Definition: There shall no stranger eat [of] the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat [of] the holy thing.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 22:10. It's a really important rule about how we should handle food and things associated with worship in the Jewish tradition. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse says that anyone who is not part of the religious community – a foreigner, a hired worker, or someone simply visiting – absolutely must not eat anything sacred. Let's unpack it further: “Leviticus 22:10” : This is a specific passage in Jewish law. It’s a rule set down by God to protect the holiness of things dedicated to worship. “[of] the holy thing” : This refers to items that are considered special and sacred, like sacrifices, taboos foods (like shellfish), or objects used for religious rituals. Think of things that represent God's presence or importance. “a sojourner of the priest” : This means someone who is visiting or traveling through the Jewish community – someone who isn’t a member of the tribe and doesn’t have a special connection to the religious community. They are essentially a guest. “or an hired servant” : This is the most crucial part. It means anyone who has been hired to work for the priests or temple – someone who's performing a specific task related to worship – cannot eat anything sacred. In short, it’s a rule about respecting the sanctity of religious objects and practices. It's about preventing contamination and ensuring that the focus remains on God’s presence in worship. Why is this important? The Bible emphasizes that these items are meant to be treated with reverence and purity. It’s a way for God to protect His people and keep them connected to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain the reasoning behind this rule (e.g., why did God give this law)? Give you some examples of what items are considered “holy”? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of Jewish tradition?