The results of the timid report made by the unbelieving explorers of Ca'naan were most distressing. The people of Is'ra-el were made fearful and angry, and expressed their dismay in a great tumult of shouting and lament. Rioting broke out in the camps of Is'ra-el, and the people were further distracted from peace and quiet by rumors and plots of every nature. In a fit of unjust murmuring against Mo'ses and Aa'ron, they cried that it would have been better to perish in E'gypt or in the wilderness than to die with their wives and children at the hands of the Ca'naan-ites.
The wild, unreasoning crowds even went so far as to blaspheme the name of God, and to accuse Him of deceit in bringing them out of the land of E'gypt. With daring impudence and base ingratitude they turnt against their great Benefactor and His servants.
Mo'ses and Aa'ron were much grieved by the disgraceful conduct of the Is'ra-el-ites, but remained calm and patient. They tried to urge the people to refrain from such foolish actions, and to obey the command of God; they finally threw themselves prostrate before the people in prayer to God.
Josh'u-a and Ca'leb sought again to calm the fears of the people, and for their faithfulness were threatened with death by stoning. These devoted leaders tried to convince the Is'ra-el-ites that in the following the directions of God they would be assured of His presence and power, and of certain victory over the inhabitants of the land of Ca'naan. All their efforts, however, were in vain.
In His righteous indignation over the blasphemy and lack of faith of Is'ra-el, and because they continued to be rebellious, the LORD declared to Mo'ses that He would destroy the whole nation by a plague, and would raise up another people for the occupation of Ca'naan from the family of Mo'ses alone. But Mo'ses thought more of Is'ra-el than of his own honor and glory, and pleaded with God to spare the people. He declared that the heathens back in E'gypt and those in Ca'naan would say in scorn that God was not able to establish His people in the land which He had promised to give them.
The earnest request of Mo'ses was granted by the LORD, but with certain conditions. The children of Is'ra-el were to wander in the wilderness for forty years before occupying the Promised Land, the 600,000 men over the age of twenty who had refused to enter Ca'naan when the LORD commanded should die without ever entering it, and the land would finally be given to the new generation to be born in the wilderness. Only Josh'u-a and Ca'leb were to be spared from this Divine Decree.
The people's sins of rebellion and blasphemy were pardoned in answer to the prayers of Mo'ses, but the privilege of occupying the Promised Land was denied for all time to those who had refused it after hearing the report of the spies. God's Covenant with Is'ra-el was preserved, but its blessings in respect to Ca'naan were reserved for a new generation. Is'ra-el was turnt away from the very doors of the Promised Land, and for forty years lived wandering life in the wilderness of the A-ra'bi-an Peninsula. We shall learn more about this in our next story.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Story 52: Is'ra-el At Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a; Spies Are Sent Into Ca'naan ll
In the valley of Esh'col, which was about two miles north of He'bron, and was noted for its grapes of superior size and quality, they gathered some fruit to take back to their people at Ka'desh. Here they found great clusters of grapes, some weighing from twenty to forty-five pounds. They carried some of these back home with them, and the largest were so heavy that they had to be hung on poles and carried over the shoulders of two men.
And so the twelve spies had two different reports to make when they returnt to Ka'desh. Ten of them said, "It is a good land, a land of plentiful grass, of superb fruits, of glorious valleys and plains and hills and mountains, a land greatly to be desired; but it is held by fierce enemies which we cannot overcome." To them, the strong cities could not be taken, nor the giant warriors defeated in battle. They said, "The land is so fertile and fruitful that it is filled with warlike tribes which constantly destroy one another, and we shall be destroyed along with the weakest of them."
This report was filled with the spirit of cowardice and unbelief. The ten spies who made it forgot the strength of the 600,000 soldiers of Is'ra-el, and the Supreme Power of God. There was no place in their faltering hearts for the memory of how Pha'raoh's army had been destroyed in the Red Sea, of Josh'u-a's victory over the Am'a-lek-ites, or of the continued presence of God with them in all their difficulties.
