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Introduction

Welcome to a study of Leviticus. The purpose of this study is to provide tools for enhancing your spiritual relationship. The questions are intended to bring the material closer to you. Most of the questions may be answered by simply quoting the specified verse. Some of the questions, which are marked by an asterisk (*), may require additional thought which is implicit in the text, however, not precisely stated. Give thoughtful consideration to these, answering as many as you are able. At the end of most of the day's questions, there is a question identified by a (§). These questions are personal in nature, and need only be approached as you feel comfortable in considering them. Their intent is to help internalise the subject matter for that day. As you engage in a daily study of GOD's word, you will come to a richer spiritual relationship, and the LORD will bless your efforts.

Leviticus can be a very dry book to read. This is not surprising when one considers that it is essentially a book of law, and most law books are uninteresting. That is until someone has a vested interest. Then, the law becomes intensely interesting. When each word may significantly change a person's life, law is no longer academic, but personal and very real. Leviticus was very interesting to the Israelites when they encountered it. It applies to every aspect of Hebrew life. The ritual of sacrifice is explained in detail, along with the times and numbers of feasts. In addition, the social aspects of living together are detailed.

First, the ritual of sacrifice demonstrates to us the proper attitude when dealing with the things of the LORD our GOD. It is indeed a mystery that the Creator of the Universe would select an insignificant tribe with whom to communicate. For this privilege, the Israelites were asked to dedicate a portion of their possessions and time, in the form of offerings and feasts.

Second, the Israelites were called to distinguish themselves through a unique standard of behaviour. In contrast to other nations of the time, the Israelites were called to a system which denounced sexual immorality, and held each person, regardless of social status, accountable to the same rules. Finally, relationships with others was emphasised as the Israelites were called to love their neighbours as themselves.

The LAW helped individuals to understand that separation from GOD has temporal consequences. The GOD of the Israelites was not a philosophical idea without worldly affect. As a person became aware of their trespass of the LAW, they were also brought to the knowledge of GOD's grace and forgiveness. Through the process of repentance and atonement, a dynamic spiritual relationship was established.

When you have completed this study of Leviticus, you will come to know the major feast days, including the Sabbath, and their meaning. You will also become aware of the sacrifices and offerings. Your challenge will be to develop ways in your own life to honour your unique spiritual relationship; to devote your possessions and time to the work of the LORD your GOD and to treat your neighbours as you would treat yourself.

These two principles are a consistent theme. In the letter of Galatians, Paul writes that the entire LAW is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbour as yourself.", quoting from Leviticus. In Mark 12, verses 29 through 31, the two greatest commandments are given as: "Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" and "Love your neighbour as yourself". The book of Leviticus demonstrates to us how to achieve both of these commandments so that we may have a more fulfilling spiritual life.

In the next lesson, Galatians teaches that salvation is the result of faith in GOD rather than reliance on our own effort. Since no one can possibly live in perfect union with the LAW, it is only through the grace of GOD that we are capable of a spiritual relationship. In this, there is not conflict between Galatians and Leviticus. Both teach that, through acknowledging our own shortcomings, we avail ourselves of GOD's grace and build a stronger spiritual relationship.

Day One Leviticus 1:1-9

To whom are these instructions given according to verse 1?
From verse 3, what type of offering is the subject of this section?
What does verse 4 read is the purpose of this offering?
What did Noah do in Genesis 8:20-21?
How does GOD respond to this offering in verse 9?
What does Mark 12:33 say is more important than an offering or a sacrifice?
(§) Animals were accepted as offerings of worship because they represented wealth in the Hebrew economy. What would be a "burnt offering" in our time?

Day Two Leviticus 1:10-17

Which animal is the subject of verses 10 through 13?
How does 1 Peter 1:18-19 refer to the Christ?
In verses 10 through 13, what is the responsibility of the
- Which animal is the subject of verses 14 through 17?
- What is the response given to each offering as expressed in verses 9, 13, and 17?
- (*) Explain why might GOD have provided three different ways of participating in this offering?
- (§) With Mark 12:33 as your guide, and recognising that the burnt offering is for atonement, how might you make a burnt offering?

Day Three Leviticus 2:1-10

What name is given these offerings in verse 1?
How is this offering divided according to verses 2 & 3, and 9 & 10?
List the different methods of presenting this offering?
What is the response given to this offering in verses 3 and 10?
(§) Through the grain offering, a blessing was given to the Israelites who provided for their Levite priest. What might be a practical way for you to participate in a "grain offering"?

