Unclean Standards (Part I)
Leviticus 15:1–18
Following God’s definition of what is unclean— not relying on our own understanding
📖 Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding.”
Introduction
Leviticus 15 teaches that holiness is defined by God, not by human reasoning or cultural comfort. These instructions were given to protect the sanctity of God’s presence among His people. Uncleanness was not sin in itself, but ignoring God’s standards was. God establishes boundaries so His people can dwell safely and reverently before Him.
Verse-by-Verse Study
Verses 1–2
📖 Leviticus 15:1–2 (NKJV)
“And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean.’”
Teaching Point:
God speaks clearly and directly. Uncleanness is defined by divine instruction, not personal intention. God’s holiness governs even physical matters.
Verse 3
📖 Leviticus 15:3 (NKJV)
“And this shall be his uncleanness in regard to his discharge—whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body is stopped up by his discharge, it is his uncleanness.”
Teaching Point:
Uncleanness is not dependent on appearance or severity. God’s standard applies whether it is visible or hidden.
📖 1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)
“For the LORD does not see as man sees…”
Verses 4–6
📖 Leviticus 15:4–6 (NKJV)
“Every bed is unclean on which he who has the discharge lies, and everything on which he sits shall be unclean. Whoever touches his bed shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. He who sits on anything on which he who has the discharge sat shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.”
Teaching Point:
Uncleanness transfers by contact. What we allow to rest upon us or influence us matters—spiritually and practically.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)
“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”
Verse 7
📖 Leviticus 15:7 (NKJV)
“And whoever touches the body of him who has the discharge shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.”
Teaching Point:
God always provides a path of cleansing. Uncleanness is not permanent when obedience is followed.
📖 Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)
“Though your sins are like scarlet… they shall be as white as snow.”
Verse 8
📖 Leviticus 15:8 (NKJV)
“If he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.”
Teaching Point:
Even indirect contact requires accountability. God’s holiness does not allow casual disregard.
Verses 9–10
📖 Leviticus 15:9–10 (NKJV)
“Any saddle on which he who has the discharge rides shall be unclean. Whoever touches anything that was under him shall be unclean until evening; he who carries any of those things shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.”
Teaching Point:
Uncleanness travels. Movement does not exempt responsibility.
Verses 11–12
📖 Leviticus 15:11–12 (NKJV)
“And whoever the one with the discharge touches, and has not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. The vessel of earth that he who has the discharge touches shall be broken, and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.”
Teaching Point:
Some vessels can be cleansed; others must be broken. Not everything can be reused—some things must be surrendered completely.
📖 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
“Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Verses 13–15
📖 Leviticus 15:13–15 (NKJV)
“And when he who has a discharge is cleansed of his discharge, then he shall count for himself seven days for his cleansing, wash his clothes, and bathe his body in running water; then he shall be clean. On the eighth day he shall take for himself two turtledoves or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and give them to the priest. Then the priest shall offer them, the one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering; so the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD because of his discharge.”
Teaching Point:
Cleansing involves time, obedience, and sacrifice. Restoration is intentional and reverent.
📖 Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God…”
Verses 16–18
📖 Leviticus 15:16–18 (NKJV)
“If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall wash all his body in water, and be unclean until evening. And any garment and any leather on which there is semen, it shall be washed with water, and be unclean until evening. Also, when a woman lies with a man, and there is an emission of semen, they shall bathe in water, and be unclean until evening.”
Teaching Point:
Even lawful, natural acts required cleansing. God teaches accountability, not shame. Nothing is excluded from His order.
Key Takeaways
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God alone defines what is clean and unclean
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Obedience comes before understanding
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Uncleanness affects individuals and community
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God always provides a way back to cleanliness
📖 Leviticus 15:31 (NKJV)
“Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness…”
Closing Reflection
Where might we be redefining holiness instead of submitting to God’s standards?
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