Leviticus 22:8

Leviticus 22:8 is a foundational verse within the Mosaic Law, specifically addressing the dietary regulations for the priests of Israel. It states: "That which dieth of itself, or is torn [with beasts], he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I [am] the LORD." This prohibition was crucial for maintaining the ritual purity and sanctity of those who served God directly.

Context

This verse is found within a section of Leviticus (chapters 21-22) that outlines the specific laws and regulations pertaining to the holiness of the priesthood and the proper handling of holy things. The priests were set apart to mediate between God and the people, and their lives, including their diet, had to reflect a high standard of purity. Eating animals that died naturally (carrion) or were killed by wild beasts was considered defiling because the blood had not been properly drained, or the animal was not killed according to prescribed methods. Such consumption would render a priest ritually unclean, preventing him from participating in sacred duties or eating from the holy offerings.

Key Themes and Messages

• Holiness and Purity: The primary theme is the call to holiness, particularly for those in sacred service. God demands a distinction between the clean and the unclean, reflecting His own holy character. This verse underscores the importance of being holy as God is holy.
• Avoiding Defilement: The prohibition against eating certain types of meat was to prevent ritual defilement (Hebrew: tum'ah). This state of impurity would exclude an individual from the tabernacle community and from partaking in holy food until purification rites were performed.
• Divine Authority: The concluding phrase, "I am the LORD," is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and the basis for all these commandments. It emphasizes that these laws are not arbitrary but are rooted in the character and authority of the covenant-making God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to defile himself therewith" comes from the Hebrew root טָמֵא (ṭamē'), which means to be unclean, defiled, or polluted. This defilement was primarily ceremonial or ritualistic, not necessarily moral, but it still impacted one's ability to approach God or participate in communal worship. The severity of ritual impurity varied, but in this case, it would render the priest unfit for his sacred duties.

Related Scriptures

• Similar dietary laws were given to all Israelites, not just priests. Leviticus 11:40 states, "And he that eateth of the carcase of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even." This shows a broader principle of avoiding defilement from dead animals.
• The emphasis on the sanctity of life and blood is seen in Genesis 9:4, "But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat."

Practical Application

While Christians are no longer bound by the ceremonial dietary laws of the Old Testament (as affirmed in Acts 10:15 and Mark 7:19), the underlying principles remain relevant. This verse reminds us:

• The Importance of Purity: Believers are called to be holy, set apart for God's purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16). This involves a spiritual purity of heart and mind, avoiding practices that defile our conscience or compromise our witness.
• Respect for God's Commands: God's commands, whether ceremonial or moral, are given for our good and for His glory. Our obedience reflects our reverence for His authority.
• Stewardship of the Body: Though the specific dietary rules have changed, the principle of caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) remains.