Samaritans, Jesus, and the Question of Leprosy in the Bible

What we today call leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) is almost certainly not the disease translated as “leprosy” in almost all English translations. Why? Also, if the Samaritans studied the Torah, expected the Messiah, and once had a temple to Yahweh, how far separated were they from the Jews in the 1st century? What archaeological discovery from the Jerusalem temple provides a connection with what Jesus calls the Samaritan in Luke 17? In this week’s Reading the Gospels through Hebrew Eyes, Chad Bird tackles these questions and more.

[@mabelchiu2205]

I really appreciate your teaching. Dig so deep into his words that I ever thought of. Thank you!

[@mjryan3588]

Great work man continue what you're doing love the way you break it down for the most simplest brain capacity complexes out there including sometimes myself

[@astroboytintin]

Thank you Chad for this informative and fascinating explanation, just brilliant on so many levels. This account also seems to be another instance where Jesus is cast in a priestly light to convey that He is the fulfilment of the OT Temple/priest - we see the the OT parallels to Temple/priestly actions, holiness, ritual cleansing, healing and the giving of praise. I also appreciated your comments on the layers of separation within the Temple precinct (with its important OT origin), and how this account shows that Jesus is dismantling those barriers, because now it is he who makes us holy as we encounter and enter His presence (refer 'contagious holiness' as per C. Blomberg).

[@terrytaerum7087]

I particularly like the way you use the Samaritan's worship as an example where Jesus, as God, tabernacles among us. A person also has to ponder what Jewish priests would think of a Samaritan (foreigner) coming to be declared "clean" - particularly on the eighth day where oil and lamb sacrifice are prescribed for a right ear, right thumb, and right toe anointing.

[@timessquare8262]

Would the temple court area with the warning sign have been the same area where Jesus turned over the tabes? If so, how does that episode inform the themes of foreigner and location in this passage?

[@chadbird1517]

Yes, the same general area: in the Court of the Gentiles. The signage would have been on the inner ring of that court to prevent non-Jews from proceeding any closer to the temple proper. What Jesus did intersects with the signage in that Christ's overturning of the tables was a prophetic act that foreshadows the temple's destruction. The temple's days were numbered, as were its boundaries, because a new and better temple was here: the body of Jesus.

[@jtzutube]

More.

[@rajiantony6306]

Peace be with you too🙏🙏🙏

[@leewilliams3014]

Thi is very helpful! Thank you for putting this together. I have a question about Alter’s observation of the unanswered question(s): does this literary device have a name? If you have any reference to how a Hebrew grammar would define this kind of interrogative discourse would be greatly appreciated! Thank you again for the thoroughness of your presentation.

[@chadbird1517]

Lee, thank you. I have searched in vain for a name to this device that Alter describes. And, so far, he is the only one I've stumbled across who describes it. I will keep searching and let you know if find some answers. I appreciate your question.

[@leewilliams3014]

Thank you for your prompt response! I am currently studying Hebrew discourse and find your mention of Alter’s observation interesting. I’m sure some grammarian are some point put a name to it! I’ll also keep looking. Thank you again for your work!

[@ELMohel]

Simply Amazing! Your citing of others to exemplify this, the most glossed over passage with absolute clarity. Thank you. Peace, Health, and Life to you.

[@brunet42]

And prayers of peace for you and your family and to my family as we mourn the loss of our sons.

[@brunet42]

Glad to hear your sharing of the peace with us this week. As always I find your words deepening my understanding of the totality of the Bible. Last week I asked in the comments about listening on your walks. Where do you find your listening material. Or rather where can I find it? The listening complements the reading.

[@chadbird1517]

I listen to biblical books on YouVersion, the Bible app. I also use Audible for audio books and courses. If you’re a podcast person, 1517.org has several podcasts geared around Bible and theology, like mine “40 Minutes in the Old Testament.” A wealth of material out there.