LESSONS IN LEVITICUS
THE MEANING OF LEVITICUS
1. The Greek translators of the Old Testament called the book Leviticus because its typical institutions were committed to the care of the tribe of Levi.
2. The Talmud (Jewish commentary on the Law) calls it “The Law of the Priests”.
3. Jewish writers in general call it “VAYIKRA” (“And the Lord called”) from the opening words of the book. This is the divine name and is more in keeping with the contents; God’s call to the redeemed to access, communion and worship in His presence, and to holiness of body and soul.
AUTHORSHIP - Moses
1. 56 times the words, “the Lord spake unto Moses”, appear in the book. (1:1,2; 27:34)
2. Ezra the scribe refers to the scrolls of Leviticus in describing the source used in his day to determine proper procedure in dedicating the rebuilt Temple. (Ezra 6:18)
3. See notes on Genesis for further detail.
KEY WORDS
1. Atonement - (through sacrificial blood) appears at least 45 times. (16:6; 23:27)
2. Holiness - (the central theme of the book) (11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:7, 26)
A. “Holy” appears 93 times. “Sanctified” appears 6 times. “Sanctify” appears 17 times. These variations of the same word appear a total of 116 times throughout the 27 chapters.
B. One of the surprises of the book is its insistence on the holiness of the body as well as the soul. The redeemed must be holy because their Redeemer is holy. (Lev. 19:2, cf. Rom. 12:1, 2)
REASONS FOR THE STUDY OF LEVITICUS
1. “There is no book in the compass of that inspired volume which the Holy Ghost has given us that contains more of the very words of God than Leviticus. It is God that is the direct speaker in almost every page; His gracious words are recorded in the form wherein they were uttered.” --Andrew Bonar
2. It is said that this book “constitutes a part of the sacred canon, less read, and usually accounted less interesting and important than almost any other”.
3. Every chapter presents views of doctrines and practices which dovetail with the statements of the New Testament. The N.T. carries about 40 references to its various ordinances.
4. The typical rites of Leviticus are shadows in the twilight that prepare men for the intense light of the full revelation of the glory of Christ. They were preparatory to the fullness of truth revealed in the N.T., and give us a greater appreciation of what we have in the N.T. (Rom. 15:4)
5. As presenting a necessary step in the divine order:
In Genesis man is ruined by the Fall.
In Exodus man is redeemed.
In Leviticus man is worshipping.
6. The study of Leviticus has lasting value only as it points to Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.
MESSAGE AND PURPOSE OF THE BOOK
1. To show the transgressor how he might come before the Lord and obtain justification and peace. Access of the redeemed to God can only be had by the substitutionary sacrifice of blood.
2. To show the Israelite how he is to live his life and how he is to carry out the worship of God. Holiness in the life of the redeemed is imperative in maintaining fellowship and communion with a holy God.
3. The order of holiness:
A. The OFFERINGS were rendered necessary by the sin of those who brought them. (cf. Rom. 5:10,11)
B. The MEDIATION of the priests as between the soul of man and God was called for as a result of sin. (cf. Job 9:33)
C. The laws of SEPARATION recognized the sin from which the people must be separated in order that their separation from God might be canceled. (cf. Prov. 28:13; II Cor. 6:17,18)
D. The feasts of CONSECRATION emphasize the benefits gained as the result of escape from sin. (Rom. 12:1, 2) (good - acceptable - perfect)
OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS
I. DEDICATION - THE OFFERINGS (chs. 1-7)
A. THE OFFERINGS (1-6:7)
1. Burnt Offering (ch. 1)
Foreshadows Christ “offering himself without spot to God”, not so much bearing sin as accomplishing the will of God.
2. Meal Offering (ch. 2)
Typically shows the complete manhood of Christ. The emphasis was on the life which was offered and the offering of perfect service.
3. Peace Offering (ch. 3)
Speaks of communion -- God is propitiated; man is reconciled; there is peace.
4. Sin Offering (ch. 4)
Given to teach that the failure of those dedicated to God must yet be dealt with on the basis of sacrifice.
5. Trespass Offering (ch. 5-6:7)
Provided for definite acts of wrongdoing. It includes the thought of positive and willful sinning.
B. The Laws regulating the offerings (6:8-7)
II. MEDIATION - THE PRIESTS (chs. 8-10)
A. Consecration - preparation and anointing (ch. 8)
B. Ministration - the priests at work (ch. 9)
C. Provocation - strange fire of Nadab & Abihu (ch. 10)
III. SEPARATION - THE PEOPLE (chs. 11-22)
A. A God-governed people (chs. 11-16)
1. Clean food (ch. 11)
2. Clean ways (chs. 12-15)
3. Clean nation (ch. 16)
B. A God-obeying people (ch. 17) - general instructions concerning proper sacrifice
1. One place shown: Tabernacle altar (vs. 1-9)
2. One use of blood: atonement (vs. 10-11)
3. One great prohibition: eating of blood (vs. 12-16)
C. A God-manifesting people (chs. 18-22)
1. Regulations concerning the people (18-20)
a. Separation from evil practices (ch. 18)
b. A call to holiness (ch. 19)
c. Laws against unchastity and uncleanness (ch. 20)
2. Regulations concerning the priests (chs. 21-22)
a. Prohibited practices (21:1-15)
b. Prohibited persons (21:16-22:16)
c. Prohibited offerings (22:17-33)
IV. CONSECRATION - THE FEASTS (chs. 23-24)
A. The feasts - the annual set seasons (ch. 23)
1. The Sabbath (vs. 1-3)
2. Passover (vs. 4, 5), A reminder of their deliverance and redemption.
3. Unleavened Bread (vs. 6-8), A reminder of our duty to live for the Lord.
4. First Fruits (vs. 9-14), A reminder that God is the giver of all things.
5. Pentecost (vs. 15-22), Celebrates the giving of the Law at Sinai.
6. Trumpets (vs. 23-25), Celebrates the introduction of the New year.
7. Atonement (vs. 26-32) A day of sorrow and repentance leading to sacrifice for the nation’s sin.
8. Tabernacle (vs. 33-44), A reminder that they were pilgrims in the earth, tarrying for a little season in tents and booths, which must soon be vacated.
B. Symbols of consecration (24:1-9)
1. The oil (vs. 1-4)
2. The shewbread (vs. 5-9)
V. RATIFICATION - THE SIGNS (chs. 25-27)
Regulations that were to be observed after the people came into the possession of Canaan.
A. Sabbatic year and jubilee (ch. 25)
B. Alternatives of the covenant (ch. 26)
C. Consecrations and tithings (ch. 27)