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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 14 - Verse 48

14:48
And if the priest shall come in, and look upon it, and, behold, the plague hath not spread in the house, after the house was plastered: then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Leviticus, we see a description of the procedure for handling a house that has been afflicted with a plague. The passage outlines the steps that a priest must take in order to determine if the plague has spread within the house. If the priest finds that the plague has not spread after the house has been plastered, he will pronounce the house clean, as the plague is considered to be healed.

This verse reflects the meticulous laws and regulations outlined in the book of Leviticus, which served as a guide for the Israelites on matters of purity, cleanliness, and health. The house being referred to in the verse is understood to be a metaphorical representation of the people of Israel, and the plague symbolizes sin and impurity.

By following these detailed procedures, the Israelites were able to maintain a sense of order and cleanliness within their community. The role of the priest as a mediator between the people and God was crucial in ensuring that these laws were followed diligently, and that the people remained in a state of spiritual purity.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Leviticus, the focus is on the role of the priest in determining the cleanliness of a house that has been afflicted with a plague. The theological interpretation of this passage highlights the importance of the priest as an intermediary between God and His people. The priest's inspection of the house serves as a symbol of God's authority in declaring both physical and spiritual healing. The word "plague" in this context can be understood as a sign of God's judgment or purification. Through the act of pronouncing the house clean, the priest demonstrates the power of God to bring about restoration and renewal. This verse emphasizes the concept of ritual purity in ancient Israelite society and serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual cleansing and forgiveness in the presence of God.

American Standard Version

And if the priest shall come in, and look, and, behold, the plague hath not spread in the house, after the house was plastered; then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed.
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