Book of Leviticus - Chapter 14 - Verse 36

When interpreting the verse "Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house," it is important to understand the context in which it was written. In the Old Testament, the concept of impurity was taken very seriously, especially when it came to the health of individuals and the cleanliness of their living spaces. This verse specifically addresses the procedure that was to be followed if a house was suspected of being contaminated with a plague or some other form of impurity. Before the priest could enter the house to inspect it, all belongings had to be removed to prevent anything from becoming unclean. This process ensured that the priest could assess the situation without risking further contamination. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cleanliness and purity in the eyes of God, and the diligence required to maintain it.

In this verse, there is a clear instruction given to the priest to first command that the house be emptied before entering to inspect for any plagues. This practice was a way to prevent the spread of uncleanness and maintain the holiness of the space. The word "plague" in this context refers to any kind of defilement or impurity that could render the house unclean. By emptying the house before the priest's inspection, it ensured that anything within it would not be tainted by potential impurities. This process highlights the importance of maintaining cleanliness and purity in the eyes of God, as well as the role of the priest in upholding these standards. The priest's duty was crucial in the Israelite community to maintain the spiritual integrity of the people and their dwellings. Through this verse, we see the significance of cleanliness and the careful attention given to purity in the Old Testament practices.