Excavations made in Egypt show that it was about this
time when the government of Egypt was revolutionized. In
Joseph's time, and for quite awhile before, it had been
governed by what were known as the Hyksos, or shepherd
kings-supposed to have been invaders and not of pure
Egyptian stock. The revolution brought in a change of
dynasty, supposed to have been commenced with Rameses I.
It is quite generally claimed amongst scholars that Rameses II
was the Pharaoh who specially harried the Israelites in the
endeavor to prevent their increase in numbers and influence,
and his son Menephtah I is supposed to have been the
Pharaoh reigning at the time of the exodus of the Israelites.
Rameses II is credited with having been the most wonderful
builder of great edifices of his time. It is doubtless in
connection with these that the Israelites were so rigorously
treated. R3982:3
The book of Exodus takes up and continues history from
the point where it is left in Genesis, with an express reference
to what had been related in that book. R1623:2
Israel's history began with the death of Jacob. SM401:1
From the time Jacob entered Egypt until the time of the exodus
was 215 years. R3982:3
A memorial of the first rank with the
Israelites is the Passover. It celebrates one of the most
momentous chapters in their history; it is associated with their
national birth. OV93:1
As preceding lessons showed us how God prepared a place
for his people in Egypt and transported them thither and
planted them in the best of the land and gave them great
temporal prosperity during the lifetime of the first generation,
we now come to view them under another course of
instruction-this time in the school of adversity. R1650:3
Our God is abundantly able to make all of life's experiences work
to our advantage and his word is sure to fulfillment in its due
time. Had Rameses adopted a different policy in dealing with
Israel they might have forgotten the promise of God which
indicated the exact time in which their deliverance from
Egypt would come. R2901:4, R3983:4
Israel's experiences of tribulation and bondage in Egypt were
probably necessary to prepare them for God's great proposition --
that they should keep the Law and as a reward have life everlasting. SM209:3
When God called Israel as a nation out of Egypt it was under
the provision that he would make a covenant with them
through Moses. SM69:1
This chapter in the history of God's ancient people is an
illustration of the power and wisdom and love of God. And it
is a warning to beware of undertaking to contend with the
Almighty. No matter how weak or insignificant or poor or
despised among men may be the subjects of his care, the hand
that is lifted against them defies the power of Jehovah and
shall surely come to grief. The deliverance of typical Israel
from Egypt illustrates the deliverance from sin and its
bondage of all who desire to be God's servants and to have the
promised blessing as it shall be fulfilled in the utter
destruction of all the systems born of sin and selfishness
which would hinder human prosperity and advancement
toward God. R1657:2
The New Creation has a still deeper interest in those
matters which occurred in Egypt, in view of the fact that the
Lord has revealed to them the "mystery" that those things
which happened unto natural Israel were intended to typify
and foreshadow still grander things in the divine plan
respecting spiritual Israel. F457
The order of events in the exodus types is significant; they
are fulfilled in the same order by the "Prophet like unto
Moses" in the antitype. Summary of events and fulfillments. R1321-R1324*
Skeptics' arguments re the exodus refuted. R2900:3, R2919:2, R3983:2, R3996:4
Which came into Egypt -- The book of Exodus takes up
with an express reference to what has been related in
Genesis. R1623:2
And all the souls -- Nephesh, intelligent beings. E342;
R1510:2
A living soul or being can propagate other souls or beings--
offspring. E342; R1510:2
Out of the loins -- Children are of the father, by the
mother, as illustrated in Christ's birth. E99; R776:5
Jacob passed on life, organism and soul, to his posterity.
HG333:1
Seventy souls -- All males except two, Dinah and Sarah.
The females of the company, not included in the count, may
have been as many more. Additionally, there may have been
servants. R2900:2, R3982:2
Joseph died -- 73 years after the coming of his father and
brethren to dwell in Egypt. R3982:2
Were fruitful -- Noteworthy, since Isaac was the only
child of his mother, since Jacob was born after repeated
prayers, and since Rachel was long unfruitful. R2900:2
Increased abundantly -- Heb., "swarming." If the
population doubled every 15 years, as it did at one time in
North America, the increase of 70 men with their wives
would amount to 2,293,760 in 200 years. R2900:5
A miracle which did not continue, for 40 years later, when
entering Canaan, their male forces numbered less than when
they left Egypt. HG362:3
The land -- Of Goshen. R2900:2
A new king -- A new dynasty-a change in the royal family
through insurrection or otherwise. R2900:5, R3982:3
Supposed to have been Rameses II, a hard-hearted, selfish
despot. R5250:3
In Joseph's time; and before Egypt had been governed by
Hyksos, or shepherd kings, supposed to have been invaders
and not of pure Egyptian stock. R3982:3
The change of dynasty commenced with Rameses I, Rameses
II being the Pharaoh who harried the Israelites, and his son,
Menephtah 1, the Pharaoh of the exodus. R3982:3, R3994:2
The mummy of Rameses II was found in 1881 and was
exhibited in a museum near the pyramid in 1892. R2900:6
Knew not Joseph -- Ignored his services to Egypt and the
tentative covenant with the Israelites. R5250:3, R1650:6
More and mightier -- Considered them a menace. An
invading army might bribe them and thus the rule of the
Pharaohs be overthrown. R5250:3
To afflict them -- Which, it was hoped, would weaken
them. R5250:6
Not to destroy nor drive them off, but merely to hold them in
check, R2900:6
As a wise father, God foresaw that too much prosperity would
be greatly to their disadvantage. R1651:4
Built for Pharaoh -- Rameses II. His mummy was found
in 1881. R2900:6
Pithom -- This city, twelve miles west of Ismalia, was
discovered in 1883, enclosed by walls of unbaked brick, the
lower courses of which are of well made brick with chopped
straw in them. Higher up the straw is long and scanty and the
last courses have no straw at all, but have sedges, rushes and
water plants. R3983:2, R5264:1, R2910:6
And grew -- Not only zeal, but numbers also increase
under persecutions and difficulties. R2901:5
Their lives bitter -- In Central Africa many natives
impressed into public service after this manner have
committed suicide rather than labor unrewarded. R3983:1
With hard bondage -- Not that all the Israelites were
compelled to engage in brick making, but that there were
drafts or conscriptions from time to time. R2901:1
Typifying the bondage of sin. R1652:5
Solomon similarly oppressed the Israelites, though not with
the same degree of severity and rigor, in conjunction with his
public building program. R3982:5, R2901:2
All manner of service -- Implying that the Israelites, a
pastoral people, were compelled to learn all the trades and
occupations of their masters. Being forced into an industrial
school in the foremost civilization of that day was useful
training. R5264:1
All their service -- Our present experiences and trials are
designed to work in us the "peaceable fruits of
righteousness." (Heb. 12:11) R5264:4
Was with rigour -- Tended to bind them in sympathy
more closely together as one nation, impressing upon them
their Abrahamic heritage. R3983:4
Taught them valuable lessons of humility and patience, of
dependence upon God. R1650:6
So the trials and adversities of spiritual Israel tend to draw
them nearer to each other and to the Lord. R2901:4
Kill him -- Satan thus tried to frustrate the prophecies of
God and to destroy the channel through which the seed was to
come. R5848:1*
Went a man -- Amram, which signifies "noble people."
R2902:3
A daughter -- Jochebed, which signifies "Jehovah is
glorious." R2902:3
Bare a son -- Moses' humble birth, as one of an enslaved
race, would naturally incline him to humility. R1651:3
That he was -- As a natural result of favorable pre-natal
influence. R1671:3
A goodly child -- Like the Apostle Paul, Moses seems to
have been chosen even before he was born. R1651:1,
R1671:6
Stephen says he was "exceedingly fair." (Acts 7:20) Josephus
says he was so handsome that passers-by would turn to gaze
after him. R3987:6
Beautiful. As careful breeding affects the lower animals, so
also it is potent in respect to humanity. R5251:1
Laid It in the flags -- They probably knew of the custom
of the Egyptian princess to resort to that spot, or they may
have been guided by a dream. R5251:3
And his sister -- Miriam was born about nine years before
Moses. R3987:6
Daughter of Pharaoh -- Supposed to have been Neferari,
the wife of Rameses II and daughter of the preceding
monarch. R2903:1
A married woman, but childless. R3988:1
At the river -- Probably Memphis, near the present site of
Cairo, under the shadow of the pyramids. R3988:1
Pharaoh's daughter said -- It is probable that the princess
perceived the ruse and cooperated, believing that the little one
might as well have its own mother as caretaker. R5251:4
She brought him -- Probably when he was 7 or 12 years
old, by which time the parents would have instructed the boy
in respect to the Abrahamic promises. R2903:1
Became her son -- God gave Moses just the kind of
education he needed for his work-earliest years under training
of godly parents, the remainder of the first 40 years under the
most favorable education of his day, the 40 years of
retirement for mellowing and refining his character. R1651:3
His name Moses -- Supposedly derived from the Coptic,
Mo (water) and uses (saved out of it). Some translate "born
from the water." R5251:5, R3988:2
When Moses was grown -- Moses believed that the time
had come for the deliverance. He was ready and anxious to
begin that work. He knew not of his own unreadiness.
F5252:3
He was 40 years old. R1651:6
That he went out -- Typifying that Christ, "though he was
rich, yet for our sakes he became poor." (2 Cor. 8:9).
R4058:2
Typifying how Christ left the glory of the heavenly condition,
took a bondsman's form as a man, and came to deliver his
brethren from bondage. (Phil. 2:6-8 Diaglott) R4058:2
Unto his brethren -- Refused to be called the son of
Pharaoh's daughter. (Heb. 11:24) R2909:1
He would inspire his people with confidence in him by
showing them that his sympathies were with them and that he
could be relied upon as their leader. R5252:3
Slew the Egyptian -- How many would be inclined to
console themselves with the thought that they were not
directly responsible for the injustices whose profits they
enjoy. R2909:1
And he said -- Typifying how Christ "came unto his own,
and his own received him not." (John 1:11) R4058:2,
R2909:3
Who made thee -- There was no such loyalty among his
brethren as he had expected. R5252:4
They had not wished his services and had rather resented his
interference. R5419:1
Moses fled -- Fearing for his life. It looked as though all
his years of education and development had gone to waste.
Moses was now thoroughly crestfallen, meek, tractable,
teachable. R5252:4
But Moses, believing the promises, esteemed "the reproaches
of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he had
respect unto the recompense of the reward." (Heb. 11:26)
R2909:2
Often spiritual Israelites find their efforts for good rejected
and coveted opportunities for the Lord turned away; yet these
very lessons fit us for future usefulness. R2909:5
The land of Midian -- Typifying the far country, even
heaven itself, to which our Jesus went after his rejection by
his people. R4058:2
Moses stood up -- Full of the instinct of justice R5252:4
Helped them -- His natural nobleness and training made
him chivalrous in the defense of women. R2909:3
Content to dwell -- A humble shepherd for 40 years,
learning a most important lesson of meekness, of full
submission to the divine will. A very severe lesson for one
not yet understanding God's providences in his affairs.
R5252:5, R1651:4, R2909:4
Zipporah his daughter -- Typifying the Bride of Christ,
chosen from among the Gentiles. R1651:6
Being an African, a black, the sons would, of course, be
mulattoes. R2909:4
Bare him a son -- Being mulatto, he would have less
respect among the Israelites and there would be less tendency
to establish a rulership in the family line. R2909:5
Now Moses -- Now 80 years of age. R5418:3
Perhaps not accidental that Moses' career was divided into
two equal periods-40 years of Egyptian training followed by
40 years absence; typical of Israel's double of 1845 years.
R2909:6, R1651:6
Kept the flock -- His wandering as a shepherd in the
wilderness for 40 years made him thoroughly familiar with
the terrain; a great advantage to him later as leader of Israel
through this wilderness. R5418:6
The angel of the LORD -- This honored messenger was
undoubtedly our Lord Jesus in his pre-human estate. E43
Appeared -- There is no reason to suppose that Moses saw the Lord. This is one of the evidences that a spirit being can be present, yet invisible. R155:2*
In a flame of fire -- Very little is known of the nature of a
spirit body, but the appearing as fire, etc., seems to be their
own peculiar glory as they actually are. HG28:4
In an impressive manner to give Moses courage and
confidence in his mission. PD32/43
Our Lord might have so appeared to his disciples after his
resurrection, but the evidence thus given would have been far
from being as convincing as the method he did adopt. B124
Midst of a bush -- Supposedly a thorn-bush which
sometimes grows to quite a height, known as shittim wood--
the kind of wood used in the construction of the Tabernacle.
R3989:5
Behold, the bush -- Illustrating the experience of Christ and all of his
members. R3989:6
A demonstration of divine power-to establish the faith of his servant.
R2910:4, R1652:1
Burned with fire -- Representing the fiery trials to which the Lord's
people are subject. R3989:6
Bush was not consumed -- Spiritual Israel must behold the Lord as the
great light, that his justice is as a consuming fire; but that, through Christ,
he grants us to see the light without being consumed thereby. R2910:5
Put off thy shoes -- Even Moses, the "meekest man in all the earth,"
needed from the Lord as his first instruction a lesson in humility. R3990:1
Is holy ground -- "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the
saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." (Psa
89:7) R2002:2
I am the God of -- This surely meant that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
were to be resurrected. PD32/43; R5611:4
God reminded him of the special covenant which he had made with
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for an everlasting covenant, thus assuring
Moses that God had not forgotten the good things which he had promised.
R5261:5
Hid his face -- Moses covered his face in reverence. R5261:5
Seen the affliction -- Just as he has seen the affliction of his people in
all ages under the reign of sin. R3990:2
I am come down -- Showing the relationship between the Lord's
coming now and the gathering of the Church. R155:3*
To deliver them -- The Lord assures us, too, that he is both able and
willing to grant deliverance at the appropriate time. R3990:2
The deliverance did not take place immediately, nor did the deliverance of
the Church take place immediately after the second advent of Christ.
R155:3*
Pharaoh -- Type of Satan. R5273:2, R5419:5; F458
Out of Egypt -- Satan's dominion of sin and death. R5643:1, R5273:1;
F458
Who am I -- All the people of God who would be useful and used in his
service must learn this lesson: "Without me ye can do nothing." (John
15:5) R2910:2
Moses was so distrustful of himself that even when called of the Lord he
apologized, pleading his unfitness. He did not realize that he only then
became fit. R5261:2
His 40 years in Midian had taught Moses meekness and distrust of his
ability. He felt the magnitude of the undertaking and of his own
insufficiency. R5418:6, R1652:1, R2910:2
I will be with thee -- The Lord assured Moses that he himself would be
responsible. R5419:1, R5262:1
Encouragement for every true servant of the Lord who humbly relies upon
his promises while striving to walk in the ways of his appointment.
R1652:1
If God be for us, and if God be with us, who can prevail against us? (Rom.
8:31) R2910:1
Like Moses, we must learn that it is not our work but God's work; not our
power or ability but the divine power working in and through us. R2909:6
Brought forth the -- Moses was a great leader, as well as the meekest of men. SM379:1-
Upon this mountain -- That very mountain, "the mount of God," to
worship him there. R5262:1
I AM THAT I AM -- These words signify the same as the name
Jehovah-the self-existent one, the one who always exists. From the same
root as "Jehovah." R3990:6, R5262:1, R1052:5*, R5217:3
Thus shalt thou say -- Moses represented the entire priestly class and
the tribe of Levi in his various functions as Mediator between God and the
nation. R4390:1
Bring you up out of -- Representing the call of God's children to come
out from the world and to engage in his worship. T25
Shall borrow -- Shaal, asked, requested, begged. R1657:6, R2911:5,
R3996:3
Will not believe me -- Moses was distrustful of his ability and was
fearful and reluctant. R5419:1
What Is that in thine hand? -- God can use our humblest talent to his
praise. If, then, we would serve, we should look to see what we have in
our hands. R5419:2
A rod -- Signifying divine authority. R4058:4
A special manifestation of divine power and rule. R5419:5
Became a serpent -- Symbolizing that all the evil there is in the world
is the result of God's having let go of his rod of authority temporarily.
