Leviticus 16 to 21 in the King James Bible (KJV) covers essential laws about atonement, holiness, and moral purity for the Israelites. These chapters highlight the importance of living in a way that reflects the holiness of God, especially as His chosen people. The instructions focus on rituals for atonement, rules about sacrifices, sexual morality, and the consecration of the priests. They emphasize the need for holiness not only in worship but in every aspect of life, demonstrating that Israel was called to be distinct from other nations.
Leviticus 16: The Day of Atonement
Leviticus 16 introduces the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a solemn annual event where atonement is made for the sins of Israel. The chapter begins by recounting the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, and stresses that the high priest must enter the Holy of Holies with reverence and according to God’s commands (Leviticus 16:1-2 KJV).
On this day, Aaron (and future high priests) is to offer specific sacrifices to cleanse the sanctuary, the people, and himself:
- Aaron first offers a bull as a Sin Offering for his own sins and those of his household (Leviticus 16:6 KJV).
- Two goats are selected for the nation of Israel: one as a Sin Offering and the other as the scapegoat. The blood of the sacrificed goat is sprinkled on the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies to atone for the people’s sins (Leviticus 16:15-16 KJV). The scapegoat, symbolically bearing the sins of the people, is released into the wilderness, removing their sins from the camp (Leviticus 16:20-22 KJV).
This chapter emphasizes the central idea of atonement and purification, illustrating how serious sin is and how necessary it is to approach God through proper sacrifice.
Leviticus 17: The Sacredness of Blood
Leviticus 17 focuses on the importance of blood in the sacrificial system, as well as prohibiting the improper slaughter of animals. God commands that any sacrifice must be brought to the entrance of the Tabernacle and offered in His presence, preventing unauthorized worship or idolatry (Leviticus 17:3-5 KJV).
The chapter also declares that the life of the flesh is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11 KJV), meaning that blood is sacred because it represents life, and it is used to make atonement for sin. Because of its symbolic power, Israel is strictly forbidden from eating blood, and anyone who does so is cut off from the community (Leviticus 17:10-14 KJV). This command reinforces the respect the Israelites were to have for life and the sanctity of blood, particularly in its use in the atonement process.
Leviticus 18: Laws on Sexual Morality
Leviticus 18 sets out specific laws concerning sexual behavior, calling for moral purity and forbidding practices common in surrounding nations. These laws are introduced with a reminder that Israel must not follow the corrupt customs of Egypt or Canaan (Leviticus 18:3 KJV), but instead live by God’s standards of holiness.
The chapter lists various forbidden sexual relations, including incest, adultery, and other immoral acts. Practices such as child sacrifice, particularly offering children to the idol Molech, are also strictly forbidden (Leviticus 18:21 KJV). Additionally, homosexuality and bestiality are condemned as abominations (Leviticus 18:22-23 KJV).
The chapter concludes with a warning that these practices defile not only individuals but the land itself, leading to its eventual punishment. The Israelites are reminded that they are to remain holy, distinct from the nations around them, and avoid the sexual immorality that would bring judgment (Leviticus 18:24-30 KJV).
Leviticus 19: The Holiness Code
Leviticus 19, often referred to as the Holiness Code, provides a comprehensive set of ethical and moral guidelines. These commandments cover a wide range of behaviors, all rooted in the principle, “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2 KJV). This chapter emphasizes that holiness is not limited to religious rituals but encompasses all areas of life.The chapter includes:
Respect for parents and the Sabbath (Leviticus 19:3 KJV).
Prohibitions against idolatry (Leviticus 19:4 KJV).
Instructions to leave some of the harvest for the poor and the stranger, reflecting God’s care for the marginalized (Leviticus 19:9-10 KJV).
The famous commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18 KJV), calling for social justice and fairness.
Prohibitions against practices like lying, stealing, and bearing false witness (Leviticus 19:11-12 KJV).
The chapter also addresses issues like honest weights and measures in commerce, treating the disabled with respect, and avoiding practices associated with pagan worship, such as cutting the body or tattooing (Leviticus 19:26-28 KJV).
Leviticus 19 makes it clear that living in holiness requires both individual and communal righteousness.
Leviticus 20: Punishments for Sin
Leviticus 20 focuses on the penalties for breaking the laws outlined in previous chapters, particularly those involving sexual immorality and idolatry. The chapter begins with a stern prohibition against the sacrifice of children to Molech, prescribing the death penalty for anyone who engages in such practices (Leviticus 20:2-5 KJV).
The chapter also prescribes death or exile for various sexual sins, including incest, adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality (Leviticus 20:10-16 KJV). These strict penalties emphasize that sexual purity is vital to the community’s holiness and relationship with God.
In addition to sexual sins, there are penalties for consulting with mediums or wizards, as these practices are seen as acts of rebellion against God (Leviticus 20:27 KJV).
The chapter concludes with a reminder that Israel is set apart by God to be holy, distinct from other nations. “Ye shall therefore put difference between clean beasts and unclean” (Leviticus 20:25 KJV). The holiness of the nation is directly tied to its obedience to God’s commands, and failure to maintain purity results in being cut off from the community.
Leviticus 21: Holiness of the Priests
Leviticus 21 shifts focus to the priests, outlining special rules to maintain their purity and holiness since they serve as mediators between God and the people. As leaders of worship, the priests are held to a higher standard than the general population.
Priests are forbidden from making themselves unclean by touching a dead body, except in the case of close relatives (Leviticus 21:1-4 KJV).
The high priest is held to an even stricter standard and must not defile himself for anyone, not even his closest relatives (Leviticus 21:10-12 KJV).
The priests must marry women who are virgins and are prohibited from marrying prostitutes or women who have been divorced (Leviticus 21:7-14 KJV).
Additionally, any priest with a physical defect is not permitted to offer sacrifices, though they are still allowed to eat the holy offerings (Leviticus 21:17-23 KJV). This reflects the idea that those who serve in God’s presence must be without blemish, symbolizing spiritual perfection and holiness.
Conclusion
Leviticus 16 to 21 emphasizes the critical theme of holiness in every aspect of life—ritual, moral, and ethical. From the sacred Day of Atonement to the everyday actions of individuals and priests, these chapters reflect God’s desire for His people to live in a way that honors His holiness. Whether through the purity of their worship, their sexual behavior, or their social conduct, the Israelites are called to be distinct, set apart for God. By adhering to these laws, they demonstrate their dedication to God and maintain a right relationship with Him.
These chapters remind us that holiness is comprehensive, involving both our actions toward God and our relationships with others. They also highlight the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement, pointing to the broader biblical theme of redemption.
