Leviticus 6:28

The clay pot in which the sin offering is boiled must be broken; if it is boiled in a bronze pot, the pot must be scoured and rinsed with water.

Study Bible

The clay pot in which the sin offering is boiled must be broken;
In ancient Israel, clay pots were commonly used for cooking and other household purposes. The requirement to break the clay pot after boiling the sin offering underscores the concept of holiness and separation. Once a clay pot absorbed the impurities of the sin offering, it could not be cleansed and was therefore destroyed to prevent contamination. This reflects the seriousness of sin and the need for purification. The breaking of the pot symbolizes the complete removal of sin, as clay pots were porous and could not be fully purified. This practice highlights the importance of maintaining purity in worship and the sacrificial system.

if it is boiled in a bronze pot,
Bronze, being a non-porous metal, could be cleansed and reused. The use of bronze pots indicates a level of wealth and status, as metal was more durable and valuable than clay. The distinction between clay and bronze pots in this context emphasizes the different methods required to maintain ritual purity. Bronze's ability to withstand fire and be cleansed aligns with the biblical theme of purification through fire, as seen in other scriptures where fire is used to purify and refine (e.g., Malachi 3:2-3).

the pot must be scoured and rinsed with water.
The scouring and rinsing of the bronze pot symbolize the thorough cleansing required to remove any residue of the sin offering. Water is often used in the Bible as a symbol of purification and cleansing (e.g., John 3:5, Ephesians 5:26). This process ensures that the pot is ritually clean and fit for future use. The emphasis on cleansing with water also points to the broader biblical theme of spiritual purification and the need for believers to be cleansed from sin. This practice foreshadows the ultimate cleansing from sin through Jesus Christ, who provides a way for believers to be purified and made holy.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The author of Leviticus, who received the laws from God to instruct the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people to whom the laws were given, specifically regarding the handling of sacrificial offerings.

3. Tabernacle
The place where the sacrificial offerings were made, serving as the dwelling place of God among His people.

4. Priests
The individuals responsible for performing the sacrifices and ensuring the laws were followed correctly.

5. Sacrificial Offerings
The context of the verse, focusing on the handling of offerings and the vessels used in the process.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Purity
The requirement to break or cleanse the pots signifies the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in all aspects of worship. This teaches us to approach God with reverence and respect, ensuring that our lives are clean and dedicated to His service.

Sanctification of Vessels
Just as the vessels used in sacrifices were to be sanctified, we are called to be vessels of honor, set apart for God's purposes. This calls for a life of holiness and dedication to God's will.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The specific instructions for handling the pots remind us that God cares about the details of our worship. We should strive for excellence and obedience in our spiritual practices, recognizing that even small actions matter to God.

Symbolism of Breaking and Cleansing
The breaking of the clay pot and the cleansing of the bronze pot symbolize the breaking of our old selves and the cleansing of our hearts. This points to the transformative work of Christ in our lives, making us new creations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement to break or cleanse the pots used in sacrifices reflect God's standards for holiness in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are vessels of honor, as described in 2 Timothy 2:21, in our daily walk with God?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to maintain purity and holiness in our worship and service to God?

4. How does the symbolism of breaking and cleansing relate to the process of sanctification in the life of a believer?

5. How can we apply the principle of attention to detail in worship to our personal and corporate worship experiences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:37
Discusses the sanctification of the altar, emphasizing the holiness required in handling sacred objects.

Numbers 19:15
Relates to the purity laws, highlighting the importance of cleanliness in objects that come into contact with holy things.

2 Timothy 2:21
Speaks to the idea of being vessels for honorable use, drawing a parallel to the sanctification of objects used in worship.