><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Leviticus) CHAPTER 9-10 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The Tabernacle and priests have been sanctified and dedicated; all was now ready for the normal work of the priesthood to begin. 1 What was Aaron's first offering at the start of his ministry? Though pardoned, anointed, and consecrated, he still needed mercy through atoning blood. But when all was duly offered, how did God show His acceptance of His people's worship? with 9:22. cf Nu 6:22-27. 2 What did Nadab and Abihu do? What happened? Why did God act like this? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Leviticus) Chapter 9-10 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- Aaron first offered a sin offering. Fire came out and consumed the burnt offering and fat portions on the altar. The deaths of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, reminds me of Uzzah's being struck down when he touched the ark of God. (When David was bringing the ark back into Jerusalem) They all show irrevernce for God's Holiness. We should apply this to modern day, by not taking the Lord's name in vain, and various other applications. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Leviticus 9 and 10 The Fire 9:24 - "The fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the portions of fat on the altar; and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces." Verse 9:24 is a proof that God accepted the tabernacle worship service of what He instructed to Moses to do. 10:2 - "And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord." Verse 10:2 establishes the recognition of God's authority. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Aaron's first offering was a sin offering then a burnt offering for himself. Then, he offered a sin, burnt, grain, and a peace offering for the people. In v22, God shows His pleasure with His people's worship by sending fire to consume the burnt offering left on the altar. The Lord found favor and shined his face upon the people in the form of the fire. Numbers 6:24-27 24 The LORD bless you, and keep you; 25 The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; 26 The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.' 27 "So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them." 2) Nadab and Abihu(Aaron's sons) offered 'strange fire' before the Lord. The result was their consumption by fire from the Lord. God is a jealous God. He cannot tolerate disobedience, especially in service of strange gods or in the carrying out of 'strange rituals'. May each of us remember that as Hebrews tells us: Heb 12:28-29 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire. Our God is a consuming fire, but may we also take comfort in the fact that He has invited us into an unshakeable kingdom to be coheirs with His Son. May we not pervert the Gospel or water it down, lest we be guilty of offering 'strange fire' to God. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Leviticus) CHAPTER 11 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What would the distiction between clean and unclean teach Israel about God and His worship? see vs44,45. Consider the great changes in their habits that the coming of God to dwell among them brought about. Cf 1Pet 1:14-16; Eph 4:22-24 2 How did our Lord show that such distinctions are not now binding? What constitutes defilement in God's sight? Cf Mk.7:14-23 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Leviticus) Chapter 11 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The most significant thing about the Christian life is that we are free in Christ (Ref. to Eph 5). Unlike the rules and regulations of OT life, we have been set free through Jesus blood. He is our hope and our salvation. However, we should not cause a brother to stumble by our actions. This is also an important aspect of Christian living - our witness. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Leviticus 11 The Consuming Fire The topic of this chapter is holy consumable food and ended with "For I am the Lord, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, to be your God; THUS YOU SHALL BE HOLY FOR I AM HOLY. This is the law regarding the animal, and the bird, and every living thing that moves in the waters, and everything that swarms on the earth. *to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the edible creature and the creature which is not to be eaten." 11:45-47. Because "---- it is written 'YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.' And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth;" I Peter 1:16- 17. Therefore "---since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; FOR OUR GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE." Hebrews 12:28-29. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The distinction between clean and unclean would teach Israel that a) God was a Holy God b) They were to separate themselves from the world's practices c) God was concerned about their physical health. Eph 4:22-24 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 2) God showed that those things that were unclean were unpleaseing in the sight of God. lev 11:44 44 'For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. This lesson of clean and unclean would stick with God's people well into the 1st century church where Peter was given the vision of eating the feast of food with the unclean animals. This was a lesson the people learned and practiced well. May we too desire to be separated, holy vessels within this world, discerning the clean and unclean things that we may present ourselves holy before God and not swarming with things of this earth. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Leviticus) CHAPTER 12:1-13:46 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Did the mere fact of being born a Jew give a child a place in the covenant? See 12:3, Note 1 below, and Dt. 10:15,16;30:6. How do the principles illustrated here apply today? 2 From chapter 13 trace some of the parallels that exist between thee plague of leprosy and the plague of sin. Notes 1 Circumcision had a two fold significance, namely, identification with God's covenant people, and purification from unfitness for such a role. 2 12:8. Cf Lk. 2:22-24. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Leviticus) Chapter 12:1-13:46 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Leviticus 12:1 - 13:48 Health Law Chapter 12 talks about a mother shall stay in-house for 33 days after giving birth to a baby boy and 66 days for baby girl. This Mosic Law applies to old Chinese custom in a similar way. When I was little living in Nanking, a mother would stay in bed for 30 days after giving birth of a child. However, it would be the same treatment for baby boy or girl. During this 30 days they do not take bath nor cold food. Other special treats are also often given as well as "Chicken with Sesame Seed Oil" for nutritious food. Chapter 13 is establishing a public health law to defend against a popular contagious disease. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The birth of a child though a wonderous thing is a reminder that sin is inherent in mankind. The original sin that each of us enters into the world with is made plain here by the uncleanness of the mother described here. The mere fact that a child was born into the nation of Israel was not an inclusion in the covenant, the child needed to be circumsized(separated unto God). Today, we pratice circumcision mainly for health reasons among Gentile nations. Our separation as God's people needs to be through our reactions, our dealings with others, and our walk with God. 2) Just like the plague of leprosy, the plague of sin causes separation. Sin spreads like leprosy, a spot of it can consume the whole body. It labels us as 'unclean'. The disease of sin has only one cure - Christ Jesus blood. We must accept that as a gift of vaccine, to remove the sin from the root(original sin), and also the outer markings of the disease. If you just remove the outer markings, you have not dealt with the problem. No matter how hard you try to cover up the outer signs, the inner root problem with surface. May we each one accept the cleansing and healing power of Christ's blood on a daily basis, confessing our sins that we might walk clean and upright before God. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Leviticus) CHAPTER 13:47-14: 32 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 If leprosy is an illustration of sin what is the general teaching of 13:47-59 regarding sin-contaminated habits and practices? 2 What is the significance of the fact that the leper had to be healed before he was cleansed from the defilement of his leprosy? Cf Jn. 3:3; Gal. 6:15. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Leviticus) Chapter 13:47-14: 32 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Leviticus 13:47 - 14:32 Leper and Law of Cleansing Chapter 13 identifies the leprous ones. Verse 1 - 8 it shows swellings, scales and discolorations;10 - 17 chronic leprosy;18 - 23 boils; 24 - 28 burns; 29 - 37 diseases of the scalp and chin; 38 - 39 rash; and 40 - 44 loss of hair. These are the way to identify a leper with their physical conditions. Now, 13:47 - 59 discuss the lepers' clothes and how to treat the clothes. Then, 14:1 - 32 is the law of purification. Leprosy is not a common disease today. The biblical significance is that it is a deadly disease; for the ones whom God has mercy on them and live, they shall bring an offering of two birds. One shall be killed for the atonement and the other one is being set free. 14:7. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) This chapter teaches us with a parallel between leprosy and sin. The main focus of the chapter is that once something has been infected with a disease(sin or leprosy) it cannot be clean again except through a purification of the original cause of the infection. The contaminated clothing(or habits) of the person must be made spotless. In the sense of our lives, when sin stains the clothes of righteousness provided by Jesus to us, we must rid our clothes of the impure, change our habits. Only then can we partake of the 2nd bird offering of freedom. 2) The fact that the leper needed healing showed that there was an act that needed to take place prior to cleansing, otherwise, the cleansing was only temporary. The same can be applied to our lives and sin. We need to receive Christ as Saviour and only then will our sins be forgiven and when cleansed, our garments remain spotless and white as snow. Without the saving grace and our acceptance of it, and spot removing will only be a temporal solution, something whose effectiveness will not be lasting. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Leviticus) CHAPTER 14: 33-15:33 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 How does this portion show that sin, wherever found and in whatever form, is defiling in God's sight, and prevents acceptance before Him? 2 Chapter 15 is usually taken to represent the defilement of secret sin. Notice (a) how it pollutes the whole life and all around it, and that this kind of defilement requires atonement just as much as Other forms of sin. Cf Pss. 19: 12; 51:6-9. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Leviticus) Chapter 14: 33-15:33 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Leviticus 14:33 - 15:33 14:33 - 57: HYPROUS HOUSE God instructed Israelites about this law while they were still in the wilderness and lived in the tents, 14:33. It is the house owner's responsibility to keep his house clean, 14:35. In Moses' days, people do not have the scientific knowledge about that diseases are transmitted through mold, fungus and bacteria. They were told that house of such disease shall be pulled down because it is contagious disease, 14:45. 14:54- 57 concluded that the contagious leprosy should be treated on the body, clothes and dwelling. This is also the way we ought to deal with our sin to keep the dwelling place of the Lord pure and clean. Chapter 15 - Sexual Impurities This is a hard chapter to practice in our lives. It seems difficult to keep us pure until reaching old age. Yet reproduction is a blessing given by the Lord. Some religions restrict their believers to be active in sexual life, such as Buddhist. That is why they are mostly vegetarians to keep themselves less active in physically sexual desires. However, I do not think that is what God wants us to be. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) In this portion of text, we see the commands given the Israelites regarding their dwelling places. We can take this today to mean our physical body, the temple and dwelling place of the Lord. We must keep ourselves clean in this way to not let in any sin and defilement. 2)Chapter 15 speaks of uncleanness due to secret sin. These affect all of the surroundings of the individual and anything that they come in contact with. Ps 19:12 12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Ps 51:6-9. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. 7 ¶ Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Leviticus) CHAPTER 16 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 Sketch out the order of the ceremonies of the Day of Atonement. 2 What do you learn from this chapter about (a) the conditions of approach into God's presence; (b) the complete removal of sin's guilt through substitution; (c) the necessity on man's part of sub- mission in penitence and faith to God's way of salvation? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Leviticus) Chapter 16 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Leviticus 16 The Day of Atonement Leviticus is a book of the Atonement and Chapter 16 is a big chapter of the book. Once a year a scapegoat would be set free by the priest for the forgiveness of their sin, 16:8. This is the Old Testament way of worship. Today, our faith is built upon Hebrew 9:13-14 - "For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, who much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God cleanse your conscience for dead works to serve the living God." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The Day of Atonement was the most important of days in the Hebrew ordinances. All the sins of the entire congregation were atoned for on that day. First, Aaron bathed himself and put on simple clothes and offered a sin offering for himself. Next the high priest presented 2 goats for a sin offering for the people. One was slain, the other sent into the wilderness. The live goat was the removing goat, symbolizing the removal of the people's trangessions. Next, Aaron went into the Holy of Holies with incense, shielding his eyes from the glory of God. Then he went in a second time with the blood of the bull. The third trip was made and the blood of the goat was taken. Finally, Aaron dressed in the regular priest's clothing and offered his own and the people's burnt offerings on the altar of burnt offering in the outer court. He burned the fat of the offering, and the remains were carried out and burned. 2) We must be clean and humble to approach God's presence. We must have our sins removed and atoned for. We must submit to God's will in faith and respond accordingly to receive His rich blessing.