Heifer, Red

The sacrificial offering of the red heifer was different than others—the animal had to be a female, red in color, a heifer (one that has not given birth to a calf), with no spot or blemish, and which has never been attached to or pulled a yoke (see Num. 19:2–5, 17). Its purpose was to remove the defilement of death from people who have touched a dead body, bone, or grave (Num. 19:16). The sacrifice of the red heifer anticipated Jesus Christ’s own sacrifice; He overcame death so that we could have immortality and eternal life (see entry “Animals, Female [Sacrificial Offerings]”).

The sacrifice of the red heifer anticipated Jesus Christ’s own sacrifice.