Priests must not make bald spots on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies. Priests must not make bald spots on their headsThis command is part of the holiness code for priests, emphasizing their distinctiveness and separation from pagan practices. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, shaving the head was often associated with mourning rituals or pagan worship. By prohibiting this, God was ensuring that the priests maintained a distinct identity, set apart for His service. This separation underscores the call for holiness, as seen in Leviticus 19:2, where the Israelites are instructed to be holy because God is holy. shave off the edges of their beards
The beard was a symbol of dignity and maturity in ancient Israelite culture. Shaving the edges of the beard was a practice linked to pagan mourning rites or idolatrous customs. By forbidding this, God was instructing the priests to avoid any association with idolatry or paganism. This command highlights the importance of maintaining a distinct appearance that reflects one's dedication to God, as seen in the broader context of Leviticus 19:27. or make cuts in their bodies
Cutting the body was a common practice in ancient pagan rituals, often as a sign of mourning or to invoke the attention of deities. This prohibition is a clear directive against adopting pagan customs, emphasizing the need for the priests to remain pure and undefiled. The command reflects the broader biblical principle of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, as later articulated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. This also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who bore the marks of crucifixion, fulfilling the law and rendering such practices unnecessary for atonement or divine favor. Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestsThe primary focus of Leviticus 21:5 is on the priests, who were set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple. They were required to maintain a higher standard of holiness and purity. 2. IsraelThe nation to whom the laws of Leviticus were given. Israel was called to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding peoples. 3. MosesThe prophet and leader through whom God delivered the laws of Leviticus to the Israelites. 4. TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where the priests performed their duties and where God's presence dwelled among the Israelites. 5. GodThe ultimate authority who established the laws and standards for His people, emphasizing His holiness and the need for His people to reflect that holiness. Teaching Points Holiness in AppearanceThe command in Leviticus 21:5 for priests not to shave their heads, trim the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies was a call to maintain a distinct appearance that reflected their holy status. This teaches us that our outward appearance can be a reflection of our inward commitment to God. Cultural DistinctivenessThe Israelites were called to be distinct from the surrounding nations. As Christians, we are also called to live in a way that sets us apart from the world, reflecting God's holiness in our actions and choices. Respect for God's StandardsThe specific instructions given to the priests highlight the importance of respecting and adhering to God's standards. This principle applies to all believers, as we are called to live according to God's Word. Symbolism of PurityThe physical purity required of the priests symbolizes the spiritual purity that God desires from His people. We are called to pursue purity in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the command in Leviticus 21:5 for priests to maintain a certain appearance relate to the concept of holiness in our lives today? 2. In what ways can Christians today demonstrate cultural distinctiveness while living in a secular world? 3. How do the grooming practices mentioned in Leviticus 21:5 reflect the broader theme of purity and holiness in the Bible? 4. What are some practical ways we can respect and adhere to God's standards in our daily lives? 5. How does the New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) influence our understanding of the call to holiness found in Leviticus 21:5? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:27This verse also addresses grooming practices, emphasizing the distinctiveness of God's people. 1 Peter 2:9This New Testament passage speaks to the priesthood of all believers, drawing a parallel to the holiness required of Old Testament priests. Romans 12:1-2These verses call believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which echoes the call to holiness in Leviticus. People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces TemanTopics Baldness, Beard, Beards, Bodies, Chins, Corner, Corners, Cut, Cuts, Cutting, Cuttings, Dead, Edges, Flesh, Hair, Heads, Shave, Short, TonsuresDictionary of Bible Themes Leviticus 21:5 5128 baldness
5130 beard
5136 body
5180 shaving
5372 knife
7768 priests, OT function Leviticus 21:5-6 8807 profanity Leviticus 21:5-8 8270 holiness, set apart 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 21:5 NIVLeviticus 21:5 NLTLeviticus 21:5 ESVLeviticus 21:5 NASBLeviticus 21:5 KJV
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