The "Water of Separation" or "Water of Uncleanness" is a significant element in the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, specifically within the context of purification rites. This water is primarily discussed in the Book of Numbers, where it is used for the cleansing of individuals who have become ceremonially unclean through contact with a dead body.

Biblical Context and Instructions

The primary reference to the Water of Separation is found in Numbers 19. The chapter outlines the process for creating this water and its use in purification rituals. The ritual begins with the sacrifice of a red heifer, which is to be without defect or blemish and has never been under a yoke. The heifer is slaughtered outside the camp, and its blood is sprinkled toward the front of the Tent of Meeting seven times. The entire heifer, including its hide, flesh, blood, and offal, is then burned. Cedarwood, hyssop, and scarlet wool are also thrown into the fire.

The ashes from this burnt offering are collected and stored in a clean place outside the camp. These ashes are then mixed with fresh water to create the Water of Separation. Numbers 19:9 states, "Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to gather up the ashes of the heifer and place them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They are to be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of purification; it is for purification from sin."

Purpose and Use

The Water of Separation is used to purify individuals who have become unclean through contact with a corpse, a human bone, or a grave. The process of purification involves sprinkling the water on the unclean person on the third and seventh days. Numbers 19:13 explains, "Anyone who touches a dead body, the body of a man who has died, and does not purify himself, defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. Because the water of purification was not sprinkled on him, he is unclean; his uncleanness remains on him."

This ritual underscores the importance of ceremonial cleanliness in maintaining the sanctity of the community and the tabernacle. The use of the Water of Separation serves as a tangible reminder of the need for purification from sin and defilement.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the Water of Separation highlights the holiness of God and the necessity for His people to be pure in His presence. The detailed instructions for the preparation and use of this water reflect the seriousness with which God views sin and impurity. The ritual serves as a precursor to the ultimate purification through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice cleanses believers from sin.

The red heifer, a rare and specific requirement, symbolizes the uniqueness and completeness of Christ's atoning work. The elements used in the burning of the heifer—cedarwood, hyssop, and scarlet wool—carry symbolic meanings that point to purification, healing, and redemption.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, purity laws were common, but the specific instructions given to Israel set them apart as a people dedicated to the LORD. The Water of Separation is part of a broader system of laws that governed the daily lives of the Israelites, ensuring that they remained distinct from surrounding nations.

The ritual also served a practical purpose in promoting hygiene and preventing the spread of disease, as contact with dead bodies posed health risks. By adhering to these laws, the Israelites demonstrated obedience to God and maintained the health and spiritual integrity of the community.

Conclusion

The Water of Separation is a profound element of the Old Testament purification system, rich with symbolic and theological meaning. It underscores the necessity of holiness and the provision of God for cleansing from impurity, ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Christ.Water of Separation or of Uncleanness

WATER OF SEPARATION (OR OF UNCLEANNESS)

See DEFILEMENT; SEPARATION; UNCLEANNESS.

The Last Supper.
... (12) It was a feast of separation from the ... not put into the basin, but water was
poured ... Jews, was a symbolical act, signifying purification from uncleanness. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the last supper.htm

The Servant-Master
... and the heart opens itself out when separation impends. ... feet, but unused, and not
even filled with water. ... Fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness.' But I ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the servant-master.htm

The Open Fountain
... any of you do not wash from your uncleanness it is ... the veil, and pulled down every
wall of separation, so that ... at the fountain head and catch the water as it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the open fountain.htm

John xii. 42, 43
... one should say, "He that taketh water from the ... Him who begat Him, and that there
is no separation? ... body, while thy soul is neglected, possessed by uncleanness? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxix john xii 42.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... no more than an outward and visible separation unto God ... God hath not called us to
uncleanness but unto ... plead the promise, "I will sprinkle clean water upon you ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel
... air is liker heaven than water, therefore is ... unity with God, the more separation
from ourselves ... drunkenness, your swearing, your uncleanness, your contentions ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ii union and communion.htm

A Chime of Gospel Bells.
... for sin and for uncleanness." Let us press up to it ... run dry?" The man was drinking
of the water out of ... Come up hither!" There is going to be a separation one day ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter viii a chime of.htm

The Gospel of the Friends of God
... none to any other fountain for sin and for uncleanness, than that ... is bathed and cleansed
in a warm bath of water, so is ... "There is there no separation, but one ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter lix the gospel of.htm

The
... Put off, I pray thee, fornication and uncleanness, and put on ... not look for the grace:
for the water will receive ... inside, yet let there be a separation, men with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the.htm

Epistle Lxiv. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
... as are thus foully joined together separation should be ... the evening, or without being
washed with water. ... a dream who, being tempted by uncleanness, is defiled ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxiv to augustine bishop.htm

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