Journal Through the Bible: Week 19 Monday

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Leviticus chapter 15

This can be a very embarrassing chapter to read because it deals with bodily fluids, but it is also very practical. When it comes to health it is well-known that bodily discharges carry germs. It's as simple as that. And yet, it is quite profound that the Great Physician (and Great Creator) gave the Hebrews detailed instructions about how to protect themselves from those great germ carriers: mucus and blood!

Does God make any promises in this chapter?

• The implication at the end of the chapter is that the people would be clean and acceptable if they followed God's rules of hygiene.

Are there any references to Jesus?

• None that I specifically noted, but as the possessor of a perfect, sinless human being Jesus' body would not have spread toxic germs through mucus or blood. He also would not have been contaminated by the germs carried by others which means He would have had a perfect immune system. His body was not subject to any part of the death sentence of sin except for when he willingly gave Himself to die on the cross. Then his body would have eventually suffered the corruption of decay since it had been touched by the sin curse. But since He arose before His body had time to decay His body did not suffer corruption as Old Testament scripture stated. (*NOTE: This is one of the reasons why the priests were told to burn any uneaten meat on the third day: see Leviticus chapter 7! Not only was it to keep the priests free from food poisoning, but Jesus' body was only dead for three days and was not corrupted. The sacrifice, which was a type of Christ, was not to be a sacrifice past that point because Jesus' body did not remain dead. The May 6, 2013 post was recently updated to reflect this. )

Are there any references to future events?

• No, but is clear that there will be no issues with communicable diseases spread pathologically because everything will be free of sin, disease, and the results of them.

Does God issue any commands?

• God told Moses and Aaron that whenever a man's body had a discharge he was unclean and anywhere that the man slept or sat was also unclean until washed. Caretakers were also unclean (contaminated).
• God commanded diligent handwashing! (see verse 11)
• God stated that earthen pots were to be broken if they were used by the sick man but wooden dishes could be sanitized by washing.
• God said that the man and his clothing should be washed thoroughly in running water seven days after the discharge ended. The sacrifice of two turtledoves or pigeons was commanded on the eighth day for a sin offering and a burnt offering.
• God gave instructions for cleanliness following marital relations.
• God gave specific instructions for women experiences their menses. 
• She would be unclean for seven days after it ended. Then on the eighth day she would bring two turtledoves or pigeons to be offered as a sin offering and a burnt offering.