Leviticus 15:1-33
Q.1. How were bodily discharges to be dealt with? What do the rules of hygiene given to Israel tell us about God? – (Lev.15:1-30)
God knew about the spread of disease, and how to limit cross-infection, long before this was known to man. Here God gave rules for cleansing – When a man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean (Lev.15:2). A range of circumstances was listed for treating such uncleanness (Lev.15:2-12). After cleansing, offerings were to be brought – so the priest shall make atonement on his behalf before the Lord because of his discharge (Lev.15:15). Seminal emissions were to be treated the same way (Lev.15:16-18). A woman’s menstrual bleeding was to be dealt with similarly (Lev.15:19-30). This chapter highlights the desperation experienced by the woman Jesus healed – who had a haemorrhage for twelve years (Lk.8:43 c.f. Lev.15:25-27). God had promised to bless Israel above all other nations (c.f. Exo.15:26; Deut.28:13). This extended to the fruit of the womb and explained the need for cleanliness in relations between men and women (Lev.15:18, 24 c.f. Deut.28:4).
Q.2. How would carelessness about cleanliness have reflected on the holiness of God? – (Lev.15:31-33)
In our day and age we have a separation between the roles of the clergy, and the roles of the medical profession. Pastors deal primarily with spiritual and emotional matters. God could have allocated one of the tribes to give medical care. However, He chose to place both functions in the hands of His representatives, the priests. Cleanliness is extremely important, so it is inconceivable that God would endorse uncleanliness, or a lack of hygiene. He commanded – Thus you shall keep the sons of Israel separated from their uncleanness, so that they will not die in their uncleanness by their defiling My tabernacle that is among them (Lev.15:31). Jesus taught that real defilement comes from the heart, and therefore confession is an important prelude to approaching Him (c.f. Mk.7:14-16).