Leviticus 20:24 "But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people."
Israel is the Lord's. He took a wondering man and brought forth a great nation. They are to be different v26. God himself gave them the laws to live by. Others may have their own laws and traditions but these people have words from the mouth of God to live by.
In return, the Lord is leading them to a great land and a good land. It flows with milk and honey.
This lady Israel bears the promises of God and the great promise of a redeemer for mankind. They are on the way to a land where God himself will become man and shed his blood for the sins of the world. Although, Israel is special, the plan includes all mankind. Israel is protected but not just for Israel's sake. They carry the promise of a savior. This great land that even now captures the attention of the whole world holds hope for the whole world in the person of "God with us."
Psalm 32:1 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Parents Leviticus 20 Part 3
Leviticus 20:9 "For everyone that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him."
It is a good thing that we are under grace in our day. I've never seen such a time when children were so disrespectful to their parents. I've seen them talk to their parents worse than I would ever talk to a yard dog, even if it was worthless and wouldn't hunt.
The Lord takes children's attitudes toward parents very seriously.
Chapter 19 puts it this way: v3 "Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father..."
Exodus 20:12 tells us"Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
Show me a child that is disrespectful to their parents and I will show you a child that does not honor and respect God in their life. It is from parents that children learn to respect and obey authority. For those who rebel against their parents, even when parents try their very best to be good examples, we can but pray that they will be touched in some way to see their need for the Lord. Only God can break up a hard heart.
Over and over the Bible exhorts children to honor their parents. It even has a promise for those who do so, "...that thy days may be long..."
We indeed live in troubled times. Parents must compete with television and peer pressure as they try to direct their children. These influences are very strong on young minds. I heard it often as ours grew up. "I just want to spend time with my friends." It made no difference to try to explain that those friends were doing bad things.
We cannot give up the battle though. God can move in ways that we can not imagine. The children are worth it even if the hurt us deeply.
Proverbs 7:1 "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee."
v5 "That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words."
It is a good thing that we are under grace in our day. I've never seen such a time when children were so disrespectful to their parents. I've seen them talk to their parents worse than I would ever talk to a yard dog, even if it was worthless and wouldn't hunt.
The Lord takes children's attitudes toward parents very seriously.
Chapter 19 puts it this way: v3 "Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father..."
Exodus 20:12 tells us"Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."
Show me a child that is disrespectful to their parents and I will show you a child that does not honor and respect God in their life. It is from parents that children learn to respect and obey authority. For those who rebel against their parents, even when parents try their very best to be good examples, we can but pray that they will be touched in some way to see their need for the Lord. Only God can break up a hard heart.
Over and over the Bible exhorts children to honor their parents. It even has a promise for those who do so, "...that thy days may be long..."
We indeed live in troubled times. Parents must compete with television and peer pressure as they try to direct their children. These influences are very strong on young minds. I heard it often as ours grew up. "I just want to spend time with my friends." It made no difference to try to explain that those friends were doing bad things.
We cannot give up the battle though. God can move in ways that we can not imagine. The children are worth it even if the hurt us deeply.
Proverbs 7:1 "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee."
v5 "That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words."
Wizards Leviticus 20 Part 2
Leviticus 20:6 "And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people."
The punishment for following a wizard is to be cut off from ones people. This many see like a small thing at first, to be cut off. Remember that they were a community and relied on each other for support. The tabernacle where they received forgiveness for sin and made the offerings was with the people. Sin of verse 6 would have them cut off from all this.
We take it very casually these days and even smile at the funny stories but it is a very serious thing with God and amounts to dealing with demons and such called familiar spirits here.
Exodus 22:18 "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."
Proverbs 4:19 "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."
The punishment for following a wizard is to be cut off from ones people. This many see like a small thing at first, to be cut off. Remember that they were a community and relied on each other for support. The tabernacle where they received forgiveness for sin and made the offerings was with the people. Sin of verse 6 would have them cut off from all this.
We take it very casually these days and even smile at the funny stories but it is a very serious thing with God and amounts to dealing with demons and such called familiar spirits here.
Exodus 22:18 "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."
Proverbs 4:19 "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble."
Molech Levitcus 20 Part 1
Leviticus 20:2 "Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of he strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones."
This verse takes us back to Leviticus 18:21 and refers to sacrificing children in unholy sacrificial ceremonies to Molech. There was apparently some danger of this in the area. Some outside influence that was being warned against.
It was an offense to the Lord and his sanctuary and his holy name. v3
There is also warning against turning a blind eye to the crime. v4
I can but relate this activity to our present day abortion. It is the killing of babies, how ever people attempt to explain it away.
Proverbs 7:2 "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."
This verse takes us back to Leviticus 18:21 and refers to sacrificing children in unholy sacrificial ceremonies to Molech. There was apparently some danger of this in the area. Some outside influence that was being warned against.
It was an offense to the Lord and his sanctuary and his holy name. v3
There is also warning against turning a blind eye to the crime. v4
I can but relate this activity to our present day abortion. It is the killing of babies, how ever people attempt to explain it away.
Proverbs 7:2 "Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye."
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Laws Repeated Leviticus 19
Leviticus 19:2 "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy."
Another assembling of the congregation for a "sermon" to remind them of how they are suppose to live. Just as we are reminded in our weekly church services, so the children of Israel must be reminded. Here and there a new note is inserted or said in a different way that hits home.
Sort of like telling the children (ours), 'Now don't do this or that or don't forget to do this or that.'
V3 reminds children to honor their parents but here it says fear every man his mother, and his father...
v4 another reminder to stay away from idols and molten gods.
v5-8 don't let an offer of sacrifice of peace offering sit around for three days. Let it be eaten when it should be.
v9 "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest."
This was for the poor and unfortunate who found themselves without land and a way to grow food. They would go through fields and pick up scraps left behind after the harvest. We can refer to the story of Ruth to find where the application of this law was very important.
The book of Ruth is nestled between Judges and 1 Samuel.
Elimelech and his wife Naomi went to the land of Moab because of a famine. Elimelech died while there and Naomi would have come back alone except for Ruth who was her daughter-in-law from one of Naomi's dead sons. Naomi entreated Ruth to remain among her own people but she would not.
Here we get the famous wedding phrase from chapter 1 of Ruth v16 "...Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:"
v19 "So they two went until they came to Bethlehem..."
You are right fro the clue ...Ruth is in the family tree of Christ. She was found gleaning in the fields and Boaz (the owner of the field) saw her. In time they were married and she bare a son.
The son was called Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David the King. Matthew chapter 1 gives the genealogy (Booz because of the different language translation). Also in the last chapter of Ruth.
The law of leaving the gleanings bore great rewards in supporting Ruth and the line of Christ.
Ruth 2:4-5 "And behold Boaz came from Bethlehem and said unto the reapers....Whose damsel is this?" v6 ...It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi..."
So we leave the gleaning for now but it would be good to read the entire book of Ruth.
The balance of the chapter deals with the distinction between clean and unclean beast. It also continues on with proper conduct toward relatives.
The theme of the chapter seems to be that this nation, Israel, will be different from all nations. They will honor one God and conduct themselves in a high level of personal conduct. They will not copy traditions of those they come into contact with but keep the commandants of God.
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him."
Another assembling of the congregation for a "sermon" to remind them of how they are suppose to live. Just as we are reminded in our weekly church services, so the children of Israel must be reminded. Here and there a new note is inserted or said in a different way that hits home.
Sort of like telling the children (ours), 'Now don't do this or that or don't forget to do this or that.'
V3 reminds children to honor their parents but here it says fear every man his mother, and his father...
v4 another reminder to stay away from idols and molten gods.
v5-8 don't let an offer of sacrifice of peace offering sit around for three days. Let it be eaten when it should be.
v9 "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest."
This was for the poor and unfortunate who found themselves without land and a way to grow food. They would go through fields and pick up scraps left behind after the harvest. We can refer to the story of Ruth to find where the application of this law was very important.
The book of Ruth is nestled between Judges and 1 Samuel.
Elimelech and his wife Naomi went to the land of Moab because of a famine. Elimelech died while there and Naomi would have come back alone except for Ruth who was her daughter-in-law from one of Naomi's dead sons. Naomi entreated Ruth to remain among her own people but she would not.
Here we get the famous wedding phrase from chapter 1 of Ruth v16 "...Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:"
v19 "So they two went until they came to Bethlehem..."
You are right fro the clue ...Ruth is in the family tree of Christ. She was found gleaning in the fields and Boaz (the owner of the field) saw her. In time they were married and she bare a son.
The son was called Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David the King. Matthew chapter 1 gives the genealogy (Booz because of the different language translation). Also in the last chapter of Ruth.
The law of leaving the gleanings bore great rewards in supporting Ruth and the line of Christ.
Ruth 2:4-5 "And behold Boaz came from Bethlehem and said unto the reapers....Whose damsel is this?" v6 ...It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi..."
So we leave the gleaning for now but it would be good to read the entire book of Ruth.
The balance of the chapter deals with the distinction between clean and unclean beast. It also continues on with proper conduct toward relatives.
The theme of the chapter seems to be that this nation, Israel, will be different from all nations. They will honor one God and conduct themselves in a high level of personal conduct. They will not copy traditions of those they come into contact with but keep the commandants of God.
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him."
Monday, August 27, 2007
Incest Forbidden Other Abominations Leviticus 18
Leviticus 18:29 "For whosoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls that commit them shall be cut off from among their people."
Outline:
v1 unlawful marriages
v19 unlawful lusts
Often it is said that some passages of the Bible are confusing. Chapter 18 of Leviticus leaves no room for confusion. It simply spells out what is not to be done.
First I would mention that a verse in this chapter may explain why judgment came upon the land of Canaan.
v25 "And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhahbitants."v27 "(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled.)"
Mention is made of the Molech, which if studied it would be found that they sacrificed their babies to him by tossing them into their sacrificial fires. History bears this out.
v3 "After the doings of the land of Egypt...and after the doings of the land of Canaan...shall ye not do..."
The Lord here warns Israel that the laws given to them in the wilderness would be those which govern them. They were not to take the laws or customs of Egypt with them nor adapt the traditions and laws of Canaan when they arrived there.
The first part of the chapter deals with lust toward family members and marriages within the family. It was not to be. We know now, from science, that it can have very sad results. Here in the wilderness the children of Israel had to accept it by faith that God knew what to tell them to do for their own well-being.
Parents, brothers and sisters were off limits. A great sin that is repeated in this nation and I suspect all others.
v22 "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
One of America's great sins is clearly forbidden. Notice....
v25 "...the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants."
One has only to try to clear spam from their email or search for something on the search engines to see the depths to which our nation has sunk. Clearly many have decided to disobey the Lord and His word. Payday is coming.
Why was it so important for Israel as well as ourselves to obey God's commands.
v2 "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord your God."
It is such an honor to be chosen of the Lord. It is warmth to my soul to know that he sought me out and planted his word in my heart. Though, I often falter, like a father, he forgives and guides me to do better.
What happens when a person continually refuses to obey the Lord.
Romans 6:19 "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."
Proverbs 29:1 "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
God in love gives warning to those who break his commandments. There will be a last warning and we know not which warning will be the last. It is time now to quit sinning.
Speaking of sinning Christians, the Bible says:
I Corinthians 5:5 "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
II Corinthians 6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you v18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
Psalm 89:7 "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."
Outline:
v1 unlawful marriages
v19 unlawful lusts
Often it is said that some passages of the Bible are confusing. Chapter 18 of Leviticus leaves no room for confusion. It simply spells out what is not to be done.
First I would mention that a verse in this chapter may explain why judgment came upon the land of Canaan.
v25 "And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhahbitants."v27 "(For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled.)"
Mention is made of the Molech, which if studied it would be found that they sacrificed their babies to him by tossing them into their sacrificial fires. History bears this out.
v3 "After the doings of the land of Egypt...and after the doings of the land of Canaan...shall ye not do..."
The Lord here warns Israel that the laws given to them in the wilderness would be those which govern them. They were not to take the laws or customs of Egypt with them nor adapt the traditions and laws of Canaan when they arrived there.
The first part of the chapter deals with lust toward family members and marriages within the family. It was not to be. We know now, from science, that it can have very sad results. Here in the wilderness the children of Israel had to accept it by faith that God knew what to tell them to do for their own well-being.
Parents, brothers and sisters were off limits. A great sin that is repeated in this nation and I suspect all others.
v22 "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."
One of America's great sins is clearly forbidden. Notice....
v25 "...the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants."
One has only to try to clear spam from their email or search for something on the search engines to see the depths to which our nation has sunk. Clearly many have decided to disobey the Lord and His word. Payday is coming.
Why was it so important for Israel as well as ourselves to obey God's commands.
v2 "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am the Lord your God."
It is such an honor to be chosen of the Lord. It is warmth to my soul to know that he sought me out and planted his word in my heart. Though, I often falter, like a father, he forgives and guides me to do better.
What happens when a person continually refuses to obey the Lord.
Romans 6:19 "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."
Proverbs 29:1 "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
God in love gives warning to those who break his commandments. There will be a last warning and we know not which warning will be the last. It is time now to quit sinning.
Speaking of sinning Christians, the Bible says:
I Corinthians 5:5 "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
II Corinthians 6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you v18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
Psalm 89:7 "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him."
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Blood Atonement Leviticus 17
Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."
Outline:
v1 The blood of all slain beasts must be offered to the Lord at the door of the tabernacle
v7 They must not offer to devils
v10 All eating of blood is forbidden
v15 and all that dieth alone, or is torn
I believe verse 7 is the second key verse in this chapter.
"And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone whoring. This shall be a statue forever unto them throughout their generations."
I was a little taken back by verse 3 until I thought about the sacrifices that had been offered elsewhere in the groves to strange gods. This chapter, I believe, speaks to this practice. Because I can see where some animals would be killed for food besides those kills at the tabernacle for offerings. But when the whole chapter is taken together it does look like to me that it is speaking of any killings for sacrifices to strange gods.
Verse 10 and beyond deals with eating flesh with the blood still in it.
"And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people."
Verse 14 expounds on our text verse which is verse 11 telling us that the blood is for atonement.
V14 "For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off."
The warning is repeated and must be taken very seriously.
Now we should remember that Christ fulfilled the law and brought a new and better way.
"Romans 3:23-25 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
Outline:
v1 The blood of all slain beasts must be offered to the Lord at the door of the tabernacle
v7 They must not offer to devils
v10 All eating of blood is forbidden
v15 and all that dieth alone, or is torn
I believe verse 7 is the second key verse in this chapter.
"And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone whoring. This shall be a statue forever unto them throughout their generations."
I was a little taken back by verse 3 until I thought about the sacrifices that had been offered elsewhere in the groves to strange gods. This chapter, I believe, speaks to this practice. Because I can see where some animals would be killed for food besides those kills at the tabernacle for offerings. But when the whole chapter is taken together it does look like to me that it is speaking of any killings for sacrifices to strange gods.
Verse 10 and beyond deals with eating flesh with the blood still in it.
"And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people."
Verse 14 expounds on our text verse which is verse 11 telling us that the blood is for atonement.
V14 "For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off."
The warning is repeated and must be taken very seriously.
Now we should remember that Christ fulfilled the law and brought a new and better way.
"Romans 3:23-25 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Day of Atonement-Annual Feast Leviticus 16
For some old fashion gospel singing go here: http://www.eleventhavenuebaptistchurch.com/music.htm
Leviticus 16:29 "And this shall be a statute forever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: v20 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord."
I found it interesting in the passage above when he said afflict your souls, and do not work at all. I expect that would suit our generation just fine in many cases.
That however is not the meaning of this passage. It is a day to be free from sin. It is a day to be clean from all your sins before the Lord v30. It must have been a great day for Israel. Yet, year after year they must come back. The New Testament is a once-for-all cleansing, although, we are to repent of our sins and confess them before the Lord. We are nevertheless cleansed of sin when Christ is accepted as Savior: past, present and future.
Hebrews 10:16-19 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, ad in their minds will I wrte them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, breathren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus."
The Old Testament is so good to have. It instructs us and helps us understand the New. It gives us types and shadows...examples to explain the thinking of God and our position with him. It displays his holiness and our sinfulness but bridging this gap is always the blood shed for our sins. First the blood of the animals (pointing to the sacrifice of Jesus) but then the finality of the blood of the lamb of God. It requires only that one come in faith and admit their sinful condition, repent (turn from) and in faith accept Christ as Savior.
Hebrews 10:10 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Psalm 40:3 "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even prise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."
Leviticus 16:29 "And this shall be a statute forever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: v20 For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord."
I found it interesting in the passage above when he said afflict your souls, and do not work at all. I expect that would suit our generation just fine in many cases.
That however is not the meaning of this passage. It is a day to be free from sin. It is a day to be clean from all your sins before the Lord v30. It must have been a great day for Israel. Yet, year after year they must come back. The New Testament is a once-for-all cleansing, although, we are to repent of our sins and confess them before the Lord. We are nevertheless cleansed of sin when Christ is accepted as Savior: past, present and future.
