Leviticus 14:4

the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed.

Study Bible

the priest shall order
In the Levitical system, the priest acted as a mediator between God and the people, reflecting the role of Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The priest's authority to order the cleansing process underscores the importance of divine instruction and order in worship and purification.

that two live clean birds
The use of clean birds, likely doves or pigeons, signifies purity and innocence. Birds were often used in sacrifices for those who could not afford larger animals (Leviticus 5:7). This provision highlights God's compassion and accessibility to all, regardless of economic status. The two birds can also symbolize the dual aspects of Christ's work: His death and resurrection.

cedar wood
Cedar wood was valued for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing incorruptibility and eternal life. It was used in the construction of the temple (1 Kings 6:9-10), linking it to holiness and divine presence. The use of cedar in the cleansing ritual points to the enduring nature of God's covenant and the eternal life offered through Christ.

scarlet yarn
Scarlet yarn, or thread, represents sin and redemption. Isaiah 1:18 speaks of sins being as scarlet, yet becoming white as snow. The color also recalls the blood of Christ, which cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7). The scarlet yarn in the ritual signifies the need for atonement and the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice.

and hyssop
Hyssop was used for purification and cleansing (Psalm 51:7). It was also used to apply the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:22), foreshadowing Christ's sacrificial death. In John 19:29, hyssop is mentioned at the crucifixion, connecting it to the ultimate act of purification through Jesus.

be brought for the one to be cleansed
The act of bringing these items for cleansing emphasizes the necessity of preparation and obedience in approaching God. It reflects the believer's journey from impurity to holiness, made possible through Christ's atoning work. The cleansing ritual serves as a type of the spiritual cleansing available through faith in Jesus, who makes us clean before God (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Priest
The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, performing rituals for cleansing and atonement.

2. The Cleansed Person
This refers to the individual who has been healed of a skin disease, often translated as leprosy, and is undergoing the purification process.

3. Two Live Clean Birds
These birds are part of the ritual for purification, symbolizing life and freedom.

4. Cedar Wood
Known for its durability and fragrance, cedar wood is used in the purification process, symbolizing strength and purification.

5. Scarlet Yarn
This represents the color of blood, often associated with sacrifice and atonement.

6. Hyssop
A plant used for sprinkling in purification rites, symbolizing cleansing and purification.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Cleansing
The elements used in Leviticus 14:4 symbolize different aspects of spiritual cleansing. Cedar wood represents strength and endurance, scarlet yarn signifies sacrifice, and hyssop denotes purification. These elements point to the comprehensive nature of God's cleansing.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator highlights the importance of intercession and the need for a mediator between God and humanity. This foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Christ.

Spiritual Cleansing
Just as the physical cleansing was necessary for the healed leper, spiritual cleansing is essential for believers. This involves repentance and seeking God's forgiveness through Christ.

Community Restoration
The cleansing process allowed the healed person to be restored to the community, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and restoration in the body of Christ.

Foreshadowing Christ's Sacrifice
The ritual elements and the process of cleansing foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who provides complete and eternal cleansing from sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14:4 reflect the role of Jesus as our High Priest?

2. In what ways do the elements used in the cleansing ritual (birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, hyssop) point to the work of Christ?

3. How can we apply the concept of spiritual cleansing in our daily walk with God?

4. What does the restoration of the cleansed person to the community teach us about forgiveness and reconciliation?

5. How do the purification rituals in Leviticus enhance our understanding of the sacrifice of Jesus as described in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 51
David's plea for cleansing uses hyssop as a metaphor for purification, connecting to the cleansing rituals in Leviticus.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the purification rites and how they foreshadow the ultimate cleansing through Christ's sacrifice.

John 19
The use of hyssop at the crucifixion of Jesus connects to its symbolic use in purification and sacrifice.