Although the laws are different, the principles of the Old Testament still apply in a New Testament world
This chapter deals with priests, setting them apart, making them different. Not more important, just different. The same applies today with preachers, elders and deacons. There is responsibility!
Remember, there's the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, outside is the courtyard.
An ordinary Israelite could get no closer to God than the courtyard
Priest could enter the Holy Place
High Priest could enter the Most Holy, but only once a year (Day of Atonement)
Nadab & Abihu: In the Holy Place which included the altar of incense, in front of the veil separating the Holy and the Most Holy
We should picture the tremendous opportunity
We should think of us today, what we have when we assemble...the opportunity to come close to God in collective worship, thinking, "I'm in the presence of the best people there are, as we come to God."
That's what the priesthood needed to say to Israel
There's a lesson and reminder here of the greatness of Jehovah and the greatness of being His people
Verse 1 - Rashness of Nadab & Abihu. Notice the word "each."
Offered, karob: "to approach"
Strange fire: Root word pronounced zeuar. Means to turn aside from a lodging place. It came to mean, "to be a foreigner, to be strange, to be profane." NKJV: profane fire. KJV, ASV: strange fire. ESV: unauthorized fire
They offered it before God. They didn't just offer it. They're not just doing something, they're doing something they think is for Jehovah. Notice though it's not something he authorized or commanded!
Zeuar: is used 4 times
Exodus 30:9 it refers to incense. "You shall not offer strange incense"
Here and in Numbers 3:4 it refers to fire
Deuteronomy 32:16 "They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods"
Proverbs 2:16 "To deliver you from the immoral (NKJV) woman"
This is a great place to go back to when discussing the need for authority
Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord." Can't do it (anything!) in His name if He's not authorized it!
Back to the text, "unauthorized fire WHICH HE HAD NOT COMMANDED"
KJ, ASV: which He commanded them not
Remember when we stressed the verses in chapter 8, commanded, commanded, commanded?
There are four in chapter 9: verses 6, 7, 10 and 23
You read commanded, commanded, commanded. Get to 10:1, "which He had not commanded." Tremendous contrast!
This is the first sin committed in tabernacle worship. First recorded sin in every dispensation had to do with worship
Genesis 4: Cain and Abel. Cain violates faith. Hebrews 11, "Abel offered by faith" which implies revelation
Mosaic Age: Right here, first sin has to do with worship
Acts 5: First sin recorded after church was established, Ananias & Sapphire had to do with giving, which is incorporated in worship
Sadly, the mindset never changed through the Bible or even today: I can do what I want to do
That's why we have congregations with problems. "I like it, we like it." Sadly it's no longer a problem with just denominations
What about the fire? Maybe they got it from the wrong place but that's not what the Bible says. Perhaps they offered it at the wrong time
They're at the right place, at the right time, in the right clothes, with the right qualifications and did one thing wrong. All that right didn't make it right to do wrong
It's how many view false teachers today: Well, they're doing a lot of good.
The silence of Jehovah is compelling. "God didn't tell them NOT to do it!" How big would the Bible be if God listed everything we couldn't do?!
God gave the principle and said, "I gave you sense enough to apply the principle."
Good intentions don't take the place of obedience
Verse 2 - God reacts. A reminder that He reacts to everything we do
Do not do less than God authorizes
Do not go beyond what God authorizes
Do not substitute anything for God's way
Notice Aaron's other two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar. How come they're not as well known as the two who did wrong? Why do we emphasize the sinners so much without giving credit to those who get it right?
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Friday, September 27, 2019
Leviticus Study Notes - Beginning of the Priestly Ministry (Chapter 9)
Verses 9 and 23 are the only ones in the book that include the word, "glory." Purpose of this chapter (the inaugural act of worship), was to recognize God's presence among His people. It was symbolized by the fiery glory of the Lord which would give great assurance to the congregation of God's favor
Verse 1-6 - Call to worship (Obey the commands!)
In verse 2 Aaron and his sons have undergone 7 days of consecration. Why did they need to again offer a sin offering and a burnt offering? To demonstrate their constant need for atonement before they officiate as mediators
In 3-5 Aaron giving instructions continues to elevate him in the congregation's eyes.
4 of the 5 offerings are offered here. Trespass is the exception because it was a private, individual ceremony
Notice also in verse 3, the only instances in the sacrificial history where a calf is prescribed as a sacrifice. The ESV renders it "a calf one year old."
Verse 5 is important because it repeats a theme from the end of Exodus in to Leviticus. The people did what they had been told to do
9-10 - In chapter 4:5-6 the priest is instructed to take some of the blood into the tabernacle (the tent itself) and sprinkle it before the Lord in front of the veil. Here, he doesn't go inside but applies the blood on the altar which is in the courtyard.
Why? Perhaps it's because he's not yet allowed to enter the Holy Place until after the sacrifices had been completed (verse 23)
8-11 - This is the first time Aaron has left the tabernacle in a week. Also shows everyone that the priest is not benefiting from this offering
By the end of 21 the priests are officially ordained. Offerings they gave:
Sin - So the people might be forgiven
Burnt - To express their dedication to God
Peace - So they might rejoice in the blessing of peace with general well being and prosperity
22-23 - Obedience given. Then and only then did the glory of the Lord appear
24 - Awe and respect also come when obedience to the Lord is given
God's glory still comes when we do what He says to do, the way He says to do it. Just not in a visible, physical way
Verse 1-6 - Call to worship (Obey the commands!)
In verse 2 Aaron and his sons have undergone 7 days of consecration. Why did they need to again offer a sin offering and a burnt offering? To demonstrate their constant need for atonement before they officiate as mediators
In 3-5 Aaron giving instructions continues to elevate him in the congregation's eyes.
4 of the 5 offerings are offered here. Trespass is the exception because it was a private, individual ceremony
Notice also in verse 3, the only instances in the sacrificial history where a calf is prescribed as a sacrifice. The ESV renders it "a calf one year old."
Verse 5 is important because it repeats a theme from the end of Exodus in to Leviticus. The people did what they had been told to do
9-10 - In chapter 4:5-6 the priest is instructed to take some of the blood into the tabernacle (the tent itself) and sprinkle it before the Lord in front of the veil. Here, he doesn't go inside but applies the blood on the altar which is in the courtyard.
Why? Perhaps it's because he's not yet allowed to enter the Holy Place until after the sacrifices had been completed (verse 23)
8-11 - This is the first time Aaron has left the tabernacle in a week. Also shows everyone that the priest is not benefiting from this offering
By the end of 21 the priests are officially ordained. Offerings they gave:
Sin - So the people might be forgiven
Burnt - To express their dedication to God
Peace - So they might rejoice in the blessing of peace with general well being and prosperity
22-23 - Obedience given. Then and only then did the glory of the Lord appear
24 - Awe and respect also come when obedience to the Lord is given
God's glory still comes when we do what He says to do, the way He says to do it. Just not in a visible, physical way
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Leviticus Study Notes - Consecration of the Priests (8:14-36)
Moses oversees this event. The last time he will act as spiritual leader of the people
Continuation of first part of the chapter, where we left after anointing Aaron and his sons to focus on the sacrifices. Now that the sacrificial system has been introduced, we return to this chapter.
