so that he does not defile his offspring among his people, for I am the LORD who sanctifies him." so that he does not defile his offspring among his peopleThis phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and holiness within the priestly lineage. In the context of Leviticus, the priests were set apart to serve God and were required to adhere to strict standards of conduct and purity. The defilement of offspring could refer to marrying someone who was not considered pure according to the Levitical laws, which could lead to a compromised priestly line. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from sin, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 1:16, "Be holy, because I am holy." The concern for purity among the people of Israel is a recurring theme, highlighting the need for a community that reflects God's holiness. for I am the LORD who sanctifies him.
This phrase underscores the divine authority and role of God in the sanctification process. The sanctification of the priests was not merely a result of their adherence to the law but was ultimately an act of God. This reflects the broader biblical principle that holiness and sanctification are gifts from God, as seen in passages like Hebrews 10:10, "And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." The phrase also points to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God sets apart His people for His purposes. The sanctification of the priests serves as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest, sanctifying believers through His sacrifice. Persons / Places / Events 1. The PriestsThe primary focus of Leviticus 21 is on the priests, specifically the high priest, who is held to a higher standard of holiness due to his role in mediating between God and the people. 2. The OffspringThe verse refers to the offspring of the priests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and holiness within the priestly lineage. 3. The LORDGod Himself is the one who sanctifies the priests, setting them apart for His service and requiring them to adhere to His standards of holiness. 4. The IsraelitesThe broader community among whom the priests serve and whose spiritual well-being is impacted by the priests' adherence to God's commands. 5. The TabernacleThe central place of worship where the priests perform their duties, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Teaching Points Holiness in LeadershipLeaders in the church are called to a higher standard of holiness, reflecting God's character to those they lead. Generational ImpactThe spiritual integrity of leaders affects not only their immediate ministry but also future generations. God's SanctificationIt is God who sanctifies and sets apart His people for His purposes. Our role is to respond in obedience to His call. Community ResponsibilityThe holiness of leaders impacts the entire community, underscoring the importance of accountability and support within the body of Christ. Christ as Our High PriestJesus fulfills the role of the perfect high priest, and through Him, we are called to live lives of holiness and service. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the call to holiness for the priests in Leviticus 21:15 apply to church leaders today? 2. In what ways can the spiritual integrity of leaders impact future generations within the church? 3. How does understanding that God is the one who sanctifies us influence our approach to personal holiness? 4. What responsibilities do we have as a community of believers to support and hold our leaders accountable to God's standards? 5. How does Jesus' role as our high priest encourage us in our pursuit of holiness and service? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19:6This verse speaks of Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, highlighting the call to holiness for all God's people, not just the Levitical priests. 1 Peter 2:9This New Testament passage echoes the call to be a royal priesthood, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament priesthood and the calling of all believers in Christ. Hebrews 7:26This verse describes Jesus as the perfect high priest, who is holy, blameless, and set apart, fulfilling the ultimate standard of priestly holiness. People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Hallow, Holy, Makes, Offspring, Peoples, Pollute, Profane, Sanctifies, Sanctifieth, Sanctify, Sanctifying, Seed, UncleanDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 21:10-23 1065 God, holiness of Leviticus 21:13-15 7348 defilement Library What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the GreatThirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man. …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Monks.
In the story of St. Athanasius, monks have been more than once mentioned, and it is now time to give some account of these people and of their ways. The word "monk" properly means one who leads a "lonely" life; and the name was given to persons who professed to withdraw from the world and its business that they might give themselves up to serve God in religious thoughts and exercises. Among the Jews there had been whole classes of people who practised this sort of retirement: some, called "Essenes", …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation Sanctification
'For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.' I Thess 4:4. The word sanctification signifies to consecrate and set apart to a holy use: thus they are sanctified persons who are separated from the world, and set apart for God's service. Sanctification has a privative and a positive part. I. A privative part, which lies in the purging out of sin. Sin is compared to leaven, which sours; and to leprosy, which defiles. Sanctification purges out the old leaven.' I Cor 5:5. Though it takes not …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon …
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer Eleventh Day. The Holy one of Israel.
I am the Lord that brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God; ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. I the Lord which make you holy, am holy.'--Lev. xi. 45, xxi. 8. 'I am the Lord Thy God, the Holy One of Israel, Thy Saviour. Thus saith the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.'--Isa. xliii. 3, 14, 15. In the book of Exodus we found God making provision for the Holiness of His people. In the holy …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Leviticus 21:15 NIVLeviticus 21:15 NLTLeviticus 21:15 ESVLeviticus 21:15 NASBLeviticus 21:15 KJV
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