Leviticus 8
Details are given here of Aaron and his sons' ordination as
priests. They were set-apart (consecrated) to the Lord's service.
The anointing with oil symbolized this 10-12. Blood was applied to
the right ear lobe, thumb of the right hand, and big toe of the
right foot 22-24. This suggests that they would hear the Word of
the Lord and carry it out where ever they they go. Both the oil and
blood were sprinkled on their garments as well 30. The blood (of
Christ) and the oil (of the Holy Spirit) must be applied so that
one's service may be acceptable to the Lord 28.
Leviticus 9
Aaron offers his first sacrifices as priest. First for himself and
then for the people 8,15. The glory of God appears and consumes the
sacrifice 23-24. The response of the people is to shout for joy and
to fall on their faces 24. This is the proper balance in worship;
Joy in the Lord for who He is and what He does, mixed with
reverence, awe, and holy fear ! Note: Ask yourself - When was the
last time I was on my face before God in worship ?
Leviticus 10
Nadab and Abihu were consumed (put to death) by the Lord for
offering unauthorized (strange) fire before the Lord. 1-3. God is
holy and is to be approached as such. Wiersbe suggests that this
was so swift and sever because all their actions were a willful act
of pride, which may have included drunkenness (implied by the
prohibition in 8-9). I would note the contrast with the failure on
Aaron's part in 16-20. Note: The priests were to teach what was
holy and what was common, what was clean and what was unclean
10-11.
Leviticus 11
The various instructions which follow are intended by the Lord to
be tangible and visual ways by which the people will understand the
concepts of holy and unholy, clean and unclean. He calls His people
to be holy in conduct. Notice these are 'unclean for you' 4-8 (5x).
Why...because the Lord says so ! God says not only to avoid eating
things, but actively 'detest' certain things 10-13. Those who
violate these commands would be ceremonially unclean until evening
24,25,28,31,40. This would limit their participation in the
tabernacle worship and interaction with other people. Another way
of stating this would be that violation made one 'defiled'. God
said His people were to do these things and live in these ways
because He is holy 44. He calls them to be holy 45. (meaning
set-part, distinct, separate, above what is common and ordinary)
They were to reflect the holiness of God in their conduct and
realize that only God can make them holy in their character. Note:
God must do this for us. None of us can be holy in and of
ourselves.
Leviticus 12
After child birth a woman would be unclean for a specific amount of
time which differs depending on whether a boy or girl was born. The
time was spent in seclusion. At the conclusion of the time a
sacrifice was offered which made atonement and made clean 6-8.
Leviticus 13
Skin diseases and infections were to be examined by the priests.
Leprosy, being the most serious, resulted in total isolation 44-46.
Note: This is an appropriate illustration of sin which is incurable
by human means and requires that one be cleansed (Scofield) (see:1
John 1:9). God also gave instructions concerning mildew when it is
present and spreads 47-59. If spreading or even unchanged the
article was to be destroyed by fire 52,55,57. This shows us that
all of life (from the most personal -the body, to the items
possessed) is to be governed in vital connection to God
(represented by the priests) There is also the practical aspect of
preventing the spread of sickness and disease.
Leviticus 14
A person who is healed of his disease which made him unclean and
isolated was to wash his clothes, shave, and bathe, then
return to camp 1-8. Both a guilt offering and sin offering were to
be sacrificed. The blood and the oil were to be applied to the
right ear lobe, the right thumb, and big toe on the right foot.
14-18. (see comments on chapter 8). This was done to make atonement
for him 18-19. God makes provision for the poor in these matters
also 21-31. Houses were to be examined by the priests when mildew
was suspected. It was to be cleansed according to God's
instructions 39-45. Atonement is to be made for the house 53
??? Note: I am not sure of the meaning of all these
regulations. May be one suggestion I would make is that everything
is impacted by the fall and is only made right (and will be
in the news heavens and new earth) through the perfect and final
sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Leviticus 15
This chapter regulates both men 1-18 and women 19-23 and the both
of them 24-33 in the most personal and intimate matters concerning
the body. It must be remembered that what is being addressed here
is not condemnation for that which is sinful, but ceremonial
uncleanness. The Lord was impressing on Israel the truth of
separation, holiness, and the serious and far reaching result of
His presence in their midst 31. Note: Are you and I this conscious
of the Lord in the most personal matters of life ?