LEVITICUS
The Title
The title “Leviticus” comes from the Greek Leuitikon, an adjective used by the translators of The Septuagint as the title of the book because it pertains to priestly ceremonies and institutions.
The Authorship and Date
Date written: 15th Century B.C.
Though the author is not specifically identified in the book, Moses is accepted as its author for these reasons:
Since the contents of the book were revealed to Moses at Sinai (7:37 – 38, 26:46, 27:34).
The book is the sequel to Exodus. ¡Jesus affirmed its Mosaic authorship when referring to the law of cleansing from “leprosy”.
Though the author is not specifically identified in the book, Moses is accepted as its author for these reasons:
Since the contents of the book were revealed to Moses at Sinai (7:37 – 38, 26:46, 27:34).
The book is the sequel to Exodus. ¡Jesus affirmed its Mosaic authorship when referring to the law of cleansing from “leprosy”.
Time Period Covered
At most, one month.
Exodus concludes with Israel at Sinai in the 1st month of the 2nd year after leaving Egypt (Exodus 19:1, 40:17)
The laws and regulations of the book were given while Israel was encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai (Leviticus 25:1 – 2, 26:46, 27:34)
The Book of Numbers begins with the 2nd month of the 2nd year (Numbers 1:1)
Exodus concludes with Israel at Sinai in the 1st month of the 2nd year after leaving Egypt (Exodus 19:1, 40:17)
The laws and regulations of the book were given while Israel was encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai (Leviticus 25:1 – 2, 26:46, 27:34)
The Book of Numbers begins with the 2nd month of the 2nd year (Numbers 1:1)
Historical Setting
Leviticus was the sequel to Exodus for The Levitical sacrificial system was a divine revelation to Israel given through Moses as a part of the covenant obligation at Sinai.
Theological Setting
The Levitical sacrificial system was instituted for a people redeemed from Egypt and in covenant relationship with their God.
The Contents and Literary Genre
The Book of Leviticus deals with the worship of Israel – its sacrifices, priesthood, laws rendering a person unclean and so disqualifying him from worship, and various special times and seasons of worship. It also contains many regulations pertaining to daily living and practical holiness, both ethical and ceremonial.
The Theme and Structure
Theme – The theme of Leviticus is the Israelite believers worship and walk before the Holy God. By way of application this theme is significant for Christians today (1st Peter 1:15 – 16).
Structure – The structure of the book corresponds with its theme. Chapters 1 – 16 deal basically with worship before a Holy God while chapters 17 – 27 relate primarily to the daily walk in holiness before God and people.
Structure – The structure of the book corresponds with its theme. Chapters 1 – 16 deal basically with worship before a Holy God while chapters 17 – 27 relate primarily to the daily walk in holiness before God and people.
Questions and Answers this Book Addresses
1. How do profane and sinful people live around the holy presence of God?
ANSWER: The manual of sacrifice in Leviticus 1 – 7
2. How shall a profane people reach a holy God and God reach them?
ANSWER: Through the priesthood detailed in Leviticus 8 – 10
3. How shall the holiness of God dominate and sanctify our life?
ANSWER: The manual of purification in Leviticus 11 – 17
4. How shall they obey God so that holiness becomes a way of life?
ANSWER: The laws of holiness in Leviticus 18 – 27
ANSWER: The manual of sacrifice in Leviticus 1 – 7
2. How shall a profane people reach a holy God and God reach them?
ANSWER: Through the priesthood detailed in Leviticus 8 – 10
3. How shall the holiness of God dominate and sanctify our life?
ANSWER: The manual of purification in Leviticus 11 – 17
4. How shall they obey God so that holiness becomes a way of life?
ANSWER: The laws of holiness in Leviticus 18 – 27
The Outline (Bible Knowledge Commentary on The Old Testament - Walvoord, Zuck, Cook)
Pt 1: The Way of Approach to God by Sacrifice...Leviticus 1 – 16
A) The laws concerning sacrifices (1 – 7)
B) The inauguration of the priesthood and sacrificial system (8 – 10)
C) The laws concerning uncleanness (11 – 15)
D) The law of The Day of Atonement (16)
Pt 2: The Walk of Holiness before God by Separation...Leviticus 17 – 27
A) The laws for sacrifice and eating meat (17)
B) The laws for covenant morality and nonconformity to pagan practices (18 – 20)
C) The laws for priestly and sacrificial holiness (21 – 22)
D) The laws concerning the appointed feasts of The Lord (23)
E) Ceremonial and moral regulations (24)
F) The laws concerning special years (25)
G) The covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (26)
H) The law of vows, gifts, and tithes (27)
A) The laws concerning sacrifices (1 – 7)
B) The inauguration of the priesthood and sacrificial system (8 – 10)
C) The laws concerning uncleanness (11 – 15)
D) The law of The Day of Atonement (16)
Pt 2: The Walk of Holiness before God by Separation...Leviticus 17 – 27
A) The laws for sacrifice and eating meat (17)
B) The laws for covenant morality and nonconformity to pagan practices (18 – 20)
C) The laws for priestly and sacrificial holiness (21 – 22)
D) The laws concerning the appointed feasts of The Lord (23)
E) Ceremonial and moral regulations (24)
F) The laws concerning special years (25)
G) The covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (26)
H) The law of vows, gifts, and tithes (27)