Big Idea: God is receptive to the petitions of those totally consecrated to him.

Understanding the Text

Leviticus continues the story of the book of Exodus. Eleven and a half months after the exodus, Israel completes the tabernacle, and the “glory of the Lord” takes up residence there (Exod. 40:1, 17, 34–38). Leviticus instructs Israelites on using that tabernacle for burnt offerings (Lev. 1), grain offerings (Lev. 2), fellowship offerings (Lev. 3), sin offerings (Lev. 4:1–5:13), and guilt offerings (Lev. 5:14–6:7). It then instructs priests about these same offerings (Lev. 6:8–7:38). All this underscores the importance of sacrificial worship for ancient Israel.

Historical and Cultural Background

Israel’s neighbors conducted animal sacrifices similar to Israel’s. The prophets of Baal i…