Post by Lee on Mar 8, 2014 5:05:52 GMT
It is the only instance (with the exception of the two goats) in which a creature is introduced to represent the redeemed purely and simply. All sacrifices typify the Redeemer who redeems by death, but here is a creature that does not die, and is only associated with death, having the blood of the slain bird put upon it.
The general meaning is evident—redemption. No other meaning can conceivably attach to the ceremony of a living bird being dipped in the blood of a dead bird, and being set free, especially in view of its connection with a healed leper about to be re-admitted into fellowship with the congregation.
Both birds refer to Christ (and only to sinners in so far as they afterwards come unto him.)
This heavenly bird of the air was killed in an earthen vessel—the very flesh and blood of the fallen human race; over running water—that is, in juxtaposition with the Spirit of God, which inhabited him.
In the living bird, we have the second phase of his redeeming work: resurrection, proclamation, and intercession. Why should the living bird be dipped in the blood of the dead bird on this view of matters? To represent the truth declared by Paul when he says that (Heb. 9:12)—
"By his own blood he obtained eternal redemption."
RR 1958 berean
The general meaning is evident—redemption. No other meaning can conceivably attach to the ceremony of a living bird being dipped in the blood of a dead bird, and being set free, especially in view of its connection with a healed leper about to be re-admitted into fellowship with the congregation.
Both birds refer to Christ (and only to sinners in so far as they afterwards come unto him.)
This heavenly bird of the air was killed in an earthen vessel—the very flesh and blood of the fallen human race; over running water—that is, in juxtaposition with the Spirit of God, which inhabited him.
In the living bird, we have the second phase of his redeeming work: resurrection, proclamation, and intercession. Why should the living bird be dipped in the blood of the dead bird on this view of matters? To represent the truth declared by Paul when he says that (Heb. 9:12)—
"By his own blood he obtained eternal redemption."
RR 1958 berean