Numbers 19 Commentary
The Water of Cleansing is a shortcut to a lengthy and complicated cleansing process. By using this water, an individual will have undergone the entire process!
The Water of Cleansing works like a substitute.
Behind this substitute is a complex web of activities and objects. It can never be practical for an individual to implement the actual cleansing process! Eleazer isn’t the High Priest yet, but owing to his father’s advanced years, he functions like one here.
You also must find a red cow (heifer) without defect and unemployed. The process is costly and nearly impossible in many areas for individuals. A substitute makes sense: Water of Cleansing!
The whole animal is burned but it isn’t equivalent to the usual Burnt Offering. In the Burnt Offering, fire is used to “cook” food for the LORD God, producing a pleasing aroma in the process. In the case of the Water of Cleansing, fire is used to burn “guilt”.
The color of the cow has its own story. Hyssop, cedar wood, and a red cord present a familiar cleansing process. The Lord says, “Now, let’s settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.” Isaiah 1 verse 18.
What exactly is this water (expensive water) used for?
Whoever comes in contact with a corpse… It is significant that these instructions come after the events of Korah’s rebellion. The LORD doesn’t want anyone to die; He isn’t trigger-happy. His love for mankind says no.
Contact with a corpse is contact with death. It is “contact” with punishment. The solution to this uncleanliness tells you the “back-stage” story of redemption only possible by Calvary.
Remember how death is the punishment for “eating the fruit”. Notice how the LORD wants Israel to stay away from symbols representing the spiritual realities! See how the LORD simplifies a truly complex process by reducing it to the Water of Cleansing!
Also, see the consequence of failing or refusing to cleanse yourself of an abstract offense – exclusion from God’s community. At some point, this punishment shall mean “exclusion from Heaven”. Ponder.
More resources visit http://www.lovingscripture.com
LOVING SCRIPTURE 