Numbers 19:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Why does Moses declare that both the one who sprinkles and the one who is sprinkled remain unclean until evening (Num. 19:21)? This is because, according to the law, anyone who comes into contact with a dead bone is rendered unclean. Thus, true cleansing belongs to the essence of truth, which is realized through Christ, while being unclean is associated with the law, a shadow of grace. They remained unclean until the evening, which symbolizes the conclusion of the law, for the coming of the Lord resembles the dawn. A light has appeared to those dwelling in darkness and the shadow of death, as noted by the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:2). Furthermore, God declares: ‘To those who revere Me, the Sun of righteousness shall rise, bringing healing in His wings’ (Malachi 4:3). Additionally, it is written, ‘Behold the Man, the East is His name’ (Zech. 6:12).