“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11, NASB 2020)
God
The Often-Ignored Book
When was the last time you heard a sermon based on the book of Leviticus? Or perhaps attended a Bible study on this book? If you are like most people, the answer would be ‘never’. Why? Sadly, it is often viewed as being inconsistent and possibly contradictory to Christian views or as something that is no longer valid and therefore passed over and ultimately ignored. All of which, is untrue.
The book of Leviticus is a critical component of not only the Torah, but also the entire Bible. As pointed out earlier, no book in Scripture should be considered insignificant, unimportant, or invalid. This book contains essential teachings on blood, life, and atonement. It offers insight on “God’s annual calendar,” and it also answers many New Testament questions like, “Why did Jesus have to die?” To fully understand the New Testament, Christians need to study the Old Testament. None of God’s Word is invalid or no longer relevant, as there is no expiration date for the Old Testament. Actually, the opposite is true, it is eternal.
However, with that said, it is understandable why Leviticus is often rejected as a book to study. After all, the first seven chapters are primarily about the “cutting up” of animals and animal sacrifices, a subject that often disgusts its readers. Some have said that the book of Leviticus could be used as a textbook example of how not to write a book, since you normally would want to appeal to the reader from the beginning, not turn them off (or have them throwing up). But if you choose to move on to the next book, without studying Leviticus, you would be avoiding the book that contains more words of God than any other book in the Bible, do you really want to do that?
The Name
Like most books of the Old Testament this book has a Hebrew title and a Greek title. Hebrew titles are often based on one or more words found in the opening verse. This book is no exception, as the Hebrew title for this book is “wǎ qārā”[1] (or Wayyiqrā), from the words taken before and after the first tetragrammaton (YHWH), rendering the title to be loosely translated as, “Then called” (as the book opens with God calling Moses). The name Leviticus comes from the Septuagint title ‘Leuitikon’, in the Greek, essentially meaning “Relating to the Levites.” Which offers additional ammunition to those wishing to ignore or jump over reading this book, as one might easily question, “What does that have to do with Jesus or salvation?” While the majority does pertain to the priesthood and the Levites, it provides the necessary framework for compliance of God’s law for all Israelites. Plus, since God never changes, studying what was important to Him in the Old Testament can give us some insight of what is important to Him today. Christians should have a desire to learn all they can about God. We need to remember that even though not all Scripture was written to Christian believers, all Scripture is beneficial to all believers (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Regulations Continue
This book continues from the end of Exodus where God’s glory filled the Tabernacle, and now that the Tabernacle is complete and ready to be placed into service, God resumes revealing His law to Moses. The book of Leviticus is largely about God speaking to Moses about how to live a holy life, which includes protocols regarding sacrifices, priestly duties, cleanliness, community life, festivals, tithing, vows, etc. However, some diligence may be required by the reader as there is very little narrative in this book to aid in following.
As pointed out above, the first seven chapters give instructions for five primary types of sacrifices that will be regularly offered at the Tabernacle. The narrative then returns in chapters 8-10 with the story of the consecration of Aaron and his sons (including a potentially frightening story about two of Aaron’s sons). Then in chapters 11-15, we are introduced the concept and importance of cleanness, along with the problems of uncleanness. Narration returns briefly in chapter 16 with the instructions for the day of atonement, followed by what is often referred to as the “Holiness Code,” in chapters 17-27.
It is important to note that both the Tabernacle and the priesthood will become vitally important to every Israelite. We need to remember as the text is read, that the priests are not just available for Spiritual assistance or guidance, they will become intimately involved with the people of Israel’s financial, medical, and law enforcement needs as well.
Sacrifices and Offerings to God Revisited
The words ‘sacrifice’ and ‘offering’ have lost much of their intended meanings today, as the term ’sacrifice’ seems to refer to the act of doing something relatively insignificant or the giving of something that only has a minimal cost or burden to oneself. We may be asked to sacrifice some comfort or luxury, to give money to help a home-less person or to give to a charity. This would require the giver to do without some pleasure or activity for the sake of helping someone in need. It is considered sacrificial because the gift had some intrinsic value or cost to the giving person.
The use of the word ‘sacrifice’ in Scripture is very different, in both the Old and New Testaments, the term refers to something given to God (however, not exclusively as there are some references of sacrifices being offered to false deities). In Leviticus, and through to the time of King Solomon and the Temple, sacrifices were offered at the location of the Tabernacle, the central location of worship for the people of Israel (to prevent the practice from becoming idolatry). The concept of offering sacrifices provided atonement, plus the act of sacrificing and worshiping God were often synonymous, these would be far more important and meaningful than the forfeiting of any inconvenience.
