Levites, Temple Institute, Islam, and Red Heifers
Photo from Temple Institute Newsletter April 26, 2024
Israel365News reported the following:
April 26, 2024
On Thursday, the third intermediary day of Passover, Levites gathered in Jerusalem to reenact their musical role in the Temple. A group of about two dozen Levites gathered in the Old City to practice their singing while wearing garments designed for use by the Temple musicians in the Third Temple. …
The Levites also blew silver trumpets that had been prepared for use in the Third Temple. …
In the Bible, the tribe of Levi included Moses and Aaron. Kohanim (priests) are descendants of Aaron and his descendants became a subset of the tribe of Levi. The other members of the tribe were chosen by God to forfeit their portions of land in Israel and to serve in the Temple. The Levites performed various functions in the Temple …
The Gaon of Vilna (an 18th-century Torah sage) said that the Temple music would be the last secret to be revealed before the Messiah. https://israel365news.com/389687/levites-tune-up-for-the-third-temple/
Another item Jews think is necessary for the Messiah to come is having an acceptable red heifer. Some Jews claim that the Messiah will sacrifice a red heifer–but that is NOT something Jesus will do upon His return (cf. Hebrews 9:11-14).
Jews, of course, should accept Jesus. Related to proof from the Hebrew scriptures as well as Jewish traditions, the Continuing Church of God put out this sermon on its ContinuingCOG channel:
Jesus for Jews?
Since there are at least 200 scriptures in the Hebrew Bible that Jesus fulfilled, why do most Jews not accept Jesus as the prophesied Messiah? Is the claim in the Jewish Encyclopedia of 1906 that “there appears to be no evidence of any Jewish conception of a Messiah suffering through and for his people” true or misleading? What do Jewish writings, including those in the Babylonian Talmud (Mishnah and Gemara) and various Targums reveal? What about the Dead Sea Scrolls? Was the timing of Jesus’ arrival and death consistent with any Jewish writings or records? Do any Jewish writings point to Jesus miraculously healing the sick? Do ancient Jewish writings tell of the Messiah who would offer Himself to take away the sins of Israel? Do Jewish writings tell of Messiah son of Joseph dying to later be resurrected? Do any Jewish writings point to Messiah son of David coming in the clouds, like 1 Thessalonians 4 does? Are there Jewish writings claimed to be related to the archangel Gabriel which tells of a resurrection after three days? If the Jews believed the Old Testament and certain of their writings, shouldn’t they accept Jesus as the prophesied Messiah? Dr. Thiel addresses these matters.
Here is a link to our sermon: Jesus for Jews?
Getting back to red heifer matters, certain Jews believe that a red heifer must be sacrificed before daily sacrifices can be started.
Let me state that we know that the daily sacrifices will be re-implemented by certain Jews as the prophet Daniel was inspired to write numerous times that they would be stopped:
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering … (Daniel 9:27)31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)
11 “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. (Daniel 12:11)
So, we see that after a deal is made, 3 1/2 years later, sacrifices will be stopped. By who? Well, the “he” above was called a “prince” in Daniel 9:26 and will become the King of the North Beast leader as discussed in Daniel 11:31,40. Since those that wait the 1335 days are then blessed–this looks to be a reference to Jesus returning and establishing the Kingdom of God a little less than four years after the daily sacrifices are stopped by the Beast.
Since the sacrifices will be stopped, they must start. And that is something that the Temple Institute and Sanhedrin are working towards.
The fact is that certain Jews (and others) have put a lot of time and money into red heifer projects.
In its newsletter today, the Temple Institute had the photograph shown at the beginning of this post.
Notice that the photograph includes red heifers, someone dressed in a type of Levitical garb, and the words TERUMAH 2024. What is terumah? Wikipedia states:
Terumah, Terumoh, Terimuh, or Trumah (תְּרוּמָה—Hebrew for “gift” or “offering, the twelfth word and first distinctive word in the parashah) is the nineteenth weekly Torah portion (פָּרָשָׁה, parashah) in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the seventh in the Book of Exodus. The parashah tells of God’s instructions to make the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The parashah constitutes Exodus 25:1–27:19. (Terumah. Wikipedia, accessed 04/26/24)
So, is this photograph a possible hint of offering a red heifer in 2024?
