Slideshow image

Today, we began what many consider a cumbersome if not boring task—reading through the book of Leviticus (today’s reading: chapters 1–4). As the name suggests, this book is closely tied to the tribe of Levi. The fact that they are given an entire book of detailed instructions on how to fulfill their role highlights their special status as those who inherited God Himself as their reward in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 18:2).

Leviticus outlines how the priests were to carry out sacrifices for the people of Israel, maintaining their covenant relationship with God. Over the years, the tribe of Levi has become my preferred tribe.

In Exodus, we ended with God’s glory descending upon the Tabernacle—the Tent of Meeting—and Moses’s instruction to not go in when the cloud was present. Now, in Leviticus, God calls to Moses from within the tent, signaling a significant shift. No longer is Moses meeting with God far off from the camp—highlighting His intentional separation from them—but now, after their recommitment, God meets with Moses among His people. His presence is in the center of the camp.

God begins his first conversation with Moses by giving instructions for the burnt offerings—the most common of all sacrifices. Maybe this was the divine remedy for there not being another golden calf incident which would cause God to separate Himself from an unholy people. These offerings were made regularly, including the daily morning and evening sacrifices (Exodus 29:38–42), and at other times for various reasons, whether as acts of thanksgiving, expressions of worship, or cries for help.

There are a couple of key characteristics that stood out to me:

  • The sacrifices were the best that each participant could offer. Those with greater means brought animals from their herds, while the average citizen offered from their flocks, and the poorest could bring birds—and each was equally acceptable to God. This highlights God’s impartiality and His love for all who seek Him, regardless of status or wealth.
  • These offerings foreshadow Jesus—the ultimate and final sacrifice. For the most part, the animals offered were to be male and without blemish, pointing to Christ, God’s only Son, who was perfect in every way and most valuable to Him.

Recognizing symbolic connections like this deepens our understanding of the book of Leviticus. The themes and foreshadowing will not be cryptic or difficult to discern; rather, they are meant to be easily recognized, helping us see the larger redemptive story God is telling.

In chapter two, God gives instructions for the grain offering. The offering was to be made of fine flour, mixed with oil and frankincense—again the best that the worshiper had to offer. Here, we also see the first glimpse of a pattern we will track throughout Leviticus: God’s provision for the Levites. When a grain offering was given, only a handful was burned as an offering, while the rest was set aside for the priests. This reinforces a principle I’ve seen throughout Scripture—when God’s people and their leaders are faithful, His work and His ministers are provided for.

As we enter into Leviticus, it is crucial to set aside any preconceived notions. This is the Word of the Lord, and every part of it is valuable. My hope is that by the time we finish, we will see this book as a vital, living part of Scripture—one that, like all of God's Word, is…

“… sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Let’s anticipate both connections that will lead to personal conviction and celebration as we journey through the book.