Introduction

The Latin word Leviticus means ‘concerning the Levites’, who were the tribe of workers and priests who God chose to serve him at the altar and in other religious ceremonies. Hebrew readers call this document ‘Vayikrā’ which is the first word in the Hebrew and means ‘And he called’ (Yahweh called Mosheh/Moses). Some European and other translations call it ‘The third book of Mosheh/Moses’.

It’s presumed that Mosheh wrote this document down while they were all camped there at Mt. Sinai as mentioned in a few places: 1:1, 4:1, 6:1,24, and of 8:1.

This document focuses on the proper values and behaviour that the Israelis should observe as Yahweh’s chosen and sacred people. That involved staying ‘clean’ as per Yahweh’s values by carefully following his detailed instructions, and by avoiding wickedness.

Some of the instructions apply particularly to the priests (Aharon’s/Aaron’s descendants) and to the remainder of their own tribe (the Levites that this document is often named after) who served the priests in their sacred ceremonies.

This is still a very early look into the unfinished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.