Topical Encyclopedia Leprosy, as described in the Bible, is a term that encompasses a variety of skin diseases and conditions. It is often associated with severe social and religious implications, as those afflicted were considered unclean and were required to live outside the community. The hand, as a visible and functional part of the body, is notably affected by leprosy, and its condition is often used as a sign of the disease's presence and severity.Biblical References to Leprosy and the Hand In the Old Testament, the book of Leviticus provides detailed instructions for diagnosing and managing leprosy. Leviticus 13 outlines the signs of leprosy, including swelling, scabs, and bright spots on the skin. The priests were responsible for examining these symptoms to determine if a person was leprous. The hand, being an exposed and frequently used part of the body, would be one of the first areas to show signs of the disease. One of the most notable biblical accounts involving leprosy and the hand is found in the account of Moses. In Exodus 4:6-7 , God provides Moses with signs to prove His divine commission. The Lord instructs Moses to put his hand into his cloak, and when he removes it, his hand is leprous, "white as snow." God then tells Moses to put his hand back into his cloak, and when he takes it out again, it is restored. This miraculous sign demonstrates God's power over disease and His ability to heal. Symbolism and Implications The hand, in biblical symbolism, often represents action, power, and capability. The affliction of leprosy on the hand can symbolize a loss of strength and the inability to perform one's duties. In the context of ancient Israel, where manual labor and craftsmanship were essential, a leprous hand would severely impact a person's ability to work and provide for their family. Furthermore, the hand's affliction with leprosy carried significant religious implications. Leviticus 13:45-46 states that a person with leprosy must wear torn clothes, let their hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of their face, and cry out, "Unclean, unclean!" They must live alone outside the camp, separated from the community. This isolation underscores the spiritual and communal separation caused by leprosy, as the disease rendered individuals ritually unclean and unable to participate in worship and community life. Healing and Restoration The New Testament provides accounts of Jesus healing individuals with leprosy, demonstrating His compassion and divine authority. In Matthew 8:2-3 , a leper approaches Jesus, kneels before Him, and says, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus reaches out His hand, touches the man, and says, "I am willing, be clean!" Immediately, the man is cleansed of his leprosy. This act of healing not only restores the man's physical health but also reintegrates him into the community and religious life. The healing of leprosy, particularly when it affects the hand, serves as a powerful testament to God's mercy and the transformative power of faith. It highlights the belief that no condition is beyond God's ability to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 4:6And the LORD said furthermore to him, Put now your hand into your bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. Christ's Priestly Office A Group of Miracles among a Semi-Heathen Population A Description of Heart-Purity The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha) Otho, Bishop of Bamberg. The Sixth Commandment The Next Performance is Mainly Directed against Faith in the ... The Stony Heart Removed The Life of S. Hilarion. Resources What is the meaning of impurity in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of the ten lepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Gehazi 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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