The Argument of Leviticus

THE ARGUMENT OF LEVITICUS.

When the Tabernacle was erected, near to Mount Sinai, the first day of the second year, after the children of Israel parted from Egypt, and was so replenished with God's Majesty, that none, no not Moyses himself could enter in, our Lord speaking from thence, called Moyses, and declared to him the office of the Levites, whom only, and no others, he deputed for the administration, and charge of sacred things: where this book (wherein they are written) is called Leviticus. In which (saith St. Jerome) all and every Sacrifice, yea almost every syllable, and Aaron's vestments, and the whole Levitical order breathe forth heavenly sacraments, or mysteries. For first God here prescribeth what sacrifices he will have, in what manner, and to what purpose. Then what parts and qualities be required in Priests; how that they shall be visited and consecrated, severely punishing some that transgressed: with commandments neither to offer in sacrifice, nor to eat: things reputed unclean, and the manner of purifying such things, and persons, as by divers occasions were polluted: interposing also some moral, and judicial precepts: appointeth certain solemn feasts, times of rest, and Jubilee year. Finally promiseth rewards, and threateneth punishments to those that keep or break his commandments: with particular admonition touching vows and tithes.

So this book may be divided into five special parts. The first, of divers sorts of sacrifices: in the seven first chapters. The second, of consecrating Priests, and their vestments, with punishment for offering strange fire, in the three next chapters. The third, of distinction between clean and unclean, with the manner of purifying certain legal uncleannesses, and other precepts moral and judicial, from the 11. chapter to the 23. The fourth, of feasts, times of rest, and Jubilee, with privileges, rewards, and punishments, from the 23. chapter to the 27. The fifth, of vows, and tithes, in the last chapter.

Marginal notes

• Exod. ult.
• Num. 1.
• Epist. ad Paulinum. (St. Jerome)
• Lev. 1, 8, 11, 16, 18, 23, 26, 27.
• So soon as the Tabernacle was erected God declared the office of the Levites, in this book: whereof it is called Leviticus.
• The contents of this book.
• Divided into five parts.