Commentary on Leviticus 21:13

Verse Reference: Leviticus 21:13

“And he shall take a wife in her virginity.”

Introduction

Leviticus 21 presents specific regulations concerning the priesthood in Israel. In this chapter, God gives Moses various laws regarding the conduct and qualifications of priests, emphasizing their holiness and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of their ministry. Verse 21:13 is particularly significant as it addresses the marital status and purity of the priest's wife, reflecting broader themes of holiness, purity, and social order in the covenant community.

Contextual Background

The priesthood in ancient Israel was a sacred office, designated to lead the community in worship and to mediate between God and the people. As representatives of God, priests had specific requirements that extended into their personal lives, including their choice of marriage partners. This verse underscores the seriousness with which God viewed the priest's domestic life as an extension of his public ministry.

Insights from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry comments on this verse by highlighting the importance of marital purity for the priests. He notes:

• Holiness of Life: Henry emphasizes that a priest must take a wife who is pure and has never been defiled, which symbolizes the integrity required in serving God.
• Symbolism of Virginity: The virginity of the wife serves as a metaphor for the priest's call to maintain purity in all aspects of life, reflecting the holiness of God himself.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes interprets this verse within the greater framework of the duties and responsibilities of priests. He points out that:

• Covenantal Implications: The requirement for a priest to marry a virgin underlines the seriousness of marriage in the covenant context. Priesthood is intricately linked with purity, and the marriage to a pure woman mirrors the covenant between God and Israel.
• Leadership and Example: This stipulation not only addresses personal sanctity but sets a precedent for the people. Leaders are to model a lifestyle that underscores the reverence due to God, including their familial choices.

Insights from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke offers an in-depth analysis of the cultural aspects surrounding this directive. He explains that:

• Social Norms: At the time, marriages were often seen as alliances, and virginity was prized in women for cultural and familial honor. Clarke notes that the stipulation served to uphold societal values that contributed to the sanctity of the family structure.
• Priestly Conduct: Clarke reiterates that the moral character of the priest extends beyond his personal conduct to include the dignity of his family life. A priest's wife is an extension of his testimony and thus must reflect the values of purity and holiness.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals crucial theological implications about the nature of God’s holiness, the sanctity of marriage, and the expectations for those who minister in His name. The requirements for priests serve as an archetype for Christians today, emphasizing that:

• Integrity in Ministry: Leaders are called to uphold moral standards that reflect the character of Christ.
• Marital Fidelity: The church is encouraged to pursue purity within familial relationships, as it relates to their witness in the world.

Conclusion

Leviticus 21:13 provides a poignant reminder of the call to holiness that is placed not only on those in leadership but on all believers. As Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke illuminate, the choice of a marital partner for the priest was not merely personal but deeply spiritual and communal. In reflecting on these insights, pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars are reminded of their call to live lives characterized by integrity and purity, leading by example and honoring the sacredness of their commitments before God.