Emphasis Preaching Journal

In Isaiah's call there is a rite of purification, when the burning coal is touched to his lips and his guilt is taken away. In many cultures, fire, smoke, rocks/coals all play an integral part in purification.

The Greek historian Herodotus described the purification of the Scythians after a burial. The men washed their beards and bodies with soap. Then, they entered a tent in which was placed a plate of burning rocks. Hemp seeds were thrown upon the rocks causing a thick smoke. In the midst of the smoke the men shouted for joy.

Similar is the Lakota Inipi, or rite of purification. It combines rocks, which represent the earth from which all things come, fire, which represents the power of Wakan Takan, the Great Spirit, fire place, the smoking of the pipe, and smoke from sweet grass and prayers. The Inipi takes place in a sweat house. As one enters the lodge, prayers are made signifying human's nothingness in relation to Wakan Takan. The goal of the ceremony is by Wakan Takan's power to become white as freshly fallen snow. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the leader, then the rest of the men, purify their hands and feet in the smoke of the sweet grass. They leave the rite as new men.