Leviticus 14:7

Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the skin disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and release the live bird into the open field.

Study Bible

Seven times
The number seven in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, reflecting God's creation of the world in seven days. In the context of Leviticus, the act of sprinkling seven times signifies a complete and thorough cleansing, emphasizing the totality of the purification process. This ritual underscores the importance of divine perfection in the restoration of the individual to the community and to God.

he shall sprinkle
The act of sprinkling is a symbolic gesture of purification and sanctification. In Hebrew, the word used here is "zaraq," which means to scatter or sprinkle. This action represents the transmission of purity from the priest to the person being cleansed, signifying the removal of impurity and the restoration of holiness.

the one to be cleansed
This phrase refers to the individual afflicted with a skin disease, often translated as leprosy. In ancient Israel, such diseases rendered a person ceremonially unclean, isolating them from the community. The cleansing process was not just physical but also spiritual, allowing the person to re-enter the community and participate in worship.

of the skin disease
The Hebrew term "tzaraath" is often translated as leprosy, but it encompasses a range of skin conditions. This disease was seen as a physical manifestation of spiritual impurity, necessitating a ritual cleansing to restore the individual to a state of holiness.

he shall pronounce him clean
The priest's declaration of cleanliness is crucial, as it officially restores the individual to the community. This pronouncement is a powerful reminder of the authority given to the priesthood to mediate between God and His people, and it highlights the importance of divine approval in the process of purification.

Then he is to release the live bird
The release of the live bird symbolizes the complete removal of impurity from the individual. The bird, once part of the cleansing ritual, now carries away the impurity, signifying freedom and new life for the person cleansed.

into the open field
The open field represents a place of freedom and new beginnings. By releasing the bird into the open field, the ritual signifies the complete separation of the impurity from the community, allowing the individual to start anew, free from the burden of their previous condition.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the central figure in the cleansing ritual, acting as the mediator between God and the person being cleansed.

2. Person to be Cleansed
This refers to the individual who has been afflicted with a skin disease, often translated as leprosy, and is seeking ritual purification.

3. Live Bird
One of two birds used in the cleansing ceremony; it is released into the open field as part of the ritual.

4. Open Field
The place where the live bird is released, symbolizing freedom and the removal of impurity from the community.

5. Cleansing Ritual
A ceremonial process prescribed by God for the purification of someone healed from a skin disease, involving specific actions and symbols.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Cleansing
The ritual symbolizes the removal of impurity and restoration to community life. It points to the deeper spiritual cleansing needed by all humanity.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role as mediator foreshadows Christ's mediatory work, emphasizing the need for a divine intercessor in our spiritual cleansing.

Freedom from Sin
The release of the live bird symbolizes freedom from the bondage of sin, reminding believers of the liberation found in Christ.

Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for the ritual highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands in the pursuit of holiness.

Community Restoration
The cleansing process not only restores the individual but also reintegrates them into the community, reflecting the communal aspect of faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14:7 point to the work of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways does the release of the live bird into the open field symbolize spiritual truths about sin and forgiveness?

3. How can the detailed instructions for the cleansing ritual in Leviticus 14 inform our understanding of obedience to God today?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the cleansing of a leper in Leviticus and the healing miracles of Jesus in the New Testament?

5. How does the concept of community restoration in Leviticus 14:7 apply to the church's role in supporting those who have experienced spiritual renewal?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14:4-6
Provides context for the ritual, describing the use of two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop in the cleansing process.

Hebrews 9:13-14
Discusses the purification rituals of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in Christ, who offers a more perfect cleansing.

Psalm 51:7
David's plea for purification, using hyssop, connects to the cleansing rituals and the desire for spiritual purity.

Mark 1:40-45
Jesus heals a leper, demonstrating His authority over disease and His role as the ultimate purifier.