Parashat Tazria-Metzora Part Five

Tazria-Metzora |  תצריע - מצורע 

“She conceives” - “Diseased One”

Part 5

A daily Torah study by Loren Abraham
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Torah: Leviticus 12:1 - 15:33

Haftarah: II Kings 4:42 - 5:19; II Kings 7:3 - 7:20 

Suggested: Matt 11:2-6; Luke 7:18-19; Luke 17:11-19

In each day of this study we will focus on a theme or themes from the corresponding reading or aliyah. Here is the full list of aliyot for this portion:

Daily Readings

     1: Lev. 12:1-13:23 Childbirth and Tzara'at 
2: Lev. 13:24-39 Tzara'at on scalp or beard
3: Lev. 13:40-54 Tzara'at in fabric
4: Lev. 13:55-14:20 Purification of the metzora
5: Lev. 14:21-32 The needy metzora 
6: Lev. 14:33-15:15 Buildings with tzara'at
7: Lev. 15:16-33 Normal discharges

Introduction

In parts one and two we learned that leprosy - Tzara'at – in some sense, collectively, represents all human disease and deterioration because it visually displays the process of corruption and decay in our mortal flesh. Every illness and disease can in that sense therefore be understood as biblical leprosy - Tzara'at. In part three In part three we learned that Tzara'at is akin to a state of living death and that it can not only infect humans but also material things such as clothing and houses.  In part four we learned about the purification process after Tzara'at. In part five we will learn about the mystery of the Messiah and the Metzora. 

Summary of the fifth aliyah  

Day 5: Lev 14:21-32        The purification of a poor metzora In the fifth reading, If the individual who suffered from tzara'at and is declared clean cannot afford the above sacrifices, two birds can be substituted for two of the animals. This section describes the slightly different purification process reserved for the impoverished person. 

Lev 14             The Metzorah and Messiah

If you missed the the article entitled The Leper Messiah published in the Torah Club by First Fruits of Zion (FFOZ): in Part 4 of our study you will want to go back and read it now. This is critical to understanding the messianic implications of our text in this Parashat.

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Article The Leper Messiah From Torah Club: The Leper Messiah

https://torahportions.ffoz.org/portions-library/core/tazria-metzora/the-leper-messiah.html

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Lev 14:8-9       Shaving and immersing

The imagery hear is much like that of returning to the state of a newborn infant. When a child is born, his skin is smooth and nearly with no hair. The child is covered in the fluid from the mother's womb and in need of immersion to become clean. So when we are healed of our diseases we experience a rebirth into newness of life.

Lev 14:10-20   The eighth day

As we explored in last weeks parish, Shmini, the eighth day is a day of new beginnings, it is the day of resurrection and the day to begin our new life in Messiah. The Metzorah after being pronounced clean, is able to rejoin the community. 

Lev 14:21-32   The needy leper 

As with the other required sacrifices such as the Burnt Offering, there is an alternative means of complying if you are not able to afford the regular prescribed sacrifices. This shows that the Torah is never exclusive and always allows the same access for the poor as for the wealthy. 

Lev 14:25-29   The right ear, right thumb, and right big toe – purification and redemption

The anointing of the Metzorah by the priest in the process of becoming ceremonially clean is similar to the ordination for a priest.  (Lev 8:22-24) These parts of ones body represent the three key areas of a person's activity - hearing and responding (the ear), action or works (thumb) for good or bad, and walk or direction (big toe) the right way or the wrong way.  The blood and oil, then, cleanse and anoint his hearing, his works, and his walk or way of life. His hearing affects his understanding, and his works determine the way that he lives. The hand is almost useless without a thumb (see John 15:5). Without a big toe, a person's walk is difficult. This symbolizes that the leper is restored to wholeness and better able to be a productive member of the community and restores his relationship with God and fellow man. The blood, ultimately represents the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:22) shed for our sins. The oil symbolizes God's Holy Spirit, so when we are cleansed from all unrighteousness through the blood of Christ, we are able to live a new life in Christ by His Spirit.

Tomorrow we will conclude our study of Parashat Tazria-Metzora.

Go back to Parashat Tazria-Metzora Part Four

Go to Parashat Tazria-Metzora Part Six

Download Parashat Tazria-Metzora Study Guide