Numbers 19:18

Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle the tent, all the furnishings, and the people who were there. He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, or a person who has died or been slain.

Study Bible

Then a man who is ceremonially clean
In the context of the Old Testament, ceremonial cleanliness was crucial for participating in religious activities. This requirement underscores the importance of purity in worship and service to God. The man must be free from any defilement, highlighting the separation between the holy and the profane. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be holy and set apart (1 Peter 1:16).

is to take some hyssop
Hyssop is a plant used in various purification rites in the Bible. It symbolizes cleansing and purification, as seen in Psalm 51:7, where David asks God to cleanse him with hyssop. The use of hyssop in this context connects to the Passover in Exodus 12:22, where it was used to apply the blood of the lamb, foreshadowing Christ's sacrificial death.

dip it in the water
The water here is mixed with the ashes of a red heifer, as described earlier in Numbers 19. This mixture was used for purification from sin and defilement. Water is a recurring symbol of cleansing and renewal throughout Scripture, seen in baptism and Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus about being born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5).

and sprinkle the tent, all the furnishings, and the people who were there
The act of sprinkling signifies the transfer of purity from the water to the objects and people, making them ceremonially clean. This practice reflects the pervasive nature of sin and the need for comprehensive cleansing. It parallels the New Testament teaching of sanctification, where believers are cleansed by the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:13-14).

He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, or a person who has died or been slain
Contact with death rendered a person unclean, emphasizing the separation between life and death in God's covenant community. This requirement highlights the seriousness of sin and death, which are overcome through Christ's resurrection. The cleansing ritual points to the ultimate purification from sin and death through Jesus, who conquered the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Clean Man
This refers to an individual who is ceremonially clean, meaning he has not been defiled by contact with a corpse or other sources of impurity. His role is crucial in the purification process.

2. Hyssop
A plant used in ancient purification rituals. It symbolizes cleansing and purification throughout the Bible.

3. The Tent and Furnishings
Represents the dwelling place and its contents, which must be purified if they have been in contact with death.

4. The People
Those who were present in the tent or who have come into contact with death, requiring purification to restore ceremonial cleanliness.

5. Human Bone, Grave, Deceased Person
These are sources of ceremonial impurity, according to the Mosaic Law, necessitating the purification process described.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Purification
The ritual underscores the seriousness of sin and death, which defile and separate us from God. It reminds us of our need for spiritual cleansing.

Symbolism of Hyssop
Hyssop represents the means by which God provides purification. In the New Testament, this points to the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.

Community Responsibility
The clean man’s role in the purification process highlights the importance of community in maintaining spiritual purity and accountability.

The Holiness of God
The detailed purification process reflects God's holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and purity.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The Old Testament rituals foreshadow the complete and perfect cleansing available through Jesus Christ, who purifies us from all unrighteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the clean man in Numbers 19:18 reflect our responsibility to help others in their spiritual walk today?

2. In what ways does the use of hyssop in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament understanding of purification through Christ?

3. How can we apply the principle of community responsibility for purity in our church or small group settings?

4. What does the detailed process of purification in Numbers 19:18 teach us about the nature of sin and its impact on our relationship with God?

5. How does understanding the Old Testament purification rituals enhance our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus as described in Hebrews 9:13-14?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 51:7
David's plea for purification with hyssop connects to the cleansing theme in Numbers 19:18, highlighting the spiritual need for cleansing from sin.

Hebrews 9:13-14
This passage contrasts the Old Testament purification rituals with the superior cleansing offered through the blood of Christ, emphasizing the fulfillment of the law in Jesus.

John 19:29
The use of hyssop at the crucifixion of Jesus symbolizes the ultimate purification and fulfillment of the Old Testament law.