There will be things in Leviticus that may disturb the reader, again mainly related to the practice of sacrificing animals. Some are quick to discount any reference to animal sacrifices in the Bible for a variety of reasons:
The Israelites understood that sin was a serious problem and that God could not be approached without a sacrificial offering as an act of worship. However, proper protocol needed to be followed, as well as a contrite heart (not just going through the motions, see 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6-8; 51:16-17; Proverbs 15:8; Isaiah 1:11-15; 66:3; Jeremiah 6:20; Hosea 6:6: Amos 5:21-24; Malachi 1:10; Hebrews 10:8). More than something of value was to be offered, although the giving of something of worth was an important component (and the root of the English word ‘worship’); most sacrifices involved the killing of animals, as “innocent blood” was required to appease God and for the atonement of sin.[2]
Even though the first seven chapters of Leviticus discuss the how-to methods and procedures for the people of Israel to follow when offering a sacrifice, that section does not state when or why they are required. Those requirements are interspersed throughout the Old Testament.
Considerations
Paul related and connected the walk of a Christian believer to the Old Testament concept of sacrifice when he wrote: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Paul presented the gospel message and basic Christian theology in Romans chapters one through eight, followed by a brief dissertation regarding the Jews in chapters nine through eleven and then begins to discuss how to live as a Christian in chapters twelve through fifteen. This is where he appeals to his readers that they are to, by the mercies of God, present to Him their bodies as living sacrifices. We see here in this verse that Paul is connecting us to the Old Testament process of worshiping God through the offering of sacrifices, as he further explains they were to be, “holy and acceptable to God.” But how does that apply to Christians? Especially since he says they are to be “as a living sacrifice,” which leads us to the second common use of the word ‘sacrifice’, that would be as a metaphor. In this application he is referring to a Christian’s rejection of things of this world (priorities, values, etc.) and the willingness to embrace God and His ways and values instead. Christians ‘sacrifice’ worldly living and thinking to follow only Jesus, nothing else matters anymore. Paul then identifies this as a spiritual act of worship.
The Greek word that is translated here as ‘spiritual’ is ‘logikos’,[3] which means something that is reasonable or logical. The word ‘worship’ is the Greek word ‘latreia’,[4] referring to service, with emphasis of being hired to serve. Paul is saying that by obeying and living according to what Jesus taught, is how we worship God. Jesus made it clear when He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) Jesus said all authority has been given to Him and that Christians are to observe (apply) all that He taught them to do. If Christians don’t live as instructed, they certainly can’t effectively teach God’s grace and plan of salvation to others.
The English word ‘worship’ is often misunderstood by Christians and non-Christians alike. Both the Middle English and Old English words were derived from two words; ‘worth’, referring to something of value or importance; and ‘ship’, an English suffix that denotes either condition, character, office, or skill; constructing words like ‘friendship’. Therefore, the English word ‘worship’ implies giving or doing something that has value. In the New Testament there are several Greek words that are often translated into the English language as worship, worshiping, or worshiper. One of those words is ‘lateria’, as seen here in this verse, which as explained above, captures the idea of being hired or being of service, in some cases as a servant or slave. Does that imply that Christians are to follow a strict protocol or procedure to worship God? No. Since a Christian is best defined as a person who has a personal relationship with Jesus and not a ‘religion’ (in the sense of having to follow any specific ceremony, procedure, or ritual), the process of how to worship is never defined in the New Testament for Christians, other than through our obedience and following of Jesus. The predominant word in the New Testament that is most often translated as ‘worship’ is ‘proskynēo’,[5] which means “to kiss,” referring to our action (or series of actions) that result in showing respect, obeisance, or to fall prostrate before someone. Interestingly, Paul only used that word once (see 1 Corinthians 14:25).
So, what does Paul mean by, “bodies as a living sacrifice?” It means that Christians worship God through their continual obedience to Jesus (24/7). Without a loving obedience to Jesus, Christians would essentially be wasting their time by trying to worship Him in any other manner. We need to remember Jesus’ reply when asked what the greatest commandment was, He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus is to be every Christian’s priority; they are to abide in Him as they continue to do what He has called them to do (see also John 15:10). But how do Christians know what to do? How can they know what pleases Him? God gave mankind His Word, the Bible, so that everyone can get to know Him and know what pleases Him. Christians need to study the Word so that they can know, grow, and go in His name.
