Through The Bible

Session #5

December 5, 2001

Questions from last time :

• What is the significance of the name changes (Abram to Abraham; Sarai to Sarah). See Genesis 17:5; 17:15.

- A new name signified a new status or relationship.

- Abraham = variant of Abram-really just a longer version of the same, means “the divine ancestor is exalted”

- Sarah = variant of Sarai, means “princess”

- Summary: names essentially mean the same as before but chapter 17 marks the giving of the everlasting covenant from God to Abraham’s descendants. Abraham circumcised his whole household after this covenant was given (see 17.23).

Background information on Leviticus

Name derives from the Greek Septuagint name: Leuitikon.

• a continuation of legal material at the end of Exodus.
• Of the 5 books of Pentateuch, Leviticus is purest form of Law.
• Look at Exodus 19:6 > “...you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.” Leviticus is how this verse is worked out in the community.

Book is primarily a book of Worship – conduct in worship; demands this worship placed on the lives of the people in the community.

• Author of study says theme is ‘fellowship’ but I find that too soft a word. ATONEMENT better choice.
• Early rabbinic tradition it’s called “the Priest’s Manual.” It instructed the priests, but the instructions were intended to reach the people. Book of practice rather than theory.
• Two key principles guide the worship instructions:
1. God is present with the people. All the regulations for worship presuppose God is in the tabernacle, or Tent of Meeting.
2. “Be holy” is continual admonishment – doesn’t mean be perfect but be set apart for God.
• Key words: “Holy,” “hallow,” and “sanctify” used over 100 times.

Another key thought for Leviticus: Atonement. What does it mean?

· The reconciliation of two parties. When atonement occurs, the two parties become one again.

· Atonement restores covenant relationship that has been broken by sin.

· Hebrew life required sacrifice as payment for atonement.

· Sacrifices are substitutionary – a substitute for the sinner’s sin.

Power of Blood in Old Testament

• Ex. 24.5-8 – Moses took blood from oxen offerings and threw in on people. Blood covered and established a oneness.
• Blood puts a cover on sin and makes atonement possible.

So who wrote it?

• Tradition holds that Moses wrote it. The opening (1.1) and closing verses (27.34) affirm Moses’ role in this Law.
• Whether or not Moses directly wrote down all these Laws, his name associated with these Laws gives them credibility before the worshipping community.

How did the book get into the final form we have?

• More than likely these laws were gradually incorporated into community life over a period of years. The fundamental principles laid down early but the specifics may have been fine tuned over time.
• The final form we have would have come from oral tradition. Writing down things was something that developed later in Israel’s history.
• Laws were written down and collected when they were in danger of being forgotten or neglected.
• Much of the writing took place after the Babylonian exile in 587 BC after people had been subservient for so long.
• Chapters 17-26 are considered the oldest and are called the “Holiness Code.”

Why should we care?

• Reminds us our greatest need is not an abstract theory about God but a practical mode of remembering and celebrating God’s presence in our lives.
• Fellowship with God is something to be sought out in daily life.

Book divided into 6 parts:

2. Laws dealing with sacrifices (chapters 1-7).

1. burnt offerings (1.1-17) – act of praise and adoration
2. grain offering (2.1-16) – gift from the ground
3. peace offering (3.1-17) – reminds people of relationship to God and one another.
4. sin and guilt offering (4.1-6.7) – repentance of sin for breaking one’s relation to God.
5. instructions for priests regarding the sacrifices (6.8-7.38)

3. The consecration of the priests to the office (chapters 8-10).

1. consecration of Aaron and his sons (8.1-36).

2. the first public sacrifice in Israel (9.1-24)

3. the error of Nadab and Abihu (10.1-20) – two of Aaron’s sons for making an unauthorized offering before God.

4. Laws setting forth the distinction between the clean and unclean (chapters 11-15).

1. clean and unclean animals (11.1-47).

2. uncleanness connected with childbirth (12.1-8)

3. uncleanness arising from leprosy (13.1-15.33).

5. The ceremony for the annual Day of Atonement (chapter 16).

6. Laws to govern Israel’s life as a holy people (chapters 17-26) – HOLINESS CODE

1. offering of sacrifices and eating of meat (17.1-16).

2. marriage regulations (18.1-30)

3. general laws (19.1-37)

4. laws carrying the death penalty (20.1-27)

5. holiness of priests (21.1-24)

6. holiness of offerings (22.1-33)

7. calendar of feasts (23.1-44)

8. Regular worship (24.1-9)

9. Foreigners in Israel’s community (24.10-23)

10. Sabbatical year & Year of Jubilee (25.1-26.2)

11. blessings and curses (26.3-46)

7. An appendix on religious vows (chapter 27) – concerning oaths and gifts.

The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)

• Most important holiday on the Jewish calendar (Yom Kippur). Celebrated in the Fall of the year.
• Three main purposes:

a. make atonement on behalf of the high priest and his household (vv. 6, 11).

2. An act of cleansing and purifying the Temple (vv. 16, 18, and 33).
3. An act of cleansing for the people as a whole (v. 33)

• Why was it so important? (to balance one’s account with God)

Do 10 Questions about Atonement