Leviticus 15 continues with the theme of uncleanness, and specifically deals with the area of reproductive processes. The structure of the chapter is split up into 2 main parts and two sub parts. Verse 2-18 speaks of male discharge and 19-30 speaks of female discharge. Verse 1 gives the introduction, while 31 the purpose of the law and 32 the conclusion to the topic. Verse 2-15 speaks of male’s abnormal discharge, while 16-18 of male’s normal discharge. Verse 19 – 24 speaks of the female’s normal discharge, while 25 – 30 of female’s abnormal discharge.

2-15 A. male’s abnormal discharge

16-18 B. male’s normal discharge

19 – 24 B’ female’s normal discharge

25 – 30 A’ female’s abnormal discharge

In verse 2, it says that “When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean”. In the context of addressing spiritual cleanness and physical hygiene, this discharge in verse 2 is likely to refer to abnormal genital discharge, usually indicating some type of disease. The exact nature is not specified, but historical records showed that gonorrhoea had existed in the ancient near east period. When this happens, the man was to be isolated in order not to pass on the infection to anyone else in the community. Everything that he has sat on, has to be wash in water, and whomever has contacted the unclean person will also has to clean himself and be isolated until evening time.

In the same way, when a woman has a discharge of blood, she will be regarded as unclean, all the days of her discharge. Everything she has sat or lie on shall be washed cleaned and the person in contact with her will also be unclean. In both man and woman who recover from the abnormal discharge, they are to made an offering on the eight days of their recovery.

From common sense, we can understand why abnormal discharges are considered unclean, but why are sex within marital laws also included as unclean? (v18) The term “uncleanness” used in the Old Testament usually signifies ceremonial impurity. It was not a sin for a married man and woman to lie with each other and that is why only washing with water was needed when in contact with the person with discharge. The issue was ceremonial purity which is rooted in cleanliness. Even in the union between one man and one woman, because of our sinful nature and our impure hearts, it still remained imperfect and require cleansing.

It is a reminder that even when we upkeep the ceremonial laws to its fullest, our sinful nature out from our heart results in evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person. (Mark 7:21-23)

There is only one way we can be perfectly clean. It is when we come to Jesus and have faith in Him. When the unclean woman who have discharged of blood for 12 years came to Jesus, she came believing that if she touched his garment, she will be made well. She had faith in Jesus, and because of her belief, Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:34)

Dear brothers and sisters, we are no longer ceremonially bounded because our sins are cleansed by the blood of Jesus. No longer do we need to live in the jittery fear of defilement. Christ has set us free from the yoke of slavery of sin. Let us not take for granted this grace but spur to live a life of love to Christ, to live a life of purity and holiness for Him!

Pray: Dear Jesus, thank you for your blood that has cleansed us permanently of our sinful nature. What was our nature, you turn it anew that we can be set free from it and to follow after you. Help us to respond to you by living our life in purity and holiness, a life directed to you. In Jesus name, amen.