Leviticus 21

Leviticus 21:1

Atonement Once a Year

These verses are a summary of this chapter. Although this law can only be fulfilled in the seventh month, we already read here that it is done “as the LORD had commanded Moses”. Here is looked ahead to the realization.

Leviticus 21:3

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:4

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:5

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:6

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:7

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:8

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:9

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:10

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:11

A Part of Each Sacrifice Is for the Lord

Of all the slaughtered animals, the Israelites must bring a portion to the doorway of the tent of meeting in order to sacrifice it to the LORD. In the situation described here, an animal is slaughtered to be eaten with others. It therefore has the character of a peace offering, which speaks of fellowship between the members of God’s people and of God’s people with the priest and with God.

In the precept that God gives here, He expresses that He does not want His people to have fellowship with one another without His involvement. For God, every slaughtered animal has the character of a peace offering. He wants His people to know this clearly. The application for us is: Do we share every joy we have, with God and with all the people of God?

The peace offering is a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is the center of our fellowship and its foundation. We are “called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). The right translation is not “fellowship with” but “fellowship of”. This means that the fellowship is characterized by Jesus Christ, that He is the common object of all who are part of this fellowship. Friendships must also have this center and foundation. The eldest son from Luke 15 wants a young goat from his father to celebrate alone with his friends (Luke 15:29b). He doesn’t want to have his father with him. That is the evil of his way of celebrating.

The flesh meals of the people are either dedicated to the LORD, or to the demons. The devil is successful when God is kept out of our feasts. It is in his interest that the Lord Jesus is not the center of our conversations.

Paul applies this in his first letter to the Corinthians. He points out to the Corinthians, in connection with the Lord’s Table, Israel and their service at the altar in offering the peace offering: “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar?” (1 Corinthians 10:18). In this context he warns not to act as the nations do and says: “I do not want you to become sharers in demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Paul mentions the people of Israel who sat down to eat and drink, and who rose up to play “idolaters” because they kept God out of this feast (1 Corinthians 10:7; Exodus 32:6). Idols are demonic powers. We are called upon to flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14).

Fellowship with God is not limited to a single event per year, as at the day of atonement for Israel. Fellowship is an everyday matter. We experience and express fellowship in a special way in celebrating the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table, but it is not limited to that. Fellowship with God and with each other is a matter of every day. God wants to be present at all our ‘meals’ and enjoy the relationship with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

In our personal lives, in everything we do, we will contribute to or detract from fellowship with God and with one another. It enhances the testimony that we have as believers on earth or it harms it. That is why we have to ask ourselves personally: Can I share what I do with my brothers and sisters with joy, or would I rather not want them to know, because I know that my behavior will make them sad? How I behave when I am alone, or with people from the world, is important.

Leviticus 21:12

Prohibition to Eat Blood

This section is about eating blood. Twice before in this book God spoke about the blood (Leviticus 3:17; Leviticus 7:26). The blood should not be eaten, because life is in the blood and life belongs to God. Blood is not only life; it is also the means of making atonement (Leviticus 17:11). We may eat an animal, but God retains the right to blood. We acknowledge God’s right to life by not eating blood.

The ban on eating blood does not only apply to Israel. The first Christians are also told this as an everlasting commandment (Acts 15:28-29). Eating blood or, for example, blood sausage, remains prohibited.

Leviticus 21:13

Prohibition to Eat Blood

This section is about eating blood. Twice before in this book God spoke about the blood (Leviticus 3:17; Leviticus 7:26). The blood should not be eaten, because life is in the blood and life belongs to God. Blood is not only life; it is also the means of making atonement (Leviticus 17:11). We may eat an animal, but God retains the right to blood. We acknowledge God’s right to life by not eating blood.

The ban on eating blood does not only apply to Israel. The first Christians are also told this as an everlasting commandment (Acts 15:28-29). Eating blood or, for example, blood sausage, remains prohibited.

Leviticus 21:14

Prohibition to Eat Blood

This section is about eating blood. Twice before in this book God spoke about the blood (Leviticus 3:17; Leviticus 7:26). The blood should not be eaten, because life is in the blood and life belongs to God. Blood is not only life; it is also the means of making atonement (Leviticus 17:11). We may eat an animal, but God retains the right to blood. We acknowledge God’s right to life by not eating blood.

The ban on eating blood does not only apply to Israel. The first Christians are also told this as an everlasting commandment (Acts 15:28-29). Eating blood or, for example, blood sausage, remains prohibited.

Leviticus 21:15

Prohibition to Eat Blood

This section is about eating blood. Twice before in this book God spoke about the blood (Leviticus 3:17; Leviticus 7:26). The blood should not be eaten, because life is in the blood and life belongs to God. Blood is not only life; it is also the means of making atonement (Leviticus 17:11). We may eat an animal, but God retains the right to blood. We acknowledge God’s right to life by not eating blood.

The ban on eating blood does not only apply to Israel. The first Christians are also told this as an everlasting commandment (Acts 15:28-29). Eating blood or, for example, blood sausage, remains prohibited.

