Leviticus 14:33-57 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Leprosy in a house.

From the first of these verses it is concluded that leprosy was not an ordinary disease, but a plague inflicted immediately by a judgment from God. That it was so inflicted in some instances upon persons cannot be disputed (see Numbers 12:10 ; 2 Kings 5:27 ; 2 Kings 15:5 ), and God threatens to curse the house of the wicked with such a plague ( Zechariah 5:4 ). The Jews view it in this light, and consequently regard leprosy as incurable except by the hand of God. But in Scripture, what God permits is often represented as his doing; and evils that Satan inflicts may require the power of God to remove.

I. WHAT ARE WE TO UNDERSTAND BY THE HOUSE ?

1 . There is the obvious literal meaning. It is an ordinary habitation (differing, indeed, from the tents in which the Israelites sojourned in the wilderness), composed of stones, and mortar, and wood, and plaster.

2 . It must also have a moral interpretation.

3 . It should be taken to represent a community.

4 . A leprous house is a demoralized community.

II. WHAT TREATMENT SHOULD IT RECEIVE ?

1 . The leprosy should be reported to the priest ( Leviticus 14:34 , Leviticus 14:35 ).

2 . Warning should be given to those concerned.

3 . It will be duty inspected.

4 . It will be shut up for seven days.

5 . Efforts towards a reformation should be made.

6 . The sequel.