This volume on Leviticus and Numbers by Roy Gane is easily one of the best in the NIVAC series. While the value of Leviticus in this book might surpass that of Numbers in my estimation, you will receive real help on both. The writing is so engaging, the passion so evident, and rather than apologize for the Bible Mr. Gane wisely counsels us to put our own modern culture on trial. On more than one occasion, he finds that we ultimately struggle with the same problems they once did. If the goal of the NIVAC series is to provide a scholarly explanation of the text and then take it on to modern application, then this volume has succeeded in spades. I can’t recall what is admonished in Leviticus ever having been more profitably related to our day than what you will find here.

I was thoroughly impressed with all that was nicely explained in the 13 pages of the introduction to Leviticus. The big picture, the relationship to the New Testament, and a careful case made for Leviticus being something more than legalism was made clear. There’s a brief pass at authorship (God, then mostly Moses) before an exceptional section on structure and themes. I’ve read many thick exegetical commentaries that were far less helpful on structure than what you find here. I felt the introduction to Numbers was not as well-done as that of Leviticus, but what you read there is all helpful.

The best value of all will be found in his explanation of the details of Leviticus. Without doubt, many struggle here. Again, it appears that the normal design of a NIVAC commentary (original meaning, bridging context, and contemporary significance) fit Mr. Gane like a glove. Some commentaries in this series will often either shortchange bridging context or contemporary significance, but I was pleasantly surprised to find something truly helpful in every one of those sections. The volume was more conservative than I expected while the engaging style exceeded any expectations I would’ve had for a volume on Leviticus! If you would like to see if I am reviewing accurately, find some obscure subject in Leviticus and go read what Mr. Gane has to say about it. If you will do that, you will agree with me.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.