This week we are reviewing the significance of the “Red Heifer” sacrifice. Recall that the Red Heifer was a completely red cow that was entirely burned on the altar – its hide, internal organs, and blood – and its ashes were then mixed with living water to create “waters of separation” that were used to cleanse from contact with death (Num. 19:1-10). In this connection it is noteworthy that three elements used for purification (cedarwood, hyssop, and scarlet thread) were used not only for ritual cleansing from contact with death and tza’arat (Lev. 14), but were also used during the ratification of the covenant at Mount Sinai (see Exod. 24:8; Heb. 9:19-20) and indeed during the crucifixion of our Lord Yeshua. Recall that “hyssop” (אֵזוֹב) is first mentioned regarding the application of the blood of the lamb upon the doorposts during the Passover (Exod. 12:22), and that King David later appealed to God for cleansing saying, “purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean” (Psalm 51:7). A hyssop branch was also used to offer vinegar to Messiah during the time of his crucifixion (John 19:29). Likewise the wood from a cedar tree (עֵץ אֶרֶז) is likely the type of wood used for the cross of Messiah. Finally, scarlet (שָׁנִי) thread symbolizes both blood and royalty, and appears in the birth of Judah’s children Zerach and Peretz (Gen. 38:28), in the coverings of the Mishkan (i.e., Tabernacle), as a sign of Rahab’s faith (Josh 2:8,21), and as the color of the robe of Messiah during his crucifixion (Matt. 27:28). There are lots of connections to be found as we study Torah and Ha’Brit Ha’Chadashah, chaverim!
Hebrew Lesson:
