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Leviticus: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible (3)
At 800 pages, the Leviticus ZECOT commentary provides a robust discussion of the text that will appeal both to professors and to pastors. For each passage, it consistently provides:
• the main idea of the passage, so you can quickly see the big picture
• verse by verse commentary that is informed by the secondary literature but stays focused on the text itself
• robust discussion of canonical and practical significance that keeps preachers and teachers in mind, breaking the discussion down into 3-4 main points that could inform sermon and teaching outlines
• discussion of apologetic issues throughout (e.g., issues related to slavery, sexuality, harsh penalties, and more)
• consistent links to the New Testament and especially how Leviticus relates to the person and work of Jesus
• the main idea of the passage, so you can quickly see the big picture
• verse by verse commentary that is informed by the secondary literature but stays focused on the text itself
• robust discussion of canonical and practical significance that keeps preachers and teachers in mind, breaking the discussion down into 3-4 main points that could inform sermon and teaching outlines
• discussion of apologetic issues throughout (e.g., issues related to slavery, sexuality, harsh penalties, and more)
• consistent links to the New Testament and especially how Leviticus relates to the person and work of Jesus
864 pages, Hardcover
Published August 29, 2023
6 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Jay Sklar
32 books8 followersJay Sklar (PhD, the University of Gloucestershire), is Professor Old Testament and VP of Academics at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. His doctoral research was completed under Gordon Wenham and focused on the sacrificial system in Exodus through Numbers, resulting in the book
Sin, Impurity, Sacrifice, Atonement: The Priestly Conceptions
. He has continued to focus his work on the Bible’s first five books, writing commentaries on
Numbers
(Story of God, Zondervan) and two on Leviticus (
Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament
, Zondervan;
Tyndale Old Testament Commentary
, IVP). He has also co-authored a
Leviticus Bible study
and written supplementary books on Leviticus (
Additional Notes on Leviticus
) and Numbers
Additional Notes on Numbers
). He has just submitted a commentary on Exodus for Crossway’s ESV Expository Commentary series (for which he serves as one of three general editors and in which he wrote the commentary on
Jonah
.
*As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small percentage from qualifying purchases made at Amazon.
*As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small percentage from qualifying purchases made at Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 18, 2024
One time, a little over two decades ago, I taught an adult class at my church on the Old Testament biblical book, Leviticus. After one of those classes a parishioner walked up and disgustedly asked, “Why are you teaching on that book? Seriously?! None of it really matters anymore.” Even after I showed her how it clearly showed up in the New Testament, such as in Hebrews, she harrumphed and wheeled around and stormed off dismayed. So, needless to say, I was delighted when Jay Sklar, a professor of Old Testament and vice president of academics at Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, produced a new commentary on Leviticus. This 864-page hardback is part of Zondervan’s Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament: A Discourse Analysis of the Hebrew Bible (ZECOT). Though written with those who have the technical skills in mind, it reads well and will be easily followed even by those with little to no Hebrew in their tool bag.
The format is fairly standard for the ZECOT series. Each chapter gives the main idea of the passage, takes in the literary context, presents a translation and outline, shows the structure, explains the passage, and then concludes with an application section. That standard format helps to keep the reading moving along, while allowing readers to stay “in the game.” It’s easy to pick up at any place in the volume, figure out quickly where you are, and get right into the middle of things. And with large margins, one can jot down plenty of personal notes. I know I did.
The whole commentary is, of course, working through all of Leviticus. And it was almost as if Sklar had talked with my parishioner from over 20 years ago to answer her question. If Leviticus is God’s word for God’s people, whatever era they reside in, then in many ways it has a lot to say to God’s people, even in the 21st Century. And that is the author’s premise, clearly shown page after page. “Leviticus casts a vision rooted in the Bible’s larger story and in creation in particular…God’s purpose for his people in Leviticus is, in many ways, a return to his purpose for humanity in creation” (2). “Israelites are not only to serve as a signpost back to Eden, but to manifest it, inviting all peoples to share in its blessing” (3).
