The Lord gave Moses and Aaron the means whereby those who touch anything dead might be cleansed. The Children of Israel would provide a red heifer “without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which a yoke has never come.” The priest, in this case Eleazar, would take the animal outside the camp to be slaughtered and sprinkle some of its blood in front of the tabernacle of meeting. Then it would be burned outside the camp completely, with cedar wood and hyssop and scarlet mixed in the fire. Once it was burned, the priest and the one who burned the heifer would be unclean until evening. Then another would gather the ashes of the heifer and store them in a clean place outside the camp. Anyone who would touch a dead body after that would be unclean for seven days, and must be sprinkled with water in which some of the ashes have been placed. This must happen on the third and seventh days. If this pattern is not followed, then the person remains unclean and are cut off from the camp.
This is an elaborate scheme for cleansing someone from the touch of death. However, it has a parallel for us today. When we come in contact with the world, sin, and death, it is important that we come in contact with the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ, to be cleansed from the residue of the world. One does not need to be saved every time they sin or even come in contact with sinfulness, but it is extremely important to wash off the death of this world, so that fellowship with Christ is not hindered. At a later time, we will discuss footwashing as a New Testament example of this principle. However, for now, let it suffice to say that we cannot let death linger on us, or we may be cut off from the people of God.
The second part of this passage in chapter 20 relates to Moses’ disobedience at Kadesh. The people complained of a lack of water, and God told Moses to speak to the rock and water would come out to supply the people. However, in his anger, Moses struck the rock with His rod. Water came forth, confirming that God would supply. However, striking the rock was a sign of disobedience on the part of Moses that robbed God of His glory. Had the water sprung forth at the word of Moses, it would have been a miraculous work of God. Striking the rock made it appear that Moses, somehow, brought forth the water.
When God instructs, follow His directions. He will supply in His time and in His way. Do not overstep the Lord’s instruction.
Devoted To You 