Topical Bible: Leprosy: Garments: Suspected of, Shut up Seven Days

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In the biblical context, leprosy is not limited to a disease affecting human skin but also extends to garments and other materials. The Mosaic Law, as detailed in the Old Testament, provides specific instructions for dealing with garments suspected of being contaminated with leprosy. This is primarily found in the book of Leviticus, which outlines the ceremonial laws given to the Israelites.

Biblical Instructions:

The primary passage concerning leprosy in garments is found in Leviticus 13:47-52. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the text states:

"When a fabric is contaminated with mildew—whether wool or linen fabric, whether woven or knitted, or any article of leather— and the mark in the fabric, leather, woven or knitted material, or any leather article is greenish or reddish, it is a mildew contamination and must be shown to the priest. The priest is to examine the mildew and isolate the contaminated fabric for seven days."

This passage indicates that any garment suspected of having leprosy, identified by a greenish or reddish mark, must be brought before a priest. The priest acts as a mediator and judge, determining the presence of contamination.

Isolation and Examination:

The garment is to be isolated for seven days, a period during which it is shut up and not used. This isolation serves both a practical and symbolic purpose. Practically, it prevents the potential spread of contamination. Symbolically, it reflects the need for purity and holiness among the people of Israel, as leprosy is often associated with sin and impurity in the biblical narrative.

After the seven-day period, the priest examines the garment again. If the mark has spread, the garment is declared unclean and must be burned, as stated in Leviticus 13:52 : "He is to burn the fabric, the woven or knitted material of wool or linen, or any leather article that is contaminated, for it is a destructive mildew; it must be burned in the fire."

Spiritual Significance:

The treatment of garments suspected of leprosy underscores the importance of holiness and cleanliness in the life of the Israelites. It serves as a reminder of God's desire for His people to be set apart and free from impurity. The meticulous process of examination and isolation reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and contamination, both physically and spiritually.

In the broader biblical narrative, leprosy and its treatment can be seen as a metaphor for sin and the need for divine intervention and purification. Just as the priest examines and determines the fate of the garment, so too does God examine the hearts of His people, calling them to repentance and cleansing.

Conclusion:

The biblical instructions regarding garments suspected of leprosy highlight the comprehensive nature of the Mosaic Law, addressing not only personal health but also the purity of one's environment. This reflects the holistic approach of the Law, aiming to maintain the sanctity and distinctiveness of the covenant community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 13:50
And the priest shall look on the plague, and shut up it that has the plague seven days:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... entire court, and from thenceforward he remained shut up in the ... on the death of Cimon,
they gave up the attempt ... report that he was attacked by leprosy, and he ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ...
... at Samaria [11] that those that had the leprosy, and whose ... there, they eat and drank,
and carried garments, and a ... and said to them, that he suspected that this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 jehoram succeeds jehoshaphat.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... of the visible text should be suspected, the outer ... linen loin-cloth or their long
draped garments of hairy ... they were punished by being kept shut up in their ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... He refers to Moses and the leprosy of Miriam, who ... flouted continence, and to have
given us up to the ... The one was avenged seven times, the other seventy times ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... the world hath stood six thousand first: for as God was six days in the ... inclosed
is my sister, my spouse"; a garden inclosed, "a spring shut up, a fountain ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... whole equipment of jewels, paint, and garments required by ... is recorded, and where
the leprosy by which ... among their contemporaries must have suspected that the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm