Overview
Leviticus answers a question Exodus raises: now that God dwells among his people, how can sinful people live near a holy God? Its laws about sacrifice, priesthood, and purity all circle one idea — holiness — and the costly seriousness of approaching God.
For Christian readers, its endless sacrifices point forward to the one perfect sacrifice of Christ, who makes us clean once and for all.
Key themes
The holiness of God
God is holy, and his people are called to reflect that holiness in every part of life.
Sacrifice and atonement
Sin is serious and costly; blood must be shed for it to be covered.
Drawing near
The whole system exists so that a holy God and his people can dwell together.
Key verses from Leviticus
Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.
The command that sums up the whole book.
thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
How to read Leviticus
Read it looking for what it teaches about God's holiness and mercy.
See the sacrifices as pointing forward to Christ's once-for-all offering.
Don't rush to apply every law; ask what each reveals about God.