Date of Writing: The Book of Leviticus was written between 1440 and 1400 B.C.
Purpose of Writing: The purpose of Leviticus is to provide instruction and laws to guide a redeemed people in their relationship with a holy God. Sin must be atoned for through the offering of proper sacrifices (chapters 8-10). Other topics covered in the book are diets (clean and unclean foods), child birth, and diseases which are carefully regulated (chapters 11-15). Chapter 16 describes the Day of Atonement when an annual sacrifice is made for cumulative sin of the people. Furthermore, the people of God are to be circumspect in their personal, moral, and social living, in contrast to the then current practices of the heathen roundabout them (chapters 17-22).
Key Verses: Leviticus 1:4, "He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him."
Leviticus 17:11, "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life."
Leviticus 19:18, "'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."
Brief Summary: Various feasts were instituted in the people's worship of Jehovah God, convened and practiced according to God's laws. Blessings or curses would accompany either the keeping or neglect of God's commandments (chapter 26). Vows to the Lord are covered in Chapter 27.
The primary theme of Leviticus is "holiness." God's demand for holiness in His people is based on His own holy nature. A corresponding theme is that of "atonement." Holiness must be maintained before God, and holiness can only be attained through a proper atonement. Much of the ritualistic practices of worship picture in many ways the person and work of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Practical Application: Praise the Lord that because of Jesus' death on our behalf, we no longer have to offer animal sacrifices. Leviticus is all about substitution. The death of the animals was a substitute penalty for those who have sinned. In the same way, but infinitely better, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was the substitute for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Recommended Resources: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers Holman Old Testament Commentary by Glen Martin.
Leviticus & Numbers: The NIV Application Commentary by Roy Gane.
Leviticus, New International Commentary on the Old Testament by Gordon Wenham.