R4058:4
Those things closest to us might become injurious except for God's power
to overrule. R5419:2
Antitype may be that the power of God may appear to be evil. Evil has
seemed to triumph for these 6000 years. R5419:5
Put forth his hand -- Typifying God's purpose to lay hold upon present
evil conditions. R4058:4
It became a rod -- Typifying the re-establishment of divine authority.
R4058:4
Representing God's power to turn evil things into good things through the
operation of faith. R2910:4, R5419:3
From this we should realize that of ourselves we could accomplish nothing.
R5419:2
He put his hand -- Leprosy is a symbol of sin. Divine power was first
manifested without sin or imperfection or blemish (in Jesus Christ);
secondly, that the same divine power, hidden for a time, was
afterward manifest in sin and imperfection (in his Body members); and
thirdly, that the same divine power, hidden again for a time, will
subsequently be manifest without sin (in the glorified Christ). R4059:2
Was turned again -- By and by the Church is to be received into his
bosom and "changed" in the first resurrection. R4059:3
As his other flesh -- Be used again of the Lord as his agent in stretching
forth his rod and bringing forth the plagues, and delivering the residue of
God's people. R4059:3
Voice of the first sign -- Literature on the subject of "Why evil was
permitted" has been circulated to the extent of millions of copies
throughout the world ever since the year 1879. R4058:6
Voice of the latter sign -- The sign of the leprous hand-the "Millennial
Dawn" series of volumes (later called "Studies in the Scriptures"), the first
of which was published in 1886. In these books the relationship between
justification, sanctification and deliverance is distinctly shown. R4059:4
Water of the river -- The truth, as contained in millions of pages of
tracts, poured upon the symbolic earth, society, liberally on many lands and
in many languages. R4059:6
Upon the dry land -- Typifying society. R4059:5
Shall become blood -- To society the truth seems repulsive,
undesirable, bloody. They not only view the typical sacrifices as bloody
but they resent the thought that the antitypical sacrifice for sins was the
death (blood) of Christ. R4060:1
[Exod. 4:10]
I am not eloquent -- Moses was so meek that he could not realize that
with divine help he would be successful. R5262:2
Have not I -- He is the author of all life and indirectly our Creator.
R2902:2
I will be with thy mouth -- So God declares to the humble ones now;
that having no confidence in ourselves, we should have every confidence in
God. R5262:4
And he -- Aaron represents the Royal Priesthood still in the flesh, still
sacrificing. R4058:3
Be thy spokesman -- The Lord Jesus does not address himself to the
true Israelites in person now, but through a mouthpiece. R4058:3
Unto the people -- All true Israelites. R4058:3
Be to him instead of God -- Moses was to be like God unto Aaron in
that he would tell Aaron what he should say and do. Q498:5
Moses, not Aaron, was the one competent for the great work because of his
schooling. Aaron was his servant, or mouthpiece, speaking only as
authorized by Moses in whom, because of his meekness, God was reposing
the responsibility. R5262:4, R4537:1; PD32/44
Harden his heart -- It was God's goodness that hardened Pharaoh.
When the Lord relieved the people and the land from one plague, Pharaoh
concluded that it was past and that perhaps no more would come; and so,
step by step, God's mercy led him further and further in his hostility.
F176; PD33/44; R2911:2, R4703:1
Israel is my son -- "Out of Egypt have I called my son." (Matt. 2:15)
R1681:6
The circumcision -- Symbolizing a cutting off, a separation from the
flesh, its aims, hopes and desires. R3022:3
Said to Aaron -- Representing the sacrificial work of Christ as the
Priest. The sons of Aaron represented the Church. R4011:3
Into the wilderness -- The meeting of Moses and Aaron seems to
symbolize the beginning of the Gospel age. R4011:3
To meet Moses -- Moses represented the future work of Christ as the
leader and commander of the people. The Church was also typically
represented in the body of Moses. R4011:3
Met him -- Aaron meeting Moses represents a company meeting Christ
in the Kingdom. R82:2*
The mount of God -- Mount Horeb, one of the peaks of Mt. Sinai.
R4011:3
And Pharaoh -- Supposed to have been Menephtah. R3994:2
Type of Satan. R5273:2, R5419:5; F458
I know not the LORD -- Moses was met with derision. It was a time of
testing to the faith, not only of Moses and Aaron, but of all Israelites.
R5263:6
He considered the sun god of the Egyptians the powerful one. R5271:5
Straw for themselves -- One of the cities built by the Hebrews that has
been discovered is the Egyptian city of Pithom, discovered in 1883. It
corroborates the Biblical narrative with increasingly inferior bricks being
used on upper courses. R3983:3
More work -- Thus their tasks were practically doubled. But by these
very bitter experiences the people were all the more prepared to welcome
liberty. Similarly, we should appreciate the privilege of being set free from
the power of sin and death and of being inducted into God's family.
R5263:6
The land of Egypt -- Satan's dominion of sin and death. R5643:1,
R5273:1; F458
He said, Ye are idle -- As some of the hard-hearted will doubtless say to
the poor in the coming time of trouble. A336
God Almighty -- Hebrew, El Shaddai. R1410:6
A mighty one-a general term, applied to Jehovah, to Jesus, to angels, and to
men. R379:2, R421:3, R1410:3
My name JEHOVAH -- Jehovah is not a general name, like the word
"god," but a proper name, the distinctive personal name of the Almighty
Father. R1410:6
In our common version its distinctiveness as a name is lost, being generally
rendered, "the LORD." R338:3, R421:4
The name Jehovah, like other proper names, should not be translated.
R1410:6
Jehovah means He who is, or He who will be. R1052:5*
"Self-Existing One" or "The Immortal One." E40
This name belongs only to the Father. E65; R379:5
The land of Canaan -- Type of the heavenly rest. T25
Keep in bondage -- Type of bondage of all men to sin and death. F458
Children of Israel -- Type of all who ultimately become God's people.
F458; R5641:1, R5870:1
Land of Egypt -- Satan's dominion of sin and death. R5643:1,
R5273:1; F458
Gershon -- "Refugees" or "Rescued"; type of those of mankind saved
during the Millennial age. F129
And Kohath -- "Ally" or "Comrade"; type of the Ancient Worthies.
F129
And Merari -- "Bitterness"; type of the Great Company, saved so as by
fire, through bitter experiences. F129
Amram -- "High people" or "Exalted people"; type of the Little Flock.
F128
Made thee a god -- Elohim, mighty one, a name applied to Jehovah as
well as to men. E68; R338:2, R421:3, R1410:3
Harden Pharaoh's heart -- See comment on Exodus 4:21.
By great judgments -- The plagues were doubtless a full compensation
of justice upon the Egyptians. R5271:3
Fourscore -- The fourscore, or twice forty, would bring us to 1878 in
the antitype when Christ spake to Pharaoh (the world) by an act, in
restoring Israel to favor. R181:6*
Shew a miracle -- These three signs signified certain truths which, in
the present time, will be convincing to the Lord's true people. R2910:5
Became a serpent -- Symbolizing that all the evil there is in the world
is the result of God's having let go of his rod or authority temporarily.
R4058:4
Then Pharaoh -- Type of Satan. R5273:2, R5419:5, R2910:2; F458
And the sorcerers -- Sorcery, witchcraft and enchantments are
manifestations of Satan and of demons for the delusion of mankind.
R2110:2, R2189:3
Magicians -- Satan's mediums. R341:1*
The names of these magicians are given to us in 2 Tim. 3:8, where it is
stated that, as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so certain ones today
resist the message of God. R3994:5, R4060:2, R2189:3
Of Egypt -- Satan's dominion of sin and death. R5643:1, R5273:1;
F458
They became serpents -- Symbolizing the various views of the
permission of evil which have been put forth by theologians of the past.
R4060:4
Perhaps in some way the power of God will appear to be evil. Somehow
God will permit the world, under the power of Satan, to have an hour of
triumph during a great time of trouble. R5419:5
There are but two sources of occult power-divine and satanic. R5271:5
The Egyptian plagues were miraculous from one standpoint; not so from
another. R5271:2
Duplicated under Satan's knowledge of natural laws. R1685:3
Some have surmised that they performed a trick common in India by
hypnotizing a serpent. We are not sure, however, that the magicians did
not do more than this. R5271:5
Satan's first agent was the serpent. R265:3
The powers of darkness have liberty and ability to perform wonders of
certain kinds under certain circumstances. R2206:6
But Aaron's rod -- The correct view on the permission of evil is such
that it quite swallows up all the suggestions and theories of the past.
R4060:4
And he hardened -- See comment on Exodus 4:21.
The people -- In the antitype it will be the "groaning creation" that will
be delivered. R2910:2
Let my people go -- Representing the call of the Christian Church to
come out from the world and to engage in his worship. T25
In the wilderness -- Condition of separation from the world. T70
All the waters -- The first three plagues were common to all in Egypt.
The next six plagues affected only the Egyptians. R5640:3, R5272:2
The truth, as contained in millions of pages of tracts, poured upon the
symbolic earth, society, liberally in many lands and in many languages.
R4059:6
Were turned to blood -- Perhaps it resulted from the inconceivably
rapid growth of microscopic animals (infusoria) and minute cryptogamous
plants of a red color. R3994:5, R5271:6
To society the truth seems repulsive, undesirable, bloody. They resent even
the thought that the sacrifice for sins was the blood of Christ. R4060:1
Almost as miraculous as the turning of water into wine by our Lord at
Cana. R5271:6
The Egyptians digged around -- The world (Christendom,
Churchianity) seek for truth in various ways of their own. R4060:4
[Exod. 8:5]
Cause frogs to come -- Vast numbers come to Egypt at times, but never
in so great numbers as on this occasion. R5272:1
And the magicians -- Sorcery, witchcraft and enchantments are
manifestations of Satan and of demons for the delusion of mankind.
R2110:2, R2189:3
With their enchantments -- Using Satan's knowledge of natural laws.
R1685:3
Brought up frogs -- Satan and the fallen angels may be permitted some
power in creating pests. Q265:4
Intreat the LORD -- While Pharaoh's magicians duplicated the first
two plagues, they were unable to take away the frogs. R5272:1
Take away the frogs -- The Egyptians worshipped the froghead
goddess, Heka. Thus this plague was a special reproach and particularly
severe because it was not lawful for Egyptians to kill frogs. R3994:6
May become lice -- The Revised Version margin renders the word
"lice" as sandflies, or fleas. R3994:6
The word "lice" probably means "dust ticks." R5272:2
Throughout all the land -- The miracle was producing these ticks in
unusual numbers and places. R5272:2
But they could not -- Doubtless, however, the fallen spirits have
learned much since then and are probably now responsible for many of the
plagues, pests and microbes afflicting plant and animal life. R2189:3
The finger of God -- The first definition of a miracle. R3995:1
Swarms of flies -- Or beetles, the Hebrew word signifies a mixture of
various swarms of insects. R3995:1
Gnats, mosquitoes, house flies and cattle flies. R5272:2
These plagues upon Egypt were intended in some measure to foreshadow,
to illustrate, the plagues with which this Gospel age will end-the first three
and the "seven last plagues." (Rev. 15:1) F175
Put a division -- Both here and in Revelation the first three affected
both Israel and Egypt, but the Israelites were exempted from the last seven.
R3994:4
In Revelation the first three plagues are called the woe trumpets and
following them come the "seven last trumpets." R3994:4
Three days' journey -- Nothing was said respecting their non-intention
of returning, for they had the same right to depart as to come to Egypt.
R2910:6
Grievous murrain -- A kind of epizootic or contagious fever affecting
all domestic animals. R3995:1
Murrain (from the Latin, morior, to die), a disease resembling the
Russian epizootic. R5272:4
See final comment on Exodus 8:21.
Toward the heaven -- Possibly in allusion to the furnace of affliction
through which the Hebrews had been passing, or possibly in sarcastic
imitation of the methods of Egyptian priests, who yearly offered sacrifices
of burnt human bodies to Typhon, the god of evil, scattering the ashes thus
in the air. R3995:2
Shall be a boil -- See final comment on Exodus 8:21.
All my plagues -- Typified the great time of trouble. R3994:4
In three groups of three each. In the first three, Aaron's rod was used; in
the second three, the rod was not used; in the last three, Moses' rod was
used. In the first three, there was full warning; in the second, less warning;
in the third, no warning. R3994:3
For this cause -- The ten plagues upon the Egyptians were
manifestations of divine justice. OV93:1
God did not approve of Pharaoh, but used him to show forth his own glory.
Q501:5
With a weaker man the Lord's power would have been less displayed.
R3994:2
I raised thee up -- God has it in his own hand to set up or pull down
rulers and he orders the matter with a view to the impressing of certain
lessons. R3994:2
Amongst the various heirs to the throne of Egypt, God so ordered that this
particular Pharaoh should come to the throne because he possessed such
obstinacy. F175; PD33/44; R5305:3
God raised up to the throne a stubborn ruler so as to teach a great lesson
respecting divine tenderness, gentleness and forgiveness, and that God's
greatest blessing to mankind-a free will-may be perverted by Satan to work
his greatest injury. R5263:3
Very grievous hall -- See final comment on Exodus 8:21.
Thunder and hail -- Both unusual in Egypt. R3995:2
And the fire -- Lightning. R3995:2
Symbolic, signifying that God's indignation would burn against every one
who is wicked. R5317:2
The land of Goshen -- The murrain (and later plagues) were kept from
them in the land of Goshen, thus proving God's care. R5272:4
Was there no hail -- Similarly, the symbolic hail of the seventh plague
of Revelation will smite down and subdue those only who are in opposition
to it, and that for their good. R511:6
Bring the locusts -- Although immense swarms of locusts often come to
Egypt from Nubia, this would be recognized as a plague because of its
announcement and the exemption of the Hebrews. R3995:2
Sometimes to a depth of 15 inches. R5272:4
See final comment on Exodus 8:21.
May be darkness -- Probably caused by dense sandstorms of fine sand,
obscuring the light. R3995:3
See final comment on Exodus 8:21.
One more plague -- See final comment on Exodus 8:21.
It has been surmised that these 10 plagues upon Egypt began about July
1st and lasted until the following April, in all about 9 months. R2911:3,
R5271:3, 6
The last, or tenth plague, represents the bitter experiences of the world at
the end of the present age. R2920:1
Borrow -- Misleading translation of the Hebrew word shaal. The
Israelites did not borrow, but asked for (as in R.V.) as just payment for past
services. R1657:6, R2911:5, R3996:3
About midnight -- The passing over took place in the night,
representing this Gospel age. R3996:3, R4875:3, R4966:6, R5273:1;
SM559:3; Q693:8; CR471:2; PD33/44
Shall die -- The Egyptian first-born became a retribution for the
Israelitish babes they had caused to be drowned in the Nile. R2911:4
Throughout all the land -- The last, the tenth plague, was common to
the entire land of Egypt, including the Israelites, except as they would show
faith and obedience. R5640:3
Would not let -- The plagues constitute a retribution against Egypt for
their unjust oppression of Israel. R2911:2
In the land of Egypt -- Satan's dominion of sin and death. R5643:1,
R5273:1; F458
The beginning of months -- The Passover was the first feature of the
Law given Israel as a typical people. R839:1
The new year always began with the appearance of the first new moon after
the spring equinox. R1289:3
The new moon which came closest to the spring equinox was reckoned as
the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, the first day of the month Nisan.
R5642:2, R3961:2
The nearest new moon about or after the equinox, but not much before,
was chosen as the commencement of the year. R4127:2, R5191:2,
R2270:3
Knowing when to expect the equinox, the Elders of Israel accepted the
appearance of the new moon whose full would be about the harvest time,
and after the equinox. R2429:5
In the tenth day -- The choosing of the lamb on the tenth day
foreshadowed our Lord Jesus' presenting himself to Israel at the close of
his ministry as their king. R2918:2, R5191:4, R1289:4, R839:2, R465:5
Showing that if Israel would be recognized as the Church of the first-born
in the antitypical passover, they must accept Jesus then, five days before
that Passover feast and four days before his crucifixion. R5191:4
A lamb -- Each lamb represented the Lamb of God which taketh away
the sin of the world. (John 1:29) F460
"Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us." (1 Cor. 5:7) F463
For an house -- Each house of Israel represented the household of faith,
the Lord's new household. In celebrating the last Passover supper, which
was to be kept by each family apart, the Lord met with his 12 apostles as a
separate family--separate from all of their connections and his. F460,
F589
Lamb -- Paul tells us that Christ is our Passover lamb, slain for us. (1Cor. 5:7) R4966:6
Jesus, the Lamb of God-spotless, pure, holy, harmless, undefiled. R5273:5
The man Christ Jesus was the antitype of the Passover lamb slain by the
Israelites. R5847:1
Without blemish -- Showing the perfection and purity of Christ, our
lamb. R211:5*, R1186:6
The fourteenth day -- The day in which the Paschal lamb was to be
killed and eaten. R5191:4
Foreshadowing the fact that, in God's plan, Jesus was to die at that time.
