Not a heifer but maybe a heifer's daddy.
That's not no Bull
Posted on 04/09/2002 10:34:43 AM PDT by puddle_duck
You sound so sure. Why do you think so? A few believe it was written earlier, but the prevailing consensus is that it was written around 95 ad. Check out this link for a decent evaluation.
Another question that comes to mind is that since the Temple and it's records were destroyed utterly in AD70, and with it all of the records of who was who, just how do they know who is a true Israelite any more? How will they select their high priest without a descendant of the tribe of Levi?
First of all, God knows, and don't you think He has it in His power to make sure they return? And this is wild, but they reportedly are able to determine who is of priestly descent by their dna. Doesn't surprise me though, just reminds me of the wonders of God.
"Watch." I often tell my sons or my other baseball players "BE READY". They know what I mean. It means plant both feet, bend your knees, and get your hand and glove ready to catch the ball that could very well come your way if the batter hits this next pitch. Perhaps an unusual analogy, but perfect for what I'm trying to say.
"Watch" from Jesus carries the same meaning for Christians as "Be Ready" carries for my ball players. We have to live our lives in the meantime
What has been occuring over the last 18-24 months is a major "renovation" by the Waqf of the Temple Mount. Bulldozers have literally been brought in and tore up the site with no regard for archaelogical study. The Israelis have been scrounging through the dump site created by the Palestinians on the southern slope of the Temple Mount. One of the items the Israelis recoverd is a lentle piece thought to be a part of the Herodian Temple complex. I've also read some recent reports in near-east archaelogy journals that have expressed concerns that the work being done by the Palestinians may actually be weakening areas of the Temple Mount, particularly the Al Aqsa mosque located to the south of the DotR. Can you imagine what would happen if the "renovations" actual caused some of the structures to collapse? Of course the Palestinians would blame the Israelis for secretly damaging the structures.
Why do I think so? Because it fits with the history we have from that time, mainly that of Flavious Josephus, and also because it was the prevailent view of the 1st-4th century church. Not till after 450AD did a Futurist view show up, and even then it was speculative based on the author being a John other than the Apostle John.
I'll agree that amoung Futurist and possibly some others, the later date is the concensus, in fact it has to be for their view to have relevance.
The Historist, Idealist and Preterist views are and have always been that all of the books of the NT were written before AD 70.
In addition to the historical account of Josephus(specifically The War with the Jews, you might find the online book Before Jerusalem Fell interesting.
As for the selection of the priest, it is irrelevant to me, as Christ is and evermore shall be the High Priest. That's why the Red Heifer is a Red Herring(i.e. Old Covenant vs. New Covenant).
I realize of course that your views likely differ, and that is one of the things that make life interesting. It would be boring if we all agreed on everything all the time.
bump
The red heifer has to be without spot or blemish. A single white hair disqualifies them
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