Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 27

Leviticus 27

 

-The last chapter of Leviticus deals, strangely enough, with keeping vows and the valuation (def.- the act or process of valuing specific usually to the appraisal of property, the estimated or determined market value of a thing) or redemption in those vows. As we have seen in this book, the Israelites were required to give or dedicate certain items and things to the LORD and His priests. They were to give the firstfruits of their harvest, the firstborn of their animals, their firstborn sons, and a tithe of their increase (Leviticus 23:10; 27:30, Numbers 3:13). A lot of the people went beyond the commanded giving and desired to give more of themselves to their King. In the process of this, some made rash or unrealistic promises and had to go back on what they had committed. There was basically set up a 20% penalty for doing this according to the Law. There were some things that could not be taken back of course (Leviticus 27:9-10). Real estate was covered in this valuation giving in much the same way we see today through wills and donations to charitable organizations (Leviticus 27:14-25). The things set apart, or devoted, to destruction has application to the things that God would ban like captured booty from idol-worshipers or their idols themselves. These types of things were to be destroyed. They could not be redeemed (Leviticus 27:29). The tithe is consummated in the final verses with some principles outlined for cheerful giving (Leviticus 27:30-33, 2 Corinthians 9:7). The final phrase of the book sums it all up, “These are the commandments which the LORD commanded Moses for the sons of Israel at Mount Sinai (Leviticus 27:34).”

-*Application* What we learn here is the fact that God takes our promises seriously, so we should too. Stewardship is costly, and God expects us to fulfill our vows when we make them. So consider the cost before committing anything to the LORD. Further, tithing is one thing the Scripture says that we can test God on (Malachi 3:10). So, if you are not in the habit of giving the commanded 10% of your income to the LORD, and most American Christians are not, resolve to change your priorities. Has God saved your wallet yet?

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 27:34

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 26

Leviticus 26

 

-This chapter outlines the blessings of obedience and the penalties of disobedience for the nation of Israel with significance to the Christian walk. God begins with telling His children not to make idols, images, or sacred pillars of false worship (worthiness). He is the LORD their God, and His people are commanded to keep His Sabbaths and reverence His sanctuary. His people are to walk in His statutes and carry out His commands. If this happens, He will give them rain in its season, and the land will produce abundantly for their provision. Peace will also be in the land that follows God’s rules, and along with that, security. They are guaranteed to chase their enemies away and have complete victory over them. They will multiply and be strong in the LORD. God’s dwelling will be among them, and His soul will not reject them. The Deliverer will break the bars of the yoke of every kind of slavery and make them walk erect (Leviticus 26:1-13).

-On the other hand, a severe warning is issued for disobedience in not carrying out all of God’s commands. If they reject His statutes and abhor His ordinances, the LORD will appoint sudden terror, consumption, and fever that will waste away the eyes and cause the soul to pine away. Fruitless will be the result in the field. Their enemies will strike them down, and those they hate will rule over them. They will be afraid and flee even when no one is pursuing them. They will be punished seven times for their sins. The pride of power will be broken down and drought will consume their land. Plagues and disease will result, and the beasts of the field will destroy their cattle and reduce the human population. Their roads will lie desolate. Cannibalism and the constant threat of being conquered will be their plight as their idols are destroyed, their cities are laid waste, and they are scattered to the foreign nations. Then the LORD’s land will enjoy its Sabbaths all the days of Israel’s desolation and exile. The remnants left in the land will have weakness in their hearts, and they will have no power. Many of God’s people will perish among the nations and the enemy will consume their Promised Land due to their iniquity. This actually did happen eventually in Israel as the ten northern tribes were lost to antiquity and the southern kingdom eventually was consumed by Gentile powers even though God’s plan was carried out through Jesus Christ (2 Kings 18:10-12, Daniel 2).  This is the awful promise for transgressing their God (Leviticus 26:14-43).

-Despite their unfaithfulness, God in the end declares, “Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, nor will I so abhor them as to destroy them, breaking My covenant with them; for I am the LORD their God. But I will remember for them the covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the LORD (Leviticus 26:42, 44-45).” “These are the statutes and ordinances and laws which the LORD established between Himself and the sons of Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai (Leviticus 26:46).”

-*Application* If we want to walk in the fruitfulness of God’s provision, we must obey Him and walk in fellowship with His desires. Setting up our own agenda is tantamount to idol worship and brings His displeasure with our lives. The question for us today is this: do we want God’s way or our own? He clearly presents the blessings and the solemn warnings to both the children of Israel, our own nation, and individually as people. The choice is always ours. So God clearly sets before us the path of life or destruction (Deuteronomy 28). We are without excuse.

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 1:9, 12, 44

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 25

Leviticus 25

 

-The twenty-fifth chapter deals with requirements for the sabbatic year, the year of jubilee, slavery, and the rights of the poor for redemption. God expected His people to comply fully when they entered their Promised Land, but sadly from history we see little, or often no, evidence that they fulfilled the laws presented here for letting the land rest. In fact, this is one of the reasons that God took them temporarily from their land (2 Chronicles 36:19-21, Jeremiah 25:11). When God gives a command, He has every right to judge the breaking of it. He promised to provide plenty (Leviticus 25:18-22). He disdained their lack of faith when they did not trust Him. Further, God’s principle of not wronging one another and living in the fear of Him is the key point of this passage (Leviticus 25:17).

-Moreover, redemption is an important theme as we weave our way through this lengthy chapter. The land was not to be sold as permanent concern, for the land was the LORD’s, and His people were simply sojourning on earth with Him (Leviticus 25:23). The year of jubilee would revert all land back to its original ownership within the tribes of Israel with the exception of the clause of sale within a walled city (Leviticus 25:28-30). Levites were also given permanent rights to redemption in their possession no matter what the situation (Leviticus 25:32-34).

-Issues regarding the poor are covered in detail as the chapter moves on. Usury was outlawed with fellow countrymen, which has served the Jewish people well in their financial convictions (Leviticus 25:35-38). A Jewish countryman was not allowed to be considered a slave, but was to be regarded as a hired man, like a sojourner, until the year of jubilee. Then, he was free to go back to his family and the property of his forefathers (Leviticus 25:39-42). Another key principle is outlined in verse 43, “You shall not rule over him with severity, but are to revere your God.” Kindness was exemplified by the LORD in His abiding commands. Males and females from pagan nations were authorized to become slaves of the nation of Israel. They could even be passed down through the generations to the sons as permanent possessions (Leviticus 25:44-46). Jewish people who became so poor that they sold themselves to strangers, or sojourners, in the land were given special rights to redemption. Any of the blood relatives could purchase them back if they were so able and inclined. They could even redeem themselves if they prospered (Leviticus 25:47-49). Redemption price was to be calculated fairly and consistently with freedom again coming in the year of jubilee. Once again the refraining from severity in ruling over people is stressed along with the fact that the children of God are His servants whom He brought out from the slavery in Egypt (Leviticus 50-55).