Therefore, if Leviticus is about God and what he has done, is doing, and will do for his people, then Sklar rightly sees that behind the laws in Leviticus there are some ongoing applications for today, because “these laws give us a window into the LORD’s heart, meaning we have much to learn from them as we seek to reflect his image as well” (35). Or, to put it slightly differently, “the LORD is a merciful, loving King who desires his people’s fellowship, not their destruction, and so he provides priests and sacrifices so that his people may address their sin, return to fellowship with him, and continue in their mission to fill this world with his goodness, justice, mercy, and love to his glory and humanity’s blessing. This is the story of Leviticus.” And Christians who hear this story and think of how it is similar and dissimilar to Jesus and his work, are in a rock-solid place (768).
Sklar does not shy away from any of the hard topics in Leviticus. He kindly addresses some of the laws that exhibit differences between the sexes. He also tackles the issue of slavery and how Leviticus was misused in our American past. And he compassionately reports on God’s criteria for sexual conduct (such as Leviticus chapters 18 and 20). As a matter of fact, he looks in depth at the prohibitions against homosexuality, without ranting, raging or raving, but thoughtfully holding up the ‘what and why’ of God’s prohibition. The reason for the prohibition is, as he notes, that “humans flourish when they are rightly aligned with God and his world, including themselves and one another. In other words, humans flourish not by finding meaning within themselves, but by aligning themselves with the design that their Maker has given them and his world” (505).
Finally, because of the role of the priesthood and the chief priest in Leviticus, Sklar has a lot to say to Christian leaders. As a Christian pastor, this made his book extremely valuable, in my mind. And as a Christian minister, let me simply say, I received a few swift and well-placed kicks in my back pockets by the author. Thanks, mate.
Jay Sklar’s ZECOT commentary on Leviticus is a big book, physically for sure, but biblically as well. I wish I had had a copy over twenty years ago when answering that parishioner. But also, for my own sake. Obviously, this belongs in academic libraries, but it should also show up on pastor’s and bible teacher’s desks. And I can think of quite a few bible readers who would find it time and money well spent. I highly recommend the work.
My thanks to Zondervan for sending me a free copy of the commentary for this review. They made no demands on me. They offered me no bribes. No one was held hostage, and no animals were harmed. Therefore, this evaluation is all mine, freely written and freely given.
The format is fairly standard for the ZECOT series. Each chapter gives the main idea of the passage, takes in the literary context, presents a translation and outline, shows the structure, explains the passage, and then concludes with an application section. That standard format helps to keep the reading moving along, while allowing readers to stay “in the game.” It’s easy to pick up at any place in the volume, figure out quickly where you are, and get right into the middle of things. And with large margins, one can jot down plenty of personal notes. I know I did.
The whole commentary is, of course, working through all of Leviticus. And it was almost as if Sklar had talked with my parishioner from over 20 years ago to answer her question. If Leviticus is God’s word for God’s people, whatever era they reside in, then in many ways it has a lot to say to God’s people, even in the 21st Century. And that is the author’s premise, clearly shown page after page. “Leviticus casts a vision rooted in the Bible’s larger story and in creation in particular…God’s purpose for his people in Leviticus is, in many ways, a return to his purpose for humanity in creation” (2). “Israelites are not only to serve as a signpost back to Eden, but to manifest it, inviting all peoples to share in its blessing” (3).
Therefore, if Leviticus is about God and what he has done, is doing, and will do for his people, then Sklar rightly sees that behind the laws in Leviticus there are some ongoing applications for today, because “these laws give us a window into the LORD’s heart, meaning we have much to learn from them as we seek to reflect his image as well” (35). Or, to put it slightly differently, “the LORD is a merciful, loving King who desires his people’s fellowship, not their destruction, and so he provides priests and sacrifices so that his people may address their sin, return to fellowship with him, and continue in their mission to fill this world with his goodness, justice, mercy, and love to his glory and humanity’s blessing. This is the story of Leviticus.” And Christians who hear this story and think of how it is similar and dissimilar to Jesus and his work, are in a rock-solid place (768).
