What role does the priest play in the cleansing process in Leviticus 14:28? The Setting in Leviticus 14 Leviticus 14 details how someone healed of a skin disease (often translated “leprosy,” though it covered many conditions) could be restored to full covenant life. The process took eight days and involved sacrifices, ritual washings, and the priest’s personal involvement at every step. Actions the Priest Performs in Verse 28 BSB text: “The priest shall also put some of the oil in his palm and apply it to the lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, to the thumb of the right hand, and to the big toe of the right foot, on top of the blood of the guilt offering.” (Leviticus 14:28) Key movements: • Places oil in his own palm • Touches the cleansed person’s right ear-lobe • Touches the right thumb • Touches the right big toe • Applies oil “on top of the blood of the guilt offering” Why These Specific Actions Matter • Completes the cleansing: The priest is God’s appointed mediator; only he can declare the person fully clean (v. 11, 20, 31). • Ear, hand, toe pattern: Mirrors the consecration of priests themselves (Leviticus 8:23-24; Exodus 29:20). The cleansed person is being reintegrated to hear God’s Word, work with clean hands, and walk in righteous paths. • Oil after blood: – Blood addresses sin and guilt (Hebrews 9:22). – Oil (a picture of the Spirit and blessing, Isaiah 61:1; 1 Samuel 16:13) seals what the blood has accomplished, showing ongoing life and service. • “On top of the blood”: Salvation is foundational; anointing flows from atonement. No oil without blood first. Symbolic Layers Behind the Oil and Blood • Blood = atonement, forgiveness, purification (Leviticus 17:11; 1 John 1:7). • Oil = consecration, empowerment, joy (Psalm 45:7; Acts 10:38). • Combined, they portray both removal of defilement and positive impartation of God’s favor. Connections to Wider Scripture • Priesthood foreshadows Christ: “We have a great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14). Jesus both offers the sacrifice and applies its benefits (Hebrews 9:11-14). • Restored ears, hands, feet echo New Testament ethics: – Ears: “Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). – Hands: “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). – Feet: “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10). • Believers receive the Spirit because Christ’s blood has already been shed (John 7:39; Galatians 3:13-14). Practical Takeaways Today • God provides both cleansing and commissioning; we’re not just forgiven, we’re empowered for service. • The priest’s careful, personal touch underscores God’s intimate concern for each individual. • Hearing, doing, and walking—all facets of life—are to be consecrated. • The sequence—blood first, oil second—invites us to rest in Christ’s finished work before striving to serve in His strength. |
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