'You Shall Be Clean': A Biblical Theology of Defilement and Cleansing (NSBT)
What do 'clean' and 'unclean' really mean in the Bible? Biblical purity categories are often misconstrued either in hygienic terms or as a straightforward synonym for sin.
Geoffrey Harper's stimulating study adopts a canonical approach to explore the causes, objects, implications and remedies for ritual and moral uncleanness throughout the Scriptures in order to construct a biblical theology of cleansing and defilement.
Careful consideration of the biblical texts suggests the language of 'unclean' is most frequently used to demarcate a state of being of people or objects rendered unfit or 'out of place' (and requiring separation or removal) with respect to God's presence.
Harper teases out the implications for Christian theology and mission. This will help you gain a more rounded appreciation of what Christ has achieved for his people. You will also be better equipped to explain the gospel in a winsome way to those whose felt needs often orbit around issues of ritual and/or moral defilement.
Reviews
"When the psalmist declares that only those who have "clean hands and a pure heart" can ascend into God's presence (Psalm 24:4), he highlights the significance of the concepts of defilement and cleansing. Addressing this much-neglected topic, Dr Harper skilfully engages with its ubiquitous presence throughout the Bible. By offering new perspectives on the biblical text, this careful study enriches our understanding of the Bible. Importantly, it sheds fresh light on the scope and impact of Christ's atoning ministry, reminding readers of the necessity of engaging with the whole canon of Scripture." - T. Desmond Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Director of Postgraduate Studies, Union Theological College, Belfast
"The biblical laws and language about purity and impurity are so utterly foreign to us and we struggle to know what to do with them. But Geoff Harper's study of the relevant materials provides insight and clarity on the subject and helps us to understand what it means to have hearts cleansed by faith and to be white as snow before God. A book that will open up vistas of study for understanding a confusing topic." - Michael F. Bird, Deputy Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
"With clarity, insight and humility, Geoff Harper demonstrates that the theme of defilement and cleansing is woven into the whole of Scripture. Far from being an obscure part of the Old Testament, it has vital connections to Christian theology, discipleship and witness. This is a study that deserves to be widely read for both the challenges and encouragement it provides." - David G. Firth, Tutor in Old Testament, Trinity College Bristol
"Geoffrey Harper has written a robust and readable study on Israel's purity system, filling the scholarly gap on a vital and yet heretofore neglected topic. Without equal in its breadth, 'You Shall Be Clean' will surely become a frequently consulted standard on purity. More than this, Harper's fine treatment will open up significant, canon-wide avenues of meaning in Scripture, as well as a greater view of the wondrous incarnation of God's Son and the marvel of his cleansing work." - L. Michael Morales, Professor of Biblical Studies, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
G. Geoffrey Harper is Lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew at Sydney Missionary and Bible College, Australia and author of 'I Will Walk Among You' (Eisenbrauns), co-editor of Finding Lost Words: The Church's Right to Lament (Wipf & Stock).
