Today’s reading is a bit longer than some others but it is hard to separate it when reading certain subjects. Today we read chapters 10, 11, 12, 13.
Chapter 10 –
At the inauguration of Israel’s sacrificial system, Nadab and Abihu present unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them to do. It is not clear what they did wrong but it must have been severe for they died as a result of their disobedience. Aaron watches his sons being moved from a sacred place to an area that was considered unclean outside the camp.
Moses now reminds Aaron and his remaining sons to eat the portions of the people’s offerings that had been designated for priests.
Moses was angry this had what had occurred but Aaron explains it is done out of fear of offending the Lord or grief, which Moses accepts his explanation.
Chapter 11 –
This chapter begins the discussion of clean versus unclean. This section of Leviticus shows us God was concerned with their daily lives. Nothing could be more routine than the daily meals but they were commanded to take great care in what they ate or even touched, because God had designated some animals and activities as clean and others unclean.
It is clear God set Israel apart from other nations and most likely included some food not to eat since it was used by pagan cultures in their worship such as pigs. Although the most common food restricted by the Jews is pork it is not considered anymore unclean than some of the others listed.
The Lord used the abhorrent in relation to certain types of animals meaning they were detestable. Certain insects could be eaten some were prohibited, only clean insects could be eaten.
The carcasses of all animals were considered unclean, except those used for sacrificial purposes. Death in nay for was a cause for uncleanliness.
The remainder of chapter 11 deals with the procedures the Israelites need to follow if their clothing or the things in their household – any item of wood –leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work were made unclean by contact with an unclean animal or carcass of any animal whether clean or unclean.
This was also the case for an item of clothing or household item rendered unclean by contact with an unclean animal. God repeats His prohibition against touching the unclean by saying “For I am the Lord your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy for I am holy.” Holiness is still a requirement of God.
Chapter 12 –
Childbirth is dealt with in this chapter 12. The birth of a child is a time of rejoicing. It was not the birth that made the mother unclean, it was the flow of blood that followed the birth. Important to note that the uncleanliness was not a result of sin, yet she needed ritual purification after delivery. Her purification was twice as long for girl than a boy.
The male child was to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. When her full time of separation from the sanctuary was completed she was to go to the sanctuary and offer a sacrifice.
Chapter 23 –
Laws for diagnosing skin diseases consumes this chapter. It is clear from the reading that diseases of the skin are serious an can impact and affect a complete congregation of the people.
Special precautions were taken by the priests to diagnose skin problems with leprosy of the day the most serious of conditions.
Asbury United Methodist Church 