The first sacrifice consisted of two birds. One bird was killed, and its blood was mixed with clean water in pottery. Some of this mixture was sprinkled on the worshipper with the hyssop (Leviticus 14:7). The living bird was dipped in the water and set free. The two birds represent the healed Israelite: killing one bird probably signified the fate of the diseased person apart from God's intervention; setting free the other bird was symbolic of the removal of the disease.
4 the priest shall command them to take for him who is to be cleansed two live clean birds and cedarwood and scarlet yarn and hyssop.