Leviticus 7:20

But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.

Study Bible

But if anyone
This phrase introduces a conditional statement, emphasizing personal responsibility and accountability. In the Hebrew text, the word for "anyone" is "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), often translated as "soul" or "person," indicating the individual nature of the command. It underscores that the law applies universally to all members of the community, without exception.

eats the meat
The act of eating here is significant, as it involves partaking in something sacred. The Hebrew verb "אָכַל" (akal) is used, which means to consume or devour. This action is not merely physical but carries spiritual implications, as eating the meat of the peace offering is an act of communion with God.

of the peace offering
The peace offering, or "שֶׁלֶם" (shelem), is a sacrifice of fellowship, symbolizing reconciliation and thanksgiving. It is one of the offerings that allowed the offerer to eat a portion, signifying a shared meal with God. This offering highlights the importance of maintaining purity when engaging in acts of worship and fellowship with the divine.

that belongs to the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the sacredness of the offering. The Hebrew word "לַיהוָה" (laYHWH) indicates possession, reminding the Israelites that the offerings are dedicated to God. It underscores the holiness of the sacrificial system and the need to approach it with reverence and purity.

while he is unclean
The state of being "unclean" is central to the Levitical laws. The Hebrew word "טָמֵא" (tamei) refers to ritual impurity, which could result from various causes, such as contact with a corpse or certain diseases. This impurity disqualified individuals from participating in sacred activities, highlighting the need for holiness and separation from sin.

that person must be cut off
The consequence of eating the peace offering while unclean is severe. The phrase "נִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ" (nikretah hanefesh) means "that soul shall be cut off." This could imply excommunication or even death, reflecting the seriousness of maintaining purity in worship. It serves as a stern warning to uphold the sanctity of God's commands.

from his people
The phrase "מֵעַמָּיו" (me'ammav) indicates separation from the community. This consequence underscores the communal nature of Israel's covenant with God, where individual actions affect the entire community. It highlights the importance of communal holiness and the impact of personal sin on the collective body of believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The original audience of the Levitical laws, including the instructions on offerings and cleanliness.

2. The Priests
Mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining ritual purity.

3. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship where sacrifices, including peace offerings, were made.

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

5. Unclean Person
An individual in a state of ritual impurity, which could result from various causes such as contact with a dead body or certain diseases.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purity
God’s command for purity underscores His holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence.

Consequences of Disobedience
Being "cut off" from the community highlights the seriousness of disobedience and the communal impact of individual sin.

Symbolism of the Peace Offering
Represents fellowship with God, reminding believers of the peace and reconciliation available through Christ.

Spiritual Cleanliness Today
While ritual laws are fulfilled in Christ, the principle of spiritual cleanliness remains, urging believers to live holy lives.

Community Accountability
The communal aspect of the law encourages accountability and mutual encouragement in maintaining spiritual purity.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the requirement for ritual purity in Leviticus 7:20 teach us about God’s nature and His expectations for His people?

2. How can the concept of being "cut off" from the community inform our understanding of church discipline and restoration today?

3. In what ways does the peace offering in Leviticus foreshadow the work of Christ as our ultimate peace offering?

4. How can we apply the principles of ritual purity to our spiritual lives in a New Testament context?

5. What role does community play in helping believers maintain spiritual purity, and how can we foster such accountability in our church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Discusses dietary laws and clean vs. unclean animals, providing context for understanding ritual purity.

Numbers 19
Details the purification process for those who become unclean, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity.

1 Corinthians 11
Paul warns against partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, drawing a parallel to the seriousness of maintaining purity in worship.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system, including peace offerings.