Leviticus 15:28

When a woman is cleansed of her discharge, she must count off seven days, and after that she will be ceremonially clean.

Study Bible

When a woman is cleansed of her discharge
This phrase refers to the purification process following a woman's menstrual cycle or any abnormal discharge. In the ancient Israelite context, bodily discharges were considered ritually impure, impacting one's ability to participate in communal worship and daily life. The cleansing process underscores the importance of purity in maintaining a relationship with God. This reflects the broader Levitical theme of holiness and separation from impurity, which is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

she must count off seven days
The requirement to count seven days signifies a complete period of purification, symbolizing wholeness and completion in biblical numerology. The number seven frequently appears in Scripture, often associated with creation (Genesis 1), rest (Exodus 20:8-11), and divine perfection. This period allows for a transition from impurity to purity, emphasizing the need for intentional preparation before re-entering the community and worship.

and after that she will be ceremonially clean
The concept of ceremonial cleanliness is crucial in Levitical law, distinguishing between the sacred and the profane. Once the seven days are completed, the woman is restored to a state of ritual purity, allowing her to participate fully in religious and communal activities. This restoration process can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, where believers are cleansed from sin and restored to fellowship with God. The emphasis on ceremonial cleanliness also points to the future fulfillment in Christ, who provides ultimate purification for humanity (Hebrews 9:13-14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman
The primary subject of this verse is a woman who has experienced a discharge, likely related to menstruation or another form of bodily discharge.

2. The Priest
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the priest plays a crucial role in the purification process described in Leviticus.

3. The Tabernacle
The place where purification rituals and offerings were made, central to the Israelites' worship and community life.

4. The Seven Days
A period of waiting and purification, symbolizing completeness and preparation for re-entry into the community.

5. The Cleansing Process
A ritual process that signifies spiritual and physical purification, allowing the woman to return to normal societal and religious activities.

Teaching Points

Understanding Ritual Purity
The laws in Leviticus highlight the importance of purity in approaching God, emphasizing the need for holiness in our lives.

Symbolism of Seven Days
The number seven often represents completeness in the Bible, reminding us of the completeness of God's work in our lives.

Spiritual Cleansing
Just as the woman needed physical cleansing, we need spiritual cleansing through Christ to maintain our relationship with God.

Community and Restoration
The purification process allowed individuals to be restored to their community, teaching us the importance of reconciliation and restoration in our relationships.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' ministry shows that He fulfills the law's requirements, offering a deeper, spiritual cleansing that the rituals pointed towards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus 15:28 relate to our understanding of holiness today?

2. In what ways does the seven-day waiting period before being declared clean reflect God's design for completeness and restoration?

3. How can the account of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 deepen our understanding of Jesus' role in our spiritual cleansing?

4. What are some practical ways we can seek spiritual cleansing and restoration in our daily lives, as encouraged by 1 John 1:9?

5. How does understanding the purification rituals in Leviticus enhance our appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ as described in Hebrews 9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 12
Discusses purification after childbirth, showing a similar pattern of waiting and cleansing.

Mark 5:25-34
The account of the woman with the issue of blood, highlighting Jesus' power to cleanse and heal, transcending ritual laws.

Hebrews 9:13-14
Compares the old purification rituals with the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.

Psalm 51:7
David's plea for purification, using the imagery of being cleansed with hyssop, which connects to the idea of spiritual cleansing.

1 John 1:9
Emphasizes confession and God's faithfulness to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, reflecting the spiritual aspect of purification.