Numbers 19:6
And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
Original Language Analysis
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
And the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
And the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
2 of 12
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וּשְׁנִ֣י
H8144
וּשְׁנִ֣י
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
6 of 12
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
תוֹלָ֑עַת
and scarlet
H8438
תוֹלָ֑עַת
and scarlet
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
7 of 12
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
וְהִשְׁלִ֕יךְ
and cast
H7993
וְהִשְׁלִ֕יךְ
and cast
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
8 of 12
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Leviticus 14:4Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:Psalms 51:7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Leviticus 14:6As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water:Leviticus 14:49And he shall take to cleanse the house two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop:
Historical Context
Hyssop was used in the original Passover (Exodus 12:22) and in cleansing leprosy (Leviticus 14:4), connecting this ritual to other major cleansing/redemption events. The consistency of these symbols throughout Scripture demonstrates unified theology of purification across diverse ceremonies.
Questions for Reflection
- How do diverse elements of Christ's work (incarnation, life, death, resurrection) combine for complete salvation?
- What symbols or reminders help you appreciate the comprehensiveness of Christ's cleansing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet were cast into the burning heifer. Each element had symbolic significance: cedar for durability/incorruption, hyssop for cleansing (Psalm 51:7), scarlet possibly for blood/sin. These additions transformed the ashes into powerful purification agent. Multiple symbolic elements combined to address death's multifaceted pollution.