Numbers 19:17

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:

And for an unclean {H2931} person they shall take {H3947} of the ashes {H6083} of the burnt heifer {H8316} of purification for sin {H2403}, and running {H2416} water {H4325} shall be put {H5414} thereto in a vessel {H3627}:

"For the unclean person they are to take some of the ashes of the animal burned up as a purification from sin and add them to fresh water in a container.

For the purification of the unclean person, take some of the ashes of the burnt sin offering, put them in a jar, and pour fresh water over them.

And for the unclean they shall take of the ashes of the burning of the sin-offering; and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel:

Commentary

Numbers 19:17 describes a crucial step in the ancient Israelite ritual for purifying a person who had become ceremonially unclean, particularly through contact with a dead body. This verse highlights the essential ingredients for the "water of separation" or "water of purification" – the ashes of the red heifer mixed with fresh, flowing water.

Context of Purification

This verse is part of the extensive laws found in Numbers chapter 19, which details the unique ritual of the red heifer. Unlike other sacrifices, the red heifer was entirely burned outside the camp, and its ashes were collected. These ashes were not for a single atonement but served as a perpetual means of ceremonial cleansing from defilement, especially that incurred by contact with death, which rendered a person ritually impure and unable to participate in worship or community life. The process described here was vital for maintaining the holiness of the camp and allowing defiled individuals to be restored to fellowship.

Key Elements and Their Significance

  • Ashes of the Burnt Heifer: These ashes, derived from a perfect, unblemished red heifer that had never borne a yoke, symbolized the complete consumption and finality of the sacrifice. They represented a potent, lasting agent of purification, capable of cleansing even the most profound form of ritual uncleanness – that caused by death. The rarity and specific requirements of the red heifer underscored the seriousness of defilement and the unique provision for its removal.
  • Running Water (Living Water): The Hebrew phrase for "running water" is mayim chayim, literally "living water." This refers to fresh, spring water, not stagnant water. The use of living water symbolizes life, purity, and renewal. When mixed with the ashes, it formed a potent solution for purification. The combination of the ashes (representing death and sacrifice) and living water (representing life and cleansing) is highly symbolic.
  • Purpose: Purification for Sin: While this ritual cleansed ceremonial impurity, it served as a powerful object lesson about the need for cleansing from all forms of defilement, including moral sin. It allowed the unclean person to be purified and rejoin the community and the tabernacle worship, emphasizing God's provision for restoration.

Theological Insights and Application

The ritual described in Numbers 19:17, though ceremonial, carries profound theological implications. The author of Hebrews later points to the red heifer ceremony as a shadow of a greater reality, stating that if the "ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh," how much more shall the blood of Christ purify our consciences (Hebrews 9:13-14). Just as the ashes provided a lasting means of purification for the Israelites, the one-time, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ provides eternal cleansing from the defilement of sin.

For believers today, this verse reminds us of God's meticulous provision for cleansing and restoration. While we are no longer bound by these Old Testament ceremonial laws, the principle remains: defilement separates us from God and His holy presence. Yet, through faith in Jesus Christ, we have access to a complete and ongoing purification that addresses not just ritual impurity but the deepest spiritual uncleanness. It highlights the truth that true purification comes through sacrifice and the life-giving power of God's Spirit, allowing us to draw near to God with a clean conscience, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:22.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 7:17

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Numbers 19:9

    And a man [that is] clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay [them] up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it [is] a purification for sin.

  • Genesis 26:19

    And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:15

    ¶ A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.

  • John 7:38

    He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

  • John 4:10

    Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

  • John 4:11

    The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
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