Abstract
The ritual of slaughtering of a red cow, the preparation of water of purification, and its use in cases of contamination through contact with the sphere of death seem unusual and out of place. Nevertheless, the article attempts to justify why Nm 19 nevertheless has a place. The pericope is classified here as a post-priestly text in which a new aspect is introduced: care for the ritual cleanliness of the sanctuary and community despite everyday contact with the sphere of death and the control of this cleanliness by the priests. A new aspect is precisely this concern for maintaining the purity of the ritual community despite the inevitable contact with the bodies of the deceased. The ritual described in the text is first expressed in a unique method of purification (on the third and seventh day), and then also explains that everything takes place outside the camp, but both priests and laity have their parts in the proceedings. Finally, it is also unique that the priests cure impurity as a result of participating in the ritual of preparing the water of cleansing. Everything takes place outside the sacrificial system, somewhat on its periphery, imitating the atoning sacrifices for sin and producing similar effects to them, but without being such victims. In this way, the legislator wishes, on the one hand, to preserve the ritual character of the rites and to leave them under the supervision of the priests. On the other hand, it aims to maintain the widest possible access to ritual cleansing with the help of water mixed with the ash from a red cow. At the same time, the legislator is aware that the entire procedure is and should
remain non-cultic in nature.