Introduction to our journey into the book of Leviticus

The People of God is a called-out community to offer worship to the one and only true God. This was precisely the reason Moses told Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go - so that they could go and worship God. Moses, we understand, was the author of the first five books of the Bible, collectively known as the Torah or the Law. Of the five books, we have already covered Genesis and Exodus. Today we prepare to begin our reflection into the book of Leviticus, the third book of the Law. This is probably one book many of us would rather skip because of the feasts, the offerings, and many things described in this book that make understanding it hard. People generally would shun what is difficult to decipher. Yet without denial, when it comes to worshipping the one true God, there are so many rich truths this book has to offer to us.   

Most of us think that Leviticus is a book that talks about the Levites, yet in it, we find only about three chapters or so dedicated to talking about the Levites. A closer look will tell us that it’s a book prescribing how the one true God ought to be worshiped and how the Levitical priesthood ought to do it. Remember the Israelites just came out of Egypt with much of the excess baggage. They saw how the Egyptians worshipped their deities. But now that they had been called to worship Jehovah alone, how should they do it? The worship of Jehovah God was to be central to their communal life, it should not be done haphazardly. Besides, the Israelites were dealing with a holy God and any flippancy, and what constitutes true worship must be defined and dealt with for Jehovah God to be rightly honored.   

The book of Leviticus began with the people of Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle had already been constructed and set up. The glory of God had filled this unique temple, built according to the pattern God specifically gave to Moses at Mount Sinai. Instructions must now be given to the Levitical priesthood and the people of God on how they ought to worship and serve this one true God. So, we find in this book instructions on things pertaining to worship. We will find teachings on the sacrifices, the feasts, the holy days including the year of Jubilee. One primary truth that will stand out is that God is holy, hence, the people of God must seek to be holy. Let us be prepared in heart and mind to hear what God will speak to us through this book. It may be a hard and arduous journey, but anything that will lead us to offer true worship to God aptly and appropriately should be given attention. We know that any truth that will lead us to know God and worship Him rightly will be worth our time and effort. So, let’s begin the journey!