Leviticus 7:21

If one touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, an unclean animal, or any unclean, detestable thing, and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people."

Study Bible

If one touches anything unclean
In the context of Leviticus, "unclean" refers to a state of ritual impurity that could be contracted through various means. This includes contact with certain animals, bodily discharges, or corpses. The concept of cleanliness was central to the Israelites' covenant relationship with God, symbolizing holiness and separation from sin. The idea of ritual purity is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to live holy lives (1 Peter 1:16).

whether human uncleanness
Human uncleanness could arise from various conditions, such as skin diseases (Leviticus 13-14) or bodily discharges (Leviticus 15). These laws emphasized the need for spiritual and physical purity among the Israelites. The New Testament reflects this concern for purity, urging believers to cleanse themselves from all defilement of body and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1).

an unclean animal
Certain animals were deemed unclean and not fit for consumption or contact (Leviticus 11). This distinction between clean and unclean animals served to set Israel apart from other nations and to teach them about holiness. In Acts 10, Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals is used to illustrate the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant, showing the fulfillment of these laws in Christ.

or any unclean, detestable thing
The term "detestable" often refers to idolatrous practices or objects associated with pagan worship. The Israelites were to avoid such things to maintain their covenant purity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of avoiding idolatry and remaining faithful to God, as seen in the warnings against idolatry throughout the Old and New Testaments (e.g., 1 Corinthians 10:14).

and then eats any of the meat of the peace offering that belongs to the LORD
The peace offering was a communal meal shared between the offerer, the priests, and God, symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving. Eating the offering while in a state of uncleanness desecrated this sacred act. This highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity, a principle reiterated in the New Testament regarding the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

that person must be cut off from his people
Being "cut off" could mean excommunication or even death, depending on the severity of the offense. This severe consequence underscores the seriousness of maintaining holiness and obedience to God's commands. It foreshadows the ultimate separation from God that sin causes, which is reconciled through Christ's atoning sacrifice, offering believers eternal fellowship with God (Romans 6:23).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The original audience of the Levitical laws, called to be a holy nation set apart for God.

2. The Priests
Mediators between God and the people, responsible for teaching and enforcing the laws of cleanliness and offerings.

3. The Peace Offering
A type of sacrifice in the Levitical system symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving to God.

4. Unclean Creatures
Animals or swarming creatures considered impure according to Levitical law, which could defile a person.

5. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who established these laws to maintain holiness among His people.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
God calls His people to be distinct and separate from impurity. This separation is not just physical but spiritual, reflecting a heart dedicated to God.

The Seriousness of Sin
The consequence of being "cut off" underscores the gravity of sin and impurity. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the seriousness of approaching God with reverence.

The Role of the Law
The law served as a tutor to lead us to Christ, highlighting our need for a Savior who can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Community Responsibility
The communal aspect of being "cut off" shows that individual actions affect the whole community. Believers are called to uphold purity within the body of Christ.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus, our ultimate peace offering, fulfills the law's requirements, allowing us to approach God with confidence through His righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of cleanliness in Leviticus 7:21 relate to our spiritual lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are approaching God with the purity and reverence He requires?

3. How does understanding the Old Testament laws enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice?

4. What are some modern-day "unclean" influences that believers should be cautious of, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can the church community support one another in maintaining spiritual purity and holiness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Provides detailed laws on clean and unclean animals, offering context to the regulations in Leviticus 7:21.

Numbers 19
Discusses purification from uncleanness, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity.

1 Corinthians 11
Paul warns against partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, paralleling the seriousness of approaching holy things with purity.

Isaiah 52
Calls for the people to be clean and separate from unclean things, reflecting the holiness God desires.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate purification through Christ, who fulfills the law and offers a new way to approach God.