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Numbers 19:6 - Purification through fire's elements

Numbers 19:6 - במדבר 19:6

Hebrew Text

וְלָקַח הַכֹּהֵן עֵץ אֶרֶז וְאֵזוֹב וּשְׁנִי תוֹלָעַת וְהִשְׁלִיךְ אֶל־תּוֹךְ שְׂרֵפַת הַפָּרָה׃

English Translation

and the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.

Transliteration

Velakakh hakohen etz erez ve'ezov ushni tola'at vehishlikh el tok srefat haparah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלָקַ֣ח הַכֹּהֵ֗ן עֵ֥ץ אֶ֛רֶז וְאֵז֖וֹב וּשְׁנִ֣י תוֹלָ֑עַת וְהִשְׁלִ֕יךְ אֶל־תּ֖וֹךְ שְׂרֵפַ֥ת הַפָּרָֽה׃
וְלָקַ֣ח הַכֹּהֵ֗ן עֵ֥ץ אֶ֛רֶז וְאֵז֖וֹב וּשְׁנִ֣י תוֹלָ֑עַת וְהִשְׁלִ֕יךְ אֶל־תּ֖וֹךְ שְׂרֵפַ֥ת הַפָּרָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Components of the Parah Adumah Ritual

The verse describes the priest taking three items—cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool—and casting them into the burning of the red heifer (Parah Adumah). This ritual, detailed in Bamidbar (Numbers) 19, is one of the most enigmatic mitzvot in the Torah, classified as a chok (a statute beyond human comprehension).

Symbolism of the Three Items

Rashi (Bamidbar 19:6) explains that these three items symbolize humility and repentance:

  • Cedar wood (erez) – Represents arrogance, as the cedar is a tall and lofty tree.
  • Hyssop (ezov) – Represents humility, as it is a low-growing plant.
  • Scarlet wool (tola'at shani) – Symbolizes sin, as scarlet resembles blood and evokes the stain of transgression (see Yeshayahu 1:18).

By burning these together, the Torah teaches that purification from impurity (tum’ah) requires recognizing one’s sins, humbling oneself, and rejecting arrogance.

The Role of the Priest

The Kli Yakar (Bamidbar 19:6) notes that the priest (kohen) performs this act to emphasize that spiritual purification must be guided by Torah authority. The involvement of the kohen ensures the ritual is performed with proper sanctity and intention.

Connection to the Red Heifer

The Midrash Tanchuma (Chukat 8) compares the Parah Adumah to a mother (the heifer) cleansing the impurity caused by death (her "child," as death is the consequence of sin). The burning of cedar, hyssop, and scarlet wool reinforces this theme of atonement and purification from the spiritual contamination of mortality.

Mystical Insights

The Zohar (Chukat) suggests that these three items correspond to different spiritual forces: cedar to gevurah (strength/judgment), hyssop to chesed (kindness), and scarlet to tiferet (harmony). Their union in fire represents the balancing of divine attributes in the process of purification.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 42a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the purification process involving the red heifer, specifically mentioning the materials used (cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet).
📖 Pesachim 26a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of purity and the ingredients used in the red heifer ritual.
📖 Sotah 16a
The verse is mentioned in relation to the procedures of the red heifer and the symbolic significance of the materials used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet in Numbers 19:6?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 41b), the cedar wood symbolizes pride (as it is a tall tree), hyssop represents humility (as it is a low plant), and the scarlet thread resembles sin (as it is red like blood). These items are burned with the red heifer to teach that one must humble themselves and repent to achieve purification from spiritual impurity.
Q: Why does the priest burn these specific items with the red heifer?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:3) explains that the combination of cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet thread serves as a symbolic atonement. The cedar (representing arrogance) and the hyssop (representing humility) together teach that a person must move from pride to humility to achieve purification. The scarlet thread, which resembles sin, is included to show that repentance can transform sin into merit.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the burning of the red heifer with these items?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Parah Adumah) teaches that the red heifer ritual reminds us of the importance of spiritual purity. The mixing of cedar, hyssop, and scarlet thread symbolizes that true purification requires humility (hyssop), overcoming pride (cedar), and sincere repentance (scarlet). This teaches that spiritual growth involves self-reflection and change.
Q: How does the red heifer purification apply to us today?
A: Although we no longer have the red heifer ritual today, the Talmud (Yoma 14a) and later commentators explain that its lessons remain relevant. The symbolism of humility, repentance, and purification reminds us to constantly work on our character traits (middos) and seek spiritual refinement, especially in preparation for times of prayer or repentance (such as during Elul and the High Holy Days).