In December 1952, five days of suffocating smog hovered over the city of London. In the following weeks, medical reports estimated that over 4,000 people died, and 100,000 people fell ill. This environmental catastrophe made way for new legislative policies, such as the Clean Air Act of 1956.
The book of Leviticus addresses its own kind of contaminant: the bodily diseases, dysfunctions, and discharges, all of which make a person ceremonially unclean. Today’s reading brings us into the secrecy of one’s bedroom and bathroom, launching us into the awkward discussion of bodily fluids.
Semen and menstrual blood are both contaminants. No one entered the tabernacle for seven days following menstruation or contact with a menstruating woman; an emission of semen or contact with it made people unclean until sundown. This meant that women were ritually unclean nearly half of every month. Men were also frequently unclean. Not only was the person with the discharge unclean, but anything he or she touched was unclean: cooking pots, riding saddles, beds, chairs.
Laid out are strict rules of separation in order to prevent contamination. The reason for the severity of these restrictions is explained in verse 31. Contamination is probable; therefore, every person must keep himself from what would make him ritually unclean in order that he might worship a holy God.
Remember the general purpose of the Pentateuch? Moses wrote to explain to the nation of Israel their newfound identity as God’s people. God had chosen to make His dwelling right in their midst, and in response, they were to endeavor to be holy.
Apply the Word
The principle of separation is one that stands even in the New Testament. (Note today’s key verse.) We’ve been called, not to conformity with the world, but to transformed lives of holiness. And yet we hold this in tension with the compassionate example of Jesus, which we have in the Gospels. He kept company with sinners and touched those who were unclean.
Pray with Us
Will you pray for Moody Publishers Operations: Ann Hackler, Mattie Hill, Elisabeth Ireland, and Sandy Kleinhans? May these employees experience the peace of Christ as they go about their work today.