Detailed Framework of Leviticus

 Detailed Framework of Leviticus

Collin Leong. Feb 18, 2024


A. Introduction

During the time Leviticus was written, the The story of Leviticus picks up where Exodus left off. The people of Israel, the covenant descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were still camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. They remained at Sinai throughout the time period covered by the book of Leviticus.

The Israelites were very afraid when the Lord came down to Sinai. It said in Exodus 20:18-19  "Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off.  Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” 

Only Moses was able to go up the mountain to speak with God. When the tabernacle was setup based on God's design and instruction, the cloud came down and the glory of God filled the tabernacle. Even then, Moses were unable to enter the tabernacle. (Exodus 40:35)

However in Numbers 1:1 said "Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt,"    Something must have happened in Leviticus that enable Moses to enter the tent to speak to God. 

Following the laws of Leviticus ensure that they can meet God without dying. He is a holy God and we are sinful people. 


B. Framework Overview

There are two main parts of Leviticus:

1. Chapter 1-16: The Ritual Code - Sacrificing For Our Sins

A sequence of regulations that need to happen, to ensure that the people can approach God without dying. For example in Leviticus 10, Aarons sons died as they were serving God but did not follow the regulations. 
  • Ch 1-10: Holy Offerings & Priests. Defines the correct offerings. 
  • Ch 11-15: Clean and Unclean. How to make someone clean if they are not. (see the diagram) 
Note that these diseases still require Sin Offering. However in the Sin Offering described in Lev 4:7, the blood of the animals are brought into the tabernacle and poured over the altar, which is next to the curtain of the Holy of Holies. 

It is amazing that even when we sin against God, He wants us to come nearer to Him to cleanse us. This is opposite of what we will do for people who has hurt us. God wants us to come as we are. Jesus also reaches and touches the unclean, yet he does not become unclean, rather the victims became clean. This is the kind of God we are worshipping. 
  • Ch 16: Day of Atonement - also known as Yom Kippur, considered the highest holy day. The high priest was the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the mercy seat.

2. Chapter 17-27:  The Ethical Code - Sanctifying Our Life 
  • Ch 17-22 - Holy Boundaries. There are lines that they cannot cross. Eg, do not eat blood, do not worship idols. God has taken them out of Egypt out and wants to prevent Canaan from coming in. It's not just vertical relationship with God, but also horizontal relationship with others. 
  • Ch 23-25 - Holy Rhythms. Feasts and Festivals. (Feast of Weeks: Lev 23:15-16; Day of Atonement (Lev 23:32); Year of Jubilee (Lev 25:2,4) 
Sabbath is not just the 7 day of the week, as Day of Atonement is on the 10th days but is also called a Sabbath. Sabbath is to let them know they are no longer slaves. When they were slaves, the were working 24x7. It's not just for rest but for release them to serve others. Just as Jesus is was also working to heal the people on Sabbath. Those who are sick cannot rest or be released to serve others. So healing is allowed to help them. 

The Ritual Code ends with Day of Atonement; The Ethical Code ends with the Year of Jubilee. These represents freedom - freedom from slavery of sin and bondage. This is what Jesus have done for us, 
  • Ch 26-27 - Consequences and Conclusion. If we follow the laws and stay within the boundaries, then they will be blessed. Else they will be cursed and become slaves again,  Free to worship and serve God, and free to accept Jesus, The laws are not to keep us in straight-jacket us,  but to set us free and keep us free. 
Work can be bondage, though work was a blessing from God where we partner him to expand his kingdom. People died from overwork. Singapore is named number one for overwork country. Even when we are not working, God is working. 


C. Detailed Framework


Context: After being freed from slavery in Egypt, Israel gathers at Mount Sinai to enter into a covenant relationship with God. However, their rebellion damages this relationship, preventing even Moses from entering the tabernacle.

Holiness and Reconciliation: Leviticus addresses the problem of how sinful people can live in God’s holy presence. God is “set apart” (holy), and Israel must become holy by dealing with their sin. 
 
1.  (Chapters 1-7) Ritual Sacrifices: Describes five types of offerings and priestly duties.
  • Burnt Offering (Chapter 1): A voluntary offering symbolizing total surrender to God.
  • Grain Offering (Chapter 2): A gift of gratitude, emphasizing God’s provision.
  • Peace Offering (Chapter 3): A communal meal, celebrating fellowship with God.
  • Sin Offering (Chapter 4): For unintentional sins, emphasizing atonement.
  • Guilt Offering (Chapter 5): For specific offenses, emphasizing restitution.
  • Priestly Duties (Chapters 6-7): Instructions for priests regarding offerings.

2.  (Chapters 8-15) Priestly Qualifications and Ritual Purity: Details priestly duties and purity regulations. 
  • Consecration of Priests (Chapter 8): Aaron and his sons are set apart for service.
  • Priestly Duties (Chapters 9-10): Aaron’s priestly ministry begins.
  • Clean and Unclean (Chapters 11-15): Regulations on food, skin diseases, and bodily discharges.
    • Clean and Unclean Animals, birds, insects and creeping things (Chapter 11)
    • Purification after Childbirth (Chapter 12)
    • Purification from Skin Diseases (Chapters 13-14):
    • Discharges and Their Impurity (Chapters 15)

3. (Chapters 16-27): Outlines various aspects of Israel’s life and worship.
  • Day of Atonement (Chapter 16): Annual purification ritual for the entire community.
  • Holiness Code (Chapters 17-26): Ethical and moral guidelines for holy living.
    • Blood and Sacrifices (Chapters 17-18):
      • Prohibition against eating blood (17:10-14).
      • Regulations on sexual relationships (18:1-30).
    • Holiness in Relationships (Chapters 19-20):
      • Ethical guidelines for daily life (e.g., honesty, compassion).
      • Prohibition against idolatry and witchcraft.
      • Punishments for certain offenses.
    • Priestly Duties and Purity (Chapters 21-22):
      • Standards for priests’ behavior and purity.
      • Regulations for offerings and sacrifices.
    • Festivals and Sabbatical Years (Chapters 23-25):
      • Instructions for observing feasts (Passover, Tabernacles, etc.).
      • Sabbatical year (rest for the land) and Jubilee (release of debts).
    • Blessings and Curses (Chapter 26):
      • Consequences of obedience or disobedience.
      • God’s promise to bless and protect Israel if they follow His ways.
The Holiness Code emphasizes both moral conduct and ritual practices, reflecting Israel’s unique relationship with God. Leviticus emphasizes God’s care for the vulnerable, faithfulness to the covenant, and the need for holiness



Applications 

1. How to dwell near God?
- by reading the word and meditate on it everyday
- to be fully present with God. Ask Him he has any message to us. 
- to remove distractions such as phones, social media

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