Leviticus 6

1. Historical/Literary Context:

The Chronicler’s heart is burdened for Israel that in their post-exile return, their hearts would be turned towards God and the theocracy under Moses’ and David’s covenants would resume.  This of course meant there would have to be some credentials given for those who could serve as priests in the tribe of Levi.  Since only Levites could serve as priest, it was important for the Chronicler to provide his own credentials and that of his brothers.

2. Theological Observations:

The immutability of God’s Covenant. Ezra is writing to explain to the returning exiles how life use to be in Israel before the captivity.  He wanted them to understand their heritage and their sin which led them into exile.  Despite the period of exile, God’s covenant and conditions for blessings had not changed (v49). God was working the heart of the Persian king to send Israel back, and to rebuild the temple.  The reforms Ezra would continue to bring would especially address the Levitical priests, including who could serve as priests and where they might live.  God had not changed the stipulations of His covenant just because there was an exile, rather He called them to repent and be faithful to it once more.

3. How does it point to Jesus?

Priestly Role.  The priesthood indeed included strict rules as they worked to atone for the sins of themselves and Israel.   But as Scripture teaches us, the work they did was ultimately a type of the heavenly work Jesus Christ would perform and does perform on our behalf (Exodus 25:9 cf. Hebrews 8:2).

4. Application:

Though we are not Israelites or Levites returning from exile, we may be someone who is returning to God after a long absence of His presence.  Maybe the cause of our exile is our sin, like unto the Israelites, but whatever the reason, God’s conditions for returning to Him has not changed.  If you will confess and turn from your sin, He is faithful and justified to forgive you and restore you unto Himself. And what is even better, is that we do not have to travel thousands of miles to set up a tent or spend 50 years building a temple, rather we get to come to Christ in our hearts and there make our repentance.  The cross is a reminder to all that God’s promise never changes and He will receive the penitent.