Torah: Leviticus 14:1–15:33
PROPHETS: 2 Kings 7:3–20
APOSTOLIC WRITINGS: Acts 10:1–35 

The devotional below is designed to help you dive deeper into God’s heart by exploring Torah as the gateway into transformational Bible reading.

SUNDAY

Torah 1 & 2

Torah 1: 
The Day of Cleansing
Leviticus 14:1–12

Torah 2:
The Rite of Purification
Leviticus 14:13–20

When the m’tsora (“infected one”) appears to be healed from the tsara’at (tsara’at is a Hebrew word that usually gets translated “infectious skin disease” or “leprosy” but we really don’t know exactly what it was), the priest comes outside the camp to examine him. In order to re-enter the community, the m’tsora needs to undergo special rituals.

14:4–8
The ritual where the one live bird flies away could be called a “scapebird” ritual (vv. 4–7) that is similar to the “scapegoat” ritual on Yom Kippur (cf. 16:10). This ritual procedure makes the m’tsora “clean” so that he can re-enter the community (after also laundering clothes, shaving and washing body, v. 8). Remember, the community has already been set apart as a “holy” community at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:6–8) so entrance back into this community requires ritual cleansing.

14:12–18
The blood of the asham (guilt or reparation offering, vv. 12–14) and the oil (vv. 15–18) “re-set-apart” the healed m’tsora to again function as an active member of the priestly nation. This blood and oil ceremony is very similar to the one that consecrated the Aaronic priesthood into service of God Most High (cf. Leviticus 8:23–24).

14:19–20
Finally, the chatat (purification or sin offering) re-purifies the altar on behalf of the m’tsora (followed by the olah and mincha, burnt and grain offerings, as a worshipful gift to God, vv. 19–20). This completes the rituals of restoring the m’tsora to right relationship with both the community and the God that is dwelling in her midst.

Application

Yeshua spoke much about the nature of “cleansing” and becoming “clean.” The m’tsora needed cleansing. Yeshua offered cleansing.

Read Matthew 8:1–4. Yeshua’s physical touch and spoken word made this m’tsora clean (infected one, infected with tsara’at, usually translated “infectious skin disease” or “leprosy”).

Read Luke 17:11–19. What is the point of this parable? Spend a moment reflecting on the incredible value of your cleansing poured out to you by Yeshua. Thank and praise Him for His mercy. 

MONDAY

Torah 3 & 4

Torah 3: 
Cleansing The Poor 
Leviticus 14:21–32

God makes allowances for those who are poor. While the asham requirements and rituals remain the same (the asham’s blood [v.  25] and the oil [vv.  26–29] to “re-set-apart” the m’tsora) the chatat and olah can be fulfilled by bringing the less costly birds (vv.  30–31) to re-purify the altar on his behalf. 
 

Torah 4:
Cleansing Houses
Leviticus 14:33–53  

Tsara’at can develop not only on humans (diagnosis, 13:1–46; cleansing after healing, 14:1–32) and garments (13:47–49) but also in houses (14:33–53, here again it is the same Hebrew word tsara’at, though often translated in this case “mildew”). The presence of both discolored spots and deep infection require a 7-day quarantine. If the “infection” spreads the house is destroyed. If not, the same “scapebird” ritual provides the necessary cleansing to declare the house “clean.”  

Who is responsible for bringing about this “trial” (v. 34)? Why would God inflict an outwardly recognizable sign of uncleanness within a holy community? Might He use it to draw attention to a hidden sin? Might He also allow it to be a trial for someone, not to judge but to test, prove and/or improve faith (cf. Job)?

application

Do you feel like God has inflicted you with a trial? Which of the above purposes might God be fulfilling in your life? Either way, you can trust that He is full of mercy. Through your life that He is redeeming, He is pursuing His glory ultimately resulting in your good. Prayerfully and with sincerity, say to God along with Job, “When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold … I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:10–12). 

TUESDAY

torah 5 & 6

Torah 5: 
Uncleanness Must Be Rectified 
Leviticus 14:54–15:15  

14:54–57
This small section serves as a summary for the preceding material in both Tazria and M’tsora for how to diagnose and treat tsara’at when it affects humans, garments or houses. The important issue is ritual purity or “cleanness.” Becoming “unclean” was a normal part of life and was not in and of itself a bad thing. The bad thing would have been disobeying or disregarding God’s instruction and provision to deal with uncleanness His way. Do you ever do things you own way instead of God’s way, disregarding His provision (Messiah and His Spirit) and instruction (His revealed Word)?

15:1–15
The theme of “uncleanness” continues with instructions regarding male and female discharges. ALL discharges create uncleanness. Some discharges, however, are “normal” (in that they occur under normal circumstances) while some are “abnormal” (they occur under abnormal circumstances). The text flows from male abnormal (vv. 1–15)…
 

Torah 6: 
Cleanness Must Be Pursued 
Leviticus 15:16–28

…and normal discharges (vv. 16–18) to female normal (vv. 19–24) and abnormal discharges (vv. 25–30). It is important to keep in mind that clean and unclean and normal and abnormal are NOT moral categories. Instead they relate to wholeness and holiness and are relevant in the context of maintaining relationship between a holy God who is dwelling in the midst of an unholy people.