The Book of Leviticus is God's attempt to create a bridge between Himself and humanity. It is the very beginning of a long and evolutionary process. Many of the instructions God gives to the children of Israel are antiquated now but were pertinent to the development of faith and understanding of God in the time and context of their lives.
1:1 God calls to Moses with further instructions for the children of Israel. Although they have repeatedly pledged themselves to God, the children of Israel lived in a much different world than we do. The world was even more corrupt than it is now, law and order barely existed. People did not have the somewhat socially-reinforced moral compass that we have now. Up until this point, God had dealt with individual families. He is now ready to expand. This massive group is soon to become a nation (the fulfillment of a promise God made to Abraham in Genesis) and in order for that to happen, God needs to prepare this people.
1:2 The most important first step to becoming a nation (literally, or a figurative, powerful self) is to establish a sturdy foundation in God. God needed the children of Israel to understand sin and atonement. In a more faithfully-primitive world, sacrifice was the method which enabled people to understand the price of their corruption.
In Hosea 6:6 and Matthew 9:13 God declares His true intention in regard to sacrifice:
- Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
- Matthew 9:13 ...I desire mercy and not sacrifice...
1:3-14 Because animal sacrifice is now defunct, it is unnecessary to study in-depth the process. However verses 3-14 do contain the instructions for the children of Israel.
