Review of Allen work on Leviticus

HOLINESS TO THE LORD: A GUIDE TO THE EXPOSITION OF THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS, Grand Rapids, Baker, 2002, 496 pages.

The book of Leviticus is considered one of the most boring books of the Bible, as well as one of the most neglected books of the Bible by readers and preachers. Allen is a master of bringing out excellent points for exposition and application, underwritten by the theology of the book. He does a great job of bridging the gap between dryness and significance of the text on a practical level. Showing connections with the ministry of Christ, without becoming fanciful.  

The introduction is one of the highlights of the book. The book centers upon Holiness. He clearly upholds the holiness of God, eternal, gracious and personal. God’s holiness is transformed into the living of the people of God. He shows the enabling grace the holy things given to Israel were gifts of expiation and communion. Yet this book is not a devotional commentary, nor is it a detailed exegetical commentary; it falls somewhere in between. Allen confronts scholarly views of this book. He also reminds us that Leviticus is part of the Law. It centers upon theology, an necessary factor in understanding the book. The theology of Leviticus form useful message on worship, sanctification, and obedience.

His study of the book is divided into the five points:

1.      Laws of the Sacrifices (Lev. 1-7)

2.      Laws of the Priesthood (Lev. 8-10)

3.      Laws of Purification (Lev. 11-16)

4.      Instructions for Holiness (Lev. 17-26)

5.      Redemptive of Vows (Lev. 27)

 The religious instruction contained in Leviticus presents the entire religious system of Israel. It is the priest guidebook. However, the author presents the theological foundational truths found throughout the Bible and the work of Christ. Leviticus presents the reality of God as the Holy one. The laws of the Sacrifices are for the purpose of access, acceptance, dedication, peace, purified, in short reconciliation. All pictured the work of Jesus Christ. The laws of the priesthood centers upon ministry. The laws of purification center upon to protect from contamination. The instructions for Holiness deal with sanctification and fellowship. Vows of redemption, especially chapter 50 deals with exposition and the reflection of God’s faithfulness, and our promise to be faithful as well.

Allen fulfills his purpose of providing teaching to aid in learning about the book and to use it in Christian exposition. If you can only afford one book on Leviticus this is the one to get. It is very helpful, reader friendly, and heighten ones understandable of Leviticus. It should be every Pastor’s study.