As I stood amidst the traditional ruins of Shiloh, a site teeming with biblical resonance and historic sanctity, I could not help but reflect on the profound narrative that has unfolded across this sacred terrain. Shiloh, once the resting place of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, served as a pivotal spiritual and administrative center in Israel for nearly 4 centuries. This land, steeped in divine presence and prophetic achievement, offers a novel window into the enduring covenant between God and His people.
Today, Shiloh isn’t just an archaeological curiosity; it’s a living testament to the continuing achievement of biblical prophecy. As articulated within the Book of Amos, God promised the restoration and perpetual security of His people of their land. This promise, etched into the landscape of Shiloh through the cultivation of vineyards and orchards, mirrors Israel’s rebirth and speaks to the unwavering faithfulness of God. Amos 9:13-15 reads,
“Behold, the times are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when the plowman shall overtake the reaper
and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed;
the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
and all of the hills shall flow with it.
I’ll restore the fortunes of my people Israel,
they usually shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
they usually shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
I’ll plant them on their land,
they usually shall never again be uprooted
out of the land that I even have given them,”
says the Lord your God.
These verses resonate deeply in Shiloh. Although a Jewish community was only established in 1979, agriculture flourishes, and the community thrives, embodying the scripture’s prophecy.
Does ancient Shiloh help us understand the importance of red heifers?
Moreover, Shiloh’s significance is augmented by its association with the red heifers, revered in Jewish tradition for his or her role within the purification rituals anticipated in the development of the Third Temple. This element adds a profound layer to the positioning’s historical and eschatological importance, bridging past traditions with future hopes.
Numbers 19:1-10 details the commandments God imparted to Moses and Aaron concerning red heifers, specifying that the Israelites were to supply a flawless red heifer that had never been yoked. Distinct from other sacrifices that were performed contained in the camp, this one required the priest Eleazar to steer the heifer outside the camp for slaughter. Following this, Eleazar was to dab a few of its blood along with his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the Tent of Meeting. The entire animal, dung included, was then to be burned inside his sight, and additions of cedarwood, hyssop, and scarlet yarn were made to the fireplace.
The ashes from the red heifer were then collected by a ceremonially clean individual and these ashes were mixed with water. With these ashes, the technique of cleansing involved mixing them with pure water and sprinkling the answer onto those unclean and entering the Temple. This is a perpetual statute, and a few texts say an “everlasting command,” for each Israelites and foreigners residing amongst them.
In theological discussions, especially amongst Christians anticipating the Second Coming of Christ, the red heifer holds profound eschatological significance. As early as A.D. 51, the Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Thessalonians, discussed expectations surrounding Christ’s return. For some believers, the looks of a flawless red heifer aligns with prophetic signs indicating the tip times.
Orthodox Jews, too, view the presence of such heifers as essential for rebuilding the Third Temple and reinstatement of ancient sacrificial rites. This shared anticipation underscores a deeply held belief within the red heifer’s role in each fulfilling prophecy and heralding a pivotal epoch in religious history.
What is the importance of the Third Temple?
The presence of the red heifers results in discussions of the Third Temple, often enveloped in apprehension and controversy. The Temple symbolizes a broader theological vision—considered one of ultimate reconciliation and peace across faiths, as envisioned in Isaiah 2:2: “In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s Temple will probably be established as chief among the many mountains; it is going to be raised above the hills, and all of the nations will stream to it.” This prophecy foresees a gathering of all nations in worship and peace, transcending historical divisions and conflicts.
This scenario challenges us, the contemporary stewards of religion, to contemplate our roles on this unfolding divine narrative.
Furthermore, Psalm 86:9 underscores the inclusive scope of God’s salvific plan: “All the nations you might have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they may bring glory to your name.” King David’s words anticipate a time of universal acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, inviting each of us to partake on this grand, communal act of worship.
In light of those reflections, I encourage every believer to contemplate how they’ll contribute to this prophetic moment through prayer, support for Israel, and energetic participation in the worldwide faith community. Let us embrace our part on this greater story of God, a narrative of redemption, restoration, and peace that unfolds day by day in places as ancient and significant as Shiloh.
Is the Red Heifer prophecy misinformation?
