Thoughts on Parts of Leviticus by Benjamin Wills Newton

It has far greater depth than many modern books. Although some of its chapters are described as notes on Leviticus, there are others with much analysis and application. Very occasionally, it refers to both Hebrew and Greek words, neither of which is known to this reviewer. Yet this does not adversely affect the non-linguist. There is a short Hebrew-English vocabulary at the end, together with general and Scriptural indices. Occasionally there are footnotes, which are preferable to the use of endnotes.

Leviticus is not widely read; yet an understanding of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross cannot be properly understood without a clear understanding of the earlier sacrificial system. Right from the start, the author presents the five different aspects of the sacrificial service of Christ ‘which the grace of the One Sacrifice is designed to meet' (p.3). This is not light-weight reading; and yet, if read and re-read carefully, 'carefully' being the operative word, much learning will take place. Because of its depth and detail, it shows how very superficial much of our thinking is nowadays. To that extent alone, books such as these serve as a wake-up call to eschew living on too many sound-bites and thought-bites, and engage in some prolonged and profound enquiry into what the Scriptures really teach us.

No book, however commendable, that is simply the work of man will ever be perfect. Thus one would sound a note of caution where the author comments in passing on the unpardonable sin (p.221). This requires clearer language and a more profound analysis than it receives, especially in view of the perceptive observations made elsewhere on Peter's denial of Christ which was not unpardonable. On the other hand, the section on 2 Timothy 3:16 'All Scripture is given by inspiration of God...' (pp.251-254) is excellent, and is worth bearing in mind, especially in these days when so many errors abound.

In short, this valuable hardback book is one that should encourage much hard thinking.

Peter Murcott (Review in British Church Newspaper, June 2012)