Definition: And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that [is] in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Leviticus 14:16. It’s a really important part of understanding how God sees and interacts with animals. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a ritual purification process for certain types of animals. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that [is] in his left hand…” – This is the key. The priest is dipping his right hand into a container of oil. It's a specific action, not just any oil. It’s a sign of reverence and a way to make the animal pure before God. “…and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the LORD:” – Now, this is where it gets more detailed. The priest sprinkles the oil seven times over the Lord's presence. Think of it like a prayerful sprinkling or offering. What’s the purpose? This practice was established in ancient Israel to cleanse animals that were considered unclean, and to show respect to God. It wasn't just about hygiene; it was a symbolic act of making an animal acceptable to God’s presence. It was a way to ensure the animal would be used for sacrifice and wasn’t contaminated with something that would pollute the offering. Why is this important? Symbolic Importance: It represents a sacred boundary – a limit between the world of humans and the realm of God. Focus on Cleanliness: It highlights the importance of holiness and purity, both for animals and for people. God wants a pure heart and a clean spirit. In short, this verse describes a very specific ritual that was practiced in ancient Israel to ensure that animals were ritually purified and ready for use in worship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about the history of this practice? Answer any specific questions you have about this passage?