The golden bells, ever tinkling as the High Priest performed the duties of his sacred office, proclaimed to the people that he had found access to God on their behalf, and that his ministries were pleasing to Him.
The ephod worn by Aa'ron was an ornate upper garment with one part falling over his shoulders in front and covering his breast, and the other falling behind and covering his back. It was made of the same material as the inner curtain and draperies of the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twined linen, interwoven with gold threads cut from plates of pure gold. It was tied around the waist with an embroidered girdle made of the same material.
Upon each of the shoulder pieces of the ephod was an onyx stone set in borders of gold, on these stones were engraved the names of the twelve heads of the tribes of Is'ra-el. The names of the six elder sons of Ja'cob were on one of these stones, and the names of the six younger sons were engraved on the other.
This article of dress for the High Priest, expensive, gorgeous, and brilliant, indicated the beauty and glory of the priestly services in the Tabernacle; while the names of the heads of the twelve tribes of Is'ra-el carried upon the shoulders pointed out the High Priest as the only one who could speak for the nation with God. Since gold is the emblem of regal power, the golden garments of Aa'ron were a sign that he was the head of the nation in all religious matters.
The breastplate was joined to the ephod by chains of gold. It was a highly decorated woven square about ten inches each way, and was worn over the breast. It was made of the same material as the ephod, but was made somewhat in the form of a pouch. It was adorned with twelve precious stones, arranged in three perpendicular rows of four each. Engraved on these sparkling jewels were the names of the tribes of Is'ra-el, one name on each.
The twelve precious stones, representing each of the twelve tribes of Is'ra-el, were symbolic of the different traits of each one. In the first row were: the Emerald, of brilliant green , on which was the name of Zeb'u-lun; the Diamond, transparent or reddish yellow, bearing the name of Ash'er; the Amethyst, violet-blue, engraved with the name of Ben'ja-min; and the Jasper, dark red, representing Gad.
In the second row were: the Topaz, golden tinged, engraved with the name of Ju'dah; the Sapphire, sky-blue, on which was placed the name of Sim'e-on; the Agate, of divers colors and transparent, bearing the name of Ma-nas'seh; and the Beryl, sea-green, on which the name of Naph'ta-li appeared.
In the third row were: the Sardius, carnelian or blood-red, engraved with the name of Is'sa-char; the Carbuncle, of fine ruby color, on which the name of Reu'ben appeared; the Ligure, orange and transparent, representing E'phraim; and the Chrysolite, golden colored, on which the name of Dan was inscribed.
This beautifully jeweled breastplate indicated the truth that the intercession of the High Priest must rest upon a foundation of purity, righteousness, and holiness; and these precious stones typified the purity and glory of Is'ra-el under the saving grace of God.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Story 47: Aa'ron Appointed High Priest; His Garments Of Gold l
After giving Mo'ses full directions for building a place of worship, the LORD gave further instructions concerning the services to be held in the Tabernacle. The first requirement for these services was that there should be a High Priest, who would represent both the LORD and the people as a mediator, and who would have charge of all the ministrations within the House of God and its court. The High Priest was to have the assistance of other priests in carrying on the Tabernacle services.
The LORD Himself chose Aa'ron as High Priest, and directed that his sons be appointed to assist him. It was His order that the office of High Priest should be continued in Aa'ron's family, and that the eldest son of each successive generation should be appointed to this office. The LORD also directed that all the male descendants, from one generation to another, were to be priests. Thus the priesthood of Is'ra-el was to remain in Aa'ron's family, and was to be limited strictly to his descendants. The appointment of any man outside the Aa'ron-ic family to the priesthood was to be unlawful, and death was the penalty for any person who attempted to fill this office without being properly anointed.
Divine directions were given for an elaborate and impressive ceremony by which Aa'ron should be inducted into his office as High Priest, and for the dedication of his sons to the work of the priesthood. Aa'ron was to be gorgeously arrayed in specially prepared garments and bedecked with certain jewels as a sign of his office. Divine instructions were given in regard to all these details. His sons were also to have specially prepared garments and distinctive marks of office, and these were all prescribed by the LORD.
The distinguishing garments and jewels which were to be prepared for Aa'ron were: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a girdle, a turban, two onyx stones, and twelve precious stones embedded in the breastplate. Underneath these garments he wore a close fitting coat of white linen.
