4.3. FROM INFECTIOUS DISEASES (Leviticus 13:1 - 14:57)

These chapters deal with the discovery and cleansing of leprosy.

Ryrie comments on Leviticus 13:2, "Leprous sore, from a root that means 'to strike,' referring to a scaly condition of skin or of inanimate objects, or to a disease that was sometimes serious, though the word includes modern leprosy (Hansen's disease) in humans. It referred to may other kinds of skin eruptions as well."

The disease pictures sin and its cleansing in Christ.

Leviticus 13:2 "When a man has on the skin of his body a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes on the skin of his body like a leprous sore, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests."

When leprosy was suspected the proper person to effect diagnosis was the priest. The medical doctor would do so today. But the faithful minister, teacher or spiritual, leader would diagnose and restore one of the Lord's people taken by surprise by sin.

Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."

Leviticus 13:3 "The priest shall examine the sore on the skin of the body; and if the hair on the sore has turned white, and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a leprous sore. Then the priest shall examine him, and pronounce him unclean."

Leprosy may be difficult to detect in its small beginning - so it is in yielding to sin.

James 1:14-15 "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

God does not tempt or effect "a solicitation to evil." (James 1:13 ). The sinner is drawn away and enticed or "ensnared" by his own sinful passions.

Tasker, in Tyndale Commentaries says: "the language is suggestive of a fish swimming in a straight course and then drawn off towards something that seems attractive, only to discover that the bait has a deadly hook in it."

Such a diversion through lustful desires can conceive sin in the heart, and birth sin in visible action - that, full grown, can bring forth death. Do not play with sin. It not only destroys a ministry it can bring destruction of the body (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 AMP). Death, which is the exact antithesis of the blessed state alluded to in (James 1:12 ) as "the crown of life."

Leviticus 13:46 "He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp."

A loneliness becomes the lot of those who give themselves to sin - fellowship with God and His people is broken down. His clothes are torn (Leviticus 13:45 ). Even his garment of praise. His head is bare - no longer is he enjoying conscious covering (Leviticus 13:45 ). His upper lip is covered - he cannot express the glory of God. His whole demeanour cries unclean. What a pitiful picture of those enticed away by uncleanness, from service to God.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Who would you turn to when in need of an effective diagnosis of your spiritual condition (Leviticus 13:2; Galatians 6:1 )?

2. What would you summarise as the dangers of playing with sin (Leviticus 13:3; James 1:14-15; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 AMP)?