EXEGETICAL-THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF GOD’S HOLINESS AND PHYSICAL IMPURITY IN NUMBERS 5:1-4
Abstract
During biblical times, three main factors deemed a person unclean: skin diseases, particularly open wounds, bodily discharges, and contact with the deceased. This state of impurity disqualified one from communal living, potentially posing a risk of contamination to the sacred tabernacle and the Lord's holy worship. Consequently, individuals afflicted with these conditions were required to isolate or be exiled from the community during their period of illness. The presence of such individuals in the camp was viewed as a potential source of defilement, particularly given God's presence within the camp (Num. 5:3). Despite the fact that skin diseases, discharges, and contact with the dead are physical, not moral impurities, they were perceived as making one unfit to stand before God. The study seeks to investigate the relationship between human physical impurities and God’s sanctity within the Israelite camp, in the context of Numbers 5:1-4. An in-depth theological and exegetical examination of Numbers 5:1-4 reveals that the Israelite camp is perceived as a sanctuary of the Lord. The Israelites' camp is deemed holy, with an obligation to uphold its purity. Moreover, given the divine holiness of God who resides among His people, anyone in contact with Him must maintain ceremonial cleanliness. Any form of pollution offends His sanctity and must be stringently removed. The central notion is that God's presence must not be approached lightly.
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