Topical Bible: Leprosy: Houses: Incurably Infected With, Pulled Down and Removed

◄ Leprosy: Houses: Incurably Infected With, Pulled Down and Removed ►

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In the biblical context, leprosy is not only a disease affecting individuals but also a condition that could afflict garments and houses. The laws concerning leprosy in houses are detailed in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. These laws were part of the broader Levitical code given to the Israelites to maintain purity and holiness within the community.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for leprosy in houses is found in Leviticus 14:33-53. This passage outlines the procedures for diagnosing and dealing with a house infected by leprosy. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear translation of these instructions:

"The LORD also said to Moses and Aaron, 'When you enter the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as a possession, and I put a mildew in a house in the land you possess, 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.'" (Leviticus 14:33-36)

Diagnosis and Procedure:

Upon inspection, if the priest finds greenish or reddish depressions that appear to be deeper than the surface of the wall, the house is to be closed up for seven days. If the mildew has spread upon reinspection, the contaminated stones must be removed and discarded outside the city in an unclean place. The house is then scraped and repaired with new stones and plaster.

If the mildew reappears after these measures, the house is considered incurably infected. The Bible instructs that such a house must be demolished:

"If the mildew reappears in the house after the stones have been torn out and the house has been scraped and replastered, the priest is to go and inspect it. If the mildew has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew; the house is unclean. It must be torn down—its stones, timbers, and all the plaster—and taken outside the city to an unclean place." (Leviticus 14:43-45)

Theological Significance:

The laws concerning leprosy in houses underscore the importance of holiness and purity in the life of the Israelites. The removal of an incurably infected house symbolizes the eradication of sin and impurity from the community. This reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from sin and the pursuit of holiness, as God called His people to be set apart and clean.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the concept of uncleanness extended beyond physical health to include spiritual and communal well-being. The presence of leprosy in a house was not merely a health hazard but a spiritual defilement that required decisive action. The destruction of an incurably infected house served as a tangible reminder of the need for vigilance against sin and corruption.

Practical Implications:

For the Israelites, these laws provided a practical means of dealing with health hazards while reinforcing the spiritual principle of purity. The community was responsible for maintaining the sanctity of their environment, reflecting their covenant relationship with God. The removal of an infected house was a communal act of obedience and reverence for God's commandments.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 14:43-45
And if the plague come again, and break out in the house, after that he has taken away the stones, and after he has scraped the house, and after it is plastered;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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