In Canaan, worship was commonly tied to prostitution and fertility rites. However, for Israel, anything suggesting the sexual or sensual was strictly banned from the worship of God. This does not mean that this aspect of life is "unclean." The purpose is to ensure its separation from the worship of God. The rule of strict cleanliness in all sexual matters would also contribute to health.  For a New Testament example of the law concerning postnatal purification (Leviticus 12:1-8), see Luke 2:22-24.

The law of circumcision (verse 3) was given to Abraham in Genesis 17:12-14. The spiritual significance of this law is touched on in the law of Moses (Deuteronomy 30:6), the prophets (Jeremiah 4:4) and the writings of Paul (Colossians 2:11-12; Philippians 3:3). (For further information, see our article about circumcision.)

Health regulations pertaining to "infectious skin diseases" ("leprosy," NKJV) were also included in God's laws. Such guidelines enabled the priests, who were responsible for the health of the camp, to distinguish between serious and chronic forms of these various diseases. Some of these diseases — unlike the diseases we call "leprosy" or "Hansen's disease" today — were contagious. Regulations regarding certain forms of mildew (greenish or reddish) in fabrics or houses are also described (Leviticus 13:49; 14:37).

Regulations are given for seminal and menstrual discharges, as well as malignant discharges. Washing is prescribed, which would promote hygiene.

Atonement and Sacrifice
Chapters 16-17

This chapter is central to the book of Leviticus. The 10th day of the seventh month (Hebrew: Tishri — corresponding to September-October) was to be the annual Day of Atonement.

Only on this occasion was Aaron allowed into the innermost part of the tabernacle, the Most Holy Place, where the ark of the covenant was housed. He first needed to obtain forgiveness and cleansing for his own sins and those of his household. Only then was he able to cleanse the tabernacle and make an offering on behalf of the people.

Two goats were chosen. One was sacrificed for the sins of the people; the other was sent into the wilderness, carrying the sins of Israel. (For a New Testament look at the Day of Atonement, see Hebrews 9 and 10.)

Sacrifices were to be offered only at the tabernacle, partly as a safeguard against sacrificing to idols.

God can only be approached in the place and by the means of his own choosing (Deuteronomy 16:5-6). In the New Testament, the divinely chosen place points to Jesus Christ as the one and only way (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Moral Laws
Chapters 18-20

Many of these laws are directed against the practices of Israel's neighbors. For example, marriage between those closely related by blood or by marriage was forbidden by God (verses 6-18). In Egypt, which had little marital regulation, such marriages were common.

Adultery, child sacrifice, homosexual relations and bestiality — all part of the debased religions of Canaan — were also forbidden (verses 20-30).

Verse 2 is the heart of God's moral law: "Be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:15-16). Holiness is demonstrated by our concern for others, especially the underprivileged. For example, God's instructions to "not reap to the very edges of your field" (Leviticus 19:9) taught the Israelites to reflect God's generous nature. Jesus quoted part of verse 18 as the second-greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).

To have so many crimes punishable by death may seem rather harsh today, but these offenses were in deliberate defiance of God's holy law.

Israel was instructed not to imitate the nations around them, such as the Ammonites who offered children as a burnt sacrifice to Molech (Leviticus 18:21). God had separated Israel from the nations for the all-important reason of preserving the knowledge and worship of himself as the true God.

Rules for Worship
Chapters 21-27

Rules for ritual purity were particularly stringent for priests, especially for the high priest. For example, priests could not marry women defiled by prostitution (Leviticus 21:7). Studying these chapters makes it clear that all God's people must be holy.

Various annual festivals and Holy Days were commanded for ancient Israel. They are holy convocations, memorials of God's great acts of salvation in history, symbols of the power of God, and types of the anticipated future fulfillment of God's plan of salvation. Paul describes them as "shadows" or pointers toward Christ, who fulfilled all the ritual symbolism (Colossians 2:16-17). (For more details, see our study papers on these festivals.)

This chapter discusses two important duties of the priests in the tabernacle: tending the ever-burning lamps and making the weekly offering of 12 loaves of bread ("shewbread," NKJV). Unlike the pagan religions that offered food to the gods, God's priests were to eat the bread themselves. This was to remind Israel of their total dependence upon God. As we have seen earlier, the shewbread symbolizes Christ. He is the bread of God for our spiritual nourishment (John 6:32-51).

God also deals with blasphemy in this chapter (Leviticus 24:10-23). A member of the "mixed multitude" (Exodus 12:38, NKJV) was executed for blaspheming God's name.

Every seventh year, the land was not to be cultivated. Not only did this practice teach respect for the land God would give the Israelites, it again emphasized their dependence on God.

God also instituted the Jubilee year, or 50th year (the year following the seventh seven-year cycle). At this time, property reverted to its original owner. The Jubilee was intended to rescue those who were living in poor economic conditions. This lesson should not be lost on us today. God is a giving God who also wants to see a generous attitude in us (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Both the Sabbatical and Jubilee years were designed to remind Israel that it was God who really owned the land. He also owned their time and their lives. However, there is no evidence that the Israelites ever observed these institutions.

Pictured here are the rewards for obedience (verses 1-13) and the penalties for disobedience (verses 14-39). As you read through the chapter, you will notice that God describes the curses in more detail than the blessings. While these statements can be viewed prophetically, they must also be understood as laws of cause and effect.

God's warning to ancient Israel remains in effect today. Disobedience to his law will bring calamity to any nation. But God will always respond to genuine repentance. For an interesting spiritual parallel, read the story of the two kinds of people in Psalm 1.

God taught the Israelites that when they made a vow to him (verses 1-29), they must not go back on the promise even if it turned out to cost more than they expected.

Tithing (verses 30-33) is the practice of giving a tenth of one's increase to God. Tithes and offerings were commanded in the Old Testament; the New Testament does not prescribe a percentage but calls for greater generosity. (For further information, see our study paper on tithing.) Tithing and giving reflect the believer's worship, faith and love for God, the source of salvation and giver of all good things (Numbers 18:20-21; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

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