The Temple Institute in its newsletter and the related linked video (which I watched today) did not say anything about when a red heifer may be sacrificed.
However, the Temple Institute told a Roman Catholic source that its sacrifice of a red heifer is NOT imminent:
In Jerusalem, the “red heifer” worries religious and political leaders
Rumors of a potential sacrifice of a red cow, necessary for the construction of a third Jewish temple in Jerusalem, have stirred up the internet and religious leaders.
April 25, 2024
They are carefully raised, sheltered behind thick fences and under the watch of surveillance cameras in the Jewish settlement of Shiloh, in occupied West Bank. Five red cows, seemingly harmless at first glance – yet Israeli columnist David Landau referred to them as a “four-legged bomb” back in 2015.
For some Messianic Jews, a very small minority, the ashes of this animal mixed with “living water” are essential for the purification of the site where the third Jewish Temple is to be erected: on the Temple Mount (the Esplanade of the Mosques) in Jerusalem, in place of the Dome of the Rock, the third-holiest site in Islam. This notion is enough to provoke the anger of Muslims, for whom this place is sacred.
The massacres of October 7, referred to as “Al-Aqsa Flood” by Hamas, made the defense of the holy site a part of its rhetoric and unexpectedly brought the red heifer back into the spotlight. Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida mentioned the cows in a statement justifying the attacks on the occasion of the 100th day of war in Gaza: the “aggression reached its peak against Al-Aqsa” with “the arrival of the red cows as the implementation of a detestable religious myth intended to aggress the sentiments of an entire nation.” …
Five “red angus” heifers were finally imported from Texas through evangelical Christians in 2022. Since then, they have been growing under close surveillance in the settlement of Shiloh, a significant site in Judaism before the creation of the first Temple. …
Since Abu Obeida’s speech in January, rumors of their imminent sacrifice have spread on the internet, fueled by supporters of the third Temple. A press conference about the red heifer was held in Shiloh on March 27, with one of the presentations showing what the altar for the ceremony could look like. …
Contacted by La Croix, the Temple Institute denied the imminent celebration of the ceremony. “We still need preparation and rabbinical support,” explained Yitzhak Reuven, director of their international department. As minority sectarians, supporters of the third Temple are far from unanimous: Orthodox scholars reject any attempt to build the Temple before the coming of the Messiah. https://international.la-croix.com/world/in-jerusalem-the-red-heifer-worries-religious-and-political-leaders
Yet, despite the not claim of not being imminent, there are several reasons to consider that a sacrifice of a red heifer could be soon. In addition to the possible hint in the photograph at the beginning of this post, there is also the fact that the available red heifers are the correct age for sacrifice. Also, it may be that the Temple Institute will not pre-announce the red heifer sacrifice in order to stop protests and possible governmental interference.
Now, notice also the following from another Roman Catholic source related to the red heifer matter (note that “during Passover” would mean between Monday of this week and Monday of next week as most Jews count it):
April 25, 2024
The parah adumah, or red heifer, is in the news these days.
Some Jews and dispensationalist Christians are working to revive an ancient ceremony that they see as a prophecy of the restoration of the Temple and the coming of the Messiah. Many Muslims see this as a threat to Al-Aqsa Mosque, which stands on the Temple Mount. In Catholic tradition, the red heifer ceremony has meaning in that Jesus performed it in his passion and through it revealed the character of God and the nature of God’s salvific work, which flows through the heart of nature.
Now, the internet is buzzing with rumors that the ceremony of the red heifer could happen again at the Mount of Olives this April during Passover.
In scripture, the ceremony is found in Numbers 19. …
A red heifer — a female cow that has not borne a calf — is sacrificed to the east of the tabernacle outside the camp. Her blood is sprinkled seven times toward the tabernacle before she is burned in her entirety, with red cloth, hyssop and cedar tossed into the fire. The heifer’s ashes are gathered, mixed with spring water, and sprinkled on the people to make clean those made impure by contact with death. https://www.ncronline.org/earthbeat/viewpoints/red-heifer-ceremony-god-purifies-people-through-earth
The above mentioned that the red heifer is to be killed on the Mount of Olives.
