What is the meaning of Leviticus 15:18? If a man lies with a woman Leviticus 15:18 addresses normal marital intimacy, not sinful behavior. Scripture celebrates the marriage bed as “undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4), and Genesis 1:28 shows that marital union was God’s design from the beginning. The verse therefore treats a common, God-given act while recognizing its ceremonial implications in Israel’s worship system. and there is an emission of semen The focus is the bodily fluid, considered ceremonially potent. Similar directives appear for nocturnal emissions (Deuteronomy 23:10–11) and for a woman’s monthly flow (Leviticus 15:19). These regulations teach that life-carrying fluids belong to God (Leviticus 17:11) and must be handled with reverence. Key ideas: • Semen symbolizes potential life. • Contact with it does not imply moral guilt. • The law underscores God’s holiness by setting boundaries even around good, created functions. both must bathe with water Cleansing by water points to God’s provision for restored fellowship. Comparable washings are prescribed for a healed leper (Leviticus 14:8–9) and for those touching a corpse (Numbers 19:19). This repeated pattern prepares hearts to value the “washing of water with the word” fulfilled in Christ (Ephesians 5:26). Practical takeaways: • Obedience involves tangible actions. • Physical washing reminded Israel that purity ultimately comes from God (Psalm 51:7). they will remain unclean until evening The period of uncleanness was short, ending at sundown when a new day began. This temporary status: • Protected the sanctuary from inadvertent defilement (Leviticus 15:31). • Allowed the couple to resume normal life after sunset, illustrating mercy within the law (Lamentations 3:22–23). The pattern foreshadows Christ, who bore uncleanness once for all so believers may draw near “with a true heart” (Hebrews 10:22). summary Leviticus 15:18 treats ordinary marital relations as ceremonially impactful, not morally sinful. By requiring a simple washing and a brief waiting period, God taught Israel that even good gifts must be approached with reverence. The regulations safeguarded the holiness of the camp and pointed forward to the greater cleansing provided by Jesus, who fulfills every shadow of the law and invites His people into continual, confident fellowship with the Holy One. |
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