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:

• 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.

1. 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)
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.