Leviticus 7:19

Commentary on Leviticus 7:19

Leviticus 7:19 is part of a detailed set of instructions concerning the peace offering (shelamim), which was a voluntary sacrifice offered to God for various reasons, including thanksgiving, a vow, or a freewill offering. This verse specifically addresses the handling of the sacrificial meat, emphasizing the critical importance of ritual purity within the Israelite worship system.

Context

This verse is found within the broader regulations for offerings and sacrifices in the book of Leviticus, particularly within chapters 6 and 7, which detail the procedures for priests and worshippers regarding burnt offerings, grain offerings, sin offerings, trespass offerings, and peace offerings. The peace offering was unique in that a portion of the meat was returned to the worshipper and the priest to be eaten, symbolizing fellowship with God. Because it was holy food, consecrated to the Lord, meticulous rules governed its consumption. The concept of "clean" and "unclean" was fundamental to Israelite religious and daily life, establishing boundaries for interaction with the sacred and maintaining the community's holiness before God. This distinction is elaborated upon in other parts of the Mosaic Law, such as the dietary laws found in Leviticus chapter 11.

Key Themes

• Holiness and Purity: The verse underscores God's absolute demand for holiness and ritual purity in all matters related to His worship and sacred things. Any defilement of the sacrificial meat rendered it unfit for consumption and required its destruction by fire.
• Separation: It highlights the clear distinction God established between that which is holy and that which is common or profane, and between the clean (Hebrew: tahor) and the unclean (Hebrew: tameh). This separation was essential for maintaining a right relationship with a holy God.
• Obedience and Reverence: The strict command to burn defiled meat and allow only the clean to eat reinforces the necessity of strict obedience to God's commands and a deep reverence for His sanctity. Disregard for these laws could have serious consequences, as seen in the account of Nadab and Abihu.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "unclean" is tameh (טָמֵא), referring to a state of ritual impurity that disqualified a person or object from participating in sacred activities or coming into contact with holy things. Conversely, "clean" is tahor (טָהוֹר), denoting ritual purity and fitness for sacred interaction. The "flesh" (Hebrew: basar - בָּשָׂר) in this context refers specifically to the meat of the sacrifice. The command that it "shall be burnt with fire" indicates a complete removal and destruction of the defiled element, preventing any contamination of the holy space or the people.

Practical Application

While the Old Testament laws concerning ritual purity are not binding on New Covenant believers in the same literal way (as Christ's sacrifice has fulfilled them, Hebrews 9:13-14), the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant.

• Spiritual Purity: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature as a holy God who demands holiness from His people. For believers today, this translates to a call for spiritual purity—guarding our hearts, minds, and actions from defilement by sin (2 Corinthians 6:17).
• Discernment: Just as the Israelites had to discern between clean and unclean food, believers are called to exercise spiritual discernment, avoiding influences, teachings, or practices that are spiritually defiling or compromise our walk with God.
• Reverence in Worship: Our approach to God in worship and service should always be marked by reverence and a desire for personal holiness. The integrity of our spiritual "offerings"—our prayers, praise, service, and lives—is important to Him.