Old Testament · Law

The Book of Leviticus

How a holy God can dwell with a sinful people.

Leviticus details the sacrifices, priesthood, and laws of purity that allow a holy God to dwell among His people — all pointing forward to Christ.

Author and background of Leviticus

Author

Moses

Date written

c. 1446-1406 BC

Original audience

Israel at Sinai.

Given at Sinai after the tabernacle was built, Leviticus equips Israel to live in covenant nearness to God.

Major themes of Leviticus

The theology of Leviticus centers on god's character and glory and sin, grace, and redemption. Trace these threads as you read.

God's character and glory

Every page reveals more of who God is — His holiness, mercy, and steadfast love.

Sin, grace, and redemption

Scripture diagnoses our brokenness honestly and points us to the rescue God provides.

Covenant and promise

God binds Himself to His people in faithful, unbreakable promises fulfilled in Christ.

Worship and obedience

Faith expresses itself in a life of worship, repentance, and joyful obedience.

Key characters in Leviticus

Moses

Mediator who receives the law.

Aaron and his sons

Priestly family.

Nadab & Abihu

Warning against irreverent worship.

Every chapter of Leviticus explained

Verse-by-verse explanations and reflections for every chapter of Leviticus — ideal for personal study, devotionals, and small group discussion.

Key verses from Leviticus

"Be holy, for I am holy."
Leviticus 11:44
Read Leviticus 11:44 in context
"It is the blood that makes atonement by the life."
Leviticus 17:11
Read Leviticus 17:11 in context

How to apply Leviticus today

Leviticus is not just history — it is God's Word for your life this week. Try these practical steps:

  • Read prayerfully, asking the Spirit to teach and convict you.
  • Identify one truth about God and one truth about yourself in every chapter.
  • Look for Christ — every book testifies of Him (Luke 24:27).
  • Turn what you read into prayer and obedience this week.

Pray Leviticus back to God

  • Father, open my eyes to behold wondrous things in Your Word (Ps. 119:18).
  • Lord, give me a soft heart that trembles at Your Word (Isa. 66:2).
  • Spirit of God, conform me to Christ as I read.
  • Help me to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only (James 1:22).

Study Leviticus more deeply

Explore themes, characters, historical context, application guides, and devotionals built for Leviticus.

Keep going · Amazon picks

Go deeper into Leviticus on Amazon

Hand-picked search shortcuts to trusted commentaries, study Bibles, and devotionals on Leviticus. Purchases through these links support this ministry at no extra cost to you.

Affiliate disclosure: The product links below are paid affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure.

  • Commentaries on Leviticus

    Trusted verse-by-verse commentaries on Leviticus.

    Buy on Amazon

    Ships from Amazon · Prime eligible titles

  • Leviticus Bible study

    Small-group and personal study guides on Leviticus.

    Buy on Amazon

    Ships from Amazon · Prime eligible titles

  • Leviticus devotional

    Devotionals shaped by Leviticus.

    Buy on Amazon

    Ships from Amazon · Prime eligible titles

Links open a curated Amazon search — prices, editions, and availability are shown on Amazon.

Leviticus — frequently asked questions

+Who wrote the book of Leviticus?

Moses — written around c. 1446-1406 BC.

+What is the main message of Leviticus?

How a holy God can dwell with a sinful people.

+How many chapters are in Leviticus?

Leviticus has 27 chapters.

+Who was Leviticus written to?

Israel at Sinai.

+What are the key themes of Leviticus?

God's character and glory; Sin, grace, and redemption; Covenant and promise; Worship and obedience.