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{"id":68,"date":"2017-01-12T23:46:20","date_gmt":"2017-01-12T23:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/?p=68"},"modified":"2017-01-12T23:46:20","modified_gmt":"2017-01-12T23:46:20","slug":"the-ashes-of-a-red-heifer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/?p=68","title":{"rendered":"The Ashes of a Red Heifer"},"content":{"rendered":"
(Numbers 19)<\/div>\n
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Old Testament Parables<\/strong><\/div>\n
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Many of the parables of Jesus were stories and He included details that may or may not apply to the overall meaning. But in the Old Testament, in God’s instructions to His people, He included specific details that all have significance – the type of material used, color, time sequence, etc. If these details weren’t important, He would not have specified them. Those who have spent some time studying the Sanctuary and its services are well aware of the significance of details. These are acted parables with deep meaning.<\/div>\n
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The significance of the Jewish economy is not yet fully comprehended. Truths vast and profound are shadowed forth in its rites and symbols. The gospel is the key that unlocks its mysteries. Through a knowledge of the plan of redemption, its truths are opened to the understanding. Far more than we do, it is our privilege to understand these wonderful themes. We are to comprehend the deep things of God. Angels desire to look into the truths that are revealed to the people who with contrite hearts are searching the word of God, and praying for greater lengths and breadths and depths and heights of the knowledge which He alone can give.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Christ’s Object Lessons<\/u>, p. 133<\/div>\n
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Cleansing by the Ashes of a Red Heifer<\/strong><\/div>\n
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There were many things that God said would contaminate His Covenant People, making them “unclean” – leprosy, body fluids, animal carcasses, menstruation, etc. The most serious of the contaminants was contact with human death in any form – body, bones, or grave. For this particular situation, He provided a unique cleansing process.<\/div>\n
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The people were to bring a perfect red heifer that had never worked under a yoke. She would be killed outside the camp in front of the Priest. He would collect some of her blood, take it to the Tabernacle, and sprinkle it with his finger toward the entrance. Another man would burn the whole carcass along with some cedar wood, hyssop, and red cloth that the Priest would throw into the fire. After doing this the Priest would bathe and wash his clothes but would remain unclean until evening. The one who burned the heifer would do the same. Another who was pure would collect the ashes, store them carefully for later use, then wash his clothes, and be unclean until evening.<\/div>\n
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When needed for purifying, the ashes were put in a container, fresh water was added, and a “clean” person would dip hyssop in this water\/ash mixture and sprinkle any person or object that was considered unclean on the 3rd day and the 7th day after the contaminating incident. This assistant, after doing this, would wash his clothes and himself and be unclean until evening. Anyone who touched the purifying water, or any person or object that had contact with the one who needed this cleansing process, was also unclean until evening.<\/div>\n
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This ritual was required for anyone that had direct contact with human death and anything that was in the home of one who died, including the tent and any open containers. The person (or object) who had any of this type of contact and was not purified in the prescribed way contaminated the Tabernacle of God and would be excommunicated. The unclean person (or object) must be sprinkled with the purifying water on the 3rd and the 7th day, then wash himself and his clothes, and remain unclean until the evening of the 7th day. If he did not receive the first sprinkling on the 3rd day, he could not be cleansed at all.<\/div>\n
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Gospel Symbolism:<\/strong><\/div>\n
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There are many details in this description that have significance. We will look at a few of them.<\/div>\n
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Death is a symbol of sin and its final result. (Romans 6:23; James 1:15) Since animals are not “sinners” – they have no conscience and their minds are not corrupted by rebellion, fear, hatred, and other attitudes toward God as humans are – contact with an animal carcass merely made a person unclean until evening and did not require an extensive cleansing ritual. (Leviticus 11:24-40) But humans are sinners. We have all those evil attitudes and tendencies, inherited and cultivated. Interaction among sinners perpetuates and enhances the problem. We have a conscience that needs thorough cleansing. God needs to go through a much more extensive purification process to deal with human sinfulness than to purify the sin-sick world of nature. (Romans 8:22)<\/div>\n
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A soul corrupted by sin is represented by the figure of a dead body in a state of putrefaction. All the washings and sprinklings enjoined in the ceremonial law were lessons in parables, teaching the necessity of a work of regeneration in the inward heart for the purification of the soul dead in trespasses and sins, and also the necessity of the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.<\/em>\u00a0 \u00a0The Review and Herald 12-19-07<\/div>\n
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The animal that was used for this purpose was very carefully chosen: a heifer (a young cow), totally red (no color variation), with no defects, and never used for work in a yoke. (Numbers 19:2) In several ways this animal represents Jesus, the One who was sacrificed to cleanse our conscience.<\/div>\n
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For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 9:13, 14<\/div>\n
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The choice of a red cow is unique. In Egypt, the cow was held sacred as the symbol of the goddess Isis. A red bull was sacrificed annually to the evil god Typhon. God wanted to avoid similarities to that system so He specified a red cow. A cow, being larger than a sheep or goat, was a much more valuable sacrifice. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was the most valuable sacrifice that could ever be offered.<\/div>\n
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Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01 Peter 1:18, 19<\/div>\n
