18 "When the body has a boil on its skin and it is healed , 19 and in the place of the boil there is a white swelling or a reddish-white , bright spot , then it shall be shown to the priest ; 20 and the priest shall look , and behold , if it appears to be lower than the skin , and the hair on it has turned white , then the priest shall pronounce him unclean ; it is the infection of leprosy , it has broken out in the boil . 21 "But if the priest looks at it, and behold , there are no white hairs in it and it is not lower than the skin and is faded , then the priest shall isolate him for seven days ; 22 and if it spreads farther on the skin , then the priest shall pronounce him unclean ; it is an infection . 23 "But if the bright spot remains in its place and does not spread , it is only the scar of the boil ; and the priest shall pronounce him clean .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 13:18-23
Commentary on Leviticus 13:18-44
(Read Leviticus 13:18-44)
The priest is told what judgment to make, if there were any appearance of a leprosy in old sores; and such is the danger of those who having escaped the pollutions of the world are again entangled therein. Or, in a burn by accident, verse 24. The burning of strife and contention often occasions the rising and breaking out of that corruption, which proves that men are unclean. Human life lies exposed to many grievances. With what troops of diseases are we beset on every side; and thy all entered by sin! If the constitution be healthy, and the body lively and easy, we are bound to glorify God with our bodies. Particular note was taken of the leprosy, if in the head. If the leprosy of sin has seized the head; if the judgment be corrupted, and wicked principles, which support wicked practices, are embraced, it is utter uncleanness, from which few are cleansed. Soundness in the faith keeps leprosy from the head.