Leviticus 14:51

And he shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times:

And he shall take {H3947} the cedar {H730} wood {H6086}, and the hyssop {H231}, and the scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and the living {H2416} bird {H6833}, and dip {H2881} them in the blood {H1818} of the slain {H7819} bird {H6833}, and in the running {H2416} water {H4325}, and sprinkle {H5137} the house {H1004} seven {H7651} times {H6471}:

He is to take the cedar-wood, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn and the live bird and dip them in the blood of the slaughtered bird and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times.

Then he shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet yarn, and the live bird, dip them in the blood of the slaughtered bird and the fresh water, and sprinkle the house seven times.

and he shall take the cedar-wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times:

Commentary

Context of Leviticus 14:51

Leviticus 14:51 is part of a detailed set of instructions concerning the purification ritual for a house afflicted with a "leprous plague," which was likely a severe, defiling mold or mildew. This chapter outlines the process for diagnosing, isolating, and ultimately cleansing or demolishing an infected house. The verse specifically describes the climax of the purification ceremony, where the priest applies the sacrificial elements to the house, symbolizing its thorough cleansing and restoration to a state of ritual purity. This ritual follows the initial examination and the slaying of one of two birds, whose blood is then used in the purification.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Thorough Purification: The act of "sprinkling the house seven times" emphasizes the completeness and efficacy of the cleansing process. The number seven in biblical numerology often signifies perfection or completion.
  • Symbolism of Cleansing: Each element used in the ritual holds symbolic weight. The combination of cedar wood, hyssop, scarlet, and the living bird dipped in the blood of the slain bird, combined with running water, represents a comprehensive act of purification and renewal.
  • Divine Holiness and Order: The meticulous instructions for these rituals underscore God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity among His people and within their living spaces. It demonstrates God's provision for dealing with defilement and restoring fellowship.
  • Atonement and Restoration: While not a sin offering in the same way, the use of blood signifies a covering or propitiation, allowing the defiled house to be restored to its proper function within the community of a holy God.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Cedar wood" (Hebrew: erez): Cedar was prized for its durability, aromatic qualities, and resistance to decay, often symbolizing permanence, strength, or majesty in ancient Near Eastern cultures. In purification rites, it might represent a lasting cleansing.
  • "Hyssop" (Hebrew: ezov): A small, humble plant often used in purification rituals for sprinkling (e.g., Exodus 12:22 for the Passover blood, or Psalm 51:7 for spiritual cleansing). It symbolized humility and the ability to cleanse.
  • "Scarlet" (Hebrew: tola'at shani): This vibrant red dye, often derived from a worm, had various symbolic associations. It could represent life, vitality, or even sin (as in Isaiah 1:18, "though your sins be as scarlet"). In purification contexts, it often pointed to the life-giving or life-restoring power of the blood sacrifice, or the intensity of the cleansing process.
  • "Running water" (Hebrew: mayim chayim): Literally "living water," referring to fresh, flowing spring water, as opposed to stagnant water. This concept is vital, symbolizing purity, life, and the ability to wash away defilement, foreshadowing later biblical references to living water as spiritual refreshment.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the specific ritual of cleansing a "leprous" house is no longer practiced, Leviticus 14:51 offers timeless spiritual insights:

  • God's Desire for Purity: This passage reminds us that God desires purity not only in our hearts but also in our environments. While not physical "leprosy," sin is a defiling agent that impacts all aspects of our lives and surroundings.
  • The Need for Thorough Cleansing: Just as the house required a meticulous, comprehensive ritual, so too does our spiritual cleansing require a complete work. This points to the ultimate and complete purification offered through Jesus Christ.
  • Foreshadowing Christ's Sacrifice: The use of blood and water, and the release of the living bird, all prefigure the work of Jesus. His shed blood brings atonement and purification (Hebrews 9:22), and He is the source of "living water" that cleanses us from within. The thorough "sprinkling" finds its spiritual parallel in our hearts being sprinkled clean from an evil conscience.
  • God's Provision: Even in dealing with defilement, God provides a way back to purity and fellowship. This ancient ritual highlights God's grace in making a way for restoration, a grace fully realized in the new covenant.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 51:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.