Leviticus 17-22

The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries

by Jacob Milgrom

This volume is a new translation, introduction and commentary on the book of law that shaped the religion in Israel.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

1892 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

As in the first volume, it was incredible. Far more info than I could possibly retain, and helped me understand other passages throughout the Christian Bible as well.

Frankly, it was also frustrating that I grew up going to church twice a week, attended Bible college for three years, and I'm just now learning about much of the context of Leviticus. If all Scripture is God-breathed and useful, that means Leviticus too, and not teaching it at church is denying the congregants every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

[Ted Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One does not exactly read a book like this but rather refers to it. Jacob Milgrom was a major expositor of the Hebrew Bible especially Leviticus. I have two parts of his commentary on Leviticus but I make no claim to having close read those sections let alone understanding them. This is a challenge book in my library that helps keep me humble.

[Sagely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Milgrom's commentary on the Holiness Code/Source (H) and the central portion of Lev is a needed landmark in any discussion of Lev. Milgrom excavates the text with respect, providing necessary context, suggesting a literary history, but mostly letting things speak how they lie. It's a good approach.

I picked up this volume to lead our board through he to Lev passages that touch on same-sex activity. In the commentary, Milgrom gives both an extended treatment of 18.22 (20.13 mostly refers back to this discussion) as well as a series of reflective notes on the use of Lev in the current debate about LGBT sexuality and the church. I find the textual notes much better thought through than the his contemporary reflections.

Useful. Daunting. I'm glad it's on my shelf.