Leviticus 14
-This chapter continues to unpleasant nature of dealing with
the leprosy diseases and the cleansing process, both for people and their
dwellings, in a lengthy legal section. Once again the LORD speaks these laws
for how to deal with the purifying of those affected by the outbreak. He does
this with Moses and Aaron (Leviticus 14:1, 33) as God’s spokesmen prophets. The
priests have the task of inspection and carrying out the rituals prescribed for
atonement in these matters. They carry the weight and responsibility for taking
the unclean outside the camp and destroying contaminated materials. The use of
animals for sacrifice is again a stipulation. People better off financially are
required to offer more, and the priests can partake of the sin offerings, burnt
offerings, and grain offerings as stated previously. The blood is critical to
the cleansing, and the oil is also very important. These are a foreshadowing to
the work Jesus and of the Holy Spirit (Jehovah
Rapha- the God who heals, Exodus 15:26). The cleansing ritual contained
other spiritually significant articles such as the cedar wood, the scarlet
string, hyssop, fine flour grain, and running water. Cedar is an extremely
durable material and its oil content makes it highly resistant to decay (see
“Leviticus: An Introduction & Commentary” by R.K. Harrison, page 150). This
is a picture of strength for the healed who have come through dire
circumstances to receive the blessings of the LORD. The scarlet thread would be
symbolic once again of the blood and more than likely held together the hyssop.
Hyssop was employed as a symbol of cleansing from sin, as David expresses so
well in Psalm 51:7. The grain speaks to Jesus who is the “Bread of Life (John
6:33-35, 47-51).” He is also the “Living Water (John 4:10-14; 7:38).”
-What about the smearing of blood by the priest onto the
healed person’s right ear, thumb, and big toe? This may seem strange, but it
too has spiritual significance when we think about it. The ear is for hearing.
The cleansed saint must hear God’s Voice. The saved must do the work of Christ
as His hands and walk with Him with following feet. The right side indicates the
strong side. We are strong in the power of Christ Jesus, set free from sin and cleaned
up to be His servants.
-The bird being let go to new life was also symbolic (Leviticus
14:7, 53). It can go back to its nest with a new found freedom and release. A new
life has been afforded. This might also parallel the ritual of the scapegoat in
the Day of Atonement ceremonies (Leviticus 16:5-28). It is a picture of God’s amazing
grace to release of from the dominion of sin.
-Our houses also must be cleansed for the sake of holiness and
soundness. Just like mildew, mold, or disease, when the house has a disease spiritually
it needs to be identified and purified with the sin dealt with effectively. Many
of our homes today need some serious spiritual inspection and rebuilding.
-*Application* God’s redemptive power is seen in every part
of His perfect Law. Let the LORD clean you and wash you today to become whole again
in a new found freedom from sin. Holy is the LORD!
Verses to Memorize:
Leviticus 14:2, 57
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