TITLE
The Hebrew title is Wayyiqra, “Now the LORD called.” The LXX title is “Levitikon.” Leviticus is a title from the Latin Vulgate. Leviticus means, “That which pertains to the Levites.” Rabbinical Jews refer to the book as either “The law of the Priests,” or “The law of the offerings.”

AUTHOR
Moses. Ezra 6:18 states Moses wrote God’s instructions in a book. The book of Leviticus is the third book of Moses. In Matthew 8:2-4 Jesus made reference to Moses and the book of Leviticus (Leviticus 14:1-4). Nehemiah, Luke, and Paul also ascribed authorship to Moses (Nehemiah 8:14; Luke 2:22; Romans 10:5).

DATE
@ 1486-1485 BC. Leviticus was written in the wilderness of Sinai by Moses when he received instructions from God regarding the priesthood (Exodus 40:17). All the instructions regarding the Levites would have been completed no later than two years after the exodus, (Spring 1486 BC) since the duties of the priests were linked to the tabernacle.

THEME
The beginning of “Church government” (congregation in the wilderness).

A detailed and intricate “prophecy of things to come” (Hebrews 10:1-14; Colossians 2:16-17). (The rituals picture the meaning of Jesus Christ’s total, complete sacrifice.)

The laws of Leviticus teach the people holiness (Leviticus 19:2,18).

NOTE:
Israel was called out of Egypt by God as the New Testament Church is called out of the world (John 6:44,65). God chose the tribe of Levi as His priesthood. Today, God calls individuals as ministers under His New Testament Church government (Hebrews 2).