Unclean, Unwanted, Unwashed

Leviticus 12, 13  Psalm 35

Why was a woman considered unclean after the wonderful miracle of birth?  It was due to the bodily emissions occurring during and after childbirth.  these were considered unclean and made the woman unprepared to enter the pure surroundings of the tabernacle. Without the appropriate bathing rituals, she was unable to not only enter the tabernacle but to be touched by anyone else they would be considered unclean as well. (You might remember the woman with the flow of blood and Jesus reaction at being touched. She was accepted...healed...and sent forth.) 

Unclean did not mean "sinful" or "dirty."  Remember God created us male and female, and he ordered us to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1: 27, 28).  He did not change his mind and suddenly say sex and procreation were now somehow bad.  Instead he made a distinction between his worship and the popular worship of fertility gods and goddesses.  Canaanite religions incorporated prostitution and immoral rites as the people begged their gods to make their crops, herds, and families increase.  By contrast, Israel's religion avoided all sexual connotations.  By keeping sex and worship completely separate, God helped the Israelites avoid confusion with heathen rites.  The Israelites in turn worshiped God as their loving Creator and Provider, and they thanks him for bountiful crops and safe childbirth.

Continuing on the theme of unclean..leprosy was a name applied to several different diseases and was greatly feared in Biblical times. Some of these diseases, unlike the disease we call leprosy or Hansen's disease today, were very contagious.  The worst of them slowly ruined the body and were always fatal.  Lepers were separated from family and friends and placed outside the camp.  Since the priests were responsible for the health of the people...it was their duty to deal with those who were ill and decide if they were truly healed.  These people, once beloved family members, were now unwanted.  You will recall Jesus telling the leper to show himself to the priest.  This was in accordance with the law as written here.  

I can only imagine the fear that even the hint of disease must have had for these primitive people and the destruction it caused in families and their extended networks. When you consider how some even today react to more common diseases...the flu...we still live in great fear.  

Note:  Today's Psalm has nothing to do with the today's readings in Leviticus. It is a psalm of vindication asking God for help in defeating enemies.  Good to read if you are really mad at someone!

Comments

[Irene Woodall]

Reveren Jane, Please explain to me a passage in Leviticus 12, 6: ..and a young pigeon or a dove for a SIN OFFERING. My question is: Why would a woman who has given birth to a child have to bring a sin offering?
Thanks. This is very confusing to me.
Irene Woodall

[Jane]

You need to remember that laws were written by men in a culture dominated by men. Women, on the other hand, were considered the bearers of sin from the first days of creation (Eve). That said, with the birth of a child came blood and blood was considered unclean. Following the prescribed days in seclusion, the woman would not be allowed to enter into public places much less into the temple until she had "cleansed" herself of this uncleanliness. Part of the cleansing process was a "sin" offering. It doesn't make sense to us...but that it what they believed. In part, I think we still objectify women when they are menstrating...through ignorance and fear....which of course is the source of these laws to be begin with.