Leviticus

Leviticus is the third book of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses, and it sits in the middle of the five books of the Law. The book is named for the Levites, the priestly tribe of Israel, and most of its content is instruction for them. There is very little narrative. Leviticus is almost entirely God speaking to Moses at Mount Sinai, laying out the rules that will govern Israel's worship and daily life.

The first seven chapters describe the system of sacrifices (burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings) and how each is to be performed. Chapters 8 through 10 narrate the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests, and what happens when two of them break the rules.

The rest of the book covers the laws of cleanness and uncleanness: which animals may be eaten, how skin diseases are to be handled, what makes a person ritually unclean and how they are restored. Chapter 16 describes the Day of Atonement, the central ritual of Israel's worship calendar. The closing chapters list the moral laws, the festivals of the year, and the blessings and curses tied to keeping the Law. The book ends with rules about vows and tithes.