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An introduction to the book of Leviticus.
Leviticus was written by Moses
in 1512 B.C.E.,
in the wilderness of Sinai.
The name Leviticus,
later given to the book,
comes from a Greek word meaning
“pertaining to the Levites.”
Yet, the book was written,
not for the Levites alone,
but for the entire nation of Israel.
Leviticus covers a period of about one month,
describing the events immediately following
the construction of the tabernacle.
Leviticus focuses on Jehovah’s holiness
and the holiness of his people
by their obedience to his statutes.
Chapters 1 to 7
set out the various laws
about offerings to Jehovah.
Chapters 8 and 9
cover the installation of the priesthood,
the anointing of Aaron as high priest,
and Aaron’s first offerings to God.
In chapter 10,
Jehovah puts to death two of Aaron’s sons
—the priests Nadab and Abihu—
for offering “unauthorized fire,” or incense.
Jehovah then issues the command
that priests must not drink alcohol
before entering the tent of meeting,
or tabernacle.
Chapters 11 to 15
set out laws
about cleanness and uncleanness.
In regard to food,
Jehovah tells the Israelites
which creatures they may and may not eat.
Instructions regarding the Day of Atonement
are given in chapter 16.
Chapters 17 to 20
contain laws on holy conduct.
For example,
God’s people must not eat blood
or engage in any form
of idolatry or spiritism
as the nations around them were doing.
They should show consideration for the blind,
the deaf, and the foreign resident.
And they should treat the elderly
with respect.
Did you know?
The arrangements mentioned
in the book of Leviticus
were “a shadow of the good things to come,”
as explained in the book of Hebrews.
For example,
the high priest typifies Jesus Christ;
the blood of the animal sacrifices
foreshadows the blood of Jesus;
the Most Holy of the tabernacle
represents “heaven itself,”
where Jesus appeared
“before God on our behalf.”
Chapters 21 and 22
set out rules for the priesthood.
For example,
those serving as priests
must be sound in body,
having no physical defects.
Chapters 23 and 24
have instructions
about festivals and holy days.
Jehovah also provides directions
regarding the lamps in the tabernacle
and the ring-shaped loaves of showbread.
Chapter 24 also highlights
the sacredness of God’s name.
At Jehovah’s command,
a man who cursed that name
is stoned to death.
Chapter 25 contains laws
about the Sabbath year,
the Jubilee year,
the restoration of property,
and the treatment of the poor.
Those who are sold into slavery
must be treated kindly, as hired workers.
Chapter 26 spells out the blessings
of obedience to Jehovah
and the punishments for disobedience.
Chapter 27 closes the book of Leviticus
with laws about things vowed to Jehovah
and things devoted to him.
As you read the book of Leviticus,
note how we should strive to be holy
in imitation of Jehovah;
why we should deeply respect his holy name;
and why we can have confidence
that the entire earth
will reflect God’s holiness
under the rule of his Son,
the great High Priest
and King of God’s Kingdom.

Introduction to Leviticus