In the biblical context, sanitation and the prevention of contagion are addressed through various laws and practices that were given to the Israelites. These guidelines were not only practical for maintaining physical health but also held spiritual significance, emphasizing purity and holiness.

Old Testament Laws and Practices

The Mosaic Law contains numerous instructions regarding cleanliness and the handling of contagious diseases. Leviticus 13 and 14 provide detailed regulations concerning leprosy, a term that likely encompassed a variety of skin diseases. The priests were responsible for examining individuals suspected of having leprosy and determining their status. If declared unclean, the individual was required to live outside the camp to prevent the spread of the disease (Leviticus 13:45-46).

Leviticus 15 addresses bodily discharges, which could render a person ceremonially unclean. The law required washing and isolation until evening, and in some cases, a period of waiting and offering sacrifices before rejoining the community. These measures helped prevent the spread of disease and maintained the sanctity of the camp.

Deuteronomy 23:12-14 provides instructions for sanitation in the camp, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness as a reflection of God's presence among His people. The Israelites were commanded to designate a place outside the camp for relieving themselves and to cover their excrement, ensuring the camp remained holy.

Spiritual and Symbolic Implications

The laws concerning sanitation and contagion were not merely for physical health but also served as a constant reminder of the need for spiritual purity. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart for God (Exodus 19:6). The physical act of cleansing and the separation of the unclean symbolized the spiritual cleansing required to approach a holy God.

The concept of contagion extended beyond physical illness to include moral and spiritual impurity. Haggai 2:11-14 illustrates how impurity can spread, using the analogy of holy and unclean objects. This underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual vigilance and purity.

New Testament Perspectives

In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry often involved healing those considered unclean, such as lepers and those with bodily discharges. His actions demonstrated His authority over physical and spiritual impurity. In Mark 1:40-42, Jesus heals a leper by touching him, an act that would have rendered Him ceremonially unclean according to the Law. However, instead of becoming unclean, Jesus' touch cleanses the leper, highlighting His power to purify and restore.

The early church continued to emphasize the importance of spiritual cleanliness. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul exhorts believers to "purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God" . This reflects the ongoing call for Christians to live lives marked by purity and holiness.

Conclusion

The biblical approach to sanitation and contagion reveals a deep connection between physical cleanliness and spiritual purity. The laws given to Israel served both practical and symbolic purposes, pointing to the holiness required to dwell in God's presence. Through Christ, believers are called to pursue both physical and spiritual cleanliness, reflecting the holiness of God in their lives.Leviticus 5:2,3
Or if a soul touch any unclean thing, whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, or a carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and if it be hidden from him; he also shall be unclean, and guilty.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 7:19,21
And the flesh that touches any unclean thing shall not be eaten; it shall be burnt with fire: and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall eat thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 11:24-28,31-40
And for these you shall be unclean: whoever touches the carcass of them shall be unclean until the even.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 13:2-59
When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest, or to one of his sons the priests:
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 14:2,3,8,9,34-48,54-57
This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought to the priest:
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 15:2-13,16-28,32,33
Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, When any man has a running issue out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 22:4-8
What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper, or has a running issue; he shall not eat of the holy things, until he be clean. And whoever touches any thing that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goes from him;
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 5:2-4
Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that has an issue, and whoever is defiled by the dead:
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 9:6,10
And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 19:11-16,22
He that touches the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 31:19,20
And do you abide without the camp seven days: whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 23:10,11
If there be among you any man, that is not clean by reason of uncleanness that chances him by night, then shall he go abroad out of the camp, he shall not come within the camp:
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 24:8
Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that you observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so you shall observe to do.
Nave's Topical Index

The Kingdom of God and Your Part in It
... and all that unconscious influence going out as a contagion to others ... fellows knew
about city government, city life and education, and sanitation, cleansing and ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/vi the kingdom of god.htm

What does it mean that our sins are washed away? | GotQuestions.org

Is cleanliness next to godliness? | GotQuestions.org

What is a mikvah? | GotQuestions.org

Clean: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus