Leviticus 6:11

Then he must take off his garments, put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place.

Study Bible

Then he must take off his garments
This phrase refers to the priest's duty to change his clothing after performing the sacrificial duties. The garments worn during the offering process were considered holy and were not to be worn outside the sacred space. This act symbolizes the separation between the holy and the common, emphasizing the need for purity and reverence in approaching God. The changing of garments can also be seen as a type of Christ, who took on human flesh (Philippians 2:7) and later was glorified.

put on other clothes
The instruction to put on different clothes signifies a transition from sacred duties to a more common task. This change underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the priestly garments, which were to be worn only within the tabernacle or temple precincts. It reflects the broader biblical theme of being clothed in righteousness (Isaiah 61:10) and the transformation that occurs when one is in service to God.

and carry the ashes outside the camp
The removal of ashes to a place outside the camp highlights the need to keep the camp pure and free from the remnants of sin offerings. This practice points to the separation of sin from the community, a theme that is echoed in the New Testament with the removal of sin through Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 13:11-12). The act of taking the ashes outside the camp also prefigures Christ's crucifixion outside the city walls of Jerusalem.

to a ceremonially clean place
The requirement for a clean place for the disposal of ashes underscores the importance of maintaining ritual purity. This reflects the broader Levitical concern with cleanliness and holiness, which is central to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The concept of ceremonial cleanliness is fulfilled in Christ, who makes believers clean through His atoning work (1 John 1:7).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The individual responsible for performing the duties described in this verse, including changing garments and handling the ashes.

2. Garments
The specific clothing worn by the priest during the sacrificial duties, which must be changed before carrying the ashes.

3. Ashes
The remains of the burnt offering, symbolizing the consumed sacrifice and the completion of the offering process.

4. Outside the Camp
The designated area where the ashes are to be taken, symbolizing separation from the holy place.

5. Clean Place
A location that is ceremonially pure, ensuring that the remains of the sacrifice are treated with respect and not defiled.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The act of taking ashes outside the camp underscores the importance of maintaining holiness by separating what is holy from what is common or completed.

Symbolism of Garments
Changing garments signifies a transition from one sacred duty to another, reminding us of the need for purity in our service to God.

Respect for the Sacrifice
The careful handling of ashes reflects the reverence due to the sacrificial process, encouraging us to treat our spiritual commitments with respect.

Purity in Service
The requirement for a clean place highlights the necessity of purity in our service to God, both physically and spiritually.

Christ's Fulfillment
The removal of ashes points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which was completed outside the city, fulfilling the law and bringing us into a new covenant.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the requirement to change garments before handling the ashes teach us about the nature of holiness in our daily lives?

2. How does the concept of taking ashes outside the camp relate to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of separating the holy from the common in our personal and communal worship practices?

4. How does the handling of ashes in Leviticus 6:11 connect to the broader theme of purity found throughout the Old Testament?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our service to God is conducted in a "clean place," both physically and spiritually?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:14
Discusses the burning of the bull's flesh, hide, and dung outside the camp, connecting to the theme of removing what is unclean or completed from the holy area.

Hebrews 13:11-13
Relates to the concept of Jesus suffering outside the city gate, drawing a parallel to the removal of ashes outside the camp.

Numbers 19:9
Describes the handling of ashes from the red heifer, emphasizing the importance of purity and cleanliness in sacrificial practices.