The following altar was recently reported by CBS to be expected to be used in order to kill a red heifer on it:
Massive white ‘altar’ from CBS video (via Michael Snyder)
So, a sacrificial altar for a red heifer is out there (more on that is in the post: MS: A “Massive Altar” For The Red Heifer Sacrifice Has Been Constructed In Israel).
Today, I also watched a short Islamic “news” video related to the red heifers which basically kept showing the Dome of the Rock being blown up, while also declaring “Islam is right.”
The Temple Institute wants the area known as the Temple Mount to be cleared of all Islamic structures in order for it to construct a temple as they believe that Muslim structures are where their temple needs to be. Here is some information from two webpages of the Temple Institute related to that:
In our own times, the commandment of the red heifer takes on more and more significance. For without it, the Divine service of the Holy Temple cannot be resumed. There is a spiritual renaissance today in Israel; after almost 2,000 years, Israel is clearly moving towards the time when the Holy Temple on Mount Moriah – the prophesied Third Temple – will be rebuilt. https://templeinstitute.org/red-heifer-introduction/ accessed 03/11/24
Geo-politically, the Temple Mount has to be cleared of the Dome of the Rock and the mosques which are presently located upon it before the physical rebuilding of the Holy Temple can begin. Many scenarios can be imagined which would accomplish this, the most promising, and not necessarily the most far-fetched, would entail Moslem recognition of the Mount as the intended location for the rebuilt Temple. With the acquiescence of the Moslem world the Moslem structures currently on the Mount would be disassembled and reassembled elsewhere. …
As for the ashes of the red heifer, while these are essential, the possibility to temporarily proceed with the Divine service at the Holy Temple, when the majority of the nation of Israel is ritually impure, as is the case today, exists according to Torah. This is in order to assist the nation to begin, or continue, the service, even during extreme situations.
In short, it is not “technical” issues that are holding up the rebuilding of the Holy Temple, as these can be worked out. What is need is the will of the people of Israel, and the nations, to do what is necessary and build the house of G-d. https://templeinstitute.org/frequently-asked-questions/ accessed 03/17/24
So, yes, having a Temple Institute-connected group sacrificing a red heifer could well be perceived as a sign that the Jews intend to remove those Islamic structures. This red heifer sacrifice then would seem to enrage certain Muslims and could result in an expanded war. The sacrifice of a red heifer could also be perceived as a another reason by the government of Iran for it to launch an attack against Israel.
Hamas and Iran-backed Hezbollah raised concerns about red heifer ramifications prior to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack as the following shows:
Hamas has repeatedly described its war on Israel not in secular Western categories, such as resistance to colonialism, but as an attempt to defend Al-Aqsa, which Muslim tradition holds was the site of its Prophet Mohamed’s night journey.
Similarly, this past August, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah called on Muslims throughout the world to defend Al-Aqsa. Hamas has labeled its Oct. 7 assault on Israel the “Al-Aqsa Wave,” a term resonant not of Palestinian nationalism but of rescuing an Islamic holy site from depredation and destruction by infidels.
This focus on Al-Aqsa has extended to red heifers. Upon the arrival of the five heifers from Texas, Hezbollah and Hamas issued warnings that this meant that the expected assault on Al-Aqsa would soon occur. Following the Temple Institute’s September 2023 announcement of the birth of its candidate heifer, the Islamist-oriented Middle East Monitor carried the headline, “Israel’s red cow will blow up the region.”
The Palestine News Network also highlighted the heifers. In an interview for the Hamas television channel, named “Al-Aqsa,” Dr. Ahmad Shihab said that bringing red heifers to Jerusalem shows that “the fascist Israeli government encourages the settlers to continue harming al-Aqsa mosque.”
A senior Palestinian source in touch with the political leadership of Hamas was asked by Middle East Eye: “Why did the attack take place when it did?”
