LEVITICUS 1
LAWS FOR BURNT OFFERINGS
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding burnt offerings and animal sacrifices. God requires a spotless lamb, one without blemish, similar to the Passover in Exodus 12. God shares these instructions with Moses from the tent of meeting.
In Genesis 3, God used the skin of an animal to cover Adam and Eve in their shame. Now, the Israelites offer animal sacrifices as atonement or covering for their sin.
If someone is unable to offer a bull, they may bring a sheep or a goat. If they are unable to bring one of those, they may offer two birds, such as turtledoves or pigeons. God makes a way for everyone to participate, regardless of their wealth or status.
LEVITICUS 2
LAWS FOR GRAIN OFFERINGS
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding grain offerings.
The grain offerings, made of fine flour, are allowed to contain oil, frankincense, and salt, but not honey or leavened bread. Because salt is frequently used to preserve meat and other goods, salt is representative of preserving God’s covenant.
God has blessed the Israelites with fertile and abundant crops, and they are responding to this provision by offering God a portion of what He has provided.
LEVITICUS 3
LAWS FOR PEACE OFFERINGS
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding peace offerings. Unlike the burnt offering, which only allows male animals, the peace offering may include either male or female animals from the herd or flock.
These offerings were voluntary and often given to express gratitude or to show commitment to God. The blood of the animal is to be splashed against the sides of the altar and must never be consumed.
LEVITICUS 4
LAWS FOR SIN OFFERINGS
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding sin offerings. These sacrifices are meant to cover unintentional sin, when someone breaks God’s law without realizing it.
The type of offering depends on who sinned. If the high priest or the whole community sins, a bull must be offered and the blood is brought into the sanctuary. If a leader sins, he must bring a male goat. If an individual sins, they must bring a female goat or lamb.
In each case, the priest dips his finger in the blood and sprinkles it before the Lord to make atonement.
LEVITICUS 5
LAWS FOR GUILT OFFERINGS
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding guilt offerings. When someone becomes unclean, or realizes they have sinned, they are required to confess it and bring a sin or guilt offering.
Like in Leviticus 1, we see that God wants all of His people to be able to participate in the offerings, regardless of wealth.
LEVITICUS 6 + 7
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFERINGS OF THE PRIESTS
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding sins against another person, specifically relating to theft. If someone steals, they are to return 120% of what they have taken.
The instructions God gave in Leviticus 1-5 are repeated here, specifically for the priests.
God instructs that the fire of the altar shall never go out; it shall burn continuously.
LEVITICUS 8
THE ORDINATION OF AARON + HIS SONS
Moses consecrates and anoints Aaron and his sons to serve as priests over Israel. The ordination process takes seven days. As part of this ceremony, Moses sprinkles the anointing oil seven times on the altar, similar to the way blood was sprinkled in Leviticus 4.
LEVITICUS 9
THE PRIESTS BEGIN THEIR MINISTRY
On the eighth day after his consecration as priest, Aaron makes a sacrifice, as Moses has instructed. Moses tells Aaron that God will appear to him that day. God’s glory appears before the Israelites, and God consumes the sacrifice with fire.
LEVITICUS 10
THE DEATH OF NADAB + ABIHU
Two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, presented an unauthorized offering that the Lord had not commanded. As a result, they are consumed by fire and die before the Lord.
Moses tells Aaron and his remaining sons not to mourn in the usual way. He also instructs the priests not to drink wine or strong drink before entering the tabernacle.
LEVITICUS 11
LAWS FOR CLEAN + UNCLEAN FOOD
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites about which animals they may eat and which they must avoid. Clean animals had to meet specific traits, such as having split hooves or fins and scales. Shellfish, certain birds, and many insects were considered unclean.
These laws set Israel apart from other nations and serve as a reminder that God cares about holiness in every part of life. They are not allowed to eat animals that have died on their own, possibly because they carry illness or disease.
Leviticus 11:44 - For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.
LEVITICUS 12
LAWS FOR PURIFICATION + SACRIFICE AFTER CHILDBIRTH
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding cleanliness and childbirth.
After a child is born, a sacrifice is to be made. Similar to Leviticus 1, there is an option for the people who cannot afford a lamb. We see later on that Mary and Joseph brought birds instead of a lamb as a sacrifice for the birth of Christ in Luke 2:24.
LEVITICUS 13
REGULATIONS ABOUT DEFILING SKIN DISEASES
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding cleanliness and leprous diseases, including rashes, boils, burns, and sores.
LEVITICUS 14
CLEANSING FROM DEFILING SKIN DISEASES
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding cleanliness and diseases. He gives specific instructions for cleaning the home of someone with a leprous or other skin disease.
LEVITICUS 15
BODILY DISCHARGES CAUSING UNCLEANLINESS
God gives Moses instructions to share with the Israelites regarding bodily discharge and impurity. In scripture, unclean does not mean the same as sinful. Bodily fluids or menstruation are not shameful or wrong but express our humanity and imperfections.
LEVITICUS 16
THE DAY OF ATONEMENT
God gives Moses instructions to share with Aaron about the Day of Atonement. Once a year, Aaron is to make an offering that covers his sin and the sin of the Israelites. He is to bring two male goats, one as a sacrifice to God and the other as the scapegoat.
The Day of Atonement is the one day each year when the high priest may enter the Most Holy Place, where the presence of God dwells. Special garments are to be worn for this occasion. This day is now known as Yom Kippur.
LEVITICUS 17
EATING BLOOD IS FORBIDDEN
God tells Moses that sacrifices are not meant to be made anywhere besides the tabernacle. Similar to the laws of Leviticus 3, God instructs the Israelites not to consume any blood.
LEVITICUS 18
UNLAWFUL SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS
God gives Moses laws for sexual relationships, including incest and bestiality.
LEVITICUS 19
VARIOUS LAWS FOR RIGHTEOUS LIVING
God gives a variety of laws about treating others fairly, caring for the poor, and living set apart as His people. In verse 9, God tells the Israelites not to gather their entire harvest so that those in need can collect what is left. This law later becomes a source of hope for Ruth and Naomi in Ruth 2, where Boaz faithfully follows the law and shows generosity to Ruth.
This chapter also includes the famous command to love your neighbor as yourself, which Jesus later quotes in Matthew 22:39 as one of the two greatest commandments. While God cares about behavior, He ultimately desires hearts that are shaped by love.
Leviticus 19:2 - Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
LEVITICUS 20
PUNISHMENT FOR SIN
God gives instructions and laws prohibiting child sacrifice, sexual immorality, and clairvoyance. God has chosen the Israelites to be his people and has set them apart for himself. God desires a relationship with the Israelites, despite their sinful nature.
Leviticus 20:8 - Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
LEVITICUS 21 + 22
LAWS FOR THE PRIESTS
God gives instructions for the priests, calling them into a holy way of life. God requires those who are leaders in the faith to maintain purity and cleanliness.
God gives instructions for what sacrifices are acceptable, saying they must be spotless and without blemish or deformity.