Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, vol. 2 | CBC)
Overview
Studying the book of Leviticus is not something that many people do, but Baker mentions that it is a necessary book to read for three reasons: theological, religious and historical. The theological aspect of Leviticus is important because it gives a history of the people of Israel and many of the concepts and terms that were common to Jesus were first mentioned in Leviticus. The content covered in Numbers by Dale Brueggemann breathes new life into the book and gives us a new understanding of the content in Numbers. Eugene H. Merrill gives an in depth look to Deuteronomy and how it is pertinent to us today.
- Introductions to the historical and cultural context, the literary style, and the major themes and theological concerns
- Exegetical and textual notes
- Commentary pays special attention to context and major theological themes
Top Highlights
“The grain offerings were a constant reminder that everything in life is a gift from God and must be offered back to him. This involves offering one’s entire resources and being (Rom 12:1–2) and sharing resources with God’s ministers, a requirement that should be expanded to everyone in need. We should share with others the abundance God has shared with us (Heb 13:15–16).” (Page 29)
“The Hebrew title and the first verse of the book reflect the Israelite understanding that the primary author of Leviticus was the Lord himself. The first verse also names the recipient of the message: Moses.” (Page 4)
“Israel did not suffer from the religious schizophrenia that seems to characterize many people today, seeing ‘church’ or ‘Sunday’ things separately from everything else. How Israel behaved ‘in the world’ directly affected their relationship with God.” (Page 74)
“Though the priests were correctly dressed and had been set apart through anointing, they could not yet represent the nation before God until they were purified through a sin offering (4:1–5:13; Exod 29:10–14) made on their behalf. It is easy to forget that it is not the position that sets the person apart for service. The law also applied to leaders, who needed to show in character, commitment, and, in the case of the priests, ritual ‘cleanliness,’ that they had been made fit for God’s service. Too often in the church, and the wider society, leaders feel that their position and power do not require accompanying purity. This is damaging not only to the individual leaders, but also to those they lead, whether their family, congregation, corporation, or country.” (Page 59)
An enormously helpful series for the layperson and pastor alike because it centers on the theological message of each book and ties it directly to the text. This approach has been needed for some time and will be an invaluable supplement to other commentary series.
—Grant Osborne
A treasure house of insight into the biblical text. Written by some of the best scholars working today, it is an essential tool for pastors, students, church leaders, and lay people who want to understand the text and how it relates to our lives today. Like the NLT text it uses as its base, this commentary series is extremely readable.
—Tremper Longman III
- Title: Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy
- Authors: Eugene H. Merrill, David W. Baker, Dale A. Brueggemann
- Series: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary
- Publisher: Tyndale
- Print Publication Date: 1996
- Logos Release Date: 2011
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. O.T. Deuteronomy › Commentaries; Bible. O.T. Leviticus › Commentaries; Bible. O.T. Numbers › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780842334280, 9781414399232, 9781414399249, 9781414399256, 0842334289, 1414399235, 1414399243, 1414399251
- Resource ID: LLS:CSTONECM03LE
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-10-05T16:48:23Z
David Baker, Ph.D. is Professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. He serves as editor for the Evangelical Theological Society's Dissertation series and Studies series. He has authored several articles/books, including the NIV Application Commentary on Joel, Obadiah, and Malachi and The Face of Old Testament Studies: A Survey of Contemporary Approaches. Dr. Baker served as a Leviticus reviewer for the New Living Translation.
Dale Brueggemann pastored in Idaho throughout the 1970s. He has taught at Valley Forge Christian College in Philadelphia, and at Central Bible College in Missouri.
Eugene H. Merrill is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas and Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He is currently director of Eurasia education services for Assemblies of God World Missions, and he has been heavily involved in ministry in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He is the author of several articles/books, including a commentary on Deuteronomy in the New American Commentary series and the Deuteronomy study notes for the NLT Study Bible. He also served as a Deuteronomy reviewer for the New Living Translation.