Lev 21:1-3 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Lev 21:1-22:33: 21:1–22:33 This section, which covers priestly regulations, is punctuated six times with the phrase I am the Lord who makes ... holy (21:15 , 23 ; 22:9 , 16 , 32 ; cp. 21:8 ). The words reaffirm the necessary connection between the holiness of God and the holiness expected of the priesthood, and by extension, of all Israel (see 8:10 ; 11:44-45 ; 19:2 ). Priests are specifically addressed in 21:1–22:16 , while both clergy and laity are included in 22:17-33 . Summary for Lev 21:1-4: 21:1-4 Touching a dead body rendered a person unclean for seven days. Because a priest had to be prepared to deal with holy things at all times, he was not allowed to handle a dead body, even of a relative, or else he could be unfit to minister when needed. The only exceptions were his closest relatives because there might not be anyone else who could bury the bodies.

a21:1–22:33►

b21:15►

c23►

d22:9►

e16►

f32►

g21:8►

h8:10►

i11:44-45►

j19:2►

k21:1–22:16►

l22:17-33►

m21:1-4►

‏ Leviticus 21:1-3

Summary for Lev 21:1-22:33: 21:1–22:33 ^a This section, which covers priestly regulations, is punctuated six times with the phrase I am the Lord who makes ... holy (21:15 ^b, 23 ^c; 22:9 ^d, 16 ^e, 32 ^f; cp. 21:8 ^g). The words reaffirm the necessary connection between the holiness of God and the holiness expected of the priesthood, and by extension, of all Israel (see 8:10 ^h; 11:44-45 ⁱ; 19:2 ^j). Priests are specifically addressed in 21:1–22:16 ^k, while both clergy and laity are included in 22:17-33 ^l.
Summary for Lev 21:1-4: 21:1-4 ^m Touching a dead body rendered a person unclean for seven days. Because a priest had to be prepared to deal with holy things at all times, he was not allowed to handle a dead body, even of a relative, or else he could be unfit to minister when needed. The only exceptions were his closest relatives because there might not be anyone else who could bury the bodies.