Leviticus: Bible Commentary

The Book of Leviticus is widely misunderstood, and is often ridiculed or dismissed by both ignorant Christians and atheists. A major obstacle is to think that all of Leviticus only applies to the Israelites. In reality there are two categories of text in the book - 'Local' Laws which applied only to the Jews, and 'Universal' Laws that apply to all people of all backgrounds until the end of time. Those who laugh at Leviticus simply have no idea how to read the text! Most of the laws were given to make the people unique, so they did not copy the pagan nations around them. From the way the men grew their beards, to the way they sacrificed animals, to how they dealt with diseases and home hygiene. And the positions of High Priest and priest were far more serious than any pastor experiences today. Even with Israelite-only laws, there is a vast range of divine and spiritual principles that can teach modern Christians a great deal.