Encountering the Old Testament, 4th Edition

A Christian Survey

series: Encountering Biblical Studies

Materials available for professors by request only

Chapter

7. Leviticus: Instructions for Holy Living

Discussion Questions

  1. Should pastors preach from Leviticus today? Why?
  2. What fundamental differences made Israel’s system of sacrifice unique among other religions of the ancient Near East?
  3. Why are sacrifices not offered today?
  4. What is the significance of the Day of Atonement?
  5. What contribution does Leviticus make to the three themes of law, sacrifice, and holiness?

Class Activities

  1. On the board/slide write: “Be holy, for I am holy.” Divide the class into pairs. Ask the pairs to identify ways this statement should be applied to our lives today.
  2. Discuss the Holiness Code. Divide the class into eight groups. Assign each group one of the parts of the code. Have each group find a key verse or verses that describe the part they have been assigned. Conduct a discussion of the various parts of the code, with each group reading the passages appropriate for their part. Class time allowed: 20 minutes.