Learning God’s Attributes from the Book of Leviticus

In the book of Leviticus, we encounter a profound exploration of God’s holiness and the intricate ways in which an ungodly people can approach Him. This ancient text serves as a guide for the Israelites, revealing the path to communion with their powerful, holy God. Let’s delve into the attributes of God as illuminated in Leviticus:

1. Holiness: Leviticus repeatedly emphasizes God’s holiness and His call for His people to be holy as He is holy. Leviticus 11:44-45 states, “For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.”
2. Justice: Leviticus reveals God’s commitment to justice and fairness. Leviticus 19:15 declares, “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.”
3. Mercy and Forgiveness: While not explicitly mentioned in Leviticus, the sacrificial system outlined in the book demonstrates God’s provision for mercy and forgiveness. Leviticus 4:20 states, “Thus the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven.”
4. Covenant Faithfulness: Leviticus emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His covenant with the Israelites. Leviticus 26:44-45 affirms, “Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not spurn them, neither will I abhor them so as to destroy them utterly and break my covenant with them, for I am the LORD their God.”
5. Compassion: Leviticus reveals God’s compassion towards the vulnerable and marginalized. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.”
6. Teaching and Guidance: Leviticus serves as a guidebook for the Israelites, providing them with instructions on living in accordance with God’s will. Leviticus 20:22 states, “You shall therefore keep all my statutes and all my rules and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to live may not vomit you out.”

Please note that while these aspects of God’s character are observed in the book of Leviticus, a comprehensive understanding of His attributes requires exploring other books and passages throughout the Bible.