THE PRIESTS MUST NOT DEFILE THEMSELVES UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. The priesthood was the essential link between Yahweh and His people. They were therefore to be especially careful in the maintenance of holiness so that they might fulfil their functions before a holy God. Great was their privilege... [ Continue Reading ]
THUS HE IS TO BE KEPT APART FROM THE RUN OF MEN (LEVITICUS 21:8). Leviticus 21:8 “You (s) shall sanctify him therefore; for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I, Yahweh, who sanctify you, am holy.” These words are spoken to either Moses or Israel as a whole. Yahweh is t... [ Continue Reading ]
THE BEHAVIOUR OF PRIESTS' DAUGHTERS (LEVITICUS 21:9). Leviticus 21:9 “And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the harlot, she profanes her father. She shall be burned with fire.” The thought of the priest not marrying a prostitute leads on to the possible danger of a pri... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SPECIAL CASE OF THE HIGH PRIEST (LEVITICUS 21:10). There was one for whom there were no exceptions. His position was so high and so privileged that he must seek to avoid all contact with death under any circumstance. Leviticus 21:10 “And he who is the high priest among his brothers, on whose... [ Continue Reading ]
NO BLEMISHED PERSON MAY BE A FULLY OFFICIATING PRIEST (LEVITICUS 21:16). The reason for this requirement is to bring out that only what is ‘perfect' may directly enter the sanctuary of Yahweh, or serve in it, demonstrating the perfection of the sanctuary. The relationship to God of the blemished pr... [ Continue Reading ]