Leviticus 13:7

But if the rash spreads further on his skin after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing, he must present himself again to the priest.

Study Bible

But if the rash spreads further on his skin
The Hebrew word for "rash" here is "נֶגַע" (nega), which refers to a mark or plague. In the context of Leviticus, it is often associated with skin diseases, commonly understood as leprosy. The phrase "spreads further" indicates a progression or worsening of the condition. This reflects the meticulous care and observation required in the community to prevent the spread of disease, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and responsibility in maintaining communal health. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for sin, which, if not addressed, can spread and affect one's spiritual health and the community.

after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing
The role of the priest in ancient Israel was not only spiritual but also practical, serving as a health inspector of sorts. The Hebrew word for "priest" is "כֹּהֵן" (kohen), a mediator between God and the people. The act of showing oneself to the priest signifies submission to divine authority and the community's established order. "Cleansing" in Hebrew is "טָהֳרָה" (tahorah), which implies purity and ritual cleanliness. This process underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and intervention in matters of personal and communal well-being.

he must present himself again to the priest
The repetition of presenting oneself to the priest highlights the ongoing nature of spiritual and physical accountability. The Hebrew verb "to present" is "רָאָה" (ra'ah), meaning to see or appear. This suggests a continuous process of examination and reflection, both physically and spiritually. The requirement to return to the priest signifies the need for persistent vigilance and humility in seeking healing and restoration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community oversight and the role of spiritual leaders in guiding individuals towards wholeness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
In ancient Israel, priests served as mediators between God and the people, and they were responsible for diagnosing and managing cases of skin diseases, as described in Leviticus 13.

2. The Infected Person
This refers to any individual in the Israelite community who shows signs of a skin disease and must be examined by the priest.

3. The Tabernacle
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the Tabernacle was the central place of worship and where the priests performed their duties, including examining those with skin diseases.

4. The Law of Moses
The broader context of Leviticus 13 is part of the Mosaic Law, which provided guidelines for maintaining ritual purity and community health.

5. Cleansing Rituals
These were procedures outlined in the Law for restoring an individual to a state of ritual purity after being declared clean by the priest.

Teaching Points

The Role of Spiritual Authority
The priest's role in diagnosing and declaring someone clean underscores the importance of spiritual authority in guiding and maintaining community health and holiness.

The Process of Examination
Just as the infected person must present themselves to the priest, believers are called to self-examination and accountability within the community of faith.

The Importance of Community Health
The laws concerning skin diseases highlight the need for communal responsibility in addressing issues that affect the whole body of believers.

The Need for Repeated Evaluation
The requirement for the infected person to return to the priest if the rash spreads teaches the importance of ongoing spiritual evaluation and growth.

Symbolism of Cleansing
The cleansing rituals symbolize the deeper spiritual cleansing that believers experience through Christ, who fulfills the law and offers ultimate purification.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 13:7 reflect the importance of spiritual leadership in the church today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of self-examination and accountability found in this passage to our personal spiritual lives?

3. How does the process of repeated evaluation in Leviticus 13:7 relate to the concept of sanctification in the New Testament?

4. What parallels can we draw between the cleansing rituals in Leviticus and the spiritual cleansing offered through Jesus Christ?

5. How can the principles of community health and responsibility in Leviticus 13 inform our approach to addressing sin and spiritual issues within the church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14
This chapter provides further instructions on the cleansing process for those healed of skin diseases, emphasizing the importance of ritual purity.

Matthew 8:1-4
Jesus heals a man with leprosy and instructs him to show himself to the priest, highlighting the continuity of the law and the role of the priest in declaring someone clean.

James 5:14-16
This passage encourages believers to call on the elders of the church for prayer and anointing when sick, drawing a parallel to the role of priests in Leviticus.