Leviticus 21

 

Leviticus 21: A Detailed Exploration

Introduction

Leviticus Chapter 21 is a crucial section of the Holiness Code in the Book of Leviticus, emphasizing the sanctity of the priesthood. The chapter contains God’s instructions to Moses regarding the conduct and physical qualifications of the priests (Kohanim), setting them apart as a holy class dedicated to divine service. It outlines rules for mourning, marriage, and physical purity, demonstrating the elevated standards for priests compared to ordinary Israelites.

Understanding Leviticus 21 requires us to consider its historical, religious, and cultural contexts. The priesthood was the intermediary between God and His people, and their conduct reflected the holiness of Israel itself.

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Summary of Leviticus 21

This chapter is divided into three major sections:

1. Verses 1-9: Restrictions on Mourning and Defilement for Priests

2. Verses 10-15: Additional Restrictions for the High Priest

3. Verses 16-24: Physical Qualifications for Priestly Service

Each of these sections reinforces the purity and holiness required of the priesthood.

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Verse-by-Verse Explanation

Verses 1-9: Restrictions on Mourning and Defilement

(1) "And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:"

This verse introduces a key concept: priests must maintain a higher level of ritual purity. While ordinary Israelites could mourn their dead, priests were prohibited from coming into contact with corpses, as touching a dead body caused ritual impurity (Numbers 19:11).

(2-3) "Except for his kin, that is near unto him, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother, and for his sister, a virgin, that is near unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled."

God makes an exception for close family members, acknowledging the human need for grief and mourning. However, this permission is limited to the immediate family—parents, children, siblings, and unmarried sisters.

(4) "But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself."

This restriction maintains the dignity of the priesthood. Priests were regarded as leaders, and excessive mourning could diminish their sacred status.

(5) "They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh."

This verse forbids priests from adopting pagan mourning customs (see Deuteronomy 14:1). Many ancient cultures shaved their heads, cut themselves, or engaged in extreme physical expressions of grief, but Israel’s priests were to maintain their distinct holy identity.

(6) "They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy."

The holiness of the priesthood is tied to their service in the Tabernacle. Because they handle sacred offerings, any defilement would dishonor God’s name.

(7) "They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God."

Priests were required to marry morally upright women. A woman of ill repute (e.g., a prostitute or divorcée) might bring shame to the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of family purity in priestly households.

(8) "Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the Lord, which sanctify you, am holy."

God reiterates that priests are set apart. Their holiness is not merely personal but reflects God’s holiness, reinforcing the need for a strict moral code.

(9) "And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profaneth her father: she shall be burnt with fire."

This verse imposes severe consequences for a priest’s daughter engaging in sexual immorality. Since the priesthood was sacred, any scandal involving a priest’s family dishonored the entire institution.

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Verses 10-15: Additional Restrictions for the High Priest

(10) "And he that is the high priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was poured... shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes;"

The High Priest (Kohen Gadol) had even stricter regulations. He could not engage in mourning rituals (e.g., tearing clothes) because he represented God’s presence among Israel.

(11-12) "Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor defile himself for his father, or for his mother; neither shall he go out of the sanctuary..."

Unlike ordinary priests, the High Priest could not mourn even for his own parents. His life was completely dedicated to Tabernacle service, signifying that God is greater than earthly ties.

(13-14) "And he shall take a wife in her virginity. A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, or a harlot, these shall he not take..."

The High Priest’s marriage had to reflect the highest moral standards. His wife had to be a virgin, symbolizing purity and ensuring a lineage without doubt or scandal.

(15) "Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the Lord do sanctify him."

By maintaining strict marriage laws, the High Priest ensured the legitimacy of his descendants, preserving the purity of the priestly line.

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Verses 16-24: Physical Qualifications for Priestly Service

This section lists physical defects that disqualified a priest from offering sacrifices:

(17-21) "Whosoever he be of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous..."

These physical imperfections symbolized a lack of wholeness, and since priests represented divine perfection, they had to be free of physical defects.

(22-23) "He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy, and of the holy. Only he shall not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish..."

A physically impaired priest could still eat holy food but was forbidden from performing sacrifices, maintaining the visual symbolism of purity.

(24) "And Moses told it unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel."

Moses faithfully delivered God’s commands, ensuring the sanctity of the priesthood for generations to come.

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Conclusion: The Significance of Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21 emphasizes the separation and holiness of the priesthood, teaching that those who serve God must reflect His divine perfection.

Key Takeaways:

1. Priests must maintain ritual purity, avoiding contact with death except in rare cases.

2. Marriage and moral purity are essential for priests and their families.

3. Physical perfection is required for priestly service, symbolizing divine holiness.

4. The High Priest has even stricter rules, as he represents God’s presence.

Though these laws applied to ancient Israel, they illustrate God’s desire for holiness in all His people, a theme that carries into the New Testament priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9).