Leviticus 7:20 – “But if anyone who is unclean eats any meat of the fellowship offering belonging to the Lord, they must be cut off from their people.”
Extended Explanation
Leviticus 7:20 provides a serious warning about the consequences of eating the meat of the fellowship offering while in a state of ceremonial uncleanness. The verse makes it clear that anyone who is unclean and partakes in this sacred meal must be “cut off” from their community. This phrase, “cut off from their people,” likely means that the person would be excommunicated from the community, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the offense.
The command highlights the holiness of the fellowship offering, which was dedicated to God and meant to be shared in a state of purity and reverence. The act of eating this meat while unclean would defile the offering and show a deep disregard for the sanctity of God’s laws. The severe consequence of being cut off reflects the importance of approaching God and participating in sacred acts with the proper respect and purity.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, the concept of ceremonial cleanness and uncleanness was central to the community’s religious life. These laws, outlined in Leviticus, governed many aspects of daily life, including diet, health, and worship. Being ceremonially unclean was not necessarily a moral failing but could result from various natural or unavoidable circumstances, such as touching a dead body or having a skin disease.
The fellowship offering, or peace offering, was a voluntary act of worship that symbolized peace and communion with God. This offering was unique because it involved a communal meal shared by the worshiper, the priest, and others, representing fellowship with God and the community. Because of the sacred nature of this meal, it was crucial that those who participated were ceremonially clean, ensuring that the offering was kept pure and that God’s presence was honored.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Leviticus 7:20 emphasizes the seriousness of purity in worship and the consequences of approaching God with irreverence. The command to cut off anyone who eats the fellowship offering while unclean underscores the principle that God’s holiness must be respected. This verse teaches that worship is not just a casual or routine activity but an act of entering into the presence of a holy God, which requires preparation and purity.
This verse also highlights the importance of community in the life of faith. The consequence of being cut off from the people indicates that impurity not only affects the individual but also has repercussions for the entire community. It serves as a reminder that our actions, particularly in worship, have a broader impact on those around us and that maintaining purity is essential for the health and holiness of the entire community.
Literary Analysis
Leviticus 7:20 is part of the larger body of laws and regulations in the book of Leviticus that governs the sacrificial system and the concept of holiness. The verse is direct and prescriptive, with a clear command and a severe consequence. The use of the phrase “cut off from their people” adds weight to the instruction, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
The structure of the verse, which contrasts the holy nature of the offering with the defilement of uncleanness, highlights the tension between purity and impurity. This literary contrast serves to reinforce the importance of adhering to God’s commands and maintaining the sanctity of the offerings.
Biblical Cross-References
A relevant cross-reference is found in Leviticus 22:3, where God instructs that any descendant of Aaron who is unclean and comes near the holy offerings must be cut off from His presence. This passage echoes the principle seen in Leviticus 7:20, emphasizing the importance of purity in handling sacred things. Another important reference is found in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, where Paul warns that anyone who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. This New Testament passage reflects a similar concern for purity and reverence in participating in sacred acts.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Leviticus 7:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. While the specific laws about ceremonial cleanness do not apply in the same way, the principle behind them remains relevant. This verse challenges believers to consider the state of their hearts when they come to worship and to ensure that they are not taking part in sacred activities lightly or carelessly.
This verse also encourages Christians to think about the impact of their actions on the broader community of faith. Just as the impurity of one person could defile the fellowship offering and affect the entire community, so too can our actions and attitudes impact the health and holiness of the church. Maintaining a pure and reverent approach to worship is essential for fostering a community that honors God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Leviticus 7:20 reflects God’s love in that He provides clear guidelines for how His people are to approach Him in worship. By establishing boundaries and consequences, God protects the holiness of His worship and ensures that His people understand the seriousness of entering His presence. This verse shows that God’s love is not only about kindness and mercy but also about guiding His people toward a life of holiness that reflects His character.
God’s love is also evident in the way He cares for the community as a whole. By enforcing rules that maintain purity in worship, God ensures that the entire community can enjoy a relationship with Him that is untainted by impurity or irreverence. This command reflects God’s desire for His people to live in a way that honors Him and fosters a healthy, holy community.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Leviticus 7:20 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law and made a way for believers to approach God with confidence. Through His sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for those who were once unclean to be cleansed and to enter into God’s presence without fear of being cut off. Hebrews 10:19-22 speaks of this new access, saying, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
Through Jesus, believers are made clean and are called to live in a way that reflects this new status. The call to purity and reverence in worship remains, but it is now grounded in the finished work of Christ, who has made us holy through His blood.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Leviticus 7:20 challenge you to think about the reverence and purity with which you approach worship?
- In what ways can you ensure that your heart and actions are aligned with God’s call to holiness when participating in sacred activities?
- How does this verse encourage you to consider the impact of your actions on the broader community of faith?
- What can you learn from the connection between the Old Testament laws of purity and Jesus’ work of cleansing and sanctifying His people?