Continuing on in our study of God's law, we now come to one of the most peculiar texts in all the bible: Leviticus 11-15. These five chapters deal with matters that seem very foreign to us in the modern West, and, therefore, many see not practical application or usefulness. Tragically, those who would hold such a position are undermining the very Word of God and restricting its power and influence in their lives.All of God's Word is practical, applicable, and profitable for knowing God and drawing closer to Him. It is not a dated book, but an eternal guide to knowing and loving the God of Heaven and Earth.
Title: Man's Work of Reconciliation through Purity
Text: Leviticus 11-15
I. Understanding the Israelite Worldview
The people of the Bible are not a mythical people, but an actual ancient society, occupying a region of space in a specific time, which can be verified through the scientific methods of archaeology and anthropology. This understanding becomes pivotal when encountering texts like Lev. 11-15, where God speaks directions without explicitly stating "why." When situations like this arise in the bible, we should not become apathetic towards seeking a reason, nor should we invent reasons so as to simply have one. Instead, when the Bible appears to be silent on the reason for God's purpose we should turn to the other tools God has given us (scientific criticisms) and discern a reason that compliments the full biblical canon.
In the case of Leviticus 11-15, a study of the societies of the ANE reveals that most held to a ritual observance of Purity. These ancient cultures understood that the world was corrupt and that certain animals, practices and events were contrary to society's ideal. Association with this "impure" objects, thus defiled the person and were considered taboo.
When looking at Leviticus 11-15, however, it is imperative to differentiate the difference between the wisdom of God and that of the shared wisdom of the ANE. Just because most ANE cultures held to a similar purity code as expressed in Leviticus should not lead us to conclude that the Israelites are making this stuff up. Rather, the bible clearly states that is content comes from God and, therefore, has a divine and perfect purpose.
II. Purity and Food (Leviticus 11)
A. Every tier of the animal kingdom is listed, and there are restrictions for each class. It is the minority of the animals which are permissible.
B. It is not merely eating the animals which makes one 'unclean,' but also physical contact/association.
C. It is not that the animals prohibited are "bad;" in fact, God made all things "good" (See Genesis 1.). What disqualifies these animals from consumption is there failure to meet the ideal. The forbidden animals either lack physical uniformity, are associated with blood (death), or do not function in a manner that is consistent with the other parts of Creation.
D. God is calling His people to associate with the "ideal" and "clean."
III. Purity and Pregnancy, Skin Diseases, Mold, and Bodily Fluids (Lev. 12-15)
A. Pregnancy made a woman impure for a period of time
1. Childbearing is not the issue. Giving birth is a joyous event to both the family and the community of God!
2. The issue was the blood. As long as the woman was experiencing the flow of blood, she was deemed "unclean."
B. Skin Diseases and Mold made a person impure
1. Leprosy and Mold resembled "death" and could not be permitted in the presence of God and His people.
2. The Priest, as a representative of God, was charged with declaring the status of the person or home.
C. Bodily discharges also made one impure
1. For both the man and the woman, the issue was the fluids association with "death." For the man this was wasted 'seed," and in the case of the woman, 'death.'
2. The Hebrew view of blood, discharges, and sickness is not primitive, but highly regarded since it not only provided sanitary conditions but also theological implications.
IV. Application
The heart of the Purity laws is not simply hygienic preservation, for that lacks association with God. Instead, what should be gleaned from these very specific laws, is there allusion towards the character and disposition of God. The Israelite was to be 'pure' because God is 'pure' (Lev. 11:44-45).
It was not enough that the people of God has a religious worship system at the tabernacle; they must be worshippers of God at all times, whether eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. Their entire lives needed to reflect Godly traits and characteristics.
As Christians, we do not need to keep the dietary laws of Lev. 11, since Jesus has made all things 'clean' (Mark 7 and Acts 10); however, we should not take upon ourselves an identity with sinful persons or practices. Being a misisonary to sinners, does not mean becoming a sinner. God desires for us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling (Eph 4:1).
