Leviticus — Chapter 14

The purification rite for the healed leper involves two birds, cedar wood, scarlet thread, and hyssop. Lapide cites Origen (hom. 8 in Lev.) and the Fathers explaining the allegorical significance: the two birds signify the two natures of Christ — one is sacrificed (His death), the other released (His resurrection); the cedar and hyssop signify the height of His divinity and the humility of His Incarnation; the scarlet thread, His passion. The living bird dipped in the blood and released over the field mirrors the Resurrection.

On the eighth day of purification, the healed leper offers two he-lambs, one ewe-lamb, three tenths of fine flour, and oil (Lev. 14:10-11). Lapide: the eighth day figures the Resurrection and new creation. The healed leper fully restored to the community is the figure of the sinner reconciled to the Church through confession and penance. The elaborate ceremony of reintegration — with blood and oil applied to ear, thumb, and toe — signifies the reconsecration of the whole person to God's service.

The blood and oil applied to the healed leper's right ear, right thumb, and right great toe (Lev. 14:14-18) complete his restoration. Lapide follows Origen and Beda: the right ear figures the hearing of the divine word with obedience; the right thumb, the working of good deeds; the right toe, the walking in the way of life. The twofold anointing — first with blood, then with oil — figures first the application of Christ's redemption, then the gift of the Holy Ghost. This rite strongly prefigures both Baptism and Confirmation.

That thou mayst learn when it is clean, or unclean (Lev. 14:57). The entire legislation on leprosy concludes with the purpose clause: to teach discernment of clean and unclean. Lapide: the primary function of the priest was diagnostic — examining, judging, and declaring the state of the penitent, not merely offering sacrifices. This is the direct Mosaic warrant for the confessor's role: not merely to pronounce absolution but to judge the state of the soul, discern the seriousness of sins, and impose appropriate penance.