15:58. * Later he will reenter the Most Holy with the blood of the sin offerings. 5 What can we learn from the use of incense on Atonement Day? ^ par. The contents of Leviticus were likely given to Moses during the year Israel is camped at Sinai. Explain that God desires for us to be holy for our own good and protection. 1. Besides Jesus, who are the most important people in the Bible? Some of the sources that helped contribute to the development of Leviticus likely existed for at … Leviticus is a record of God's instructions to Moses and Israel after His presence fell upon the nation. 3:16) That includes the book of Leviticus. The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Torah and of the Old Testament; scholars generally agree that it developed over a long period of time, reaching its present form during the Persian Period between 538–332 BC. May we serve Jehovah because we are grateful to him. Again and again holiness and purity is mentioned, “Be holy for I am holy” (Lev 1:44-45, 20:2, 7, 19:2). That God is Holy. The person making the offering, his family, and the priests would eat the meat of the sacrificed animal. אִשֶּׁה was “an offering made by fire.” אָשָׁם was a “guilt offering, an atoning sacrifice.” זֶבַח was a “an offering killed and presented as an act. Sin can only be dealt with by a death. 4:14; 8:3-5; 10:1. As mentioned at Leviticus 16:12, 13, what did the high priest do during his first entry into the Most Holy on Atonement Day? As the fire consumed the best parts of the animal, smoke drifted upward and Jehovah was pleased. It gives details about sacrifices, laws and rules for worship within the temple and for the people of Israel living in community together. Later, he reentered the Most Holy with the blood of the sin offerings. (John 14:31) For Jesus, doing God’s will was a delight; he had a deep love for God’s law. Jehovah is blessing and guiding his organization. ^ par. 10 Third lesson: Out of love, we give Jehovah our best. PRIVACY POLICY, Lessons We Can Learn From the Book of Leviticus, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/2019646/univ/art/2019646_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION November 2019, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/w/E/201911/wpub/w_E_201911_lg.jpg, Share Lessons We Can Learn From the Book of Leviticus, Publication download options We learn about the holiness of God from the book of Leviticus. The goal of the laws is not merely legislative. 14 What was accomplished by the awesome display at the installation of the high priest? 11 Like those communion sacrifices, our service to Jehovah is a voluntary expression of how we feel about him. 11. (Ex. What can we learn from the use of incense on Atonement Day? Popularly called by the Hebrew name Vayikra, He called, which is its first word, Leviticus is known formally as Torat Kohanim, instructions for the priests (Mishnah Megillot 1:5). By following the Bible-based direction we are given in our publications and at our meetings, assemblies, and conventions. Some may see it as a book that contains a list of rules that do not apply to our day, but true Christians have a different view. 2:8) When faced with tests, Jesus prayed “with strong outcries and tears.” (Heb. (2) The Book of Leviticus is, to a great degree, a book of priestly regulations. Jesus said that the Greatest commandment was “to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind […] and the second is like it, to love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:28-34). Actually, there are a number of lessons we can learn from that inspired book. To teach them how to walk with God. What does it mean to be born again? God lives among His people. 3:16. Levites were to be special servants of the Lord at the sacred tent, and the priests came from one of the Levite families. The book of Leviticus gives us an understanding of the meaning of the life and death of Jesus Christ. To highlight this, let us consider the communion offerings, another important aspect of true worship in ancient Israel. (Ps. In the Hebrew text the first word of the Book of Leviticus, translated “and He called,” serves as the title of the book.  |  Colin Smith. We give Jehovah our best, and we do so because we love him with all our heart. Teach children the Bible verse, "I am the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy," which comes from Leviticus 11:45. The guilt offering caused the individual to look beyond the sin to … We realize that Jehovah will not accept our prayers if we are involved in conduct that he condemns. 9 For more information about communion offerings, see Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, p. 526. How Should Christians Interpret the Imprecatory Psalms? Notice that he burns the incense before he presents the blood of the sin offerings. (1 Thess. What do the communion sacrifices described at Leviticus 3:6, 12, 14-16 teach us about Jesus’ motivation for doing his Father’s will? How does this Bible teaching speak to you? (Ps. It is certainly one of the least understood. Leviticus tells how the Lord continued to give laws and instructions to Moses. 3. 2. Moses recorded God’s instructions about the Tabernacle, the priesthood, sacrifices, holy days, and ceremonial purity. (Ps. 7 Throughout his earthly life, Jesus maintained perfect obedience to Jehovah’s righteous standards. So this  was a voluntary offering that the individual made because he loved his God, Jehovah. (Read Leviticus 3:6, 12, 14-16.) Or to put it in … The Book of Leviticus is the third book of the Jewish Torah and the Christian Old Testament. In a similar way, Jesus willingly offered up to Jehovah his very best by serving Him whole-souled out of love for Him. Similarly, when we approach Jehovah in prayer, we do so with deep respect. 5 The book of Leviticus contains laws that Jehovah gave to ancient Israel. Why were sacrifices offered on the yearly Day of Atonement? He also specified that vital organs, including the kidneys, were of special value. The other two sacrifices are the sin offering, and the guilt offering. Today, publishers in Germany, like these two sisters, gladly use the newly released Bible in the ministry. 6. 12 What can we learn from the communion sacrifices? Joe Thorn. 9:1-5) How did Jehovah show his approval of the newly installed priesthood? Sacrifice, ceremony, ritual, liturgy, instructions, washings, convocations, holy days, observances, conditions, and warnings crowd this book. Leviticus is basically a text book for the priests, who were from the tribe of Levi. chaps. 1-2. Leviticus is known as a book of rules (which it is). 6 Remember that the high priest had to burn the incense before he could offer up the sacrifices. 9. when the tabernacle was set up at the foot of Mount Sinai. For example, if you are elderly and can no longer do as much as you would like, be assured that Jehovah sees beyond your limitations. What can we learn from the fact that the high priest burned the incense before he offered up the sacrifices? The Law includes the Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.The Book in Hebrew is named after the first word Wayiqra, "and he called" - as the Lord called the Israelites to be a holy nation. Ex. of worship,expiation or propitiation to a deity.” חַטָּאת was a “sin offering.” מִנְחָהwas a “gift offered to God as a religiousactivity, whether grain, fruits, animal or other offerings.” נֶסֶךְ was a “an offering of a valuable or sacred liquid to a deity.” עֹלָה was a “burnt offering of the entire par… This is reflected in the book’s structure, where chapters 1-16 focus on the former (holy liturgy)—on formal worship at the Tabernacle, where God resides with his people; and chapters 17-27 on the latter (holy … Chapter 12. Leviticus. The central message in the book of Leviticus is that God, who is holy, requires his people to be holy. Judging the Clean and the Unclean (Leviticus 11:47) The book of Leviticus contains many laws, procedures, and rituals governing life in Israel and worship of the Lord God. Be assured, then, that Jehovah is pleased with your willing, whole-souled service. Josh Moody. What does God teach us in the letter of the apostle Paul to Titus. Through the Old Testament we can see that the blessings were fulfilled when the people believed and obeyed God, but the curses were also fulfilled when the people rejected God, and ultimately they were invaded, defeated and taken as exiles to a foreign country just as God warned in this book. Please share your thoughts below! Passages in Leviticus that deal with topics like diseases no longer seem so removed from our experience. Leviticus 1:1 says the “the Lord called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation” (or tent of meeting”), which reminds one that Leviticus is the sequel to Exodus. We are to treat others and love others as we wish to be loved and treated. With deep respect, he enters the Most Holy and stands before the ark of the covenant. 24:45) Do we see clear evidence of God’s approval of the faithful and discreet slave? However, if we live according to Jehovah’s standards, we can be confident that our heartfelt prayers will be like sweet-smelling incense to Jehovah. The animals used had to be spotless without blemish. 10:11). They are lessons on sacrifice, worship, the priesthood, ceremonial cleanness, the Day of Atonement, feasts and holy days and the Year of Jubilee. Think of  the abundance of spiritual food available today, free of charge, in more than 900 languages! But certain parts of the animal sacrifice were offered up exclusively to Jehovah. 7. Why is Jehovah’s approval of the Aaronic priesthood of interest to us today? To highlight this, let us consider the communion offerings, another important aspect of true worship in ancient Israel. “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial.”