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Leviticus

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Holy God, Holy People

A Study Guide for Understanding Worship, Sacrifice, and the Call to Be Set Apart

1. Introduction: What Is Leviticus and Why Does It Matter?

  • Leviticus picks up after Exodus, with Israel camped at Mount Sinai.

  • God speaks to Moses from the Tent of Meeting, giving instructions for how His people are to worship, live, and remain holy.

  • This book is the foundation for understanding the sacrificial system, priesthood, clean/unclean laws, and God’s holiness.

Reflection: Leviticus is not just about rules—it’s about relationship. God is showing His people how to live in His presence.

2. Offerings and Sacrifices (Chapters 1–7)

  • Five main offerings are introduced:

    1. Burnt offering – total surrender (1)

    2. Grain offering – thanksgiving and dedication (2)

    3. Peace offering – fellowship and gratitude (3)

    4. Sin offering – atonement for unintentional sin (4)

    5. Guilt offering – restitution and repentance (5)

Takeaway: Worship was costly, intentional, and centered on substitution—pointing forward to Jesus, our perfect sacrifice.

3. The Priestly Role and Responsibility (Chapters 8–10)

  • Aaron and his sons are consecrated as priests.

  • They are to represent the people to God and offer sacrifices on their behalf.

  • When two of Aaron’s sons (Nadab and Abihu) offer unauthorized fire, they are struck dead (10:1–2).

Lesson: God’s presence is not casual. Reverence matters in worship and leadership.

4. Clean and Unclean: Everyday Holiness (Chapters 11–15)

  • Laws are given about clean and unclean foods, childbirth, skin diseases, and bodily discharges.

  • These were not just health codes—they reminded Israel of their need to be set apart.

Truth: God’s people were to live differently, even in their everyday habits, reflecting His holiness.

5. The Day of Atonement (Chapter 16)

  • One of the most important chapters: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

  • The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and offer sacrifices for the sins of the entire nation.

  • Two goats were used—one sacrificed, one sent away (the scapegoat), symbolizing forgiveness and removal of sin.

Gospel Connection: This points directly to Jesus, who both shed His blood and carried our sins away.

6. Living Set Apart (Chapters 17–27)

  • These final chapters deal with ethical living, sexual boundaries, justice, festivals, and vows.

  • The theme: “Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).

  • God gives practical ways to reflect His character in community life.

Reminder: Holiness is not just about rituals—it’s about how we treat people, handle justice, and honor God in all areas of life.

7. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On

  • Leviticus 17:11 – “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”

  • Leviticus 19:2 – “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

  • Leviticus 20:26 – “You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples…”

  • Leviticus 16:30 – “On this day shall atonement be made for you to cleanse you…”

8. Questions for Discussion or Journaling

  1. Why did God place so much importance on sacrifice and ritual in worship?

  2. How does the Day of Atonement foreshadow Jesus’ work on the cross?

  3. What do the clean and unclean laws teach us about spiritual separation and purity?

  4. How can we reflect God’s holiness in practical ways today?

  5. What warnings can we take from Nadab and Abihu’s example in chapter 10?

  6. Why is Leviticus still relevant for Christians—even though we don’t follow the ceremonial laws?