Day 51. 20th February Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Taken From The Book Of Leviticus.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.
LEVITICUS CHAPTER 12-14.
CHAPTER 12
NEW MOTHERS: This chapter is focusing on the ceremonial cleanliness of new mothers, their state immediately after childbirth. A period of purification is required as her bleeding then (like her monthly period) is considered unclean; 33 (thirty three) days waiting period if she births a boy (v.4) and 66 (sixty six) days if she births a girl (v.5). She is to offer a burnt offering for her atonement ( for further details read v.1-8 ). A woman is very tender at this point, she is not likely to forget how she was treated, during pregnancy, during childbirth and after she has put to bed. Her husband, friends and family are to rally round her providing tender loving care. It is important to note that God considers her purification at this time. This is a part of core essence of togetherness which must not be overlooked or treated with levity.
CHAPTER 13
SKIN DISEASE:
The role of the Priest ( Aaron ) here, is as of a Modern day Medical Professional; examining persons with skin disease. To see if they are plagued with leprosy, or infected by a disease that would heal.
He may isolate them for observation before declaring them: Unclean ( those spotted to leprous, or with defiling skin disease ), Clean and or Healed (v.1-44).
In modern times a Dermatologist probably would be the first to see really, if infected with skin disease, in not so ancient history males where most likely Medics, however, women are flooding every gender tagged profession successfully. Today the world is struggling with a global pandemic with many self-isolating and some told to, since the year 2020 launched the ZOONOTIC plague - as we learned the infection and sort treatment and or cure for the SAR-CoV-2 the world was in panic. As it transmission confirmed to be through the respiratory epithelium in the nose, mouth and eyes.
This made me remember our security man Mallam Musa growing up as a child. He was so aware of his condition, if I wanted to give him some money he would tell someone to collect it on his behalf. As I became older ( as a Christian teenager) I sort to show him some love by handing him tips directly. This is to say that besides these plague, the shame and isolation in itself is an affliction.
Those with Leprosy are to announce their condition to the public and most live alone outside the camp ( that is live in isolation - in an isolated place - out of town ). (v.45-46) The 2020-2021 Coronavirus makes it easier to empathise with those been isolated, though not a skin disease.
Their clothes are equally examined by the Priest ( Aaron ), if it is contaminated, in which case such clothes are burnt, but if not contaminated they are to be washed and observed, and washed again to become clean. (v.47-59).
In modern day, given the impact of technology on our lifestyle, such clothes are most likely popped into the washing machine, with laundry soap and some fabric disinfectant. Some may dropped them off at the drycleaners. Civilisation has changed the way we respond to things, even as we continue to explore the earth bringing God glory through our living.
CHAPTER 14
HEALED AND BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY
There is the possibility that those who have been infected by the bacteria mycobacterium leprae ( and diagnosed as leprous) and in isolation become healed. When healed, they are examined again by the Priest in their place of isolation; who then orders their ceremonial cleansing.
They are to offer specific offerings ( two live birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn and hyssop) for their ceremonial cleansing as commanded by the Priest. (v.1-7).
As the cleansing procedure continues; they must wash their own clothes, shave all hair and bath in water (v.8-9).
The Priest performs some rites using their offerings which he ordered them to bring; he shall wave part of it before the LORD as Wave Offerings and other procedures using the blood from the offerings and the oil. v.10-32.
Consideration for alternative offerings made for the poor, who has defiling skin disease, who cannot offer the regular offering for their cleansing [v.21-32].
NIGHT:
Ponder/Pray: Psalm 1035
“Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth with lovingkindness and tender mercies.”
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Dr. Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo
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Dr. Toyin
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