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Friday 18 November 2022

Leviticus 21:10-15 - I am the Lord who makes him holy

21:10-12

We then get instructions for the high priest, which are very similar to those given for the priests. This is the first occurrence of the term “high priest” in the Bible, and the only one in Leviticus. The presence of the high priest was perhaps an indication that there was one day going to be the one true priest, Jesus Christ. The high priest was not to let his hair become unkempt, nor to tear his clothes.  He also had to ensure that he did not become unclean by entering the house where there was a dead body.  He had to maintain his ceremonial purity, so was not allowed to leave the sanctuary. The sinlessness of Christ is absolutely essential.


21:13-15

Much of this section was included in the instructions for priests, but are even stronger. He was not allowed to marry a widow, but only a virgin from his own people. This was no slur on widows, who were ordinarily allowed to remarry, and it was perfectly alright for them to do so. The point here is the purity of the high priest, and of his offspring. The latter is related to the prohibition on marrying anyone else but an Israelite. 


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