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The "Be" Commentary
Be Holy [Leviticus]: Becoming "Set Apart" for God
Discover what matters most to God.
We serve a holy God. And as His children, God longs for us to pursue a life that is pleasing to Him. But what does this look like? The book of Leviticus provides the answer. Originally written for the ancient Israelites, Leviticus continues to offer timeless principles for living that remain relevant to believers today. This study examines those principles, and explores how we can cultivate holiness in our daily lives.
Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s best-selling “BE” commentary series, BE Holy has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares that personal purity matters a great deal to God. You’ll find a fresh appreciation for the holiness of God, and be challenged to continually grow into the likeness of our Savior.
We serve a holy God. And as His children, God longs for us to pursue a life that is pleasing to Him. But what does this look like? The book of Leviticus provides the answer. Originally written for the ancient Israelites, Leviticus continues to offer timeless principles for living that remain relevant to believers today. This study examines those principles, and explores how we can cultivate holiness in our daily lives.
Part of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe’s best-selling “BE” commentary series, BE Holy has now been updated with study questions and a new introduction by Ken Baugh. A respected pastor and Bible teacher, Dr. Wiersbe shares that personal purity matters a great deal to God. You’ll find a fresh appreciation for the holiness of God, and be challenged to continually grow into the likeness of our Savior.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1994
201 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
662 books414 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 15, 2021
I like this series of books, but I enjoyed this one less. The author has several things wrong or worded poorly throughout the book. I'll mention things from page 64 and use it as an example. The author is discussing childbirth and sexual relations afterward.
"Scripture doesn't explain why twice as much time is assigned to a daughter than to a son. There's no proof that girl babies are necessarily weaker than boy babies and therefore need a longer time with the mother.
Why does he assume that girl babies are "weaker" than boy babies? I think it is tied to a hormonal reason that has to do with the health of the mother and baby.
"A daughter would one day be subject to the judgement placed on Eve, but why would God double the confinement of the mother because of the sex of her child, something over which she has no control?"
It sounds so condemning to say a daughter would be subject to the judgement placed on Eve. And using the word "confinement" sounds like jail. A woman needs to rest after childbirth. A good and loving God is telling His people to let the mama rest sexually double the time after the birth of a girl baby. There are 80 days to wait until having sexual relations after a girl baby and 40 days after a boy baby.
"And it doesn't seem reasonable that God set up this schedule in order to punish the husband by doubling the time he'd have to be apart from his wife."
This statement is wrong on so many levels. No, I don't think God was "punishing" the menfolk and making them have to wait twice as long to have sex. And who said sex is all about the man. This comes across so one-sided and sex is intended to be a holy union between two married people. I don't think sex is all about the menfolk.
"The social structure of Israel was decidedly masculine, and sons were more welcome than daughters."
I do not understand why the author made this blanket statement. We are not taking about modern, Communist China where that might be true. Ancient Israel valued life, both male and female babies.
Individual people may have preferences, but biblical Israelites understood the blessing of all children.
"Scripture doesn't explain why twice as much time is assigned to a daughter than to a son. There's no proof that girl babies are necessarily weaker than boy babies and therefore need a longer time with the mother.
Why does he assume that girl babies are "weaker" than boy babies? I think it is tied to a hormonal reason that has to do with the health of the mother and baby.
"A daughter would one day be subject to the judgement placed on Eve, but why would God double the confinement of the mother because of the sex of her child, something over which she has no control?"
It sounds so condemning to say a daughter would be subject to the judgement placed on Eve. And using the word "confinement" sounds like jail. A woman needs to rest after childbirth. A good and loving God is telling His people to let the mama rest sexually double the time after the birth of a girl baby. There are 80 days to wait until having sexual relations after a girl baby and 40 days after a boy baby.
"And it doesn't seem reasonable that God set up this schedule in order to punish the husband by doubling the time he'd have to be apart from his wife."
This statement is wrong on so many levels. No, I don't think God was "punishing" the menfolk and making them have to wait twice as long to have sex. And who said sex is all about the man. This comes across so one-sided and sex is intended to be a holy union between two married people. I don't think sex is all about the menfolk.
"The social structure of Israel was decidedly masculine, and sons were more welcome than daughters."
I do not understand why the author made this blanket statement. We are not taking about modern, Communist China where that might be true. Ancient Israel valued life, both male and female babies.