R465:3
The moon was at its full at the time of Christ's crucifixion. R2270:6,
R5191:3
The moon is the symbol of the Law covenant and of the people who were
under it. Christ's crucifixion at the full of the moon, and the fact that the
moon immediately began to wane, foreshadowed Israel's national decline.
F481; R1289:3
The 12, and sometimes 13, lunations symbolize the tribes of Israel. After
the crucifixion it immediately began to wane, and waned for as long as it
had previously increased. So Christ's death was the turning point between
the two equal parts of Israel's history. R2270:6, R5191:3, R1289:3
Shall kill it -- The eating of the supper on the night preceding our Lord's
death, and yet the same day, was made possible by the Jewish custom that
began each day in the evening. F462
In the evening -- See marginal reading. On the fourteenth day, between
the evenings, between six p.m., where the day began, and the next six
p.m., where it ended. R2918:2, R5191:3, R1289:4, R839:2, R465:3,
R2115:5
The Jews had two evenings, one from noon to 3 o'clock, and the other from
3 o'clock until sunset. It was between these two evenings that the Paschal
lamb was to be slain, and so was Jesus, the antitype. R2953:5*
Take of the blood -- A striking figure of giving "life for life"--the
requirement of divine justice before the condemned could be justified.
R1321:6*
Not the eating of the unleavened wafers and roasted lamb, but because of
the blood, they were passed over. R3454:2*
Strike it on the -- The striking was a symbol, commanded at the
beginning. Q524:4
The sprinkling of the lamb's blood symbolizes the imputation of the merit
of the death of Jesus to the entire household of faith. R5640:5, R3959:5
The sprinkling of the blood indicated that all of the household of faith must
believe in the precious blood of Christ. SM561:1; PD33/44
The sprinkling of the blood on the door-posts in the type implied public
confession of the precious blood of the Lamb of God. SM561:2
The sprinkling of the door-posts of the heart with his blood: "Having their
hearts sprinkled from a consciousness of evil." (Heb. 10:22) F463
Of the houses -- Not merely upon the first-borns, but upon the house,
indicating the household of faith. R5273:5
They shall eat the flesh -- Jesus' sacrifice, the merit of his earthly
perfection, was to be eaten, or appropriated, in the mind. R4703:4
We each have appropriated his flesh, his human nature, which is sacrificed
on our behalf. We are hoping to be passed over on account of the blood
without and the lamb within, as members of the Church of the first-born.
R4966:6
As in the antitype, the Passover lamb was for their deliverance from Egypt,
so our Lord delivers his people from Satan's yoke of bondage to sin.
R5847:1
The shedding of the blood gives life, but we need more--strength for the
journey of life, through heavenly food. R1321:6*
The eating of the lamb typified our appropriating justification from sin.
SM562:2
In that night -- This entire Gospel age is the antitype of that night.
R3996:3, R4875:3, R4996:6, R5273:1, R17:4; SM559:3; Q693:8;
CR471:2; PD33/44
The 6000 years in which sin and death have held sway are a night time.
R5273:1
Unleavened bread -- Truth, in its purity. R208:1
It symbolized the precious promises which come to us from the Heavenly
Father through Christ. R2918:3, R4703:4
Leaven is a type of sin, and the symbol declares that our Lord Jesus was
free from sin. R5192:4; T98
Symbolically, without the corruption (leaven) of human theory, blight,
ambitions, selfishness, etc. F464; T98
With bitter herbs -- Bitter experiences and trials which the Lord
prepares for us, and which help wean our affections from earthly things
and give us increased appetite to feed upon the Lamb and the unleavened
bread of truth. R5870:4, R4703:4, R2116:1, R208:1, R17:4; F460
Nothing of it remain -- Signifying that the privilege of participation in
the Lord's sacrifice is confined to the Gospel age. R2116:4, R212:5*
With your loins girded -- Loins girt about with truth. (Eph. 6:14)
R212:2*
Shoes on your feet -- Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel
of peace. (Eph. 6:15) R212:2*
Staff in your hand -- As pilgrims and strangers. F461; R4703:2,
R208:1
Ready for the journey, with full expectancy that the Lord would make the
Egyptians willing to let them go and that they would share in this calamity
were it not for the blood upon the door-posts and lintels. R5640:3
Passover -- The term Passover signifies to pass by, or spare from an
affliction. R1657:2
This night -- Symbolizing this Gospel age, a time of darkness on the
earth. R4875:3, R4966:6, R5273:1, R3996:3; SM559:3; Q693:8;
CR471:2; PD33/44
Firstborn -- The first-born of Israel typified spirit begotten ones now
saved from sin and death as the Church of the firstborn. R4966:6
The gods of Egypt -- The princes of Egypt, elohim. R1410:3
See the blood -- The blood of Christ must be ever recognized in our
hearts and confessed, manifested, and declared outwardly to others.
R3996:6
I will pass over you -- Faith in the precious blood is the only ground of
acceptance with God. R3996:1
The Passover lamb and its blood preserved, "passed over," the first-born
ones only, typical of the Church of the first-borns. R4384:3
To destroy you -- Only the first-born were in danger, typifying that in
the present time only the Church of the first-born has sufficient knowledge
to be in danger of the Second Death. R3995:5
For a memorial -- The followers of Jesus are to celebrate the antitype
yearly, as the Israelites had done, but now in remembrance of the reality
and not of the type. R1657:5
Keep it a feast -- What Jesus commemorated was the killing of the
Passover lamb and not the "Feast of the Passover" which followed it for
seven days. R208:2
It was not the intention of our Lord to commemorate the Feast of the
Passover, which began the 15th of Nisan, but merely his death on the 14th.
R1942:6
Typical of both the deliverance of spiritual Israel from the bondage of sin
and the ultimate deliverance of all who love righteousness from Satan's
bondage by his complete overthrow during the Millennium. R2379:6
An ordinance for ever -- An event so widely observed for so long a time
(more than 3300 years) must have a foundation in fact. R3959:2
To be observed yearly as a memorial of God's goodness and because it
typed a still greater blessing to come. R4703:2
The Lord's Supper takes the place of the Passover supper as a Memorial of
the antitype, a remembrance of the fulfillment of the antitypical Passover.
F463
Ye shall put away -- Anything containing leaven or putrefaction-bones,
crusts, everything. So we must " put away the old leaven" of anger,
malice, hatred, strife. R5193:3
Leaven -- Symbol of corruption, sin. R5192:4, R2399:6; F464; T98
First day ... seventh day -- On the 15th day the Passover Feast began,
lasting seven days, the first and seventh days observed as specially holy, as
Sabbath days or "high" days. R2270:5, R5191:3
Holy convocation -- Some claim that the Jews had an abrupt beginning
of weeks with the beginning of the Passover which was always counted a
sabbath and the new start of a cycle. R2115:5
Observe the feast -- By rejoicing in, and partaking of, the good things
of God. R1800:3
The fourteenth day -- A picture of the passing over of the Church of
the first-born. Q525:1
No leaven -- A reminder (1) of the haste with which they fled, not
having time to wait for the bread to rise; and (2) of their sufferings in
Egypt, hence called "the bread of affliction" (Deut. 16:3); but (3)
primarily to signify the putting away of sin. R1800:2, R5390:2
Although no command to fast 40 days of " lenten season," those who
voluntarily fast and pray will be blest according to their faith. R2116:4
Bunch of hyssop -- Symbol of purging, cleansing. R1872:5; T109
None of you shall go out -- If any abide not under the covering of the
blood of Christ he must surely perish. R1657:2, R131:5
None of the nominal first-born shall be passed over and become members
of the Church in glory except those who, during this night, abide under the
blood. R2272:5
Until the morning -- And so the deliverance of spiritual Israel comes in
the Millennial morning. "God shall help her, early in the morning." (Psa.
46:5, Margin) R2918:3
The blood -- Symbolizing the application of the merit of the death of
Jesus to the entire household of faith. R3959:5, R5640:5
By faith the merit of Jesus' sacrifice, his blood, is to be sprinkled on the
door-posts of our hearts. R4703:4
The blood sprinkled on the door-posts typed faith in the blood of Christ.
PD33/44; SM561:1
Pass over the door -- The Passover night typified this Gospel age,
during which the Church of the first-borns are to be specially saved.
PD33/44; R4966:6
The LORD'S passover -- The first feature of the Law. OV74:T, B47
Represented the death of Jesus and the passing over of his people during
this age. Q525:3
The passing over will be the resurrection. CR471:3
The firstborn -- Only the first-borns, the Church of Christ, are now
being passed over; only these are in danger of the destroying angel.
R5870:2
The special object in confining the plague to the first-born was to show
that only the first-born of the Hebrews were spared or passed over.
R3995:5
Pharaoh -- Typifies Satan. R5273:2, R5419:5; F458
In the night -- The Gospel age is the antitype of that night. R3996:3,
R4875:3, R4966:6, R5273:1; SM559:3; Q693:8; CR471:2; PD33/44
The Egyptians -- Typifying Satan's servants who have oppressed God's
people during the night of sin and death. R5273:2, R5643:1, F458
Get you forth -- As in the first exodus, so in the next exodus,
apparently some pressure will suddenly be brought to bear upon the
nations which will result favorably to Israel. D554
And bless me also -- Doubtless representing a changed attitude at the
close of the time of trouble of some who now oppress the poor. A336
Borrowed -- Misleading translation of the Hebrew word shaal. The
Israelites did not borrow, but asked for (as in R.V.), as just payment for
past services. R1657:6, R2911:5, R3996:3
So that they lent -- Gave. R2911:5
Spoiled the Egyptians -- This was quite proper anyway, as the
equivalent of back pay due the Israelites. R2911:6
About 600,000 on foot -- Possibly 600 groups, families or tents. (This
idea rebutted in a letter on R5355:4*.) R5277:2
In a somewhat similar case, 400,000 Tartars left Russia under cover of a
single night. R3997:1
Now the sojourning -- From the covenant with Abraham to the exodus.
B46
Who dwelt In Egypt -- For a portion of the period, and who previous
to that time sojourned in the loins of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, even as
Levi paid tithes to Melchizedec while yet in Abraham's loins. B47
Not that they sojourned in Egypt 430 years, but the sojourning of the
people who dwelt in Egypt was that many years. HG1O4:3
Was 430 years -- One-half of 430 years. R2482:2*
The statements of Moses and Paul (Gal. 3:17) refer to precisely the same
period, from the covenant with Abraham to the giving of the Law. B47;
R2482:3*, R1980:2; HG44:2
The selfsame day -- Illustrating the accuracy of Bible chronology. B48
All the hosts of the LORD -- During the night the Israelites were still in bondage, waiting for the deliverance which could come only after the passing over of the first-borns. SM560:T
Went out -- Typifying the ultimate deliverance of the world. CR471:3
Egypt -- Satan's dominion of sin and death. R5643:1, R5273:1; F458
This is the ordinance -- The beginning of the Law. B47; OV74:T
When thou hast circumcised -- The Passover stood in a certain relation
to circumcision, as the second sacrament of the Hebrew church. F484*
In one house -- In other sacrifices, the body was cut into various pieces,
showing Christ and the Church. Thus this represented Christ alone in his
sacrifice. SM559:2
Break a bone thereof -- "A bone of him shall not be broken." (John
19:36) R198:2
Unto the stranger -- The Mosaic Law was 32 centuries ahead of its
time. A50
All the firstborn -- Afterwards these first-born ones were represented
by the tribe of Levi. R1657:2
Typifying the Church only; not our Lord Jesus. Q524:6
There be leaven -- Symbol of corruption, sin. R5192:4, R2022:4,
R2635:1; F464; T98
Year to year -- Our Lord altered the manner, but not the time; and, as
he has not altered the time, we dare not. It is our privilege to observe the
anniversary. R803:2
That openeth the matrix -- In conformity with this, the mother of Jesus
presented him in consecration. (Luke 2:21-23) Q757:5
All the firstborn -- Only the first-born was in danger, typifying that in
the present time only the Church of the first-born has sufficient knowledge
to be in danger of Second Death. R3995:5
Frontlets -- A phylactery, a little square leather box, containing four
passages of Scripture. R4053:1
Way of the wilderness -- The best of three roads for them, leading
through the wild mountain regions of Sinai. R5277:3
Went up harnessed -- In military order, either five abreast or in five
companies. R2919:2
The bones of Joseph -- Israel hoped for a resurrection from the tomb
and hence they were particular in caring for the corpses of their dead.
R2601:6
Pillar of a cloud -- Shielding us from the things that would be too
trying for us. R4029:6
Affording them a measure of shelter from the heat of the sun. R3997:2
The Lord's providences guide us and shelter us from the heat of
persecution. R3997:3
To lead them the way -- The leading of divine providence is ours until
we pass over Jordan into heavenly Canaan. R3997:3
Only when they finally crossed Jordan into Canaan was this phenomenon
discontinued. R3997:2
A pillar of fire -- Enlightenment in darkness and God's keeping,
protecting power. R4029:6
To give them light -- At other times, the Lord's providences enlighten
us in dark seasons. R3997:3
That they turn -- This turn was perhaps necessary because of the great
wall of Egypt, somewhat similar to the great wall of China, and the route
taken was more favorable for pasturage, etc. R2919:2
From northeast to south; mis-interpreted by the Egyptians as becoming
entangled in the land. R3997:4
And the sea -- The Bitter Lakes, which lengthen out the northernmost
tongue of the Red Sea. R3997:4
They are entangled -- They are lost. R3997:4
Shut them In -- Having passed between two mountain ranges, up
against the northern arm of the Red Sea, they had gone into a pen from
which there was no escape. R5277:5
Harden Pharaoh's heart -- See comment on Exodus 4:21
Of Pharaoh -- Type of Satan. R5273:2, R5419:5; F458
Of Egypt -- Satan's dominion of sin and death. R5643:1, R5273:1;
F458
And he pursued -- The powers that be may possibly concede for a time
the demands of the weak and helpless and then attempt their recapture
under selfishness, and through a Red Sea of trouble the Lord will
administer a final chastisement. R2920:1
Children of Israel -- Type of all who ultimately become God's people.
F458; R5641:1, R5870:1
But the Egyptians -- Typifying Satan's servants who have oppressed
God's people. R5273:2, R5641:3; F458
All the horses -- Symbolic of false doctrines. C316
And chariots -- Symbolic of worldly organizations. C316
And his horsemen -- Symbolic of the great leaders in false doctrines.
C316
Symbolic of fallen angels and men. F458
By the sea -- The Red Sea, representing the Second Death. F459
Stand still and see -- The duty of God's people toward the perplexing
questions of the present time. A342
Sometimes we come to the very end of all human possibilities. Then, and
not till then, should we apply these words of Moses to ourselves. R5278:4
Go forward -- There is a time to pray and also a time to act. R2919:4
In giving and obeying this command faith was demonstrated. Does not the
Lord sometimes allow adversities and oppositions to hedge us in? This is
the time to hearken to his voice and, in faith, go forward. R3997:6
Go on dry ground -- On a sand bar. R3998:2, R4623:5, R5277:6,
R2919:5
Midst of the sea -- The water at the upper end of the Red Sea is at no
great depth, so that at times, when the tide is low, cavalry have
forded it--for instance, Napoleon. R3998:1, R2919:6
The angel of God -- Not always a being; sometimes signifying the
exercise of divine power in connection with human affairs. R5278:1
Cloud -- An evidence of the Lord's special care over them, a great aid to
their faith, discontinued when they crossed Jordan into Canaan. R3997:2
A cloud -- From the world's standpoint, very dark; from our
standpoint, the healing rays of the sun. R577:2
And darkness -- Josephus and other outside narratives declare that it
rained, thundered and lightened appallingly. R2919:5
But it gave light -- Matters appear differently from different
standpoints. Since the storm is to scatter the powers of darkness, the
sooner it comes the better. R577:2
Children of Israel -- Type of all who ultimately become God's people.
