03 - Leviticus

TLDR: God's holiness and how Israel must approach Him. Sacrifices, priesthood, purity laws, and the Day of Atonement. "Be holy, for I am holy."

Overarching Storyline

Laws for offerings (ch. 1–7). Ordination of Aaron and his sons (ch. 8–10). Clean and unclean (ch. 11–15). Day of Atonement (ch. 16). Holiness code and feasts (ch. 17–25). Blessings, curses, vows (ch. 26–27).

Bible Project: Leviticus overview.

Pegs for Memorizing This Book

• Person: Aaron (high priest), Moses (mediator).
• Image: Altar, blood, scapegoat, tabernacle veil.
• Number: 7 (feasts, sprinklings), 10 (commandments echoed in holiness).
• Phrase: "Be holy, for I am holy"; "without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb 9:22 echoes it).

Highlights

• Leviticus 17:11 — Life is in the blood.
• Leviticus 19:18 — Love your neighbor as yourself.
• Leviticus 23 — Feasts of the LORD.
• Leviticus 26:12 — I will walk among you and be your God.

(Link to verse entries and meditations as added.)

Before and After

• Before: Exodus gives the tabernacle and covenant; Leviticus gives the worship and purity that happen there.
• After: Numbers takes Israel from Sinai toward the land; Leviticus stays at the mountain with the law of holiness.

Place in the Overarching Biblical Story

Holiness and atonement. God is separate; approach requires sacrifice and purity. Leviticus points forward to the one perfect sacrifice (Christ) and the true High Priest.

Interesting Facts

• Scapegoat (ch. 16) — One goat for the LORD, one sent away; typology of sin removed and Christ bearing sin.
• Hebrews — The epistle repeatedly uses Leviticus (sacrifices, priesthood, Day of Atonement) to explain Christ's once-for-all work.