12 In addition to the general references, see R. K. Harrison, “The Biblical Problem of Hyssop,” 26 (1954): 218–24.
13 There is no clear explanation available as to why these items were to be burned with the heifer. N. H. Snaith suggests that in accordance with Babylonian sacrifices they would have enhanced the rites with an aroma (Leviticus and Numbers [], 272). In Lev 14 the wood and the hyssop may have been bound together by the scarlet wool to make a sprinkling device. It may be that the symbolism is what is important here. Cedar wood, for example, is durable; it may have symbolized resistance to future corruption and defilement, an early acquired immunity perhaps (R. K. Harrison, Numbers [], 256).

In other versions

And the priest shall take cedarwood and hyssop and scarlet yarn, and throw them into the fire burning the heifer.

The priest is to take some cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer.

The priest is to take cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson yarn, and throw them onto the fire where the cow is burning.

Eleazar the priest must then take a stick of cedar, a hyssop branch, and some scarlet yarn and throw them into the fire where the heifer is burning.

The priest will take cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson thread, and he will throw them in the midst of the burning heifer.

And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.

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