KING JAMES BIBLE DICTIONARY

The ashes of a red heifer burned entire (Numbers 19:5) when sprinkled on the unclean made them ceremonially clean (Hebrews 9:13).

To cover the head with ashes was a token of self-abhorrence and humiliation (2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:3; Jeremiah 6:26, etc.).

To feed on ashes (Isaiah 44:20), means to seek that which will prove to be vain and unsatisfactory, and hence it denotes the unsatisfactory nature of idol-worship. (Comp. Hosea 12:1).

Uses of, in purification
Numbers 19:9-10; Numbers 19:17; Hebrews 9:13

A symbol of mourning
2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Esther 4:3

Sitting in
Job 2:8; Isaiah 58:5; Jeremiah 6:26; Ezekiel 27:30; Jonah 3:6; Luke 10:13

Repenting in
Job 42:6; Daniel 9:3; Jonah 3:6; Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13

Disguises in
1 Kings 20:38; 1 Kings 20:41

The ashes on the altar of burnt offering were gathered into a cavity in its surface. The ashes of a red heifer burnt entire, according to regulations prescribed in Numbers 19, had the ceremonial efficacy of purifying the unclean, (Hebrews 9:13) but of polluting the clean. [SACRIFICE] Ashes about the person, especially on the head, were used as a sign of sorrow. [MOURNING]

ASH'ES, noun plural Without the singular number.

1. The earthy particles of combustible substances remaining after combustion; as of wood or coal.

2. The remains of the human body when burnt. Hence figuratively, a dead body or corpse.

3. In scripture, ashes is used to denote vileness, meanness, frailty, or humiliation.

I who am but dust and ashes Genesis 18:27.

I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes Job 42:6.

ASH'-FIRE, noun A low fire used in chimical operations.

ASH'-HOLE, noun A repository for ashes; the lower part of a furnace.

ASH'-LAR, noun Common or free stones, as they come from the quarry, of different lengths, breadths and thicknesses.