How to Study Leviticus

General Instruction

• 1. As you read Leviticus watch for the verses that attribute the authorship of this book to Moses. When you come across those references, record them under "Author" on the Structure of Leviticus chat.

  2. Read Exodus 40:17, 32-38 and Leviticus 1:1-2 and note the uninterrupted transition from one book to the other. Then compare Numbers 1:1 with these verses. As you do this you will see that the book of Leviticus covers a period of one month,

  3. As you read through Leviticus one chapter at a time, do the following:

     1. 1.   Ask the "5 W's and an H": Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? For example: Who is do what? When are they to do it? How are they to do it? Why? What if they didn't know why? Questions that interrogate the text help you see what is being said.

        2. Mark the key repeated words: the Lord spoke to Moses saying, offering, tabernacle (ten of meeting), fat, law, restitution, sacrifice, anoint, sin (iniquity), death (die), blood,  atonement, consecrate, holy, covenant, land (when it refers to that given by God), sabbath, jubilee.  You will find it helpful to list these key words on an index card that you can use as a bookmark while you study Leviticus. Also watch for any other key words that might be used in that particular chapter. If you gain insights from marking these words, list pertinent insights in your notebook.

        3. Record the main theme or subject of the chapter on Structure of Leviticus.

        4. You may want to summarize the main points or the order of events covered in the chapter. 

        5. Record any new insights about the character and ways of God. You could identify your insights on God with this symbol ∆ and then color it yellow, which would make it easy to recognize.   

• • 1. Chapter 1-7

• 4. As you read chapter 1 through 7, which give instructions regarding the various sacrifices or offerings, mark the text as instructed under "General Instructions" and then record what you learn about each of the offerings on the chart The "Offerings and their Purposes"

  5. Watch what God says about unintentional sin, guilt, and restitution. Note what is to be done when a leader sins and when the congregation sins. Mark in the text.

         Chapter 8-10

    This segments covers the consecration of Aaron and his sons. Add ordination, eat, clean, and unclean to your key word list. In chapter 10 note what happened, why it happened, and who was involved. Chapter 10 has the first reference in the Bible to God's holiness.

        Chapter 11:15

       This segment deals with laws of cleanliness. In the margin record what each law covers. For example: food, women, infections, etc. mark leprosy and discharge as key words.

        Chapter 16-17

    These chapters cover the day of atonement and regulations regarding the blood of the sacrifice.

• 1. In the margin of chapter 16 or  in your notebook carefully outline what is to be done on the day of atonement. Note what you learn about scapegoat. 

  2. Note the regulations in chapter 17 regarding sacrifices and blood.

        Chapters 18-27

    This segment lays out status on issues regarding moral laws, the priests, the celebration of annual feast, the land, etc.

• 1. As you read chapter, in the margin list the main topics or situations.

  2. In moral laws are given, note the consequences of breaking the laws and the reason for the consequences.

  3. In chapter 23 note the feasts, when they are to be celebrated, and how. When you finish studying the chapter, consult chart chart The Feasts of Israel.

  4. Give special attention to any mention of the land-its sabbath rest, principles of redemption, etc. Mark the words redeem, redemption, and any other related words. Record your insights in the margin or in your notebook.

  5. When you finish reading through Leviticus, complete Structure of Leviticus.

     1. 1. See if any of the chapters can be grouped categorically. If so, record this under "Segment Divisions" on the chart. Record any other possible segment divisions. For instance, you could do a segment division titled "Law Regarding."

Key Words in the NIV and KJV

  Worksheets

Studies on Leviticus