14-17 - Bull as a sin offering. Again, what part can be left out and be pleasing to God?
18-20 - Ram as burnt offering. It's total incineration signifies the total dedication of the priests to the Lord's service
22-29 - Second ram as "ram of consecration" or "ram of ordination"
Several steps involved:
Moses presents the ram (22a)
Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram's head (22b)
Moses kills the ram (23a)
Moses places blood on Aaron's right earlobe, right thumb and right big toe (23b), representing that what he heard, what he handled and wherever he went, he was God's. See Exodus 29:20
How does this apply to us today? Romans 12 - I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service
Moses then sprinkles the rest of the blood on the altar
Then takes the fat, the right thigh, three kinds of grain offerings, gives them to Aaron and his sons who present them as a "wave" (elevated) offering. Not for Moses or the people but for those in the process of becoming priests
31-36 - Instructions for the next seven days
By now a lot has happened: Tabernacle and its components have been anointed, Aaron and his sons have been anointed, three sacrifices have been offered and Aaron here is given specific instructions regarding the meat of the sacrifices. But there's still more to do
Continue this process for seven days (Also recorded in Exodus 29)
Live in the court of the tabernacle
Why? Verse 34, "To make atonement"
God's priests had to be and had to be seen as holy. How are those in God's royal priesthood today seen by others?
Also, living in the tabernacle court in sight of all Israel emphasized that from this time forward, priests are dedicated to God and would be supported by the rest of the nation
Great lessons here for church leaders. With great opportunity and privilege comes great responsibility.
Continuation of first part of the chapter, where we left after anointing Aaron and his sons to focus on the sacrifices. Now that the sacrificial system has been introduced, we return to this chapter.
14-17 - Bull as a sin offering. Again, what part can be left out and be pleasing to God?
18-20 - Ram as burnt offering. It's total incineration signifies the total dedication of the priests to the Lord's service
22-29 - Second ram as "ram of consecration" or "ram of ordination"
Several steps involved:
Moses presents the ram (22a)
Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram's head (22b)
Moses kills the ram (23a)
Moses places blood on Aaron's right earlobe, right thumb and right big toe (23b), representing that what he heard, what he handled and wherever he went, he was God's. See Exodus 29:20
How does this apply to us today? Romans 12 - I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service
Moses then sprinkles the rest of the blood on the altar
Then takes the fat, the right thigh, three kinds of grain offerings, gives them to Aaron and his sons who present them as a "wave" (elevated) offering. Not for Moses or the people but for those in the process of becoming priests
31-36 - Instructions for the next seven days
By now a lot has happened: Tabernacle and its components have been anointed, Aaron and his sons have been anointed, three sacrifices have been offered and Aaron here is given specific instructions regarding the meat of the sacrifices. But there's still more to do
Continue this process for seven days (Also recorded in Exodus 29)
Live in the court of the tabernacle
Why? Verse 34, "To make atonement"
God's priests had to be and had to be seen as holy. How are those in God's royal priesthood today seen by others?
Also, living in the tabernacle court in sight of all Israel emphasized that from this time forward, priests are dedicated to God and would be supported by the rest of the nation
Great lessons here for church leaders. With great opportunity and privilege comes great responsibility.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Leviticus Study Notes - Sin Offering (4:1 through 5:13)
This passage covers the instructions given to the Israelite people
Laws for the priests concerning this offering are given in 6:24-30
This is for unintentional sins through neglect, not premeditated, defiant sins
Important: Also known as the purification offering (See 12:6-8). Purification as removal of moral sin as well as ritual uncleanness
Notice the wording of verse 1, indicating a transition from voluntary offerings. An Israelite guilty of sins covered by the sin and trespass (guilt) offering was condemned if he failed to offer these sacrifices
Burnt Offering: Request for forgiveness in general
Sin Offering: Request for forgiveness of a particular sin
Trespass Offering: Request for forgiveness of a particular kind of sin
Similar to our prayers, "Forgive me of my sins" (Burnt)
Recognizing we're guilty of specific sins (Sin or Trespass)
Chapter 4 gives us four categories of sinners and what they must offer to be forgiven
A good contrast to Numbers 15:27-31 which outlines defiant (open rebellion) sinning. "Cut off from among his people."
Notice the comparison to living in willful sin today: Hebrews 10:26-31
Ignorance is no excuse!
Verse 3 - First category of sinner: Anointed Priest
Had to give a bull, the largest and most expensive option
Verses 4-10 - Similar steps as for a burnt offering. Blood was used to make atonement in a series of ritual steps
Verses 11-12 - Different than any other sacrificial instructions in the book. The fat was burned but the rest had to be taken outside the camp and burned in a clean place. No priest could profit from the sacrifice. Also, the removal of the animal is symbolic that the sin has been removed from the camp
"Where the ashes are poured out" only occurs here
Verse 13 - 2nd category of sinner: Whole congregation
What kind of sin would this be? Possible it's a result of something a priest did, perhaps a violation of ceremonial laws
Look at verse 20: First time "forgiveness" is used in the book. Will be seen 10 times. Verses 26, 31, 35, 5:10, 13, 16, 18, 6:7, 19:22
Verses 22-26 - Category 3: A leader
Bring a goat. Notice the difference in animals. Why?
Unlike previous examples, no blood was taken inside the tabernacle (verse 25). Based on 6:24-30 the priests were allowed to eat the animals
Verses 27-31 - Category 4: Common people
A female goat
Same procedure as that for a leader in 22
Can also bring a lamb (32-35), same process
Ephesians 2:11-13, why did the process change?
Three cases requiring a sin offering:
1. Failing to act as a witness when he knew the truth
2. Touching something unclean and not realizing it
3. Careless oaths whether good or bad
Laws for the priests concerning this offering are given in 6:24-30
This is for unintentional sins through neglect, not premeditated, defiant sins
Important: Also known as the purification offering (See 12:6-8). Purification as removal of moral sin as well as ritual uncleanness
Notice the wording of verse 1, indicating a transition from voluntary offerings. An Israelite guilty of sins covered by the sin and trespass (guilt) offering was condemned if he failed to offer these sacrifices
Burnt Offering: Request for forgiveness in general
Sin Offering: Request for forgiveness of a particular sin
Trespass Offering: Request for forgiveness of a particular kind of sin
Similar to our prayers, "Forgive me of my sins" (Burnt)
Recognizing we're guilty of specific sins (Sin or Trespass)
Chapter 4 gives us four categories of sinners and what they must offer to be forgiven
A good contrast to Numbers 15:27-31 which outlines defiant (open rebellion) sinning. "Cut off from among his people."
Notice the comparison to living in willful sin today: Hebrews 10:26-31
Ignorance is no excuse!
Verse 3 - First category of sinner: Anointed Priest
Had to give a bull, the largest and most expensive option
Verses 4-10 - Similar steps as for a burnt offering. Blood was used to make atonement in a series of ritual steps
Verses 11-12 - Different than any other sacrificial instructions in the book. The fat was burned but the rest had to be taken outside the camp and burned in a clean place. No priest could profit from the sacrifice. Also, the removal of the animal is symbolic that the sin has been removed from the camp
"Where the ashes are poured out" only occurs here
Verse 13 - 2nd category of sinner: Whole congregation
What kind of sin would this be? Possible it's a result of something a priest did, perhaps a violation of ceremonial laws
Look at verse 20: First time "forgiveness" is used in the book. Will be seen 10 times. Verses 26, 31, 35, 5:10, 13, 16, 18, 6:7, 19:22
Verses 22-26 - Category 3: A leader
Bring a goat. Notice the difference in animals. Why?
Unlike previous examples, no blood was taken inside the tabernacle (verse 25). Based on 6:24-30 the priests were allowed to eat the animals
Verses 27-31 - Category 4: Common people
A female goat
Same procedure as that for a leader in 22
Can also bring a lamb (32-35), same process
Ephesians 2:11-13, why did the process change?
Three cases requiring a sin offering:
1. Failing to act as a witness when he knew the truth
2. Touching something unclean and not realizing it
3. Careless oaths whether good or bad
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Leviticus Study Notes - Peace Offering
This was voluntary. (Note: Entire system of God's [creation/redemption] is voluntary) Also called the Fellowship Offering, it's covered in 22:17-30 in what is and is not accepted
Could be any animal without blemish. Species varied according to the giver's economic status
Symbolized fellowship with God
1. Thankfulness for a specific blessing
2. Offers a ritual expression of a vow
3. Symbolized general thankfulness
Signified communion with God because it's the only sacrifice in which the giver ate a shared meal with the priests. This is the offering Aaron would give part of as a "wave offering" (9:18-21)
Guests of the giver, his family, Levites, the poor were part of the meal (Deuteronomy 12, 16). Shared meals were part of the early church in Acts 2:46, "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house they ate their food with gladness..."
Burnt offering was given before the Peace offering to convey the importance of atonement as the basis for fellowship with God (verses 5, 6:12)
Verses 3-4 - Fat was considered the best part of an animal and associated with power. Especially associated with this offering
Figuratively, kidneys conveyed a person's feelings and inner thoughts
Verse 9 - "Fat tail" A heavy fat organ weighing between 5-15 lbs. (30 possibly), considered a delicacy
Verses 12-17 - Same instructions except for a goat. 16 and 17 give new information: All fat is the Lord's and Israelites weren't to eat blood. "Perpetual statute throughout all your generations."
Priests Point of View
Given in conjunction with a grain offering (12-13)
The part given to the priest was to be eaten that day
The rest to be given to the worshipper
Application: "Indicated the fact that forgiveness of sins resulted in communion with God and God's people." How important is this today and how importantly do we treat it?!
Christ as our peace offering (Ephesians 2:13-18)
3 of the 5 offerings outlined are voluntary.
Time Magazine, July 17, 2017 Zurich University researchers study giving
NY Post, September 15, 2015 "People who give money to charity tend to be happier and also healthier than others..."
Could be any animal without blemish. Species varied according to the giver's economic status
Symbolized fellowship with God
1. Thankfulness for a specific blessing
2. Offers a ritual expression of a vow
3. Symbolized general thankfulness
Signified communion with God because it's the only sacrifice in which the giver ate a shared meal with the priests. This is the offering Aaron would give part of as a "wave offering" (9:18-21)
Guests of the giver, his family, Levites, the poor were part of the meal (Deuteronomy 12, 16). Shared meals were part of the early church in Acts 2:46, "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house they ate their food with gladness..."
Burnt offering was given before the Peace offering to convey the importance of atonement as the basis for fellowship with God (verses 5, 6:12)
Verses 3-4 - Fat was considered the best part of an animal and associated with power. Especially associated with this offering
Figuratively, kidneys conveyed a person's feelings and inner thoughts
Verse 9 - "Fat tail" A heavy fat organ weighing between 5-15 lbs. (30 possibly), considered a delicacy
Verses 12-17 - Same instructions except for a goat. 16 and 17 give new information: All fat is the Lord's and Israelites weren't to eat blood. "Perpetual statute throughout all your generations."
Priests Point of View
Given in conjunction with a grain offering (12-13)
The part given to the priest was to be eaten that day
The rest to be given to the worshipper
Application: "Indicated the fact that forgiveness of sins resulted in communion with God and God's people." How important is this today and how importantly do we treat it?!
Christ as our peace offering (Ephesians 2:13-18)
3 of the 5 offerings outlined are voluntary.
Time Magazine, July 17, 2017 Zurich University researchers study giving
NY Post, September 15, 2015 "People who give money to charity tend to be happier and also healthier than others..."
Leviticus Study Notes - Grain Offering
This was a voluntary offering
Hebrew: minchah, meaning gift
Different from the burnt offering because it didn't result in atonement. Also, only a small amount was burned; the rest was given to the priests
Chapter divided into 3 sections:
1. Rules about offering uncooked grains
2. What was to be done when someone offered cooked grain
3. Instructions about how the first fruits of the grain must be offered
Thanksgiving...a gift. Acknowledged God as the source of provision and prosperity
Given as a gift of thanks for all the gifts from God
"It represents a man's gift of homage, whereby he acknowledges God's sovereignty over all things and over himself, by offering to Him a portion of that which He had graciously bestowed in abundance."
Rarely offered by itself. Often included with burnt offerings and peace offerings (at least 8 times in this book). Numbers 15:4-10 specifies how much grains was to be offered with several different kinds of animal sacrifices
Verse 1 - Oil, probably olive oil.
Frankincense: expensive to purchase. From an old French word meaning, "high quality incense." Franc meant noble or pure. From the Boswella trees, known to grow in harsh climates. Slash the bark, let the resin bleed out and harden. Known to exist for 6,000 years. Taken to Europe during the Crusades. Full quality comes out when it's burned as incense
The point is, the one who brought a grain offering was not giving God something which cost him nothing!
Verse 2 - After the one offering brought the grain, added oil and frankincense, the priest took over. The part offered was the "memorial portion" representing the whole. It's suggested that this also reminded the Israelites of what God had done for them
Verse 3 - Tells us the rest went to priests. Since it had been offered to holy God and part of it was consumed by fire on the holy altar, it must be regarded as holy and therefore eaten in a holy place (6:16).
Verses 4-10 - Three options on how to cook it
1. Oven
2. Griddle
3. Pan
Four things both types of this offering had in common:
1. Fine flour (best, worked for and worked over to remove any impurities)
2. Include oil in the mixture
3. Offered on fire
4. Remainder belonged to the priests
Verses 11-16 - Special rules
Worshipper had latitude in this offering but God still required some things. Both positive and negative commands here
Verse 11 - No leaven or honey. Not told specifically why
Yes, leaven often represents sin (and there is leaven in honey also) but not always. Both were part of the offering of the firstfruits (Exodus 23:16-17; 34:22-23; Leviticus 23:17-18)
Both elements were employed in pagan worship. Regardless of why though, this is how God wanted it!
Verse 12 shows us the offering of firstfruits which we'll see more about in Feast of Harvest in chapter 23. Since these weren't burnt on the altar, the rule about leaven and honey didn't apply
A positive command in verse 13: salt was to be included. Thought to symbolize the continuing covenant between God and His people (Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5). Also thought to symbolize peace and loyalty. Based on the idea that salt was a preservative in the ancient world.
"Salt of the world"
Lesson: Give what you have! (Luke 21:1-4, Widow's mite)
Burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings were voluntary. Do we grasp the concept? Do we give only because we're commanded to or because we're able to?
Christ in this offering: Look at the grain. Finely milled, no hulls, dirt or particles (imperfections). It's purity and evenness, at its best. "Without sin" (Hebrews 4:15) No unevenness found in Him
Paul tells us we're expected to "be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:10).
Sincere (Greek: eilikrines) literally means "tested by the light of the sun"
How they tested pottery looking for imperfections. The idea of being without wax is transferred to the moral realm. There should be a purity and evenness to our lives in contrast to the coarse world.
This offering meant one worked. Where did one get this grain?
Christ is also in the grain offering. Perfect (as fine flour), anointed with the Spirit (oil), offering prayers (frankincense).
Acts 10:4: Cornelius "prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God"
From The Priest's Point of View
Beginning of 14 tells us this was addressed to the priests
Pretty much the same as what we've just seen but in 17 and 18 there's an emphasis that this is a permanent offering. Anyone who touched them had to be holy
20-23 - Instructions are given for an offering when Aaron and his sons are consecrated (chapter 8). This will be a continual offering, day and night.
An ephah is about a bushel
Hebrew: minchah, meaning gift
Different from the burnt offering because it didn't result in atonement. Also, only a small amount was burned; the rest was given to the priests
Chapter divided into 3 sections:
1. Rules about offering uncooked grains
2. What was to be done when someone offered cooked grain
3. Instructions about how the first fruits of the grain must be offered
Thanksgiving...a gift. Acknowledged God as the source of provision and prosperity
Given as a gift of thanks for all the gifts from God
"It represents a man's gift of homage, whereby he acknowledges God's sovereignty over all things and over himself, by offering to Him a portion of that which He had graciously bestowed in abundance."
Rarely offered by itself. Often included with burnt offerings and peace offerings (at least 8 times in this book). Numbers 15:4-10 specifies how much grains was to be offered with several different kinds of animal sacrifices
Verse 1 - Oil, probably olive oil.
Frankincense: expensive to purchase. From an old French word meaning, "high quality incense." Franc meant noble or pure. From the Boswella trees, known to grow in harsh climates. Slash the bark, let the resin bleed out and harden. Known to exist for 6,000 years. Taken to Europe during the Crusades. Full quality comes out when it's burned as incense
The point is, the one who brought a grain offering was not giving God something which cost him nothing!
Verse 2 - After the one offering brought the grain, added oil and frankincense, the priest took over. The part offered was the "memorial portion" representing the whole. It's suggested that this also reminded the Israelites of what God had done for them
Verse 3 - Tells us the rest went to priests. Since it had been offered to holy God and part of it was consumed by fire on the holy altar, it must be regarded as holy and therefore eaten in a holy place (6:16).
Verses 4-10 - Three options on how to cook it
1. Oven
2. Griddle
3. Pan
Four things both types of this offering had in common:
1. Fine flour (best, worked for and worked over to remove any impurities)
2. Include oil in the mixture
3. Offered on fire
4. Remainder belonged to the priests
Verses 11-16 - Special rules
Worshipper had latitude in this offering but God still required some things. Both positive and negative commands here
Verse 11 - No leaven or honey. Not told specifically why
Yes, leaven often represents sin (and there is leaven in honey also) but not always. Both were part of the offering of the firstfruits (Exodus 23:16-17; 34:22-23; Leviticus 23:17-18)
Both elements were employed in pagan worship. Regardless of why though, this is how God wanted it!
Verse 12 shows us the offering of firstfruits which we'll see more about in Feast of Harvest in chapter 23. Since these weren't burnt on the altar, the rule about leaven and honey didn't apply
A positive command in verse 13: salt was to be included. Thought to symbolize the continuing covenant between God and His people (Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5). Also thought to symbolize peace and loyalty. Based on the idea that salt was a preservative in the ancient world.
"Salt of the world"
Lesson: Give what you have! (Luke 21:1-4, Widow's mite)
Burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings were voluntary. Do we grasp the concept? Do we give only because we're commanded to or because we're able to?
Christ in this offering: Look at the grain. Finely milled, no hulls, dirt or particles (imperfections). It's purity and evenness, at its best. "Without sin" (Hebrews 4:15) No unevenness found in Him
Paul tells us we're expected to "be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:10).
Sincere (Greek: eilikrines) literally means "tested by the light of the sun"
How they tested pottery looking for imperfections. The idea of being without wax is transferred to the moral realm. There should be a purity and evenness to our lives in contrast to the coarse world.
This offering meant one worked. Where did one get this grain?
Christ is also in the grain offering. Perfect (as fine flour), anointed with the Spirit (oil), offering prayers (frankincense).
Acts 10:4: Cornelius "prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God"
From The Priest's Point of View
Beginning of 14 tells us this was addressed to the priests
Pretty much the same as what we've just seen but in 17 and 18 there's an emphasis that this is a permanent offering. Anyone who touched them had to be holy
20-23 - Instructions are given for an offering when Aaron and his sons are consecrated (chapter 8). This will be a continual offering, day and night.
An ephah is about a bushel
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Leviticus Study Notes - Burnt Offerings
Chapters covering offerings are 1:1 through 6:7, then repeated in 6:8 through 7:36
The first descriptions are given from the viewpoint of the Israelite making the offerings. The second considers the various sacrifices as the priests had to deal with them
Most common of the sacrifices: Bull, ram, male goat, turtledove or young pigeon.
Always males but the species varied based on the individual's economic status
The purpose - Propitiation (appeasing God), seeking atonement (payment for a wrong) and complete surrender, devotion and commitment to God
Verse 2 - "Brings an offering" Corban: A gift presented to the Lord. Literally, "to cause to draw near, bring near, a present or gift, an offering." Used only in Leviticus, Numbers and Isaiah in the Old Testament. (Mark 7:11)
Hebrew "olah" signifies that which rises or ascends. The animal was completely consumed and ascended in smoke to the Lord
The purpose is given in verses 3-4: that the one giving may be accepted by the Lord and the sacrifice may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf
It was accepted as a substitute for taking away sins. Represented death for the sins
What's the role of sacrifice in God's plan? All have sinned (Romans 3:23. God will accept a substitute for the death of each sinner (John 1:29, it's Jesus). "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Again, the way to God is only through blood sacrifice and the walk with God is only through obedience to His laws.
Animals had to be:
Male
Without blemish (Hebrews 9:14)
Voluntary (Hebrews 9:14, 25-26)
Accepted for the sinner (Isaiah 53:5, 10-11)
Killed by the sinner (Isaiah 53:7)
Blood sprinkled (Hebrews 10:13, 22; 1 Peter 1:2)
Notice verse 6: Skin the offering and cut it in pieces. Who? The worshipper. God has ALWAYS demanded that worship be a participatory act, not a passive act
Verse 7: Washing "entrails" intestines and legs
"Sweet aroma to the Lord" sweet savour, soothing aroma
Verses 10-13: Offering given from the flock
Similar instructions as the ones given for a bull
Verses 14-17 Offering of birds
Reason not given here but we see in chapter 5 regarding the sin offering, it was for the poor
Verse 14: turtledove or young pigeon. Why not others? In 11:13-19 we'll see most other birds were unclean
Verses 15-17: Unlike before, the priest was responsible for all aspects of this offering
Burnt offerings foreshadowed Jesus call for Christians to give of themselves completely (Matthew 6:33, 16:25; Romans 12:1-2). Are we offering God our wholeness? There is a difference in God offering Jesus for us a sin offering and us offering ourselves to God in dedication and service
Chapter 6:8-13 Same info given from the viewpoint of the priest
"Command Aaron and his sons" versus "Speak to the children of Israel"
Offering to be left on the altar all night until it was reduced to ash
Priest wore a special linen robe when removing ashes. Apparently they were too holy to be removed while wearing common clothes. Priest wore other clothes when removing ashes to a clean place, no dead bodies or carcasses
Verses 12-13: Fire was not allowed to go out. Seems to establish the priority of the burnt offering
This is going to be important later...Nadab and Abihu
Unless the fire was kept going, other sacrifices (peace offering) couldn't be made
Exodus 29:38-42 said continual burnt offerings were to be presented morning and night for the community as a whole
The sin offering was mandatory for one who sinned intentionally
Trespass offering was mandatory for one who deprived another or desecrated something holy
Hebrews 10:4 "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins"
Discuss this looking at the Day of Atonement in 16:15-16 and Hebrews 9:24-28
The first descriptions are given from the viewpoint of the Israelite making the offerings. The second considers the various sacrifices as the priests had to deal with them
Most common of the sacrifices: Bull, ram, male goat, turtledove or young pigeon.
Always males but the species varied based on the individual's economic status
The purpose - Propitiation (appeasing God), seeking atonement (payment for a wrong) and complete surrender, devotion and commitment to God
Verse 2 - "Brings an offering" Corban: A gift presented to the Lord. Literally, "to cause to draw near, bring near, a present or gift, an offering." Used only in Leviticus, Numbers and Isaiah in the Old Testament. (Mark 7:11)
Hebrew "olah" signifies that which rises or ascends. The animal was completely consumed and ascended in smoke to the Lord
The purpose is given in verses 3-4: that the one giving may be accepted by the Lord and the sacrifice may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf
It was accepted as a substitute for taking away sins. Represented death for the sins
What's the role of sacrifice in God's plan? All have sinned (Romans 3:23. God will accept a substitute for the death of each sinner (John 1:29, it's Jesus). "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Again, the way to God is only through blood sacrifice and the walk with God is only through obedience to His laws.
Animals had to be:
Male
Without blemish (Hebrews 9:14)
Voluntary (Hebrews 9:14, 25-26)
Accepted for the sinner (Isaiah 53:5, 10-11)
Killed by the sinner (Isaiah 53:7)
Blood sprinkled (Hebrews 10:13, 22; 1 Peter 1:2)
Notice verse 6: Skin the offering and cut it in pieces. Who? The worshipper. God has ALWAYS demanded that worship be a participatory act, not a passive act
Verse 7: Washing "entrails" intestines and legs
"Sweet aroma to the Lord" sweet savour, soothing aroma
Verses 10-13: Offering given from the flock
Similar instructions as the ones given for a bull
Verses 14-17 Offering of birds
Reason not given here but we see in chapter 5 regarding the sin offering, it was for the poor
Verse 14: turtledove or young pigeon. Why not others? In 11:13-19 we'll see most other birds were unclean
Verses 15-17: Unlike before, the priest was responsible for all aspects of this offering
Burnt offerings foreshadowed Jesus call for Christians to give of themselves completely (Matthew 6:33, 16:25; Romans 12:1-2). Are we offering God our wholeness? There is a difference in God offering Jesus for us a sin offering and us offering ourselves to God in dedication and service
Chapter 6:8-13 Same info given from the viewpoint of the priest
"Command Aaron and his sons" versus "Speak to the children of Israel"
Offering to be left on the altar all night until it was reduced to ash
Priest wore a special linen robe when removing ashes. Apparently they were too holy to be removed while wearing common clothes. Priest wore other clothes when removing ashes to a clean place, no dead bodies or carcasses
Verses 12-13: Fire was not allowed to go out. Seems to establish the priority of the burnt offering
This is going to be important later...Nadab and Abihu
Unless the fire was kept going, other sacrifices (peace offering) couldn't be made
Exodus 29:38-42 said continual burnt offerings were to be presented morning and night for the community as a whole
The sin offering was mandatory for one who sinned intentionally
Trespass offering was mandatory for one who deprived another or desecrated something holy
Hebrews 10:4 "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins"
Discuss this looking at the Day of Atonement in 16:15-16 and Hebrews 9:24-28
Leviticus Study Notes - Holy Servants (Chapter 8:1-13)
The first seven chapters of Leviticus detail God's instructions concerning the sacrifices He expected His people to bring. Who offers those sacrifices on behalf of the people? The priests. Therefore, I began this class by examining the first thirteen verses of chapter 8 which covers the consecration of Aaron and his sons. We can't offer sacrifices without having priests!
There are some "C" words to help us remember key points here.
The first is, command. 8:1 says, "And the Lord spoke to Moses saying..."
Whenever we see that, it introduces new material.
Chapters 8-10 and 24:10-23 are the only narrative sections of the book. The rest is legislative.
The divine pattern is stressed by the command of God in chapters 8 and 9 and contrasted with chapter 10, verse 1, "Which He had not commanded them." The focus is on obedience versus disobedience based on the revelation of God.
Look at chapter 8
Verse 4: "So Moses did as the Lord commanded him"
Verse 5: "This is what the Lord commanded"
Verse 9: "As the Lord commanded Moses"
Verse 13: "As the Lord had commanded Moses"
Verse 17: "As the Lord had commanded Moses"
Verse 21: "As the Lord had commanded Moses"
Verse 29: "As the Lord had commanded Moses"
Verse 34: "As he has done this day, so the Lord commanded"
Verse 35: "For so I have been commanded"
Verse 36: "So Aaron and his sons did all the things the Lord had commanded"
When something is said once, what about when it's repeated? Remember Paul writing, "As we have said before, so say I again" (Galatians 1:9).
