Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When any man hath a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean. And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness. Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean: and every thing, whereon he sitteth, shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth his bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And he that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And what saddle soever he rideth upon that hath the issue shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth any thing that was under him shall be unclean until the even: and he that beareth any of those things shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And whomsoever he toucheth that hath the issue, and hath not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even(Lev. 15:2-11).
As we read through the first half of chapter 15 of the Book of Leviticus, we find God’s protective nature once again on full display. Verses 2 – 15 address the law of clean vs unclean in relation to abnormal bodily discharges in men (discharges of pus, blood, or other fluids not related to normal semen emission or regular bodily function). After reading through these verses, take a moment to compare them to verses 16 – 18, which cover the law in relation to normal emissions. In both instances, the man was considered to be ritually unclean—his attention had been drawn from God and focused instead on his own carnal nature—but the laws concerning the unnatural discharge were designed in such a way that they isolated and protected both the sufferer and the community at large.
As long as the discharge was evident, the man was to avoid physical contact with others. This included incidental contact, like spittle, or contact through a secondary source, such as contaminated bedding or seating. If contact were to occur, then the other person had to immediately bathe, change, wash their clothing, and hold themselves apart from others for a day. Anything the sufferer used or touched in any way was considered unclean and had to be washed or destroyed. Finally, the sufferer had to be free of his affliction for seven days before He could seek spiritual purification from the priests.
The more we delve into His Word, the more we will find that God’s care for us is not and never has been limited solely to our spiritual well-being. He is involved in every aspect of our lives. No matter what the situation, we will always be able to find guidance and support within the pages of His Word.
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh(Prov. 4:20-22).
Thought For TodayGod cares for us in all ways—spiritually, mentally, and physically. Never hesitate to lay your problems at His feet.
Word Studies14:8 tarry abroad = delay outside, stay outside his tent; 14:23 unto = in front; 14:32 whose hand is not able = who cannot afford; 14:38 shut up = quarantine; 14:41 within round about = all around inside; 15:19 put apart = keep separate, in a state of impurity.
Christ Portrayed:By the priest who made atonement for a cleansed leper (Lev. 14:20). Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation) (Rom. 5:11).
Pray For Government Official:Rep. Brendan Boyle (PA), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ) • Country: St. Helena, Ascension, & Tristan da Cunha (7,776) South Atlantic Ocean • Major Language: English • Religious Freedom • Protestant; Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently (Is. 62:6).
Optional Reading:Mark 9