1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
2 “This shall be the law of the leprous person for the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest,”
3 And the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. Then, if the case of the leprous disease is healed in the leprous person,
4 the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop.
5 And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over fresh water.
6 As for the living bird, he shall take it together with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water.
7 And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field.
8 And he who is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes and shave off all his hair and bathe himself in water, and he shall be clean. And after that he may come into the camp, but live outside his tent seven days.
9 And on the seventh day he shall shave off all his hair from his head, his beard, and his eyebrows. He shall shave off all his hair, and then he shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and he shall be clean.
10 “And on the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish, and a grain offering of three tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, and one log of oil.”
11 And the priest who cleanses him shall set the man who is to be cleansed and these things before the Lord, at the entrance of the tent of meeting.
12 And the priest shall take one of the male lambs and offer it for a guilt offering, along with the log of oil, and wave them for a wave offering before the Lord.
13 And he shall kill the lamb in the place where they kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the place of the sanctuary. For the guilt offering, like the sin offering, belongs to the priest; it is most holy.
14 the priest shall take some of the blood of the guilt offering, and the priest shall put it on the lobe of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot.
15 And the priest shall take some of the log of oil and pour it into the palm of his own left hand
16 the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord in front of the veil of the sanctuary.
17 And of the rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall put on the head of him who is to be cleansed. Then the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord.
18 And the rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall put on the head of him who is to be cleansed. Then the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord.
19 Then the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make atonement for him who is to be cleansed from his uncleanness. And afterward he shall kill the burnt offering.
20 And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the grain offering on the altar. Thus the priest shall make atonement for him, and he shall be clean.
21 But if he is poor and cannot afford so much, then he shall take one male lamb for a guilt offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, and a log of oil;
22 And two turtledoves or two pigeons, whichever he can afford, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.
23 And on the eighth day he shall bring them for his cleansing to the priest, to the entrance of the tent of meeting, before the Lord.
24 And the priest shall take the lamb of the guilt offering and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord.
25 And he shall kill the lamb of the guilt offering. And the priest shall take some of the blood of the guilt offering and put it on the lobe of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot.
26 And the priest shall take one male lamb and offer it for a guilt offering, along with the log of oil, and wave them for a wave offering before the Lord.
27 And if he is poor and cannot afford so much, then he shall take one male lamb for a guilt offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, and a log of oil;
28 And the priest shall put some of the oil that is in his hand on the lobe of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot, in the place where the blood of the guilt offering was put.
29 And the rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall put on the head of him who is to be cleansed. Then the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord.
30 And he shall offer, of the turtle-doves or pigeons, such as he can afford,
31 And if the priest makes the anointed one, who is to be cleansed, stand before the Lord, the priest shall take the live bird and the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water.
32 This is the law for him in whom is a case of leprous disease, who cannot afford the offerings for his cleansing.”
33 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron,
34 “When you come into the land of Canaan, which I give you for a possession, and I put a case of leprous disease in a house in the land of your possession,”
35 Then he who owns the house shall come and tell the priest, ‘It seems to me there is some case of disease in my house.’
36 Then the priest shall command that they empty the house before the priest goes to examine the disease, lest all that is in the house be declared unclean. And afterward the priest shall go in to see the house.
37 He shall examine the disease. And if the disease is in the walls of the house with greenish or reddish spots, and if it appears to be deeper than the surface,
38 then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house and shut up the house seven days.
39 And on the seventh day the priest shall go out of the house, to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days.
40 then the priest shall command that they take out the stones in which is the disease and throw them into an unclean place outside the city.
41 And he shall have the inside of the house scraped all around, and the plaster that they scrape off they shall pour out in an unclean place outside the city.
42 And they shall take other stones and put them in the place of those stones, and he shall take other plaster and plaster the house.
43“If the disease breaks out again in the house, after he has taken out the stones and scraped the house and plastered it,”
44 then the priest shall go and look. And if the disease has spread in the house, it is a persistent leprous disease in the house; it is unclean.
45 And he shall break down the house, its stones and timber and all the plaster of the house, and he shall carry them out of the city to an unclean place.
46 Moreover, whoever enters the house while it is shut up shall be unclean until the evening,
47 And whoever lies in the house shall wash his clothes, and whoever eats in the house shall wash his clothes.
48 “But if the priest comes and looks, and if the disease has not spread in the house after the house was plastered, then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, for the disease is healed.”
