Leviticus 22:7

When the sun has set, he will become clean, and then he may eat from the sacred offerings, for they are his food.

Study Bible

When the sun has set
This phrase indicates the completion of a day in the Hebrew context, where a new day begins at sunset. The Hebrew word for "sun" is "שֶׁמֶשׁ" (shemesh), and "set" is "בּוֹא" (bo). The setting of the sun marks a transition from impurity to purity, symbolizing a new beginning. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the setting sun was often associated with rest and renewal. This reflects the biblical theme of God’s mercies being new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), emphasizing the grace and restoration available to believers.

he will become clean
The Hebrew word for "clean" is "טָהֵר" (taher), which means to be pure or free from defilement. In the Levitical context, cleanliness was not just physical but also spiritual, representing a state of being acceptable before God. This purification process underscores the holiness required to approach God, reminding believers of the sanctifying work of Christ, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

and then he may eat
Eating in the biblical sense often signifies fellowship and communion. The Hebrew verb "אָכַל" (akal) means to consume or partake. This permission to eat after becoming clean highlights the restoration of fellowship with God and the community. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual nourishment believers receive through Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35).

from the sacred offerings
The term "sacred offerings" refers to the "קָדָשִׁים" (qodashim), which are holy gifts set apart for God. These offerings were a means of worship and a way to sustain the priests who served in the temple. The sacredness of these offerings points to the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. It also foreshadows the ultimate offering of Christ, who was set apart for the redemption of humanity.

for they are his food
The phrase "his food" indicates the provision made for the priests, who relied on these offerings for their sustenance. The Hebrew word for "food" is "לֶחֶם" (lechem), which can also mean bread. This provision reflects God’s care and sustenance for those who serve Him, paralleling the spiritual sustenance believers receive through Christ. It is a reminder of God’s faithfulness in providing for His people, both physically and spiritually.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
The primary audience of Leviticus 22, the priests were responsible for maintaining ritual purity to serve in the temple and partake in sacred offerings.

2. Sacred Offerings
These are the portions of sacrifices designated for the priests, which they could consume only when ritually clean.

3. Ritual Purity
A state required for priests to perform their duties and partake in offerings, emphasizing the holiness required in service to God.

4. Sunset
The time marking the end of a day and the beginning of a new one, symbolizing a transition from impurity to purity.

5. Tabernacle/Temple
The central place of worship where offerings were made and consumed by the priests.

Teaching Points

Ritual Purity and Holiness
The requirement for priests to be clean before eating sacred offerings underscores the importance of holiness in approaching God. This principle applies to believers today, who are called to live holy lives as a royal priesthood.

Symbolism of Sunset
Sunset marks a transition from impurity to purity, symbolizing new beginnings and the hope of restoration. In Christ, believers experience a spiritual renewal that allows them to partake in the blessings of God.

Dependence on God's Provision
The sacred offerings were the priests' food, highlighting their dependence on God's provision. Similarly, believers rely on God's grace and provision for spiritual sustenance.

The Role of Time in Spiritual Cleansing
The waiting period until sunset teaches patience and the importance of God's timing in the process of purification and restoration.

Christ as the Fulfillment of Ritual Purity
The rituals of the Old Testament point to the ultimate purification through Jesus Christ, who cleanses believers from sin and allows them to partake in the divine nature.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus 22:7 relate to the call for holiness in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the symbolism of sunset in this verse reflect the spiritual renewal available to believers in Christ?

3. How can understanding the dependence of priests on sacred offerings inform our view of reliance on God's provision today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the waiting period until sunset about patience and God's timing in our spiritual lives?

5. How does the fulfillment of ritual purity through Christ impact our daily walk as believers, and how can we apply this understanding practically?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Discusses clean and unclean foods, establishing the broader context of ritual purity.

Numbers 19
Details purification rituals, emphasizing the importance of cleansing before participating in sacred activities.

Hebrews 9
Explains the limitations of the old covenant's purification rituals and points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice for spiritual cleansing.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the concept of priestly purity to the Christian life.

1 John 1:9
Highlights the spiritual cleansing available through confession and forgiveness in Christ.