For the sons of Aa'ron, the priestly garments consisted of coats of white linen, bonnets of similar material, a turban, a girdle, and fine linen breeches. These were all prepared, as the LORD directed, from the finest materials and by the most skilled workmen of Is'ra-el.
Aa'ron's robe was an upper garment made of one piece entirely woven without the use of a needle, with an opening at the top well hemmed to prevent rending; with arm-holes, but without sleeves, and blue in color. The fringe at the bottom was richly decorated with artificial pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet, and little golden bells placed between each pair of pomegranates.
This robe distinguished the wearer as one whose duty was to preserve and declare God's truth. Made of one piece, it symbolized the unity of God's revelations, one in spirit and beauty and authority; God's word is all Truth, not partly true and partly false, not partly human and partly Divine, and not partly beautiful and partly unseemly. The color, which was the same as the lofty firmament of the Heavens, indicated that the Truth of God is the highest, purest, and only eternal revelation given to man.
The ornaments on the fringe of Aa'ron's robe also had an important meaning. Pomegranates, with their pleasant odor, their sweet, refreshing juice, and the richness of their delicate meat, symbolized the refreshing, strengthening power of the Word of God as the spiritual food for His children.
The LORD Himself chose Aa'ron as High Priest, and directed that his sons be appointed to assist him. It was His order that the office of High Priest should be continued in Aa'ron's family, and that the eldest son of each successive generation should be appointed to this office. The LORD also directed that all the male descendants, from one generation to another, were to be priests. Thus the priesthood of Is'ra-el was to remain in Aa'ron's family, and was to be limited strictly to his descendants. The appointment of any man outside the Aa'ron-ic family to the priesthood was to be unlawful, and death was the penalty for any person who attempted to fill this office without being properly anointed.
Divine directions were given for an elaborate and impressive ceremony by which Aa'ron should be inducted into his office as High Priest, and for the dedication of his sons to the work of the priesthood. Aa'ron was to be gorgeously arrayed in specially prepared garments and bedecked with certain jewels as a sign of his office. Divine instructions were given in regard to all these details. His sons were also to have specially prepared garments and distinctive marks of office, and these were all prescribed by the LORD.
The distinguishing garments and jewels which were to be prepared for Aa'ron were: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a girdle, a turban, two onyx stones, and twelve precious stones embedded in the breastplate. Underneath these garments he wore a close fitting coat of white linen.
For the sons of Aa'ron, the priestly garments consisted of coats of white linen, bonnets of similar material, a turban, a girdle, and fine linen breeches. These were all prepared, as the LORD directed, from the finest materials and by the most skilled workmen of Is'ra-el.
Aa'ron's robe was an upper garment made of one piece entirely woven without the use of a needle, with an opening at the top well hemmed to prevent rending; with arm-holes, but without sleeves, and blue in color. The fringe at the bottom was richly decorated with artificial pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet, and little golden bells placed between each pair of pomegranates.
This robe distinguished the wearer as one whose duty was to preserve and declare God's truth. Made of one piece, it symbolized the unity of God's revelations, one in spirit and beauty and authority; God's word is all Truth, not partly true and partly false, not partly human and partly Divine, and not partly beautiful and partly unseemly. The color, which was the same as the lofty firmament of the Heavens, indicated that the Truth of God is the highest, purest, and only eternal revelation given to man.
The ornaments on the fringe of Aa'ron's robe also had an important meaning. Pomegranates, with their pleasant odor, their sweet, refreshing juice, and the richness of their delicate meat, symbolized the refreshing, strengthening power of the Word of God as the spiritual food for His children.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Story 46: The Building Of The First House Of Worship lll
The total cost of the Tabernacle would be about two million dollars. The value of the gold and silver and brass, or copper, exceeded one million dollars. The finest, most expensive workmanship was used in making boards for the walls, and in preparation of the fine linens and curtains. The altar and the interior furnishings were made from the very best materials by workmen of the greatest skill.
