The dominant Theme (by far) in the Book of Leviticus is “fellowship” with the Lord God!
And so far we have basically been tracing this Paradigm/Motif or Principle/Doctrine throughout the Bible Books prior to Leviticus.
Today … the worldwide flood that destroyed mankind (all except one man and his family) comes under consideration. (Genesis chapters 6-9, inclusively.)
We have, in the Flood Episode … an expulsion from God due to sin. (Literally, a world of inhabitants drowned! That “sons of God” and “daughters of men” thing.)
We have, furthermore, a man who found “Grace” in the eyes of the Lord. A Prophet/Priest to the people, then to his family. Noah, of course, whose name in Hebrew means “rest!” (As in resting in the Arms of the Lord, in Communion with the Almighty!)
It is interesting to me that Noah is described in the exact terms that Psalm 15:1-2 uses of a Priest/Worshipper approaching God (in complete harmony and communion) … “LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that WALKETH (halak) UPRIGHTLY (tamiym), and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.”
Now Noah … “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and PERFECT (tamiym) in his generations, and Noah WALKED (halak) WITH GOD.” Genesis 9:6
Wow, both Texts use the same verb, in Hebrew “halak,” and the same modifier, “tamiym.” That’s clear Bible “linkage, association.”
And furthermore … the Ark came to rest … where?
On a Mountain … “a holy hill!” (Notice Psalm 15 again!) Also as in Psalm 48:1 … “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.”
Astounding!
By the way, Mount “Ararat” means “the curse reversed!” (That’s exactly what my Lexicon says, anyway!)
The whole Flood Story … a harbinger (or microcosm) of the Plot of the Book of Leviticus!
(This is no way negates the historicity of the Flood, either! It just intensifies its meaning and application!)
Praise the Lord for the UNITY of Scripture!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
We truly do serve a God Who longs for fellowship with His creatures! As we should long to “know” Him too!
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