49 And he shall take for the cleansing of the house two small birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop.
50 and the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop.
51 And he shall take the cedarwood and the hyssop and the scarlet yarn, along with the live bird, and dip them in the blood of the bird that was killed and in the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times.
52 and he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the fresh water and with the live bird and with the cedarwood and hyssop and scarlet yarn.
53 But the priest shall examine the disease on the seventh day, if the disease has not spread in the garment, in the warp or the woof or in any article made of skin,
54 This is the law for any case of leprous disease: for an itch,
55 and for the living bird he shall take it together with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water.
56 and for a swelling or an eruption or a spot,
57 to show when it is unclean and when it is clean. This is the law for leprous disease.
The True Meaning of Leviticus 14
The Book of Leviticus was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. It provides detailed instructions and laws for the Israelite people as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. We will explore the laws regarding the cleansing of those afflicted with the skin disease known as leprosy in this chapter. This was a serious condition that required specific rituals and procedures to ensure the individual’s reintegration into the community. The chapter outlines the steps the priest must take to determine if the person is indeed healed and ready to be declared clean.
The laws described here echo the principles found in other parts of the Pentateuch, such as the emphasis on purity and the role of the priest in mediating between the people and God. This chapter reinforces the importance of maintaining a righteous and pure community, as the Book of Exodus instructs the Israelites to “be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2).
The careful attention to detail in these laws underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for the Israelites to follow God’s commands precisely. The people must cleanse themselves and be ready to fulfill their covenant with the Almighty as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Leviticus 14:1-9
The Lord instructs Moses on the process of cleansing a person healed of a skin disease in Leviticus 14:1-9. This passage is significant as it highlights the importance of ritual purity in the Israelite community and provides a framework for how individuals with skin diseases should be reintegrated into society after being healed. The presence of a skin disease was believed to be a physical manifestation of sin, and thus, the process of cleansing was not only a physical healing but also a spiritual restoration.
The first step outlined in these verses is for the person to be brought to the priest, who would then go outside the camp to examine the individual. This act of inspecting the one cleansed of the skin disease signifies the priest’s role as a mediator between the individual and God. The priest had the authority to declare the person as clean, allowing them to return to the community.
Following the examination, the individual being cleansed was required to provide two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop for the cleansing ritual. The use of these specific items had symbolic meanings; the birds represented life, the cedar wood symbolized strength and durability, the scarlet yarn signified blood and sacrifice, while hyssop was often used in purification ceremonies.
One of the birds was to be slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot, with the live bird, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop dipped in the blood of the slaughtered bird. The living bird was then set free after these actions were carried out. This ritual was a symbolic representation of the person’s sin and impurity being transferred to the animal that was sacrificed, allowing the individual to be cleansed and set free from their past.
This process of cleansing and restoration after being healed from a skin disease can be seen as a metaphor for the forgiveness and redemption offered by God to those who repent of their sins. It illustrates the power of God to cleanse and purify individuals, making them whole and allowing them to rejoin the community. Jesus Christ further develops the theme of cleansing and restoration in the New Testament through his teachings and actions. Jesus healed the sick, including those with skin diseases, and emphasized the importance of inner purity and righteousness. Jesus cleanses a man with leprosy in Matthew 8:1-4, demonstrating his authority to heal both physically and spiritually. Leviticus 14:1-9 serves as a reminder of God’s mercy, grace, and willingness to forgive and restore those who humbly come before Him seeking cleansing and redemption. It underscores the importance of repentance, faith, and obedience in experiencing God’s healing and restoration in our lives.
Leviticus 14:10-20
Leviticus 14:10-20 focuses on the process of purification for a person who has been healed from a skin disease, such as leprosy. The priest is instructed to take two male lambs and a female lamb, along with flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, and present them before the Lord. One of the male lambs is to be slaughtered as a sin offering, while the other serves as a guilt offering, after which the priest performs a wave offering with the remaining parts of the offering. This ritual of sacrifice and offering is crucial for the ceremonial cleansing of the healed individual.
This section of Leviticus emphasizes the importance of both sin and guilt offerings in the purification process, highlighting the need for atonement and reconciliation with God. It underscores the concept of repentance and the acknowledgment of wrongdoing as necessary steps towards spiritual renewal. The passage signifies the seriousness of sin and the need for a mediator, in this case, the priest, to facilitate the restoration of the person’s relationship with God by requiring a sacrifice to be made on behalf of the healed individual.
