15th Century BC (During the Israelites' Wilderness Wanderings)
The Israelites were in the wilderness, following the Exodus from Egypt, and were receiving laws and instructions from God through Moses.
The Israelites were a nomadic people at this time, not yet settled in the Promised Land, and were organized under the leadership of Moses and Aaron.
The wilderness of Sinai, where the Israelites camped and received the law. This was a desert region with limited resources.
The Israelites were given specific laws regarding purity and impurity. The ritual of the red heifer was a purification rite to cleanse those who had come into contact with a dead body, which was considered a source of impurity.
Moses
Aaron
High Priest and brother of Moses, involved in the rituals and sacrifices.