Leviticus 14:16

And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that [is] in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:

And the priest {H3548} shall dip {H2881} his right {H3233} finger {H676} in the oil {H8081} that is in his left {H8042} hand {H3709}, and shall sprinkle {H5137} of the oil {H8081} with his finger {H676} seven {H7651} times {H6471} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}:

dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand and sprinkle from the oil with his finger seven times before ADONAI.

dip his right forefinger into the oil in his left palm, and sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.

and the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before Jehovah.

Commentary

Leviticus 14:16 describes a specific, meticulous step in the purification ritual for a person healed of tsara'at, a skin condition often translated as leprosy. This verse highlights the priest's role in applying sacred oil, symbolizing consecration and complete cleansing, before the Lord.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed two-stage purification process outlined in Leviticus 14 for someone declared clean from tsara'at. The first stage (verses 1-9) involved ritual cleansing outside the camp, allowing re-entry into the community. The second stage (verses 10-32), which includes verse 16, focuses on sacrifices and anointings at the Tabernacle to fully restore the individual to worship and fellowship with God. This elaborate ritual is part of the broader instructions for dealing with tsara'at, often translated as leprosy, which rendered a person ritually unclean and separated from the community.

Key Themes

  • Ritual Purity and Restoration: The meticulous steps underscore God's emphasis on holiness and the thoroughness required for an individual to be fully restored to a state of ritual purity and fellowship.
  • Symbolism of Oil: The oil used in this anointing is a powerful symbol. In the Old Testament, oil frequently represents consecration, anointing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Here, it signifies the setting apart of the purified individual for God's service and blessing.
  • Significance of "Seven Times": The act of sprinkling the oil "seven times" carries deep biblical significance. The number seven commonly symbolizes completeness, perfection, and divine fullness or completion. Sprinkling seven times indicates a thorough, divinely sanctioned, and perfect cleansing.
  • Priestly Mediation: The priest serves as the mediator, performing the specific actions required for the individual's purification and restoration before God. This highlights the necessity of an intermediary between a sinful humanity and a holy God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "oil" is shemen (ืฉึถืืžึถืŸ), which consistently denotes consecrated or anointing oil in ritual contexts.
  • The verb "sprinkle" is nazah (ื ึธื–ึธื”), often associated with ritual purification, such as sprinkling blood or water for cleansing.
  • The number "seven" (ืฉึถืื‘ึทืข - sheba) is pervasive in biblical symbolism, signifying spiritual perfection and completion in God's work.

Practical Application

Leviticus 14:16, though part of an ancient ritual, offers timeless insights:

  • God's Desire for Wholeness: This passage reveals God's meticulous care for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people, desiring their complete restoration from impurity.
  • The Need for Divine Cleansing: Just as the leper needed a priest and a prescribed ritual for cleansing, humanity needs a divine work to be cleansed from the defilement of sin. This ritual points forward to the ultimate cleansing offered through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit: The anointing with oil foreshadows the New Testament concept of the Holy Spirit's role in sanctification and consecration, setting believers apart for God.
  • Thoroughness in God's Work: The "seven times" sprinkling reminds us that God's work of purification and restoration in our lives is complete and perfect when we surrender to His process.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 17:18 (2 votes)

    There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

  • Leviticus 4:6 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

  • Leviticus 4:17 (2 votes)

    And the priest shall dip his finger [in some] of the blood, and sprinkle [it] seven times before the LORD, [even] before the vail.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 (2 votes)

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.