John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. But it shall be on the seventh day , etc.] After he was first brought to the priest, and cleansed by the two birds, taken and used for him as directed, and he had been shaved and washed: that he shall shave all his hair ; a second time, whatsoever was grown in those seven days: all off his head, and his beard, and his eyebrows; even all his hair he shall shave off ; not only the hair of the parts mentioned, but all other, the hair of his feet also, as Aben Ezra notes, who observes, that some say, the hair of his arms, and thighs, and breast; and so according to the Misnah f489 , this was a second shaving, for it is said, “in the seventh day he shaves a second time, according to the first shaving:” he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean ; this was also repeated on the seventh, both the washing of his clothes, and the dipping of him in water; after which he was accounted clean, and was neither defiled nor defiling, and might go into his own tent or house, and into the tabernacle, and offer his offerings, and partake of the privileges of it, at least some of them, even the same day; according to the tradition he may eat of the tithes, and after sunset he may eat of the heave offerings, and when he has brought his atonement he may eat of the holy things f490 .
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-9 - The priests could not cleanse the lepers; but when the Lord removed the plague, various rules were to be observed in admitting them again to the ordinances of God, and the society of his people. They represen many duties and exercises of truly repenting sinners, and the duties of ministers respecting them. If we apply this to the spiritual leprosy of sin, it intimates that when we withdraw from those who walk disorderly we must not count them as enemies, but admonish them as brethren. An also that when God by his grace has brought to repentance, they ough with tenderness and joy, and sincere affection, to be received again Care should always be taken that sinners may not be encouraged, no penitents discouraged. If it were found that the leprosy was healed the priest must declare it with the particular solemnities her described. The two birds, one killed, and the other dipped in the bloo of the bird that was killed, and then let loose, may signify Chris shedding his blood for sinners, and rising and ascending into heaven The priest having pronounced the leper clean from the disease, he mus make himself clean from all remains of it. Thus those who have comfor of the remission of their sins, must with care and caution cleans themselves from sins; for every one that has this hope in him, will be concerned to purify himself.
Original Hebrew והיה1961 ביום3117 השׁביעי7637 יגלח1548 את853 כל3605 שׂערו8181 את853 ראשׁו7218 ואת853 זקנו2206 ואת853 גבת1354 עיניו5869 ואת853 כל3605 שׂערו8181 יגלח1548 וכבס3526 את853 בגדיו899 ורחץ7364 את853 בשׂרו1320 במים4325 וטהר׃2891