Individual people may have preferences, but biblical Israelites understood the blessing of all children.
July 20, 2022
I have read and enjoyed 18 of Wiersbe's study guides, but this may be one of the most helpful that I've read so far. Leviticus is rarely anyone's favorite book of the bible because of many Levitical laws that make little sense to modern readers.
Wiersbe clarifies so much of what is going on in these 27 chapters with his explanations of the feast days, the six basic offerings ("Each of these offerings met a specific need in the life of the worshipper and also expressed some truth about the person and work of Jesus Christ, God's perfect sacrifice." p. 28) and the many rules laid down for the Israelites.
The summary chapter is an excellent review of the book's main ideas. "Eight times in scripture, God said, 'Be holy, for I am holy.' Since God's commandments are God's enablements, this commandment assures us that it's possible to live a holy life. What health is to the body, holiness is to the soul," says Wiersbe.
I highly recommend this accessible, insightful commentary on a frequently overlooked book of the Bible.
Wiersbe clarifies so much of what is going on in these 27 chapters with his explanations of the feast days, the six basic offerings ("Each of these offerings met a specific need in the life of the worshipper and also expressed some truth about the person and work of Jesus Christ, God's perfect sacrifice." p. 28) and the many rules laid down for the Israelites.
The summary chapter is an excellent review of the book's main ideas. "Eight times in scripture, God said, 'Be holy, for I am holy.' Since God's commandments are God's enablements, this commandment assures us that it's possible to live a holy life. What health is to the body, holiness is to the soul," says Wiersbe.
I highly recommend this accessible, insightful commentary on a frequently overlooked book of the Bible.
July 15, 2018
Another stimulating and reflective commentary from Wiersbe on the book of Leviticus this time. The Be series is a great series of devotional commentaries which are helpful, and simple, and are useful as devotional material for the individual.
February 25, 2013
Great introductory commentary on Leviticus.
December 12, 2017
Excelent book
I found the book inspring and challening. Leviticus is not a book I have studied in depth before but I enjoyed the challenge, May the Lord help me to Be Holy!
I found the book inspring and challening. Leviticus is not a book I have studied in depth before but I enjoyed the challenge, May the Lord help me to Be Holy!
May 26, 2016
I used this book to help me study the book of Leviticus in the Bible. It helped me see so many relevant information there, and it helped me appreciate Leviticus so much. Great read, highly recommended.
November 6, 2017
I was unexpectedly led to read this book in the Bible and Wiersbe's “Be Holy” commentary. I must admit to being pleasantly surprised and inspired by his linking of these Old Testament rules with modern Christian behaviours.
March 22, 2012
This is the best Bible ommentary I have ever read. I will buy Wiersbe's other BE SERIES books.
March 24, 2014
Excellent commentary on an often overlooked OT book
September 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this study, mostly because it ran concurrently with a Sunday-night study of Malachi at my church. Perfect pairing!
June 22, 2016
A study about Leviticus focusing on holiness and draws links with the book to what Jesus did for us.
September 2, 2017
He helped unpack the sacrifices, but a bit too dismissive of the holiness required even for NT folks. Still, a very useful read.
April 21, 2021
Leviticus probably is no one’s favorite book of the Bible. In fact, as one man in our church put it, Leviticus is where Bible reading plans go to die.
But Leviticus is part of God’s inspired word, and “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). It is “quoted or referred to over 100 times in the New Testament.” So it’s highly worthy of our study.
As our church came to Leviticus in our Bible reading schedule, the ESV Study Bible notes and Warren Wiersbe’s Be Holy (Leviticus): Becoming “Set Apart” for God were invaluable companions.
It doesn’t take long to see that God’s holiness is the main theme of Leviticus. “The word holy is used 93 times in Leviticus, and words connected with cleansing are used 71 times. References to uncleanness number 128. There’s no question what this book is all about.” As I mentioned before, a seminary professor teaching Leviticus had his students try to live by its regulations for a period of time. One result was that holiness was a primary focus throughout the day, in regard to everything the students did.
Also, as Ken Baugh points out in his introduction to this book, “Almost everything in Leviticus anticipates the life and death of Jesus. The sacrifices, festivals, rituals, and laws foreshadow God’s redemptive plan. Jesus becomes the means to remove the guilt and penalty for sin through His substitutionary death on the cross. His death provides the final atonement for all sin.”
