Chapter 127 of 1163

NUMBERS 19

As a holy and separated people, the Jews had to avoid ritual uncleanness of all kinds, especially contamination from dead bodies. No doubt there were hygienic purposes behind this law, but it also reminded the people to avoid sin because of the defilement it brings. God dwelt in the camp and no one was to defile it. The application for today is found in 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1.

God made provision for restoring persons who became defiled. Blood had to be shed, for the heifer was a sin offering (v. 9). The ashes from the sacrifice were ceremonially clean and were used to make “water of purification.” The defiled person could be ceremonially cleansed by obeying God’s instructions and using the water of purification.

Water for washing is a picture of the Word of God (John 15:3; Eph. 5:25–27). The Word promises us cleansing because the blood of God’s Son was shed for us on the cross (1 John 1:5–2:2). The Word also provides cleansing for the inner person as we read it, meditate on it, and apply it to our lives.

Why should we be defiled and defile others when God’s gracious cleansing is available?

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