Commentary on Leviticus 13:5
Verse Text: "And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and if the plague in his sight be at a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin, then the priest shall shut him up seven days more."
Introduction
Leviticus 13:5 outlines the process for the priest to examine a person suspected of having an infectious skin disease, often referred to as leprosy in translations. This verse is significant as it combines the aspects of physical health, communal purity, and the role of the priesthood in ancient Israel. The commentary below draws insights from esteemed public domain sources and presents a holistic view for the understanding of this text, aimed at enriching the perspective of pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars.
Contextual Background
The book of Leviticus serves as a manual for the priests and the Israelites concerning holiness and the proper conduct of worship. The laws regarding skin diseases in chapters 13 and 14 are particularly concerned with maintaining purity within the community. The mention of the priest's role underscores the theological and social dimensions of illness, focusing on God’s instruction for both physical healing and spiritual well-being.
The Role of the Priest
- Matthew Henry: Henry notes the pivotal role of the priest in not only diagnosing illness but also serving as a mediator between God and the people. The priest's examination is not just a medical procedure but a spiritual act that signifies God's concern for both the body and spirit.
- Albert Barnes: Barnes emphasizes that the priest’s examination on the seventh day reflects the importance of thoroughness and God’s providential care, as six days of labor are followed by a day of rest—a theme prominent in the creation narrative.
- Adam Clarke: Clarke acknowledges that the priest's evaluation also serves to protect the community from potential contagion, reflecting God’s law as a means of safeguarding societal health.
Understanding the Process of Examination
The examination occurs after a seven-day period, highlighting the necessity for patience and the understanding that not all conditions are immediately resolvable. This is a crucial aspect of the text, suggesting a divine rhythm in restoration.
The Significance of the Seventh Day
- Henry's Perspective: Henry points out that the seventh day symbolizes completeness, indicating that full restoration may take time and requires divine activity at play in the healing process.
- Barnes’ Observation: Barnes notes that the waiting period can also represent a period of reflection and spiritual readiness, preparing the individual for the potential of re-entering the community.
- Clarke’s Analysis: Clarke suggests that the repeated cycle points to the importance of thorough examination and not rushing to conclusions, which can apply to various areas of life, including spiritual discernment.
The Nature of the Plague
The term 'plague' used in this context not only refers to physical ailments but also alludes to the spiritual state of humanity. It is essential to inspect what is happening beneath the surface—what the plague signifies in terms of sin and spiritual health.
Observing Signs and Symptoms
- Henry's Teaching: Henry asserts that the focus on the plague 'at a stay' reveals a stage of stagnation, urging believers to recognize when spiritual growth has halted.
- Barnes Commentary: Barnes comments on the importance of discernment in understanding what signs denote danger to the individual and community, reflecting the broader theme of vigilance in spiritual matters.
- Clarke’s Insight: Clarke adds that the instruction to observe whether the plague spreads emphasizes the continuous nature of sin and its influence if left unchecked.
Shutting Up: A Spiritual and Communal Implication
The command for the priest to 'shut him up seven days more' after the initial observation signifies a delay or a form of quarantine, creating a space for the individual to reflect on their condition.
Spiritual Reflection
- Matthew Henry: Henry posits that the act of being shut up is like a period of self-evaluation, allowing individuals to confront personal sin and seek God's mercy without distraction.
- Albert Barnes: Barnes adds that this waiting period can also be a compassionate act, allowing time for possible healing before making public pronouncements about one’s condition.
- Adam Clarke: Clarke reflects on this as an opportunity for repentance and helps to exemplify the character of God as merciful and benevolent, desiring reconciliation over judgment.
Conclusion and Application
Leviticus 13:5 serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of sickness and sin, intertwined with the roles that community and leadership play in the healing process. For pastors and scholars, this verse calls on them to cultivate discernment, patience, and a compassionate approach toward those in need of spiritual healing.
It invites believers to examine their lives, recognize the 'plagues' within, and seek God’s grace for restoration. In contemporary application, this scripture addresses how community health and spiritual well-being are essential for both individual and collective journeys toward holiness.
