Leviticus as Literature

Abstract This is a study of Leviticus from an anthropological perspective, which presents the biblical work as a literary masterpiece. Seen from this perspective Leviticus has a literary structure that plots it into three parts corresponding to the three parts of the desert tabernacle, which in turn correspond to the parts of Mount Sinai. This completely new reading transforms the interpretation of the purity laws. The pig and other forbidden animals are not abhorrent; they command the same respect that is due to all God’s creatures. Boldly challenging several traditions of Bible criticism, Mary Douglas claims that Leviticus is not the narrow doctrine of a crabbed professional priesthood, but a powerful theological statement about a religion that emphasizes God’s justice and compassion.