The Book of Leviticus contains the law of the priests of the tribe of Levi hence the name Leviticus from the Greek version of the Hebrew Old Testament which designated te books according to their contents. This book is taken up almost completely with legislation.
It is the liturgical book of the Old Testament comparable to our Pontifical Ceremonial, or Ritual. Scripture scholars refer to it as a prime example of the Priestly Tradition of material that was handed down from generation to generation either orally or in written form. Leviticus was not given its final form until after he Exile but it contains elements of the greatest antiquity (food laws, prescriptions for legal purity, ceremonial for the Day of Atonement). Older regulations from the Mosaic period appear mixed in with later directives which resulted from changing circumstances. However, the main source of material is from the time of Moses.
The Book of Exodus ends with the construction of the tabernacle and the preparation of the liturgical instruments, ornaments, and the fixtures. The Book of Leviticus follows logically, although it interrupts the narration of the sojourn in the desert. It is not easy reading. One can compare it to a modern-day civil or ecclesiastical law book. The main interest for the ordinary reader could perhaps be the spirit behind the book which set up such definite rules and regulations for the purity and sanctity of those who serve God. Indeed, such an attitude s a lesson for all times. These rules and regulations can be compared to the rivets that hold together a steel structure. In the case of a people like the Semites in the desert, the rules succeeded in preserving them as a distinct people who eventually reached the Promised Land and continue in existence even to our own day.
If we are dismayed at the seemingly excessive concern for washing and cleanliness throughout Leviticus, we must recall that the people were never devastated by a plague. This ritual cleanliness resulted in exceptional sanitary conditions.
The Book of Leviticus contains twenty-seven chapters. There are four main sections with the last chapter forming an appendix on vows and tithes.
Chapters 1-7 include laws pertaining to sacrifice;
Chapters 8-10 describe the consecration of priests;
Chapters 11-16 cover purification and atonement;
Chapters 17-26 contain the “Law of Holiness.”
Regulations for sacrifice are of primary importance in Leviticus.
In general, there are three main types of sacrifice:
1. Gift offerings, in which the entire victim is given to the deity;
2. Communion offerings in which part of the victim is given to the deity and part is left to the enjoyment of the worshippers;
3. Passover, a meal in which the entire victim is eaten by the worshippers. The Sacrifice of the Mass, instituted by Christ at the Last Supper, which was a Passover feast, is of this third type.
A study of Leviticus reveals many interesting points. For example, we celebrate jubilees of all kinds. In Leviticus 25:8-22, we read about the establishment of the Year of Jubilee. The word jubilee is derived from the Hebrew yobel meaning `ram`s horn` which was used as a trumpet to usher in this special year. During this year, special concessions were made to people in debt and to slaves. The Church has taken over the custom and given it a spiritual significance through the periodical `Holy Year` in which special opportunities are offered to Christians to gain remission of their debt to God.
Christ was very careful to observe the various Jewish feasts including the Feast of Tabernacles. In Leviticus 23:33-44, we read the regulations for proper observance of this feast. The New Testament writings contain references to customs, regulations, laws, observances of feasts and fasts which are set down, for the most part, in this book. Brief references at times connote an abundance of symbolism and imagery. For example, “Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15;20). Christ rose from the dead on the day when the people would be offering to Yahweh in the Temple the first-fruits of their harvest. This offering consecrates and sanctifies the entire harvest. Christ, the first one to rise from the dead, consecrates and sanctifies the entire harvest of other human beings who pass through death and, united with Him, also rise with Him. Leviticus 23:10-22 is one place that speaks of first-fruits.