Though I saw some of those glimpses of Christ in past reading of Leviticus, this time they seemed to be on every page.
A couple of quotes from the book that stood out to me:
Have you ever heard a preacher or teacher say that seven is the number of perfection in the Bible? I had, but I didn’t remember ever hearing why that was so. Wiersbe explains here:
This book helped me get more out of Leviticus than ever before.
But Leviticus is part of God’s inspired word, and “whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). It is “quoted or referred to over 100 times in the New Testament.” So it’s highly worthy of our study.
As our church came to Leviticus in our Bible reading schedule, the ESV Study Bible notes and Warren Wiersbe’s Be Holy (Leviticus): Becoming “Set Apart” for God were invaluable companions.
It doesn’t take long to see that God’s holiness is the main theme of Leviticus. “The word holy is used 93 times in Leviticus, and words connected with cleansing are used 71 times. References to uncleanness number 128. There’s no question what this book is all about.” As I mentioned before, a seminary professor teaching Leviticus had his students try to live by its regulations for a period of time. One result was that holiness was a primary focus throughout the day, in regard to everything the students did.
Also, as Ken Baugh points out in his introduction to this book, “Almost everything in Leviticus anticipates the life and death of Jesus. The sacrifices, festivals, rituals, and laws foreshadow God’s redemptive plan. Jesus becomes the means to remove the guilt and penalty for sin through His substitutionary death on the cross. His death provides the final atonement for all sin.”
Though I saw some of those glimpses of Christ in past reading of Leviticus, this time they seemed to be on every page.
A couple of quotes from the book that stood out to me:
God’s church is supposed to be “a holy nation” in this present evil world, to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2: 9 NIV). The Greek word translated “declare” means “to tell out, to advertise.”
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isa. 5: 20 NIV). The first step toward disobedience is often “reclassifying” sin and making it look acceptable instead of abominable.
Have you ever heard a preacher or teacher say that seven is the number of perfection in the Bible? I had, but I didn’t remember ever hearing why that was so. Wiersbe explains here:
The Hebrew word for seven comes from a root word that means “to be full, to be satisfied.” It’s also related to the word meaning “to swear, to make an oath.” Whenever the Lord “sevens” something, He’s reminding His people that what He says and does is complete and dependable. Nothing can be added to it.
This book helped me get more out of Leviticus than ever before.
What we have studied should make us realize the awfulness of sin, the seriousness of confession and restitution, the graciousness of God in forgiving those who trust Jesus Christ, and the marvelous love of our Savior in His willingness to die for undeserving people like us.
March 2, 2018
“Believers today think they’re spiritual if they attend church once a week and read a devotional book the other six days. It’s only when God’s holiness increasingly begins to touch every area of our lives that we can say we’re starting to make progress in being holy.” That’s how Warren Wiersbe closed his commentary on the book of Leviticus, titled “Be Holy.” I gotta say, I never would have guessed anyone could have dug into Leviticus and find things Believes can use pursue in holiness, today but Wiersbe did.
This book really impressed me because of how relevant Wiersbe made each chapter. Leviticus was written to the Levites as a handbook for holiness - after all, if the Levites would be serving in the Tabernacle, they needed to know certain things. They would also be the ones teaching the people God’s laws, so it was vital for them to know it fully themselves. So the question comes, If this was written for the Jews, what do we, as born again Christians, take away from it? That’s what Wiersbe did so brilliantly. He explained the differences. When there was a passage that held spiritual lessons for us today, he told you...and when there were passages that had no application in the Christian life, he told you. It was as simple as that!
Another part of the book that was especially meaningful to me was the chapters on The Feasts Of Israel. I had read books on the feasts before, and I guess I thought I kind of already knew what it was about. But the simplistic, warming way Wiersbe wrote about the feasts and how they represented Jesus reminded me that even though I heard these teachings in the past, it was a blessing to be reminded of the beautiful symbolism behind these Jewish traditions and how Jesus fulfilled them all.
Conclusion: I was surprised and blessed by how meaningful and challenging this commentary on Leviticus was. It was a great help to me as I read through this book of the Bible. The days when I couldn’t find a reason why Leviticus was important for me to read, “Be Holy” helped me understand each chapter and how similar areas in my life needed work. A great book!
