Tazria-Metzora

25 Apr 2009

Leviticus 12:1-15:33

2 Kings 4:42-5:19

2 Kings 7:3-20

Matthew 8:1-4

Romans 6:9-23

This week we have a double portion. The Parashat deals mainly with birth, impurity, skin afflictions and infections, clothes, homes and walls.

The main purpose is to show that G-d's people must have separation from unseemliness, so they do not walk in impurity or defile the Altar of G-d's Temple.

· James 3:4-6-Words are powerful.

· Proverbs chapter 25:11-a word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

· Look at Proverbs 15:23 and Isaiah 50:4.

In Leviticus 13:1-59 we are introduced to laws about Leprosy. Leprosy is an affliction that attacks people, clothing and buildings. The Kohen/priest looks at tzara’at to determine if it is leprosy relating to sin, or not. The Torah then describes procedure(s) or the Law of Cleansing a Leper. These include isolation, offerings, and immersions in a Mikveh. Galatians 5:9 tells us that even a little bit of leaven (referring to sinful actions or thoughts) infect the whole body. Regarding the houses, clothing, etc, objects are destroyed if found unclean. The Priest determines and then announces clean/unclean.

Isaiah 1:4-6 describes the characteristics of leprosy as an indication of sin. Disease was not just on the surface; but like sin, it was “deeper than skin”. Leprosy spreads in the system and makes the person unclean, so much so that he or she had to be isolated (Lev 13:46 “He shall dwell alone”).

Yet we are not without hope. Hebrews 13:5 tells us that G-d will never leave us or forsake us. We may at times feel alone and isolated, like outcasts, but He will not forsake us. Our Messiah identified himself with outcasts (Matthew 9:10-13). He approached the sick, the heartbroken, the tax collectors.

Even though leprosy is fit only for the fire (Leviticus 13:52), Yeshua stands ready to cleanse us, heal us and rescue us. He does not desire for us to be isolated or separated from Him. He has spared us from the road leading to everlasting torment. He has made us alive again, and in a position as a kingdom of priests (Revelations 1:6).

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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