F458, R5641:1, R5870:1
A wall -- A barricade, protection, shield. R3998:3, R4623:5, R5278:1
Host of the Egyptians -- Typifying Satan's servants who have
oppressed God's people. R5273:2, R5641:2; F458
Overthrew the Egyptians -- At the end of the Millennial age Satan and
all who are on his side will be forever destroyed. R3999:4
Midst of the sea -- A reversal of the wind would cause the return of the
waters. R4623:5
The present enslaving agencies will be overthrown by anarchy, in the great
time of trouble, now near. R1657:5
The waters returned -- Opposite Suez, the tide rises eight to nine feet
when aided by strong winds, returning with unusual suddenness and
power after the ebb. R3998:3*
The host of Pharaoh -- Representing all who eventually will go into
Second Death. R5870:1
Children of Israel -- Type of all who ultimately become God's people.
F458, R5641:1, R5870:1
Dry land -- On a sand bar. R3998:2, R4623:5
Midst of the sea -- Possibly two miles across. R3998:2
Were a wall -- In its broadest sense merely signifies a barricade,
protection, shield. R3998:3, R4623:5, R5278:1
The LORD saved -- Picturing the deliverance of all the obedient after
the plagues. (Rev. 16) R1657:3
Then sang Moses -- This song, typifying the song of deliverance
referred to in the book of Revelation as "the song of Moses and the Lamb,"
is noted by scholars as containing an intermingling of Egyptian words.
R3998:6
This song unto the LORD -- Singing songs of praise, one of the most
interesting and profitable methods of worship, is acceptable only when it
represents true heart sentiments. R5278:2
I will sing -- "If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the
roof of my mouth." (Psa. 137:6) R2031:5
The LORD -- Not by any human might. R2934:4
Become my salvation -- Already, for we have already passed from
death unto life and have the witness of this in the holy Spirit. R2934:4
Is a man of war -- When he rises up to judgment against the nations.
D549
And with the blast -- Ruach, spirit, invisible power or influence. E174
Blow with thy wind -- Ruach, spirit, invisible power or influence.
E174
Among the gods -- EI, mighty ones. E67; R296:2
With dances -- With bodies swaying and feet moving rhythmically.
R5278:2
They went three days -- Typifying the last part of the fifth, all of the
sixth, and the early part of the seventh thousand-year days, the period of
Israel's disfavor. R3037:5
The waters of Marah -- Similarly the Law, while good in many
respects, had certain condemnatory qualities which hindered it from giving
refreshment and life everlasting. R4010:5
From the Arabic, marra, to be bitter. R351:2*, R491:2*
They were bitter -- The promise of life, represented by the water, was
poisoned by sin. R4010:6
The spiritual Israelite is not long out of Egypt before he is permitted to
have trying experiences; and in seeking refreshment he perhaps finds bitter
disappointments. R3035:6, R5278:5
During the Dark Ages the water of life became brackish and impure.
R4603:1
Against Moses -- Typifying the Christ, Head and Body, the Mediator
of the New covenant. R4010:6
And he -- Moses, type of Christ. D630; A79; B255
A tree -- Representing the cross of Christ. "Cursed is every one that
hangeth on a tree." (Gal. 3:13) R4010:6
The great doctrine of the ransom. R4603:1
Were made sweet -- Since the truth of the ransom has purified the
message of the Dark Ages we can partake of it with refreshment. R4603:1;
Q454:1
Typifying conditions during the Millennial age. F631
The Lord can make our bitter experiences sweet. R3035:6
None of these diseases -- Not the case with the New Creation. Their
real interests and their physical interests are often opposites. F631
That healeth thee -- From the very beginning of Messiah's reign God's
blessings will begin to come to the world, and correspondingly the curse
will fade away. R5780:1
They came to Elim -- The Lord provides seasons of rest and
refreshment by the Christian's way. R3035:6
God's spiritual Israelites are not tried above what they are able to bear.
R5278:6
Twelve wells of water -- Typifying the 12 apostles. R4011:2
Threescore and ten palms -- Typifying the 70 whom our Lord
commissioned, whose ministries typified the public services of the Gospel
age. R4011:2
Wilderness of Sin -- Typical of the Christian journey through the
wilderness of sin to the heavenly Canaan. A221
The flesh pots -- The world's theories. R5307:1
Bread to the full -- How apt are all to remember the pleasures of the
sinful condition and to forget its burdens and disappointments. R3036:3
With hunger -- Having learned of their need they were able to
appreciate the provision and its miraculous source. So with spiritual
Israelites, they are permitted to feel their needs, and to ask, that they may
receive. R3036:1
What are we -- Spiritual Israelites are to keep in mind that the real
leader is the Lord and not men. R3036:2
Quails came up -- In the spring. They often come in great flocks and,
wearied with their long flight across the water, fly low, and thus are easily
caught. R4012:3, R3036:4
Corresponding to the invasion of Darwinism among God's people.
Evolution gives the people worldly doctrines for religious food. R5267:3*
A small round thing -- Evidently deposited in, or from, the dew by
some power of God working in harmony with the natural laws of chemistry
not yet thoroughly understood. R3036:4
It is manna -- Nothing of the kind was known to the Israelites, and they
asked, "What is it?" and this became its name--"What is it?"--or, "that
manna." R5279:4
A symbol of our Lord's flesh, the bread from heaven. B130; T122;
R2579:4
The grains were small and white, required painstaking labor to gather, and
had to be boiled or baked before using. R3036:4
Gather of it -- To obtain the bread from heaven requires some effort on
the part of him who would partake. R3036:6, R5279:4
Every morning -- So it will be necessary for the world ever to seek
supplies of life and grace if they would live everlastingly. T123
Our own supply of grace in Christ needs to be gathered daily; it will not
keep over for succeeding days. R4012:5
To morrow is the rest -- That the Sabbath was something new to the
Israelites is evident by its explanation to them. R971:6
The holy sabbath -- Type of the Millennial age. B40
There was no mention of the keeping of a sabbath prior to Israel's arriving
at the Wilderness of Sin, of which Mt. Sinai is the center. R3039:2
Inaugurated as a memorial of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, in
which they had no rest from their taskmasters. R1731:2
The Sabbath day was instituted about two weeks before the formal giving
of the Law. R1731:2
Wafers made with honey -- Suggesting that the wafers on the Day of
Atonement may have had a mixture of honey; but the prohibition of the
burning of honey may imply otherwise. R4045:4
To be kept -- Symbolizing that our Lord's flesh did not see corruption
and is possibly preserved as an everlasting testimony of infinite love and
perfect obedience. B130
Illustrating the immortal, incorruptible condition promised to all members
of the Church. "To him that overcometh will I grant to eat of the hidden
manna." (Rev. 2:17) T122
To be kept -- In the Ark of the covenant. T121
Forty years -- Just as at the first advent they rejected him who was the
antitype of Moses and Aaron and therefore did not enter into rest; instead,
another long and wearisome journey in the wilderness for nearly 1900
years. R3064:4
The land of Canaan -- Representing the Millennial Kingdom condition.
R3064:3
Representing the rest promised to God's children who hear his call: "Come
unto me, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28) Have we the faith to enter
in? T25
Smite the rock -- The rock was a picture of Christ-who was smitten
that the water of life might flow from Jesus for all of Adam's race who
would become Israelites indeed. R5957:3, R5285:1; PD34/45
As the waters of that rock followed the Israelites, so God's favor, through
Christ, refreshes his people throughout their wilderness journey. R5285:2
Here by the Lord's direction. The second time (Num. 20:2-12) he was to
"speak to the rock," but instead he smote the rock a second time. R3077:3
Christ is smitten but once for our sins. If, for a reason, the waters stop,
the Rock should be invoked, in the name of the Lord, to start gushing anew.
R3077:4
Came Amalek and fought -- As one branch of Esau's family, they were
related to the Israelites and to the Arabs of today. R4207:2
The Amalekites, a warlike people, considered the coming of Israel as an
invasion of their country and attacked them in battle. R5285:2
Similarly, spiritual Israelites have conflicts with the world, the flesh and
the devil. R5285:2
With Israel -- A people used to peaceful pursuits would naturally be at
a disadvantage in conflict with such opposition. R5285:2
When Moses -- The antitypical Moses is the antitypical Mediator,
Christ. R2681:6
Held up in his hand -- In prayer to God for the people. R5285:2
Israel prevailed -- God thus indicated that Moses was the advocate of
Israel, and that without him they could do nothing. We, too, have an
advocate. R5285:2
In the antitype, spiritual Israelites have conflicts with enemies too mighty
for them without the Lord's assistance-the world, the flesh, and the devil.
R5285:2
Amalek prevailed -- When Moses ceased to pray the Amalekites were
the victors--showing our dependence on Christ. R5285:2
And Joshua -- Type of the "great deliverer, " Christ. A79
Amalek -- Symbolizing the wilful sinners of the Millennial age. F174
In a book -- The first definite information with reference to the Sacred
Writings, later preserved in the side of the Ark. (Deut. 31:25) R1145:3
Jehovah-nissi -- Banner of Jehovah. E43
Moses sat to judge -- Showing that the word "judgment" includes the
thought of a trial and a righteous decision based upon that trial. R568:6
Too heavy for thee -- Moses, instead of being a designing politician,
was really the overworked servant of the people. A47
Give thee counsel -- Jethro's counsel became the basis of the English
and American constitutions, governments "of the people, by the people, for
the people." R3037:3
So Moses hearkened -- God sometimes uses outsiders to instruct his
people in some things: wise is the man or woman humble enough to receive
such instruction properly. R3037:2
Made them heads -- During nearly a year at Mt. Sinai, Israel was
transformed from a horde of unorganized emigrants into a powerful nation
with covenant relationship with God. R4037:1
If ye will -- Are you (Israel) ready now to enter into a covenant of full
consecration to do my will? R5285:4
Its commands had nothing to do with any nation but Israel, then or since;
nor are they applicable now to spiritual Israel. R4013:3
Obey my voice -- It was God's object in making the Law covenant to
prove to Israel their own imperfection and inability to live in harmony with
God. R282:3
Keep my covenant -- The measure of a perfect man's ability. QV428:6
If Israel should keep perfectly the Ten Commandments they would thereby
demonstrate that they were perfect men, worthy of everlasting life.
R5286:2, R4902:3, R5292:2, R5732:5
The Law covenant was an addition to the Abrahamic covenant and was
typical. R5301:5
The mediation (through Moses) of the old Law covenant brought Israel
into typical relationship to God; the mediation (through Christ) of the New
Law covenant will bring all mankind into actual covenant relationship.
R5292:2
The time not having come for the development of the great Mediator, God
made a typical arrangement with the nation of Israel. R4902:3
It is not the Law that was important, since God always had a law over his
creatures; but the covenant, according to which they were to be treated as
servants, not sinners, if faithful to its requirements. R1724:4
None actuated by love have any desire to violate the law of
commandments. R543:2
The Christian's responsibility is transferred from the Father to our Lord
Jesus. Hence he is no longer under Jehovah's Law given at Sinai, but now
"under law to Christ." (1 Cor. 9:21) R542:6
A peculiar treasure -- For more than 18 centuries God's dealings were
with this people exclusively. "Ye only have I known of all the families of
the earth." (Amos 3:2) Q792:4
Obedience would qualify them to be the seed of Abraham to bless the
world. R5732:5
Kingdom of priests -- Type of the Royal Priesthood, the Holy Nation,
the Church. B246, CR485:1
God's favor to natural Israel was because they were the seed of Abraham;
not because they were holier than others. R5917:3
Israel was first invited to be the antitypical Royal Priesthood. R5532:6
Israel knew they were the favored seed of Abraham, the natural heirs of the
promises. R5285:4
An holy nation -- Separated from other nations for a particular purpose,
and therefore to enjoy certain special favors. A71
All the people -- The entire nation was a consecrated people. R1742:6
All that -- Jesus explained it to mean to love God with all the heart,
mind, soul and strength, and one's neighbor as one's self. PD35/46
To do justice to your neighbor as you wish your neighbor to do justice to
you is the essence of the Law. (Matt. 7:12) SM352:2
We will do -- We agree to keep your Law and you agree to give us life.
R4696:2
The Law said, Obey! and he who fails in one point is guilty of all. R614:5
The faithful among them, who earnestly endeavored in their weakness to
keep this covenant, will, in the Millennial age, be "princes in all the
earth." (Psa. 45:16) B207
The Ten Commandments demand absolute perfection of thought and deed
for their fulfillment. R543:2
They saw only the outward aspect and not the spirit of the Law. R4013:2
It did not seem to occur to Israel that they might not be able to obey the
Law perfectly. R1724:5
God was bound to give Israel eternal life if they would keep that Law.
R4902:3
Alas for poor humanity's self-confidence; that which they thought would
gain life emphatically condemned all under it to death. R454:6
No fallen human being could possibly keep the letter of the Law, but God
dealt with the Israelites as though they could. Their sacrifices were
typical. OV428:6
It served them well as a servant to bring them to Christ. R1724:5
Said unto Moses -- Type of Christ, Head and Body. R3037:5; D630
Unto the people -- All those of mankind desirous of entering covenant
relationship with God. R3037:5
For the third day -- The three days of purification represent the Gospel
age. Our Lord's first advent occurred early on the fifth thousand-year day,
the sixth day has passed, and we are now in the morning of the seventh or
"Millennial" day. R3037:5
The New Law covenant will be made during the Millennial day-the Jewish
"day" and Gospel "day" being preparatory. R4570:3*
Upon mount Sinai -- Type of the Kingdom of God. R3037:6,
R4037:5; D630
Shalt set bounds -- During the two thousand-year days just past, God,
through Christ, has been marking out the bounds of the Kingdom class:
who might and might not come into the Kingdom. R3037:6
Take heed -- "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,
and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him." (Psa. 89:7)
R2002:2
Touch the border -- Our God is a consuming fire to all who attempt to
approach him except through Christ. R2035:6
Surely put to death -- How can we escape if we disregard the voice of
the great Mediator of the New covenant, and the remarkable circumstances
which now accompany its establishment. R5990:4
Whether it be beast -- The Hebrew used the word "hands" for beast as
well as for man. The Hebrew word for hand, yad, is rendered "paw" in
(1 Sam. 17:37). R3044:5
Be ready -- Typifying still greater purifying of all who accept the New
covenant. R2022:5
Thunders -- Only a typical representation of the greater glory of the
New-covenant--"the glory that excelleth." (2 Cor. 3:9, 10) R1404:6
Thunder tones of judgment that "call the earth from the rising of the sun
until the going down thereof." (Psa. 50:1) R5990:4, R1914:4
And lightnings -- Lightning flashes of truth and righteousness.
R1914:4, R5990:4
Frequent flashes of light from the storm clouds surrounding the invisible
presence of our King in the daily press illuminate the principles of the
Word of God. R1913:3
A thick cloud -- Symbol of the time of trouble. D630; R3037:5,
R5990:1, R1914:4
Voice of the trumpet -- Type of the Seventh Trumpet of liberty. D630;
B148
To meet with God -- There was no priestly intervention. A55
Smoke of a furnace -- Symbol of the time of trouble. D630; C146
Quaked greatly -- Typifying the fearful sights, terrifying sounds, in the
end of this age. D630; R5990:1
Not only the earth (society) and the mountains (kingdoms), but the heavens
also (ecclesiastical powers), so that only the unshakable principles of truth
and righteousness may endure. R1914:5
And Moses -- Type of The Christ, Head and Body. D630; A79; B255
Went up -- Glorified. D630
So the entire Church must go into the mountain (Kingdom) with Christ.
OV286:2
Many of them perish -- It is just as impossible for men to see the
unveiled qlory of the Lord Jesus as it is for them to behold Jehovah.
