Focus before you read…
At Mt. Sinai God had emphasized to the people of Israel that they were to be a holy nation set
apart for Him. This special relationship with God could only be maintained if 1) there was
togetherness, continued fellowship with Him on a regular basis; and 2) constant maintenance of
that relationship through obedience. This is the purpose of Leviticus; it is the believers’ manual
for living as God’s holy people. As we read through Leviticus, we need to look at each passage
in three ways: 1) What did it mean for Israel at that time? 2) What does it show us about God the
Father or the Lord Jesus Christ?: and 3) How can it apply to us today?
Questions to ask as you read…
- How were Nadab and Abihu acting in disobedience to God’s commands? Why was their
punishment so severe? How did Aaron show his reverence for and obedience to God?
- What do you think was the reason for these dietary prohibitions in chapter 11 and the ones regarding childbirth in chapter 12? What does it show us about God?
Applications to make after you read…
Have you ever had a day that promised to be glorious and turned out to be a disaster? That’s
what chapter 10 must have been for Aaron. Everything about what his sons did was wrong and presumptuous! But why was God’s discipline so harsh? Serving God is both a great privilege
and an awesome responsibility. It is not to be taken lightly. Chapters 11 and 12 are a picture of
God’s graciousness and protectiveness toward His people. Whether in the protection from dangerous food or the protection of a mother and her child from undue responsibilities and
contacts, God was showing that He cared about every aspect of His people’s lives.
Prayer…
Lord, help us realize what it means to be set apart as your children. Give us the desire to lead
that set-apart life. Thank you for your gracious care of us in every aspect of our lives