-*Application* Not wronging one another and living in the fear of the LORD is what we must meditate on today. Love is the antidote for the restrictions and reasons for the Law. Jesus has overcome the Law and has abolished its condemnation through His overriding grace and mercy. We have an obligation to reverence and give complete awe to this One who made all things right and reconciled the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Jesus is our redemption!

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 25:4, 10, 17

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 24

Leviticus 24

 

-This chapter has two distinct parts beginning with the LORD’s command for the lamp and the bread in His sanctuary of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Oil beaten from olives would make for a continual light in His presence. This was to be a perpetual statute throughout their generations. They were to be kept in order on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD. Then they were instructed to take fine flour and bake 12 cakes, line them up in two rows of six on the pure gold table before the LORD. They were also required to put pure frankincense on each row as a memorial portion for the bread; it was to be an offering by fire to the LORD (Leviticus 24:1-7). The sons of Aaron were to eat of it weekly as a symbol of God’s everlasting covenant with Israel, His portion forever (Leviticus 24:8-9).

-In the middle of these legal stipulations for the inner court of the LORD, a narrative is introduced of a struggle between a son of an Israelite woman whose father was an Egyptian and an Israelite. In the process of this fight the son of the Israelite woman from the tribe of Dan whose father was an Egyptian cursed the Name of the LORD by blaspheming. This lad was brought to Moses, and he was put in custody so that they might receive a clear command from God on the matter. It was not long before the LORD gave direction to have the one who cursed Him brought outside the camp, have the witnesses place their hands on his head, and then have the guilty one stoned to death with stones from the congregation. God instructs, “If anyone curses God, then he will bear his sin (Leviticus 24:15).” The LORD goes on further to pronounce a death sentence on anyone who blasphemes His Name, alien or native (Leviticus 24:16).

-The well-known section aptly titled “an eye for an eye” constitutes the concluding seven verses of this chapter (Leviticus 24:17-23). Here we see the justification for the death penalty in Israel as well as the principle of retribution. It is a standardized method of dealing with conflicts whether it be the stranger or the native in the land. Because God is just and fair, so should His Law be. Remember however that these laws were meant to restrain evil, they could not impute any righteousness. For that a sacrifice had to be made, which pointed ultimately to Jesus Christ.

-*Application* First, the light and the bread are indicative of the coming Messiah and His eternal presence through His Holy Spirit. The Spirit, like this statute, is to be perpetual and continual in the believer’s life. Jesus Himself said that He was the Light of the world and the Bread of life (John 6:33-35, 48-51; 8:12). Let’s live in His glory continually (Matthew 5:14-16). The frankincense symbolizes the great Name of God in His Divinity and is an emblem of prayer (Malachi 1:11). This is probably the reason for this narrative we have here dealing with the Name of God and the blaspheming of it. In the New Testament we are warned by our Lord not to blaspheme His Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32). This is the unpardonable sin, a rejection of His saving Name. There is much debate, even in the Christian world concerning the statutes on the death penalty and retribution for wrongs done. Most in our culture tend to err on the side of grace, which is not a terrible thing if you’ve ever been caught in your trespasses. The principles of pay backs is important to consider here, and we will be blessed if we have the heart of Zaccheus when we realize we have done people wrong (Luke 19:1-9). It all comes back down to the heart now doesn’t it?

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 24:19-20

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 23

Leviticus 23

 

-This important chapter covers the LORD’s appointed times for festivals and holidays in the Jewish community. He speaks again through Moses to the sons of Israel these “holy convocations” designed to help them remember their past and look forward to the fulfillment of His magnificent promises through the Messiah. He starts with the weekly observance of Shabbat. This day of complete rest in all their dwellings was designed to help the people reflect and repose with the congregation and their families.

-Next, the LORD presents, again (Exodus 12:11-51), Passover as an appointed festival beginning at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month (Leviticus 23:5). This was accompanied by the Feast of Unleavened Bread on the following day (Leviticus 23:6-8). This observance lasted seven days with no laborious work and no leaven to be eaten in their bread. They were instructed to present an offering by fire to the LORD and then have a holy convocation on the first and last days. Passover reminded the people of God’s deliverance, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread reminded the people that they were leaving the old life of sin behind and entering a new reality with the LORD. It was during this time period thousands of years later when Jesus Christ offered His life on the cross for the redemption of all mankind, which makes this particular holiday ultra-important in many senses (Matthew 26:2, 17, Mark 14:1, 12, Luke 22:1, 7-8, John 13:1).

-The festival of First Fruits is then prescribed by God to Moses for the people of Israel (Leviticus 23:9-14). As they enter the Promised Land they were commanded to reap the harvest that the LORD will give them and bring in the sheaf (omer- newly cut ears of grain) of the first fruits to present them thankfully before the LORD for His acceptance. These were to be given to the priest for a wave offering on the day after the Sabbath. On that day the priest would then offer a male lamb, one year old and without defect, for a burnt offering to the LORD. A grain offering is also instituted of two-tenths of an ephah (approximately a bushel in our English measurement system) of fine flour mixed with oil presented as a soothing aroma by fire unto God. Along with that, a drink offering was to be offered consisting of approximately a forth of a gallon of wine. The people were not allowed to eat any of the new bread nor roasted grain until they had first honored the LORD with His provision. It was to be a perpetual statute throughout their generations in all their dwelling places as a reminder of the goodness of God to endow.

