Questions

Scriptural Reflection
Leviticus 23

This week we will continue to study the Book of Leviticus.

Seven feasts are being highlighted in this chapter. Details of most of these feasts are mentioned elsewhere in the Pentateuch. It appears the Lord is setting some kind of a religious calendar for Israel with emphases on “rest” and “sacred assemblies”, both terms being repeated many times throughout this chapter. We shall reflect on each of them briefly today:

V. 3 Sabbath—The brief command here contains highlights which deserve our reflection:

(1) What does the contrast of six days (of work) versus one day of rest imply?

(2) What is the true meaning of “rest” within the context of Sabbath?

(3) Why is such a day “a day of sacred assembly”?

(4) While we observe our “Sabbath” on the Lord’s Day today, how may you (and the church) live out the true meaning of Sabbath?

Vv. 4-14—The Passover, Unleavened Bread and the First Fruits: We know that the Passover (observed on the 14^th of Abib, 1^st month) was set to remember God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt with the slaying of the first-born of Egypt, but the sparing of those of Israel; and this festival continued right into the Feast of Unleavened Bread (beginning on the 15^th of Abib) which lasted a week. It recalled the time of Exodus when they had to leave so suddenly that there was no time to leaven their bread. The details of their observance are contained in Exodus 12-13. While Exodus 23:15 and 34:18-20 might have hinted at the offering of first fruits on this occasion, it is being spelled out clearly here in vv. 10-13 and points to a communal, rather than a personal presentation of first fruits (likely on the 16^th of Abib). Two things, perhaps, are worth noting:

(5) The cereal offering on this occasion is twice as much as required normally (see Num. 28:13). What might this signify?

(6) And, only after these offerings have been made to God could the people eat of the new season’s produce. What is the significance of such a provision?

Vv. 15-22—The Feast of the Weeks (i.e. Pentecost): The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word that means “50^th”, referring to the 50 days (i.e. seven weeks) after the first sheaf was offered, marking the end of the grain harvest:

(7) This is the one occasion in the year that “leavened” bread is to be brought as an offering (v. 17). Why is that? (see Note below)

(8) Why does the Lord end this stipulation of Pentecost with a reminder to take care of the poor and the alien? (v. 22)

Vv. 23-44—The Fall Festivals—the Feast of the Trumpets, Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles:

- These feasts are celebrated on the seventh month, Tishri, which marks the end of the agricultural year with grapes and olives having been picked, and the beginning of a new one, anticipating the rainy season which runs from October to March.

- Tishri, being the 7^th month with the most solemn festival (Day of Atonement) and the most joyous festival (Feast of Tabernacle) taking place in the month, is considered to be of such significance that in the post-exilic era, it was turned into the first month of the civic year, and the Day of the Feast of the Trumpets has become the New Year's Day (Rosh Hashanah) of Israel.

(9) How important is the Feast of Trumpets in “announcing” the beginning of the month of Tishri?

(10) In this brief mention of the Day of Atonement, to deny oneself is mentioned twice, with the warning of being cut-off as the consequence of its disobedience; why is it being so emphasized and why is the punishment so severe?

(11) Read Nehemiah 8:13-17 to get an idea of how the Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated. What do you think is the purpose of this festival? (See v. 43 and Deut. 16:10-12)

(12) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Note:

While commentators have differing opinion in this respect, I tend to think that yeast, in this context, does not denote sin as it normally does, but rather as the Feast of the Unleavened Bread recalls the time when they left Egypt in a hurry with no time to leaven the bread, that now at the conclusion of their grain harvest (to be celebrated when they have entered into the Promised Land), the offering and eating of leavened bread at this point signifies the fact that they have “entered into God’s rest”.

Scriptural Reflection
Leviticus 24

It appears that the emphasis on this reiteration is on the provision that both the oil for the golden lampstand (Exodus 27:20-21) and the flour for the Bread of Presence (Exodus 25:30), should be supplied by the people. A diagram of the sanctuary might be helpful as a reminder:

The Holy of Holies Ark

The Holy Place Altar of Incense Lampstand Table of Bread

(1) The emphases include the following. (vv. 1-4)

a. The type of olive oil to be used

b. The lamps are to be tended to ensure it will keep burning

Why should these be singled out in this reiteration?

