The heifer, the principal component of the water for impurity (v. 9), signifies the redeeming Christ. The color red signifies the likeness of the flesh of sin, which is for the bearing of man’s sin outwardly. The heifer being without defect signifies that although Christ was in the likeness of the flesh of sin, He did not have the sinful nature (Rom. 8:3 and note Rom. 8:3³). That the heifer was without blemish indicates that Christ was perfect (see note Exo. 12:6^1a, par. 1). The heifer having never been under a yoke signifies that Christ was never used by anyone, especially by or for God’s enemy, Satan (cf. Exo. 12:5 and note Exo. 12:5¹).

Christ was crucified outside the camp (Heb. 13:12-13), on Calvary, a small mount outside the city of Jerusalem (Matt. 27:33 and note Matt. 27:33¹).

Cedar wood signifies Christ in His dignified humanity, hyssop signifies Christ in His humbled humanity, and scarlet signifies redemption in its highest significance (see note Lev. 14:4^2c). The high and dignified Christ and the lowly and humbled Christ in His redemption were elements for the composition of the water for impurity (v. 9).

Lit., it.

Ashes signify Christ reduced to nothing (Mark 9:12). These ashes were kept for the water for impurity; it was a purification of sin, or a sin offering.

The impurity in this chapter does not refer to sin but to death (vv. 11, 13-16). Death issues from sin, and sin is the root of death (Rom. 5:12). From the sin of rebellion (chs. 11—14 and 16), death became prevailing among the children of Israel (Num. 16:49). Thus, there was the need for the water for impurity. Only the working of Christ’s redemption, through His dignified and humbled humanity, with His death and the Spirit of His resurrection (v. 17 and note Num. 19:17¹), could heal and cleanse the situation from the uncleanness of death.

In typology, the third day signifies resurrection, and the seventh day signifies completion.

Lit., living. The living water here signifies the Holy Spirit in the resurrection of Christ (John 7:37-39 and note John 7:38^2b and note John 7:39^1a). In the water for impurity, there is the efficacy of Christ’s redemption with the washing power of the Spirit of His resurrection.