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Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

Leviticus: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

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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.

Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching is a distinctive resource for those who interpret the Bible in the church. Planned and written specifically for teaching and preaching needs, this critically acclaimed biblical commentary is a major contribution to scholarship and ministry.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2003

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About the author

Samuel E. Balentine

21 books1 follower

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Michael Hands.
33 reviews
October 23, 2022
Worthwhile formation

I genuinely enjoyed this book as it provided a framework for understanding a technically difficult book. Leviticus came alive for me as I read Balentine”s commentary - all will be blessed by this book.
Profile Image for Jimmy Reagan.
883 reviews61 followers
October 31, 2018
From what I can see, this book is one of the more decorated in the Interpretation Bible Commentary series. Samuel Balentine is held up as an expert on Leviticus. To be clear, it comes clearly from a critical perspective. As is true with some of the better volumes of the series, it excels in theology even if you don’t agree with its critical outlook. There’s no way I could agree with its overemphasis on ritual, but I can appreciate his desire to see Leviticus as something that a listing of weird, arbitrary laws.

The Introduction begins with discussing the unique design of Leviticus before making his case as its being ritual texts. There are helpful discussions on structure and theme. Too much of sources are found, but that is not the emphasis. Further, he traces the worship value of the book and draws out helpful theology. Check out the chart on page 17 too.

The commentary proper has the best of critical commentary with theological perception. It will vie for the best of critical commentaries on Leviticus without a doubt.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for C.H.E. Sadaphal.
Author 7 books13 followers
December 26, 2013
The bottom line: A superb analysis of the Bible’s third book, but this commentary certainly is not for those without discipline or conviction.

Many have assumed that ancient Israel’s priestly tradition (the Levites) is preoccupied with arcane ritual matters largely unrelated to our modern world. This is in fact false, because the main theme of Leviticus proclaims to all followers of Yahweh: “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (19:2). Leviticus describes to all how to be holy, and is addressed not only to the Levites but to “all the sons Israel” as well. Balentine excels in explaining God’s explicit prescriptions for holiness—conduct within the tabernacle to maintain a suitable dwelling place for God, and conduct in everyday life that nurtures, sustains, and maintains interpersonal relationships, as well as a divinely-inspired morality. This morality in turn supports a healthy and vibrant society.

Thousands of years ago ... http://www.chesadaphal.com/leviticus-...
16 reviews3 followers
December 13, 2013
This book revolutionized my way of seeing the entire Torah, not just Leviticus. Balentine's goal in this commentary is to demonstrate how all of Leviticus is tied to the creation narrative in calling Israel to participate in re-making the very good creation God intended in the beginning. Very hopeful, and very accessible.
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