Leprosy in the Bible Why does it not match what we call leprosy today? No Pictures • The pictures of leprosy - all kinds - all stages - are very graphic • I will try not to go into too much detail outside of the Bible. • TODAY - Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) is bacterial infection • Begins as scales on the skin (mostly around the face and head) • Attacks the nerves in appendages 2 Main Types of Leprosy • Two main types • Lepromatous - spongy swellings on the face and body, involves internal organs as well, deformity, loss of feeling, injury and infection results, loss of appendages • Tuberculoid - less severe, chang ein skin color, lasts 1 - 3 years, not fatal Biblical Instructions • Required - separation, isolation, and cleansing • Describes a wide range of skin diseases including what is today called leprosy (Hansen's Disease) • The Greek word "lepra" means to peel off in scales (think psoriasis) only far more serious • Many forms were considered contagious God Promised Protection and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you." Exodus 15:26 God Promised Protection • Lepers were unclean - isolated, cry out "unclean" when approached, live outside the city • When Jesus healed a leper – they were not said to be healed, but cleansed • Leprosy is often used to symbolize sin • NOTE: The rest of our study will focus on the Law of Moses and passages that mention leprosy. Leprosy • Common Luke 4:27 • It Infected: o Men Luke 17:12 o Women Numbers 12:10 o Houses Leviticus 14:34, 37-38 o Garments Leviticus 13:47-49 • It was generally incurable (in severe forms) Leprosy • Often sent in punishment for sin o Numbers 12:9-10 o 2 Chronicles 26:19 • Often hereditary 2 Samuel 3:29 • Parts of the body affected include: o Hand Exodus 4:6 o Head Leviticus 13:44 o Forehead 2 Chonicles 26:19 o Beard Leviticus 13:30 Leprosy • Parts of the body affected include: o Whole body Luke 5:12 Often begins with bright red spots Leviticus 13:3 Leviticus 13:24 Turned skin white Exodus 4:6 2 Kings 5:27 Leprosy • May include a discharge Leviticus 22:4 • Turned hair white or yellow • Leviticus 13:3, 10, 30 • 3rd Degree Burn Leviticus 13:25 • The Priests • Judged how serious and response • Deuteronomy 24:8 • Examined the person suspected • Shut them up 7 days Leviticus 13:4 Leprosy Had rules for distinguishing Leviticus 13:5-44 Examined when they claimed to be cured • Leviticus 14:2 • Matthew 8:4 • Luke 17:14 • Ceremonies to be cleanse Leviticus 17:14 Unclean They were ceremonially unclean Leviticus 13:8, 11, 22, 44 Separated from others Numbers 5:2 Numbers 12:14-15 They associated together 2 Kings 7:3 Luke 17:12 Unclean Dwelt in a separate house 2 Kings 15:5 Cut off from God's house 2 Chronicles 26:21 Can't be a priest Leviticus 22:2-4 Heads bare, clothes torn, lip covered Leviticus 13:45 Cry “UNCLEAN” Leviticus 13:45 Unclean Garments Show to priest Shut up 7 days Infected area removed Severe infection – burn them Suspected – wash and pronounce them clean Unclean Houses Report to priest Empty the house Shut up 7 days Infected area removed Rest of house scraped Severe infection – destroy and removed Suspected – clean completely and pronounce them clean CONCLUSIONS: Leprosy included any open sore, scab, discharge, burn, wound Reason for separation – keep from spreading any infection, prevent an epidemic Same rules applied to sexual diseases God was seeking to keep His people pure God wanted to prevent the diseases that were a plague in nations around them