1. A holy assembly (1-14)

The law of Israel excluded people from certain neighboring nations from entering the assembly of the Lord (participating in the temple worship and festivals.) This exclusion was based on those nations' cruel actions toward Israel in the past. We also must have high standards for the people we choose to serve in the ministry, not based on nationality but on good character (1 Ti 3:8-10). To serve in God's house is not a privilege to be handed out lightly. The laws of cleanness were given to educate Israel in God's holiness.

2. Laws of honesty and compassion (15-25)

In addition to laws for purity, Israel's laws required honest dealings and even putting compassion above materialism. A slave was to be given refuge and not handed over to their owner. No interest on a loan was to be charged to one's neighbor. A hungry traveler could snack on the grapes or grain in his neighbor's field. To live in such a society would be like the kingdom of heaven on earth.