Day Four Leviticus 2:11-16

What two substances are prohibited from the grain offering, as prescribed in verse 11?
From verse 12, for which type of offering is a grain offering acceptable? For which is it unacceptable?
According to Exodus 34:22, which feast is to be celebrated with the first fruits of the wheat harvest?
How is the "covenant of salt" explained in Numbers 18:19?
(§) How might what you have learned here help you explain Mark 9:50?

Day Five Leviticus 3:1-8

How is the fellowship offering as described in verses 1-5, different from the burnt offering (1:3-9)?
From verse 5, what is to be burnt underneath the fellowship offering?
(*) How are "atonement" and "fellowship" integral parts of a relationship?

The "fellowship" offering is sometimes referred to as a "peace" offering, or an offering of "well being"

Day Six Leviticus 3:9-17

What parts of the animal are to be sacrificed as explained in verse 9?
What response is given in verse 16?
What is the lasting ordinance given in verse 17?
(§) What would be an appropriate fellowship offering in our time?

Day One Leviticus 4:1-12

What is the purpose of the offering as explained in verse 2?
When the anointed priest sins, who shares in the guilt?
What is the priest instructed in verses 5 through 7 to do with the blood of the bull?
According to verse 10, what is to be burnt on the altar?
What is done with the rest of the bull in verse 12, and how is that different from the burnt offering?
According to Hebrews 10:1 and 2, why is the LAW unable to make perfect those who draw near to worship?

Day Two Leviticus 4:13-26

Which two groups are mentioned in verses 13 and 22?
Which animal is prescribed for each of these groups in verses 14 and 23?
From verse 20, what is to be done with the bull?
What is to be done with the fat in verse 26?
(§) Why do you think that, as opposed to the sins of the community, when an individual fails, the sin offering is similar to a fellowship offering?

Day Three Leviticus 4:27-5:6

If a member of the community sins unintentionally, what animals may be offered according to verses 27 and 32?
From verses 31 and 35, how is this offering similar to the fellowship offering?
From Hebrews 10, verses 5 through 10, how have we been made holy?
From Leviticus 5, verses 1 through 4, for which offences must a person confess and bring to the LORD a female lamb or goat as a sin offering?
(§) Assume, for a moment, that a "sin" is defined as any violation of the principles described in Matthew 5 through 7. How often would you be required to make a sin offering in just one week? How does it influence you to know that GOD provided the Christ Jesus as our atonement?

Day Four Leviticus 5:7-19

What opportunity is given to those of humble means in verses 7 through 11?
What is said about the widow's offering in Mark 12, verses 41 through 44?
How is the offence which requires a guilt offering, as described in verse 15, different from a sin offering (4:27)?
What is the penalty in verse 15?
What must be added and given to the priest?
From verse 18, what is to be done if a person does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands, even though he does not know it?
From Hebrews 10, verses 11 through 14, how are we being made perfect?

Day Five Leviticus 6:1-13

If a person deceives their neighbour, what restitution is required in verse 5?
What is the penalty which must be brought to the priest according to verse 6?
How long is the burnt offering to remain on the altar according to verse 9?
From verse 13, how long must the fire of the altar be kept burning?

Day Six Leviticus 6:14-30

From verse 18, what happens to those who touch the grain offering?
What is to be presented on the day a priest is anointed in accordance with verse 20?
How is the grain offering of a priest different from that of the people as described in verse 23?
(§) From Ephesians 2, verses 4 through 10, how is it that we have been saved, that is, how have our transgressions been forgiven that we may have a relationship with GOD?

Day One Leviticus 7:1-15

To whom do the offerings in verses 7 through 10 belong?
If the fellowship offering is an expression of thankfulness what does verse 13 read must be added?
How is the principle of verse 7 continued by Paul as he writes Galatians 6:6?
(§) How might sharing your wealth with those who bring the good news to you help you have a richer spiritual life?

Day Two Leviticus 7:16-34

If the offering is a free will offering or is the result of a vow, what happens on the third day according to verse 18?
In verse 20 and 21, what is the penalty for contaminating that which belongs to GOD?
Which parts of the animal are prohibited from consumption in verses 25 and 26?
From verse 34, which parts of the fellowship offering have been given to Aaron and his sons?
What penalty does Paul impose in Galatians 1:8 and 9 on those who would contaminate the gospel?
(§) How might you keep your spiritual life free from contamination?

