Commentary on Leviticus 13:47

Leviticus 13:47: "When a garment has a leprous plague in it, whether it is a woolen garment or a linen garment,"

Introduction

This verse falls within the broader context of Levitical laws regarding cleanliness and purity, specifically addressing issues related to leprosy and the implications for clothing. The regulation regarding garments reflects the sacredness surrounding community health and the understanding of disease as not only physical but spiritual.

The Nature of the Plague

• Designations of Uncleanness:

  Leprosy is characterized as a serious form of skin disease, encompassing various forms of uncleanness that were applicable to both individuals and objects, including garments.

• Symbolism of Clothing:

  Clothing represents identity and community. The presence of a leprous plague indicates contamination that could affect social relationships and communal worship.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Henry highlights that this provision illustrates God's concern for purity among His people. The mention of both woolen and linen garments signifies that all types of clothing are included in God's laws of cleanliness. He notes that spiritual leprosy, akin to physical leprosy, can infect behavior and morality, thus the necessity for vigilance in both personal and communal life.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Barnes expands on the significance of the leprous plague affecting garments as a metaphor for moral decay within a community. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and the action required upon discovery of such contamination. If left unaddressed, the issue could spread, illustrating the urgency of addressing sin and immorality. Barnes also draws attention to the communal implications of such regulations: maintaining purity is essential for the community's relationship with God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Clarke elaborates on the practical implications of the law, noting that these regulations served as a preventative measure against contamination, both physical and spiritual. He explains that such laws were intended to create an awareness of cleanliness and set apart God's people for holiness. Furthermore, Clarke suggests that the church today should reflect on the principles of these laws, considering how they can apply to spiritual cleanliness and purity in the life of believers.

Theological Implications

• Separation from Sin:

  This regulation serves as a reminder that sin can permeate the spiritual fabric of believers, similarly to how leprosy can infect clothing. It cautions against complacency in spiritual matters and the importance of constant self-examination.

• The Covenant Community:

  The laws regarding leprosy in garments reflect God's desire for a holy people. They reinforce the concept that the health of the covenant community can be impacted by the actions and purity of its members.

Conclusion

Leviticus 13:47 serves as a critical reminder of the nature of sin and its implications for both individual believers and the community as a whole. The insights drawn from historical commentaries provide a multifaceted understanding of the seriousness with which God views purity, be it in garments or in the hearts of His people. Pastors, students, theologians, and scholars are encouraged to reflect on the ongoing relevance of these ancient laws in contemporary faith practice, understanding that they illuminate the eternal principles of holiness, community responsibility, and God's unchanging nature.