- 95-
CHAPTER 14: Analysis Of The Book Of Leviticus - The Sin Of Nadab &
Abihu - Judgment Upon TheBlasphemer. Leviticus
THE Book of Exodus was intended to tell how the Lord God redeemed and set apart
for Himself "apeculiar people." Accordingly, it appropriately closes with the erection
of the Tabernacle and thehallowing of it by the visible Presence of Jehovah in the
Holy Place. It yet remained to show theother aspect of the covenant. For the
provisions and the means of grace must be accepted and usedby those for whom they
are designed, and the "setting apart" of the people by Jehovah implied, as it'sconverse,
consecration on the part of Israel. And this forms the subject matter of the Book
ofLeviticus, which a recent German writer has aptly described as "the code regulating
the spiritual lifeof Israel, viewed as the people of God."
To sum up its general contents - it tells us in its first Part (1-16.) how Israel was to
approach God,together with what, symbolically speaking, was inconsistent with such
approaches; and in its secondPart (17-27.) how, having been brought near to God, the
people were to maintain, to enjoy, and toexhibit the state of grace of which they had
become partakers. Of course, all is here symbolical, andwe must regard the directions
and ordinances as conveying in an outward form so many spiritualtruths. Perhaps we
might go so far as to say, that Part 1 of Leviticus exhibits, in a symbolical form,the
doctrine of justification, and Part that of sanctification; or, more accurately, the
manner ofaccess to God, and the holiness which is the result of that access.
It has already been pointed out, that the Book of Leviticus consists of two Parts; the
one ending withchapter 16; the other, properly speaking, with chapter 25; chapter 26
being a general conclusion,indicating the blessings of faithful adherence to the
covenant, while chapter 27, which treats ofvowing unto the Lord, forms a most
appropriate appendix. At the close of the book itself, (Leviticus26:46) and of the
chapter which, for want of a better name, we have termed its appendix (27:34),we find
expressions indicating the purpose of the whole, and that the book of Leviticus forms
in itselfa special and independent part of the Pentateuch. We repeat it, the Book of
Leviticus is intended forIsrael as the people of God; it is the statute-book of Israel's
spiritual life; and, on both these grounds,it is neither simply legal, in the sense of
ordinary law, nor yet merely ceremonial, but throughoutsymbolical and typical.
Accordingly, its deeper truths apply to all times and to all men.
Part 1 (1-16.), which tells Israel how to approach God so as to have communion with
Him,appropriately opens with a description of the various kinds of sacrifices.
(Leviticus 1-7) It next treatsof the priesthood.
(^)