Leviticus 21-22 Bible Study - Regulations for Priests (Holiness Code)

In this week’s Bible study, we go through Leviticus chapters 21 & 22. We are still in the ‘Holiness Code’ this week looking at regulations for the priests themselves on how to remain holy. Included we look at how a priest might become defiled by death (the mourning process for the dead), as well as the sacred offerings. We will also talk about the restrictions and regulations on the priests and the animals that were to be offered to the Lord. Lots to talk about as we dig deep into the Old Testament.

Outline:
00:09 - The Holiness Code - rules and regulations that are intended to set Israel apart.
Lev 18.3-6, “you must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to folow my decrees. I am the Lord your God.”
Lev 19.1-2, “The Lord said to Moses, speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God am holy.”
BE SET APART.

03:00 - Leviticus 22.1-3 - What are The Sacred Offerings?
Leviticus 1-7 outlines the major offerings the Israelites could bring before the Lord in the Tabernacle. Included in each is provision for the priest and his family. The Burnt offering, Lev 7.8 - the priest may keep the hide. The Grain offering, Lev 2.3, 10; 6.16, 18; 7.9-10 - after a portion is burned as a “most holy” offering to the Lord, the rest is kept for the priest and his family. The Fellowship (or peace) offering, Lev 7.31-34 - a portion belongs to the Lord, then the breast and right thigh belong to the priest - the rest belongs to the offerer to eat in fellowship with their family. The Sin (or purification) offering, Lev 5.13, 6:26, 29 & 7.7 - a portion for the priest to be eaten. The Guilt (or restitution) offering, Lev 7.6-7 - same rules as the sin offering.

07:38 - Leviticus 21.1-6 - Priests must avoid becoming ceremonially unclean for the dead.
What was the mourning process? Tearing one's clothes and putting on sackcloth - Gen 37.34 - Jacob did this when he found out his son Joseph had died. Shaving one’s head, putting on ashes and cutting one’s body - Job did this. Job 1.20 - shaves his head, Job 2.8 he cuts himself and puts on ashes (when he found out his children had died). Lev 19.28 says, “do not cut your bodies for the dead.” Periods of Mourning - Gen 50.10 - Joseph mourned his father Jacob’s death for 7 days). Touching the dead - Num 19.11.

13:08 - Application of Lev 21.1-6 for us today. Do not let yourselves become defiled. Bible verses mentioned: 1 Pet 2.9-10; Gal 5.19-2; Mat 28.19-20 and Mat 7.5.

19:04 - Physical Standards of the priests. Leviticus 21.7-9 - No wives defiled by prostitution or by divorce. Leviticus 21.10-15 - specifically has standards for the High Priest.

23:08 - Leviticus 21.16-24 no one with physical handicaps can “offer the food of his God.” - v6 as well - the food offerings to the Lord.

25:53 - Leviticus 22.1-8 - Clean and unclean

27:52 - Leviticus 22.9 - Respect the offering. This reminds us of Nadab and Abihu of Lev 10 and their using “unauthorized fire.”

29:18 - Leviticus 22.10-16 - Restricted distributions. No one outside the priest’s family may eat the sacred offerings

30:49 - Leviticus 22.17-33 - Unacceptable Sacrifices. Animals used for the offerings must be unblemished - without defect - similar to the disqualifications for descendants of Aaron who can not be priests - blind, lame, deformed, or with bad testicles.

Exodus 12.5 - The passover lamb must be WITHOUT defect. Jesus was the complete fulfilment of the Law - I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Jesus is our passover lamb. Biblical references: 1 Peter 1.18-19; John 1.29; Matthew 5.17-20; Ephesians 2.8-9

40:39 - Closing Questions: 1. Do you let yourself become defiled by sin? 2. Does your outward appearance earn you favor with God? 3. Can you make God love you any more? Can you make God love you less? Homework: Read Rom 3.10-31

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