(Exod. 33:20; Heb. 1:3) B131
Spake unto them -- The Reformers recognized the difference between
Moses as a prophet and as a law-giver; maintaining that as law-giver his
authority extended only over Israel. R976:2
God spake all these words -- The first tables of the Law were prepared
and written by the Lord himself. This represents how man in his creation
was a perfect image of his Creator. R5298:6
God's original law to man was given in Eden, written in Adam's heart, in
the sense that he was created in the divine image. R5286:3
The Decalogue has a depth of meaning not seen until Jesus "magnified the
law and made it honorable." (Isa. 42:21) R5286:2
Jesus gave the Law to Moses as the representative of the Father. R5622:5
The Law given at Sinai has been the basis of all laws since. SM380:T
Which have brought thee -- Showing that the Ten Commandments
were given only to Israel after the flesh. R1726:5, R971:4
Thou shalt -- The Decalogue is a brief synopsis of the whole Law. A45
Neither the angelic sons nor the New Creation are under the Sinaitic Law,
or need it. F365
No other gods before me -- Mighty ones, my equals. E40
God shall have first place in the human heart. Any division of the heart or
strength or mind or soul violates this commandment. R5286:3
We shall not permit wealth or anything else to take away our minds from
the Lord. R5094:5
Idolizing husbands, wives or wealth is idolatry. R5071:5, R4014:4
Any graven image -- God would not have any symbols before his
people, but have them worship him in spirit and in truth. R5627:3,
R3038:2, R5298:1
With spiritual Israel even fathers, mothers, wives and children might take
the place of the Lord in our affections, as well as idols of wealth, social
and personal ambition, etc. R3038:2, R3753:3
Under the earth -- Not subterranean waters, but the seas which are
below the level of the "dry land" called the earth. R1813:2
Bow down thyself to them -- Shaw-kaw, worship. Not a prohibition of
reverence to the honorable, but against image worship or worship of any
rival gods. E73
The Jews did not err in doing reverence (shaw-kaw) to angels who came in
Jehovah's name. B73
Am a jealous God -- Who wants all of our affections, confidence and
trust. This is for our good and is not selfishness on his part. R3038:3,
R4789:2
God's jealousy is just and is sure to bring to the sinner a just punishment.
R4789:2
The impropriety of jealousy is when it leads to bitterness and other like
qualities to which the fallen human mind is subject. R4789:2
Upon the children -- Does not represent anger, bitterness, resentment,
selfishness, but the law of nature, under which, in wisdom, God has placed
humanity. R3038:3-4
The doctrine of the ransom is linked to the doctrine that condemnation
passed to Adam's posterity through the channel of natural birth. R2668:2
Unto the third and fourth -- Contrary to Darwin, deviations from the
species prototype are corrected in the course of three generations--N. Y
Times. R4859:6*
Not take the name -- This command was given to Israel only, who had
come into relationship with God through the Law covenant. Many of the
Jews tried very hard outwardly to keep the Ten Commandments. R5404:2
Although this commandment was not given to spiritual Israel, the spirit of
it applies to us. Let us, therefore, walk circumspectly, that we bring no
dishonor to that hallowed name, but honor it in our every thought and deed.
R5404:6, R4014:5, R3038:5, R1527:6
In vain -- Lightly, frivolously, or in any other than a sacred or
reverential manner. R3038:5, R1527:3
"Thou desirest truth in the inward parts." (Psa. 51:6) "Let every one that
nameth the name of Christ (Jehovah's representative) depart from iniquity."
(2 Tim. 2:19) R1527:3
The sabbath day -- The fourth commandment was never given to the
Church. R5072:1
A higher thought than that of physical rest is given to the Church. The
seventh day typifies the rest of faith for the people of God. R5071:6,
R5360:1, R4015:1, R1499:4
Typically, the thousand-year day, the Millennial age. Then humanity will
be at rest from Satan and from sin. R5071:6, R5640:5, R1499:4,
R91:6*; B40; Q607:4
We should neither consider ourselves under Mosaic Law nor repudiate the
Sabbath entirely. R3752:2
Spiritual Israel keeps Sabbath every day-resting in the finished work of
God, resting from our own endeavors to justify ourselves. R3753:4
Let our homes be the most quiet, let no sound of labor or worldly pleasure
be heard on the appointed day of rest. R3753:6
Keep it holy -- As a day of rest, and no more. R4995:3
Whoever abides in Christ is a sabbath-keeper. R5071:6
The seventh day -- Not the first day. If this commandment is binding
at all it is binding as stated and cannot be changed. R1727:2
The prominence of the seventh day holds good in the week of creation, the
ordinary week and the week of thousands. R91:5*
No matter how the first day of the week, Sunday, was originally set apart as
sacred, it contains a great blessing. R2534:5, R2535:1
We advocate observance of Sunday because: (1) we would not wish to see
it fall into disuse; (2) we would not lead others to violate less-enlightened
consciences; and (3) to maintain proper religious influence with neighbors.
R2535:4, R3753:5
Typified a coming blessing to spiritual Israel. OV250:5
The Christian's rest is not of one day, but of all; well-illustrated in the
seventh day which typified it, for seven is the symbol of completeness.
R543:6
Not do any work -- It does not say to cease from ordinary work and
engage in religious work; but prohibits all kinds of work. R1727:1,
R971:5
As soon as we begin to believe we begin to enter into this rest which need
never end. "We which have believed do enter into rest." (Heb. 4:3)
R3753:4
This rest was merely typical and prophetic of the coming restitution peace
and blessing. OV118:3
Our rest in the Lord is as complete as is our belief in him. He who believes
fully, rests fully; he who only believes partially, rests but partially.
R2534:4
While never losing sight of his real sabbaths, the spiritual Israelite
nevertheless should avail himself of any arrangements of nominal
Christendom favorable to his spiritual resting. R2534:5
While chiefly a type, experience proves that such a rest is necessary from
the physical standpoint. R2534:6
The LORD made -- Not creation but preparation for use. R300:1*
Rested the seventh day -- Letting humanity measurably take its own
course in sin, leaving all the work of restitution to be accomplished by
Christ in his reign. R975:4
Because in his plan everything was fully arranged for--"the works were
finished from the foundation of the world." (Heb. 4:3) R975:4
But it does not follow that God's rest day was a 24-hour day, nor that he
rested in the same sense as the Israelites were commanded. R1731:3
Jesus said, "The Father worketh hitherto, and (now) I work." (John 5:17)
R975:4
A higher thought than that of physical rest is given the Church. The
seventh day typifies the rest of faith for the people of God. R5071:6,
R5360:1, R4015:1
Blessed the sabbath day -- Type of the greater sabbath-the heavenly.
Q759:3
Honour thy father -- Although always deserving of consideration from
their children, the degree of respect must depend upon the character of the
parent to some extent. R5287:3
The parents are, in the divine arrangement, the priests of God in respect to
their children. R5287:5
Sunday Schools may weaken the respect of the children for the parents and
may release the parents from an appreciation of their responsibilities
toward their children. R5287:5
Extending beyond the childhood obligation to obey, the duty of honoring
parents extends from the cradle to the grave. R2024:3
Absalom is a distinguished example of dishonor to a father, and the
resultant cuffing off in the prime of life. R3262:1
If our forefathers were monkeys, as so many now teach, why should we
have much honor or respect for them? R4019:3
To the spiritual Israelite, this would mean our Father in heaven. R4019:3,
R3044:6
And thy mother -- Showing that man and woman are joint-inheritors of
the earthly dominion. R1553:6
To the spiritual Israelite, this would mean God's original covenant with
Abraham, typified by Sarah. R4019:5, R3044:6
Long upon the land -- Children obedient to parents are more inclined to
obedience to country and Creator. Such obedience would be favorable to
old age. R3044:6
The fact that the Jews did not dwell long in the land given them is evidence
that they did not keep this commandment properly. R3044.6
Thou shalt not kill -- Any malice, hatred or anger is of the murder
spirit. R4019:6, R5286:3
We are not to have an angry spirit of murder, restrained merely by fear of
consequences. R5287:6
Life is to be prized, not jeopardized. R5287:6
Nothing in this commandment forbids the killing of animals when
necessary, nor the execution of criminals. R5287:6, R4019:5, R3045:1
Murder is always wrong; killing is sometimes right, sometimes duty; but
the destruction of birds, beasts and fishes wantonly, or for sport, is wrong.
R3045:1
To take another's life is wrong, except when God's own Law demands it.
SM352:1
Not commit adultery -- "Whosoever looketh upon a woman to lust
after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matt.
5:28) In other words,the spirit of God's Law is that to desire to do wrong
and to be merely hindered by circumstances and conditions, is in God's
sight as serious, as criminal, as to have really done that wrong. R4020:4,
R5286:3
Purity, no adulteration, is the divine requirement. R5288:1
As the Lord's betrothed, the Church is to be uncontaminated,
unadulterated, separate from the world. R3045:3
Thou shalt not steal -- A proper recognition of the property and rights
of others, covering every form of theft, both public and private. R4020:4
Applies to defrauding another in any manner, depriving him of rights,
liberties, or a good name, as well as of money or property. R3045:3
Including untruthful advertisements, misleading information, or
misrepresentation. R3045:4
Includes making false tax returns, avoiding payment of customs duty and
failure to give agreed upon services to employers. R5288:1
The worst form of stealing concerns the Scriptural instruction, "speak evil
of no man. (Titus 3:2) R5288:1
To do so is wrong, unjust. SM352:1
Bear false witness -- Even by a nod of the head, the shrugging of the
shoulder, or by silence. R3045:5
The spirit of this injunction may be violated, and is violated every day not
only by misrepresenting the goods we sell, or the goods we wish to buy,
but in a thousand ways of slandering a neighbor. R5288:4
To do so would be an injustice. SM352:1
Shalt not covet -- Covetousness is a heart disease which has to do with
every other crime; for all sins have their basis in selfishness. R5288:4
Covetousness is an enviousness of the possessions of others and a desire to
appropriate them for ourselves. R4021:4
Covetousness is like drinking the salt waters of the sea, which only
increase the thirst. R2340:6
Covetousness first led Satan to disloyalty and sin. R3046:1
Not a desire to prosper as well as one's neighbor, but to possess the
possession of our neighbor. R2340:1
The climax of all commandments respecting our relationship to our fellow-man.
R4021:4
"Godliness with contentment (absence of covetousness) is great gain." (1Tim. 6:6) R3046:1
Covetousness is wholly foreign to the spirit of Christ. To the extent that
the spirit of Christ dwells in his members they will be free from it. R971:3,
R1726:4
Only one covetousness is encouraged--"Covet earnestly the best gifts (1Cor 12:31)--the gifts of divine grace which robs not others, does not make
God poorer. R2340 6
Noise of the trumpet -- Type of the seventh trumpet. D630
Said unto Moses -- The typical Mediator between God and Israel.
R4537:1, R2858:6
Representing Jesus, the Mediator "between God and man," the world.
R4537:4; A79; B255; D630
Moses undertook to bless Israel by mediating for them with God the Law
covenant, but failed because they were unable to keep the Law of God
perfectly. R4537:1
Lest we die -- Because we cannot stand even a reflection of the spiritual
glory of the Lord. B131
Where God was -- All of this was typical. R5294:3
The children of Israel -- Who typified the world of mankind. R4537:1
Peace-offerings -- Type of entire consecration to God during the next
age. T98
Go up by steps -- We cannot come to Christ by steps. We must come
as we are and come at once. R101:5*
Nakedness be not discovered -- When we try to break off old habits
and be good by ourselves climbing up a few steps and coming to Christ-the
shame of our nakedness appears. R101:5*
And her children -- The mother's nature, rights, privileges and liberties
attached to the child. E105; R777:5
Unto the Judges -- Elohim, rulers, mighty ones. A name applied to
Jehovah as well as to men. E68; R1410:3; SM497:2
For ever -- "Forever" ceased at the cross. It means, until a proper end
has been reached. R1453:6
Be surely put to death -- A just retribution for the sin. R5645:4
Whither he shall flee -- Arriving at the city of refuge, the culprit was
not free, but must stand trial before the elders of the city. R3092:5
With guile -- Inquiry was made as to whether he had lain in wait,
hunted for his victim, smote him in secret, for maliciousness, guile, prior
enmity and hatred. (Deut. 19:4, 6, 11; Deut 27:24; Num. 35:11-23; Josh.
20:5) R3092:5
Life for life -- This was the basis of justice on which God was operating.
R4426:1, R1917:1
God arranged that only one man should have the opportunity to fall and be
sentenced to death; thus only one man would be required as a Redeemer of
all humanity. R5429:6
A perfect human life having been condemned to death, it required a perfect
human life to redeem it. Jesus "tasted death for every man." (Heb. 2:9)
R4964:4, R1917:4; OV151:5
An illustration of the word "ransom." Q562:6
If a thousand perfect men had sinned, it would have required a thousand
perfect men to redeem them. R5429:6; SM661:1
The blood (death) of bulls and of goats could never take away sin; likewise
the death of angels or archangels could never take away sin (redeem man).
R3174:5, R4426:2, R5429:6
The Philistines had caused the loss of many lives in Israel. Thus it was in
full accord with divine instruction that they and other occupants of Canaan
be utterly destroyed. R5663:5
Eye for eye -- This line of strict justice the Lord inculcated in the Law
given to Israel to assist them in understanding the great principle of Justice
underlying divine conduct. OV21:4; Q798:4
Strong characters may wish to correct that which is wrong, but it is not the
time now to judge and discipline the world. R5644:5
For his eye's sake -- The common Law was no respecter of persons.
There was no special legislation for the priesthood. A52
Unto the judges -- Elohim, rulers, mighty ones. A name applied to
Jehovah as well as to men. E68; R1410:3
Before the judges -- Elohim, rulers, mighty ones. E68; R1410:3
Not suffer a witch -- A medium, or mouthpiece of fallen angels.
R2172:1; Q840:T
Spirit mediums, clairvoyants and the like are the modern wizards and
witches. Q840:T
It is not superstitious to believe that men and women may be so given over
to Satan, and be so controlled by him as to be wizards and witches.
R265:4
Witchcraft was instituted by Satan to prove his lie that the dead are not
dead. R1216:2
Some of God's people today, notwithstanding this instruction, have
attended Spiritualistic seances "just to see how it was done." R3240:5
Vex a stranger -- The laws protected the weak, the stranger, the
servant. OV10:5
Widow, or fatherless child -- The Lord's special care is over the weak,
helpless and bereaved ones. Q781:4
That is poor -- The Mosaic Law was far ahead of its time. A50
Not revile the gods -- Elohim, rulers, mighty ones. E68; R1410:3
Nor curse the ruler -- The tendency to speak evil of dignitaries, to
belittle and caricature them, is a prevalent sin and does much to undermine
good government. R5952:5
Not follow a multitude -- The difficulty is that the whole world is
running on the depraved basis of selfishiness which is quite incongruous to
love. D525; R2033:1
Thine enemy's ox -- If such love was obligatory upon natural Israel, to
what degree should spiritual Israel possess and manifest it. R5643:6
The Mosaic Law was far ahead of its time. A50
Justify the wicked -- But he has provided a way in which he can be
just, and yet justify. (Rom. 3:26) HG308:2
Oppress a stranger -- The treatment of servants, strangers and the
aged was the subject of special legislation, but there was none for the
priesthood. A52
The seventh year -- Israel's year Sabbath typified a coming blessing to
the world. OV250:5
Thou shalt rest -- The Mosaic Law was far ahead of its time. A50
Feast of ingathering -- The Feast of Tabernacles. R3509:1
The festival of the New Year and a thanksgiving occasion for the harvest.
R3509:1
Instituted at the time Israel passed from the wilderness into the land of
promise, commemorating the wilderness life and the entrance into Canaan.
R3509:1
In the end of the year -- There were two harvests: the first, of grain, in
the spring, representing "Christ, and they that are Christ's at his coming";
(1 Cor. 15:23) the other, or great harvest, was at the end of the year.
HG83:1
With leavened bread -- Leaven is corruption, an element of decay,
hence a type of sin. R5192:4; F464; T98
Shall the fat -- Symbol of loving zeal. T57
Cut them off -- A depraved race, whose sins and iniquities had come to
the full. Q779:5
Seventy of the elders -- Supposedly the original Sanhedrin. R4037:2,
R3346:3
Similarly, the 70 whom the Lord sent forth represented all the leaders or
elders amongst his people today. R3346:3
And Moses alone -- Moses was the Mediator of the Law covenant.
