Written by Paul J Bucknell on February, 24, 2020

A Book Study of Leviticus: An Overview of Leviticus

Someone recently asked if she should read the Book of Leviticus. I understand what she meant. Would you? If someone in the 21st century started reading through Leviticus, they might quickly turn their attention elsewhere when encountering such unfamiliar people, ceremonies, and events.

The Important Placement of Leviticus

The Book of Leviticus, however, is essential. First, consider that it is God’s Word—it has a place in the Bible. God had His words recorded down.

Second, Leviticus was not treated as its own book but is the center section of the one large volume—the centerpiece of the Torah (Law)—the first five books of the Old Testament. (Another term, Pentateuch, comes from the Latin of two words: five and books.) The Jews treat the Torah as one book and would not be able to separate Leviticus and treat it as less important. So though we esteem the creation, flood, and Exodus, and giving of the Law accounts as essential, we are presented with this book that is harder to grasp. The chart below displays its prime placement.

A graphic of Leviticus' place in the Torah, highlighting its central importance.

Those living in the modern world demand relevance in their lives. However, the abundance of knowledge in this age can misdirect our conclusions. We dismiss things without understanding their impact on our lives and view them as less significant than viewing a movie or chatting with a friend. Again, if God treats it as essential, we must too—even if it is harder to process.

Leviticus records the critical part where God establishes His relationship with human beings, namely those who keep His covenant. I agree, the New Covenant, sealed with Jesus’ blood, makes Leviticus look old and irrelevant. In some ways, this is true. The New Testament surpasses the Old but does not dismiss the Old Testament scriptures (2 Tim 3:16-17).

The Ways Leviticus Helps Us

Treat what God declares holy as holy. Make a placeholder in your mind and life for the Book of Leviticus. It will serve you well in these ways:

Leviticus shows what God counts as the most fundamental. The Torah’s theme centers on developing a people for God. Due to their evident sin, they need practical help to live rightly before God.
Leviticus provides the critical background to understand and appreciate the New Testament properly. Without Leviticus, for example, we would not treat sacrifices so essential (though they are mentioned elsewhere in the Law).
Leviticus’ prohibitions set boundaries for our lives: holy and unholy, which can break through some poor and unholy mindsets and habits.
Leviticus develops more respect for what Jesus has done on the cross. We can only maintain a relationship with God through Jesus’ sacrifice by which one can be forgiven and calls us to live holy lives before Him.
Leviticus’ central message is vital. Besides the many details on the necessity of living in a community with God, the Lord provides key verses that shape our Christian lives.

Leviticus, Centered on Salvation

Leviticus, situated in the more prominent Torah and after forming a people for God in Exodus, calls them holy and properly treats their sin as God directs. Leviticus records God’s measures to keep His people holy and close to Him, despite their sins. In a sense, Leviticus pre-shadows Romans 3-5 and beyond, where God, through Christ, wonderfully cares for all that we could not do through the Law and the sacrifices.

“You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the sons of Israel; I am the Lord who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 22:32).

Think of the Book of Leviticus as a beautiful holy centerpiece. Holiness serves a critical place because it has to do with how God keeps His people close to Him without destroying them.

The priesthood, for example, can get closer to God only if they maintain certain rigorous life adjustments. The intimacy with God, however, no matter who they are, priests or not priests, need prescribed sacrifices. Not only this, they are to live out their lives, not as the world but as God instructs them. Leviticus uses the root word sanctify seven times; the root word “holy” is used 76 times!

They are special to God, and so God makes way for them to live closer in His presence. In the New Testament, we read of two teachings: justification and salvation. Justification centers on how God uses Christ’s sacrifice to cleanse us of our sins. Sanctification speaks of our required behavior to live close to God, if we don’t suffer extra harm.

The Book of Leviticus clearly states that the only way to maintain one’s relationship with God is in the Old Testament. It states the extra effort our Lord took to install measures in the Jewish society so that they could know God and live in His blessing. The Jewish people could not have kept close to God without the priestly line and sacrifices. And so, similarly, today, without Christ, no one can live in fellowship with God (1 John 2:1-2).

Leviticus foreshadows the blessings in Messiah.

Assignment for Gaining an Overview of Leviticus

Read quickly through the Book of Leviticus. As you do, fill in the chart mentioned below.
Download the attached chart to help you focus on Leviticus’ content. (Copy as you wish.)
As you speedily read through the chapters, watch for any significant verses from Leviticus. These will help you remember its importance. You will find them repeated throughout the book.
In the large top section, under the appropriate chapter number, write the topics addressed in each chapter, or provide a chapter title. If you don’t find any, feel free to skip that chapter. Don’t get hung up on this bottom section.
Lastly, write down one point of application or importance for each chapter in the bottom section. If it is a chapter on gaining forgiveness for some sin, then write that and thank the Lord for what He has done through Jesus the Messiah for you, whether Jew or non-Jew (i.e., Gentile, nations). in Christ, you have complete forgiveness without many offerings—Jesus is your onetime sacrifice. Reading the Book of Hebrews helps develop this importance.