The Book of Leviticus

An overview of the Book of Leviticus

Title

Leviticus is taken from the Greek title in the Septuagint where it is "Leuticon." This means "pertaining to the Levites".

Authorship

Moses is considered the author of this book.

Format

Like Exodus and Numbers, Leviticus is also based on the "Divine Oracle" format. This means that sections begin with the phrase, "The Lord spoke to..".

Outline

1. The Laws of Acceptable Approach to God - Sacrifice (1:1-17:16)

A. General admonitions and laws (1:1-7:38)

B. The laws of the Priests (8:1-10:20)

C. Laws for purity and national atonement (11:1-17:16)

2. The Laws of Acceptable walk with God - Sanctification (18:1-27:34)

A. The laws of Sanctification for the People (18:1-20:27)

B. The laws of Sanctification for the Priesthood (21:1-22:33)

C. The laws of Sanctification in Worship (23:1-24:23)

D. The laws of Sanctification for the Land (25:1-27:34)

General Content

Leviticus centers around the concept of the holiness of God and how an unholy people can acceptably approach Him and then remain in fellowship. It deals with the religious Israelite people (Levites).

The book does not further the history of God's chosen nation but rather gives description of how they are to relate to God as they live their life before Him.

Major Characters

Moses, Aaron, The tribe of Levites, The priests.

Return to Old Testament from Book of Leviticus