Israel had become a nation of millions of souls. Can you imagine caring for such a group – let alone shepherding them into a heart-understanding connection with God?!
This is what Leviticus is all about. How can a group who are so pagan learn to leave their gods and attach themselves to the Living God? Is this story really any different from God’s work among the Gentiles? (I am a gentile – this is everyone who is a non-Jew.)
The sacrifices provided access to the Father. The priests encouraged personal worship as they pointed the nation to God. The ceremonies were potent reminders of the big things that were going on – not the least of which was the coming of the One Whose blood would cover and deliver countless souls. Moses brought God’s Law to the people (twice). Leviticus explains what they were to do with it!
As you read, translate each element you see into a greater principle. Leprosy is a picture of the curse of sin. Egypt is a metaphor for bondage – and so on. If we can gaze into the heart-needs of the Jews, we can find principles which will help us find our way as “true Jews.”
“For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.
– Romans 2:28-29