Sklar does not shy away from any of the hard topics in Leviticus. He kindly addresses some of the laws that exhibit differences between the sexes. He also tackles the issue of slavery and how Leviticus was misused in our American past. And he compassionately reports on God’s criteria for sexual conduct (such as Leviticus chapters 18 and 20). As a matter of fact, he looks in depth at the prohibitions against homosexuality, without ranting, raging or raving, but thoughtfully holding up the ‘what and why’ of God’s prohibition. The reason for the prohibition is, as he notes, that “humans flourish when they are rightly aligned with God and his world, including themselves and one another. In other words, humans flourish not by finding meaning within themselves, but by aligning themselves with the design that their Maker has given them and his world” (505).
Finally, because of the role of the priesthood and the chief priest in Leviticus, Sklar has a lot to say to Christian leaders. As a Christian pastor, this made his book extremely valuable, in my mind. And as a Christian minister, let me simply say, I received a few swift and well-placed kicks in my back pockets by the author. Thanks, mate.
Jay Sklar’s ZECOT commentary on Leviticus is a big book, physically for sure, but biblically as well. I wish I had had a copy over twenty years ago when answering that parishioner. But also, for my own sake. Obviously, this belongs in academic libraries, but it should also show up on pastor’s and bible teacher’s desks. And I can think of quite a few bible readers who would find it time and money well spent. I highly recommend the work.
My thanks to Zondervan for sending me a free copy of the commentary for this review. They made no demands on me. They offered me no bribes. No one was held hostage, and no animals were harmed. Therefore, this evaluation is all mine, freely written and freely given.
April 2, 2025
I’ve been using this commentary to navigate the truly foreign parts about Levitical law. It is extremely helpful. Particularly Sklar’s thoughts around Lev. 18:5 and the passages around sexuality.
If you’re navigating tough apologetic questions in conversations with friends and you need a strong textual basis this is the best resource I’ve interacted with. Wenham’s commentary is good but it isn’t as conversant with the current cultural presuppositions. So I’d recommend starting here.
*I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
If you’re navigating tough apologetic questions in conversations with friends and you need a strong textual basis this is the best resource I’ve interacted with. Wenham’s commentary is good but it isn’t as conversant with the current cultural presuppositions. So I’d recommend starting here.
*I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
December 2, 2023
Sometimes a trial run really helps. Jay Skylar already worked through Leviticus in the TOTC series. From there to here we traversed from good to really good. To be sure, the forest was even better than the impressive trees. I love commentaries that can see the grand vistas as well as they can examine a pebble on the trail. That’s what you get here. More impressive is that I’m saying that on Leviticus! Can you believe it? Leviticus. You know, the book where annual Bible reading plans come to die.
I’m really suggesting that you find life here where so many expect dust. Part of the credit goes to Leviticus. In one of the best-kept secrets of the Bible, Leviticus really is a fascinating, and even stimulating, book. Still, some of the credit goes to Mr. Sklar as well. Despite the treasure of Leviticus, whole commentaries have been written without finding even a particle of it. Rather than obscuring the light of Leviticus, Skylar opens the window for it to shine.
You see it right away in the Introduction. Immediately, he orients Leviticus into the big picture. For example, he says in Leviticus we have a “return to God’s Purpose in Creation.” It’s not a stretch. He concludes conservatively on authorship and date. He makes his case briefly, but convincingly. When he next turns to theology, he excels even more. I especially loved his explanation of holiness. Categories of sin are also a rich study. Finally, he provides real guidance on how to decide which are laws are still applicable. When he explains ritual, the discussion develops to the NT. There’s a little structure discussed and a detailed outline given, but structure is more developed in the commentary.
Having laid a grand foundation, the commentary is all you could want. In my opinion, the style of this series well matches Skylar as a writer.
We’ve used Ross, Hartley, and Wenham for a long time. This work is in their category, maybe even taking pride of place.
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.
