Nakedness עֶרְוָה

We are in chapter twenty of Exodus with our word for today. עֶרְוָה nakedness, being without clothing or covering. It is used 54 times in the Old Testament. When we find our word used to describe a situation that needs to be prevented or remedied. Shem and Japheth cover up their father. Genesis 9:22-23 Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father עֶרְוַ֣ת naked and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s עֶרְוַ֣ת naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father וְעֶרְוַ֥ת naked. God instructs the priests to have special clothes made to prevent their exposure. Exodus 28:42-43 You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their עֶרְוָ֑ה naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs; and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him. This is how our word is used in our chapter today. Exodus 20:26 And you shall not go up by steps to my altar, that עֶרְוָתְךָ֖ your nakedness be not exposed on it. God not only is setting this standard of modesty for himself he also commands his people to do the same. We find our word used the most in Leviticus chapter 18. God spells out extensively what is to be expected in family relationships as it relates to our word. Leviticus 18:6 None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives לְגַלּ֣וֹת עֶרְוָ֑ה to uncover nakedness. I am the Lord. This phrase is used 15 times in Leviticus chapter 18. God specifically identifies father, mother, father’s wife, sister, son’s daughter, father’s wife’s daughter, father’s sister, mother’s sister, father’s brother’s wife, daughter-in-law, and brother’s wife. Notice the reasons God gives. Leviticus 18:17 They are relatives; it is depravity. And in our passage God simply says, “I am the LORD”. This reminds me of a few days ago when we looked at God calling us a holy nation. I’ll close with how the Holy Spirit ties this together in the New Testament through Peter. 1 Peter 1:13-16 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”