Leviticus Overview and Outline

AUTHOR: Moses 

DATE: 1450-1410 B.C. 

The English title of this book means “pertaining to the Levites.” The book is records practices for the priests (who were from the tribe of Levi) and laws concerning all the Israelites. The Hebrew title is “And He called” (from the first word of the book) and reminds that God’s call is to holiness (11:45). 

Key Words and Themes 

Leviticus records God’s design for the sacrificial system of Israel.  About 42 times the word sacrifice is used.  “Priest” occurs about 189 times, “blood” about 86 times, “holy” about 87 times, and “atonement” about 45 times (all depending on the translation you are reading). The regulations emphasize holiness of both body and spirit, of both physical and spiritual life. The New Testament refers to Leviticus about 90 times. 

The book of Exodus ended with the erection of the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting), which the people constructed according to God’s pattern given to Moses. Leviticus tells how they are to use the Tabernacle to meet with God.  The instructions, given to Moses during the 50 days between the setting up of the Tabernacle (Ex. 40:17) and the departure of the people from Sinai (Num. 10:11), are precise and prophetic.  Everything points to the ultimate sacrifice (Jesus) and reveals the holiness of God.  By setting forth the sacrificial system for the atonement of sin, the book also reveals the sinfulness of man and God’s provision to forgive and cleanse man of sins

a.  The burnt offering, 6:8-13    

b.  The grain offering, 6:14-23 

c.  The sin offering, 6:24-30 

d.  The guilt offering, 7:1-10 

e.  The peace offering, 7:11-38 

B.  Through the Priests, 8:1-10:20 

1.  The consecration to priestly service, 8:1-36 

2.  The inauguration of priestly service, 9:1-

3.  The sacrilege of priestly service: Nadab and Abihu, 10:1-20 

3.  In relation to leprosy, 13:1-14:57 

         a.  Classifications of leprosy, 13:1-59 

         b.  Cleansing for leprosy, 14:1-57 

      4.  In relation to the body, 15:1-33 

G.  Laws Concerning Festivals, 23:1-44 

1.  The Sabbath, 23:1-3 

2.  The Passover and Unleavened Bread, 23:4-8 

3.  First Fruits, 23:9-14 

4.  Pentecost, 23:15-22 

5.  Trumpets, 23:23-25 

6.  The Day of Atonement, 23:26-32 

7.  Booths, 23:33-44 

H.  Laws Concerning the Oil, Bread, and Blasphemy, 24:1-23 

I.  Laws Concerning the Sabbath Year, 25:1-7 

J.  Laws Concerning the Year of Jubilee, 25:8-55 

K.  Laws Concerning Obedience, 26:1-46 

L.  Laws Concerning Vows and Tithes, 27:1-34 

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