Theology of the Levitical Priesthood

In this book, Nicholas Haydock explores the biblical presentation of the Levitical priesthood, drawing out themes that run throughout Scripture and reveal God's intention for the priesthood. It is successfully argued that this intention cannot be divorced from God's desire to reveal himself to the nations. This hypothesis is shown to be true in examining the various functions and metaphors ascribed to the Levites. Whereas in much of Old Testament criticism, the Levitical priesthood has been painted in a light contrary to the biblical depiction, The Theology of the Levitical Priesthood takes the canonical presentation of the Levites at face value. It is the author's conviction that in attending to the biblical presentation of the Levites, the Church will be aided and better equipped to apply herself to Scripture and to participate within God's mission, in the present day. ""[This book] successfully argues that the theology of the Levitical priesthood is not only a coherent whole, but it expresses a missional purpose that aided the priesthood and the people of Israel in their witness to the nations at large and in their worship of the One true God . . . This will provide for many a whole new avenue of viewing the fact that Israel and her leaders were to be a 'light to the nations.'"" --Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA ""This helpful study brings together two important themes in the Old Testament that are often neglected by commentators and preachers: priesthood and mission. Haydock examines the role the priest was expected to play in Israelite society. His lifestyle, Haydock argues, should adorn Christian leaders, indeed all the people of God, and in this way draw the nations to the knowledge of God. This makes the priesthood central to the Biblical understanding of mission. [Theology is] a useful, original contribution to Biblical theology."" --Gordon Wenham, Tutor in Old Testament, Trinity College, Bristol, England Nicholas Haydock is currently a PhD student in Old Testament Theology and has been serving in Europe with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students.