Topical Bible: Defilement: Causes of, Improperly Enlarged by Tradition

◄ Defilement: Causes of, Improperly Enlarged by Tradition ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, defilement refers to a state of impurity or uncleanness that separates individuals from the holiness required by God. The concept of defilement is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where various laws and regulations were established to maintain the purity of the Israelites. However, over time, traditions and interpretations by religious leaders often improperly enlarged the understanding of defilement, adding burdens beyond the original intent of the Scriptures.

Biblical Causes of Defilement

The Mosaic Law outlines several causes of defilement, primarily related to physical and ceremonial impurity. These include contact with dead bodies (Numbers 19:11), certain skin diseases (Leviticus 13), bodily discharges (Leviticus 15), and the consumption of unclean foods (Leviticus 11). These laws served to set the Israelites apart as a holy nation and to teach them about the nature of sin and the need for purification.

Improper Enlargement by Tradition

By the time of Jesus, the Pharisees and other religious leaders had developed an extensive system of oral traditions that expanded upon the written Law. These traditions often placed additional burdens on the people, emphasizing external rituals over the heart's condition. Jesus addressed this issue directly, criticizing the Pharisees for their focus on human traditions at the expense of God's commandments.

In Mark 7:1-13, Jesus confronts the Pharisees and scribes for their emphasis on ceremonial handwashing, a tradition not commanded by God but developed by the elders. He quotes Isaiah, saying, "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men" (Mark 7:6-7). Jesus highlights that true defilement comes not from external sources but from within the heart, listing evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, and other sins as the real sources of impurity (Mark 7:20-23).

Tradition vs. Commandment

The tension between tradition and commandment is further illustrated in Matthew 15:1-9, where Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for nullifying God's word for the sake of their traditions. He points out their practice of declaring something as "Corban" (a gift devoted to God) to avoid supporting their parents, thus violating the commandment to honor one's father and mother. Jesus emphasizes that such traditions distort the true meaning of God's law and lead to spiritual defilement.

The Heart of the Matter

The improper enlargement of defilement by tradition underscores a critical biblical principle: God desires obedience from the heart rather than mere external compliance. The prophets repeatedly called Israel to genuine repentance and a return to heartfelt worship, as seen in passages like Isaiah 1:11-17 and Micah 6:6-8. Jesus' teachings reaffirm this focus, urging His followers to seek purity of heart and to prioritize love and justice over ritualistic observance.

In summary, while the Old Testament provides specific causes of defilement, the New Testament reveals how human traditions can improperly enlarge these causes, shifting the focus from internal purity to external rituals. Jesus' ministry calls believers to discern the true nature of defilement and to pursue holiness through a transformed heart aligned with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 7:2
And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashed, hands, they found fault.
Torrey's Topical Textbook