One might ask how the He'brews could afford such enormous expenditures for the House of God, and from what source did they secure such quantities of precious metals? The answer lies in the fact that when these three million people left E'gypt they took with them great quantities of gold, silver, and other valuables in the form of ornaments and jewelry. They also brought quantities of flax for spinning fine linen, and the women were skilled in making the finest quality of linens and curtains. The fine woods which they used could be obtained from various parts of the A-ra'bi-an Peninsula, and skins could easily be had from their own flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. The fact remains, however, that the giving of all these valuable articles and services speaks well for the liberality and willingness to serve of the ancient Is'ra-el-ites.
One might also ask why so much gold and other precious metals was used? First, to impress upon Is'ra-el the majesty and glory of the True God, whose presence among them was represented by the Tabernacle. They needed to learn at the very beginning of their national life that the BEST must be given to God, that the place built for His worship must be superior in every respect to their own homes, and that true love to the LORD is best shown by unselfishness and generosity. The LORD also wished to prevent them from having any occasion for pride, envy, or jealousy over their treasures. By giving the BEST that they had to the LORD'S service, the people had no reason to be jealous of one another's possessions.
One might ask how the He'brews could afford such enormous expenditures for the House of God, and from what source did they secure such quantities of precious metals? The answer lies in the fact that when these three million people left E'gypt they took with them great quantities of gold, silver, and other valuables in the form of ornaments and jewelry. They also brought quantities of flax for spinning fine linen, and the women were skilled in making the finest quality of linens and curtains. The fine woods which they used could be obtained from various parts of the A-ra'bi-an Peninsula, and skins could easily be had from their own flocks of sheep and herds of cattle. The fact remains, however, that the giving of all these valuable articles and services speaks well for the liberality and willingness to serve of the ancient Is'ra-el-ites.
One might also ask why so much gold and other precious metals was used? First, to impress upon Is'ra-el the majesty and glory of the True God, whose presence among them was represented by the Tabernacle. They needed to learn at the very beginning of their national life that the BEST must be given to God, that the place built for His worship must be superior in every respect to their own homes, and that true love to the LORD is best shown by unselfishness and generosity. The LORD also wished to prevent them from having any occasion for pride, envy, or jealousy over their treasures. By giving the BEST that they had to the LORD'S service, the people had no reason to be jealous of one another's possessions.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Story 46: The Building Of The First House Of Worship ll
The Tabernacle itself was a half-tent, half-wooden structure, about forty five feet long, fifteen feet wide, and fifteen feet high. It was divided into two rooms by a veil which hung down the roof. The larger room was at the east end, and was thirty feet long, while the other room was fifteen feet long.
The walls of the Tabernacle were made of specially prepared boards which stood upright on silver bases, and were completely covered on each side with gold. The east end had no wall of boards, but could be closed by a curtain. The roof was made of four layers of curtains, the inner one forming a beautiful ceiling. The three other curtains were made of ram skins to keep out the rain and the sunshine.
The larger room of the Tabernacle was called the Holy Place. On the right, as one came in from the opening at the east end, there was a table overlaid with gold, and upon the table were twelve loaves of bread. Each loaf of bread was placed there by one of the twelve tribes of Is'ra-el as a sign of complete consecration to the LORD. On the left stood the golden lampstand with seven branches, and on each branch there was a brilliant light. At the west end of the Holy Place, near the veil which separated this room from the smaller one, was a small golden altar of incense. Here offerings of incense were burnt as a symbol of love to the LORD.
The smaller room on the west end of the Tabernacle was called the Holy of Holies. It was within this room that the presence of God was shown in a brilliant halo called the She-ki'nah. The room was furnished with nothing but a wooden chest overlaid with plates of gold and lined with gold, and called the Ark of the Covenant. The lid to this chest was made of solid gold, and had on it two golden ornaments called cherubim. The two stone tablets on which God had written the Ten Commandments were kept in the chest, and later there was added a pot of manna and Aa'ron's wonderful rod which budded. Only the High Priest was allowed to enter this room, and even he could come in only once a year.
The cost of the materials used in making and furnishing the Tabernacle was met by voluntary gifts from the Is'ra-el-ites. As soon as Mo'ses called the people together and told them what a wonderful building the Tabernacle would be, there was a quick, whole-hearted response from all the people. The elders of Is'ra-el informed the people what was needed to carry out the plans which God had revealed to Mo'ses, and they gladly brought in their gifts.
