Leviticus—the center book of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible)—reveals the heart of Old Testament law.1 Portions of the law teach the holiness God requires of his people. Other portions teach the forgiveness God offers to restore sinners to holiness. The major focus of Leviticus is atonement,2 God’s provision for forgiveness. Readers often find Leviticus difficult to understand since it is written in the language of ancient ritual, with rules about
Page 7