Leviticus

Chs. 1–7 This is a long, difficult passage. Repetition occurs at three levels: there are several types of sacrifice described, and for each type there are several subtypes; finally, 6.8—7.36 runs through each major type again, supplying additional details. The following chart summarizes these chapters:

Burnt Grain Peace Sin Guilt

1.1–17; 6.8–13 2.1–16; 6.14–23 3.1–17; 7.11–36 4.1—5.13; 6.24–30 5.14—6.7; 7.1–6

Offering animal flour with oil animal animal animal

without defect without yeast, honey without defect without defect without defect

of proper value
plus restitution money

Apportioning whole animal burnt memorial portion burnt fat portions burnt fat portions burnt fat portions burnt

skin for priest rest for priest(s) breast, thigh for priest rest burnt outside camp for priest rest for priest

rest for offerer

Blood sprinkled on curtain

put on horns of altar of incense put on horns of bronze altar

dashed against side of altar dashed against side of altar rest poured out at base of altar dashed against side of altar

According to Wenham, the burnt offering was the main sacrifice for sin, symbolized by the burning of the whole animal, the grain offering was for the livelihood of the Levites; the peace offering was a fellowship meal in the presence of God; the sin offering was for the purification of the Tabernacle; and the guilty offering was for repayment for injury.

	Burnt	Grain	Peace	Sin	Guilt
	1.1–17; 6.8–13	2.1–16; 6.14–23	3.1–17; 7.11–36	4.1—5.13; 6.24–30	5.14—6.7; 7.1–6
Offering	animal	flour with oil	animal	animal	animal
	without defect	without yeast, honey	without defect	without defect	without defect
					of proper value plus restitution money
Apportioning	whole animal burnt	memorial portion burnt	fat portions burnt	fat portions burnt	fat portions burnt
	skin for priest	rest for priest(s)	breast, thigh for priest	rest burnt outside camp	for priest	rest for priest
			rest for offerer
Blood				sprinkled on curtain
				put on horns of altar of incense	put on horns of bronze altar
	dashed against side of altar		dashed against side of altar	rest poured out at base of altar	dashed against side of altar

Chs. 11–15 Another long, difficult passage. This one deals with various kinds of uncleanness. What was the purpose of these laws? Some say that they were given for public health reasons, e.g., pork, when not cooked thoroughly, can make you sick. We may also say that these laws reminded Israel of holiness and purity by setting them apart from the surrounding nations. When the Gospel spread to the Gentiles, the dietary laws were also abrogated (Mk 7.19; Acts 10).

Ch. 16 This important passage deals with the day of atonement (Yom Kippur), when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to purify the Tabernacle. Hebrews talks about this ritual (chs. 8–10; 13.11), proclaiming that by the blood of Christ we enter into the true Holy of Holies. Note verse 21, which (here and nowhere else) says that the sins of Israel are transferred onto the goat's head. This goat is interpreted by some as a precursor of Christ; however, note that the goat is not sacrificed, nor the New Testament ever interpret it this way.

Ch. 17 This chapter gives a detailed discussion on the role of blood in making atonement. The prohibition on eating blood reaches back to Gen 9.4 and forward to Acts 15.20.

Chs. 21–22 Notice the parallel between the regulations for priests and sacrifices! Cf. Num 8.

Chs. 23–35 Notice the hierarchy of holy days: Sabbath days < festivals < the day of atonement. And of holy years: Sabbath years < jubilee years.

Ch. 26 This important passage gives God's promises of rewards for obedience and punishments for disobedience. Even though the punishments half is pretty grim, it ends on a high note, with a reference back to the covenant with Abraham.