-Further, after seven complete Sabbaths, 50 days to the day after the seventh Sabbath, a new grain offering was to be presented to the LORD (Leviticus 23:15-22). This was the celebration of Pentecost (50), or otherwise known as Weeks. This one day event marked the end of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest as summer was ensuing. It once again represented the joy and thanksgiving of God’s bountiful harvest provision. This coincides exactly with when the Holy Spirit came upon the earth in the New Covenant fulfillment of promise to indwell believers after Christ’s ascension (Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-47). The instructions for this feast included the bringing in of two loaves of bread for a wave offering baked with leaven this time as the “first fruits” to present to the LORD. Along with the bread, seven lambs a year old without defect, a bull from the herd, and two rams were to be given as burnt offerings to the Sovereign God. With their grain offering and drink offering they were to present a soothing aroma by fire unto the LORD. Additionally, a male goat was required to be offered as a sin payment and two lambs, both a year old, were to be sacrificed as a peace offering. The priest would wave them with the bread of the first fruits with two lambs before the LORD; “they are to be holy to the LORD for the priest (Leviticus 23:20).” On the very same day a proclamation was to be made to have another “holy convocation.” No laborious work was to be done, and this feast was also to be “a perpetual statute in all your dwelling places throughout your generations (Leviticus 23:21).” A final provision for the needy and the alien was given because they were expected to be courteous and generous since the kind and giving LORD was their God.

-In verse 23 the text picks up with the fall feasts, which starts with the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25). This one day event at the beginning of the seventh month, or the civil Jewish New Year, was instituted to express joy and thanksgiving once again to their Maker and Sustainer. This is a time of rest for the citizens and another “holy convocation” marked with the sounding of trumpets across the land. An offering by fire to the LORD was the only other requirement here beside the break from laborious work. Many scholars have noted that this ties in with the return of Messiah in the last days because of all the trumpet themes associated with this event (Joel 2:1, Zechariah 9:14-17, Matthew 24:31, I Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Revelation 8:13).

-The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is once again delineated with the stress on humbling their souls before the LORD (Leviticus 23:26-32). No work at all was to be done during this most solemn occasion that was for the cleansing of the people and the restoring of fellowship with their God.

-Finally, and aren’t you glad at this point J, the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles) is covered in this seven day event representing God’s protection and guidance through the wilderness journey with a commitment to further faith in the future (Leviticus 23:33-43). Another “holy convocation” began the ceremony on the fifteenth of the seventh month with no laborious work mandated. Offerings by fire were required each day with a culmination assembly, sacrifice, and rest on the eighth day. They were required to live in booths, or basically shanty huts, to remind them of their wilderness journey on the way to the Promised Land. It was to be a time of celebration using beautiful foliage of the trees as they rejoiced before the LORD their God as a perpetual statute throughout their generations.

-*Application* Recognizing the hermeneutic principle of typology will help us draw some correlations from these commands to the Christian life. The Passover represents our coming to Christ out of darkness and slavery into a new life of freedom and light. The blood applied means that we have redemption (Ephesians 1:7). Unleavened bread represents a new holiness that has been accomplished through Jesus’ righteousness given graciously to us that cleanses and restores a right relationship with the Father (Philippians 1:11). The first fruits reminds us that God expects are best in the areas of priorities and using our gifts, talents, and abilities for His supreme glory. We are new creations in Christ as well being His first fruits (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). Pentecost represents our Spirit-filled life in Christ as we yield to His power working through us to accomplish His Kingdom on this earth. The trumpets remind us of the coming storm in this world and our ultimate victory being on the side of God. His second coming is fundamental to our hope. The Day of Atonement delivers us with confidence in the Day of Judgment (1 John 4:14-19, Revelation 20:11-15). And finally, the Feast of Booths (or Weeks) helps us see the provision of God all throughout our Christian journey with the faith for completion in eschaton (Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 23:3, 5-6, 10, 16, 24, 27, 44

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 22

Leviticus 22

 

-Chapter 22 starts out with some additional sundry laws for the priests given by the LORD to Moses. God tells Aaron and his sons to be “careful with the holy gifts of the sons of Israel, which they dedicate to Me (Leviticus 22:2).” They are NOT to profane His Holy Name for He is their LORD who saves them and sanctifies them (Leviticus 22:2, 3, 8, 9, 16, 31-33). They are warned not to have any “uncleanness” as they accept gifts and eat of them. Otherwise they profane the LORD’s altar and bear sin. The stranger (zuwr- alien, foreigner), or sojourner, with the priest was not allowed to eat of the holy gift. However, slaves and children could. Even a daughter who was widowed or divorced with no children that had come back to live with her father could partake. Men who were not priests that ate of the holy gifts unintentionally could add to their total a fifth of it and return the favor to the priests (Leviticus 22:14).

-The animals that were accepted for sacrifice were then covered by the LORD to Moses. Cattle, sheep, and goats that were male, perfect, and over seven days old could be used for votive (neder- an avowed sacrifice) or any of the free will offerings presented as a burnt offering. No defects were allowed, which included blindness, fractures, being maimed, running sores, eczema, scabs, and any testicles problems (Leviticus 22:17-24). These were practically the same requirements listed in the previous chapter for the priests themselves (see Leviticus 21:17-21). The foreshadowing is obvious as it points to the perfect Savior, Jesus Christ, and His sacrificial atonement with no sin or blemish. No food from a foreigner was allowed to be accepted for the LORD. It was considered corrupted and defected (Leviticus 22:25). Finally, some of the eating requirements of the priests were reiterated with the charge to keep the ways of the LORD.

-*Application* Our Father is Heaven has just and fair requirements for keeping His people pure and undefiled. Though we have transgressed and fall short of His glory, He has given us His own “perfect” sacrifice on the cross through Jesus Christ, His Son (Romans 3:23; 5:1, 8; 6:23, 1 Peter 3:18). Give praise to God today for all of His perfections generously bestowed upon us, His forgiven children, gained through our accepting faith in Him.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 22:21

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 21

Leviticus 21

 

-In this chapter the LORD gives instructions for the priests, Aaron and his sons, concerning defilement in touching dead people, who they can marry, and who can approach the holy place to offer the food and fire offerings of his God. The nearest relatives are to be the ones who bear the responsibility for touching and removing the bodies of the deceased. Also included here are some grieving requirements. The priests are not allowed to grieve with shaved baldness on their heads or edges of their beards, nor were they permitted to make any cuts in their flesh (Leviticus 21:5). Holiness is again stressed for the priests as the go between of man and God, who is the Most Holy. This extends into the area of their wives. They were not allowed to take a woman who was profaned by harlotry or divorce (Leviticus 21:7). In fact they were only allowed to take a woman from their own people who was a pure virgin (Leviticus 21:13-14). Widows were not even permitted to be the wives of priests (Leviticus 21:14). This may have some foreshadowing aspect to it as for the purity of Christ’s birth from a virgin.

