Daily Bread for Feb 4, Lev 11-13

Today's readings are Lev 11-13.

In these three chapters, we see the rules governing what is clean and what is unclean. They cover the entire spectrum of the essential experiences of life: birth, death, intimacy, health and food.

Much has been speculated concerning the nature of what permissible to be eaten in Lev 11. Clearly, scavengers and bottom feeders are cited as unclean. Still, trying to categorize the edible and the inedible misses the point. The guidelines show that God's people are set apart for His purposes. They will not live like the rest of the world lives. They will strive to lead holy lives under the direction of God, abiding in every area of their lives by His commandments, even down to their dietary options. This obedience is nourishment to their soul. As is typically the case, God’s guidelines produce spiritual benefits as well as physical. Most modern analysis has proven that the foods prohibited in Lev 11 are unhealthy while the foods permitted are healthy and wholesome. Many of the banned species are prone to having parasites and toxins in their systems while the prescribed diets promote good health and growth.

Furthermore, we see that God is concerned with every facet of His people's lives, not just the sacrifices they offer to Him. He is interested in their spiritual and physical well-being, providing ways for them to get clean and stay clean. If His people become unclean in any manner, He offers a remedy for their uncleanness through a ritual cleansing and sacrifice. He is also concerned with the spiritual purity and holiness of the camp. If someone in the camp becomes unclean, they are to remain apart from the group lest their unclean nature affects others. Purity is a priority with God because His people are to be a reflection of Him and He is absolutely pure.

The males are to bear the mark of their God from birth (Lev 12:3), further showing they are set apart and dedicated to Him. This is neither an option offered to them nor a decision they make. It is by God's decree and according to His will.

Much time is spent describing the procedures for leprosy. Leprosy is a destructive, consuming and highly contagious affliction, similar in many ways to sin. A leper must be examined by the priest. Everything touched by leprosy must be removed and burnt. The priest's responsibility is to ensure that all signs and evidence of the disease are removed before the individual can be restored to fellowship.

These passages make a powerful statement. They tell us that clean living preserves the individual but also protects those around him. Unclean living and disease not only impacts the individual but can infect those around him. The priests are charged with separating and cleansing those who are unclean. This responsibility applies to physical impurity, but it will be made clear that it applies to spiritual impurity as well.

Notice the attention to detail God pays throughout all these seemingly arcane rules and regulations. The Jews understand that God wants to permeate every detail, every area of their lives. He plans to make them holy, bring them into fellowship with Himself and bless them eternally, making examples and messengers of them. Their job is to be the evidence of God’s presence and power in the world.