Leviticus 14:38

the priest shall go outside the doorway of the house and close it up for seven days.

Study Bible

the priest shall go outside the doorway of the house
In the context of Leviticus, the priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, emphasizing the importance of holiness and purity. The priest's role here is to inspect the house for signs of leprosy, which in this context refers to mold or mildew, not just the skin disease. This inspection outside the doorway signifies a boundary between the clean and unclean, a recurring theme in Leviticus. The priest's presence underscores the seriousness of the situation, as the house is potentially unclean and could affect the community's holiness. This act can be seen as a precursor to Christ's role as the ultimate High Priest, who mediates between God and humanity.

and close it up for seven days.
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation week in Genesis. Closing the house for seven days allows time for observation and potential healing, reflecting God's patience and provision for restoration. This period of waiting also mirrors the seven-day waiting periods found in other purification rituals in Leviticus, emphasizing the need for thoroughness in maintaining holiness. The act of closing up the house can be seen as a protective measure, preventing the spread of impurity, much like how Christ's sacrifice protects believers from the spread of sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
In ancient Israel, the priest served as a mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing rituals and ensuring the community's spiritual cleanliness.

2. The House
Represents the dwelling place of an individual or family, which could become unclean due to mold or mildew, symbolizing sin or impurity.

3. The Doorway
The threshold of the house, marking the boundary between the unclean interior and the clean exterior, symbolizing the separation between sin and holiness.

4. Seven Days
A period of completeness and divine order in the Bible, often used for purification and reflection.

5. The Event of Closing the House
A ritual act performed by the priest to isolate the impurity, allowing time for potential healing or further inspection.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's involvement underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in addressing sin and impurity within the community.

Symbolism of the House
Just as the house can become unclean, our lives can harbor sin. We must be vigilant in identifying and addressing areas of spiritual impurity.

Significance of Seven Days
The seven-day period reflects God's perfect timing and the need for patience and thoroughness in the process of purification.

Spiritual Cleansing
The act of closing the house symbolizes the need to isolate and confront sin, allowing time for reflection and repentance.

Christ as Our High Priest
In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, providing a way for complete and eternal purification from sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14:38 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can the concept of a "house" becoming unclean apply to our personal lives or communities?

3. Why is the number seven significant in the Bible, and how does it relate to the process of purification?

4. How can we apply the principle of isolating and addressing sin in our lives, as symbolized by closing the house for seven days?

5. How does the purification process in Leviticus 14 point to the work of Christ as described in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 13
Discusses the laws concerning skin diseases and mildew, providing context for the purification process in Leviticus 14.

Numbers 19
Details the purification rites using the ashes of a red heifer, emphasizing the importance of cleansing from impurity.

Hebrews 9
Explains how the Old Testament purification rituals foreshadow the ultimate cleansing through Christ's sacrifice.