LEVITICUS
The name of this book means “pertaining to the Levites.” Exodus and Leviticus were guidebooks for the priests in their ministry. Israel today has neither priesthood nor temple, so the nation cannot obey these laws (Hos. 3:4), but Leviticus has great value to the Christian. It illustrates the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ and stresses the importance of a life of separation and obedience.
The book emphasizes sacrifice (chaps. 1–10), for man must deal with his sins if he expects to have fellowship with a holy God. These five sacrifices are fulfilled in Jesus Christ and picture His perfect life and atoning work on the cross (
Leviticus also emphasizes separation (chaps. 11–24), for a redeemed people should walk in God’s holy will. These various laws touch on many aspects of everyday life and illustrate principles of holy living that God’s children should follow today.
Finally, since God anticipated the nation’s entrance into the Promised Land, He gave them some rules for success (chaps. 25–27). The land was theirs because of God’s covenant, but they could enjoy it only if they obeyed God’s will. Obedience by faith always brings blessing.
Jesus Christ in the Sacrifices
1. Burnt offering • He showed perfect dedication to God. • John 10:17;
2. Grain offering • He had a perfect character, a fragrance to God. • Eph. 5:2
3. Peace offering • He made peace between God and man and between Jew and Gentile. • Rom. 5:1;
4. Sin offering • He was made sin for us on the cross. • 2 Cor. 5:17;
5. Trespass offering • He assumed the debt for our sins and paid it. • Luke 7:36–50