“A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or an harlot, these shall he not take: but he shall take a virgin of his own people to wife.”
Leviticus 21 provides guidelines for the priests who were descendants of Aaron:It focuses on their requirements, restrictions, and holiness in carrying out their priestly duties. Verse 14 specifically addresses the qualifications for the high priest’s wife.
In ancient Israel, the high priest held a significant role as the spiritual leader and intermediary between God and the people. As such, the high priest was required to maintain a high standard of holiness in both his personal life and his family relationships. Leviticus 21:14 establishes specific criteria for the selection of a wife for the high priest.
The verse mentions four types of women that the high priest is prohibited from marrying: widows, divorced women, those who are profane, and harlots. Let’s examine each category:
- Widows:The high priest was not to marry a woman who was a widow. This restriction might have been in place to ensure that the high priest’s focus remained on his priestly duties rather than being preoccupied with the concerns and responsibilities that come with marrying a widow.
- Divorced women:The high priest was also prohibited from marrying a divorced woman. This restriction might have been in place to emphasize the sacredness and permanence of the marriage covenant.
- Profane women:The term “profane” refers to someone who is unholy or impure. The high priest was not to take a wife who demonstrated a lack of reverence for God or His commandments. The emphasis here is on maintaining a spiritually pure household and avoiding any influences that could compromise the high priest’s ability to fulfill his priestly duties.
- Harlots:The high priest was forbidden from marrying a woman who was involved in prostitution or had engaged in sexual immorality. This restriction aimed to maintain the high priest’s moral integrity and prevent any associations with practices that were considered sinful and dishonorable.
In contrast to these prohibited categories, the verse concludes by specifying the type of woman the high priest was to marry-a virgin from his own people. This requirement emphasizes the importance of marrying a woman who had maintained her purity and was part of the Israelite community.
It is important to note that these restrictions applied specifically to the high priest and not to all priests or the general population. The purpose was to maintain the highest level of holiness and purity within the priestly lineage.
Today, as Christians, we no longer adhere to the ceremonial laws and regulations outlined in the Old Testament, including the specific restrictions on the high priest’s marriage. However, we can still draw broader principles from this passage, such as the importance of maintaining holiness, purity, and moral integrity in our lives and relationships, as well as the significance of choosing a spouse who shares our faith and values.
It is always beneficial to study the Bible in context and consider the principles conveyed, understanding that some of the regulations given in the Old Testament were specific to the Israelites and the time in which they were given.
