Leviticus in Fausset's Bible Dictionary

Wayyiqra' is the Hebrew name, from the initial word; the middle book of the Pentateuch. The laws "which the Lord commanded Moses in Mount Sinai, in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their oblations unto the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai" (Leviticus 7:38). Given between the setting up of the tabernacle and its departure from Sinai, i.e. between the first day of the first month and the 20th day of the second month of the second year of the Exodus (Exodus 40:2; Exodus 40:17; Numbers 10:11). Two chief subjects are handled: (1) Leviticus 1-16, the fundamental ordinances of Israel's fellowship with Jehovah; (2) Leviticus 17-27, the laws for hallowing Israel in this covenant fellowship. Privilege and duty, grace conferred and grace inwrought, go hand in hand. First; (1) The law of offerings, Leviticus 1-7. (2) Investiture of Aaron and consecration of priests, Leviticus 8-10. (3) Rules as to clean and unclean, Leviticus 11-15. (4) The day of atonement, the summing up of all means of grace for the nation and the church, annually. Second; (1) Israel's life as holy and separate from heathendom, in food, marriage, and toward fellow men, Leviticus 17-20; the mutual connection of Leviticus 18; Leviticus 19; Leviticus 20, is marked by recurring phrases, "I are the Lord," "ye shall be holy, for I ... am holy." (2) Holiness of priests and of offerings, Leviticus 21-22. (3) Holiness shown in the holy convocations, sabbaths, perpetual light in the tabernacle, shewbread, Leviticus 23-24. (4) Perpetuation of the theocracy by the sabbatical and Jubilee years, the perpetual tenure of land, the redemption of it and bond servants (Leviticus 25); and by fatherly chastisement of the people and restoration on repentance, Leviticus 26. (5) Appendix on vows, which are not encouraged especially, yet permitted with some restrictions (Leviticus 27)...