There was no need to urge the Is'ra-el-ites to do their duty in providing the materials that were to be used in making the Tabernacle. God had graciously forgiven them for their idolatry, and now wished them to build for Him a house in which there would be a constant reminder of His presence. Such a sacred cause was reason enough to the Is'ra-el-ites for making generous gifts.
The gifts of the people differed according to their means and skill. Some gave gold and silver, some gave badger skins, while the women spun fine linens, and made beautifully decorated curtains. The rich did not try to excuse themselves by mentioning other demands upon their wealth, nor did the poor refuse to help because they had only a little to give.
In many instances there was voluntary labor in the work of construction. Both men and women used their strength and skill in preparing the materials, or in the actual work of building the Tabernacle. Gifts of love, and services of love filled the hearts of Is'ra-el; truly could they sing:
"But what or who are we, alas!
That we in giving are so free?
Thine own before our offering was,
And all we have, we have from Thee."
The walls of the Tabernacle were made of specially prepared boards which stood upright on silver bases, and were completely covered on each side with gold. The east end had no wall of boards, but could be closed by a curtain. The roof was made of four layers of curtains, the inner one forming a beautiful ceiling. The three other curtains were made of ram skins to keep out the rain and the sunshine.
The larger room of the Tabernacle was called the Holy Place. On the right, as one came in from the opening at the east end, there was a table overlaid with gold, and upon the table were twelve loaves of bread. Each loaf of bread was placed there by one of the twelve tribes of Is'ra-el as a sign of complete consecration to the LORD. On the left stood the golden lampstand with seven branches, and on each branch there was a brilliant light. At the west end of the Holy Place, near the veil which separated this room from the smaller one, was a small golden altar of incense. Here offerings of incense were burnt as a symbol of love to the LORD.
The smaller room on the west end of the Tabernacle was called the Holy of Holies. It was within this room that the presence of God was shown in a brilliant halo called the She-ki'nah. The room was furnished with nothing but a wooden chest overlaid with plates of gold and lined with gold, and called the Ark of the Covenant. The lid to this chest was made of solid gold, and had on it two golden ornaments called cherubim. The two stone tablets on which God had written the Ten Commandments were kept in the chest, and later there was added a pot of manna and Aa'ron's wonderful rod which budded. Only the High Priest was allowed to enter this room, and even he could come in only once a year.
The cost of the materials used in making and furnishing the Tabernacle was met by voluntary gifts from the Is'ra-el-ites. As soon as Mo'ses called the people together and told them what a wonderful building the Tabernacle would be, there was a quick, whole-hearted response from all the people. The elders of Is'ra-el informed the people what was needed to carry out the plans which God had revealed to Mo'ses, and they gladly brought in their gifts.
There was no need to urge the Is'ra-el-ites to do their duty in providing the materials that were to be used in making the Tabernacle. God had graciously forgiven them for their idolatry, and now wished them to build for Him a house in which there would be a constant reminder of His presence. Such a sacred cause was reason enough to the Is'ra-el-ites for making generous gifts.
The gifts of the people differed according to their means and skill. Some gave gold and silver, some gave badger skins, while the women spun fine linens, and made beautifully decorated curtains. The rich did not try to excuse themselves by mentioning other demands upon their wealth, nor did the poor refuse to help because they had only a little to give.
In many instances there was voluntary labor in the work of construction. Both men and women used their strength and skill in preparing the materials, or in the actual work of building the Tabernacle. Gifts of love, and services of love filled the hearts of Is'ra-el; truly could they sing:
"But what or who are we, alas!
That we in giving are so free?
Thine own before our offering was,
And all we have, we have from Thee."
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Story 46: The Building Of The First House Of Worship l
Among all the provisions which God made for the safety and welfare of Is'ra-el in the wilderness, He was careful to include full instructions regarding Divine worship. The first of His Commandments was that they should worship God, and Him alone; the second Commandment forbade the making of graven images of any kind for worship, or the setting up of any god whatsoever.
The first great sin committed by the Is'ra-el-ites after the LORD had given Mo'ses the Ten Commandments was the breaking of the first two Commandments. Evidently the Is'ra-el-ites needed more instruction, so when Mo'ses was called to the top of Mount Si'nai for the second forty day season with God he was told to build a house of worship for Is'ra-el. Complete details were given by the LORD concerning the size and shape of the building, the materials to be used, the furnishings to be placed within it, the outer court to be provided, and the altar to be placed before the entrance.
Thus the command to worship God, the set time for worship, the type of building to be erected for worship, and the forms of services to be rendered, all directly from the LORD.
The plans which God gave to Mo'ses for building a house of worship were intended to remove the temptation to bow down before idols. The LORD would provide for them a building which would remind them of His presence in Is'ra-el, and which at the same time would lead them away from the worship of graven images. He had taught them that the True God is a spirit, that He cannot be seen by the eyes of man, and that no graven image can give a true picture of the Divine. These truths would be kept before the people at all times in the building and furnishing of a house of worship.
The Is'ra-el-ites were living in tents at the time when the house of worship was built, and they were constantly moving from place to place. It was, therefore, necessary for the house of worship to be made somewhat like a tent, so that it could easily be taken down and carried as often as the Is'ra-el-ites moved to another encampment. For this reason the building was called a Tabernacle. It was to be the best tent in all the camp of Is'ra-el, made of the finest materials, furnished with the most costly equipment, and made as beautiful as possible. It must also be planned to meet the purposes of worship in the most adequate and complete manner.
The LORD directed that the Tabernacle be placed in the very center of the camp of the Is'ra-el-ites. The various tribes of Is'ra-el were to be arranged in an orderly manner, with their tents going back from the four sides of the court around the Tabernacle, and forming a great square with the house of God in the middle.
The open court in which the Tabernacle occupied the central spot was one hundred and fifty feet long and seventy-five feet wide. It was enclosed with curtains of fine linen, in brilliant colors, hanging upon posts of brass or copper. These posts were held in place by cords fastened to tent pins driven into the earth, and the height of the enclosure was between seven and eight feet. This court was always placed with its ends facing east and west, and its sides north and south, with an entrance in the center of the east side. Midway between the two sides, and about midway between the eastern entrance of the court and the east gate to the Tabernacle, there stood a special altar for burnt sacrifices.
The first great sin committed by the Is'ra-el-ites after the LORD had given Mo'ses the Ten Commandments was the breaking of the first two Commandments. Evidently the Is'ra-el-ites needed more instruction, so when Mo'ses was called to the top of Mount Si'nai for the second forty day season with God he was told to build a house of worship for Is'ra-el. Complete details were given by the LORD concerning the size and shape of the building, the materials to be used, the furnishings to be placed within it, the outer court to be provided, and the altar to be placed before the entrance.
Thus the command to worship God, the set time for worship, the type of building to be erected for worship, and the forms of services to be rendered, all directly from the LORD.
The plans which God gave to Mo'ses for building a house of worship were intended to remove the temptation to bow down before idols. The LORD would provide for them a building which would remind them of His presence in Is'ra-el, and which at the same time would lead them away from the worship of graven images. He had taught them that the True God is a spirit, that He cannot be seen by the eyes of man, and that no graven image can give a true picture of the Divine. These truths would be kept before the people at all times in the building and furnishing of a house of worship.
The Is'ra-el-ites were living in tents at the time when the house of worship was built, and they were constantly moving from place to place. It was, therefore, necessary for the house of worship to be made somewhat like a tent, so that it could easily be taken down and carried as often as the Is'ra-el-ites moved to another encampment. For this reason the building was called a Tabernacle. It was to be the best tent in all the camp of Is'ra-el, made of the finest materials, furnished with the most costly equipment, and made as beautiful as possible. It must also be planned to meet the purposes of worship in the most adequate and complete manner.
The LORD directed that the Tabernacle be placed in the very center of the camp of the Is'ra-el-ites. The various tribes of Is'ra-el were to be arranged in an orderly manner, with their tents going back from the four sides of the court around the Tabernacle, and forming a great square with the house of God in the middle.
