If you are his child, then he wants you to reflect his character. The book of leviticus was written between 1440 and 1400 b. Reflections on the book of leviticus paperback october 28, 20 by martin sicker author see all 2 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. I truly have come to appreciate this book of the bible more than ever before. Read leviticus commentary using matthew henry commentary on the whole bible complete. Behind the various offerings lies a deep conviction that god is the lord of all creation.
Leviticus 11 what is the general rule for animals and birds allowed. In addition to these concerns, leviticus, comprising as it does the center of the pentateuch, carries forward the narrative of. Questions for reflection for study of leviticus 26 27. The fact of the following rules for distinguishing the plague of leprosy being incorporated with the hebrew code of laws, proves the existence of the odious disease among that people. Here is my first bible reflection on the book of leviticus. We all have gone to a funeral home and viewed the body of a loved one or friend. The name leviticus was given to the third book of the pentateuch by the ancient greek translators because a good part of this book deals with concerns of the priests, who are of the tribe of levi. It will not do to drag a verse or two from this book into the 21st century and assume that it applies directly to our time. Reflections on a year of studying leviticus pastor dave. To be honest, i still have some questions that i continue to wrestle with and ask god for insight and wisdom. I came up with the idea to share my reflections on each book in the bible that i read. As a seventhday adventist, we are taught and explained why unclean animals are remained uncleaned and cleaned animals remained clean to eat according to leviticus 11.
Devotions with scripture from leviticus today daily. Some of them ive pondered for years and probably wont understand until heaven. Leviticus is the middle book of the torah or pentateuch, preceded by genesis and exodus and followed by numbers and deuteronomy. I had read through the book previously when i would take time to read through the bible in a year, but such reading was often cursory and compulsory.
Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. Wenham gives clear explanations to the five types of offerings. Leviticus 1 why did god give moses such specific laws and principles. When it came time, then, to pick a book of the bible to wrestle with for a year i knew i should choose leviticus. Leviticus positions the full text of the book of leviticus opposite lightly lined blank pages for recording notes and prayersa great resource for personal bible reading and reflection, group bible studies, or sermon notes. Its a clarion call for you to foster love, compassion, and understanding among your. Commentary on the book of leviticus by matthew henry old. The setting of leviticus mainly appears to take place at mt. For the most part they cohere as a system and attempt to inculcate a way of life in the books hearers and readers. The books name in hebrew is wayyiqva and means and he called, a phrase taken. Your quality of life, it said to israel, must reflect the very heart of gods. Leviticus overview matthew henrys complete commentary.
As a longtime minister and preacher who had successfully skirted leviticus for most of his life, author daniel harrell wanted to come to grips with all that leviticus teaches. Leviticus is composed of two basic genres narrative history and law. A time for reflection, a time for change the book of leviticus, the divine service, and the temple offerings. Exodus ended with the erection of the tabernacle and god appearing in a cloud over the tent. As i share about my study of the book of leviticus over the next few weeks, its important to have a plan. Questions for reflection for study of leviticus 11 15. Jewish children once commenced their biblical studies with the book of leviticus. Leviticus commentary matthew henry commentary on the. And yet leviticus is historically considered by jews, and thus by jesus, as the pivotal book of the hebrew bible.
The key personalities of leviticus include moses, aaron, nadab, abihu eleazar, and ithamar. It contains laws about worship in general and rules and customs on ceremonies in consecrations and sacrificial offerings. The third book of moses, called leviticus commentary by robert jamieson chapter lev. This book explores how the sacrificial rituals and purity practices cleared the way for morally corrupt israelites to become gods covenant partners. This book is a set of rules that god gave to moses, so that his hebrew children could learn how to live pleasing unto god. Bob utley, retired professor of hermeneutics biblical interpretation study guide commentary series old testament, vol. Study leviticus using matthew henrys bible commentary concise to better understand scripture with full outline and verse meaning. Van gorder leviticus this book derives its name from levi, the priestly tribe chosen by god to carry on the tabernacle service. Nevertheless, they reflect the world view of the creation story in genesis 1 that god wishes to live with humans. It was written to draw the israelites to the understanding of the. Book of leviticus overview insight for living ministries. Few of the old testament books reflect christ more than leviticus. It was not a joy nor was it with intentional thought and reflection. The book of leviticus was the first book studied by a jewish child.
Why is leviticus such a hard book for christians to understand and. Leviticus is the third of the five books known as the law or the pentateuch. Leviticus, the book of worship, work, and walk, naturally follows exodus, the book of redemption. In todays first reading, james makes it clear that faith without good. Leviticus is a book about the rites of jewish liturgy.
Daring to delight in leviticus the gospel coalition. Jewish people revered these laws even though they often disobeyed them, because they understood that these laws were faithfulwould revive their souls and make them wise psalm 19. The book of leviticus opens with god calling moses from the tabernacle. The book of leviticus is a book of lawslaws given by god to the jewish people, gods chosen peoplea holy peoplethe covenant people. Introduction leviticus used to be the first book that jewish children. Because the israelites had been held captive in egypt for 400 years, the concept of god had been distorted by the polytheistic, pagan egyptians. The book of leviticus new international commentary on the. Book of leviticus matthew henrys bible commentary concise. Genesis is the book of beginnings, exodus the book of redemption, and leviticus the book of atonement and a holy walk. The book of leviticus is one of the most important books in the old testament.