Commentary Upon the First-Fifth Book of Moses

Commentary Upon The First-Fifth Book Of Moses by Simon Patrick is a concise, verse-by-verse biblical commentary on Leviticus with emphasis on holiness, purity, priestly regulation, worship, and the Festival calendar. Patrick surveys Leviticus XIX–XXIV through a priestly lens within the tabernacle- and covenant-centered framework, illustrating how Israel’s call to holiness shapes communal life, purity laws, reverence for God’s name, and the structure of worship. The work addresses justice and integrity, detailing fair dealing, protection for the vulnerable, and the regulation of holy offerings. It analyzes the priesthood’s qualifications and limits, ritual purity rules, and the handling and consumption of sacrifices, alongside prohibitions against idolatry and various sexual sins. Methodologically, the author cites rabbinic authorities and classical sources to illuminate terms, offerings, and priestly roles, with cross-references to related Pentateuchal laws. The commentary situates Levitical rites within broader themes of holiness, covenant identity, and the prefiguring of Christian doctrine.