The open court in which the Tabernacle occupied the central spot was one hundred and fifty feet long and seventy-five feet wide. It was enclosed with curtains of fine linen, in brilliant colors, hanging upon posts of brass or copper. These posts were held in place by cords fastened to tent pins driven into the earth, and the height of the enclosure was between seven and eight feet. This court was always placed with its ends facing east and west, and its sides north and south, with an entrance in the center of the east side. Midway between the two sides, and about midway between the eastern entrance of the court and the east gate to the Tabernacle, there stood a special altar for burnt sacrifices.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Story 45: Mo'ses On The Mount With God; The TEN COMMANDMENTS Written On Tablets Of Stone; Aa'ron Makes A Golden Calf lll
Then Mo'ses entered the camps of Is'ra-el and gave this solemn command: "Who is on the LORD'S side, and not on the side of this idol? Let him come and stand by my side." One whole tribe, the descendants of Le'vi, came forward at once. Mo'ses said to them, "Take your swords, go through the camp, and slay every man his brother, and companion, and neighbor." As a result of this order about three thousand of the wicked Is'ra-el-ites were slain.
After this terrible punishment had been inflicted, Mo'ses ordered a special sacrifice for those who had repented from their sins, and then he made one of the most wonderful prayers ever offered by man. He offered to take the place of Is'ra-el, and to suffer the punishment which his people deserved. God heard this prayer with favor, and granted forgiveness. The people were called to renewed consecration to God, and continued their journey under His Blessings.
God then directed Mo'ses to prepare two tablets of stone similar to those which he had broken in his anger against Is'ra-el, and to come up into the mountain again to receive another copy of the Ten Commandments. Mo'ses obeyed the order, and went alone to the top of the mountain to commune with God. The Ten Commandments were written by the LORD on the two tablets of stone prepared by Mo'ses, and other important laws were revealed.
Mo'ses remained on Mount Si'nai for another forty days and nights, and once again was kept in good health by the LORD during a fast which lasted for the same period. God's promise of continued blessings upon Is'ra-el was made even more clear than it had been during the previous season of converse. More elaborate and advanced rules for the government of Is'ra-el were given which Mo'ses put into permanent written form.
When Mo'ses returned to the camp of Is'ra-el with the two tablets of stone upon which God had written the Ten Commandments, his face was so radiant with the glory of God that the people were afraid of him. For this reason he had to cover his face with a veil when the elders of Is'ra-el came to him to hear the message which he brought from God. Before long this glory passed away, and Mo'ses was no longer hindered in his dealings with Is'ra-el.
After this terrible punishment had been inflicted, Mo'ses ordered a special sacrifice for those who had repented from their sins, and then he made one of the most wonderful prayers ever offered by man. He offered to take the place of Is'ra-el, and to suffer the punishment which his people deserved. God heard this prayer with favor, and granted forgiveness. The people were called to renewed consecration to God, and continued their journey under His Blessings.
God then directed Mo'ses to prepare two tablets of stone similar to those which he had broken in his anger against Is'ra-el, and to come up into the mountain again to receive another copy of the Ten Commandments. Mo'ses obeyed the order, and went alone to the top of the mountain to commune with God. The Ten Commandments were written by the LORD on the two tablets of stone prepared by Mo'ses, and other important laws were revealed.
Mo'ses remained on Mount Si'nai for another forty days and nights, and once again was kept in good health by the LORD during a fast which lasted for the same period. God's promise of continued blessings upon Is'ra-el was made even more clear than it had been during the previous season of converse. More elaborate and advanced rules for the government of Is'ra-el were given which Mo'ses put into permanent written form.
When Mo'ses returned to the camp of Is'ra-el with the two tablets of stone upon which God had written the Ten Commandments, his face was so radiant with the glory of God that the people were afraid of him. For this reason he had to cover his face with a veil when the elders of Is'ra-el came to him to hear the message which he brought from God. Before long this glory passed away, and Mo'ses was no longer hindered in his dealings with Is'ra-el.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Story 45: Mo'ses On The Mount With God; The TEN COMMANDMENTS Written On Tablets Of Stone; Aa'ron Makes A Golden Calf ll
Aa'ron said to the people, "Break off the gold from your earrings and bring this to me, and other jewels of gold." Then he took the gold furnished by the Is'ra-el-ites, melted it in the fire, and carved for them a golden calf which resembled some of the idols worshiped by the E'gyp-tians. One of the chief gods of the E'gyp-tians was a sacred bull, and the people often used little golden images of a bull in their heathen worship.
