Leviticus 21:11-12 He must not enter a place where there is a dead body. He must not make himself unclean, even for his father or mother, nor leave the sanctuary of his God or desecrate it, because he has been dedicated by the anointing oil of his God. I am the Lord.
Again, I am reminded that God is dealing with a very specific people (the Israelites) in a very specific position (just released from 400 years of captivity) in a very specific location (surrounded by many peoples who worshipped gods in ways that God did not want His people worshipping).
Leviticus 21:13 “ ‘The woman he marries must be a virgin.
It makes me think of the phrase “We don’t act like that in this family,” a spirit and idea I totally understand. Our actions reflect not only the way we were raised but also what we believe and hold dear. God wants us to reflect Him–His love, His compassion, His mercy–through our actions.
Leviticus 21:14-15 He must not marry a widow, a divorced woman, or a woman defiled by prostitution, but only a virgin from his own people, so that he will not defile his offspring among his people. I am the Lord, who makes him holy.’ ”
Precious Savior, Thank You for the reminder that we are Your deeply loved children. Help us to act in a manner that will allow You to say to us when we meet You face to face, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:23). Help us, Jesus. Amen.
Leviticus 21:16-17 The Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron: ‘For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God.
Have a blessed day.