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Red is a symbol of human-ness. In fact, the Hebrew word used here for red is adom and is very similar to adam, the name given to the first man, and adamah, meaning soil or earth, from which Adam was made. Jesus became a human of the same nature as we are.<\/div>\n
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Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 2:14-18<\/div>\n
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Sacrificial animals were always to be physically perfect, the very best quality. God even specified that they should be of a good temperament. Jesus, though He took on human nature with its weaknesses and problems after 4000 years of deterioration, was still perfect in all the characteristics that matter to God.<\/div>\n
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Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Deuteronomy 17:1<\/div>\n
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Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Desire of Ages<\/u>, p. 48<\/div>\n
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For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 7:26<\/div>\n
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There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Desire of Ages<\/u>, p. 123<\/div>\n
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The animal was killed and burned outside the camp. (Numbers 19:3-6) This procedure was specified only for the most significant sacrifices of the Israelites – a sin offering for the whole congregation or for a Priest as the representative of the whole congregation (Leviticus 4:12, 21), the sin offerings on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:27), and the sin offerings for the Priests’ dedication (Leviticus 8, 9). Sin offerings for individuals were burned on the Altar of Burnt Offering in the Courtyard of the Tabernacle. Jesus suffered and died for the sins of the whole world outside of Heaven (where the “real” Temple is) and outside of Jerusalem (where the “model” Temple was). He was the greatest, most comprehensive sacrifice in the universe.<\/div>\n
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For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 13:11, 12<\/div>\n
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The ashes of the Red Heifer were stored in a clean place outside the camp and were available whenever someone needed the cleansing. (Numbers 19:9) The provision was made before it was needed. The Plan of Salvation was in place before there was sin.<\/div>\n
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Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01 Peter 1:20<\/div>\n
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And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Revelation 13:8<\/div>\n
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It was not necessary to repeat the burning for each incident; the supply of ashes was adequate for multiple applications. Jesus died once for all time, an infinite source of cleansing. We can come for cleansing at any time and receive it instantly.<\/div>\n
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Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 7:27<\/div>\n
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Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 9:12<\/div>\n
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For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. . . . So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 9:26, 28<\/div>\n
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By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 10:10<\/div>\n
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This provision was available for Jews and foreigners. (Numbers 19:10) Jesus died for anyone and everyone.<\/div>\n
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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0John 3:16<\/div>\n
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Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Colossians 3:11<\/div>\n
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And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a01 John 2:2<\/div>\n
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Someone who had contact with death and did not receive this purification defiled the Tabernacle and would be “cut off,” a very serious sentence. (Numbers 19:13, 20) We are not totally isolated and independent from the rest of the universe. Our sinfulness on this earth corrupts the Heavenly Sanctuary.<\/div>\n
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And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Daniel 8:14<\/div>\n
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Each individual needs to take the initiative to receive the cleansing that is available. If he neglects it, he suffers the consequences.<\/div>\n
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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Romans 6:23<\/div>\n
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Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hebrews 2:1-3<\/div>\n
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Anyone who touched anything the unclean person had touched was unclean until evening. (Numbers 19:22) The human race inherited sinfulness and death from Adam and Eve. Contact with our sinful, worldly environment affects us. We may not perceive it any more than we can perceive the pathogens that are excreted from a corpse, but sin goes around like an infectious disease. We need daily, continual cleansing.<\/div>\n
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But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Genesis 2:17<\/div>\n
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Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Romans 5:12<\/div>\n
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Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Haggai 2:13, 14<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Numbers 19) Old Testament Parables Many of the parables of Jesus were stories and He included details that may or may not apply to the overall meaning. But in the Old Testament, in God’s instructions to His people, He included specific details that all have significance – the type of material used, color, time sequence, … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “The Ashes of a Red Heifer”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-68","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-torah"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p8gHhX-16","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=68"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":69,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68\/revisions\/69"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=68"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=68"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.godsfoodforlife.org\/wp\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=68"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}