(2) The Bread of Presence (literally, face) (vv. 5-9)

a. Twelve loaves of breads using 2/10 of an ephah each

b. Put pure incense on the bread as a memorial portion to the Lord

c. Eaten only by Aaron and his sons after being replenished weekly

d. Called the most holy part of their regular share of offerings

Since the Most Holy Place with the Ark (which represents God’s presence), could only be entered into by the High Priest only once a year, how do the above emphases express the significance of the Bread of Presence?

A Case of Blasphemy (vv. 10-23)

(3) Do you think that it was accidental that the blasphemer was the son whose father was an Egyptian? Why or why not?

(4) Did the man not violate that 3^rd Commandment (Exodus 20:7)? Why then would they choose to wait for “the will of the Lord” to be made clear to them?

(5) What was God’s verdict? Was it too harsh? Why or why not? (See how the religious leaders used this to judge Jesus in Matt. 26:66-67.)

(6) Now God also lays down how they should treat those who take life (the assumption is to pass judgment through a proper judicial process):

a. What is the judgment about taking a human life?

b. What is the judgment about taking the life of an animal that belongs to someone else?

c. What is the judgment concerning bodily injury?

What do you think is the basis of these punishments?

(7) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Scriptural Reflection
Leviticus 25:1–28

These instructions to keep the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee had to be unprecedented in ancient times, but they also carry messages that we need to hear today:

Vv. 1-7—The Sabbath Year—The Israelites are instructed not to sow, prune or gather every 7^th year:

(1) Where would the owner of the fields get their food?

(2) What would happen to that year's annual profit that they would usually gain?

(3) What might happen to their hired workers that year?

(4) Since the land would still bear its fruit and produce its crops, who would benefit from these?

(5) It is said that it is the land that enjoys “a Sabbath to the Lord”:

a. What would it mean to the land?

b. Who then truly owns the land?

(6) We know the Law reveals the character of the Lord. What then is the character of the Lord revealed by this provision?

Vv. 8-28—The Year of Jubilee (I)—Since the 50^th year (the Year of Jubilee) begins with the Day of Atonement, it is the agricultural year or cycle:

(7) Its observance (vv. 25:8-12)

a. What might be the reason to have it begin on the Day of Atonement (when the whole nation received forgiveness for all its sins), in order that the year may be consecrated and used to “proclaim liberty through the land and all its inhabitants”?

b. For those who had lost their family property and thus were displaced, how did “liberty” become more than a symbol, but a reality?

c. It appears the Year of Jubilee follows immediately after the 49^th year which is the Sabbath year of the seventh year, and it in itself is a Sabbath year; again the people are not to sow and reap. How might the average land owner feel?

(8) Jubilee of the land (vv. 25:13-28)

a. Vv. 13-17 — Basis of assessment: The basis of assessing the value of the land is being explained which works like a modern-day lease agreement. What is the ethical principle laid down by the Lord?

b. Vv. 18-22 — Incentives: In spite of the apparent loss of profit because of two consecutive years of Sabbath and the limits being put in assessing the value of the land, what are the incentives given by the Lord for their obedience?

c. Vv. 23-28 — No permanent transfer of ownership: In laying down this important law, what are the reasons given by the Lord?

(9) Can you sum up the important messages and principles behind this Year of Jubilee?

(10) What is the main message to you today and how can you apply it to your life?

Scriptural Reflection
Leviticus 25:29–55

(1) Redemption of a house versus open land (vv. 29-31):

a. A house within a walled city refers to a house used purely for residence.

b. A house in an open field is then part of the field which is meant for the planting of crops or other income producing plants or trees.

What is the reason for the difference in their treatment regarding ownership?

(2) Houses of the Levites (vv. 32-34)

-An exception is made to the houses of the Levites which are always redeemable, while their lands could never be sold (even in their poverty)

Why is such an exception given to the Levites?

Who are they and how different are they in terms of sources of income?

