THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
Why does the law stipulate that if anything unclean contaminates an earthen vessel, it must be shattered, while if it enters a vessel made of brass, wood, a piece of clothing, or any garment, it should simply be washed with water (Leviticus 11:32-33)? This clearly demonstrates that no object is intrinsically unclean; rather, God has designated certain items as unclean and others as clean for specific purposes. If these objects were inherently unclean, then both brass and wooden vessels would need to be destroyed. However, since they are deemed unclean for different reasons, the law requires the washing of more valuable items and the destruction of those of lesser worth, thereby affirming the command regarding unclean things and revealing the underlying purpose of the law.
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Consequently, the directive is to demolish ovens and hearths (Leviticus 11:35) if any unclean animal falls into them, and the water from vessels becomes unclean when a dead body contaminates it, whereas water from springs and lakes is not considered unclean (Leviticus 11:36), indicating that these situations entail minor consequences. This also teaches us about the grave nature of sin, as it brings about genuine defilement.