“They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.”
Context:Leviticus 21 provides regulations regarding the holiness and consecration of the priests. The chapter outlines various restrictions and requirements for the priests, including laws regarding their physical appearance, mourning practices, and marital restrictions.
Explanation: Leviticus 21:7 specifically addresses the issue of whom the priests are permitted to marry. It states that a priest should not marry a woman who is a whore or profane, nor should he marry a woman who has been divorced or separated from her husband.
The Holiness of the Priesthood:The primary reason behind these restrictions is the requirement for the priests to maintain a high standard of holiness. As representatives of God and mediators between God and the people, the priests were to embody holiness in their lives. Their behaviour, including their choice of spouse, was meant to reflect their dedication to God and their separation from impurity.
Prohibition of Marrying a Prostitute:The term “whore” in this verse refers to a woman who engages in sexual immorality or prostitution. The prohibition against marrying such a woman served to safeguard the priest’s moral purity and integrity. It ensured that the priest’s family life was in line with the sacredness of his role and prevented any potential compromise of his devotion to God.
Prohibition of Marrying a Divorced Woman:The verse also prohibits the priests from marrying a woman who has been “put away” or divorced from her husband. This restriction emphasises the importance of marital faithfulness and the sanctity of the marriage covenant. The priest, as a representative of God’s holiness, was to uphold the institution of marriage and not enter into a union that had been dissolved due to marital unfaithfulness or separation.
The Holiness of God:The verse concludes by highlighting the reason for these regulations: “for he is holy unto his God.” The priest’s dedication to God required them to adhere to these standards. By maintaining the purity of their relationships and upholding the sanctity of marriage, they demonstrated their commitment to God’s holiness.
Relevance today: While these regulations specifically applied to the priests in the Old Testament, they highlight the importance of holiness and purity in our relationships and personal lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect God’s holiness and uphold His standards in our conduct, including our choices of marriage partners. These verses also remind us of the significance of marriage as a sacred covenant, emphasising faithfulness, commitment, and the pursuit of holiness within the marital relationship.
It’s important to note that as Christians, we are under the new covenant established by Jesus Christ, and many of the Old Testament ceremonial and ritual laws do not directly apply to us today. However, the principles underlying these laws can still guide us in our pursuit of holiness and dedication to God.
