Transcript

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-2 ESV, Ch. 3 LEB

Podcast Introduction

It’s Law Monday, and we’ll begin the book of Leviticus with chapters 1-3. I’m calling this episode “Sacrifice.” Before we get started with the book, I’ll have a short intro for you, then after the reading I’ll have a few comments.

Design: Jason Paschall | Photo: Midjourney

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Introduction to Leviticus

Leviticus is the third book of the Old Testament, which puts it squarely in the middle of the Pentateuch, which are the first five books of the Bible. "Penta" means "five." The Jews call the Pentateuch "The Torah" or "Law." The author is Moses. Leviticus begins where Exodus left off.

The first sixteen chapters of the book deal with how to approach a Holy God, and chapters 17-26 with how to continue in fellowship with a Holy God.

In this book, we see three very important aspects of God's character. 1) In giving mankind a system of making sacrifices He revealed His Grace. 2) We will see in chapters 8-10 that He is a God of justice, when His law is broken. And 3) God's faithfulness is shown in His continued presence with the children of Israel. 

Thoughts on Leviticus 1

The Tabernacle is now complete, and with its completion God now introduces the system sacrifices, and the specific requirements for the various sacrifices which He requires. Up until this point, there was no specific place or methods for them to take place. 

The idea of sacrifices was not new. Adam and Eve made the first sacrifice when they covered themselves with the skins of animals in Genesis 3:21. Cain and his brother Abel made sacrifices in Genesis 4:3-4. Noah made a burnt offering in Genesis 8:20-21. And there are other examples of sacrifices being offered prior to the Tabernacle's completion.

Why does God require sacrifices? Because it is impossible for man to live up to the requirements of the Law. Breaking the Law is called sin, and for there to be forgiveness a sacrifice is required. 

It is important to remember that sacrifices must cost the giver. They are meaningless if they do not. 

It is also important to remember that God set strict guidelines for how the various sacrifices were to be carried out. This was to show that they were to be done on God's terms, not man's. This was to teach the people that they were to approach God with humility and obedience. 

Another requirement for sacrifices is that the object being sacrificed must be the best or first of its kind. If an animal is to sacrificed it must be without blemish. If it is from a farmer's harvest, it must be from the first of the harvest. This is to teach that God requires our best.

Of course Jesus became the final, perfect sacrifice. Jesus was blameless. He was God's only begotten Son. And in giving Himself, He paid the highest price that could be paid. 

As we go through this book, we will look at more details of what God required in the sacrificial system.

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Steve Webb 0:00Sacrifice is meaningless if they don't cost something.

Steve Webb 0:11it's the Lifespring! One Year Bible coming to you from Riverside, California and podcasting since 2004. I'm your OG Godcaster. Steve Webb. This is a daily podcast and we're reading through the entire Bible in a year. It's the law Monday and we'll begin the Book of Leviticus with chapters one through three, calling the episode "Sacrifice." And before we get started with the book, I'll have a short intro for you then after the reading. I'll have a few comments. But before we read, let's pray.