Author
Moses
The prophet and leader of Israel
Written
c. 1440–1400 BC
Chapters
27
Audience
The nation of Israel
God establishes various sacrificial offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings for the atonement of sin.
Chapter 1 → Chapter 7Read in Bible
The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests, followed by the judgment of Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord.
Chapter 8 → Chapter 10Read in Bible
Laws concerning ceremonial cleanliness, including clean and unclean animals, disease, and purification practices among the people.
Chapter 11 → Chapter 15Read in Bible
The Day of Atonement is instituted as the central annual ceremony for the cleansing of the people’s sins before God.
Chapter 16Read in Bible
God commands Israel to live holy lives, including laws about worship, morality, justice, and separation from pagan practices.
Chapter 17 → Chapter 20Read in Bible
Special regulations for priests and offerings to maintain holiness in those who serve in the tabernacle.
Chapter 21 → Chapter 22Read in Bible
God establishes sacred festivals such as Passover, the Feast of Weeks, and the Day of Atonement, along with the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee.
Chapter 23 → Chapter 25Read in Bible
God promises blessings for obedience and warnings for disobedience, concluding with laws concerning vows and dedicated offerings.
Chapter 26 → Chapter 27Read in Bible
"I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy."
Leviticus 11:45"For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar."
Leviticus 17:11"Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy."
Leviticus 19:2"You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own."
Leviticus 20:26Leviticus explains how the people of Israel were to live as a holy nation before God. Through a system of sacrifices, priestly duties, and laws regarding purity and worship, God taught His people how to approach Him and maintain fellowship with Him. The book emphasizes God's holiness and the need for atonement for sin. It also establishes the priesthood and sacred festivals that shaped Israel’s religious life. Leviticus shows that God's people must be set apart and live according to His standards because He Himself is holy.