Leviticus 21:16

Prohibition to Eat Blood

This section is about eating blood. Twice before in this book God spoke about the blood (Leviticus 3:17; Leviticus 7:26). The blood should not be eaten, because life is in the blood and life belongs to God. Blood is not only life; it is also the means of making atonement (Leviticus 17:11). We may eat an animal, but God retains the right to blood. We acknowledge God’s right to life by not eating blood.

The ban on eating blood does not only apply to Israel. The first Christians are also told this as an everlasting commandment (Acts 15:28-29). Eating blood or, for example, blood sausage, remains prohibited.

Leviticus 21:17

Food That Makes Unclean

Eating “[an animal] which dies or is torn [by beasts]”, means eating an animal of which the blood has not come on the altar. Nor has its blood been poured out in the manner prescribed by God, nor has it been covered with earth (Leviticus 17:13). Someone who eats unconsciously of such an animal is unclean. It must be said to him, and when he hears it, he must wash his clothes and bathe himself in water. If he does not, he shows indifference in the things of God and “he shall bear his guilt”.

Applied to us, it means that we feed ourselves with something that is not first dedicated to God. It can be material or spiritual. We may enjoy all that God has created, but it is important that we realize that it comes from Him. We do this by thanking Him for it. Then we involve Him in it (1 Timothy 4:4-5). If we forget that and become aware of it, we must confess it.

Leviticus 21:18

Food That Makes Unclean

Eating “[an animal] which dies or is torn [by beasts]”, means eating an animal of which the blood has not come on the altar. Nor has its blood been poured out in the manner prescribed by God, nor has it been covered with earth (Leviticus 17:13). Someone who eats unconsciously of such an animal is unclean. It must be said to him, and when he hears it, he must wash his clothes and bathe himself in water. If he does not, he shows indifference in the things of God and “he shall bear his guilt”.

Applied to us, it means that we feed ourselves with something that is not first dedicated to God. It can be material or spiritual. We may enjoy all that God has created, but it is important that we realize that it comes from Him. We do this by thanking Him for it. Then we involve Him in it (1 Timothy 4:4-5). If we forget that and become aware of it, we must confess it.

Leviticus 21:20

Introduction

In this chapter we read a lot of what we also read in Leviticus 20. The distinction is that in this chapter God as the ”LORD” is in the foreground, while in Leviticus 20 the emphasis is on God’s holiness. There we read about the punishments for the sins that are necessarily given ample attention to here.

Do Not Do as Egypt or Canaan

God puts Himself every time before the attention of the people as the LORD, the God of the covenant with His people. By doing so, He wants them to take on His features and not those of the nations around them. There is a special warning for the influence of Egypt and Canaan. After the laws with a view to their sacrificial service, the so-called ceremonial laws, God now gives some moral laws with a view to their sexual intercourse.

Egypt represents the world without God. In Egypt there is a lot of human wisdom (Acts 7:22). For the Christian, the danger of Egypt is discussed in the letter to the Colossians. It also warns against wisdom that takes people captive (Colossians 2:8). The Colossians are in danger of mixing their faith with the wisdom of the world. Paul reminds them that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Canaan is the land of blessings that God has given His people. The great danger there is not so much wisdom, culture and science, but the great corruption that reigns there. The Christian is put in the heavenly places, of which Canaan is a picture. But that does not mean that there are no dangers. It is precisely in the letter to the Ephesians, where the blessings of the Christian are described, that strong warning is given for any form of corruption (Ephesians 4:17-19). Giving in to this corruption means that we will lose the blessings.

The Christian is a new creation, he has been created “in [the likeness of] God” (Ephesians 4:24). He received Christ (Colossians 2:6) and learned Christ (Ephesians 4:20). The danger is that we adapt to the world around us in its character of Egypt or in its character of Canaan. Then we no longer show the new, but the old man.

The great contrast we see here is the contrast between the statutes and judgments of the world in its various forms and the statutes and judgments of God. The following of the former means death, the keeping of the latter means life.

Leviticus 21:21

Introduction

In this chapter we read a lot of what we also read in Leviticus 20. The distinction is that in this chapter God as the ”LORD” is in the foreground, while in Leviticus 20 the emphasis is on God’s holiness. There we read about the punishments for the sins that are necessarily given ample attention to here.

Do Not Do as Egypt or Canaan

God puts Himself every time before the attention of the people as the LORD, the God of the covenant with His people. By doing so, He wants them to take on His features and not those of the nations around them. There is a special warning for the influence of Egypt and Canaan. After the laws with a view to their sacrificial service, the so-called ceremonial laws, God now gives some moral laws with a view to their sexual intercourse.

Egypt represents the world without God. In Egypt there is a lot of human wisdom (Acts 7:22). For the Christian, the danger of Egypt is discussed in the letter to the Colossians. It also warns against wisdom that takes people captive (Colossians 2:8). The Colossians are in danger of mixing their faith with the wisdom of the world. Paul reminds them that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Canaan is the land of blessings that God has given His people. The great danger there is not so much wisdom, culture and science, but the great corruption that reigns there. The Christian is put in the heavenly places, of which Canaan is a picture. But that does not mean that there are no dangers. It is precisely in the letter to the Ephesians, where the blessings of the Christian are described, that strong warning is given for any form of corruption (Ephesians 4:17-19). Giving in to this corruption means that we will lose the blessings.

