Leviticus 22:4

If a descendant of Aaron has a skin disease or a discharge, he may not eat the sacred offerings until he is clean. Whoever touches anything defiled by a corpse or by a man who has an emission of semen,

Study Bible

If a descendant of Aaron has a skin disease or a discharge
This phrase refers to the Levitical priests, who were descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses. The priests were required to maintain a high level of ritual purity to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple. Skin diseases, often translated as "leprosy" in older versions, could refer to a variety of skin conditions, not just Hansen's disease. Discharges could include any bodily fluid that rendered a person ceremonially unclean. The emphasis on purity underscores the holiness required to approach God, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for His people to be set apart.

he may not eat the sacred offerings until he is clean
The sacred offerings refer to portions of sacrifices that were designated for the priests and their families. Eating these offerings was both a privilege and a responsibility, symbolizing participation in the covenant community. The requirement for the priest to be clean before partaking highlights the importance of purity in worship and service. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to examine themselves before partaking in the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Whoever touches anything defiled by a corpse
Contact with a dead body rendered a person ceremonially unclean, as death is the antithesis of the life and holiness of God. This regulation served as a constant reminder of the consequences of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). The need for purification after such contact points to the necessity of cleansing from sin, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life.

or by a man who has an emission of semen
This part of the verse addresses another source of ritual impurity. Emissions, like other bodily discharges, were considered unclean, not because they were sinful, but because they were part of the natural processes that could not coexist with the holiness required in the presence of God. This regulation emphasizes the separation between the sacred and the profane, a recurring theme in Leviticus. In the New Testament, the focus shifts from external purity to internal, spiritual purity, as seen in Jesus' teachings (Matthew 15:11).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and ancestor of the Levitical priesthood. His descendants were responsible for performing sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

2. Priests
The descendants of Aaron who were set apart to serve in the Tabernacle and Temple, offering sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the sacred space.

3. Skin Disease
Often translated as "leprosy" in older versions, this term refers to various skin conditions that rendered a person ceremonially unclean.

4. Bodily Discharge
Refers to any abnormal bodily fluid discharge, which also rendered a person ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law.

5. Sacred Offerings
These are the portions of sacrifices that were designated for the priests and their families, symbolizing their share in the offerings made to God.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Purity
The requirement for priests to be ceremonially clean before partaking in sacred offerings underscores the importance of holiness and purity in approaching God. This principle applies to all believers, who are called to live lives set apart for God.

The Role of the Priesthood
The priesthood served as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the need for purity in those who serve in spiritual leadership. Today, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," living lives that reflect God's holiness.

The Seriousness of Sin
The laws regarding uncleanness remind us of the pervasive nature of sin and its ability to separate us from God. It points to the need for a Savior who can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus, our High Priest, fulfilled the requirements of the law, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Through Him, we are made clean and can approach God with confidence.

Practical Holiness
While the ceremonial laws are no longer binding, the principle of living a life that honors God remains. Believers are called to examine their lives and remove anything that hinders their relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for priests to be ceremonially clean before eating sacred offerings reflect the nature of God?

2. In what ways does the concept of ceremonial uncleanness in Leviticus 22:4 point to the need for spiritual cleansing in our lives today?

3. How does the role of the Levitical priesthood compare to the role of believers as a "royal priesthood" in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are living lives that are pleasing to God, in light of the principles found in Leviticus 22:4?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament laws about cleanliness enhance our appreciation for the work of Christ as our High Priest?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 15
This chapter provides detailed laws regarding bodily discharges and the procedures for cleansing, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness.

Numbers 19
Discusses the purification process for those who have come into contact with a corpse, highlighting the need for ceremonial cleanliness.

Hebrews 7
Explores the priesthood of Jesus Christ, contrasting the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood with the eternal and perfect priesthood of Christ.