Leviticus 15: Wisdom in Cleanliness

"You must keep the Israelites from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling My tabernacle that is among them."

Leviticus 15:31

This chapter covers uncleanness based on bodily discharge (such as pus from a blister), emission of semen, menstruation (along with other feminine discharges), and anyone who touches a person in these conditions.  However, the truly interesting part of this chapter is that the Lord says the Israelites might "die by defiling My tabernacle that is among them."

Others focus on the law itself, complaining that it's too harsh towards women because they're considered unclean for something they can't change.  I think they fail to see the point of cleanliness laws (they're not meant as a punishment, but rather as a mini-quarantine), but I prefer focusing on how the law relates to one's connection with God.

He obviously does not want His tabernacle to become a breeding ground for germs.  He wants His people to have a safe, clean place that they can use for worship.  He also wants to keep all of His people as healthy as possible.  All of these cleanliness laws are not the rude, overprotective, iron-fist rules that people often make them out to be.  They are God's wisdom made manifest.  In today's culture, we wash our hands religiously for the same reasons that the Israelites washed their clothes and bodies religiously: fear of getting ill, and fear of spreading disease to others.

Question of the Day:

Will there ever be a time when mankind does not fear disease and decay?

Prayer of the Day:

Help me to stay as clean as possible in all that I do, so that I do not add to others' concerns for health.  Teach Your children the wisdom of a safe and clean lifestyle.  Provide comfort for us when we are ill, and help us to recover quickly so that we may serve You more completely.  Amen.