Leviticus

LeRoy Eims

There's no book in the world like the Book of Leviticus. The title reveals the subject matter of the book. It has to do with the Levites and the priests. The altar of sacrifice, the construction of the Temple and the institution of the priesthood are set forth. This is a continuation of the book of Exodus in elaborating upon what has already been communicated and a greater unfolding of the mind of God.

It was imperative that the people of God remain a separate people, apart from the influences of the heathen nations that surrounded them. To them was to be committed the knowledge of the true and living God. It was necessary that their religion recognize the fact of sin and the need for a method of atonement. It should also be typical of the coming Messiah. Their sacrificial system pictured Calvary and since their Messiah was to be a sacrifice and a priest in accomplishing our salvation, it was essential that this be a system of a sacrificial and priestly nature.

In light of these facts we must study the book of Leviticus. This book states the laws under which the Hebrew nation lived. The Levites, one of the twelve tribes, were set apart for the work of God. One family of Levites, Aaron and his sons, were set apart to be priests. The rest of the tribe were to be his assistants. Their duties were the care and transportation of the tabernacle as the children of God wandered in the wilderness. They were teachers, scribes, musicians, and judges.

The children of Israel set forth various kinds of offerings in their worship of God. The burnt offerings signified entire self‑dedication to God. The meal offerings were of grain and flour or unleavened cakes. A handful was burned and the rest was for the priests. There were the peace offerings of cattle, sheep and goats. The fat was burned and the rest was eaten, partly by the priests, and partly by those who made the offering. Then there were the sin and trespass offerings. These signified acknowledgment of and atonement for sins.

Atonement is one of the major themes of this book. It is the cleansing of sin by the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. Atonement is the means by which reconciliation between God and man is brought about. The word "atonement" appears seventy‑seven times in the Bible, forty‑five of which are in the Book of Leviticus. One of the great passages that speaks to this theme is Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."

During the last supper, Jesus said, "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28). The Apostle Paul told the Colossians, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:14). Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. The Book of Leviticus looks forward to the time when Jesus Christ would go to Calvary for you and me.