Studying the book of Leviticus is not something that many people do, but Baker mentions that it is a necessary book to read for three reasons: theological, religious and historical. The theological aspect of Leviticus is important because it gives a history of the people of Israel and many of the concepts and terms that were common to Jesus were first mentioned in Leviticus. The content covered in Numbers by Dale Brueggemann breathes new life into the book and gives us a new understanding of the content in Numbers. Eugene H. Merrill gives an in depth look to Deuteronomy and how it is pertinent to us today. 

Key Features 

• Introductions to the historical and cultural context, the literary style, and the major themes and theological concerns 
• Exegetical and textual notes 
• Commentary pays special attention to context and major theological themes 

Recommendations 

An enormously helpful series for the layperson and pastor alike because it centers on the theological message of each book and ties it directly to the text. This approach has been needed for some time and will be an invaluable supplement to other commentary series. 

—Grant Osborne 

A treasure house of insight into the biblical text. Written by some of the best scholars working today, it is an essential tool for pastors, students, church leaders, and lay people who want to understand the text and how it relates to our lives today. Like the NLT text it uses as its base, this commentary series is extremely readable. 

—Tremper Longman III 

About the Authors  

David Baker, Ph.D., University of London, is professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio. He serves as editor for the Evangelical Theological Society's Dissertation series and Studies series. He has authored several articles/books, including the NIV Application Commentary on Joel, Obadiah, and Malachi and The Face of Old Testament Studies: A Survey of Contemporary Approaches. Dr. Baker served as a Leviticus reviewer for the New Living Translation. 

Dale Brueggemann, Ph.D., Westminster Theological Seminary, pastored in Idaho throughout the 1970s. He has taught at Valley Forge Christian College in Philadelphia, and at Central Bible College in Missouri. 

Eugene H. Merrill, Ph.D., Columbia University, is Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas and Distinguished Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He is currently director of Eurasia education services for Assemblies of God World Missions, and he has been heavily involved in ministry in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He is the author of several articles/books, including a commentary on Deuteronomy in the New American Commentary series and the Deuteronomy study notes for the NLT Study Bible. He also served as a Deuteronomy reviewer for the New Living Translation. 

Series Introduction 

The Cornerstone Biblical Commentary series provides students, pastors, and laypeople with up-to-date, accessible evangelical scholarship on the Old and New Testaments. Presenting the message for each passage, as well as an overview of other issues relevant to the text, each volume equips pastors and Christian leaders with exegetical and theological knowledge so they can better understand and apply God's Word. This volume includes the entire NLT text of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. 

Other features: Provides pastors, teachers, and students with up-to-date evangelical scholarship. Both exegetical and translation commentary. Part of an 18-volume collection. Features New Living Translation Text.