-The last section deals with the command that only priests without defect could approach the most holy place to offer food and fire sacrifices. The blind, the lame, the disfigured in face or limb, any broken hand or foot, the hunchback, the dwarf, the one who had any defect in the eye, the one with skin irritations like eczema or scabs, or “crushed testicles” could not go in to the veiled area or come near the altar. This, God says, will profane His sanctuaries with imperfections (Leviticus 21:17-23). They were all allowed to eat of the food however. The reason for this appears to be the foreshadowing to a perfect Redeemer with no defects or faults.

-*Application* We obviously must weigh this seemingly harsh set of requirements in Scripture here with God’s mercy, grace, and acceptance of all kinds of people throughout the rest of the Bible (Matthew 9:21-22, 36; 12:10-13; 14:14, Mark 3:1-5, Luke 6:6-10; 7:12-15, John 4:3-42, Acts 10:34-35). These perfections were only instituted for the message that only a pure means of atonement was acceptable to God. This of course could only come through His infallible Son, Jesus Christ. So, it was not that God was thinking less of people with deformities; He was simply teaching the people that they needed to look to the LORD’s perfections for cleansing. Unfortunately, the Pharisees, and often us too, miss the heart of God by focusing on the exterior rather than the spiritual.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 21:21

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 20

Leviticus 20

 

-This chapter goes further into detail on the LORD’s expectations for purity against sexual immorality, the occult, and human sacrifice. The pagan practices of the killing children to appease their false gods is attacked by the Sovereign LORD who is kind and calls murdering of innocent lives a sin (Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 19:10, Proverbs 6:16-17). In Israel there is to be no giving of children to the false god Molech (The neighboring Ammonites’ national god who required human sacrifices for appeasing anger), plus any aliens sojourning among them are not allowed to do these despicable acts. God says He will set His Face against any man who practices these abominations because it defiles His sanctuary and His Holy Name. In fact, if the nation does not put any man to death for doing these inhumane acts, the LORD promises to set His Face against them (Leviticus 20:1-5). Also, God prohibits people from seeking mediums and spiritists to “play the harlot after them (Leviticus 20:6).” This is occultic divining, or trying to see into the future, as a source of information outside the realm and revelation of God. These are false hopes and tainted visions predicting what will happen since only the LORD has seen the future. His Word is sufficient and any deviation from His direction is to be cut off from among the people. God reiterates His expectations in verses seven and eight that the children of Israel consecrate themselves as to “keep My statutes and practice them; I am the LORD who sanctifies (sets apart) you.” Cursing the father or mother is a capital offense in the land (Leviticus 20:9). So is adultery, incest, homosexuality, and bestiality (Leviticus 20:10-16). Sexual relations with blood relatives is cause for being excommunicated from the camp as well as having relations with a woman during her menstrual period (Leviticus 20:17-21). All this will protect the pureness of the society and keep them together as a people for perpetuity. They were warned not to follow the customs of the nation that they were going to dispossess in Canaan because God abhorred these detestable and unnatural acts (Leviticus 20:22-23). God was giving His people a good land “flowing with milk and honey” and was separating them as a holy example of how to live properly in love, mutual respect, and dependence upon the Him (Leviticus 20:24). Further, they were to make the distinction between clean and unclean animals, which had been outlined before (Leviticus 11; 20:25). Holiness is again reiterated with a final prohibition for a man or a woman to practice being a medium or spiritist. These will be put to death by stoning because their bloodguiltiness is upon them (Leviticus 20:26-27).

-*Application* We still deal with the issues of appeasing God, having a fascination with the occult, and sexual impurity today. Let’s break these down a bit and see if God can’t help us grow in our understanding. To appease God’s wrath, we must accept His Divine human sacrifice of the cross through Jesus. Because of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we can see that God is for us and not against us in His grace, mercy, and love. We don’t have to try to earn His favor. It’s already been given on Calvary. Secondly, His Word is all we need to have confidence and assurance (hope) in the future. We don’t need to dabble in the demonic with all its intrigue and manipulation. Seek and cultivate the real thing in the Holy Spirit, who has all knowledge and discerns all things. Finally, be satisfied with how God has created you and seek sexual pureness within the bounds of biblical covenant marriage (One man with one woman for one lifetime, Genesis 2:20-25, Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:6-9). Contentment and union can be ultimately found in doing things God’s way. Striving in our own selfish manners and ambitions will lead only to chaos, breakdown, and destruction.

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 20:8, 24

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 19

Leviticus 19

 

-The LORD God is making His covenant arrangements with the people of His choosing in this chapter. There are a wide array of stipulations, commands, and expectations involved for the purpose of being “holy, for I the LORD your God am holy (Leviticus 19:2).” These words are spoken by God through Moses to the entire congregation of over a million people in the Sinai Desert following their miraculous escape from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 13-15, Leviticus 19:34, 36). These are holy commands of the LORD for His people for a just society and perpetual well-being (Shalom), and they are worth meditating on closely. The heart of these laws can be summed up in Leviticus 19:18, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.” When Jesus was asked what the greatest law was, He answered with the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-6) and like unto it this passage on loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40, Mark 12:28-34, John 13:34). Idolatry is forbidden along with various sundry laws for the establishment of peace in the culture of the Hebrews.

-*Application* What ended up happening with these good and perfect laws that God gave for His people is corruption from human, manmade tradition. The scholars, scribes, and Pharisees added to these laws interpretations that God never meant, which became ever so burdensome to the nation. It became a comparison of holiness rather than a heart of holiness. This is the situation that Jesus had to confront and attempt to eradicate when He sojourned on this earth over 2,000 years ago (Mark 7:1-13). This same spirit can be felt today if we are not in tune with our hearts towards the nature of God. Take for example the admonition to not make any tattoo marks on the body (Leviticus 19:28). Many would denounce those with body markings in our culture as apostates and renegades, while breaking the verse right before this one by shaving their beards every day (Leviticus 19:27, this verse may help one understand Orthodox Jews are little better). This is termed “legalism,” and it is the very thing that Jesus sets us free from through His death, burial, and resurrection. We have all broken the Law and stand condemned before a holy-righteous God. Unless we are clothed with His righteousness by faith, we cannot enter into His presence with unity, peace, and eternal protection. God’s laws are perfect. He expects us to carry them out for our well-being, and He has made a way for us to come back into His good graces when we transgress them. Thank God for His concern for us, broken mankind. Thank God that only He can forgive the vilest of sinners and bring them back into His Kingdom. His love never fails.

