The law addressed mildew in houses as defiling because it symbolized hidden corruption that could spread and defile the entire dwelling. Just as leprosy in the body represented sin and defilement, mildew in a house served as a physical illustration of impurity infiltrating the home, which required examination and cleansing.
Leviticus 14:34–35 says:
“When you have come into the land of Canaan, which I give you as a possession, and I put the leprous plague in a house in the land of your possession, and he who owns the house comes and tells the priest, saying, ‘It seems to me that there is some plague in the house…'”
The presence of mildew was treated with seriousness, involving priestly inspection, removal of affected materials, and even the potential destruction of the house. This showed that impurity could exist in places intended for rest and fellowship, and that holiness required vigilance.
This law taught Israel to be attentive to the condition of their homes, both physically and spiritually. It reminded them that holiness begins in the household and that no area of life is exempt from God’s standards.
Spiritually, it points to the need for cleansing not only in the individual but also in the environment. 2 Corinthians 7:1 applies the principle:
“Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
