First off, Leviticus is a manual for JEWISH PRIESTS........not Christians.
The majority of scholars agree that the Pentateuch probably received its final form during the Persian period (538-332 BCE).[14] Nevertheless, they also agree that Leviticus had a long period of growth, with many additions and editings, before reaching that form.[15]
The entire book of Leviticus is probably composed of Priestly literature.[16] Most scholars see chapters 1-16 (the Priestly code) and chapters 17-26 (the Holiness code) as the work of two related schools, but while the Holiness material employs the same technical terms as the Priestly code, it broadens their meaning from pure ritual to the theological and moral, turning the ritual of the Priestly code into a model for the relationship of Israel to God: as the tabernacle is made holy by the presence of Yahweh and kept apart from uncleanliness, so Yahweh will dwell among Israel when Israel is purified (made holy) and separated from other peoples.[17]
The ritual instructions in the Priestly code apparently grew from priests giving instruction and answering questions about ritual matters; the Holiness code (or H) used to be regarded as a separate document later incorporated into Leviticus, but it seems better to think of the Holiness authors as editors who worked with the Priestly code and actually produced Leviticus as we now have it.[18]
Book of Leviticus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
As far as the 613 Mitzvot? Well, those are guidelines for keeping a community happy and healthy and growing. Why shouldn't you eat pork back then? Ever heard of trichinosis? Same with shellfish, because we all know that you shouldn't eat oysters except in months that have an "r" in them.
As far as the 7 Noahide or the 10 Commandments? Again........that is for everyone else who ISN'T Jewish, which is why there are so few of them.
Basically, those 2 groups of commandments are designed for the survival of the human race.
Thou shalt not have any Gods before me. Why? Because if you place your faith in something that is not eternal, it may fail you.
Thou shalt not make any graven idols. Again, see Commandment 1. If you worship objects, those objects can't help you.
Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain. Think about it........if someone disrespects your name, are you willing to help them? Remember who God is and be respectful.
Honor thy Father and thy Mother. Remember where you came from.
Thou shalt keep the Sabbath holy. Taking a day off each week reduces stress, especially if you spend some of it praying.
Thou shalt not murder. Don't kill an innocent.
Thou shalt not commit adultery. Why? If you sleep around with your neighbor's spouse, they're gonna wanna murder you.
Thou shalt not steal. Why? Same with adultery, if you steal something from someone, they may wish to kill you.
Thou shalt not bear false witness. Again, if you lie, someone may wish to harm or murder you.
Thou shalt not covet. Why? If you covet something from someone else, eventually, you may steal it or do worse.
I just find it interesting that so many good Christians don't know the reason why behind those commandments.
And........the 7 Noahide commandments are a condensed version of the 10 Commandments, even though they came first, guess God thought we needed a bit more clarification.
