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New Defender's Study Bible Notes
15:2 running issue. The instructions in this chapter concerning various human secretions and discharges, at least some of which might be infectious, were certainly healthful precautions needed under the difficult conditions there in the wilderness. The benefits of bathing and washing were recognized by Moses (under God’s direction) long before they were practiced (even in modern times) in other nations.
15:5 wash his clothes. See note for Leviticus 15:2, with Leviticus 15:5-8,10-13,16-18,21-22, and 27. Again and again–whether the body, clothes, vessels, or anything else–the importance of washing with water to remove contamination is stressed.
15:13 bathe his flesh. Here is another example of a health measure not practiced even by medical doctors until modern times after the discovery of bacterial infections. Not only is water necessary for cleansing, but the water must not be merely in a stationary basin. It must be flowing to carry away any bacteria or other pollutants. This practice was well in advance of the practice in other nations of the time.
15:15 sin-offering. The need for sin offerings and burnt offerings (see also Leviticus 15:30) in these situations would indicate that sinful moral or spiritual practices may also have been involved in producing these discharges, in addition to the danger of infecting others physically.