Leviticus 15:31

You must keep the children of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling My tabernacle, which is among them.

Study Bible

You must keep
The Hebrew root for "keep" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, watch, or preserve. This word conveys a sense of vigilance and careful attention. In the context of Leviticus, it underscores the responsibility of the priests and the community to maintain holiness and purity. The act of keeping is not passive but requires active participation and diligence, reflecting the seriousness with which God’s commands are to be observed.

the Israelites
The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. Historically, the Israelites were chosen by God to be His people, set apart to demonstrate His holiness to the nations. This identity is central to their covenant relationship with God, and it carries the weight of representing Him on earth. The Israelites' conduct, therefore, is not just personal but communal, affecting their collective standing before God.

separate from their impurity
The concept of separation is rooted in the Hebrew word "בָּדַל" (badal), meaning to divide or distinguish. In Levitical law, impurity is not merely a physical state but a spiritual condition that affects one's relationship with God. The call to separate from impurity is a call to holiness, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to be distinct from surrounding nations and practices. This separation is both a physical and spiritual act, ensuring that the community remains in right standing with God.

so that they do not die
The phrase highlights the severe consequences of impurity, which is death. In the ancient Near Eastern context, life and death were often seen as direct results of one's relationship with the divine. The warning here is a reminder of the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him in an impure state. It underscores the life-and-death nature of obedience to God's laws.

by defiling My tabernacle
The tabernacle, or "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan) in Hebrew, was the dwelling place of God among His people. It was a sacred space where heaven and earth met, and where God's presence was manifest. To defile the tabernacle was to bring impurity into the very presence of God, an act that disrupted the covenant relationship. This phrase emphasizes the sanctity of the tabernacle and the need for the Israelites to approach it with reverence and purity.

that is among them
The presence of the tabernacle "among them" signifies God's desire to dwell with His people. This proximity is a profound expression of God's love and commitment to the Israelites. However, it also requires them to uphold a standard of holiness that reflects His character. The phrase serves as a reminder of the privilege and responsibility of having God in their midst, calling them to live in a way that honors His presence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were given the Law through Moses.

2. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Moses
The prophet and leader who received the Law from God and communicated it to the Israelites.

4. Uncleanness
A state of ritual impurity that could result from various physical conditions or actions, requiring purification rituals.

5. God's Presence
The divine presence that dwelled in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's holiness and His covenant relationship with Israel.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
God calls His people to be distinct and separate from sin and impurity, reflecting His holiness.

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin and impurity are not trivial matters; they have serious consequences, including separation from God's presence.

The Role of the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence, requiring purity to approach it, much like our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit today.

The Need for Purification
Just as the Israelites needed purification rituals, we need the cleansing power of Christ to maintain spiritual purity.

Living in Community
The laws of cleanliness were not just personal but communal, emphasizing the impact of individual actions on the community's spiritual health.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of uncleanness in Leviticus 15:31 relate to our understanding of sin today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of separation from impurity in our daily lives?

3. How does the presence of God in the Tabernacle compare to the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to maintain spiritual purity in our lives?

5. How can understanding the communal aspect of purity laws in Leviticus help us in building a stronger Christian community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11-15
These chapters provide detailed laws on cleanliness and uncleanliness, emphasizing the importance of purity in the community.

Numbers 19
Discusses the purification process for those who become unclean, highlighting the seriousness of maintaining ritual purity.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, drawing a parallel to the holiness required in the Tabernacle.

Hebrews 9:13-14
Compares the purification rituals of the Old Testament with the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.

1 Peter 1:15-16
Calls believers to be holy in all conduct, reflecting the holiness of God.