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 19:2, 18

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 18

Leviticus 18

 

-This section can be labeled “Standards for the People concerning Moral Relationships.” Because the LORD is Israel’s God, He speaks to Moses, His prophet, and directs in how to have proper family roles and responsibilities in moral issues of purity. God has high expectations for His people to fulfill His judgments and statutes. He commands them not to walk in the way of their pagan past in Egypt nor in the way of the nations that they will dispossess in Canaan. Their lives depend on doing the will of God for their well-being. In verse five, the LORD makes it clear that if any can keep His judgments and statutes they will live well by His perfect standards. Problem is, the children of Israel never could quite come up to His holiness and fulfill the Law. This is why the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ had to intervene. The perfect sacrifice for the imperfect individuals (1 Peter 3:18).  

-Uncovering the nakedness of blood relatives was prohibited. Incest with father, mother, another wife of the father, sister, another wife’s daughter, an aunt, an uncle or his wife, daughter-in-law, brother’s wife was outlawed. Relations with both a woman and her daughter were forbidden as well as the wife of the son of a woman. It was taboo to marry a sister as a rival as long as the wife was alive. A good example of why this is important can be found in Israel’s (Jacob’s) life with Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29-30). Approaching a woman in her menstrual impurity was disdained. Adultery, child sacrifices, paganistic sexual practices, homosexuality, and bestiality were all understandable abominations in the LORD’s sight that would absolutely defile them and the land they were seeking to inherit (Leviticus 18:6-25). The native and the sojourning alien among them were expected to keep these sacred Laws for purity. Any who transgressed these ethics were to “be cut off from among their people (Leviticus 18:29).” The children of Israel were given high standards to keep the charge of the LORD their God so as not to “practice any of the abominable customs which have been practiced” before them. Holiness in being set apart was leading into a new era of morality in God’s chosen people.

-*Application* The Law restrains evil, but it cannot impute righteousness once that Law is broken. Only God can restore a broken individual. He has the power through His Son’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. By His scourging we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). None of us are righteous by our own merits (Romans 3:23). God’s way is the best for any society, including our own here in America. The breakdown of our family structures could be easily reversed if we would get back to the sexual principles laid out here in the text. The biblical plan is one man for one woman for one lifetime with healthy and pure relationships with relatives, children, other people, and even animals. How far have we deteriorated from that ideal? What should be done to remedy our thinking in this area? One thing is for sure, we desperately need an awakening of the Holy Spirit to be poured out into the lives of people teaching and instructing on the proper ways to act sexually.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 18:5

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 17

Leviticus 17

 

-Chapter 17 deals more with the issue of blood for atonement and can be included in a larger section that scholars have dubbed “the holiness code,” which extends into chapter 26 of the book. This section can be summed up by Leviticus 19:2, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” With that in mind, let’s take a closer look into this issue of blood for atonement (covering).

-First, God directly gives Moses the command that an ox, goat, or lamb slaughtered inside the camp or outside the camp that has not been brought before the LORD to the doorway of the tent of meeting (the tabernacle front) will incur bloodguiltiness reckoned upon that person doing the action. That person has shed blood not of God and will be cut off from among the people (Leviticus 17:1-4). The tendency in this ancient culture was to offer individual sacrifices in open fields as a paganistic practice. This is evidenced by verse seven, “They shall no longer sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat demons with which they play the harlot.” The sacrificial system was meant to bring peace between sinful man and holy God, not to promote idolatry and false faith (Leviticus 17:5). This is why it was such a big deal to only sacrifice in the proper manner at the proper place before the LORD with His priests. So, we see the stress being placed on order and decorum here, not every man doing what he thinks is right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6). In other words, there is structure in the plan of righteous God, and no man should thwart it, whether native or alien (Leviticus 17:8).

-Next, the blood was not to be eaten by anyone in Israel or a sojourning alien that happens to be among them (Acts 15:19-21, 28-29). In fact God says that He will set His face against those that partake in this exercise of eating blood, and they shall be cut off from His people (Leviticus 17:10). Why is this the case? God says that the life is in the blood, and it has been given for the people on the altar to make atonement for their souls. The blood was identified with its life, which was shed for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28). To partake in the drinking of this type of blood was again a pagan practice. Israel was instructed to be different, separate, and distinct from its godless neighbors. The pagans who had false religious systems thought that the blood from the animal they were drinking would give them special powers of that animal such as strength, speed, keen eyesight, etc. If the Jewish people were to drink the blood, it would then ruin the symbolism of the sacrifice. The sacrifice was to instruct them on humility, not personal gain in a deceptive source of false hope. It also was designed to protect the people from infection and disease that could be carried by the sacrificed animal. This prohibition was taken seriously, and it is why many in the Jewish faith had such a strong reaction in Jesus’ symbolic reference to partake of His blood in communion (Matthew 26:27-29, Mark 14:23-25, Luke 22:20, John 6:53-56). It is easy to see how there could be misunderstandings to the foreshadowing and types that God was presenting in setting up His perfect sacrifice through His Son. Proper interpretation and application is essential.

-*Application* There are still many cultures who practice the art of drinking blood for delicacy or superstitious power. The recent phenomenon with vampires and their allure is just one example. From the time of Noah it has been a prohibition in the economy of God (Genesis 9:4), and for that fact we need to take it seriously. Perhaps we might need to get that steak a little bit more well-done J.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 17:11

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 16

Leviticus 16

 

-The Law of atonement is outlined in this chapter in the aftermath of the death of Aaron’s two sons who offered “strange fire” before the LORD (Leviticus 10:1-3; 16:1). The veil separated the holy place from the holy of holies (Exodus 26:23, Hebrews 9:3). This is what was ripped in half when Christ died for the atonement of the entire world on the cross (Matthew 27:50-51, Mark 15:37-38, Luke 23:45-46). God, Himself, made a way into His holy presence for all to unite together with Him. This is a perfect place, and the priests were given specific instructions on when to enter, how to enter, and what to wear when they entered (Leviticus 16:2-4, 17, 29). The rituals for Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) are specified with sacrifices of a bull, a ram, and a live goat. There was an additional goat to the goat of sacrifice, called the “scapegoat,” which was used to confess over the sins of Israel and then be let go out into the wilderness “by the man who stands in readiness (Leviticus 16:8, 10, 20-22).” So, these two goats represented two distinct ways that God was dealing with Israel’s sin. First, He was forgiving their sin through the shed blood of the first goat, which was a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45). Secondly, He was removing their guilt far away into the wilderness (Isaiah 53:6, Hebrews 9:13-14). This Day of Atonement was commanded as a permanent statute for the children of Israel for cleansing, humility, and rest (Leviticus 16:30-32). It was a once a year foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who would eventually make atonement (covering) for the whole world (John 3:16).