The Christian is a new creation, he has been created “in [the likeness of] God” (Ephesians 4:24). He received Christ (Colossians 2:6) and learned Christ (Ephesians 4:20). The danger is that we adapt to the world around us in its character of Egypt or in its character of Canaan. Then we no longer show the new, but the old man.

The great contrast we see here is the contrast between the statutes and judgments of the world in its various forms and the statutes and judgments of God. The following of the former means death, the keeping of the latter means life.

Leviticus 21:22

Introduction

In this chapter we read a lot of what we also read in Leviticus 20. The distinction is that in this chapter God as the ”LORD” is in the foreground, while in Leviticus 20 the emphasis is on God’s holiness. There we read about the punishments for the sins that are necessarily given ample attention to here.

Do Not Do as Egypt or Canaan

God puts Himself every time before the attention of the people as the LORD, the God of the covenant with His people. By doing so, He wants them to take on His features and not those of the nations around them. There is a special warning for the influence of Egypt and Canaan. After the laws with a view to their sacrificial service, the so-called ceremonial laws, God now gives some moral laws with a view to their sexual intercourse.

Egypt represents the world without God. In Egypt there is a lot of human wisdom (Acts 7:22). For the Christian, the danger of Egypt is discussed in the letter to the Colossians. It also warns against wisdom that takes people captive (Colossians 2:8). The Colossians are in danger of mixing their faith with the wisdom of the world. Paul reminds them that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Canaan is the land of blessings that God has given His people. The great danger there is not so much wisdom, culture and science, but the great corruption that reigns there. The Christian is put in the heavenly places, of which Canaan is a picture. But that does not mean that there are no dangers. It is precisely in the letter to the Ephesians, where the blessings of the Christian are described, that strong warning is given for any form of corruption (Ephesians 4:17-19). Giving in to this corruption means that we will lose the blessings.

The Christian is a new creation, he has been created “in [the likeness of] God” (Ephesians 4:24). He received Christ (Colossians 2:6) and learned Christ (Ephesians 4:20). The danger is that we adapt to the world around us in its character of Egypt or in its character of Canaan. Then we no longer show the new, but the old man.

The great contrast we see here is the contrast between the statutes and judgments of the world in its various forms and the statutes and judgments of God. The following of the former means death, the keeping of the latter means life.

Leviticus 21:23

Introduction

In this chapter we read a lot of what we also read in Leviticus 20. The distinction is that in this chapter God as the ”LORD” is in the foreground, while in Leviticus 20 the emphasis is on God’s holiness. There we read about the punishments for the sins that are necessarily given ample attention to here.

Do Not Do as Egypt or Canaan

God puts Himself every time before the attention of the people as the LORD, the God of the covenant with His people. By doing so, He wants them to take on His features and not those of the nations around them. There is a special warning for the influence of Egypt and Canaan. After the laws with a view to their sacrificial service, the so-called ceremonial laws, God now gives some moral laws with a view to their sexual intercourse.

Egypt represents the world without God. In Egypt there is a lot of human wisdom (Acts 7:22). For the Christian, the danger of Egypt is discussed in the letter to the Colossians. It also warns against wisdom that takes people captive (Colossians 2:8). The Colossians are in danger of mixing their faith with the wisdom of the world. Paul reminds them that in Christ “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Canaan is the land of blessings that God has given His people. The great danger there is not so much wisdom, culture and science, but the great corruption that reigns there. The Christian is put in the heavenly places, of which Canaan is a picture. But that does not mean that there are no dangers. It is precisely in the letter to the Ephesians, where the blessings of the Christian are described, that strong warning is given for any form of corruption (Ephesians 4:17-19). Giving in to this corruption means that we will lose the blessings.

The Christian is a new creation, he has been created “in [the likeness of] God” (Ephesians 4:24). He received Christ (Colossians 2:6) and learned Christ (Ephesians 4:20). The danger is that we adapt to the world around us in its character of Egypt or in its character of Canaan. Then we no longer show the new, but the old man.

The great contrast we see here is the contrast between the statutes and judgments of the world in its various forms and the statutes and judgments of God. The following of the former means death, the keeping of the latter means life.

Leviticus 21:24

Do This and You Shall Live

Here we read the motivation for keeping the commandments: to receive and enjoy life. This verse is quoted four times in the Old Testament: three times in the book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 20:11; 13; 21) and once in the book of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 9:29). It is quoted three times in the New Testament (Luke 10:25-28, Romans 10:5; Galatians 3:12).

The last two texts (Romans 10:5; Galatians 3:12) show that no man has received the promised life. For there was no man who complied perfectly with the statutes and judgments of God. Only when one repents and receives new life from God on the basis of faith he can live to the glory of God and do His will wholeheartedly. The law says: Do this and you will live. The gospel says: Live and you will do.