Num 19:3-6 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Num 19:3-5: 19:3-5 The need to safeguard Aaron’s consecrated status (see Lev 21:10-12 ) required that Eleazar perform the offering of the red heifer , since it caused ritual impurity. The ceremony of the red heifer contrasted with the regular sacrifice (cp. Lev 4:3-12 ).

a19:3-5►

bLev 21:10-12►

cLev 4:3-12►

d19:6►

eLev 14►

fExod 12:22►

gPs 51:7►

hHeb 9:19►

‏ Numbers 19:3-6

Summary for Num 19:3-5: 19:3-5 ^a The need to safeguard Aaron’s consecrated status (see Lev 21:10-12 ^b) required that Eleazar perform the offering of the red heifer, since it caused ritual impurity. The ceremony of the red heifer contrasted with the regular sacrifice (cp. Lev 4:3-12 ^c).
19:6 ^d The only other passage where a stick of cedar, a hyssop branch, and some scarlet yarn occur together is Lev 14 ^e, which describes another ceremony (also “outside the camp”) that brought about ceremonial purification. Some scholars suggest that Eleazar added cedarwood and hyssop to produce an aroma. Hyssop is associated with purification (Exod 12:22 ^f; Ps 51:7 ^g; cp. Heb 9:19 ^h), and the scarlet yarn, like the red heifer, probably symbolized blood. Taken together, the cedarwood, hyssop, and scarlet symbolize cleansing.