The Book of Leviticus
A holy God shows his people how to draw near to him and live as a holy nation.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Date
- Traditionally c. 1440โ1400 BC
- Chapters
- 27
- Genre
- Law
Summary
Leviticus is a manual for worship and holy living given at Mount Sinai. It describes the offerings Israel brought to God, the ordination of the priests, and the laws distinguishing clean from unclean.
At its centre is the Day of Atonement, when the high priest made atonement for the sins of the whole nation. The book then calls Israel to holiness in every part of life โ family, worship, justice and neighbourly love โ summed up in the command, "Love your neighbour as yourself."
Outline
- Chapters 1โ7 โ The offerings
- Chapters 8โ10 โ The priesthood
- Chapters 11โ15 โ Clean and unclean
- Chapter 16 โ The Day of Atonement
- Chapters 17โ27 โ Laws for holy living
Key Themes
Key Verses
I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground.
For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for oneโs life.
Start reading LeviticusโโDo not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord .