Topical Bible: The Red Heifer: Cedar, Hyssop, Burned With

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Red Heifer is a significant element in the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, particularly in the purification rites described in the Book of Numbers. The ritual of the Red Heifer is detailed in Numbers 19, where God commands Moses and Aaron regarding the preparation of the water of purification.

Biblical Context and Description

The Red Heifer is a young female cow that is entirely red, without blemish or defect, and has never been yoked. The ritual involving the Red Heifer is unique in that it is the only sacrifice in the Mosaic Law where the animal is slaughtered outside the camp, rather than at the altar in the Tabernacle or Temple.

Cedar and Hyssop

In the ritual, the Red Heifer is burned completely, and its ashes are used to create the water of purification. Numbers 19:6 states, "The priest is to take cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer." The inclusion of cedar wood and hyssop is significant. Cedar wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizes incorruptibility and eternal life. Hyssop, a plant used in various purification rites, represents cleansing and purification. The scarlet wool, often associated with sin and redemption, adds another layer of symbolic meaning to the ritual.

The Burning of the Red Heifer

The burning of the Red Heifer, along with the cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool, is a critical part of the purification process. The ashes from this complete burning are mixed with water to create the water of purification. This water is then used to cleanse those who have become ceremonially unclean, particularly through contact with a dead body. Numbers 19:9 explains, "Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to gather up the ashes of the heifer and deposit them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They are to be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of purification; it is for purification from sin."

Theological Significance

The ritual of the Red Heifer holds deep theological significance. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for purification before approaching a holy God. The use of the Red Heifer, along with cedar, hyssop, and scarlet wool, points to the comprehensive nature of God's provision for cleansing His people. The ashes of the Red Heifer, used in the water of purification, serve as a powerful symbol of the cleansing from sin and impurity, foreshadowing the ultimate purification through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Red Heifer ritual, with its detailed requirements and symbolic elements, reflects the holiness of God and the necessity of purity among His people. It serves as a reminder of the cost of sin and the provision of God for reconciliation and sanctification.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 19:6
And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the middle of the burning of the heifer.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... there God commanded them to take a red cow in ... Israel hath gone astray like a wanton
heifer": and this was ... four elements are indicated here: for "cedar-wood" was ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Now, methought, while she was telling these things unto us, my heart burned within
me; and I said in my heart, If this be true, I will leave my father and my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm