The book of Leviticus contains instructions on performing priesthood duties, such as animal sacrifice and other rituals that would help teach the children of Israel about Jesus Christ and His Atonement
#1 - TITLE
Leviticus is the third book of the Pentateuch, which drives from the Greek title Leuitikon given in the Septuagint and it means “pertaining to the Levites”
The Hebrew title of the book, “And he called” is taken from the opening verse of the text.
This particular a book is a manual of priestly regulations and duties and a handbook of instructions prescribing practical “holy living” for the Israelite community.
#2 - AUTHORSHIP
The human author of Leviticus is not mentioned in the book. Yet the phrase “the Lord said to Moses” occurs more than 25 times in the text.
Jewish and Christian traditions have attributed the book to Moses, the lawgiver of Israel.
There is no compelling reason for denying the authenticity of the book of Leviticus. Moses is explicitly and repeatedly cited as the recipient of YHWH’s commandments and everywhere the book assumes a desert context.
"I am the LORD your God, I am Holy, so your must be Holy- Leviticus 19:2"
#3 - CONTENTS
In contrast to Genesis and Exodus, Leviticus contains very little narrative (only chaps. 8-9, 10: 1-7, 16-20; 24: 10-14, 23)
It consists almost wholly of regulations for governing the relationship between Israel and God.
This book tells how a secular and unclean people can relate themselves to a God of indescribable glory and absolute purity.
#4 - LITERARY FORMS
Leviticus consists of legal material, particularly of cultic nature.
Much of this legal material is highly structured in an almost poetic form (Lev. 1-7 and to lesser extent Lev. 11-15).
The final part of Leviticus (Chaps 17-26) is a loser collection of legal material known as “Holiness Code”
#5 - ISRAEL'S FESTIVALS AND FEAST
For early Hebrews, public worship perhaps centred not in more familiar sacrificial offerings but in the great annual feasts. These festivals formed an integral part of OT life.
All of the annual Jewish religious observances, except the Day of Atonement were joyous occasions.
The Sabbath (Lev. 23: 3)
The Sabbath was the most important religious festival for the Hebrews, because it came every week. The Sabbath commemorates God’s rest following creation.
Passover (Lev. 23: 4-5)
The name “Passover” indicates deliverance from the tenth plague in Egypt, the death of the firstborn. It commemorates the exodus from Egypt. Along with Pentecost and Tabernacles, Passover was one of three annual pilgrimage festivals.
Unleavened Bread (Lev. 23: 6-8)
This seven day observance immediately following Passover recalls the Israelites hasty departure from Egypt.
Firstfruits (Lev 23: 9-14)
Firstfruits involved the offering of the first sheaf of grain that was harvested. This symbolized that the entire crop belonged to the Lord and that it all was a gift from His hand.
Weeks (Lev 23: 15-21)
This feast came seven weeks after the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It was a grain harvest festival. The people read from the book of Ruth and recited the psalm. The NT calls this festival as Pentecost.
Trumpets (Lev 23: 23-25)
The beginning of the civil year was marked by this New Year’s Day Feast. It was a day of rest, of sacred assembly commemorated with trumpet blasts, and of offerings made to the Lord.
Day of Atonement (Lev 23: 26-32)
This observance is the most important annual activity. On this day of the year the high priest entered the holy of holies in the tabernacle or temple. At this time the scapegoat was sent into wilderness, signifying the sending away of the people’s sin.
Tabernacles of Booths (Lev 23: 33-43)
This fruit harvest festival in the fall was the most joyous occasion of the year. It lasted for seven days. Some say it was the time of renewal of covenant.
Sabbatical Year (Lev 255: 1-7, 20-22)
Every seventh year the land was to be given a year of rest.
Jubilee Year (Lev 25: 8-17, 23-55)
Each fiftieth year was also special. Property was to be returned to the family that originally owned it. Hebrew slaves and their families were to be released. Once again t land has to be given rest.
Purim (Esth. 9: 20-28)
This feast is not mentioned in the Mosaic Law but described in the book of Esther. It was established by Mordecai to commemorate the deliverance from the threats of Haman. It was a time of feasting, gladness and the giving of gifts to the needy.
Hanukkah
This feast was established just before NT times. It celebrated the recovery and cleansing of Jerusalem temple by Judas Maccabaeus in December of 164 B.C. John 10: 22 calls Hanukkah the “Feast of Dedication.” It is also called the festival of Lights.
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#6 - MAJOR THEMES
Holiness
The central teaching of Leviticus is summarized in the command “consecrate yourselves and be holy, for I am holy” (Lev 11: 44-45). In OT the word “holiness” conveys the notion of “separation.”
The first part of the book gives the procedures for approaching the Holy One of Israel in worship (1-10).
The second part prescribes how those joined covenantally to God translate the idea of YHWH’s holiness to the sphere of daily living (11-27).
Sacrifice
The ritual sacrifice was the one way the Hebrew people might gain access to their God YHWH, the Holy One of Israel.
The idea of sacrifice is not unique to the Hebrews in the ancient world but it was common to the religious cult of Mesopotamia.
There are five basic types of sacrifices or offerings were instituted and they are:
Cereal offering
Peace offering
Burnt offering
Sin offering
Guilt offering
OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS
Lev. 1-7 – Instruction for offerings
Lev. 8-10 – initiation and consecration of the priesthood
Lev. 11-15 – Clean and unclean things distinguished
Lev. 16 – The Day of Atonement
Lev.17-25 – Social and Ceremonial Prescriptions
Lev. 26 – Covenantal Blessings and Curses
Lev. 27 – Instructions concerning vows and offerings
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