Adar 15
Clean
“Blessed are the
clean in heart, because they shall see Elohim.” (Mat 5:8 ISR)
To
someone who is Jewish, the concept of being “pure”, as some translations word
this, is one of being ceremonially “clean”, according to the laws laid out for
us in the Torah. We have instructions
concerning clean, or Kosher, foods we may consume, found for us is Leviticus
chapter 11, as well as Deuteronomy chapter 14; these foods are tahor (Strong’s H2889), or clean. In Leviticus 10:8-11, we find instructions
given to the priests concerning ministering in the Tabernacle/Temple while
intoxicated; this brings about a state of uncleanness, or ṭâmê' (Strong’s H2931). Being “pure”, or “clean”, has little to do
with whether or not we took a bath; it does
have everything to do with whether or not we have allowed ourselves to become
contaminated, thus “impure” or “unclean”.
Someone
who is “clean in heart” is one who has not allowed contamination in any form to
affect their relationship with the Creator.
The heart is the seat of our soul, our emotions, and we are told to
guard it diligently (Pro 4:23) – why do we suppose that is? Because it is easily defiled, becoming “unclean”. The
one who strives with everything in them to live according to Torah, not because
they have to, but out of love and a
desire to obedient – this is the one who is “clean in heart”.
“Who does go up into the mountain of יהוה? And
who does stand in His set-apart place? He who has innocent hands and a clean
heart, Who did not bring his life to naught, And did not swear deceivingly. He
receives a blessing from יהוה, And
righteousness from the Elohim of his deliverance.” (Ps 24:3-5 ISR)
“With the clean You show Yourself clean; And with
the crooked You show Yourself twisted.” (Ps 18:26 ISR)
©2018
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