In his volume on Leviticus and Numbers, Lloyd Bailey reacquaints the reader with a powerful, yet often ignored, theological voice within the biblical canon. Bailey moves deftly through the contributions of contemporary research incorporating the information necessary for a well-reasoned reading of the biblical text. Perhaps more significant, however, is Bailey's theological sensitivity to the text and the issues raised therein. For those yearning to read the biblical text in all of its richness, I heartily recommend this volume.

---

I found the new Bible Commentary by Smyth & Helwys on Leviticus-Numbers to be quite insightful. The commentary contains a wealth of information and is able to combine a wide range of literary, theological, and historical perspectives. The connections with New Testament texts as well as Jewish and Christian interpretation history offer fresh perspectives on material that may be considered to be tedious and irrelevant to contemporary readers.

---

Leviticus and Numbers are part of the Torah, the most sacred scriptures in Jewish religious life. And yet they are virtually neglected in Christian life, viewed as books full of archaic "rules and regulations"--and, well okay, a few good stories in Numbers. But nothing is farther from the truth. In this new Smyth & Helwys commentary, Lloyd R. Bailey demonstrates in an engaging way the relevance of these books for today's Christian community. He reminds us that the heart of the book of Leviticus is how to live as God's holy people and that the essence of the book of Numbers is how to live as God's holy people in the journey to which we are called. Bailey's commentary will make a valuable contribution to the church's understanding of these formative books.

---

Lloyd R. Bailey delivers an outstanding commentary on the biblical materials of Leviticus and Numbers for the new Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary Series. Bailey’s acute writing style combined with the breadth of his scholarship make this volume a fine addition for any theological library. For those with limited resources regarding the purchasing of books, this volume provides an excellent source of information. For those with greater resources, this volume adds a wealth of insight and knowledge for the serious student of the Bible. Bailey’s vast experience in the field of biblical studies shines through on every page including his knowledge of early Israelite Religion and early Judaism. His churchmanship is also evident throughout. This volume is a treasure.

---

For those who love Leviticus and Numbers and for those who look right past these gems of Hebrew scripture, Bailey’s commentary is a welcome volume. Unlike many Baptist pastors, I have enjoyed preaching and teaching from these books. Finding commentaries, however, which are faithful to Judaic tradition and concurrently relevant for Christian application has been difficult. Bailey succeeds! Bailey does not create a metaphorical metamorphosis of the text – finding Jesus behind every verse. Rather, he shows great respect for the Jewish nature of these documents and credibly allows them to speak to modern faith contexts including Christianity. Scholars, preachers and casual readers, who just want to know more about these oft ignored texts, will not be disappointed. Bailey’s commentary is readable, usable, insightful and deserves a place on every Bible student's bookshelf.

back to top