“Moreover the soul that shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which pertain unto the LORD, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.”
Context and Background:Leviticus is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and it specifically focuses on the laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. Leviticus 7 deals with the various instructions related to the guilt offering and the peace offering.
Understanding the Verse:In Leviticus 7:21, the verse talks about a situation where a person becomes ceremonially unclean by touching something unclean, such as an unclean animal or an abominable thing. If such a person, who is unclean, partakes of the flesh of the peace offering that belongs to the Lord, they shall be “cut off” from their people.
Ceremonial Uncleanness:In the Old Testament, there were various rules and regulations regarding ceremonial cleanliness. Touching certain unclean things or creatures would render a person ceremonially unclean, meaning they were temporarily impure and required a period of separation and cleansing before they could participate in certain religious activities. These laws were meant to teach the Israelites about holiness and separation from sin.
Significance of the Peace Offering:The peace offering was a type of sacrificial offering made to God as an expression of thanksgiving, fellowship, and devotion. It was a way for the Israelites to express gratitude and seek communion with God. The peace offering had specific regulations regarding the distribution of the meat, with a portion going to the Lord, the priests, and the offerer.
Consequences of Unholy Consumption:The verse emphasizes that if a person who is ceremonially unclean, due to touching something unclean, partakes of the flesh of the peace offering, they will be “cut off” from their people. This phrase is understood to mean that they would be separated from the community of Israel. The severity of this punishment highlights the importance of maintaining ceremonial purity and the seriousness of treating holy things with reverence.
Spiritual Lessons:While the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are no longer binding for Christians today, there are spiritual principles that can be derived from this verse:
- Reverence for the holy:The passage teaches us to approach things that are sacred with respect and reverence. It reminds us of the need to honor God and His commands.
- The seriousness of sin:Ceremonial uncleanness symbolizes sin and impurity. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for purification and repentance.
- Separation from sin:The concept of being “cut off” suggests the importance of separating ourselves from sinful practices and influences. As believers, we are called to live holy and separate lives, avoiding sinful behaviors that can hinder our relationship with God and our fellowship with other believers.
- The significance of communion:The peace offering symbolizes fellowship and communion with God. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and thanksgiving.
In conclusion, Leviticus 7:21 highlights the need for reverence, purity, and separation from sin. While the specific regulations of ceremonial uncleanness no longer apply to Christians today, the principles derived from this passage can still be relevant in our pursuit of holiness and our relationship with God.
