The third book of the Torah is called "Leviticus". It focuses on the commandments given to the House of Aaron. Hence, the English title expresses the laws given to the Levites. The Hebrew title derives from the first word of the text. "Vayikra" - "G-d called to Moses".

The sacrificial system of Israel is shared in its complexity. The burnt offering was a male of the herd or flock without blemish. The offering offered atonement for the Israelite. The blood of the offering was dashed about the altar. The smoking of the gift was said to be pleasing to G-d. A similar description is provided for a sacrificial gift from the flock or from fowl.

The meal offering was made of fine flour. The flour was combined with oil and frankincense. It was also smoked upon the altar. Part of the offering was eaten by the kohanim. No leaven or honey was permitted upon the Israelite altar. Meal offerings were to be seasoned with salt.

The peace offering could be either a male or female of the herd. The fat of the animal was smoked as the offering. The remainder was eaten by the kohanim. The Torah describes a similar offering from the flock of the Israelites.

The sin offering was associated with error. The blood of the bull was sprinkled seven times before the veil of the sanctuary. The blood was also placed upon the horns of the altar of incense. The fat of the sin offering was smoked upon the altar. The skin of the animal was burnt outside the camp. The sin offering could be representative of the entire community. It could also reflect the sin of a ruler or that of a commoner.

The guilt offering was brought for misappropriation of holy articles. The offering was a ram without blemish. Guilt offerings were brought for breach of trust.