“Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house.”
Context:Leviticus is a book of the Bible that provides detailed instructions to the Israelites regarding various aspects of their worship, daily life, and purity. Leviticus 14 deals with the cleansing of a leper and the purification of a leprous house.
Purification of a Leprous House:In the preceding verses of Leviticus 14, instructions are given for the purification process of a house affected by a leprous plague. If a house showed signs of a leprous infection, the owner would inform the priest, who would inspect the house to determine its condition and prescribe the necessary actions.
Emptying the House:In verse 36, the priest commands that the house be emptied before he enters to examine the plague. The purpose of this instruction was to prevent the contamination of the belongings inside the house. By emptying the house, the risk of transmitting impurity to the objects was minimized.
Spiritual Significance:The leprous house can be seen as a metaphor for sin and impurity. Just as leprosy spreads and corrupts, sin has a destructive influence on our lives. The process of emptying the house before the priest’s inspection represents the necessity of removing anything contaminated by sin from our lives.
Confession and Repentance:Before God can inspect and purify our lives, we must first acknowledge and confess our sins. Emptying the house symbolises repentance and a willingness to let go of sinful attitudes, behaviours, and influences.
Examination by the Priest:After the house was emptied, the priest would go in to inspect the plague and determine the appropriate measures for cleansing and purification. In our spiritual lives, God, represented by the priest, examines our hearts and lives, identifying areas that need cleansing and healing.
Application to Our Lives:Leviticus 14:36 reminds us of the importance of maintaining purity in our hearts and lives. We need to regularly examine ourselves, confess our sins, and seek God’s cleansing. It also highlights the need to remove any sinful influences or practices that could hinder our relationship with God.
Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Purifier:While the Old Testament rituals provided temporary purification, Jesus Christ came as the ultimate Purifier. Through His death and resurrection, He offers forgiveness of sins and complete cleansing from all impurities. When we repent and place our faith in Him, He purifies us from within, transforming us into new creations.
In summary, Leviticus 14:36 emphasises the need for cleansing and purification in our spiritual lives. Just as the leprous house needed to be emptied before inspection, we must be willing to empty ourselves of sin and impurity, allowing God to examine and purify us. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the ultimate Purifier who cleanses us from all our sins when we turn to Him in faith.
