In the biblical context, skin diseases, often referred to as "leprosy" in older translations, encompass a variety of conditions that affect the skin. The instructions for the cleansing of a person with such diseases are detailed in Leviticus 14. These instructions are part of the Mosaic Law, given by God to the Israelites through Moses, and they reflect both a concern for physical health and ceremonial purity.

Biblical Context and Procedure

The process of cleansing a person with a skin disease is outlined in Leviticus 14:1-32. This passage provides a comprehensive ritual for the restoration of an individual who has been healed from a skin disease, allowing them to re-enter the community and participate in religious life.

1. Examination by the Priest: The process begins with the priest going outside the camp to examine the person. If the disease has healed, the priest initiates the cleansing ritual (Leviticus 14:3).

2. Two Live Birds and Cedar Wood: The priest commands that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the cleansing ceremony (Leviticus 14:4). One bird is killed over fresh water in a clay pot, symbolizing purification and the removal of impurity (Leviticus 14:5).

3. Sprinkling of Blood: The living bird, along with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped in the blood of the bird that was killed. The priest then sprinkles the blood seven times on the person to be cleansed and pronounces them clean. The living bird is released into the open field, symbolizing the removal of sin and impurity (Leviticus 14:6-7).

4. Washing and Shaving: The person being cleansed must wash their clothes, shave off all their hair, and bathe in water. After this, they are allowed to re-enter the camp but must remain outside their tent for seven days (Leviticus 14:8).

5. Further Cleansing on the Eighth Day: On the seventh day, the person shaves all their hair again, washes their clothes, and bathes. On the eighth day, they bring two male lambs, one ewe lamb, fine flour mixed with oil, and a log of oil for offerings (Leviticus 14:9-10).

6. Offerings and Atonement: The priest offers one lamb as a guilt offering, along with the log of oil, and waves them before the LORD. The blood of the guilt offering is applied to the right earlobe, thumb, and big toe of the person being cleansed, followed by the application of oil. The remaining oil is poured on the person's head, symbolizing the anointing and consecration (Leviticus 14:12-18).

7. Sin and Burnt Offerings: The priest then offers the sin offering and the burnt offering, making atonement for the person to complete the cleansing process (Leviticus 14:19-20).

8. Provisions for the Poor: If the person is poor and cannot afford the standard offerings, provisions are made for them to offer one lamb, two turtledoves or young pigeons, and a reduced amount of flour and oil (Leviticus 14:21-32).

Theological Significance

The cleansing ritual for skin diseases underscores the importance of holiness and purity in the community of Israel. It reflects the belief that physical ailments can have spiritual implications, necessitating a process of purification and atonement. The detailed instructions highlight God's provision for restoration and reintegration into the community, emphasizing His desire for His people to be both physically and spiritually clean.

The ritual also foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and atonement provided through Jesus Christ, who heals not only physical ailments but also the deeper spiritual condition of sin. As the New Testament reveals, Christ's sacrifice fulfills the law's requirements, offering a once-for-all purification for those who believe in Him.