Leviticus 13:55

After it has been washed, the priest is to reexamine it, and if the mildewed article has not changed in appearance, it is unclean. Even though the mildew has not spread, you must burn it, whether the rot is on the front or back.

Study Bible

On the seventh day
The phrase "on the seventh day" reflects the biblical principle of completion and rest, as seen in the creation narrative where God rested on the seventh day. In the context of Leviticus, the seventh day serves as a period of waiting and examination, symbolizing a complete cycle of observation. This period allows for a thorough assessment of the condition, ensuring that the decision made is just and accurate. Theologically, it underscores the importance of patience and discernment in spiritual and communal matters.

the priest is to examine
The role of the priest as an examiner highlights the priestly duty of maintaining purity and holiness within the community. The Hebrew root for "examine" (ראה, ra'ah) implies a careful and discerning observation. This task entrusted to the priest signifies the spiritual leadership and responsibility to guide the people in matters of cleanliness and holiness, reflecting God's standards.

the mildew
Mildew, in this context, represents decay and corruption. The Hebrew word for mildew (נגע, nega) can also mean a plague or affliction. This term is used to describe a physical manifestation of impurity that requires attention. Spiritually, mildew can symbolize sin or moral decay that, if left unchecked, can spread and corrupt the community. The examination of mildew serves as a metaphor for the need to address sin and impurity in one's life.

if it has spread
The phrase "if it has spread" indicates the potential for contamination and the importance of vigilance. The Hebrew root (פרח, parach) means to break out or flourish, suggesting that unchecked impurity can grow and affect more than its initial area. This serves as a warning about the nature of sin, which, if not addressed, can expand and impact broader aspects of life and community.

on the fabric, the weave or knit
The mention of "fabric, the weave or knit" refers to the materials commonly used in daily life. These items, being integral to everyday living, symbolize the pervasive nature of impurity that can infiltrate all aspects of life. The specificity of these materials underscores the thoroughness required in examining and addressing impurity, ensuring that all areas of life are kept clean and holy.

or on the leather, regardless of its use
Leather, being a durable and versatile material, represents the various aspects of life and work. The phrase "regardless of its use" emphasizes that no area is exempt from scrutiny. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's standards, where every part of life is subject to His holiness. It serves as a reminder that all actions and possessions should align with divine principles.

it is a harmful mildew
The identification of "harmful mildew" signifies a definitive judgment on the condition. The term "harmful" (רעה, ra'ah) implies something that is detrimental and destructive. This declaration serves as a call to action to remove or cleanse the impurity, reflecting the need for decisive action against sin and corruption in one's life.

the article is unclean
The conclusion that "the article is unclean" establishes the status of the item as impure and unfit for use. The Hebrew word for unclean (טמא, tame) denotes a state of impurity that separates one from the community and from God. This pronouncement serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of impurity and the necessity of maintaining holiness in accordance with God's commandments. It calls believers to a life of vigilance and purity, ensuring that they remain in right standing with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest acts as the mediator and examiner, responsible for determining the cleanliness of the article. This role highlights the priest's duty in maintaining the purity of the community.

2. Article
Refers to any garment or fabric that may be affected by mildew. The article represents objects within the community that can become unclean and require purification or destruction.

3. Mildew
A symbol of impurity or sin that can affect objects, representing the pervasive nature of sin and the need for vigilance in maintaining holiness.

4. Examination
The process by which the priest inspects the article to determine its status. This reflects the careful discernment required in spiritual matters.

5. Burning
The act of destroying the unclean article, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity from the community to maintain holiness.

Teaching Points

The Role of Spiritual Leaders
Spiritual leaders are tasked with guiding the community in matters of purity and holiness, much like the priests in Leviticus.

The Pervasiveness of Sin
Just as mildew can affect garments, sin can infiltrate our lives. We must be vigilant and proactive in addressing it.

The Importance of Purity
Maintaining purity is crucial for a community's spiritual health. This requires discernment and sometimes difficult decisions, such as removing unclean elements.

The Necessity of Repentance and Cleansing
When sin is identified, it must be dealt with decisively, akin to burning the unclean article, to restore purity and fellowship with God.

Symbolism of Fire
Fire represents purification and judgment. In our spiritual lives, we must allow God's refining fire to cleanse us from impurities.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 13:55 inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways can we identify and address "mildew" or sin in our own lives and communities?

3. How does the concept of burning the unclean article relate to the New Testament teachings on dealing with sin?

4. What parallels can we draw between the purification processes in Leviticus and the work of Christ as described in Hebrews?

5. How can we apply the principles of vigilance and purity from Leviticus 13:55 to our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14
Discusses the cleansing process for skin diseases and mildew, emphasizing the importance of purification and restoration.

1 Corinthians 5
Paul addresses the need to remove sin from the community, drawing a parallel to the removal of mildew to maintain purity.

Hebrews 10
Highlights the role of Christ as our High Priest, who purifies us from sin, similar to the priest's role in Leviticus.