“But if the priest buy any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.”
This verse is part of the book of Leviticus, which contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus:focuses on the establishment of the priesthood, various offerings, and guidelines for holiness and purity.
In Leviticus 22:11, the context revolves around the priests and their eligibility to eat certain holy offerings. The verse begins with the condition, “But if the priest buys any soul with his money.” Here, the term “soul” refers to a person, specifically a slave or servant who could be purchased by the priest.
In ancient Israel, it was possible for a priest to acquire a slave or servant with his own funds. However, the text emphasizes that if a priest does buy a person as a servant, that person and their household members would be eligible to partake in the priest’s portion of the sacred food offerings.
The second part of the verse states, “He shall eat of it, and he that is born in his house: they shall eat of his meat.” Here, “it” refers to the portion of the holy offering that belongs to the priest. The priest and his entire household, including the servants or slaves he acquired, were permitted to eat from this portion.
This verse highlights a unique provision within the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. It ensured that even those who were not of the priestly lineage could participate in the benefits of the offerings if they were associated with the priest and lived in his household.
It’s:important to note that the ceremonial laws outlined in Leviticus were specific to the Old Covenant and the Israelite theocracy. They were part of a complex system of worship and purity that God established for Israel during that time. Jesus Christ’s coming and His sacrifice on the cross brought an end to the need for these ceremonial laws, as He fulfilled them completely through His atoning death and resurrection.
For Christians today, the principles we can draw from Leviticus 22:11 include the importance of inclusiveness, hospitality, and providing for those who are associated with us. It reminds us of the need to extend kindness and share blessings with those around us, especially those within our households and communities.
Overall, this verse reveals a specific regulation concerning the priestly line and the participation of household members, including servants, in the eating of holy offerings.
