Topical Bible: Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Ceremonially Unclean

◄ Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Ceremonially Unclean ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Leprosy, as described in the Bible, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes. In biblical times, it was considered a severe affliction, both physically and spiritually, rendering those affected ceremonially unclean. The term "leprosy" in the Bible may refer to a variety of skin diseases, not necessarily limited to what is known today as Hansen's disease.

Biblical Context and Regulations

In the Old Testament, the laws concerning leprosy are detailed extensively in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 13 and 14 provide comprehensive instructions for diagnosing and managing leprosy, both in individuals and in garments or houses. The priests were responsible for examining and declaring a person clean or unclean.

Leviticus 13:45-46 states: "The leprous person who has the infection must wear torn clothes, let his hair hang loose, cover his mouth, and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp." This passage highlights the social and religious isolation imposed on those afflicted, emphasizing their separation from the community to prevent the spread of the disease and maintain ritual purity.

Ceremonial Implications

Being declared unclean had significant implications for the afflicted individuals. They were excluded from participating in communal worship and were required to live outside the camp or city, as seen in Numbers 5:2-3 : "Command the Israelites to send away from the camp anyone with a skin disease, anyone who has a bodily discharge, or anyone who is unclean from contact with a dead body. You must send away both male and female; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them."

The ceremonial uncleanness associated with leprosy symbolized the broader concept of sin and impurity, which separated individuals from God and the community. The isolation and purification rituals underscored the need for holiness and the removal of defilement from the midst of God's people.

Healing and Restoration

The process of cleansing and restoration for a leprous person who had been healed is outlined in Leviticus 14. The ritual involved sacrifices and offerings, symbolizing atonement and reintegration into the community. Leviticus 14:2-4 describes the initial steps: "This is the law of the one afflicted with a skin disease on the day of his cleansing, when he is brought to the priest. The priest is to go outside the camp to examine him. If the skin disease of the afflicted person has healed, the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed."

The cleansing ceremony served as a powerful reminder of God's ability to heal and restore, pointing to the ultimate spiritual cleansing available through faith.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus' interactions with lepers demonstrate His compassion and authority over disease. In Matthew 8:2-3 , a leper approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus responds, "I am willing. Be clean!" and immediately the man is healed. This act not only illustrates Jesus' power to heal but also His willingness to reach out to those marginalized by society.

The healing of lepers by Jesus signifies the breaking down of barriers between the clean and unclean, foreshadowing the spiritual cleansing and inclusion available to all through His redemptive work.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 13:8,11,22,44
And if the priest see that, behold, the scab spreads in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it is a leprosy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook