Definition: But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Leviticus 14:9. It’s a pretty strange and detailed instruction about ritual purity for certain animals – specifically, goats and sheep. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, it means these animals are considered to be “impure” and must undergo a significant cleansing process. Here’s a breakdown of what each part means: “But it shall be on the seventh day…” – This is a specific day, the seventh day after their birth. It's a designated time for this purification. “…that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows…” – This means they’re removing everything from their bodies. Think of it as a complete shedding of their physical appearance. “Even all his hair he shall shave off:” - This is a really important point! The verse emphasizes that all their hair is to be removed. “…and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water…” – They're being washed with water. This isn’t just a regular shower; it’s a ritual washing symbolizing purification and removing impurities. “And he shall be clean.” - The final point is that they are deemed “clean” after this process, making them fit to be used in the temple. Why is this important? This verse was part of a larger set of rules in ancient Israel concerning how animals were to be treated and worshipped. It's rooted in the belief that animals were created to be used for food and worship, and that by removing their "impurity" through this process, they would be ready to participate in these rituals. Important Note: This is a very old and complex law! It’s crucial to understand it within its historical context – it wasn't about making animals “clean” in the modern sense of hygiene. It was a deeply symbolic and ritualistic practice designed to keep the temple pure for worship. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Leviticus? Talk more about the symbolism behind this verse?