Leviticus — Introduction & Outline

Besides the uniform tradition of the Jews and early church, Leviticus has the strongest internal attestation to authorship of any Old Testament book. Moses is mentioned as the obvious author 56 times by the phrase "The LORD spoke to Moses." Jesus also confirmed the book was written by Moses (Matt. 8:4 and Lev. 14:1-4; Luke 2:22). Finally, the opening phrase of Leviticus, "Now the LORD called to Moses, and spoke to him from the tabernacle of meeting…," shows this is a sequel to Exodus where the tabernacle was completed (Ex. 40).

According to Exodus 40:17, the tabernacle was finished one year after the first Passover, the date which marked the beginning of the Jews' calendar year (Ex. 12:2). Numbers 1:1 takes up the narrative from the second month of the second year. Therefore, Leviticus covers the first month of the second year and was probably written largely during this month. The date for writing thus falls between about 1444 B.C. and the death of Moses about 1405 B.C., but is more likely concentrated around the earlier time at Mount Sinai when the law was received and the tabernacle built.

Historically, Leviticus fits between the completion of the tabernacle (Ex. 40) and the numbering of the Israelites at Mount Sinai (Num. 1-4). There is no geographical movement in the book, but a further revelation of the law as it was given at Mount Sinai. In this way, Leviticus is the sequel to Exodus. The Israelites, who received the law and the tabernacle as part of God's plan for separating them to Himself, now need instructions in how to relate to God in this new relationship. Leviticus comprises those instructions for worship and fellowship with God and a holy walk before Him as His special people.

The English title comes from the Vulgate which is from the LXX title which notes the emphasis on the Levitical priesthood. The worship, sacrifices, and regulations of the Levitical priesthood form the substance of Leviticus and indicate its purpose. The redemption of the exodus needed to be expressed properly by the newly formed people of God. Leviticus instructs Israel in how they are to approach God and walk before Him as a priestly and holy nation. The key to a relationship with God is found in the recurring word "holy" (93 times) and in the main idea expressed in 19:2: "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." Holiness is obtained by following the Levitical regulations given for cleansing and sacrifice. The words "atonement" (51 times) and "blood" (93 times) indicate the means by which the Israelites can be ritualistically set apart to God, but the book also provides the people with regulations for personal holiness. Thus, Leviticus was written to bring about the cleansing and consecration of Israel in their new relationship to God.

The book can be divided into two major parts. The first half consists mainly of the laws of ritual necessary for approaching God. The second half contains mostly laws regulating personal holiness and has less of the ritualistic aspect.

The laws for approaching God through ritual (1:1-17:38) concern the levitical sacrificial system and the priesthood, for the most part. The detailed and pedantic laws of offering (1:1-7:38) are given to bring Israelites into fellowship and worship with the Lord. The first three offerings are worship offerings (1:1-3:17). The burnt offering was a blood sacrifice that signified the dedication of the worshiper's person to God (1:1-17). The grain offering was also a ritual of dedication as more of a gift or tribute to God (2:1-16). The peace or fellowship offering expressed the worshiper's desire for communion with God, or his thankfulness, or his commitment to a vow through a blood sacrifice (3:1-17).

The remaining two offerings can be called restoration offerings (4:1-6:7) because they restored the person who sins against God. The first of these, the sin offering, provided atonement and forgiveness for specific unintentional sins when no restitution was involved (4:1- 5:13). The second, the trespass offering, removed guilt for sin against others and was accompanied by restitution to the wronged party (5:14-6:7). These two offerings also involved sacrificial blood, and along with the burnt and peace offerings, demonstrated to Israel that fellowship with God and forgiveness for sin comes only through the shedding of blood.

Following the five offerings, there are additional regulations given in respect to each (6:8-7:36) and a summary statement signifying an end to the section on the offerings (7:37-38).

The next section gives laws for the priesthood (8:1-10:20). To perform their levitical duties and administer the sacrifices the priests must first be consecrated to their responsibilities (8:1-36). This took place through washing with water, anointing with oil, and sprinkling with blood. After Moses carried out the instructions on Aaron and his sons, the priestly ministry began with offerings for the priest himself and then the people (9:1-24). The scrutiny given to proper procedure and the consequences for deviating from it (10:1-21) emphasize the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him in the divinely prescribed fashion. As mediators between God and man, the priests were held to the highest standards of conduct.