-*Application* Our covering once and forever is Jesus Christ. He took our place on the cross to set us free from the tyranny and dominion of sin and destruction into eternal life with Him in complete unity. Not only that, but He sets us free from guilt and worry. Our cleansing, our dependence, and our security all rest on His strong shoulders. He has absorbed our trespasses and healed our broken state (1 Peter 2:24).

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 16:3

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 15

Leviticus 15

 

-More cleanliness laws in regard to any discharge from the body are covered in this section of legal material. Reading through it might give one the idea that God is a hypochondriac J. The real point was to filter out impurities in the camp of Israel and give them some methods for a pure and undefiled sanitation system. Once again the priests were responsible for sacrifices at the end of these periods of discharge defilement for the atonement of the people (Leviticus 15:15, 30). There was always a way for them to return to cleanness and purity. This Law passage sheds light on the jubilation the woman who Jesus healed with a discharge must have felt (Luke 8:43-48). Healing from a situation like this was a miracle by the God of love.

-*Application* When we think about it, everything that comes out of our bodies is really gross, and consideration should be made. Even though we don’t live under this Law as Gentiles (Acts 15), good hygiene is always appreciated. Thank the LORD today for good cleaning products and warm water for baths and showers that keep us more pure than any civilization in history. Also, on a more spiritual level, we all need to come to Jesus if we are to ever be truly clean from the inside, which is much more important (Matthew 15:17-20, Mark 7:14-23). Can you imagine the business of a priest’s schedule with all these laws and rituals to fulfill in purifying approximately a million people during their sojourn in the wilderness? Christ, in a single act, provided the remedy for sin and a covering for all defilement (Hebrews 7:25-28; 9:12; 10:10, 1 Peter 3:18). He cleans us up (1 Corinthians 6:11, Hebrews 10:22, Revelation 19:6-9).

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 15:32-33

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 14

Leviticus 14

 

-This chapter continues to unpleasant nature of dealing with the leprosy diseases and the cleansing process, both for people and their dwellings, in a lengthy legal section. Once again the LORD speaks these laws for how to deal with the purifying of those affected by the outbreak. He does this with Moses and Aaron (Leviticus 14:1, 33) as God’s spokesmen prophets. The priests have the task of inspection and carrying out the rituals prescribed for atonement in these matters. They carry the weight and responsibility for taking the unclean outside the camp and destroying contaminated materials. The use of animals for sacrifice is again a stipulation. People better off financially are required to offer more, and the priests can partake of the sin offerings, burnt offerings, and grain offerings as stated previously. The blood is critical to the cleansing, and the oil is also very important. These are a foreshadowing to the work Jesus and of the Holy Spirit (Jehovah Rapha- the God who heals, Exodus 15:26). The cleansing ritual contained other spiritually significant articles such as the cedar wood, the scarlet string, hyssop, fine flour grain, and running water. Cedar is an extremely durable material and its oil content makes it highly resistant to decay (see “Leviticus: An Introduction & Commentary” by R.K. Harrison, page 150). This is a picture of strength for the healed who have come through dire circumstances to receive the blessings of the LORD. The scarlet thread would be symbolic once again of the blood and more than likely held together the hyssop. Hyssop was employed as a symbol of cleansing from sin, as David expresses so well in Psalm 51:7. The grain speaks to Jesus who is the “Bread of Life (John 6:33-35, 47-51).” He is also the “Living Water (John 4:10-14; 7:38).”

-What about the smearing of blood by the priest onto the healed person’s right ear, thumb, and big toe? This may seem strange, but it too has spiritual significance when we think about it. The ear is for hearing. The cleansed saint must hear God’s Voice. The saved must do the work of Christ as His hands and walk with Him with following feet. The right side indicates the strong side. We are strong in the power of Christ Jesus, set free from sin and cleaned up to be His servants.

-The bird being let go to new life was also symbolic (Leviticus 14:7, 53). It can go back to its nest with a new found freedom and release. A new life has been afforded. This might also parallel the ritual of the scapegoat in the Day of Atonement ceremonies (Leviticus 16:5-28). It is a picture of God’s amazing grace to release of from the dominion of sin.

-Our houses also must be cleansed for the sake of holiness and soundness. Just like mildew, mold, or disease, when the house has a disease spiritually it needs to be identified and purified with the sin dealt with effectively. Many of our homes today need some serious spiritual inspection and rebuilding.

-*Application* God’s redemptive power is seen in every part of His perfect Law. Let the LORD clean you and wash you today to become whole again in a new found freedom from sin. Holy is the LORD!

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 14:2, 57

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 13

Leviticus 13

 

-Chapter 13 discusses in unpleasant detail the tests for spotting and dealing with leprosy in the camp of Israel. The LORD speaks these directions for His chosen people directly to Moses and Aaron, the brother of Moses (Exodus 4:14, Leviticus 13:1). Leprosy is a name applied to various diseases during those days and was greatly feared because of its potential for fatality. These diseases were highly contagious. It is interesting that it was the priests who acted as doctors for determining these matters in this theocratic form of government. They were given exact things to look for in making an assessment based on the rule and omniscience of God, who knows all things well. The tests included swelling, scabs, bright spots, discoloring, and infections on the skin. They also involved boils, the coloring of hairs, and defects below the skin level. Not only were the stipulations for the bodies of men and women covered, but their garments as well. Tainted clothes with the disease were to be burned with fire thus destroying the contamination.

-Lepers who had the infections were to tear their clothes, uncover their hair of their head, cover any facial hair, and cry out to the camp, “Unclean! Unclean!”  They were to dwell outside of the camp alone to thwart the spreading of the disease (Leviticus 13:45-46). Today this may seem inhumane and ostracizing, but drastic situations called for drastic measures. If healed, the people were restored at the priests’ discretion after allowing for the proper time to inspect by God’s given Law. These practices were well in force even in Jesus’ time as denoted by accounts in the New Testament (Matthew 8:2-4, Mark 1:40-44, Luke 5:12-14; 17:11-17).

-*Application* Leprosy is often illustrated in the Bible as a type and symbol for sin. Just like leprosy, sin can be very contagious, it is absolutely destructive, and it leads to separation. The theme of holiness reigns supreme once again in this passage when we consider how this disease relates spiritually to iniquity.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 13:2

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 12

Leviticus 12

 

-Regulations for the people continue in chapter twelve with a short section on a mother’s purity after bearing a child. The LORD speaks this law to Moses who in turn gives it to the people. A woman was to be ceremonially unclean, this is not to say that she had sinned in bearing a child, for seven days after having a son, two weeks (14 days) after having a daughter (Leviticus 12:2, 5). This uncleanness was as the uncleanness of her menstruation period, which had certain laws (Leviticus 15:19-24). After seven days and on the eighth day, the male was to be circumcised as a covenant promise to the LORD (Genesis 17:8-14). This was a sign that the child was a part of the people of God. The purification was complete for the mother after 33 days of not touching any consecrated thing nor entering the sanctuary with a male and 66 days with a female (Leviticus 12:4-5). When the days of her purification were completed, for a son or for a daughter, she was to present to the priest at the doorway of the tent of meeting a one year old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon for a sin offering. These were offered to the LORD for her cleansing atonement due to the blood she had issued from her body during the birth process. A provision was made here for those who could not afford a lamb, two turtledoves or two young pigeons for the burnt and sin offerings (Leviticus 12:6-8). This is the reason we can formally say that Mary and Joseph were not well off financially at the time of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:22-24).

-*Application* Giving birth to a miraculous human creation of God is an arduous process whether it was thousands of years ago or currently. The key thing for us to remember here today is that our children are a gift from God, and we need to take care in how we present them to our Sovereign LORD to give them every chance for receiving His promises (Psalm 127:3, 2 Peter 1:4). The Bible teaches us to train up our children in the way that they should go so that they don’t depart the faith (Proverbs 22:6). While this is a proverb (a general truth) and not a promise (a guarantee) because of our children’s free will decisions, we can provide for them the truth which hopefully they will grab onto and hold by faith for their eternal well-being (2 Corinthians 1:20-22). Consecrate yourselves as parents in these modern, difficult days to make your home a sanctuary and a place where they can learn all of the goodness of Jesus Christ as their God.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 12:7

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 11

Leviticus 11

 

-This section jumps back into instructions for the people after a short narrative break in chapter ten. Chapter eleven gives the children of Israel dietary restrictions for the health and holiness of their nation (Leviticus 11:45-47). From this list we can discern foods that are good for us to eat from the animal kingdom. These include the cud chewing animals that divide the hoof: cows, sheep (lamb), goats, deer, to name some. Winged animals that are not scavengers, which include chickens, pheasants, quail, turkeys, and the like. Fish with fins and scales are fine to devour, which include catfish, salmon, grouper, tilapia, sharks, as well as many others. Insects are permitted to be consumed too, as long as they have “jointed legs with which to jump on the earth (Leviticus 11:21).” Among those listed are “the locust in its kinds, the cricket in its kinds, and the grasshopper in its kinds (Leviticus 11:22).” That’s an impressive list to choose from and should keep us satisfied.

-However, there were some foods declared unclean and outlawed from consumption. The animals that did not both divide the hoof and chew the cud were restricted. These include the camel, the shaphan (rock badger, coney), the rabbit, and the pig (swine). In the sea and rivers, crustaceans and anything else without fins or scales was outlawed. So long lobster, crawfish, and crab meat, and oysters for example. Scavenger birds and predators are negated. These involve by list: the eagle, the vulture, the buzzard, the kite, the falcon, the raven, the ostrich, the owl, the sea gull, the hawk, the cormorant, the pelican, the stork, the heron, the hoopoe, and the bat. Swarming things (reptiles and rodents) and insects that are winged and walk on all fours were to be detested and declared unclean. Also, whatever walks on its paws, like felines and canines, were abominable to eat for food.

-Details were given to wash away uncleanness when carcasses of these unlawful animals, and even some live ones, were touched or came in contact with various things. The point was to consecrate themselves holy before the LORD in His desires for cleanness. God makes distinction in these matters for good reason.

-*Application* Good science also supports the clean verses the unclean designations for animals that can and cannot be eaten. God knows the make-up of man and what he needs for nutrition and longevity. He is great and completely loving to give us these food laws for soundness and well-being. Applying these rules, even though they were relaxed with Christ Jesus’ greater understanding in the New Testament dispensation (Mark 7:18-19, Acts 10; 15), help us to avoid contamination and corruption in our physical bodies. Any study that you want to examine will verify that the following of these eating patterns produces the healthiest way to live. Why question God? He’s got all the answers from the get go.

 

Verses to Memorize: Leviticus 11:45-47

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 10

Leviticus 10

 

-The sin of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, kicks off the tenth chapter. They were condemned and burned to death for offering “strange fire” (zuwr- strange, forbidden, unlawful, completely different) before the LORD (Leviticus 10:1-2). The point was that those who come near the holy God must be holy and follow exactly what He commanded of them. No imperfections were allowed to enter His presence. God cannot stand for sin or doing things in a profane way. “Before all the people I will be honored” God says (Leviticus 10:3b). Aaron’s response was silence in the presence of God’s all-consuming fire. Moses was able to speak and called the sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, Mishael and Elzaphan, to carry their relatives outside the camp. Further, Moses commanded to Aaron and his remaining sons that they not uncover (or unbind) their heads nor tear their clothes in mourning. Otherwise, they would also die and the whole congregation be punished in the wrath of Almighty God (Leviticus 10:6). They were warned not to leave from the doorway of the tent of meeting; else, they would perish for the LORD’s anointing oil was upon them. Thankfully, they obeyed the commands of the LORD and things settled into a conversation between God and Aaron. When the LORD spoke to His priest, He commanded him, along with his sons, as a perpetual statute not to drink wine or strong drink. This was for the purpose of them not dying and to make a distinction between the holy and the profane, the clean and the unclean. They were also instructed to teach these statutes which the LORD spoke through Moses (Leviticus 10:7-10). Finally, Moses spoke again to Aaron again and had him and his surviving sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, take the grain offering that was left over from the LORD’s offerings by fire and eat it unleavened by the most holy altar. It was their due out of the sacrifices of the peace offerings of the sons of Israel. Also, the thigh offered by lifting up and the breast offered by waving was to be brought along with the offerings by fire of the portions of fat was due them “just as the LORD has commanded (Leviticus 10:12-15).” Moses searched carefully for the goat of the sin offering at this point discovering that it had been erroneously burned up, which made him angry with Aaron’s surviving sons. He was angry because this was a most holy offering that they did not eat according to the command of the LORD given to them as a ritual to bear away the guilt of the congregation, “to make atonement for them before the LORD (Leviticus 10:16-17).” The blood had not been brought inside to the sanctuary like it was supposed to be done and it should have been eaten in the sanctuary as Moses had commanded at the LORD’s direction. However, when Aaron spoke to Moses about the honest intentions of their efforts and the understandable fear that they had in the processes, Moses relented and what had been done “seemed good in his sight (Leviticus 10:18-20).” I believe Moses did this because he understood that the surviving sons were simply afraid and upset over what has just happened to their brothers, and that they were not trying to willingly disobey God.