​—2 TIM. B. 15 In 1919, Jesus appointed a small group of anointed brothers as “the faithful and discreet slave.” That slave takes the lead in the preaching work and gives Christ’s followers “food at the proper time.” (Matt. Moses now receives more information regarding the laws and priesthood Ministry of GlobalRize. What Does James 5:20 Teach Us about Sin and Restoration? We can be comforted by remembering that Jehovah sees and values not only our actions but also our motives. Related verse: Ezekiel 44:23, And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. After the laws concerning clean and unclean food come the laws concerning clean and unclean persons; and the first is in this chapter concerning the ceremonial uncleanness of women in child-birth ().And concerning their purification from that uncleanness (v. … Jesus’ entire life course deeply pleased his Father and vindicated His sovereignty. 56 PICTURE DESCRIPTION: An Israelite hands a sheep to a priest as a communion sacrifice to express his family’s gratitude to Jehovah. The book begins with a list of the different offerings that the Israelites made in order to approach God, and all of them are a shadow of Jesus’ death as the sacrifice that would be made once, for all time. The people of Israel were chosen out of the nations of the world as God’s Holy people, to be a witness to the rest of the world of what it means to be the people of God. (Ex. Now the priest carefully pours the holy incense onto the fiery coals, and the room fills with a sweet-smelling aroma. Jehovah thereby showed his full support of the Aaronic priesthood. (Lev. 9 Second lesson: We serve Jehovah because we are grateful to him. But specifically, it’s a book of rules that the ancient Israelites believed they had to follow in order to be close to their God. In all such ways, we can show Jehovah that we cherish the privilege we have to serve him as his Witnesses! Author of the Book of Leviticus Traditionally, both Jews and Christians credit Moses as the author of Leviticus. THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION November 2019, The Watchtower—Study Edition  |  November 2019, Build Strong Friendships Before the End Comes. "And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it [is] abominable; it shall not be accepted." 18 Let us be determined to apply the lessons we learned from the book of Leviticus. The book of Leviticus is grounded in the truth that God is holy. the use of incense on Atonement Day? 8 We can imitate Jesus by doing our best to live a life of integrity and of loyalty to Jehovah’s ways and laws. Is that relevant to us? 17 We do well to ask ourselves, ‘Am I grateful to be associated with the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization?’ Jehovah has given us evidence that is as convincing as the literal fire from heaven back in the days of Moses and Aaron. The book of Leviticus is the third book of the Bible, in the group of five books known as the books of the law. In one hand, he holds a container filled with perfumed incense, and in the other, he balances a golden fire holder full of burning coals. In fact, Leviticus is the one biblical book devoted entirely to the complementary themes of holy liturgy and holy living, and the essential relationship between the two. 141:2; Rev. The book is filled with regulations. THE SEVEN FESTIVALS OF THE LORD. 1, 8–9, 10, 16, 24). Why should Christians today be interested in the book of Leviticus? What does God teach us in the book of Matthew? You may feel that you have little to offer, but Jehovah sees the love deep within you that motivates you to do what you can do. 7:11-13, 16-18) He made this offering, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. The Book of Leviticus was compiled from many sources some time between 600 and 300 B.C.E. 13 Fourth lesson: Jehovah is blessing the earthly part of his organization. 62 PICTURE DESCRIPTIONS: In February 2019, Brother Gerrit Lösch of the Governing Body released the revised New World Translation in German to a grateful and enthusiastic audience. * In the book of Leviticus, we learn that an Israelite could offer a communion sacrifice “as an expression of thanksgiving.”. Its main subject matter–animal offerings and ritual impurity–seems remote from contemporary concerns. What assurance can we draw from Jehovah’s reaction to communion sacrifices? Why was Jesus’ entire life course on earth pleasing to his Father? 40:8) How pleasing it must have been for Jehovah to see Jesus serve him so willingly! 4 Read Leviticus 16:12, 13. 24:14) Without a doubt, Jehovah is guiding and generously blessing his organization today. Very few of us love enough to hate evil. ^ par. ^ par. May we continue to give our best to Jehovah because we love him with all our heart. Does Leviticus Teach Us … 3:6, 12, 14-16), the fire seen when the priesthood was installed? Leviticus is a difficult book for a modern person to read with reverence and appreciation. ^ par. 8. In this article, we will discuss valuable lessons we can learn from the book of Leviticus. Jesus would vindicate​—or prove right and just—​his Father’s sovereignty, or way of ruling. 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