The one reoccurring theme of Leviticus is stated in chapter 19 verse 2, "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’"

Their holiness was to be seen in every aspect of their daily lives. Leviticus tells us how they dressed, how they could or could not cut their hair and beards, the foods they could eat, and when they could not work. It addressed their character. God demanded they "do no injustice" (19.35).This included their weights and measurements (19).

Just as importantly they were to think in a holy way. "The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me" (25.23) "For the children of Israel are servants to Me; they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God" (25.55) "I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people" (26.12) Other passages can be sited, but I think you get the point. They owned nothing; they did not even own themselves. Their very being as a people was due to God’s power. Their possession of the land was more of a lease agreement then a purchase. Their purpose for existence was to serve God.

In the same way we are to be a holy nation, a peculiar people, His own special people, 1 Peter 2.9.

Unfortunately, Israel became like the other nations around them. They became deceptive, untrustworthy, rebellious, immoral, and idolatrous. The same can happen to us today. Wearing the name of Christ, coming to a church building, and worshipping is not "being holy". We are to be holy in conduct, character, and our purpose of life. D.T.