Click chart to enlarge
Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission
Another Overview Chart of Leviticus - Charles Swindoll
A third Overview Chart of Leviticus
| LEVITICUS THE BOOK OF SANCTIFICATION AND WORSHIP Adapted and modified from C. Swindoll |
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| Leviticus 1-17 | Leviticus 18-27 |
| The Way to God Access |
The Walk with God Lifestyle |
| The Approach: Offerings | Practical Guidelines |
| The Representative: Priest | Chronological Observances |
| The Laws: Cleansing Physically & Spiritually |
Severe Consequences Verbal promises |
| Ritual for Worship Worshipping a Holy God |
Practical for Walking Living a Holy Life |
| Location: Mt Sinai for one full year | |
| Theme: How sinful humanity can approach and worship a holy God | |
| Key Verses: Lev 17:11, 19:2, 20:7-8 | |
| Christ in Leviticus: In every sacrifice, every ritual, every feast | |
| Time: about 1446 BC | |
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Explanation - Most of the resources below are newer commentaries (written after 1970) and other Bible resources which previously were available only for purchase in book form or in a Bible computer program. The resources are made freely available by archive.org but have several caveats - (1) they do not allow copy and paste, (2) they can only be checked out for one hour (but can be checked out immediately when your hour expires giving you time to read or take notes on a lengthy section) and (3) they require creating an account which allows you to check out the books free of charge. To set up an account click archive.org and then click the picture of the person in right upper corner and enter email and a password. That's all you have to do. Then you can read these more modern resources free of charge! I have read or used many of these resources but not all of them so ultimately you will need to be a Berean (Acts 17:11+) as you use them. I have also selected works that are conservative and Biblically sound. If you find one that you think does not meet those criteria please send an email at https://www.preceptaustin.org/
Bible Knowledge Commentary - Old Testament - 1608 pages. Dallas Theological Seminary Faculty
The book of Leviticus by Wenham, Gordon J
Rosscup - Sparkling, inviting and generally convincing effort at showing the modern meaning and relevance of Leviticus, based on the legitimate and inherent meaning of the text. Displays a minimum of “reaching,” and a real respect for the canonical text. Indispensable for preaching or teaching, and rewarding for personal (serious) study.—Dan Phillips
Cyril Barber - New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1979. Following a brief introduction and a selective bibliography containing all the best works and journal articles, Wenham settles down to expound the text. Each section is prefaced by a translation of the MT Following an historical assessment of the teaching of the passage, "the abiding theological value" of the portion of Scripture under consideration is discussed. The result is a valuable contribution to the biblical preacher's library.
Leviticus, an introduction and commentary by Harrison, R. K.
The Bible Exposition Commentary - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - Warren Wiersbe - classic comments by Dr Wiersbe (see his other two books below)
Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament - Warren Wiersbe - Always worth checking for his insightful comments.
Wiersbe's expository outlines on the Old Testament by Wiersbe, Warren W
"Even the most difficult Scriptures come alive as Warren Wiersbe leads you book-by-book through the Old Testament and helps you to see the "big picture" of God's revelation. In this unique volume, you will find: • Introductions and/or outlines for every Old Testament book • Practical expositions of strategic chapters • Special studies on key topics, relating the Old Testament to the New Testament • Easy-to-understand expositions that are practical, preachable, and teachable If you have used Dr. Wiersbe's popular BE series, you know how simple and practical his Bible studies are, with outlines that almost teach themselves. If not, you can now discover a wonderful new resource. This work is a unique commentary on every book of the Old Testament. It contains new material not to be found in the BE series.
With the Word - Devotional Commentary - Warren Wiersbe Comments on each chapter. Wiersbe is always worth checking!
"A fresh approach which not only offers trustworthy exposition, but also provides a book-by-book, chapter-by-chapter tour through the glory of the Bible. This highly readable personal "conversation" with Scripture guides you through each book, helping you reap the rich, life-changing applications on every page. You will be encouraged to develop your own personal Bible reading program and learn the power of meditation on its truth."
Moses : a man of selfless dedication : profiles in character by Swindoll, Charles
Cyril Barber - Swindoll is a master in the use of drama, and those who have sat under his ministry readily appreciate his acumen. His writings, however, do not reflect this and leave a great figure such as Moses forever (it seems) in the shadows. On the positive side, this is a useful summary of the great liberator’s contribution to the lives of his people
Moses: moments of glory ... feet of clay by Getz, Gene A - How to appropriate God's power today.
Handbook on the Pentateuch - Exodus on page 138 by Victor Hamilton
Leviticus -Word Biblical Commentary series - Volume: 4: Hartley, John E
Leviticus - Daily Study Bible series: Knight, George A. F
Exodus and Leviticus for everyone By: Goldingay, John
Leviticus 1-16 : a new translation with introduction and commentary by Milgrom, Jacob, (Jewish author)
Leviticus 17-22 : a new translation with introduction and commentary by Milgrom, Jacob (Jewish author)
Leviticus 23-27 : a new translation with introduction and commentary by Milgrom, Jacob (Jewish author)
Rosscup on Milgrom - This work is very impressive in its command of the subjects and scholarly literature helpful on them. Often Milgrom takes views conservatives will appreciate. He argues at length for the ancient rooting of material called priestly, and the reasonableness of seeing Aaron and his line of priests as historical. His commentary often cites from medieval Jewish exegetes who have been much passed over by scholarship in general. He also draws from scholars of the past century and a half, such as Kalisch, Driver, Noth, Snaith, Wenham, Harrison and Levine (cf. his lengthy bibliography, pp. 69–128). A translation and broad introduction precedes sections, then Milgrom gives “Notes” which deal exhaustively with verses (9 pp. on 1:1, etc.). He explains problems, such as prohibiting leaven and honey and including salt (2:11–13) and the reason Nadab and Abihu were struck down in the midst of service in 10:1 (cf. p. 598 and pp. 633–35 where he cites twelve views of rabbis). He goes into much detail on why some foods, as pork, were prohibited (cf. his verse by verse commentary plus special sections, 691–742). Few stones are left unturned. At the end are indices of subjects, terms, authors, sources in Scripture, Apocrypha/Pseudepigrapha, Qumran, Versions, Targums, Rabbinics, etc. The 3 vols add up to 2714 pp., at ca. $150.00. The last 2 vols. are, as the first, massive in learned explanation. Milgrom often gives much insight on what the text means, more overall than any other commentary. One must be aware that nearly 1/3 of the work’s pp. are devoted to issues other than verse by verse comments, much of this helpful to scholars, wordy, repetitious or on matters that most will not see as needed. As in using Aune’s 3-vol. work on the Revelation, one may have to pass over much to get at what seems most pertinent.
The Pentateuch as Narrative - John Sailhamer - Not strictly speaking a commentary but have helpful comments on many chapters.
Moses: moments of glory ... feet of clay by Getz, Gene A - How to appropriate God's power today.
Wycliffe Bible Commentary - OT and NT - Charles Pfeiffer - 1560 pages (1962). 214 ratings Less detailed than the KJV Bible Commentary.
Rosscup - Conservative and premillennial scholars here have been experts in their fields. The work contains brief introductions and attempts to give a verse-by-verse exposition, though it does skip over some verses. The treatments vary with the authors, but as a whole it is a fine one-volume commentary for pastors and students to use or give to a layman. Outstanding sections include, for example: Whitcomb on Ezra-Nehemiah-Esther; Culver on Daniel; Ladd on Acts; Harrison on Galatians; Johnson on I Corinthians; and Ryrie on the Johannine Epistles.
Believer's Bible Commentary - OT and NT - MacDonald, William (1995) 2480 pages. Conservative. Literal. Often has very insightful comments. John MacArthur, says "Concise yet comprehensive - the most complete single-volume commentary I have seen." Warren Wiersbe adds "For the student who is serious about seeing Christ in the Word." One hour limit.
