Leviticus 14:20

Leviticus 14:20 details the crucial final steps in the purification ritual for a person healed of a severe skin disease, often referred to as leprosy (Hebrew: tzara'at). This verse marks the completion of the sacrifices and the declaration of the individual's full ritual cleansing, allowing them to be fully reintegrated into the community and worship life of Israel.

Context

This verse is found within Leviticus 14, which describes the elaborate and detailed procedure for the ceremonial cleansing of someone cured of tzara'at. The preceding verses (Leviticus 14:1-19) outline various preliminary rites, including the use of birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop, followed by the offering of a trespass offering and a sin offering. Leviticus 14:20 specifically focuses on the concluding burnt offering and grain offering, which finalize the process and signify the person's restoration. This lengthy process underscored the gravity of the disease, which rendered a person ritually unclean and isolated, and the meticulous nature of God's provision for their restoration to fellowship.

Key Themes

• Atonement and Cleansing: The central theme is the making of "atonement" (Hebrew: kaphar, meaning "to cover," "to purge," or "to reconcile") for the individual. This act by the priest removed the ritual impurity associated with their former condition, making them "clean" (Hebrew: taher), or ritually pure. This highlights God's pathway for reconciliation and restoration.
• Priestly Mediation: The priest's role is indispensable. He is the divinely appointed mediator who performs the specific rituals and offerings on behalf of the individual, demonstrating that access to God and cleansing from impurity required a designated intercessor. This foreshadows the ultimate mediation by Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.
• Sacrificial System: The burnt offering and grain offering were integral parts of Israel's sacrificial system. The burnt offering ('olah) symbolized complete dedication and atonement for general sin, while the meat offering (more accurately, a grain offering, minchah) was typically a gift offering, often expressing gratitude and devotion. Together, they signified the individual's full restoration and renewed commitment to God.
• Restoration to Community: Being declared "clean" meant the individual could re-enter the camp, participate in worship, and resume normal life. This ritual emphasized both spiritual purity and social reintegration, underscoring God's desire for wholeness for His people.

Linguistic Insights

• "Atonement" (Hebrew: kaphar): This significant word appears frequently in Leviticus. It carries the idea of covering over sin or impurity, thereby purging it and making reconciliation possible between God and humanity. It's not just about covering up, but making amends and restoring a right relationship.
• "Clean" (Hebrew: taher): This term signifies a state of ritual purity, making a person fit to approach God and participate in the holy community. It contrasts sharply with the state of uncleanness caused by various conditions, including leprosy.
• "Meat Offering" (Hebrew: minchah): In the KJV, "meat offering" often refers to a grain or meal offering, not necessarily animal flesh. This offering was typically made of flour, oil, and frankincense, and was an expression of devotion and gratitude.

Practical Application

Leviticus 14:20, while describing an Old Covenant ritual, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as the leper required a divinely appointed ritual and a priestly mediator to be declared clean, humanity requires a divine provision for cleansing from the defilement of sin. This verse points forward to:

• Christ as Our Ultimate Atonement: The sacrifices offered by the Levitical priests were temporary and symbolic. They pointed to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who through His own blood made full atonement for our sins, making us truly clean in God's sight (1 John 1:7).
• Spiritual Cleansing and Restoration: We are made spiritually clean not by rituals or animal sacrifices, but by faith in Christ's finished work. Through Him, we are reconciled to God and restored to fellowship, no longer separated by our sin.
• Complete Provision: The burnt and grain offerings signify the completeness of God's provision for our salvation – from atoning for our sin to enabling our grateful devotion. We are called to live lives of dedication and gratitude in response to His grace.