BIBLE BOOK: Leviticus
The way in…..
Exodus, the second book in the Old Testament, describes how God delivered His people Israel from Egypt. Commentators, however, have pointed out that “Egypt” was still “in” the delivered people, and a work of God was needed to remove its influence from their lives and thinking. In Exodus the Israelites were brought out of bondage; in Leviticus they were brought in to blessing. Therefore, if Exodus describes the way out, Leviticus describes the way in.
The book of Exodus pictures salvation, while Leviticus deals with sanctification. Having come out of bondage and the curse, the necessary sequel is to be brought into the presence of God. In Leviticus the LORD spoke to Moses from “out of the tabernacle” (1:1) – also known as the “sanctuary” where He dwelt “among them” (Ex.25:8). The tabernacle had been built to furnish the Israelites with many object lessons and to teach them how they could worship God and enjoy a blessed relationship with Him. Leviticus expands the teaching of Exodus in the same way that the New Testament epistles expand the message of the four Gospels. Exodus and the Gospels introduce us to the themes of deliverance and salvation, but this is only the beginning. Those who have been saved have much to learn. We need to understand why the Lord has made us His own.
From our perspective in the twenty-first century, the instructions in Leviticus may seem remote. It is helpful to read Leviticus in the light of the Epistle to the Hebrews. If we do this, the significance of Leviticus will be apparent. All of its teaching finds fulfilment in our Lord Jesus Christ. Each of the sacrifices and offerings reflect something of His person or of His work. There is also much practical teaching which we can apply to our lives today.
THE OFFERINGS
Under the law five different offerings were to be brought to the LORD, the first three being of a “sweet savour” and the remaining two being offerings for sin. Of course, we remember that sacrifices featured in the lives of the patriarchs in Genesis, many of whom built altars to the LORD. However, the time had come for sacrifices to be categorized according to the circumstances in which they were to be offered. The Burnt Offering is the first described, and its significance is that all was offered to the LORD. This speaks to us primarily of the Lord Jesus who gave His life up fully to His Father’s will and purpose. There is a secondary application, however, for we ought also to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord – wholly for Him (Rom.12:1).
The Meal Offering (“meat offering” KJV) is the next to be mentioned. It did not involve bloodshed but was an offering of “fine flour” (Lev.2:1) which graphically portrays the evenness and perfection of Christ’s life upon earth. This is followed by the Peace Offering (Lev.3) which was not to obtain peace so much as to enjoy the peace that had already been secured. The worshipper and the officiating priest would sit down together to partake of this sacrificial meal which resembles in some ways the Lord’s Supper of the New Testament.
In addition to these three “sweet savour” offerings, there were two more. The Sin Offering was presented to deal with sins of error and weakness – but not deliberate sin. The Israelite would bring the appropriate creature to the priest and would place his hand upon its head, killing it “before the LORD” (4:4). This very act would make the one offering the sacrifice acutely conscious of sin’s seriousness. To think that his sin required another life to be laid down! We might say that this offering dealt with the principle of sin. That being so, the Trespass Offering dealt with the practice of sin and involved making reparation for any losses – whether to God or to man (5:16). The God of Israel was scrupulously righteous in His requirements.
In these animal sacrifices we find certain distinctions. Some people were more responsible in society than others; some were richer, others poorer. For this reason the creature brought to the altar might be more or less costly – hence the instructions for a bullock, a ram, a lamb, or a dove. This teaches us that God never expects more than a person can afford.
THE PRIESTHOOD
The next part of Leviticus deals with the priesthood. Aaron was chosen by God to be Israel’s first high priest, and his sons and their descendants served in the priestly office. God had ordained that the tribe of Levi should serve Him at the tabernacle. Before commencing their service the priests had to be consecrated, as described in Leviticus 8. Each detail in the list of instructions is highly significant. The New Testament introduces us to the concept that all true believers today are a kingdom of priests unto God and can offer spiritual sacrifices to Him (1 Pet.2:5; Rev.5:10). The high priest of Israel prefigured our Great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ, who intercedes for His people now in the very presence of God (Heb.7:25,26).
Chapters 11-20 of Leviticus relate to the “walk” of the people of Israel and provide practical instructions for daily living. Dietary regulations, child-birth, and leprosy are all dealt with in turn, as well as matters of cleanliness. The events on the annual Day of Atonement are highly instructive (Lev.16) and unfold more of the wonders of our Saviour’s work when viewed through the prism of New Testament revelation. Leviticus 17:11 contains important truths which are expanded upon elsewhere in Scripture, reminding us that “the life of the flesh is in the blood” and “it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul”.
Those who recognize the value of the blood will be careful how they live. Some very practical matters are unfolded in Leviticus 18-20 and have a relevance to life today. For instance, morality and sexual relationships are explained in detail. In the words of Scripture, same-sex relationships are “abomination” to the LORD (18:22). This principle has not passed off the scene with the closing of the Old Testament but remains valid as we discover in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Still today God’s people are to “be holy” (Lev.19:2; 1 Pet.1:16). Do not take advantage of the deaf or of the blind or be “a talebearer” among God’s people (Lev.19:14,16). There can hardly be anything more practical than that!
FUNCTIONS AND FEASTS
After some instructions specifically for the priests in Leviticus 21-22, a whole chapter is devoted to the seven Feasts of the Lord. Each of these has significance in the light of New Testament truth. The Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, closely connected, called to mind Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and remind us of the death of Christ and the importance of the pilgrim life being holy and for the Lord. The Feast of Firstfruits marked the beginning of the harvest and speaks to us of Christ’s resurrection from the dead (1 Cor.15:23). Pentecost, occurring fifty days later, finds its clear fulfilment in Acts 2.
These four celebrations occurred in the earlier part of the year. The other three feasts were to take place about four months later, in Israel’s seventh month. First there was the Feast of Trumpets which constituted a call to the final two feasts. The Day of Atonement was a most solemn occasion as the people were reminded of the seriousness of their sin. On this one day in the year their high priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies. Shortly after this event was the Feast of Tabernacles – an eight-day celebration when the people made themselves booths and rejoiced together. These two feasts await fulfilment at Christ’s return from heaven. The nation will realize its guilt in crucifying its Messiah and will repent before enjoying unequalled blessings when the Lord Jesus actually reigns upon earth.
THE CLOSING CHAPTERS …
The closing chapters contain further instructions relating to the tabernacle, the seventh year, and the jubilee which occurred every 49 years – a time for the release of slaves and for the cancelling of debts. The redeemed people must never forget how the Lord had brought them out of Egypt and had set them free (Lev.26:13). This particular verse is pivotal. If they obeyed their God they would be blessed richly; but if they refused to obey, the misery of the curse would fall upon them (Lev.26:14 onwards). Subsequent history sadly reveals their disobedience and banishment from the land, as God had forewarned.
The final chapter of Leviticus deals with vows and responsibilities. God’s people must not be glib or fickle but serious in their commitment. The Lord wants nothing less from us in our day. If we belong to the Lord, we need to devote ourselves to Him and to His cause (Lev.27:28). We cannot escape the theme of holiness found throughout Leviticus. Psalm 93:5 also remains true today: “Holiness becometh Thine house, O LORD, for ever.”
I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.
Leviticus 26:13