The Life of Jesus in Harmony |
Index
hyssop
HYSSOP. A species of marjoram and a member of the mint family.
Hyssop was an aromatic shrub under one meter (three feet) tall with clusters
of yellow flowers. It grew in rocky crevices and was cultivated on terraced
walls <1 Kin. 4:33>.
The
high priest sprinkled the blood with hyssop. The first record of this use of hyssop is in
connection with the Exodus, when the Israelites used "bunches" of hyssop to
sprinkle the doorposts with the blood of the paschal lamb (Ex 12:22). It was also
used in connection with the ceremony of purifying lepers (Lev. 14:4-7) and in
sprinkling blood on the leprous house (vv. 48-53). Hyssop was also used in the
peculiar ordinance appointed for the purification of ceremonial uncleanness
contracted by touching a dead body (Num 19:14-18).
In the account of the crucifixion (Jn 19:28-29) it is recorded, "they put a
sponge full of the sour wine upon a bunch of hyssop, and brought it to His
mouth."
Figurative. The psalmist, having in view the frequent use of hyssop in the
ceremonial law as a means by which the virtue of the sacrifice was transferred to
the transgressor, applies it figuratively to the purification of sin and guilt
when he prays, "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean" (Ps 51:7).