“For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding dietary laws and regulations. Leviticus 11 contains a detailed list of clean and unclean animals, specifying what can and cannot be eaten by the Israelites. In verse 45, God emphasizes the reason behind these laws and calls the Israelites to be holy as He is holy.
Here are some key points and insights from Leviticus 11:45:
- Divine Deliverance: God reminds the Israelites of their liberation from Egypt, where they were enslaved for generations. The phrase “bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt” highlights God’s role as their deliverer. This context is significant because it establishes the basis for their relationship with God.
- God’s Claim: By delivering them from Egypt, God establishes Himself as their God. He asserts His authority and ownership over the Israelites. This claim implies that they are to worship and obey Him alone.
- Holiness as a Response: The Israelites are instructed to be holy because God is holy. The Hebrew word for “holy” is “qadosh,” which means to be set apart, consecrated, or morally pure. God’s holiness is an essential attribute that sets Him apart from all other beings. Therefore, the Israelites are called to reflect this holiness in their lives and conduct.
- Imitating God: The phrase “ye shall therefore be holy” indicates that the Israelites are to imitate God’s character and nature. God is the standard of holiness, and He desires His people to live in accordance with His righteous standards.
- Holiness as a Lifestyle: Holiness is not limited to dietary laws but extends to various aspects of life. The dietary restrictions were part of a larger framework of holiness that encompassed moral, ethical, and spiritual dimensions. The Israelites were to exhibit a distinct way of life that reflected their relationship with God.
- Application for Believers: While the dietary laws of the Old Testament are not binding on Christians today (Mark 7:18-19), the principle of holiness remains relevant. As followers of Christ, we are called to be holy and set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are to imitate God’s character and strive for moral purity in our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
In summary, Leviticus 11:45 emphasizes the call for the Israelites to be holy as a response to God’s deliverance and claim on their lives. The principle of holiness extends beyond dietary regulations and calls believers today to imitate God’s character and live in a manner that reflects their relationship with Him.