In the hope of preventing the people from turning away from the true God during their worship around the golden calf, Aa'ron built an altar near the idol, and proclaimed a day of special worship unto the LORD. But once the first step toward idolatry had been taken, the people could not be controlled. Memories of the riotous worship they had seen in E'gypt filled them with sinful thoughts, and they began to dance around the golden calf shouting, "These are thy gods, O Is'ra-el, that brought thee out of the land of E'gypt."
Both Is'ra-el and Aa'ron were guilty of sins against the LORD. Already they had broken the first of the Commandments spoken by the LORD just a short time before from the fiery top of Mount Si'nai. The golden idol had for the moment taken the place of God in the hearts of His chosen people, and the forbidden worship had led them on to other shameful sins.
When Mo'ses came down from Mount Si'nai with the two tablets of stone upon which God had written the Ten Commandments, and saw the Is'ra-el-ites bowing down before an idol, his anger was so great that he hurled the tablets to the ground and broke them. Aa'ron tried to excuse himself for what had happened, but was severely blamed and rebuked by Mo'ses. His excuses were weak and false, and did not deceive the man of God. He said that the people had forced him to make the image, that he had cast the gold into the fire and the calf had come out, so that the blame for all this mischief rested upon the Is'ra-el-ites. But Mo'ses said, "Thou hast brought this great sin upon Is'ra-el."
The people were also sternly rebuked for the sins which they had committed, and a severe punishment was inflicted upon them. God had seen the idolatry of Is'ra-el, and had heard their cries of worship for the golden calf. He, therefore, told Mo'ses that He intended to destroy the entire nation, and to make Mo'ses' descendants the chosen nation for which Is'ra-el had been intended. But Mo'ses set the welfare of the nation above the glory of his own family, and pleaded with God to spare the Is'ra-el-ites. God was moved by this prayer, and agreed to pardon Is'ra-el after suitable punishment.
Mo'ses took the golden calf, burnt it in the fire, ground it into a fine powder, and sprinkled the powder upon water. The Is'ra-el-ites were then forced to drink the water filled with golden particles: token of the bitterness of their sin.
In the hope of preventing the people from turning away from the true God during their worship around the golden calf, Aa'ron built an altar near the idol, and proclaimed a day of special worship unto the LORD. But once the first step toward idolatry had been taken, the people could not be controlled. Memories of the riotous worship they had seen in E'gypt filled them with sinful thoughts, and they began to dance around the golden calf shouting, "These are thy gods, O Is'ra-el, that brought thee out of the land of E'gypt."
Both Is'ra-el and Aa'ron were guilty of sins against the LORD. Already they had broken the first of the Commandments spoken by the LORD just a short time before from the fiery top of Mount Si'nai. The golden idol had for the moment taken the place of God in the hearts of His chosen people, and the forbidden worship had led them on to other shameful sins.
When Mo'ses came down from Mount Si'nai with the two tablets of stone upon which God had written the Ten Commandments, and saw the Is'ra-el-ites bowing down before an idol, his anger was so great that he hurled the tablets to the ground and broke them. Aa'ron tried to excuse himself for what had happened, but was severely blamed and rebuked by Mo'ses. His excuses were weak and false, and did not deceive the man of God. He said that the people had forced him to make the image, that he had cast the gold into the fire and the calf had come out, so that the blame for all this mischief rested upon the Is'ra-el-ites. But Mo'ses said, "Thou hast brought this great sin upon Is'ra-el."
The people were also sternly rebuked for the sins which they had committed, and a severe punishment was inflicted upon them. God had seen the idolatry of Is'ra-el, and had heard their cries of worship for the golden calf. He, therefore, told Mo'ses that He intended to destroy the entire nation, and to make Mo'ses' descendants the chosen nation for which Is'ra-el had been intended. But Mo'ses set the welfare of the nation above the glory of his own family, and pleaded with God to spare the Is'ra-el-ites. God was moved by this prayer, and agreed to pardon Is'ra-el after suitable punishment.
Mo'ses took the golden calf, burnt it in the fire, ground it into a fine powder, and sprinkled the powder upon water. The Is'ra-el-ites were then forced to drink the water filled with golden particles: token of the bitterness of their sin.
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