Lecture: Book of Leviticus Chapters 10-13 Study Guide

Chapter 10: The Death of Nadab and Abihu

• Sons of Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, offered unauthorized incense ('strange fire') and were consumed by fire from the Lord (Lev. 10:1-2)
• Instructions on proper incense offerings referenced from Exodus 30:7-9, emphasized precise regulations
• Incident serves as a warning about the sacredness and specificity in worship practices
• Aaron's others sons instructed not to mourn for Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:4-7)

Prohibitions for Priests

• Priests prohibited from drinking wine or strong drink when entering the tabernacle (Lev. 10:8-11), enforced throughout generations
• Emphasized the need for sobriety in their duties (Ezekiel 44:15-24)

Chapter 11: Clean and Unclean Animals

Land Animals

• Animals allowed for consumption: must have a cloven hoof and chew the cud (Lev. 11:3)
• Examples include cattle, deer, sheep, and goats

Unclean Land Animals

• Prohibited animals: animals like camels, coneys, hares, and swine (Lev. 11:4-8)
• Swine specifically called out for dividing the hoof but not chewing cud

Aquatic Animals

• Only those with both fins and scales are permitted (Lev. 11:9-12)
• Examples: fish like salmon and cod; prohibitions on shellfish and bottom dwellers

Birds and Flying Insects

• Prohibited birds include eagles, vultures, kites, owls, etc. (Lev. 11:13-19)
• Allowed insects include locusts and grasshoppers
• Flying insects that walk on all fours were mostly prohibited except specific types with legs above their feet (Lev. 11:21-25)

General Rules on Cleanliness

• Contact with carcases of unclean animals renders a person unclean until evening (Lev. 11:24-28)

Chapter 12: Purification after Childbirth

• Unclean period for a woman after childbirth: 7 days for a male child, 14 days for a female (Lev. 12:1-8)
• Total purification for a male child: 40 days; for a female child: 80 days
• Requirements for offerings after the purification period (Lev. 12:6-8)
• Jesus and John the Baptist were circumcised on the eighth day (Luke 2:21; 1:59)

Chapter 13: Skin Diseases and Mildew (Leprosy)

• Detailed descriptions for diagnosing skin diseases (Lev. 13:1-3)
• Conditions for when a person could be pronounced clean or unclean
• Procedures for isolating the infected and processes for re-examining them (Lev. 13:4-17)
• Regulations for identifying mildew or mold in garments (Lev. 13:47-59)

General Notes

• Emphasis on following God’s precise instructions and being mindful of ritual cleanliness
• Distinguishing between clean and unclean is highlighted to maintain holiness (Lev. 11:47)
• Stress on the continuity of the law: not nullified by New Testament (1 Timothy 4:4-5)

Key Passages and Cross-references

• Instructions reference from Exodus 30:7-9
• Ezekiel 44:15-24 clarifying priestly duties
• New Testament references: Luke 2:21, 1:59; 1 Timothy 4:4-5; Romans 1:3; Second Esdras 9:37 emphasizing the enduring nature of the laws