Christ became the heir of its promises of life and the (head of) the Mediator
of the New covenant. R1725:4
God dealt with only one man in making the Law covenant. Moses stood in
the position of a father, the nation being treated as children under age.
R5046:4
Moses is Mediator of the Law covenant as long as it is in effect. Moses is
Mediator of the Law covenant today. Q498:3
Moses came and told -- For a period of 1000 years, this Mediator will
do a work for mankind. R5292:3
Burnt offerings, and -- The blood of peace-offerings and burnt-offerings
sealed the Law covenant, picturing the Church sacrificing earthly rights,
and that God accepts these sacrifices as sealing the New covenant-entirely
aside from the Atonement for Adamic sin accomplished by the same sacrifices,
viewed from the standpoint of the sin-offering. R4389:6
Peace-offerings are a type of entire consecration to God during the next
age. T98
More than one bullock and goat because of the multitude of the people to
be sprinkled. In reality, one bullock and one goat duplicated as often as
necessary to provide a sufficiency of blood. R2874:5; CR485:5
And Moses took -- Representing a greater than Moses, Jesus and his
Church. Q29:4
Sprinkled on the altar -- Representing the satisfaction of justice.
R5162:6
In the antitype, our Lord's blood was first applied on our behalf. R4513:6
The covenant -- Representing the better covenant. Q29:4
God agreed that if Israel would keep his Law they would have everlasting
life. R5292:2
Took the blood -- Representing man's acceptance of the divine
arrangement. R5342:6
The sprinkling of the books of the Law took only a few seconds; sprinkling
the people took a long time. R5342:6
On the people -- Sprinkled from all sympathy with evil, mankind will
make their declaration of full loyalty to God. R5164:2
Probably not on the two millions, but upon representatives of the whole,
the heads or chiefs of the tribes. R3046:2
Bringing them under the obligation of the Law covenant. R5000:1,
R5162:6
So The Christ, during the Millennium, will sprinkle the world of mankind,
bringing them into harmony with the divine law. It will require the
thousand years. R5421:5; CR485:5
The sprinkling with the blood represents justification. R5421:5
The Mediator will antitypically sprinkle the people; that is, he will show
them how to come back into full accord with God. R5164:2
In antitype, the blood sprinkling the whole world means restitution.
R5878:4
When the Church shall have finished using the blood that same merit will
be applied "for all the people," sealing the New covenant. R4513:6
Of the covenant -- A covenant does not go into operation until after it
has been fully mediated. R5164:1
Which the LORD hath made -- To last for centuries, but only one year
at a time; renewed by the annual Day of Atonement sacrifices. R5162:6
Saw the God of Israel -- That is, the Lord's special messenger, the
angel of the Lord. Q360:2
Which I have written -- Moses thus attributes the origin of the Mosaic
Law to God, not to himself. A53
Cloud covered it -- Similarly, the Church is generally enveloped in
clouds of trouble which hide the glory from others. By and by her glory
shall be manifested without the enveloping cloud. R1982:2
Gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18
And silver -- Symbol of truth. T114
And brass -- Copper, symbol of perfect human nature. T18
And blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
And purple -- Symbol of royalty. T34
And scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109
And fine linen -- Symbol of righteousness. T29, T30, T36
And badgers' skins -- As God covered the Tabernacle with unsightly
skins, so the glory and beauties of spiritual things are seen only by the
"Royal Priesthood." T127
Anointing oil -- Symbol of the holy Spirit. T29, T37, T116; D650;
R5654:5
Stones to be set -- The Lord's jewels, his "Little Flock." T36
In the ephod -- Type of the Abrahamic covenant (front part), and the
New covenant (back part). T30
In the breastplate -- Type of the Law. T34
Tabernacle -- The lessons of the Tabernacle represent both progress
and completion. R4579:1
Shall make an ark -- It represented the eternal purpose of God for
mankind in The Christ, Head and Body. T121
Wood was used as a base to make the articles more easily portable. T18
Representing Christ, in whom are hidden all the wisdom and power of
God. R5680:5
Tradition says that the Jewish high priests took the ark and other temple
treasures to Abyssinia for safe keeping at the time of the captivity and that
they will be found in the monastery islands of Lake Zonai. R3450:5
Of shittim wood -- Wood not typical, used merely for lightness.
R1236:6
With pure gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18
The fact that all things in the Tabernacle were made of gold implies that it
represented the condition of such only as are called to the divine nature.
T20
The testimony -- To show that Christ would meet in full all the
requirements of God's perfect Law and also that legal authority would be
vested in him as the Law-executor. T121
Make a mercy seat -- Representing the underlying principle of
Jehovah's character-justice. T124
Representing the chariot or throne. R529:6*
Make two cherubims -- Representing love and power. T125
They are always connected with the immediate presence, or with the
throne, of God. R529:6*
Toward the mercy seat -- Neither love nor power can be exercised
until justice is fully satisfied; hence they look inward toward justice to
know when to move. T125
Also make a table -- Representing the Church as a whole, holding forth
the word of life. T115
Shewbread -- Representing the truth, the word of life. T22, T115
Spiritual food. R5418:5, R5621:6
Only for the priests to eat. Granted to the fully consecrated that by these
they might be strengthened to carry out fully their consecration unto death.
R4782:4
Make a candlestick -- Representing the entire Church, the true
light-bearers. T116; R243:3*
Representing the light of God's truth. R5621:6, R5418:5
Had seven branches, typifying perfection or completeness. R243:3*
No dimensions given. Truth, like its author, is boundless. R243:3*
We may gain an accurate conception of its appearance from the Arch of
Titus in Rome. R3650:6
It was the light in the Holy, as the Shekinah glory was the light in the Most
Holy. R3650:5
Does not represent the Church in the future state of glory giving light to the
world; that will be as the "Sun of righteousness." (Mal. 4:2) R3650:6
Same as that in Zech. 4:2 and Rev. 1:20, showing all the true saints in the
various phases of nominal church development. R1491:1
In Revelation the same candlestick is brought to our attention, but the parts
are separated, the union being supplied by the antitypical High Priest.
R3569:4
Of beaten work -- Not cast wholesale in a mold. As is the shaft, so are
the branches-all of beaten work. R243:4*
Like unto almonds -- In the almond tree fruit buds appear before
leaves. So with the Royal Priesthood, they begin to sacrifice, to bring forth
fruit, before the leaves of profession are seen. T121
The Hebrew word for "almond" is from a root meaning "to hasten."
Regarded by the Jews as a harbinger of spring. Remarkable for early
blossoming (even in January) and flowers appearing before the leaves.
R244:1*
A knop and a flower -- Representing the true Church as both beautiful
and fruitful from first to last. T116
In continuous succession, typifying the beautiful graces of a Christian
spirit accompanying the solid fruits of Christian life-faith and works.
R243:5*
A vigorous ever-developing plant, always blooming, continually
fruit-bearing; like the trees by the river of life, yielding fruit
every month. R243:5*
Light -- One of the most powerful forces in nature; one of the most
quiet: it is peculiarly expressive of the character of God and his people.
R243:2*
After their pattern -- Because it illustrated something greater and more
important to come afterward. T12
With ten curtains -- Evidently forming the ceiling, and hanging down
each side within the Tabernacle. R100:2*
Fine twined linen -- Symbol of righteousness. T29, T30, T36
And blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
And purple -- Symbol of royalty. T34
And scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109
With cherubims -- Symbol of divine love and power. T125
Taches of gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18, T20
Taches of brass -- Copper, symbol of perfect human nature. T18
Of badgers' skins -- As God covered the Tabernacle with unsightly
skins, so the glories and beauties of spiritual things are seen only by the
"Royal Priesthood." T127
Of silver -- Symbol of truth. T114
Boards with gold -- Showing that all within the Holy and Most Holy
pertain to the divine nature. R1944:1
Which was shewed thee -- Moses thus attributes the origin of the
Mosaic Law to God, not to himself. A54
Shalt make a veil -- The passing of the second veil represented the
death of the human body. T21
Of blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
And purple -- Symbol of royalty. T34
And scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109
Fine twined linen -- Symbol of righteousness. T29, T30, T36
With cherubims -- Symbol of divine love and power. T125
Shall be of gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18, T20
Sockets of silver -- Reality, truth, verity; seeming to say that inside this
veil you will be perfect, really and truly New Creatures. T115
The ark -- It represented the eternal purpose of God for mankind in The
Christ, Head and Body. T121
The holy -- Representing the condition of all those who as justified
believers have consecrated to death. T19
Only the priests will be in the Holy. Only the Levites will be in the Court.
The Great Company is represented by "silver" in contradistinction to the
Church, who are represented in the gold of the Holy and Most Holy.
R4745:6
Corresponds to Plane M on the Chart of the Ages. R276:5; A244
Place -- Omit this word; not in the Hebrew text. T13
And the most holy -- The condition of the overcomers who attain to the
divine nature. T19
Corresponds to Plane L on the Chart of the Ages. R276:4; A244
Put the mercy seat -- The Mercy Seat, glory-light and cherubim
together represented Jehovah God. T123
Both a mercy-seat and a justice-seat. R641:1
Upon the ark -- "The head of Christ is God." (1 Cor. 11:3) T124
Shalt set the table -- Representing the Church as a whole, holding forth
the word of life. T115; R5418:5
And the candlestick -- Representing the entire Church, the true
lightbearers. T116
Representing the light of God's truth. R5621:6, R5418:5
Hanging for the door -- Symbol of the death of the human will. T21
Five pillars -- The door posts at the entrance to the Tabernacle
represented the "New Creatures in Christ"-the consecrated saints. The
difference between these and the posts in the "Court" represents the
difference between the condition of the justified believers and the sanctified
believers. T114
Sockets of brass -- Copper, representing our justified humanity;
showing that while in the first apartment of the Tabernacle we have this
treasure in earthen vessels. T114
Shalt make an altar -- Representing Christ's ransom sacrifice. T22
Five cubits long and five -- Being square, it typified the perfection of
Christ. R101:1*
Three cubits -- Comparatively low, typifying one who is easy of access,
and a free salvation. R101:1
Make the horns -- Symbols of power. T42
Pointing to Christ as our refuge and his abundance of power and grace to
all. R101:1*
Upon the four corners -- In every direction; so God's power to all men
is unlimited. R96:1
Overlay it with brass -- Copper, symbol of perfect human nature. T18
Make the court -- Representing the condition of justification. T19
Representing the justified condition. In proportion as those in the Court
advance toward the Ho1y, in that proportion they draw nigh to God and
experience a measure of justification or harmony with God, leading to
complete justification. R4745:3
In the present time the Court represents the condition of divine favor of all
those who, exercising faith in God, are approaching nearer and nearer to
him. R4922:5, R5418:3
The picture changes at the end of this age: those who have not made a full
consecration go out and cease to be represented in the Court. The Great
Company is represented by the Court condition thereafter. R4876:4,
R4579:1-3
Only the Levites will be in the Court. In the last analysis the Court
represents the spirit-begotten ones separated from the world. R4745:6
Corresponds to Plane N on the Chart of the Ages. R276:5; A244
Hangings for the court -- Representing, to those within, a wall of faith;
but to those without, a wall of unbelief, which hindered their view of, and
access to, the holy things within. T18
Apparently without seam, symbolizing the righteousness of Christ.
R100:3*
Fine twined linen -- Representing Christ's righteousness. T36, T114
The twenty pillars -- Representing justified believers. T113
Sockets shall be of brass -- Copper, representing that, though actually
imperfect, the standing of the justified believer is that of a perfect human
being. T113
Hooks ... of silver -- Silver being a symbol of truth, justified believers
(pillars) can truthfully claim that Christ's righteousness (the linen curtain)
covers all their imperfections. T114
Truth is the hook, or connection, which binds the Church to the curtain of
linen and, by it, to each other. R100:5*
As we are told to search for truth as for silver (Prov. 2:4); and as David
likens the words of the Lord to silver (Psa. 12:5); we conclude that truth is
symbolized by silver. R100:5*
The Great Company class was represented by the "silver." R4745:6
And for the gate -- "I am the way" (John 14:6), "I am the door" (John
10:9). There is only one way of access to God. T18
The way out of unbelief and sin. T22
Of blue -- "True blue" is the symbol for a faithful one. Blue in
countries' flags stands for fidelity. In (Num. 15:37-41) a blue fringe on
Israel's garments was to recall faithfulness. R100:6*
And purple -- In (Judges 8:26) we find that the kings of Midian were
robed in this color. R100:6*
Height five cubits -- The posts were five cubits high and five cubits
apart; standing, as it were, within reach of one another, yet too far apart to
lean upon one another. R100:3*
Pure oil olive -- Symbolic of the holy Spirit. T29, T37, T116; D650
For the light -- Representing the spirit of truth. T116
Aaron -- Representing our High Priest, Christ. T36, T116; E449
And his sons -- Who succeeded him in office. T116
His sons with him -- There were 8,580 Levites, but only five priests
sacrificing, which may illustrate the proportion of justified believers to
self-sacrificing consecrated ones. T118, R443:1
After the establishment of the Kingdom the distinction between the Church
and the larger company ot Levites will be perpetual. R5418:5
Make holy garments -- Symbolizing the heavenly grandeur, honors and
glories of the Messiah during his reign. OV127:5
Clad in his robes of glory, the High Priest represented
Messiah blessing mankind. PD36/47
Spirit of wisdom -- Fecundating their minds, energizing natural
faculties without affecting them in any moral sense. E175
A breastplate -- Type of the Law. T34
And an ephod -- Type of the Abrahamic covenant (front part) and the
New covenant (back part). T30
And a robe -- Of blue, representing Christ's faithfulness. T30
A broidered coat -- Of white linen, representing the High Priest's
purity. It's embroidery showed works of grace. T29
A mitre -- Of white linen (righteousness), to which the golden plate, or
crown, (royalty) was fastened. T29
And a girdle -- Indicating a righteous servant. T30
Make holy garments -- Symbolizing the heavenly grandeur, honors and
glories of Messiah during his reign. OV127:5
Clad in his robes of glory, the High Priest represented Messiah blessing
mankind. PD36/47
Shall take gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18, T20
And blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
And purple -- Symbol of royalty. T34
And scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109
And fine linen -- Symbol of righteousness. T29, T30, T36
Make the ephod -- Type of the Abrahamic covenant (front part) and the
New covenant (back part). T30
Of gold -- Representing divine power. T34
Of blue -- Representing the ability faithfully to maintain his righteous
character. T34
And of purple -- Proclaims the royal power of the Kingdom
cooperating. T34
Of scarlet -- Representing redemption from the Adamic curse through
the blood of the ransom. T34
Fine twined linen -- Indicating the restoration of man to his original
purity. T34
Two shoulder pieces -- Golden clasps, representing divine power to
enable Christ to carry out the terms of both covenants. T30
The curious girdle -- Representing a servant. "The messenger
(servant) of the covenant whom ye delight in." (Mal. 3:1) T33
A servant of a "curious" or peculiar kind. R72:3
The breastplate -- Type of the Law. T34
Being doubled -- Representing the spirit and the letter of the Law. The
front part, which bore the jewels, representing the spirit of the Law,
fulfilled in us "who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit." (Rom.
8:4) The back part representing the Law in letter as presented to fleshly
Israel. T35; R72:4
Representing the Jewish and Gospel ages. R72:5
A span -- Indicating that the Law of God is the full measure of a perfect
man's ability. T35; R72:5
And the stones -- Representing the true Israel, the "Little Flock." "They
shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my
jewels." (Mal. 3:17) T36
Work of pure gold -- Indicating that the Law is divine and that we are
upheld by the golden chain of divine promises. T36
The ephod underneath -- As the Israelite regarded them, not seeing the
hidden connection, the Abrahamic covenant and the Law were all one. T34
Upon his heart -- Showing the Law as a covering for his innermost
affections. R72:4
"The Law of his God is in his heart." (Psa. 37:31) R72:4
Continually -- That is, all through the year, except on the Atonement
Day. R160:6*
Urim and the Thummim -- Hard cases of judgment were, after Moses'
death, brought directly to the Lord through the High Priest, the answer
being Yes or No by the Urim and Thummim. A49
Working in some unknown way with the stones of the breastplate.
