Leviticus 13:20

The priest shall examine it, and if it appears to be beneath the skin and the hair in it has turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a diseased infection that has broken out in the boil.

Study Bible

The priest shall examine it,

In ancient Israel, priests served not only as religious leaders but also as health inspectors. Their role in examining skin conditions highlights the integration of spiritual and physical well-being. This examination process underscores the importance of discernment and careful observation, reflecting the priestly duty to maintain the community's purity.

Lev 14:2-3 This is the law for the one afflicted with a skin disease…
Deu 24:8-9 In cases of infectious skin diseases, be careful…

and if it appears to be beneath the skin

This phrase indicates a deeper infection, suggesting a more serious condition. In biblical times, skin diseases were often feared due to their potential to spread and cause ritual impurity. The depth of the infection symbolizes the pervasive nature of sin, which can penetrate beneath the surface of one's life.

Exo 9:9-11 It will become fine dust over all the land of Egypt,…
Job 2:7-8 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD…

and the hair in it has turned white,

White hair in a skin infection was a key diagnostic feature, signifying a change in the natural order and indicating a severe condition. This transformation can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual decay, where sin alters one's natural state of holiness.

Num 12:10-15 As the cloud lifted from above the Tent,…
Exo 4:6-7 Furthermore, the LORD said to Moses, “Put your hand inside…

the priest shall pronounce him unclean;

The declaration of uncleanness had significant social and religious implications, leading to isolation from the community. This reflects the biblical principle that sin separates individuals from God and others, necessitating purification and atonement.

Num 5:2-4 Command the Israelites to send away from the camp…
2Ch 26:19-21 Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense,…

it is a diseased infection that has broken out in the boil.

The description of the infection as breaking out suggests an active and spreading condition. This can be likened to the nature of sin, which, if left unchecked, can grow and affect all areas of life. The imagery of a boil emphasizes the painful and visible consequences of sin, calling for repentance and healing.

2Ki 20:7 Then Isaiah said, “Prepare a poultice of figs.”…
Deu 28:27 The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt,…
1Sa 5:6-12 Now the hand of the LORD was heavy on the people of Ashdod…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God on Mount Sinai. He was responsible for conveying God's laws to the Israelites.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He and his descendants were responsible for performing the priestly duties, including examining skin diseases.

3. Priests
The descendants of Aaron who were tasked with examining skin diseases and determining the cleanliness or uncleanliness of individuals.

4. Israelites
The people to whom the laws in Leviticus were given. They were to follow these laws to maintain purity and holiness before God.

5. Leprosy
A term used in the Bible to describe various skin diseases, not necessarily the modern disease known as leprosy (Hansen's disease).

Teaching Points

Holiness and Purity
The laws concerning skin diseases remind us of God's call for His people to be holy and pure. We are to examine our lives for spiritual "blemishes" and seek God's cleansing.

Role of the Priesthood
The priests served as mediators between God and the people, pointing to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us.

Community Responsibility
The examination and isolation procedures underscore the importance of community health and responsibility. We are called to care for one another and maintain the spiritual health of our communities.

Symbolism of Sin
Leprosy in the Bible often symbolizes sin, which can spread and defile. We must be vigilant in addressing sin in our lives and seek God's forgiveness and healing.

Faith and Obedience
The process of examination and cleansing required faith and obedience to God's instructions. Similarly, we are called to trust and obey God's Word in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in examining skin diseases in Leviticus 13:20 reflect the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways can we apply the principles of holiness and purity from Leviticus 13 to our modern lives?

3. How does the concept of community responsibility in dealing with skin diseases relate to the New Testament teachings on church discipline and accountability?

4. What are some "spiritual blemishes" we might need to examine in our own lives, and how can we seek God's cleansing?

5. How does the healing of lepers in the New Testament demonstrate the fulfillment of the law and the power of Jesus' ministry?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 14
This chapter provides the procedures for the cleansing of a person healed from a skin disease, showing the continuation of the process described in Leviticus 13.

Numbers 12
The account of Miriam's leprosy and her subsequent healing after Moses intercedes for her, illustrating the seriousness of skin diseases and the need for divine intervention.

Matthew 8
Jesus heals a man with leprosy, demonstrating His authority over disease and His compassion for the unclean.

2 Kings 5
The healing of Naaman the Syrian from leprosy, showing God's power and the importance of obedience to His instructions.

Mark 1
Jesus heals a leper and instructs him to show himself to the priest, highlighting the continuity of the law and the fulfillment of its requirements in Christ.