The content of Leviticus seems to spring naturally from the content presented at the end of Exodus, primarily about priestly activities in worship. This ties Leviticus into the continuous structure of the Pentateuch.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
There is some debate about chapters 17-27 as a potential insertion but there seems to be general agreement that Leviticus is a cohesive unit placed appropriately in the time line after the construction of the tabernacle.
LITERARY ANALYSIS
- Genre - consistent with the Penteteuch as instructional history, containing a focus on narrative law.
- Structure - details are spelled out on pp. 75-76
I Sacrificial Laws 1.1-7.38
II Priestly Narrative 8.1-10.20
III Laws to Protect Ritual Cleanness 11.1-16.34
IV Holiness Code 17-27
- Style - clear and simple structure, less literary interest than most of the Old Testament
THEOLOGICAL MESSAGE
Leviticus focuses on the holiness of God and the practicum of hte sacrificial system. It appears that the meaning of the sacrifices was already understood as there is little emphasis on the meaning.
(p. 77) "It is the death of the sacrificial victim that renders the rite effective, and the manipulation of the blood highlights the death that stands in the place of the sinner who offers it."
There is a strong emphasis on purity. God is concerned with purity in all life categories. There is also an emphasis on living a distinctive life within defined boujndaries.
APPROACHING THE NEW TESTAMENT
Jesus is the perfect High Priest, the perfect sacrifice.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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