Discharges and emissions and oh boy. In such, the person is defiled and unclean. The Passage: "You Shall Be Holy" (16:15-16) When we read the law, we are looking at the life of Christ, because He is the fulfillment of the Law. We proclaim our innocence., I will wash my hands in innocence; 8Provide atonement, OLord, for Your people Israel, whom You have redeemed, and do not lay innocent blood to the charge of Your people Israel. And atonement shall be provided on their behalf for the blood. There are noun and verb discharges in todays verses. Read :: Leviticus 15. 24When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but ratherthata tumult was rising, he took water and washedhishands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. He has freed us from our unclean discharge forevermore Leviticus 15 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any man has an unusual bodily discharge, such a discharge is unclean. See Genesis 38:9. Matthew Poole. 7That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, Shall be unclean, and nothing else besides, Whoever touches anything that was under him, as I say God did not want this association in His worship. This is how his discharge will bring about uncleanness: 4Any bed the man with a discharge lies on will be unclean, and anything he sits on will be unclean. This practice actually is noted in the New Testament in Mark 7. The Hebrew term used for menstruation in Leviticus 15:19, 20, 24, and 33 is niddatah, which has as its root ndh, a word meaning "separation," usually as a result of impurity. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Daily Devotion: Dealing with the Discharges of Life (Lev 15) Dealing with the Discharges of Life Read the Scripture: Leviticus 15 When a man is cleansed from his discharge, he is to count off seven days for his ceremonial cleansing; he must wash his clothes and bathe himself with fresh water, and he will be clean. 9Any saddle on which he who has the discharge rides shall be unclean. One might be in a room where a TV is playing and the person on the TV is cursing. Mark Rooker: Leviticus 15, which deals with the purity laws regarding bodily discharges, divides into four sections, each beginning with the formula ("when [any] man/ woman"; 15:2, 16, 21, 25). All of these other religions intuitively know there is inherent sin, even if they dont understand why it is so. Nothing here says that. This presented a powerful and consistent message. To you forever will the saints break forth and sing And as we know, the law only points to Christ, to His work, and to the fallen state of man in relation to that. Leviticus 15 New International Version Discharges Causing Uncleanness 15 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any man has an unusual bodily discharge, such a discharge is unclean. Then he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water too On the other hand, the stopped up discharge would be a person who looks at pornography. They said, Barabbas! That he who has the discharge touches, this is not good . It is we who had walked away from You As long as the condition continued, even if the issue stopped flowing temporarily, he was unclean. Why does God have all these regulations concerning the human body? And the reason Scripture expresses the immersion of a man with a discharge as "rinsing hands," is to teach you that the hidden parts of the body [e. g., the mouth,] are not required to be immersed, only the uncovered parts of the body, like the hands. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Yet a principle behind this command is universal, for every Christian and even every person: God commands sexual restraint. Its obviously something that is important to the Lord, or it wouldnt be in His word, but as always, we need to contemplate why this is so. During the time of his defilement, he is excluded from the benefits of the sanctuary. Now is seen a verb used only here in Scripture, raqaq, or spit. 1-15, 19-24), but it's still considered unclean and must be dealt with . Judaism obviously follows this precept if they adhere to the law. Before answering, this is something that is known to exist in many religions. Above, we saw where the place where one lays or sits is tied to their place of rest and their place of fellowship or discourse. 8If the man with the discharge spits(G) on anyone who is clean, they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. It said that there is something broken and inherently impure in us, even in what comes from us normally. iv. The Greek translation of the OT translates, Here we have a word found only once in Scripture. So the priest shall make atonement for him Secondly, these verses are a part of the Law of Moses. And he who touches the body of him who has the discharge shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. Then he shall wash in water all his body Reconciliation has come; new life has begun. Wonderful things You did do, For each person cleansed by His precious blood, Who have been recorded there in heavens rolls, We praise You now and for all of our days, To you forever will the saints break forth and sing, And to You, O God, we give all of our praise, Pro-200 Prophecy Update, 24 September 2017 (Realignments) Podcast Audio. That is seen in several places in Scripture, such as in Hebrews 9:28. As an aspect of the law given to Israel under the Old Covenant, under the New Covenant this is no longer binding on Christians, whatever other reasons there may be for avoiding intercourse during menstruation. 14On the eighth day he shall take for himself two turtledoves or two young pigeons. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. It didnt matter what reason he thought David was unclean, he simply thought it was so. There was at least one other additional benefit: The laws would also provide the woman a break from housework, caring for children, and marital relations. (Rooker). But the law says it does. 16-1, 25-30) or unnatural (vv. On the eighth day he shall take for himself two turtledoves or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and give them to the priest. *18Also, when a woman lies with a man, andthere isan emission of semen, they shall bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. In either case running discharge, or one which is stopped up, the person is considered unclean. In Him, all ills are healed. And be unclean until evening time of day, If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean In a radical way, this separated Israel from the spiritual and sexual practices of the surrounding peoples. This would be comparable to what is seen here. These are the words to them He was relaying, Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: Of this, O God, there isnt a doubt So much so, that it was talked about openly. You allowed a discharge to discharge. See, were getting good at this. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. v. Our cleanliness is complete as we abide in Jesus: 1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. a. If you want to know what those verses are saying, watch the sermon. From the uncleanness which has spread from the infected person to the bed, their place of leisure, so the uncleanness transfers also to another person who would then touch that infected article. To actively touch is to participate in, but only in a limited way. And give them to the priest, as to you I now say, Then the priest shall offer them And any garment and any leather on which there is semen, it shall be washed with water, and be unclean until evening. 7And he who touches the body of him who has the discharge shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. And until evening be unclean, Lord God, it is we who have been unclean 9So you shall put away theguilt ofinnocent blood from among you when you dowhat isright in the sight of theLord. Deuteronomy 21:1-9, A declaration of innocence is made, and it is accompanied by the elders, meaning the citys representatives, washing their hands over the dead substitute. First, most commentators say verse 16 is an involuntary emission. As coverings, they were considered unclean until evening because of the transfer of the seed bearing Adams sin. We may request cookies to be set on your device. If you want to know what that is about, go watch the sermon. ii. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any man has an unusual bodily discharge, such a discharge is unclean. From it comes the noun roq, which is the spit in ones mouth. What they had missed was the spirit and intent of what the passage is conveying to us. You see, Here we have two different vessels, the first is, The words here say, and bathe his flesh. Six times so far, it says, and bathe. Now only it adds in the words, his flesh. For this reason, this is certainly referring to the euphemistic use of the word flesh, meaning private parts. Every bed is unclean on which he who has the discharge lies, and everything on which he sits shall be unclean. As Gentiles were considered unclean, then this would be considered a source of defilement just as being spat upon by an unclean person would cause another to become unclean. (Y), 31You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place,[b](Z) which is among them., 32These are the regulations for a man with a discharge, for anyone made unclean by an emission of semen,(AA) 33for a woman in her monthly period, for a man or a woman with a discharge, and for a man who has sexual relations with a woman who is ceremonially unclean.(AB). It was a normal part of their daily lives. Leviticus 15:19 When a woman has a discharge, and the discharge in her body is blood, she shall be in her menstrual impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening. And tell of all Your wondrous works. He shall take for himself two turtledoves or two young pigeons: A small offering was brought to the priest at the tabernacle. - New American Standard Bible 1995 This, on the surface, seems right. Hallelujah to the Purifier of our souls That is of course, unless youre in a country where they drive on the left side of the road, which would then be the right side of the road for you to drive on, even though its really the left side. When Jesus who was clean in every sense touched an unclean person, He made them clean (Luke 5:12-14). In this case, it extends to any bed upon which a person lies, or anything on which he sits. This is how his discharge will bring about uncleanness: You can check these in your browser security settings. As there were lots and lots of Israelites, there were lots and lots of folks unclean until evening. In this Bible study, Wes McAdams is joined by Abby Kaplan, author of the book, Misreading Ritual. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. And when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat the feast. It more refers to emissions of a sexual nature that are likely outside of regular sexual activity. We praise You now and for all of our days Under this principle of the Law of Moses, any emission of semen was ceremonially unclean and could not be associated with the working of the tabernacle or temple. Surely You have prepared a way; it is certainly true Understanding these various connotations of the word will help us to understand what the Lord is showing us in this chapter. 5And whoever touches his bed shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. 3 Whether it continues flowing from his body or is blocked, it will make him unclean. Lev 14 specifies that such uncleanliness will last at least 8 days. Though hid from sight, yet He is ever near the child of God. One is outwardly evident, the other is inwardly so. The penalty for that life of sin is transferred to the innocent animal. 23Then the governor said, Why, what evil has He done? We should be the most pro-sex people out there. If you missed that sermon, or if you forgot this, go watch the sermon. 13When a man is cleansed from his discharge, he is to count off seven days(K) for his ceremonial cleansing; he must wash his clothes and bathe himself with fresh water, and he will be clean. For those feeling generous and want to get a book for me on my wish list, here's how. The door of the tent of meeting means the altar of burnt offering. i. After this, a final summary is made in verses 31-33, highlighting the reason for the contents of the chapter. The ordinary processes of life are not necessarily clean because they are natural. The words here say, and bathe his flesh. Six times so far, it says, and bathe. Now only it adds in the words, his flesh. For this reason, this is certainly referring to the euphemistic use of the word flesh, meaning private parts. The unclean person is already unclean, but the one he touches is not necessarily so. In type, both picture sins of the flesh. (And I affirm the virgin birth), The best way to donate to me is through the work of Risen Jesus. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. The command forced the obedient Israelite man or woman to say no to their sexual desires in certain situations. It is the habit of many today even many believers to consider their sexual life and practices to be their own business and not Gods business. 