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The book of Leviticus

MAIN THEMES IN LEVITICUS

I. FOREWORD

A. Title1. The Hebrew title is based on the first word of the first verse, ‘wayyiqra’, meaning

‘and he called’.2. The LXX’s title is ‘Leviticius’ as most of the things recorded in this book concern

the Levite priests.

B. Time & Place1 Place: In the wilderness of sinai (7:38; 25:1).2. Time: The whole book records events that happened within a month or so (Ex

40:1-14; Num 10:11). It was written roughly 5 months after the Israelites had left Mt Sinai (cf: 16:34).

C. Author* The man of God, Moses (cf 27:34).

D. Theme* To pursue holiness. ‘You shall be holy; for I the Lord your god am holy! (19:2;

11:45).

E. Outline1. On sacrifices (chp 1-7).2. On priests assuming their holy duty (chp 8 – 10).3. On the rules of purification (chp 11 – 15).4. On the day of atonement (chp 16).5. On rules concerning sanctification (chp 17 – 20).6. On regulations for priests (cup 21 – 22).7. On the seven feasts ((chp 23).8. On the sins of blasphemy (chp 24).9. On the sabbatical year and jubilee year (chp 25).10.On blessings and woes respectively for those who keep or disobey the

commandments (chp 26).11.On vows and tithes (chp 27).

II. OFFERINGS

A. The Significance of Offerings‘Offering sacrifices’ is a way or mean by which man can avoid disasters, receive blessings and draw near to God. Offering involves the person, offering the object of sacrifice, the rites and the God to whom the sacrifices are made.

B. The Origin of Offerings

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1. When Adam and Eve were tempted and sinned, they were in fear and felt ashamed (Gen 3:6-8). But God made for them garments of skin to clothe them. (Being garments of skin, certain animals must have first been killed and have had their blood shedded) and this was probably the beginning of offerings (Gen 3:21).

2. Later, by faith, Abel offered sacrifices with the shedding of blood to God, which was pleasing to Him (Heb 11:4; Gen 4:4). Though Cain offered the fruits of the ground (cereal offering) his offering was not accepted (Gen 4:3-5) because he did not have faith and a heart for repentance for sins..

3. Subsequently, all the God fearing ancestors also offered sacrifices to God, e.g. Noah (Gen 8:20-22), Job (Job 1:5, 42:7-8), Abraham (Gen 12:7-8), Isaac (Gen 26:25), Jacob (Gen 33:20; 35:1, 3, 7).

C. Types of Offering1. According to their nature:

a. Blood offerings.b. Cereal offerings.

2. According to their purposes:a. Fragrant offering (Lev 1:9; 2:2; 3:5).b. Sin offerings (Lev 4:3; 5:6, 10).

3. According to the person offering:a. Public offerings (whole congregation) Lev 4:13-21; 1 Sam 7:9).b. Rulers’ offerings (Lev 4:3, 22-26). c. Individual offerings (Lev 4:27-35).

4. There were 5 kinds of offerings which the children of God had to offer:a. Burnt offering.b. Cereal offering.c. Peace offering.d. Sin offering.e. Trespass offering.

D. The Materials Used for Offering1. ‘Blood’ offerings: bull, sheep, goat, turtle dove, young pigeons.

a. Bull, symbolises service, endurance, faithfulness, strength.b. Sheep, symbolises submission, gentleness, goodness, quietness.c. Goat symbolises scapegoat, d. Turtle doves symbolises lowliness, poverty.e. Young pigeons symbolises peace, gentleness, purity.

2. Cereal offerings: fine flour, cakes and first fruits.a. Fine flour symbolises total sacrifice, selfishness, purity.b. Cakes symbolises unity, testing, feeding people.c. First fruits symbolises the best, newness, beauty and glory and fruitfulness.

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III. MAIN TEACHINGS IN THE 5 OFFERINGS

A. Burnt Offering (chp 1)1. Materials.

a. Bulls without blemish (1:3).b. Sheep or goats without blemish (1:10).c. Turtle doves or young pigeons (1:14).

2. Effects.a. For atonement of sins (1:4; 16:24).b. As fragrant offering by fire (1:9).

3. Prefiguration.a. Christ totally sacrificed Himself for the redemption of sinners (1:4; 9, 13; Deut

33:10; Eph 5:2).b. Christians should offer themselves as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1) and live

completely for the Lord (2 cor 5:14-15).

4. Methods (using the offering of bulls as an example (1:3-9).a. The bull had to be brought to the door of the tent of meeting (1:3).b. The offeror had to lay his hands on the bull’s head (1:4).c. He had to kill the bull personally (1:5).d. The priests had to sprinkle the blood around the altar (1:5).e. The offeror had to flay the offering (1;6).f. The offering had to be cut into pieces (1:6).g. Its entrails and legs had to be washed with water (1:9).h. The pieces, the head, the fats, the entrails and the legs would all be burnt on

the altar (1:8-9).

5. Spiritual teachings.a. The herd without blemish (1:3):

Prefigures the sinless Christ (2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 1:19). Christians should also strive for perfection (Mt 5:48; Gen 17:1), without blemish (Phil 2:15) so that their offerings would be accepted by God.

b. Laying hands on the bull’s head (1:40:Symbolises that though we deserve death, the bull dies on our behalf (Isa 53:4-6) so that good will come upon us as we rely totally (2 Cor 5:21).

c. Throwing of blood around the altar (1:5);The priest prefigures Christ whilst the altar prefigures the cross. Hence it indicates that our Lord has to shed His blood to save all men (1 Jn 2:2; Ps 107:1-3). Hence we must follow His example and be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the salvation of others (1 Jn 3:16; Rom 9:2-3).

d. Flaying of the skin (1:6):‘Skin’ represent outward appearance, vain glory, self-righteousness, face, etc which are normally pursued by the worldly people. However the Lord did not appear any outward appearance which people would long for (Isa 53:2-3), likewise the believers should forsake such ‘outward appearance’ otherwise their offerings would not be acceptable (Lk 18:9-14).

* The people who did not want to lose face (1 Sam 15:24-30).

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* The people who truly repented of their sins and did not attempt to save face by hiding their sins (2 Sam 12:13; Ps 51:1-13).

* The teaching of the Lord (Lk 16:15; Mt 23:5-7).e. Cutting the flesh into pieces (1:6):

Represents forsaking oneself and not boastful of oneself ((Mt 6:1-5; 1 Sam 15:24-25, 30). It also means denyiny oneself and not insisting on one’s own opinion (Mt 26:39; 16:24).

f. Washing of the entrails and legs (1:9):The entrails represent the evil thoughts of man (Jer 17:9; Mk 7:20-23). God will not be pleased with the offerings if our inner thoughts are not cleansed (Isa 59:1—2; Mt 5:23-24). Legs represent the conduct of men who walk in evil (Isa 59:7-8; Rom 3:15-17), given to lusts (1 Pet 4:4) or out of control (Jer 2:23). Hence, we should purify our conduct to walk in the holy path (Prov 4:26-27; Ps 1:1-2;119:9).

g. Offering of the head 91:8):Head represents being the first, opinion, will and glory, Hence offering the head signifies a person is not boastful, not seeking own glory, but serving others with humility and humbles himself (Phil 2:6-7; Mk 10:43-45).

h. Offering the fats (1:8):Fats is the best part of the body and it belongs to God (Lev 3:16; Num 18:29). Similarly, we must offer our best and most precious things and time to God (Mk 14;1-9) just as the Israelites in the olden days offered their first born and first fruits to the Lord (Ex 13:12; 23:19).

i. All are burnt on the altar (1:7-9):This offering is known as the ‘whole burnt offering’ (Deut 33;10), it symbolises a complete offering (Rom 14:7-8).

B. Cereal Offering (chp 2)1. Materials.

a. Fine flour (2:1-2).b. Cakes of fine flour (2 :4, 9).c. New grains from fresh ears (2:14-16).

