Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

At the beginning of the book of Leviticus, Yahweh speaks to Moses from the tabernacle. However, at the beginning of Numbers, Yahweh speaks to Moses in the tent of meeting.

What is this passage teaching?

At the end of Exodus, Yahweh’s glory prevented Moses from entering the tabernacle (Exodus 40:35). Leviticus picks up right where Exodus ends, with Moses standing outside the temple because Yahweh’s glory is still preventing him from entering. He must receive instruction outside the tabernacle instead of inside the Holy Place. However, in Numbers, Moses is receiving instruction from inside the tabernacle. So how did Moses gain entrance into the tabernacle? The answer lies in the purpose of the book of Leviticus, which provides instructions for Israel to atone for their sins through blood sacrifices. In Numbers 1:1, Moses can enter the tabernacle because Yahweh provided a means by which sinful men could approach His glorious presence.

How do I respond?

Many people find the demise of their yearly bible reading plan in the book of Leviticus. This mischaracterized book is often misunderstood and avoided. Leviticus, like Exodus, is all about the means God provides to bring His people into his presence. The millions of sacrifices that would be offered at the altar of the tabernacle and temple would all testify to the insufficiency of the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. However, they would also point towards the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Christ, whose blood paid for sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). As you end this study in Exodus, consider picking up in Leviticus. Is it a little weird and challenging? Sure – but it drips with the goodness of God and the lengths to which He will go to bring His people into His presence.