He replied, “The trigger for the 7 October attack was Hamas’s concern that far-right Jews intended to sacrifice an animal at the site of al-Aqsa Mosque, thus laying the ground for the demolition of the Dome on the Rock shrine and the building of the Third Temple.” 11/13/23 https://www.hudson.org/religious-freedom/unblemished-red-heifers-key-understanding-conflict-middle-east-paul-marshall
In January, a Hamas spokesperson confirmed that the red heifers were a reason it launched its October 7th attack (see I365: Hamas Spokesman: Oct 7 attack launched to stop the red heifers). Let me add that in January 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the statement, “Hamas and its backer Iran” (https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-vows-no-palestinian-state-attacks-israeli-media-denies-blindsiding-gallant/ 01/18/24)–so it would seem that Iran itself could have concerns about the red heifer sacrifice.
The sacrifice of a red heifer may even become a factor in an expanded regional war that could ultimately result in the confirmation of the deal of Daniel 9:27 and the countdown to the start of the Great Tribulation approximately 3 1/2 years later as well as the return of Jesus seven years after the deal is confirmed by someone that the Bible refers to as a prince in Daniel 9:26.
Now, it should be pointed out the Jews do not need a massive temple in order to re-implement animal sacrifices. All they need is an altar and possibly a tent, which they have.
We have a video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel related to that:
Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent
In March 2024, the Temple Institute recently pointed out that how God blessed the Sabbath, He also blessed the construction of a tent tabernacle. They pointed out progress from the ancient Israelites. Should Christians be making spiritual progress each year before Passover? The Temple institute has stated that the area called ‘the Temple Mount’ needs to be cleared of Muslim mosques, etc. so that a ‘third temple’ can be built. It also claims that it has four thriving red heifers, one of which it want to sacrifice before the implementation of regular animal sacrifices. Has Hamas claimed that the existence and possible use of a red heifer was a factor in its attack in Israel on October 7, 2023? Does the Temple Institute believe it must have a massive temple in order for sacrifices to resume? Or is having a priesthood, an altar, and a tent enough? What does the Sanhedrin say about that? Did Ezra write that animal sacrifices were made after the first temple was destroyed, but before the second temple was started? Is that believed by numerous modern Jewish rabbis and scholars? Does the Bible teach that regular animal sacrifices will be resumed? Could there be any relationship to the stopping of them and the return of Jesus? Is the day of Jesus coming getting much closer? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these issues.
Here is a link to our video: Temple Institute, Heifers, Hamas, and a Tent.
Some believe that a red heifer sacrifice could happen between now and Pentecost, which is June 16th in 2024 (see also ‘Red Heifers could be ready for the Temple by Passover’ or Pentecost?).
We will see.
But what we know for sure is that the objectives of the Temple Institute and many Muslims are in serious conflict.
Such conflict may well be a factor in regional war coming soon.
The red heifer matter remains something to “Watch” as Jesus indicated in Mark 13:37.
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation. A short video is also available titled Trump’s Deal of the Century and Daniel 9 27? Here is a link to something related in the Spanish language: Estados Árabes emiratos unidos y el tratado de paz en el medio este.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There are also two related videos: Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is ‘the temple of God” in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén? Here is a link to two sermons The Temple, Prophecy, and the Work and God’s Temple in Prophecy. And here is a version of the latter one in the Spanish: El templo de Dios en profecía.
Nascent Sanhedrin and Prophecy The reconstituted Sanhedrin wants the reimplementation of animal sacrifices. A related video is titled Sanhedrin pushing animal sacrifices. And a newer one is: Sanhedrin makes burnt offering to dedicate altar!
The Red Heifer, Jewish Beliefs, and the End of the World The Temple Institute is watching a ‘red heifer.’ Why might this be important in the sequence of end time events? Here is a related link in the Spanish language Novilla roja descubierta en EE.UU. e Instituto del Templo está interesado en ella. Here are links to three related videos in English: Red Heifers and the Fate of the World and The Red Heifer and the End of the World and 5 Red Heifers and Year 5783?
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede la Gran Tribulación comenzar en el 2020 o 2021? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024? Here is a video in the Spanish language: Es El 2021 el año de La Gran Tribulación o el Grande Reseteo Financiero.
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