2. Method of Purification.a. Pour oil upon it (2:1).b. Add frankincense (2:1).c. Add salt (2:13).d. Leaven or honey should not be added (2:l1).

3. Prefigurations.a. This offering prefigures that while Christ was on earth He had a perfect

nature and was pleasing to God; furthermore He suffered and sacrificed Himself to be our bread of life.

b. We must emulate the perfection of Christ, strive to be fruitful and to lead a sanctified life so as to please God (Heb 13:15-16; 1 Jn 2:6).

4. Method of Administration.a. One cannot offer cereal offering alone, it must be offered together with any

blood offering (Num 29:2-6).

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b The priest shall take from the offering a handful of flour and oil and together with frankincense they are burnt on the altar (2:2).

c. Whatever is left of the cereal offering shall be for the priests and it can only be eaten in the court of the tent of meeting (2:3; 6:14-16).

5. Spiritual teachings.a. The material offered in the cereal offerings is made from wheat. ‘Wheat’

signifies Christ, it also signifies the believers (Jn 12:24; Mt 13:30).b. Fine flour represents the holiness and perfection of Christ. Similarly, believers

must strive to be like the flour which is holy (1 Cor 5:7).c. Before the wheat is made into bread as food, it has to undergo the process of

threshing, milling and baking in oven (2:4-5). This signifies that Christ who for the sake of becoming the bread of life for men, sacrificed His glory, suffered much mockery and hardship and died in agony on the cross (Jn 6:48-51; Isa 53:4-6). Likewise, believers should sacrifice themselves and to suffer, endure and work in one accord for the sake of the people of this world in order to be pleasing to the Lord.

d. ‘Pour oil upon it’ (2:1):Represents the Holy Spirit descending upon Christ (Lk 4:18; Heb 9:14). In the same manner, believers should be filled with the Holy Spirit in order to be sanctified (Rom 15:16; 2 Thess 2:13).

e. Adding ‘frankincense on it’ (2:1):Represents the prayer of Christ. In addition, to offering up Himself He offered prayers too (Mt 4:2; 26:36-44; Lk 23:34, 44-46). Similarly the prayers of the believers are like fragrant offerings to the Lord (Rev 8:3-4; Prov 15:8).

f. ‘season with salt’ (2:13):The offering of Christ was based on the covenant made between God and man – covenant of salt (a perpetual covenant) (Num 18:19). Salt can be used to prevent decay and for seasoning. It represents Christ’s great power to reform people and the peace that is brought forth through His gentle nature. Believers should therefore possess such nature like Christ (Mt 11:29; 5:13; Col 4:6).

g. ‘no leaven’ (2:11):Leaven symbolises all kinds of malice and evilness (1 Cor 5:8), hypocrisy (Lk 12:1), heresies (Mt 16:5, 12). All these things have no place in Christ (Jn 14:30). Therefore the believers should put away old leaven and be sanctified (Eph4:31).

h. ‘no honey’ (2:11):Represents Christ was sorrowful throughout His whole life (Isa 53:3). Thus believers should be determined to suffer hardship and forego worldly enjoyment (1 Pet 4:1-3; Heb 11:24-26). Honey will be leavened once it comes into contact with fire. People who love enjoyment will not be able to withstand the various types of trials (Num 11:4-6).

i. The offering of ‘cereal offering’ after the ‘burnt offering’ has been offered. If Christ only had the perfect nature and the spirit to endure hardship. He would still be unable to redeem mankind. It is only through His shedding of blood and dying on the cross (burnt offering) that He can complete the work of salvation. On the other hand, it also indicates that the salvation of man is not

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through one’s own righteous deeds but through the precious blood of Christ (Rom 3:24-28; Tit 3:5).

j. ‘cake broken into pieces’ (2:6):Its significance is the same as that of the burnt offering where the meat is cut into pieces. It signifies doing away with our individualism and will.

C. Peace Offering (Chp 3, 7)1. Materials.

a. Male or female oxen which are without blemish (3:1).b. Ram or ewe which are without blemish (3:6).c. goat (3:12).

2. Purpose.a. For thanksgiving (7:11-12).b. Repay vows (7:16).c. As freewill offering (7:16).

3. Prefiguration.a. It prefigures Christ shedding His blood and sacrificing His life, so that man be

reconciled with God and attain peace (Col 1:20; Eph 2:14-16).b. Since believers are reconciled with God through Jesus, they should be

thankful for His grace and offer the spiritual thanksgiving offering (Col 3:15-17; Ps 50:14-23).

c. Peace offering is also known as ‘shared offering’ (in New English Bible).

4. Methods (Taking the offering of sheep as example[3:6-11]).a. The lamb is brought to the door of the tent of meeting and placed beside the

altar (3:7).b. The offeror lays his hand upon the head of the sheep (3:8).c. The lamb is killed (3:8).d. The priest shall throw its blood around the altar (3:8).e. The fats, tail and kidneys of the offering will be burnt by the priest on the altar

as food offered by fire to the Lord (3:9-11).f. Offer leavened bread together with the peace offering (7:13).g. The breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering will be for

the priests (7:31-34).h. The offeror, his family, friends and relatives can eat of the remnants in the

court of the tent of meeting (7:15, 21; Deut 12:5-12).

5. Spiritual Teachings.a. Laying hand on the head of the lamb and the slaughtering of the lamb (3:8):

Symbolises that believers acknowledge themselves as sinners who deserve death and believe that the Lord Jesus had died for them (Gal 2:20).

b. Throwing of blood around the altar (3:8):Signifies that the blood of the Lord is for the propitiation for the sins of the whole world (1 Jn 2:2).

c. Thanksgiving offering (7:11):This is a correct purpose. The children of God should always offer thanksgiving offering (2 Cor 6:1; Ps 116:12).

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d. Repay vow (7:16):God will seek after those who do repay their vows (Gen 28:20-22; 35:1), hence when we have made a vow to God we should not delay in paying it (Eccl 5:4-6).

e. The fat, kidneys and tail that are offered on the altar (3:9-11):Fat is the best part of the body and it belongs to God (3:16). To repay the grace of God one should offer the best of the blessings he received from God, just as what Abraham had done (Gen 22:16-18). ‘Kidney’ signifies the source of strength. Since strength and ability are given by God, we should strive to work for Him (1 Chron 29:11-17; Job 40:16). ‘Tail’ symbolises being last, which means that we should humble ourselves before God (1 Pet 5:5-6; Lk 17:9-10; Phil 2:3-9).

f. Cakes of leavened bread offered together with peace offering (7:13):When leaven is baked with fire, it loses its function. Likewise, believers who, initially are imperfect, are sanctified through trials of fire and are then accepted by God (1 Pet 1:7; Job 23:10; Isa 1:25).

g. The offeror and his family can eat of the offering together (7:15-21):Signifies that in offering not only will the offeror be pleasing to God, but he and his whole family will receive, peace, joy and blessings (Heb 13:15-16;2 Cor 9:7-8).

D. Sin Offering (chp 4)1. The offeror and the offering.

a. The priest: a young male bull without blemish (4:3).b. The assembly: a young male bull without blemish (4:14).c. The ruler: a male-goat without blemish (4:23).d. Individual: a female-goat without blemish (4:28).

2. Purpose.For the redemption of sin committed unintentionally (4:2-13, 22-27).

3. Prefigurations.a. The sin offering prefigured that Christ shed His blood to redeem our sins.b. if believers sinned unintentionally, they must repent and beg for forgiveness

from the Lord (1 Jn 1-2; 1:8-10). The sin offering does not serve as redemption of the original sin and our own

sins but for sins committed unintentionally by the believers in their daily life in any of the thing which God had commanded them not to do (4:2, 13; Heb 10:26).

