“Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcase of an unclean beast, or a carcase of unclean cattle, or the carcase of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.”
Context: The book of Leviticus is part of the Old Testament and is primarily concerned with the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 5:2 is part of a larger section that outlines various types of sin offerings and their regulations.
Ritual Purity: Leviticus 5:2 deals with issues of ritual purity. The Israelites were given specific instructions on what was considered clean and unclean. Touching something unclean would render a person ritually impure and therefore “unclean.”
Types of Unclean Things: The verse mentions three categories of unclean things: the carcasses of unclean beasts, unclean cattle, and unclean creeping things. These refer to animals that were considered unclean according to the dietary laws given in Leviticus 11.
Hidden from Him: The verse states that if someone touches an unclean thing unknowingly or if it is hidden from them, they would still become unclean and guilty. This emphasizes the seriousness of ritual impurity, even if it was unintentional.
Spiritual Lessons: While these laws were specific to the ancient Israelites, they can teach us some spiritual lessons today. The concept of ritual purity can remind us of the need for holiness and purity in our relationship with God. It highlights the importance of being aware of the things that defile our hearts and keeping ourselves spiritually clean.
Jesus and Ritual Purity: In the New Testament, Jesus challenged some of the legalistic interpretations of purity laws. He emphasized that true defilement comes from within, from the sinful desires of the heart (Matthew 15:10-20). Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law and made a way for us to be cleansed from sin and made spiritually pure.
In summary, Leviticus 5:2 speaks of the consequences of touching an unclean thing and becoming ritually impure according to the Old Testament laws. While these laws are not directly applicable to Christians today, they can remind us of the importance of spiritual purity and the need for a Savior who can cleanse us from our sins.
