From Directions – March-April 2025
Leviticus gives us a distinctly different kind of Scriptural literature. This volume reads like a record of legal proceedings or congressional legislation, what with regulations about liturgical rites and property rights, dietary restrictions and health inspections, and the like.
But it details the sacrificial system that binds the Israelites as a people belonging to the Almighty Maker. And it discloses the heart of a Father and Savior who Himself devises an atonement and forgiveness because He desperately desires to deliver humankind from the sinfulness that afflicts them.
This makes Leviticus one of the most important documents in the Old Testament. In its provisions, entire nations and generations encountered ultimate truth and love on a daily basis for more than a millennium. Best of all, it prepares history and humankind for a Lord who comes among us as a Lamb, who will spare no expense to secure the sanctity of every last human person and save them all from death.
When something breaks down and needs replacement in your household, do you tend to buy a new one, borrow a used one, or fix the old one? Can you give an example?
What was the biggest thing your parents ever gave up for you? What is the biggest thing you ever had to give up for someone else? Why did you do it? What did you learn in the process?
What disease do you fear most? Is the one you fear considered fatal, contagious, inherited, inevitable, crippling, embarrassing, or something else?
The biblical book of Leviticus commences with and concentrates on sacrifices. For what purpose does the Lord God designate these offerings (Leviticus 1:4)? What does this suggest about the heart of God? Why do these rituals usually involve animals? And why do you think the Almighty regulates them so strictly? What might we infer from this about the sanctity of human life?
Which element of animal—whether clean or unclean—does the Lord forbid consuming (Leviticus 7:26-27)? Why does He implement this mandate (Leviticus 17:11-12)? How else does He institute distance between His people and death (Leviticus 11:24, 39)? And what particular prohibition does He stipulate with regard to grieving (Leviticus 21:1-5, 11)? Why do you think our Father so jealously reserves the business of death for Himself?
What traces of death have worked their way into the life-giving process of procreation (Leviticus 12:1-5)? How does God indicate His intention to intervene and protect even the littlest of human beings (Leviticus 12:6-8)? How do the parameters for this process signify He has designed male and female distinct (12:2, 5) but equally important (12:6)?
This record of decrees takes an uncomfortable extent of interest in the marital act (Leviticus 15:16-18; 18:6-23). In what two ways do the forbidden relations (18:6-14 and 18:19-23) compromise conception? How does the injunction against child sacrifice (18:21)—which otherwise seems to belong more to a later treatment (Leviticus 20:1-5)—clarify what the Lord has in mind? How does this “life for life” principle make sense of the severity of penalties for sexual transgression (Leviticus 20:10-21)? What overall objective and blessing is He after (Leviticus 26:9)?
Divine directives disqualified persons with disabilities from the Old Testament priesthood (Leviticus 21:16-23). Similar conditions applied to the animals identified for the atoning (Leviticus 22:17-25). How does this make a statement about the entire people’s uncleanness? How does it also make a greater statement about the wholeness atonement imparts? How does the Lord insist that persons with disabilities nevertheless remain precious (Leviticus 19:14; 25:35-38)?
Extended sections of this proclamation consider appointed festivals (Leviticus 23:1-43 and 25:1-22). How many total days of each year get set aside for this kind of rejoicing? What delightful message does this send about the connection between life and sharing in celebration?