What is the meaning of Leviticus 14:56? swelling “Leviticus 14:56 – ‘for a swelling…’” • In Leviticus 13:2-3 the priest examined any raised area of flesh; a genuine swelling could signal the beginning of an infectious disease. • God’s law makes plain that even the first hint of corruption must be dealt with. Numbers 12:10 shows how Miriam’s sudden swelling (leprosy) halted the camp until she was cleansed. • The same Lord who required inspection also supplied cleansing. When Jesus healed “a man covered with leprosy” (Luke 5:12-14), He fulfilled the careful concern pictured in these regulations. • Applied today, a “swelling” reminds us that sinful attitudes start small but must be addressed immediately (Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 1:8-9). rash “…rash…” • Leviticus 13:6, 24-28 describes rashes that could be either benign or dangerous. The priest distinguished between mere irritation and contagious uncleanness. • A rash spreads quickly; likewise, unchecked sin can influence families and churches (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). • Isaiah 1:5-6 compares Israel’s rebellion to a body “covered with bruises, welts, and raw wounds,” showing how outward affliction can picture inward rebellion. • Christ touched and cleansed many with skin diseases (Matthew 8:2-4), proving He alone removes the deeper defilement of the heart. spot “…or spot,” • Leviticus 13:38-39 speaks of bright or white spots—often harmless discolorations. Even so, they were inspected, underscoring God’s desire for thorough purity. • A “spot” may seem insignificant, yet Ephesians 5:27 says Christ will present the church “without spot or wrinkle.” What looks minor to us still matters to a holy God. • James 1:27 reminds believers to keep themselves “unstained by the world,” echoing the priest’s duty to declare a person clean only when every spot was evaluated. • Revelation 1:5 links our ultimate cleansing to “Jesus Christ…who has freed us from our sins by His blood,” the perfect priest and sacrifice in one. summary Leviticus 14:56 gathers the entire discussion of skin afflictions into three everyday words—swelling, rash, spot—so no form of impurity is overlooked. Each term underscores God’s meticulous care for His people’s physical and spiritual health, the seriousness of even the smallest sin, and the sufficiency of the cleansing He provides, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. |
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