Leviticus 14:34

When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;

When ye be come {H935} into the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667}, which I give {H5414} to you for a possession {H272}, and I put {H5414} the plague {H5061} of leprosy {H6883} in a house {H1004} of the land {H776} of your possession {H272};

"When you have entered the land of Kena'an which I am giving you as a possession, and I put an infection of tzara'at in a house in the land that you possess,

“When you enter the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your possession, and I put a contamination of mildew into a house in that land,

When ye are come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession;

Commentary

Leviticus 14:34 introduces a specific and rather unique aspect of the Mosaic Law concerning ritual purity: the "plague of leprosy" in a house. This verse serves as a preamble to detailed instructions (Leviticus 14:35-53) for dealing with what is commonly understood as mildew or mold affecting the walls of a dwelling.

Context

This verse is situated within a lengthy section of Leviticus (chapters 13-14) that outlines the laws concerning tzara'at (צָרַעַת), a broad Hebrew term often translated as "leprosy" in the KJV. While it certainly included severe skin conditions, tzara'at also encompassed various forms of decay and defilement, including mold or mildew on garments and, as seen here, on houses. The phrasing "When ye be come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession" emphasizes that these laws were given in anticipation of Israel's entry into the Promised Land, highlighting God's meticulous care for every detail of their future life there. It underscores that God's presence and holiness would extend to their homes and possessions, not just their bodies or the tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Provision: The Lord states, "which I give to you for a possession," asserting His ultimate ownership and generous provision of the land. Furthermore, He says, "and I put the plague," indicating that even these seemingly negative occurrences were under His divine control, perhaps as a form of judgment, a test, or a means of prompting reliance and cleansing.
  • Holiness and Purity: The laws surrounding tzara'at, whether on people, clothing, or houses, were deeply rooted in the concept of holiness. Anything defiled needed to be cleansed or removed to maintain the purity of the community and the sanctity of the land where God dwelled. This reflects God's desire for His people to live in a state of separation from defilement.
  • God's Immanence: The idea that God Himself "puts" the plague in a house demonstrates His intimate involvement in the everyday lives and physical environments of His people. It shows that no part of their existence was outside His purview or concern.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word tzara'at (צָרַעַת), translated as "leprosy" or "plague of leprosy" in the KJV, is crucial. It does not refer exclusively to modern Hansen's disease but to a range of afflictions that brought about ritual impurity. When applied to houses, it refers to a fungal growth or severe mildew, a form of decay that rendered the dwelling ritually unclean. The meticulous instructions that follow this verse involve priestly inspection and, if necessary, the demolition of the affected house, showing the seriousness of this type of defilement within the Israelite worldview.

Practical Application

While we no longer live under the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, Leviticus 14:34 offers enduring spiritual lessons:

  • God's Concern for All Areas of Life: This verse reminds us that God is concerned not only with our spiritual state but also with our physical environment and possessions. It encourages us to consider how we manage our homes and resources as part of our worship.
  • The Nature of Defilement: Just as physical decay could render a house unclean, spiritual "decay" or sin can defile our lives and "spiritual houses." The need for cleansing and removal of defilement is a timeless principle. The New Testament teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing a spiritual purity that far transcends ceremonial laws.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Recognizing that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even difficult ones, can bring comfort and encourage trust in His perfect plan and purpose.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 17:8 (5 votes)

    And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

  • Deuteronomy 32:49 (5 votes)

    Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, [unto] mount Nebo, which [is] in the land of Moab, that [is] over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

  • Numbers 32:22 (3 votes)

    And the land be subdued before the LORD: then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD, and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.

  • Isaiah 45:7 (2 votes)

    I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things].

  • Deuteronomy 27:3 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.

  • Deuteronomy 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ These [are] the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.

  • Genesis 12:7 (2 votes)

    And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.