4. Methods (using the priest’s atonement of sins as an example).a. The bull had to be brought to the door of the tent of meeting (4:4).b. The priest had to lay his hand on the head of the bull, and kill the bull

personally (4:4).c. He had then to bring some of the blood of the bull to the tent of meeting and

dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle seven times in front of the veil of the sanctuary (4:5-6).

d. Also some of the blood will be put on the horns of the altar of burnt offering (4:7).

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e. The rest of the blood will be poured at the base of burnt offering (4;7).f. The fats and kidneys of the bull will be offered on the altar (4:8-10, 31).g. The remainder, mainly the skin, flesh, head, legs, entrails and dung will burnt

outside the camp (4:11-12).

5. Spiritual teachings.a. The higher the position held by the offeror, the higher the value of offering he

should offer: This signifies that those who holds greater responsibilities will have greater influence (Lk 12:47-48).

b. The blood being brought into the tent of meeting to be sprinkled on the front of the veil for 7 times (4:5-6):Signifies that by relying on the precious blood of the Lord we are able to come before Him and to confess our sins completely (7 times) and cast them upon the Lord (Heb 10:20; 1 Jn 1:9).

c. The blood being put on the horns of the altar of incense (4:7): Altar of incense represents the place of prayer (Rev 8:3-4), i.e. by relying on the blood of the Lord we offer much prayers to God (Heb 4:15-16).

d. The blood being poured at the base of the burnt offering (4:7):At the base of the cross of the Lord, , we should confess our sins and beg for forgiveness in humility (Ps 51:17).

e. The fat and kidneys being offered on the altar (4:8-10):Same significance as peace offering.

f. All the things that were cast out of the camp (4:11-12):‘Skin’ signifies outward appearance, face, self-righteousness and vain glory. ‘Flesh’ signfies carnal, passions(Rom 8:6). ‘Head’ signifies being first, putting oneself first, seeking to be the leader (Lk 11:43-44; 3 Jn 9). ‘Legs’ signifies the sinful deeds, conduct (Prov 6:18). ‘Entrails’ signify the evil thoughts in one’s heart (Mk 7:20-23). ‘Dung’ is odorous, it signifies all filthiness (Jas 1:21). Being brought outside the camp to be burnt signifies that we must eliminate all evil thought within our hearts or in the church (Deut 23:9-14).

E. Trespass Offering (chps 5 – 7)1. Materials.

a. A female from the flock, a lamb or a goat (5:6).b. 2 turtle doves or 2 young pigeons(5:7).c. A tenth of an ephah of fine flour (5:11).

2. Purpose.For the redemption of all sorts of trespasses (transgression) (5:5-6, 19).

3. Types of transgression.a. Being a witness and yet not testifying to the truth (5:1).b. Having touched the unseen things (5:2-3).c. Uttering a rash oath (5:4).d. Sinning unintentionally against any of the holy things of the Lord (5:15).e. Having done things against God’s commandment (5:17).f. Deceitful conduct (6:2-3).

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4. Prefigurations.a. The trespass offering prefigures that Christ shedding His blood to sanctify us

and to compensate for the shortcomings of man before God (Col 2:13-14; Heb 10:22).

b. It teaches believers to fight seriously against sin. We must not overlook even minor sins but to strive to pursue for perfection (Jas 1:15; Eccl 9:18; 10:1; 1 Cor 5:16).

5. Method.a. The offeror had to bring the offering to the door of the tent of meeting where

he would lay his hands on the head of the flock and then kill it (5:5-6).b. The blood would be thrown around the altar (7:2).c. The tails, kidneys and fat would be offered and burnt on the altar (7:3-5).d. If the offering were turtle doves or young pigeons, the head of the offering

had to be wrung from its neck but not severed (5:7-8).e. If the offering were fine flour, no oil nor frankincense should be added (5:11).f. If a man had transgressed against the holy things of God or he had

possessed other people’s property through dishonest means, he must repay whatsoever he had gotten and in addition he must pay another one-fifth to the priest or the owner (5:14-16; 6:4-5).

6. Spiritual teachings.a. From this offering one can see that God wants the believers to eliminate all

sorts of sin committed in their daily lives and to reach the stage of ‘sanctification’ and ‘righteousness’ (1 Jn 3:7; 2 Thess 2:13).

b. Since the flock, fine flour, birds, etc can be used as the offering, it shows that every man is able to offer the trespass offering and hence no man can give excuses for his iniquities.

c. The fats, kidneys, tail, etc being burnt on the altar and offered to God bears the same significance as that of the peace offering.

d. ‘This one who offers bird shall wring its head from its neck’ (5:7). Signifies that when a sinner comes before God, he should be as gentle as a dove, not ‘hardening his neck’ but instead repent of his sins humbly (Lk 18:9-14).

e. ‘Not putting oil or frankincense in the fine flour’ signifies that a sinner having lost his spiritual grace (oil) and fragrance (frankincense) must beg for mercy of the Lord (Ps 34:18).

f. When one has sinned by taking possession of others, he has to repay one-fifth more in addition to what he has taken (5:15-16). When a person sinned unintentionally against the holy things of God, other than making restitution he must repent trespassing against things of other people, must repay and repent in similar manner, and to apologise to him (Lk 19:8).

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IV. PRIESTHOOD

A. The Appointment of the Priest1. Aaron did not appoint himself priest (Heb 5:4).

2. Neither was it Moses that made them priests (Num 16:1-3).

3. They were called by God and it was God who gave them such honoured position (Ex 28:1; Num 18:7; 1 Sam 2:28).

* Hence when Aaron was to take up this holy task, the whole congregation had to be assembled at the door of the meeting (Lev 8:3-4).

B. The Duties of the Priest1. To attend to all the services of the tent of meeting (Num 18:4-7; Heb 5:1).

2. To teach the people on behalf of God (Num 10:11; Mal 2:6-7; Deut 33:10).

3. As a judge in dispute among people (Deut 17:8-12; 21:5; 2 Chron 19:8-10).

4. As an intermediary between God and man (Num 16:46-48).

5. To bless the people (Deut 10:8; Num 6:23-27).

C. The Ordination of the Priest1. Washed with water (Lev 8:6).

a. Signifies the cleansing from every defilement (2 Cor 7:1; 1 Pet 3:21).b. They were washed in a holy place (Lev 16:24).

2. To put on holy garments (Lev 8:7-9).a. For the beauty and the glory (Ex 28:2).b. For consecration (Ex 28:3).

3. Anointed with holy oil (Lev 8:10-12).a. For consecration (Lev 8:12; Ex 28:41; 30:30).b. Pouring of oil on Aaron’s head (Lev 8:12) bears the meaning of ordination.c. Signifies the giving of strength and filling of the Holy Spirit (Is 61:1; Acts

10:38; Jn 3:34; Heb 1:9).d. 3 types of Israelites were anointed, i.e. the priests, prophets (1 Kgs 19:16)

and kings (1 Sam 10:`; 16:12-13).

4. Performing the offerings.a. First, the sin offering (Lev 8:14-17). This is the first record of sin offering in

the Bible, first atoning for one’s own sin before undertaking holy office in the tabernacle.

b. Second, the burnt offering (Lev 8:18-21). This signified that he had offered himself completely to God (Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 5:14; 1 Tim 1:12).

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c. Lastly, the peace offering (Lev 8:22-26) which is the offering of the ordination. It signifies thanksgiving and complete offering.* ‘Moses put some blood at the tip of Aaron’s right ear’; signifies complete

obedience to the commandments of God (Ex 21:6).* Putting ‘blood on the thumb’ of the right hand signifies henceforth striving

with utmost effort to accomplish the duties of a priest.* Putting ‘blood on the big toe of the right foot’ signifies keeping the words

of God and walking in His holy path for the rest of his life (Ex 30:30).d. Not leaving the door of the tent of meeting for 7 days (8:33-36):

Within these 7 days he should not do any worldly things or touch any unclean things; but to pray, meditate and communicate with God unceasingly. ‘7 days’ signifies a complete period.

D. The Holy Garments of the High Priest1. Bible text.

Exodus chapter 28; Leviticus chapter 8:1 to 9.

