Similarly white hair in a deep infection or scar indicated serious skin disease. Psoriasis can occur on scars and at sites of burns and other previous injuries. [Note: Hulse, p. 98.] read more
Uncleanness connected with LeprosyIt is tolerably certain that the leprosy of the OT. is not the leprosy of the Middle Ages, which is still to be found in the East. The latter is a terrible and loathsome disease, called elephantiasis, in consequence of which the skin thickens, the features are distorted, and the very limbs mortify and drop off from the body. The leprosy of the Bible is a skin disease, known as psoriasis, in which the skin and hair grow white, and which is accompanied with scab... read more
(19) And in the place of the boil.—If the cicatriced sore breaks out again, and exhibits the usual symptoms of leprosy, the patient is to show himself to the priest.White, and somewhat reddish.—Better, of a white-reddish colour. This symptom is peculiar to re-opened cicatriced sores, and hence has not been mentioned before. The authorities in the time of Christ describe the mixture of red and white as follows :—“It has the appearance of red wine poured into water, and is either a palish white... read more
THE UNCLEANNESS OF LEPROSYLeviticus 13:1-46THE interpretation of this chapter presents no little difficulty. The description of the diseases with which the law here deals is not given in a scientific form; the point of view, as the purpose of all, is strictly practical. As for the Hebrew word rendered "leprosy," it does not itself give any light as to the nature of the disease thus designated. The word simply means "a stroke," as also does the generic term used in Leviticus 13:2 and elsewhere,... read more
3. Leprosy: Type of Indwelling Sin CHAPTER 13 1. Leprosy in a person (Leviticus 13:1-46 ) 2. The infected garment. (Leviticus 13:47-57 ) 3. The cleansing of the garment (Leviticus 13:58-59 ) The entire chapter treats of leprosy. It has been argued from the side of critics that the disease described here is not the one we know as leprosy, but only a similar disease of the skin. The arguments advanced to support this objection are silenced by Matthew 8:1-4 . The man who came to our Lord... read more
LAWS CONCERNING LEPROSY (vv. 1-44) The seriousness of the plague of leprosy is emphasized by the fact that two long chapters are devoted to this subject. The physical illness, however, is significant of that which is far more serious spiritually. In Chapter 12 have seen the sinful nature of mankind dealt with; now this chapter considers that which speaks of the outbreak of the nature in sinful activity. For, though we are not responsible for having a sinful nature, yet we are responsible if... read more
THE TYPICAL DISEASE Here we have what appears like a treatise on leprosy, but it is not introduced simply for medical purposes. There were other diseases more serious, but this is singled out and made the subject of special regulations because of its typical character. It is a parable of sin, drawn by the divine hand of the workings, developments and effects of inborn depravity. The disease is diagnosed under four heads: (1) leprosy rising spontaneously (Leviticus 1:17 ); (2) rising out of a... read more
The Law of Leprosy Leviticus 13:0 , Leviticus 14:0 The thirteenth and fourteenth chapters are occupied with the question of leprosy. With that disease we have now, happily, nothing to do in this country; yet those who care to peruse the note at the end of this discourse will find that England was once ravaged by that terrible disease. It would be pleasant to turn over the thirteenth and fourteenth chapters, and to escape to subjects less revolting; but pleasure is not the law of life. It is... read more
These verses convey the same doctrine, only they are diversified so as to answer the diversified appearances of sin. The spots which appear without may differ, but the disease, if leprous, is the same within. Sin breaks out in numberless ways, but the polluted fountain of our fallen nature is at the bottom, and therefore the disease is the same. Out of the heart proceed both evil thoughts and murders, and a long train of evils. Matthew 15:18-20 . Here again, the only remedy is JESUS. It is the... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Leviticus 13:1-59
3. Uncleanness due to skin and covering abnormalities chs. 13-14Many translations and commentaries have regarded the legislation in these chapters as dealing with leprosy, but this is misleading. The confusion has arisen because the term "leprosy" appears in most English texts in these chapters, and English readers automatically think that what we know as modern leprosy is in view. However as the chapters unfold it becomes increasingly clear that what is in view is not modern leprosy (Hansen’s... read more