|
| Christian news worldwide |
 Home |
 Archives |
 Subscriptions |
 Adverts |
 Find a church |
 About us |
 Contact us |
 Site Map |
 PrintableVersion LeviticusRefreshingly evangelicalLEVITICUS Leviticus by Nobuyoshi Kiuchi, Professor of Old Testament at Tokyo Christian University, Japan, is the latest offering in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series. The brief of this series is to provide an explanation of the biblical text while applying it to the modern reader’s context. It aims to give practical insight that will be helpful to scholars, preachers, and Bible students alike. In this commentary the author achieves this with substance, clarity, and warmth. Kiuchi’s main argument throughout this work is that the function of Leviticus is to convince readers of the holiness of God so that their lives might be ordered accordingly. It presents people with the high standard of living which God’s character demands. It then convicts them of their own sinful inadequacy in keeping this standard. Finally, it pushes the sinner to self-despair and fresh dependence on God. In this sense the author’s approach is refreshingly evangelical in its orientation and drive. In this work I found three aspects especially helpful. First, unlike many advanced Old Testament commentaries, the style is pleasantly down to earth and accessible. The author manages to deal with important theological themes and textual issues while not becoming dry or alienating the non-specialist reader. Yet he does this without dumbing down the material and my impression is that this commentary is a product of first-rate scholarship. Secondly, the content of the material is well presented. The author begins by submitting his own translation of the text and then proceeds to give detailed commentary on it. He then devotes a further section to outlining big themes that the verses under study raise. This helps the reader understand the heart of the passage more substantially. It also brings to life some of the practical consequences of the text in a richer way. It is perhaps here that his efforts are particularly attractive for the preacher. Thirdly, Kiuchi’s method ensures that his study of Leviticus is Christ-centred. At the end of each unit, a section entitled ‘New Testament Implications’ explores how the text connects with the fuller revelation of Jesus. In doing this the author avoids the classic pitfall of many Old Testament commentaries: producing a ‘christianised’ Jewish interpretation rather than a truly Christian one. With the above in mind, I would certainly recommend this study to anyone committed to serious study of the Scriptures — especially students, pastors and preachers. Stephen Ridgeway, © Evangelicals Now - August 2007 |
|
