Leviticus 14:32

This is the law for someone who has a skin disease and cannot afford the cost of his cleansing."

Study Bible

This is the law
The phrase "This is the law" signifies the divine authority and order established by God for the Israelites. In Hebrew, the word for "law" is "Torah," which means instruction or teaching. It underscores the importance of God's commandments as a guide for holy living. The law is not merely a set of rules but a covenantal relationship between God and His people, reflecting His holiness and desire for them to be set apart.

for someone who has a skin disease or a sore
The Hebrew term for "skin disease" is "tzaraath," often translated as leprosy, though it encompasses a variety of skin conditions. This phrase highlights the physical and spiritual implications of impurity in the Israelite community. Skin diseases were not only health concerns but also carried social and religious stigma, symbolizing sin and separation from God. The mention of "a sore" further emphasizes the need for purification and restoration to communal and divine fellowship.

and cannot afford the cost of their cleansing
This phrase reveals God's compassion and provision for the poor. The Hebrew context shows that the law made allowances for those who were financially unable to meet the standard requirements for purification. It reflects God's justice and mercy, ensuring that all, regardless of economic status, have access to His grace and the opportunity for restoration. This provision foreshadows the New Testament teaching of grace, where salvation and cleansing from sin are offered freely through Christ, irrespective of one's ability to pay.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai. He is the mediator between God and the Israelites, conveying God's instructions for holiness and purity.

2. Priests
The Levitical priests are responsible for carrying out the purification rituals described in Leviticus 14. They serve as intermediaries between God and the people, ensuring that the laws are followed correctly.

3. The Cleansed Person
This refers to the individual who has been healed from a skin disease (often translated as leprosy) and is undergoing the purification process to be reintegrated into the community.

4. The Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the purification rituals are performed. It symbolizes God's presence among His people.

5. The Offering
The offerings mentioned in Leviticus 14 include a sin offering and a burnt offering, which are part of the ritual for cleansing a person who could not afford the more expensive offerings.

Teaching Points

God's Provision for All
Leviticus 14:32 shows that God makes provisions for those who are less fortunate, ensuring that everyone has access to purification and restoration. This reflects God's inclusive nature and His desire for all to be part of His community.

The Role of the Priesthood
The priests serve as mediators, pointing to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on our behalf. This highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance in our lives.

Spiritual Cleansing
The physical cleansing rituals in Leviticus symbolize the deeper spiritual cleansing that God desires for His people. This points to the need for repentance and the transformative power of God's grace.

Community Restoration
The purification process allows the cleansed person to rejoin the community, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and unity within the body of believers.

Compassion and Justice
God's law provides for the poor, teaching us to act with compassion and justice towards those in need, reflecting God's heart for the marginalized.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Leviticus 14:32 demonstrate God's concern for the poor and marginalized within the community?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14 point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

3. How can the principles of purification and restoration in Leviticus 14 be applied to our spiritual lives today?

4. What are some practical ways we can show compassion and justice to those in need, following the example set in Leviticus 14:32?

5. How does the concept of community restoration in Leviticus 14 relate to the New Testament teachings on reconciliation and unity within the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14:32 and Leviticus 14:21
Both verses address the provision for those who cannot afford the standard offerings, highlighting God's compassion and provision for the poor.

Luke 5:12-16
This passage describes Jesus healing a man with leprosy, demonstrating the fulfillment of the law and the power of Christ to cleanse and restore.

Hebrews 9:13-14
These verses discuss the superiority of Christ's sacrifice over the Old Testament rituals, emphasizing the cleansing of the conscience from dead works to serve the living God.