R5042:4; Q697:2
Perhaps by particular stones on the breastplate shining with special
brilliancy; perhaps light being Yes, and dark No; nothing definite.
Q728:2
Upon Aaron's heart -- Indicating that it was precious to him. That
which condemned all imperfection was Christ's pleasure--" I delight to do
thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." (Psa. 40:8) T35
Of blue -- Symbol of Christ's faithfulness. T30
Shalt make pomegranates -- Representing that the faithful
performance of the Redeemer's work of sacrifice has borne rich fruits. T30
And bells of gold -- Signifying that when our High Priest appears in
glory the fruit of his sacrificial work will be proclaimed to all. T30
Plate of pure gold -- A crown proclaiming his royalty. Christ is to be
"a priest upon his throne." (Zech. 6:13) T29
HOLINESS TO THE LORD -- Thus proclaiming Christ's entire
devotion to the accomplishment of Jehovah's purposes. T30
On a blue lace -- Showing that the crown was rightfully his. T29
Thou shalt embroider -- The white linen coat represented Christ's
purity, while its embroidery showed works of grace. T29
Make the mitre -- White linen (righteousness), to which the golden
plate or crown of royalty was fastened. T29
Make the girdle -- Indicating a righteous servant. T30
And for Aaron's sons -- Representing the members of Christ's Body.
T36
Make coats -- Linen garments, representing the righteousness of Jesus
imputed to his Body members. T36
For them girdles -- Representing us as servants of righteousness. T36
And bonnets -- To indicate that they were not the head of the
priesthood, but merely members of the body. God gave Jesus "to be the
head over all things to the church, which is his body." (Eph. 1:22, 23)
T36; R72:6
Aaron ... and his sons -- The anointing came upon Aaron only at first,
but then upon each of his sons as they succeeded to the office of chief
priest. F131; Q689:3
The High Priest was anointed with oil, which constituted the divine
evidence of his call to the priestly office. SM598:2
Linen -- Symbol of righteousness. T29, T30, T36
Unto the altar -- The Golden Altar in the Holy represents the Church in
the sacrificing condition. T120
Representing the privilege of worship and prayer. R5418:5
And die -- Every feature had to be exactly performed because typical of
important future events. To insure this the penalty for any violation was
death. T12
One young bullock -- All that happened to the bullock represented
what was to be done to Jesus and to his Body, the Church, as human
beings. T41
And two rams -- The ram for the burnt-offering to show how God
receives our sacrifice, and the ram of consecration to show what effect the
sacrifice will have upon us. T45
Without blemish -- Had our Lord not been absolutely free from sin he
never could have redeemed us. R1186:6
The sacrifice which we are privileged to make is of things to which we
have a right through Christ, which in themselves are lawful and right.
R1187:1
The sacrifice of all our rights implies the sacrifice of life itself as human
beings. R1187:4
And unleavened bread -- Representing the actual purity of Jesus and
the imputed purity of the Church-justification. T46
Tempered with oil -- Representing the indwelling spirit of God--
sanctification. T46
Aaron and his sons -- Representing the new spiritual nature of The
Christ. T41
Bring unto the door -- Symbol of the death of the human will. T21
Wash them with water -- To represent the purity of Jesus, who knew
no sin, and his Church, cleansed through his precious blood and "the
washing of water by the word." (Eph. 5:26) T29
The consecration of the priests began at the laver. R117:1
The coat -- Representing Christ's purity, while its embroidery showed
works of grace. T29
Robe of the ephod -- Representing Christ's faithfulness. T30
And the ephod -- Type of the Abrahamic covenant (front part) and the
New covenant (back part). T30
And the breastplate -- Type of the Law. T34
With the curious girdle -- Representing a servant. "The Messenger
(servant) of the covenant whom ye delight in." (Mal. 3:1) T33
Put the holy crown -- Representing the power to rule. B83
The anointing oil -- Typifying the holy Spirit. T29, T37, T116;
D650; R5654:5
And anoint him -- Only the High Priest was anointed. As with the
under-priests, the antitypical priests are merely partakers of the spirit of
Christ, and only those who are in Christ Jesus partake of his anointing.
T37
The High Priest was anointed with oil, which constituted the divine
evidence of his call to the priestly office. SM598:2
Bring his sons -- Sons only. Similarly, only the males were chosen to
be the special public servants and ambassadors of the Gospel. F265
Put coats upon them - Linen garments, representing the righteousness of
Jesus imputed to us. F36
With girdles -- Representing us as servants of righteousness. T36
Bonnets on them -- To indicate that they were not the head, but merely
members of the body. God gave Jesus "to be the head over all things to the
church, which is his body." (Eph. 1:22, 23) T36
In covering their heads the under-priests said, we are headless, the High
Priest is our head. The spiritual Royal Priesthood must all be headless
also. R2845:4
For a perpetual statute -- Or, age-lasting. Aaron's family lost the
priesthood 1800 years ago. HG582:3*
Cause a bullock -- No goat, because it was not "for the people." (Lev.
16:15) R4384:6
Tabernacle of the congregation -- More properly, the tent of meeting.
So called, not because the Israelites met here as a congregation, but
because it was here that God met with the children of Israel and
communicated with them. R4029:6
Put their hands -- Thus saying, this sacrifice represents us. T41;
R73:1
Upon the head of the bullock -- In the consecration of the priests a
bullock only is shown as the sin offering (no goat, because it was not "for
the people"). R4384:6
And thou -- Moses, representing the Law. T41
Kill the bullock -- To meet the demands of the Law. T41
Take of the blood -- Representing the life given. T42
Upon the horns -- Horns are symbols of power. T42
Of the altar -- The "finger of the Lord" thus pointed out that the altar of
earthly sacrifices was acceptable to God by reason of the shed blood, and
that all who realize the power of the altar must first recognize the blood
which sanctifies it. T42; R73:1
Bottom of the altar -- The blood poured at the base of the altar showed
that through the blood of the sacrifice even the earth was purchased back
from the curse. T42
Take all the fat -- Symbol of loving zeal. T57
And burn them -- Representing the steady, continuous submission to
the fiery ordeal of suffering. T71
Upon the altar -- Showing that God accepts the heart devotion which
prompts the sacrifice. T42
And his dung -- The world dis-esteems the sacrifices of the saints as the
consuming of "the filth and offscouring of the earth." (1 Cor. 4:13) "They
shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake." (Matt. 5:11)
T62
Burn with fire -- Representing the destruction to which the world was
doomed, and from which it will ultimately be delivered by the sacrifice of
The Christ. T42
Representing the gradual destruction of the flesh. R4385:1
Jesus' flesh suffered the destruction which otherwise would have come
upon all men. R73:2
Without the camp -- Thus the humanity of the Royal Priesthood is
destroyed as a vile thing in the eyes of the world. T42, T62
"Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his
reproach." (Heb. 13:13) T62
Outside the camp signifies ostracism, rejection of men, dishonor.
R4385:1
As living next door to a worldly neighbor and bearing the reproach of
those, living as a consecrated priest of the Lord. Q688:T
We are in harmony with this burning outside the camp. The New Creature
says, "Let the flesh burn." We suffer in this burning, but do so willingly.
CR487:1
Also take one ram -- The first ram, showing how God receives our
sacrifice. T45
Aaron and his sons -- Representing the new spiritual nature of The
Christ. T41
Put their hands -- Thus indicating that it represented them. T42
And thou -- Moses, representing the Law. T41
Wash the inwards -- Representing the washing of water through the
word. (Eph 5:26) T45
Unto his pieces -- Representing the members of Christ's Body. T45;
SM559:2
The pieces, laid in order to the head, represent the relationship of the
members of the Body with the Lord, the Head of the Body. R4384:6
And unto his head -- Representing the Lord Jesus, who was laid on the
altar first. T45
Burn the whole ram -- Representing steady submission to fiery trials.
T71
A burnt offering -- Representing the Lord and the Church in their
united, and yet divided, relationship. R4384:6
Is a sweet savour -- Showing how God accepts the sacrifice. T45;
R73:2
Take the other ram -- To show the effect the sacrifice has on us. T45
Aaron and his sons -- Representing the new spiritual nature of The
Christ. T41
Put their hands -- Thus indicating that it represented them. T42
Then shalt thou -- Moses, representing the Law. T41
Take of his blood -- Representing the consecrated life. T45
Of the right ear -- Representing that by consecration we get the
"hearing of faith." (Gal. 3:2) T45
Of his sons -- Showing that our consecration is individual. T45
Their right hand -- Our hands are consecrated, so that what so ever our
hands find to do we do it with our might, as unto the Lord. T45
Their right foot -- Our feet are consecrated, so that henceforth we
"walk not as other Gentiles," (Eph 4:17) but "walk in newness of life,"
(Rom. 6:4) "walk by faith," (2 Cor. 5:7) "Walk in the spirit," (Gal. 5:16)
"walk in the light," (1John 1:7) and even "as we received Christ, so walk in
him." (Col. 2:6) T45
Take of the blood -- Teaching that our consecration is accepted only
because we are justified by the precious blood of our Redeemer. T46;
F131
And of the anointing oil -- "There are three that bear record: the spirit
and the water and the blood, and these three agree in one." (1 John 5:8).
R73:5
The fat -- Symbol of loving zeal. T57
The more love (fat) there is connected with our consecration, the more
quickly will it be accepted by him as entire consecration. R73:4
The two kidneys -- Representing our heart sentiments, our best powers.
T45
One loaf of bread -- Unleavened, representing the actual purity of Jesus
and the imputed purity of the Church--justification. T46
First, we acknowledge the purity of the man Christ Jesus. R73:4
Cake of oiled bread -- Representing the indwelling spirit of God--
sanctification. T46
Showing Jesus as our High Priest "filled with the spirit." R73:4
One wafer -- Showing our appreciation of him as our glorified Lord.
R73:4
The basket -- Representative of all their bread. R73:4
Of the unleavened bread -- Purity. R73:4
Put all -- The acknowledgments of Christ, shown by the three cakes, are
necessary to the acceptance of our consecration. R73:4
For a wave offering -- Passed to and fro before the Lord. T45
Representing that a consecrated offering is not given to the Lord for a
limited time, but never ceases until we have finished our course. T45
Of their hands -- They did not lay them down, and so we may not cease
to offer all our powers in God's service until all are consumed. T46
Burn them -- God's acceptance is shown by fire. R73:4
Seven days -- Showing that we are consecrated to God's service for all
of our time. T47
Seethe his flesh -- It was no part of the sacrifice, merely the preparing of
the portion which was to be eaten. T47
In the holy place -- When "place" is not in italics, the Court is always
meant. T13; R237:3*, R178:2*
Representing our more earthly phase of life. R237:3*
Burn the remainder -- Showing that we are to be completely and
entirely consecrated, and none of our time and power should be wasted.
T47; R73:5
Seven days -- Showing that we are consecrated, not part of our time,
but all of it; seven being the number of completion. R73:6
There I will meet -- The Church is now a habitation of God, filled with
a large measure of his glory. R1982:2
Make an altar -- The Golden altar in the Holy represents the Church in
the sacrificing condition. T120
The Golden altar was only acceptable because it had been sprinkled with
the atoning blood taken from the side of the Brazen altar. R101:4*
To burn incense -- Representing the privileges of worship and prayer.
R5418:5
Sweet incense, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ, the incense of faith, love
and obedience to God. T120, T56
The horns -- Symbols of power. T42
With pure gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18, T20
Before the vail -- The passing of the second veil represented the death
of the human body. T21
That is by the ark -- It represented the eternal purpose of God for
mankind in The Christ, Head and Body. T121
The mercy seat -- The Mercy Seat, glory-light and cherubim together
represented Jehovah God. T124
And Aaron -- And his sons who succeeded him in office. T116
When he dresseth -- Representing the trimming off the dross of the old
nature, the wick through which the holy Spirit operates. T117
The lamps -- Seven lamps, representing the complete Church. T115
Burn incense -- Offer acceptable prayer. R17:6
At even -- The High Priest daily fills us with the mind of Christ and trims
off the dross of the old nature. T116
And Aaron -- Representing our High Priest, Christ. T36, T116; E449
Make an atonement -- The offerings were presented to God, not to
Satan. E449
Once in a year -- On the Day of Atonement, which typified the entire
Gospel age. T50
With the blood -- None can fully appreciate the power of this altar
without first recognizing the blood. R96:1
Unto the LORD -- The sacrifices for sin, under the Law, were sin
offerings unto Jehovah. R685:4
This -- This poll tax. R3447:6, R2367:1
Half a shekel -- About 33 cents. R2367:1
A laver -- No dimensions given. Truth, like its author, is boundless.
R243:6*
Dimensions not given; therefore, as a type, it must be considered unlimited.
R118:4*
Typifying baptism. R117:1*
Typifying not baptism only, but the daily washings of the Word. R117:6*
Of brass -- No wood in its construction, therefore no provision for the
flesh. R117:2*
So they shall wash -- Aaron had to be washed in order fitly to represent
the purity of Jesus. T29
Symbolizing the putting away of filthy practices -- stealing, slander, envy,
strife, back-biting, etc. R1543:6, R3054:2
Principal spices -- Representing principal things which go to make up
the anointing which we receive. R4092.3*
Of pure myrrh -- Symbol of wisdom-knowing what to do. R4093:2*
Five hundred shekels -- The amount of myrhh was equal to the
amounts of cinnamon and calamus combined. So God, in our anointing,
gives us wisdom equal to our understanding and knowledge combined.
R4093:2*
Of sweet cinnamon -- Symbol of the understanding which we have of
all the knowledge which we receive from God. R4093:2*
Of sweet calamus -- Symbol of the knowledge which we receive from
God's Word. R4093:2*
250 shekels -- The amounts of cinnamon and calamus were equal, so we
would expect in our anointing that we would have the understanding of all
the knowledge received of God. R4093:2*
And of cassia -- Symbol of deputyship, described in Scripture as
"workmanship" and as "counsel and might." God gives no knowledge
except for a purpose. He establishes our faith by giving the understanding
thereof, then gives us the wisdom to know what is expected of us, and
finally blesses us with the advice and ability (counsel and might) necessary
for good workmanship in the accomplishment of his purposes. All that is
expected of us is full consecration to the Lord and his service. All the rest
he will supply in knowledge, understanding, wisdom, counsel and might.
With more than this he cannot anoint us. R4093:3*
And of oil olive -- Symbol of light through the holy Spirit. D651
Holy anointing oil -- Typifying the holy Spirit. T29, T37, T116;
D650; R5654:5, R72:2
Of peculiar composition-olive oil, the basis, with perfumes, etc., added.
SM598:2
Poured out upon our Head, Christ Jesus. It reached the Church at
Pentecost and has been f lowing down, anointing the members ever since.
R2225:1
Jewish Law required that every king and every priest be anointed before
serving. R5227:3
Anoint Aaron -- The anointing came upon Aaron only at first, but upon
each of his sons as they succeeded to the office of chief priest. F131;
Q689:3; T37
The High Priest was anointed with oil, which constituted the divine
evidence of his call to priestly office. SM598:2
Any other like it -- The Israelites were not permitted to compound a
similar oil, showing typically that the holy Spirit is different from
everything else and that its anointing is superior to any other. SM598:2
After the composition -- According to the proportion thereof. Those
who mix the proportions of the spirit differently are false brethren.
R4093:4*
Even be cut off -- Only the consecrated ones are ever to be anointed
with the holy Spirit. T29
Pure frankincense -- Representing praise, heart adoration and
gratitude. R3703:5
A perfume -- The prayers of God's people rise up before him as a sweet
perfume. R5692:5
Ye shall not make -- None could be made like it. We think it represents
the perfection of the "man Christ Jesus." R79:2
Holy for the LORD -- As nobody was allowed to make that incense
except the priests, so the privilege of prayer is confined to the Royal
Priesthood. R5692:5
By name Bezaleel -- Signifies "shadow of the Almighty," a type of
Christ. R4092:6*
The son of Uri -- Signifies "light," the Light of the world. R4092:6*
The son of Hur -- Meaning "grave," Christ humbled himself, even unto
death. R4092:6*
The tribe of Judah -- Meaning "praised"; Christ was praised in his
pre-human existence. R4092:6*
I have filled him -- Fecundated their minds without affecting them in
any moral sense. E175
In wisdom -- See comments on Exodus 30:23, 24.
