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Leviticus 19 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
We read some strange laws in this chapter that are not easily understood by our culture. Skeptics love to point out the bizarre laws found in Leviticus and accuse Christians of not following them. When understood in the proper context, they make a lot more sense. Let’s look at a few examples.
“When you kill an animal for a fellowship offering, keep the regulations that I have given you, and I will accept the offering. 6 The meat must be eaten on the day the animal is killed or on the next day. Any meat left on the third day must be burned, 7 because it is ritually unclean, and if anyone eats it, I will not accept the offering. 8 Any who eat it will be guilty of treating as ordinary what is dedicated to me, and they will no longer be considered my people.
Leviticus 19:5-8 GNB
This one is a little bit obvious because we no longer participate in animal sacrifices. Under the New Covenant, Christ is the ultimate sacrifice for His church.
“Obey my commands. Do not crossbreed domestic animals. Do not plant two kinds of seed in the same field. Do not wear clothes made of two kinds of material.”
Leviticus 19:19 GNB
This is known as the “law of mixtures.” It would seem that we shouldn’t plant corn next to tomatoes in our garden or wear shirts that are mixed with polyester and cotton. Again, this is where context is important. Pagan cultures would typically mix things together in order to produce a certain magical power. The custom itself was a slippery slope for Israel whom God wanted to remain separate and holy as opposed to other nations. However, today there are most definitely aspects of mixing truth that should be avoided by modern-day Christians.
Do not cut the hair on the sides of your head or trim your beard 28 or tattoo yourselves or cut gashes in your body to mourn for the dead. I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:27-28 GNB
All of these things were done by pagan cultures during a rite of mourning. Again, God did not want His people to associate their thoughts and their ways with the practices of the world. The same is true for the Christian today, however, as we know, the culture is always changing. For example, in Paul’s time, only prostitutes would walk around without a head covering. So, naturally, if you were to go without one, you would be associated with that kind of lifestyle. Fortunately for us, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in these decisions. As the NT clearly states, we should prayerfully consider how the way we live is affecting our witness and calling.