Preaching the Word: Leviticus—Holy God, Holy People
Overview
Focused on the Old Testament book of Leviticus, this volume in the acclaimed Preaching the Word series explores how a holy God has made enduring provision for his people to live set-apart lives and worship him. It is the message that God spoke to his people through Moses as they prepared to depart for the Promised Land. It details regulations for holy living and sacrificial worship in Old Testament Israel. But does Leviticus have anything to say to Christians today?
Knowing that readers of the Bible often get hung up on the seeming irrelevance of Leviticus, Kenneth Mathews counters with this insightful Preaching the Word commentary. His chapter-by-chapter analysis reveals much about not only the demands of a holy God but about the kind of relationship he wants with his people and his standards for worship in any age. As Mathews illuminates the significance of Israel’s sacrificial system and symbols, he draws parallel after parallel to Jesus as their perfect fulfillment. His commentary will train pastors, teachers, and serious readers in how Leviticus foreshadows the saving work of Jesus, and the many ways God made accommodation for human sin through Christ.
Top Highlights
“The fire that had elicited such joy and blessing from the people initially (Leviticus 9:22–24) now was a source of death and fear.” (Page 95)
“The ritual atonement had two effects: the people’s ritual impurities were removed from the holy place, and the sins of the people were forgiven.” (Page 137)
“The writer to the Hebrews warned his readers not to trivialize the blood of Christ by rejecting his bodily sacrifice, for ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God’ (10:31).” (Page 95)
“Whereas the sin and guilt sacrifices described in 4:1–6:7 addressed offenses by individuals, the Day of Atonement dealt with the accumulated sins of the whole nation that had been committed in the previous year.” (Page 135)
“Moreover, those who engage in homosexuality are not outside the realm of God’s loving forgiveness.” (Page 159)
Dr. Kenneth Mathews is a superb student of the Holy Scriptures who always teaches the Bible with a view toward its proclamation. In this lively exposition, he shows us that Leviticus, though neglected today in many pulpits, is not only theologically seminal but also eminently preachable. A great contribution to this series!
—Timothy George, Dean, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University; Senior Editor, Christianity Today
Mathews brings to life the marvelous truths of a book that intimidates and therefore causes far too many to ignore it. This is a welcomed addition to this outstanding series.
—Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina
- Title: Leviticus: Holy God, Holy People
- Author: Kenneth A. Mathews
- General Editor: R. Kent Hughes
- Series: Preaching the Word
- Publisher: Crossway
- Publication Date: 2009
- Pages: 288
