Shall wash his clothes, &c.— All these ceremonies were no less productive, than they were demonstrative, of entire purification: and, as the disorder was so contagious, a seven days exclusion was reasonably enjoined to prevent all infection, and to shew that the disease was perfectly cured; after which the leper was deemed pure, and was re-admitted to all the privileges of society.
REFLECTIONS.—1. If the leper was cured, the priest went forth to him to view him. Though a sinner has, for a time, given himself up to his own heart's desires, yet, when he is willing through grace to return, we must charitably lend our helping hand. 2. After careful inspection, if he appeared clean, the priest was to pronounce him such, after the proper solemnities were performed. We should neither be too suspicious, nor too credulous, respecting the reality of grace in men's hearts, but, after serious observation, judge according to our best knowledge, agreeably to charity and God's word. 3. In respect to the birds, one of which was to be killed, and his blood mixed with water; and the other to be let loose. Note; (1.) If our souls be sprinkled with that blood and water which flowed from the Saviour's wounded side, then shall we be presented before the tabernacle of God, without spot or blemish, or any such thing. (2.) They who are delivered from the power and guilt of sin, as birds escaped from the snare of the fowler, rejoice in their liberty, and fly away towards heaven on wings of faith and love. 4. The person cleansed was to wash, and shave off all his hair, &c. Thus they, who are saved by the blood of Jesus, will use diligence to cleanse themselves, that they may appear, in the congregation of God's people, to have put off the old man, and to have put on the new man, which, after Christ, is renewed in righteousness and true holiness.