Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of houses being liable to leprosy is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. This phenomenon is part of the broader Levitical laws concerning cleanliness and holiness, which were given to the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses.Biblical Reference: The primary scriptural reference for houses affected by leprosy is found in Leviticus 14:33-53. This passage outlines the laws and procedures for dealing with a house that shows signs of a leprous disease. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear translation of these instructions: "The LORD also said to Moses and Aaron, 'When you enter the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as a possession, and I put a mildew contamination in a house in the land you possess, the owner of the house shall come and tell the priest, ‘Something like mildew has appeared in my house.’ The priest is to order that the house be cleared before he enters it to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house will become unclean. After this, the priest shall go in to inspect the house.'" (Leviticus 14:33-36) Theological Significance: The laws concerning leprous houses are part of the broader Levitical code, which emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart from impurity. The presence of leprosy in a house was not merely a physical or hygienic issue but was seen as a spiritual concern that required priestly intervention. This reflects the understanding that all aspects of life, including one's dwelling, were under the purview of God's holiness. Procedures for Cleansing: The process for dealing with a house suspected of leprosy involved several steps: 1. Inspection by the Priest: The priest would inspect the house to determine the extent of the contamination. If the mildew appeared to be more than superficial, the house would be quarantined for seven days. 2. Reinspection and Decision: After the initial quarantine, the priest would return to inspect the house. If the mildew had spread, the contaminated stones would be removed and replaced, and the house would be scraped and replastered. 3. Final Examination: If the mildew reappeared after the repairs, the house was considered unclean and was to be demolished. However, if the mildew did not return, the house was declared clean after a purification ceremony involving two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. Symbolism and Application: The laws regarding leprous houses symbolize the pervasive nature of sin and impurity and the need for divine intervention to restore holiness. Just as the Israelites were called to maintain purity in their dwellings, believers today are reminded of the importance of spiritual cleanliness in their lives and homes. The meticulous process of cleansing a house from leprosy underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and the lengths to which He goes to purify His people. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, leprosy was a term used for various skin diseases and conditions affecting both people and objects. The concern for leprous houses reflects the broader cultural understanding of disease and impurity. The Israelites' approach to dealing with such issues was unique in its integration of spiritual and physical remedies, highlighting their covenant relationship with God. In summary, the biblical instructions regarding houses liable to leprosy serve as a profound reminder of God's holiness and the call for His people to live in purity, both physically and spiritually. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 14:34-53When you be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... The Vengeance of Heaven The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... Chaldaean Civilization Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ... Homilies on the Statues. The Oration on Holy Baptism. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources Is it wrong to live in nice houses (Haggai 1:4)? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian go to a haunted house? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to worship the starry host or the host of the heavens (Zephaniah 1:5)? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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