Leviticus 14:36

The priest must order that the house be cleared before he enters it to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house will become unclean. After this, the priest shall go in to inspect the house.

Study Bible

The priest must order
The role of the priest in ancient Israel was not only spiritual but also practical and communal. The Hebrew word for "priest" is "kohen," which signifies a person who serves as a mediator between God and the people. In this context, the priest acts as an authority on matters of purity and health, reflecting the holistic nature of God's law, which encompasses both spiritual and physical well-being. The priest's order is a command that underscores the seriousness of maintaining purity within the community.

that the house be cleared
The clearing of the house is a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of uncleanness. The Hebrew word for "cleared" is "pinnah," which implies making space or removing obstacles. This action symbolizes the need for spiritual and physical preparation before divine inspection. It reflects the broader biblical principle of sanctification, where believers are called to remove sin and impurity from their lives to make room for God's presence.

before he enters it
The timing of the priest's entry is significant. The Hebrew word "bo" means "to come" or "to enter," indicating a deliberate and purposeful action. This phrase highlights the importance of preparation and forethought in dealing with issues of impurity. It serves as a reminder that approaching God or matters of holiness requires intentionality and readiness.

to examine the mildew
The examination of mildew, or "nega" in Hebrew, is a detailed inspection for signs of impurity. Mildew in a house is symbolic of sin or corruption that can spread if not addressed. The priest's examination is akin to the spiritual discernment required to identify and address sin in one's life. It underscores the need for vigilance and the willingness to confront and cleanse impurities.

so that nothing in the house will become unclean
This phrase emphasizes the communal aspect of purity laws. The Hebrew word for "unclean" is "tamei," which denotes a state of impurity that can affect both individuals and objects. The concern here is to prevent the spread of uncleanness, reflecting the biblical principle that sin and impurity can have far-reaching consequences. It serves as a call to protect the sanctity of the community by addressing issues at their source.

After this, the priest shall go in
The sequence of actions is crucial. The phrase "after this" indicates that the priest's entry is contingent upon the house being cleared. This reflects the biblical principle of order and obedience to God's instructions. The priest's entry signifies the beginning of the purification process, symbolizing God's willingness to enter and cleanse the lives of those who prepare themselves.

to inspect the house
The inspection, or "ra'ah" in Hebrew, means to see or perceive. This is not a cursory glance but a thorough examination. The priest's inspection represents God's penetrating gaze into the lives of His people, discerning the hidden areas that require cleansing. It is a reminder of the divine scrutiny that believers are under and the grace that accompanies God's willingness to purify and restore.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
A key figure in the Israelite community responsible for religious rituals and maintaining purity. In this context, the priest acts as an inspector of potential uncleanness in a household.

2. The House
Represents the dwelling place of an Israelite family. The house is subject to inspection for mildew, which symbolizes impurity or sin that needs to be addressed.

3. Mildew
A physical manifestation of impurity that can affect a house. It serves as a metaphor for sin or spiritual impurity that requires cleansing.

4. Israelite Community
The broader context in which these laws are given, emphasizing communal purity and holiness.

5. The Law of Moses
The legal and moral code given to the Israelites, which includes detailed instructions for maintaining purity and holiness.

Teaching Points

The Role of Spiritual Leadership
The priest's role in inspecting and cleansing the house underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and maintaining the purity of the community.

The Importance of Holiness
Just as the Israelites were called to maintain physical and spiritual purity, Christians are called to live holy lives, avoiding sin and impurity.

Preventive Measures Against Sin
The instruction to clear the house before inspection teaches the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent sin from taking root in our lives.

Community Responsibility
The communal aspect of these laws reminds us that maintaining purity is not just an individual responsibility but a collective one, involving the entire faith community.

Symbolism of Cleansing
The physical act of cleansing a house from mildew symbolizes the spiritual cleansing that believers undergo through repentance and faith in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14:36 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders in the church today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of clearing out impurity from our "house" (our lives) before it becomes a larger issue?

3. How does the concept of community responsibility for purity in Leviticus relate to the New Testament teachings on church discipline?

4. What preventive measures can we take in our personal lives to ensure that sin does not take root, similar to the clearing of the house before inspection?

5. How can the symbolism of cleansing in Leviticus 14:36 deepen our understanding of the spiritual cleansing offered through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 13
Provides context for the laws of purity, including skin diseases and mildew, highlighting the role of the priest in maintaining community holiness.

1 Corinthians 5
Discusses the need for purity within the church, drawing a parallel to the need for cleansing and removing sin from the community.

Hebrews 3:6
Relates to the concept of the house as a metaphor for the church or the believer's life, emphasizing the need for Christ's cleansing.