Leviticus 7:20

But if anyone who is unclean eats meat from the peace offering that belongs to the LORD, that person must be cut off from his people.

Study Bible

But if anyone who is unclean
In the context of Leviticus, "unclean" refers to a state of ritual impurity, which could result from various causes such as contact with a dead body, certain diseases, or eating unclean foods. This concept underscores the importance of holiness and purity in the Israelite community, as God is holy (Leviticus 11:44-45). The laws of cleanliness were designed to teach the Israelites about the nature of sin and the need for spiritual purity.

eats meat from the peace offering
The peace offering, also known as the fellowship offering, was a voluntary sacrifice made to express gratitude and fellowship with God. It was unique in that the offerer, the priest, and God all shared in the meal, symbolizing communion and peace with God. Eating this meat while unclean would desecrate the sacredness of the offering and violate the covenant relationship with God.

that belongs to the LORD
The peace offering was considered holy and set apart for God. It was a tangible expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The phrase emphasizes that the offering is not merely a communal meal but a sacred act of worship dedicated to the LORD. This reflects the broader biblical theme that all offerings and sacrifices are ultimately for God's glory and honor.

that person must be cut off from his people
Being "cut off" from the people of Israel was a severe penalty, indicating either excommunication or, in some interpretations, death. This punishment highlights the seriousness of maintaining ritual purity and the sanctity of the community. It serves as a warning against defiling what is holy and underscores the communal responsibility to uphold God's laws. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where the church is called to maintain purity and holiness (1 Corinthians 5:11-13).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The original audience of the Levitical laws, including the instructions on offerings and cleanliness.

2. The Priests
Mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for offering sacrifices and maintaining ritual purity.

3. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship where sacrifices, including peace offerings, were made.

4. Peace Offering
A type of sacrifice in the Levitical system symbolizing fellowship and thanksgiving to God.

5. Unclean Person
An individual in a state of ritual impurity, which could result from various causes such as contact with a dead body or certain diseases.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purity
God’s command for purity underscores His holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence.

Consequences of Disobedience
Being "cut off" from the community highlights the seriousness of disobedience and the communal impact of individual sin.

Symbolism of the Peace Offering
Represents fellowship with God, reminding believers of the peace and reconciliation available through Christ.

Spiritual Cleanliness Today
While ritual laws are fulfilled in Christ, the principle of spiritual cleanliness remains, urging believers to live holy lives.

Community Accountability
The communal aspect of the law encourages accountability and mutual encouragement in maintaining spiritual purity.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the requirement for ritual purity in Leviticus 7:20 teach us about God’s nature and His expectations for His people?

2. How can the concept of being "cut off" from the community inform our understanding of church discipline and restoration today?

3. In what ways does the peace offering in Leviticus foreshadow the work of Christ as our ultimate peace offering?

4. How can we apply the principles of ritual purity to our spiritual lives in a New Testament context?

5. What role does community play in helping believers maintain spiritual purity, and how can we foster such accountability in our church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Discusses dietary laws and clean vs. unclean animals, providing context for understanding ritual purity.

Numbers 19
Details the purification process for those who become unclean, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity.

1 Corinthians 11
Paul warns against partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, drawing a parallel to the seriousness of maintaining purity in worship.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system, including peace offerings.