Leviticus 22:5

or whoever touches a crawling creature or a person that makes him unclean, whatever the uncleanness may be--

Study Bible

or whoever touches a crawling creature
In the context of Levitical law, touching a crawling creature refers to contact with animals considered unclean, such as reptiles and insects. Leviticus 11 provides a detailed list of clean and unclean animals, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from impurity. The prohibition underscores the Israelites' call to be distinct from surrounding nations, who may not have observed such dietary and purity laws.

or a person that makes him unclean
Contact with a person who is ceremonially unclean could result from various conditions, such as skin diseases (Leviticus 13-14) or bodily discharges (Leviticus 15). This highlights the communal aspect of purity laws, where individual impurity could affect the entire community's ability to worship. The New Testament echoes this concern for purity, but with a focus on internal rather than external cleanliness, as seen in Jesus' teachings in Matthew 15:11.

whatever the uncleanness may be—
This phrase indicates the comprehensive nature of the purity laws, covering all possible sources of uncleanness. It reflects the meticulous nature of the Levitical code, which aimed to maintain the sanctity of the Israelites as God's chosen people. The emphasis on thoroughness in avoiding uncleanness points to the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and purity. This foreshadows the ultimate purification through Christ, who fulfills the law and offers cleansing from all sin (Hebrews 10:10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests
The primary audience of Leviticus 22, the priests were responsible for maintaining ritual purity to serve in the tabernacle.

2. Crawling Creatures
Refers to certain animals considered unclean under Mosaic Law, which could defile a person upon contact.

3. Unclean Persons
Individuals who were ceremonially unclean due to various reasons, such as skin diseases or bodily discharges.

4. Tabernacle
The sacred place where God's presence dwelled and where the priests performed their duties.

5. Evening
The time by which a person who became unclean could be considered clean again, marking the end of the day in Jewish tradition.

Teaching Points

Ritual Purity and Holiness
The laws of cleanliness in Leviticus highlight the importance of holiness and separation from sin. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness.

Symbolism of Cleanliness
The physical act of becoming clean after touching something unclean symbolizes the spiritual cleansing we receive through Christ. It reminds us of our need for continual spiritual renewal.

Community and Contamination
The laws served to protect the community from physical and spiritual contamination. In our lives, we must be mindful of influences that can lead us away from God.

Evening as a Time of Renewal
The concept of being clean by evening can be seen as a daily opportunity for renewal and reflection on our walk with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus 22:5 relate to our understanding of holiness today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of avoiding "unclean" influences in our modern lives?

3. How does Jesus' teaching in Mark 7 redefine the concept of cleanliness and purity?

4. What can we learn from the purification process in Numbers 19 about dealing with sin and impurity in our lives?

5. How does Peter's vision in Acts 10 challenge us to rethink our understanding of inclusion and acceptance in the body of Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Provides a detailed list of clean and unclean animals, offering context to the types of creatures mentioned in Leviticus 22:5.

Numbers 19
Discusses the purification process for those who become unclean, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity.

Mark 7
Jesus addresses the concept of cleanliness, shifting the focus from external rituals to the condition of the heart.

Acts 10
Peter's vision challenges the traditional Jewish understanding of clean and unclean, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith.