Leviticus 21:12

He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God, for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the LORD.

Study Bible

He must not leave or desecrate the sanctuary of his God
This phrase emphasizes the high priest's duty to remain within the sacred space of the sanctuary, highlighting the importance of maintaining holiness. The sanctuary, or tabernacle, was the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. The high priest's role was to mediate between God and the people, and leaving the sanctuary could symbolize a break in this sacred duty. The term "desecrate" implies that any departure from the prescribed rituals and presence could defile the holy place, which was set apart for divine worship. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from the profane, as seen in passages like Exodus 28:36-38, where the high priest wears a turban inscribed with "Holy to the LORD."

for the consecration of the anointing oil of his God is on him
The anointing oil signifies the high priest's consecration and divine appointment. This oil, described in Exodus 30:22-33, was a sacred mixture used exclusively for anointing the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests. The oil represents the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment, setting the high priest apart for his unique role. The anointing marks the high priest as holy, dedicated to God's service, and unable to engage in activities that would compromise his sanctity. This consecration is a type of Christ, the Anointed One, who fulfills the ultimate high priestly role as described in Hebrews 4:14-16.

I am the LORD
This declaration underscores God's authority and the divine origin of the commandments. It serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to His laws is an expression of faithfulness. The phrase "I am the LORD" appears frequently in Leviticus, reinforcing the idea that the laws are not arbitrary but are grounded in God's character and His desire for His people to reflect His holiness. This statement also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's self-revelation, as seen in Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," establishing His eternal and unchanging nature.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The High Priest
The primary subject of this verse, the high priest is set apart for special duties and must adhere to strict regulations to maintain holiness.

2. The Sanctuary
The holy place where the high priest serves, representing God's presence among His people.

3. The Anointing Oil
Symbolizes the consecration and setting apart of the high priest for God's service.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who establishes these laws to maintain the holiness of His people.

5. Israel
The nation to whom these laws are given, called to be a holy people set apart for God.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The high priest's life was marked by separation from common activities to maintain holiness. As believers, we are called to live lives that are distinct and set apart for God.

The Importance of the Sanctuary
The high priest's presence in the sanctuary underscores the importance of being in God's presence. We are encouraged to prioritize our spiritual lives and seek God's presence regularly.

Consecration and Anointing
The anointing oil signifies God's calling and empowerment. Believers today are anointed by the Holy Spirit, called to serve God with the gifts He has given us.

Obedience to God's Commands
The high priest's adherence to God's laws reflects the importance of obedience in our walk with God. We are to follow His commands as an expression of our love and devotion.

Identity in Christ
Just as the high priest's identity was tied to his role, our identity is found in Christ. We are called to live in a way that reflects our identity as God's children.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the high priest in Leviticus 21:12 reflect the holiness required of those who serve God?

2. In what ways can we, as believers, ensure that we do not "desecrate the sanctuary" of our lives, which are temples of the Holy Spirit?

3. How does the concept of anointing in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament understanding of being anointed by the Holy Spirit?

4. What practical steps can we take to live lives that are set apart and consecrated for God's service in today's world?

5. How does understanding our identity as a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9 influence the way we live and serve in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:30-33
Discusses the anointing oil and its exclusive use for consecrating priests, emphasizing the sacredness of the priestly office.

Hebrews 7:26-28
Highlights Jesus as our perfect high priest, who is holy, blameless, and set apart from sinners, fulfilling the priestly role perfectly.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament priesthood to the New Testament calling of all Christians to live holy lives.