Leviticus 22:7

When the sun has set, he will become clean, and then he may eat from the sacred offerings, for they are his food.

Study Bible

When the sun has set
In ancient Israel, the day was considered to begin at sunset, following the creation account in Genesis where "there was evening, and there was morning." This phrase indicates the completion of a purification process, emphasizing the transition from unclean to clean status. The setting sun marks the end of a period of uncleanness, aligning with the natural order established by God.

he will become clean
This phrase highlights the ritual purity laws central to Levitical code. Becoming clean was essential for priests to perform their duties and partake in sacred offerings. The process of becoming clean often involved washing and waiting until evening, symbolizing a renewal or restoration of holiness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s holiness and the need for His people to be set apart.

and then he may eat from the sacred offerings
The sacred offerings, or "holy things," were portions of sacrifices designated for the priests and their families. Eating these offerings was both a privilege and a responsibility, signifying participation in the covenant community. This practice underscores the importance of maintaining purity to engage in worship and service to God.

for they are his food
The offerings provided sustenance for the priests, who did not have a land inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. This provision illustrates God’s care for those who serve Him, ensuring their needs are met through the community's worship practices. It also points to the spiritual nourishment found in fulfilling God’s commands, prefiguring the sustenance believers find in Christ, the Bread of Life.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Sacred Offerings
These are the portions of sacrifices designated for the priests, which they could consume only when ritually clean.

3. Ritual Purity
A state required for priests to perform their duties and partake in offerings, emphasizing the holiness required in service to God.

4. Sunset
The time marking the end of a day and the beginning of a new one, symbolizing a transition from impurity to purity.

5. Tabernacle/Temple
The central place of worship where offerings were made and consumed by the priests.

Teaching Points

Ritual Purity and Holiness
The requirement for priests to be clean before eating sacred offerings underscores the importance of holiness in approaching God. This principle applies to believers today, who are called to live holy lives as a royal priesthood.

Symbolism of Sunset
Sunset marks a transition from impurity to purity, symbolizing new beginnings and the hope of restoration. In Christ, believers experience a spiritual renewal that allows them to partake in the blessings of God.

Dependence on God's Provision
The sacred offerings were the priests' food, highlighting their dependence on God's provision. Similarly, believers rely on God's grace and provision for spiritual sustenance.

The Role of Time in Spiritual Cleansing
The waiting period until sunset teaches patience and the importance of God's timing in the process of purification and restoration.

Christ as the Fulfillment of Ritual Purity
The rituals of the Old Testament point to the ultimate purification through Jesus Christ, who cleanses believers from sin and allows them to partake in the divine nature.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of ritual purity in Leviticus 22:7 relate to the call for holiness in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the symbolism of sunset in this verse reflect the spiritual renewal available to believers in Christ?

3. How can understanding the dependence of priests on sacred offerings inform our view of reliance on God's provision today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the waiting period until sunset about patience and God's timing in our spiritual lives?

5. How does the fulfillment of ritual purity through Christ impact our daily walk as believers, and how can we apply this understanding practically?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 11
Discusses clean and unclean foods, establishing the broader context of ritual purity.

Numbers 19
Details purification rituals, emphasizing the importance of cleansing before participating in sacred activities.

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

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the concept of priestly purity to the Christian life.

1 John 1:9
Highlights the spiritual cleansing available through confession and forgiveness in Christ.