Numbers 19:3

Give it to Eleazar the priest, and he will have it brought outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence.

Study Bible

Give it to Eleazar the priest
The instruction to "give it to Eleazar the priest" highlights the role of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, in the purification process. Eleazar, as a priest, represents the mediatory role between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "priest" is "kohen," which signifies one who is set apart for sacred duties. This phrase underscores the importance of priestly authority and the sanctity of the rituals they perform. In the broader scriptural context, the priesthood is a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priesthood, serving as a mediator for humanity.

and he will have it brought outside the camp
The phrase "and he will have it brought outside the camp" indicates the separation required for the ritual. The Hebrew word for "camp" is "machaneh," which refers to the community of Israel. This act of taking the sacrifice outside the camp symbolizes the removal of impurity from the community. Historically, this separation underscores the holiness of God and the need for purity among His people. It also prefigures the sacrifice of Christ, who was crucified outside the city, bearing the sins of the world.

and slaughtered in his presence
The phrase "and slaughtered in his presence" emphasizes the priest's oversight of the sacrificial act. The Hebrew root for "slaughtered" is "shachat," which means to kill or sacrifice. This act of slaughtering the red heifer is a critical component of the purification process, symbolizing the shedding of blood necessary for atonement. In the historical and scriptural context, this prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the purification of all believers. The presence of the priest during the slaughter signifies the necessity of divine authority and order in the sacrificial system, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ under the divine plan of redemption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eleazar the Priest
Eleazar, the son of Aaron, is a key figure in the priesthood. He is tasked with overseeing the ritual of the red heifer, highlighting his role in maintaining the purity and holiness of the Israelite community.

2. Outside the Camp
The location where the red heifer is to be slaughtered. This signifies separation from the community, symbolizing the removal of impurity and sin.

3. The Red Heifer
A unique sacrificial animal used for purification rites. Its ashes were used to purify those who had become ceremonially unclean, particularly through contact with a dead body.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priesthood
Eleazar's involvement underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding the community towards holiness and purity. In our lives, spiritual leaders can help us understand and apply God's Word.

Separation from Sin
The act of taking the heifer outside the camp symbolizes the need to separate from sin and impurity. As believers, we are called to live lives that are distinct from the world, pursuing holiness.

The Significance of Sacrifice
The red heifer points to the necessity of sacrifice for purification. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who cleanses us from all sin. We are reminded of the cost of our redemption and the call to live sacrificially.

Purification and Holiness
The ritual emphasizes the need for purification to approach God. In our spiritual journey, we must continually seek God's cleansing through repentance and faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Eleazar in this passage reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

2. What is the significance of the red heifer being slaughtered outside the camp, and how does this relate to Jesus' crucifixion?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of separation from sin in our daily lives?

4. How does the concept of sacrifice in Numbers 19:3 point us to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

5. What steps can we take to ensure we are living lives of purity and holiness, as symbolized by the purification rites in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament draws a parallel between the purification rites of the Old Testament, including the red heifer, and the ultimate purification through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Leviticus 16
The Day of Atonement rituals also involve purification and the removal of sin from the community, similar to the purpose of the red heifer.

John 19
Jesus' crucifixion outside the city parallels the red heifer being slaughtered outside the camp, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for sin.