Equilibrium and the Sacred Compass: The Structure of Leviticus

Despite the highly organized features of Leviticus, interpreters have found it difficult to identify a cohesive structure to the book. One possible explanation may be that we have been deterred by presuppositions. We have generally seen the sacrificial system in terms of providing a means to care for the sin and impurity of the people. An alternative approach, however, focuses on the need to preserve and maintain sacred space. This paper builds on this concept and explores the ways that such an adjustment in our thinking suggests a new understanding of the structure and focus of Leviticus.