2. Significance.To be consecrated; to put on this garment while they are ministering to the Lord, lest they bring guilt upon themselves and die; for glory and beauty (Ex 28:2-34; Ps 110:3).

3. The contents of the holy garments (Ex 28:6-39).a. A skillfully woven tunic.b. A robe.c. An ephod.d. A breastplate.e. A sash.f. A turban.g. A holy crown.

* Spiritual meanings of these items -

i. The tunic (Ex 28:39) - a. It is artistically woven from gold, blue, purple and scarlet thread, and fine

linen (Ex 28:5, 39). b. It is a tunic worn by the high priest and it is known as the holy linen tunic

(16:4).c. It signifies the inner beauty of Christ (1 Cor 1:30-31). His inner heart is

completely holy (Heb 7:26; Jn 14:30).

ii. The robe (also known as the robe of the ehpod (Ex 28:31-35) -a. It is purely blue in colour (Ex 28:31), signifying that Christ is completely

spiritual and heavenly.b. There are pomegranates around the skirt. Pomegranate is a famous fruit

of the land of Canaan (Num 13:23; Deut 8:7-8). It is tasty and has a lot of seeds. It signifies abundant spiritual fruits (Gal 5:22; Phil 4:17; Jn 15:8, 16).

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c. It has bells of gold. The number of them are the same as that of the pomegranates. The pomegranates and the bells are arranged in such a manner that one is after another. ‘Gold’ signifies honour, glory and good reputation. The sound of these bells are nice to listen to signifying the good virtues and reputations (Mt 4:2;4; Mk 1:28), and bears as good witnesses (Mk 1:38-39).

d. ‘A golden bell and a pomegranate’ signifies having good reputation and bearing good fruits, able to practise what is preached (Mt 23:3).

iii. The ephod (Ex 28:6) -a. It is the general terms used to describe the priestly garments of

priesthood. In the original text the word means ‘to wear’. It is the most important piece of the holy garments of the priest.

b. It is made from 5 different colour threads, and is very beautiful. It is quite similar to the singlet worn by the Chinese, but is slightly longer. It is joined by two pieces of cloth with one piece in front and the other at the back.

c. 2 shoulder-pieces are attached to the ephod and joined into one (Ex 28:7). ‘Shoulder-piece’ signifies that the Lord is our reliance. If believers are dwelling between His shoulders, they dwell in safety (Deut 33:12); it also signifies that the Lord shoulders our sufferings and burdens (Mt 11:28; 8:17; Ps 68:19; Isa 53:4).

d. 2 precious stones on the shoulder-pieces (Ex 28:9-14) signify that the believers are treasured by the Lord and remembered by Him. Hence it is also known as the ‘memorial stones’ (Ex 28:12; 1 Pet 2:4-5). They are engraved with the names of the 12 tribes signifying that the Lord will never forget us (Heb 13:5-6; Jn 14:18).

e. The 2 stones are inlaid into 2 settings of gold (Ex 28:13) signifying firmness and close communion with the Lord. ‘Gold’ represents faith, so we are guarded through faith and thus immovable (1 Pet 1:5-9).

f. 2 chains of pure gold being attached to the settings (Ex 28:14) signify that the cords of compassion and the bands of love of God are firmly binding us, and through our faith we will never depart from Him (Hos 11:4; songs 1:4).

iv. Breastplate (also known as the breastplate of judgement) (Ex 28:15, 30) -a. The breastplate is the central part of the body, and it is also the important

and warm part of the body. It signifies ‘love’.b. Its shape is a square (16) signifying the love of Christ is for the whole

world (1 Jn 2:2) and its breadth, length, height and depth is beyond the comprehension of man (Eph 3:18-19).

c. It is set in with 4 rows of stones and each row has 3 stones and the names of the 12 tribes are engraved on them, signifying that the believers are treasured by the Lord (Isa 43:4). Precious stones are shiny and beautiful; similarly the believers should shine forth the light (Mt 5:16), to manifest the spiritual beauty.

d. When Aaron goes into the holy place, he shall bear the names of 12 tribes in the breastplate of judgement upon his heart, to bring them to continual remembrance before the Lord (29), signifying that the Lord is forever

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having mercy on us and interceding for believers (Heb 4:15-16; 7:22-25; Jn 10:3; Phil 1:4).

e. There is Urim and Thummin in the breastplate (30). ‘Urim’ means radiant, brightness. ‘Thummin’ means perfect and without blemish.

* Most bible scholars think that these 2 things are 2 pieces of precious stones or plates of pure gold, and they are used for drawing lots.

* Urim and Thummin are used to consult God and seek His answer. Hence it is known as the breastplate of judgement (Num 27:21; Ezra 2:63). But the person who consults God must be godly and holy (Deut 33:8). God will not answer sinners or those who do not obey His words (1 Sam 28:6; 14:37).

* Later, instead of using thse 2 things, God made use of prophets to convey His messages (Heb 1:1; Num 12:6). In the period of the New Testament, the Lord would guide the believers through His Spirit (Jn 16:13; 1 Cor 2:9-10). In fact the Lord Jesus is the Urim (Rev 1:15-16; 2:18; 1 Jn 1:5-7; Eph 5:8-14). He is the Thummin (Heb 7:26;Jn 8:46).

* The Urim and Thummin disappeared approximately during the period when the Israelites were taken captives to Babylon (Ezra 2:63; Neh 7:65).

v. Sash (Ex 28:39; 39:29) -a. Being prepared for work and alert at all times (Lk 17:7-8; Mt 24:42-51).b. Serve with humility (Mk 10:42-45; Jn 13:4-5; Phil 2:6-8).c. Beautiful colours signifies virtues such as holiness, diligence, humble (1

Pet 3:2-4).

vi. Turban (Ex 28:39-40; 39:28) -a. Made of fine linen; signifies holiness and glory.b. Turban signifies humility and submission.* To put on the turban signifies working as a servant of God with humility

and submission. It is indeed glorious and honoured.

vii. Holy crown (Ex 28:39; 39:30) -a. Made of pure gold; signifies most honourable and glorifying.b. Engraved with the words “HOLY TO THE LORD’ signifying that he is a

man of God, so he must be consecrated and not to transgress against God, then only will he be pleasing to God (Ex 28:36).

c. It is fastened on the front of the turban on the forehead and signifies an open acknowledgement (Deu 6:8). It also signifies that he will remember that he is a man of God (Rev 7:2-4; 14:1; 22:4).

E. The Sins of the Priests1. The sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu (10:1).

a. They were Aaron’s eldest and second son (Ex 6:23; Num 3:2).b. They were together with Moses and Aaron and another 70 elders of Israel

when they went up the mountain to worship God (Ex 24:1).

2. They took the censers and put fire in it, and laid incense in it (10:1).a. It was when the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people (9:23) and when

they saw the fire come forth from before the Lord to consume the burnt

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offering on the altar, and when the people shouted and fell on their faces (9:24), then they quickly each took out his censer.

b. Put fire in it: The fire was not taken from the altar, most probably it was unholy fire obtained from the courts of tent of meeting where the priests used for cooking (Num 16:18).

c. Laid incense on it: The incense which was specially prepared of the use of the tent of meeting (Ex 30:34-36).

3. Offered unholy fire before the Lord (10:1).a. Before the Lord:

Means before the tent of meeting, in front of the veil of sanctuary (4:6), before the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies (9:24).

b. This was not commanded by the Lord:Fire which was not taken from the altar. The fire in the altar came from God, and it was known as holy fire. Other fire besides this was considered ‘unholy’.

c. Unholy fire – not consumed by God:They followed their own will, using unholy fire to burn incense before the tent of meeting, similar to the mistakes made by Korah and his company (Num 16:6-7, 17-18) and also that of Uzziah (2 Chron 26:16-21). It can also be said that they did not burn the incense at the proper time (the time to burn incense was every morning and evening) (Ex 30:7-8). Some suggested that they had gone beyond the boundary in performing the holy work, they waiting to enter the holy of holies to burn incense. This should be done only by the high priest, once in every year (16:1-2).

* How can one escape judgement for breaking such holy commandments?

4. The reasons for offering unholy fire.a. A blasphemous heart that yielded from pride:

Because they had just received the honourable office of priesthood. Those who are in high positions must be careful, to be submissive in all matters.

b. They may have been drunk, and due to their drunkenness they may have transgressed against the commandments of God (10:8-9). Do not be a drunkard (Prov 31:4-5; 1 Tim 3:3, 8; Eph 5:18).

c. Maybe it was because they were emotionally impulsive:They saw God manifesting the glorious light, sending fire to consume the offering, and the people shouting for joy, so they were exceedingly excited, and may have lost their sense of control and hence they misbehaved.

5. The consequence of offering unholy fire.a. Fire came from the presence of the Lord and devoured them, and they died

before the Lord (10:2).b. Although they were dead, their bodies and robes were not destroyed (10:5).

This was a fire sent by God for punishment (Isa 30:33), God is not to be mocked, He is a consuming fire (Heb 12:28-29).

c. Nadab and Abihu sinned because of fire so God also used fire to punish them. Just as what Haman did (Esther 7:10), and also Adonibezek (Judg 1:6), and also the accusers of Daniel (Dan 6:24).

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d. They, who are of honourable holy priesthood, still sinned, so they received very severe punishment. The Lord said, ‘He who has been much given him will have much required from him, and he who has much entrusted to him will have all the more demanded of him.’ (Lk 12:48).

6. God’s demands on Aaron.a. Not to uncover their heads or tear their clothes (10:6). This was a sign of

mourning; signifying that God is righteous and hence they must accept with submissiveness, lest they die.

b. Not to go out from the door of tabernacle (10:7), because they had the anointing oil of the Lord upon them and should not be defiled.

c. Not to drink wine or intoxicating drink when they entered the tabernacle, lest they die (10:8-9).

d. Distinguish between holy and unholy, and between clean and unclean (10:10).

F. The Priests Should Forsake the World and Be Sanctified (chp 21).1. The ordinary priests (1-9).

a. None of them shall defile himself for the dead among the people (1).b. He must not defile himself, to profane himself (4).c. They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off

the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh (5).d. Not to profane the name of God (6).e. They shall not marry a harlot or a woman who has been defiled; neither can

they marry a divorcee (7).f. If the daughter of any priest profanes herself by playing the harlot, she shall

be burnt with fire (9).

2. The high priest (10-15).a. He shall not uncover his head hang loose or tear his clothes (10).b. He shall not go in to any dead body, even for his father or for his mother (11).c. Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of God

(12).d. He shall not marry a harlot, a widow, or a divorcee but he shall take to wife

only a virgin of his own people (13-14).e. Not to profane his children among his people (15).

3. He who has a blemish on his body shall not become a priest (16-24).a. The blind (1 Jn 2:11; 2 Pet 1:9; 1 Cor 15:19).b. The lame (Jas 1:22-23; Heb 12:12-15; Mt 23:16).c. Deformed, disfigured – not presentable, having poor sense of smell very poor

(difficulty in distinguishing between fragrance and bad odour).d. He who has limbs that are too long: or ‘he who has limbs of different lengths;

unequal number of limbs’. For example, the man of Gath (2 Sam 21:20), (Jas 1:21; Heb 12:1; Eph 4:28).

e. One who has a broken foot or hand (2 Thess 3:10-11).f. A hunchback (Col 3:2; 2 Cor 4:18). Unable to stand upright (not straight).g. A dwarf (cannot grow tall, being like small children) (Eph 4:13-14; Heb 5:12-

14).

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h. Defective eyesight (Mt 5:28; Job 31:1).i. One who has eczema or scab (Rom 1:32). It defiles a man and it is infectious

(Mk 7:15-23).j. Eunuch (impotent and loss of strength).

V. CLEAN & UNCLEAN LIVING CREATURES

A. Animals on the Earth (11:1-8)* Any animal with a parted hoof, i.e. animal with its hoof divided, and that chews

the cud, is considered clean and can be eaten; those that part the hoof and are cloven footed but do not chew the cud or those that chew the cud but do not part the hoof, are all considered unclean and cannot be eaten.

1. Parted hoof.a. When animals with parted hoof passed by, they leave behind a separated

footed prints. The speech,, conduct and the thinking of a Christian must leave a clear impression on others.

b. Just as the bible says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers … no partnership, no agreement, none in common, no accord, no fellowship … Therefore come out from them.” (2 Cor 6:14-18).

c. Others: “You shall not follow a multitude to do evil” (Ex 23:2). “I consecrate myself.” (Jn 17:19).

2. Chew the cud.a. After animals that chew the cud, have taken their food and water will then lay

themselves on the ground and regurgitate the food they have eaten and chew slowly again and again.

b. Christians should read the words of God more as spiritual food (Jer 15:16; Mt 4:4); and then recall and ponder over the words of God (Ps 1:1-13; 119:97; Josh 1:8). In this way, the words of God are digested and will help us to be the doers of the words, glorifying God and be edifying man.

c. Mary was of this type of person (Lk 1:29; 2:19, 51).

3. Parting the hoof and chewing the cud are inter-related.a. Parting of the hoof is external and is visible. Chewing the cud is internal, and

is invisible. Both are important.b. A person who is able to distinguish between good and bad, right and wrong,

light and darkness, will surely love the words of God, honour the ways of God, always reading and meditating on the words of God. In other words, one who esteems the words of God more than food (Job 23:12), pondering over His words all the time is a doer of the word, manifesting everywhere that he is the child of God, the child of light (1 Jn 3:10; Eph 5:7-11).

B. Animals in Water* Everything in the water that has fins and scales, whether in the sea or in the

rivers, can be eaten. On the other hand, those that have no fins and scales are to be treated as abominations.

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1. Those that have fins.a. The fins give the fishes the ability to withstand the current of the seas and

rivers, or various obstacles so that they can move forward easily.b. A Christian living in this world is like rowing a boat against the current. The

trend of wickedness and sin of this world, various winds of doctrines, temptations of sounds and colours, persecution by the enemies, these all can possibly cause us to drift away (Rev 12:15; Heb 2:1; Eph 4:14; 1 Jn 2:16).

c. The Holy Spirit is the power from on high (Lk 24:49; Acts 1;8). He is able to help us overcome all those temptations and hardships (Eph 3:16; 6:10-17; Phil 4:13).

2. Those that have scales.a. Scales are all over the body of a fish, they cleave strongly from head to tail,

the scales are very close to one another that no air can come between them, not allowing any object to come in contact with the skin of the fish, hence they are protective (Job 41:15-17).

b. The fish even though passing through dirty polluted water, is still able keep itself clean and bright because of its scales which tightly seal its body.

c. The words of God are like the fish scales, it protects the believers from being harmed by the evil ones (Jn 17:17; Gen 39:9).

d. The words of God are as pure as silver, enabling us to remain unstained in this polluted world (Ps 12:6; 19:7-11; 119:9, 11).

e. Christians must always be alert and pray, so as to protect ourselves from the temptation of the evil one (Mt 26:41; Jn 17:15; Lk 21:34-36).

C. Category of Birds (11:13-19)* The 20 types of birds recorded here were all considered as unclean and

abominable. Why?

1. Fond of feeding on corpse (Mt 24:28).a. For example, the kite, the eagle, the hawk, falcon, the buzzard (this bird when

hungry will also eat rotten fish).b. The unclean people would like to speak foul language, their mouth is full of

curses and bitterness, they use the tongue to deceive like an open grave (Eph 4:29; 5:3-4; Rom 3:13-14). They enjoy the pleasures of sin, such as fornication, gambling, dancing, drinking wine, fighting, etc.

c. We ought to discard all these and not to indulge in such sinful and wicked live style (Eph 4:30-32; 1 Thess 4:3-5; Col 3:5-10). We must all the more strive for spiritual happiness, and the rich spiritual milk (1 Pet 2:2).

2. Fierce and cruel (Job 39:30).a. For example, the eagle, the vulture, the little owl, etc, these birds like to

struggle and eat blood. For instance, the vulture is called ‘bones breaker’ because it often lifts to the air the bones of the animals whose flesh had been eaten by the other birds, and throws it to the ground to crack it, and then eats the marrow inside the bone. The ostrich is even more cruel (Job 39:13-18; Lam 4:3).

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b. The feet of people in the world often walk in wickedness, killing and shedding blood. Their ways are full of violence and they are unaware of the way of peace (Rom 3:15-18; Prov 1:11-18; Gen 6:11)

c. Christians ought to be kind and gentle (Prov 3:3; Jn 13:34-35; Mt 5:5; Mt 11:29).

3. Greedy and never satisfied.a. Like ravens, etc.b. People in the world are greedy for food, wine, wealth and sexual fulfillment (2

Tim 3:1-2; Lk 16:14; 2 Pet 2:13-15).c. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil; one should be content with

food and clothing (1 Tim 6:6-10; Heb 13:5).

4. Fond of darkness.a. Like the short-eared owl, the screech owl, the little owl, the bat, etc. These

birds belong to the night and operate at night, seeking food.b. The Lord said, “And this the condemnation, that the light has come into the

world and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (Jn 3:19-20).

c. Christians are children of light whose conduct is upright because we have already departed from darkness and drawn near the light (Eph 5:8-14; 1 Pet 2:9; 2 Cor 8:21; Acts 26:18, 22; 1 Jn 1:5-7; 2:9-11; Jn 12:35-36).

5. Half beast – half bird.a. Like ostrich, bat, etc. The ostrich is the biggest type of bird and is the swiftest

in running. It stays in the wilderness and lays eggs in the sand, covering them with the sand and incubating the eggs through the sunlight (Job 39:13-18; Lam 4:3). The bat is like the rat with wings to fly (Isa 2:20).

b. Some people are like ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing (Mt 7:15).c. We must not have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Tim 3:5); they

say they know God but yet their ways are contrary to God’s ways (Tit 1:16). Our conduct must be worthy of the gospel (Phil 1:27; Eph 4:1). We must not be a ‘double-faced’ person.

D. Category of Insects (11:20-31)* All winged insects that creep on four legs, or the creeping things that creep upon

the earth, are unclean and should be treated as abomination. Yet among the winged insects that go on all fours, those which have jointed legs above their feet, with which to leap on the earth, are clean and can be eaten. Why?

1. Because they would never depart from the ground, therefore are abominable.a. These creeping things use the belly to walk, use the four legs to walk, use

many feet to walk (11:41-42), forever belonging to the ground, creeping on the ground.

b. Some people look highly upon this world (1 Jn 2:15-17), some people have high regard for iniquity (Job 36:21; Heb 11:25). They only emphasise on this present life and visible possessions (2 Cor 4:18; Mt 6:24).

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2. Because they leap, as if wanting to fly, therefore are clean and can be eaten.a. Believers are not of the world (Jn 17:16), but the citizens of heaven (Phil

3:20).b. Therefore they should think of the things that are of above (Col 3:1), desire

that better country (Heb 11:6), to attain the unfading heavenly inheritance (1 Pet 1:3-5).

c. Hence, we must strive to depart from the vain glory and sinful pleasures of this world, only then we are able to keep ourselves clean and holy, pleasing and acceptable to God (Heb 11:24-26; 1 Pet 1:24-25).

* The main aim of these rule is that the people of God should strive for holiness, because God is holy (11:44-45); 1 Pet 1:15-16; Heb 12:14); and to be different from others, to lead a life of real consecration (11:47; 20:26; 2 Cor 6;14-18).

VI. THE LAW CONCERNING LEPROSY

‘Leprosy’ is the most filthy and frightening sickness. One who is suffering from leprosy is just like a walking grave, a rotting corpse, a living dead man; a walking corpse, an allegory for death. Leviticus chapters 13 and 14 describe this very sickness clearly in detail. This is a shadow of the beautiful things that are to come (Heb 10:1; Col 2:17), ask that the Lord to open the eyes of our hearts, so that we can see the mysteries in His laws (Ps 119:18).

A. Leprosy prefigures sin.

1. Passes on to descendants (Rom 5:12; Ps 51:5).

2. Will become evident, even if initially hidden (1 Tim 5:24-25; Ps 19:12; 90:8).

3. The poison spreads to the whole body (Lev 13:51; 1 Cor 5:6).

4. It makes man numb (Prov 10:23; 14:9; 4:14-17).

5. Infectious (Rom 1:28-32; Mk 7:20-23; Heb 12:15).

6. Difficult to be healed by man’s methods (2 Kgs 5:7; Rom 7:18-24).

7. Leads man to death (Rom 6:23; 5:21).

8. Driven out of the camp (Lev 13:46; Num 5:2-3; Rev 21:27; 22:11, 15).

B. The symptoms of leprosy.When a man has on the skin of his body a swlling, a scab, or a bright spot, it becomes like a leprous sore on his skin (13:2).

1. Swelling.

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a. A ‘Swelling’ in the original text reads ‘rising’, ‘protruding’. Is this not the pride that arises in each man’s heart? Is it not the pride that goes before destruction? (Prov 16:18). Is it not the pride that humbles a man? (Mt 23:12). Is it not the source of multitude of sins, the pride that is opposed by God? (1 Pet 5:5). Is it not ‘the pride of life’ which had lured our first ancestors to sin unto death? (Gen 3:5-6; 1 Jn 2:16).

2. Many people had been afflicted with the frighteningleprosy; e.g. a. King Uzziah (2 Chron 26:16-21).b. King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 4:28-33).c. King Herod (Acts 12:21-23).d. The Pharisees (Mt 23:5-7; Lk 18:9-14).

2. Scab.i. The meaning of ‘scab’ in the original text is eruption. Men are very

concerned and worried when they discover an eruption on their body. Such an eruption, new or old, often leaves a scar which cannot be removed. Is this not jealousy and hatred which are hidden in their hearts? Is this not the hatred that stirs up strife? (Prov 10:12) Is this not jealousy that urges a man to take revenge and not be appeased (Prov 6:34-35) Is this not that jealousy is as cruel as Hades? (Songs 8:6) Is it not that envy and malice which is deserving of death and without the hope of eternal life? (Rom 1:29, 32; 1 Jn 3:15).

ii. The Holy Bible records of many people who were troubled by this ‘hatred’ of leprosy such as -a. Cain (Gen 4:3-8).b. Esau (Gen 27:41-42).c. Saul (1 Sam 18:6-11, 29).d. Miriam (Num chapter 12).

3. Spot.i. ‘Spot’ in the original text is a bright spot. This kind of spot is very small and

bright. Hence not many take notice of it. Normally such spot is treated lightly, without realizing that death is hidden therein. The frightening part of this type of leprosy is that a. it is bright;b. it is small.

Is this not referring to ‘pleasures of sin’? (Heb 11:25) Is this not the ‘deceitfulness of sin’? (Heb 3:13) Is this not referring to the small mistakes and little folly often overlooked? (Ecc 10:1) Or is it not the tongues, which is smallest member in our body yet boasting of great things, staining the whole body and leading man into hell? (Jas 3:2-8). Is it not that anger, that makes a man sin and not fulfill the righteousness of God? (Jas 1:20; Eph 4:26-27) Is this not, the giving of alms with the intention that others could see? Is this not that the insincere long prayer done intentionally for men to see and give praise? Is this not, the fasting that is done to receive praises from men? Is this not that the offering done with the name on it, is with the intention of showing off? (Mt 6:1-6).

