Year in the Bible: Week 7
This week we begin reading the book of Leviticus. When reading Leviticus, it is important to note that this is a book all about how God graciously provides a way for sinful people to live in His holy presence. The word “holy” means “to be set apart.” The book shows us that if Israel wants to live in God’s holy presence, they also need to become holy by dealing with their sin.
“Speak to the whole assembly of the Israelites and say to them: ‘Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Leviticus 19:2
Leviticus affirms God’s presence with His people
At its core, the book of Leviticus provides a handbook on holiness for the Hebrew community. This is shown in holy living and worship so that they might imitate God’s holiness and enjoy the presence and blessing of God. God’s rituals for purity in Leviticus allow for the tabernacle, and the humans who will enter it, to become temporarily clean, creating a space where He can meet with His people again. Leviticus affirms God’s presence with His people. This book is not just a long list of laws and rituals—Leviticus is a story about God’s desire to repair His relationship with Israel, so they can live with Him and represent His character to those around them.
For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Leviticus 11:44
When we study Leviticus, we explore the riches of what Christ came to fulfill
The New Testament teaches that Jesus came to fulfill the Old Testament law (Matt. 5:17). This means the rituals of the law no longer need to be practiced (Heb. 8:13; 10:1), but it also means that we can gain insight into Jesus’ work by studying those rituals (Luke 24:27). When we study Leviticus, we explore the riches of what Christ came to fulfill. Leviticus shows us a loving and faithful God that constantly pursues us.
A few observations from Leviticus:
- God pursues us despite our rebellion
- We are called to live set apart (God is pleased when we live with purity, and holy living draws us near to Him)
- Jesus provided the ultimate sacrifice
How to read the book of Leviticus:
- Read with the big picture in mind. (Remember the book of Leviticus gives us a glimpse into what Christ has done for us in order to shatter the distance between us and God.)
- Recognize the symbolism. (The book of Leviticus is filled with symbolism. God’s OT instructions are physical, tangible, and visible means of introducing himself to his people.)
- Look for themes about God’s character.
- Read it as an invitation. (It is all about drawing closer to God.)