The performance of these commands ties together Exodus 28 and 29 with Leviticus 8. I hope you paid attention to Exodus 25 through the end of the book.
Exodus is God saying, "Here's what I want you to do."
Leviticus is Moses writing, "Here's how we did it..." And you'll notice they did it EXACTLY how God said to do it.
In Exodus 29:1, we learned the purpose of all this was to hallow Aaron and his sons to minister. Hallow: to be or to make clean
They need to understand how important they are in the carrying out of God's plan. There's a lesson for us there; Every Christian, as a priest, is important. There's no unimportant priest in the priesthood!
What happens if the priesthood fails? Look at 1 Samuel 2:17. A failure in the priesthood caused the people to despise the sacrifices of God. Malachi 1 tells us what God thought of their polluted offerings.
What's being put in place here sets the framework that will last until Acts 2 for how people are either going to accept and appreciate, or despise and reject chapters 1 through 7, the sacrifices of God.
How important is the priesthood? Let go bad and you see what we have in the book of Judges. According to Jeremiah, it was a failure of the priests that contributed to Babylonian captivity
Called, (verse 2) Just as Aaron was to be the mediator for the nation of Israel, Israel was to function as a priest to the surrounding nations (Exodus 19:5-6). It's the same way that we as Christians are to serve as witnesses to the priesthood of the perfect high priest, Jesus (Hebrews 7:1-28; 1 Peter 2:5-9).
Notice that certain things are to be taken. On the surface it seems silly to, "take the priests" when they're instituting the priesthood but have you ever dealt with people? Imagine them saying, "Well, youu didn't tell us to do that!" Look at this verse and see what can be left out and still be pleasing to God
If you study with someone and they can't get past, "you must obey this command to please God (yes, referring mainly to baptism and its necessity), take this to them. Ask which part of this passage could be omitted and still be pleasing to God
Anointing oil - Was specified by God. The composition of it is given in Exodus 30:22-33 (Reference Psalm 133:2) 1 and 2 Samuel show this being used for separation to God for a task and preparation for divine guidance
Sin offering - two rams without blemish (Exodus 29:1)
Basket - Did it matter if the bread was leavened or unleavened? Says something about the Lord's Supper, doesn't it? "Jesus took the unleavened bread..."
Verse 3 - "Gather all the congregation at the door"
We're talking perhaps of 2.5 million to 3 million people!
Did the elders represent the congregation?
Do we have a representative use of the word "all?"
Verses 36-38 say this ceremony is to be repeated for 7 days. Why couldn't the people be rotated then?
Why then, insist that the whole congregation be there? Because the congregation must accept them as their representatives! Similar to modern congregations "trying out" a preacher
God said, "Get the people together. I'm going to institute a system and the people's presence signifies, 'we will accept it.'"
Verse 5, Moses communicates "And Moses said, 'this is what the Lord commanded to be done." Here's what I'm doing and what I'm doing is what God said to do. (Exodus 28-29)
Here's what the principle is all about: We're not doing what I want to do, or what you want to do. We're doing what God wants done! Imagine if we had that attitude today
Consecration - Of Aaron and his sons. Look at Hebrews 5:1-5: "he who is called by God, just as Aaron was." Hebrew word is pronounced "ko-lay-hoh" God's appointing one or committing one
In Exodus 28:1 there were no volunteers. God picked them
Numbers 16: Some people didn't approve of God's selection. "Who's Aaron, to be set above us?"
1 Samuel 2 in the period of the judges, look at verses 27 and 28. My priest, my alter
There's one priesthood for the nation. What would happen if every man was his own priest? One brings unity. There's one place to approach God, one way to approach and that's the priesthood. There's one way to please God, the sacrifices. Everyone has the same
Jeroboam, the son of Nebat took 10 tribes from Israel. He attacked the worship, said, "I'm going to set up a separate priesthood, separate place of worship and system of sacrifice. It's too much for you to have to go all the way to Jerusalem." Look at the results
At Pentecost God restored what Jeroboam divided. We come back to one priesthood for everyone
John 14:6, "I am THE way, THE truth, THE light..." For whom? For everyone!
He became our High Priest (Hebrews 2). In Hebrews 13 He is our sin offering. We all have the same High Priest, we all have the same sin offering.
When there's division in the church, it goes against the priesthood of God. It's not recognizing the unity God wants.
Verse 6 Cleansed "wash them with water." Cleansing of the body was symbolically saying they're to be pure inside and out. It said to the people, as the priests look clean to you, they are to look to the Lord...clean!
In chapter 21 we'll see if a priest has a blemish, he cannot approach Jehovah.
Psalm 243-4: That's what the priesthood was supposed to look like
John 13, look at verse 13: Jesus took a towel. Cleanliness inside and out. Do I approach God clean?
Verses 7-8 Clothed Clothing is important. It says something and makes a statement. It meant something in Genesis 3, didn't it?
When you look at Colossians one of the themes is changing clothes. What you wear as a child of God makes a difference. Leviticus stresses the quality. Everything the priest wore was the best. Give God your best! That's the principle and you see it in the sacrificial system
Remember in Exodus the minute care given in their design and making? It will also focus the wearer on their purpose
Verses 10-12 and 30: They are claimed with the anointing oil and with blood. God is saying, "They are mine, I am claiming them, they belong to Me."
Holman Study Notes: The holiness of God demanded a sanctification of the place, items and persons who ministered before the Lord. This was satisfied by Christ through His perfect offering and as the perfect offeror (Hebrews 7:26; 9:11-2). Christians are anointed by a spiritual anointing (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20).
They were then anointed by Moses as described in Exodus 40:9-11. Anoint is from the Hebrew word "maw-shock," root word of "ma-shy-ak" the word from which we get the word "Messiah," meaning "The Anointed." Translated in Greek as "Christas" which of course is Christ. Not the last name but who He is. Acts 10:38 refers to Jesus as the "Anointed One."
At this point the priests are sanctified, pronounced clean. In verse 11 Moses sprinkles the altar 7 times and everything around it. Then poured the oil on Aaron's beard (Psalm 133:2)
Look how important this imagery was even in the time of David
We are given here a picture of the very best, the picture of the setting apart, the picture of the anointing. This is the action of God! So when I'm reading this, I should see the picture of the church:
Our High Priest
My function as a priest
Giving God my best
There are some "C" words to help us remember key points here.
The first is, command. 8:1 says, "And the Lord spoke to Moses saying..."
Whenever we see that, it introduces new material.
Chapters 8-10 and 24:10-23 are the only narrative sections of the book. The rest is legislative.
The divine pattern is stressed by the command of God in chapters 8 and 9 and contrasted with chapter 10, verse 1, "Which He had not commanded them." The focus is on obedience versus disobedience based on the revelation of God.