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ii. From the past, many people had been suffered great loss over such trivial tresspasses. For example,a. Miriam was afflicted with leprosy because she blasphemed against God

(Num 12:1, 10).b. Rehoboam lost a great part of his kingdom because of his foolish words

(1 Kgs 12:6-20).c. Ananias and Sapphire were cursed, fell down and died because they lied

to God (Acts 5:1-10).d. Judas who has betrayed Jesus used a kiss as the signal to betray the

Lord (Mt 26:48-50).Are these not bright spots?

4. Leprosy on the forehead.i. If there are reddish white sores on the forehead then there is leprosy. The

disease is on the head (13:40-44).

ii. This kind of leprosy is the most serious one, especially in this day, when this is a form of frightening spiritual leprosy. For example,a. There are some people who do not believe in the existence of God (Ps

14:1). They believe and trust only in science, money, power, their own knowledge and intelligence (Ref: Prov 3:5-7; 1 Cor 8:1; Hab 1:11).

b. Some people are always filled with corrupted thoughts (Gen 6:5), they plot evil deeds while on their bed (Ps 36:4; Mic 2:1), such people cannot sleep unless they have not done evil things or cause others to fall (Prov 4:16).

c. Judas was one that was afflicted with leprosy on the forehead (Mk 14:10-11).

5. Malignant leprosy.i. ‘When there is a leprous disease in a garment, whether it is a woolen, linen

garment, or in warp or woof of linen or wool, or a skin or in anything made of skin, if the disease shows greenish or reddish in the garment, whether in warp or woof or in skin or in anything made of skin, it is a leprous disease and shall be shown to the priest and be declared as unclean (13:47-52).

ii. ‘Malignant’ which is unnoticeable, slow and gradual, but before one can realise, the entire thing can be eaten up, just like what is written in the bible, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor 5:6). The feeling sin gives to a person is sometimes mild, and insignificant. Yet over time, it becomes a great sin that is unrecoverable. Hence we must be vigilant and not be unrepentant over little sins.

C. Examination By The Priest

1. A man who contracted leprosy must be brought to the priest (13:2, 9).a. This priest is the merciful Lord Jesus (Heb 2:17; 3:1).b. We should lead the sinners to Lord Jesus (Jn 1:42, 46). Paul said, “… by all

means save some” (1 Cor 9:22; Mk 2:3; 5:27; 9:17).

2. To be examined by the priest (13:3-8).

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a. Only He can examine people for there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to His eyes (Heb 4:13; Prov 15:3).

b. The Lord Jesus once examined the sin of the woman of Samaria (Jn 4:16-18). He also searched the heart of Nathaniel under a fig tree (Jn 1:47-50). He knew Judas would betray Him (Mk 14:17-21). The Lord Jesus knows all people and what is in their hearts (Jn 2:24-25).

3. The hair turned white, sores deeper than the skin (13:3).a. The hair turned white denotes that death is imminent. Sores deeper than the

skin indicate that the pestilence not superficial but more in depth.b. The scripture says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately

wicked; who can know it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind (Jer 17:9-10).

c. Has to pronounce him unclean (13:3, 8). Only the Lord Jesus can judge a sinner (Jn 8:7), on the basis of His word He shall judge the world (Jn 12:48; Rom 3:19-20).

4. After having been pronounced leprous (13:45-46).a. He must tear his clothes to denote nakedness, shame and lack of

righteousness (Heb 4:13; Gen 3:10).b. He must let loose his hair so as to cover his upper lip, the act that denotes

mourning (2 Sam 15:30; 19:4; Ezek 24:17, 22; Mic 3:7), an indication of hopelessness (Eph 2:12; 2 Thess 1:9).

c. He will be asked to stay outside the camp which means he will be without salvation and has to depart from heaven (Rev 21:27; 22:14-15).

D. Prepare to be Cleansed

1. If the whole body is covered with leprosy, then he is to be pronounced clean (Lev 13:12-13). This signifies that only the man admitting that he is filled with sin and that there is no goodness in him and if he utterly repents is he worthy of salvation (Lk 5:8; 15:21; 18:13; 23:41; Job 42:6; Isa 5-7).

2. If the raw flesh appears, the priest shall pronounce him unclean (13:14-15). This denotes that the sinful man is still stiff-necked and is not willing to admit his sin and a repent, with evil conduct repeating in the flesh (Num 22:34 Josh 7:20; 1 Sam 15:24; 26:21; Mt 27:4).

E. Method For Lepers to be Clean

1. To show him to the priest (14:2).a. It was the Lord who chose us, and not we who chose Jesus (Jn 15:16).b. It was the Lord who found Zaechaeus and not Zachaeus who has found Him

(Lk 19:1-10).

2. The priest should go out of the camp to make an examination (14:3).a. The leper is not allowed to enter the camp, therefore the priest has to go out

to make an examination.

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b. Lord Jesus left His glorious heaven and came to this world as though He came out of the camp (Heb 13:12).

3. To prepare two clean and living birds for him who is to be cleansed (14:4).a. God will provide the materials for the sacrifice (Gen 22:8).b. The clean living birds prefigures the sinless Lord (Hab 7:26).c. Of the 2 birds, one is to be killed in an earthen vessel over running water, and

the other let loose in an open field (14:5-7) to denote the death of the Lord and His resurrection (Rom 4:25) to complete the work of salvation.

d. Things needed in the cleansing are blood (14:5-7), water (14:8-9) and oil (14:15-18). All these testify to the precious blood of Jesus (1 Jn 5:6-8; 1 Pet 1:18-19), indicating baptism for the remission of sins and for sanctification (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

4. The priest had to take some blood and oil and anoint the person who is to be cleansed (14:14, 28).a. To dip it on the tip of the right ear denotes listening to the Words of the Lord.b. To put it on the thumb of the right hand denotes working zealously for the

Lord.c. To put it on the great toe of right foot denotes treading on the right path with

the Lord and never departing.

5. To shave off all his hair and beard (14:9).a. Denotes removal of all filth from the body. b. Denotes not seeking self glory but to lead a life of suffering shame.

6. Then shall he be allowed to enter the camp (14:8).a. Once was far off from the Lord and now have been brought near by the blood

of Jesus (Eph 2:13).b. Those sanctified would be allowed into the kingdom of God to enjoy the

eternal happiness (Rev 22:14; 2 Tim 4:18).

VII. IMPORTANT TEACHINGS OF THE SEVEN FEASTS

In the Old Testament period, God commanded Moses to proclaim to the people to observe the seven feasts-

i. Feast of Passover;ii. Feast of the unleavened bread;iii. Feast of the first fruits;iv. Feast of Pentecost;v. Feast of trumpets;vi. Day of atonement;vii. Feast of boothsFeast of Tebernacle (Details recorded in Lev 23)

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Because the 7 feasts were proclaimed by God, it is also known as the appointed feasts of the Lord to denote that they were proclaimed by God, and hence must be observed.

Christians today who are under the grace of the Lord need not observe all these feasts but the prefiguration and the spiritual teachings must be understood by all. May God guide us so that we many understand the mysteries.

A. Feast of Passover

1. Bible verse - (Lev 23:4-5; Ex 12”1-14; Num 9:9-14).

2. Date – 14th day evening of the first month (Lev 23:5).

3. Prefiguration.a. The lamb killed during the Passover with its blood shed. Denotes the death of

Jesus as a sacrifice (Jn 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7).b. Partaking the feast of the passover, prefigures partaking Holy Communion

(Lk 22:14-20; 1 Cor 10:16-21; 11:23-31).

4. Others.a. The right attitude in observing the passover (Ex 12:11).b. The qualities required in observing the passover (Ex 12:45-50).c. Those wilfully refrained from observing the passover would be cut off from

His people (Num 9:9-11).

B. Feast of the Unleavened Bread

1. Bible verse : (Lev 23:6-8; Ex 12:12-20; 13:6).

2. Date – From the 15th to the 21st day of the first month, keeping the feast over 7 days.

3. Prefiguration :a. Prefigures the death of Christ which removed the sins of people in the world. b. Prefigures those that have been saved, who must remove all evil, both inward

and outward, and lead a holy life.

4. The rules.a. Must eat unleavened bread (Ex 12:15).b. To eat for seven days (Lev 23:6; Ex 13:6)c. To take away the leaven from every house (Ex 12:15-19).d. No leaven shall be found in all territory (Ex 13:7; 12:20).e. Anyone who takes anything which contains leaven shall be cut off from his

people (Ex 12:15,19).

C. Feast of the First Fruits.1. Bible verse : (Lev 23:9-14).

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2. Date : 16th Day of the first month, on the day following of the Sabbath.3. Prefiguration :

a. Prefigures Jesus’ resurrection from the dead as the first fruits (1 Cor 5:20).b. Prefigures believers raised together with the Lord inbaptism, thereby needing

have new fruits to offer to God (Rom 6:4,22).4. Others :

a. To present a bundle of sheaf before God and to wave it for acceptance (23:10,11).

b. At the feast of the first fruits, no sin offering of sin was to be offered but only the burnt offerings and cereal offering (23:12-13).

c. Only after presenting offerings (first fruits) to God, then bread, parched grain or fresh grain may be eaten (23:14).

Offering first fruits denotes thanksgiving and acknowledgement that daily bread comes from God.

D. Feast of Pentecost1. Bible Verse : (Lev 23:15-22).2. Date : Calculating from the feast of First Fruits until the day after the 7 th Sabbath,

i.e. the 6th day of the 3rd month, a total of 50 days. That was how the term Pentecost was derived.

3. Prefiguration : the descension of the Holy Spirit to build the Church (Acts Chapter 2).

4. Others:a. To present the new cereal offering, two loaves of breads (not grain). This

signifies that believers are joined as one in the Holy Spirit and of one heart, eliminating individualism (Eph 4:2-4, Acts 2:42-27).

b. Two loaves of bread with leaven shall be presented to God only after they were baked. This denotes the Church which is built by the Holy Spirit in two different times i.e. the church which was built by the early rain and the one during the latter rain (Jas 5:7). With leaven signifies that the Church was still not yet perfect. The leaven breads must be baked first before they can be presented to God. This teaching denotes that when the leaven is baked it will lose its effect, i.e. when the Church has undergone trials it will be made perfect.

The above four feasts are in the first half of the year have been fulfilled in the early rain (during the apostolic times). The other three feasts are the second half of the year shall be fulfilled in the latter rain on the true church of the latter rain.

E. Feast of Trumpets.

1. Bible Verse : (Lev 23:23-25; Num 29:1-6).2. Date : First day of the seventh month.3. Prefiguration : The true church in the last days undertakes the commission to

spread the gospel and preach the warning (Mk 16:15; Rev 14:6,7).4. The Teachings :

a. Sound the trumpet to the people of their transgressions (Is 58:1).b. Blow the warning trumpet (Joel Chapter 2; Amos 3:6; Ezek 33:1-5).c. Blow the trumpet to assemble the elect (Is 27:13; Mt 24:31).

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d. Sound the trumpet to proclaim the year of jubilee (Lev 25:8-12; Lk 4:18,19).

F. Feast of the Atonement.

1. Bible Verse : Lev 23:26-32; Num 29:7-11; Lev 162. Date : The 10th day of the 7th month.3. Prefiguration :

a. Christ is the high priest who offered Himself as an atonement for sin (Heb 9:11-14).

b. To denote that the sins of the believers are cleansed and are awaiting for the day of redemption (Rom 8:23; Eph 4:30).

c. Also to denote the true church must proclaim the Word of the Lord during the last days so that those who believe in the Lord can be redeemed from theirs sins through the Lord’s blood (2 Cor 6:2; Rom 3:25; Acts 2:38).

4. The duty of the congregation :a. To have convocation to worship before Godand to commemorate His great

salvation.b. Not to do any, lest one work be cut off from the people (23:27); denoting that

one ought to pommel oneself in order to be ridden of sin (1 Cor 9:27).

5. The Work of the chief priest, Aaron: Christ as the High Priest (Heb 3:1)a. The atonement made for himself as well as for his household (16:6), but

Christ need not atone for His own sins (Heb 9:11-14,7).b. Redemption for the congregation (16:15-19).

To prepare two male goats one of which was to be offered to God (which denotes redemption of sin and another to Azazel (‘Aza’ means ‘ goats’ and ‘Zel’ means ‘ to depart’, the meaning implies the goat that departed, the scape goat or the goat that is set free. To signify that the sin is no longer remembered)) (Heb 10: 17-18; Mic 7: 18-20; Ps 103:12; Is 43:25; 44:22).

c. Once a year Aaron entered the holy of the holies to redeem his own and the sins of the people. Christ offered Himself once to fulfill the redemption for all (Heb 7:26,27; 9:23-28).

G. Feast of the Booths/Tabernacle.1. Bible Verse : Lev 23:33-44; Num 29: 12-40.2. Date : From the 15th to the 21st Day of the Seventh Month ( Commenced from the

5th day after the Day of Atonement, altogether for 7 days).3. Prefiguration:

a. Signifies the redemption of the sins of believers and the hope of the heavenly sabbath (Heb 4:9-11; Rom 8:18-25; Phil 3:20,21).

b. To signifies that true believers regard the world as a temporary dwelling place, themselves as sojourners, ought to hope for the better everlasting home (2 Cor 5:1-5; Heb 11:13-16).

c. To signify the harvest of God is over (23:39; Rev 14:14-20) i.e., before the 14th day of the 7th Month. Closely followed by the Feast of Booths i.e. 15th day of the 7th month, the people rejoiced in front of the Lord and to live with God (23:40,41; Rev 21:3-5).

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4. Others :a. A holy convocation ought to be conducted on the 1st and 8th day. All work

should stop. The 8th day is the greatest day of the feast (Lev 23:36; Jn 7:2,37).

b. During the Feast of Booths in the final year of every seven years, the priests must read the laws of God (Deut 31:10,11; Neh 8:13-18).

All the regulations of the 7 feasts listed above were observed by the Israelites only superficially but their hearts were far away from God.Eventually they became objects of abomination to God (Is 1:11-15; 1 Kings 12:32,33). Now that Jesus has come, all the periodic feasts have lost their meanings. They were but shadows to the things to come, but the real substance is Christ (Col 2:16,17). As such, we are only required to worship God in spirit and truth (Jn 4:24). The rise of the true church in the last days can truly manifest the prefigurations and spiritual meaning of the seven feasts, particularly the spiritual meetings conducted by the true church are clear indications of the assemblies of the 7 feasts.

VII. Year of Sabbath and Year of Jubilee.

1. Sabbath Year (25:1-7).The Lord said to Moses on Mount Sinai, “Say to the people of Israel, when you come into the land which I give you, the land shall keep a sabbath to the Lord. Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in its fruits; but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath to the Lord” (25:2-4).

Why did God want to set up the Year of Sabbath?

a. To let the land rest (25:4-5).b. When there was a sabbath for the land, the Israelites would automatically have

to stop their work. They would then have time to worship God and listen to the laws of God (Deut 31:10-13).

c. To have compassion for the poor and the sojourners (25:5,6; Ex 23:10,11).d. To manifest the special care of the Lord (25:20-22)e. As the means to try the faith of the Israelites (26: 27, 28, 34, 35, 43; II Chron

36:21).f. To let the people be aware that the whole land belongs to God (25:23). In the

eyes of God men are only strangers and sojourners.

2. Jubilee Year (25:8-22).a. A holy year (25:10,12).b. A sabbath year (25:11-12).c. A year of freedom (Ezek 46:17; 25:10).d. A year of abundance (25:18-22).e. A year of release (25:10,13,28).f. A year for sounding the trumpet (25:8-10).

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