The surge of misinformation concerning the red heifer and the resulting anxiety amongst some within the Muslim community underscores the chance that the frenzy surrounding the red heifer might indeed be a component of the final word prophetic narrative. The argument is that if the red heifer sacrifice weren’t a real biblical prophecy and held no significance, it might not attract attention within the Muslim world. However, an easy translation of “red heifer” into Arabic (بقرة حمراء) followed by an online search yields hundreds of thousands of results, highlighting the widespread interest and concern regarding this topic.
A recent article posted on IslamiCity [b] written by TRT World’s Mohammad Al-Kassim stated, “Right-wing Israeli groups are planning to slaughter red heifers at Al Aqsa Mosque within the hope of fulfilling a Jewish prophecy. Some consider it’s where the primary and second ancient Jewish temples once stood.” TRT World is a Turkish public broadcaster.
“Slaughter red heifers at Al Aqsa Mosque” – – FALSE.
It’s not “heifers,” but only one cow. Additionally, the commandment in Numbers 19:3 clearly states that the cows “shall be taken outside the camp and slaughtered”. Putting the ceremony on the Al Aqsa Mosque on servers to inflame a tenuous relationship between Muslims and Jews, when in actual fact the statement is totally false.
“Some consider it’s where the primary and second ancient Jewish temples once stood.”
Some consider that attempts to shift from historical truth to fictional narratives aim to obscure the incontrovertible fact that Judaism predates Islam by 1000’s of years. Scholars established the origins of Islam within the seventh century, while the Second Jewish Temple was destroyed by the Romans six centuries earlier.
What does Hamas need to do with the Red Heifer prophecy?
Even the evil radical hate group Hamas is inserting itself into the story of those 5 cows. In a speech commemorating 100 days because the outbreak of Israel’s conflict with Gaza, which began following the “Al-Aqsa Flood” assault by Palestinian militants from Gaza, Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Obeida commented on the importance of the red heifers. He described the anticipated sacrificial act as a “repugnant religious myth crafted to impress the feelings of a complete nation” and “…the bringing of red cows as an application of a detestable religious myth designed for aggression against the emotions of a complete nation in the center of its Arab identity.”
This is available in a context where defending Al Aqsa is a vital cause for Palestinian Muslims, encompassing each worshippers and militants. Yet, those in control of this red heifer ceremony don’t have any intention of destroying Al Aqsa Mosque.
Is Iran attached to this prophecy?
Then there’s Iran. The week I encountered the red heifers coincided with experiencing the stark realities many Israelis face day by day during wartime—sirens wailing, explosions that shake the very ground, and an amazing sense of vulnerability concerning the immediate future. In those moments, I used to be conscious about how little control I had, trusting completely in God’s windfall over where the bombs would land.
Thankfully, the attack from Iran was repelled, however the experience vividly delivered to life the prophetic words of Zechariah 14: “2 For I’ll gather all of the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the town shall be taken and the homes plundered and the ladies raped. Half of the town shall go into exile, but the remainder of the people shall not be cut off from the town.”
Taken literally, this scripture suggests that Jerusalem is destined to be the epicenter of a monumental final battle as foretold in each the Old and New Testaments, where the Third Temple will stand. Therefore, the red heifer, an everlasting commandment, stays intricately woven into the divine narrative concerning God’s promised land, His chosen people, and His victorious Son, Yeshua.
It’s not the cows’ fault.
Some critics suggest that the arrival of red heifers in Israel mustn’t be viewed as a controversial issue. Rabbi Itshack Mamo, tasked with caring for these cows and leading the ceremony, emphasized in a recent discussion that his aim for the ceremony is to advertise peace, not provoke conflict. He sees a future where the Temple is reconstructed on the Temple Mount in a way that circumvents destruction and discord.
Additionally, Byron Stinson of Boneh Israel identified during our interview, “This is just the start. The red heifer ceremony is step one, followed by prayers on the Temple Mount that may welcome all nations, including Muslims.”
This moment connects directly with the traditional narratives of our 2,000-year-old Bible. More than ever, it’s essential to face with our Jewish brothers and sisters who’re committedly safeguarding the Holy Land, confronting challenges, and moving forward to create the final word house of prayer and worship—the Third Temple.
[a] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/end-times/red-heifers-end-times-are-coming.html
[b] https://www.islamicity.org/101413/jews-prepare-to-slaughter-red-heifers-at-al-aqsa-to-fulfill-prophecy/
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Pam Walker
