Leviticus 22:6

the man who touches any of these will remain unclean until evening. He must not eat from the sacred offerings unless he has bathed himself with water.

Study Bible

the man who touches any of these
This phrase refers to the regulations concerning ceremonial cleanliness. In the context of Leviticus, "these" refers to things that render a person unclean, such as contact with a dead body or certain bodily discharges. The concept of cleanliness is central to the Levitical law, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God. This reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from sin and impurity, as seen in passages like Isaiah 52:11, which calls for purity among God's people.

will remain unclean until evening
The stipulation of remaining unclean until evening highlights the temporary nature of ceremonial impurity. Evening marks the beginning of a new day in the Hebrew calendar, symbolizing renewal and restoration. This temporal aspect of uncleanness points to the hope of redemption and cleansing, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who provides eternal purification (Hebrews 9:13-14).

He must not eat from the sacred offerings
Sacred offerings were part of the sacrificial system, which included various types of sacrifices such as burnt offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings. These offerings were holy and set apart for God, and only those who were ceremonially clean could partake in them. This restriction underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity, a principle echoed in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 regarding the Lord's Supper.

unless he has bathed himself with water
The act of bathing with water symbolizes purification and cleansing. Water is a recurring symbol of purification throughout Scripture, seen in the ritual washings of the Old Testament and the baptism of the New Testament. This requirement foreshadows the spiritual cleansing that comes through Jesus Christ, who offers living water (John 4:10) and cleanses believers from sin (Ephesians 5:26).

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Tabernacle/Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the sacred offerings were made.

3. Sacred Offerings
These were offerings dedicated to God, which the priests were allowed to eat under conditions of ritual purity.

4. Uncleanliness
A state that prevented individuals from participating in religious activities, often due to contact with certain objects or situations.

5. Evening
The time by which ritual uncleanliness would end, symbolizing a new day and a return to purity.

Teaching Points

Ritual Purity and Holiness
The laws of cleanliness in Leviticus highlight the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Symbolism of Water
Bathing with water symbolizes spiritual cleansing. In the New Testament, baptism represents the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ.

Temporary vs. Permanent Cleansing
The temporary nature of ritual cleansing in the Old Testament points to the need for a permanent solution, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal purification from sin.

Obedience to God's Commands
The priests' adherence to these laws demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's commands. As Christians, we are called to obey God's Word and live according to His standards.

Community and Worship
Maintaining purity was essential for communal worship. Similarly, our personal holiness impacts our ability to worship and serve within the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus 22:6 relate to our understanding of holiness today?

2. In what ways does the requirement for bathing with water in Leviticus 22:6 foreshadow the New Testament practice of baptism?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, as seen in the priests' adherence to purity laws?

4. What are some modern-day "unclean" influences that might hinder our spiritual walk, and how can we address them?

5. How does understanding the temporary nature of Old Testament purification rituals enhance our appreciation for the permanent cleansing offered through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Discusses various laws of clean and unclean animals, providing context for what might cause a person to become unclean.

Numbers 19
Details the purification process with water, similar to the bathing mentioned in Leviticus 22:6.

Hebrews 9
Explains the limitations of the old covenant's purification rituals and points to Christ's ultimate purification.

1 Peter 1
Calls believers to be holy, reflecting the call to purity found in Leviticus.

Mark 7
Jesus discusses what truly defiles a person, offering a deeper understanding of purity beyond ritual cleanliness.