Leviticus 6:11

Then he must take off his garments, put on other clothes, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a ceremonially clean place.

Study Bible

Then he must take off his garments
In the Hebrew context, the phrase "take off his garments" signifies a transition from one state of service to another. The Hebrew word for "garments" (בֶּגֶד, beged) often refers to clothing that signifies one's role or status. In the priestly context, garments were not just functional but symbolic of holiness and service. The act of removing these garments indicates a shift from sacred duties within the tabernacle to a task that, while still important, is not directly part of the worship service. This underscores the importance of maintaining purity and separation between the holy and the common.

put on other clothes
The instruction to "put on other clothes" highlights the need for appropriate attire for different tasks. The Hebrew word for "other" (אַחֵר, acher) suggests a distinction from the holy garments worn during sacrificial duties. This change of clothing symbolizes a transition to a less sacred task, emphasizing the need for cleanliness and order even in mundane activities. It reflects the broader biblical principle that God cares about the details of our lives and that every action, even those outside direct worship, should be conducted with reverence and respect.

and carry the ashes
The act of carrying the ashes is a humble yet significant task. The Hebrew word for "ashes" (דֶּשֶׁן, deshen) refers to the remains of the burnt offering, which were considered holy. The priest's responsibility to handle these ashes with care reflects the ongoing respect for the sacrifices made to God. This task, though seemingly menial, is a reminder of the continual need for purification and the removal of sin, symbolized by the burnt offering.

outside the camp
The phrase "outside the camp" is significant in the context of ancient Israelite society. The camp represented the community of God's people, and anything taken outside was considered removed from the sacred space. This act symbolizes the separation of sin and impurity from the community. In a broader theological sense, it points to the need for holiness and the removal of anything that defiles from the presence of God’s people.

to a ceremonially clean place
The requirement to take the ashes to a "ceremonially clean place" underscores the importance of maintaining purity even in the disposal of sacrificial remains. The Hebrew word for "clean" (טָהוֹר, tahor) is often used in Levitical law to denote ritual purity. This instruction ensures that the holiness of the sacrifice is respected even in its disposal, reflecting the broader biblical theme that God’s standards of holiness extend to all areas of life. It serves as a reminder that God’s people are called to live in a state of purity and reverence, both in worship and in daily life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The individual responsible for performing the duties described in this verse, including changing garments and handling the ashes.

2. Garments
The specific clothing worn by the priest during the sacrificial duties, which must be changed before carrying the ashes.

3. Ashes
The remains of the burnt offering, symbolizing the consumed sacrifice and the completion of the offering process.

4. Outside the Camp
The designated area where the ashes are to be taken, symbolizing separation from the holy place.

5. Clean Place
A location that is ceremonially pure, ensuring that the remains of the sacrifice are treated with respect and not defiled.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The act of taking ashes outside the camp underscores the importance of maintaining holiness by separating what is holy from what is common or completed.

Symbolism of Garments
Changing garments signifies a transition from one sacred duty to another, reminding us of the need for purity in our service to God.

Respect for the Sacrifice
The careful handling of ashes reflects the reverence due to the sacrificial process, encouraging us to treat our spiritual commitments with respect.

Purity in Service
The requirement for a clean place highlights the necessity of purity in our service to God, both physically and spiritually.

Christ's Fulfillment
The removal of ashes points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which was completed outside the city, fulfilling the law and bringing us into a new covenant.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the requirement to change garments before handling the ashes teach us about the nature of holiness in our daily lives?

2. How does the concept of taking ashes outside the camp relate to the New Testament understanding of Jesus' sacrifice?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of separating the holy from the common in our personal and communal worship practices?

4. How does the handling of ashes in Leviticus 6:11 connect to the broader theme of purity found throughout the Old Testament?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our service to God is conducted in a "clean place," both physically and spiritually?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:14
Discusses the burning of the bull's flesh, hide, and dung outside the camp, connecting to the theme of removing what is unclean or completed from the holy area.

Hebrews 13:11-13
Relates to the concept of Jesus suffering outside the city gate, drawing a parallel to the removal of ashes outside the camp.

Numbers 19:9
Describes the handling of ashes from the red heifer, emphasizing the importance of purity and cleanliness in sacrificial practices.