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Book of Leviticus - Chapter 13 - Verse 31

13:31
And if the priest look on the plague of the scall, and, behold, it be not in sight deeper than the skin, and that there is no black hair in it; then the priest shall shut up him that hath the plague of the scall seven days:

Meaning

In this verse, the priests are instructed to carefully examine a skin condition known as scall. The appearance of the scall is crucial in determining its severity, as the priest is instructed to look for whether it is limited to the surface of the skin or if it has penetrated deeper. If the scall is found to be shallow and only on the surface, with no black hair present in it, the priest is to isolate the individual for a period of seven days. During this time, the priest will monitor the condition to ensure that it does not worsen or spread.

This practice of isolating individuals with skin conditions reflects the concern for preventing the spread of infectious diseases in ancient times. By carefully examining and monitoring skin conditions, the priests acted as early medical practitioners, working to protect the health and well-being of the community. The detailed instructions provided in this verse highlight the importance of thorough observation and assessment in diagnosing and managing skin ailments. Through this process, the priests played a vital role in promoting hygiene and preventing the transmission of contagious diseases among the people.

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