Leviticus 14:42
So different stones must be obtained to replace the contaminated ones, as well as additional mortar to replaster the house.
Then they are to take other stones
In the context of Leviticus, the instructions given are part of the purification process for a house that has been afflicted with mold or mildew, considered a form of leprosy. The Hebrew word for "stones" is "אֲבָנִים" (avanim), which signifies the foundational elements of a structure. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a call to replace the corrupted or sinful elements of one's life with new, pure foundations. The act of taking "other stones" symbolizes renewal and the importance of maintaining a holy and clean dwelling, both physically and spiritually.

to replace these
The phrase "to replace these" indicates a deliberate action of substitution. The Hebrew root "חָלַף" (chalaf) means to change or to pass away, suggesting a transformation. This reflects the biblical principle of repentance and renewal, where the old, sinful ways are replaced with righteousness. Historically, this practice ensured that the community remained healthy and free from contamination, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining purity.

and take additional plaster
The use of "additional plaster" refers to the Hebrew word "טִיחַ" (tiyach), which means to coat or cover. Plastering in ancient times was not only a practical measure to protect and seal structures but also a symbolic act of covering and atonement. In a spiritual context, this can be likened to the covering of sins through atonement, as seen in the sacrificial system. The additional plaster signifies the thoroughness required in the process of purification, ensuring that no trace of impurity remains.

to replaster the house
Replastering the house is the final step in the cleansing process, signifying restoration and renewal. The Hebrew word for "house" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), which can also represent a household or family. This act of replastering is a metaphor for the restoration of one's life or family to a state of holiness. It underscores the biblical theme of redemption and the hope of a new beginning. Archaeologically, this practice reflects the meticulous care taken in ancient times to maintain the integrity and sanctity of one's dwelling, which is a reflection of one's relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Priest
The priest plays a crucial role in the cleansing process, acting as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the laws of purity are followed.

2. Infected House
Represents a dwelling that has been contaminated, requiring purification to restore it to a state of cleanliness.

3. Stones
Symbolize the elements of the house that have been affected by impurity and need to be replaced to restore the house.

4. Plaster
Used to cover and seal the house after the stones have been replaced, signifying a fresh start and renewed purity.

5. Israelite Community
The broader context involves the community's responsibility to maintain holiness and purity in their living spaces.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Spiritual Cleansing
Just as the physical house required cleansing and renewal, our spiritual lives need regular examination and purification.

Role of Community in Maintaining Holiness
The Israelite community's involvement in the cleansing process reflects the church's role in supporting one another in spiritual growth and accountability.

Symbolism of Replacement and Renewal
Replacing the stones and replastering the house symbolizes the need for renewal and transformation in our lives, removing what is impure and replacing it with what is holy.

God's Provision for Restoration
The detailed instructions for cleansing the house demonstrate God's provision and desire for restoration, both physically and spiritually.

Building on a Firm Foundation
The process of replacing stones and replastering serves as a reminder to build our lives on the firm foundation of Christ, ensuring that our spiritual house remains strong and pure.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the process of cleansing a house in Leviticus 14:42 reflect the need for spiritual cleansing in our lives today?

2. In what ways can the church community support individuals in their journey toward spiritual purity and renewal?

3. How does the concept of replacing stones and replastering relate to the idea of transformation in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our spiritual foundation remains strong and untainted by impurity?

5. How can we apply the principles of restoration and renewal found in Leviticus 14:42 to our personal and communal spiritual lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 14:33-53
Provides the broader context of the cleansing process for a house with mildew, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness.

1 Peter 2:5
Relates to the concept of believers as living stones, being built into a spiritual house, highlighting the importance of purity in the spiritual community.

Matthew 7:24-27
The parable of the wise and foolish builders underscores the importance of a solid foundation, both physically and spiritually.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Connects the idea of God's dwelling place with the purity of the believer's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Cleansing of Sin as Illustrated in the Cleansing of the LeperR.M. Edgar Leviticus 14:1-57
Cleansing the Corrupt HouseW. Clarkson Leviticus 14:33-53
Leprosy in a HouseJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 14:33-57
House LeprosyJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 14:34-57
Leprosy of House and GarmentsH. Macmillan, D. D.Leviticus 14:34-57
The Plague in the HouseJ. Reid Howatt.Leviticus 14:34-57
The Way to Remove the PlagueJ. Cumming, D. D.Leviticus 14:34-57
People
Aaron, Ephah, Moses
Places
Canaan, Teman
Topics
Clay, Daubed, Mortar, Paste, Plaster, Replace, Replaster, Stones, Taketh, Walls
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 14:42

     4315   clay
     5478   property, houses

Leviticus 14:1-57

     7340   clean and unclean

Leviticus 14:33-53

     5340   house

Leviticus 14:34-57

     4839   mildew

Leviticus 14:39-45

     4366   stones

Leviticus 14:41-42

     5333   healing

Library
November 27. "And the Remnant of the Oil . . . Shall Pour Upon the Head" (Lev. xiv. 18).
"And the remnant of the oil ... shall pour upon the head" (Lev. xiv. 18). In the account of the healing of the Hebrew leper there is a beautiful picture of the touching of his ears, hands and feet, with the redeeming blood and the consecrating oil, as a sign that his powers of understanding, service, and conduct were set apart to God, and divinely endued for the Master's work and will. But after all this, we are significantly told that "the rest of the oil" was to be poured upon his head. The former
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The First Stage in the Leper's Cleansing
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest: 3. And the priest shall go forth out of the camp; and the priest shall look, and, behold, if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper; 4. Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar-wood, and scarlet, and hyssop: 5. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xv. The Location of Sychar, and the Date of Our Lord's visit to Samaria.
1. The Location of Sychar. Although modern writers are now mostly agreed on this subject, it may be well briefly to put before our readers the facts of the case. Till comparitively lately, the Sychar of St. John iv. was generally as representing the ancient Shechem. The first difficulty here was the name, since Shechem, or even Sichem, could scarcely be identified with Sychar, which is undoubtedly the correct reading. Accordingly, the latter term was represented as one of oppobrium, and derived from
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision B. At Jacob's Well, and at Sychar. ^D John IV. 5-42. ^d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 and Jacob's well was there. [Commentators long made the mistake of supposing that Shechem, now called Nablous, was the town here called Sychar. Sheckem lies a mile and a half west of Jacob's well, while the real Sychar, now called 'Askar, lies scarcely half a mile north of the well. It was a small town, loosely called
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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