Isaiah 52:11
Author: Steve Amato
Keywords: bible study,bible, isaiah

Translations: 简体中文 繁體中文

## Touch no unclean thing

Isaiah 52:11
Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing!
Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.

## Comment

The third book of the Law of Moses - Leviticus - speaks much about cleanness and uncleanness, especially regarding priestly duties. But it also has significance in the Christian life. For Paul quotes this very verse in 2Corinthians 6:17 as a support to his command in 2Cor 6:14"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"

This is one of those ideas which conflicts with much of the pluralistic concepts of modern Western culture. And so also where the concept of "freedom" has become the practice of lawlessness. To be a holy people there are relationships and associations which are disallowed for the Christian, or at least to be avoided. So also with activities. And so also with respect to ideas. While historically there have been many examples, even in Jesus own day, where such ideas are carried into legalism, but today in this culture - that of Western society - the problem is not one of "legalism", but rather of licentiousness.

Today in the Christian community you'd generally be labeled a "legalist" if you are were in fact Biblically centered in your behavior and relationships. So don't let such labels concern you. But consider what relationships, activities, and ideas you should "leave". What "unclean things" do you need to stop touching on? Remember that you are not just carrying the vessels of the Lord, you are the vessels of the Lord. God appreciates purity.

The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources