PRELUDE TO THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS

PRELUDE TO THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS

NAME:

The nature of this third Book of Pentateuch, written by Moses, is suggested by the name; it has to do with the Levites and the Priests. The Rabbis called it “The Law of Priests” and “The Law of Offerings”; it deals with the services of the sanctuary as administered by the Levites.

CONNECTION WITH THE FORMER:

Leviticus is really a continuation of the Book of Exodus, containing the Sinitic legislation from the time of the completion of the Tabernacle; it elaborates and unfolds what had been writing in the preceding book. Based on the promise of redemption and its unfolding revelations found in Genesis, and on the Divine process of redemption given in the Book of Exodus, Leviticus gives the details for the accomplishment of these Spiritual attainments. Here, is expounded the place of sacrifice as an atonement for sin and GOD’S acceptance of a sacrifice, a type of the sacrifice of CHRIST instead of the death of the sinner.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of Leviticus is five-fold:

i)                    To show that GOD is HOLY, and man is sinful.

ii)                   To show how GOD maintains HIS Holiness and exposes the sinfulness of man

iii)                 To show how sinful man may have access to a HOLY GOD

iv)                 To provide a manual of Law

v)                  Worship for Israel; and to transform Israel into a Holy Nation.

KEYWORD:

The keyword in Leviticus is “Holiness”, which occurs 87 times in the book. In contrast with GOD’S Holiness and HIS required holiness of HIS people, words for sin and uncleanliness in various forms appear 194 ties, showing the need of atonement and cleansing. “Blood Offerings” as the basis for atonement and means of cleansing is referred to 89 times.

CENTRAL TRUTH:

Two notable passages emphasize the CENTRAL TRUTH of this Book, namely:

“so that you can distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean. 10:10”

“Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. 19:2”

OUTLINE:

In the main, Leviticus may be outlined by five divisions:

1)      The Law of Sacrifices (1:1-6:7)

2)      The Law of Priests (6:8-10:20)

3)      The Law of Purity (11-22)

4)      The Law of JEHOVAH’S Feasts (23)

5)      Special Laws, Instructions and Warnings (24-27)