How to read Leviticus

Leviticus may pose a problem for us because it is a different kind of book and therefore, we stumble over it without realizing why. The reason is quite simple – this book cannot be read the same way we read other books in the Bible. You may remember I told you that each book is recognized by its genre. The lay-out of the OT books recognizes this by classification of the library of books under general headings. Leviticus is a book of legislation and detail and requires a different approach than our normal method of reading Scripture. We all read the Bible devotionally – by that I mean we read to edify our hearts and to love the Lord. Our ears are open to hear Him speak to us. I hope that is how you read the Bible! Paul describes the purpose of the prophetic word, which surely, includes Scripture, “But he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort” (1Cor.14:3). If you only read the Bible devotionally you may be in danger of dreaming your way through your daily reading and you may even become lazy and make do with that and what we do not grasp, we skip over. Leviticus will not allow you to do that! Often Scripture requires more from us, if we are going to benefit from reading it and this is one of those books which requires more. I suggest you will need to take your pen and note-book to carefully identify the contents of each chapter and their spiritual application. There are many chapters in the Bible which require your careful attention as to their content. Bible teachers often suggest that you read an entire book through several times before you do anything else, that would be a tall order with regards to Leviticus, but it still needs to be done. May I suggest that sometimes you have to go beyond your normal practise of devotional reading and devote some time to actually study in depths a verse, a section, or a chapter of Scripture. Often a chapter heading cuts across a prophecy or a subject, think beyond chapter heading and verse structure. A simple target for all Bible readers is to be able to summarize each book and to have a grasp of the content of each chapter. Also, place each book in its historical context, in other words – chronologically. This is the purpose of a biblical Survey - you will find that this contributes to your enjoyment of Scripture. There will be direct outcomes for you as you read the Bible regularly. You will be transformed by the renewing of your mind; your whole way of thinking will be informed by Scripture. You will articulate the mind of Christ. But you will also find your mind and heart will begin to favour particular books or portions of Scripture, or particular Bible characters and you may dislike others. Your notes, comments and reflections will be added to, as you your knowledge of Scripture increases. God will inform you and teach you as you read His word.