Week 6 Leviticus 12:1 to Numbers 1:1
Lev 14 The priest performed ceremonies for a person having skin diseases cleansed that are similar to those for sin. This shows a correlation between physical and spiritual.
Was there significance of remaining unclean until evening? Evening (sunset) is the beginning of the next day.
Many of the instructions are also good health advice.
Lev 19:10 Not a handout mentality, the poor and foreigners still needed to do some work to get the benefits from the farmers’ fields.
Lev 19:19 Just say NO to GMO!
Lev 22:9 A very strict death penalty for priests for not following God’s instructions. God demands more from those closer to Him.
Lev 25 the seventh year and jubilee land rest still allowed for eating of what grows on its own in that year. One could plant and leave select crops in the preceding year(s) and potentially have much to pick from in the seventh and eighth.
With some understanding of crop cycles and after reading through this portion multiple times and discussing with Shannon, I have a different perspective. I had in the past only considered that there would be such a great harvest in the 6th year that it would be stored up and sustain till the 8th. Perhaps a fuller understanding of “I will appoint my blessing for you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years” can also mean that a crop will continue to produce, either by self-seeding or multiyear production to provide during the time of rest. There is prohibition for “reaping” and “harvesting” which I conclude is heavy work. This prohibition may also include not storing up or selling of “rest” produce. It is supposed to be restful, for the land and man and beast, an enjoyable eating by hand experience of what grows on its own at peak freshness. This would also leave some seed in the field to remain and produce the next year. The land rest traditionally begins in the fall so this could allow self-seeding for the spring. Matt 12:1 shows an example of Yeshua / Jesus with the disciples picking and eating on the Sabbath in a leisurely way which I would consider an example for the year of land rest. Just like the manna, God provides our needs daily.
Lev 25:23,55 God claims ownership of the land and people.
The regulations around the Jubilee made for some interesting commerce.
Lev 26 The blessings for obedience is great, but the curses for disobedience are progressively destructive. I count 5 separate levels, as disobedience turns to hostility, God brings progressive punishment and destruction. This allows for a change of course by the sinner. Still after all of this God is merciful and allows for repentance and offers acceptance if one is humble before Him.
Next Reading: Week 7 Numbers 1:1 to Numbers 16:1
Timothy I always appreciate your insights & perceptions on Scripture, they are always so unique & enlightening. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis past week has been challenging for me physically, which has challenged my trust in Yahweh's provisions, but not discouraged my faith in His promises, as He is Faithful, and He is my Strength! Though getting up in the morning has been painful, I have found my quiet time (soaking in a hot bath) has been spiritually & physically restorative, so Yea! Here are a few of my insights while reading through the rest of Leviticus.
ReplyDeleteOne of my other devotionals had this quote for the day, which correlates with my Bible reading for the day. "The rules of Leviticus tell how to avoid uncleanness. Contact with Jesus, makes the unclean, clean."
Lev 15 - Speaks about how just being human, with natural bodily functions or emissions makes one "unclean" and unable to come into Yahweh's presence for 7 days, with the 8th day requiring a sacrifice & washing in water to cleanse. I'm so thankful that Christ's sacrifice on behalf of my uncleanness, cleanses me & I can approach the Father all the time!
Lev 16 - Atonement was made once a year, blood sprinkled & sins laid upon the head of a goat, that was released into the desert for the sins of the nation. Once a year, every year. Thank You Yahweh for the shed blood of Jesus, our sins laid on Him, & Him being sent into Hell in Victorious Triumph over it & death, on my behalf, once and for all times! Thank You for the everlasting atoning sacrifice of Christ for me. Thank You!
Lev 17 - Sacrifices made in the camp or outside of it instead of bringing it to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting to present it properly as a sacrifice to Yahweh was forbidden. So was drinking or eating blood forbidden. Reading these brought about an interesting train of thought for me, and I pray I can articulate it in such a way as to bless & encourage the reader.
ReplyDeleteTimothy referenced the Book of James last week, and the power of the tongue to speak blessings (life), or to speak curses (death) 3:10. Jesus said that just speaking a curse against anyone, was the equivalent of murder Matt 5:21-22. In light of these references the "train of my thought left the station". Taking matters into my own hands & defending myself is the same as drinking the "blood" of my offender, because life is in the blood. Taking action against someone who has offended or hurt me is equal to a burnt offering on the altar of self which is a sin against God & wrong. My speech, when angered or inconvenienced, speaks death, making me unclean. Similarly, if I choose to bring that offense, or offender to the altar of God, in an act of forgiveness, it nullifies the power of their offense over me, cleansing me, and initiating cleansing on their behalf. That offense is burned up, gone, so that God is then able to start working in their life as well. Prov 25:21-22 So my train of thought ends at this final station: I should bring all my "uncleanness", whether it be on my part, and or on the part of others, to the altar of Yahweh, allowing Him to bring about cleansing for all involved.
Lev 21 - The rules for priests and what would exclude a person from being a priest. It is interesting to note that during Jesus' time here on earth, He made it a point, as the True High Priest, to minister to every type of person who wasn't allowed to be a priest, those who would make an existing priest unclean, and those who were not allowed to come into the Holy place. He touched them all, making them all clean and holy, taking away every defect that would prevent them from coming before His Father. Better yet, He still does and calls us into the priesthood! I Peter 2:9
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy for your insightful comments, it is much appreciated!
ReplyDelete