LEVITICUS 11 – PHYSICAL CLEANSING, SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Jul 24
- 6 min read
Drawing Close to God: Visit Leviticus, Discover Jesus
Is there spiritual wisdom in the list of clean and unclean animals? How can we discern what makes us unclean before God today?
🪔 INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT
Leviticus 11 is not just about types of food. It is a chapter that builds the identity of Israel as a covenant people, called to be different, living a life of holiness before God. Every meal was a reminder that they were God’s people, set apart for a life of holiness and respect for life.
This is directly related to the idea of God’s holiness . God’s holiness is not an abstract attribute but his fundamental nature that governs every aspect of creation and his covenant with Israel. Qadosh (holy) means being set apart and given special honor by God, but also an invitation to be set apart for God. This means seeking the order, perfection, and life that comes from him. The closer a person draws to God, the more he shares in his life and order (Genesis 1:1–2:3; Leviticus 11:44).
God’s covenant with Israel functions as a “royal contract” in which God says: “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God” (Exodus 6:7). This is why Israel was given a special status and was encouraged to live in imitation of God’s own character ( imitatio Dei ). Their holiness was reflected in everyday life—even at the table—to reveal the beauty of God’s order and to bear witness to his presence.
📖 Read First: Leviticus 11
Consider the list of clean and unclean animals, along with the instructions for touching carcasses and their consequences. Ask: Why did God make this distinction? And how does it relate to the call to holiness in verses 44–45: “Be holy, for I am holy” ?
📖 STUDY STRUCTURE FOR THIS CHAPTER
📘 ISRAEL IS SET APART – VERSES 1–23
The dietary laws were related to Israel’s identity as God’s people. They reminded them daily that they belonged to Him and were to live separately from the surrounding nations. Each plate of food was a covenant symbol and a call to imitate God’s character and avoid moral and ritual confusion.
SEPARATION AND HOLYNESS (IMITATIO DEI)
The main reason for these laws was holiness ( qadosh ). The Bible repeatedly emphasizes: “Be holy… for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). This call is understood as imitatio Dei —reflecting the image of God himself. By keeping these laws, Israel was reminded daily at the table that they should separate themselves from the nations, with God emphasizing to them: “I am holy; you also must be holy. I am set apart; you also must separate yourselves to me.”
HOLYNESS AS A PATH TO LIFE
As Morales says (p. 30), although Leviticus strongly emphasizes holiness, it is not an end in itself, but rather a means to achieve “a life of abundant joy with God in the house of God.” The level of holiness in the Tabernacle is the level of life, and the Holy of Holies represented “the fullness of life.” Thus, the laws of holiness are an invitation to enter into a life of fellowship with the living God.
📘 PRINCIPLE OF RESPECT FOR LIFE – MIST. 24–40
These laws dictate how to deal with the carcasses of unclean animals and the procedures for purification after touching them. The main purpose was not only to avoid physical contamination, but to remind Israel that death and destruction are the consequences of sin, and when they become unclean, they require purification before they can be restored to a state of purity.
A Deep Message About Life and Holiness
In the broader context of Leviticus, these are teachings about seeking holiness and communion with God, the source of life. Touching dead bodies was not a sin in itself, but a symbol of how death is opposed to the perfection of the living God, thus requiring purification rituals.
Protecting God's Presence Among People
These laws ensured that God’s tabernacle (the tent of meeting) was not defiled, as emphasized in Leviticus 15:31 and Numbers 19:13. An example of this was a person who touched a dead body and failed to bathe or wash his clothes; he would be considered unclean until evening and could not enter the tabernacle until he was cleansed. This regular cleansing taught the people that God’s presence was precious and holy, requiring a clean environment, similar to how we protect sacred places today by ensuring physical and spiritual cleanliness before approaching places of worship (Psalm 24:3–4).
Ritual Defilement and the Protective Fence
Ritual impurity required purification but was not considered the same as moral sin. However, there is a meaningful parallel between impurity and sin in that both require purification (Leviticus 11:24-28; 1 John 1:9). These laws are covenant wisdom, safeguarding the covenant order and reminding us that Israel is in the “holy garden” of God’s presence. Each act of purification was like a “fence” of caution against the filth of the fallen world, and preparing the way back to life and abundant fellowship with God.
📘 THE CALL TO BE SET APART FOR GOD – MIST. 41–45
The closing of this chapter conveys a message: being set apart does not mean discrimination but living in the image of God himself. Their holiness was a way to approach the holy God and live in covenant wisdom.
🧱 LEVITICUS 11 FOR TODAY
Jesus and the Cleansing Program
Jesus and his apostles showed a new perspective on true purity:
Purity of heart: “That which defiles a man proceedeth out of the heart” (Mark 7:20–23).
God purifies believers: Peter was revealed that God had purified every creature that believes (Acts 10:9–16), and Jesus Himself said of His disciples who believed in Him: “You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you” (John 15:3).
God separates believers from unbelievers: The Israelites did not mix with the Canaanites because of their unclean idolatry and immoral conduct (Leviticus 18:24–30). Similarly, believers today are warned not to mix with idolaters or fornicators, being urged to separate themselves from sinful conduct in order to maintain purity of heart (1 Corinthians 5:9–11; 2 Corinthians 6:14–17).
Believers should not discriminate at the table: By the blood of Jesus, believing Jews and Gentiles have been united, the wall of hostility has been broken down, and peace has been brought about (Ephesians 2:13–16). Believers are also warned to refuse to discriminate at the Messiah’s feast because of food, “Let no one judge you in food or drink” (Romans 14:3; Colossians 2:16).
Purity Challenges Today
Today, the challenges of cleanliness are more spiritual and ethical than food on the table:
Modern idolatries —such as relying on wealth, fame, or dark powers—can bring about spiritual defilements similar to those of old.
When the fear of death can cause us to lose hope and stop trusting God, it demonstrates the destruction caused by sin (Romans 6:23).
The Call of a Pure Heart
The main question: Are we nurturing hatred, greed, selfishness or injustice?
What do we allow to rule our hearts—false gods or the hope of eternal life in Christ?
Conclusion: True holiness begins within and is manifested in words, actions, and decisions that reflect the holiness of God.
🔍 THINK MORE
Are there things in your life that make you feel “unclean” before God? What might they be?
What steps can you take to live spiritually wise and be “clean” before God?
👥 FOR STUDY GROUPS
Discuss: What does “holiness” mean in the daily life of a Christian? What is the difference between keeping the law outwardly and living by the inner wisdom of the Spirit?
🙌 BLESSING TO CLOSING THE STUDY
May the Lord teach you to see life as His sacred gift. May He help you to set your life apart for Him, to avoid impurity of heart and life, and to hold you close to His love and grace.
Amen.
📣 COMMENTS & PARTNERSHIP
What did you learn today about spiritual wisdom in Leviticus 11? Share your thoughts with us below.
📚 SOURCES AND REFERENCES
Jacob Milgrom , Leviticus 1–16; 17–22 (Anchor Yale Bible) – explains that the dietary laws are related to respect for life and the call to holiness.
John H. Walton , The Lost World of the Torah – says the Torah is covenant wisdom, not just a system of laws.
L. Michael Morales , Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? – shows holiness as an invitation to life in the presence of God.
Bible , Leviticus 11; Mark 7:20–23; Acts 10:9–16 – key scriptures that show the transition from physical purity to mental purity.
➡️ NEXT LESSON: “PARENTHOOD AND HOLYNESS – LEVITICUS 12”
Can the process of childbirth be part of a spiritual journey of purification?