“Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the Lord.”
Context:Leviticus is the third book of the Bible and is part of the Law of Moses. It contains detailed instructions given by God to the Israelites regarding various aspects of their worship, rituals, and daily life. Leviticus 22 focuses on the regulations concerning the holiness of the priests and the offerings presented to God.
The Holy Things:In this verse, God instructs Moses to convey a message to the Israelites concerning those who approach the holy things that are dedicated to the Lord. The “holy things” refer to the offerings and sacrifices presented in the Tabernacle, such as the bread, meat, and drink offerings. These offerings were set apart and consecrated for God’s purposes.
Uncleanness and Holiness:The verse mentions that if a person approaches the holy things while being unclean, that soul shall be cut off from God’s presence. Uncleanness in the context of the Old Testament refers to various conditions that rendered a person ceremonially impure. These could include contact with a dead body, certain bodily discharges, or the presence of a skin disease, among other things. God’s requirement for holiness was strict, and it was necessary for the people to maintain purity when approaching the holy things of the Lord.
Spiritual Lessons:While the regulations in Leviticus may seem unfamiliar and culturally distant to us today, there are spiritual principles we can draw from this verse. It teaches us about the importance of approaching God with reverence, purity, and respect. Just as the Israelites were required to maintain cleanliness when drawing near to God, we are called to approach Him with hearts cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
- God’s Presence:The verse emphasizes that the consequence of approaching the holy things with uncleanness is being cut off from God’s presence. This highlights the seriousness of disregarding God’s instructions and the significance of maintaining a relationship with Him. In the Old Testament, being cut off from God’s presence could involve exclusion from the community or even physical death. For us today, it serves as a reminder of the need to seek God’s presence through Christ, who has made a way for us to approach God freely.
- I am the Lord:The verse concludes with the declaration, “I am the Lord.” This phrase is a recurring statement throughout the book of Leviticus and serves as a reminder of God’s authority and sovereignty over His people. It reinforces the fact that these regulations were given by God Himself and should be obeyed.
In conclusion, Leviticus 22:3 highlights the importance of approaching God’s holy things with purity and reverence. While the specific regulations may not apply directly to us today, the underlying principles teach us about the need for holiness and respect when coming before God. It also reminds us of the privilege we have through Jesus Christ to approach God’s presence freely, with hearts cleansed by His sacrifice.
