Understanding Leviticus 21:8

Verse: "Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, am holy." (Leviticus 21:8)

Summary of Meaning

This verse emphasizes the importance of sanctification and holiness for the priests as they serve God. It underlines the role of priests in offering sacrifices and the expectation of their purity and moral integrity before God. The repetition of the call to holiness reflects God's own nature as holy.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Matthew Henry explains that in this verse, God is instructing the priests to maintain a level of sanctity due to their role in the worship practices of the Israelite community. The priests, as representatives of the people before God, must exemplify holiness, as their actions directly relate to the covenant and worship of God.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Albert Barnes notes that the phrase 'the bread of thy God' symbolizes the offerings made to God, particularly the showbread in the temple. The holiness required of the priests serves to maintain a proper relationship between God and His people, acknowledging that their service must be accompanied by a corresponding purity in character.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Adam Clarke emphasizes the overarching theme of holiness throughout this chapter. He points out that the call for the priests to be holy is not only due to their ministry but also reflects God's unchanging nature. Priests are to be set apart to lead others by example in a life dedicated to God.

Cross-References to Leviticus 21:8

Here are some significant Bible cross-references that provide deeper insights into the themes of holiness and sanctification found in Leviticus 21:8:

• Exodus 19:6 - "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation." (Linking the calling of priests to the concept of a holy nation.)
• 1 Peter 2:9 - "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation." (Connecting New Testament believers to the priesthood of the Old Testament.)
• Hebrews 10:10 - "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." (Illustrating how the sacrifice of Christ fulfills the need for holiness.)
• Leviticus 10:3 - "Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me." (Reinforcing the idea of God’s holiness and the need for the priests to approach with reverence.)
• Romans 12:1 - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." (Highlighting the call to holiness for all believers.)
• Matthew 5:48 - "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Calling Christians to a high standard of holiness.)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:7 - "For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (Emphasizing God's intention for His people to live holy lives.)
• Ephesians 1:4 - "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." (Connecting God’s choice of His people with their call to holiness.)
• 2 Corinthians 7:1 - "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (Encouraging believers to pursue holiness in their lives.)
• Colossians 3:12 - "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering." (Describing the characteristics of those who are considered holy by God.)

Thematic Connections

This verse is deeply connected to the theme of holiness in the Bible, which runs throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The requirement for moral integrity and purity is reiterated in various forms across Scriptures. Here are several thematic connections and reflections on holiness:

• Holiness of God: The call for priests to be holy is intrinsically linked to the holiness of God Himself. Scriptures consistently affirm that God is holy and desires His people to reflect that nature.
• Role of the Priest: The priests serve as mediators between God and the people, symbolizing the relationship every believer has with Christ, the ultimate High Priest.
• Living Sacrifice: New Testament teachings encourage believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, paralleling the priestly duties of holiness.
• Community of Believers: The concept of a 'holy nation' extends beyond individual holiness, calling for the collective purity of the community of faith.

Conclusion

Leviticus 21:8 serves as a vital reminder of the seriousness with which God views holiness, especially concerning those who serve Him. The interconnectedness of holiness in the priesthood and the believer's life today illustrates the enduring significance of adhering to God's principles of sanctification. Through tools such as a Bible concordance and Bible cross-reference guide, believers can delve deeper into Bible verse connections, enhancing their understanding of scriptural themes and how they resonate throughout the biblical narrative.