Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of leprosy extends beyond the physical affliction of individuals to include inanimate objects such as clothing and the walls of houses. This phenomenon is primarily discussed in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Leviticus, which provides detailed laws and instructions regarding the identification and treatment of leprosy in various forms.Biblical Reference: The primary scriptural reference for leprosy affecting the walls of houses is found in Leviticus 14:33-53. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear account 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 the house to 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. He shall examine the mildew on the walls, and if it has greenish or reddish depressions that appear to be deeper than the surface of the wall, the priest shall go out the doorway of the house and close it up for seven days. On the seventh day the priest shall return to inspect the house. If the mildew has spread on the walls, he is to order that the contaminated stones be torn out and thrown into an unclean place outside the city. He must have all the inside walls of the house scraped and the material that is scraped off dumped into an unclean place outside the city. Then they are to take other stones to replace these and take new clay and plaster the house.'" Theological Significance: The laws concerning leprosy in houses underscore the holiness and purity required by God for His people and their dwellings. The presence of leprosy in a house is not merely a physical or hygienic issue but is also seen as a spiritual concern. The defilement of a house by leprosy symbolizes the pervasive nature of sin and impurity, which can infiltrate and corrupt even the most personal and private spaces. Ritual Cleansing: The process of cleansing a house from leprosy involves a series of ritualistic steps, reflecting the seriousness with which God views purity. If the mildew persists after the initial inspection and cleansing, the house must be dismantled, and the contaminated materials removed. This drastic measure highlights the necessity of eradicating sin and impurity completely, rather than allowing it to linger and spread. Priestly Role: The priest plays a crucial role in diagnosing and addressing leprosy in houses, acting as an intermediary between God and the people. This responsibility emphasizes the priest's role in maintaining the spiritual and physical well-being of the community. The priest's involvement ensures that the process is conducted according to divine instructions, maintaining the sanctity of the community. Symbolic Interpretation: From a symbolic perspective, the laws regarding leprosy in houses can be seen as a metaphor for the need for vigilance against sin and corruption in one's life. Just as the Israelites were required to inspect and cleanse their homes, believers are called to examine their hearts and lives, removing any trace of sin that might defile their relationship with God. Conclusion: The biblical instructions concerning leprosy in the walls of houses serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of holiness and the need for constant vigilance against impurity. Through these laws, God provided a means for His people to maintain both physical and spiritual cleanliness, ensuring that their homes remained places of sanctity and peace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 14:37And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Chaldaean Civilization The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ... part ii On the Soul and the Resurrection. Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Resources What is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nehemiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms |
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