Historical context of Leviticus

Who wrote Leviticus, when, and to whom — and how that shapes the way we read it today.

Author

Moses

Date written

c. 1446-1406 BC

Original audience

Israel at Sinai.

Genre

Law

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

27

Background and setting

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

Why it matters today

Understanding the world Leviticus was written into helps us read it on its own terms — and apply it faithfully to our lives now. God spoke through real people, in real history, for the lasting good of His people in every generation.

Read the overview of Leviticus or jump into chapter 1.