Leviticus 14:38

the priest shall go outside the doorway of the house and close it up for seven days.

Study Bible

the priest
In the context of Leviticus, the priest serves as a mediator between God and the people, particularly in matters of purity and holiness. The Hebrew word for priest is "kohen," which signifies one who is set apart for sacred duties. The priest's role in this verse underscores the importance of spiritual leadership and discernment in addressing issues of impurity, reflecting the broader biblical theme of holiness and the need for divine intervention in human affairs.

shall go outside
The act of going outside signifies a separation from the unclean or potentially unclean environment. In the Hebrew context, this action represents a physical and symbolic distancing from impurity. It highlights the priest's role in maintaining the sanctity of the community by ensuring that any defilement is properly addressed. This separation is a reminder of the call to holiness and the need to be vigilant against spiritual and physical contamination.

the doorway of the house
The doorway serves as a threshold between the sacred and the profane, the clean and the unclean. In ancient Israelite culture, the house was a place of familial and communal life, and its purity was essential for the well-being of its inhabitants. The doorway, therefore, represents a point of transition and decision, where the priest must determine the appropriate course of action to restore purity. This imagery can inspire believers to consider the thresholds in their own lives where decisions about holiness and purity must be made.

and close it up
Closing up the house indicates a temporary quarantine, a period of waiting and observation. The Hebrew root for "close" can also imply shutting or sealing, suggesting a protective measure to prevent the spread of impurity. This action reflects the biblical principle of taking deliberate steps to address sin and impurity, allowing time for reflection, repentance, and restoration. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual discipline of setting boundaries to guard against influences that may lead one away from God's holiness.

for seven days
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness and perfection, rooted in the creation narrative where God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. The seven-day period in this context allows for a complete cycle of observation and potential healing. It emphasizes the importance of patience and trust in God's timing for restoration and purification. This period serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual renewal and the hope of restoration through God's grace and mercy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
In ancient Israel, the priest served as a mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing rituals and ensuring the community's spiritual cleanliness.

2. The House
Represents the dwelling place of an individual or family, which could become unclean due to mold or mildew, symbolizing sin or impurity.

3. The Doorway
The threshold of the house, marking the boundary between the unclean interior and the clean exterior, symbolizing the separation between sin and holiness.

4. Seven Days
A period of completeness and divine order in the Bible, often used for purification and reflection.

5. The Event of Closing the House
A ritual act performed by the priest to isolate the impurity, allowing time for potential healing or further inspection.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's involvement underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in addressing sin and impurity within the community.

Symbolism of the House
Just as the house can become unclean, our lives can harbor sin. We must be vigilant in identifying and addressing areas of spiritual impurity.

Significance of Seven Days
The seven-day period reflects God's perfect timing and the need for patience and thoroughness in the process of purification.

Spiritual Cleansing
The act of closing the house symbolizes the need to isolate and confront sin, allowing time for reflection and repentance.

Christ as Our High Priest
In the New Testament, Jesus is our ultimate High Priest, providing a way for complete and eternal purification from sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14:38 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. In what ways can the concept of a "house" becoming unclean apply to our personal lives or communities?

3. Why is the number seven significant in the Bible, and how does it relate to the process of purification?

4. How can we apply the principle of isolating and addressing sin in our lives, as symbolized by closing the house for seven days?

5. How does the purification process in Leviticus 14 point to the work of Christ as described in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 13
Discusses the laws concerning skin diseases and mildew, providing context for the purification process in Leviticus 14.

Numbers 19
Details the purification rites using the ashes of a red heifer, emphasizing the importance of cleansing from impurity.

Hebrews 9
Explains how the Old Testament purification rituals foreshadow the ultimate cleansing through Christ's sacrifice.