레위기 Chapter 21

Translation: ESV

1

And the LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them, No one shall make himself unclean for the dead among his people,

Key Message

A higher standard of holiness is required of those who serve closely before God.

▸Leviticus 21-22 contains holiness regulations that apply specifically to the priests.

Leviticus 21-22 contains holiness regulations that apply specifically to the priests. More stringent standards are required of priests than of ordinary Israelites. Priests had to avoid contact with the dead, because death was a symbol of impurity in contrast to the life of God.

Related Verses

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
6

They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they offer the LORD's food offerings, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.

Key Message

Those called to ministry in service to God must live holy lives worthy of the holiness of that ministry.

▸The reason for the priests' holiness is stated.

10

"The priest who is greatest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil was poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose nor tear his clothes.

Key Message

God's supreme representative is required the highest level of holiness and dedication to office.

▸Even more stringent regulations are applied to the high priest than to ordinary priests.

17

"Speak to Aaron, saying, None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a blemish may approach to offer the bread of his God.

Key Message

The Levitical regulation requiring an unblemished priest foreshadows the perfect high-priestly ministry of Jesus Christ, who is perfect.

▸A priest with a physical defect could not serve at the altar.