In the Hebrew Bible, the book of Leviticus is named “And He Called,” which is the opening line of the book in Hebrew. When the Bible was translated into Greek, it became known as the “Book of the Levites.” The Levites served in the priesthood of Old Testament Israel. When the Old Testament was translated into Latin, the book became “Leviticus,” and the English name came from there.

God called all Israel to be a nation of priests (Exodus 19:6), but the people were not spiritually mature enough to function in that capacity. God therefore selected a group of Israelites, the tribe of Levi, to show the people what it meant to be priests for God. The regulations in Leviticus point to a priestly way of living that all Israel was expected to learn and respect.

A key term in Leviticus is the word “holy” - used more in Leviticus than any other book of the Bible. Generally meaning “separate,” it is used specifically in the Bible describe God. He is God, and there is no other god, and none like Him. When God called Israel to be holy, he called them to be unlike any other people, separate and distinct upon the earth. The book of Leviticus helped Israel to see what that meant. The book may be divided into three sections:

I) Holy Things - Chapters 1-7 in which a system of sacrifice is detailed.
II) Holy People - Chapters 8-10 in which Aaron and his sons are consecrated as Priests.
III) Holy Living - Chapters 11-27 in which lifestyle requirements are spelled out for God’s holy people.

I urge you to keep two things in mind as you read this book.

First, Leviticus reminds us of the seriousness of God’s calling. We are not called to be like the rest of the world, nor are we allowed that option. Many have conjectured why God divided animals into clean and unclean, and why Israel had to be so scrupulous in observing that distinction. I would contend the last word has not been written on this subject, but I’m willing to believe God’s distinction was arbitrary and without any rational basis. Observing the law was guaranteed to make Israel different from all other nations and her dietary laws reminded her at every meal and gathering that she couldn’t “fit in” with the world.

Second, Leviticus prescribes very strict rules about approaching God in worship. God could be approached only in certain prescribed ways, otherwise disaster could be the result. Christians should always keep this in mind. The world cannot guide us in approaching God, for it knows nothing of His holiness.

New Testament writers use the language of Leviticus to refer to Jesus. He is our “sin offering” and “peace offering” and “High Priest.” Israel’s spiritual immaturity kept her from approaching God directly, forcing her to seek mediation with God through the priests. But in Christianity, the sacrifice of Jesus has made us all priests (1 Peter 2:5) and we all have bold access to God’s throne of grace through Christ (Hebrews 4:16). Our lives must, through holy living, demonstrate our awareness of this great privilege we have.