Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Leviticus
Overview
This volume in the popular Interpretation series presents the book of Leviticus. It focuses on the history of Israel during this time when Israel's life was marked by the various ritual sacrifices and observances commanded by God for the ordering of the nation's life.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“For ritual texts like Leviticus, the interpreter must broaden the exegetical task beyond traditional historical-critical preoccupations with questions of authorship, setting, form, and transmission of texts in order to focus on the meaning of the ritual the text conveys. Because all ritual is a form of social drama, ritual analysis requires that interpreters seek to ‘discover the worldview that stands behind the ritual, that gives rise to the rituals, that is enacted and made real in the rituals’ (Gorman, Ideology of Ritual, p. 15). What is required is an imaginative construal of both the rituals described in the text—their gestural acts and symbolic words—and how their enactment has meaning within a specific understanding of the world.” (Page 3)
“For all its concern with things priestly, Leviticus is in fact a book addressed to all the people of Israel; its objective is to emphasize the abiding importance of the priestly-congregational partnership that keeps the community of faith, and the world it serves, in the center of God’s will.” (Pages 7–8)
“Worship is itself a primary means of honoring, nurturing, and, when necessary, restoring God’s creational design for the world.” (Page 12)
“The transaction clearly involves matters of economic justice, but the rationale for obedience is couched in decisively theological terms. Persons are not to ‘cheat one another,’ because to do so dishonors their relationship with God (v. 17). This is followed by a still more basic reason for obedience: The land belongs not to buyers and sellers. In truth, both are but ‘aliens’ and ‘tenants’ on the land; they are custodians of a title that only God can give. ‘The land is mine’ (v. 23), God announces, and as the stewards of its promise of liberty and freedom for all, Israel must take care to provide for its redemption (v. 24).” (Page 195)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.
—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Leviticus
- Author: Samuel E. Balentine
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 2002
- Pages: 220