Numbers 19:2 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

Do not overlook several leading circumstances here in the appointment of the LORD, which we find sweetly pointing to JESUS. First, the heifer was to be red. It is well known that the colour is rare and not common. Such was JESUS, one among a thousand. JESUS is called the second Adam; and the name of Adam signifies red earth. Hence to the manhood of JESUS this redness is peculiarly applicable, for the children being partakers of flesh and blood, he himself likewise took part of the same. The church sings, my beloved is white and ruddy; while in allusion to the spotless purity of his divine nature; and ruddy in allusion to the sufferings of his human nature; or in both, because of the innocency and immaculate holiness of his person. Hebrews 7:26. But, perhaps, the appointment of a red heifer, had a still further reference to the LORD JESUS, who, it is well known, was red in his apparel, when in his own blood he had stained all his raiment in redeeming his people and taking vengeance of his enemies. See Isaiah 63:2-4; Revelation 19:15; Revelation 19:15; Deuteronomy 32:42. Secondly. This heifer was to be without spot, and wherein there was no blemish. Oh! how clearly did this prefigure the spotless LAMB of GOD. John 1:29. Thirdly, This heifer was never to have been yoked. See, Reader! how thy Redeemer was here again represented. In redemption work, none was yoked with JESUS. No arm but his could bring salvation; and of the people there was none with him. Isaiah 63:5. Neither was JESUS yoked to the service, for nothing but his own free love constrained him. I have power (saith he) to lay down my life, and I have power to take it again. John 10:17-18. Reader, do not hastily pass over those precious views of thy JESUS! And before we quit the verse let us consider another beauty in it, namely, That the provision of this heifer was to be made from the united expense of all the congregation. The precept saith, Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer. Yes! JESUS is provided for all his people, all his children: He is the gift of the FATHER to all his seed. And therefore John sweetly speaks of the LORD JESUS under this character, as not only our propitiation, but for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2.