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Remember as you read Leviticus that the LORD is pulling Israel out to be separate from the nations around them.  Not only are they to avoid the detestable practices of their neighbors, but they were to live and worship according to the very specific way that he prescribed.  

Our reading today begins with an address toward one of the detestable practices of the day, giving one’s child up to the god Molech.  Notice that the LORD flows right into soliciting mediums, and then into cursing one’s father or mother.  This is followed by a list of penalties for all the sexual sins outlined in chapter 18.  There are three stages of punishment: those who are to remain childless, those who are “cut off,” or put out of the community, and those who are to be killed for their sin. 

Just as in yesterday’s reading, the instructions for priests in Chapters 21 and 22 are bookended by the LORD’s affirmation of His role in sanctifying Israel.  To sanctify is not just to cleanse, but to set apart – to move into another category – so completely that one can stand to be in the presence of the LORD. 

The expanse of His power and the integrity of His name is so profound that they cannot be approached unless the LORD Himself prepares them.  It is not simply that the LORD is a stronger version of a human, but that His power is wholly outside of human experience.  The LORD is set apart, holy, in a category all to Himself. 

So read these instructions, perhaps, through the lens of a compassionate God who is making a way for the people of Israel to have His presence among them.  And read these instructions to the priests through a lens of just how set apart the people’s representatives to the LORD should be. 

Our verse for this week is Romans 5:6: For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Leviticus chapters 20 through 22.  Now let’s read it!

From the beginning of chapter 18 through the end of Leviticus, I’ve counted 49 instances where the LORD says, “I, the LORD, am holy,” or “I am the LORD your God,” or simply, “I am the LORD.”  You can count them for yourself and see if I’m right.

Remember, this is not simply law, but covenant: the LORD has claimed Israel, rescued them, committed to being their God, and promised them an inheritance.  These statutes are God’s call to be distinct from all other nations, set apart as His people.  It was to be a focused, disciplined, Yahweh-centric existence – hearkening back to the very first command on Sinai: you shall have no other gods before Me. 

This is highlighted several ways in today’s reading.  First, chapter 17 begins with the very specific place that a sacrifice is to be offered: at the entrance of the tent of meeting, or the Tabernacle.  Just as sacrifices were not simply to be dropped off for the priest to handle, nor could they be conducted anywhere someone pleased.  This follows the same pattern of intentionality we’ve seen throughout all of God’s statutes.  The details matter.  Listen to which details get repeated or restated, both here and in the next section on eating blood. 

Commands regarding sexual relations in chapter 18 are set against the practices of their past and future homes.  “You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you.”  The LORD makes a connection between Israel and the land when He warns them: “…do none of these abominations…lest the land vomit you out when you make it unclean.”  We’ll follow this warning as we watch Israel’s history unfold. 

In chapter 19, the LORD lays out expectations for justice in the land.  There are laws for leaving some of the harvest for the poor and sojourner, laws for not dealing falsely, laws for not oppressing your neighbor, laws for not showing deference either to rich or poor in court – and they all culminate with “I am the LORD.”  He bookends these commands with reminders that “You shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.”

Our verse for this week is Romans 5:6: For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Leviticus 17 through 19.  Now let’s read it! 

Today we continue in a section dealing with the treatment of various physical issues that would cause someone to be unclean.  I want to remind you again that when the law is dealing with issues of cleanliness and uncleanliness, it’s not reflecting on whether something or someone is a public health risk.  This became evident yesterday when dealing with ailments of the skin.

It’s also important to note that the “clean” and “unclean” designations were not a reflection of an object’s usefulness or of a person’s character.  These designations have to do with a person’s ability to approach the tabernacle.  These commands are embedded with a respectful fear of encountering the majestic power of the LORD.  Everyone approaching the tabernacle was doing so at their own risk. 

Keep this in mind as you read through today’s regulations on bodily emissions.  Men and women who were experiencing quite ordinary functions, whether voluntarily or not, were directed to be sure they were ready to approach the LORD’s tent.  It was not to be taken lightly. 

In chapter 16, there’s a time marker that’s followed by commands for the annual Day of Atonement.  On this day all Israel would cease working while the High Priest approached the LORD and asked for atonement for the sins of the nation. 

Notice that a series of sacrifices and rituals were required before Aaron, the High Priest, could even step inside the veil to the Most Holy Place that contained the Ark and the Mercy Seat. 

Also notice what happens to the two goats.  A few days ago I pointed out that the concept of “confession” was first raised in chapter 5.  Here we find it again over the second goat – called “Azalel” or (as we still call it today), the “Scapegoat.”  Consider what it might mean for the sins of a nation to be commuted onto an animal, which is then released into the wilderness, never to be seen again. 

Our verse for this week is Romans 5:6: For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Leviticus chapters 15 and 16.  Now let’s read it!