Topical Bible: Leprosy: Houses: Suspected of, Emptied

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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 concept of leprosy in houses is primarily addressed in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus. This condition is considered a defilement that requires careful examination and purification procedures as outlined by Mosaic Law.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for leprosy in houses is found in Leviticus 14:33-53. The passage provides detailed instructions on how to handle a house suspected of having leprosy. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying:

"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 14:34-36)

Procedure for Suspected Leprosy in Houses:

1. Notification and Inspection: The owner of a house that shows signs of mildew or mold must report it to the priest. The priest is responsible for inspecting the house to determine if the condition is indeed leprous.

2. Emptying the House: Before the priest conducts his examination, the house must be emptied. This precaution ensures that the contents of the house are not declared unclean if the house is found to be leprous.

3. Examination by the Priest: The priest examines the affected area to assess the severity and nature of the mildew. If the mildew appears to be more than superficial, the house is quarantined for seven days.

4. Quarantine and Re-examination: After the initial inspection, the house is closed up for seven days. The priest returns on the seventh day to re-examine the house. If the mildew has spread, further action is required.

5. Remedial Actions: If the mildew has spread, 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.

6. Purification Process: If the mildew reappears after the repairs, the house is considered unclean and must be demolished. However, if the mildew does not return, the house is declared clean after a purification ceremony involving two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop.

Theological Implications:

The laws concerning leprosy in houses underscore the holiness and purity required by God for His people and their dwellings. The meticulous procedures reflect the seriousness with which God views defilement and the lengths to which His people must go to maintain purity. These laws also illustrate the broader biblical theme of separation from sin and the need for cleansing, both physically and spiritually.

The concept of leprosy in houses serves as a tangible reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the necessity of divine intervention for purification. It highlights the importance of vigilance and obedience to God's commands in maintaining a holy and undefiled life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 14:36
Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homilies on the Statues.
... Fund, common, [1143]452. Gain, whatever promises, to be suspected,
[1144]441; from evils, [1145]444. ... Leprosy of Miriam, [1486]475. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... Next, his opponent [4445] was suspected by the city, in ... instead of destroying walls,
cities and houses, and other ... which are filled by being emptied, [4462] and ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm