Understanding the Concept of Pitch in the Bible: A Comprehensive Guide

The word pitch appears several times in the Bible, and it is used in different contexts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the meaning of pitch in the Bible and its significance.

What is Pitch in the Bible?

The Hebrew word for pitch is "kopher", which means a covering or ransom. In the Bible, pitch is used to refer to a substance that is used to cover and protect things from water or moisture. The most famous use of pitch in the Bible is in the story of Noah's Ark. God commanded Noah to build an ark and cover it with pitch to protect it from the flood:

"Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch." - Genesis 6:14

In this verse, God instructs Noah to cover the ark inside and out with pitch. This is because pitch is a waterproof substance that can protect the ark and its contents from water damage.

The Significance of Pitch in the Bible

Pitch is used in the Bible to symbolize protection, purification, and redemption. It is a symbol of God's grace and mercy towards His people.

Pitch as a Symbol of Protection

Pitch is used in the Bible as a symbol of protection. It is a substance that can protect objects from water damage, which can cause decay and corruption. In the story of Noah's Ark, pitch is used to protect the ark and its contents from the flood. Similarly, God promises to protect His people from harm and danger:

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!" - Psalm 91:1-2

In this verse, the Psalmist compares God to a shelter and a fortress. He promises that those who trust in God will be protected from harm and danger, just like the ark was protected from the flood by the pitch.

Pitch as a Symbol of Purification

Pitch is also used in the Bible as a symbol of purification. It is a substance that can cleanse and purify objects from impurities and contaminants. In the book of Leviticus, pitch is used as a purification agent:

"He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field." - Leviticus 14:6-7

In this verse, pitch is used along with other substances to purify a person who has been infected with leprosy. The pitch is used to symbolize the cleansing and purifying power of God's grace.

Pitch as a Symbol of Redemption

Pitch is also used in the Bible as a symbol of redemption. It is a substance that can redeem and restore objects that have been damaged or corrupted. In the book of Isaiah, pitch is used to describe the restoration of the land of Israel:

"The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray." - Isaiah 35:1-8

In this verse, pitch is used to describe the restoration of the land of Israel after it had been destroyed and desolate. The pitch symbolizes the power of God's redemption to restore and renew all things.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pitch is a substance that is mentioned several times in the Bible. It is used to symbolize protection, purification, and redemption. As a symbol of God's grace, pitch reminds us that God is our protector, our purifier, and our redeemer. Just as the pitch protected the ark from the flood, God protects us from harm and danger. Just as the pitch cleansed and purified the leper, God cleanses and purifies us from our sins. And just as the pitch restored the land of Israel, God restores and renews all things through His redemptive power.