Leviticus 13:5

On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine him, and if he sees that the infection is unchanged and has not spread on the skin, the priest must isolate him for another seven days.

Study Bible

On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine him
The seventh day holds significant biblical symbolism, often representing completion or perfection, as seen in the creation narrative (Genesis 2:2-3). The priest's role as examiner underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in maintaining community purity. This reflects the priestly duty to discern and uphold the holiness of the congregation, akin to the New Testament role of church leaders in spiritual oversight (1 Timothy 3:1-7).

and if he sees that the infection is unchanged
The unchanged state of the infection suggests a need for careful observation and patience. This mirrors the biblical principle of discernment and waiting for clear evidence before making judgments, as seen in Proverbs 18:13. The priest's careful examination reflects God's desire for thoroughness and justice in dealing with sin and impurity.

and has not spread on the skin
The spread of infection symbolizes the pervasive nature of sin, which, if unchecked, can corrupt the entire community (1 Corinthians 5:6). The skin, as the body's outermost layer, represents the visible manifestation of inner spiritual conditions. This highlights the need for vigilance in addressing sin before it affects others.

the priest must isolate him for another seven days
Isolation serves as a protective measure for the community, preventing the spread of physical and spiritual impurity. This practice foreshadows the concept of church discipline in the New Testament, where unrepentant sin is addressed to maintain the purity of the body of Christ (Matthew 18:15-17). The additional seven days emphasize the importance of patience and thoroughness in spiritual matters, ensuring that restoration is complete and genuine.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
In Leviticus 13:5, the priest plays a crucial role as the one who examines individuals for skin diseases. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring the community's purity.

2. Infected Person
The individual suspected of having a skin disease is central to this passage. Their condition requires careful examination and potential isolation to prevent the spread of impurity.

3. Israelite Camp
The broader setting is the Israelite camp, where maintaining ritual purity is essential for communal worship and living.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role in examining and diagnosing skin diseases underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in maintaining community purity and health.

Importance of Community Health
The passage highlights the need for vigilance in protecting the community from physical and spiritual impurity, a principle that can be applied to modern church life.

Spiritual Examination
Just as the priest examines physical conditions, believers are called to examine their spiritual lives regularly, seeking God's guidance and correction.

Isolation and Restoration
The temporary isolation of the infected person serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the hope of restoration through repentance and God's grace.

Holiness and Purity
The emphasis on purity in Leviticus reflects God's call for His people to be holy, setting a standard for personal and communal conduct.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 13:5 inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can the principles of community health and purity in Leviticus 13 be applied to the modern church?

3. How does the process of examination and potential isolation in Leviticus 13:5 relate to the concept of church discipline found in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from the connection between physical and spiritual impurity in Leviticus 13 about the nature of sin and its impact on our lives?

5. How does Jesus' healing of lepers in the New Testament fulfill and transform the laws concerning skin diseases found in Leviticus 13?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14
This chapter continues the discussion on skin diseases, detailing the purification process for those who have been healed. It highlights the importance of restoration and reintegration into the community.

Numbers 12
The account of Miriam's leprosy provides a account example of how skin diseases were perceived and dealt with, emphasizing the seriousness of such conditions.

Matthew 8
Jesus' healing of a leper demonstrates His authority over disease and impurity, fulfilling the law and showing compassion.