Introduction and summary of
Leviticus
|
The Bible's third book, between Exodus and Numbers, outlines
the work of the Hebrew priests and a way of holiness for the
nation of Israel. Named for the Levites (from the tribe of Levi,
one of Jacob's 12 sons) who served as priests and caretakers
of the tabernacle and temple, Leviticus is among the more difficult
Bible content for modern readers.
The time and place of the book are both one: It all took place
during the year that Israel camped before Mt. Sinai - about 1400
B.C. No movement in location or change of time is recorded in
its 27 chapters.
|
After the old covenant had been given (Ex. 20-24) and
the Levitical tabernacle of meeting prescribed and constructed
(Ex. 25-31, 35-40), God instructed Moses in liturgy - the sacrifices
and rituals to be performed in the tabernacle and later in the
Jerusalem temple. The Lord spoke to Moses [and Aaron], saying
. . . occurs nearly 40 times, introducing most chapters. The
teaching includes . . .
- different offerings (7:37, 38) for different purposes: burnt
(1:3-17; 6:8-13); grain (2:1-16; 6:14-23); peace (3:1-17; 7:11-21);
sin (4:1-35; 6:24-30); trespass (5:1-6:7; 7:1-10). Here is the
sacrificial system of the old covenant, providing the Hebrew
nation with a means to approach their holy, merciful God. The
principle of blood sacrifice was that of atonement by substituting
an innocent life for a guilty one. The system also offered opportunity
to express personal thanks, dedication, generosity, and restitution.
- anointing the tabernacle; consecration and service of its
priests (chs. 8-10)
- distinction of animals that may be eaten from those that
may not be (ch. 11; 20:25)
- procedures for dealing with some types of uncleanness and
disease (chs. 12-15)
- ritual for the Day of Atonement - holiest day of the Hebrew
year (ch. 16)
- summary and explanation of the feasts, holy days, Sabbatical
years, and jubilees of the Hebrew calendar, dominated by the
# 7 (chs. 23, 25)
Three historical incidents are reported from Israel's
ten months at the mountain:
1. the inauguration of tabernacle service, with the appearance
of God's glory and fire (ch. 9, esp. vv. 23, 24)
2. the untimely deaths of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons who
offered strange fire before the Lord (10:1, 2ff.)
3. the arrest and stoning of a man who blasphemed the Lord's
name (24:10-23)
The key word in Leviticus is holy, which means
"sanctified" (over 100 times). The key thought is "You
shall therefore be holy, for I am holy" (11:44, 45; 19:2;
20:7, 26). Holiness for ancient Israel involved both sacrifice
for sin and separation from sin. Chapters 17-27
are mostly a list of laws called the "holiness code."
They include . . .
- abstaining from fat and blood (17:1-16; 3:17; 7:22-27)
- maintaining sexual purity, the seventh commandment (18:1-23;
20:10-22). This section stresses that the heathen tribes will
be driven from Canaan because they have defiled themselves with
extreme sexual perversion and abomination, including homosexuality
and bestiality (18:22-30; 20:22-26).
- other commandments of the Decalogue are repeated in Leviticus
19: don't make graven images (v. 4); don't blaspheme God's name
(v. 12); keep the Sabbath (vv. 3, 30); honor parents (v. 3);
don't murder (vv. 17, 18); don't steal (vv. 11, 13, 35, 36);
don't lie (v. 11). The first commandment is repeated about every
other verse (16 times) with the words I am the Lord your God;
the tenth, "You shall not covet," is implied (v. 17a).
- the great "love one another" command of Jesus Christ,
first found here (19:18)
- haircuts, body-piercing, tattoos, harlots, and witchcraft
(19:27-31)
- child sacrifice: abortion (18:21; 20:1-5)
- holiness for the priesthood (chs. 21, 22)
- a time and a place: "Keep my Sabbaths and reverence
My sanctuary" (19:30; 26:2)
- rewards for obedience, seven-fold chastening for disobedience,
and the covenant promise for repentance (ch. 26)
- regulations of vows, values, and tithes (ch. 27)
| Leviticus in a sentence:
At Mt. Sinai, the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron concerning the
service of the priests in the tabernacle and the conduct of the
people at all times: "Be holy, for I the LORD am holy."
|