Rosscup - This work, originally issued in 1983, is conservative and premillennial, written to help teachers, preachers and people in every walk of life with different views, explanation and application. The 2-column format runs verse by verse for the most part, usually in a helpfully knowledgeable manner, and there are several special sections such as “Prayer” in Acts and “Legalism” in Galatians. The premillennial view is evident on Acts 1:6, 3:20, Romans 11:26, Galatians 6:16, Revelation 20, etc.
Compact Bible commentary by Radmacher, Earl D; Allen, Ronald Barclay; House, H Wayne, et al - 954 pages. Multiple contributors to the comments which are often verse by verse. The comments are brief but meaty and can really help your study through a given book. A sleeper in my opinion.
Evangelical Commentary on the Bible - editor Walter Elwell (1989) 1239 pages.
Understanding the Old Testament by Scripture Union - Derek Kidner on Leviticus - Numbers - Deuteronomy - Study Guide - 100 pages
STUDY BIBLES
AND OTHER RESOURCES
Note: The first 3 resources have no time restriction and allow copy and paste function:
(1) KJV Bible Commentary - Hindson, Edward E; Kroll, Woodrow Michael. Over 3000 pages of the entire OT/NT. Well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective. Pre-millennial. - it generally gets 4/5 stars from users.
Very well done conservative commentary that interprets Scripture from a literal perspective
The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Any Bible student will gain new insights through this one-volume commentary based on the timeless King James Version of the Bible.
(2) The King James Study Bible Second Edition 2240 pages (2013) (Thomas Nelson) General Editor - Edward Hindson with multiple contributing editors. Pre-millennial. See introduction on How to Use this Study Bible.
(3) NKJV Study Bible: New King James Version Study Bible (formerly "The Nelson Study Bible - NKJV") by Earl D Radmacher; Ronald Barclay Allen; Wayne H House. 2345 pages. (1997, 2007). Very helpful notes. Conservative. Pre-millennial.
The MacArthur Study Bible - John MacArthur. Brief but well done notes
ESV Study Bible - Excellent resource but not always literal in eschatology and the nation of Israel
HCSB Study Bible : Holman Christian Standard Bible - General Editor Jeremy Royal Howard (2010) 2360 pages. Conservative. Good notes. Include Holmans excellent maps. One hour limit
The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist.
The Henry Morris KJV Study Bible is an invaluable apologetic Bible study tool for the defense of the Christian faith, including biblical creationism, that highlights the foundational truths of Genesis found in all the other 65 books of the KJV Bible. The comprehensive apologetic study bible notes provide answers to questions related to doctrinal issues, as well as scientific matters, such as geology, earth history, astronomy, biology, and other sciences.
Life Application Study Bible: Old Testament and New Testament: New Living Translation. Has some very helpful notes especially with application of texts. Life Application Study Bible
The David Jeremiah Study bible - (2013) 2208 pages. - "Drawing on more than 40 years of study, Dr. David Jeremiah has compiled a legacy resource that will make an eternal impact on generations to come. 8,000 study notes. Hundreds of enriching word studies"50+ Essentials of the Christian Faith" articles."
NIV Study Bible - (2011) 2570 pages - Use this one if available as it has more notes than edition below. One hour limit
Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition (1994) 2232 pages
The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." Then you will interesting symbols before many of the passages. The chapter ends with a "DID YOU NOTICE?" question. This might make a "dry chapter" jump off the page!
The Word in Life Study Bible - Only covers the NT. Very interesting format. Not your routine study Bible. Worth checking (e.g., here is a picture of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.)
NLT Study Bible (Illustration Version)
The Living Insights Study Bible : New International Version - Charles Swindoll. Notes are good but somewhat sparse and not verse by verse.
Disciple's Study Bible: New international version Not that helpful for verse by verse study. Focuses on application of Christian doctrines. 10,000 annotations; doctrinal summaries, "Life Helps" section relate doctrine to everyday discipleship.
