“And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 19, the chapter deals with the purification of the Israelites from various forms of uncleanness, including contact with a dead body.
The Ashes of the Red Heifer:In this verse, the instructions are given for dealing with someone who has become unclean by contact with a dead body. The Israelites were to take the ashes of a burnt heifer of purification for sin and mix it with running water in a vessel.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance:The ashes of the burnt heifer were used in the process of purification from ceremonial uncleanness caused by contact with a dead body. The red heifer was sacrificed outside the camp, and its ashes were gathered and kept for future use. The mixture of the ashes and running water created a solution that had cleansing properties.
- The Red Heifer: The red heifer was a unique sacrificial animal, without blemish or defect, that was used specifically for purification purposes. The red colour symbolised sin and the need for cleansing. The sacrifice of the red heifer prefigures the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was without sin and gave Himself as a perfect offering for the forgiveness of sins.
- Running Water: Running or living water refers to water that is fresh, flowing, and not stagnant. In the Bible, water often represents purification, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit. Running water signifies the continuous movement and renewal of the Spirit of God, which is necessary for spiritual cleansing and restoration.
Application and Lessons:
- The Need for Purification: The concept of ceremonial purity and impurity in the Old Testament serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the need for His people to be set apart. It emphasises the importance of dealing with sin and its effects in our lives. As believers, we are called to live holy and consecrated lives, seeking forgiveness and cleansing from our sins through Jesus Christ.
- The Sacrifice of Christ: The ritual of the red heifer and its ashes points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Just as the red heifer was sacrificed outside the camp, Jesus was crucified outside the city walls of Jerusalem. His sacrifice provides complete and permanent purification for sin, once and for all, for all who believe in Him.
- Cleansing through the Holy Spirit: The mixture of the ashes and running water represents the combination of the sacrifice of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, brings us to repentance, and continually works within us to cleanse and renew our hearts. We need the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to purify us and empower us to live in obedience to God’s commands.
- Walking in Obedience: The Israelites were required to follow specific instructions regarding the use of the ashes and running water. Similarly, we are called to obey God’s commands and follow His instructions for living a holy life. This includes confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and allowing the Holy Spirit to purify and guide us.
In conclusion, Numbers 19:17 highlights the process of purification from uncleanness through the use of the ashes of the red heifer and running water. This ritual foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and emphasises the need for ongoing purification and renewal in the lives of believers through the work of the Holy Spirit.
