LEVITICUS
Introduction
Leviticus is the third book of the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament), and it was the
first book studied by a Jewish child; yet is often among the last books of the Bible to be studied
by a modern-day Christian. However, a book with about 40 New Testament references should be
of great significance to every Christian. Apart form the question of the typological (see definition
below) significance of Levitical sacrifices, the Book of Leviticus contains extensive revelation
concerning the character of God – especially His holiness but also His electing love and grace. It
also provides many rich lessons concerning the holy life that God expects of His people. Many
New Testament passages, including some key concepts in the Epistle to the Hebrews, cannot be
evaluated (or read) properly without a clear understanding of their counterparts in the Book of
Leviticus.
• Typological: Differing from a symbol or allegory, a typology is a representation of an
actual, historical reference. According to Christian interpretation, biblical typology deals
with the parallels between actual, historical Old Testament figures or events with the
New Testament.
The Titles of the Book
The title “Leviticus” comes from the Greek Leuitikon, an adjective used by the translators of the
Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) as the title of the book because it pertains to
priestly ceremonies and institutions. The Hebrew title is simply wayyiqrā´, “and He called” (the
first word in 1:1).
Authorship and Date
Though the author is not specifically identified in the book, Moses should be accepted as its
author for several key reasons:
1. The content of the book was revealed to Moses at Sinai (7:37-38; 26:46; 27:34) and
mostly to or thorough Moses (1:1; 4:1; 6:1, 8, 19, 24; 7:22; 8:1; etc.), so he is most
likely the one who would record these divine revelations.
2. The book is the sequel to Exodus which specifically claims Moses as its author
(Exodus 17:14; 24:4, 7; 34:27-28).
3. Jesus affirmed Moses as author (Matthew 8:4; Mark 1:44; cf. Leviticus 14:2-32).
Thus, most scholars conclude that Leviticus was written by Moses shortly after the
composition of Exodus in the second half of the 15th century B.C.
Liberal scholarship does deny Mosaic authorship, and resources below are listed for further study
in this area.
