(Read these chapters over the next THREE days.)
These chapters are about skin diseases, mildew, and discharges. (EWWW!) The word "leprosy" in many Bible versions is an incorrect translation of the Hebrew word tsaraath. The mix-up came when the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) and the Vulgate (Latin translation of the Bible) translated it lepra. The leprosy in these chapters does not refer to true leprosy (Hanson's disease). They refer to:
Epidermal maladies including boils, rashes, impetigo, and ringworm. They were ritually and medically contagious. Of more significance, perhaps, were the contagious and dangerous diseases with skin symptoms, such as scarlet fever and small pox. (Theological Wordbook of the Old TestamentThe NIV and NLT correctly interpret it as an "infectious skin disease.").
With the maladies of 15:1-15 and 25-30, sacrifices were required, but a man with a chronic discharge was not isolated outside the camp like the person with an infectious skin disease (13:45-46). With the periodic discharges of men and women in 15:16-24, no sacrifice was required, and the uncleanness was removed with washing and waiting. The woman who touched Jesus cloak and was healed in Mark 5:25-24 had the kind of malady described in 15:25-27. What a risk she was taking by touching Him!
APPLICATION
Keep reading your Bible. This is where I used to give up in my "read the Bible in a year" plans. Do not let this part discourage you. Spend some time in praise to God that you have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb! Watch Ben Hur! Jesus heals in this movie, and it sends chills up my spine!
PRAYER
Lord, praise You that You heal us spiritually! We love You and thank You that we have been made clean by the blood of Christ Jesus. Amen.
2 comments:
Oh wow - this is actually a very generous and motivating post. Thanks! =D I'm getting a moment to catch up and get ahead!
It isn't so bad to read these now. I sort of like Leviticus now! Who knew?
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