The Literal Commandment

They shall not take a woman who is profaned by harlotry, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God. (Leviticus 21:7)

 

The priests, the sons of Aaron (verse 1) may not take a woman who has been "profaned by harlotry". The Hebrew phrase translated as "profaned by harlotry" uses a word (tzanah) that implies willful and harlotrous behavior.

 

Messiah Says

Messiah implicitly affirmed this commandment when He spoke about the Law:

"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19)

 

Pictures of Messiah

A woman profaned by harlotry is a woman who has previously engaged in willful sexual relationships that are forbidden. In our unbelieving state we wilfully engaged in interactions with the world and its ways. Once we become belivers we would be forbidden to "marry" our Great High Priest: the Messiah.

Fortunately, He makes believers into a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17) and a new creation (Galatians 6:15). Since we are now a "new creation" we can be "married" to our Great High Priest and we eagerly await the marriage supper of the Lamb (Lamb 19:9).

 

How Messiah Fulfilled

The literal commandment is given to the priests of the Levitical priesthood. Since Messiah is not from the tribe of Levi this commandment does not literally apply to Him.

 

Traditional Observance

Traditional observance of this commandment was the literal fulfillment of the Levitical priests not marrying anyone who has had a forbidden sexual relationship. This may involve an inspection by a neutral third party (always a female) to verify the virginity of the prospective bride.

 

Other Notes

All men who are of the tribe of Levi today do not marry women who were involved in any prior sexual relationship, forbidden or otherwise. The men of Levi are able to fulfill this commandment today.

 

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