Paul adds that Christians are not to conform to the ways of world (see also 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 John 2:15-17). Once again Paul pleads with Christians to not think like those of this time and age, referring to human wisdom and knowledge, nor are they to embrace human wisdom’s ideas of life’s priorities or values. Instead, Christians are to be transformed (to change from one form to another) by the renewing of their minds. The Greek word that is translated here as ‘renewal’ is ‘anakainosis’,[6] which can also be translated as ‘renovation’. What are two things a renovation requires?
Christians should not be like some “renovation projects” that get started but never finished. With Jesus, Christians can replace and purge the world’s priorities and influences in their minds with God’s values and priorities (see also 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:8-10; Titus 3:4-9). Paul tells us that then believers will be able to discern God’s will. Can humans know God’s will? Yes! But how?By applying what Paul says here, Christians are to be changed by renovating how they think. Then Christians can see for themselves God’s will, as His Word comes alive in them. The Greek word that is translated here as ‘discern’ is ‘dokimazo’,[7] meaning to test or prove. When God’s Word is applied in someone’s life, they become closer to God. That fellowship allows them to abide in His Son allowing them to see His good, acceptable and perfect will.
These first two verses of Romans chapter 12 remind us that Christians are to reject the world and embrace Jesus. Those two things are essential for every Christian that desires to truly serve and honor God. Worshiping God is continual, there is no special time or place for our worship. If someone only honors God on Sunday mornings, they are essentially wasting their time. Remember, Christians are His ambassadors (see 2 Corinthians 5:20), they represent Jesus to a dying and condemned world. Christians are not called to be like them, they are to reflect Jesus in everything they say and do, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A sacrifice would not be a true sacrifice if it had no value or was easy to obtain. Following Jesus is not easy as our human still-corrupt bodies want to follow the lusts and the ways of the world. It is that struggle that defines a Christian.
Still confused? Perhaps “The Message,” a contemporary English translation of the Bible, can offer clarification for us modern readers: “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:1-2)[8]
Outline
I. Offering of sacrifices (1:1-7:38)
A. Instructions to the people (1:1-6:7)
1. Burnt Offering (1:1-17)
2. Grain Offering (2:1-16)
3. Peace Offering (3:1-17)
4. Sin Offering (4:1-5:13)
5. Guilt Offering (5:14-6:7)
B. Instructions to the priests (6:8-7:36)
1. Burnt Offering (6:8-13)
2. Grain Offering (6:14-23)
3. Sin Offering (6:24-30)
4. Guilt Offering (7:1-10)
5. Peace Offering (7:11-36)
C. Summary (7:37-38)
II. Institution of the Priesthood (8:1-10:20)
A. Ordination of Aaron and his sons (8:1-36)
B. Aaron’s sacrifice (9:1-24)
C. Judgment against Aaron’s sons (10:1-20)
III. Laws regarding uncleanness (11:1-15:33)
A. Food (11:1-47)
B. Childbirth (12:1-8)
C. Skin diseases and mold, mildew, or fungus (13:1-14:57)
D. Discharges (15:1-33)
IV. Holy living (16:1-25:55)
A. The Day of Atonement (16:1-34)
B. Consumption of blood forbidden (17:1-16)
C. Unlawful sexual behavior (18:1-30)
D. Civil and religious rules (19:1-37)
E. Miscellaneous rules and punishments (20:1-27)
F. Rules regarding Priests (21:1-22:33)
G. Feasts of the Lord (23:1-44)
1. The proclamation (23:1-2)
2. Sabbath (23:3)
3. Passover and Unleavened Bread (23:4-8)
4. Feast of the Firstfruits (23:9-14)
5. Feast of Weeks (23:15-22)
6. Feast of Trumpets (23:23-25)
7. Day of Atonement (23:26-32)
8. Feast of Booths (23:33-44)
H. Oil and bread before the Tabernacle (24:1-9)
I. Penalty for blasphemy (24:10-23)
J. Sabbath and Jubilee years (25:1-55)
V. Covenant blessings and curses (26:1-46)
VI. Rules on vows and tithes (27:1-34)
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[1] The Hebrew ‘wǎ’ is a conjunction and does not have a Strong’s number. The Hebrew word ‘qārā’ can be referenced with Strong’s Hebrew 7121.
[2] See the commentaries under Genesis 3:21 and 6:7-8 and the Brief Introduction to God’s Law between Exodus chapters 19 and 20.
[3] Strong’s Greek 3050.
[4] Strong’s Greek 2999.
[5] Strong’s Greek 4352.
[6] Strong’s Greek 342.
[7] Strong’s Greek 1381.
[8] Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Ro 12:1–2). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.