Problem: The context of the “Thou shall not make a graven image” passages is dealing with the worship of false things. Exodus 20:4 states that no one is to make an image of what is in heaven, so that you may not worship them or bow down to them (20:5). This is reiterated in Leviticus 26:1. The Deuteronomy passages, contextually, are dealing with the same thing: an admonition against worshipping a false image. God does not want people bowing down before idols and worshiping false gods.
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Leviticus 25:44 – You may buy slaves?
Problem: Does the Bible say that it is okay for us to buy slaves? Does it encourage a slave trade? Critics of Christianity claim so, often pointing to passages like Leviticus 25:44. Is this really what the verse is saying? Let’s take a look:
Leviticus 20:10 – Why were adulterers put to death?
Problem: Leviticus records, “If there is a man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, one who commits adultery with his friend’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death” (Lev. 20:10). Why was adultery met with such a severe punishment?
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Leviticus 19:27-28 – Why couldn’t the Jews trim their beards or their hair or get tattoos?
Problem: Critics argue that arbitrary laws like this seem quite bizarre. Why would God care about trimming our beards or getting tattoos?
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Leviticus 16:16-22 – Does the sacrificial system foreshadow Christ’s ultimate sacrifice?
Problem: Critics often point out that there is no mention of the Jewish Messiah in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). Christian apologists often point to thematic rituals like the Day of Atonement in response. Does this passage prefigure the work of Christ?
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Leviticus 16:8 – What does “Azazel” mean?
Problem: Critics argue that the term “Azazel” refers to a demon –not a goat. This Hebrew term is used only here in the entire Bible. However, it is used of a demon in the apocryphal book of Enoch (200 BC). Does this passage describe the sacrificing of offerings to demons like Azazel?
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Leviticus 13:47-59 – How could leprosy affect clothing?
Problem: Critics point out that leprosy cannot affect clothing –only skin. From this, they infer that the Bible is clearly a pre-scientific and pre-medical book, which is antiquated in its understanding of disease and medicine.
Leviticus 12:1-8 – Why was a mother unclean for 7 days for giving birth to a boy, but she was unclean for 14 days for giving birth to a girl?
Problem: Critics point out that Jewish mothers were doubly unclean, if they gave birth to girls, rather than boys (compare Leviticus 12:2 with 12:5). From this, they infer that girls were generally less clean than boys. Is this the case?
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Leviticus 11:13-19 – Is a bat a bird?
Problem: Is a bat actually a bird, according to the Bible?
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Leviticus 11:5-6 – Do the badger and rabbit chew the cud?
Problem: Do the badger and rabbit chew the cud according to the Bible? But, they don’t do that. So, which is true?
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