Leviticus (Evangelical Press Study Commentary | EPSC)

by John D. Currid

Publisher:

Evangelical Press

, 2004

Overview

Leviticus used to be the first book of the Bible read and studied by children in the synagogue. In the church, it is perhaps the last one read, if it is ever given any attention at all. One of the reasons that the book of Leviticus is so little studied in the church is a lack of understanding about the relevance of the literature to the New Testament Christian. What do all these legislative texts in the Pentateuch have to do with life in the church?

In this matter, we should take to heart Paul’s admonition that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Thus, Leviticus, being part of “all Scripture,” must have an enduring value and quality for the believer of any age.

The book of Leviticus is indispensable for teaching the Christian the depth and heinousness of human sinfulness. The chasm that separates a holy God from an unholy humanity stems from this pervasive iniquity. Yet Leviticus holds out a promise that mankind can be made right with God and live according to his statutes. It truly underscores the love of God for his people, and that he has a plan of salvation for them. But one also realizes that the sacrificial system of Leviticus is insufficient and cannot make people right with God. It points out that something greater is needed. It demands a final atonement. Thus, more than any other book of the Old Testament, Leviticus foreshadows and adumbrates the coming of the Messiah and his wondrous work of atonement.

Key Features

• Discusses the authorship and dating of the book of Leviticus
• Provides verse-by-verse commentary
• Examines the relationship between Leviticus and the New Testament

Contents

• Introductory Matters
• Laws of the Offerings (Leviticus 1:1–7:38)
• Consecration of the Priesthood (Leviticus 8:1–10:20)
• The Cleanliness Code (Leviticus 11:1–15:33)
• The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1–34)
• The Code of Holiness (Leviticus 17:1–26:46)
• Laws of the Vow (Leviticus 27:1–34)

Top Highlights

“In reality, the simple, unadorned style is to symbolize the humble and contrite heart of the high priest as he comes to enter into the Most Holy Place. In sacrificial atonement eyes must be drawn to God and his work, and not to the finery of the high priest.” (Page 215)

“In reality, it is not clear what they are specifically doing wrong. However, what is crystal clear is that they are making an offering in a different way from that which God had prescribed.” (Page 124)

“The first is ‘iniquities’, a term denoting the most heinous and rebellious sins of the people. It is most often used of the people’s wilful transgression of the covenant with God.¹¹ The second term is ‘sins’, and this is a generic word for all types of human wrongdoing, including acts committed against God, other humans and oneself.¹² Finally, ‘uncleanness’ defines ritual impurity, that is, unholiness that defiles objects, places or people that have been set apart and are holy.¹³ This variety of words for Israel’s sinful acts covers all aspects of them, whether committed wilfully or in ignorance, and whether they are offences against people, places, or things. All sin is included here. The Holy of Holies must be kept clean.” (Pages 218–219)

“Blood is taboo. And losing blood is a sign of not being whole or complete; one is imperfect and thus considered unclean.” (Page 163)

“The first purpose of the burnt offering is given here. It is so that the offerer may be ‘accepted’ by God. And it is also a way for the worshipper to honour God. But there is much more to it than that: the term ‘acceptance’ in Hebrew is a cultic, technical one which denotes a sacrifice that has efficacious merit (when carried out in faith) to take care of one’s sins. Thus, God’s acceptance of the sacrifice is understood as acceptance of the one who brings the sacrifice. It is a means of reconciliation between a holy God and an unholy person.” (Pages 30–31)

Endorsements

Here he has produced a fine commentary in the conservative evangelical vein using grammatical-historical methodology.

—The Crisswell College, Dallas, TX

The reader doesn’t need to be familiar with the Hebrew to use this commentary. Currid writes for the most part in an easy-to-read style, but delves into technical or linguistic complexities when he needs to.

—Evangelical Times

This volume is one in a series of Evangelical Press Study Commentaries. It follows John Currid’s other volumes on Genesis and Exodus. The approach is to provide a non-technical and accessible commentary which avoids laborious comparisons of scholarly opinions, and should thus appeal to those who simply want help in opening up the meaning of Leviticus for Christians. This is a clearly written commentary that will well serve the needs of laity and preachers alike.

—The Reformed Theological Review

Product Details

• Title: A Study Commentary on Leviticus
• Author: John D. Currid
• Series: EP Study Commentary
• Publisher: Evangelical Press
• Print Publication Date: 2004
• Logos Release Date: 2012
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. O.T. Leviticus › Commentaries
• Resource ID: LLS:EVPRESS03LE
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-08-30T23:25:34Z

About John D. Currid

John D. Currid is Carl McMurray Professor of Old Testament at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He received his PhD in archaeology from the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. He has several books in print, including the Welwyn Commentary on Habakkuk.