Salt symbolizes the unchanging covenant with God and prevents corruption, as stated in Scripture: “You shall season every grain offering with salt” (Leviticus 2:13). It leads us to meditate on the Law of Holiness, whose essence lies not merely in the regulations themselves but in the sanctification of humanity.
Let us take a moment to explore the “Law of Holiness” found in Leviticus chapters 17 through 26. Also known as the Code of Holiness, the laws of holiness are based on the words, “I, the Lord your God, am holy; you must therefore be holy” (Leviticus 19:2). The Israelites, the people chosen by God Himself, have a duty to participate in the holiness of the Lord God. “You must consecrate yourselves and be holy.” (Leviticus 20:7)
The core of the Holiness Code lies in the continuous sanctification of the people of Israel. So, what exactly does the sanctification of God’s chosen people entail? First, whether slaughtering an animal or offering it as a sacrifice, one must not consume its blood. “If anyone eats any kind of blood, I will set my face against that person and cut them off from their people. For the life of every creature is in its blood.” (Leviticus 17:10-11)
At that time, blood was viewed as the life (soul) of every living creature. Eating blood or handling it carelessly was seen as an attempt to usurp the place of God, the Lord of all living things, and was therefore considered an act of blasphemy against Him.
All acts of sexual relations outside of marriage, the offering of children as sacrifices, and bestiality were strictly forbidden. “Whoever commits any of these abominations—whoever does any of these things—shall be cut off from his people.” (Leviticus 18:29)
Leviticus goes on to emphasize the need to honor the Lord God and one’s parents, as well as to love one’s neighbor as oneself. “I, the Lord your God, am holy; you must be holy. Each of you must honor your mother and father. You must keep my Sabbaths.” (Leviticus 19:2–3)
We see the penalties for very serious sins. “If anyone sacrifices their child to Molech, that person shall be put to death.” (Leviticus 20:2) We see regulations regarding the sanctity of the priesthood and the maintenance of dignity. “Priests shall not shave their heads, trim the corners of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies… They shall not profane the name of their God… A priest is a holy person to his God.” (Leviticus 21:5-7)
There is also a commandment to treat offerings with reverence. “Tell Aaron and his sons: Handle the holy offerings that the Israelites present to me with care, so that you do not profane my holy name.” (Leviticus 22:2)
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