Numbers 19:1-10

THE PREPARATION OF THE WATER OF SEPARATION, Numbers 19:1-10.

Running or living water applied to the body is sufficient for the removal of ordinary pollutions. But as the uncleanness of death was the most obstinately tenacious of all ceremonial defilements, by its continuance through seven days, and by requiring a double sprinkling, pure water alone was not adequate to its removal. Hence it was strengthened by the ashes of a sin offering, forming a holy alkali.