Leviticus 22:4

If a descendant of Aaron has a skin disease or a discharge, he may not eat the sacred offerings until he is clean. Whoever touches anything defiled by a corpse or by a man who has an emission of semen,

Study Bible

If a descendant of Aaron
The phrase refers to the lineage of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel, whose descendants were designated as priests. The Hebrew word for "descendant" is "zera," meaning seed or offspring, emphasizing the hereditary nature of the priesthood. This highlights the importance of maintaining purity and holiness within the priestly line, as they were set apart for service to God.

has a skin disease
The Hebrew term used here is "tzaraath," often translated as leprosy, though it encompasses a range of skin conditions. In the ancient context, such diseases were seen as physical manifestations of spiritual impurity. The priest, as a mediator between God and the people, needed to be free from any impurity to perform his sacred duties.

or a bodily discharge
This phrase refers to any abnormal bodily fluid discharge, which rendered a person ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law. The Hebrew word "zav" indicates a flow or issue, symbolizing a breach in the wholeness and purity required for those serving in the temple. This underscores the need for physical and spiritual integrity in worship.

he may not eat the sacred offerings
The sacred offerings, or "qodesh," were portions of sacrifices designated for the priests. Eating these offerings was both a privilege and a responsibility, symbolizing participation in the holiness of God. The restriction placed on those who were unclean highlights the sanctity of these offerings and the need for the priest to be in a state of purity.

until he is clean
The process of becoming clean involved ritual purification, which could include washing, waiting a specified period, and offering sacrifices. The Hebrew word "tahor" means clean or pure, signifying a return to a state of ritual readiness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of redemption and restoration, where God provides a means for His people to be cleansed and restored to fellowship with Him.

And whoever touches anything made unclean by a corpse
Contact with a corpse was one of the most severe forms of ritual impurity, as death was the ultimate symbol of the fall and separation from God. The Hebrew word "tame" means unclean, and this law served to remind the Israelites of the holiness of life and the need to avoid defilement.

or by a man who has had an emission of semen
This refers to another form of ritual impurity, as outlined in Levitical law. The emission of semen, while a natural bodily function, required purification before one could participate in sacred activities. This regulation underscores the pervasive nature of sin and impurity and the need for constant vigilance and purification in the life of the believer.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Aaron
The first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and ancestor of the Levitical priesthood. His descendants were responsible for performing sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

2. Priests
The descendants of Aaron who were set apart to serve in the Tabernacle and Temple, offering sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the sacred space.

3. Skin Disease
Often translated as "leprosy" in older versions, this term refers to various skin conditions that rendered a person ceremonially unclean.

4. Bodily Discharge
Refers to any abnormal bodily fluid discharge, which also rendered a person ceremonially unclean according to Levitical law.

5. Sacred Offerings
These are the portions of sacrifices that were designated for the priests and their families, symbolizing their share in the offerings made to God.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Purity
The requirement for priests to be ceremonially clean before partaking in sacred offerings underscores the importance of holiness and purity in approaching God. This principle applies to all believers, who are called to live lives set apart for God.

The Role of the Priesthood
The priesthood served as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the need for purity in those who serve in spiritual leadership. Today, believers are called to be a "royal priesthood," living lives that reflect God's holiness.

The Seriousness of Sin
The laws regarding uncleanness remind us of the pervasive nature of sin and its ability to separate us from God. It points to the need for a Savior who can cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus, our High Priest, fulfilled the requirements of the law, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Through Him, we are made clean and can approach God with confidence.

Practical Holiness
While the ceremonial laws are no longer binding, the principle of living a life that honors God remains. Believers are called to examine their lives and remove anything that hinders their relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for priests to be ceremonially clean before eating sacred offerings reflect the nature of God?

2. In what ways does the concept of ceremonial uncleanness in Leviticus 22:4 point to the need for spiritual cleansing in our lives today?

3. How does the role of the Levitical priesthood compare to the role of believers as a "royal priesthood" in the New Testament?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are living lives that are pleasing to God, in light of the principles found in Leviticus 22:4?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament laws about cleanliness enhance our appreciation for the work of Christ as our High Priest?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 15
This chapter provides detailed laws regarding bodily discharges and the procedures for cleansing, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness.

Numbers 19
Discusses the purification process for those who have come into contact with a corpse, highlighting the need for ceremonial cleanliness.

Hebrews 7
Explores the priesthood of Jesus Christ, contrasting the temporary and imperfect Levitical priesthood with the eternal and perfect priesthood of Christ.