Gospel In Leviticus

Author JOSEPH A. SEISS
Publisher KREGEL
ISBN 0-8254-3743-1

Joseph Seiss was a nineteenth century Lutheran Minister. This book is no longer in print as far as I know but for those seeking one that draws the central meaning of Leviticus into plain focus it is worth obtaining. As its title indicates it is not a commentary but more of an overview that most helpfully brings the somewhat (to some people) formidable and boring ‘third book of Moses’ to life. In fact it is taken from transcripts of a series of sermons this man preached in his home church.

The main outline is captured in the early chapters dealing with the cure for the sinful states of man as revealed in the various sacrifices, then the fellowship and friendship of God as shown in the Priesthood and this is followed by those chapters that are filled with types and shadows of the disease of sin. Those who know the book of Leviticus will know that it moves triumphantly through the solemnities and joy of the feast of atonement into descriptions of the other feasts and so to the Jubilee.

The way Seiss describes the pattern of God’s gospel discernible here can only instruct and bring joy and seriousness to the reader and lead to deeper worship of the Lord! Some commentaries and books about Old Testament typology can become tedious with their exactitude and search for hidden meanings in every detail, for those who attempt them it either leads to a fascination that often separates them from being good ministers in God’s church or drives them away from all such expositions of the Scriptures. Seiss hits the right note, not too detailed, bringing out the main stream and blessing to our hearts.

A great book to get if, if you are in leadership and engage in the preaching ministry in a church or in your own steady Bible study you are arriving at this part of the Bible. Obviously the style is ‘nineteenth century’, how could it be otherwise, but it is not burdensome and there is plenty to be enriched by here.

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