Numbers Chapter 19 · Verse 2
This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:
Original Language Analysis
הַתּוֹרָ֔ה
of the law
H8451
הַתּוֹרָ֔ה
of the law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
3 of 25
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
דַּבֵּ֣ר׀
Speak
H1696
דַּבֵּ֣ר׀
Speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
8 of 25
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 25
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְיִקְח֣וּ
that they bring
H3947
וְיִקְח֣וּ
that they bring
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
12 of 25
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
תְּמִימָ֗ה
without spot
H8549
תְּמִימָ֗ה
without spot
Strong's:
H8549
Word #:
16 of 25
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
21 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹֽא
and upon which never
H3808
לֹֽא
and upon which never
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
22 of 25
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עָלָ֥ה
came
H5927
עָלָ֥ה
came
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
23 of 25
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
Cross References
Deuteronomy 21:3And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man, even the elders of that city shall take an heifer, which hath not been wrought with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke;1 Samuel 6:7Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milch kine, on which there hath come no yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:1 Peter 1:19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Historical Context
Given during Israel's wilderness wanderings, this ordinance addressed the frequent occurrence of death in the camp and provided purification for corpse contamination. The red heifer was slaughtered outside the camp (v.3), anticipating Christ's crucifixion outside Jerusalem's walls (Heb 13:11-12). Archaeological evidence suggests red heifers were extremely rare, making this ordinance costly and emphasizing the precious nature of purification.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the paradox of the red heifer (purifying others while defiling the priests) help you understand Christ's substitutionary atonement?
- In what ways do you need the 'waters of separation' to cleanse you from contact with spiritual death?
Analysis & Commentary
The red heifer ordinance presents a unique paradox in Levitical law: the purifying agent itself causes ceremonial uncleanness to those who prepare it (v.7-8). This foreshadows Christ's paradoxical work - He who knew no sin became sin for us (2 Cor 5:21). The Hebrew 'parah adummah' (red heifer) must be completely red, without blemish, and never yoked - symbolizing the sinless, unblemished Christ who took our yoke upon Himself. The ashes mixed with water created 'waters of separation' (mei niddah), pointing to baptism's cleansing power through Christ's sacrifice.