Leviticus follows a logical progression that moves from accessing God's presence to living as His holy people:

1. Laws Pertaining to Sacrifice (1:1-7:38)
Instructions for approaching God through proper offerings

Legislation for the Laity (1:1-6:7)
- Burnt offerings: complete dedication to God (1:1-17)
- Grain offerings: dedication of daily work to God (2:1-16)
- Peace offerings: communion and fellowship with God (3:1-17)
- Sin offerings: atonement for unintentional sins (4:1-5:13)
- Guilt offerings: restitution for specific offenses (5:14-6:7)
Legislation for the Priesthood (6:8-7:38)
- Priestly responsibilities for each offering type
- Additional regulations about handling sacred items
- Portions allocated to priests from various sacrifices

2. Beginnings of the Priesthood (8:1-10:20)
Establishment of the mediatorial system

Ordination of Aaron and His Sons (8:1-36)
- Washing, vesting, and anointing ceremonies
- Sacrifices for priestly consecration
- Seven-day installation period
First Sacrifices (9:1-24)
- Initial priestly offerings for Aaron and the people
- God's glory appears and consumes the sacrifice
Execution of Nadab and Abihu (10:1-20)
- Judgment for offering "strange fire"
- Prohibitions against priestly misconduct
- Resolution of a sacrificial dispute

3. Prescriptions for Uncleanness (11:1-16:34)
Regulations concerning purity and impurity

Unclean Animals (11:1-47)
- Dietary restrictions for land animals, sea creatures, and birds
- Regulations regarding contact with unclean creatures
Uncleanness of Childbirth (12:1-8)
- Purification periods after childbirth
- Offerings for restoration to ceremonial cleanness
Unclean Diseases (13:1-59)
- Diagnosis procedures for skin conditions
- Regulations for garments with contamination
Cleansing of Diseases (14:1-57)
- Purification rituals for healed persons
- Treatment of contaminated houses
Unclean Discharges (15:1-33)
- Regulations for bodily emissions
- Purification procedures
Purification of the Tent of Meeting (16:1-34)
- Annual Day of Atonement procedures
- Scapegoat ritual
- Complete sanctuary cleansing

4. Guidelines for Practical Holiness (17:1-27:34)
Instructions for holy living in community

Sacrifice and Food (17:1-16)
- Proper blood handling
- Prohibited eating practices
Proper Sexual Behavior (18:1-30)
- Prohibited family relations
- Other sexual boundaries
Neighborliness (19:1-37)
- Varied commands on social ethics
- Treatment of vulnerable persons
Capital/Grave Crimes (20:1-27)
- Penalties for serious moral offenses
- Call to separation from pagan practices
Instructions for Priests (21:1-22:33)
- Special holiness requirements for priests
- Physical qualifications for priestly service
- Regulations for eating sacred food
Religious Festivals (23:1-44)
- Weekly Sabbath and annual feasts
- Seasonal celebration regulations
The Tabernacle (24:1-9)
- Oil for the lampstand
- Bread of the Presence
An Account of Blasphemy (24:10-23)
- Narrative of judgment on blasphemer
- Principles of equal justice
Sabbatical and Jubilee Years (25:1-55)
- Land rest every seventh year
- Economic reset every fiftieth year
- Redemption of property and persons
Exhortation to Obey the Law: Blessings and Curses (26:1-46)
- Rewards for covenant faithfulness
- Punishments for disobedience
- Promise of restoration after repentance
Redemption of Votive Gifts (27:1-34)
- Valuation and redemption of vows
- Regulations concerning tithes
- Concluding statement of divine authority

This structure reveals Leviticus' dual focus: the first half (chapters 1-16) emphasizes approaching God through proper worship, while the second half (chapters 17-27) focuses on living as God's holy people in everyday life. The Day of Atonement (chapter 16) serves as the central pivot point, demonstrating how divine forgiveness enables holy living.

Commentaries

Charles Ellicott

On Leviticus 18:11

John Gill

On Leviticus 18:11