© David Staume 2007

Leviticus is set at the foot of Mount Sinai. The author of the first five books of the Old Testament is often attributed to Moses in annotated Bibles, but this is not true. Multiple authors and editors are likely (see Exodus and Deuteronomy). The book's name derives from its purpose: the instruction of the Levites – one of the twelve tribes of Israel, which became the priestly caste.

1-9. Moses, channelling God, gives instructions on sacrificing animals and birds on the altar, what animals to kill for various sins, how to splash the blood on the altar, what to do with the organs, and what to give to the priests.

10-17. Instructions on what's clean and unclean: what animals can be eaten, how long women are unclean after giving birth and menstruating, and what animal sacrifices must be made for them to become clean again. Instructions on treatment and isolation for diseases. Superstition mixed with instructions dealing with leprosy.

18-20. People who have sex with close relatives, people who have sex with animals, adulterers, homosexuals, and mediums, should all be put to death. Instructions not to spread slander, bear a grudge, mate different kinds of animals, wear clothing of two different kinds of material, or put on tattoos. Some good instructions, such as 'do not spread slander', mixed with superstition regarding mixing clothing, and hatred and incitement to violence. Laws such as: Don't bear a grudge, but put homosexuals to death; and put mediums to death, but not Moses although he claims to be a spiritual intermediary, are insane.

21-27. Instructions to priests, instructions on unacceptable sacrifices, instructions on festivals, and baking. Moses orders a blasphemer stoned. Moses states that those who obey God will thrive, but if you disobey him he will bring terror, disease, starvation, slavery, and pile up the dead bodies. Instructions on giving money, animals, and property to the priests.

Moses didn't deliver the Israelites from slavery, he perpetuated and exacerbated it.

Back to Exodus. Forward to Numbers.