Ep 706 – Leviticus 1-2

The book of Leviticus is actually the third section of the Hebrew Torah or Law. It is a continuation of the book of Exodus and contains requirements of the Mosaic Covenant that relate to the Levites, the tribe that had been set apart by God to serve as priests for the people of Israel. Essentially, the entire book has to do with God's commands concerning the proper worship of Himself. While primarily addressing the role of the priests, Leviticus reveals God's expectations regarding the tabernacle, the sacrificial system, and the part the laity were to play in the whole religious life of the nation of Israel. Two of the key themes found throughout the book are those of holiness and unholiness. The book intends to show how Israel was to fulfill its covenant responsibility to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation to the Lord. And while the content of the book speaks of a different dispensation than the one in which we live, it reminds us of God's desire that His people, no matter the time period in which they live, live lives that are set apart and distinct from all those around them.