Definition: Then the priest shall command that they wash [the thing] wherein the plague [is], and he shall shut it up seven days more:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 13:54. It’s a really important and somewhat unusual instruction given to Moses. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse says: “When the plague comes, the priest will tell everyone to wash anything that’s affected by the plague – like a fruit, a plant, or even an animal – for seven days.” Let’s unpack it further: “Then the priest shall command…” : This tells us this is a specific action being taken under strict supervision. Moses is giving instructions to someone in authority – the priest. “…that they wash [the thing] wherein the plague [is]” : This is the core of the verse. “Plague” here means a sickness or affliction. The priest needs to wash something that’s experiencing this plague. It's like a preventative measure. “and he shall shut it up seven days more:” This is crucial. The priest will keep washing and shutting things up for seven days. After those seven days, the plague will pass. What's the purpose of this? This is part of a larger plan to cleanse something – likely a place or a person – of a spiritual affliction brought about by sin. It’s like a symbolic cleansing. The idea is that if we don’t address the problem of sin, it will manifest in other ways (like illness). Why is this important? This story shows us that even when things seem bad or frightening, God is working to bring about good and healing. It's a reminder that God is actively involved in our lives and wants to protect us from evil. Important Note: This passage is a bit mysterious and has been interpreted in different ways throughout history. It’s not meant to be taken literally – it’s a symbolic story about purification and God’s ongoing work to restore things to wholeness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you more context about the story in Leviticus?