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v11050
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1994-03-02
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11055
#45,46 When the priest had pronounced the leper unclean, it put
a stop to his business in the world, cut him off from his
friends and relations, and ruined all the comfort he could have
in the world. He must humble himself under the mighty hand of
God, not insisting upon his cleanness, when the priest had
pronounced him unclean, but accepting the punishment. Thus must
we take to ourselves the shame that belongs to us, and with
broken hearts call ourselves "Unclean, unclean;" heart unclean,
life unclean; unclean by original corruption, unclean by actual
transgression; unclean, therefore deserving to be for ever shut
out from communion with God, and all hope of happiness in him;
unclean, therefore undone, if infinite mercy do not interpose.
The leper must warn others to take heed of coming near him. He
must then be shut out of the camp, and afterward, when they came
to Canaan, be shut out of the city, town, or village where he
lived, and dwell with none but those that were lepers like
himself. This typified the purity which ought to be in the
gospel church.
11057
#47-59 The garment suspected to be tainted with leprosy was not
to be burned immediately. If, upon search, it was found that
there was a leprous spot, it must be burned, or at least that
part of it. If it proved to be free, it must be washed, and then
might be used. This also sets forth the great evil there is in
sin. It not only defiles the sinner's conscience, but it brings
a stain upon all he has and all that he does. And those who make
their clothes servants to their pride and lust, may see them
thereby tainted with leprosy. But the robes of righteousness
never fret, nor are moth-eaten.
11070
* Of declaring the leper to be clean. (1-9) The sacrifices to be
offered by him. (10-32) The leprosy in a house. (33-53) Summary
of the law concerning leprosy. (54-57)
#1-9 The priests could not cleanse the lepers; but when the Lord
removed the plague, various rules were to be observed in
admitting them again to the ordinances of God, and the society
of his people. They represent many duties and exercises of truly
repenting sinners, and the duties of ministers respecting them.
If we apply this to the spiritual leprosy of sin, it intimates
that when we withdraw from those who walk disorderly, we must
not count them as enemies, but admonish them as brethren. And
also that when God by his grace has brought to repentance, they
ought with tenderness and joy, and sincere affection, to be
received again. Care should always be taken that sinners may not
be encouraged, nor penitents discouraged. If it were found that
the leprosy was healed, the priest must declare it with the
particular solemnities here described. The two birds, one
killed, and the other dipped in the blood of the bird that was
killed, and then let loose, may signify Christ shedding his
blood for sinners, and rising and ascending into heaven. The
priest having pronounced the leper clean from the disease, he
must make himself clean from all remains of it. Thus those who
have comfort of the remission of their sins, must with care and
caution cleanse themselves from sins; for every one that has
this hope in him, will be concerned to purify himself.
11079
#10-32 The cleansed leper was to be presented to the Lord, with
his offerings. When God has restored us to enjoy public worship
again, after sickness, distance, or otherwise, we should testify
our thanksgiving by our diligent use of the liberty. And both we
and our offerings must be presented before the Lord, by the
Priest that made us clean, even our Lord Jesus. Beside the usual
rites of the trespass-offering, some of the blood, and some of
the oil, was to be put upon him that was to be cleansed.
Wherever the blood of Christ is applied for justification, the
oil of the Spirit is applied for sanctification; these two
cannot be separated. We have here the gracious provision the law
made for poor lepers. The poor are as welcome to God's altar as
the rich. But though a meaner sacrifice was accepted from the
poor, yet the same ceremony was used for the rich; their souls
are as precious, and Christ and his gospel are the same to both.
Even for the poor one lamb was necessary. No sinner could be
saved, had it not been for the Lamb that was slain, and hath
redeemed us to God with his blood.