Leviticus is God’s instruction manual for how Israel was to live as His holy people. The book outlines sacrifices, priesthood duties, purity laws, festivals, and ethical commands. Its central theme is holiness—God is holy, and His people must reflect His character. Leviticus reveals how a sinful people can approach a holy God through atonement, worship, and obedience.
Background
Author: Traditionally Moses
Audience: Israel, recently redeemed from Egypt
Date: Around 1440–1400 BC or 1260–1220 BC depending on chronology
Location Written: At the foot of Mount Sinai
Context: After the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus, Leviticus provides the procedures for worship, sacrifice, and daily life. The book instructs priests and people on how to maintain purity, honor God, and live distinctly from surrounding nations. Its laws form the foundation for understanding sin, atonement, and the sacrificial system that ultimately points forward to Jesus Christ.
Characters
- God — holy and dwelling among His people, giving laws for worship and purity
- Moses — mediator receiving God’s instructions for Israel
- Aaron — high priest overseeing sacrificial and ceremonial duties
- Priests (sons of Aaron) — responsible for offerings and holiness in worship
- Israel — community called to be holy and set apart
Major Events
- Instructions for burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings (Chapters 1–7)
- Ordination of Aaron and the priests (Chapters 8–10)
- Clean and unclean food laws (Chapter 11)
- Purity laws related to childbirth, disease, and bodily conditions (Chapters 12–15)
- Day of Atonement and high priestly rituals (Chapter 16)
- Holiness Code covering ethical and moral commands (Chapters 17–20)
- Regulations for priests and sacrificial worship (Chapters 21–22)
- Annual festivals and sacred days (Chapter 23)
- Sabbath year and Year of Jubilee (Chapters 25)
- Blessings for obedience and warnings for disobedience (Chapter 26)
- Vows and offerings dedicated to God (Chapter 27)
Application & Life Lessons
- God is holy and calls His people to live holy lives
- Sin separates people from God and requires atonement
- Worship must be offered reverently and according to God’s instructions
- Obedience leads to blessing and flourishing
- God cares about both external actions and the condition of the heart
- Community life should reflect justice, compassion, and purity
- The sacrificial system points forward to Jesus as the perfect atonement
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Leviticus
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Leviticus
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