Definition: And the priest shall look on him the seventh day: and, behold, [if] the plague in his sight be at a stay, [and] the plague spread not in the skin; then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 13:5. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about dealing with someone who has been infected with a deadly disease. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: Imagine a young man, Aaron, was caught in a terrible plague – a sickness that killed people quickly. This plague wasn't just a regular illness; it was incredibly dangerous and spread rapidly. Because of this, the Israelites (the people God had given to Moses) were worried about him. What the Verse Says: “And the priest shall look on him the seventh day:” – The priests, who were responsible for keeping watch and protecting the people, were tasked with observing Aaron. They were essentially checking on him to make sure he wasn't going to spread the plague further. “and, behold, [if] the plague in his sight be at a stay:” - This is the crucial part! If Aaron didn’t get sick during this seventh day, the plague stopped. It essentially halted its progress. “[and] the plague spread not in the skin:” – The plague wasn't just affecting him physically; it was also spreading through his body. What Happens Next: “then the priest shall shut him up seven days more:” - Because the plague had stopped, the priests were told to keep a close watch on Aaron for another seven days . They couldn’t let him wander around unsupervised. The Overall Meaning – A Protective Measure This verse is about protecting the Israelites from a deadly disease. It's a way of saying: "We're concerned about this person, and we're taking extra precautions to prevent it from spreading further." It’s a measure of protection for everyone. Important Note: The verse is quite dramatic and raises questions. It wasn’t meant to be taken lightly. It was a serious warning about the dangers of disease and the need for careful observation and protective measures. --- Let's quickly summarize in a few points: It’s about a deadly plague. The priests were watching him closely. If the plague stopped, he couldn’t wander around unsupervised. Do you have any other questions about this verse or want me to explain it further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this passage in the larger story of the Exodus? Discuss the significance of this event within Jewish tradition?