1. Summary of the Book
Leviticus is the book of holiness, worship, sacrifice, and covenant identity. It answers a central question raised at the end of Exodus: How can a sinful people live in the presence of a holy God? After God fills the Tabernacle with His glory, Leviticus provides the detailed instructions that enable Israel to maintain holiness, purity, and right worship. While the laws may seem extensive, their purpose is profound: God is forming a people who reflect His holiness in every dimension of life.
Leviticus begins with the system of sacrifices—burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These sacrifices express thanksgiving, repentance, atonement, dedication, and restored fellowship with God. They teach Israel that sin has consequences, that atonement is necessary, and that God graciously provides means for forgiveness.
Next, the book focuses on the priesthood. Aaron and his sons are consecrated to serve as mediators between God and the people. Their garments, rituals, and anointing symbolize the dignity and seriousness of priestly ministry. But in a dramatic moment, Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire, resulting in their death. This episode reinforces that worship must follow God’s command, not human invention.
A large section is devoted to laws of ritual purity—including food laws, childbirth, skin diseases, mold, and bodily conditions. These laws help Israel distinguish between clean and unclean, ordering their daily life around God’s holiness. They also symbolize moral and spiritual realities, pointing to the need for purity of heart.
At the center of Leviticus stands the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the holiest day of the year. On this day, the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sanctuary and for the whole nation. Two goats are used: one sacrificed for sin, the other released into the wilderness as the “scapegoat,” symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. This single chapter forms the heart of Leviticus, emphasizing both God’s justice and His mercy.
The later chapters present the Holiness Code—a collection of laws concerning morality, justice, charity, sexuality, property, festivals, and social responsibilities. Here God commands: “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” This includes the famous teaching, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Leviticus thus combines ritual holiness with ethical holiness, showing that true worship includes justice, compassion, and integrity.
The book concludes with laws on vows, tithes, and offerings. Throughout Leviticus, God is shaping a people who reflect His holiness through worship, purity, justice, and compassion. It prepares the way for Christ, the true High Priest and perfect sacrifice.
2. Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses, who received these laws directly from God at Mount Sinai. The frequent phrase “The LORD spoke to Moses” reflects Mosaic authorship under divine inspiration.
3. Time of Composition
The laws were given during Israel’s encampment at Sinai, shortly after the construction of the Tabernacle. The final written form likely occurred during the wilderness period, around the 13th or 15th century BC.
4. Intended Audience
The people of Israel—especially the priests and Levites—were the primary audience. Leviticus was meant to teach the entire nation how to worship, live morally, maintain purity, and honor God in every part of life.
5. Major Themes
Holiness as God’s calling
Sacrifice and atonement
Priesthood and mediation
Purity in daily life
Ethical and moral holiness
Justice, compassion, and charity
Sacred time in festivals and seasons
God dwelling among His people
6. Section-Wise Division
A. Sacrifices and Offerings (Lv 1–7)
Burnt offering (Lv 1)
Grain offering (Lv 2)
Peace offering (Lv 3)
Sin offering (Lv 4–5)
Guilt/reparation offering (Lv 5–6)
Priestly portions and regulations (Lv 6–7)
B. The Priestly Ordination (Lv 8–10)
Consecration of Aaron and his sons (Lv 8)
Priestly ministry begins (Lv 9)
Nadab and Abihu’s death (Lv 10)
C. Laws on Ritual Purity (Lv 11–15)
Clean and unclean animals (Lv 11)
Purification after childbirth (Lv 12)
Skin diseases and mold (Lv 13–14)
Bodily discharges (Lv 15)
D. Day of Atonement (Lv 16)
High priest’s entrance into Holy of Holies (Lv 16:1–19)
Sacrificial goat and scapegoat (Lv 16:20–34)
E. Holiness Code (Lv 17–26)
Blood and sacrifice laws (Lv 17)
Laws on sexual morality (Lv 18)
Social and moral holiness (Lv 19–20)
Priestly holiness (Lv 21–22)
Sacred times: feasts and festivals (Lv 23)
Sanctuary laws and blasphemy (Lv 24)
Sabbath year and Jubilee (Lv 25)
Blessings and curses (Lv 26)
F. Instructions on Vows and Tithes (Lv 27)
Dedications, vows, and sacred offerings (Lv 27)
7. Historical and Biblical Background
Leviticus reflects ancient Near Eastern worship systems yet stands apart by grounding holiness in God’s own nature. Unlike pagan rituals that sought to manipulate deities, Levitical worship expresses covenant relationship, gratitude, atonement, and moral transformation. Israel’s purity laws form a symbolic language teaching that God’s people must avoid corruption and pursue life-giving holiness. The priesthood structures reflect Israel’s vocation to be a “kingdom of priests” for the world.
8. Biblical Flow of Each Section
Sacrifices and Offerings
Israel learns the sacred meaning of sacrifice and how to approach God with repentance, gratitude, and devotion.
Priestly Ordination
Aaron and his sons are consecrated, revealing the seriousness and sacredness of priestly ministry.
Ritual Purity
Israel learns to distinguish between clean and unclean—to shape their lives around holiness.
Day of Atonement
The high priest makes atonement for the whole nation, symbolizing God’s mercy and justice.
Holiness Code
Holiness becomes a way of life: justice, charity, purity, reverence, and compassion shape the community.
Vows and Tithes
Israel is taught to honor God with their commitments and possessions.
9. Orientation to Jesus Christ
Leviticus finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Christ is the perfect High Priest (Heb 4–10).
His sacrificial death surpasses and completes all Levitical sacrifices.
The scapegoat prefigures Christ carrying away our sins.
The purity laws point to Christ who makes all things clean.
The feasts prefigure the mysteries fulfilled in Christ.
The call to holiness is renewed by Christ in the Gospel.
10. Message for Us Today
Leviticus teaches that holiness is not optional—it is the heart of covenant relationship. Worship should be reverent and God-centered. Moral life must reflect God’s justice, mercy, purity, and compassion. Holiness shapes every aspect of life: relationships, work, speech, choices, and charity. Through Christ, we become a holy people called to live in the presence of God.
11. Prayer
Holy God, who called Israel to be a people of holiness, form my heart in Your ways. Teach me to worship You with reverence, to live with purity and compassion, and to honor You in all I say and do. Lead me to Jesus, my High Priest and perfect sacrifice, that I may reflect Your holiness in my daily life. Amen.