Good evening. Tonight we are going to begin our discussion of the book of Leviticus. And if we can, I would like for us to cover the first 7 chapters. Now, before you go crazy, the first 7 chapters deal mainly with 5 offerings that the Israelites were to make, and there really isn’t a lot to discuss. So we will just take a look at each of those sections, and mainly see what they say. But before we get to the chapters, let’s do a little of an intro to the book of Leviticus.
As we are doing that, allow me to begin with a word of prayer. Let’s Pray!
To begin, does anyone know who the author of this book is? (Moses)
How about when was it written? (Probably around 1440 B.C.)
And to whom was it written?
Well, God wanted the people of Israel to have instructions for their social and religious life. The book of Leviticus provided them the means to live with each other, and with Him.
So, here is the historical setting of the book of Leviticus. Moses has led Israel out of Egypt and into the desert. There, at the foot of Mount Sinai, they built the tabernacle to worship God in. While they waited for orders to march toward the Promised Land, God gave these instructions so that the Levites could properly lead worship. In Exodus, instructions were given for the construction of the Tabernacle. Here in Leviticus, regulations are given for how to worship and how to conduct offerings in the Tabernacle.
At this time, allow me to read for you the introduction to the book of Leviticus from my commentary. The intro says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, as we move into the first 7 chapters, does anyone have any questions or anything that they would like to add about the introduction?
Well, if there is nothing, we will go ahead and move into the first chapter. Here in chapter 1, we read about The Burnt Offering. Whoever has the first key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 1:1-17)
The elements that are used in a Burnt Offering were: bulls, ram or a male bird, and each could have no defect. Now the purpose of this offering is that it was a voluntary act of worship, it could be for an atonement of sin, or an expression of commitment and devotion to God.
Why do you think that God chose “animal sacrifices” to restore broken relationships?
Regarding all of these offerings that we will look at today, what do all the numerous instructions imply about the importance of each offering?
At this time, allow me to share with you what the commentary has to say about chapter 1. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will go ahead and take a look at chapter 2. In chapter 2 of Leviticus, we are reading about The Grain Offering. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that text for us please. (READ 2:1-16)
Well, the elements to the Grain Offering were: grain, fine flour, olive oil, incense, baked bread, salt, and it could contain no yeast or honey. It’s purpose was that it was a voluntary act of worship, it was also a recognition of God’s goodness and provision.
At this time, let me go ahead and read for you what the commentary has to say about this chapter. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if that is all, we will go ahead and move on to take a look at chapter 3. In chapter 3 we are reading about The Fellowship Offering. At this time, whoever has the next key, can go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 3:1-17)
Once again, the elements for the Fellowship Offering were: any animal without defect from herd or flock, variety of breads. And the purpose of this offering was that it was a voluntary act of worship, it went along with the idea of thanksgiving and fellowship, and usually included a communal meal.
At this time, allow me to go ahead and read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 3 as a whole. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on to the next chapter, does anyone have anything to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will go ahead and take a look offering. It is the Sin Offering, and it begins here in chapter 4, and carries over into chapter 5 as well. So, whoever has the next 2 keys, go ahead and read those. (READ 4:1-26, 4:27-5:13)
Now, the elements to the Sin Offering were: a young bull for the priests and congregation, male goat for the leaders, female goat or lamb for the commoner, a dove or pigeon for the poor, or a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for the very poor. Now this offering was mandatory atonement for specific unintentional sin. It was a way of confession, and gaining forgiveness of sin. It was the cleansing from defilement.
How would you define “unintentional sin”?
How is your definition supported by the examples listed in 5:1-4?
Leviticus repeats the phrase, “an aroma pleasing to the Lord.” Why do you think it pleases Him?
Well, at this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary had to say about chapter 4. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add before we move on?
Well, if that is all, let’s go ahead and take a look at the Guilt Offering. It can be found in the end of chapter 5, through the first part of chapter 6. Whoever has that next key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 5:14-6:7)
Well, the Guilt Offering elements were: a ram or a lamb. It was a mandatory atonement for unintentional sin that required restitution. It would also be accompanied by a 20% fine.
For what kind of sins is restitution possible and therefore required?
At this time, allow me to read the commentary for chapter 5. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we move on and take a look at the rest of chapter 6, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, we will go ahead and take a look at the rest of chapter 6. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that for us. (READ 5:8-30)
Well, the commentary combines chapters 6 and 7, so I will hold off on reading what the commentary has to say. But before we take a look at chapter 7, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing, we will take a look at the first part of chapter 7. Whoever has the next key, go ahead and read that now. (READ 7:1-21)
How has the believer’s relationship with God been affected by the blood of Christ’s sacrifice?
What does it mean to be, “Cut off from his people…”?
When you are particularly thankful to God, how do you show it?
Does anyone have anything that they would like to add from that section?
Well, if that is all, we will go ahead and take a look at the last part of chapter 7. Whoever has the last key, go ahead and read that for us please. (READ 7:22-38)
Does anything stick out to you from that passage that you would like to discuss?
At this time, allow me to read for you what the commentary had to say about chapters 6 and 7. It says, (READ COMMENTARY)
Now, before we close this evening, does anyone have anything that they would like to add?
Well, if there is nothing else, for next time, we will take a look at chapters 8, 9, and 10.
Announcements/Prayer Concerns Let’s Pray!
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