Bible Discussion Thread

Leviticus Chapter 14

This chapter speaks further concerning leprosy (skin diseases) and about the process to declare a leper clean (and recovered from leprosy). This was a very involved process, with presenting oneself to the priest to be examined outside of the camp. The former leper is to bring two doves, cedar, red wool, hyssop and oil for the priest to perform a cleansing ritual that Moses taught the priests to do. The first dove was killed in a new earthen dish with fresh (running) water in it. The blood of the bird spilled into the water in the dish. Then the dove was buried. Next, the second bird was dipped into the liquid int he earthen dish along with the hyssop, cedar, and red wool. Then the living bird is set free to fly away. There isn't mention of what is done with the cedar, wool, and hyssop after they are dipped. Perhaps the hyssop was used by the priest to sprinkle the liquid on the former leper. It does not say this though. Perhaps the hyssop and cedar are used to scent the water. But it does not say this. And the red wool, perhaps it represents that sins are as red as scarlet, depicting Jesus being the slain lamb with our sins upon Him.

After this, the former leper is to wash his clothes, bathe his body, and shave off All hair on the body. Then he could come into the camp nut not abide in his tent with his family nor participate in the sanctuary ceremonies. This somewhat probationary period was to last 7 days.

The next day, the former leper goes to the priest with two male lambs and one female lamb (all without blemish), one tenth of an ephah of flour mixed with oil, and one log of oil for the priest to sacrifice as a sin offering, trespass offering and a burnt offering....continued

After this, the priest is to sprinkle the person to be purified and sanctified with the liquid. Perhaps the blood represents the justification of Christ and the oil the sanctification of the Holy Spirit (as one commentator mentioned).