“But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.”
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible, and it describes the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In Numbers 19, God gives Moses and Aaron instructions regarding the purification of the people and objects that have come into contact with death or defilement.
Explanation: In Numbers 19:20, the verse focuses on a person who becomes unclean but fails to purify themselves according to the prescribed ritual. This failure to undergo the required purification process results in the individual being cut off from the congregation of Israel. The phrase “cut off” signifies being excluded or separated from the community and its blessings. The reason for this severe consequence is that the person has defiled the sanctuary of the Lord by not following the purification regulations.
The “water of separation” mentioned in the verse refers to the water mixed with the ashes of a red heifer, which was used in the purification process. The ashes of the red heifer were mixed with water and used to purify those who had become ceremonially unclean due to contact with a dead body. This purification ritual was necessary to restore a person’s ceremonial cleanliness and allow them to participate fully in the worship and community life of Israel.
Application:While the purification rituals described in Numbers 19 were specific to the Old Testament Israelite community, there are some principles we can draw from this passage for our spiritual lives today:
- Holiness and purity:God is holy and desires His people to be holy as well. Just as the Israelites had to undergo a purification process, we also need to pursue holiness in our lives. This involves confessing our sins, seeking God’s forgiveness, and making efforts to live according to His commands.
- Respect for God’s sanctuary:The sanctuary represented God’s presence among the Israelites. Today, as believers, we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We should strive to keep ourselves pure and free from defilement, respecting our bodies as holy vessels dedicated to God’s service.
- Obedience to God’s commands:The severe consequence of being “cut off” from the congregation highlights the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. We should take God’s commands seriously and strive to follow them faithfully, recognizing that disobedience can lead to spiritual separation and loss of fellowship with God and His people.
- Redemption through Christ:While the purification rituals of the Old Testament pointed to the need for cleansing and atonement, as Christians, we believe in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He has provided ultimate purification and forgiveness for our sins. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus’ blood has cleansed us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
In conclusion, Numbers 19:20 reminds us of the significance of holiness, obedience, and the need for purification in our relationship with God. Through Christ, we have access to forgiveness and cleansing, enabling us to live in fellowship with God and His people.
