Leviticus 21

Chapter Summary

Leviticus 21 provides detailed instructions for the priests, focusing on their personal holiness and the importance of maintaining ritual purity. The chapter begins by addressing the priests' marriages and family relationships, emphasizing the need for them to marry women of high moral character (Leviticus 21:7, 14). It also discusses the physical and mental requirements for priests, stating that those with certain defects or blemishes are not eligible to serve (Leviticus 21:16-23). Additionally, the chapter highlights the priests' responsibility to maintain their own holiness and that of their families, as well as their role in teaching the people to distinguish between the holy and the common (Leviticus 21:1-6, 10-15).

Context for the Chapter

Leviticus 21 is part of the larger book of Leviticus, which provides instructions for the Israelites on how to maintain their relationship with God. The chapter fits into the book's overall theme of holiness and purity, emphasizing the importance of the priests' role in maintaining the community's spiritual well-being. In the larger biblical narrative, Leviticus 21 contributes to the overall story of God's redemption, highlighting the need for humanity to be reconciled to God through the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Leviticus 21, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining our own personal holiness and purity. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices and living lives that honor God. We must strive to maintain our own spiritual well-being, seeking to distinguish between the holy and the common, and living in a way that reflects our commitment to God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Leviticus 21 is about the rules for the priests, who were to be holy and set apart for God's service. They had to marry women of high moral character and maintain their own physical and mental wholeness. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the priests' role in teaching the people to distinguish between the holy and the common, as seen in Leviticus 21:1-6. By following these guidelines, the priests would demonstrate their commitment to God and serve as examples to the rest of the community.

Voices from the Church

“The priests were to be examples of holiness to the people, and their lives were to be a reflection of God's character. As Calvin notes, 'The priests were to be separated from the common people, that they might be wholly devoted to God's service.'”

— John Calvin

“The holiness of the priests was not just a matter of personal piety, but also of public witness. As Spurgeon emphasizes, 'The priest's life was to be a sermon, preached daily to the people, of the holiness and majesty of God.'”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Priests' Holiness (21:1-6) — The chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of the priests' holiness, highlighting their role in maintaining the community's spiritual well-being.
2. Regulations for the Priests' Marriages (21:7, 14) — The chapter discusses the priests' marriages, emphasizing the need for them to marry women of high moral character.
3. Physical and Mental Requirements for Priests (21:16-23) — The chapter outlines the physical and mental requirements for priests, stating that those with certain defects or blemishes are not eligible to serve.
4. The High Priest's Unique Role (21:10-15) — The chapter highlights the high priest's unique role and responsibilities, emphasizing his importance in maintaining the community's spiritual well-being.
5. Conclusion and Emphasis on Holiness (21:1-6, 10-15) — The chapter concludes by reiterating the importance of the priests' holiness, highlighting their role in teaching the people to distinguish between the holy and the common.

Core Doctrines

The Priesthood of Jesus Christ

Leviticus 21 points to the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ, who offers a perfect sacrifice and intercedes on our behalf, demonstrating His sinless and holy nature.

The Importance of Holiness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal holiness and purity, highlighting the need for believers to distinguish between the holy and the common.

The Role of the Church in Teaching

The chapter highlights the importance of the priests' role in teaching the people, which is reflected in the church's responsibility to guide and instruct believers in their spiritual journeys.

The Concept of Sacrifice

The chapter discusses the priests' role in offering sacrifices, which is fulfilled in Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, providing redemption for all people.

Lessons from Leviticus 21

1. The Importance of Personal Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the need for believers to maintain their personal holiness and purity, reflecting their commitment to God.
2. The Role of the Church in Teaching — The chapter highlights the importance of the priests' role in teaching the people, which is reflected in the church's responsibility to guide and instruct believers in their spiritual journeys.
3. The Concept of Sacrifice — The chapter discusses the priests' role in offering sacrifices, which is fulfilled in Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, providing redemption for all people.
4. The Priesthood of Jesus Christ — Leviticus 21 points to the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ, who offers a perfect sacrifice and intercedes on our behalf, demonstrating His sinless and holy nature.
5. The Importance of Distinguishing between the Holy and the Common — The chapter teaches about the importance of distinguishing between the holy and the common, and how this reflects our commitment to God and our role in maintaining the community's spiritual well-being.

Themes from Leviticus 21

1. Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal holiness and purity, reflecting our commitment to God.
2. The Priesthood — Leviticus 21 points to the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ, who offers a perfect sacrifice and intercedes on our behalf, demonstrating His sinless and holy nature.
3. Sacrifice — The chapter discusses the priests' role in offering sacrifices, which is fulfilled in Jesus' once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, providing redemption for all people.
4. Teaching and Guidance — The chapter highlights the importance of the priests' role in teaching the people, which is reflected in the church's responsibility to guide and instruct believers in their spiritual journeys.
5. Redemption — The chapter contributes to the overall story of God's redemption, highlighting the need for humanity to be reconciled to God through the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the chapter teach about the importance of holiness among the priests, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
2. How do the regulations for the priests' marriages and family relationships reflect the importance of their role in maintaining the community's spiritual well-being?
3. What does the chapter say about the physical and mental requirements for priests, and what implications does this have for our understanding of the priesthood of Jesus Christ?
4. How does the high priest's unique role and responsibilities reflect the importance of his position in maintaining the community's spiritual well-being?
5. What does the chapter teach about the importance of distinguishing between the holy and the common, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Leviticus 21

	Sermon	Description
	How Far Are You Prepared to Trust God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to make serious changes in their lives if they want to get closer to God. He criticizes the influence of negative medi
	God's Work in the Darkness by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that entertainment is a substitute for true joy and that the glory of God needs to be restored. He mentions the importance of being anointed
	The Beard, Its Historical and Biblical Significance by John Weaver	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of unity among brethren. He urges the audience to judge righteous judgment, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond ou
	2 Kings 4:8 - Part 01 by Joseph Balsan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling ministry in ordinary, everyday circumstances. He refers to a woman who opened her home to a passing prophet, de
	An Holy Priesthood by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound calling of believers as a holy priesthood, highlighting that every redeemed individual shares in the anointing of Christ as High Priest. He ex
	Holiness: It's Conditions by G. Campbell Morgan	The preacher discusses the concept of false circumcision, highlighting how some individuals distort the true meaning of circumcision by focusing on outward rituals rather than the
	Thirtieth Lesson. ‘An Holy Priesthood;’ Or, the Ministry of Intercession by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound calling of every believer to be a priest, highlighting that through Jesus Christ, all redeemed individuals are granted the privilege of interc
	Twenty-Seventh Day: "Thou Anointest My Head With oil." by J. Wilbur Chapman	J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the significance of anointing the head with oil, symbolizing the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing us to come before God. Just as the high priest w
	Leaning by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch delves into the story of Jacob being crippled after wrestling with the Lord, emphasizing the spiritual lesson of learning to lean on God rather than relying on our own

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Leviticus 21

In Leviticus 21, we see the high standards of holiness required of the Old Testament priests, which ultimately point to the perfect priesthood of Jesus Christ. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the priests' role in maintaining the community's spiritual well-being, highlighting their responsibility to teach the people about God's laws and maintain their own personal holiness. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The priests were to be holy, not only in their persons, but in their families; and this holiness was to be evident in their marriages, their children, and their whole conversation.' The chapter's regulations and restrictions for the priests serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining our own personal holiness and purity, reflecting our commitment to God and our role in maintaining the community's spiritual well-being. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?