Brief Overview of Leviticus

 

The English name of this book is taken from the Greek version of the Old Testament (the Septuagint), translates to “related to the Levites.” Although the book serves as a guide for the priests (who belong to the tribe of Levi), numerous laws within it apply to all Israelites. The Hebrew title (“And He called,” based on the first word of the book) highlights the theme of God's invitation to holiness.

Leviticus is related to Exodus in the same way that the Epistles are to the Gospels. Exodus documents the story of redemption and establishes the basis for the purification, worship, and service of a redeemed community. Leviticus elaborates on the conduct, worship, and service of that community. In Exodus, God speaks from the mountain that was off-limits; in Leviticus, He communicates from the tabernacle where He resides among His people, instructing them on how to approach Him and engage in communion in a manner appropriate to His holiness.

Over 50 times throughout the book, it states that the Lord communicated to Moses. Furthermore, Jesus Christ confirmed the Mosaic authorship of the book (Mark 1:44 and Lev. 13:49).

The Book of Exodus ends with the construction of the Tabernacle, built following the design that God provided to Moses. The guidance on this is found in Leviticus, which contains instructions given to Moses during the 50 days that spanned from the Tabernacle's setup (Ex. 40:17) to the Israelites’ departure from Sinai (Num. 10:11).

The book can be understood from three interrelated perspectives. It discusses the holiness of God and what is necessary for a relationship with Him. Therefore, it also exposes the sinful nature of humanity. Additionally, it can be seen as a text about atonement, illustrating how sinful people can gain access to God. God is holy, while humanity is sinful. The central theme of Leviticus is holiness, which appears 87 times throughout. The pivotal verse is chapter 19 verse 2 which says, “Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

God cannot dwell among defiled people unless.

1.     A system of sacrifices to deal with that defilement

2.     A priesthood to offer those sacrifices

3.     A set of laws that keep the nation of Israel separate and holy.

Chapter Overview

Five Sacrifices (1-7)

Priestly Mediations (8-10)

Status of Clean and Unclean (11-15)

Day of Atonement (16)

Behavior of Holy or Profane (17-25)

Blessing or cycles of disciple (26)

Freewill offering of dedication (27)

 

A1- Ritual Sacrifices (1-7)

B1- Ordination of Priests (8-10)

C1- Laws about Ritual Purity (11-15)

D - Day of Atonement (16-17)

C2 - Laws about Moral Purity (18-20)

B2 - Qualification of the Priesthood (21-22)

A2 - Ritual Calendar (23-27)

According to the Scofield Reference Bible Leviticus is in nine chief divisions:

I.               The Offerings, 1–6:7.

II.             The Law of the Offerings, 6:8–7:38.

III.            Consecration, 8:1–9:24.

IV.           A Warning Example, 10:1–20.

V.             A Holy God must have a Cleansed People, 11–15.

VI.           Atonement, 16, 17.

VII.         The Relationships of God’s People, 18–22.

VIII.        The Feasts of Jehovah, 23.

IX.           Instructions and Warnings, 24–27.

Key Words

Offering – 331 times

Priest – 191 times

Holy – 90 times

Sin – 82 times

Atonement – 55 times

Sacrifices – 44 times

 

The theme of sacrifice is prevalent throughout the book, with the term "sacrifice" appearing over 40 times. The word "priest" is found in 147 verses , "blood" in 66 verses, "holy" in 77 verses, “tabernacle” in 44 verses and "atonement" in 43 verses. The book stresses the importance of holiness in both body and spirit. The New Testament makes reference to Leviticus around 100 times.

The Offerings

I.               Burnt or Ascending (1:3-17, 6:8-13)

II.             Meal or Grain (2:1-16, 6:14-18, 7:9-13)

III.            Peace or Fellowship (3:1, 7:11-21, 28-34)

IV.           Sin (4:1-5:13, 6:24-30)

V.             Trespass or Guilt (5:14-6:7)

The Offerings in the Psalms

I.               Burnt – Psalm 40

II.             Meal – Psalm 16

III.            Peace – Psalm 85

IV.           Sin – Psalm 72

V.             Trespass – Psalm 69

Ceremonially Clean and Unclean

Spiritually Saved	Clean and Saved	Unclean but lost
Spiritually Lost	Clean but lost	Unclean and lost