Ca'leb and Josh'u-a made a different report than the other spies. They said, "All that these men have said about the excellence of the land is true, and it is also true that there are strong cities and fierce warriors to be overcome, but we are well able to take the land." They admitted that there were giants in the land, but chided the ten faint-hearted spies for regarding the Is'ra-el-ites as mere "grasshoppers" before them. "Why," they said, "anointed with the Power of God, and with the unseen hosts of Heaven to fight on our side, we shall be the "giants," and the people of Ca'naan will be the "grasshoppers."
In a stirring appeal to the Is'ra-el-ites, Ca'lab said, "Let us go up at once and possess the land." He urged quick, bold action, insisting that all Is'ra-el act together with the assurance of faith in their hearts. His hope of victory was based upon certainty of God's promises, and the knowledge of His all-conquering power.
What a striking contrast between moral courage and moral cowardice is presented in the reports and conducts of these two groups! Overcome by moral cowardice, the ten spies trembled with fear before facing the enemy, exaggerated the strength of their foes, minimized their own abilities, and were willing to give up without striking a blow. Ca'leb and Josh'u-a, on the other hand, had the courage to face self-denial and hardship boldly, and to declare their faith in the power of right.
And so the twelve spies had two different reports to make when they returnt to Ka'desh. Ten of them said, "It is a good land, a land of plentiful grass, of superb fruits, of glorious valleys and plains and hills and mountains, a land greatly to be desired; but it is held by fierce enemies which we cannot overcome." To them, the strong cities could not be taken, nor the giant warriors defeated in battle. They said, "The land is so fertile and fruitful that it is filled with warlike tribes which constantly destroy one another, and we shall be destroyed along with the weakest of them."
This report was filled with the spirit of cowardice and unbelief. The ten spies who made it forgot the strength of the 600,000 soldiers of Is'ra-el, and the Supreme Power of God. There was no place in their faltering hearts for the memory of how Pha'raoh's army had been destroyed in the Red Sea, of Josh'u-a's victory over the Am'a-lek-ites, or of the continued presence of God with them in all their difficulties.
Ca'leb and Josh'u-a made a different report than the other spies. They said, "All that these men have said about the excellence of the land is true, and it is also true that there are strong cities and fierce warriors to be overcome, but we are well able to take the land." They admitted that there were giants in the land, but chided the ten faint-hearted spies for regarding the Is'ra-el-ites as mere "grasshoppers" before them. "Why," they said, "anointed with the Power of God, and with the unseen hosts of Heaven to fight on our side, we shall be the "giants," and the people of Ca'naan will be the "grasshoppers."
In a stirring appeal to the Is'ra-el-ites, Ca'lab said, "Let us go up at once and possess the land." He urged quick, bold action, insisting that all Is'ra-el act together with the assurance of faith in their hearts. His hope of victory was based upon certainty of God's promises, and the knowledge of His all-conquering power.
What a striking contrast between moral courage and moral cowardice is presented in the reports and conducts of these two groups! Overcome by moral cowardice, the ten spies trembled with fear before facing the enemy, exaggerated the strength of their foes, minimized their own abilities, and were willing to give up without striking a blow. Ca'leb and Josh'u-a, on the other hand, had the courage to face self-denial and hardship boldly, and to declare their faith in the power of right.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Story 52: Is'ra-el At Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a; Spies Are Sent Into Ca'naan l
The children of Is'ra-el had now arrived at the border of the Promised Land, and there seemed to be no reason why they should not enter it and take possession at once. God Himself had declared that it was a good land, He had promised to guide them to it, and this promise had now been fulfilled. He was present with them in the majestic pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, He had miraculously provided for all their needs thus far on the journey, He had assured them that He would drive out the heathen nations of Ca'naan and give the Is'ra-el-ites possession of the land, and His order when they arrived at Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a was, "Go up and possess the land."
