The name “Leviticus” means “pertaining to the
Levites.” The Levites were responsible for the service
of the Tabernacle. The Book of Leviticus contains divine
instructions for the Priests concerning the sacrifices
and feasts. This book deals with separation and
communion. It is also a book of sacrifices and blood.
These words are repulsive to many people. Mankind wants
a bloodless religion, but this is impossible because,
without the shedding of blood there is no remission of
sin.

In chapter 1 of Leviticus we have pictured the
burnt offering. This offering had to be a perfect male
of the first year and the very best that was in the
herd. The meal offering is explained in chapter 2. In
chapter 3 the peace offering is explained. The burnt
offering pictures Christ offering Himself completely
spotless to God. The meal offering is a non-blood
offering. Christ is prefigured in His sinless humanity,
the perfect Man. The peace offering presents Christ’s
work on the cross in the aspect of procuring peace for
the sinner. For the New Testament believer the chief
significance of the Old Testament sacrifices is that
they are symbolical. They express a need which they
cannot satisfy but which the coming Redeemer would
fulfill. For the Old Testament believer the sacrifices
were a means of approach to God, for guilty men needed
some way to draw near to the Holy God, with assurance of
acceptance. The acceptance was provided through the
sacrifices we are now studying.