Definition: And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, [if] the plague [be] in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight [are] lower than the wall;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus. It’s a pretty serious verse about dealing with something that seems to be causing harm – a plague – within a home. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: “He shall look on the plague…” : This is telling us that there's a problem happening inside a house, and God is watching it closely. “…and, behold, [if] the plague [be] in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall.” – This is where it gets more detailed. Let’s unpack that: “The plague” : This refers to a sickness or illness spreading within the house. It's not just any sickness; it’s something that’s causing harm and distress. “Hollow strakes, greenish or reddish” : Strakes are a type of bird. “Hollow” means empty inside. “Greenish or reddish” describes the color of the illness – it's not healthy or normal. “Lower than the wall” : This is the crucial part. It suggests that this sickness isn’t just affecting the surface of the house; it's inside the walls, and it’s getting worse because it’s spreading deeper into the structure. It’s like a leak within the house itself. What does this mean practically? In ancient times, houses were considered sacred spaces for God. This verse essentially warns against allowing a sickness to fester or spread within a dwelling, as it is seen as an affront to God and could disrupt the spiritual well-being of those living there. It's a reminder that even seemingly small problems can be serious and require careful attention. Why was this law given? This law was part of a larger system of rules about how to deal with illness and contamination in Jewish communities. It emphasized hygiene, cleanliness, and protection against the spread of disease – all aimed at maintaining a holy and safe environment. In short: This verse is a warning about a sickness within a house that’s spreading deeper than it should, requiring careful monitoring and potentially intervention to prevent further harm. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Provide context for when this law was given? Answer any specific questions you have about this verse?