Leviticus 13:48
any weave or knit of linen or wool, or any article of leather--
any weave or knit

Textile work supplied households with clothing, coverings, and other necessities. Garments were commonly produced within the home or by skilled workers, making woven and knitted materials part of ordinary Israelite life.

Exo 35:35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work…
Exo 39:27 For Aaron and his sons they made tunics of fine linen…
Exo 26:1 You are to construct the tabernacle itself…

of linen or wool,

Linen and wool were the principal fibers used in Israel. Linen was made from flax and was suited to the region’s warmer conditions, while wool provided durable and warm clothing. Both could be examined for the spreading discoloration described in the law.

Lev 19:19 You are to keep My statutes. You shall not crossbreed…
Deu 22:11 Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together.
Ezk 44:17 When they enter the gates of the inner court,…

or any article of leather—

Leather was used for sandals, garments, bags, and vessels. Because such items came into close contact with people and homes, they too were subject to inspection and, if necessary, destruction when marked by an infectious condition.

Num 31:20 And purify every garment and leather good,…
Exo 25:5 ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood;
Ezk 16:10 I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai. He was responsible for conveying these laws to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The recipients of the Levitical laws, including the laws concerning cleanliness and uncleanliness.

3. Priests
The individuals responsible for examining and declaring items clean or unclean according to the laws given in Leviticus.

4. Tabernacle
The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties and where the laws of cleanliness were particularly important.

5. Leprosy
A term used in the Bible to describe various skin diseases and conditions, which could also affect clothing and other materials.
Teaching Points
Holiness and Separation
The laws in Leviticus emphasize the need for the Israelites to be set apart as holy. This separation from uncleanliness is a physical representation of spiritual purity.

Attention to Detail
The specific instructions regarding materials like linen, wool, and leather show God's concern for every aspect of life. Believers are called to pay attention to the details of their lives, ensuring they align with God's standards.

Symbolism of Sin
Just as leprosy could spread and contaminate, sin can infiltrate and corrupt. Believers must be vigilant in identifying and addressing sin in their lives.

Role of Community
The priests' role in examining and declaring items clean or unclean highlights the importance of community accountability in maintaining spiritual purity.

Christ's Fulfillment
Jesus' healing of lepers in the New Testament illustrates His power to cleanse and restore, fulfilling the law's requirements and offering spiritual healing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of cleanliness in Leviticus 13:48 relate to the idea of holiness in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of separation from uncleanliness in our daily lives today?

3. How does the role of the priests in Leviticus reflect the role of spiritual leaders in the church today?

4. What are some modern "contaminants" that can affect our spiritual lives, and how can we guard against them?

5. How does Jesus' healing of lepers in the New Testament provide a deeper understanding of the laws in Leviticus 13?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 14
This chapter continues the discussion of laws concerning leprosy, including the purification process, highlighting the importance of cleanliness and holiness.

Numbers 19
Discusses the laws of purification, emphasizing the need for ritual cleanliness in the community.

Matthew 8
Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating His authority over physical and spiritual uncleanliness.

1 Peter 1:16
Calls believers to be holy as God is holy, reflecting the underlying principle of the Levitical laws.
LeprosyJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 13:1-59
The Diagnosis of Sin as Illustrated in the LeprosyR.M. Edgar Leviticus 13:1-59
The Priest's AdjudicationJ.A. Macdonald Leviticus 13:1-59
Impure SurroundingsW. Clarkson Leviticus 13:47-59
The Diffusiveness of SinJ. P. Chown.Leviticus 13:47-59
The Leprosy of GarmentsJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Leviticus 13:47-59
People
Aaron, Moses
Places
Teman
Topics
Anything, Article, Either, Knitted, Leather, Linen, Material, Skin, Threads, Warp, Whether, Woof, Wool, Woolen, Woollen
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Leviticus 13:45-49

     8269   holiness, separation from worldly

Leviticus 13:47-48

     4693   wool
     5392   linen

Leviticus 13:47-49

     5258   cloth

Leviticus 13:47-59

     4839   mildew

Library
Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom.
(Borders of Samaria and Galilee.) ^C Luke XVII. 11-37. ^c 11 And it came to pass, as they were on their way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. [If our chronology is correct, Jesus passed northward from Ephraim about forty miles, crossing Samaria (here mentioned first), and coming to the border of Galilee. He then turned eastward along that border down the wady Bethshean which separates the two provinces, and crossed the Jordan into Peræa, where we soon
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement.
^A Matt.VIII. 2-4; ^B Mark I. 40-45; ^C Luke V. 12-16. ^c 12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities [it was a city of Galilee, but as it was not named, it is idle to conjecture which city it was], behold, ^b there cometh { ^a came} ^b to him a leper [There is much discussion as to what is here meant by leprosy. Two diseases now go by that name; viz., psoriasis and elephantiasis. There are also three varieties of psoriasis, namely, white, black and red. There are also three varieties
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of the Character of the Unregenerate.
Ephes. ii. 1, 2. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. AMONG all the various trusts which men can repose in each other, hardly any appears to be more solemn and tremendous, than the direction of their sacred time, and especially of those hours which they spend in the exercise of public devotion.
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

The Third Commandment
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Exod 20: 7. This commandment has two parts: 1. A negative expressed, that we must not take God's name in vain; that is, cast any reflections and dishonour on his name. 2. An affirmative implied. That we should take care to reverence and honour his name. Of this latter I shall speak more fully, under the first petition in the Lord's Prayer, Hallowed be thy name.' I shall
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Leviticus
The emphasis which modern criticism has very properly laid on the prophetic books and the prophetic element generally in the Old Testament, has had the effect of somewhat diverting popular attention from the priestly contributions to the literature and religion of Israel. From this neglect Leviticus has suffered most. Yet for many reasons it is worthy of close attention; it is the deliberate expression of the priestly mind of Israel at its best, and it thus forms a welcome foil to the unattractive
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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