In times of physical, social, and medical uncertainty, we can take steps to protect ourselves and promote recovery. At present, these steps include hand-washing, social distancing, and staying at home. The ancient Israelites also had ways to diagnosis and remedy illnesses, and they even practiced social distancing to ensure collective health. For the skin ailment known as tzara’at (צרעת), the priests would examine the patient to ascertain the right healing procedure (see Leviticus 13-14). While the prescriptions in Leviticus are for the sake of the body, Deuteronomy links tzara’at to the principle of setting one’s mind on the Lord. In this way, the Torah highlights the need to take care of our spiritual health alongside our physical wellbeing; meditation on Scripture and remembrance of God support the spirit, just as proper medical care supports the body.
According to Leviticus, the skin ailment of tzara’at (צרעת) necessitates priestly examination. If a spot on the skin “has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of one’s body, it is a case of tzara’at” (13:3). Those who exhibit possible symptoms of tzara’at are isolated, sometimes for a period of 14 days: “If the spot is white… but appears no deeper than the skin… the priest shall shut up the stricken person for seven days…. And if the disease has not spread in the skin, then the priest shall shut up [the person] for another seven days” (13:4-5). In ancient Israel, the people knew the value of personal separation for the sake of health safety. Leviticus preserves a divine precedent for the kind of social-distancing that we can, and should, practice today.
Deuteronomy also highlights the importance of following the tzara’at instructions: “Take care (השׁמר; hishamer) in a case of tzara’at, that you observe diligently (לשׁמר מאד; lishmor meod), and do according to all that the Levitical priests shall direct you” (24:8). The Hebrew words for “take care” and “observe” come from שׁמר (shamar), which means to “keep” or “guard.” The charge to “take care” (השׁמר; hishamer) in this verse is the last of ten such instances in Deuteronomy—most of which remind readers to “take care” in their relationship with God. For example, Deuteronomy 6:12 reads, “Take care (השׁמר) lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Moses also tells his people to “take care” to preserve their knowledge of Torah: “Take care (השׁמר) lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God… by not keeping his commandments” (4:23; 8:11). The responsibility to “take care” also extends to one’s neighbors: “Take care (השׁמר) that you do not neglect the Levite… [or] your poor brother” (12:19; 15:9). Finally, at the end of all these declarations to “take care” in our relationships with God and others—bonds that Jesus puts at the very heart the Torah (see Matt 22:36-40; Mk 12:28-32; cf. Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18)—Deuteronomy says to “take care” with skin ailments (24:8). Thus, the Torah uses the command to “take care” in order to connect spiritual practices (like Scripture study and remembrance of God and neighbor) with principles of bodily health, and thereby underscores the importance of both physical and theological care.
I like the link and what u share. Thanks for reading, William.
So social distancing is no new thing. There is nothing new under the sun. True, John. Thanks for reading and studying with us.
Interesting lesson to know.Thanks for sharing Thanks for reading, Claire. Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including The Jewish Gospel of Matthew and The Hebrew Psalms: How To Worship God. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
So cleanliness is next to Godliness after all. One would think there might be some divine wisdom behind this old book. A real protection from spiritual/physical/emotional harm. If read , understood and applied. Agreed, Gerry. Thanks for reading and commenting.
How great is our God that gave us the remedy before man knew of it. Thank you for reading and commenting, Monty.
Wonderful! The LORD’S word is far far ahead. An off-the-discussion question, please. There is similarity between Moses’ brazen serpent on a pole and Medical Science’s symbol of a coiling snake on a pole/stick. It is claimed Medicine’s symbolism is linked to a Greek god, which I doubt. Thanks for your question, Francis. The medical symbol of a snake on a staff is linked to Greek lore -- usually associated with Asklepios (son of Zeus and god of healing/medicine). The Mosaic bronze serpent also leads to healing for the Israelites, but the Greek and Hebrew narratives are only comparable on a very surface level. Thanks again for reading; we're glad you enjoyed the article. We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with The Jewish Gospel of Matthew or The Hebrew Psalms: How To Worship God. You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
Dr. Schaser, Thanks for your kind words, Jane. Sorry you couldn't post it to your social media; don't know what the issue might have been. We're very glad to have you studying with us and that this article was impactful for you. Blessings and health to you and yours.
We place great value on our freedoms even to the point the self control required to "Take Care" of ourselves and to protect others, spiritually and physically Thanks for reading, Dennis. We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with The Jewish Gospel of Matthew or The Hebrew Psalms: How To Worship God. You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
May I adapt this into my sermon this Sunday? Please do, Eliezer. We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: The Jewish Gospel of Matthew or The Hebrew Psalms: How To Worship God. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
You gave 7 out of 9 references on hishamer. The other two, are they Deut. 12:13 & 30? See Deut 4:9, 23; 6:12; 8:11; 11:16; 12:13, 19, 30; 15:19; 24:8. So 24:8 is the last of nine previous instances, and there are ten total (I didn't make this completely clear in the article, so your question helped me clarify it... thank you!) We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: The Jewish Gospel of Matthew or The Hebrew Psalms: How To Worship God. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
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This is the most balanced commentary I've read on faith & human living: no "hair splitting"; no "one group better or more included than the other"; all created by the perfect Creator, but flawed human beings, for good or ill. I tried to post your article to my FB & twitter, but was not allowed. It needs universal coverage, imho!
Blessings & Shalom for everyone's well being!