It should come as no surprise that God’s laws regulate sexual activity. Depending on how you interpret it, Song of Solomon is either the most erotic book in the Bible (if not the entire ancient world) or an allegory about the love between Christ and the Church.
Either way you slice it—whether taking the imagery at face value or using it as a metaphor—there’s no denying that the words are explicit. It’s little wonder why Jewish boys were encouraged to avoid the book until they were either (a) married or (b) thirty years old.
But everyone was required to read and understand the Law, so the concepts contained would’ve been at least explored by most families when they came across Leviticus 15. If Jewish parents hadn’t had “the talk” with their children by this point, they most certainly would on the camel ride home from their local synagogue.
Leviticus 15 presents parents with a unique opportunity, though—one that most families would probably rather avoid altogether. Namely: How do we talk with our children about the nature of sexual relationships? This chapter encourages open dialogue about respect, boundaries, and the complexities of human connection, sparking conversations that can shape a child’s understanding of intimacy. Additionally, we might explore themes like scapegoat symbolism in Leviticus, which can help illustrate the importance of responsibility and the consequences of actions within our relationships. By addressing these topics thoughtfully, parents can guide their children towards a healthier perspective on sexual relationships.
When we had our first child, someone told me that we needed to be intentional about we raised them, because if we don’t teach them the details of the world, someone else will. And if we wanted any control over how our children perceived everyday life, we would need to be proactive in those lessons.
With that in mind, think about Leviticus 15 says. For one, it clearly defines the parameters of a sexual relationship as being between a man and woman (Leviticus 15:18). It assumes that this will be the standard. All other forms of sexual immorality, including homosexuality (dealt with specifically in later passages), are not acknowledged at this point.
Why aren’t they mentioned? Because it doesn’t need to be regulated. It needs to not even exist.
On the surface, Leviticus 15 may not seem like a goldmine for heart-opening conversations. But we can use this section to point out to our children (and to ourselves) what God regulates. And where He regulates something, we should learn to regulate as well (in a New Testament sense, of course). By examining the guidelines set forth in Leviticus, we can draw parallels to the values we instill in our family, particularly in terms of generosity and stewardship. This aligns closely with the concept of the tithe and its biblical significance, reminding us of the importance of giving a portion of our blessings back to God. Ultimately, these lessons help shape our character and values, reinforcing the idea that what we practice in our lives reflects our understanding of God’s intentions. By examining these regulations, we can better understand God’s sovereignty over the land and how His laws are designed for our well-being. They serve as reminders that even the small details of our lives matter to Him, and they help us cultivate an attitude of reverence and responsibility. As we discuss these principles with our children, we reinforce the importance of living in accordance with God’s plans in every aspect of our lives.
This passage also points out how God has a fantastic way of using silence to make His arguments.
Hebrews 7:14 makes a similar argument about the priesthood of Jesus as being different from the priesthood of Levi. Because Jesus came from Judah (which Moses “spoke nothing” about), it mandates that Jesus could not be a priest under the Old Law. God mandated the Tribe of Levi, and in so doing, eliminated everything else.
When parents approached Leviticus 15 with their kids, I’m sure there were a lot of questions. But instead of avoiding those discussions, they could just as easily use the moment to teach their children about how God views marriage. And, just as importantly, how He doesn’t view marriage.
