What is the biblical importance of a red heifer? Is the birth of a red heifer a sign of the end times?

TL;DR:

The red heifer was an important element of the sacrificial system and will likely be a part of an end times temple. Believers are called to know the signs of the end times, but more important is living out our faith and being ready.

what does the bible say?

A red heifer is integral to the Mosaic law's purification rituals, detailed in Numbers 19:1–10, and was essential for ancient Israelite worship practices. The ritual's significance continued from Moses' time through the temple period until AD 70 and will likely be required for future temple sacrifices as described in Ezekiel 41—45. The New Testament predicts a future Jewish temple that the Antichrist will desecrate (Matthew 24:15). Jesus taught that no one knows the timing of His return (Mark 13:32), and the imminent rapture of believers encourages holy living and proclaiming our faith through evangelism (John 14:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Believers are called to make disciples of all nations, as commanded in Matthew 28:18–20.

from the old testament

A red heifer is included in the purification rituals of the Mosaic law used as part of the sacrificial system. The use of the red heifer is described in detail in Numbers 19:1–10. The ritual of the red heifer was a significant part of the purification process in ancient Israelite worship practices. This was to be part of the ongoing ritual for the Jews that was practiced from the time of Moses in the tabernacle through the time of the Jewish temple until its destruction in AD 70.
Another temple is discussed in Ezekiel 41—45 that will exist during the millennial kingdom with sacrifices. For the temple sacrifices to take place, the Mosaic law requires the use of a red heifer.

from the new testament

The Bible prophesies that a future Jewish temple will be built and later be desecrated by the Antichrist (Matthew 24:15).

implications for today

Jesus taught that no one knows the day or hour of Christ's return (Mark 13:32). The next major event in biblical prophecy to take place is the rapture of believers by Jesus Christ (John 14:1–3; 1 Corinthians 15:51–58; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). This event can happen at any moment. The fact that other aspects of prophecy that will take place following the rapture are seen today suggests that we may be very close to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. For the believer, this should encourage us (1 Thessalonians 4:18) as we look forward to eternity with Christ.

In addition, the any-moment return of Jesus should cause us to live holy lives and share Christ with others. As Jesus commanded His followers before leaving earth, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19–20).

understand

The red heifer had to be without defect or blemish, and never yoked.
The heifer was slaughtered and burned outside the camp.
The ashes of the heifer were mixed with water and used to purify those who had become ceremonially unclean, particularly through contact with a dead body.

reflect

What does the ritual of the red heifer reveal about God and purity?
How can you prepare yourself for the return of Christ, considering that the exact timing is unknown?
How can you balance being aware of prophetic signs with living a faithful and active Christian life today?

engage

The appearance of a red heifer means the Jewish temple could be constructed in the near future, fulfilling prophecy in the process. While it is possible that the appearance of a red heifer marks a near fulfillment of biblical prophecy regarding a new Jewish temple, such headlines should be read with caution. Similar red heifer headlines have occurred in the past (notable accounts occurred in 1997, 2015, and 2023) yet have not led to a soon construction of a Jewish temple.
A red heifer will likely be involved in the temple practices in the future, but many red heifers could appear between now and that time. Though rare, the sighting of one red heifer is not necessarily a sign that the temple will be built at any moment.
How do we interpret the potential signs of the end times, such as the birth of a red heifer, without becoming overly focused on them?