(3) Cannot charge interest (vv. 35-38)

a. What is their obligation to one of their own countrymen?

b. What is the reason given for not allowing them to charge interest on loans to one of their countrymen? (v. 38)

c. How then should it be applied among us?

(4) On slavery (vv. 39-55):

a. What is the reason given for not enslaving one of their own countrymen? (v. 42)

b. Why then could they purchase aliens as slaves? (vv. 44-46)

c. What provisions are made to ensure the possibility of redemption of Jewish slaves owned by foreigners within Israel?

d. What does such a distinction between Israelites and foreigners speak to their relationship with God? (vv. 54-55)

e. How does God treat us, His children, differently from those who do not belong to Him?

(5) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Scriptural Reflection
Leviticus 26:1–13

As we draw closer to the end of the collection of “the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the Lord established on Mount Sinai between Himself and the Israelites through Moses” (26:46), we read in chapter 26 that the Lord lays before His Covenanted People the blessings for their obedience and the curses for their disobedience. We shall consider the blessings today:

(1) In announcing His promised blessings, what are the two commandments that the Lord prefaces them with? (vv. 1-2)

(2) How significant is each of these commandments (to the point that the Lord would preface His blessings and curses with)?

(3) How important are they to us today?

(4) 1^st promised blessing: Enough food all year round (vv. 3-5) — see Note below

a. Do you think this promise is still applicable to Israel today?

b. Do you think this promise is applicable to us today?

(5) 2^nd promised blessing: Peace and safety (vv. 6-8)

a. Given the location of Palestine — a land passage between the world powers in the north and those in the south historically, how important was this promise?

b. How did King David experience this promise of “lying down” in peace in Psalm 23?

(6) 3^rd promised blessing: Increase in number (v. 9)

a. The promise of fruitfulness and increase here is tied to God’s covenant. What covenant is being referred to? (See Gen. 15:5; 17:2-6)

b. What does this covenant ultimately point to?

(7) 4^th promised blessing: Abundant harvest (v. 10)

a. What kind of picture is being used to depict their abundant harvest?

b. As much as we like to put the spiritual before the material, what does this say about God’s desire for the world and the people He has created?

(8) 5^th promised blessing: Continued covenanted presence (vv. 11-12)

a. Of course, the spiritual is of utmost importance: What does this promise entail?

b. How precious and significant is this promise?

(9) Basis of promise (v. 13)

a. Who is God to Israel and what has He done for them?

b. Who is God to you and what He has done for you?

c. Have you been able to “walk with your head held high”?

(10) What is the “all important” condition attached to these promises in v. 3?

(11) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Note:

Grapes and olives are the last of the harvest of the year which precedes the rainy season (October to March) and marks the beginning of another planting season for crops.

Scriptural Reflection
Leviticus 26:14–46

As much as the rewards for obedience are great, the punishments for disobedience are also severe, and yet they do reflect the patience and long-suffering of God, because they are mentioned in stages:

Vv. 14-17—The Initial Stage

(1) The punishments are being described in vivid fashion, perhaps, summed up best with the beginning words, "sudden terror":

a. How would you describe the condition they have to live in when they sin?

b. Which to you presents the most horrific punishment?

c. See Judges 6:3, 4 to see how one of these punishments had come to pass.

(2) Given the tremendous blessings that awaited them, why would Israel choose to reject God’s decrees?

Vv. 18-20—The 2^nd stage—The “seven-time” punishments are featured by

(3) Barren land: God causes the sky and the land to become like iron and bronze, instead of abundant yield. There will be no yield:

a. Why would they not repent given the punishments they would have suffered?

b. What does God aim to achieve with more severe punishments? (v. 19)

Vv. 21-22—The 3^rd stage—The “seven-time” punishments are featured by

(4) Extermination of cattle and childlessness

a. What will be the means that God uses?

b. In what ways are these punishments “seven times” more severe?

Vv. 23-26—The 4^th stage—The “seven-time” punishments are featured by

(5) War, plague and famine

a. What does the Lord say before declaring His accelerated punishments?

b. What does God accuse them of in v. 25?

vv. 27-39—The 5^th stage—the “seven-time” punishments are featured by

(6) Severe famine, destruction of idols’ altars, ruined cities and sanctuaries, land laid waste and exile:

a. What are the reasons given for such utter destruction? (vv. 28, 39)

b. How does the history of Israel turn this warning into a fulfilled prophecy? (See 2 Ki. 6:24-31; 25:1-12)

A Message of Hope (vv. 40-45)

(7) Even when their sins are so horrendous, what would turn God’s heart around? (vv. 40-41)

(8) Will Israel repent of their sins one day? (Zech. 12:10; Rom. 11:25-27)

(9) What obliges the Lord to accept their repentance? (v. 42)

(10) What is the main message to you today and how may you apply it to your life?

Scriptural Reflection
Leviticus 27

This final chapter in Leviticus acts more like an appendix to the Book of Leviticus and it deals with a rather good thing — the voluntary making of vows to God, except that it also opens up an opportunity to sin against the Lord:

(1) Before we reflect on the provisions concerning the honoring of vows to God, can you think of the reasons or conditions which might prompt to a person to make a vow to God?

a. Any example in times of distress?

b. Any example in times of blessings?

c. Are vows normally made in the heat of the moment?

d. Why would a person wish to “withdraw” their vows?

(2) Read the following passages concerning vows:

a. Deuteronomy 23:21-23

b. Proverbs 20:25;

c. Ecclesiastes 5:3-5

(3) Vows to dedicate a person (vv. 2-8)

a. Just for clarity, the following is a chart of the price of redemption:

AGE	SHEKELS -MALE	SHEKELS-FEMALE
1 month – 5 years	5	3
5-20 years	20	10
20-60 years	50	30
60 + years	15	10

b. The dedicating of a person amounts to a commitment to be slaves for God, except that only the Levites could serve in the temple of the Lord. Therefore as an expression of such a dedication, “money” is to be paid as redemption in the expression of such a vow. The amounts so set appear to be reasonable prices for the redemption of slaves in the marketplace.

c. Using Samuel (which was really an exception) as an example (1 Sam. 1:11), can you understand what it might mean to dedicate a person to the Lord?

(4) Vows to dedicate animals (vv. 9-13)

a. Good or bad seems to imply value and should have nothing to do with blemishes. What does the “no-exchange” provision aim to achieve and teach?

b. Note: A clean animal so dedicated is probably used as sacrifice, while an unclean animal will be sold by the priest with its price going back to the coffer of the temple.

(5) Vows to dedicate property (vv. 14-24)

a. Houses: redeemable at one and one/fifth of the value (vv. 14-15)

b. Family land: redeemable as above; if not redeemed, it will permanently belong to the priests in the Jubilee (vv. 16-21)

c. Purchased land: price to be paid to the priests as valued (right away), with land returning to the original owner in the Jubilee (vv. 22-25)

Why would the Lord permit the person to redeem what has already been vowed?

(6) First-born animals (vv. 26-27)

a. What do these provisions for first-born animals, clean or unclean, seek to safeguard?

b. Is there any spiritual lesson that we may learn from it?

(7) Irreversible Vows (vv. 28-29)

a. V. 28 appears to deal with a special, most solemn kind of vow, although we do not really know its exact nature: the word, “to devote” means “to ban” (K&D, 644).

b. V. 29 appears to deal with divine judgment against idolaters such as those described in Deuteronomy 13:13ff.

(8) Tithing (vv. 30-33)

a. What is the reason given for this command of “tithing” of grain and fruit? How is it related to the safeguard against using the first-born as vows?

b. Why is the redemption of grain or fruit tithing permitted?

c. How does the provision concerning the herd and flock safeguard against manipulation?

(9) When you are reading the above provisions and realize that even voluntary vow makings need to be regulated, consider the following:

a. Does it make you sad?

b. How does it speak to our sinfulness?

(10) As we come to the end of the Book of Leviticus, spend some time going through your notes or journal, and highlight the main messages you have learned. Translate your thoughts into a prayer of response.