Definition: And the remnant of the oil that [is] in the priestâs hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Leviticus 14:18. It's a pretty interesting and slightly unusual instruction! Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it’s about offering a small amount of oil to God as a sacrifice for someone who is being cleansed. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD.” – This means the priest has a special task. He’s meant to offer something – oil – to show humility and repentance. “Atonement” is a fancy word that basically means “to make things right” or “to forgive.” “He shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed…” - This describes what the priest is doing. He’s applying the oil to the head of someone who’s being purified (cleansed) – likely a person who has been ritually unclean, perhaps due to illness or sin. “…and the priests hand shall [be] in the hand of him that is to be cleansed.” - The priest's hand is used as a tool for this act. “He shall make an atonement for him before the LORD.” - This is the key part. The priest is essentially offering a small amount of oil, and it’s done before God. It’s a symbolic act that shows remorse and a desire to be forgiven. What's the big idea? This verse is about showing humility and repentance. It was a very important part of Jewish religious practice – especially in the Old Testament. The priests were responsible for this kind of ritual cleansing, and it symbolized a personal offering of forgiveness from God. Important Note: This isn't about any oil. It’s specifically for someone who is being cleansed as a result of sin or impurity. It's a very specific and symbolic act designed to demonstrate repentance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the purpose of this ritual? Answer any specific questions you have about it?