Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Leviticus 14:1-57, Mark 6:30-56, Psalm 40:1-10, Proverbs 10:11-12

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The Pattern of Atonement

Leviticus 14:1–32 describes the cleansing of a leper, but it reveals far more than an ancient health regulation. This passage lays out a remarkable pattern of atonement that ultimately points to Jesus Christ. From the priest going outside the camp to the shedding of blood and final declaration of cleansing, the entire process mirrors the gospel.

“The priest will go outside the camp and examine him.” -Leviticus 14:3 (NLT)

“So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood.” -Hebrews 13:12 (NLT)

Leviticus 14 is probably one of my favorite chapters. It is just so beautiful when you see the hidden symbolism woven in to it by God. When you trace the movement carefully, you begin to see something breathtaking!

The leper could not enter the camp. He lived outside — separated, marked, unclean.

So what happens?

The priest goes to him.

“The priest will go outside the camp and examine him.” (Leviticus 14:3, NLT)

The unclean man does not approach the holy place. The priest leaves the holy place and steps into the place of separation. Just as Jesus left His holy place above and came here for us.

That is the first movement of atonement.

Then two birds are brought. One is killed over running water. The other is dipped in the blood and released.

Two birds:

1. The “scapegoat” who takes upon it all our sins
2. The redeemed one – released to heaven, having salvation (wood), bound by His blood (scarlet yarn), applied through the hyssop, thus bearing the mark of the sacrifice, Jesus. 😲

Blood and living water.
Death and life.
Sacrifice and freedom.

The living bird flies away bearing the mark of blood.

The cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop.

Wood symbolizes salvation as we see with the Ark and the Cross. Scarlet yarn is the binding power of His blood. Hyssop was used to apply the Passover blood (Exodus 12:22, NLT). It appears again at the crucifixion when a sponge of vinegar was lifted to Jesus (John 19:29, NLT). This is salvation applied and the thread is not accidental.

The leper is sprinkled seven times — complete cleansing. He washes. He shaves. He begins again.

Then blood is placed on his ear, thumb, and toe.

Hear the Word.
Do His will.
Walk in righteousness.

Finally, oil is placed over the blood.

Cleansed.
Then anointed.
Oil = Holy Spirit

And four times the chapter repeats:

“The priest shall make atonement for him.”

Now listen to Hebrews:

“So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates…” (Hebrews 13:12, NLT)

The priest went outside the camp.
Jesus was crucified outside the camp.

The leper could not cleanse himself.
We cannot cleanse ourselves.

The priest examined.
Jesus examines us (our hearts).

Blood was shed.
Life was restored.
Atonement was declared.

Just like we see in the other chapters of Leviticus when we dig to find the gems, Leviticus 14 is not just another random ritual. It is the gospel written in type & shadow form.

Outside.
Cleansed.
Restored.
Anointed.
Brought in.

It really is incredible! 💎

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Action

Today, take 5 minutes to reflect with God. Let Him examine your heart then ask Him:

• “Lord, what do you want me to know about this for me today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do you want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

We cannot walk back in to God’s camp on our own. Let today be a day of cleansing and renewal with Jesus.

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Prayer

Lord, You stepped outside the camp for me. You bore what I could not carry. You loved me enough to shed Your blood so I could be restored. Please cleanse me completely. Anoint me with Your Spirit. Teach me to hear You, to obey, and to walk the path of righteousness, for Your name’s sake. Thank You for making atonement for me. You are an amazing God and King, amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.