Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

The subject of this chapter refers to the laws concerning uncleanness, both as to men and women.

Such are the natural consequences of our fallen state, that everything connected with it is unclean. The very desires of nature are corrupt, and the multiplying of our species is in sin. Psalms 51:5. If we spiritualize this scripture and consider it as emblematical of the state of the soul; the running issues of evil from thence are innumerable. See those scriptures. Isaiah 1:4-6; Hosea 4:1-2; Matthew 15:19-20. But what a precious relief to the soul, that is conscious of this, is that gracious scripture, in which GOD promiseth to cleanse the soul from all its filthiness. Ezekiel 36:25-27. And what a happy state is that soul arrived at, in whom those promises have been fulfilled, and who hath an experimental knowledge of that grand truth, 1 John 1:7.

What was before appointed respecting the pollutions of men, is here equally appointed to women: teaching us thereby, the universal taint of evil, which attaches itself to both sexes, and concludes all under sin. Believers in JESUS, can better feel, than any for them can point out, what self-loathings, and abhorrence, arise at times, in the soul of a truly regenerated follower of the LAMB, under a sense of this body of sin and death, we carry about with us. As Paul groaned being burthened with it; so do they. Happy the person, whether man or woman, that hath grace to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; and not in the lust of concupiscence; 1 Thessalonians 4:4.

The reason given for all this, in not defiling the tabernacle, is now much stronger with believers; for now the tabernacle of GOD is with them, and he doth dwell with them. Their bodies are his temple. 1 Corinthians 6:19.

REFLECTIONS

MY soul! while thou findest continual cause to bless GOD, that thou art not under the yoke of carnal ordinances; seek grace also, to be cleansed from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of GOD. And oh! thou holy Saviour, since thou hast taught me by the sweet teachings of thy blessed SPIRIT, that none can bring a clean thing out of an unclean; let a deep sense of sin, and even of those involuntary issues of evil, which flow from me I know not how, lay me low in the dust of self-abasement, crying out, unclean, unclean. May these things become the stronger motives to bring my soul to thee. May everything tend to endear thee to my heart. And may GOD the HOLY GHOST be continually making a renewed application to my polluted soul of the blood which cleanseth from all sin, that when thou comest the second time, without sin unto salvation, I may be found, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, - holy and without blemish before thee in love.