Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Leviticus 14:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Bible is a source of wisdom and guidance for Christians around the world. Every verse in Scripture carries meaning, often connecting us to God’s plan of salvation, holiness, and transformation. Leviticus 14:20 is one of the many verses that speaks to the spiritual purification process of the people of Israel. Understanding this verse helps us gain insight into the deeper significance of Old Testament rituals and their connection to God’s greater work in the New Testament. In this article, we will explore the context of Leviticus 14:20, its meaning, its application to our lives today, and draw conclusions on how we can live in alignment with God’s purposes.
The Context of Leviticus 14:20 (KJV)
The Book of Leviticus contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. These laws were essential for the Israelites as they sought to live in holiness, obeying God’s commands. Leviticus covers a wide array of topics, from laws about sacrifices to instructions on cleanliness and worship.
Leviticus 14 specifically deals with the ritual purification process for people who had been afflicted with leprosy or other skin diseases. Leprosy, in biblical times, was a highly contagious disease and carried not only physical suffering but also spiritual consequences. Those who had leprosy were considered ceremonially unclean, meaning they could not participate in the communal worship of Israel. The laws in Leviticus 14 offered a way for individuals who had been cleansed of this disease to be restored to full fellowship with the community.
The chapter outlines a series of detailed steps, including sacrifices and rituals, for the person to go through in order to be declared clean. By the time we reach Leviticus 14:20, the person has already gone through various purification steps, including the sacrifice of two birds and the use of blood and oil. Leviticus 14:20 comes near the end of the cleansing process, where the person is restored and fully integrated back into the community of Israel.
Leviticus 14:20 (KJV)
To better understand what Leviticus 14:20 means, let us look at the verse in its full text. The King James Version (KJV) of Leviticus 14:20 states:
“And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the meat offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean.” (Leviticus 14:20, KJV)
In this verse, the priest completes the final part of the purification process for the individual. The individual who had been cleansed of leprosy is now offered a burnt offering and a meal offering (often called a grain offering). These offerings are placed on the altar, and through the priest’s actions, atonement is made for the individual, declaring them clean and restored.
Leviticus 14:20 Meaning
To understand the meaning of Leviticus 14:20, we need to break down several key components of this ritual: the burnt offering, the meal offering, the priest’s role, and the concept of atonement.
1. The Burnt Offering
In Leviticus, the burnt offering (also known as the whole offering) was an important part of Israel’s sacrificial system. The burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing the complete surrender and dedication of the person offering the sacrifice to God. The burnt offering was often used as an expression of worship, thanksgiving, and atonement.
In Leviticus 14:20, the burnt offering represents the individual’s complete devotion and surrender to God. It serves as a symbol of the person’s reconciliation with God, after having undergone the purification ritual. The offering is meant to restore the individual to a state of holiness and enable them to once again be in fellowship with God.
2. The Meal Offering
The meal offering, or grain offering, was typically made of fine flour mixed with oil and was offered alongside other sacrifices. It was a form of thanksgiving and an acknowledgment of God’s provision. The meal offering was not a sin offering, but a way for the Israelites to express gratitude for God’s blessings.
In Leviticus 14:20, the meal offering is part of the final step in the cleansing process. It symbolizes the individual’s gratitude for God’s mercy and healing. Just as the burnt offering represents full surrender, the meal offering reflects the individual’s thankfulness for God’s grace in restoring them to purity.
3. The Priest’s Role
In Leviticus 14:20, the priest plays a critical role in the process of atonement. It is the priest who offers the burnt offering and the meal offering on behalf of the person being cleansed. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, representing the holiness of God and facilitating the reconciliation process.
Through the priest’s actions, the individual’s sin and impurity are covered. The priest’s intercession enables the person to be restored to God’s presence, where they can once again participate in the worship and life of the community.
4. Atonement and Cleansing
The concept of atonement is central to Leviticus 14:20. Atonement is the process by which the individual’s sins or impurities are covered, allowing them to be reconciled to God. The atoning sacrifices and offerings made by the priest in Leviticus 14 were necessary for the person to be declared clean and restored to fellowship with God.
In the case of the leper, the atonement represented not just physical healing but also spiritual healing. Leprosy was seen as a form of impurity that separated the person from the community and from God’s presence. Through the priest’s offering of sacrifices, the person is cleansed and able to be restored to a right relationship with God.
Leviticus 14:20 Application in Life
Though Leviticus 14:20 describes an ancient purification ritual, the spiritual lessons and principles found in this verse remain relevant for Christians today. Let’s explore some key applications of Leviticus 14:20 in our daily lives.
1. The Need for Atonement
Atonement is a foundational concept in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, atonement was made through sacrifices and offerings, while in the New Testament, atonement is ultimately accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Just as the leper in Leviticus needed atonement to be cleansed, we all need Jesus’ atoning work to cleanse us from sin and restore us to God.
Jesus’ death and resurrection provide the ultimate atonement, making it possible for us to be reconciled to God. This reminds us of the importance of repentance and faith in Christ for our spiritual healing and restoration.
2. The Role of Intercession
The priest in Leviticus 14:20 interceded on behalf of the person being cleansed. Today, Jesus Christ serves as our great High Priest, interceding for us before God. His work on the cross allows us to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our sins are forgiven, and we are accepted in Christ.
As Christians, we are also called to intercede for others in prayer. Just as the priest played an essential role in restoring the individual to the community, we too can be vessels of God’s healing and restoration, praying for others and sharing the message of reconciliation through Christ.
3. Thanksgiving and Gratitude
The meal offering in Leviticus 14:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of thanksgiving in the life of a believer. Just as the person who was cleansed offered a grain offering to express gratitude, we too are called to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, thanking God for His mercy and grace.
Our spiritual cleansing through Christ should lead us to live lives of gratitude. As we recognize God’s goodness and forgiveness, we are prompted to offer our praise and worship in response to His love and kindness.
4. Living in Fellowship with God
The ultimate purpose of the ritual in Leviticus 14 was to restore the person to fellowship with God and the community. In the same way, Christ’s work of atonement restores us to a right relationship with God. We are invited to live in fellowship with Him through the Holy Spirit, participating in worship, prayer, and living according to His Word.
Just as the person who was cleansed of leprosy could now reenter the worshiping community, we are called to live as part of the Body of Christ, engaging in fellowship with other believers and growing in our relationship with God.
Conclusion
Leviticus 14:20 offers rich spiritual insights, even though it is part of an ancient purification ritual. The burnt offering and meal offering symbolize devotion, gratitude, and atonement, while the priest’s role emphasizes the importance of mediation and intercession. Through this verse, we are reminded of the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ, who has made it possible for us to be restored to God.
The principles found in Leviticus 14:20 encourage us to recognize our need for atonement, to intercede for others, to live lives of gratitude, and to maintain fellowship with God. Ultimately, this verse points us to the work of Christ, who provides true spiritual healing and restoration.
Though we may not follow the Old Testament rituals today, the heart of Leviticus 14:20 is still alive in our relationship with Christ. We are cleansed, healed, and restored through Him, and we are called to live in response to His grace, offering our lives as a living sacrifice, filled with gratitude and worship. Let us embrace the atoning work of Christ and live as His restored people, bringing glory to His name.
Related topics: