Problem: Leviticus 16 sets up the procedure for the Day of Atonement of killing one goat as a sin offering to make atonement for the Holy Place, and then confessing the sins of Israel upon the head of another goat and sending it away into the wilderness. However, this does not present a unified picture, for there is only one sacrifice for our sins, not two (Heb. 10:14).
Problem: Leviticus 13 gives the laws concerning leprosy. In verses 47–59 there are laws concerning leprosy in garments. However, leprosy is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium and does not affect inanimate objects like garments. Was not the Bible wrong to talk about leprous garments?
Problem: The Bible exalts the position of motherhood saying, “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine … your children like olive plants” (Ps. 128:3). Nevertheless, mothers were commanded to bring a sacrifice to the altar for “purification” and “atonement” after the birth of a child (Lev. 12:5–7).
Problem: In Leviticus 11:5–6, two animals, the rock hyrax and the rabbit, were designated as unclean by Leviticus because, although they chew the cud, they do not divide the hoof. But, science has discovered that these two animals do not chew the cud. Isn’t it an error when the Bible says they chew the cud when in fact they do not?
Problem: Leviticus 5:15 instructs that one “bring to the Lord an offering.” But a few verses later it says to “bring it to the priest” (v. 18).
Problem: In Leviticus 3:2, the priest was commanded to “sprinkle the blood all around on the altar.” But, in Deuteronomy 12:27, the blood was to be “poured” on the altar. Continue reading →