An Introduction To Leviticus

The title of this book in Hebrew is "He called," taken from Leviticus 1.1, and it is connected with the book of Exodus by the word "And." God had pitched His tent among His people Israel and now He speaks from within it. The period covered by this book is just over one month (Exodus 40. 17; Numbers 10.). Very little is historical narrative, and part was spoken from Mount Sinai (see 7.38, 25.1, 26.46, 27.34). About 56 times it is asserted that the LORD "spake" or "commanded", and about 42 times declared "I am Jehovah," or "I am Jehovah your God," thus giving assurance to His people, and implying the unquestionable authority of these words. A law found only in Leviticus 24.9 regarding the eating of the shewbread is referred to by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 12.4, thus confirming the authenticity of the book. (See also regarding leprosy, Matthew 8.4, with Leviticus 14.3-10.)

To sum up the contents of this interesting and instructive book, we would apply the words of Psalm 93.5: "Holiness becometh Thine house, 0 LORD, for evermore." The words holiness and holy are mentioned about 85 times; clean, cleanse or cleansing, about 59 times; atonement, about 43; sanctify, 20.

God dwelt in the midst of His separated and sanctified people in the most holy place of His sanctuary. The Infinite and Holy One of Israel deigned so to do, because His pleasure and joy are in His redeemed and gathered people.

God dwelt between the cherubim upon the mercy-seat, and in the ark were the unbroken tables of the law. God can only abide, and find rest, where His will is done. The ark, and its unbroken law, are typical of Christ in whom God has found satisfaction and rest. God could only continue to dwell among a sinful and erring people as the demands of His holiness were met, hence, once in the year, on the great day of atonement, confession was made of their iniquities, and the blood of the sin offerings was brought' within the veil and sprinkled by the high priest upon and before the mercy-seat. We know that Christ has entered into the holy place of the greater and more perfect Tabernacle, having obtained eternal redemption (Hebrews 9.11-14), the basis of our acceptance, and our drawing near to God (Hebrews 10.).

Note how, like a vast bodyguard around Jehovah's dwelling, there were ever-widening circles of responsibility. Aaron, the high priest, stands in an unique position between the nation and God, "Holy to the LORD" (Exodus 28.30; Leviticus 8.9). Aaron's sons; the priests, who served in the holy things of the sanctuary and altar; the Levites, who served Aaron and his sons; and the congregation, were all responsible to fulfil their peculiar obligations and

uphold the holy character of God's dwelling and the nation; failure to keep to their appointed sphere was on pain of death. (See Leviticus 16.; Numbers 3.10, 88.) This is a solemn consideration, and each in God's house today must maintain his or her God-given sphere of service according to the diversity of gift bestowed, whether saints, overseers or deacons. God is not the Author of confusion.

The call of Aaron and his sons was revealed to Moses at Sinai; here, in chapter 8.9, we see them being sanctified and consecrated. This portion of the Book is worthy of patient study; it contains a wealth of doctrinal and practical teaching. In 8.12 we read of the anointing oil being poured upon the head of Aron. As it ran down the beard upon the skirt of his garment it typified what should have been true of the nation, from top to bottom, brethren dwelling together in unity (Psalm 133.). Aaron's sons were also anointed in like manner according to Exodus 40.15, although their anointing is not mentioned in Leviticus 8.13.

Young brethren need to ponder, too, the significance of applying the blood to the tip of the right ear, the thumb of the right hand, and the great toe of the right foot, and the sprinkling with oil and blood of Aaron and his sons in their garments. Does not God demand the whole of our beings, the presentation and consecration of ourselves and our members to Himself? Moses filled their hands (8.27). Are your hands filled for God?

Israel were to bring their offerings, and offer them through the God-called and established priesthood, Aaron and his sons. It was God's design and way for His people. We, too, have a High Priest, "a Minister of the sanctuary ... which the Lord pitched, not man." "Wherefore it is necessary that this High Priest also should have somewhat to offer" (Hebrews 8.). (See 1 Peter 2.5; Revelation 1.6.) "Through Him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually."

The priests were to be holy unto their God. The high priest was not to allow earthly relationships to interfere with his high calling, even in bereavement, and marriage relationships were strictly regulated. These high priests had infirmity, and could fail, but our High Priest is an appointed Son, perfected for evermore (Hebrews 7.28).

A lesser standard regarding some things is allowed to Aaron's sons, but none with physical deformity or blemish was allowed to come near to offer the bread of his God (chapter 21.).

Spiritual blemishes and deformities disqualify men for the public worship and service of God's people today (Psalm 24.; 2 Thessalonians 3.6-14). Presumption is utterly condemned (Leviticus 10. 1-3). The congregation, too, must maintain the standard of holy living consistent with their calling. They were to maintain strict separation from the uncleanness and abominable customs of Egypt and Canaan (18.3), reminding us of such scriptures as Ephesians 5.2-5.

unknown | Sept 1955
For Young Believers