But the hearts of the people were filled with fear and unbelief. They felt it necessary to take certain precautions which the Lord had not included in His plan for the immediate occupation of Ca'naan. Their answer to God's command that they "go up at once" was "Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land for us." Mo'ses was deceived as to the real purpose of this request; thinking that it was a wise precaution which would be followed by whole-hearted obedience to the command of God, he yielded to the advice of the people. Without suspecting the mixture of unbelief and cowardice which prompted this request, he conferred with God about it. Although such a course seems not to have been in the plan of God for Is'ra-el, He permitted it in order to teach the people a lesson. God will sometimes let man have his own way and lean upon his own understanding so that he will find out the utter folly of his fancied wisdom.
It would have been better for Is'ra-el if the sending of spies had never been suggested, if they had walked by faith instead of seeking to go by sight.
After securing permission from God to send men into Ca'naan to explore the land, Mo'ses proceeded to appoint and instruct those who were to go on this mission. He chose twelve men, one from each tribe of Is'ra-el; all of these men had proved their courage and wisdom by noble deeds in the past. They were sent out to make a careful study of the entire land of Ca'naan, paying attention to its fertility, the measures which were taken to protect its towns, and the number and strength of the people. The report which they were to bring back was to be proved by samples of the fruit which they had found in the land.
For forty days the spies traveled through the land of Ca'naan, from the southern border where they entered the country, over the fruitful hills of the interior, along the coast facing the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea, and into the most distant towns of the northern border.
They visited many villages and towns of the country, finding some of them walled and strongly fortified. Special attention was given by the spies to He'bron, a town which was older than Zo'an, the most ancient city of E'gypt. Three generations of Is'ra-el ancestors had been buried near He'bron-Ab'ra-ham and Sa'rah, I'saac and Re-bek'ah, and Ja'cob and Le'ah. Here lived at the time of this visit three tribes of people who were giants in stature, and who were fierce and warlike by nature.
As the twelve men surveyed the land of Ca'naan, they found that much of it was fertile, yielding the finest grains, fruits, and grass. Among the things they found were: grapes, olives, figs, pomegranates, apricots, dates, apples, quinces, various kinds of berries, almonds, walnuts, oranges, lemons, bananas, pears, and other fruits. Some of these were in great abundance.
The vast forests of the country were filled with wild animals, many of which could be used for food. the whole country was alive with bees, so quantities of the finest honey could be found everywhere. It was, indeed, a "land flowing with rich foods and honey."
But the hearts of the people were filled with fear and unbelief. They felt it necessary to take certain precautions which the Lord had not included in His plan for the immediate occupation of Ca'naan. Their answer to God's command that they "go up at once" was "Let us send men before us, that they may search out the land for us." Mo'ses was deceived as to the real purpose of this request; thinking that it was a wise precaution which would be followed by whole-hearted obedience to the command of God, he yielded to the advice of the people. Without suspecting the mixture of unbelief and cowardice which prompted this request, he conferred with God about it. Although such a course seems not to have been in the plan of God for Is'ra-el, He permitted it in order to teach the people a lesson. God will sometimes let man have his own way and lean upon his own understanding so that he will find out the utter folly of his fancied wisdom.
It would have been better for Is'ra-el if the sending of spies had never been suggested, if they had walked by faith instead of seeking to go by sight.
After securing permission from God to send men into Ca'naan to explore the land, Mo'ses proceeded to appoint and instruct those who were to go on this mission. He chose twelve men, one from each tribe of Is'ra-el; all of these men had proved their courage and wisdom by noble deeds in the past. They were sent out to make a careful study of the entire land of Ca'naan, paying attention to its fertility, the measures which were taken to protect its towns, and the number and strength of the people. The report which they were to bring back was to be proved by samples of the fruit which they had found in the land.
For forty days the spies traveled through the land of Ca'naan, from the southern border where they entered the country, over the fruitful hills of the interior, along the coast facing the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea, and into the most distant towns of the northern border.
They visited many villages and towns of the country, finding some of them walled and strongly fortified. Special attention was given by the spies to He'bron, a town which was older than Zo'an, the most ancient city of E'gypt. Three generations of Is'ra-el ancestors had been buried near He'bron-Ab'ra-ham and Sa'rah, I'saac and Re-bek'ah, and Ja'cob and Le'ah. Here lived at the time of this visit three tribes of people who were giants in stature, and who were fierce and warlike by nature.
As the twelve men surveyed the land of Ca'naan, they found that much of it was fertile, yielding the finest grains, fruits, and grass. Among the things they found were: grapes, olives, figs, pomegranates, apricots, dates, apples, quinces, various kinds of berries, almonds, walnuts, oranges, lemons, bananas, pears, and other fruits. Some of these were in great abundance.
The vast forests of the country were filled with wild animals, many of which could be used for food. the whole country was alive with bees, so quantities of the finest honey could be found everywhere. It was, indeed, a "land flowing with rich foods and honey."
Monday, August 29, 2016
Story 51: The Journey Of Is'ra-el From Si'nai To Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a lll
As a result of his humiliation in the punishment of Mir'i-am, Aa'ron humbly confessed to Mo'ses his sin and that of their sister, admitted that they had acted foolishly, and begged his brother to pray for the healing of Mir'i-am. He cried, "Let her not be as one dead," for leprosy is nothing short of a living death in its torturing pain and corrupting power over the body. No persons who were afflicted with this terrible disease were allowed to go near the House of God.
The gracious, forgiving spirit of Mo'ses was then revealed in his earnest prayer to God for the healing of his sister. Instead of resentment in his heart, there was forgiveness and mercy. His prayer was earnest and persistent, and was answered immediately, but seven days passed before Mir'i-am was completely healed. This was done to give her sufficient time to meditate upon her sin, and for the instruction of Aa'ron and all Is'ra-el. What wonders are wrought through fervent prayer!
Having been unduly delayed at Ha-ze'roth by the plot of Mir'i-am and Aa'ron, and the punishment inflicted upon them by the LORD, the Is'ra-el-ites then journeyed to Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a, on the southwest borders of the land of Ca'naan. They were now within sight of the Promised Land, and the reasons for their failure to enter the Divinely promised heritage at once will be related in our next story.
The gracious, forgiving spirit of Mo'ses was then revealed in his earnest prayer to God for the healing of his sister. Instead of resentment in his heart, there was forgiveness and mercy. His prayer was earnest and persistent, and was answered immediately, but seven days passed before Mir'i-am was completely healed. This was done to give her sufficient time to meditate upon her sin, and for the instruction of Aa'ron and all Is'ra-el. What wonders are wrought through fervent prayer!
Having been unduly delayed at Ha-ze'roth by the plot of Mir'i-am and Aa'ron, and the punishment inflicted upon them by the LORD, the Is'ra-el-ites then journeyed to Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a, on the southwest borders of the land of Ca'naan. They were now within sight of the Promised Land, and the reasons for their failure to enter the Divinely promised heritage at once will be related in our next story.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Story 51: The Journey Of Is'ra-el From Si'nai To Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a ll
The Is'ra-el-ites then journeyed a short distance further east, encamping at Ha-ze'roth for a brief period. During the encampment in this place Mir'i-am and Aa'ron were guilty of a great offense. They united in speaking against Mo'ses, the Divinely chosen and anointed leader of the nation. Envious of his position and power, jealous of the authority with which he ruled Is'ra-el, and hoping to gain equal rank with him, they formed a plot against Mo'ses. Aa'ron had been made the head of the nation in religious matters, and Mir'i-am was distinguished as a prophetess, but both were lower in rank than Mo'ses, and did not enjoy the same close communion with God. For these reasons they were envious of the superior office and ability of their brother.