The use of animals in these sacrifices serves as a symbolic representation of the consequences of sin and the cost of redemption. It points towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the perfect Lamb of God, who would offer himself as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrificial death is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, preparing the way for the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through His Son.
The meticulous instructions outlined in Leviticus 14 demonstrate the importance of obedience to God’s commandments in matters of worship and purification. The careful observance of these rituals not only served as a means of cleansing and restoration but also as a way for the Israelites to demonstrate their faith and commitment to God. It highlights the significance of holiness and the need for a pure heart before the Lord, reflecting the overarching theme of sanctification and consecration present in the Bible. Leviticus 14:10-20 provides valuable insights into the rituals and practices of purification prescribed by God for the Israelites. It underscores the concepts of sacrifice, atonement, and redemption, paving the way for a deeper understanding of God’s grace and mercy ultimately revealed through Jesus Christ.
Leviticus 14:21-32
Leviticus 14:21-32 delves into the detailed procedures for the atonement and purification of a person who had been healed from a skin disease, such as leprosy. The process involved the priest performing rituals that included the sprinkling of blood from a sacrificed animal, placing blood on the person’s right earlobe, thumb of the right hand, and the big toe of the right foot, and then anointing the person with oil. This symbolic act signified the person’s cleansing and restoration to the community after being isolated due to their unclean condition.
This passage underscores the emphasis on cleanliness and purity within the community of ancient Israel. It highlights the meticulous care and attention given to the process of restoration, mirroring the importance of spiritual purity and reconciliation with God in the lives of believers. The blood and the anointing oil were tangible elements used in these rituals, pointing to the spiritual significance of atonement and consecration for Christians today.
The mention of the atonement rituals in Leviticus 14:21-32 points back to the sacrificial system established in the Old Testament. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, who became the perfect atonement for the sins of humanity. The shedding of blood in these rituals symbolized the need for the remission of sins, which finds fulfillment in the sacrificial death of Jesus as the Lamb of God.
Furthermore, the concept of cleansing and restoration after a period of isolation due to a skin disease can be symbolic of the spiritual healing and renewal that believers experience when they are reconciled to God. Christians embrace the family of God through the grace and forgiveness found in Christ, just as the person healed from leprosy was welcomed back into the community.
This passage in Leviticus serves as a reminder of God’s holiness and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and obedience. It also points to the need for repentance and the cleansing of sin in order to have a right relationship with God. We, as believers, are called to strive for purity and holiness in our lives, being thankful for the ultimate sacrifice made on our behalf through Jesus Christ. Leviticus 14:21-32 carries timeless messages of atonement, purification, and restoration, reminding believers of the need for spiritual cleanliness and reconciliation with God. It foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ and underscores the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and consecration in the lives of those who seek to walk in fellowship with the Lord.
Leviticus 14:33-42
Leviticus 14:33-42 deals with the protocol for inspecting and dealing with houses plagued with a form of mold or mildew called mildew infestation, a serious issue at that time.
First and foremost, this section outlines the responsibility of the priest to inspect the house when the owner suspects mold. The priest has to examine the house to determine if the greenish or reddish marks are indeed a mildew infestation or something requiring quarantine. This underscores the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom from spiritual leaders when facing issues that may be beyond our understanding or control. We should seek the counsel of wise and experienced individuals when dealing with challenging circumstances in our lives, showing humility and a willingness to listen and learn.
The process described for dealing with the mildew in the house is meticulous, involving isolating the house for seven days and then returning to inspect it again to see if the infestation has spread. If it has spread, the affected stones must be removed and thrown into an unclean place. However, if the infestation does not reappear, the house is declared clean after scraping off the affected areas.
This meticulous process not only shows the importance of dealing with physical cleanliness but also metaphorically points to the idea of spiritual cleansing. It serves as a reminder of the need to address issues promptly and thoroughly, whether they be physical or spiritual in nature. Individuals in the Bible such as Job and King David faced their own trials and impurities, ultimately finding redemption through faith and repentance, just as the house had to undergo a process of purification.