The consecration of God's people is further accomplished through specific laws of purity (11:1-15:33). These laws serve to separate Israel from that which is naturally and ceremonially unclean or profane. Laws dictate that which is clean and unclean food (11:1-47). The mother's purity at childbirth is also legislated (12:1-8). Natural causes of uncleanness, particularly leprosy in its various forms, were regulated with detailed laws concerning its detection and cleansing (13:1-14:57). In addition, the procedure for determining defilement from discharges and the procedure for cleansing is given (15:1-33).

Israel's collective purity was provided for by the laws of national atonement, that is, the Day of Atonement (16:1-34). The high priest and the sacrifices were carefully prepared. The offerings included one for the priest, one for the holy place, and a scape-goat for the people. The sprinkling of the blood on the mercy seat and the release of the goat bearing Israel's sins into the wilderness picture the cleansing from sin that is both necessary and possible because of God's presence. Again, the atonement or covering for sin is the blood of the sacrificial animal. The sanctity of blood is emphasized by additional laws of sacrifice (17:1-16). It must be applied only at the tabernacle, and it must never be eaten.

The laws of the second half of Leviticus are laws which provide for approaching God through personal holiness (18:1-27:34). These laws allow the individual Israelite to enjoy fellowship with the holy God. They are designed to bring about personal conduct distinct from the surrounding Canaanite society (18:1-5). Laws are given concerning sexual conduct (18:6- 30), practical conduct (19:1-37), and various heinous offenses (20:1-21). The purpose for these laws is explicitly stated in 20:22-27, especially verse 26: "And you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine."

There are also laws concerning the holiness of the priesthood (21:1-22:33). As the mediators between God and man, the priests were prohibited from many practices which would bring defilement to the sacred office. Their purity was a crucial influence on the nation and a testimony to the holiness of Israel's God (22:31-33).

Consecration to God is also obtained through laws of holiness in worship (23:1- 24:23). Here, God gives instructions for the observance of the weekly Sabbath (23:1-3) and the annual feasts (23:4-44). The procedure of the seven feasts is the focus of the law, not so much the meaning. But the feasts each denote something relevant to Israel's present situation as well as serving to foreshadow God's future program for Israel. Other laws for holiness in worship include laws concerning the holy elements (24:1-9) and laws concerning the use of the holy name of God (24:10-23).

In anticipation of their eventual occupation of Canaan, God also instructs the Israelites in laws of holiness for the promised land (25:1-27:34). The first of these laws concern the observance of special years and the provisions which are to be made for these years (25:1- 55). The holiness of God and His grace are to be expressed in the everyday business of handling property, the poor, and slaves. This will further insure that Israel is set apart to God from the surrounding nations, but perhaps more importantly, these laws will remind Israel that they are God's servants by virtue of His redemption of the nation from Egypt (25:38,42,55).

A section of blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience will motivate the Israelites in their conduct in Canaan (26:1-46). The basic requirement of the law is the fear of God and the abhorrence of idols (26:1-2) which will separate Israel from the other nations. This stipulation is followed by blessings for obedience to the covenant of law (26:3-13) and cursings for disobedience (26:14-39). In anticipation of Israel's disobedience, the provision for their restoration is explained (26:40-46). God grounds His assurance of restoration in His previous promises made to the patriarchs (26:42). The unconditional nature of the Abrahamic covenant assures an unbroken covenant though Israel may disobey (26:44). The covenant and the laws of Leviticus are for the purpose of separating and establishing a people of God's own (26:45).

The final chapter concerns things vowed to God (27:1-33) and has the appearance of an addendum made after the concluding tone of 26:46. Laws are given governing the consecration of various things (27:1-25), exclusions (27:26-33), and the relative payment of tithes. By such laws in even the most mundane matters, the purpose of Leviticus is maintained as the revelation of a covenant of law that sets Israel apart to God and provides for her cleansing, worship of, and fellowship with God in their new relationship to Him as His covenant people.

1. Laws of Approaching God Through Ritual 1:1-17:16

   1. Laws of offering 1:1-7:38

      1. General regulations for offerings 1:1-6:7

         1. The worship offerings 1:1-3:17

            1. The burnt offering 1:1-17
            1. Procedure for bulls 1:1-9
            2. Procedure for goats 1:10-13
            3. Procedure for birds 1:14-17
            2. The grain offering 2:1-16
            1. Procedure for fine flour 2:1-3
            2. Procedure for baked cakes of flour 2:4-10
            3. Special regulations for grain offerings 2:11-13
            4. Procedure for firstfruits 2:14-16
            3. The peace offering 3:1-17
            1. Procedure for cattle 3:1-5
            2. Procedure for lambs 3:6-11
            3. Procedure for goats 3:12-17
         2. The restoration offerings 4:1-6:7

            1. The sin offering 4:1-5:13
            1. When a person sins 4:1-12
            2. When the nation sins 4:13-21
            3. When a ruler sins 4:22-26
            4. When a common person sins 4:27-35
            5. When a person commits ceremonial sins 5:1-13
            2. The trespass offering 5:14-6:7
            1. Unintentional sins against holy things 5:14-16
            2. Unintentional sins against divine laws 5:17-19
            3. Intentional sins of fraud 6:1-7
      2. Special regulations for offerings 6:8-7:36

         1. The burnt offering 6:8-13
         2. The grain offering 6:14-23
         3. The sin offering 6:24-30
         4. The trespass offering 7:1-10
         5. The peace offering 7:11-36
         1. The regulations for the peace offering 7:11-21
         2. The prohibition against eating fat or blood 7:22-27
         3. The portion for the priests 7:28-36
      3. The summary of the offerings 7:37-38
   2. Laws of the priesthood 8:1-10:20

      1. The consecration of the priests 8:1-36

         1. The command to consecrate 8:1-5
         2. The clothing of the priests 8:6-9
         3. The anointing with oil 8:10-13
         4. The consecration with blood 8:14-30
         5. The confinement to the tabernacle 8:31-36
      2. The commencement of the priestly ministry 9:1-24

         1. The instructions for the offerings 9:1-7
         2. The performance of the offerings 9:8-21
         1. The offerings for the priest 9:8-14
         2. The offerings for the people 9:15-21
         3. The divine acceptance of the offerings 9:22-24
      3. The consequences of priestly deviations 10:1-20

         1. The sin of Nadab and Abihu 10:1-7
         2. The prohibition against drinking 10:8-11
         3. The sin of Eleazar and Athamar 10:12-20
   3. Laws of purity 11:1-15:33

      1. Laws concerning clean and unclean food 11:1-47

         1. Foods permitted and forbidden 11:1-23
         1. Animals of the earth 11:1-8
         2. Creatures of the water 11:9-12
         3. Birds 11:13-19
         4. Flying insects 11:20-23
         2. Things which are unclean 11:24-40
         1. Carcasses of unclean animals 11:24-28
         2. Creeping things 11:29-38
         3. Carcasses of clean animals 11:39-40
         3. The purpose of these laws 11:41-47
      2. Laws concerning childbirth 12:1-8

         1. The mother's uncleanness 12:1-5
         2. The mother's atonement 12:6-8
      3. Laws concerning leprosy 13:1-14:57

         1. Laws concerning the examination of leprosy 13:1-59

            1. The examination of people 13:1-46
            1. A sore on the skin 13:1-11
            2. Many sores on the body 13:12-17
            3. A boil on the skin 13:18-23
            4. A burn on the skin 13:24-28
            5. A sore on the head or beard 13:29-37
            6. White spots on the body 13:38-46
            2. The examination of garments 13:47-59
            1. An active mold 13:47-52
            2. An inactive mold 13:53-59
         2. Laws concerning the cleansing of leprosy 14:1-57

            1. The cleansing of people 14:1-32
            1. The offering of two birds 14:1-9
            2. The offering of two lambs 14:10-20
            3. The offering for a poor man 14:21-32
            2. The cleansing of houses 14:33-53
            1. The initial treatment 14:33-42
            2. Destruction for an active mold 14:43-47
            3. Cleansing for an inactive mold 14:48-53
            3. The purpose for these laws 14:54-57
      4. Laws concerning discharges 15:1-33

