Invitation to Discovery
Exodus ends with an extraordinary scene.
Israel has built the Tabernacle according to God’s instructions.
“…the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” – Exodus 40:34
God has come to dwell among His people.
And then Leviticus begins:
“The LORD called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting…” – Leviticus 1:1
God has come near.
And now God speaks.
Ahead are sacrifices, priests, offerings, purity laws, the Day of Atonement, festivals, and instructions about holiness.
Don’t let the unfamiliar details intimidate you.
Pay attention to what God says. Notice what He provides. Watch what repeats.
And keep asking:
What is God revealing about Himself?
Leviticus at a Glance
Trail Map
Divine Author: God
Human Author: Moses, traditionally understood as the human author of Leviticus and the Pentateuch.
Hebrew Name: Vayikra – “And He called,” taken from the opening words of the book.
English Name: Leviticus – associated with the Levites and the priestly worship and instructions contained within the book.
Original Audience: Israel, recently redeemed from Egypt and gathered at Mount Sinai.
Audience Today: Everyone seeking to discover what God reveals through Leviticus.
Date Written: Traditionally associated with Moses during Israel’s time at Mount Sinai, commonly placed in the second millennium BC.
Time Period Covered: Primarily a relatively short period while Israel remains encamped at Mount Sinai following the construction of the Tabernacle.
Historical Setting: God has redeemed Israel from Egypt, established His covenant with them, and taken up His dwelling in the Tabernacle.
Literary Genre: Covenant law and priestly instruction, containing regulations for sacrifices, worship, purity, holiness, festivals, priesthood, and covenant life.
Major Themes: God’s holiness; God’s presence; sacrifice; atonement; forgiveness; priesthood; worship; purity; obedience; covenant relationship; holiness; love.
Key People: Moses, Aaron, Aaron’s sons, the priests, Levites, and the people of Israel.
Key Locations: Mount Sinai, Israel’s camp, the Tabernacle, the altar, and the Most Holy Place.
Key Verse: “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” – Leviticus 19:2
Timeline
Leviticus contains relatively little narrative movement. Israel remains camped at Mount Sinai while God teaches His people. The movement is therefore less about where Israel travels and more about what happens while they remain there.
God Calls from the Tabernacle
Exodus ends with God’s glory filling the Tabernacle. Leviticus begins with God calling Moses from within it.
Leviticus 1:1
God Provides Sacrifices
God gives instructions for burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings.
Leviticus 1-7
The Priesthood Begins Its Ministry
Aaron and his sons are consecrated for priestly service.
Leviticus 8-9
God’s Glory Appears
Aaron blesses the people, God’s glory appears, and fire comes from before the LORD and consumes the offering.
Leviticus 9:22-24
Nadab and Abihu
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire before the LORD and die before Him.
Leviticus 10
Clean and Unclean
God gives Israel instructions concerning clean and unclean.
Leviticus 11-15
The Day of Atonement
God gives instructions concerning the Day of Atonement.
Leviticus 16
A Holy People
God gives Israel instructions concerning holiness in worship and everyday life.
Leviticus 17-22
God’s Appointed Times
God establishes Sabbath and appointed festivals for Israel.
Leviticus 23
Sabbath and Jubilee
God gives Israel instructions concerning the land, Sabbath years, and Jubilee.
Leviticus 25
Covenant Faithfulness
Leviticus closes with blessings and consequences connected with Israel’s covenant obedience, followed by instructions concerning vows.
Leviticus 26-27
The Trail Ahead → Numbers
Israel is still at Sinai—but they will not remain there.
The trail continues.
Discover Leviticus
Keep your Bible open as you explore these landmarks. The Trailhead points; Scripture provides the terrain.
Holiness & Nearness
Watch for the word holy.
Notice what is called holy, who may draw near, and what happens when people approach God.
Places to Explore: Leviticus 8-10; 19:1-4; 21-22
Trail Question: What do you notice?
Sacrifices & Offerings
Leviticus begins with several kinds of offerings.
Notice what is offered, who brings it, what the priest does, and what God says about it.
Places to Explore: Leviticus 1-7
Trail Question: What do the sacrifices teach you?
Clean & Unclean
Watch for the words clean and unclean.
Notice where these distinctions appear and what happens when something or someone becomes unclean.
Places to Explore: Leviticus 11-15
Trail Question: What do you notice?
The Day of Atonement
Slow down when you reach Leviticus 16.
Watch the priest, the sacrifices, the blood, the two goats, and the Most Holy Place.
Places to Explore: Leviticus 16
Trail Question: What does the Day of Atonement teach you?
“I Am the LORD”
Watch for these words: “I am the LORD.”
They appear again and again.
Notice where they appear and what God is saying around them.
Places to Explore: Leviticus 18-20; 22-23; 25-26
Trail Question: Why do you think this keeps repeating?
“I Will Walk Among You”
When you reach the later chapters of Leviticus, watch for what God says about dwelling and walking among His people.
Places to Explore: Leviticus 26:1-13
Trail Question: What do you discover about God?
Reflection Questions
You don’t need to answer every question. Choose one that catches your attention and follow it. One question may lead to another. That’s okay.
- What does Leviticus reveal about God?
- What do the sacrifices teach you?
- What does Nadab and Abihu’s story teach?
- Why does “I am the LORD” keep repeating?
- What does “I will walk among you” reveal about God?
Throughout your reading, keep asking: “What is God revealing about Himself?”
Prayer Before Reading
Father,
Thank You for Your Word.
As I read Leviticus, help me understand what You have spoken. Give me wisdom and teach me to pay attention.
Help me see what You are revealing about Yourself.
Lead me by Your Spirit, and give me a heart willing to follow where You lead.
Help me know You more deeply through Your Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now Open Your Bible
You’ve looked at the trail map.
Behind you is Exodus.
Egypt. Passover. The sea. Sinai. Covenant. The Tabernacle.
And then:
the glory of God came down.
Now God speaks from within the Tabernacle.
Ahead are sacrifices. Priests. Fire. Atonement. Holiness. Love.
Don’t hurry.
Don’t worry about understanding everything.
Look carefully.
Notice what repeats.
Ask questions.
And when something catches your attention, follow it.
Above all, keep asking:
“Father, what are You revealing about Yourself?”
Now open Leviticus.
The trail continues.