Numbers:19

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* Verse 1-10 - The heifer was to be wholly burned . This typified the painful sufferings of our Lord Jesus , both in soul and body , as a sacrifice made by fire , to satisfy God 's justice for man 's sin . These ashes are said to be laid up as a purification for sin , because , though they were only to purify from ceremonial uncleanness , yet they were a type of that purification for sin which our Lord Jesus made by his death . The blood of Christ is laid up for us in the word and sacraments , as a fountain of merit , to which by faith we may have constant recourse , for cleansing our consciences . * Verse 11-22 - Why did the law make a corpse a defiling thing ? Because death is the wages of sin , which entered into the world by it , and reigns by the power of it . The law could not conquer death , nor abolish it , as the gospel does , by bringing life and immortality to light , and so introducing a better hope . As the ashes of the heifer signified the merit of Christ , so the running water signified the power and grace of the blessed Spirit , who is compared to rivers of living water ; and it is by his work that the righteousness of Christ is applied to us for our cleansing . Those who promise themselves benefit by the righteousness of Christ , while they submit not to the grace and influence of the Holy Spirit , do but deceive themselves ; we cannot be purified by the ashes , otherwise than in the running water . What use could there be in these appointments , if they do not refer to the doctrines concerning the sacrifice of Christ ? But comparing them with the New Testament , the knowledge to be got from them is evident . The true state of fallen man is shown in these institutions . Here we learn the defiling nature of sin , and are warned to avoid evil communications . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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