Leviticus 7:19

Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten; it is to be burned up. As for any other meat, anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it.

Study Bible

Meat that touches anything unclean must not be eaten;
In the Levitical law, the concept of cleanliness was central to maintaining a proper relationship with God. Anything deemed unclean, whether through contact with certain animals, diseases, or other impurities, was considered defiled. This phrase emphasizes the importance of ritual purity, which was a physical representation of spiritual holiness. The prohibition against eating meat that had come into contact with something unclean underscores the need for separation from sin and impurity. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be separate from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17).

it is to be burned up.
The command to burn the unclean meat rather than consume it highlights the seriousness of maintaining purity. Burning was a method of complete destruction, ensuring that the unclean element was entirely removed from the community. This act can be seen as a type of judgment, reflecting the ultimate fate of sin and impurity. In a broader theological context, it points to the final judgment where all that is unclean will be destroyed (Revelation 20:14-15).

As for any other meat,
This phrase introduces a contrast between what is unclean and what is permissible. It implies that there is a category of meat that remains clean and suitable for consumption. The distinction between clean and unclean foods is a recurring theme in Leviticus, serving as a daily reminder of the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. This separation is later addressed in the New Testament, where Peter's vision in Acts 10:15 declares all foods clean, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith.

anyone who is ceremonially clean may eat it.
The requirement for the eater to be ceremonially clean reinforces the idea that holiness is not just about external actions but also about the condition of the individual. Ceremonial cleanliness involved various rituals and abstentions, reflecting an inner commitment to God's laws. This concept is fulfilled in Christ, who makes believers clean through His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:22). The emphasis on ceremonial cleanliness also foreshadows the purity required to partake in the Lord's Supper, where believers are called to examine themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites on how to live a holy life.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the Levitical laws, called to be a holy nation set apart for God.

3. Tabernacle
The central place of worship where sacrifices and offerings were made, and where the laws concerning cleanliness were particularly relevant.

4. Priests
The mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for teaching and enforcing the laws of cleanliness and sacrifice.

5. Ceremonial Cleanliness
A state required for participation in worship and consumption of sacrificial meat, symbolizing spiritual purity.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The command to burn meat that touches anything unclean underscores the importance of holiness and separation from sin. Believers are called to live distinct lives, avoiding spiritual contamination.

Community Responsibility
The laws of cleanliness were not just personal but communal. As members of the body of Christ, we have a responsibility to uphold purity within our community, encouraging one another in righteousness.

Symbolism of Purity
The physical act of burning unclean meat symbolizes the need to remove sin from our lives. This points to the New Testament call to purify our hearts and minds through Christ.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
While the ceremonial laws are fulfilled in Christ, the principle of living a life set apart for God remains. We are called to spiritual cleanliness through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Obedience
The Israelites' obedience to these laws was a practical expression of their faith. Similarly, our daily choices and actions should reflect our commitment to God's standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ceremonial cleanliness in Leviticus 7:19 relate to the idea of spiritual purity in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of separation from unclean things in our modern Christian walk?

3. How does understanding the communal aspect of the cleanliness laws affect our interactions within the church community today?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living lives that are spiritually clean and set apart for God?

5. How does the fulfillment of the law in Christ change our approach to Old Testament laws like those found in Leviticus 7:19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Expands on the laws of clean and unclean foods, providing a broader context for understanding the importance of ceremonial cleanliness.

Acts 10
Peter's vision of clean and unclean animals, which signifies the removal of the ceremonial law's restrictions in Christ, emphasizing the spiritual rather than physical purity.

1 Corinthians 10
Discusses the principle of not causing others to stumble, which can relate to the communal aspect of maintaining purity and consideration for others in the community.

Hebrews 10
Highlights the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system, including laws of cleanliness.