Leviticus Commentary Recommendations
The book of Leviticus can seem intimidating at first, but the right resources can make it one of the most rewarding books in Scripture to study. The recommendations below are resources I have found helpful in my own study and sermon preparation, and which I am happy to recommend to others. They are organized by reading level so that everyone from new believers to pastors can find an appropriate starting point.
Quick Links:
📚 Introduction to Leviticus
📖 Leviticus Reading Plan
▶️ Sermons
⭐ Pastor Josh's Top Recommendation
If you’re looking for just one commentary on Leviticus, I recommend Jay Sklar’s Leviticus (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary). Few resources make this often-neglected book as accessible, clear, and Christ-centered. Sklar explains difficult topics such as sacrifice, atonement, purity laws, holiness, and worship while consistently showing how Leviticus fits into the larger story of Scripture and points to Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a Bible reader, Sunday School teacher, or pastor preparing to preach through Leviticus, this is the resource I would start with.
💻 Free Online Resources
⭐ Gospel Coalition Bible Commentary – Leviticus
Overview: Written from a conservative evangelical perspective, this online commentary provides concise explanations of Leviticus with an emphasis on biblical theology and the book’s place within the broader storyline of Scripture. Particularly helpful for readers seeking a reliable introduction to Leviticus and its major themes.
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Enduring Word Commentary – Leviticus (David Guzik)
Overview: A readable and practical verse-by-verse commentary that combines exposition, pastoral application, and insights drawn from a variety of evangelical sources. Especially useful for devotional reading, teaching preparation, and gaining a quick overview of difficult passages.
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📘 Devotional
⭐ CSB Baker Illustrated Study Bible (2026)
Overview: Exceptionally useful notes and charts balance historical and cultural context with biblical theology and personal application. My favorite study Bible for Leviticus and an excellent companion to any commentary.
⭐ Exalting Jesus in Leviticus – Allan Moseley (2015)
Overview: A Christ-centered exposition that highlights the gospel themes of sacrifice, atonement, holiness, and worship. Moseley consistently connects Leviticus to the person and work of Christ while providing practical application for Christian living. Particularly valuable for readers seeking to understand why this often-neglected book remains relevant for believers today.
📗 Introductory
Accessible to Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, and serious Bible students. These resources focus on understanding the text, its message, and theological significance without requiring specialized training.
⭐⭐ Leviticus (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary) – Jay Sklar (2014)
Overview: An exceptionally clear and engaging introduction to Leviticus that explains the sacrificial system, purity laws, holiness, and worship with remarkable clarity. Sklar combines conservative scholarship, biblical theology, and practical insight in a way that helps readers not only understand Leviticus but appreciate why this often-overlooked book matters for Christians today. More substantial than many introductory commentaries, yet accessible to any serious student of Scripture. If I could recommend only one stand-alone commentary on Leviticus, this would be it.
Leviticus (Holman Old Testament Commentary) – Glen S. Martin (2002)
Overview: A readable, well-organized exposition designed for teachers and Bible students seeking a solid understanding of Leviticus. Martin explains difficult rituals and laws in a clear and practical manner, emphasizing the book’s message of holiness, worship, and covenant relationship with God. Especially helpful for those encountering serious study of Leviticus for the first time.
The Message of Leviticus (Bible Speaks Today) – Derek Tidball (2005)
Overview: A warm and insightful exposition that highlights the theological message of Leviticus and its significance for the Christian life. Tidball excels at showing how the themes of holiness, worship, sacrifice, and atonement find their fulfillment in Christ. Particularly helpful for readers seeking to understand the spiritual and pastoral relevance of the book.
📙 Intermediate
⭐ Leviticus (New American Commentary) – Mark F. Rooker (2000)
Overview: A conservative evangelical commentary that combines careful exegesis with substantial theological reflection. Rooker engages key interpretive questions, authorship debates, and ancient Near Eastern backgrounds while maintaining a high view of Scripture. Particularly valuable for pastors and teachers seeking a thorough explanation of the text without venturing into highly technical scholarship.
Leviticus (Mentor Commentary) – Robert I. Vasholz (2007)
Overview: A thoughtful evangelical commentary that combines careful verse-by-verse exposition with numerous topical essays exploring the theology, significance, and continuing relevance of Leviticus. Vasholz consistently highlights how the book shapes our understanding of holiness, worship, God’s presence, and the work of Christ. Particularly useful for pastors and teachers who appreciate both detailed interpretation and broader theological reflection.
Leviticus (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary) – David W. Baker (2008)
Overview: An accessible yet substantive commentary that introduces readers to important questions surrounding Leviticus, including authorship, ritual, holiness, and the book’s ancient Near Eastern context. Baker interacts with critical scholarship while defending a conservative evangelical understanding of the text, making this a helpful resource for teachers who want more than basic exposition without wading into technical discussions.
Leviticus (ESV Expository Commentary) – Christine Palmer (2025)
Overview: A well-crafted exposition that combines biblical theology, ancient Near Eastern background, and conservative scholarship. Palmer is particularly effective in showing how Leviticus fits within the broader storyline of Scripture and points forward to Christ, and the series includes especially helpful introductions for pastors and teachers. While overlapping somewhat with other evangelical mid-level commentaries, it remains a valuable resource for understanding the message and structure of Leviticus.
📕 Technical
⭐ Leviticus (Apollos Old Testament Commentary) – Nobuyoshi Kiuchi (2007)
Overview: A substantial evangelical commentary that explores Leviticus with exceptional attention to theology, literary structure, ritual significance, and the meaning of holiness. Kiuchi combines careful scholarship with a high view of Scripture, offering deep reflection on sacrifice, purity, worship, and covenant life. Demanding but rewarding, this is one of the finest evangelical technical commentaries on Leviticus available.
⭐ Leviticus (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament) – Jay Sklar (2023)
Overview: I have not personally used this volume, so this recommendation is based on its reputation and my experience with Sklar’s other work on Leviticus. As part of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary series, it offers detailed analysis of the Hebrew text, literary structure, theology, and application. Readers who appreciate Sklar’s highly regarded Tyndale commentary will likely find this volume a natural choice for more advanced study.
Leviticus (New International Commentary on the Old Testament) – Gordon J. Wenham (1979)
Overview: A respected classic that helped shape modern evangelical study of Leviticus. Wenham combines detailed exegesis, ancient Near Eastern background, and theological reflection to explain the sacrificial system, purity laws, and holiness code. Though older than many contemporary works, it remains highly valuable for serious students seeking a careful and scholarly interpretation of the text.
Additional Notes on Leviticus – Jay Sklar (2023)
Overview: A technical companion volume that expands on material discussed in Sklar’s ZECOT commentary. Written for readers who want to engage more deeply with Hebrew syntax, interpretive debates, and secondary literature, these notes provide an additional layer of exegetical detail beyond what is included in the primary commentary.
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