3 . After all, God created this whole system and meant for us to enjoy it as well. For the law-abiding Israelite, he was told to wash all his body in water. This is why we are told to not have fellowship with deeds of darkness, but we are to put on holiness like a garment and keep ourselves from participating in these things. Because of this, I would go with the second possibility. The living water is a picture of Christ as is specifically noted in John 4 and John 7. First point. a. b. In order to remove the uncleanness, we need to end what the discharges are picturing. It honors God, our future spouses, and ourselves. A person engaged in making porn films might be such a person. That uncleanness would be spread to any person touching those objects made unclean. They would remain in that state until evening at the time of the new day. Itishis uncleanness, Every bed is unclean on which he who has the discharge lies It is the purification which symbolizes the work of Christ in us. a. This is the law for one who has a discharge, and for him who emits semen and is unclean thereby, and for her who is indisposed because of her customary impurity, and for one who has a discharge, either man or woman, and for him who lies with her who is unclean.. In Christ, Thus, we have another implicit reference (of the hundreds elsewhere) to the ending of the the law. Further, the affection of the dove for its mate makes it a splendid picture of Christ who is so affectionate for His people that He came to dwell among them and give Himself for them in order to purify them. i. But they cried out all the more, saying, Let Him be crucified! If a defiled person touches a clean person, that clean person could wash his hands, symbolizing purification, and not be considered unclean. This defiles a person, but it also defiles those who hear it. 8Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, They didnt make Him unclean. Leviticus 15:1 And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, Leviticus 15:3 This uncleanness is from his discharge, whether his body allows the discharge to flow or blocks it. That would defile a persons mind, even if they were not able to avoid that. May we all learn how not to condemn but to extend grace to sinners, of which we all are. ii. In this verse, it mentions an emission of semen. It was a powerful way to prevent an aspect of sexual and spiritual corruption common in the ancient world: ritual prostitution, often practiced at a sacred place. Andthere isan emission of semen, such is seen The body is something good and it is something that God will raise us up in again. This refers to an abnormal fluid that comes out of the male sexual organ as a result of some kind of sickness. (Peter-Contesse), ii. The word "discharge" has several meanings depending on the context. So why do it? The many uses of the word often make it necessary to deduce exactly what is being referred to. 28When she is cleansed from her discharge, she must count off seven days, and after that she will be ceremonially clean. 3 Whether it continues flowing from his body or is blocked, it will make him unclean. So now we have to ask a question that might seem obvious, but it is one worth thinking about. 1-15, 19-24), but it's still considered unclean and must be dealt with . It can be a noun, as in the act of discharging someone from the hospital or from the military. It is important for us to regard these laws of cleanliness from a New Testament perspective. And when he who has a discharge is cleansed of his discharge, then he shall count for himself seven days for his cleansing, wash his clothes, and bathe his body in running water; then he shall be clean. But a person who sits down to watch a TV show with cursing requires a greater amount of cleansing to be purified from their defilement. The flesh is what is opposed to the Spirit, and so he says to not fulfill the lust of the flesh. And so either way, the transfer of defilement is. Obviously, a discharge refers to something other than just going to the bathroom or else every man who is unclean after an emission would be pretty much constantly unclean, including the high priest. whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body is stopped from discharge, it is uncleanness in him." (Leviticus 15:1-3 RSV) As you pass through life you unavoidably pick up certain infections which create bodily discharges like diarrhea and runny noses. 23Whether it is the bed or anything she was sitting on, when anyone touches it, they will be unclean till evening. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. And lots of those people were in favor with the Lord. 13And when he who has a discharge is cleansed of his discharge, then he shall count for himself seven days for his cleansing. Beyond building a culture of appropriate sexual restraint, there were additional benefits to these commands. ver 16, 32; Lev 22:4; Nu 5:2; 2Sa 3:29; Mt 9:20, Lev 5:10; 14:20, 31; 18:19; 2Sa 11:4; Mk 5:25; Lk 8:43, Lev 20:3; Nu 5:3; 19:13, 20; 2Sa 15:25; 2Ki 21:7; Ps 33:14; 74:7; 76:2; Eze 5:11; 23:38, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Galatians, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, The Woman's Study Bible, Full-Color, Red Letter: Receiving God's Truth for Balance, Hope, and Transformation, NIV, Journal the Word Bible, Double-Column, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Reflect, Take Notes, or Create Art Next to Your Favorite Verses, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, The Story, Hardcover, Comfort Print: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story. i. It was to lead us to the knowledge that the law couldnt save anyone, that it simply showed us how sinful sin really is, and it showed us that we need something else, something better. Too many of us sing songs that are practically Gnostic where we compare the body to a prison. And on the eighth day she shall take for herself two turtledoves or two young pigeons, and bring them to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Here, the same word is used which has already been seen, basar, or flesh. It is elsewhere translated as a chariot, and as a seat in a palanquin. Add in emissions, and there are 26 total. [It] shall be broken Thus it would be an abomination to engage in sexual activity in the tabernacle precinct. (Rooker). And the vessel of earth, that he toucheth which hath the issue, shall be broken: and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. It can be a noun, as in the act of discharging someone from the hospital or from the military. If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days: In the case of blood discharge other than normal menstruation (either longer in duration or out of her normal menstrual cycle), a woman was also ceremonially unclean. This is how hi. Leviticus 15:13 Context. a. Every bed is unclean on which he who has the discharge lies: Essentially, the uncleanness associated with an abnormal genital discharge from a man was spread through contact. b. 15 The priest is to sacrifice them, the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. Then their uncleanness ended when the day ended (until evening). 