Why Read Leviticus?

If there is any book in the Bible that I get asked, “Why is that there?” the most about, it has to be Leviticus. Starting with just the second verse, Leviticus launches into command after command, all given in great detail, and contains very few “stories” as do other Old Testament books. Many just skip this book, because it can get quite repetitive and even boring (to them) in certain places.

So why read this book? Let me offer 4 general reasons.

1. We learn that God is a God of detail. If we learn nothing else from Leviticus, it becomes very clear that God does care about details. Yes, God is a God of grace, but that does not excuse us from seeking His ways of doing things and following them.

2. We learn that worship does have patterns. While we are not under the laws laid out in Leviticus today, the book makes it abundantly clear that God has regulations for worship. Quite possibly the most well-known story in the book is that of Nadab and Abihu, who offered “strange” (literally, “unauthorized”) fire before the Lord, and were killed for their disobedience (10:1-3). When we worship, we must follow the regulations found in the New Testament, or God is not pleased.

3. We learn that priests were to be working. New Testament Christians are priests, no matter their lineage. Under the Law of Moses, priests worked extremely hard and made sure all they did was as God requires. Since we are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), we need to work as well.

4. We learn that God cares about each area of our lives. Rules and regulations are scattered throughout this book that deal with cleanliness, sexuality, citizenship, and various other areas of life. God cares how we worship, but He also cares how we live from day-to-day.

While Leviticus can be hard for some to “wade through,” I hope these four reasons give you more clarity as to some general reasons why this book is helpful. It is part of God’s Word, so let’s make sure we read and learn from it.