Definition: And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Leviticus 16:28. It's a pretty strange and symbolic verse, but it’s really about offering animals to God as a sacrifice. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the process of purifying an animal sacrificed to God – specifically, a goat. It’s like saying “You need to clean this animal before you offer it to God.” Let’s unpack each part: “And he that burneth them” : This refers to burning the animal completely. It’s about removing any impurities or imperfections. “Wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water…” : The animal is being thoroughly cleaned – it's getting a really good wash. Think of it as a deep scrubbing. “…and afterward he shall come into the camp.” : This is the crucial part! After the cleaning, the goat must enter the sacred area of the camp (a designated space for sacrifices). It’s a symbolic act of entering God's presence and offering itself to him. What it means in a broader sense: This verse isn’t just about cleaning an animal. It’s a powerful metaphor for: Repentance & Cleansing: It emphasizes the need to cleanse ourselves – both physically and spiritually – before approaching God. Offering Sacrifice: It's a reminder that offering something to God (through sacrifice) is essential for maintaining a relationship with him. It’s about acknowledging our sins and seeking forgiveness. Entering God’s Presence: The goat entering the camp symbolizes entering into the divine realm, being made holy, and receiving blessings from God. In short, it's a ritual that represents a necessary cleansing and offering to show respect and devotion to God. Important Note: This is a very ancient and symbolic passage, and its meaning has been debated for centuries! It’s fascinating and complex, but hopefully, this explanation gives you a good understanding of what it signifies. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus 16? Discuss the context of this verse in the larger story of Jewish law? Answer any specific questions you have about it?