the book of Leviticus

Whew 🤓 this third book in the bible is a difficult one to take in. It seems so specific to ancient Israel with all the practices, sacrifices and details, I found it difficult to see the big picture. I would not suggest this book to anyone starting out reading the bible for the first time - lol. In my bible study EXPERIENCE GOD we are focusing on being GOD-CENTERED verse ME-centered. So I am taking a lesson from there and FOCUSING ON GOD and not getting caught up in the messy middle. Coz after all - the whole bible points to our King on the cross and His amazing love for us.

Before we get started the big lesson is this:

Holy means set apart

The main point of Leviticus focusing on God is the emphasis on His holiness and the corresponding call for His people to live in holiness. The book outlines a variety of laws, rituals, and ethical practices designed to set the Israelites apart from other nations, directly reflecting God’s purity and moral perfection.

Here’s a breakdown of how Leviticus focuses on God’s holiness:

1. God as Holy and Pure: Leviticus frequently mentions the holiness of God, underlining the inherent separateness of God from all that is impure and sinful. This is evident in the meticulous details given for sacrifices and the priesthood, ensuring that every act of worship meets the divine standard of purity.

2. God as Lawgiver: The numerous laws in Leviticus, ranging from dietary restrictions to moral commandments, highlight God's sovereignty and His authority to dictate the terms of the covenant relationship with Israel.

3. God as Redeemer: The rituals for atonement and the provisions for the Year of Jubilee emphasize God’s role as a redeemer. These laws not only allowed for the forgiveness of sins but also for the economic and social restoration of the community.

4. God’s Presence Among His People: The book outlines how the Tabernacle, a holy place where God dwells among His people, must be treated with utmost reverence, reflecting God's desire to dwell among His people while maintaining His holiness.

5. God’s Desire for a Holy People: Ultimately, Leviticus conveys God's desire for the Israelites to mirror His holiness in their everyday lives. This is not just through ritual purity but through moral and ethical behavior, as encapsulated in commands like “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

Timeline of Leviticus:

The events described in the Book of Leviticus take place during the Israelites' encampment at Mount Sinai, which lasted about a year. This period includes not only the events of Leviticus but also parts of Exodus and Numbers. The narrative in Leviticus occurs soon after the completion of the Tabernacle, which was set up at the end of Exodus, and it covers the laws and regulations given to the Israelites during this time.

1. Exodus from Egypt: The Israelites leave Egypt under Moses' leadership, an event detailed in the earlier parts of the Book of Exodus.

2. Receiving the Law: After leaving Egypt, the Israelites travel to Mount Sinai, where Moses receives the Ten Commandments and other laws from God. This event is covered in the latter parts of Exodus.

3. Setting of Leviticus: Leviticus begins right after the completion of the Tabernacle (the portable sanctuary that the Israelites built and carried with them), which is described at the end of Exodus. The events of Leviticus take place while the Israelites are encamped at Sinai, before they resume their journey to the Promised Land.

Bible Recap notes I highlighted from the book:

• Leviticus is about a perfect, holy God who wants to draw hear to His depraved, sinful poeple.

• Almost everything we read in Leviticus is God talking to Moses.

• There is a distinction between committing a sin verse doing something makes a person unlcean.

• God builds His tabernacle in the midst of sin, He knows sinners cant fix themselves and He is not afraid of sin.

• To repent means to "turn away from our sins and toward God". God is working out discipline, not punishment.

• Jesus bridged the gap between our imperfection and God's requirements.

I highly suggest watching the Bible Project video on this book - I love the visuals and the way they present the details.