A priest inspected leprous spots in the skin, hair, and garments to determine whether a person or object was ceremonially clean or unclean according to God’s law. This inspection was not a medical diagnosis but a spiritual evaluation, given by divine instruction, to preserve holiness within the camp.
Leviticus 13:2–3 says:
“When a man has on the skin of his body a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes on the skin of his body like a leprous sore, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests. The priest shall examine the sore… and pronounce him unclean.”
Only the priest could declare someone clean or unclean, emphasizing that God alone sets the standard for purity. The detailed inspection ensured that no form of defilement would go unnoticed or untreated. This applied to people, clothing, and later even houses (Leviticus 13–14), reinforcing that sin can permeate every area of life.
These rituals taught Israel that sin and uncleanness require discernment and that only God’s appointed servants could make such judgments.
Spiritually, this pointed to the role of Christ, our perfect High Priest, who discerns the heart and cleanses those who come to Him. Hebrews 4:13 says:
“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
