Parasha Chukat

SHABBAT DATE

Jul 19, 2025

Numbers 19:1–22:1

Red Heifer, Miriam’s death, Moses strikes the rock.

Parashat Chukat (חֻקַּת – “Statute”)

Numbers 19:1–22:1

1. The Law of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah)

Numbers 19:1–22

“This is the statute (chukat) of the Torah which the LORD has commanded…”(Num. 19:2)

God commands Moses and Aaron to prepare a red heifer without blemish, which is to be burned outside the camp.
Its ashes, mixed with water, are used for purification from corpse defilement.
Paradoxically, those who handle the ashes become impure, while the ashes themselves purify the impure.
This ritual emphasizes the mystery of spiritual purification and foreshadows the need for a perfect offering outside the camp (Hebrews 13:11–12).

2. The Waters of Merivah (Quarreling)

Numbers 20:1–13

“Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water…”(Num. 20:8)

Miriam dies and is buried in Kadesh. The people complain of thirst.
God tells Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water.
Instead, Moses strikes the rock twice and calls the people “rebels.”
Water flows, but because Moses and Aaron did not sanctify God before the people, they are forbidden from entering the Promised Land.
The place is named Merivah, because of the contention of the Israelites.

3. Edom Refuses Passage

Numbers 20:14–21

Moses asks the king of Edom for permission to pass through their territory.
Edom refuses and comes out with a large army.
Israel turns away to avoid conflict.

4. The Death of Aaron

Numbers 20:22–29

God tells Moses to bring Aaron and Eleazar up to Mount Hor.
There, Aaron's priestly garments are transferred to Eleazar, and Aaron dies.
The people mourn Aaron’s death for 30 days.

5. Fiery Serpents and the Bronze Serpent

Numbers 21:4–9

“Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole; and it shall come to pass, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.”(Num. 21:8)

The people again complain, and God sends fiery serpents.
Many die, and the people repent.
God instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Whoever looks upon it is healed.
This becomes a prophetic picture of Yeshua being lifted up on the cross (John 3:14–15).

6. Victories on the Way to the Promised Land

Numbers 21:10–35

Israel travels and sings a song about the well God provided (Num. 21:16–18).
They are attacked by Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan.
God delivers both kings and their land into Israel’s hands.

Messianic Insight:

Yeshua is the fulfillment of the red heifer, crucified “outside the camp” to cleanse us from defilement (Hebrews 9:13–14).He is also the bronze serpent, lifted up so that those who look to Him in faith might live (John 3:14–16).Like Moses, leaders are called to sanctify God before the people—and Yeshua did so perfectly, securing our access to the Living Water.