An approach that works within the contrast between Leviticus, Numbers, and the Pentateuch can be problematic. This is due to the fact that laws and rites used in the two books named first lost their meaning in New Testament times. The revelation made the priestly vestments, the altar, the altar with seven branches, and other accessories of the Old Testament temple to Moses on Mount Sinai. In our services, they are used in a modified form and have long lost their original condition. The prophet Isaiah also wrote about this; however, both books are necessary for understanding the Pentateuch.
The third book of Moses is entitled in Old Testament times with the initial word Baiikra, which means “called.” This is due to the fact that God called Moses from the Tabernacle to accept the Levitical laws. It contains a set of rules on the ministry of the descendants of Levi in the Old Testament temple, which is essential to know for understanding the Pentateuch.
The Book of Leviticus describes the order of the Old Testament service, which consisted of various sacrifices. It describes the establishment of the priestly order itself through Aaron and his sons and gives the temple’s laws and rules of service. In Old Testament times, the fourth book of Moses was entitled with the initial word – Vayedavver – “and he said,” i.e., the word of the Lord. The Lord spoke to Moses about the reckoning of the people of Israel. In addition to the historical account of the wandering of the Jews in the wilderness, the book of Numbers contains many important laws for understanding the Pentateuch.
Bibliography
Gile, Jason. Ezekiel and the World of Deuteronomy. Edited by Mein, Andrew, and Claudia V. Camp. London: T&T Clark, 2021.
Watts, James. “Interpreting realms: Pollution and Cosmology in the History of Biblical Rhetoric.” In Cosmologies of Pure Realms and the Rhetoric of Pollution, edited by Yohan Yoo, 97-125. London: Routledge, 2021.