Look at chapter 8
Verse 4: "So Moses did as the Lord commanded him"
Verse 5: "This is what the Lord commanded"
Verse 9: "As the Lord commanded Moses"
Verse 13: "As the Lord had commanded Moses"
Verse 17: "As the Lord had commanded Moses"
Verse 21: "As the Lord had commanded Moses"
Verse 29: "As the Lord had commanded Moses"
Verse 34: "As he has done this day, so the Lord commanded"
Verse 35: "For so I have been commanded"
Verse 36: "So Aaron and his sons did all the things the Lord had commanded"
When something is said once, what about when it's repeated? Remember Paul writing, "As we have said before, so say I again" (Galatians 1:9).
The performance of these commands ties together Exodus 28 and 29 with Leviticus 8. I hope you paid attention to Exodus 25 through the end of the book.
Exodus is God saying, "Here's what I want you to do."
Leviticus is Moses writing, "Here's how we did it..." And you'll notice they did it EXACTLY how God said to do it.
In Exodus 29:1, we learned the purpose of all this was to hallow Aaron and his sons to minister. Hallow: to be or to make clean
They need to understand how important they are in the carrying out of God's plan. There's a lesson for us there; Every Christian, as a priest, is important. There's no unimportant priest in the priesthood!
What happens if the priesthood fails? Look at 1 Samuel 2:17. A failure in the priesthood caused the people to despise the sacrifices of God. Malachi 1 tells us what God thought of their polluted offerings.
What's being put in place here sets the framework that will last until Acts 2 for how people are either going to accept and appreciate, or despise and reject chapters 1 through 7, the sacrifices of God.
How important is the priesthood? Let go bad and you see what we have in the book of Judges. According to Jeremiah, it was a failure of the priests that contributed to Babylonian captivity
Called, (verse 2) Just as Aaron was to be the mediator for the nation of Israel, Israel was to function as a priest to the surrounding nations (Exodus 19:5-6). It's the same way that we as Christians are to serve as witnesses to the priesthood of the perfect high priest, Jesus (Hebrews 7:1-28; 1 Peter 2:5-9).
Notice that certain things are to be taken. On the surface it seems silly to, "take the priests" when they're instituting the priesthood but have you ever dealt with people? Imagine them saying, "Well, youu didn't tell us to do that!" Look at this verse and see what can be left out and still be pleasing to God
If you study with someone and they can't get past, "you must obey this command to please God (yes, referring mainly to baptism and its necessity), take this to them. Ask which part of this passage could be omitted and still be pleasing to God
Anointing oil - Was specified by God. The composition of it is given in Exodus 30:22-33 (Reference Psalm 133:2) 1 and 2 Samuel show this being used for separation to God for a task and preparation for divine guidance
Sin offering - two rams without blemish (Exodus 29:1)
Basket - Did it matter if the bread was leavened or unleavened? Says something about the Lord's Supper, doesn't it? "Jesus took the unleavened bread..."
Verse 3 - "Gather all the congregation at the door"
We're talking perhaps of 2.5 million to 3 million people!
Did the elders represent the congregation?
Do we have a representative use of the word "all?"
Verses 36-38 say this ceremony is to be repeated for 7 days. Why couldn't the people be rotated then?
Why then, insist that the whole congregation be there? Because the congregation must accept them as their representatives! Similar to modern congregations "trying out" a preacher
God said, "Get the people together. I'm going to institute a system and the people's presence signifies, 'we will accept it.'"
Verse 5, Moses communicates "And Moses said, 'this is what the Lord commanded to be done." Here's what I'm doing and what I'm doing is what God said to do. (Exodus 28-29)
Here's what the principle is all about: We're not doing what I want to do, or what you want to do. We're doing what God wants done! Imagine if we had that attitude today
Consecration - Of Aaron and his sons. Look at Hebrews 5:1-5: "he who is called by God, just as Aaron was." Hebrew word is pronounced "ko-lay-hoh" God's appointing one or committing one
In Exodus 28:1 there were no volunteers. God picked them
Numbers 16: Some people didn't approve of God's selection. "Who's Aaron, to be set above us?"
1 Samuel 2 in the period of the judges, look at verses 27 and 28. My priest, my alter
There's one priesthood for the nation. What would happen if every man was his own priest? One brings unity. There's one place to approach God, one way to approach and that's the priesthood. There's one way to please God, the sacrifices. Everyone has the same
Jeroboam, the son of Nebat took 10 tribes from Israel. He attacked the worship, said, "I'm going to set up a separate priesthood, separate place of worship and system of sacrifice. It's too much for you to have to go all the way to Jerusalem." Look at the results
At Pentecost God restored what Jeroboam divided. We come back to one priesthood for everyone
John 14:6, "I am THE way, THE truth, THE light..." For whom? For everyone!
He became our High Priest (Hebrews 2). In Hebrews 13 He is our sin offering. We all have the same High Priest, we all have the same sin offering.
When there's division in the church, it goes against the priesthood of God. It's not recognizing the unity God wants.
Verse 6 Cleansed "wash them with water." Cleansing of the body was symbolically saying they're to be pure inside and out. It said to the people, as the priests look clean to you, they are to look to the Lord...clean!
In chapter 21 we'll see if a priest has a blemish, he cannot approach Jehovah.
Psalm 243-4: That's what the priesthood was supposed to look like
John 13, look at verse 13: Jesus took a towel. Cleanliness inside and out. Do I approach God clean?
Verses 7-8 Clothed Clothing is important. It says something and makes a statement. It meant something in Genesis 3, didn't it?
When you look at Colossians one of the themes is changing clothes. What you wear as a child of God makes a difference. Leviticus stresses the quality. Everything the priest wore was the best. Give God your best! That's the principle and you see it in the sacrificial system
Remember in Exodus the minute care given in their design and making? It will also focus the wearer on their purpose
Verses 10-12 and 30: They are claimed with the anointing oil and with blood. God is saying, "They are mine, I am claiming them, they belong to Me."
Holman Study Notes: The holiness of God demanded a sanctification of the place, items and persons who ministered before the Lord. This was satisfied by Christ through His perfect offering and as the perfect offeror (Hebrews 7:26; 9:11-2). Christians are anointed by a spiritual anointing (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20).
They were then anointed by Moses as described in Exodus 40:9-11. Anoint is from the Hebrew word "maw-shock," root word of "ma-shy-ak" the word from which we get the word "Messiah," meaning "The Anointed." Translated in Greek as "Christas" which of course is Christ. Not the last name but who He is. Acts 10:38 refers to Jesus as the "Anointed One."
At this point the priests are sanctified, pronounced clean. In verse 11 Moses sprinkles the altar 7 times and everything around it. Then poured the oil on Aaron's beard (Psalm 133:2)
Look how important this imagery was even in the time of David
We are given here a picture of the very best, the picture of the setting apart, the picture of the anointing. This is the action of God! So when I'm reading this, I should see the picture of the church:
Our High Priest
My function as a priest
Giving God my best
Leviticus Study Notes (Introduction)
It's my belief that New Testament Christians overlook the book of Leviticus by simply saying it's about holiness. Although that's accurate, a study of this book shows the lessons go much deeper. The theme of this book is about how an unholy people can approach Holy God. Most importantly, the student of Leviticus learns an important lesson which foreshadows the Age of Christ; the only way to God is through blood sacrifice and the believer's walk with God is only through obedience to His laws.