-*Application* Until we come to the Father with the proper respect level, we should expect His justifiable wrath and judgment on the sin and uncleanness of our lives. Again we see here that God does not take disobedience in His presence lightly. We must be perfect to enter His throne of grace. How then can the New Testament writers speak of coming “with confidence” or “boldly” before Him in this way (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19 [NASB & KJV], 1 John 4:17)? The blood atonement of Jesus helps answer that question which is applied by the faith of the believer. We die to our sinful selves and live again in the resurrection power of the Christ who died in our place. God’s judgment was applied to His Son for our benefit. This is amazing grace and unsurpassed love demonstrated to relieve us of our unclean guilt and bring about our personal atonement (i.e.- forgiveness). By God’s grace and mercy alone are we saved! We don’t deserve it; we cannot earn it. It is a free gift of God (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9). The obedience of trust then becomes our key point to consider in today’s meditation on God’s perfect and infallible Word from Leviticus 10.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 10:1-2

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 9

Leviticus 9

 

-Here we see the diligent preparation and obedient following of the LORD’s instruction resulting in the demonstration of the LORD’s glory among the people. Moses, Aaron, his sons, and the elders of Israel were called together to perform these ordained sacrifices before the LORD in solemn array. The sin offering, the burnt offering, the peace offering, the grain offering, and the wave offering were all included for the sole purpose that the “glory of the LORD may appear (Leviticus 9:6, 23).” When He saw that they had complied with every one of His commands, He appeared in fire as the human instruments (Moses and Aaron) came out from the tent of meeting to bless the people. His consuming glory resounded upon them, and they could do nothing more than shout and fall on their faces in worship, stunned and astounded.

-*Application* When God calls us, He will have specific instructions for us to carry out. Patience and diligence will be required. It’s a step by step process. Don’t get lazy in the instruction phase. Submission to every detail ensures the appearing of His glory in your life and ministry. Do you want people to be astounded and give all praise to your King when they see what He is doing through you? Take care of the daily routines and procedures that will cultivate faithfulness and dependency upon the Almighty. He will appear! Don’t side step the everyday duty to obey.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 9:23

Bible Study Notes in Leviticus- Chapter 8

Leviticus 8

 

-This sections begins the consecration and ordination process for the priests, Aaron and his sons. The LORD directs Moses, and he faithfully and carefully follows every one of His directives in a very public display of faith before the door at the tent of meeting of the tabernacle out in the wilderness near Mt. Sinai. The ceremony involves clothing the priests after they had been washed with water and come near (a shadow and type of baptism). The clothes included the tunic girded with sash, a robe, the ephod and its artistic band, the breastplate, the Urim and Thummim ('Uwriym – lights, Tummiym –perfections, an obscure method of hearing from the LORD in decision making), and the turban for the head with the golden plated holy crown at its front. Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it; He consecrated them. Oil was sprinkled on the altar seven times (the number of perfection). Then, Aaron’s head was anointed with oil for the consecration of his holy work before the LORD. His sons were also consecrated, clothed, and anointed just as the LORD had commanded Moses. A bull for the sin offering was slaughtered with its blood properly applied around the horns of the altar for purification, and then the rest was poured at the base of the altar thus consecrating it, to make atonement for it. The fat was burned, every part of it, and the hide, flesh, and refuse was burned in the fire outside the camp, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Next, a ram was sacrificed in basically the same manner as the bull according to the command of the LORD as a soothing aroma in smoke. A second ram was killed for the ram of ordination as Aaron and his sons again, as the two sacrifices before, laid their hands on the head of this animal as Moses slaughtered it. The blood was applied to their right ear lobe, thumb of the right hand, and big toe of their right foot. The rest of the blood was sprinkled around on the altar. After this Moses took the fat of the tail, the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys, and the right thigh and combined them with the proper preparation of unleavened bread mixed with oil, a cake and a wafer, to put these on Aaron’s and his sons hands as a wave offering before the LORD. These were offered up in smoke on the altar with the burnt offering. They were an ordination offering for a smooth aroma by fire unto the LORD (Leviticus 8:28). Moses also took the breast of the animal and presented as a wave offering before the LORD as his portion of the ram of ordination by God’s command. The anointing of oil and the blood which was on the altar was sprinkled on Aaron and his sons along with their garments. And then, they were allowed to boil the flesh at the doorway of the tent of meeting and eat it there together with the bread which was in the basket of the ordination offering. The remainder of the flesh and the bread was burned with fire according to the command. They then remained inside the doorway for seven days to fulfill their ordination before the LORD. This was a serious command unto life and for the purpose of making atonement on their behalf in keeping the charge of the LORD (Leviticus 8:33-35). “Thus Aaron and his sons did all the things which the LORD had commanded through Moses (Leviticus 8:36).”

-*Application* The key point today for us to consider is this: Are we doing all the things that the LORD has commanded of us? The first step to that is a relationship through Jesus Christ, His Son (John 14:6). Water baptism is commanded (Acts 2:38; 22:16). The ordinance of communion is a command (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). Love is absolutely required along with ever increasing faith (Hebrews 11:6, 1 John 4:7). To share our faith with the whole world is our commission (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15). Each and every one of us has a call and purpose to fulfill in life that only God has ordained (2 Timothy 4:5). We are told to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Gathering with believers is essential (Hebrews 10:25). The list could go on and on, but it all comes down to the heart. These Old Testament priests fulfilled their requirements to the letter of the law in tremendous fashion. This was a remarkable feat when we consider all the requirements of do’s and don’ts. They knew what God wanted from them and carefully walked that out publicly. They are an example for us in diligence as we are led by the Holy Spirit, completing our followship and discipleship with our King.

 

Verse to Memorize: Leviticus 8:36