Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, atonement is a multifaceted concept primarily associated with the reconciliation between God and humanity. However, the notion of atonement extends beyond individuals to include physical spaces, such as houses. This entry explores the scriptural basis and theological implications of atonement made for houses, as found in the Old Testament.Biblical Foundation The concept of atonement for houses is primarily rooted in the Levitical laws, which outline various rituals and sacrifices necessary for maintaining purity and holiness among the Israelites. Leviticus 14 provides specific instructions for the cleansing of a house afflicted by mildew or mold, which is considered a defilement. Leviticus 14:33-53 details the process: "The LORD also said to Moses and Aaron, 'When you enter the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as a possession, and I put a mildew in a house in that land, the owner of the house must go and tell the priest, ‘Something like mildew has appeared in my house.’ The priest is to order the house to be emptied before he goes in to examine the mildew, so that nothing in the house will be pronounced unclean. After this, the priest shall go in and inspect the house.'" (Leviticus 14:33-36). If the mildew is found to be spreading, the house is to be scraped and the contaminated stones removed. If the mildew reappears, the house is to be torn down. However, if the mildew does not spread, the priest performs a ritual of atonement involving two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop. One bird is killed over fresh water in a clay pot, and the living bird, along with the cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, is dipped into the blood of the slain bird and the fresh water. The house is then sprinkled seven times, and the living bird is released into the open fields, symbolizing the removal of impurity. Theological Implications The requirement for atonement for houses underscores the pervasive nature of sin and impurity in the fallen world. It reflects the biblical principle that holiness is not limited to personal piety but extends to the environment in which God's people dwell. The ritual signifies the need for divine intervention to cleanse and sanctify spaces, ensuring that they are fit for habitation by a holy people. Moreover, the atonement for houses serves as a tangible reminder of God's concern for the entirety of His creation. It illustrates the comprehensive scope of redemption, which includes not only individuals but also the physical world. This holistic view of atonement anticipates the ultimate restoration of all things through Christ, who reconciles all creation to Himself (Colossians 1:20). Symbolism and Typology The elements used in the atonement ritual for houses carry rich symbolic meaning. The cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop are also used in other purification rites, such as the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14:4-7) and the preparation of the red heifer (Numbers 19:6). These elements point to the sacrificial system's foreshadowing of Christ's atoning work. The release of the living bird symbolizes the freedom and new life granted through atonement, prefiguring the liberation from sin achieved through Jesus' sacrifice. In summary, the atonement made for houses in the Old Testament reflects the broader biblical theme of God's desire to dwell among a holy people in a sanctified space. It highlights the necessity of divine cleansing and the anticipation of a restored creation, ultimately fulfilled in the redemptive work of Christ. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 14:53But he shall let go the living bird out of the city into the open fields, and make an atonement for the house: and it shall be clean. Nave's Topical Index Library The Day of Atonement The Old, Old Story Index of First Lines. The Two Houses The Truth in Jesus. The Fruits of Grace Jesus' Farewell to his Friends. Leviticus Carthago Veneris Gethsemane Resources What is the recapitulation theory of the atonement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the substitutionary atonement? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.org Atonement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Atonement for Tabernacle and Furniture Atonement for Those Defiled by the Dead Atonement in Consummation of the Levites Atonement: Day of How Observed Atonement: Made by Animal Sacrifices Atonement: Made by Jesus with Context Atonement: Made by Jesus: A Mystery Atonement: Made by Jesus: Divinely Ordained Atonement: Made by Jesus: Made But Once Atonement: Made by Jesus: Redemption By Atonement: Made by Jesus: Typified Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Atonement: Acceptable to God The Atonement: Access to God By The Atonement: Commemorated in the Lord's Supper The Atonement: Effected by Christ Alone The Atonement: Exhibits The: Grace and Mercy of God The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of Christ The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of God The Atonement: Faith In, Indispensable The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of Sin The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the Devil The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the World The Atonement: Justification By The Atonement: Ministers should Fully Set Forth The Atonement: Reconciles the Justice and Mercy of God The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By The Atonement: Remission of Sins By The Atonement: Saints Glorify God For The Atonement: Saints Praise God For The Atonement: Saints Rejoice in God For The Atonement: Sanctification By the Day of Atonement: A Day of Humiliation the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the High Priest the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Holy Place the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Whole Congregation the Day of Atonement: Observed As a Sabbath the Day of Atonement: Offerings to be Made On the Day of Atonement: Punishment for not Observing the Day of Atonement: Tenth Day of Seventh Month the Day of Atonement: The High Priest Entered Into the Holy Place On the Day of Atonement: The Sins of the People Borne off by the Scapegoat On the Day of Atonement: Year of Jubilee Commenced On Under the Law Atonement by Priests Alone Under the Law Atonement: Extraordinary Cases of Under the Law Atonement: Made by Sacrifice Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Propitiating God Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Purifying Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Ransoming Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Ignorantly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Wilfully Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Swearing Rashly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Unclean Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Withholding Evidence Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Altar Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Congregation Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Healed Leper Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Holy Place Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Leprous House Healed Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Priests Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Women After Childbirth Under the Law Atonement: Typical of Christ's Atonement Related Terms Atonement-money (1 Occurrence) Trespass-offering (34 Occurrences) Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences) Unintentionally (20 Occurrences) Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |