John E. Hartley - Word Biblical Commentary: Leviticus

Leviticus: Word Biblical Commentary [WBC]

Although it is at the heart of the Pentateuch, the book of Leviticus is sometimes dismissed as dry and legalistic mat- erial with little relevance to modern religious concerns. But in this commentary Dr. John Hartley perceives that the message of Leviticus--the significance of pure worship and holy living--is also the heart of vital faith in any age. Amid the prescriptions for sacrifice and ritual to be obser- ved by Israel in the wilderness, the author finds useful ob- servations for the people of God today. The author's sensitivity to theological concern makes this commentary useful in expository preaching. His introduction includes essays on the themes of holiness, God's presence, the covenant, sacrifice, and the relation of Leviticus to the New Testament. Hartley is professor of Old Testament and Chair of the Department of Biblical Studies in the C.P. Haggard School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University. He holds degrees from Greenville College, Asbury Theological Seminary and Brandeis University.