“And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.”
This verse is part of the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the disposal of the sin offerings made on the Day of Atonement. It specifies that the person responsible for burning the remains of the sin offerings must wash his clothes, bathe his body in water, and then reenter the camp.
To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to have some background information. The Day of Atonement was a solemn occasion when the high priest would make sacrifices to atone for the sins of the Israelites and purify the tabernacle and the people. This annual event was a central part of Israel’s worship and their relationship with God.
Leviticus 16 describes in detail the various rituals performed on this day, including the selection of two goats-one to be sacrificed as a sin offering for the people, and the other to be the scapegoat, symbolically carrying away their sins. The rituals were carried out in the Most Holy Place, which was the innermost part of the tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant resided.
In Leviticus 16:28, the verse emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and purity. The person tasked with burning the sin offerings had to undergo specific cleansing rituals before rejoining the community. This ritual cleansing involved washing his clothes, bathing his body in water, and then returning to the camp. These actions were meant to ensure that the person was physically and ritually clean before reentering the community.
The significance of these purification rituals lies in the idea that sin defiles and separates people from God’s holiness. By performing these actions, the person involved in the disposal of the sin offerings was symbolically cleansed, reinforcing the concept that God is holy, sin is serious, and purification is necessary.
In a broader context, these rituals foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice and atonement provided by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, offered Himself as a once-for-all sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Through His sacrifice, Jesus made a way for humanity to be reconciled with God and obtain true purification from sin.
While the rituals of Leviticus 16 were specific to the Old Testament era and the Jewish community, they provide us with valuable insights into God’s holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the need for purification. They also point us to the ultimate fulfillment of these rituals through Jesus Christ, who became the perfect sacrifice and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
In summary, Leviticus 16:28 highlights the importance of cleanliness and purification in the context of the Day of Atonement. It emphasizes the need for those involved in the disposal of sin offerings to undergo specific cleansing rituals before reentering the community. These rituals symbolize the seriousness of sin and the necessity for purification. Ultimately, they point us to Jesus Christ, who provides complete atonement and purification for all who trust in Him.