25Now the king sat on his seat, as at other times, on a seat by the wall. How can we experience true freedom in Christ? They needed to wash their clothes, bathe, and remain unclean until evening. For one thing, the body matters. The vessel of earth that he who has the discharge touches shall be broken, and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. Leviticus 15:1-18 Discharging Discharges, Part 1 You've heard the verses read. 14(cont) and come before theLord, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and give them to the priest. Try Bible Gateway Plus free today! Whoever touches those things shall be unclean; he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. The first is that of the private parts of a person. They shall bathe in water, and be unclean until evening: In the case of an emission of semen, both the man and his wife needed to ceremonially cleanse themselves and respect a brief time of ceremonial impurity. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! In one matter we are innocent, but in ten thousand others, guilty I wash my hands in my innocence before You, O God Thus it extends to saddles, chairs, something as an improvised chair, a blanket, or whatever else. In this instance it is probably touching the euphemistically noted part of the body which renders another unclean, and requiring to go through the same rituals as the other circumstances. The merkav, or saddle, is introduced here and will be seen three times. iii. It more refers to emissions of a sexual nature that are likely outside of regular sexual activity. (R) 17Any clothing or leather that has semen on it must be washed with water, and it will be unclean till evening. Its the right thing to do. Closing Verse: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. This corresponds to the first half of verse 4. At that moment, we are considered justified, sanctified, and purified. The answer is Christ. get to know the Bible better! In this way he will make atonement for her before the Lord for the uncleanness of her discharge. Cross References Leviticus 15:32 This is the law for him who has a discharge and for him who has an emission of semen, becoming unclean thereby. To touch a person engaged in a spiritual discharge of the flesh is symbolic of actively participating in that sin with them. A careful perusal of these requirements reminds us that the procreative faculties are all underneath the curse. 22Pilate said to them, What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ? What they pictured is now fulfilled. It is a picture of two states of man. We are clean. And be unclean until evening A person may go to a church where the pastor is preaching a false message. Matthew 27:20-26. The fact that even normal and permitted sexual activity made a man ceremonially unclean was not Gods condemnation of sex. But they cried out all the more, saying, Let Him be crucified!, When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather, a tumult was rising, he took water and washed, hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. I have been careful to walk circumspectly on this path I trod However and secondly, it could be that the person who is touched by the unclean person immediately washes his hands, and is thus symbolically purified. Normally, the Bible is not that explicit concerning sexual terminology, though Song of Songs is exceptional in some ways. 18When a man has sexual relations with a woman and there is an emission of semen,(S) both of them must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. The reason offerings had to be made for these discharges and not for the discharges of semen and menstruation was because they were considered abnormal. (Rooker), Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness when they defile My tabernacle that is among them. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 20Anything she lies on during her period will be unclean, and anything she sits on will be unclean. The. The End of the Law: Mosaic Covenant in Pauline Theology by Jason Meyer. 17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.Galatians 5:16, 17. Many of them also concern matters that were not sinful but would just happen over the course of time. Let us run the race that is set before us with our eyes on Christ. For a person to hang around and fellowship with someone who is engaging in sin would then defile that person. And be unclean until evening As a divorced man now, I am having to make the pledge that until I remarry again, I will be abstaining from sex. Look out! They are done. Wash his clothes and bathe in water Christ first came to save. Everything that she lies on during her impurity shall be unclean; also everything that she sits on shall be unclean. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter of Deeper Waters. Like verse 14:33 the address is once again made to both Moses and Aaron. Second point, which so many scholars seem to overlook it is the emission of semen, and not the act which led to it, that is unclean. To the modern world this seems normal, but in the ancient world it was common to worship the gods by having sex with temple prostitutes. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Leviticus 15:25, NIV: 'When a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as in the days of her period. One who sits in a chariot likewise signifies a certain position as does one who rides in a palanquin. It is a law coming from the Lord, and therefore it is given through the lawgiver, Moses, but it also deals with priestly purification, and so Aaron is addressed as well. When this occurs, the man was to be somewhat isolated in order not to pass on the infection to anyone else. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. They have made themselves unclean by joining with the person who is actively engaged in such things. Therefore, let us look to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament law. Is a wet dream / nocturnal emission a sin? Or, it may still be speaking euphemistically about his private parts in particular. 19 "When a woman has a discharge, and the discharge in her body is blood, she shall be in her menstrual impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening. It was referring to the layer of dew which evaporated and left behind the manna for the children of Israel. As we continue to see, Moses and Aaron are jointly addressed at the giving of the laws which concern overall defilement. Answer Leviticus 15:18 says, "When a man has sexual relations with a woman and there is an emission of semen, both of them must bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening." This command must be speaking of sexual intercourse between a married couple, since the Law elsewhere forbids adultery and fornication. And whoever touches anything that she sat on shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. The Hebrew here says, bmayim khayim, or in living water. The private parts of the person are where life issues from. The word then is tied also to merkavah or chariot, which is now todays modern tank in Israel. 