Name - The nature of this third book of the Pentateuch, written by Moses, is suggested by the
name; it has to do with the Levites and priests. The rabbis called it "The Law of the Priest" and
"The Law of Offerings"; it deals with the services of the sanctuary as administered by the Levites.
Connection with Former Books - Leviticus is really a continuation of the book of Exodus,
containing the Sinaitic legislation from the time of the completion of the Tabernacle; it elaborates
and unfolds what had been written in the preceding book. Based on the promise of redemption
and its unfolding revelations found in Genesis, and on the divine processes of redemption given in
the book of Exodus, Leviticus gives the details for the accomplishment of these spiritual
attainments. Herein is expounded the place of sacrifice as an atonement for sin and God's
acceptance of a sacrifice, a type of sacrifice of Christ, instead of the death of the sinner.
Purpose - The purpose of Leviticus is five-fold: To show that God is holy, and man is sinful; to
show how God maintains his holiness and exposes the sinfulness of man; to show how sinful man
may have access to a holy God; to provide a manual of law and worship for Israel; and to
transform Israel into a holy nation. The key word of Leviticus is "Holiness," which occurs 87
times in the book. In contrast with God's holiness and His required holiness of His people, words
for sin and uncleanness in various forms appear 194 times, showing the need of atonement and
cleansing. "Blood-offering" as the basis of atonement and means of cleansing is referred to 89
times. Two notable passages emphasize the central truth of this book, namely, 10:10 and 19:2.
Outline - In the main, Leviticus may be outlined by five divisions: I. The Law of Sacrifices (1:1-6:7) II. The Law of Priests (6:8-10:20) III. The Law of Purity (11-22) IV. The Law of
Jehovah's Feasts (23) V. Special Laws, Instructions, and Warnings (24-27)
