Leviticus: Commentaries on the Pentateuch Vol. 3

Commentaries on the Pentateuch #3

by Rousas John Rushdoony

The book of Leviticus has not been a popular subject of study in the modern church. Much like the book of Proverbs, any emphasis upon the practical applications of God's law is readily shunned in pursuit of more "spiritual" studies. Books like Leviticus are considered dull, overbearing, and irrelevant. To be spiritual, in the modern sense of the term, means to live on a "higher" level where today's Christian is governed more by the impressions of the heart than a carnal commandment.

But man was created in God's image and is duty-bound to develop the implications of that image by obedience to God's law. In this volume, the author writes, "Man cannot develop his personhood except in terms of God and His law-word. Even as God separated man from the dust of the earth to make him a living soul (Gen. 2:7), so God summons covenant man in Leviticus to separate himself to the Covenant Lord and to become holy even as God Himself is holy. The law or justice of God is the way of holiness."

The book of Leviticus contains over ninety references to the word holy. The purpose, therefore, of this third book of the Pentateuch is to demonstrate the legal foundation of holiness in the totality of our lives. In the book of Zechariah, the prophet proclaims a day when "there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS TO THE LORD" (Zech. 14:20). This same inscription is borne upon the garments of the high priest, and pictures for us a day in which every area of life shall be made holy to the Lord. This present study is dedicated to equipping His church for that redemptive mission.

Genres: Theology

556 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Rousas John Rushdoony was a Calvinist philosopher, historian, and theologian and is widely credited as the father of both Christian Reconstructionism and the modern homeschool movement. His prolific writings have exerted considerable influence on the Christian right.

Reviews

[Bradley Endsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rushdoony walks through the book of Leviticus not in your typical commentary, mixing in history and application, whilst answering the errors of this who say this has no validity, he shows the relevance of Leviticus for today and along the way gives some good application

[Daniel Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! The third book in the late Rev. Rushdoony's commentaries on the Pentateuch is my favorite so far though they all have been highly beneficial. Leviticus has always been a struggle for me, and this commentary helped make it come alive. Rushdoony says it best, "Leviticus is the "holiness code" of the law. It requires us to see that holiness is attained in the context of this world, in the spheres of community life, work and action. The Holy God has involved Himself in creation, and in the work of redemption, even to the crucifixion of God the Son. Our holiness requires our action in this world, in the work of Christ's Kingdom."
I highly recommend this book!

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This commentary (and all five in this series) are very valuable as accompanying commentaries in your studies on the books of the Pentateuch. You won't find thorough exegetical handling of the texts (which is bread and butter for commentaries), but you will find insight and commentary which pushes your thinking outside of the box and allows you to see some things that you wouldn't otherwise see. Thought provoking and useful. You won't agree with everything Rushdoony says, but you'll never get bored with him that's for sure. I always consult Rushdoony when I'm studying or preaching from books in the Pentateuch.