Leviticus is named after the tribe of Levi, from which the priests came. It is a manual for living in the presence of a holy God: worship, sacrifices, purity and feasts.
AuthorIsrael's priestly tradition
DateFinal editing around the 6th-5th centuries BC
AudienceIsrael's priests and people
🎯 Learning objective
Understand the message of Leviticus, its historical setting and its place in the history of salvation.
🏛️ Historical context
It gathers very old liturgical rules, arranged by the priests of Jerusalem. After the exile, when the temple was the centre of the people's life, these laws gave Israel its identity.
🔙 Background
At the end of Exodus God dwells in the tent of meeting. Leviticus explains how a sinful people can approach this holy God and live in communion with him.
🧭 Structure of the book
Chapters 1-7: the sacrifices
Chapters 8-10: ordination of the priests
Chapters 11-16: purity laws and the Day of Atonement
Chapters 17-27: holiness code and calendar of feasts
⭐ Key events and teachings
1The various sacrifices and offerings (ch. 1-7)
2Aaron and his sons are ordained priests (ch. 8)
3The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur (ch. 16)
4"Be holy, for I am holy" (ch. 19)
5"Love your neighbour as yourself" (19:18)
6The feasts and the jubilee year (ch. 23; 25)
🏷️ Main themes
HolinessWorship and sacrificeForgiveness of sinsLove of neighbourSacred time
📖 Verses to memorize
Leviticus 11:45For I am the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that I might be your God.
Leviticus 16:30Upon this day shall be the expiation for you, and the cleansing from all your sins. You shall be cleansed before the Lord.
Leviticus 19:2Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel. And thou shalt say to them: Be ye holy, because I the Lord your God am holy.
Leviticus 19:18Seek not revenge, nor be mindful of the injury of thy citizens. Thou shalt love thy friend as thyself. I am the Lord.
Leviticus 26:12I will walk among you, and will be your God: and you shall be my people.
💭 For reflection
What does "be holy, for I am holy" mean today?
How does the Day of Atonement shed light on Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 9)?
It gathers the laws of worship and holiness: sacrifices, priesthood, purity and the feasts, such as the Day of Atonement. Its central message is that the people must be holy because God is holy, and it includes the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself.