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Numbers 19

22 verses

TL;DR

The chapter details the ritual of the red heifer, outlining its slaughter, burning, and the use of its ashes to purify the Israelites from uncleanness, especially after death.

Summary

Numbers 19 sets forth the law concerning a red heifer that must be without blemish and never yoked. Eleazar the priest slays the animal, takes its blood, and uses cedar, hyssop, and scarlet to burn it entirely, including dung. The ashes of the burnt heifer are collected in a clean place and used with water to create a “water of separation” for purification. Anyone who becomes unclean—by touching a dead body, a bone, or an open vessel—must observe a seven‑day purification period, sprinkling the water on the third and seventh days and then cleansing themselves. Failure to perform the prescribed rituals results in exclusion from Israel, underscoring the seriousness of maintaining holiness.

Outline
  1. 1. Slaughter and burning of the red heifer with cedar, hyssop, and scarlet.
  2. 2. Collection and use of ashes and water of separation for purification of people and objects.
  3. 3. Regulations for uncleanness from death, bones, and vessels, including the purification timeline and penalties.
Themes
Holiness and purityLaw as a covenantal covenantSeparation and atonement
Keywords
red heiferpurificationuncleannessashwater of separationcovenantsincatholic law
People
MosesAaronEleazarthe children of Israelstranger
Places
the campthe tabernacle of the congregationIsrael
Things
red heiferashes of the heifercedar woodhyssopscarletwater of separationopen vessel
Key Verses
  • Numbers 19:1: Introduces the law and its divine command.
  • Numbers 19:4: Details the priest’s sprinkling of the heifer’s blood.
  • Numbers 19:5: Describes the complete burning of the animal.
  • Numbers 19:7: Establishes the priest’s period of uncleanness.
  • Numbers 19:9: Explains the purpose of the ashes and water.
  • Numbers 19:12: Sets the schedule for purification after touching a dead body.
  • Numbers 19:18: Shows how a clean person performs the purification ritual.
Questions
  • Why does the law require a red heifer without blemish?
  • What is the significance of the seven‑day purification period?
  • How does the text define the relationship between cleanliness and participation in Israel’s community?
  • In what ways does the red heifer ritual symbolize larger theological concepts?
Sentiment

mixed
Contains both reverent instructions and punitive warnings, reflecting a tension between holiness and transgression.