Hebrews 9:13

Ashes of a heifer [σ π ο δ ο ς δ α μ α λ ε ω ς]. Spodov ashes, only here, Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13, in both instances in the phrase sackcloth and ashes. Often in LXX Damaliv heifer, N. T. o. The two examples selected cover the entire legal provision for removing uncleanness, whether contracted by sin or by contact with death. "The blood of bulls and goats" refers to the sin - offerings, perhaps especially to the annual atonement (Leviticus 16); "the ashes of a heifer" to the occasional sacrifice of the red heifer (Numbers 19) for purification from uncleanness contracted by contact with the dead. The Levitical law required two remedies : the Christian economy furnishes one for all phases of defilement.

Sprinkling the unclean [ρ α ν τ ι ζ ο υ σ α τ ο υ ς κ ε κ ο ι ν ω μ ε ν ο υ ς]. For sprinkling see on 1 Peter 1:2. The verb only in Hebrews, except Mark 7:4. For the unclean rend. them that have been defiled. The literal rendering of the participle brings out better the incidental or occasional character of the defilement.