◄ Leviticus 21:6 ►
They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the offerings made by fire, the food of their God, they must be holy.
Study Bible
They must be holy
The Hebrew word for "holy" is "קָדוֹשׁ" (qadosh), which means set apart, sacred, or consecrated. In the context of Leviticus, holiness is a central theme, especially for the priests who serve in the tabernacle. The priests are called to a higher standard of purity and dedication because they are representatives of God to the people. This call to holiness is not just about ritual purity but also about moral and ethical living, reflecting God's character.

to their God
The phrase emphasizes the personal relationship between the priests and God. The Hebrew word for God here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which is a plural form often used to denote the majesty and power of God. The priests' holiness is not an abstract concept but is directed towards their covenant relationship with God, who has chosen them for a special purpose.

and not profane
The Hebrew word for "profane" is "חָלַל" (chalal), which means to defile or desecrate. The priests are warned against actions that would desecrate the sacredness of God's name. This involves both their conduct and their handling of sacred duties. Profaning God's name would undermine the very purpose of their priestly service and the sanctity of the worship they lead.

the name of their God
In Hebrew culture, a name is more than just a label; it represents the character and essence of a person. The "name" of God, "שֵׁם" (shem), signifies His reputation, authority, and presence. The priests are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the honor and sanctity of God's name through their service and lifestyle.

For they present the offerings made by fire
The offerings "made by fire" refer to the sacrificial system established by God, which includes burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings. These offerings are a central part of Israel's worship and are symbolic of atonement, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God. The priests, as mediators, play a crucial role in this sacrificial system, and their holiness is essential for the offerings to be acceptable.

to the LORD
The term "LORD" is the English representation of the Tetragrammaton, "יהוה" (YHWH), the personal name of God revealed to Moses. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenantal faithfulness. The offerings are directed to YHWH, highlighting the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His people.

the food of their God
The phrase "food of their God" refers to the offerings that are considered as God's portion. While God does not need physical sustenance, the offerings symbolize the people's devotion and dependence on Him. The priests, by handling these offerings, are participating in a sacred act that sustains the spiritual relationship between God and Israel.

So they must be holy
The repetition of the call to holiness underscores its importance. The priests' holiness is not optional but a divine mandate. Their role as intermediaries between God and the people requires them to embody the holiness of God in their service and conduct. This call to holiness is a reminder of the transformative power of God's presence and the high calling of those who serve Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priests
The primary focus of this verse is on the priests, who are called to maintain a standard of holiness due to their role in presenting offerings to God.

2. God (Yahweh)
The verse emphasizes the relationship between the priests and God, highlighting the need for holiness in service to Him.

3. Offerings Made by Fire
These are the sacrifices that the priests present to God, which are considered sacred and require the priests to be holy.

4. The Tabernacle
While not mentioned directly in this verse, the Tabernacle is the place where these offerings are made, representing God's dwelling among His people.

5. Holiness
A central theme in this verse, holiness is the state of being set apart for God, which the priests must embody.
Teaching Points
The Call to Holiness
Just as the priests were called to be holy, all believers are called to live lives set apart for God. Holiness is not optional but a requirement for those who serve God.

Representing God
The priests were representatives of God to the people. Similarly, Christians are called to represent Christ to the world, which requires living in a way that honors Him.

The Importance of Purity
The priests had to maintain purity to offer sacrifices. Believers today are called to spiritual purity, ensuring that their lives are a pleasing offering to God.

Guarding God's Name
The verse warns against profaning God's name. Believers must be mindful of their actions and words, ensuring they reflect God's holiness.

The Role of Sacrifice
The offerings made by fire were central to the priests' duties. Today, believers are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as praise, service, and obedience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the call to holiness for the priests in Leviticus 21:6 apply to believers today?

2. In what ways can Christians ensure they are not profaning the name of God in their daily lives?

3. How does the concept of being a "living sacrifice" in Romans 12:1 relate to the priestly duties described in Leviticus 21:6?

4. What are some practical steps believers can take to maintain spiritual purity in a world that often opposes holiness?

5. How can understanding the role of the priests in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 19:6
This verse speaks of Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, connecting the call to holiness for all of God's people.

1 Peter 2:9
This New Testament verse echoes the call to be a royal priesthood, emphasizing the continuity of the call to holiness for believers.

Hebrews 7:26
Describes Jesus as a high priest who is holy, blameless, and set apart, serving as the ultimate example of priestly holiness.

Romans 12:1
Encourages believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, drawing a parallel to the priestly duties in Leviticus.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Reminds believers that they are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in them, underscoring the call to holiness.
Sermons
Distinctions and Degrees in ObligationW. Clarkson Leviticus 21:1-15
Blemishes Affect Service, not SonshipC. H. Mackintosh.Leviticus 21:1-24
Holy PriestsS. R. Aldridge, B. A.Leviticus 21:1-24
Law of Holiness for the PriestsR.A. Redford Leviticus 21:1-24
Personal Requirements of the PriestsJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 21:1-24
Priestly QualificationsR.M. Edgar Leviticus 21:1-24
Sacred Relationship Demands Sanctity of LifeW. H. Jellie.Leviticus 21:1-24
The Perfection of the PriesthoodJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 21:1-24
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Bread, Bringing, Common, Fire, Fire-offerings, Holy, Offer, Offered, Offerings, Pollute, Present, Profane
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 21:6

     5278   cripples
     5896   irreverence

Leviticus 21:5-6

     8807   profanity

Leviticus 21:5-8

     8270   holiness, set apart

Leviticus 21:6-8

     8271   holiness, purpose

Library
What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man. …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Monks.
In the story of St. Athanasius, monks have been more than once mentioned, and it is now time to give some account of these people and of their ways. The word "monk" properly means one who leads a "lonely" life; and the name was given to persons who professed to withdraw from the world and its business that they might give themselves up to serve God in religious thoughts and exercises. Among the Jews there had been whole classes of people who practised this sort of retirement: some, called "Essenes", …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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