Topical Bible: Leprosy: The Priests: Judges and Directors in Cases of

◄ Leprosy: The Priests: Judges and Directors in Cases of ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, leprosy is a term used to describe a variety of skin diseases and conditions, not limited to what is known today as Hansen's disease. The role of the priests in diagnosing and managing cases of leprosy is outlined primarily in the book of Leviticus, where they are given specific instructions by God through Moses.

Priestly Role and Responsibilities

The priests served as both judges and directors in cases of leprosy, acting under divine authority to maintain the holiness and purity of the Israelite community. Their duties were not merely medical but were deeply intertwined with the spiritual and communal life of Israel. The priests were responsible for examining individuals who showed signs of leprosy and determining their status according to the law.

Biblical Instructions

Leviticus 13 and 14 provide detailed guidelines for the priests in handling cases of leprosy. The process began with a thorough examination of the affected individual. Leviticus 13:2-3 states, "When a person has a swelling or rash or bright spot on his skin that could become an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest. The priest is to examine the sore on his skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is an infectious skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean."

The priests were to follow a specific protocol, which included isolating the individual for a period of observation if the diagnosis was uncertain. Leviticus 13:4-5 continues, "But if the bright spot on his skin is white and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall isolate the infected person for seven days. On the seventh day the priest is to examine him, and if he sees that the sore has not spread on the skin, the priest shall isolate him for another seven days."

Purification and Restoration

If a person was declared clean after a period of isolation or healing, the priest played a crucial role in the purification process. Leviticus 14 outlines the ceremonial procedures for cleansing a person who had been healed of leprosy. This included offerings and rituals that symbolized the restoration of the individual to the community and to God. Leviticus 14:2-4 states, "This is the law of the one afflicted with a skin disease on the day of his cleansing, when he is brought to the priest. The priest is to go outside the camp to examine him, and if the skin disease of the afflicted person has healed, the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed."

Spiritual and Communal Implications

The priests' involvement in cases of leprosy underscored the connection between physical health and spiritual purity in the Israelite community. Leprosy was not only a physical ailment but also a condition that rendered a person ceremonially unclean, affecting their ability to participate in communal worship and activities. The priests, therefore, acted as mediators between the individual and God, ensuring that the community remained holy and that those who were healed could be fully restored to fellowship.

In summary, the priests' role in judging and directing cases of leprosy was a vital aspect of their ministry, reflecting the holistic approach to health, purity, and community life as ordained by God in the Old Testament.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 24:8
Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that you observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so you shall observe to do.
Torrey's Topical Textbook