Hebrews 10:16-19 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, ad in their minds will I wrte them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, breathren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus."
The Old Testament is so good to have. It instructs us and helps us understand the New. It gives us types and shadows...examples to explain the thinking of God and our position with him. It displays his holiness and our sinfulness but bridging this gap is always the blood shed for our sins. First the blood of the animals (pointing to the sacrifice of Jesus) but then the finality of the blood of the lamb of God. It requires only that one come in faith and admit their sinful condition, repent (turn from) and in faith accept Christ as Savior.
Hebrews 10:10 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Psalm 40:3 "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even prise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord."
Scapegoat Leviticus 16
Leviticus 16:1-2 "And the Lord spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron when they offered before the Lord and died; And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat."
Outline:
v1 How the high priest must enter into the holy place
v11 The sin offering for himself
v15 The sin offering for the people
v20 The scapegoat
v29 The yearly feast of the expiations (expiate: to give satisfaction, atone) (atonement)
The high priest was not exempt from sin. He too must have his sin atoned for to stand before a holy God.
v3 "Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering."
A couple of chapters ago, two of Aaron's sons had died because they did not follow the procedures set down by the Lord. A sinful man cannot stand before a holy God. He must first have his sins atoned for.
Perhaps, since they were priest, there was a certain casualiness about walking around inside making preparations. In verse two caution is given. "...for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." the Lord told them. It was not just during ceremonies that the Lord showed up. I feel from this passage that he often appeared upon the mercy seat at unannounced times. He had said that he would dwell with the people.
So the priest were not to just casually wonder around in the holy place. They could not wonder in as if saying 'Oh I forgot my lunch in there.' They must have respect for the place at all times for the Lord surely would be there.
Procedure was to be followed at all times.
v4 "He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on."
Again, the priest cannot just run in from a trip to the country, throw on his priestly garments
and dash into the holy place. He must wash himself before dressing in the holy garments. There was no place in the holy place for uncleanness or casualness.
v5 "And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering."
Two goats are brought.
v9-10 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be a scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him gofor a scapegoat into the wilderness."
v14 "And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times."
The one goat is then killed for a sin offering and the live goat goes off into an unihabited wilderness.
v22 "And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness."
These actions are types which help us understand the New Testament. The goat killed is a type of the sacrifice of death for our sins suffered by Christ while the living Goat is a type of our sins being taken away from the presences of God. The priest represents Christ entering the holy place of heaven with his own blood to atone for our sins. The veil was removed by Christ death and we can now enter 'boldly' before the throne of grace and confess our sins knowing we will find forgiveness because of the shed blood of Jesus. I John 1:9 .
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: or I shall yet praise him for the help of is countenance."
Outline:
v1 How the high priest must enter into the holy place
v11 The sin offering for himself
v15 The sin offering for the people
v20 The scapegoat
v29 The yearly feast of the expiations (expiate: to give satisfaction, atone) (atonement)
The high priest was not exempt from sin. He too must have his sin atoned for to stand before a holy God.
v3 "Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering."
A couple of chapters ago, two of Aaron's sons had died because they did not follow the procedures set down by the Lord. A sinful man cannot stand before a holy God. He must first have his sins atoned for.
Perhaps, since they were priest, there was a certain casualiness about walking around inside making preparations. In verse two caution is given. "...for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." the Lord told them. It was not just during ceremonies that the Lord showed up. I feel from this passage that he often appeared upon the mercy seat at unannounced times. He had said that he would dwell with the people.
So the priest were not to just casually wonder around in the holy place. They could not wonder in as if saying 'Oh I forgot my lunch in there.' They must have respect for the place at all times for the Lord surely would be there.
Procedure was to be followed at all times.
v4 "He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on."
Again, the priest cannot just run in from a trip to the country, throw on his priestly garments
and dash into the holy place. He must wash himself before dressing in the holy garments. There was no place in the holy place for uncleanness or casualness.
v5 "And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering."
Two goats are brought.
v9-10 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the Lord's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be a scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make an atonement with him, and to let him gofor a scapegoat into the wilderness."
v14 "And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times."
The one goat is then killed for a sin offering and the live goat goes off into an unihabited wilderness.
v22 "And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness."
These actions are types which help us understand the New Testament. The goat killed is a type of the sacrifice of death for our sins suffered by Christ while the living Goat is a type of our sins being taken away from the presences of God. The priest represents Christ entering the holy place of heaven with his own blood to atone for our sins. The veil was removed by Christ death and we can now enter 'boldly' before the throne of grace and confess our sins knowing we will find forgiveness because of the shed blood of Jesus. I John 1:9 .
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: or I shall yet praise him for the help of is countenance."
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
C I Scofield's Division of the Old Testament
Mister Scofield divided the Old Testament into useful divisions. I will list them here for future reference:
Redemption
-Genesis
-Exodus
-Leviticus
-Numbers
-Deuteronomy
Organization
-Joshua
-Judges
-Ruth
-II Samuel
-I-II Kings
-I-II Chronicles
-Ezra
-Nehemiah
-Esthe
Poetry
-Job
-Psalmes
-Proverbs
-Ecclesiastes
-Song of Solomon
-Lamentations
Sermons
-Isaiah
-Jeremiah
-Ezekiel
-Daniel
-Hosea
-Joel
-Amos
-Obadiah
-Jonah
-Micah
-Nahum
-Haakkuk
-Zephaniah
-Haggai
-Zechariah
-Malachi
As Scofield indicated these are groupings but the individual books also hold their own purpose and flow of thought.
