Introduction To Leviticus

Jewish tradition has given a very honored place to the Book of Leviticus because it contains a significant number of laws and commandments by which Judaism defines its life and practice. Six hundred and thirteen commandments have been identified in the Pentateuch, which are binding in Israel. Some 247 of these occur in Leviticus. The early rabbinic commentators of the Talmud spent many hours and volumes examining the meaning of the statements in Leviticus and establishing practical ways in which they still could be observed many centuries after they were written down. The learned teachers of the law in the first centuries after Christ (from about 70 to 500 AD). Never tired debating the myriad ways of understanding the legal materials in Leviticus and elsewhere. This may seem particularly surprising since nearly all of the laws of sacrifice that fill the first quarter of the Book of Leviticus had been rendered impossible to perform by the Roman conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD. It indicates, however, how richly diverse the contents of this book, that even with the in ability to perform so many of its commands, it still remains the most important statement of Law for Judaism.
It is also important to recall that in Judaism, Torah (Law) does not have the narrow and constricting meaning of Law in modern society. “Torah” means teaching or way and it can be best understood as a means of expressing ourselves before God as a faithful and obedient son or daughter. Law for the Jew is always linked to joy. Following God’s law means a happy and contented person: Look at Psalm 119. Psalm 119 continues like this for another 173 verses. Most modern day Christians are repulsed at the idea of animal sacrifices or what should be eaten or not eaten or the topic of the purity or impurity of bodily functions.
To appreciate Leviticus, we need to reflect on its message on two levels. First, we can explore what religious insight and meaning the various laws and practices had for an ancient Israelite. Second, we can look at the major themes it treats in terms of how they reveal the enduring character and purpose of God, which gave direction and vitality to Israel’s fidelity and witness throughout the centuries, and that have become central to Christianity’s own teaching. AN example of this would be the idea of sacrifice. Without knowing the central role of sacrifice in Leviticus as a means of relating to God, the meaning of Jesus’ own death and the explanation of the Eucharist would be seriously weakened and perhaps incomprehensible.
Leviticus has really two major divisions that are quite different in spirit. Chapters 1-16 give regulations for matters that are handled directly by the priests. Chapters 17-27 treat the larger social areas of community behavior and public worship. Both of these areas express the spiritual heart of living within the covenant.
All of the laws in both sections of Leviticus seem to be a part of what separates the sacred from the ordinary. God is holy and not to be treated in just any old way. Judaism and Christianity have always made the transcendence of God a first priority. In other words both Jews and Christians recognize the gulf that divides us as creatures from the one who creates. Certain moments of our lives and certain n activities (such as the sacraments) highlight this difference. Humans enter into the realm of the sacred that is set apart on a holy day or in a holy place or by a consecrated holy person (priest). Certain features of our being too are holy, such as sexuality, birth and death, because they are at the heart of the mystery of Divine creation and Divine control over existence. They are to be treated with special reverence. Exodus covered the making of all necessary sacred objects and some ordination rites; Leviticus concentrates on how Israel is to act according to holy principles.
Chapter 17-25 deal in particular with acting according to holy principals. This section is called “The Holiness Code” and it has become the model for modern day legal and ethical systems. They established Israel as a nation living under the law both legal and liturgical with God as its leader.
In Hebrew, the Book of Leviticus is called Vayikra, which means, “He called”. This title shows the full nature of this fascinating book being a call to holiness by God to all of his people over all time.


TA
2/24/10