Branch for Blood.
Traditionally, Psalm 51 is attributed to King David, a prayer recorded in the aftermath of his adultery-fueled murder scandal. Here the king has, like Adam before him, taken something pleasant to the eyes yet forbidden by God. Now, writhing in pain over his stomach of guilt, David calls for hyssop—an important plant for purifying God’s people.
Hyssop enters the biblical story during God’s Passover instructions, as Israel’s commanded to paint lambs’ blood on their doorposts, using the hyssop branch as their paintbrush (Exodus 12). After Israel’s covenant encounter with God at Mount Sinai, hyssop reappears, this time in the hands of priests tasked with purifying those suffering from the skin disease of leprosy (Leviticus 14). One final time the plant surfaces, part of the purification process for any Israelite who touches a corpse (Numbers 19).
David’s invocation of hyssop pulls on these earlier references to the plant, conjuring up themes of protection and purification, highlights of hope in Israel’s collective memory. The Psalmist King knows the significance of this shrub, converting it into a symbolic image of optimism for the unclean sinner. The hyssop branch reminds us of God’s purifying power—his authority to cleanse the most contaminated areas of our lives.
The hyssop branch reminds us of God’s purifying power—his authority to cleanse the most contaminated areas of our lives.
It’s important to note hyssop’s constant companion—blood. Hyssop is always the paintbrush; blood is always the paint. We need hyssop because we need blood. Hyssop’s presence signifies purification, but it’s the blood that purifies. Sacrifices purge and protect whatever hyssop comes to cover. Whenever we meet hyssop, blood’s not far behind, the evidence of death coming to bring life.
Hyssop appears one last time in the biblical story, as the Final Sacrifice nears death. Jesus hangs on a tree, ready to plant his lifeless body into history’s soil as the seed of resurrection, when a familiar flower re-enters the story: “A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips” (John 19:29). The melodies of protection and purification, played in minor key, come streaming back into the story’s song, as God’s people see this sanctifying shrub set beside their Savior. And once again, as this pure King declares “It is finished!,” we’re reminded that hyssop’s never alone—it’s the branch for blood, God’s paintbrush for purifying his people.
Once again, as the pure King declares “It is finished!,” we’re reminded that hyssop’s never alone—it’s the branch for blood, God’s paintbrush for purifying his people.
Rooted Collection Engraving
The Rooted Collection illustrations are more than beautiful artwork; they’re daily reminders to follow Jesus who, unlike Adam, listened to God and chose the Tree of Life—even when it meant his own death. Add a Rooted engraving to you Bible here.