In the context of the Bible, the term "infected person" often refers to individuals afflicted with leprosy or other skin diseases, which were considered both physically and ceremonially unclean. The handling of such conditions is primarily detailed in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers.

Levitical Law and Ritual Purity

The book of Leviticus provides comprehensive instructions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases, commonly referred to as leprosy, though the term may encompass a variety of skin conditions. Leviticus 13 outlines the procedures for examining and isolating an infected person. The priest plays a crucial role in diagnosing the condition: "The priest is to examine the skin sore, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin of the body, it is a leprous infection. When the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean" (Leviticus 13:3).

The infected person was required to live outside the camp to prevent the spread of disease and maintain the purity of the community. Leviticus 13:45-46 states, "The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair hang loose, cover his mouth, and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp."

Ritual Cleansing and Restoration

Leviticus 14 details the process of cleansing and restoring an infected person who has been healed. The ritual involves a series of offerings and ceremonies, including the use of two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. The priest would perform the ritual outside the camp, symbolizing the reintegration of the healed individual into the community. "The priest shall order that one of the birds be slaughtered over fresh water in a clay pot. Then he is to take the live bird, together with the cedarwood, the scarlet yarn, and the hyssop, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water" (Leviticus 14:5-6).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus' interactions with lepers highlight His compassion and authority over disease. In Matthew 8:2-3, a leper approaches Jesus, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus responds, "I am willing. Be clean!" and immediately the man is healed. This act not only demonstrates Jesus' power to heal but also His willingness to reach out to those marginalized by society.

The healing of lepers by Jesus serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual cleansing and redemption. It underscores the message that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and mercy. The account of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 further illustrates this, where only one of the healed lepers returns to thank Jesus, emphasizing gratitude and faith.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The condition of leprosy in the Bible is often seen as a metaphor for sin, representing the pervasive and isolating nature of sin in the life of an individual. Just as leprosy required divine intervention for healing, so too does sin require the redemptive work of Christ for spiritual cleansing. The laws concerning the infected person serve as a reminder of the holiness required by God and the separation that sin causes between humanity and the divine.

In summary, the biblical treatment of the infected person reflects the broader themes of purity, community, and redemption. Through the laws given to Israel and the healing ministry of Jesus, the Bible provides a comprehensive view of both the physical and spiritual dimensions of disease and healing.