Notes and thoughts over Ch. 14 - 27 (end of chapter):
Some interesting personal discharge and hygiene rules come into play in chapter 15. A commentary from my NIV student bible:
"Some of the rules regarding sex and bodily discharges mystify modern readers, but the Israelites took for granted that God had dominion over the most private aspects of their lives. The Bible does not provide a detailed rationale for these regulations. Some relate to health and hygiene: following the rules would help the Israelites avoid the venereal diseases that plagued their neighbors. Also, pagan religions commonly employed temple prostitutes, and God clearly intended for the Israelites to keep worship and sex separate."
I'm still personally confused about why women had to sacrifice doves or pigeons to "make atonement" after every period they had. I guess I get why people would be considered "unclean" during some of these different bodily discharges, but it seems implied that these unclean times are considered sinful. I'm not sure, but since they are having to make sacrifices for these times, it makes me wonder if that is indeed what is implied. At least it's not just about women, less you think Leviticus is being sexist, it seems that when men had bodily discharges they had to make atonement with sacrifice as well. I'm just envisioning a lot of poor pigeons and doves dying...
So, maybe some of the washing instructions and things like that make sense, but perhaps I am not meant to fully understand the reason for additionally making the sacrifices. Was it perhaps a way to be a regular reminder of their feeble humanity and cause them to be humble in the presence of God living among them? Perhaps. Otherwise, I'm not sure.
In chapter 19, there seems to be a solid list of good rules, such as do not steal, do not pervert justice, do not seek revenge, etc. But, then it's immediately followed by do not plant your field with two kinds of seed and do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material. So, some of the levitical laws seem to just make common sense while some are seen as curious to us now. But, it's interesting. A part of me even wonders if there is a deeper meaning behind some of of these, like the two kinds of material or two kinds of seeds instead of just the literal. But, I am not sure what.
Chapter 23:22 - "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God."
I think this is important because it is reminding us to be diligent in providing for those in need. It's also mentioned in chapter 19:9 - "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard an second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God."
A note on chapter 24:20's "eye for an eye" - In Matthew 5:38 Jesus explains about "turning the other cheek" instead. The NIV student bible's note says that "apparently people had been taking "eye for eye" as a basis for private vengeance - as some do today. The law's original intent, however, was to set a standard for punishment in court. It limited vengeance and made certain that both rich and poor, native and foreigner, would pay the same price for their crimes". This wasn't necessarily the norm in surrounding cultures of the day, so at the time it was somewhat of an advancement because it was an equalizer. Later though, as Jesus pointed out, it shouldn't have been abused and you should strive for forgiveness instead of any sort of vengeance. I believe, ultimately, that forgiveness can prove more healing than vengeance anyway.
I may take a break before jumping into Numbers so that I can read through some commentary books with notes regarding Genesis, Job, Exodus, and Leviticus. My friend Wendy loaned me these two books:
Halley's Bible Handbook by Henry H. Halley and The MacArthur Bible Handbook: A Book-by-Book Exploration of God's Word by John MacArthur. I'll let you know what I think.
So, are you caught up in your reading? I hope to see you when I discuss Numbers.
