Yesterday, In Leviticus Chapter 13, we looked at how leprosy is a symbol of sin; it’s contagious and it goes deeper than the skin. Chapter 14 is all about healing. The process itself is fascinating. It involves two birds. One is sacrificed and its blood collected in a bowl. Then we read, “He shall take the live bird with the cedar wood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease.”
The number seven is also very fascinating. Seven days, seven feast days, seven bowls, seals, lampstands, trumpets and many more sevens in the Bible. Deuteronomy chapter 7 (coincidentally) tells us that Israel would face seven nations, greater and stronger than they are; Hitites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perrizites, Hivites and the Jebusites. Proverbs 6 tells us that there are 7 things the Lord hates. I’ve not looked to find a direct connection between the seven sins of Proverbs 6 and the 7 nations, but there are 7 of them. I don’t know of any Amorites in Blair, Nebraska, or Girgashites, etc. but I’m aware of the spiritual enemy “Haughty eyes” and “a heart that devises evil plans, etc.” Also, the church has historically identified 7 deadly sins: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride.
The blood of the sacrifice is sprinkled seven times, symbolically cleansing the sinner of all his sin! Chapter 14 goes on to say, “Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field.” Covered by the blood of the sacrificial bird, the 2nd bird is set free and flies away taking the sins of the worshipper with it.
What can wash away my sin? (All seven of them!!) Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.