purification Summary and Overview

the process by which a person unclean, according to the Levitical law, and thereby cut off from the sanctuary and the festivals, was restored to the enjoyment of all these privileges. The great annual purification of the people was on the Day of Atonement (q.v.). But in the details of daily life there were special causes of cermonial uncleanness which were severally provided for by ceremonial laws enacted for each separate case. For example, the case of the leper (Lev. 13, 14), and of the house defiled by leprosy (14:49-53; see also Matt. 8:2-4). Uncleanness from touching a dead body (Num. 19:11; Hos. 9:4; Hag. 2:13; Matt. 23:27; Luke 11:44). The case of the high priest and of the Nazarite (Lev. 21:1-4, 10, 11; Num. 6:6, 7; Ezek. 44:25). Purification was effected by bathing and washing the clothes (Lev. 14:8, 9); by washing the hands (Deut. 21:6; Matt. 27:24); washing the hands and feet (Ex. 30:18-21; Heb. 6:2, "baptisms", R.V. marg., "washings;" 9:10); sprinkling with blood and water (Ex. 24:5-8; Heb. 9:19), etc. Allusions to this rite are found in Ps. 26:6; 51:7; Ezek. 36:25; Heb. 10:22.

in its legal and technical sense, is applied to the ritual observances whereby an Israelite was formally absolved from the taint of uncleanness. The essence of purification, in all eases, consisted in the use of water, whether by way of ablution or aspersion; but in the majora delicta of legal uncleanness, sacrifices of various kinds were added and the ceremonies throughout bore an expiatory character. Ablution of the person and of the clothes was required in the cases mentioned in #Le 15:18; 11:25,40; 15:18,17| In cases of childbirth the sacrifice was increased to a lamb of the first year, with a pigeon or turtle-dove. #Le 12:8| The ceremonies of purification required in cases of contact with a corpse or a grave are detailed in #Nu 19:1| ... The purification of the leper was a yet more formal proceeding, and indicated the highest pitch of uncleanness. The rites are described in #Le 14:4-32| The necessity of purification was extended in the post-Babylonian Period to a variety of unauthorized cases. Cups and pots and brazen vessels were washed as a matter of ritual observance. #Mr 7:4| The washing of the hands before meals was conducted in a formal manner. #Mr 7:3| What play have been the specific causes of uncleanness in those who came up to purify themselves before the Passover, #Joh 11:55| or in those who had taken upon themselves the Nazarites' vow, #Ac 21:24,26| we are not informed. In conclusion it may he observed that the distinctive feature. In the Mosaic rites of purification is their expiatory character. The idea of uncleanness was not peculiar to the Jew; but with all other nations simple ablution sufficed: no sacrifices were demanded. The Jew alone was taught by the use of expiatory offerings to discern to its fullest extent the connection between the outward sign and the inward fount of impurity.

The outward purification with water, symbolizing man's need of inward purity before admission into God's presence. (See LEPER; PRIEST; BIRTH; NAZARITE.) Leviticus 11:25; Leviticus 11:40; Leviticus 12:6; Leviticus 12:8; Leviticus 12:15; Luke 2:22-24; Numbers 19; 31. See HEIFER; RED.) Hebrews 9:13.) The rabbis multiplied unauthorized purifications, e.g. cups, pots, couches. etc. (Mark 7:3; John 2:6.)