Leviticus: An Introduction And Commentary
by R. K. Harrison /
1980 / English / PDF
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Excellent volume from the Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries series. As I make my way through the Bible in a year, I am not simply working through the scripture text but I am also reading associated notes and commentary. R. K. Harrison's "Leviticus" was on the shelf so I thought I would use it as a companion through a biblical book that is notoriously thought of us as dull, plodding, and irrelevant. I was not disappointed.
A lengthy Introduction explains the title, nature, authorship, dating, purpose, theology, and more of the third book of the Torah, thus preparing the reader well for the actual text. The commentary explains in significant detail the context, history, and culture (Jewish and otherwise) of the times. The importance of rituals for purposes of hygiene and overall health, anticipating much later understanding of the contraction and spread of disease is fascinating and enlightening. Details about fauna and flora are also interesting. All of this shows the author's interest in the scientific basis for the many laws in Leviticus.
All of this is done in light of the New Testament. The reader will find very few pages go by until Christ is mentioned once again. Seeing how the Old is fulfilled in the New (including practical application to us today) should be a joy to Christian readers and certainly does not take away from the impressive historical and scientific scholarship found here.
