Read the Bible in One Year: Week 5 (Leviticus 1-15)
Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanliness, so that they do not die in their uncleanliness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst. (Leviticus 15:31)
Overview
System for Sacrifice (CH 1-7)
Chapter 1: The burnt offering
Chapter 2: Grain Offering
Chapter 3: Offerings of Well-Being
Chapter 4: Sin Offerings
Chapter 5: Sin Offerings Continued
Chapter 6: Restitution and Instructions for Sacrifices
Chapter 7: MORE Instruction for Sacrifices…
The Rites of Ordination (CH 8-10)
Chapter 8: Rites of Ordination
Chapter 9: First Day on the Job as Priests
Chapter 10: Nadab and Abihu’s Fatal Mistake
Laws Related to Cleanliness (CH 11-15)
Chapter 11: Clean and Unclean Animals
Chapter 12: Purification after Childbirth
Chapter 13: Leprosy and Skin Disease
Chapter 14: Purification of Leprosy
Chapter 15: Concerning Bodily Discharge
Thoughts
Sacrifice: there were five primary types of sacrifice. Notice each sacrifice had a specific purpose AND there were exceptions for people who couldn't afford the sacrifice.
Whole burnt offerings--entire animal was burned for forgiveness of sine
Grain offering--to honor God with first fruits portion was given to priest's family for food.
Offerings of well-being--fat, blood, and certain organs of the sacrifice were burned whereas the rest was eaten by family and priests. Given in thanks to God for blessings.
Sin Offerings--ask God's forgiveness of sin and become purified after being ritually unclean.
Guilt offering--ram is sacrificed to make things right after cheating the Lord or another person.
Cleanliness: Had to do with ritual purity (as opposed to moral). Cleanliness and proper ritual maintained holiness in the community. For I am the Lord your God; sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. (11:44)
Question for Reflection:
What do you think about the necessity of separating holy places from ordinary places? Have you experienced a holy place? What made it different than other places?
