Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, leprosy is not only a disease affecting human skin but also a condition that can afflict garments and other materials. The Mosaic Law, as detailed in the Book of Leviticus, provides specific instructions for dealing with garments infected by leprosy, which is understood to be a form of mold or mildew.Biblical Instructions: Leviticus 13:47-52 outlines the procedure for handling garments suspected of having leprosy. The passage describes how a priest is to examine the garment, whether it be made of wool or linen, or any woven or knitted material. If the infection appears to be deeper than the surface and spreads, it is considered a serious contamination. The Berean Standard Bible states: "If any fabric is contaminated with mildew—any wool or linen clothing, any woven or knitted material of linen or wool, or any leather or anything made of leather—and if the contamination in the fabric, the leather, the woven or knitted material, or any leather article is greenish or reddish, it is a spreading mildew and must be shown to the priest" (Leviticus 13:47-49). Procedure for Dealing with Infected Garments: The priest is to isolate the garment for seven days. If, upon re-examination, the mildew has spread, the infected area must be torn out of the garment. Leviticus 13:56-57 provides further guidance: "If the priest examines it and the mildew has faded after it has been washed, he is to tear the contaminated part out of the fabric, the leather, or the woven or knitted material. But if it reappears in the fabric, the woven or knitted material, or the leather article, it is spreading, and whatever has the mildew must be burned." Symbolic and Spiritual Implications: The treatment of leprous garments in the Old Testament carries symbolic significance. It underscores the importance of purity and holiness in the community of Israel. Just as physical leprosy required separation and purification, so too did the contamination of garments necessitate careful handling to prevent the spread of impurity. The tearing out of the infected piece before the entire garment is destroyed serves as a metaphor for dealing with sin and corruption. It reflects the need for discernment and decisive action in removing that which defiles, preserving what is pure and holy. Conservative Christian Perspective: From a conservative Christian viewpoint, these Old Testament laws are seen as a foreshadowing of the spiritual cleansing brought by Christ. The meticulous care in handling leprous garments parallels the call for believers to live lives of holiness, separating themselves from sin and seeking purification through the redemptive work of Jesus. The emphasis on purity and the removal of defilement in the community of faith remains a relevant principle for Christians today. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 13:56And if the priest look, and, behold, the plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it; then he shall rend it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library part ii Resources What does the Bible say about social distancing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a pariah? | GotQuestions.org Who was Miriam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Leprosy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Leprosy: A Common Disease Among the Jews Leprosy: Ceremonies at Cleansing of Leprosy: Christ Gave Power to Heal Leprosy: Garments: Incurable Infected With, Burned Leprosy: Garments: Infected With, to Have the Piece First Torn Out Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, But not Having, Washed and Pronounced Clean Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, Shown to Priest Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, Shut up Seven Days Leprosy: Healed: Disciples Empowered to Heal Leprosy: Houses: Ceremonies at Cleansing of Leprosy: Houses: Incurably Infected With, Pulled Down and Removed Leprosy: Houses: Infected With, Communicated Uncleanness to Everyone Who Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, But not Infected, Pronounced Clean Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Emptied Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Inspected by Priest Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Reported to Priest Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Shut up Seven Days Leprosy: Houses: To Have the Part Infected With, First Removed, and the Rest Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Azariah Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Four Lepers Outside Samaria Leprosy: Leprosy not Mentioned Above: Simon Leprosy: Less Inveterate when It Covered the Whole Body Leprosy: Often Began With a Bright Red Spot Leprosy: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Beard Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Forehead Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Hand Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Head Leprosy: Parts Affected by The Whole Body Leprosy: Power of Christ Manifested in Curing Leprosy: Power of God Manifested in Curing Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Gehazi Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Miriam Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Uzziah Leprosy: The Priests: Examined all Persons Healed of Leprosy: The Priests: Examined Persons Suspected of Leprosy: The Priests: had Rules for Distinguishing Leprosy: The Priests: Judges and Directors in Cases of Leprosy: The Priests: Shut up Persons Suspected of, Seven Days Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Associated Together Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Ceremonially Unclean Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Cut off from God's House Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Dwelt in a Separate House Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Excluded from Priest's office Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: Separated from Intercourse With Others Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: To Cry Unclean when Approached Leprosy: Those Afflicted With: To Have Their Heads Bare, Clothes Rent, and Lip Covered Leprosy: Turned the Hair White or Yellow Leprosy: Turned the Skin White Related Terms |
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