Leviticus 13

In his commentary on the book of Leviticus, Warren Wiersbe notes that the next three chapters (13-15) highlight “three topics that are vitally related to the life of holiness: sin (Lev. 13), salvation (chap. 14), and sanctity (chap. 15).”[i] Interestingly, this is done through the provision of laws regarding leprosy (chapters 13-14) and bodily discharges (chapter 15). In today’s reading, we read about what the Israelites were to do if they thought they had this infectious and painful bacterial skin disease, one that prompted them to shout “unclean, unclean” so that no one would come close to them during their time of distress. 

Although we will make the correlation between leprosy and sin in a bit, keep in mind that the context here was about ceremonial cleanliness. Specifically, if a person had leprosy, they were deemed unclean and were to be sent out of the camp until their time of purification had ended. It’s also important to note for our discussion in the days ahead that the priests were to examine those thought to have leprosy, but they were not able to heal this disease. (Counter that with our Great High Priest’s healing of a leper, as described in Matthew 8, which will be the topic of our reading time together tomorrow.) 

So, how do leprosy and sin parallel (albeit imperfectly)? Let’s identify a few ways (with the help of Mr. Wiersbe):

·       In verse 3, we learn that “if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a case of leprous disease.” Leprosy went deeper than the surface, and we know to be true that sin is not manifest purely in outward actions. Rather, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come” all sorts of evil behaviors (Mark 7:20-21). 

·       Leprosy was also known to spread throughout the body. Note the following: “if the eruption has spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a leprous disease” (v. 8). Likewise, sin, when not dealt with immediately by the person, is akin to a snowball rolling downhill—it only gets bigger and more destructive. 

·       A person with leprosy was to “remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean” (v. 46a). In other words, lepers were outcasts and ostracized from the fellowship of God’s people (not unlike what happens to unrepentant sinners). 

·       Because lepers were removed from the congregation, they were isolated. Scripture captures this in verse 46b: The leper “shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.” Similarly, lost sinners shall dwell alone forever, as “hell is a place of eternal isolation and loneliness.”[ii]

·       Lastly, consider what the lepers were to do with anything that touched their bodies: “You shall burn with fire whatever has the disease” (v. 57; emphasis added). Do you know what God’s Word says about the destination of those who do not turn from their sin to follow Jesus? As “for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8; emphasis added). 

Interesting, and sobering, similarities between these two “diseases,” with much more to come as we move into Leviticus 14, where we learn of God’s provisions for a leper to be cleansed. 

Recently, I underwent a minor medical procedure at a surgery center. As I was lying in the bed about to be given anesthesia, I was struck by what great strides the medical personnel took to keep all of the instruments and the operating room clean and undefiled. They knew that an unclean facility or tool could compromise the patient’s well-being and responded with intentional, proactive safeguards. I wonder if we have such purposefulness in keeping ourselves pure and undefiled. 

- - - - - -

Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       Do you have purposefulness in keeping yourself pure and undefiled? What precautions have you implemented to help yourself? 

·       Has sin proven to spread destructively in your life? Has it isolated you before? 

[i] Wiersbe, W. W. (2001). The Bible exposition commentary: The Pentateuch. David C. Cook. p. 270.

[ii] ibid