Books of the Bible

Leviticus

Author

Pretty commonly accepted to be Moses

Date

Around 1440

Purpose

To show an un-holy people the only way that they could approach God. To show how the chosen people were to be set apart from the people around them. To establish the Levitical priesthood.

Outline

Sacrifices (1-7)

Priests (8-10)

Clean and unclean (11-15)

Day of Atonement (16)

Holiness (17-26)

Redemption of gifts and tithes (27)

Historical Context

The entire book of Leviticus takes place over approximately one month while the Israelites are camped at the foot of Mt. Sinai.

Key events

The Lord speaking to Moses (1:1 etc.)

Consecration of Aaron and his sons - beginning of the priestly ministry (8-9).

Improper sacrifice of Nadab and Abihu and their punishment (10:1-3)

Key people

Moses, Aaron, Nadab & Abihu (10:1-3)

Theological significance

1. The sacrificial system - Sacrifice and Atonement; the importance of blood.

2. The idea that all things were told to all the people - no secret priesthood rites.

3. Evidence of God's special provision for the preservation of his people. Separated and Holy.