Abstract:
This article engages with the issue of the אָשָׁם sacrifice in Leviticus 14. Firstly, the paper provides
an overview of the extensive cleansing ritual in Leviticus 14. Then the issue of the relation
between צָרַ֫עַת and sin is addressed, with some scholars arguing against any causal connection
in Leviticus 14. Although the latter argument can be made from a literary perspective, the
presence of the אָשָׁם sacrifice, which is usually linked with sin against the sanctuary and
YHWH, spoils the argument. After engaging with the meaning of the אָשָׁם sacrifice, the article
presents another possible solution by arguing that we should distinguish between what the
authors of the text thought and how their audience might have understood the relation
between צָרַ֫עַת and sin.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article makes use of traditional
historical-critical insights and consists mostly of an intradisciplinary discussion. The study’s
conclusions could potentially have implications for disciplines such as ritual studies and
pastoral care.
