And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water:
This law belongs to the Mosaic provision for the cleansing of a healed leper, which required examination by the priest and the bringing of the prescribed offering. The priest was to examine the healed person and declare him free from disease, and that declaration restored him to his family, friends, and society. Jesus directed the healed leper to present himself to the priest and make the offering required by Moses. That obedience honored, upheld, and sanctioned the law of Moses and showed that his healing and teaching were not opposed to it. It answered and refuted the accusation that he opposed the law of Moses. Following the law compelled the priests to publicly examine and certify the cure, providing public confirmation and testimony of it.
The ceremonial ordinances of this kind were types that met their fulfillment in Christ's death. The slain bird over running water symbolizes Christ's pardoning blood joined to his resurrection and life. The running water represents the ever-flowing, cleansing power of that blood. The living bird dipped in the slain bird's blood and then released presents death and life together as a symbol of the atonement. Christ's blood cleanses people from every stain of sin.
This law belongs to the Mosaic provision for the cleansing of a healed leper, which required examination by the priest and the bringing of the prescribed offering. The priest was to examine the healed person and declare him free from disease, and that declaration restored him to his family, friends, and society. Jesus directed the healed leper to present himself to the priest and make the offering required by Moses. That obedience honored, upheld, and sanctioned the law of Moses and showed that his healing and teaching were not opposed to it. It answered and refuted the accusation that he opposed the law of Moses. Following the law compelled the priests to publicly examine and certify the cure, providing public confirmation and testimony of it.
The ceremonial ordinances of this kind were types that met their fulfillment in Christ's death. The slain bird over running water symbolizes Christ's pardoning blood joined to his resurrection and life. The running water represents the ever-flowing, cleansing power of that blood. The living bird dipped in the slain bird's blood and then released presents death and life together as a symbol of the atonement. Christ's blood cleanses people from every stain of sin.