This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
The Book of Leviticus: The book of Leviticus picks up where Exodus ends, with Israel at Mount Sinai receiving the law. Recorded by Moses, it presents God’s instructions for holiness, including regulations for worship, laws on ceremonial cleanliness, moral laws, and instructions for holy days.
How Leviticus Fits Into the Story: The book of Leviticus contains instructions for the Israelites on how to worship God and live as His holy people. Studying Leviticus opens up a clearer picture of our holy God and a glimpse at what Jesus Christ’s sacrifice has truly done for us. The sacrificial system was established in order to provide atonement for the sins of Israel, and the writer of Hebrews relied on these images of sacrifice, priesthood, and the Day of Atonement in describing the person and role of Jesus Christ. (Heb 4:14–10:18).
Reflection Questions:
1. What reason did God give for setting the people of Israel apart from the nations?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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86 thoughts on "Leviticus"
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Set apart, choosen. Those are humbling words. We are called to be holy as unto to the Lord. Not at all easy but such a worthwhile pursuit to seek to be Christlike. More times than not, daily, I fall short in this and yet it was/is God’s plan all along for us to be in relationship with Him. Thank you Lord that you have made a way to know you. Help me to pursue a life of holiness, pleasing and honoring unto you. Amen
Amen!
What really stood out to me was in the book of Hebrews taking about Jesus’s second coming and how He is not coming back to take the sins of the world away that He would give salvation to those who need it.
Something else that touched my heart was in the book of Leviticus taking about in verve 26 about how we are to be holy to the Lord because He is holy and He has set us apart from all nations✝️✝️❤️❤️
“Be holy as I am Holy” has always stuck to me. To be set apart for God’s use. Oh how many times in a single day I fall short!
But it is a good reminder of God’s grace both to us and His peoples. To not follow in the ways of the world. But rather to follow the ways of the Lord.
A prayer request for my fellow Shes. A while back, I shared about my 3-year-old neice, Harper, and some issues that she was experiencing related to her brain and the flow of spinal fluid. We have been waiting now for several months, and her surgery is finally coming up this Monday. The doctors will be unable to operate if she has any signs of a fever, though, so please pray:
1. That she remains healthy and is able to move forward with the surgery on Monday.
2. That the Lord would grant her safety and healing during and after the surgery.
3. That the Lord would grant wisdom, compassion, and steady hands to the surgeons who will be operating.
4. For peace from the anxiety for my sister, brother-in-law, and the rest of the family as well.
Thank you all! Your prayers are much appreciated.
Hi Kira!
Yes, praying for this request! That would be scary, 3 years old..But God!!
Kira- yes, absolutely pray in agreement for all these requests and peace for your heart asvwell. Also praying for little Harper to tolerate this surgery well and have an uneventful recovery. Hugs! ❤
Praying for a successful surgery for Harper and peace for her family! ❤️
Praying
Kira,
Praying for God to work through the doctors, giving them wisdom and guidance.
From today’s reading: “As obedient children do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct”. 1 Peter 13.
As I read this passage from our reading today, I am thinking about how God, through the Holy Spirit is helping us to more like Him in our conduct. As it says in my workplace, “Is it kind? Is it helpful?”
Thank you for the reading today SRT and God Bless! ❤️Hannah C
Brings to mind the song “Holy Forever,” praise the Lord you are Holy Forever when I fall short every day.
A thousand generations falling down in worship
To sing the song of ages to the Lamb
And all who’ve gone before us and all who will believe
Will sing the song of ages to the Lamb
Your name is the highest
Your name is the greatest
Your name stands above them all
All thrones and dominions
All powers and positions
Your name stands above them all
And the angels cry holy
All creation cries holy
You are lifted high, holy
Holy forever
I love that song. I always get emotional when we sing it at church.
Such a great song! ❤
Listening to Pandora as I read your input. Guess what song came on as I was reading your comment “Holy Forever” God is in our little moments. Thank you!!
My goodness, I was lighting my passage up with highlights! Today was so good!
Same!
Reflection Questions:
1. What reason did God give for setting the people of Israel apart from the nations? His ownership, His Holiness, and His reflection on His people. Amen to what TANYA was saying, being holy is counter-cultural, which has not changed from biblical times to today sadly. The two sides of the coin when someone is set apart, they have the lonely side (isolation), they don’t fit in to the regular celebrated ways of mainstream culture, but might be viewed as narrow minded, backward, bearing the quiet pain of being misunderstood, yet another side of being set apart is the sacred side (being chosen), faithful living sacrifices, preserved as the remnant, called to higher standards and surrender, at constant guard of personal ethics, and serving as living reflection of the Holy God. “Without holiness, no man can see God”.
