Leviticus 14:9
On the seventh day he must shave off all his hair--his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair. He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water, and he will be clean.
On the seventh day
The phrase "on the seventh day" is significant in the biblical context, as the number seven often symbolizes completion and perfection in Scripture. The seventh day marks the culmination of the purification process for someone who has been cleansed of a skin disease. This reflects God's perfect timing and order, emphasizing that true cleansing and restoration come through His divine plan.

he must shave off all his hair
The act of shaving off all hair, including the head, beard, and eyebrows, is a symbolic gesture of removing the old self and any remnants of impurity. In ancient Israel, hair was often associated with one's identity and status. By removing it, the individual is symbolically shedding their past affliction and embracing a new, purified identity in the community of God's people.

his head, his beard, his eyebrows, and the rest of his hair
This detailed instruction underscores the thoroughness required in the purification process. Each part of the body mentioned—head, beard, eyebrows—holds cultural significance. The head represents authority and leadership, the beard is a sign of maturity and dignity, and the eyebrows are part of one's facial identity. The comprehensive nature of this shaving signifies a complete renewal and dedication to holiness.

He must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water
Washing clothes and bathing with water are acts of physical cleansing that parallel the spiritual purification taking place. Water is a powerful symbol of purification and life throughout the Bible. This ritual washing signifies the removal of impurity and the readiness to re-enter the community and worship God. It is a reminder of the cleansing power of God's Word and Spirit in the believer's life.

and he will be clean
The declaration "and he will be clean" is a profound statement of restoration and acceptance. It signifies that the individual is now ritually pure and can fully participate in the religious and communal life of Israel. This mirrors the spiritual cleansing believers receive through faith in Christ, who makes us clean and whole before God. It is a testament to God's grace and the transformative power of His redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Leper
The individual undergoing the cleansing process after being healed from leprosy. This person is central to the purification rituals described in Leviticus 14.

2. The Priest
The priest plays a crucial role in overseeing the cleansing process, ensuring that the leper follows the prescribed rituals to be declared clean.

3. The Camp
The place from which the leper was previously excluded due to their condition. Re-entry into the camp signifies restoration to the community.

4. The Seventh Day
A significant day in the purification process, marking a complete cycle of cleansing and preparation for reintegration.

5. The Ritual of Cleansing
A series of actions including shaving, washing, and sacrifices that symbolize purification and restoration.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Shaving and Washing
Shaving off all hair symbolizes a fresh start and the removal of the old self. It is a physical act that represents spiritual renewal and cleansing.

Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for cleansing highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. Following God's instructions leads to restoration and blessing.

Community Restoration
The cleansing process allows the leper to rejoin the community, emphasizing the value of community and the importance of being spiritually and physically clean to maintain fellowship.

Spiritual Cleansing
Just as the leper needed physical cleansing, believers are called to seek spiritual cleansing through repentance and faith in Christ, who purifies us from sin.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the process of cleansing in Leviticus 14:9 reflect the importance of both physical and spiritual purity in our lives today?

2. In what ways can the act of shaving and washing in this passage be seen as a metaphor for spiritual renewal in the New Testament?

3. How does the role of the priest in the cleansing process relate to the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament?

4. What can we learn from the leper's journey back into the community about the importance of reconciliation and restoration in our relationships?

5. How can we apply the principles of obedience and purification found in Leviticus 14:9 to our daily walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Numbers 6:9
This verse discusses the Nazirite vow, where shaving the head is also a part of purification, showing a parallel in the use of shaving as a symbol of renewal and dedication.

2 Kings 5:14
Naaman's cleansing from leprosy in the Jordan River highlights the theme of washing and purification as a means of healing and restoration.

John 13:10
Jesus' teaching on washing feet emphasizes the importance of spiritual cleanliness, connecting physical acts of washing with inner purity.
The Cleansing of the Leper - Ceremonies Outside the CampJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 14:1-9
Restoration SuggestionsW. Clarkson Leviticus 14:1-20
Thorough PurificationS.R. Aldridge Leviticus 14:1-20
The Cleansing of Sin as Illustrated in the Cleansing of the LeperR.M. Edgar Leviticus 14:1-57
A Sermon to Children on HyssopLeviticus 14:2-32
According to AbilityJ. Parker, D. D.Leviticus 14:2-32
Appropriate Return for the Saviour's Blood-SheddingS. S. ChronicleLeviticus 14:2-32
Blood-Washed ChristiansJ. Spencer.Leviticus 14:2-32
Ceremonies on Recovery of the LeperJ. Cumming, D. D.Leviticus 14:2-32
Christ Can Remove the Root of the Disease of SinLeviticus 14:2-32
Christ is an Almighty DoctorT. De Witt Talmage.Leviticus 14:2-32
Christ the Only HealerThe Church Scholars' MagazineLeviticus 14:2-32
Christian ConsecrationJohn Vaughan.Leviticus 14:2-32
Cleansing the LeperW. Sleigh.Leviticus 14:2-32
Do not Forget the RemedyMemoir of Wm. Marston.Leviticus 14:2-32
Freedom and Exultation of the Restored LifeC. Wadsworth, D. D.Leviticus 14:2-32
LessonsA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 14:2-32
Provision for the PoorJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 14:2-32
The Cured and UncuredT. De Witt Talmage.Leviticus 14:2-32
The LeperA. Willet, D. D.Leviticus 14:2-32
The Leper CleansedJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 14:2-32
The Two BirdsS. H. Kellogg, D. D.Leviticus 14:2-32
The Two BirdsT. De Witt Talmage.Leviticus 14:2-32
The Two Birds Considered TypicallyD. Jamison, B. A.Leviticus 14:2-32
Admission (Or Readmission)W. Clarkson Leviticus 14:4-9
People
Aaron, Ephah, Moses
Places
Canaan, Teman
Topics
Bathe, Bathed, Beard, Body, Chin, Clean, Clothes, Clothing, Cut, Eyebrows, Eye-brows, Flesh, Garments, Hair, Pass, Rest, Seventh, Shave, Shaveth, Wash, Washed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 14:9

     5130   beard
     5157   head

Leviticus 14:1-9

     5390   leprosy

Leviticus 14:1-32

     7416   purification

Leviticus 14:1-57

     7340   clean and unclean

Leviticus 14:8-9

     5128   baldness
     7342   cleanliness

Leviticus 14:8-11

     4404   food

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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