About This Book

Leviticus stands at the heart of the Pentateuch. Having redeemed Israel from Egypt and brought them to Sinai, the Lord now teaches His people how they may live in His presence. The book unfolds at the foot of the mountain, in the shadow of the tabernacle, where the glory of the Lord dwells among a sinful people.

The central concern is holiness. Sacrifices provide atonement. Priests mediate between God and the people. Laws distinguish clean from unclean. The Day of Atonement forms the theological centre, declaring that sin must be dealt with if the Lord is to remain among His people. Yet this is not cold ritual. It is covenant grace. The Lord makes a way for His redeemed people to approach Him and calls them to reflect His holy character in every sphere of life.

Leviticus proclaims that the Lord is holy, and that His redeemed people must be holy as they draw near through atoning sacrifice.

Preach this book with a clear grasp of redemptive context. The God who commands holiness is the God who has already saved His people. Keep sacrifice and grace in view together.

Structure of the Book

Leviticus moves from access to God, to the cleansing of the community, to a life shaped by holiness.

1. The way of sacrifice
   The burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt offerings, and the consecration of the priesthood, chs.1 to 10
2. Clean and unclean
   Laws concerning purity, bodily conditions, and discernment between the holy and the common, chs.11 to 15
3. The Day of Atonement
   The annual cleansing of the sanctuary and the people through blood and the scapegoat, ch.16
4. The holiness code
   Commands governing worship, sexuality, justice, compassion, and covenant faithfulness, chs.17 to 26
5. Vows and dedications
   Regulations concerning special commitments made to the Lord, ch.27

Key Themes

• The holiness of God, the Lord is utterly distinct and morally pure.
• Atonement through blood, sacrifice is necessary for forgiveness and restored fellowship.
• Mediation and priesthood, appointed servants stand between God and the people.
• Purity and discernment, Israel is called to distinguish between clean and unclean.
• Covenant obedience, blessing flows from walking in the Lord’s statutes.
• Holiness in everyday life, love of neighbour, justice, and compassion flow from belonging to a holy God.

Recommended Commentaries

Choose a commentary that explains the sacrificial system clearly and connects it carefully to the wider storyline of Scripture. A second, more detailed volume can assist with technical matters of ritual and historical background.

A wise strategy is to preach in thematic sections, allowing ch.16 to stand as the theological centre, and regularly drawing lines forward to the fulfilment found in Christ.

• Leviticusby Jay Sklar, Score: 9.2

  One of the best recent resources for preaching and teaching Leviticus—worth the investment.

• The Book Of Leviticusby Gordon J. Wenham, Score: 8.6

  A lucid and trustworthy guide that brings clarity and theological depth to a challenging book.

• Leviticusby Andrew Bonar, Score: 8.5

  A warm, gospel aware guide that helps us preach Leviticus with reverence, clarity, and spiritual power.

Browse all Leviticus reviews

Additional help is often most valuable in the purity laws and in the blessings and curses of ch.26, where covenant theology must be handled with clarity.

Preaching and Teaching Helps

Leviticus can feel unfamiliar to modern congregations, yet it is deeply formative when handled carefully.

• Anchor in redemption, remember that the commands are given to a people already delivered from Egypt.
• Explain sacrifice patiently, show how each offering highlights different aspects of atonement and fellowship.
• Trace the theme of holiness, the repeated call to be holy shapes the whole book.
• Connect to Christ wisely, the priesthood, sacrifices, and Day of Atonement anticipate His once for all work.
• Apply ethically, the holiness code speaks powerfully to issues of worship, sexuality, justice, and neighbour love.

This Book in the Story of Scripture

Leviticus occupies a central place in the unfolding of redemption. It explains how a holy God can dwell among a sinful people without compromising His justice. The sacrificial system points beyond itself, anticipating a greater priest and a final sacrifice.

In the New Testament, the themes of Leviticus find fulfilment in Christ. He is the true High Priest, the spotless sacrifice, and the One who secures definitive atonement. The call, be holy for I am holy, continues to shape the church, now empowered by the Spirit to live as a set apart people in the world.

Leviticus prepares us to understand the cross, where holiness and mercy meet, and where a holy God makes a way for sinners to dwell in His presence forever.