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, and meeting with Him face to face.
Worship and service are the central themes of the book of Leviticus.
Most Bible scholars believe that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, including Leviticus.
Leviticus received its name from the word “Levites,” who were the people God chose to be priests and workers in the Tabernacle.
The overwhelming message of Leviticus is the holiness of God: “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy” (19:2).
The book of Leviticus has laws about offerings, priests, food, health, daily life, feasts, rewards, and punishments.
The final emphasis in Leviticus is celebration. There were special, regular, and corporate occasions for remembering what God had done, giving thanks to Him, and rededicating lives to His service.
As you read Leviticus, rededicate yourself to holiness, worshiping God in private and in group worship.
The following is a suggested outline of the book:
Laws about offerings. These offerings included animals, grain, and other items that would be placed on the altar. Different sacrifices were required for different purposes (chapters 1-7).
Laws about the priests. These were strict laws about the duties and behavior of the priests (chapters 8-10).
Laws about food, health, and daily life. Many of these laws concerned standards of health and the cleanliness of the camp (chapters 11-22).
Laws about feasts. God gave careful directions about how the people should celebrate holy days (chapters 23-25).
Laws concerning rewards and punishments. Directions were given for how to make a promise, how to give to God, and what to expect when God was not obeyed (chapters 26-27).