This chapter is an instruction from God to Aaron the chief priest and his sons concerning their priesthood office.
GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS.
1. That Aaron and his sons should separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not God’s holy name in those things which the children of Israel hallow unto God.
This reminds me of the sons of Eli the priest whose sons behaved like the sons of Belial who had no respect for their priesthood office. They took any portion of the sacrifice from the children of Israel whether it is their own portion or not. They collected it from them by force. They did all other abominable things including drunkenness. That was why God had to warn Aaron and his sons against such misconduct.
2. They should not go into or touch the holy things which the children of Israel have respect for the Name of God and brought into the house of God with their uncleanness.
THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE UNCLEANNESS.
1. Leprosy
2. Having a running issue
3. Touching a dead body.
4., One whose seed is going out from him.
5. Touching any creeping thing.
6. Touching anybody that has uncleanness.
Anybody who falls under these categories should not eat of the hallowed things.
They can only eat of the Holy things when they are healed and cleansed of their leprosy, washed themselves in water and separated themselves until evening.
Verse 7, “And when the sun is down, he shall be clean and shall afterward eat of the Holy things because it is his food.”
Apart from uncleanness, those that should not eat of the Holy or hallowed things of God are:
1. A stranger.
2. Anyone who lives with the priest but not a member of his family.
3. A priest’s daughter who is married to a stranger.
But if the priest’s daughter is a widow, or divorced and has no child and returned to her father’s house as when she was a youth, then she can eat of her father’s meat.
When one considers this chapter, it means that, there are some things that a priest eat which ordinary people should not eat in the house of God.
God is also very particular about the quality of the animals and things for the offering and sacrifice. They should be animals and things without blemish otherwise they will not be acceptable.
So it is better not to give God anyhow thing because He is not anyhow God!
Verse 20 says, “But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer; for it shall not be acceptable for you.”
God is highly principled and well structured in His dealing with human beings!
LESSONS LEARNT.
1. The Priests should be careful about the way they handle the things God’s people bring to worship God in the House of God. They should take their own portion and distribute the rest portions accordingly.
2. They should make sure that they are physically and spirituality clean before they approach the altar to minister. It is good as our ministers in the Sanctuary do wash their hands before administering the Holy Communion!
It shows that our church is well informed in the matter of spiritual and physical cleanliness!
3. The priest should be disciplined in his appetite and personal conduct.
4. We should be careful when we visit a pastor in their house or in the church or in their office and not put our eyes in what they eat but be contented with what they give you/ us.
5. Always give God your best. Do not give God anyhow thing because God is not a poor God. If what you have at hand is not the best, do not give it to God! Did you hear when He called those things that the children of Israel brought to Him ‘ Holy’ and to hallow His Name that is to show respect to His Name? Verses 22- 24.
Shared by Min Peace Edet
