Leviticus

Laws

The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It contains the laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses after the Exodus from Egypt. The book is divided into several sections, including laws on sacrifices and offerings, laws on cleanliness and purity, laws on moral and ethical behavior, and laws on the proper conduct of religious ceremonies. One of the main themes of the book is the concept of holiness, and it emphasizes the importance of being set apart and dedicated to God. The book also contains a number of regulations concerning the proper treatment of others, including laws on justice, charity, and social responsibility. Key figures in the book of Leviticus include Moses, who received the laws from God, and Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites. The book also mentions various other Israelite leaders and officials, such as the priests and the Levites, who were responsible for carrying out the various laws and instructions.

Commentary

27 chapters
The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It contains the laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses after the Exodus from Egypt. The book is divided into several sections, including laws on sacrifices and offerings, laws on cleanliness and purity, laws on moral and ethical behavior, and laws on the proper conduct of religious ceremonies. One of the main themes of the book is the concept of holiness, and it emphasizes the importance of being set apart and dedicated to God. The book also contains a number of regulations concerning the proper treatment of others, including laws on justice, charity, and social responsibility. Key figures in the book of Leviticus include Moses, who received the laws from God, and Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites. The book also mentions various other Israelite leaders and officials, such as the priests and the Levites, who were responsible for carrying out the various laws and instructions.

Chapters

Burnt Offerings

Burnt Offerings

Leviticus 1

God tells Moses how the Israelites are to present offerings to him, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings.

Grain Offerings

Grain Offerings

Leviticus 2

God gives instructions for preparing the grain offering, including the use of salt and oil.

Peace Offerings

Peace Offerings

Leviticus 3

God gives instructions for preparing the peace offering, including the use of salt and the presentation of certain portions to the priests.

Sin Offerings

Sin Offerings

Leviticus 4

God gives instructions for making sin and guilt offerings.

Guilt Offerings

Guilt Offerings

Leviticus 5

God commands the Israelites to confess their sins and make restitution for wrongs they have committed.

The Law of the Burnt Offering

The Law of the Burnt Offering

Leviticus 6

God gives instructions for the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the sin offering, including how the priests are to prepare and present the offerings.

The Law of the Grain Offering

The Law of the Grain Offering

Leviticus 7

God gives instructions for the peace offering, including how the priests are to prepare and present the offering, and how the people are to eat the meat of the offering.

The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

Leviticus 8

God ordains Aaron and his sons as priests, and gives them instructions for their consecration.

Aaron's First Day as High Priest

Aaron's First Day as High Priest

Leviticus 9

God appears to the Israelites and Aaron offers the first offerings as a priest.

Unauthorized Fire

Unauthorized Fire

Leviticus 10

God forbids Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu from offering "strange fire" before him and they are consumed by fire as punishment.

Clean and Unclean Foods

Clean and Unclean Foods

Leviticus 11

God gives the Israelites laws for clean and unclean animals, and instructs them on how to tell the difference.

Purification after Childbirth

Purification after Childbirth

Leviticus 12

God gives laws for purification after childbirth.

Skin Diseases

Skin Diseases

Leviticus 13

God gives laws for dealing with various skin diseases.

Purification for Mold and Mildew

Purification for Mold and Mildew

Leviticus 14

God gives laws for dealing with mildew and mold in houses and clothing.

Bodily Discharges

Bodily Discharges

Leviticus 15

God gives laws for dealing with bodily discharges, including menstruation and ejaculation.

The Day of Atonement

The Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16

God gives instructions for the Day of Atonement, a day when the Israelites are to fast and make offerings to seek forgiveness for their sins.

Regulations Concerning Blood

Regulations Concerning Blood

Leviticus 17

God gives laws for the proper slaughter and consumption of animals.

Sexual Regulations

Sexual Regulations

Leviticus 18

God gives laws for sexual conduct, including prohibitions on incest, adultery, and homosexuality.

Holiness and Ethics

Holiness and Ethics

Leviticus 19

God gives laws for various moral and ethical conduct, including commandments to love one's neighbor, to keep the Sabbath, and to refrain from idolatry and false oaths.

Capital Punishments

Capital Punishments

Leviticus 20

God gives laws for various penalties, including those for blasphemy, sacrifice to other gods, and witchcraft.

The Holiness of Priests

The Holiness of Priests

Leviticus 21

God gives laws for the priests, including guidelines for their physical appearance, behavior and marriage.

The Requirements for Offerings

The Requirements for Offerings

Leviticus 22

God gives laws for the proper presentation of offerings and for the priests who present them.

The Sabbath and Other Festivals

The Sabbath and Other Festivals

Leviticus 23

God gives instructions for the annual festivals and appointed times.

The Lampstand and the Bread of the Presence

The Lampstand and the Bread of the Presence

Leviticus 24

God gives instructions for the lampstand, the bread of the presence and the altar of incense.

The Year of Jubilee

The Year of Jubilee

Leviticus 25

God gives instructions for the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee, including the release of debts and the return of property

Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience

Blessings for Obedience and Curses for Disobedience

Leviticus 26

God promises blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Vows and Dedications

Vows and Dedications

Leviticus 27

God gives laws for the consecration and redemption of property, including houses and fields.