In Numbers 19 we have a unique sacrifice and ceremony which is not found in the book of Leviticus. The Book of Numbers is the record of Israel’s journey through the wilderness, and chapter 19 shows the way of cleansing in the wilderness. Here again we find the cedar wood mentioned, as well as the hyssop and scarlet.

In this ceremony, a red heifer that had never been under a yoke was to be taken and killed and its blood sprinkled before the entrance to the tent of meeting, symbolizing all God’s claims being met by the blood of Christ. Notice in this ceremony that the blood was only shed once. Afterwards, the cleansing was to be by water. This is true for us today as well. Only once do we come to God as sinners and receive cleansing by blood. Then the cleansing we need as believers is by water (John 13:4–10; Eph. 5:26).

After the heifer was killed, it was burned, and the cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet were all cast into the fire with it. Again, we may think of Christ and His glories represented, as the Son of God, the Son of Man, and the Son of David. For us to be cleansed in our wilderness journey through this present evil world, He must die.

The ashes of the red heifer were kept in a clean place (Num. 19:9). Whenever one of the children of Israel became defiled through contact with that which speaks of sin and death, the priest was to take some of the ashes with water to cleanse the person. So too we are cleansed through the “washing of water by the word” and, in particular, by that word that speaks of Christ’s sufferings and death. This is what He Himself would use in washing our feet to restore our souls, in His grace. How full the Scriptures are of pictures of what He endured for us, as well as the reality of it!