Leviticus

Original reader:

I see in the book of Leviticus that Gods intent for Israel is to be holy as he is. (20:26) So with that said Leviticus is addressed to the people of Israel and also for the future generations of Israel to come. Israel is Gods chosen people. Leviticus specifically addresses Gods heart through the law which is put in place to lead Israel to his heart and keep them in continual relationship with him.  So in conclusion we see God defining Israel as a nation and giving them core values to live by.

Author:

Both the sourceview bible and Nelson's complete Book of Maps and Charts suggest that Moses is the author of Leviticus. Out of the 27 chapters of Leviticus 56 times it is stated that God imparts the different laws to Moses. (1:1; 4:1; 6:1, 24; 8:1; 14:1)

Main themes, and repeated ideas in this book, and one sentence summary of the main idea:

Leviticus specifically addresses the concept and main attribute of God which is "holiness". Gods heart for His chosen people is that they would be holy because He is holy. (11:44) It shows how an unholy and corrupt group of people can be sanctified through blood sacrifices and then walk in relationship with God by obeying His laws. (17:11) (25:18) (26:46)

The main idea of the book of Leviticus is God introduces the law for his people to live by so that they can walk in close relationship with Him

Primary reason book was written:

The primary reason Leviticus was written was so that Israel would have a Godly justice system at the root of their establishment as both a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (21:1; 20:26) God creates a law for them to live by so that they can attain access to God and also maintain unbroken fellowship with Him.

Character and Nature of God:

One of the main character traits of God displayed in the book of Leviticus is holiness. God has always been holy and he takes holiness seriously. (11:45) He is the image of perfection. We also see the justice of God implemented through the law by the different offerings. There are a total of 5 offerings, Burnt offering (1:3-17), Grain Offering (2:1-16), Peace Offering (3:1-17)), Sin Offering (4:1 - 5:13), Trespassing Offering (5:14 - 6:7). These offerings are put in effect to bring one closer to God when one falls away or sins.  As you can see these are the main characteristics of God in the book of Leviticus.

God's redemptive plan:

All the things in Leviticus are just a shadow of the things to come. Four of the five offerings require some type of animal that is without blemish to atone for the sins of the people. (1:3-4) (3:1) etc. The only possible way for purification to take place is for blood to be shed in exchange for a life. (17:11) All these things show Gods redemptive plan for mankind because they foreshadow Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice once for all. 

Personal Application

For me Leviticus really gets me thinking of holiness. I know God takes holiness seriously and I guess we all have areas in our lives where we need to let God come and purify us and make us holy. He is the only one who can make us holy in the first place. (21:8) For me it is the constant surrendering and allowing Him to have his way in my heart and life.