The book Of The Bible Leviticus

The book Of The Bible Leviticus

Sacrificial and ritual laws attributed to the tribe of Levi descending from the high priest Aaron are contained in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus is made up of legislation that teaches the Israelites how to maintain purity and sanctity appropriate for the people of God: The key theme of Leviticus is ex pressed by the repeated admonition: “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (11.44-45; 19.2; 20.26). Leviticus is difficult for many readers be cause of the lack of narrative and many unfamiliar laws and rituals. However, ch. 19 deals with issues of holiness including the famous injunction: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (19.18).

Also in Leviticus are laws about the use of land, treatment of the poor, and periodic cancellation of debt, which have provoked ideas for environmental and economic policies in contemporary times. Selected passages are read from the book of Leviticus at the Sunday liturgy in Year B of the Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time (13.1-2, 44-46) and in Year A of the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time (19.1-2, 17-18). The famous passage from Lev 19 is also read on the Monday of the First Week of Lent in both Year I and II of the liturgical calendar.