Lecture on Leviticus

Introduction

• Book of Leviticus: Named after the tribe of Levi, the tribe of Moses.
• Focus: Priestly offerings, sacrifices, and religious life of Jewish people.
• Emphasizes theme of holiness.
• Picture of Christ: Atoning sacrifice.

Context and Themes

• Location in the Bible: Middle of the five books of the Law (Torah).
• Content: Instructions for priests, laws of cleansing, purification, and holy living.
• Old Testament Role: Functions as a guide leading to Christ, emphasizing the need for a better sacrifice and a sinless savior.
• Main Theme: Sanctification – how to live as a holy, set-apart people.

Authorship and Purpose

• Traditionally Authored By: Moses
• Written: After 1445 BC during the Exodus.
• Audience: Israelites, likely near Mount Sinai.
• Purpose: Instruction for holy worship and holy living.

Key Passages and Offerings

• Leviticus 1:1: Starting point – offerings and their purposes (e.g., burnt offering, grain offering, fellowship offering, sin offering).
• Two Categories of Sacrifices:
  1. Voluntary Offerings (Chapters 1-3): Burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering.
  2. Compulsory Offerings (Chapters 4-7): Sin offering, guilt offering.
• Process: Confession of sin and bringing an offering as atonement.
• Animal Sacrifices: Symbolize the seriousness of sin and the necessity of blood atonement.

Priesthood and Rituals

• Chapters 8 Onward:
  • Establishment of the Priesthood: Aaron and his sons set apart as priests.
  • Rituals involve water, oil, and blood.
  • Elijah as a unique relationship and consecration process.
• Baptisms and Washings: Old Testament practices paving the way for New Testament baptism.

Way to the Holy One and Way of Holiness

• Way to the Holy One: Sacrifices as a means to access God (e.g., blood atonement).
• Way of Holiness: Living a sanctified life.
  • Chapters 11-27: Laws on physical and spiritual cleanliness.
  • Sanitation: Clean food, bodies, and clothes.
  • Day of Atonement (Chapter 16): High holy day for national cleansing of sin.
  • Scapegoat Ritual: Symbolic removal of sin from the community.

Festivals and Sabbaths

• Jewish Festivals (Chapter 23): Passover, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles.
  • Passover: Fulfilled in the death of Christ.
  • First Fruits: Symbolizes the resurrection of Christ.
  • Pentecost: Holy Spirit’s arrival on early church.
• Additional Feasts: Purim and Hanukkah added later.

Offering Types and Process

• Descriptions of Offerings:
  • Burnt offering: Total consumption by fire as an act of atonement.
  • Wave offering: Grain waved to God as a celebration.
• Priesthood Orders: Who can be a priest, their roles, and purification rituals with water, oil, and blood.

Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

• Jesus as the Ultimate Priest and Sacrifice:
  • Enters a heavenly temple.
  • Once for all atonement with his own blood.
  • Veil torn, giving believers direct access to God.
  • Lamb of God without blemish, bearing our sins and removing them completely.
• New Testament Context: Jesus’ atonement as a better sacrifice compared to Old Testament rituals.
• Parallels: Rituals and laws in Leviticus point forward to the Messiah.

Conclusion

• Implications for Believers: Approach God through Jesus’ blood sacrifice, acknowledging our sinfulness and need for forgiveness.
• Significance: Understanding Leviticus enhances our comprehension of Jesus' role and fulfillment of Old Testament laws.