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2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? Redemption in the ancient world means paying a price to buy a slave out of the marketplace so they can go free. God has already redeemed us. But are we truly free? Now, this is where redemption needs our personal response. In our modern society, “bought out of slavery” angle means the slaves don’t belong to the old master anymore (sin, toxic culture, and destructive old habits). We have been purchased and paid for 100%. However, walking in freedom requires us changing the slavery mindset through the constant renewing of our minds through the Bible (which takes time, effort, commitment, SRT is helping the body of Christ with this daily), and then changing the behavior (with faith-filled actions) to match the new identity. And this is where the struggles and massive temptations come in to ensnare the redeemed, to be pulled back to what feels familiar. If a slave is set free, it makes no sense for them to keep hanging around the slave market or acting like they are still trapped. “Resist the devil” (James 4:7), “do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27) or leaving no room, no opportunity to the devil, these are loud warnings. Leaving no room requires replacing the space with something else. This is redemption. Instead of stealing, work hard and give generously. Instead of gossip and corrupting talk, speak words of truth in love to build others up. Instead of bitterness and resentment, be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving. Instead of lying and flattering, speak the absolute truth. Instead of keeping the grudge, extend grace and move on. Instead of envy and comparison, celebrate other people’s wins. Instead of constant worrying and fearing, practice daily gratitude and bold trust in GOD. Instead of holding on to control and manipulation, surrender. Renewing mindset and behavior are redemptive work in action. It takes our personal work to be trained in righteousness. By His grace, redemption and sanctification blend together, making us new, free, and clean. It is so nice to be clean (for the fear of the Lord is clean- Psalm 19:9). Ultimately, redemption is found in our daily choices. May we be aware of the choices we make. We can always lean on Him in all things we do. Remember, those who prosper are those who do the Word. Be blessed dear sisters.
I love everything you said . It makes so much sense. Thank you!
So good, Mercy! In other words WWJD [What would Jesus do?]
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Thank you to each of you who is remembering my family in prayer. Kittens certainly do bring the joy of new life! ❤️ Lynne in NC, I’m so sorry for your loss. It must be a confusing mixture of grief and relief and joy for your husband’s homegoing. What a blessing for him!
On the topic of Leviticus: my pastor calls it “public health for people without science.” (Pastor Russell Cushman) I like how that shows God’s provision and protection for a people who wouldn’t have the scientific knowledge they needed to live in community in the desert for thousands years to come. It wasn’t the only reason, of course, but our God is just that good.
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I haven’t been able to click on the Bible passages to have them come up. Anyone else having this issue?
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Mary Ann Graves, your name popped into my head today. Hope you are with us and are well! ❤️
Mine were not linked either.
You’re right, I haven’t seen Mary Ann Graves name lately.
I said that and now the verses are linked (they weren’t this morning)
I noticed the set below the pucture wasn’t thete this morning, and that’s usuallt the ones that open. I somehow was successful this morning, though. ❤
When that happens tk me, I usually hop over to He Reads Truth and use the link there. Or I copy and paste into Biblegateway. ❤
I do the copy and paste with Bible Gateway too! It’s sad I’m lazy enough to appreciate the links… Hadn’t thought of HRT. Thanks!❤️
To all our new She’s… Rhonda J. created a Facebook page for us (that is not the official Facebook page… I think there is one?) Search for SRT SHE’S and answer the question to join. Then let us know who you are via a pic or comment… “see” you soon!
Yes! Come to our group and introduce yourself!
There is a public SRT page, but there isn’t much action there. Ours is a private group.
(and ours could use a little more action too, lol!) I thought we would have more interaction! I encourage ya’ll to come and share your testimony! Prayer requests. Wisdom. Questions and comments..! A little more about yourself…whatever! It is a place for us She’s to get to know each other better! :)
AND we can message each other with privacy! ❤
Holiness is a big concept and it is so counter culture now.
” Holiness is not only avoiding evil but pursing godliness. Holiness is the goal of our calling to follow Christ: it means being like God and being dedicated completely to Him.” Fire Bible
1. God wanted the people of Israel for Himself and to be a light to the nations.
2. God’s redemption at Calvary sets up apart from the people who are not saved. We are called to higher standard of living and behavior than the people who are still living in the world and by worldly values. I personally think this is where living holy sets up apart. This standard of living will make people want to know God because of the way we move and live our lives is distinct. This is suppose to draw people to God.
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Nicely put Tanya.
God’s choice to be on display through the people of Israel required that they reflect His “otherness”by following His holy laws and statutes.
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God wants to be with us and makes the way possible but we need to go His way not our own.
