Leviticus 14:6

And he is to take the live bird together with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water.

Study Bible

He is to take the live bird
In the Hebrew context, the "live bird" represents life and freedom. The use of a live bird in the purification ritual symbolizes the restoration of the individual to the community and to God. The bird's eventual release signifies the liberation from impurity and sin, reflecting the grace and mercy of God in restoring the unclean to a state of purity.

together with the cedar wood
Cedar wood, known for its durability and pleasant aroma, symbolizes strength and incorruptibility. In ancient times, cedar was used in construction and religious rituals, signifying longevity and divine presence. The inclusion of cedar wood in the ritual underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant and the purification process, pointing to the strength and permanence of God's cleansing power.

the scarlet yarn
Scarlet yarn, with its vivid red color, is often associated with sin and redemption in the Bible. The color red can symbolize both sin (Isaiah 1:18) and the blood of atonement. In this context, the scarlet yarn represents the blood of Christ, which cleanses believers from sin. It serves as a reminder of the sacrificial system that pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.

and the hyssop
Hyssop is a plant used in ancient purification rites, known for its cleansing properties. In the Bible, hyssop is associated with purification and sacrifice (Psalm 51:7, John 19:29). Its use in this ritual highlights the need for spiritual cleansing and the removal of impurity, pointing to the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice.

and dip them along with the live bird
The act of dipping signifies immersion and identification with the sacrificial act. This immersion in the blood of the slaughtered bird symbolizes the complete cleansing and transformation of the individual. It reflects the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection, leading to new life and purity.

in the blood of the bird that was slaughtered
The blood of the slaughtered bird represents the atoning sacrifice necessary for purification. In the Old Testament, blood is a powerful symbol of life and atonement (Leviticus 17:11). This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood was shed for the remission of sins, providing a way for believers to be reconciled to God.

over the fresh water
Fresh water, or "living water," symbolizes life, purity, and the Holy Spirit. In biblical symbolism, water is often associated with cleansing and renewal (John 4:10, John 7:38-39). The use of fresh water in this ritual emphasizes the renewal and life-giving aspect of God's cleansing work, pointing to the spiritual renewal available through the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
In Leviticus 14, the priest plays a crucial role in the purification process for someone healed of a skin disease. The priest acts as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the laws of cleanliness are upheld.

2. Cleansed Person
This refers to the individual who has been healed of a skin disease and is undergoing the purification process as outlined in Leviticus 14.

3. Live Bird
One of the two birds used in the purification ritual. The live bird is released into the open field after being dipped in the blood of the bird that was sacrificed, symbolizing the removal of impurity.

4. Cedar Wood, Scarlet Yarn, and Hyssop
These items are used in the purification ritual. Cedar wood and hyssop have symbolic meanings of purification and cleansing, while scarlet yarn may represent the blood and sacrifice involved in atonement.

5. Open Field
The place where the live bird is released, symbolizing freedom and the complete removal of impurity from the community.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Cleansing
The ritual in Leviticus 14:6 symbolizes the complete cleansing and removal of sin. Just as the live bird is set free, we are set free from sin through Christ.

Role of the Priest
The priest's role in the purification process highlights the need for a mediator. In the New Testament, Jesus is our High Priest who mediates on our behalf.

Importance of Obedience
The detailed instructions for purification emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands. Our obedience reflects our faith and trust in God's plan for our lives.

Spiritual Cleansing
The physical act of cleansing in Leviticus points to the deeper need for spiritual cleansing. We are called to seek purity in our hearts and lives through repentance and faith in Jesus.

Community Restoration
The ritual not only cleanses the individual but also restores them to the community. Similarly, our spiritual cleansing restores our relationship with God and others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 14:6 foreshadow the role of Jesus as our High Priest in the New Testament?

2. What is the significance of the live bird being released into the open field, and how does this relate to the concept of freedom from sin?

3. How can the use of cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop in the purification ritual inform our understanding of spiritual cleansing today?

4. In what ways does the purification process in Leviticus 14 emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands?

5. How can we apply the principles of community restoration found in Leviticus 14 to our relationships within the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
The Day of Atonement rituals also involve the use of two animals, one of which is released, symbolizing the removal of sin from the people.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the purification rituals and how they foreshadow the ultimate cleansing through Christ's sacrifice.

Psalm 51
David's plea for cleansing and purification, using hyssop as a symbol of being made clean.

John 19
The crucifixion of Jesus, where hyssop is mentioned, connecting the Old Testament purification rituals to the New Testament fulfillment in Christ.