The Manual of Sacrifice: We have noted the logical structure of the book of Leviticus. Since sacrifice is first offered at the tabernacle in chapter 8, instruction for offering sacrifice (chs. 1–7) precedes that act. These seven chapters comprise the first major section of the book, and they are aptly titled “The Manual of Sacrifice.”

These chapters were probably composed over a period of time. The rituals described no doubt date back into the history of ancient Israel. It may well be that the instructions were originally recited in public by priests. These chapters do seem to form a coherent unit and most likely were eventually housed at the central sanctuary in Jerusalem. This suggests preexilic usage. The OT’s accounts of the kingdom period describe a rather mixed history of worship in…