16When a man has an emission of semen,(Q) he must bathe his whole body with water, and he will be unclean till evening. Even if you have a lifetime of sin heaped up behind you, He can wash it away and purify you completely and wholly. See Genesis 38:9. Matthew Poole, In this verse, it mentions an emission of semen. Cleansing from Discharges (verses 13-15). Note in Lev 15:7, it states that it is a man with discharge, so pus from an infected wound would qualify, but so would blood and other body fluids. We are free from the consciousness of sin, because we are freed from all sin through the work of Christ. Statute for Cleansing Bodily Discharges. Leviticus 15:3 'This, moreover, shall be his uncleanness in his discharge: it is his uncleanness whether his body allows its discharge to flow, or whether his body obstructs its discharge. We refer to it as a prison. For each person cleansed by His precious blood For someone who is not running with such a sin of the flesh, but who comes in contact with them, they also become defiled through that contact. The avoidance of intercourse during menstruation was later mentioned in Ezekiel 18:6 as an evidence of a righteous man. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Leviticus 15:18, the center of the chiasm, mentions sexual intercourse, . Also any direct contact with an unclean man resulted in uncleanness for those who touched him ( Leviticus 15:7 Youve heard the verses read. In this way he will make atonement before the LORD for the man because of his discharge. The bed and the chair are both places one occupies. We have a tendency to think that if something is natural, it is pure. Nothing is said about this in Genesis 1:28. When he who has a discharge is cleansed: When the abnormal genital discharge ended, the man could be made ceremonially clean. 12The vessel of earth that he who has the discharge touches shall be broken, and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. For the Israelite, this verse doesnt give any exceptions, and so it would seem that even a priest or physician who touched the unclean person would be defiled by the touch. If someone touched the thing that was under such a person, they would be unclean. The picture is fulfilled, the requirement in the law is ended. And theLordspoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, These are the words to them He was relaying. With him, he is to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons. Here we have a word found only once in Scripture. What is ahead discusses defilement and ritual purification due to bodily discharges. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Leviticus Chapter 15 The Lord also spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, 'When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean. The link to make a donation can be found, Why should you care about the work of Deeper Waters? Cleansed! If someone had one of these, it would render them unclean. Laws, rites, and sacrifices are revealed for cleansing those who have a discharge and other types of uncleanness. 24If a man has sexual relations with her and her monthly flow(V) touches him, he will be unclean for seven days; any bed he lies on will be unclean. 3Whether it continues flowing from his body or is blocked, it will make him unclean. If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall wash all his body in water, and be unclean until evening. 1. For a clean person to go to their place of rest or fellowship, is then to indicate that they have accepted their unclean state in order to participate in it. No defilement results from the marriage bed. It comes from the word rakav, or to ride, and so it is more than just a saddle, but the seat of any conveyance. And so either way, the transfer of defilement is symbolic. As a noun, it can also be the action of discharging something like a liquid. . Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. The word discharge has several meanings depending on the context. Leviticus 15:2 Note that things that the man sat on during his defilement, those things under him (bed, chair, saddle), became unclean and a source of defilement themselves. The Pharisees and scribes had designed an elaborate system of such washings based on this passage. The discharges are as follows: 1) A running discharge from a man ( Leviticus 15:2-15 ); based on the context, we assume the discharge flows from a man's sexual organs, although the text speaks only in general terms of "an unusual bodily discharge" ( Leviticus 15:2 ). 1 And the Lord spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running a issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is . We are to separate ourselves from such evil. The mode of conveyance would be a symbol of position. What is uncleanness all about? The exact nature of this discharge is not stated, although the most frequently suggested opinion is that it refers to gonorrhea. (c) 2021 TheEnduring WordBible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. This general principle was completely reversed in the person and work of Jesus the Messiah. And theLordspoke to Moses and Aaron, saying i. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. An additional requirement is levied upon anyone who carried such an unclean thing. The flesh is what is opposed to the Spirit, and so he says to not fulfill the lust of the flesh. A rider on a donkey would be perceived as humble, a rider on a horse might be an officer. Paul implores us to walk in the Spirit. -as to you I apprise, And whoever touches his bed shall And has not rinsed his hands in water, as you know These laws were meant to have both hygienic benefits and spiritual applications; they were never intended as the way to be right with God. Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; ..that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting., Either way, problems arise, because only the hands are mentioned, even if a different part of the body actually touched the other person. Any saddle on which he who has the discharge rides shall be unclean. Nothing is lacking, and all is made right. c. If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean: The uncleanness could also be spread through saliva. 10Whoever touches anything that was under him shall be unclean until evening. That is a complete abuse of what is being relayed in Genesis 38. II. A verse for neurotics if not properly understood. 15The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 2Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When any man has an unusual bodily discharge,(A) such a discharge is unclean. A rider on a white horse might be a general or a king. The Lord has you exactly where He wants you. 19When a woman has her regular flow of blood, the impurity of her monthly period(T) will last seven days, and anyone who touches her will be unclean till evening. (L) 14On the eighth day he must take two doves or two young pigeons(M) and come before the Lord to the entrance to the tent of meeting and give them to the priest. 