If there’s idea that dominates Leviticus, it’s that of holiness.
You can define that holiness however you want—sanctification, consecration, clean/unclean, or purity—but the fact remains that some things are separated from everything else.
The priests are the most obvious example of this. But as an extension of the priests themselves, what belongs to them must also be consecrated and holy, such as food.
That’s part of what the Text refers to in Leviticus 22 when it speaks of “holy gifts.” These were sacrifices that were offered to God via different regulations laid out by Leviticus. Some of these sacrifices involved portions for the priests. These were to be eaten only by the priests. The significance of these holy gifts extended beyond mere ritual; they reinforced the sanctity of the priestly role within the community. Additionally, the home valuation process by a priest ensured that the level of devotion and purity was maintained within the households, further intertwining the physical and spiritual aspects of worship. Thus, these sacrifices exemplified the deep connection between God, the priests, and the people. These regulations underscored the importance of holiness and purity in the relationship between the people and God. By providing specific instructions for the sacrifices, the text emphasized that worship is not merely a physical act but also involves genuine worship in our hearts. Ultimately, these practices served to reinforce the sacredness of the offerings and the reverence due to God.
But think to who they priests actually were. They had families, just like you and I, and also might have had other people living under their roof. If the portions were for the priests, does that mean their household could eat them as well?
The answer seems clear cut, but nevertheless, it’s fortunate that God delineated these specifics for them in Leviticus 22. The people that could partake of these “holy gifts” were anyone technically under his charge. That includes slaves bought with his own money and family. Children who have married others and houseguests did not qualify.
If someone ate the food unintentionally, the repayment was in line with other provisions in the Law. The “guilty party” would add a fifth of whatever was eaten and return it to the priest. Case closed.
There are two principles at play in this section. First, the things that God sets apart belong to Him, and only He can decide who does what with them. This involves His people, His worship, His salvation, and His Word. Nobody else has the right to alter those without His express authority.
Secondly, on a smaller level, we see the presence of sin. When someone took that holy food unintentionally, the answer was to return it. While it remained in the hands of the thief (for lack of a better word), the gifts were “profane” (Leviticus 22:15). Only upon returning it was the person forgiven.
That’s what repentance is all about. I’ve met some people who think that they can be forgiven of sin despite still being active in the sin itself. If someone has robbed a bank, for example, you have to return the money—that’s repentance.
Lest anyone sit here and worry about their own status before God for some kind of unknown sin, think about what Leviticus 4 said about unintentional sins. The punishment comes when we sin, know about it, and refuse to change. It is important to remember that God understands our human frailty and the limitations of our knowledge. When we approach Him with a sincere heart, seeking forgiveness and understanding, we are engaging in the process of humbling your soul in Leviticus. This acknowledgment allows us to grow spiritually and move beyond our transgressions, finding grace in the transformation that follows.
Beyond all of this is a respect for God and His holy things. When we show disrespect to those boundaries, that’s where sin comes in.