The Apologetics Study Bible Understand Why You Believe by Norman Geisler Apologetics Study Bible
NIV Archaeological Study Bible (2005) 2360 pages (See also Archaeology and the Bible - OT and NT)
NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)
NIV cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. bringing to life the ancient world of scripture Keener, Craig and Walton, John. Editors (2017)
Hard sayings of the Old Testament by Kaiser, Walter (Or see unrestricted Pdf version)
More hard sayings of the Old Testament by Kaiser, Walter C
The Old Testament in contemporary preaching by Kaiser, Walter
The uses of the Old Testament in the New by Kaiser, Walter C
IVP Background Commentary - Old Testament - Walton, John
The promise-plan of God : a biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments by Kaiser, Walter C
The Messiah in the Old Testament by Kaiser, Walter C
Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties - Gleason Archer
Archaeology and the Old Testament by Merrill F. Unger
Survey of the Bible : introductory insights, background studies, book-by- book survey by Unger, Merrill
A look at the Old Testament : an abridged survey of Genesis - Malachi by Mears, Henrietta
Jensen's Survey of Bible (online) by Jensen, Irving This is a classic and should give you an excellent background to the Bible book you are studying. Jensen has some of the best Book charts available and includes "key words." He also gives you some guidelines as to how to begin your inductive study of each book.
Handbook for Bible teachers and preachers : applications to life from every book of the Bible By: Morgan, G. Campbell
Life applications from every chapter of the Bible By: Morgan, G. Campbell
HEBREW WORD STUDIES
Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words - pdf. The old standby. You can also borrow Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament by Harris, R. Laird - 229 ratings (5/5 Stars) One of the best OT lexicons for laymen.
Here is another link to the TWOT which has no time limit on use and does allow copy and paste. Can be downloaded as PDF.
Hebrew honey : a simple and deep word study of the Old Testament by Novak, Alfons, (332 pages) Indexed by English words. No Strong's numbers to help you determine if you are researching the correct Hebrew word. Here is a "work around" - go to page 289 and see if there is an annotation of the Scripture you are studying. E.g., say you want to see if there is anything for "heart" in Ezek 11:19. In the Scripture list find an entry for Ezek 11:19 with the English word "Heart." Now go look up "Heart" (on page 123). It does take some effort, but you might glean an insight not described in other Hebrew lexicons.
Girdlestone's Synonyms of the Old Testament - click for list of 127 entries
Expository Dictionary of Bible Words by Richards, Larry, It is does not go into great depth on the Greek or Hebrew words but does have some excellent insights.
BRIAN BELL - SERMONS
BENSON COMMENTARY
- Leviticus 26-27: Blessings & Curses and Vows & Promises
- Leviticus 26 Its Relationship to Covenant Contexts and Concepts
- Leviticus 26 The Eschatological Significance of Leviticus 26
- Leviticus 26 Inter-covenantal Truth and Relevance: Leviticus 26 and the Biblical Covenants
GEORGE BUSH - older but still worth consulting (he is an ancestor of President Bush).
CAMBRIDGE BIBLE FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
DARBY COMMENTARY
- Leviticus 23 Feast of Unleavened Bread & Day of Pentecost (cp Acts 2)
- Sabbath in the Temple; Festive Cycles and Arrangement of the Calendar; The Passover
- The Paschal Feast and the Lord’s Supper; The Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Day of Pentecost
- The Feast of Tabernacles; The Day of Atonement; Post-Mosaic Festivals
- The New Moons: The Feast of the Seventh New Moon, or of Trumpets, or New Year’s Day
CHARLES ELLICOTT Commentary for English Readers Leviticus
- Leviticus 27:30-34; Christian Stewardship: Because of God's indescribable gift of salvation, we should be generous with our material possessions. Video
HOMILETICS - PULPIT COMMENTARY
WILLIAM KELLY COMMENTARY
KING COMMENTARY
HENRY LAW
ALEXANDER MACLAREN Sermons on Leviticus
JOSEPH PARKER The People's Bible Commentary on Leviticus
ROBERT RAYBURN Sermons on Leviticus
- Leviticus 23 The Holidays Of God: The Fall Feasts
- Leviticus 23 The Holidays Of God: The Spring Feasts
REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE
RAYMOND SAXE - sermons
JOHN SCHULTZ
CHRIS VOGEL - sermon series