The Red Heifer: Purity, Prophecy, and Christ. Few Old Testament rituals carry as much prophetic weight—or modern fascination—as the sacrifice of the Red Heifer (Numbers 19). In Jewish law it symbolized the removal of impurity. In Christian understanding it foreshadows the once-for-all cleansing accomplished by Jesus. Today it still draws attention because of end-times speculation and ongoing Temple Institute preparations. But the Bible itself offers the truest meaning.