The Family
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 49, No. 1 – Fall 2006
Managing Editor: Malcolm B. Yarnell III
By Allen P. Ross. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. 496 pages. Soft- cover, $34.99.
Commentaries on the book of Leviticus do not always inspire interest or ignite a passion for further study of God’s Word. However, this one is an exception. In this well-written and engaging work, Ross has presented a comprehensive, thoroughly annotated, biblically-based, and exegetically sound presentation of this highly significant book of the Bible.
Ross admits that his volume is not meant to be “an exhaustive com- mentary on Leviticus.” Instead, he establishes as his goal, “to show the expositor how to bring all the material together in the development of the exposition, formulate theological principles from the text, and correlate the derived meaning of each subject in Leviticus with the fuller revelation of the New Testament” (9). In the end, readers will agree that the author has accomplished his goal and presented the book of Leviticus as rich in expositional truths that both inspire and instruct.
Ross has structured the fifty chapters of his commentary into five parts: the laws of the sacrifices, the laws of the priesthood, the laws of purification, instructions for holiness, and redemption of vows. Part of the uniqueness of Leviticus, Ross notes, is the topical structure of the book which is reflected in the organization of the commentary.
Each chapter includes a general overview of the passage under discussion; the theological ideas presented in the text; a synthesis, including a summary and outline of the passage; and a section dedicated to the exposition of the pericope. The expositional section includes a sample outline for preaching through the text. Preachers and teachers alike will find this component especially useful.
For each division, the background of the passage is carefully presented and supplemented by interaction with scholarship and skillful use of the Hebrew text. The author explains that Leviticus is not just a book written for priests and religious leaders, but for the whole nation. Moreover, Ross highlights the application of the text for believers and the church today. He disagrees with those who dismiss the Old Testament law as anachronistic, yet points to its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Ross reflects a refreshing humility when dealing with difficult passages, often avoiding dogmatic conclusions where no compelling evidence for clarity of interpretation is available. On the other hand, he competently examines critical issues of the text presenting a consistently conservative view of the text and its authorship.
This book is more than a commentary, it is a resource. It is guaranteed to be referred to again and again by those interested in faithfully presenting the text.
