The Message of Leviticus: Free to Be Holy

The Bible Speaks Today: Old Testament

by Derek J. Tidball

For many Christians, the book of Leviticus is largely unknown and unread. Yet this book is crucial for understanding the rest of the Bible and the nature of the gospel. In this Bible Speaks Today volume, Derek Tidball shows how this vital part of Scripture is of foundational importance for our view of God and Christian living. Revealing the original message to the people of Israel in their day, he makes room for us to grasp its message to us in our day. Tidball demonstrates how Leviticus serves as a preliminary sketch of the masterpiece that was to be unveiled in Christ, testifying to a faith of grace, love, and gratitude―and one that sets God's people free to be holy. Part of the beloved Bible Speaks Today series, The Message of Exodus offers an insightful, readable exposition of the biblical text and thought-provoking discussion of how its meaning relates to contemporary life. Used by students and teachers around the world, The Bible Speaks Today commentaries are ideal for those studying or preaching the Bible and anyone who wants to delve deeper into the text. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language, current NIV Scripture quotations, and a new interior design.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biblical Studies

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2005

Reviews

[Matt Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started using this one just for reference but it really drew me in. So I decided it was worth a cover to cover read. It was well worth it!

Tidball clearly explains the text of Leviticus and is consistently helpful in drawing out compelling points of application for Christians today.

[John Bacin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't recommend reading a commentary enough. I love Leviticus now!
Also, some great news for bald men contained in here

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Insightful and Applicable”. These are the words you will be thinking when you finish “The Message of Leviticus” by Derek Tidball, as it is one of the most well written books on Leviticus that I have had the privilege of reading. This book is parts of the ever-growing series called “The Bible Speaks Today”, produced by IVP Academic. “The Bible Speaks Today” is a thoroughly Evangelical series which serves as an introduction as well as practicality explaining the book of Leviticus through a thoroughly Evangelical perspective.

In the introduction, with regard to the dating of Leviticus, Tidball argues well for an early date while, briefly, against critical arguments for older dating. His arguments systematically destroy any critical arguments that have been put forth to this time. His arguments are up today and even focus on the most critical and modern viewpoints, even ones that have just recently been published.

Tidball is a excellent exegete specifically and when it comes to the Pentateuch, it shines in this volume. Tidball makes sure that the reader is getting an important look into the culture of the day and its influence on the text. Through this process Tidball brings about conclusions which are gold for any pastor preaching exegetically through the nook of Leviticus.

Through exegeting the narrative and ceremonial portions of Leviticus, Tidball demonstrates why he is a great Old Testament scholar of the modern age, which makes this introduction to the book of Leviticus a must-read by pastors preaching or Layman teaching through the book of Leviticus either in the Pulpit or in the Sunday School room. I highly recommend this volume as an aid in either of these circumstances.

This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

[James Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent commentary, shedding a lot of light on a book of the Bible I have often passed over. Tidball's christological perspective is helpful. He clearly explains the text and also the implications for believers in the New Covenant. The picture painted is one of the grace of God who graciously provides means for his people to love him and receive the ongoing forgiveness. However such a study of Leviticus also magnifies the work of Christ who has now fulfilled all the Levitical sacrifices and cleansed us from sin once for all. No understanding of the work of Christ can be complete without an understanding of how he is the perfect priest and sacrifice that fulfills all the roles the priests performs and the offerings available. Tidball clearly shows how a study of Leviticus enables us to see the work of Christ more clearly through understanding the 'types' he has fulfilled by his death and eternal priesthood on behalf of the world.

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescues Leviticus from the irrelevance and misunderstanding assumed by modern readers and places it in the light of understanding of who God is and how he relates to us through history.

[Joshua Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful - I wanted a commentary to help with devotional reading, not to unpack every bit of detail. This one was brilliant, lots of excellent application with decent explanations of the text.

[Rhys Stenner]

Really good book. Relevant.

[Heather]

I read this to help me read Leviticus again.