law and the Christian. Pitched at a level appropriate for pastors and teachers. Written with conviction that, properly read, Leviticus speaks God’s message to the church.
Ross, A. P. Holiness to the Lord: A Guide to the Exposition of the Book of Leviticus. Baker, 2002 (496 pp.). This volume delivers exactly what the subtitle promises–guidance for those looking to study Leviticus with a view to expounding its message and mandate for holy living. Not heavily detailed, but still textually responsible and richly theological. The kind of work most pastors and teachers will find accessible and for which their congregations will be blessed in the pursuit of holy living and joyful worship.
Wenham, G. J. The Book of Leviticus. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1979 (392 pp.). “The approach favored in this commentary takes with equal seriousness both the plain original meaning of the text and its abiding theological value” (vii). Wenham’s comments note the difficulty of the book and the tendencies of modern interpreters to see it as a prior stage in “Israel’s religious development without any permanent spiritual value” (vii) or to rework the book in a forced Christocentric, allegorical fashion. Wenham strives to understand how the book functions as Scripture for successive generations. Introduction explores the book’s theology, and individual sections along with translation and commentary widen the discussion to explore the importance of Leviticus for the NT, its theology, and the life of the Christian who reads a two-testament Bible.
