Bible in 365 Days

Leviticus 11-13

Leviticus 11

We now reach the section dealing with the laws of separation. The first movement records the laws concerning health. It is impossible to enter here into any detailed dealing with the particular laws concerning sustenance. It may at least be affirmed that these requirements were based on the soundest laws of health. God, who perfectly understands the physical structure of man, knows what is good and what is harmful. There can be very little doubt that a careful examination of these provisions will demonstrate the sanitary wisdom of them all. It is at least remarkable that the general principles revealed in these laws have been accepted by all civilized peoples, although of course in many of their details they are disregarded.

Leviticus 12

In this brief section, which deals with the beginning of life, the religious aspect of childbirth is most unquestionably the permanent value. The separation of the woman from the congregation for a period is the suggestion of the recognition of the fact that the race is sinful and of the necessary consequence that every child is born in sin.

The return of the mother to her place in the privileges of worship could be brought about only by the presentation of sin and burnt offerings. While these requirements kept fresh in the mind this sense of sin, the provision of a way of return spoke in the language of hope. If men are born in sin, through expiation and devotion a way is yet made for their restoration to the place of communion with God. Thus at the beginning of every life the appalling need and the gracious provision were brought freshly to mind.

Leviticus 13

Here we have a section (chapters 13 - 14) wholly devoted to the subject of leprosy. The disease was dealt with as one which is loathsome, whose tendency is to spread, and which is contagious. The whole community must be zealously safeguarded. Therefore, there must be no carelessness in the method of dealing with leprosy.

In the instructions two principles of perpetual importance are manifested. The first is the necessity for guarding the general health of the community and the second is that no injustice be done to the individual in the interests of the community. These two principles are perpetual in their application. The State should ever have the right of inspection and examination. It should, however, use its right with the greatest care that no wrong be done to any individual.

The law provided that there should be most careful distinction made between actual leprosy and that which may appear to be leprosy. When the case was a clearly defined one, the method was drastic in the extreme.

The leper was to be separated at once from the whole congregation. Moreover, all garments likely in any way to have become contaminated were to be destroyed by fire.