Leviticus: Edit history

Definition and Meaning

Leviticus is the third book of the Old Testament and the third book of the Pentateuch. It consists of 27 chapters. The Hebrew Bible names the book after its first word, Vayikra ("And he called"). Its English name derives from the title given in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, meaning "the book concerning the Levites." The name reflects the many regulations in the book that concern the tribe of Levi, which was charged with priestly duties.

Biblical and Historical Background

Set against the backdrop of the tabernacle erected at the end of Exodus, the book addresses how Israel is to approach God. Its narrative continues in Numbers. The contents are generally divided as follows:

• Chapters 1–7: Regulations for offerings, including the burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering, sin offering, and trespass (guilt) offering
• Chapters 8–10: The ordination of the priests
• Chapters 11–15: Laws concerning ritual cleanness and uncleanness, including dietary regulations
• Chapter 16: The Day of Atonement
• Chapters 17–26: Regulations for holy living, commonly called the "Holiness Code"
• Chapter 27: Vows and offerings

Representative verses include "Ye shall be holy" (Leviticus 19:2) and "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Leviticus 19:18). Tradition holds that Moses wrote the book, while some critical scholars regard it as the product of priestly traditions edited over a long period.

Interpretation and Use in the Church

Many sermons interpret the sacrifices of Leviticus as shadows prefiguring Christ's atonement, often citing Hebrews alongside them. Leviticus is also commonly described as a book at which readers tend to stall when reading through the Bible, because its sacrificial terminology is unfamiliar. Both observations are frequently made in Korean Protestant churches.

Denominations differ on how the laws of Leviticus apply today.

• The Reformed tradition, including Presbyterians, follows the Westminster Confession of Faith in dividing the law into moral, ceremonial, and civil (judicial) law. It holds that the ceremonial law, such as the regulations on sacrifice and purity, has been abolished in Christ, while the moral law remains the standard for Christian life.
• The Wesleyan tradition, including Methodist and Holiness churches, sometimes reads the call to "be holy" in connection with a life of holiness.
• The Seventh-day Adventist Church regards the dietary regulations of chapter 11 as health principles that remain valid today, and its members therefore abstain from pork and certain other foods. Most Protestant denominations hold that the dietary regulations have been fulfilled in Christ.

The tithe regulation in Leviticus 27:30 is frequently cited in the tithing debate, and Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 are frequently cited in discussions of homosexuality and the church. Interpretations differ over whether these verses should be applied directly today.