In Leviticus we have instruction as to how the children of Israel were to approach unto God. It was to be in the directed way, in a suited state, and through one of God’s appointed priests.
In considering this book, it is good to remember the contrasts drawn in the book of Hebrews: “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect” (Heb. 10:11For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (Hebrews 10:1)). In Leviticus we have beautiful pictures of the sacrificial and priestly work of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In chapters 1-6, we have the five offerings: the burnt offering, the meat offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering. Beginning at verse 8 of chapter 6, through to the end of chapter 7, we find the laws governing their observance—here the peace offering comes last.
The peace offering was not atoning. Rather, it was the outcome of one having been blessed—the response of the heart in worship. Part was accepted of God, part was food for the priest and his sons, while the offerer also partook of the sacrifice. It was enjoyed together in joint communion.
In chapters 8 through 10 we have the priesthood of Aaron and his sons. Chapters 11 Through 15 show us man by nature and practice. In these chapters, we find the law of the leper. Leprosy is sin producing an unclean condition through its insidious working
In chapter 16 we have the Day of Atonement. The two goats present the double aspect of the atoning work of Christ. In the first goat we see God’s holy and righteous character vindicated, enabling Him to be propitious (merciful) to the whole world. The scapegoat, on the other hand, speaks of Christ bearing our sins—“who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (Rom. 4:2525Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)). The one speaks of propitiation (Rom. 3:2525Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25)), the other of substitution.
In chapter 23 we have the seven feasts of Jehovah. In these feasts we see pictured God’s dealings with man, and in particular Israel, from the death of the Lord Jesus Christ to His millennial kingdom.
“Christ our passover is sacrificed for us” (1 Cor. 5:77Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (1 Corinthians 5:7)). In the first fruits of harvest we have the resurrection—on the day after the Sabbath. “Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:2020But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:20)). In the feast of weeks (Pentecost) we see foreshadowed the descent of the Holy Spirit and the formation of the Church (Acts 2). Between this feast and the last three there is a break (verse 22) in which the stranger comes into blessing. In the Feast of Trumpets we have the awakening of Israel, their restoration in the Day of Atonement, and finally their millennial blessing with the feast of booths.
The last three chapters give us “the commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai” (Lev. 27:34,34These are the commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel in mount Sinai. (Leviticus 27:34) compare 1:1). Befitting Sinai, they present the claims of God in government.