Redemption
-Genesis
-Exodus
-Leviticus
-Numbers
-Deuteronomy
Organization
-Joshua
-Judges
-Ruth
-II Samuel
-I-II Kings
-I-II Chronicles
-Ezra
-Nehemiah
-Esthe
Poetry
-Job
-Psalmes
-Proverbs
-Ecclesiastes
-Song of Solomon
-Lamentations
Sermons
-Isaiah
-Jeremiah
-Ezekiel
-Daniel
-Hosea
-Joel
-Amos
-Obadiah
-Jonah
-Micah
-Nahum
-Haakkuk
-Zephaniah
-Haggai
-Zechariah
-Malachi
As Scofield indicated these are groupings but the individual books also hold their own purpose and flow of thought.
Law of Issue Leviticus 15
Leviticus 15:31 "Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them."
The tabernacle is one place where all the people meet. It is obviously important that this area not be contaminated with anything contagious. So, this chapter deals with separating those with illness where the lose of bodily fluid is involved.
References: John 13 : 3-10, Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 John 1:9 These references deal with the importance of cleansing from a spiritual prospective.
Outline:
v1 The uncleanness of men in their issues
v13 The cleansing of them
v19 The uncleanness of women in their issues
v28 Their cleansing
It is not necessary to go into detail on this chapter. Adults will understand the importance it carries in a personal way and in a large group of people. If one is discovered to be sick and contagious, it makes really good sense to separate them from the people until they are well again. Otherwise, the problem could just go round and round among the people.
The procedures in this chapter have been following for generations in the medical field.
This is the Lord taking care of issues of a personal nature but very necessary. Again, He is gracious to provide the cleansing process as well as point out the problem. Restoration is the goal.
Psalm 94:14 "For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance."
The tabernacle is one place where all the people meet. It is obviously important that this area not be contaminated with anything contagious. So, this chapter deals with separating those with illness where the lose of bodily fluid is involved.
References: John 13 : 3-10, Ephesians 5:25-27, 1 John 1:9 These references deal with the importance of cleansing from a spiritual prospective.
Outline:
v1 The uncleanness of men in their issues
v13 The cleansing of them
v19 The uncleanness of women in their issues
v28 Their cleansing
It is not necessary to go into detail on this chapter. Adults will understand the importance it carries in a personal way and in a large group of people. If one is discovered to be sick and contagious, it makes really good sense to separate them from the people until they are well again. Otherwise, the problem could just go round and round among the people.
The procedures in this chapter have been following for generations in the medical field.
This is the Lord taking care of issues of a personal nature but very necessary. Again, He is gracious to provide the cleansing process as well as point out the problem. Restoration is the goal.
Psalm 94:14 "For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance."
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Footnote Leviticus 14
Leviticus 14:33-34 " And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying, When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession..."
I wanted to point out this verse which I was thinking about after I went to bed last night. I noticed that the Lord had not forgotten his promise to give Israel the land of Canaan. I also noticed that even though the people were in tents, the Lord say them living in houses even while they wondered in the wilderness.
I thought it was wonderful how in the midst of all the schooling on the law that this promise comes forth. As Christians, we too are wanderers in this world. Sometimes it is difficult to accept that it will ever end and we will inherit our promise land. I think the Lord already sees us in the place he has prepared for us. (John 14)
Just as the promise of Canaan was kept, so our Lords promise to us will be kept in good time.
I can see that Israel was not yet ready to possess the land at this point in the Bible. They still needed to seat the law of God in their hearts. They needed to shake off the bonds of slavery. Even though the physical chains were gone, there must surely have been bonds of the heart that still held them.
Israel, at this point, is a child nation. They are in the development years. For a child to have the opportunity of success they must first be properly trained. Israel is being trained here in the wilderness. They are not yet facing the enemies they must face on the battlefield. They are facing inward enemies that fight for space in our hearts where the Lord wishes to possess. It is up to us to relinquish that space we hold in reserve and let the Lord in.
Promise to Abraham and Israel:
"Genesis 17:8 "And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."
Promise to Christians:
John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. v6 Jesus saith nto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."
I am glad, as so many have written about, that the Lord is a promise giver. Many commands of scripture have promises for keeping them. I am also glad that the Lord is a promise keeper. He does what he says he will do.
In John 14, Jesus says if I go away, I will come again. Well, he did go away and so will come again.
Acts 1:9 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."
I know he made it home to the Father because Stephen say him in:
Acts 7:55-56 "But, he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
John spoke to Jesus again on the isle of Patmos when he (John) was in exile for his faith.
Revelation 1: 10 "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day and heard behind me a great voice, as a trumpet, v2 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last....v17 Fear not; I am the first and the last v18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and , behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen: and have the keys of hell and of death."
Jesus said 'Amen' which has various meanings: faithful, true, steadfast, 'let it be'. It is translated Verily when used at the beginning of a sentence and when repeated by listeners they are agreeing with what was said.
So, I have journeyed far from our text to declare that the Lord knows our future and is faithful in his promises.
A broad view of the Bible helps one see the entire picture. Standing close to a painting sometimes leaves the viewer with a good idea of the details but lacking in the overall impression the artist was trying to make.
I see a perfect world made and then tainted by sin, then a plan to raise up a nation that would honor God and be the vehicle to bring Jesus into the world to redeem sinful man. To break the Bible down into segments and believe one part and not another is to miss the whole picture and deprive oneself of many blessings.
Not believing the truth does not change the truth.
Psalm 91:1 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
I wanted to point out this verse which I was thinking about after I went to bed last night. I noticed that the Lord had not forgotten his promise to give Israel the land of Canaan. I also noticed that even though the people were in tents, the Lord say them living in houses even while they wondered in the wilderness.
I thought it was wonderful how in the midst of all the schooling on the law that this promise comes forth. As Christians, we too are wanderers in this world. Sometimes it is difficult to accept that it will ever end and we will inherit our promise land. I think the Lord already sees us in the place he has prepared for us. (John 14)
Just as the promise of Canaan was kept, so our Lords promise to us will be kept in good time.
