The priest shall examine the plague in the skin of the body. If the hair in the plague has turned white, and the appearance of the plague is deeper than the body’s skin, it is the plague of leprosy; so the priest shall examine him and pronounce him unclean.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 3. Flesh. These two signs indicated the species of leprosy called volatile, or impetigo, ( Menochius.) resembling a scab, which did not penetrate the flesh or bones, as our leprosy or elephantiasis does. Vales. Calmet. 19.—Separated from society. Hebrew he shall contaminate him. See verse 11. Bible.—Some assert, that the physician was first to be consulted. But none but the priests could declare them unclean, or set them at liberty. After they had pronounced sentence, the lepers might apply for medicines to others.