- Introduction to Leviticus
- Structure Overview of Leviticus
- Chapters 1–7: The Way to God through Sacrifices
- Chapters 8–10: The Priesthood Consecrated
- Chapters 11–15: Clean and Unclean Laws
- Chapter 16: The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
- Chapters 17–20: Holiness in Daily Life
- Chapters 21–22: Holiness of the Priests and Offerings
- Chapters 23–25: The Feasts of the Lord
- Chapters 26–27: Blessings, Curses, and Vows
- Hebrew Words
- Conclusion
“The life is in the blood—and Christ gave His blood that we may live eternally.”
Leviticus reveals God’s holiness, the call to priesthood, sacrifice, cleansing, and the deeper spiritual truths concerning Christ, the true High Priest and Sacrifice. It is not just a book of ancient laws—it foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ and the believer’s walk in Him.
Introduction to Leviticus #
Theme: Holiness, Priesthood, Sacrifice, Fellowship.
Leviticus continues the journey from Exodus, where God has delivered His people from Egypt (a picture of the world) and now calls them into holiness and relationship. This book shows the way to approach God (through sacrifices) and how to dwell in His presence (through purity).
Structure Overview of Leviticus #
| Section | Chapters | Theme | Christ Revelation |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Way to God: Sacrifices | 1–7 | Approach through offerings | Christ our Perfect Sacrifice |
| The Priestly Ministry | 8–10 | The consecration of priests | Christ our Great High Priest |
| The Clean and Unclean | 11–15 | Purity laws | Christ the Cleanser and Healer |
| The Day of Atonement | 16 | Atonement for the people | Christ our Atonement and Mediator |
| Living Holy | 17–20 | Moral and social holiness laws | Christ our Sanctifier |
| Priests and Holy Things | 21–22 | Standards for priests and offerings | Christ as the Holy Priest and Offering |
| The Feasts of the Lord | 23–25 | God’s appointed times | Christ the Fulfilment of all Feasts |
| Blessings, Curses, Vows | 26–27 | Covenant promises and warnings | Christ the Covenant-Keeper |
Chapters 1–7: The Way to God through Sacrifices #
These chapters detail five main offerings:
| Offering | Chapter | Hebrew Word | Meaning | Christ Revelation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burnt Offering | 1 | Olah | “Ascending” (Whole giving) | Christ’s total surrender (Ephesians 5:2) |
| Grain Offering | 2 | Minchah | “Gift” or “tribute” | Christ the Bread of Life (John 6:35) |
| Peace Offering | 3 | Shelamim | “Peace, fellowship” | Christ our Peace (Ephesians2:14) |
| Sin Offering | 4–5 | Chattat | “Sin, purification” | Christ who became Sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) |
| Guilt Offering | 5–7 | Asham | “Guilt, trespass” | Christ bearing our guilt (Isaiah 53:10) |
“Holiness is not outward ritual but inner transformation by the Spirit of Christ dwelling within.”
Each sacrifice points to the finished work of Jesus on the cross—our full provision in Him.
Chapters 8–10: The Priesthood Consecrated #
- The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests.
- Christ Revelation: Jesus as our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 7:26–28).
Warning (Ch. 10): Nadab and Abihu offered “strange fire” (zar – foreign, unauthorised).
➤ The believer must not offer self-willed worship but only what the Spirit inspires.
Chapters 11–15: Clean and Unclean Laws #
These deal with food, disease, and bodily impurities.
| Law Type | Spiritual Meaning | Christ Fulfilment |
|---|---|---|
| Clean vs. Unclean animals | Discernment in spiritual diet | Christ as the pure food (John 6:55) |
| Leprosy laws | Picture of sin and its spread | Christ as the Healer of sin (Matthew 8:3) |
| Bodily discharges | Inner corruptions of the heart | Christ purifies the inner man (Hebrews 9:14) |
Chapter 16: The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) #
The holiest day is when the High Priest enters the Most Holy Place.
“Every offering in Leviticus reveals Christ—the Burnt Offering, the Peace Offering, the Sin Offering—all fulfilled in Him.”
- Two goats: one slain (Christ’s death), one released (bearing away sin—Azazel).
- Christ Revelation: Jesus both died and removed our sins forever (Hebrews 9:12).
Chapters 17–20: Holiness in Daily Life #
- Blood forbidden (life is in the blood—Leviticus 17:11).
- Sexual and social purity were commanded.
- Love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18)—quoted by Jesus (Matthew 22:39).
- Christ Revelation: His blood gives life; His Spirit sanctifies daily conduct.
Chapters 21–22: Holiness of the Priests and Offerings #
- Priests must be without defect to serve.
- Offerings must be pure and perfect.
- Christ Revelation: Jesus is the sinless, perfect Priest and Sacrifice (1 Peter 1:19).
Chapters 23–25: The Feasts of the Lord #
| Feast | Meaning | Christ Fulfilment |
|---|---|---|
| Passover | Deliverance from death | Christ our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7) |
| Unleavened Bread | Separation from sin | Christ is sinless (1 Corinthians 5:8) |
| Firstfruits | First of the resurrection | Christ risen (1 Corinthians 15:20) |
| Pentecost (Weeks) | Harvest, outpouring | Spirit given (Acts 2:1–4) |
| Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) | Awakening, return | His Second Coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16) |
| Day of Atonement | Cleansing, covering | His Atonement (Hebrews 9:12) |
| Tabernacles | God dwelling with man | His eternal dwelling (Revelation 21:3) |
Chapters 26–27: Blessings, Curses, and Vows #
- Obedience brings blessing.
- Disobedience brings discipline.
- Vows must be kept.
- Jesus bore the curse for us (Galatians 3:13) and fulfilled all vows.
Hebrew Words #
| English Word | Hebrew Word | Meaning | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacrifice | Korban | “To draw near” | Christ brings us near to God (Eph 2:13) |
| Atonement | Kippur | “Covering” | Christ covers and removes sin (1 John 1:7) |
| Holiness | Qodesh | “Set apart, sacred” | Believers called to holiness (1 Peter 1:16) |
Conclusion #
Leviticus is not merely about rituals—it unveils the heart of God for holiness, fellowship, and Christ’s perfect work. Every law, offering, and feast points to Jesus. As believers, we find the fullness of Leviticus realised in Him.
In Christ,
Shaliach.