I’m really suggesting that you find life here where so many expect dust. Part of the credit goes to Leviticus. In one of the best-kept secrets of the Bible, Leviticus really is a fascinating, and even stimulating, book. Still, some of the credit goes to Mr. Sklar as well. Despite the treasure of Leviticus, whole commentaries have been written without finding even a particle of it. Rather than obscuring the light of Leviticus, Skylar opens the window for it to shine.
You see it right away in the Introduction. Immediately, he orients Leviticus into the big picture. For example, he says in Leviticus we have a “return to God’s Purpose in Creation.” It’s not a stretch. He concludes conservatively on authorship and date. He makes his case briefly, but convincingly. When he next turns to theology, he excels even more. I especially loved his explanation of holiness. Categories of sin are also a rich study. Finally, he provides real guidance on how to decide which are laws are still applicable. When he explains ritual, the discussion develops to the NT. There’s a little structure discussed and a detailed outline given, but structure is more developed in the commentary.
Having laid a grand foundation, the commentary is all you could want. In my opinion, the style of this series well matches Skylar as a writer.
We’ve used Ross, Hartley, and Wenham for a long time. This work is in their category, maybe even taking pride of place.
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.
August 29, 2023
It was my honor and privilege to have studied Hebrew under leading Leviticus scholar, Dr. Jay Sklar at Covenant Theological Seminary. In the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament, Jay does that which he does best, he un-muddies the water. Through careful exposition of the original text, he makes the hard-to-understand things both understandable and relatable. He does this by first considering the original context of Leviticus, the customs of the culture to which the exodus Israelites were subjected and of how God had come to dwell with them as their King. Of how God was calling them to “human flourishing” through the aligning of their hearts with His own heart; to reorient their way of thinking, to change their way of life to that of His creational design so as to be a blessing to the surrounding nations as His treasured people.
Second, in the application sections Jay demonstrates how 21st Century Christians can and must do the same as a witness to the world through our union with Christ. As part of this, he does not shy away from the cultural hot-button topics of today––namely, human sexuality and slavery. Instead, he addresses them fully, being careful to accurately and respectfully present all modern argumentation and then to present a thoroughly biblical, contextually relevant (both then and now), God-glorifying response. Once again doing so through the lens of God’s original creation as well as pointing to its glorious restoration (upon Christ’s return) where our King Jesus will dwell in the midst of His covenant people who will experience eternal human flourishing.
So, as it concerns your own study of Leviticus, in the words of Jay, “start with the Bible, not the commentary.” And as you do so, in my own words, “make sure Jay’s ZECOT on Leviticus is within reach.”
I received an advanced copy of this commentary from Zondervan Academic. Zondervan did not place any requirements or conditions on my review as a condition of receiving a complimentary copy.
Second, in the application sections Jay demonstrates how 21st Century Christians can and must do the same as a witness to the world through our union with Christ. As part of this, he does not shy away from the cultural hot-button topics of today––namely, human sexuality and slavery. Instead, he addresses them fully, being careful to accurately and respectfully present all modern argumentation and then to present a thoroughly biblical, contextually relevant (both then and now), God-glorifying response. Once again doing so through the lens of God’s original creation as well as pointing to its glorious restoration (upon Christ’s return) where our King Jesus will dwell in the midst of His covenant people who will experience eternal human flourishing.
So, as it concerns your own study of Leviticus, in the words of Jay, “start with the Bible, not the commentary.” And as you do so, in my own words, “make sure Jay’s ZECOT on Leviticus is within reach.”
I received an advanced copy of this commentary from Zondervan Academic. Zondervan did not place any requirements or conditions on my review as a condition of receiving a complimentary copy.
August 25, 2023
As a solo pastor who preaches regularly, I commend Dr. Sklar’s commentary for five reasons.
First, he gives special attention to issues that might concern or scandalize the modern reader. For example, see his “in-depth” discussion on homosexuality on p. 493, or a similar discussion regarding slavery on p. 696. I recommend the publisher highlight each excursus in the table of contents in the next printing. Leaving the reader to search for them is an unfortunate oversight.
