Lev 21:1-3 | MHM | STEP | Leviticus 21:1–9: Laws Concerning the Priests This section gives special rules for the priests, who served God in a special way and were examples to the people. God expected the priests to follow the laws they taught the people, not only in words but also in how they lived (Leviticus 10:10,11 ). Because priests went closer to God and worked in the sanctuary, they had to avoid anything that would make them unclean or lower the honor of their priesthood (1 Timothy 4:12 ). vv. 1–3 : Priests were not allowed to make themselves unclean by mourning for the dead, except for their closest family members, like parents, children, brothers, or an unmarried sister (Leviticus 21:1-3 ). This rule even included their wives, unless God gave a special command not to mourn, as in Ezekiel’s case (Ezekiel 24:17 ). God allowed this because He values natural affection, but the priests could not let their sorrow keep them from serving in the sanctuary for more than seven days.

‏ Leviticus 21:1-3

Leviticus 21:1–9: Laws Concerning the Priests

This section gives special rules for the priests, who served God in a special way and were examples to the people. God expected the priests to follow the laws they taught the people, not only in words but also in how they lived (Leviticus 10:10,11 ^a). Because priests went closer to God and worked in the sanctuary, they had to avoid anything that would make them unclean or lower the honor of their priesthood (1 Timothy 4:12 ^b).

vv. 1–3: Priests were not allowed to make themselves unclean by mourning for the dead, except for their closest family members, like parents, children, brothers, or an unmarried sister (Leviticus 21:1-3 ^c). This rule even included their wives, unless God gave a special command not to mourn, as in Ezekiel’s case (Ezekiel 24:17 ^d). God allowed this because He values natural affection, but the priests could not let their sorrow keep them from serving in the sanctuary for more than seven days.

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