Leviticus

Book of Leviticus

First Impressions

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the Original Reader?

According to the introduction to the book of Leviticus in the Sourceview Bible, “God wanted the people of Israel to have instructions for their social and religious life. He wanted to show them how to live in harmony with each other and with him.”  There are numerous Scripture references in the book of Leviticus that suggest that the Israelites were the original readers (or hearers) of the book of Leviticus.  For example, Leviticus 1:2 states that Moses was to “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.”  Leviticus 18:1-2 states, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.  I am the LORD your God.’” It is very clear from these Scripture verses and others contained in the book of Leviticus that the Israelites were the original readers of this book.

- What do you see in this book that tells you about the author?

According to the introduction to the book of Leviticus in the Sourceview Bible, Moses wrote the book of Leviticus around 1440 BC.  There are numerous Scripture references in the book of Leviticus that suggest that Moses is the author of the book of Leviticus.  For example, Leviticus 1:1-2 states, “The LORD called to Moses from the Tabernacle and said to him, ‘Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.”  Leviticus 18:1-2 states, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Give the following instructions to the people of Israel.  I am the LORD your God.’”  Throughout the entire book of Leviticus, it states the following phrase, “the LORD said to Moses,” (see Leviticus 4:1, Leviticus 5:14, Leviticus 6:1, etc).  The book of Leviticus concludes with the following Scripture verse, “These are the commands that the LORD gave through Moses on Mount Sinai for the Israelites.” (Leviticus 27:34). It is very clear from these Scripture references from the book of Leviticus and other sources that Moses is indeed the author of the book of Leviticus.

- What are the main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and what is a one sentence summary of the "main idea”?

Some of the main themes and repeated ideas in the book of Leviticus include the concepts of holy and holiness as well as clean versus unclean.  God is holy; however, people are not holy.  Throughout much of the book of Leviticus, God through Moses gives the Israelites detailed instructions on how they are to approach God who is holy.  For example, Leviticus 1:2-17 gives detailed instructions regarding burnt offerings. Leviticus 2:1-16 gives detailed instructions regarding grain offerings. Leviticus 3:1-17 gives detailed instructions regarding peace offerings. Leviticus 4:1-5:13 gives detailed instructions regarding sin offerings, and Leviticus 5:14-6:7 gives detailed instructions regarding guilt offerings.  God through Moses also gives the Israelites detailed instructions regarding what is considered clean versus unclean.  For example, Leviticus 11:1-47 gives the Israelites detailed instructions on what animals are considered clean and may be eaten and what animals are considered unclean and may not be eaten.  God through Moses makes clear distinctions between what is clean and what is unclean.  God repeatedly states that we are to be holy because He is holy.  For example, Leviticus 20:26 states, “You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.” God expects His people to be holy because He is our LORD and He is holy. 

- What is the primary reason this book was written?

The book of Leviticus was written to the Israelites in order to give them clear instructions on how they are to live.  God is holy and He is LORD.  As LORD, He expects His people to be holy as He is holy (see Leviticus 19:1-2, Leviticus 20:26).  This book gives the Israelites detailed instructions on how they are to live lives that are acceptable to God.

Theme Tracing

- What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

The book of Leviticus clearly demonstrates that God is holy.  This book also makes it clear that God is relational and He desires a relationship with the Israelites.  For example, Leviticus 20:26 states, “You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.”  Since He is LORD and He is holy, He expects His people to be holy as well. Throughout the entire book of Leviticus, God makes it very clear to His people (through Moses) what they are to do in order to be acceptable to Him.  These actions on the part of the Israelites will allow them to approach God and be in relationship with their God who is holy.

- What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

The book of Leviticus demonstrates that God is holy yet He desires a relationship with the Israelites who are unholy.  In this book, God through Moses gives detailed instructions to the Israelites on how they may become acceptable to God.  God gives them clear instructions as to how they may have a relationship with Him.  This sacrificial system used by the Israelites allowed them to draw near to God.  This old sacrificial system was just a foreshadowing of the new system that was to come.  Jesus’ death on the Cross provided a new and better way for His people to draw near to God.

Application questions

- Personal Application

While I was reading and studying the book of Leviticus, I was reminded time and time again of God’s instruction to His people to be holy as He, our LORD, is holy.  This study of the book of Leviticus rekindled my desire to live a holy life.  What a challenge!  As a Christian man, I strive to live a holy life.  As a son of God, I desire to represent my Father well with both my words as well as with my actions.  God’s command (for me) to be holy as He, our LORD, is holy is such a challenge for me!  Even though I earnestly desire to be holy and I strive to live a holy life, I am keenly aware of just how unholy and sinful I truly am!  God has commanded me to be holy as He is holy; therefore, that is what I strive to be.  However, I am well aware of the fact that I cannot possibly be holy as He is holy on my own.  I clearly recognize that I absolutely need God to make me holy! For my part, I will do what I can in order to enter into and remain in His presence. I will do my best to keep my focus on God and be obedient to God and His ways.  

- Point of Passion

My point of passion is to know God and to make Him known – especially among teenagers and young adults.  This study of the book of Leviticus reminded me of just how very important it is for us, His children, to be holy as He, our LORD, is holy.  When we compare ourselves with those around us, we may be tempted to think that we are holy.  However, when we compare ourselves with God, we quickly realize just how unholy we really are!  God expects us to be holy as He is holy. I desire to communicate this truth to others – especially among teenagers and young adults.