2.17.2007

Leviticus 13-14

Chapter 13
Sores on the skin were to be shown to the priest, to determine whether they were leprous or not. If the sore appears more than skin deep or is spreading, it made the person unclean. Those with leprosy had to live outside the camp and cry "Unclean!" to any who approached, so no one else would come in touch with them. The same principle applied to clothing with a sort of mildew (vss47-59).

Chapter 14
Once cleansed, the priest would be notified and come out of the camp to him and cleanse him. A bird would be killed over water, and some wood, hyssop and scarlet fabric dipped in the blood and sprinkled on the person. The priest pronounces the person clean and lets the live bird fly away, presumably as a sign of the freedom regained. Then the person washes, shaves, enters the camp, but waits another 7 days before going in his house/tent. On the 7th day, he washes and shaves again. The next day 2 lambs are killed in the tabernacle: a sin and trespass offering - with some oil. The priest puts some blood and oil on the right ear, thumb and big toe of the person healed. With the rest of the oil the priest sprinkles 7 times before the altar and the rest is poured on the healed's head. The sin, burnt and grain offerings are then made, in that order. If the healed is too poor, he can bring one lamb, grain and 2 doves or pigeons, instead of 2 lambs.

Apparently, Jesus sends a leper He heals to the priest to perform this ceremony (Luke 5:14).

The law for houses plagued with mildew is similar. If the mildew appears deep and spreads, it must be taken out, and if the mildew returns, the whole house must be torn down and disposed of. If it is cleansed, the same ritual with the 2 birds, wood, hyssop and scarlet is done.

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