Day Three Leviticus 7:35-8:13

How have the priests been provided for in verse 36?
List the offerings that are the subject of chapters 1 through 7 and mentioned in verse 37?
Who ordained Aaron and his sons?
What was Moses instructed to do in verse 2?
From verses 7 through 9, what articles of clothing are mentioned?
Why was oil poured on Aaron's head in verse 12?
(§) Might you be able to share a special event which marked the beginning of your spiritual awareness?

Day Four Leviticus 8:14-30

In verses 14 through 17, what role does Moses play as described in chapter 1?
From the ram of ordination, where was some of the blood placed in verse 23?
What did Moses do with this share of the offering in verse 29?
How does Paul explain the presence of blood in the offerings when he writes Hebrews 9, verses 16 through 18?
From Matthew 28, verses 18 and 19, how were the disciples commissioned?
(§) What might be some of the responsibilities you have regarding your spiritual life?

Day Five Leviticus 8:31-9:11

What is the penalty for mishandling the things of GOD as described in verse 35?
According to verse 33, how long were Aaron and his sons to stay in the Tent of Meeting?
How does Paul explain, in Hebrews 10:19, that we have access to a relationship with GOD?
(§) Is there a ritual which you feel makes your prayers more meaningful and your connection with GOD stronger?

Day Six Leviticus 9:12-24

Who is taking the role of priest in this section?
From verses 15-17, what different types of offerings were performed?
What happened in verse 23 and 24 after Moses and Aaron blessed the people?
From Matthew 7, verses 7 and 8, what assurance do we have that GOD is involved with our lives?
(§) When you pray, how do you experience GOD's involvement in your life?

Day One Leviticus 10:1-11

Who offered unauthorised fire before the LORD in verse 1?
What happened to them in verse 2?
In verse 3, how did Moses respond?
What responsibility was given to Aaron according to verses 10 and 11?
From Galatians 6:7-10, how does Paul express the importance of respect for the things of GOD?
(§) How might this section help you focus on your own responsibilities?

Day Two Leviticus 10:12-11:3

According to verse 15, and from its description in verse 12, what type of offering did Moses instruct Aaron and his sons to present?
From 6:25-26, what are the regulations concerning the sin offering?
In verse 19, what did Aaron say to defend his actions?
Which animals were the Israelites allowed to eat according to verse 11:3?
In verse 20, how did Moses demonstrate the principle of Matthew 23:23?
(§) How might you learn to show mercy from this section?

Day Three Leviticus 11:4-23

What two requirements do the animals listed in verses 4 through 7 lack?
Which sea creatures may be eaten according to verse 9?
From Acts 11, verses 4 through 10, how was Peter's mind changed about what could be eaten?
From Ephesians 2:16-17, why does Paul write that we are not to judge others by what they eat and drink?
(§) How might this lesson help you be more tolerant of customs which are different from your experience?

Day Four Leviticus 11:24-40

What penalty was imposed in verse 24 for merely touching the carcass of an unclean animal?
From verse 39, what happens if someone touches the carcass of a clean animal?
(§) Why do you think the Hebrews had such explicit instructions concerning dead animals?

Day Five Leviticus 11:41-47

From Mark 7:20-23, what did Jesus say was more damaging than verse 43?
How does Matthew 5:48 reinforce verse 45?
From Galatians 3:10, how does Paul argue the impossibility of verse 45?
(§) How might chapter 11 help you to appreciate what GOD has done for us by the atoning work of Christ?

Day Six Leviticus 12

On which day did circumcision occur according to verse 3?
What happened in Luke 2:21?
According to verse 4, how much time transpired between Luke 2, verses 21 and 22?
Regarding verse 8, what is indicated about Mary and Joseph by Luke 2:24?
According to Genesis 17:11-14, what is the reason for circumcision?
What does Paul say about circumcision in Galatians 5:2-4?
(*) In what way is your citizenship attested to and validated?
(§) How are we consecrated to the LORD, even without circumcision?
(§) What assurances do you have of your spiritual relationship?

