The Book of Leviticus

Leviticus is the third of the five books of Moses (see “The Books of Genesis, Moses, and Abraham,” p. 9). We assume that the instructions in Leviticus were revealed to Moses either while he was on Mount Sinai or sometime shortly after the events described in Exodus because part of the instructions deal with sacrifices to be offered in the tabernacle. Leviticus means “having to do with the Levites.” The Lord chose the tribe of Levi to take care of the tabernacle, work in it, and help the rest of the house of Israel perform ordinances in that sacred place. Much of Leviticus gives instructions concerning the ordinances to be performed in the tabernacle, the qualifications of the priesthood holders who would perform those ordinances, and the duties of the people with regard to the ordinances.

A “Handbook” for the Levites

Because Leviticus is a “handbook” for the Levites serving in the tabernacle, it contains many detailed instructions concerning different kinds of sacrifices and religious practices that may seem strange or unfamiliar to the modern reader. If you look past these unfamiliar practices, you can learn important truths about sin, repentance, forgiveness, holiness, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Getting Ready to Study Leviticus

Overview of Leviticus

	Chapters	Description
Part 1	Leviticus 1–16	Becoming justified, which means to be forgiven of sin and worthy before God
	Leviticus 1–7	Sacrifices that atone for sin or express a willingness to be committed to God
	Leviticus 8–10	Laws for priesthood holders who assist in the offerings
	Leviticus 11–15	Laws of cleanliness for the people
	Leviticus 16	Explanation of the Day of Atonement, when the whole house of Israel could be cleansed
Part 2	Leviticus 17–27	Becoming sanctified, which is to become more holy and godly
	Leviticus 17	Personal holiness
	Leviticus 18	Holiness in family relations
	Leviticus 19–20	Holiness in social relations and as a congregation
	Leviticus 21–22	Holiness of the priesthood
	Leviticus 23–25	Celebrations and sacred events that encourage holiness
Part 3	Leviticus 26	Blessings that come from obeying the laws of God
Part 4	Leviticus 27	Consecrating possessions to the Lord

• Leviticus 1: The Burnt Offering

• Leviticus 2–7: Other Offerings

• Leviticus 8–9: The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

• Leviticus 10: Priesthood Holders Must Be Holy

• Leviticus 11: A “Word of Wisdom” for the Israelites

• Leviticus 12: Clean and Unclean

• Leviticus 13–14: Leprosy

• Leviticus 15–16: The Day of Atonement

• Leviticus 17–18: Avoid Idolatrous Practices

• Leviticus 19–20: “Be Holy for I Am Holy”

• Leviticus 21–22: Holiness of the Priesthood

• Leviticus 23–25: Holy Days and Events

• Leviticus 26–27: Blessings or Cursings