This deadly poison of unholy ambition spoiled all the sweetness and beauty of virtues possessed by two honored servants of God. Their envy was like a fountain from which there flowed a stream of hatred and evil. They tried to injure Mo'ses by saying wicked, untrue things about him, but this brought harm only to themselves.
The excuse which they used for slandering their brother was that after the death of his wife Zip-po'rah, he had married a Cush'ite woman. She was probably one of those who had been converted to the He'brew religion, and had come out of E'gypt with Is'ra-el at the time of the Exodus.
Mo'ses was very much hurt by the unfriendly action of his own brother and sister, but suffered the attack in meekness and silence, making no effort to defend himself. but the LORD took notice of what Aa'ron and Mir'i-am had said.
The LORD spoke to Mir'i-am, Aa'ron, and Mo'ses, telling them to come at once to the Tabernacle for trial before Him. He then upheld Mo'ses, and told the others that their brother had been chosen to receive the great messages from God because of his perfect faith and honesty. Mir'i-am and Aa'ron were sternly rebuked for daring to tell false tales about their brother.
So wicked did the LORD regard this deed that He caused the pillar of cloud, which was the symbol of His presence, to vanish for a moment. Mir'i-am was suddenly smitten with leprosy, a terrible disease which was regarded as a stroke from the Hand of God. Her foul tongue was justly punished with a foul face; while Mo'ses was forced to hide his face with a veil because of the Glory of God, she was forced to hide hers in shame. she had been the leader in the plot against Mo'ses, and was, therefore, punished more severely. Aa'ron's punishment consisted in performing his priestly duty of examining Mir'i-am's leprosy, and keeping her away from the House of God.
This deadly poison of unholy ambition spoiled all the sweetness and beauty of virtues possessed by two honored servants of God. Their envy was like a fountain from which there flowed a stream of hatred and evil. They tried to injure Mo'ses by saying wicked, untrue things about him, but this brought harm only to themselves.
The excuse which they used for slandering their brother was that after the death of his wife Zip-po'rah, he had married a Cush'ite woman. She was probably one of those who had been converted to the He'brew religion, and had come out of E'gypt with Is'ra-el at the time of the Exodus.
Mo'ses was very much hurt by the unfriendly action of his own brother and sister, but suffered the attack in meekness and silence, making no effort to defend himself. but the LORD took notice of what Aa'ron and Mir'i-am had said.
The LORD spoke to Mir'i-am, Aa'ron, and Mo'ses, telling them to come at once to the Tabernacle for trial before Him. He then upheld Mo'ses, and told the others that their brother had been chosen to receive the great messages from God because of his perfect faith and honesty. Mir'i-am and Aa'ron were sternly rebuked for daring to tell false tales about their brother.
So wicked did the LORD regard this deed that He caused the pillar of cloud, which was the symbol of His presence, to vanish for a moment. Mir'i-am was suddenly smitten with leprosy, a terrible disease which was regarded as a stroke from the Hand of God. Her foul tongue was justly punished with a foul face; while Mo'ses was forced to hide his face with a veil because of the Glory of God, she was forced to hide hers in shame. she had been the leader in the plot against Mo'ses, and was, therefore, punished more severely. Aa'ron's punishment consisted in performing his priestly duty of examining Mir'i-am's leprosy, and keeping her away from the House of God.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Story 51: The Journey Of Is'ra-el From Si'nai To Ka'desh-Bar'ne-a l
Silver trumpets had been provided by Mo'ses for the priests to use in calling together the Is'ra-el-ites for an assembly of any kind. When all was in readiness for them to start on their journey from Si'nai, the sound of the trumpets summoned the people to the line of march.
The pillar of cloud which always rested over the Tabernacle by day was lifted by the LORD. Mo'ses directed the Le'vites to take down the Tabernacle, and to pack the various pieces so that they could easily be carried. The two golden staves prepared for carrying the Ark of the Cov'e-nant were passed through the rings of gold on each side, and certain priests were appointed to carry it before the host of Is'ra-el. The pillar of cloud which served as the Divine guide for Is'ra-el during their journeys in the wilderness then hovered over the Ark, going forward with it as the Sacred Chest was carried along. Whenever the pillar of cloud by day or pillar of fire by night ceased to go forward, there the Is'ra-el-ites paused and pitched their tents for encampment.
After three days the pillar of cloud halted, and the Is'ra-el-ites encamped for a month at a place which was later called Kib-roth-Hat-ta'a-vah. Here some of the people fell into their old habit of murmuring. They complained about the hardships of travel in the wilderness, about the weather, and about the conditions under which they lived, just as many people do today. For this ungrateful spirit the LORD sent fire into the camps of Is'ra-el, and many of the people lost their lives.
Some days later a number of the less worthy Is'ra-el-ites gathered in groups to complain of their hardships, and began to talk of revolting from the leadership of Mo'ses. Although they were being fed with manna from Heaven, a delicious and nourishing food, they were not satisfied.
Fish was abundant and cheap in E'gypt, cucumbers flourished, and melons were one of the chief crops. Another favorite food in E'gypt was the sort of onion called leeks, besides a very highly flavored onion greatly prized by the E'gypt-tians, and the garlic which was the choicest appetizer of that land. So greatly did the Is'ra-el-ites crave these foods of E'gypt that they spoke with scorn of the manna which God provided.
The cries and complaints of the Is'ra-el-ites distressed Mo'ses, and he felt that the management of such a multitude of unruly people was more than he could endure. He sought help from God, and was told to select seventy elders from the tribes of Is'ra-el to help him. This left Mo'ses free to give most of his time to matters of greater importance.
In the land of A-ra'bi-a, where they were now encamped, there were many wild birds called quail. They migrated in great numbers from place to place, flying very close to the ground. The LORD caused a great wind to blow a huge flock of quail into the place where Is'ra-el was encamped, and there were so many of them that they covered the ground for miles around. Many of the Is'ra-el-ites were so greedy for the new food that they ate too much, and some of them died.
The sickness caused by the natural effects of their gluttony was regarded as a plague sent by the LORD, and as a punishment for the complaining spirit of the Is'ra-el-ites. The section of the encampment where the people were smitten with fire was called Tab'e-rah, meaning "The place of burning," and the entire encampment was called Kib-roth-Hat-ta'a-vah, which means "graves of greediness."
The pillar of cloud which always rested over the Tabernacle by day was lifted by the LORD. Mo'ses directed the Le'vites to take down the Tabernacle, and to pack the various pieces so that they could easily be carried. The two golden staves prepared for carrying the Ark of the Cov'e-nant were passed through the rings of gold on each side, and certain priests were appointed to carry it before the host of Is'ra-el. The pillar of cloud which served as the Divine guide for Is'ra-el during their journeys in the wilderness then hovered over the Ark, going forward with it as the Sacred Chest was carried along. Whenever the pillar of cloud by day or pillar of fire by night ceased to go forward, there the Is'ra-el-ites paused and pitched their tents for encampment.
After three days the pillar of cloud halted, and the Is'ra-el-ites encamped for a month at a place which was later called Kib-roth-Hat-ta'a-vah. Here some of the people fell into their old habit of murmuring. They complained about the hardships of travel in the wilderness, about the weather, and about the conditions under which they lived, just as many people do today. For this ungrateful spirit the LORD sent fire into the camps of Is'ra-el, and many of the people lost their lives.
Some days later a number of the less worthy Is'ra-el-ites gathered in groups to complain of their hardships, and began to talk of revolting from the leadership of Mo'ses. Although they were being fed with manna from Heaven, a delicious and nourishing food, they were not satisfied.
Fish was abundant and cheap in E'gypt, cucumbers flourished, and melons were one of the chief crops. Another favorite food in E'gypt was the sort of onion called leeks, besides a very highly flavored onion greatly prized by the E'gypt-tians, and the garlic which was the choicest appetizer of that land. So greatly did the Is'ra-el-ites crave these foods of E'gypt that they spoke with scorn of the manna which God provided.
The cries and complaints of the Is'ra-el-ites distressed Mo'ses, and he felt that the management of such a multitude of unruly people was more than he could endure. He sought help from God, and was told to select seventy elders from the tribes of Is'ra-el to help him. This left Mo'ses free to give most of his time to matters of greater importance.
In the land of A-ra'bi-a, where they were now encamped, there were many wild birds called quail. They migrated in great numbers from place to place, flying very close to the ground. The LORD caused a great wind to blow a huge flock of quail into the place where Is'ra-el was encamped, and there were so many of them that they covered the ground for miles around. Many of the Is'ra-el-ites were so greedy for the new food that they ate too much, and some of them died.
The sickness caused by the natural effects of their gluttony was regarded as a plague sent by the LORD, and as a punishment for the complaining spirit of the Is'ra-el-ites. The section of the encampment where the people were smitten with fire was called Tab'e-rah, meaning "The place of burning," and the entire encampment was called Kib-roth-Hat-ta'a-vah, which means "graves of greediness."
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Story 50: The Great Day Of Atonement And The Scapegoat ll
The burning coals were placed at once in front of the Ark of the Cov'e-nant, and were sprinkled with finely grount incense until the Tabernacle was filled with a silvery cloud of smoke, symbolic of praise and prayer.
Aa'ron then returnt for the vessel of blood, and sprinkled some of it upon the Mercy Seat as an a-tone'ment for his own sins and those of the priests who assisted him. This act of worship was performed seven times as a token of completeness.
When Aa'ron stood once again before the Great Altar in the court of the Tabernacle, he was presented with two young goats which were just alike in appearance, and size, and value. These were placed by the altar with their backs toward the assembled people, and their faces toward the sanctuary of the LORD.
Two lots of the same size, shape, and material were placed in an urn; on one was written, "for the LORD," while the other said, "to be sent away." After lifting this urn toward the people and shaking it, Aa'ron drew out the lots and placed one on the head of each goat. He then tied a piece of scarlet cloth around the neck of the goat which had been chosen for the LORD, and a similar cloth was tied on the horns of the one which was to be sent away.
The goat on which the lot "For the LORD" had been placed was given as a Sin Offering for the people. This sacrifice was made in the same manner as the offering of the bullock. The blood was carried by the High Priest alone into the Holy of Holies, and was sprinkled upon the Mercy Seat as an a-tone'ment for the sins of all Is'ra-el. By various ceremonies the Tabernacle and all its furnishings were newly sanctified. Thus full a-tone'ment was made for the sins of all the people, and by ceremonial rites they were dedicated anew to the service of the LORD.
Then the High Priest turnt again to the Great Altar where there still remained the goat on which the lot "to be sent away" had fallen. This goat, which was given the name "scapegoat," was then turnt to face the assemble people, waiting for their sins to be laid upon him. Then it was sent into the wilderness, to a land "not inhabited."
Before the goat was sent away, however, the priest laid his hand on its head and made the following prayer:
"O LORD, the house of Is'ra-el, thy people, have trespassed, rebelled, and sinned before
thee. I beseech thee, O LORD, forgive their trespasses and sins which they have committed,
that they may be clean from all their sins before the LORD."
The "scapegoat" was then led away to some distant place in the wilderness, so far away that it could never find the way back, and was turnt loose to wander wherever it pleased.
In the sacrifice of the first goat there was blood a-tone'ment for sin, while the second goat was an example of the results of the a-tone'ment. Through the mercy and grace of God the sins of the people were carried away into the wilderness, never to return to the people from whom they had been separated, indicating full and perfect remission of sins. Having completed these ceremonies Aa'ron removed the white garments designed for the Great Day of A-tone'ment, donned his regular priestly robe, and made Burnt Offerings for the people as a token of gratitude and renewed consecration.
Instructions were then given by Mo'ses for continuing the Great Day of A-tone'ment, and rules for its annual observance were announced. It was to be observed by the entire nation, whether in their own land or among foreign people, and was set apart as a Sab'bath of rest. All worldly pursuits were to be laid aside during the sacred observances, and the whole thought of the people was to be centered upon the sacrifices, ceremonies, and rites of that Great Day. It was also required that the day be observed with deep sorrow, humble confession of sin, and genuine repentance toward God. This Annual Feast Day was faithfully observed by Is'ra-el to the time when its symbols of A-tone'ment were wonderfully fulfilled by the LORD Jesus in His death on Calvary.
Aa'ron then returnt for the vessel of blood, and sprinkled some of it upon the Mercy Seat as an a-tone'ment for his own sins and those of the priests who assisted him. This act of worship was performed seven times as a token of completeness.
When Aa'ron stood once again before the Great Altar in the court of the Tabernacle, he was presented with two young goats which were just alike in appearance, and size, and value. These were placed by the altar with their backs toward the assembled people, and their faces toward the sanctuary of the LORD.
Two lots of the same size, shape, and material were placed in an urn; on one was written, "for the LORD," while the other said, "to be sent away." After lifting this urn toward the people and shaking it, Aa'ron drew out the lots and placed one on the head of each goat. He then tied a piece of scarlet cloth around the neck of the goat which had been chosen for the LORD, and a similar cloth was tied on the horns of the one which was to be sent away.
The goat on which the lot "For the LORD" had been placed was given as a Sin Offering for the people. This sacrifice was made in the same manner as the offering of the bullock. The blood was carried by the High Priest alone into the Holy of Holies, and was sprinkled upon the Mercy Seat as an a-tone'ment for the sins of all Is'ra-el. By various ceremonies the Tabernacle and all its furnishings were newly sanctified. Thus full a-tone'ment was made for the sins of all the people, and by ceremonial rites they were dedicated anew to the service of the LORD.
Then the High Priest turnt again to the Great Altar where there still remained the goat on which the lot "to be sent away" had fallen. This goat, which was given the name "scapegoat," was then turnt to face the assemble people, waiting for their sins to be laid upon him. Then it was sent into the wilderness, to a land "not inhabited."
Before the goat was sent away, however, the priest laid his hand on its head and made the following prayer:
"O LORD, the house of Is'ra-el, thy people, have trespassed, rebelled, and sinned before
thee. I beseech thee, O LORD, forgive their trespasses and sins which they have committed,
that they may be clean from all their sins before the LORD."
The "scapegoat" was then led away to some distant place in the wilderness, so far away that it could never find the way back, and was turnt loose to wander wherever it pleased.
In the sacrifice of the first goat there was blood a-tone'ment for sin, while the second goat was an example of the results of the a-tone'ment. Through the mercy and grace of God the sins of the people were carried away into the wilderness, never to return to the people from whom they had been separated, indicating full and perfect remission of sins. Having completed these ceremonies Aa'ron removed the white garments designed for the Great Day of A-tone'ment, donned his regular priestly robe, and made Burnt Offerings for the people as a token of gratitude and renewed consecration.
Instructions were then given by Mo'ses for continuing the Great Day of A-tone'ment, and rules for its annual observance were announced. It was to be observed by the entire nation, whether in their own land or among foreign people, and was set apart as a Sab'bath of rest. All worldly pursuits were to be laid aside during the sacred observances, and the whole thought of the people was to be centered upon the sacrifices, ceremonies, and rites of that Great Day. It was also required that the day be observed with deep sorrow, humble confession of sin, and genuine repentance toward God. This Annual Feast Day was faithfully observed by Is'ra-el to the time when its symbols of A-tone'ment were wonderfully fulfilled by the LORD Jesus in His death on Calvary.
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