Day One Leviticus 13:1-23

What must a person with an infectious disease do, according to verse 9?
What is the length of time prescribed in verse 4 for quarantine?
What did Jesus do in Mark 1:40-42 when a man with leprosy came to him?
(§) How do you think the example of what Jesus did with the leper may have changed how some people thought about the seriously ill?

Day Two Leviticus 13:24-46

Which verses mention?

burn

sore on the head or chin

white spots on the skin

baldness

What must a person with an infectious disease do according to verses 45 and 46?
When we were infected with a nature opposed to GOD, how did we become welcomed back into a relationship as explained in Colossians 2:13 through 15?
(§) What are some of the signs your spiritual relationship may be infected? What might be done to heal when this happens?

Day Three Leviticus 13:47-14:9

What must be done to an article of clothing with mildew according to verse 52?
From verse 4, what must the priest do if a person has been healed of their infectious disease?
What happens to each of the birds in verses 5 and 7?
What did Jesus command the man healed of leprosy to do in Mark 1, verses 43 and 44?
From Hebrews 10:22, how does the author explain that we gain confidence to draw near to GOD?
(§) How might the cleansing you have received from GOD give you more confidence in your spiritual life?

Day Four Leviticus 14:10-32

What must be brought to the priest on the eighth day according to verse 10?
What three offerings are required according to verses 12, 19 and 20?
What alternative does a poor person have in verses 21 and 22?
From verse 25, where is the blood to be placed?
What did Jesus tell the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:19 after he had been healed?
(§) What might you be able to do to show your gratitude for the healing you have received which improves your spiritual relationship?

Day Five Leviticus 14:33-57

After seven days from the first inspection, if mildew has spread in a house, what is commanded in verses 40 through 42?
According to verse 45, if the mildew reappears, what must be done to the house?
What steps are taken in verses 49 through 53 to purify the house?
What is housed in our bodies according to 1 Corinthians 6:19?
From Mark 9, verses 43 through 47, what should we do with parts of ourselves which hamper our spiritual relationship?
(§) How might these verses help you have a fuller spiritual relationship?

Day Six Leviticus 15

What is the status of a man with a bodily discharge according to verse 2?
From verse 16, what must be done when a man has an emission of semen?
How did Rachel use the principle of verse 20 to her advantage in Genesis 31, verses 34 and 35?
What reason is given in verse 31 for separating the Israelites from the things that make them unclean?
(*) Refer to Mark 5, verses 25 through 34. From what you have learned about people with bodily discharge, what was the status of Jesus after the woman touched him?
What did Jesus say in Mark 5:34 which emphasises his compassion?
(§) How does this act of Jesus influence you?

Day One Leviticus 16:1-16

What is Aaron to offer from the people as a sin offering in verse 5?
Before Aaron makes atonement for the people, what is required in verse 6?
In verse 8, what determines which goat is to be sacrificed and which is to be the scapegoat (Azazel)?
Which goat is described in verses 9 and 10, as atonement and which is the sin offering?
For what reason does verse 16 explain atonement is made for the sanctuary?
How does Hebrews 9:6-10 summarise that the conscience of the worshipper remains unperfected?
(§) How do you console your conscience?

Day Two Leviticus 16:17-34

What is to be done with the blood of the bull and goat as required by verses 18 and 19?
What happens to the scapegoat according to verse 22?
From verses 23, 24, 26 and 28, what must the priests do before they join the camp?
When are the Israelites commanded to celebrate the day of atonement according to verse 34?
How does Hebrews 9:11-14 explain Christ's ability to purify our conscience?
(§) How does Christ give you hope in your spiritual relationship?

Day Three Leviticus 17

Where is the only acceptable place to bring an offering according to verses 8 and 9?
From verse 11, where does the life of the flesh reside?
Why, in verse 14, are the Israelites commanded not to eat blood?
What significance does the blood hold in Mark 14:23-24?
(§) How might these verses show the difficulty a devote Jew would have in accepting the Gospel message of the first century? Are they any beliefs you hold that might be hindering your spiritual growth?

Day Four Leviticus 18:1-10

What is the reward in verse 5 for the person who obeys the decrees and laws of GOD?
Who, in Genesis 35:22, disobeyed the commandment given in verse 8?
How does Paul contrast the LAW with faith in Galatians 3:12?
According to Galatians 3:10, why are those who rely on observing the LAW under a curse?
How and why did Christ redeem us from the curse of the LAW according to Galatians 3:14?
(§) How do you feel about Christ's sacrifice in removing the impossible task of observing the LAW?

Day Five Leviticus 18:11-20

From verses 12 and 13, with whom are we prohibited from sexual relationships?
Who violated verse 18 in Genesis 29:28?
In Matthew 5:28 how is the definition of adultery expanded?
(§) Given that no one successfully followed the LAW, how do you feel about attaining to the standard of the Gospel?

Day Six Leviticus 18:21-30

Why does verse 24 read that the Israelites should not defile themselves?
What is the penalty described in verse 29?
From Ephesians 5, verses 3 and 4, what should replace sexual immorality?
How does Paul restate verse 29 when he writes Ephesians 5:5?
(§) What have you learned about the consistency of GOD's expectations for our lives?

Day One Leviticus 19:1-18

From verse 2, for what reason are we to be holy?
Who is to receive the gleanings of the harvest and the grapes that have fallen according to verses 9 and 10?
What do you find in these verses which is common to Colossians 3:5-11?
(§) From this section, pick one or two verses which you might apply that would enhance your spiritual life. How might you be able to take the advice of scripture to heart this week?

Day Two Leviticus 19:17-32

What commandment is given in verse 18?
How is this principle expanded in Matthew 5:43-44?
What commandment is given in verse 30?
What did Jesus do according to Mark 11:15-17?
From Mark 12:29-31, what are the two most important commandments?
(§) How might these two commandments direct your life this week?

Day Three Leviticus 19:33-20:27

What is the punishment for the acts performed in verses 12 through 16?
From verse 23, why did GOD abhor the nations in Canaan?
According to verse 26, why were the Israelites to be holy to the LORD?
What does Paul write in Ephesians 5, verses 8 through 11?
(§) How might you be able to distinguish yourself as belonging to the LORD?

Day Four Leviticus 21:1-8

What is commanded of the priest in verse 1?
From Numbers 6:6-8, what causes a priest to be unclean?
Why were the priests to be holy to their GOD according to verse 6?
From verse 8, why were the people to consider them holy?
(§) How might you show yourself holy to your GOD?

Day Five Leviticus 21:9-15

What is the punishment in verse 9?
From Genesis 38:24, what might have been Tamar's fate had she not kept Judah's staff and signet?
What prohibition is given in verse 11?
What does Matthew 8:21-22 read?
(§) What difficult choices do your beliefs sometimes require of you?

Day Six Leviticus 21:16-24

Who was restricted from offering according to verse 17?
What were they not to be deprived of according to verse 22?
In 1 Corinthians 9, verses 13 and 14, what lesson does Paul derive from this commandment?
What is written in Isaiah 56:3-7?
(§) Aren't you glad we don't need to be perfect to receive blessings from GOD?

Day One Leviticus 22:1-16

How were Aaron and his sons to treat the sacred offerings as commanded in verse 2?
What penalty was described in verse 9 for treating the requirements of GOD with contempt?
What were the priests commanded to prevent in verse 16?
When writing Philippians 4:18, how did Paul treat the sacred offerings he received?
(§) How might you treat your sacred offerings with respect?

Day Two Leviticus 22:17-33

As described in verses 17 through 25, what was the requirement for an animal sacrificed as a burnt offering, or to fulfil a vow as a freewill offering?
How were the Israelites defiling GOD in Malachi 1, verses 7 and 8?
How does Peter describe the Christ Jesus in 1 Peter 1:18-19?
How does Paul describe the perfection of the Christ and its affect on us in Colossians 2, verses 9 and 10?
(§) How might you show respect for the sacred offering made by the Christ Jesus?

Day Three Leviticus 23:1-14

What does this section concern itself with according to verse 2?
Which feast of the LORD is described in verse 3?
When does the Passover and when does the Feast of Unleavened Bread begin from verses 5 and 6?
What was to be done to observe the offering of First Fruits as commanded in verse 10?
What did the disciples do on the Passover which occurred in Mark 14:12?
How does Paul explain in Colossians 1:18-20 that the Christ has reconciled us to GOD just as the Passover lamb?
(§) How might you incorporate a First Fruit offering into your life?

Day Four Leviticus 23:15-32

From verses 15 and 16, when was the Feast of Weeks to take place?
What were the Israelites to do on the first day of the seventh month according to verse 24?
When is the day of Atonement as prescribed in verse 27?
According to Acts 2:1-4, what happened on the Feast of Weeks after the resurrection of Christ?
(§) How do these Feasts help to illuminate GOD's plan for us?

Day Five Leviticus 23:33 - 24:9

Which Feast was celebrated on the fifteenth day of the seventh month according to verse 34?
Why were the Israelites to live in booths as explained in verse 43?
What are the eight appointed feasts of the LORD and when were they to be celebrated?

23:3 23:5

23:15 23:24

23:10 23:34

23:6 23:27

What were the Israelites commanded to do with olive oil in 24:2?
From verse 5 what was to be set on the table of pure gold before the LORD?
(§) What might you be able to do to celebrate what the LORD has done for us?

Day Six Leviticus 24:10-23

What crime was committed in verse 11?
What was the punishment in verse 14?
To whom was the punishment of verse 14 applied to in Acts 7:58?
What principle of law is set down in verses 19 and 20?
How was this referenced in Matthew 5:38-39?
(§) How might you show your understanding of GOD this week?

Day One Leviticus 25:1-22

How is the Sabbath Year described in verse 4?
From verse 6, how were the Israelites provided for during the Sabbath Year?
When did the Year of Jubilee occur according to verse 8?
What was to happen as described in verse 10?
How were the Israelites to be provided for in the seventh year according to verses 21 and 22?
(§) What changes would you need to make to consecrate one-seventh of your earnings to the LORD in addition to your tithes and offerings?

Day Two Leviticus 25:23-43

To whom does the land belong according to verse 23?
What does verse 28 read will happen to the land in the Year of Jubilee?
Why does verse 33 read that the property of the Levites was redeemable?
What does verse 35 command we should do if one of our countrymen becomes poor?
How is an indigent countryman to be treated according to verse 40?
(§) How might you handle your possessions differently if you were to think of them as belonging to the LORD?

Day Three Leviticus 25:44-26:13

Who does verse 49 read may redeem a person?
In Galatians 4:4-7, who redeemed us?
What is the reward for obedience stated in verses 11 and 12?
What had GOD done for the Israelites as stated in verse 13?
(§) What has GOD done for you?

Day Four Leviticus 26:14-35

What is the first thing GOD will do to correct the Israelites when they are disobedient according to verse 16?
From verse 18, what will happen if they continue in their disobedience?
How will GOD enforce the Sabbath Years if they are not observed according to verse 34?
(§) Do you think that GOD uses life's difficulties to correct us today?

Day Five Leviticus 26:36-27:13

What will the LORD do according to verse 42 when the people repent?
Even despite their disobedience, what has been promised in verses 44 and 45?
From verses 1 though 8, how many shekels would be required if you were to dedicate yourself to the LORD?
What happens to an animal given to the LORD according to verse 9?
(§) What would it mean for you to make a special vow to dedicate yourself to the LORD?

Day Six Leviticus 27:14-34

According to verse 18, what happens to the value of the land as the Jubilee Year approaches?
Why does verse 26 read that no one may dedicate the firstborn of an animal?
How much must be added to the value of something that is redeemed according to verses 27 and 31?
How is a tithe defined in verses 32 and 33?
From Malachi 3:8, how might a person rob GOD?
(§) What have you learned from your study of Leviticus that will enhance your spiritual relationship?
(§) How has your understanding of the Christ Jesus' redemptive work been illuminated for you by your study of Leviticus?

Recommended Reading

N H Snaith, Leviticus and Numbers, The Century Bible ; (new edition, London: Nelson, 1967)
Arnold B Ehrlich, Mikra Kifeshuto ; (reprint of 1899-1901 ed.in The Library of Biblical Studies , 3 vols., New York: Ktav Publishing House, 1969)
W Gunther Plaut, The Torah, A Modern Commentary ; Union of American Hebrew Congregations, New York; 1981
Benedict, Saint, Abbot of Monte Cassino

Summary

Congratulations, you have accomplished a rare and extraordinary achievement by completing this study of the Book of Leviticus. After completing a study of Leviticus, it is quite common to question its pertinence. What does Leviticus have to do with Christianity? How is this book of laws important to a spiritual relationship?

For the Jews who became followers of Jesus, Leviticus was held in high esteem. In Mark's Gospel, when Jesus is asked, "Which is the first commandment of all?" His answer includes a verse from Leviticus 19:18, "And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12:31) It may be surprising to find that the proverb most associated with Christianity as a moral imperative has its origin in the LAW of Moses.

When Jesus explains that the evil which corrupts a person comes from out of the heart (Mark 7:20-23), he is again appealing to a principle from the Book of Leviticus. The commandment that you should not hate your brother in your heart is found in chapter 19, verse 17. The author of the Gospel of Mark provides examples that Jesus endorsed the LAW of Moses as articulated in the Book of Leviticus. Jesus charges the man cured of leprosy to show himself to the priest and offer for his cleansing those things which Moses commanded. (Mark 1:44) a reference to Leviticus 14:3,4,10. When teaching his disciples (Mark 9:49), Jesus assumes they know about the use of salt in the Meat Offering (Leviticus 2:11-13). Far from being merely an esoteric subject, the festivals introduced to the Israelites in Leviticus 23:5,15 and 34 were still in practice when Jesus walked the earth. The feasts of Unleavened Bread and Passover hold a prominent place in Jewish Custom (Mark 14:1,2,12).

It seems inconsistent that the most succinct of the gospel records would include so many references to the Book of Leviticus if it were unimportant to the message. Further, these idiosyncrasies of Hebraic culture would not strengthen the message with its intended audience. The Gospel according to Mark was targeted to reach a Roman audience who had little knowledge of Jewish traditions. So unfamiliar were these traditions, that the author explains the common practice of hand washing (7:4).

The reason that Leviticus was still important during the first century is because it had been observed and held in high esteem for millenniums. Long before the Romans had conquered Palestine, the wisdom of Leviticus played a significant role in developing the spiritual lives of the Israelites.

"For centuries Jewish Children began their Bible studies with the Book of Leviticus. This strange choice was justified by the contention that pure your children should first learn about the sacrifices which were brought in purity." (H Schauss; The Lifetime of the Jew ; (Cincinnati: Union of American Hebrew Congregations, 1950), p100 and n. 114.)

"Leviticus is the shortest of the Five Books of Moses. It is also the middle book, and its centrality in the Pentateuch is more than a mere matter of position. (It was typically the first text of the tradition ceder ) For all its apparent attention to archaic and obsolete priestly concerns, a far different focus emerges when the book is set against the Torah as a whole and against the literature of the surrounding Near East. Then we see that its real concern is with consumption of food (chs. 1-11) and with the related requirements of purification (chs. 12-16) and sanctification (chs. 17-27). These three broad topics provide, as it were, the warp of the book, while the woof is based on another triad: GOD, priests, and laity. To each are assigned very specific portions of all edibles, each receive distinct roles in purification and discrete levels of holiness. Thus Leviticus can be regarded as a homogeneous literary work, even though we cannot prove that it ever existed as a separate book in its own right... (Leviticus and Ancient Near Eastern Literature; William W. Hallo; W Gunther Plaut, The Torah, A Modern Commentary ; Union of American Hebrew Congregations, New York; 1981 p740 )

"Most important, perhaps, is the fact that these materials were made accessible to all the people. Other Near Eastern nations had myths and legends that occasionally remind us of the stories of the Pentateuch. They also had bodies of civil and criminal law, such as the Code of Hammurabi which was inscribed on a monument set up in a public place. But their ritual and liturgical texts were generally kept in temples for the exclusive use of the priests. Only in the Torah do we find stories, laws, and rituals combined into an inclusive document available to everyone.

"It was therefore something of a revolution when the priestly laws were included in a work designed for the entire population. These laws were not to be professional secrets any longer. A number of sections begin, "Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron," or "Speak to Aaron and his sons," but others -- among them the first section on sacrifice -- begin, "Speak to the Israelite people.' The concept of a complete Torah, which all may study who have the will to do so, expresses a new democratic spirit.' W Gunther Plaut, Ibid p733

In the next lesson, Galatians teaches that salvation is the result of faith in GOD rather than reliance on our own effort. Since no one can possibly live in perfect union with the LAW, it is only through the grace of GOD that we are capable of a spiritual relationship. In this, there is not conflict between Galatians and Leviticus. Both teach that, through acknowledging our own shortcomings, we avail ourselves of GOD's grace and build a stronger spiritual relationship.