Institute
Lesson 15: Leviticus 11–18

“Lesson 15: Leviticus 11–18,” Old Testament Instructor’s Guide, Religion 301–2 (1994), 29–30

“Leviticus 11–18,” Old Testament Instructor’s Guide, 29–30

15

Leviticus 11–18

Scripture Content Outline

Supplementary Study Sources

  1. Leviticus 11–15. The Principle of Separation from the World Was Taught to Israel

    1. Clean animals were designated for use and unclean animals for avoidance (see Leviticus 11).

    2. Purification rites for women were established (see Leviticus 12; JST, Leviticus 12:3–5).

    3. Laws were given to prescribe the discerning of leprosy and the cleansing of lepers and those with other afflictions (see Leviticus 13–15).

Religion 301 student manual, 15-1 through 15-7; 15-12.

Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:76–78. Why was the dove offered in sacrifices associated with purification?

  1. Leviticus 16. The Ceremonies for the Holy Day of Atonement Were Revealed

Religion 301 student manual, 15-8; D-6.

Exodus 30:10. The memorial Day of Atonement was to be “most holy.”

Hebrews 9:7, 12, 24–25. What did the high priest’s entering the holy place symbolize?

Bible dictionary, s.v. “fasts.” The Day of Atonement is explained.

DS, 2:141–42. What is the purpose of vicarious sacrifice?

  1. Leviticus 17. Rules for Properly Making the Offering of Sacrifices Were Given to Israel

    1. Only those sacrifices brought to the priest at the door of the tabernacle were acceptable to the Lord (see Leviticus 17:1–9).

    2. Eating of blood was forbidden to Israel (see Leviticus 17:10–14; see also Leviticus 3:17; 7:26; 19:26).

    3. Eating animals that were not properly killed made an individual ceremonially unclean (see Leviticus 17:15–16).

Religion 301 student manual, 15-9 through 15-10.

Genesis 9:4. What was restricted in the diet by commandment of God? (see also JST, Genesis 9:4).

D&C 132:5. Why must all ordinances be performed in the manner the Lord has designated? (see also D&C 130:20–21).

  1. Leviticus 18. Israel Was Warned against the Sins of Egypt and Canaan

    1. Israel was not to indulge in the sins committed by Egypt and Canaan lest they defile the land and be cast out (see Leviticus 18:1–5, 24–30).

    2. Sexual perversions prevalent in Egypt and Canaan were forbidden to the children of Israel (see Leviticus 18:6–20, 22–23).

    3. Human sacrifice was condemned (see Leviticus 18:21).

Religion 301 student manual, 15-11

Some Suggestions for Presentation

You are not expected to teach everything in the scripture content outline. Select those concepts that you feel will be the most helpful to your students.

You may want to combine lessons 15 and 16 because the book of Leviticus is legalistic and some of it is treated in lessons on Exodus.

Clean and Unclean (Section A)

The Lord desires his people to be pure, particularly those who, like the priests of ancient Israel, represent the Lord as his servants: “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord” (Isaiah 52:11). In ancient Israel, the laws of purification were intended to separate the people by covenant from the contaminating influences in the world around them. Discuss briefly how the laws relating to clean and unclean animals or to the cleansing of lepers helped to teach Israel this principle.

The symbolism and teaching value of the laws pertaining to cleanliness are relevant to us. Relate the laws of cleanliness in Israel to our time by discussing the need to be free from the world and from earthly influence, as the Lord intended Israel to be. Read Leviticus 11:44–45 with the class and compare this passage with Doctrine and Covenants 88:86. Point out that the word of the Lord is the same in all ages. He wants a pure people (see D&C 43:14), clean in both body and mind. The laws of God, whether of the law of Moses or of the fulness of the gospel, are intended to purify his people. Compare the ancient dietary laws with the modern Word of Wisdom. Explain that the Lord desires his people to be different from the world and to be a special example of righteousness that others may follow (see Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; Leviticus 20:26; D&C 115:5).

The Symbolism of the Ordinances of the Day of Atonement (Section B)

Use the summary of the events of the Day of Atonement (see Religion 301 student manual, 15-8), as the basis of a discussion of the symbolism and significance of this holy day. Review each of the items outlined. Compare the order of the day’s events with the account of them given by the Apostle Paul in Hebrews 9.