Furthermore, the severity of this mildew infestation, to the point of having to tear down stones, illustrates the consequences of neglecting issues that could fester and spread. This parallels with the Bible’s teachings on dealing with sin and unrighteousness, where ignoring such matters can lead to spiritual decay and moral corruption. Proverbs 28:13 emphasizes, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. The detailed instructions in Leviticus 14:33-42 on addressing a mildew infestation in a house serve as more than just physical cleanliness guidelines. They offer moral and spiritual lessons on seeking guidance, dealing with issues promptly and thoroughly, and the importance of addressing sin and impurity in our lives to experience true cleansing and restoration.
Leviticus 14:43-53
The passage in Leviticus 14:43-53 provides instructions for dealing with houses affected by a certain kind of contagious mold or mildew called mildew of the house. The verses detail the procedures the Israelites were to follow if a house had mold, and how they were to address it in a manner that was in alignment with the laws given by God to Moses.
The importance of these regulations goes beyond just the physical cleanliness of the houses; it reveals the symbolic connection between sin and uncleanness. Sin defiles our lives and separates us from God, just as the presence of mold on a house defiles the dwelling. The meticulous instructions given in dealing with this mold remind us of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance and purification for restoration.
The concept of uncleanness and cleanliness is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the importance of holiness and obedience to God’s commands. The laws regarding mold in houses point to the idea that God desires His people to be pure and set apart, free from the contamination of sin that can spread if left unchecked. Jesus addresses the issue of inner cleanliness in the New Testament when he rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and focus on outward appearances rather than the condition of their hearts. Jesus says, “Blind Pharisee!” in Matthew 23:26. First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.” This echoes the sentiment of Leviticus 14, highlighting the importance of purity not just in external practices but also in the heart and mind.
The rituals outlined in Leviticus, though seemingly archaic to us today, serve as a reminder of the severity of sin and the need for repentance and purification. They point forward to the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make on the cross to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Believers must deal with sin through confession, repentance, and faith in Christ to be cleansed and restored in their relationship with God, just as they had to deal with the mold according to God’s instructions in Leviticus.
Leviticus 14:54-57
The conclusion of the lengthy instructions regarding the cleansing of a house that has been afflicted with a skin disease, often translated as leprosy, is seen in Leviticus 14:54-57. This section serves as a summary and reminder of the procedures outlined in earlier verses. These verses emphasize the necessity of following the specific rituals set forth by God through Moses in order to purify a house that has been declared unclean due to skin disease.
The concept of uncleanness in the Old Testament was not just about physical cleanliness but also spiritual purity. The presence of skin disease in a house was considered a defilement and required a process of purification to restore holiness. This ritual symbolizes the importance of maintaining purity and avoiding contamination, not only in our physical surroundings but also in our hearts and minds.
The detailed instructions provided in Leviticus 14 showcase the meticulous care God expected his people to take in matters of cleanliness and holiness. These regulations served as a means of demonstrating trust and obedience to God, recognizing His authority and wisdom above all else. The ritual cleansing of a house also reflects the idea of removing impurity and sin from our lives through repentance and seeking forgiveness from God.
This passage serves as a reminder that God cares about every aspect of our lives, including our physical surroundings. It teaches us the importance of maintaining cleanliness and orderliness, not just in our homes but in our hearts as well. We must be diligent in keeping our lives free from the contamination of sin, just as the Israelites had to take proactive steps to cleanse their houses.
The intricate instructions provided in Leviticus 14 point to the overarching theme of atonement and redemption in the Bible. While the rituals described in the Old Testament may seem unfamiliar or even unnecessary to us today, they served a symbolic purpose in preparing the people for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The process of cleansing a house from impurity mirrors the spiritual cleansing we experience through faith in Christ, who cleanses us from all sin and impurity. We can gain a deeper understanding of God’s holiness, our need for purification, and the ultimate redemption offered through Jesus Christ by delving into the details of Leviticus 14 and contemplating its significance. These verses remind us that God’s standards are high, but His grace and mercy are even greater for those who seek Him with a repentant heart.
After Leviticus 14
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “This shall be the law of the leper on the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest, and the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall look. And if the plague of leprosy is healed in the leper, then the priest shall command to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop. And the priest shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthenware vessel over fresh water. He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprosy. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field. The people watched in solemn silence as the priest performed the ritual, their hearts filled with hope and reverence. The cleansing of the leper was a powerful symbol of God’s mercy and the restoration of wholeness. Yet, the journey did not end there. The next steps would require the leper to make a sacrifice and undergo further purification before being welcomed back into the community. The road to full restoration was long, but with faith and obedience, the leper could find healing and a renewed sense of belonging.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.