Leviticus 14 - Introduction

The purification of the leper(ch. Leviticus 14:1-32)

The ceremonies to be observed are of two kinds:

(1) before the leper is brought into the camp,

(a) by the priest (Leviticus 14:2),

(b) by the leper (Leviticus 14:8),

(2) after the leper is readmitted to the camp, but remaining outside his tent seven days,

(c) by the leper on the seventh day (Leviticus 14:9),

(d) the sacrificial ritual on the eighth day (Leviticus 14:10),

(e) modification for the poor leper (Leviticus 14:21).

The leper was regarded (1) as one dead (see on Leviticus 13:45 f.), (2) as unclean, (3) as smitten of God: hence the ceremonial indicated (1) restoration to life, (2) removal of uncleanness, (3) readmission to God's presence.

(1) is thought to represent the older rite, while Leviticus 14:14 are later, giving more detail and laying greater stress on religious motives.