I can see that Israel was not yet ready to possess the land at this point in the Bible. They still needed to seat the law of God in their hearts. They needed to shake off the bonds of slavery. Even though the physical chains were gone, there must surely have been bonds of the heart that still held them.
Israel, at this point, is a child nation. They are in the development years. For a child to have the opportunity of success they must first be properly trained. Israel is being trained here in the wilderness. They are not yet facing the enemies they must face on the battlefield. They are facing inward enemies that fight for space in our hearts where the Lord wishes to possess. It is up to us to relinquish that space we hold in reserve and let the Lord in.
Promise to Abraham and Israel:
"Genesis 17:8 "And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."
Promise to Christians:
John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. v6 Jesus saith nto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."
I am glad, as so many have written about, that the Lord is a promise giver. Many commands of scripture have promises for keeping them. I am also glad that the Lord is a promise keeper. He does what he says he will do.
In John 14, Jesus says if I go away, I will come again. Well, he did go away and so will come again.
Acts 1:9 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."
I know he made it home to the Father because Stephen say him in:
Acts 7:55-56 "But, he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
John spoke to Jesus again on the isle of Patmos when he (John) was in exile for his faith.
Revelation 1: 10 "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day and heard behind me a great voice, as a trumpet, v2 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last....v17 Fear not; I am the first and the last v18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and , behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen: and have the keys of hell and of death."
Jesus said 'Amen' which has various meanings: faithful, true, steadfast, 'let it be'. It is translated Verily when used at the beginning of a sentence and when repeated by listeners they are agreeing with what was said.
So, I have journeyed far from our text to declare that the Lord knows our future and is faithful in his promises.
A broad view of the Bible helps one see the entire picture. Standing close to a painting sometimes leaves the viewer with a good idea of the details but lacking in the overall impression the artist was trying to make.
I see a perfect world made and then tainted by sin, then a plan to raise up a nation that would honor God and be the vehicle to bring Jesus into the world to redeem sinful man. To break the Bible down into segments and believe one part and not another is to miss the whole picture and deprive oneself of many blessings.
Not believing the truth does not change the truth.
Psalm 91:1 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
Monday, August 06, 2007
Cleansing for Leprosy Leviticus 14
Outline:
v1 The rites nd sacrifices in cleansingof the leper
v33 The signs of leprosy in a house
v43 The cleansing of that house
Leviticus 14:2 "This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing:..."
A long chapter with provisions for the cleansing of the leper. The process of bringing the cleansed leper back into the tabernacle of the congregation is given. Also, allowance is made for those who do not have the finances to bring the appropriate offering.
The priest goes forth from the camp and finds a leper healed. v3. Then the cleansing process starts with : two birds alive and clean and cedar wood and scarlet and hyssop. v4.
One of the birds is killed v5 and the other is not. The one to be killed is to be done in an earthen vessel over running water v5 . The living bird and other parts are dipped in the blood of the first bird and then the live bird is set free v6. Then the leper is sprinkled. This sprinkling is done seven times.
The former leper's clothes are to be washed as well as himself v8 and then he is to shave all his bodily hair off. v8
Then on the eighth day v10 two lambs and one ewe lamb and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil and one log of ol v10. The one to be cleaned is presented to the Lord and the sacrifices made. The sacrifices or offerings include a wave offering, sin offering and burnt offering and trespass offering.
The blood is put on the ear, thumb and toe in the appropriate places and the oil applied. v14-18.
Verse 21 deals with the poor who cannot afford the above offerings. One lamb for a trespass is waved and one tenth deal of fine flour v21 mingled with oil and a log of oil, two turtledoves or two young pigeons.
I noticed one passage "...such as he is able to get..." . The Lord makes provision so noone will be excluded from reconcillation.
The healed leper is doing nothing in the process except standing there while the priest does what is required to make him clean. Such as it is when Christ finds us and does the cleansing of our soul.
Verse 33 starts the cleansing of a house process when the house is found to be infected. There is a two step process. First they try to replace the infected rocks and replaster the house. When that does not work, the house must be torn down. v44-45.
References: Romans 4:4-5, Luke 19: 10 Hebrews 9:22, I Corinthians 15: 17
Psalm 32:1 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."
v1 The rites nd sacrifices in cleansingof the leper
v33 The signs of leprosy in a house
v43 The cleansing of that house
Leviticus 14:2 "This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing:..."
A long chapter with provisions for the cleansing of the leper. The process of bringing the cleansed leper back into the tabernacle of the congregation is given. Also, allowance is made for those who do not have the finances to bring the appropriate offering.
The priest goes forth from the camp and finds a leper healed. v3. Then the cleansing process starts with : two birds alive and clean and cedar wood and scarlet and hyssop. v4.
One of the birds is killed v5 and the other is not. The one to be killed is to be done in an earthen vessel over running water v5 . The living bird and other parts are dipped in the blood of the first bird and then the live bird is set free v6. Then the leper is sprinkled. This sprinkling is done seven times.
The former leper's clothes are to be washed as well as himself v8 and then he is to shave all his bodily hair off. v8
Then on the eighth day v10 two lambs and one ewe lamb and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil and one log of ol v10. The one to be cleaned is presented to the Lord and the sacrifices made. The sacrifices or offerings include a wave offering, sin offering and burnt offering and trespass offering.
The blood is put on the ear, thumb and toe in the appropriate places and the oil applied. v14-18.
Verse 21 deals with the poor who cannot afford the above offerings. One lamb for a trespass is waved and one tenth deal of fine flour v21 mingled with oil and a log of oil, two turtledoves or two young pigeons.
I noticed one passage "...such as he is able to get..." . The Lord makes provision so noone will be excluded from reconcillation.
The healed leper is doing nothing in the process except standing there while the priest does what is required to make him clean. Such as it is when Christ finds us and does the cleansing of our soul.
Verse 33 starts the cleansing of a house process when the house is found to be infected. There is a two step process. First they try to replace the infected rocks and replaster the house. When that does not work, the house must be torn down. v44-45.
References: Romans 4:4-5, Luke 19: 10 Hebrews 9:22, I Corinthians 15: 17
Psalm 32:1 "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."
Friday, August 03, 2007
Leprosy (Signs and Treatment) Leviticus 13
Leviticus 13:9 "When the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought unto the priest;"
The laws and tokens whereby the priest is to be guided in discerning the leprosy.
If anyone ask you where the Bible talks about leprosy, you can tell them it is discussed in detail starting with Leviticus 13.
Leper: a person afflicted with leprosy, a disgusting disease still common in Egypt, Syria and other Eastern countries. Comprehensive Bible helps.
The obvious question by some might be: If God knows the disease might afflict the people, why don't he just cast out the disease and heal those who have it? My short answer is: I don't know. Job might have a better understanding than me. My experience with cancer and health that continues to grow worse and two sons with a neurological disease has made me very much aware that bad things happen to people, that are hard to understand. I do not think I have ever blamed the Lord for any of it. I am but clay and deserve no good times but I have had many. I am thankful that we often get mercy where judgment would be justified. Remember the potter working with the clay? Does the clay ever say do not make me so? Or as the Lord told Job, Where were you when I put the thunder in the horses?
From our definition of leper we can see that the disease most likely came from Egypt while the people were enslaved there. That is also where the children of Israel got their idea of worshipping the calf that we studied previously. Fact is, it was sin that brought disease and such into the world. It is our final redemption that will take it away. When the earth is made anew and judged with fire, things will be different. In the mean time, I suppose man must endure the mess he has made for himself. Of course, we know that the Lord will help along the way and that is what the alert and actions to be taken with leprosy is all about. The actions are not only for worship purposes but will also help prevent the spread of the disease.
What did leprosy look like?
v3 " And the priest shall look on the plague in teh skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy:"
It might be leprosy.
v4 "If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:
After the seven days, the priest checks to see if the spot has changed. Then seven more days the person is 'shut up' and afterward checked. If the spot has not changed, he is pronounced clean but if the spot spreads, it is pronounced leprosy and the person is said to be unclean.
Later, when leprosy has progressed to the point of covering all his flesh v13 ."...he shall pronounce him clean..." it is all turned white: he is clean."
From reading this I conclude that the disease is catching if the skin is raw and running. Once it is full blown and white there seems to be no danger of contamination.
The instructions read like a medical book. Instructions are given right down to the disposition of the clothing. The different variations of the appearance of the disease are given. It also covers the symptoms for when it is not leprosy.
The priest is doing the part of a doctor here as well as his priestly duties. I expect the priest whole thoughts are filled with those of whether something is clean or unclean from the offerings to the health of the people.
Proverbs 8:8-9 "All the words of my mouth are in righteousness, there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth and right to them that find knowledge."
The laws and tokens whereby the priest is to be guided in discerning the leprosy.
If anyone ask you where the Bible talks about leprosy, you can tell them it is discussed in detail starting with Leviticus 13.
Leper: a person afflicted with leprosy, a disgusting disease still common in Egypt, Syria and other Eastern countries. Comprehensive Bible helps.
The obvious question by some might be: If God knows the disease might afflict the people, why don't he just cast out the disease and heal those who have it? My short answer is: I don't know. Job might have a better understanding than me. My experience with cancer and health that continues to grow worse and two sons with a neurological disease has made me very much aware that bad things happen to people, that are hard to understand. I do not think I have ever blamed the Lord for any of it. I am but clay and deserve no good times but I have had many. I am thankful that we often get mercy where judgment would be justified. Remember the potter working with the clay? Does the clay ever say do not make me so? Or as the Lord told Job, Where were you when I put the thunder in the horses?
From our definition of leper we can see that the disease most likely came from Egypt while the people were enslaved there. That is also where the children of Israel got their idea of worshipping the calf that we studied previously. Fact is, it was sin that brought disease and such into the world. It is our final redemption that will take it away. When the earth is made anew and judged with fire, things will be different. In the mean time, I suppose man must endure the mess he has made for himself. Of course, we know that the Lord will help along the way and that is what the alert and actions to be taken with leprosy is all about. The actions are not only for worship purposes but will also help prevent the spread of the disease.
What did leprosy look like?
v3 " And the priest shall look on the plague in teh skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy:"
It might be leprosy.
v4 "If the bright spot be white in the skin of his flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and the hair thereof be not turned white; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague seven days:
After the seven days, the priest checks to see if the spot has changed. Then seven more days the person is 'shut up' and afterward checked. If the spot has not changed, he is pronounced clean but if the spot spreads, it is pronounced leprosy and the person is said to be unclean.
Later, when leprosy has progressed to the point of covering all his flesh v13 ."...he shall pronounce him clean..." it is all turned white: he is clean."
From reading this I conclude that the disease is catching if the skin is raw and running. Once it is full blown and white there seems to be no danger of contamination.
The instructions read like a medical book. Instructions are given right down to the disposition of the clothing. The different variations of the appearance of the disease are given. It also covers the symptoms for when it is not leprosy.
The priest is doing the part of a doctor here as well as his priestly duties. I expect the priest whole thoughts are filled with those of whether something is clean or unclean from the offerings to the health of the people.
Proverbs 8:8-9 "All the words of my mouth are in righteousness, there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth and right to them that find knowledge."
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Law of Motherhood Leviticus 12
Leviticus 12:6 "And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest. v7 Who shall offer it before the Lord and make an atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female."
