Leviticus 13:32

And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague: and, behold, [if] the scall spread not, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the scall [be] not in sight deeper than the skin;

And in the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} the priest {H3548} shall look {H7200} on the plague {H5061}: and, behold, if the scall {H5424} spread {H6581} not, and there be in it no yellow {H6669} hair {H8181}, and the scall {H5424} be not in sight {H4758} deeper {H6013} than the skin {H5785};

On the seventh day the cohen is to examine the sore, and if he sees that the crusted area hasn't spread, that it has no yellow hair in it, and that the crusted area is not deeper than the skin around it;

On the seventh day the priest is to reexamine the infection, and if the scaly outbreak has not spread and there is no yellow hair in it, and it does not appear to be deeper than the skin,

and in the seventh day the priest shall look on the plague; and, behold, if the scall be not spread, and there be in it no yellow hair, and the appearance of the scall be not deeper than the skin,

Commentary

Leviticus 13:32 is part of a detailed section in the Mosaic Law concerning the diagnosis and management of various skin diseases, often broadly translated as "leprosy" (though encompassing a range of afflictions). This particular verse describes a follow-up examination by the priest after a period of isolation for someone suspected of having a skin ailment, specifically a 'scall' on the head or beard.

Context

Chapters 13 and 14 of Leviticus provide comprehensive instructions for the Israelite priesthood regarding ceremonial purity and impurity, particularly as it relates to skin diseases, mildew, and bodily discharges. The purpose was to maintain the holiness of the camp and prevent the spread of serious conditions. If an initial examination by the priest revealed a suspicious skin condition, the individual was isolated for seven days (Leviticus 13:4). Verse 32 details the specific criteria the priest would look for during the second examination. The absence of spreading, no yellow hair within the lesion, and the lesion not appearing deeper than the skin surface were all signs that the condition might be benign, leading to further observation rather than immediate pronouncement of uncleanness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purity and Order: God's meticulous instructions for maintaining physical and ceremonial purity within the Israelite community underscore His nature as a holy God who desires a holy people. This thoroughness reflects God's concern for the holiness and well-being of His people.
  • Priestly Authority and Discernment: The priest served as both a spiritual and public health authority, responsible for discerning the nature of the "plague" and making critical judgments that affected an individual's participation in community life. This role highlights the importance of careful, informed judgment.
  • Patience and Observation: The law mandated a period of waiting and re-examination, demonstrating that rash judgments were to be avoided. A definitive diagnosis required careful, repeated observation over time.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "scall" (Hebrew: neteḳ, נֶתֶק) refers specifically to a scurvy or scabby eruption, particularly on the head or beard. The "plague" (Hebrew: negaʿ, נֶגַע) is a more general term for any affliction or mark, often implying a divine visitation. The diagnostic signs—"spread not," "no yellow hair," and "not in sight deeper than the skin"—were crucial indicators for the priest. The presence of "yellow hair" was a negative sign, indicating a more severe or persistent condition, in contrast to white hair which was a sign of uncleanness in other contexts (e.g., Leviticus 13:3).

Practical Application

While these laws are specific to ancient Israel's ceremonial code, the principles behind them offer timeless insights. Leviticus 13:32 teaches the value of patience and careful observation before making a judgment, whether in physical health or spiritual matters. It encourages a measured approach, allowing time for situations to develop or clarify. Spiritually, it can remind us of the need for careful discernment in our spiritual walk, not making hasty conclusions about ourselves or others, but allowing for growth, healing, or revelation over time. It also underscores God's profound concern for the health and purity of His people, both individually and corporately.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 2:23 (2 votes)

    Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?

  • Matthew 23:5 (2 votes)

    But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

  • Leviticus 13:30 (2 votes)

    Then the priest shall see the plague: and, behold, if it [be] in sight deeper than the skin; [and there be] in it a yellow thin hair; then the priest shall pronounce him unclean: it [is] a dry scall, [even] a leprosy upon the head or beard.

  • Luke 18:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

  • Luke 18:12 (2 votes)

    I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.