In this episode we provide some clarity around two sets of binaries in Leviticus: holy and unholy, pure and impure. Understanding these two sets of binaries is absolutely essential to understanding Leviticus, the sacrificial system, and the entire cultural environment in which Israel lived. Every Israelite, at all times and in all places, would have been categorized by one of the two sets binaries. They were either holy/pure, holy/impure, unholy/pure, unholy/impure. The important thing to remember is that holy does not mean sinless, and unholy does not mean sinful. Holy means set apart for special use or status. Unholy means common without special use or purpose. It's not sinful to be unholy or common. However, one can sin by using or treating something holy as if it was common, or using or treating something common as if it were holy. For example, Nadab and Abihu used unholy" fire on the "holy" altar of incense, which is kind of like plugging an extension cord into a nuclear power plant. Needless to say, they were "shocked" by that encounter. As it relates to purity and impurity, one can be impure and not sinful. For example, coming into contact with a dead corpse can make one impure, but it does not make one sinful. This would be ritual impurity. However, one can be morally impure by virtue of sinning. But in each case, whether its ritual or moral impurity, there needs to be a cleansing or purification of some kind to "make it right" or "atone" for that condition. The important thing to remember about these categories is that each one is intended to symbolize a characteristic of life and death. To live in proper relationship to holy and unholy things, as well as pure and impure things, is to be moving towards life. To live in improper relationship to them is to move towards death. Whenever
In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the High Priest who offers himself and donates his blood to cleanse us of our moral impurities/sins. In our Hebrews passage, notice the connection between cleansing/purification and the "eternal life" Jesus offers through his blood - the cleansing and purifying agent.

Key Passages:
Leviticus 10:8-11
Hebrews 9:11-15

Key Resources:
Excerpt from Jesus and the Forces of Death by Matthew Thiessen that explains the categories of holy and unholy, pure and impure, and their relationship to one another.

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

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