Second, preachers will know (and lament) that timely and specific application to God’s people rarely if ever appear in an academic commentary. Even “preacher’s commentaries” (glorified sermon manuscripts) often fall short. Not so here- Sklar provides specific and pointed application to God’s people. Take, for example, his clear application regarding the sacrament of communion on p. 233. He shows how it connects to the fellowship offering and what that means for us today.
Third, Sklar outlines the multitudinous ways Leviticus teaches us about the character of God and takes us to Jesus Christ. This is invaluable.
Fourth, Sklar takes themes from Leviticus and constantly highlights their parallels in the New Testament. These will aid a preacher in showing the continuity of scripture.
Fifth, Sklar is an organized and systematic thinker. His commentary leads us through the steps of faithful exegesis, beginning with the text and ending with how we should live this week.
In short, this is a gift to those who preach and teach God’s word “in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). My main criticism is an insufficient table of contents that neglects to include Sklar’s various excursus.
I have received a complimentary copy but Zondervan Academic has not placed any requirements or conditions on my review as a condition of receiving the complimentary copy.
First, he gives special attention to issues that might concern or scandalize the modern reader. For example, see his “in-depth” discussion on homosexuality on p. 493, or a similar discussion regarding slavery on p. 696. I recommend the publisher highlight each excursus in the table of contents in the next printing. Leaving the reader to search for them is an unfortunate oversight.
Second, preachers will know (and lament) that timely and specific application to God’s people rarely if ever appear in an academic commentary. Even “preacher’s commentaries” (glorified sermon manuscripts) often fall short. Not so here- Sklar provides specific and pointed application to God’s people. Take, for example, his clear application regarding the sacrament of communion on p. 233. He shows how it connects to the fellowship offering and what that means for us today.
Third, Sklar outlines the multitudinous ways Leviticus teaches us about the character of God and takes us to Jesus Christ. This is invaluable.
Fourth, Sklar takes themes from Leviticus and constantly highlights their parallels in the New Testament. These will aid a preacher in showing the continuity of scripture.
Fifth, Sklar is an organized and systematic thinker. His commentary leads us through the steps of faithful exegesis, beginning with the text and ending with how we should live this week.
In short, this is a gift to those who preach and teach God’s word “in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2). My main criticism is an insufficient table of contents that neglects to include Sklar’s various excursus.
I have received a complimentary copy but Zondervan Academic has not placed any requirements or conditions on my review as a condition of receiving the complimentary copy.
September 29, 2023
Excellent commentary. Sklar provides accessible scholarship, relevant application, insightful christocentricity, and a clear organizational structure. This commentary combines depth of scholarship with ease of understanding. Even those with little biblical knowledge or background will find this book accessible, useful, and applicable to living as a Christian today. In addition, Sklar’s analysis continually points to Jesus, not simplistically, but by revealing how Leviticus provides depth, background, and nuance to the perfect work of Jesus Christ. Finally, while the commentary is substantial, the organizational structure allows a busy pastor or student to readily get the information they need. Highly recommended! I have received a complimentary copy but Zondervan Academic has not placed any requirements or conditions on my review as a condition of receiving the complimentary copy.
May 7, 2024
This commentary is the best of both worlds. It is informed by deep scholarship but readable by everyone. Reading it, I can tell of all the scholarship behind what is written. However, it is not dense or full of notes which make it harder to read. So it is a commentary that is readable without sacrificing depth of insight.
Jay Sklar does a tremendous job of taking a rather difficult biblical book to understand for NT Christians, and making it relevant and engaging.
I have received a complimentary copy but Zondervan Academic has not placed any requirements or conditions on my review as a condition of receiving the complimentary copy.
Jay Sklar does a tremendous job of taking a rather difficult biblical book to understand for NT Christians, and making it relevant and engaging.
I have received a complimentary copy but Zondervan Academic has not placed any requirements or conditions on my review as a condition of receiving the complimentary copy.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews