Leviticus

Laws

The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It contains the laws and instructions given by God to the Israelites through Moses after the Exodus from Egypt. The book is divided into several sections, including laws on sacrifices and offerings, laws on cleanliness and purity, laws on moral and ethical behavior, and laws on the proper conduct of religious ceremonies. One of the main themes of the book is the concept of holiness, and it emphasizes the importance of being set apart and dedicated to God. The book also contains a number of regulations concerning the proper treatment of others, including laws on justice, charity, and social responsibility. Key figures in the book of Leviticus include Moses, who received the laws from God, and Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites. The book also mentions various other Israelite leaders and officials, such as the priests and the Levites, who were responsible for carrying out the various laws and instructions.

Commentary

27 chapters

Biblical figures

Key figures in Leviticus

God

Supreme Being

Israel

King

Moses

Prophet, biblical judge

Egypt

Pharaoh

Dan

Judge

Jacob

Prophet, Patriarchs

Levi

Priest

Aaron

High Priest of Israel

Abraham

Prophet, patriarch

Canaan

Land of Canaan

Eve

Mother of all humankind

Isaac

Prophet, patriarch

Eleazar

High Priest of Israel

Sinai

Prophet.

Uzziel

Leader.

Mishael

Position held: Governor.

Abihu

Ithamar

Nadab

Chapters

Burnt Offerings

Leviticus 1

God tells Moses how the Israelites are to present offerings to him, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings.

Read chapter 1

Grain Offerings

Leviticus 2

God gives instructions for preparing the grain offering, including the use of salt and oil.

Read chapter 2

Peace Offerings

Leviticus 3

God gives instructions for preparing the peace offering, including the use of salt and the presentation of certain portions to the priests.

Read chapter 3

Sin Offerings

Leviticus 4

God gives instructions for making sin and guilt offerings.

Read chapter 4

Guilt Offerings

Leviticus 5

God commands the Israelites to confess their sins and make restitution for wrongs they have committed.

Read chapter 5

The Law of the Burnt Offering

Leviticus 6

God gives instructions for the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the sin offering, including how the priests are to prepare and present the offerings.

Read chapter 6

The Law of the Grain Offering

Leviticus 7

God gives instructions for the peace offering, including how the priests are to prepare and present the offering, and how the people are to eat the meat of the offering.

Read chapter 7

The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

Leviticus 8

God ordains Aaron and his sons as priests, and gives them instructions for their consecration.

Read chapter 8

Aaron's First Day as High Priest

Leviticus 9

God appears to the Israelites and Aaron offers the first offerings as a priest.

Read chapter 9

Unauthorized Fire

Leviticus 10

God forbids Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu from offering "strange fire" before him and they are consumed by fire as punishment.

Read chapter 10

Clean and Unclean Foods

Leviticus 11

God gives the Israelites laws for clean and unclean animals, and instructs them on how to tell the difference.

Read chapter 11

Purification after Childbirth

Leviticus 12

God gives laws for purification after childbirth.

Read chapter 12

Skin Diseases

Leviticus 13

God gives laws for dealing with various skin diseases.

Read chapter 13

Purification for Mold and Mildew

Leviticus 14

God gives laws for dealing with mildew and mold in houses and clothing.

Read chapter 14

Bodily Discharges

Leviticus 15

God gives laws for dealing with bodily discharges, including menstruation and ejaculation.

Read chapter 15

The Day of Atonement

Leviticus 16

God gives instructions for the Day of Atonement, a day when the Israelites are to fast and make offerings to seek forgiveness for their sins.

Read chapter 16

Regulations Concerning Blood

Leviticus 17

God gives laws for the proper slaughter and consumption of animals.

Read chapter 17

Sexual Regulations

Leviticus 18

God gives laws for sexual conduct, including prohibitions on incest, adultery, and homosexuality.

Read chapter 18

Holiness and Ethics

Leviticus 19

God gives laws for various moral and ethical conduct, including commandments to love one's neighbor, to keep the Sabbath, and to refrain from idolatry and false oaths.

Read chapter 19