Author: Not stated but traditionally
attributed to Moses.
Date: Approximately mid-1400s BC.
Ten Words or Less: A holy God explains how to worship Him.
Details, Please: Leviticus, meaning "about the Levites"
describes how that family line should lead the Israelites in
worship. The book provides ceremonial laws as opposed to the
moral laws of Exodus, describing offerings to God, dietary
restrictions, and purification rites. Special holy days -
including the Sabbath, Passover, and Day of Atonement (Yom
Kippur) - are commanded. The family of Aaron, Moses' brother, is
ordained as Israel's formal priesthood. Leviticus lists several
blessings for obedience and many more punishments for
disobedience.
Key Verses: Ye shall be hold; for I [God] am holy.
(11:44) | The life of the flesh is in the blood... it is the
blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (17:11)
Unique and Unusual: Leviticus' blood sacrifices are contrasted
with Jesus' death on the cross by the writer of Hebrews: "Who
needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up
sacrifice... for this he did once, when he offered up himself"
(7:27).
So What?: Though we don't live under the rules of
Leviticus, we still serve a holy God - and should treat Him as
such.