This book really impressed me because of how relevant Wiersbe made each chapter. Leviticus was written to the Levites as a handbook for holiness - after all, if the Levites would be serving in the Tabernacle, they needed to know certain things. They would also be the ones teaching the people God’s laws, so it was vital for them to know it fully themselves. So the question comes, If this was written for the Jews, what do we, as born again Christians, take away from it? That’s what Wiersbe did so brilliantly. He explained the differences. When there was a passage that held spiritual lessons for us today, he told you...and when there were passages that had no application in the Christian life, he told you. It was as simple as that!
Another part of the book that was especially meaningful to me was the chapters on The Feasts Of Israel. I had read books on the feasts before, and I guess I thought I kind of already knew what it was about. But the simplistic, warming way Wiersbe wrote about the feasts and how they represented Jesus reminded me that even though I heard these teachings in the past, it was a blessing to be reminded of the beautiful symbolism behind these Jewish traditions and how Jesus fulfilled them all.
Conclusion: I was surprised and blessed by how meaningful and challenging this commentary on Leviticus was. It was a great help to me as I read through this book of the Bible. The days when I couldn’t find a reason why Leviticus was important for me to read, “Be Holy” helped me understand each chapter and how similar areas in my life needed work. A great book!
March 16, 2019
I will never look at the book of Leviticus in the same way again.
Be holy
I bought this book because I wanted to understand what Leviticus was all about. I have read through Leviticus but it remained an enigma to me seemingly without any relevance for people of our times.
The author moves through Leviticus chapter by chapter revealing how the verses related to the Israelites, how it was instructive for them and how it impacted on their lives.
Each chapter also reveals what Leviticus means to us, what we can learn from it and how even today it impacts positively In our lives even though we are not expected to make sacrifices of animals.
How Leviticus foreshadows the sacrifice of Christ is also revealed with clarity.
This book is itself not a ‘light’ read. But without doubt it digs deep into Leviticus revealing the many jewels within the text, giving a clear understanding of the text in general, and providing insight into how and why it still has relevance for us today.
I will never look at the book of Leviticus in the same way again.
Be holy
I bought this book because I wanted to understand what Leviticus was all about. I have read through Leviticus but it remained an enigma to me seemingly without any relevance for people of our times.
The author moves through Leviticus chapter by chapter revealing how the verses related to the Israelites, how it was instructive for them and how it impacted on their lives.
Each chapter also reveals what Leviticus means to us, what we can learn from it and how even today it impacts positively In our lives even though we are not expected to make sacrifices of animals.
How Leviticus foreshadows the sacrifice of Christ is also revealed with clarity.
This book is itself not a ‘light’ read. But without doubt it digs deep into Leviticus revealing the many jewels within the text, giving a clear understanding of the text in general, and providing insight into how and why it still has relevance for us today.
I will never look at the book of Leviticus in the same way again.
July 8, 2021
Leviticus gets a bad rap and I hate that. It is such a valuable book with Jesus whispers all over it. Every sacrifice and ceremony a finger pointing to the coming savior Who would be our High Priest and our perfect sacrifice.
And why don’t we talk about holiness more? I think us sinful humans don’t like it. We don’t like absolutes. We don’t like have dirty it makes us. If God is a holy God and we are a sinful people, what those two statements mean carry a lot of weight.
But Jesus, oh Jesus, coming for us. 8 times God said “Be holy as I am holy.” And we can only do so through God’s Grace, Jesus’s blood, and the Holy Spirit working inside.
Holiness? I want to be set apart. I want all my life to point to my God.
Thankful for this book that brought deeper understanding to a book of the Bible that gets skipped or gets a bad rap.
And why don’t we talk about holiness more? I think us sinful humans don’t like it. We don’t like absolutes. We don’t like have dirty it makes us. If God is a holy God and we are a sinful people, what those two statements mean carry a lot of weight.
But Jesus, oh Jesus, coming for us. 8 times God said “Be holy as I am holy.” And we can only do so through God’s Grace, Jesus’s blood, and the Holy Spirit working inside.
Holiness? I want to be set apart. I want all my life to point to my God.
Thankful for this book that brought deeper understanding to a book of the Bible that gets skipped or gets a bad rap.
October 28, 2025
Another absolutely amazing Biblical commentary from Dr. Wiersbe. For a book most of us skim through to get out of the Pentateuch or forget it exists because it lacks the narrative elements, for a book that many people hit and then give up on reading the Bible because it is too hard or doesn't make sense, there is a ton of beautiful reminders of God's love for us in His Son Jesus Christ.
This commentary definitely opens my eyes to all the amazing things to learn in Leviticus. A stark reminder that churches today could stand to work towards holiness. It is scary to think how low church has taken over, how many Christians (including myself) have become flippant towards sin, and how everything is purposefully regulated.
Dr. Wiersbe is a pleasure to read, he explains things so simply even I can understand them. I cannot recommend his commentaries enough.
This commentary definitely opens my eyes to all the amazing things to learn in Leviticus. A stark reminder that churches today could stand to work towards holiness. It is scary to think how low church has taken over, how many Christians (including myself) have become flippant towards sin, and how everything is purposefully regulated.
Dr. Wiersbe is a pleasure to read, he explains things so simply even I can understand them. I cannot recommend his commentaries enough.
May 13, 2021
We as Christians today cannot see the relevance of the book of Leviticus. There is much that is confusing but Wiersbe presents the book in a way that is beautiful and relevant to all of us. By being God’s people we should be holy and set apart. The holiness of God is something we as a modern church overlook. It doesn’t feel good like looking at the love of God however it is just as important in his character. I look forward to reading more in this series.
January 10, 2019
Absolutely Awesome Study!
Dr. Wiersbe does an outstanding job explaining the entire book of Leviticus. Until this study, I did not understand the significance of the Jewish feasts and animal sacrifices. Dr. Wiersbe not only explained their significance, but most importantly explained how the Lord Jesus fulfilled each one.
Dr. Wiersbe does an outstanding job explaining the entire book of Leviticus. Until this study, I did not understand the significance of the Jewish feasts and animal sacrifices. Dr. Wiersbe not only explained their significance, but most importantly explained how the Lord Jesus fulfilled each one.
April 4, 2024
Be Holy is another part of the “Be Series.” Warren Wiersbe points out that while Leviticus was written for ancient Israel’s priests and Levites, its spiritual principles still apply to Christians today. Wiersbe writes: “The book of Leviticus explains five basic themes that relate to the life of holiness: a holy God, a holy priesthood, a holy people, a holy land, and a holy Savior.”
July 24, 2018
Knowledgeable
I read this to enhance my understanding of the Word of God. It delves deeply into the meaning of words or phrases that were used in scripture and what they mean for that time period and what it means for us today.
I read this to enhance my understanding of the Word of God. It delves deeply into the meaning of words or phrases that were used in scripture and what they mean for that time period and what it means for us today.
February 9, 2020
For not knowing much about Leviticus, I thought this was helpful. There are contextual references for how life is. I found some of the commentary a bit forward and preachy (condeming), but I loved the questions after each chapter for reflection and for a bible study group.
June 12, 2021
Dr. Wiersbe comments on the book of Leviticus, with particular emphasis on God's injunction to "Be holy, for I am holy." This is as applicable to the Church today as it was to the Israelite community in Moses' day, for His standards have not changed.
April 26, 2022
One of my favorite series on Bible commentary. The book of Leviticus could be viewed as a need to be holy. The priesthood, the clean and unclean food, and the sacrifices all about holiness.
The commentary was not long and pretty much direct without deep theology.
The commentary was not long and pretty much direct without deep theology.
July 23, 2025
Easy to read yet Wiersbe goes into great depth on this frequently overlooked portion of God's Word, finding the practicality of spending time in Leviticus. I highly recommend this excellent Biblical study.
December 11, 2018
The author does an amazing job in helping you understand the book of Leviticus, which can be hard to read. I found myself really enjoying reading through this book of the Bible and learning a lot.
April 18, 2019
I loved this book. It really helped me to understand the main ideas in the book of Leviticus. The application points in the last chapter were great.
November 12, 2020
Fantastic.
November 19, 2020
Be Holy
God wants us to be holy. He enables us as we walk with Him. Wiersbe takes a book of the Bible that we usually skip and brings it to life.
God wants us to be holy. He enables us as we walk with Him. Wiersbe takes a book of the Bible that we usually skip and brings it to life.
September 19, 2021
I love Wiersbe's easy to understand approach to the books of the Bible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews