Today I read Leviticus 15 where the Lord gives the law concerning if someone is bleeding, having sex, or a woman is on her period. Pretty much it is all the same, anything they touch, lie on, etc, is unclean. However, the woman on her monthly cycle is actually separated for 7 days until her period is over. The cynic in me immediately thought that it was a great way to avoid all the hormones that accompany the monthly cycle of a woman, just get away from her. However, that is obviously not the reason. Hygiene and people's safety are the main reason that she, and anyone else who is bleeding, need to be separated.
This chapter however gives a whole new outlook on the story of the woman who touched the Saviors garments in order to be healed of the issue of her blood of 12 years. Imagine being completely separated from everyone, from all society for 12 straight years! Being unclean and not have anyone touch you, ever. What a horrible prospect that would be. No wonder she had the faith to touch the Savior's robe. What bravery she had too, if anyone had recognized her and realized who she was, that she was supposed to be isolated, I would hate to think what would have happened to her.
The surprising part of this chapter to me is actually the strict rules regarding sex and when a man ejaculates. Now, knowing that sexually transmitted diseases can be in a man's semen, I can understand why God would have such strict rules for the children of Israel, but I wonder what the people of the time must have thought. Having to wash themselves after sexual intercourse or anytime the man's semen touched them. It must have sounded pretty strange to them I'll bet. But as always, God's laws are always for the benefit of His people. They are all about keeping them safe and healthy, whether they knew it or not. Makes you wonder what laws and commandments God is giving us these days for our health or other benefit that we don't know about. Until tomorrow.
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