BU Blog | Leviticus

Both Jews and Christians have always believed that Moses wrote Leviticus and no sufficient evidence disproves his authorship. He wrote the book sometime between 1440 and 1400 B.C. Ancient Hebrews called it Wayiqra’, from the first word. The book’s English title reflects its topic, the ordinances concerning the priests who came from the tribe of Levi.

Leviticus covers the 30 days between the tabernacle’s completion and the first day of the second month on which the book of Numbers begins. With the sanctuary newly erected, Moses further establishes the Israelite religion. He describes the sanctuary services, the priests’ duties, and the principles of worship the Israelites were to follow. He also enumerates the many social, hygiene and health-related laws that governed the people’s daily lives.