Book of Leviticus - Chapter 22 - Verse 3

The verse "Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I am the Lord." emphasizes the importance of approaching holiness with purity. In this passage, the Lord instructs the children of Israel to be mindful of their cleanliness and spiritual state when coming before Him in worship. The act of going to the holy things with uncleanness upon oneself signifies a lack of reverence and respect for the sacred. The consequence of being cut off from the Lord's presence serves as a stern warning against approaching Him in an impure state. It is a reminder of the sanctity of the Lord and the need for His worshippers to uphold holiness in their lives. By adhering to these guidelines, the children of Israel demonstrate their devotion and commitment to the Lord in every aspect of their being.

One key theological interpretation of this verse is the concept of holiness and purity before the Lord. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given strict guidelines on how to approach and handle holy things that were set apart for the Lord. Here, the verse describes the consequences of someone who is impure or unclean coming into contact with the holy things. The phrase "cut off from my presence" signifies a severe punishment, highlighting the importance of maintaining purity and sanctity in one's relationship with God. This verse emphasizes the need for spiritual cleanliness and obedience to God's commands in order to remain in His presence.

Furthermore, a closer word study of the term "hallow" in this verse reveals a deeper meaning. The Hebrew word for "hallow" is 'qadash' which means to dedicate, sanctify, or make holy. By studying this word, we gain insight into the level of reverence and respect the Israelites were expected to have towards the things set apart for the Lord. It underscores the idea that anything dedicated to God should be treated with utmost reverence and purity. This verse serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with respect and purity in our hearts.