The third book of the Pentateuch and deals with the legal code of the sacrificial and priestly system and various detailed laws. The title of this third book of Moses was given by the ‘seventy’, ( those who translated the OT from the Hebrew to Greek) The Hebrew title, originally was ” And He called”, in line with the opening of the book.
Author & Date
This is the third book of the Pentateuch.
And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,…Lev.1:1
Outline
A. The Way to God Ch.1-10
- The sacrifices of God Ch.1-7
- The priests of God Ch.8-10
B. The walk with God Ch.11-20
- A clean life: self-ward Ch.11-15
- A clean life: God-ward Ch.16-17
- A clean life: man-ward Ch.18-20
C. The worship of God Ch.21-24
- The priest’s family Ch.21-22
- The feasts of Jehovah Ch.23
- God’s order Ch.24
D. The witness of God Ch.24-27
- The year of Jubilee Ch.25
- Blessing and obedience Ch.26
- Redemption gifts Ch.27
Notes
a. Typical teaching
- The laws/sacrifices given in this book are directly from God; they were not made up by Moses nor anyone else. that is they were given by revelation from God. If we compare the opening of the Hebrew epistle we have the same idea, God has chosen to reveal Himself to us so that we can know Him; in the New Covenant God has revealed Himself to us in JESUS how careful then we must be in listening !
- Note that the sacrifices etc. were given AFTER the Tabernacle was built and set up. The Tabernacle was essentially the place where God revealed Himself to Israel Ex. 25:8. The sacrifices were given so that Israel could approach God. This is God’s order He reveals Himself then He shows us the basis of us approaching Him; in the New Covenant we approach Him on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice ALONE see Heb. 9-10.
- The Levitical code was only temporary, they were only shadows or as we say, types of the true. Jesus is the complete fulfilment of the sacrifices.
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Heb.9:8-12
b. Key word
Holiness: this word appears some 90 times in this book. The key verse being:
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
Lev. 19:2
One which Peter quotes in his first epistle.
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
I Pet.1:15 – 16
see also Heb.10:10; 12:10