Leviticus

“God seems so far away… if only I could see or hear him.” Have you ever felt this way – struggling with loneliness, burdened by despair, riddled with sin, overwhelmed by problems? Made in God’s image, we were created to have a close relationship with him; and when fellowship is broken, we are incomplete and need restoration. Communion with the living God is the essence of worship. It is vital, touching the very core of our lives. Perhaps this is why a whole book of the Bible is dedicated to worship. After Israel’s dramatic exit from Egypt, the nation was camped at the foot of Mount Sinai for two years to listen to God (Exodus 19 to Numbers 10). It was a time of resting, teaching, building, and meeting with him face to face. Redemption in Exodus is the foundation for cleansing, worship, and service in Leviticus.

The overwhelming message of Leviticus is the holiness of God – “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” (19:2). But how can unholy people approach a holy God? The answer – first sin must be dealt with. Thus the opening chapters of Leviticus give detailed instructions for offering sacrifices, which were the active symbols of repentance and obedience. Whether bulls, grain, goats, or sheep, the sacrificial offerings had to be perfect, with no defects or bruises – pictures of the ultimate sacrifice to come, Jesus, the Lamb of God. Jesus has come and opened the way to God by giving up his life as the final sacrifice in our place. True worship and oneness with God begin as we confess our sin and accept Christ as the only one who can redeem us from sin and help us approach God.

In Leviticus, sacrifices, priests, and the sacred Day of Atonements opened the way for the Israelites to come to God. God’s people were also to worship him with their lives. Thus we read of purity laws (11-15) and rules for daily living concerning family responsibilities, sexual conduct, relationships, worldliness (18-20), and vows (27). These instructions involve one’s holy walk with God, and the patterns of spiritual living still apply today. Worship, therefore, has a horizontal aspect – that is, God is honored by our lives as we related to others.

The final emphasis in Leviticus is celebration. The book gives instructions for the feasts. These were special, regular, and corporate occasions for remembering what God had done, giving thanks to him, and rededicating lives to his service (23). Our Christian traditions and holidays are different, but they are necessary ingredients of worship. We too need special days of worship and celebration with our brothers and sisters to remember God’s goodness in our lives.

As you read Leviticus, rededicate yourself to holiness, worshipping God in private confession, public service, and group celebration.

VITAL STATISTICS:

Purpose: A handbook for priest and Levites outlining their duties for worship, and a guideline of holy living for the Hebrews

Author: Moses

Original Audience: The people of Israel

Date Written: 1445 – 1444 B.C.

Where Written: In the desert during Israel’s wanderings, somewhere in the Sinai peninsula

Setting: At foot of Mount Sinai. God is teaching the Israelites how to live as holy people.

Key Verse: “Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy” (19:2)

Key People: Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar

Key Place: Mount Sinai

Special Feature: Holiness is mentioned more times (152) than any other book in the Bible

MEGA THEMES:

Themes	Explanation	Importance
Sacrifice/Offering	There are five kinds of offerings that fulfill two main purposes: one to show praise, thankfulness, and devotion; the other for atonement, the covering and removal of guilt and sin. Animal offerings demonstrated that the person was giving his or her life to God by means of the life of the animal.	The sacrifices (offerings) were for worship and forgiveness of sin, for we see that we cannot forgive ourselves. God’s system says that a life must be given for a life. In the Old Testament, an animal’s life was given to save the life of a person. But this was only a temporary measure until Jesus’ death paid the penalty of sin for all people forever.
Worship	Seven feasts were designated religious and national holidays. They were often celebrated in family settings. These events teach us much about worshipping God in both celebration and quiet dedication.	God’s rules about worship set up an orderly, regular pattern of fellowship with him. They allowed times for celebration and thanksgiving as well as for reverence and rededication. Our worship should demonstrate our deep devotion.
Health	Civil rules for handling food, disease, and sex were taught. In these physical principles, many spiritual principles were suggested. Israel was to be different from the surrounding nations. God was preserving Israel from disease and community health problems.	We are to be different morally and spiritually from the unbelievers around us. Principles for healthy living are as important today as in Moses’ time. A healthy environment and a healthy body make our service to God more effective.
Holiness	Holy means “separated” or “devoted.” God removed his people from Egypt; now he was removing Egypt from the people. He was showing them how to exchange Egyptian ways of living and thinking for his ways.	We must devote every area of life to God. God desires absolute obedience in motives as well as practices. Though we do not observe all the worship practices of Israel, we are to have the same spirit of preparation and devotion.
Levites	The Levites and priests instructed the people in their worship. They were the ministers of their day. They also regulated the moral, civil, and ceremonial laws and supervised the health, justice, and welfare of the nation.	The Levites were servants who showed Israel the way to God. They provide the historical backdrop for Christ, who is our High Priest and yet our servant. God’s true servants care for all the needs of their people.