Description: God is gracious, holy, and present. As a book about how to worship and how to live, Leviticus unfurls these critical characteristics of God in relation to humanity. In the thirty-third volume in the Believers Church Bible Commentary series, Old Testament scholar Perry B. Yoder argues that the oft-neglected book of Leviticus discloses valuable truths, symbols, and practices of the New Testament. Traversing difficult interpretive territory such as the sacrificial system, purity laws, and priestly instructions, Yoder writes with a clarity and nuance that will interest a wide swath of readers. He eloquently poses for readers the focal question of Leviticus: how to live in the presence of God.
Brief description: Perry B. Yoder is professor emeritus of Old Testament at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana. Yoder's key interests are the Old Testament, particularly the Psalms; ecological responsibility; and peace and justice. He worked as People's Teacher of the Word, traveling across North America doing Bible teaching 1975-77; was associate secretary for Peace and Social Concerns for the General Conference Mennonite Church, 1977-78. He taught at Bluffton College, Bethel College and Conrad Grebel College before coming to AMBS in 1985. He retired in 2005, but continues to teach Anabaptist Short Courses online.
Review Quotes: "Perry B. Yoder's clear and approachable study of Leviticus works with the most recent scholarship to unlock key theological ideas such as atonement, the holiness of an ethical life, and divine grace. This commentary will be of enormous help to both pastors and educated laypersons seeking to understand what can seem like a puzzling but fascinating biblical book."--David Janzen "Reviews"