Leviticus 13:31 But if, when the priest examines the sore, it does not seem to be more than skin deep and there is no black hair in it, then the priest is to isolate the affected person for seven days.
One thing that gets me when reading commentary, especially on this section, is the caveats, or the conditions. “The priest is the final word on whether a person is clean or unclean. The caveat is that the ruling must be in line with God’s word.” And then commentary goes on to define what God’s word means in this case.
Leviticus 13:32-33 On the seventh day the priest is to examine the sore, and if it has not spread and there is no yellow hair in it and it does not appear to be more than skin deep, then the man or woman must shave themselves, except for the affected area, and the priest is to keep them isolated another seven days.
Maybe I’m just too jaded, but it feels like commentary is saying, basically, “You must live by the intent of God’s word. By the way, here is what I think God means here. This is the intent that you must follow.” It seems totally lost on the commentator that the interpretation here is man’s and not God’s.
Leviticus 13:34 On the seventh day the priest is to examine the sore, and if it has not spread in the skin and appears to be no more than skin deep, the priest shall pronounce them clean. They must wash their clothes, and they will be clean.
Precious Savior, I want to live a life that is pleasing to You, but I know how incredibly easy it is for man to put his interpretations and meanings onto Your word. Help me to draw closer to You, to love You and love others, to be Your hands and feet in this world. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Leviticus 13:35-36 But if the sore does spread in the skin after they are pronounced clean, the priest is to examine them, and if he finds that the sore has spread in the skin, he does not need to look for yellow hair; they are unclean.
Have a blessed day.