1. Ashes of sacrifice (1-10)

Sin is serious. It separates us from God (Isa 59:2). The Israelites' life of slavery had made them insensitive to sin. So God taught them that sin cannot be treated lightly. The water for cleansing was prepared from the ashes of a blood sacrifice. These verses prescribe the preparation of the special water to be used in purification from sin (9c; Heb 9:22). The blood sacrifices look forward to Jesus. Jesus on the cross reveals how much God hates sin.

2. Seven days of purification (11-22)

Coming in contact with death required special cleansing. These regulations remind us that death is an enemy that only the resurrection of Christ defeats. A person who becomes unclean must purify himself, or he will be cut off from the people. Sin separates people from people. The blood of Christ cleanses us so that we may serve the living God (Heb 9:13,14).

Application: Lord, thank you for cleansing me from sin and setting me free from the power of death by the blood of Jesus (1Jn 1:7).
One Word: Jesus' blood cleanses