Leviticus

Leviticus is traditionally attributed to Moses and was given to the Israelites while they were encamped at Mount Sinai, in the period between the completion of the tabernacle (Exodus 40:17) and the departure from Sinai (Numbers 10:11). The book's Hebrew name, וַיִּקְרָא ("And He called"), comes from its opening word. The English title "Leviticus" derives from the Greek Septuagint and reflects the book's focus on the Levitical priesthood, though it addresses all of Israel, not just the priests. Leviticus is the central book of the Torah — literally and theologically — and its overarching concern is holiness: how a holy God can dwell in the midst of an unholy people, and how that people must order their lives in response to His presence.

The book served as a practical manual for worship and daily life in ancient Israel, but its themes resonate throughout the rest of Scripture. The sacrificial system it establishes provides the vocabulary and conceptual framework that the New Testament writers use to explain the atoning work of Christ. The repeated refrain "Be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 19:2) is quoted by Peter in 1 Peter 1:16, and the command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18) is identified by Jesus as the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39). Leviticus teaches that sin creates a barrier between God and humanity, that atonement requires the shedding of blood, and that holiness touches every dimension of life — worship, food, health, sexuality, economics, and community.

Structure

Leviticus can be divided into several major sections:

• Laws of Sacrifice (chapters 1-7): Instructions for the five main types of offerings — burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Chapters 1-5 address the worshiper's role; chapters 6-7 address the priest's role.
• Ordination of the Priesthood (chapters 8-10): The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, their first sacrificial service, and the tragic death of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire.
• Laws of Purity (chapters 11-15): Regulations concerning clean and unclean animals, purification after childbirth, skin diseases, mold, and bodily discharges. These laws distinguished Israel from the surrounding nations and taught the difference between holy and common, clean and unclean.
• The Day of Atonement (chapter 16): The annual ceremony in which the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of all Israel — the theological heart of the book.
• The Holiness Code (chapters 17-26): A comprehensive collection of laws governing blood, sexual conduct, social justice, priestly standards, festivals, the sabbatical year, and the Year of Jubilee, all grounded in the call to be holy as God is holy.
• Vows and Dedications (chapter 27): Regulations for vows, dedications, and tithes — an appendix on voluntary commitments to the LORD.

Chapters

1. 1Laws for burnt offerings from the herd, flock, and birds — offerings of total consecration that ascend entirely to God.
2. 2Laws for grain offerings of fine flour, oil, and frankincense — tributes of thanksgiving and devotion.
3. 3Laws for peace offerings from the herd and flock — sacrifices of fellowship shared between God, priests, and worshipers.
4. 4Laws for sin offerings when priests, the congregation, leaders, or individuals sin unintentionally.
5. 5Laws for guilt offerings to address specific acts of unfaithfulness, false testimony, and ceremonial defilement.
6. 6Additional instructions for priests regarding the burnt offering, grain offering, the high priest's daily offering, and the sin offering.
7. 7Additional priestly instructions for the guilt offering and peace offering, including the prohibition against eating fat and blood, and the priests' portions.
8. 8The ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, including their washing, robing, anointing, and the consecration offerings.
9. 9Aaron's first sacrificial service as high priest, culminating in the glory of the LORD appearing and fire consuming the offerings.
10. 10The death of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire, followed by instructions on priestly conduct and the distinction between holy and common.
11. 11Laws distinguishing clean and unclean animals — which creatures Israel may and may not eat.
12. 12Laws of purification after childbirth, including the required waiting periods and offerings.
13. 13Diagnostic instructions for identifying skin diseases and mold on fabrics, with procedures for priestly examination.
14. 14Purification rituals for those healed of skin diseases and for houses affected by mold.
15. 15Laws concerning bodily discharges that render a person ceremonially unclean, and the purification procedures for each.
16. 16The Day of Atonement — the annual ceremony in which the high priest enters the Most Holy Place to atone for the sins of all Israel, including the scapegoat ritual.
17. 17Laws requiring that all sacrificial slaughter take place at the tabernacle, and the prohibition against consuming blood.
18. 18Laws prohibiting unlawful sexual relations, including incest, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality.
19. 19A wide-ranging collection of holiness laws touching on reverence for parents, sabbath-keeping, justice, love of neighbor, and honest dealings.
20. 20Penalties for violations of the holiness laws, including Molech worship, spiritism, and sexual offenses.
21. 21Standards of holiness for priests, including restrictions on mourning, marriage, and physical qualifications for service.
22. 22Regulations ensuring that priests and offerings are ceremonially fit, including rules about who may eat sacred food and the requirement that sacrificial animals be unblemished.
23. 23The appointed festivals of the LORD — Sabbath, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Weeks, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles.
24. 24Instructions for the lampstand and bread of the Presence, followed by the account of the blasphemer and the principle of proportional justice.
25. 25The sabbatical year and the Year of Jubilee — laws for the rest of the land, the redemption of property, and the release of slaves.
26. 26Blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience — the covenant consequences that will follow Israel's faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
27. 27Regulations for redeeming persons, animals, houses, and land that have been vowed or dedicated to the LORD, and the tithe.