Leviticus 15:2

"Say to the Israelites, 'When any man has a bodily discharge, the discharge is unclean.

Study Bible

Say to the Israelites
This directive is given to Moses and Aaron, emphasizing the importance of communicating God's laws to the people of Israel. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, are to live according to His statutes. This phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God provides guidance for holy living. The communication of these laws is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch, highlighting the role of Moses as a mediator between God and His people.

When any man has a bodily discharge
The term "bodily discharge" refers to any abnormal flow from the body, which could include various medical conditions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bodily discharges were often associated with impurity and were seen as a disruption of the natural order. This reflects a broader cultural understanding of health and cleanliness, where physical conditions were often linked to spiritual states. The specificity of the law indicates a concern for both physical health and ritual purity.

The discharge is unclean
Uncleanliness in this context is not merely about physical dirtiness but is a ritual state that affects one's ability to participate in community worship and activities. The concept of cleanliness and uncleanliness is central to Levitical law, symbolizing the separation between the holy and the profane. This separation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating the need for purity in approaching God. The laws of cleanliness can be seen as a type pointing to the ultimate purification through Jesus Christ, who cleanses believers from sin and impurity, as seen in passages like Hebrews 9:13-14.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, to whom the laws of purity and holiness were given. They are the primary audience of the instructions in Leviticus.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites, who received the laws from God and communicated them to the people.

3. Bodily Discharge
Refers to any abnormal bodily fluid discharge, which in the context of Leviticus, renders a person ceremonially unclean.

4. The Tabernacle
The dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where purity laws were especially significant to maintain holiness.

5. Priests
The mediators between God and the Israelites, responsible for teaching and enforcing the laws of purity.

Teaching Points

Understanding Holiness
The laws in Leviticus highlight the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart. This calls us to live lives that reflect God's purity and righteousness.

The Impact of Sin
Just as a bodily discharge made one unclean, sin separates us from God. We must be vigilant in confessing and repenting to maintain our spiritual purity.

The Role of Community
The Israelites were responsible for maintaining the purity of the community. Similarly, we are called to support one another in our spiritual journeys, encouraging holiness and accountability.

Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' ministry demonstrated the fulfillment of the law, offering cleansing and restoration to those deemed unclean. We find our ultimate purification in Him.

Practical Purity
While the specific laws of Leviticus may not apply today, the principle of living a life that honors God remains. We should strive for purity in thought, word, and deed.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ceremonial uncleanness in Leviticus 15:2 relate to our understanding of sin and separation from God today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of community responsibility for purity in our modern church settings?

3. How does the account of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34 illustrate the personal and communal impact of being considered unclean?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to pursue holiness in our daily lives, in light of the teachings of Leviticus?

5. How does the cleansing work of Christ, as described in Hebrews 10:22, transform our approach to purity and holiness compared to the Old Testament laws?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11-15
These chapters provide a broader context for the laws of purity, including dietary laws, skin diseases, and other bodily discharges.

Numbers 5:2-3
This passage also addresses the removal of unclean individuals from the camp, emphasizing the importance of purity in the community.

Mark 5:25-34
The account of the woman with the issue of blood highlights the social and religious implications of being unclean and the power of Jesus to cleanse and heal.

Hebrews 10:22
This verse speaks to the spiritual cleansing available through Christ, contrasting the ceremonial cleansing of the Old Testament.