“And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.”
This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus that deals with the laws concerning bodily discharges and impurities. In the context of this passage, the term “issue” refers to a bodily discharge, such as a discharge from a person’s body due to an illness or a condition.
In Leviticus 15, God provides specific instructions to the Israelites regarding issues of uncleanness caused by bodily discharges. These laws were given to maintain cleanliness and holiness among the people, and to prevent the spread of diseases or impurities within the community.
In Leviticus 15:11, we see that if a person comes into contact with someone who has an issue (bodily discharge) and has not washed their hands in water, they are required to take certain actions to maintain ritual cleanliness. First, they must wash their clothes, indicating the need for physical cleanliness. Second, they are required to bathe themselves in water, which symbolizes a deeper cleansing. Lastly, it states that they will remain unclean until the evening, signifying a temporary state of impurity.
It is important to note that these laws were specific to the Israelites in the Old Testament and were part of the ceremonial and ritualistic practices of that time. The purpose of these laws was to teach the Israelites about the importance of holiness, purity, and obedience to God’s commandments.
As Christians, we are not under the Old Testament law but are called to live under the grace and freedom found in Jesus Christ. However, we can still draw spiritual principles from these passages. For example, the emphasis on cleanliness and purity can remind us of the importance of maintaining spiritual cleanliness in our lives, by confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and pursuing holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In summary, Leviticus 15:11 (KJV) provides instructions on how to handle issues of uncleanness caused by bodily discharges. While these laws were specific to the Israelites in the Old Testament, they remind us of the importance of spiritual cleanliness and purity in our lives as believers in Christ.
