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Levitical rules for mothers and skin diseases

Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as we discover new insights and new perspectives from a very old book.

I’m reading Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Leviticus 12

I would understand, in some sense, why a woman who just gave birth shouldn’t be in immediate social contact with everyone. I might also understand circumcision as a form of cleanliness. I understand the offerings as a sign of purification.

But I don’t know the reasons why the mother must wait twice as long for these rites if she gave birth to a female instead of a male.

The literal rules seem burdensome and arbitrary. I think, as I’ve alluded to in previous chapters, that there must be a metaphor for our inner life. But I can’t say what that is.

Leviticus 13 and 14

The NRSV’s note on the word “leprous” is “A term for several skin diseases; precise meaning uncertain.” The entire chapter is about a variety of skin conditions which the priest must examine.

The regulations are so practical and sensible, it’s hard to derive some metaphor or meaning to one’s inner life. Except that health…