         1. Discharges of the man 15:1-18
         1. Uncleanness from discharges 15:1-12
         2. Cleansing from discharges 15:13-15
         3. Uncleanness from an emission of semen 15:16-18
         2. Discharges of the woman 15:19-30
         1. Uncleanness from discharges 15:19-27
         2. Cleansing from discharges 15:28-30
         3. The purpose of these laws 15:31-33
   4. Laws of national atonement 16:1-34

      1. The preparation for atonement 16:1-10
      1. The preparation of the high priest 16:1-5
      2. The preparation of the sacrifices 16:6-10
      2. The offerings of atonement 16:11-28
      1. The offering for the high priest 16:11-14
      2. The offering for the Holy Place 16:15-19
      3. The offering for the people 16:20-28
      3. The purpose of these laws 16:29-34
   5. Laws of sacrificing 17:1-16

      1. The location of sacrifices 17:1-9
      2. The prohibition against eating blood 17:10-16
2. Laws of Approaching God Through Holiness 18:1-27:34

   1. Laws of holiness for the people 18:1-20:27

      1. The importance of these laws 18:1-5
      2. The pronouncement of these laws 18:6-21

         1. Laws concerning sexual conduct 18:6-30

            1. Laws against incest 18:6-18
            2. Laws against perversions 18:19-23
            3. Consequences of violating these laws 18:24-30
         2. Laws concerning practical conduct 19:1-37

            1. In relation to God 19:1-8
            2. In relation to neighbors 19:9-18
            3. In relation to property 19:19-25
            4. In relation to personal conduct 19:26-32
            5. In relation to strangers 19:33-37
         3. Laws concerning heinous offenses 20:1-21

            1. Laws against worshiping Molech 20:1-5
            2. Laws against consulting spirits 20:6-8
            3. Law against cursing parents 20:9
            4. Laws against sexual sins 20:10-21
      3. The purpose of these laws 20:22-27
   2. Laws of holiness for the priesthood 21:1-22:33

      1. The prohibitions of these laws 21:1-22:30

         1. Prohibited practices 21:1-15
         1. For priests 21:1-9
         2. For the high priest 21:10-15
         2. Prohibited people 21:16-24
         3. Prohibited contacts 22:1-9
         4. Prohibited eating of offerings 22:10-16
         5. Prohibited sacrifices 22:17-30
      2. The purpose of these laws 22:31-33
   3. Laws of holiness in worship 23:1-24:23

      1. Laws concerning the holy feasts 23:1-44

         1. The weekly Sabbath 23:1-3
         2. The annual feasts 23:4-44

            1. Passover 23:4-5
            2. Unleavened bread 23:6-8
            3. Firstfruits 23:9-14
            4. Pentecost 23:15-22
            5. Trumpets 23:23-25
            6. Day of Atonement 23:26-32
            7. Tabernacles 23:33-44
      2. Laws concerning the holy elements 24:1-9

         1. The lamps 24:1-4
         2. The showbread 24:5-9
      3. Laws concerning the holy name of God 24:10-23

         1. The crime of blasphemy 24:10-12
         2. The penalty for blasphemy 24:13-16
         3. The penalty for harming a person 24:17-23
   4. Laws of holiness in Canaan 25:1-27:34

      1. Laws concerning the observance of special years 25:1-55

         1. The observance of special years 25:1-17
         1. The sabbath year 25:1-7
         2. The Year of Jubilee 25:8-17
         2. The provisions for special years 25:18-55
         1. Provisions for the sabbath year 25:18-22
         2. Provisions for redemption of property 25:23-34
         3. Provisions for lending to the poor 25:35-38
         4. Provisions for slaves 25:39-55
      2. Blessings and Curses for obedience and disobedience 26:1-46

         1. The basic requirements of the law 26:1-2
         2. The blessings for obedience 26:3-13
         3. The curses for disobedience 26:14-39
         4. The provision for restoration 26:40-46
      3. Laws concerning things vowed to God 27:1-33

         1. The consecration of acceptable things 27:1-25
         1. The consecration of persons 27:1-8
         2. The consecration of animals 27:9-13
         3. The consecration of houses 27:14-15
         4. The consecration of fields 27:16-25
         2. The exclusions from consecration 27:26-33
      4. The conclusion 27:34