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I have never noticed before… in Leviticus the Israelites receive instruction “so that the land where I am bringing you to live will not vomit you out”. What an interesting word picture!
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Even so (because they always mess up… kinda like me!), Jesus came to deliver them (and also me!) What a wonderful redemption!
Reflection Questions:
1. What reason did God give for setting the people of Israel apart from the nations?
Because we are His. And because we are His and our God is holy, we are to be holy.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
The comfort of knowing that we are His people is immense. We ARE His. It’s like a giant hug waiting for us when we get to come home.
Same here, ADRIANNE; I have read those verses many times, but today the word just jumped off the page!
What a gift that Jesus took care of our sins once and for all time! Praise Him!
Thank for Jesus’ sacrifice and completion of the work! God set them apart for Him and He does that for us through Jesus! He did what we would never do on our own!
1) Leviticus 20:26 You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be mine.
2) The repetitious sacrifices in obedience to the law could never accomplish what the one-time sacrifice of the Blood of Jesus could. Jesus saves!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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SONG SHARE:
The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power
(Cece Winans did a cover of Andrae Crouch’s song-both are good!)
God set the Israelites apart to be His just as we are His. We are to remain Holy in a society that is less than. Without staying in God’s word it is difficult to do.
Jesus was the final sacrifice. No more sacrifincing at the altar.
We are to be holy because our Father God is holy. We are set apart for HIM as an example and hope for others to do the same. I looked it up on The Message and it reads: “I have distinguished you from the nations to be my very own.” Today we can do the same and lead by example (though I know myself that can be challenging at times). WE want others to know there is HOPE as we were once wandering around without a Savior or hope. I think of those who may have an addiction and they may feel there is no hope, but there is!! And our Jesus paid the price once and for all! Some of us (me) just needs to tell them.
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So grateful for Jesus’ sacrifice once and for all for us! I pray I can live in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Thank you for your prayers ladies. I have until Friday to let my leasing office know my plans, so please join me in praying for God’s will to be done in this next season of my life. Thank you <3
My son’s lease is up in July, so I can imagine the pressure you must be feeling. His next place is resolved, so he/we are not quite in the same place you are now, but your situation will be resolved as well. Praying for that, Taylor! ❤️
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Once for all!! What a sacrifice. What a God. What a Savior.
What a wonderful thing – to be chosen! Just as God chose Israel and set them apart to be His people, holy as He is – He has also chosen me (and you) to be His very own. He has called us out, redeemed us, set us apart to live a life that is holy and acceptable to Him.
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Praise God that the sacrifice Jesus made was once – and for all!
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1 Peter 1:13 – So what do we set our hope on? The grace that will be brought to us at Jesus’ return. We are to rest our hope fully on that grace…notice that Peter is commanding it, so it is something that we have to make a deliberate choice about, we need to do it on purpose!
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Happy Wednesday She’s, may God’s greatest blessings be on each of you today! ❤️
I’m so thankful for our High Priest, Jesus, whose sacrifice on the cross made the way for us to draw near to the Father.
Sweet Sisters, I’m back with you after a long absence. I want to thank each of you who have prayed for me even while I was away. Caregiving was an arduous task of love. Gene went home to his Lord and Savior peacefully Saturday, May 16. He is celebrating he answer to his prayer, Lord please take me home! He leaves a large hole in our lives. He leaves me behind to await my home going whenever God chooses, 2 children, 8 grandchildren, 3 bonus brands and 19 great grands. He touched countless lives over 40 years of ministry.
I covet your prayers as I adjust to a new life without my life partner of 63 years.
Much love to each of you❤
Praying for you, Linda, in this difficult time! ❤️
Continued prayers for you Linda as you adjust to life without your beloved Gene. ❤️
Praying for you, Linda. May the God of all peace and comfort be your comfort during this journey.
Linda, I am praying for you with all my heart.❤️
Praying for you in this time, and sending love
Linda, you are such a blessing here and it’s so good to have you with us again. Your dedication to Gene is an inspiration to us all. How are you doing with your medical issues? Continued prayers for you and the family in these hard days ahead. Love and hugs, too! ❤
Caretaking is so hard, but comes with blessings. Praying for you Linda.
Praying for you Linda as you are left behind! You are here on purpose for a purpose. Rest up from your hard labor of love.
Praying, Linda, as you live life without Gene.
Oh. Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you as you grieve the earthly loss of your dear Gene. ❤️
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So glad you are back here.
So sorry for the loss of your precious husband, Linda. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Praying dear Linda for you and family. What a beautiful legacy Gene has left behind.
Praying for you dear Linda as you and your loved ones journey thru this new season.
Praying, Linda, as you sort through this huge loss and all the changes it brings. Thankful for the good memories and abundant family members. Praying you will be comforted and guided each day ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you!
Much love and prayers for comfort in this time Linda ❤️
I’m pondering on just how hard it would have been to be “God’s chosen people.” Yes, an honor and special, but all the rituals and rules. The sacrifices. Think of being a preachers kid and all the pressure of doing everything correctly with the whole church watching your every move. Or just growing up in the Bible belt in the 80’s and 90’s. It’s impossible with the pressure. And that is what the law shows that we can NEVER get it right, we are flawed humans even though God created the Israelites and set them apart. The foreshadowing to the world, that we could never do it right on our own, or cleanse our sins enough. We NEED the Savior that does it once and for all. The Israelites were/are his chosen people for the nations around to see a better way. And now we are grafted in through Jesus, to show a better way. But not by ourselves or what we do, but who did it for us.
And how do we show we understand this? We live differently. We love differently. We forgive and turn the other cheek. Love the unloveable and help the widows and orphans. We serve and help, and put others above ourselves. And we love the Lord our God with all hearts, souls, and minds. For the Holy Spirit is within us to convict us and help us. We were sanctified, are sanctified, and being sanctified. Holy.
And we lay down all idols above Him…which is where we put our time and energy. We lay down our old way- selfish nature of me. We look differently at the lost, and know that we were too, lost before being found. We were in the dark too, and now we have the glorious light!
Makes me think of the song (we sing at jail alot- today is Wednesday!!)
Glorious Day- by Passion/Christian Stanfield!
I was breathing, but not alive
All my failures I tried to hide
It was my tomb
‘Til I met You
You called my name
Then I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day
You called my name
And I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day
Now Your mercy has saved my soul
Now Your freedom is all that I know
The old made new
Jesus, when I met You, whoa, what a day
When you called my name
And I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day
You called my name
Then I ran out of that grave
Out of the darkness
Into Your glorious day
I needed rescue
My sin was heavy
But chains break at the weight of Your glory
I needed shelter
I was an orphan
But You call me a citizen of Heaven
When I was broken
You were my healing
Now Your love is the air that I’m breathing
I have a future
My eyes are open!
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I just shared that song yesterday in my comnent! Like minds.
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I thought about the people’s decision, too. Not sure I ever considered the why in their choice before. Maybe I have and just forgot! ❤
Q 1 The Lord laid out commandments and laws to guide the Israelites for every day living – everything from morality, offerings for all types of sin, their food, their leaders, their worship of nothing and no one other than the Lord God, for situations and circumstances of all kinds.
Yet, being human and imperfect, God knew it would be a struggle to live as they should. Being immersed in a society of ungodly people and practices would be temptation most were unprepared to resist.
And here we are today, surrounded by what the children of Israel were to remain separated from. Even in our witnessing and sharing Christ with others, we are cautioned to be aware of the temptation of falling into their sin.
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Q 2 Every time I read the details of the sacrifices required by the Israelites, I am overwhelmed by the ongoing, never ending cycle of selecting and sacrificing.
Jesus stepped in and stepped up in a way that the sacrifices offered by humans never ever could. By offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice, we can be forgiven and protected by accepting His offer salvation by our belief in Him.
Thank you, Jesus!
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MARGARET W -praying for you in this adjustment and especially for Becca, that she will soon regroup from the move and the changes in her surroundings and routine, find a job that’s the perfect fit for her, and that she will be able to see God’s hand in all these things and give her heart to Him.
TRICIA C – glad you are back! Praying as you figure out the best timing to study with us daily
ADRIENNE- great to see you here again!
MERCY – praying ❤️
SUSAN FELBINGER – “redemption has ALWAYS been the plan” ❤️
Thank you so much, Searching. I really missed my time here. It was only for a short two-week study, but two weeks seemed like sooooooooo long!
Amen ❤️ and thank you ❤️
Amen❤️
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Amen
I think quite a while ago you had asked for prayer for a family struggle. ?? (My memory isn’t great… lol) How are you doing?
God set His people apart not just for them to be His, but to show Who He is. He wanted them to bring the nations to Himself and to show His steadfast love to the entire world!
God’s brought us sanctification and holiness. The sacrificial system could not do this, could not take our sins. It was meant to show guilt, to make us see where we fall short, to bring us to our knees before our Holy God. The blood of animals could not save, only Jesus’ blood could! Once for all!
The Lord set the people of Israel apart in this way to be His! So in the NT He sends Jesus to fully pay for our sin so that we may be holy unto Him. He has always desired relationship with His people!
Amen Kayla. They are to be holy as God is holy. He did not want the people of the promised land to influence the Israelites.
Grateful He wants relationship with us!
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