Definition: And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look: and, behold, [if] the plague be spread in the walls of the house;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 14:39. It's a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about holiness and protection. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and shall look: and, behold, if the plague be spread in the walls of the house.” In simpler terms: “This verse tells us that God has set a special time – the seventh day after a specific event – when he will check on a dwelling (a house) to see if it’s contaminated with something harmful. If this contamination spreads, it’s considered an offense against God and requires a cleansing or removal.” Let's unpack what that means: “The priest shall come again…” : This refers to a specific priestly figure – often interpreted as a priest who has a special role in watching over the land and its inhabitants. “…the seventh day…” : This is a crucial detail. It’s a specific day, marking a time of judgment or inspection. “…and shall look…” : The priest is looking intently, examining everything inside the house. “And, behold, if the plague be spread in the walls of the house” : This is the core of the warning. "Plague" means sickness, disease, or a spreading affliction. The verse says if this happens – if there’s a problem within the house that causes illness – then it's a serious offense and must be dealt with. What does this all mean in a broader context? This passage is often interpreted as a reminder of God’s holiness and his desire to protect humanity from sin and wickedness. It speaks to: God’s Watchfulness: He’s constantly watching over us, ensuring our safety and well-being. Moral Responsibility: Humans are responsible for their actions and surroundings, and we must act in a way that pleases God. The Consequences of Sin: A spreading sickness within a dwelling could be seen as a sign of spiritual impurity or wrongdoing. Important Note: This verse is complex and has been debated throughout history. It’s not meant to be taken literally about every house! It's a symbolic warning about the dangers of sin and the importance of living a righteous life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Talk about why this verse is important in the Old Testament? Give you some examples of how it relates to stories or characters in the Bible?