Topical Bible: Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, But not Having, Washed and Pronounced Clean

◄ Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, But not Having, Washed and Pronounced Clean ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, leprosy is not only a disease affecting humans but also a condition that could afflict garments and other materials. The laws concerning leprosy in garments are detailed in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. These laws were given to the Israelites to maintain purity and holiness among God's people.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for leprosy in garments is found in Leviticus 13:47-58. This passage outlines the procedures for dealing with garments suspected of having leprosy, which is often understood as a form of mold or mildew.

Inspection and Isolation:

When a garment is suspected of having leprosy, it must be brought to the priest for inspection. Leviticus 13:50-51 states, "The priest is to examine the mildew and isolate the affected article for seven days. On the seventh day he is to examine it, and if the mildew has spread in the fabric, the woven or knitted material, or the leather, whatever its use, it is a persistent mildew; the article is unclean."

Washing and Re-examination:

If the mildew has not spread, the garment is to be washed and isolated for another seven days. Leviticus 13:54-55 instructs, "The priest shall order that the contaminated article be washed and isolated for another seven days. After it has been washed, the priest is to reexamine it, and if the mildew has not changed in appearance, even though it has not spread, it is unclean."

Pronouncement of Cleanliness:

If, after washing, the mildew has faded and not spread, the garment is to be washed again and pronounced clean. Leviticus 13:58 states, "But if the mildew disappears from the fabric, the woven or knitted material, or the leather article when it is washed, then it must be washed again, and it will be clean."

Symbolism and Spiritual Implications:

The laws concerning leprosy in garments symbolize the need for purity and the removal of sin from the community. Just as physical leprosy required cleansing and isolation, spiritual impurity required repentance and purification. The meticulous process of inspection, washing, and re-examination underscores the importance of holiness and the need to address even the suspicion of impurity.

Application in the New Testament:

While the New Testament does not specifically address leprosy in garments, the principles of purity and holiness continue to be emphasized. Believers are called to "put off" the old self and "put on" the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:22-24). This spiritual renewal reflects the cleansing and transformation that God desires for His people.

In summary, the biblical instructions for dealing with garments suspected of leprosy highlight the importance of maintaining purity and the thorough process required to ensure cleanliness. These laws served as a physical representation of the spiritual purity that God demands from His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 13:53,54,58,59
And if the priest shall look, and, behold, the plague be not spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of skin;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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