Leviticus 17–22 (Anchor Yale Bible Commentary | AYBC)

by Jacob Milgrom

Publisher:

Yale University Press

, 2008

Overview

Jacob Milgrom, a rabbi and Bible scholar, has devoted the bulk of his career to examining the laws of the Torah. His incisive commentary on Leviticus, which began with Leviticus 1–16, continues in this second of three volumes. It provides an authoritative and comprehensive explanation of ethical values concealed in Israel’s rituals. Although at first glance Leviticus seems far removed from the modern-day world, Milgrom’s thoughtful and provocative comments and notes reveal its enduring relevance for contemporary society.

Leviticus 17–22 brings us to the heart of the book. These chapters focus mainly on the practice of holiness required of laity and priest alike. The commandments that lead to holiness are detailed in chapter 19, the core of the book, if not the whole Torah. The acme of this chapter, the author maintains, is not “love your neighbor (fellow Israelites) as yourself,” but “love him (the alien) as yourself,” endowing him with equal civil rights.

With its English translations that convey the nuance and power of the original Hebrew, this trilogy will take its place alongside the best of the Anchor Yale Bible.

Key Features

• Offers original translations, including alternative translations, annotations, and variants
• Provides verse-by-verse commentary on the text
• Presents the reader with historical background, including analysis of authorship and dating
• Features an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary literature

Contents

• Part IV: The Holiness Source (Chapters 17–27)
  • The Slaughter and Consumption of Meat
  • Illicit Sexual Practices
  • Ritual and Moral Holiness
  • Penalties for Molek Worship, Necromancy, and Sexual Offenses
  • Instructions for the Priests
  • Instructions for the Priests and Lay Persons

Top Highlights

“Thus the difference between the biblical legislation and other Near Eastern laws must not be overlooked: the Bible allows for no exceptions; all acts of sodomy are prohibited, whether performed by rich or poor, higher or lower status, citizen or alien.” (Page 1566)

“In sum, there is no evidence that the firstborn, except in crisis situations (e.g., 2 Kgs 3:27), were sacrificed; there is no indication that Israel’s God ever demanded or even sanctioned this practice (except in popular belief); and there is no connection between the firstborn and the Molek.” (Pages 1590–1591)

“‘A parable is drawn: It is likened to a prince who vomits out food that his digestive system cannot tolerate. So too the land of Israel can not sustain sinners’ (Sipra Qedoshim 12:14).” (Pages 1580–1581)

“From the standpoint of history, the metaphor itself is inaccurate. There is no biblical or extrabiblical evidence that Israel expelled any group of Canaanites.” (Page 1580)

“‘They (Israel) are exiled and others are settled in their place’” (Page 1580)

About the Anchor Yale Bible Series

The Anchor Yale Bible Series, previously the Anchor Bible Series, is a renowned publishing program that for more than 50 years has produced books devoted to the latest scholarship on the Bible and biblical topics. Yale University Press, having acquired this prestigious series in 2007, is now proud to offer all previously published Anchor Bible titles as well as new books—more than 115 titles in all. Many more volumes are in progress as the AYB Editorial Board, under the direction of General Editor John J. Collins, vigorously pursues the goal of bringing to a wide audience the most important new ideas, the latest research findings, and the clearest possible analysis of the Bible. Widely recognized as the flagship of American biblical scholarship, the Anchor Yale Bible Series is comprised of:

• Anchor Yale Bible Commentary Series (AYBC), a book-by-book translation and exegesis of the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament, and the Apocrypha
• Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary (AYBD), a state-of-the-art dictionary in six volumes with more than 6,000 entries from 800 international scholars
• The Anchor Yale Bible Reference Library, containing more than 40 volumes by foremost scholars from a variety of religious backgrounds who focus on broad biblical themes

Product Details

• Title: Leviticus 17–22
• Author: Jacob Milgrom
• Series: Anchor Yale Bible (AYB)
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication Date: 2000
• Pages: 656

About Jacob Milgrom

Jacob Milgrom is a scholar and professor emeritus in the field of Biblical Studies at the University of California. He is most known for his research on the book of Leviticus and the purity regulations of the Torah.

The Jewish Publication Society of America was founded in Philadelphia in 1888 to provide the children of Jewish immigrants to America with books about their heritage in the language of the New World. As the oldest publisher of Jewish titles in the English language, the mission of JPS is to enhance Jewish culture by promoting the dissemination of religious and secular works of exceptional quality, in the United States and abroad, to all individuals and institutions interested in past and contemporary Jewish life.

Over the years JPS has issued a body of works for all tastes and needs. Its many titles include biographies, histories, art books, holiday anthologies, books for young readers, religious and philosophical studies, and translations of scholarly and popular classics. It is perhaps known best for its famous JPS Tanakh, the translation of the Hebrew Bible in English from the original Hebrew.