“And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and, behold, if the scall spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the scall be not in sight deeper than the skin;”
Context and Background:Leviticus is a book of the Old Testament that contains laws and regulations given by God to the Israelites through Moses. The book deals with various aspects of worship, sacrifice, purity, and holiness. Leviticus 13 specifically focuses on the laws concerning leprosy, skin diseases, and other bodily conditions that could render a person ceremonially unclean.
Understanding the Verse:Leviticus 13:32 provides instructions for the assessment of a particular type of skin disease called “scall.” The verse states that on the seventh day, the priest is to examine the plague. The characteristics that the priest should look for are as follows:
- The scall should not have spread.
- There should be no yellow hair in it.
- The scall should not be deeper than the skin.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Diligence in observation:The role of the priest in examining the skin diseases required attention to detail. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we should be diligent in observing and discerning the things that affect our relationship with God. This includes examining our thoughts, attitudes, and actions to ensure they align with God’s principles.
- Controlling the spread:The instruction that the scall should not spread reminds us of the importance of containing negative influences in our lives. We should be vigilant in preventing the spread of sinful habits, harmful relationships, or negative behaviours that can harm our spiritual well-being.
- Holiness and purity:The absence of yellow hair and the shallowness of the scall indicate a condition of cleanliness. In a spiritual sense, this can remind us of the need to pursue holiness and purity before God. We should strive to remove anything that defiles our hearts and minds, seeking to live in accordance with God’s standards of righteousness.
- Importance of proper assessment:The instructions given to the priest highlight the significance of careful examination and discernment. Similarly, as believers, we should exercise discernment in evaluating various situations, teachings, and influences in our lives. This allows us to make wise decisions and avoid being led astray.
- Relevance for Christians today:
While the specific laws and regulations in Leviticus were given to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, as Christians, we can still draw valuable principles and lessons from them. Leviticus 13:32 teaches us the importance of diligence, discernment, holiness, and proper assessment in our spiritual journey.
In summary, Leviticus 13:32 addresses the examination of a skin disease called scall and provides instructions to the priest for its assessment. The verse reminds us of the significance of diligence, containment of negative influences, pursuing holiness, and exercising discernment in our spiritual lives. By applying these principles, we can grow closer to God and live in accordance with His will.
