Definition of Leviticus

It is one of the books that make up the Old Will and it receives this name because it refers to the ritual obligations of those who were consecrated to divine worship and who belonged to the tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

In the religion Jewish Leviticus is the third book of the Pentateuch and its Author it's Moses. Among the Hebrews he is known as Wa-yiqra. In the Christian Bible conventional o Vulgate was known as Liber Leviticus, which means "the book of the Levites".

A legislative book of the Judeo-Christian tradition

The book is presented as a Handbook of holiness for the people of Israel, the people chosen by God. In it, three different proposals are exposed: laws to maintain purity and spiritual sanctity, rituals and ceremonies that must be applied by priests and personal sacrifices.

It is a book oriented mainly to the tradition priestly. Keep in mind that the worship of the Jews is the consequence of God's direct order to Moses on Mount Sinai.

The sacrifices proposed in Leviticus have a general meaning

Thus, if man renounces something valuable to consecrate it to God, his offering becomes a link of union with God. The rituals of the sacrifices are, at the same time, a way of thanking the Creator.

This practical manual of religious ceremonies has a double purpose: promote the approach of the people of Israel towards God and promote a lifestyle based on holiness.

From Leviticus the people of Israel already have a place of worship to God, the tabernacle. At the same time, it is a starting point for ordering sacrifices and festivities within a religious structure. Keep in mind that before Leviticus the Israelites were guided by the historical records of the patriarchs.

The value of the book for theological interpretation

There are three spiritual truths closely associated with Leviticus. In the first place, the instructions of God are collected to carry out during the Day of Atonement (in this section the ritual that the priest must apply to atone for his sins is detailed).

Second, a series of sacrifices are detailed in an orderly manner, which symbolize the worship of God.

Finally, observe that a message of holiness and obedience.

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