Introduction to Leviticus 19

The Essential Components of the Christian Life

An Exposition of Leviticus 19

Introduction to Leviticus 19

The Importance of Leviticus 19 to Biblical Praxis

●It Helps Define the Law

●It Informs the Message of the Prophets

●It Provides a Foundation to New Testament Praxis

The Book of Leviticus

●The Background of the Book

●The Structure of the Book

I.The Way to Worship: The Sacrifices (1:1-16:34)

A.The Laws Regulating the Sacrifices (1:1-7:38)

B.The Establishment of the Priesthood (8:1-10:20)

C.The Laws Regarding Uncleanness (11:1-15:57)

D.The Day of Atonement (16:1-34)

II.The Life of Worship: Holiness (17:1-27:34)

A.The Laws Regulating the Sacrifices and Eating Meat (17:1-16)

B.The Laws Regulating Sexual and Neighborly Relationships (18:1-19:37)

C.The Laws Regulating Capital Crimes (20:1-27)

D.The Laws Regulating the Priest’s Holiness (21:1-22:33)

E.The Laws Regulating Required Festivals (23:1-44)

F.The Laws Regulating the Tabernacle and Blasphemy (24:1-23)

G.The Laws Regulating the Sabbatical and Jubilee Years (25:1-55)

H.The Rehearsing of the Covenant Blessings and Curses (26:1-46)

I.The Laws Regulating Votive Gifts (27:1-34)

The Message of Leviticus 19

●The Law Reflects the Character of God

●The Attainability of Holiness

●The Comprehensive Nature of Holiness

●The Law as an Expression of Love

The Design of the Chapter

The Structure of the Chapter

I.Prologue: God Calls Israel to Fidelity to Him (19:1-2)

II.Expressed through Faithfulness to the Divine Covenant (19:3-10)

III.Expressed through Loyalty to the Divine Community (19:11-18)

IV.Expressed through Adhering to the Divine Distinctions (19:19-31)

V.Expressed through Reflecting Divine Protections (19:32-37)

VI.Epilogue: God Reminds Israel of Her Covenant Call for Faithfulness (19:37)