What is the context?
A priest is not to go near a dead person in a way that brings ritual defilement, except for the close relatives listed: father, mother, son, daughter, brother or an unmarried sister.
After cleansing, he must count seven days. On returning to minister in the inner court, he must present his sin offering.
The allowance for close family and the preparation for renewed service both belong to the instruction. The passage treats the effects of death with seriousness while providing a way back to the priest’s responsibilities.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Cambridge understands these as rules for necessary contact with the dead and purification before returning to the inner court. Wesley also emphasizes the interval before service resumes.
The uncleanness in view concerns contact with death. The passage does not say that caring about a deceased parent or child is itself an act of moral rebellion.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.