Leviticus 14:36

The priest must order that the house be cleared before he enters it to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house will become unclean. After this, the priest shall go in to inspect the house.

Study Bible

The priest must order that the house be cleared
In ancient Israel, the role of the priest extended beyond spiritual duties to include health and sanitation. Clearing the house before inspection ensured that any potential contamination was minimized. This reflects the broader Levitical concern for holiness and purity, emphasizing the separation from anything unclean. The priest's authority in this matter underscores the integration of religious and communal life in Israel.

before he enters it to examine the mildew
Mildew, or mold, was considered a serious issue due to its potential to spread and cause health problems. The examination by the priest was a meticulous process, reflecting the thoroughness required in maintaining purity. This practice can be seen as a precursor to modern health inspections, highlighting the advanced understanding of hygiene in biblical times.

so that nothing in the house will become unclean
The concept of uncleanness in Leviticus is both physical and spiritual. Objects in the house could become ritually unclean, affecting the inhabitants' ability to participate in religious activities. This reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from sin and impurity, as seen in passages like Isaiah 52:11, which calls for the people to be clean.

After this, the priest shall go in to inspect the house
The priest's inspection was a critical step in determining the presence of mildew and the necessary actions to be taken. This process illustrates the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the community remained holy. The inspection can be seen as a type of Christ, who examines and cleanses the spiritual house of believers, as referenced in Hebrews 3:6, where Christ is described as faithful over God's house.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
A key figure in the Israelite community responsible for religious rituals and maintaining purity. In this context, the priest acts as an inspector of potential uncleanness in a household.

2. The House
Represents the dwelling place of an Israelite family. The house is subject to inspection for mildew, which symbolizes impurity or sin that needs to be addressed.

3. Mildew
A physical manifestation of impurity that can affect a house. It serves as a metaphor for sin or spiritual impurity that requires cleansing.

4. Israelite Community
The broader context in which these laws are given, emphasizing communal purity and holiness.

5. The Law of Moses
The legal and moral code given to the Israelites, which includes detailed instructions for maintaining purity and holiness.

Teaching Points

The Role of Spiritual Leadership
The priest's role in inspecting and cleansing the house underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and maintaining the purity of the community.

The Importance of Holiness
Just as the Israelites were called to maintain physical and spiritual purity, Christians are called to live holy lives, avoiding sin and impurity.

Preventive Measures Against Sin
The instruction to clear the house before inspection teaches the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent sin from taking root in our lives.

Community Responsibility
The communal aspect of these laws reminds us that maintaining purity is not just an individual responsibility but a collective one, involving the entire faith community.

Symbolism of Cleansing
The physical act of cleansing a house from mildew symbolizes the spiritual cleansing that believers undergo through repentance and faith in Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14:36 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders in the church today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of clearing out impurity from our "house" (our lives) before it becomes a larger issue?

3. How does the concept of community responsibility for purity in Leviticus relate to the New Testament teachings on church discipline?

4. What preventive measures can we take in our personal lives to ensure that sin does not take root, similar to the clearing of the house before inspection?

5. How can the symbolism of cleansing in Leviticus 14:36 deepen our understanding of the spiritual cleansing offered through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 13
Provides context for the laws of purity, including skin diseases and mildew, highlighting the role of the priest in maintaining community holiness.

1 Corinthians 5
Discusses the need for purity within the church, drawing a parallel to the need for cleansing and removing sin from the community.

Hebrews 3:6
Relates to the concept of the house as a metaphor for the church or the believer's life, emphasizing the need for Christ's cleansing.