THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
Why does the law stipulate that if something impure falls into a clay vessel, it must be shattered, while if it lands in a brass or wooden vessel, or on a piece of clothing or garment, it should simply be cleansed with water (Leviticus 11:32-33)? This demonstrates that nothing is inherently unclean; rather, God has designated certain things as unclean and others as clean for specific purposes. If items were intrinsically unclean, both brass and wooden vessels would likewise be destroyed. However, because He has identified the vessels as unclean for different reasons, He instructs that the more valuable items be purified, while the less valuable ones be broken. This serves to uphold the law regarding impurities while also revealing its underlying purpose.
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Consequently, He mandates the destruction of ovens and fires (Leviticus 11:35) when an unclean creature falls into them and classifies the water in vessels as unclean if a dead body contaminates it, but does not consider the water in springs or lakes as such (Leviticus 11:36), since He limits the consequences to marginal harm. Thus, we also understand the gravity of sin, as it brings about genuine defilement.