Leviticus 11:45

Context of Leviticus 11:45

Leviticus 11 concludes a detailed chapter outlining the dietary laws given to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals. These laws were not merely about hygiene or health; they served a deeper spiritual purpose. Verse 45 provides the theological foundation and ultimate reason for all such purity regulations: Israel's special covenant relationship with the LORD, grounded in His character and their deliverance from bondage. It places the specific commands within the broader framework of God's redemptive history and His expectation of His chosen people.

Key Themes and Messages

• God's Redemptive Act as Foundation: The verse begins by reminding Israel, "For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt." This highlights God's foundational act of salvation, the Exodus, which established His authority and their covenant relationship. Their obedience and holiness are a direct response to His prior grace and deliverance.
• The Divine Imperative for Holiness: The core command is "ye shall therefore be holy." This is a direct command from God, urging His people to mirror His own nature. Israel's distinctiveness as God's people was to be evident not only in their worship but also in their daily lives, including what they ate.
• God's Intrinsic Holiness: The reason given for their holiness is profound: "for I am holy." God's holiness (Hebrew: qadosh) is His essential nature – His absolute purity, moral perfection, and distinctness from all creation and sin. Israel's call to holiness is thus a call to reflect His character and maintain their separation from the defilements of the surrounding pagan nations.
• Covenant Relationship: The phrase "to be your God" underscores the intimate and exclusive relationship God desired with Israel. Their holiness was a necessary component of this covenant, allowing them to remain in fellowship with a holy God. This concept is central to the entire book of Leviticus, which often focuses on maintaining purity to facilitate God's presence among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The repeated word "holy" (Hebrew: qadosh) is central to this verse and the entire book of Leviticus. It signifies "set apart," "consecrated," or "distinct." When applied to God, it speaks of His unique, transcendent nature, utterly separate from all commonness, impurity, and sin. When applied to people, it means being set apart for God's purposes and from the common, defiled practices of the world. It implies dedication, purity, and moral integrity, reflecting God's own character.

Practical Application

While the specific dietary laws of Leviticus 11 are not binding on New Testament believers (as clarified in Mark 7:19 and Acts 10:15), the underlying principle of holiness remains profoundly relevant. The call to be holy is reiterated in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Peter 1:15-16), not based on dietary restrictions, but on moral and spiritual purity. As God delivered Israel from Egypt, He has delivered believers from the bondage of sin through Christ. Therefore, our lives should reflect His holiness, being set apart for Him and distinguished from the values and practices of the world. This involves pursuing righteousness, shunning evil, and dedicating our lives to God's glory, recognizing that our holiness is a response to His saving grace and His own perfect nature.