LEVITICUS
Context
Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and focuses on the detailed instructions for worship, sacrifice, and holy living. The book takes its name from the Levites, the priestly tribe responsible for carrying out these religious duties. It reveals God's holiness and His desire for His people to live in a way that reflects His character.
Written by Moses around 1440-1400 BC, Leviticus contains laws given to Israel while they camped at Mount Sinai. The book emphasizes the theme of holiness and provides the framework for how sinful people can approach a holy God through proper worship and obedience to His commands.
Summary
Sacrificial System (Ch. 1-7)
God establishes five types of sacrifices: burnt offerings (complete dedication), grain offerings (gratitude), peace offerings (fellowship), sin offerings (atonement for unintentional sins), and guilt offerings (specific offenses). These sacrifices provide a way for sinful people to approach a holy God and maintain their relationship with Him.
Priesthood (Ch. 8-10)
Aaron and his sons are consecrated as priests to serve in the tabernacle. The priesthood serves as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices and maintaining the worship system. The tragic death of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire emphasizes the importance of following God's exact instructions.
Clean and Unclean (Ch. 11-15)
God provides detailed laws distinguishing between clean and unclean animals, foods, and conditions. These laws teach Israel to be separate from the surrounding nations and reflect God's holiness in their daily lives. The concept of cleanliness extends beyond physical hygiene to spiritual purity.
Day of Atonement (Ch. 16)
The most important day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest enters the Most Holy Place to make atonement for all the people's sins. This annual ritual foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice and emphasizes the need for complete atonement to restore the relationship between God and His people.
Holiness Code (Ch. 17-27)
God calls His people to be holy as He is holy, providing laws for moral living, social justice, and proper worship. The Holiness Code includes the famous command to "love your neighbor as yourself" and establishes the framework for righteous living that reflects God's character.
Practice Questions & Answers
What is the main purpose of the book of Leviticus?
Leviticus provides detailed instructions for worship, sacrifice, and holy living. It teaches Israel how to approach a holy God and maintain their covenant relationship with Him through proper worship and obedience.
What do the various sacrifices in Leviticus represent?
The sacrifices represent different aspects of worship: burnt offerings show complete dedication to God, grain offerings express gratitude, peace offerings celebrate fellowship with God, sin offerings atone for unintentional sins, and guilt offerings address specific offenses.
What does 'holy' mean in the context of Leviticus?
Holy means 'set apart' or 'separate' from common use for God's purposes. God calls His people to be holy as He is holy, meaning they should live differently from the surrounding nations, reflecting God's character in their daily lives.
How do the dietary laws in Leviticus relate to holiness?
The dietary laws teach Israel to distinguish between clean and unclean, reflecting the broader principle of separation from sin. These laws also served practical health purposes and reinforced the concept of holiness in everyday life.
What is the significance of the Day of Atonement?
The Day of Atonement was the most important day in Israel's calendar, when the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for all the people's sins. It foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice that provides complete atonement for believers.