No geographical movement takes place in this book. The Israelites are still camped at Mt. Sinai. We know from Exodus 12:2 that the new calendar began with the first Passover. Exodus 40:17 tells us the construction of the tabernacle was completed one year later. Numbers 1:1 picks up the Hebrew story at the second month of the second year since the people left Egypt. Moses may have written this book during the first month of that second year. This section of Moses' writing is part of the continuous narrative which begins in Exodus 19 and continues to Numbers 10.
This book's importance to the original audience was summarized by Jack P. Lewis, PhD. "Israel did not have a division between religious law and civil law. All of life was considered to be controlled by religion. Every action was judged by how it pleased or displeased the Lord. Legal rules were religious rules. Both the prohibition of murder (Exodus 20:13) and the command to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) were presented as divine commands. Punishment applied wither the offense was religious, moral or legal."
The first 17 chapters show what was required of the people so they could approach God. Sacrifice was required. God must be approached by:
No geographical movement takes place in this book. The Israelites are still camped at Mt. Sinai. We know from Exodus 12:2 that the new calendar began with the first Passover. Exodus 40:17 tells us the construction of the tabernacle was completed one year later. Numbers 1:1 picks up the Hebrew story at the second month of the second year since the people left Egypt. Moses may have written this book during the first month of that second year. This section of Moses' writing is part of the continuous narrative which begins in Exodus 19 and continues to Numbers 10.
This book's importance to the original audience was summarized by Jack P. Lewis, PhD. "Israel did not have a division between religious law and civil law. All of life was considered to be controlled by religion. Every action was judged by how it pleased or displeased the Lord. Legal rules were religious rules. Both the prohibition of murder (Exodus 20:13) and the command to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) were presented as divine commands. Punishment applied wither the offense was religious, moral or legal."
The first 17 chapters show what was required of the people so they could approach God. Sacrifice was required. God must be approached by:
- Sacrificial offerings (Chapters 1-7)
- Mediation of Priests (Chapters 8-10)
- Purification (Chapters 11-15)
- National Cleansing and Fellowship (Chapters 16-17)
The rest of the book speaks to the sanctification required so God's people could continue to have fellowship with Him. He demanded sanctification:
- Of the people (Chapters 18-20)
- Of the priests (Chapters 21-22)
- Of worship (Chapters 23-24)
- Of life in Canaan (Chapters 25-26)
- Of their vows (Chapter 27)
This was needed because the removal of defilement is necessary to have a walk of fellowship with God. Doesn't that sound familiar to those of us who call him Father today? It should!
Jesus Christ quoted Leviticus eight times. He referenced 14:1-32 and most famously quoted 19:18. Other passages he quoted include 18:5, 19:12, 20:9, 24:9, 24:20 and 27:30. The writer of Hebrews draws heavily from this book in describing the role of Jesus , His sacrifice, the priesthood and the Day of Atonement. The student is strongly encouraged to read Hebrews at the same time they study Leviticus.
There are five important words the student will repeatedly encounter in Leviticus.
- Holiness - The priests were to teach the people to differentiate, "between holy and unholy, and between clean and unclean" (10:10). They were separated to God. The holiness of that person has its source from God. Anything that compromises this exclusive relationship profanes (treats as common) that person, and therefore offends God. (*Note: Read Peter's account of the royal priesthood in 1 Peter)
- Clean - Ritual term that pertains to physical substances; foods, contamination, the body, etc. Daily washing was a constant reminder of the people's inadequacy of maintaining their relationship with God apart from His provision.
- Sacrifice - A holy gift presented to God. There were three voluntary offerings (burnt, grain and peace), with two others being required (sin and trespass). These made atonement and provided for the priests.
- Atonement - "Kipper" means to reconcile two estranged parties. God is the offended party and must be appeased by the transgressor. God provided the means by which the wrong could be remedied and forgiven. Genuine remorse and confession of sin were required.
- Priests - The ones who made atonement on behalf of the guilty party, as well as for himself. Their role was to protect the holiness of God, the sanctity of the tabernacle and the people, and to serve as the intercessor.
Leviticus Study Notes
I am currently about halfway through leading a Wednesday night adult Bible class through a study of Leviticus. The response from those in attendance has been incredibly encouraging and my personal knowledge of and appreciation for this book has been greatly increased.
I plan to share my notes from that class in this space. I hope you find them beneficial to your own Bible study. There aren't as nearly as many resources for book of Leviticus as there are for a lot of other books in the Bible. The ones I have found though, have enriched my preparation for this class. I share them here not only for your benefit but to give credit where it is due.
In preparing and studying for this class, I have used and am currently using the following sources:
Archer, Gleason L. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction. Moody Press, 2007.
Camp, Franklin. Redemption Through The Bible - Leviticus. Transcribed Notes
Dean, Devin W, editor. Studies In Leviticus. The Gospel Journal, 2005.
Holman Study Bible: NKJV Edition. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.
Horner, Chuck. "Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy: WVBS School." WVBS Online Bible School, 2014, school.wvbs.org/courses/leviticus-numbers-deuteronomy/.
The International English Bible. International Bible Translators, Inc. 2014.
The Open Bible Expanded Edition. Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1997.
Rogers, James. Leviticus 8-10: Holy Servants. Polishing The Pulpit, 2017.
Roper, Coy D, and Max Tarbet. Leviticus: An Exegesis & Application of the Holy Scriptures. Resource Publications, 2017.
It is my hope that the notes shared here will assist you in your effort to learn more about Leviticus and even more about how an unholy people can approach holy God.
I plan to share my notes from that class in this space. I hope you find them beneficial to your own Bible study. There aren't as nearly as many resources for book of Leviticus as there are for a lot of other books in the Bible. The ones I have found though, have enriched my preparation for this class. I share them here not only for your benefit but to give credit where it is due.
In preparing and studying for this class, I have used and am currently using the following sources:
Archer, Gleason L. A Survey of Old Testament Introduction. Moody Press, 2007.
Camp, Franklin. Redemption Through The Bible - Leviticus. Transcribed Notes
Dean, Devin W, editor. Studies In Leviticus. The Gospel Journal, 2005.
Holman Study Bible: NKJV Edition. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.
Horner, Chuck. "Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy: WVBS School." WVBS Online Bible School, 2014, school.wvbs.org/courses/leviticus-numbers-deuteronomy/.
The International English Bible. International Bible Translators, Inc. 2014.
The Open Bible Expanded Edition. Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1997.
Rogers, James. Leviticus 8-10: Holy Servants. Polishing The Pulpit, 2017.
Roper, Coy D, and Max Tarbet. Leviticus: An Exegesis & Application of the Holy Scriptures. Resource Publications, 2017.
It is my hope that the notes shared here will assist you in your effort to learn more about Leviticus and even more about how an unholy people can approach holy God.
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