15:1-33
Having had the delights of skin diseases and mildew, the section on uncleanness reaches its finale in dealing with bodily discharges. These discharges are associated with the genital regions, both normal discharges (emissions of semen and periods) and those that are a result of disease. The Bible is truly concerned with all aspects of life! The process of dealing with the uncleanness is simpler here than for the other cases we have encountered. It is notable that for normal bodily discharges the uncleanness is dealt with by washing and waiting until evening, for those that are a result of disease a sacrifice is needed as well. A clear distinction is drawn between the two.
Some of the regulations could be viewed from a hygiene perspective (e.g. 15:8-11), however the primary concern is with ceremonial uncleanness. The rules relating to gential emissions may have had as part of their purpose the separation of sex and worship. Prostitution, in particular, was closely associated with some pagan practices.
The section on a diseased flow of blood reminds us of the woman who came to Jesus, having had the problem for many years (Mark 5:24-34, Matt 9:20-22, Lk 8:43-48). Under the regulations here anyone who touched her or her garments would become unclean. She believed, rightly, that if she touched Jesus’ garment she would be healed. And Jesus declared that her faith had made her well. He also called her daughter, signifying that she was part of God’s people.
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