The next set of regulations (13:47-59) deal with mold on clothes. The priest should evaluate the mold to determine if the cloth should be washed or destroyed. Mold represents death. God's people could not stand before his holy presence in moldy clothes because death cannot come into his presence. Likewise, people's sins cling to them like filthy rags. We need to be washed in Jesus' blood and be clothed in his righteousness.

Chapter 14:1-32 deals with the healing and cleansing of the person with leprosy and restoring them to the community. Firstly, the priest goes outside of the camp, risking his life to go to the leper and verify his healing. The priest brings with him cedar (signifying soundness), a scarlet thread (meaning the restoration of the body from leprosy which made their skin white) and hyssop (representing purification). He sacrifices one bird (symbolizing Jesus' death) and frees one bird covered in the blood (symbolizing Jesus' resurrection). How truly we are saved by grace!

Then, the cleansed leper must remain outside for 7 days, be cleansed again, and be restored first to the Lord by a guilt offering, sin offering, and a burnt offering. Then, the priest pronounced the person clean and restored him to God.


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus, who heals me from the corruption of sin and restores me to you.
One Word: Jesus cleanses, heals and restores