THIS book, containing the actions of about one month's
space, acquaint us with the Levitical ceremonies used after the
tabernacle was erected in the wilderness, and is therefore called
Leviticus: It treats of laws concerning persons, and things, clean and
unclean; as also purifyings in general once a year, and divers
particular cleansings, with a brief repetition of divers laws, together
with certain feasts, of seven years rest, of the jubilee, and the
redemption of things consecrated to God; but especially of such
ceremonies as were used about offerings and sacrifices, which were both
expiatory for trespasses committed, whether by the People or the
priests; and also eucharistical in the owning of God's blessings. Here
are declared also laws for the regulating of these, and prescribing the
lawful time for marriages; here is set down how several abominable sins
are punishable by the magistrate; and how these things are to be managed
by certain persons appropriated to the tribe of Levi, whose office is
confirmed from heaven, and the male-administration of it threatened, and
the judgment particularly inflicted on Nadab and Abihu for an example.
Here are promises, and threatenings, to the observers, or breakers of
this law. The records of even these abrogated laws are of use to us, for
the strengthening of our faith in it, as the lamb slain from the
foundation of the world; and for the increase of our thankfulness to
God, for freeing us from that heavy yoke. Directions concerning
burnt-offerings: A bullock, ver. 1-9. A sheep, goat, lamb, or kid, ver.
10-13. A turtle dove, or young pigeon, ver. 14-17.