Topical Bible: Leprosy: Houses: Ceremonies at Cleansing of

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In the biblical context, leprosy is not limited to a disease affecting humans but also extends to inanimate objects, including houses. The ceremonial cleansing of a house afflicted with leprosy is detailed in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. This process underscores the importance of purity and holiness in the community of Israel, as well as the meticulous care required to maintain it.

Biblical Instructions

The instructions for the cleansing of a house suspected of having leprosy are found in Leviticus 14:33-53. The passage outlines a divinely ordained procedure that the Israelites were to follow, demonstrating the seriousness with which God viewed the presence of impurity among His people.

Inspection by the Priest

The process begins with the homeowner reporting the suspected leprosy to a priest. Leviticus 14:35-36 states, "The owner of the house shall come and tell the priest, ‘Something like mildew has appeared in my house.’ The priest is to order that the house be emptied before he goes in to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house will be pronounced unclean. After this, the priest shall go in and inspect the house."

The priest's role is crucial, as he acts as the mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the house is either declared clean or unclean based on divine standards.

Diagnosis and Initial Measures

If the priest finds greenish or reddish depressions in the walls, he is to close up the house for seven days (Leviticus 14:37-38). After this period, the priest returns to inspect the house again. If the mildew has spread, the affected stones must be removed and discarded outside the city in an unclean place (Leviticus 14:39-40). The house is then scraped, and the contaminated material is replaced with new stones and plaster (Leviticus 14:41-42).

Cleansing Ceremony

Should the mildew reappear after the initial measures, the house is considered to have a persistent defiling mold and must be torn down (Leviticus 14:43-45). However, if the mildew does not return, a cleansing ceremony is performed. This involves two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. Leviticus 14:49-52 describes the ritual: "To cleanse the house, he is to take two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. He shall slaughter one of the birds over fresh water in a clay pot. Then he is to take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn, and the live bird, dip them into the blood of the slaughtered bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times. In this way, he will make atonement for the house, and it will be clean."

Symbolism and Significance

The ceremony is rich in symbolism. The use of cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet yarn parallels the cleansing of individuals with leprosy, emphasizing purification and atonement. The live bird released into the open fields symbolizes the removal of impurity and the restoration of the house to a state of cleanliness.

Theological Implications

The cleansing of a house from leprosy reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from impurity. It serves as a reminder of God's desire for His people to live in a state of purity, both physically and spiritually. The detailed instructions highlight the seriousness of sin and impurity and the lengths to which God’s people must go to maintain holiness in their midst.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 14:49-53
And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Baptismal Regeneration
... to your very doors, perhaps even in your own houses, you may ... printed, who is resting
on baptism, or resting upon ceremonies of any ... The leprosy lies deep within ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/baptismal regeneration.htm

Scriptural Types.
... sprinkled on the doors of the houses protected the ... appears very strikingly in the
ceremonies of the ... The sufferer from leprosy and various other infirmities (Lev ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

part ii
... Strive also, above all, for the cleansing of your heart ... earthly vanity, with earthly
nothingness, with earthly allurements, with food, drink, dress, houses, etc ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Doctrine
... from religion, and men were left to form their own opinions as to rites and ceremonies. ...
besides, God did so order it that you had me in your houses, in your ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm