Leviticus

From ReformedWord

The third book of the Bible, the Torah/Pentateuch/Hexateuch, Leviticus is completely subsumed as part of the Treaty at Sinai section of the Book of the Law. Its Hebrew name is Vayikra/Wayyiqərā.

Outline

Leviticus doesn't do well in our modern way of outlining. Clearly, the first seven chapters are self-contained, the Giving of Sacrificial Regulations:

Intro (1:1)

Instructions for people (1:2-6:7)
1. Whole burnt (1)
2. Grain (2)
3. Peace (3}
4. Sin (4:1-5:13)
5. Guilt (5:14-6:7)
Instructions for priests (6:8-7:36)
1. Whole burnt (6:8-13)
2. Grain (6:14-23)
3. Sin (6:24-30)
4. Guilt (7:1-10)
5. Peace (7:11-36)

Conclusion (7:37,38)

The vast majority of the book is given over to liturgical and purity laws (The Giving of Holiness Laws)

A. The institution of the Aaronic priesthood (8-9)
- B. Narrative of Betrayal (10)
  - C. Uncleanness laws (11-15)
    - D. The Day of Atonement (16)
  - C' Holiness laws (17-20)
A' Priestly regulations (21:1-24:9)
- B' Narrative of Betrayal (24)

But this leaves the last three chapters dangling in mid-air.

18-20

A. 18:3: what is done by Egypt and Canaan
- B. 18:4-5: do my statutes and judgments
- -18:4: Yahweh your God
  - C. 18:7-18: incestuous
    - D. 18:19-23: menstruation, adultery, bestiality, homosexuality, Molech
    - -18:22: homosexual/abomination
    - -18:23: TEBEL/Bestiality
    - -18:20: adultery virtually last on the list
      - E. 18:21: seed to Molech, Yahweh your God
        F. 18:21, 24-30: profane name, defile
        G. CHAPTER 19 - CHIASM
        
        F' 20:3: profane name, defile
      - E' 20:2-5: Molech, -Yahweh your God, 7-8
    - D' 20:10-16: adultery, homosexuality, bestiality
    - -20:10: adultery first on the list
    - -20:12: incest with daughter in law/TEBEL
    - -20:13: homosexual/abomination
  - C' 20:17-21: incest
- B' 22:22: statutes and ordinances
- -Yahweh your God, v 24
A' 20:23: customs of the nations