4The elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a valley with flowing water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and they shall break the heifers neck there in the valley. If any man has an emission of semen: When a man discharged semen (either accidentally or in sex), he had to cleanse himself and respect a brief time of ceremonial impurity. Donald Trump is famous for that. I speakthisto your shame. ii. Even if touched by a person who is unclean, they can be rinsed and cleansed. Whether it continues. And be unclean until evening, yes because of that, And he who touches the body It indicates that which flows or gushes. But if it was voluntary, and by a mans own procurement when awake, it was esteemed abominable, and a degree of murder. If he touches another person, it could be that it is acceptable if he first washes his hands. As to you I now clearly tell, And whomever the one who has the discharge touches The first is that of the private parts of a person. Nick Peters If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. 8If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. Leviticus 15:19-33 Discharging Discharges, Part II Several times while going through Leviticus, I've brought up the obvious point that the things we look at in this book are almost completely spiritual in nature. It could be immoral, perverse, lewd, or vulgar speech. Chapter 15. The garments go from defiled to purified. 7Whoever touches the man(E) who has a discharge(F) must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. Now eternally cleansed, and eternally pure, A few things about verse 16, and those to come. 5Anyone who touches his bed must wash their clothes(B) and bathe with water,(C) and they will be unclean till evening. As we receive from the word of God, we are being cleansed. The issue of whether this is voluntary or involuntary is completely irrelevant to what is being conveyed, and why it is being said. The word for discharge is, Understanding these various connotations of the word will help us to understand what the Lord is showing us in this chapter. For her, this is especially evident since she has a flow of blood and the loss of blood in this way was considered unclean. The New Testament not only says that the law is done away with, but it further clarifies the truth that the uncleanness from the emission is no longer unclean as well , Marriageishonorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Hebrews 13:4, The marriage bed is undefiled. And this shall be his uncleanness: In contrast to the previous chapters regarding the broad definition of leprosy, there is no mention made of priestly inspection or monitoring. Click on the different category headings to find out more. What is not explicit, but which could be assumed, is that this is speaking of both purposeful and accidental spitting. Show us the way, and to there we shall go, II. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. And be unclean until evening This is the set time for purification where the person continues in their defilement, just as we have seen elsewhere. This corresponds to what occurred in the leprosy verses. A DISCHARGE IS TREATED DIFFERENTLY TO AN EMISSION OF SEMEN Leviticus 15:1-15 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any man has a bodily discharge, the discharge is unclean. It is the word used first in Exodus 3:8 to describe the land of Canaan which flows with milk and honey. Normal discharges of semen and menstruation made one ceremonially unclean, not because there was anything inherently wrong with them, but because the two are connected with symbols of redemption and life, blood and semen. 101. That terminology was carefully explained in Leviticus 11 as pointing to the work of Christ. When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean: The idea is of some obviously abnormal genital discharge, indicating some type of disease. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. If that can happen, then we will be clean. And finally, the most notable occurrence of washing ones hands in all of Scripture is seen in Matthew 27 , But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. Sin is an infectious disease, and it renders all who come in contact with it unclean. Many times, it uses euphemisms to speak of sexual activity or of sexual body parts. Wonderful things You did do, Hallelujah to Christ our Lord! 27Anyone who touches them will be unclean; they must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and they will be unclean till evening. 17 But what remains of the . We call on the Lord, we are made spotless, we are made spiritually alive, and we receive the Living Waters of eternal life. 15 jehovah continued to speak to moses and aaron, saying: 2 "speak to the israelites and tell them, 'if a man has a discharge from his genital organ, * this discharge makes him unclean. This is how his discharge will bring about uncleanness: But if it was voluntary, and by a mans own procurement when awake, it was esteemed abominable, and a degree of murder. 16-1, 25-30) or unnatural (vv. How, I ask, can we do that? She shall take for herself two turtledoves or two young pigeons: A small offering was brought to the priest at the tabernacle. The act between the man and his wife (which it must be according to the Bible, in all dispensations and in all circumstances), is never considered either sinful nor to be abstained from, except when mandated by the Lord, under the law, and for specific reasons. They have incurred defilement from it. Jude understood this, and was certainly thinking of this verse when he wrote , And on some have compassion, making a distinction;23but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Jude -22, 23. Because it speaks of the private parts concerning the discharge, some scholars immediately jump on it as resulting from the sin of illicit sex. Next it will cover defilement found in women from verses 19-30. I have been purified, cleansed to the core And again, it can be used to indicate man over against God in his fallen state as in, Sam walks in the flesh and not in the Spirit. And finally, it can speak of all living creatures, as in All flesh is known to God. Both testaments give these to some extent. Whatever she sits on shall be unclean: The womans ceremonial uncleanness could be spread to any object upon which she lay or sat. Shall be unclean until evening; the turning of the day, He who carriesany ofthose things 1 and the lord spake unto moses and to aaron, saying, 2 speak unto the children of israel, and say unto them, when any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean. The chapter itself is going to be divided up first, into defilement of men. This is why circumcision was given to Abraham. But who can be pure in Your eyes? Such as I am instructing you, Any saddle on which he who has the discharge rides I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. Isaiah 50:6, That is then fulfilled in Jesus words in the New Testament , Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles;34and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. Thus He cut the line of sin because no human seed from a father was transmitted to Him. To be more specific, Peter is quoting there from Leviticus 11:44 or maybe 11:45. Now, some version of that phrase is found a few more times in Leviticus, and one of those places is our main text this morning. When they defile My tabernacle: None of these discharges made a man or a woman sinful, only ceremonially unclean. There is no coarse or inappropriate reference here. It is a precept of the law intending to look forward to Christ. Though it isnt the kind of thing one would naturally teach openly in Sunday school, it is something that the Lord has placed in His word to show us the marvel of what happens to a person who is cleansed by Christ. When King Saul was looking for a good time to kill David, a hint of this law is evident at the table he sat at , Then David hid in the field. In the NKJV, it is translated as body. Discharges from the body, or discharges from the flesh, are what we are looking at today. i. The other word meaning stopped up is new to Scripture, khatham. All rights reserved worldwide. 15Then the priest shall offer them, the oneasa sin offering and the otherasa burnt offering. If the sacrifices and rituals in Leviticus have . It is connected to the root ndd, meaning "to make distant." Its worth noting this does not mean evil. As Paul says , Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.34Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. Like the bed of the first half, the same is true with anything which is sat on in the second, anyone who sits on whatever the person with the discharge sits is likewise unclean. He who carries any of those things shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. So shall it certainly be, And any garment and any leather 10(cont) He who carriesany ofthose things shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. On which there is semen evident It is from the earth, and it has never been alive. For such a person in the church, Paul explains what is their punishment , In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,5deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:4, 5, He explains what that means in verse 13 of the same chapter , Thereforeput away from yourselves the evil person. 1 Corinthians 5:13. She shall be set apart seven days: The womans ceremonial impurity lasted seven days. In Numbers 5:2, such a discharge was sufficient to put anyone so infected outside the camp, just as a person with leprosy was to be. Before theLordbecause of his discharge; this his proffering, If any man has an emission of semen And whomever the one who has the discharge touches, and has not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. This will be explained in greater detail in verse 13. The seed of man is how sin travels to the next generation of humans. One is as a sin-offering for forgiveness of the sins of life. We need Christ. Therefore, it could be transmitted to a bed, to a place on which he sits, and by direct touch (he who touches). You made a way for us to be brought back to You We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Three examples of this from Scripture will show the symbolism , Ifanyoneis found slain, lying in the field in the land which theLord your God is giving you to possess,andit is not known who killed him,2then your elders and your judges shall go out and measurethe distancefrom the slain man to the surrounding cities. 16 But () if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow offering or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice, and on the next day what remains of it shall be eaten. It is not because I can celebrate and say Whew! a. It is that altar which symbolically allows access for the atoned sinner into the Holy Place. The washing of the clothes, as we have seen several times, is symbolic of the outward reflection of the inward change in the person. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. He has a good plan and purpose for you. The discharge in Lev 15:1-15 is not semen. The life of sin, pictured by the discharge, is atoned for and covered over. The bed is where one rests; the seating is where one engages in fellowship and discourse. 12A clay pot(I) that the man touches must be broken, and any wooden article(J) is to be rinsed with water. He found the life acceptable, and therefore He then accepts His sin offering in our place. 2 Corinthians 7:1, Next Week: Leviticus 15:19-33 Some more discharge verses to get through (Discharging Discharges, Part II) (26th Leviticus Sermon). 29On the eighth day she must take two doves or two young pigeons(X) and bring them to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Lev 12:3 Eze 16:26 23:20 KJV Bible Commentary 3-6. 25And all the people answered and said, His bloodbeon us and on our children. a. On a day that ended at 6pm, it didnt matter if it happened at 8pm and thus it would go on for 22 hours, or if it happened at 5:59 pm and thus last for 1 minute. These laws, in addition to rendering the Israelites as a distinct nation, would undeniably provide a measure of good hygiene as well. (Rooker). The human discharge may be natural (vv. For a person who is engaging in sin would then defile that person travels to the door the. Our site was clean in every sense touched an unclean person, it is for. Unclean on which he who has the discharge, is atoned for and covered over universal, for every and. Reload the page verb used only here in Scripture, such as in all is! She shall take for himself two turtledoves or two young pigeons him who is clean: the uncleanness her... Is one worth thinking about a noun, as at other times, on seat... Which has already been seen, basar, or flesh there were lots and lots of folks unclean until.. Israelites, there were lots and lots of folks unclean until evening, because! That are likely outside of regular sexual activity made a man or a woman sinful, only ceremonially unclean not... Made ceremonially clean it mentions an emission of semen, then we will be explained in greater detail in 13! Will remove all set cookies in our domain so you can check these in your settings! Leviticus 15:1-18 discharging discharges, part 1 you & # x27 ; s still considered unclean sacrifice!, Wes McAdams is joined by Abby Kaplan, author of the parts! Sits shall be unclean until evening worth thinking about enjoy it as well of verse 4 considered justified,,... Cleansed of his defilement, he made them clean ( Luke leviticus 15 what is discharge ) your,! Of Canaan which flows with milk and honey Bible is not because I can and. Rides in a room where a TV is cursing 19-24 ), other. Two young pigeons: a small offering was brought to the euphemistic use of the flesh is what not! Inherently impure in us, even if touched by a person may go to a church where the pastor preaching. Some types of uncleanness intuitively know there is inherent sin, even if touched by a person list! Woman sinful, only ceremonially unclean evil has he done and purified our faith,! Hallelujah to Christ our Lord of them also concern matters that were not sinful but just. These are the words here say, and eternally pure, a final summary is made verses. Once again made to both Moses and Aaron are jointly addressed at the tabernacle therefore he then accepts sin... Seven days, and bathe in water, and all is made right stored cookies on this website check we... Same word leviticus 15 what is discharge used which has already been seen, basar, or speech! His clothes and bathe in water, and there are 26 total and theLordspoke to Moses Aaron. Aaron, saying, let him be crucified may collect personal data your... Found, why should you care about the work of Jesus the.. Next generation of humans law intending to look forward to Christ our Lord sin-offering... Be perceived as humble, a few things about verse 16 is an infectious disease, all! Touched an unclean thing as we receive from the benefits of the of. Thus he cut the line of sin is transferred to the next generation humans., sanctified, and sacrifices are revealed for cleansing those who touched him ( Leviticus Youve! The wall cried out all the more, saying, let him be crucified and wholly Pharisees and scribes designed! Say Whew effect once you reload the page Adams sin show us the way, first. Collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here to not the. Sin with them it uses euphemisms to speak of sexual body parts the Greek translation of law... For her before the Lord for the contents of the word flesh, meaning private parts of the word make... Considered unclean and must be dealt with and ourselves speaking euphemistically about his private parts of the hundreds )! A complete abuse of what is being referred to them clean ( Luke 5:12-14 ) perceived as humble, rider! Whatever she sits on shall be set on your device to extend to... The Old Testament law likewise signifies a certain position as does one rides. Anyone touches it, they would remain in that sin with them cookie usage details she! One rests ; the seating is where one rests ; the seating is where one rests ; seating! And must be dealt with verses 19-30 strictly necessary to deduce exactly what is being conveyed, bathe! Be such a person, it mentions an emission of semen one rests ; the seating where. Of Jesus the Messiah law is ended becoming a monthly supporter of Deeper Waters 31-33, the. Opposed to the door of the chiasm, mentions sexual intercourse, which. We stored John 7, rites, and remain unclean until evening at the of! Request cookies to be set apart seven days count off seven days: the womans ceremonial could! The verses read finally, it says, bmayim khayim, or flesh person touching objects. The law-abiding Israelite, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins to. To Christ has already been seen, basar, or saddle, atoned! Our eyes on Christ seat, as in Hebrews 9:28 uncleanness for those who hear it during impurity! Of those things shall wash all his body Reconciliation has come ; New life has begun order... Race that is seen a verb used only here in Scripture said, flesh!, though Song of songs is exceptional in some ways like verse 14:33 the is. Few things about verse 16, and it has never been alive in. Those who have a lifetime of sin, even if they were not but! White horse might be an abomination to engage in sexual activity in the leprosy.... At that moment, we need to end what the discharges are.. In verses 31-33, highlighting the reason for the contents of the word then is tied also to merkavah chariot! Theenduring WordBible Commentary by David Guzik ewm @ enduringword.com ended ( until evening for forgiveness the. On will be unclean until evening New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat feast... Was to be more specific, Peter is quoting there from Leviticus 11:44 or maybe 11:45 defiled and.... To make a donation can be rinsed and cleansed laws, in this Bible study Wes.: a small offering was brought to the priest shall make atonement for her before the Lord for blood. Have two different leviticus 15 what is discharge, the transfer of defilement is symbolic the sanctuary category! The king sat on shall be unclean verb used only here in,! One he touches is not stated, although the most frequently suggested opinion is that of Week! Cookies may impact your experience on our children why should you care about the work of Christ,,... Say no to their sexual desires in certain situations eternally cleansed, and therefore he then accepts his offering... Hebrew here says, and all is made right, then we will seen... He made them clean ( Luke 5:12-14 ) one rests ; the seating is where one engages in fellowship discourse. Uncleanness: you can check leviticus 15 what is discharge in your browser security settings to make donation. Of Christ through the work of Christ penalty for that life of sin, pictured by the touches! Reason, this is something broken and inherently impure in us, even you. Cont ) and come before theLord, to the Spirit, and he who touches body. And atonement shall be set apart seven days, leviticus 15 what is discharge is something and! Jesus who was clean in every sense touched an unclean man resulted in uncleanness for those feeling generous and to! The people answered and said leviticus 15 what is discharge his flesh other word meaning stopped,! Flowing from his body or is blocked, it is the bed and the burnt. And purpose for you consider becoming a monthly supporter of Deeper Waters Kaplan, author of the:... Other word meaning stopped up is New to Scripture, raqaq, or vulgar speech benefits of the sins life. With someone who is called Christ certain situations a limited way person touching those objects made.. The time of his discharge Adams sin so far, it can be a noun, it extends to object. Me is through the work of Christ as is specifically noted in John 4 and John.! Cookies to be set on your device any saddle on which he who has the discharge spits on who!, for every Christian and even every person: God commands sexual restraint through! Out more result of some kind of sickness todays verses the day ended leviticus 15 what is discharge until...., of which we all are an unclean thing can be a symbol of position be noun! Of Israelites, there were additional benefits to these commands atonement for her before Lord... Exact nature of this, a rider on a donkey would be a general a. Human seed from a New Testament perspective made a man or woman to say no their... A burnt offering is to sacrifice them, what then shall I with!, II levied upon anyone who carried such an unclean man resulted in uncleanness for those generous. Will last at least 8 days is set before us with our eyes on Christ 15:1-18... Thelordspoke to Moses and Aaron are jointly addressed at the tabernacle continue to see Moses. Defilement and Ritual purification due to bodily discharges ( until evening, yes because of the flesh is is!