Outline:
v1 The purfication of women after childbirth
v6 Her offerings for her purifying
Psalm 51:5 "Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."
John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
Here in chapter 12 childbirth is dealt with. I do not claim to understand the necessity for the offering. I can only remember that humanity is soiled with sin since the garden of Eden. I do not believe this chapter condemns childbirth in anyway. It simply deals with the facts surrounding the giving of birth. Even though, it is a beautiful thing to bring new life into the world, as I said, man is still tainted with sin and the pain of childbirth was one of the curses in the garden.
We might notice that the offering was for the woman and not the child.
Other than that, circumcision is mentioned in v3.
Proverbs 18:22 "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord."
Outline:
v1 The purfication of women after childbirth
v6 Her offerings for her purifying
Psalm 51:5 "Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."
John 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
Here in chapter 12 childbirth is dealt with. I do not claim to understand the necessity for the offering. I can only remember that humanity is soiled with sin since the garden of Eden. I do not believe this chapter condemns childbirth in anyway. It simply deals with the facts surrounding the giving of birth. Even though, it is a beautiful thing to bring new life into the world, as I said, man is still tainted with sin and the pain of childbirth was one of the curses in the garden.
We might notice that the offering was for the woman and not the child.
Other than that, circumcision is mentioned in v3.
Proverbs 18:22 "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord."
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Law of the Beasts Leviticus 11
Leviticus 11:46-47 "This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth; To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten."
Outline:
v1-What beasts may
v4-and what may not be eaten
v9-What fishes
v13 What fowls
v29 The creeping things which are unclean
theocracy: government by officials regarded to be divinely inspired. The Merriam Webster Dictionary
Israel was under such a government.
In chapter 11 we find a list of clean and unclean animals. The clean could be eaten, the unclean could not. We are most familiar with the Jewish law that forbids eating swine or pigs. There were many others which were not to be eaten or even touched. Procedures were put in place to remove the uncleaniness in case of accidental touching.
I do not know the habits of all those listed as unclean but many I do recognize are scavengers, that is they dispose of waste or refuse(Webster). That is many eat dead animals and such. The catfish does not have scales but does have fins. Both are required to make it clean. They tell me a catfish scours the bottom of water bodies for dead creatures making it a scavenger.
There are others mentioned that have paws and are considered unclean. You've seen the nature channel. They sometimes come upon dead carcasses and eat them.
I do not venture to understand the mind of God in putting forth this law. It does make sense to me knowing the habits of some of these animals. We should remember that these people were living very close together while wondering in the wilderness. They moved often as well. Cleaniness would have be paramount to their survival. So many of these laws also have social implications.
I found one passage that raised a question in my mind and if I run across the answer, I will try to remember to print it here.
v20 "All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you."
I've been trying to think of a flying creature that has four legs and have drawn a blank so far. I find it interesting that bone evidence by some evolutionist insist that four legged creatures that flew were from prehistoric times. To bad they don't believe the Bible. It would solve some of their problems with dating such creatures.
Some of them could be eaten v21 which had legs above their feet, to leap withal which included the locust and other such creatures. v22. So maybe that was the type of fowl mentioned in v20. I suppose a mosquito would be one not to eat. I've always thought of fowl as birds, turkeys, chickens and such.
Interesting chapter. Christians are not under the law now but we can still pay attention to the common sense these chapters give us.
Psalm 121:1 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."
Outline:
v1-What beasts may
v4-and what may not be eaten
v9-What fishes
v13 What fowls
v29 The creeping things which are unclean
theocracy: government by officials regarded to be divinely inspired. The Merriam Webster Dictionary
Israel was under such a government.
In chapter 11 we find a list of clean and unclean animals. The clean could be eaten, the unclean could not. We are most familiar with the Jewish law that forbids eating swine or pigs. There were many others which were not to be eaten or even touched. Procedures were put in place to remove the uncleaniness in case of accidental touching.
I do not know the habits of all those listed as unclean but many I do recognize are scavengers, that is they dispose of waste or refuse(Webster). That is many eat dead animals and such. The catfish does not have scales but does have fins. Both are required to make it clean. They tell me a catfish scours the bottom of water bodies for dead creatures making it a scavenger.
There are others mentioned that have paws and are considered unclean. You've seen the nature channel. They sometimes come upon dead carcasses and eat them.
I do not venture to understand the mind of God in putting forth this law. It does make sense to me knowing the habits of some of these animals. We should remember that these people were living very close together while wondering in the wilderness. They moved often as well. Cleaniness would have be paramount to their survival. So many of these laws also have social implications.
I found one passage that raised a question in my mind and if I run across the answer, I will try to remember to print it here.
v20 "All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you."
I've been trying to think of a flying creature that has four legs and have drawn a blank so far. I find it interesting that bone evidence by some evolutionist insist that four legged creatures that flew were from prehistoric times. To bad they don't believe the Bible. It would solve some of their problems with dating such creatures.
Some of them could be eaten v21 which had legs above their feet, to leap withal which included the locust and other such creatures. v22. So maybe that was the type of fowl mentioned in v20. I suppose a mosquito would be one not to eat. I've always thought of fowl as birds, turkeys, chickens and such.
Interesting chapter. Christians are not under the law now but we can still pay attention to the common sense these chapters give us.
Psalm 121:1 "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."
Kaphar Leviticus 10 Footnote
v17 "Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord?"
I'm told in Scofield's notes that the Hebrew word is kaphar meaning covering.
It makes a difference in how it was in the old testament where sin was covered while in the new testament sin is taken away and nailed to his cross.
Colossians 2:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;"
I'm told in Scofield's notes that the Hebrew word is kaphar meaning covering.
It makes a difference in how it was in the old testament where sin was covered while in the new testament sin is taken away and nailed to his cross.
Colossians 2:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;"
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