To work in gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18, T20;
R4092:6*
And in silver -- Symbol of truth. T114
Representing the spirit nature--Great Company. R4092:6*, R4745:6
And in brass -- Copper, symbol of perfect human nature. T18,
R4092:6*
Cutting of stones -- The polishing of the Lord's jewels. R4092:6*
To set them -- As the Father pleases. R4093:1*
Carving of timber -- The fallen human race. R4093:1*
Of workmanship -- As restitution will produce for the race. R4093:1*
And the ark -- It represented the eternal purpose of God for mankind in
The Christ, Head and Body. T121
The mercy seat -- The Mercy Seat, glory-light and cherubim together
represented Jehovah God. T123
And the table -- Representing the Church as a whole, holding forth the
word of life. T115; R5418:5
The pure candlestick -- Representing the entire Church, the true
lightbearers. T116
Representing the light of God's truth. R5621:6, R5418:5
The altar of incense -- The Golden altar in the Holy represents the
Church in the sacrificing condition. T120
Representing the privileges of worship and prayer. R5418:5
And the altar -- Representing Christ's ransom sacrifice. T22
And the anointing oil -- Typifying the holy Spirit. T29, T37, T116;
D650; R5654:5
And sweet incense -- Representing the perfection of the man Jesus.
When he came in contact with the trials of life (fire), he yielded perfect
obedience to the divine will-a sweet perfume. T56, T120
Verily my sabbaths -- Type of the Millennial age. B40
Doth sanctify you -- As the Lord said to the typical Israelites, "sanctify
ourselves" and "I will sanctify you," so also he directs the spiritual
Israelite to consecrate himself, and only to those who so do does the Lord
sanctify and apportion crowns. F123
The sabbath of rest -- The Jews kept six kinds of sabbaths: the 7th day
(Exod. 31:15); the 7th week (Deut. 16:9); the 7x7 and 50th day (Lev.
23:15); the beginning of the 7th month (Lev. 23:24); the 7th year (Lev.
25:4) and 7x7 and 50th year (Lev. 25:10). HG56:1
A perpetual covenant -- Olam, age-lasting. Used elsewhere of the
harvest offering (Lev. 23:14); the Pentecostal sacrifice (Lev. 23:21), the
Dav of Atonement (Lev. 23:31,32) and the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev.
23:41). HG582:2*
It is a sign -- The seal or mark of our covenant is wholly different. It is
the possession of the spirit of Christ. R2032:3
Two tables of testimony -- Perhaps representing the two parts of God's
Law: one pertaining to us and the other to our fellow men-loving God and
loving neighbor. Q704:1
When the people -- Having an "evil heart of unbelief." (Heb. 3:12).
R3046:3
As our Lord came to his own and thev received him not, so at his second
coming professed spiritual Israel did not receive him. R3047:5
They were unable to trust God whom they could not see after his
representative, Moses, was out of sight. R5298:1
That Moses delayed -- Similarly our Lord's absence was longer than
had been expected and many claim that he will not come again. R3048:1
As for this Moses -- At this very time, when the people were thus
speaking lightly of him, Moses was importuning the Lord for them.
R3046:5
And Aaron -- The weakness of Aaron is very markedly shown in this
incident. R3046:6
The golden earrings -- Possibly a subterfuge, hoping that by making
this demand they would draw back and decline to part with their
ornaments. R4022:4, R3046:6
And brought them -- How many, in their worshiping of a sect or
denomination, will strip themselves of their most valuable possessions.
R4022:5
A molten calf -- Symbolizing Churchianity, as well as Mammon, the
god of wealth, of money. R4022:6, R3047:3
Shall we, like Israel of old, turn to gods we formerly worshipped-gods of
wealth or of pleasure. R5548:3
The Israelites probably recognized the golden calf as merely a symbol of
Jehovah, just as the heathen use idols and some Christians use the crucifix
as a representation of Christ. R5298:1, R4022:2, R3047:1
It is improbable that the jewelry would have been enough. Perhaps the calf
was made of clay or wood and covered over with gold. R5298:2
Pictures the worship of self and the works of self, especially evidenced in
Higher Criticism. R5267:3*
The sin of covetousness, the worship of Mammon, the idolatry of money, is
the great sin of Christendom, the antitype of fleshly Israel. R1836:1
An altar before it -- It is but natural that we should sacrifice to
whatever we set up in our hearts as an idol. If we know the things to which
one sacrifices his best thoughts, time and influence, we can tell his idol.
R4023:2
To the LORD -- To Jehovah; showing that the idolatry here was not
different from the kind practiced today in some Christian churches where
images, pictures, crucifixes, etc. are worshipped. R3047:1, R5298:1,
R4022:2
Rose up to play -- Dances and supposedly lewd conduct, after the
manner of heathen. R3047:2
Idolatry is not the blind adoration of superior dignity, but it is wilful and
sinful devotion to degrading self-gratification. R1835:6
Unto Moses -- Moses was the Mediator of the Law covenant. Christ
became the heir of its promises of life and the Mediator of the New
covenant. R1725:4
Who acted representatively in bringing the Law covenant upon the
Israelites, as Christ acted representatively in removing it. R1725:4,
R5046:6
A stiffnecked people -- Like an ox, difficult to turn about. R5387:3
Their stubborness will eventually show the mercy of God through his
dealing with them. OV120:4
I will make of thee -- Showing how thoroughly Moses was the
representative of the nation of Israel. R5046:5
Besought the LORD -- He thus showed himself a worthy type of the
great Mediator. R3046:5
Remember Abraham -- The Jews were not selected because they were
holier or better than others, but for their fathers' sakes God chose them.
R5917:3
And went down -- His return to the people from Mt. Sinai
corresponded to the second coming of Christ. R1836:4
And the tables -- Representing the perfection of our race as originally
created. R2196:4
Anger waxed hot -- As the Mediator between God and Israel--the
representative of both--he had a right to be angry, realizing what a serious
crime had taken place. R5298:2, R5547:2
Cast the tables -- Type of the Law covenant. D631
And brake them -- Representing the failure of the Law covenant by
reason of the "weakness of the flesh." D631
Indicating that the covenant was broken. R5298:2
The first tables, prepared by the Lord himself, represents how Adam was
created perfect, needing no other law than that which was in himself. But
this law was broken and the original tables are shattered and have grown
illegible. R5298:6
in the fire -- Symbolizes the destruction of hoarded wealth in the great
time of trouble. R1836:4
Then Moses -- Our Lord is even now standing at the gate calling, as did
Moses in the type, "Who is on the Lord's side?" R3048:2
All the sons of Levi -- Typical of the "Israelites indeed" at both the first
and second advents. R3047:5
Typical of the "household of faith" of the Gospel age. R3047:3
About 3000 men -- The leaders of the people. R3047:3
Consecrate yourselves -- Consecrate anew today, not invalidating the
consecration made once for all, but re-affirming and emphasizing that
covenant. R1281:3
Sinned a great sin -- In their trial of faith and obedience they failed
utterly. The covenant was broken. R5297:3
God was greatly displeased with their symbolic representation of himself.
R5298:1
I will go up -- As Moses went up to make reconciliation for their sins,
so Christ, as the High Priest, ascended to make atonement for the sins of
the people. R3047:5
And Moses -- As God's representative on the one hand, and Israel's on
the other, Moses could be the Mediator of the Law covenant between God
and that nation. R1725:4, R5046:6
Type of Christ. D630; A79, B255
Forgive their sin -- After punishing them, God renewed the covenant
with them. R5297:3
Blot me, I pray thee, out -- As Moses here staked his own eternal
existence for the benefit of the people, so the life of Christ was staked for
the benefit of the race he died to redeem. R4023:5
Moses was a patriot of the highest order: loyal, as Israel's representative,
and at the same time loyal to God, whom he also represented. R5298:3,
R3048:4
There was not a particle of selfishness on his own part; a very noble
character, worthy to be compared to our Lord Jesus Christ, who risked the
blotting out of his own life on our behalf. Q537:3
This finds two parallels in Scripture: David weeping for Absalom, "Would
God I had died for thee" (2 Sam. 18:33); and St. Paul's words, "I could
wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren according to
the flesh." (Rom. 9:3) R4278:2
Of thy book -- The book of God's remembrance, the book of life.
Q537:3
Lead the people -- Typifying our Mediator, who has actually given his
life for us in order to bring whosoever wills back into full accord with God.
R3048:5
Unto the place -- The Edenic conditions, the land of promise. R3048:5
Their sin upon them -- So it will be during the Millennial age. Men
will receive stripes or chastisements in proportion as they participated
willingly or knowingly in a course of sin. R3048:5
Face to face -- Signifying a closeness of fellowship with the Lord rather
than really looking into the face of Jehovah. R4055:2
We see the Lord's face with the eye of faith, for we see the Lord Jesus who
represents the Father and declares that he who has seen him has seen the
Father. (John 14:9) R4055:2
"Their angels do always have access to the face of my Father" (Matt. 18:
10); all our interests and affairs are brought directly to the Father's
attention. R4055:4
My presence -- By his spirit and through his angelic messengers.
R5547:5
His power and sustaining grace. R5548:1
Because he was speaking to Moses as the Mediator. R5387:6
Not literally. God manifests his power and love to his people by his
various powers and agents, not merely to know what is happening, but to
control all events that they may outwork his designs. He guides and assists
the efforts of his people. R5387:2
The divine presence was manifested directly with the Israelites in the
Shekinah glory in the Most Holy and also by the pillar of cloud by day and
the pillar of fire by night. R5387:5, R5548:1
Similarly, God has promised that his presence is with us in all the affairs of
life. R5548:2, R5862:5
Shall go with thee -- If we call him in the busy hours of the day or in
the silent watches of the night, he is near to sustain, uphold and protect.
R5549:1
I will give thee rest -- The rest in Canaan was a type of the rest of the
people of God in the Gospel age. We rest in his promises. R5388:1
If thy presence go not -- Moses felt the task too great for any man to
accomplish alone and so do we. R5548:2
No man see me, and live -- "Whom no man hath seen nor can see,
dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto." (1 Tim. 6:16)
F722
Humanity, being of earthly nature, could not see a spirit being. R3861:6
It is just as impossible for men to see the unveiled glory of the Lord Jesus
as it is for them to behold Jehovah. B131
A perfect human being would be the best illustration mankind could see,
and this they saw in our Lord Jesus, the Father's image in the flesh.
R3861:6
Those who saw and understood Jesus to be the Son of God caught the best
possible glimpse of the Heavenly Father. R5653:6
My glory passeth by -- The Lord's special messenger, the angel of the
Lord. Q360:2
Thou shalt see -- An appearance representing God; nothing more was
possible. "No man hath seen God at any time." (John 1:18) B132
Two tables of stone -- Representing that The Christ is commissioned
to prepare the hearts of mankind for the rewriting of the divine law.
R5299:1
Symbolized the preparation of mankind through the justification
accomplished by Christ. R2196:4
And I will write -- Typifyingthe work of The Christ during the
Millennial age; the engraving of the law of God in the very hearts of all the
willing. R2196:4
Hewed two tables -- Representing that The Christ is commissioned to
prepare the hearts of mankind for the rewriting of the divine law. R5299:1
By no means clear -- God can never pardon sin. The word "pardon"
does not occur in the New Testament, and in the Old should be translated
"forgive." R387:1
To have pardoned Adam, God would have made of himself a liar. R386:6
The righteousness of God's law demanded a satisfaction for the claims of
justice -- a life for a life. R1917:1
Thus God's law demanded a ransom. R709:5
But he has provided a way in which he can be just and yet justify. (Rom.
3:26). HG308:2
Showing God's justice. Yet he was so loving that he gave his only
begotten son to redeem us from death. R391:5
While justice was reading to Adam the penalty of the broken law, love was
telling him that there would be a deliverance. R586:5
Unto the third and ... fourth -- Contrary to Darwin. Deviations from
the species prototype are corrected in the course of three generations-N.Y.
Times. R4859:6*
A stiffnecked people -- Like an ox, difficult to turn about. R5387:3
Their stubbornness will eventually show the mercy of God through his
dealing with them. OV120:4
On the seventh day -- Type of the Millennial age. R5071:6; B40;
Q607:4
With leaven -- Symbol of corruption, sin. R5192:4; F464; T98
A covenant with thee -- God's covenant with Israel made at Sinai and
the course of that people under the dominion of that Law are represented
by the First Ascending Passage of the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Ciii
With the LORD -- Supernaturally strengthened to behold his glory.
B131
Covenant, the ten -- The Law written upon tables of stone represented
that covenant because every blessing under that covenant was made
dependant upon absolute obedience to that Law. R1724:4
It served them well as a servant to bring them to Christ. R1724:5
The Ten Commandments were a part of the Law covenant, supplanted by
the New covenant-"he is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was
established upon better promises." (Heb. 8:6) R1732:1
Moses came down -- A type of the greater lawgiver and Mediator of the
New covenant, Christ, Head and Body, who shall come forth to bless the
world. B134; D630; R5035:4
With the two tables -- Representing the New covenant, of which Christ
is the Mediator. D631; B134
His face shone -- Typifying the spiritual glory of The Christ. B134;
D631
The "figure" was "glorious"; the reality "excelleth" in glory. (2 Cor. 3:10).
R1323:2*
They were afraid -- If unable to view this reflected glory, how could
natural man ever expect to see him who is now "the express image of the
Father's person"? (Heb. 1:3) B131
A vail on his face -- Typical of the blindness of their hearts. R1323:4*
Typifies the earthly phase of the Kingdom, the "princes in all the earth"
through whom the Christ will speak to the people, the glory being hidden.
D630; R5035:4, R5299:2, R4310:6
Illustrating that when the glory of the Lord is revealed the glory of the
spiritual persons cannot be seen. They will be under cover. B134;
R4366:5
A sabbath of rest -- Type of the Millennial age. R5071:6; B40;
Q607:4
Doeth work therein -- It does not say to cease from ordinary work and
engage in religious work; but prohibits all kinds of work. R1727:1
No fire -- In the way of cooking. R1727:1, R971:5
Gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18, T20
And silver -- Symbol of truth. T114
And brass -- Copper, symbol of perfect human nature. T18
And blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
And purple -- Symbol of royalty. T34
And scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109
And fine linen -- Symbol of righteousness. T29, T30, T36
And badgers' skins -- As God covered the Tabernacle with unsightly
skins, so the glories and beauties of spiritual things are seen only by the
Royal Priesthood. T127
And oil -- Symbolic of the holy Spirit. T29, T37, T116; D650;
R5654:5
Stones to be set -- The Lord's jewels, his "Little Flock." T36
For the ephod -- Type of the Abrahamic covenant (front part) and the
New covenant (back part). T30
For the breastplate -- Type of the Law. T34
The ark -- It represents the eternal purpose of God for mankind in The
Christ, Head and Body. T121
With the mercy seat -- The Mercy Seat, glory-light and cherubim
together represented Jehovah God. T123
The vail of the covering -- The passing of the second veil represented
the death of the human body. T21
The table -- Representing the Church as a whole, holding forth the
word of life. T115
And the shewbread -- Representing the truth, the word of life. T22,
T115; R5418:5
The candlestick -- Representing the entire Church, the true
light-bearers. T116
For the light -- Representing holy enlightenment, the spirit of truth.
T116; R5418:5, R5621:6
With the oil -- Symbolic of the holy spirit. T29, T37, T116; D650;
R5654:5
The incense altar -- The Golden altar in the Holy represents the Church
in the sacrificing condition. T120
Representing the privileges of worship and prayer. R5418:5
The sweet incense -- The sweet incense beaten small represented the
perfection of the man Jesus. When the perfection of his being (incense)
came in contact with the trials of life (fire), he yielded perfect obedience to
the divine will-a sweet perfume. T56, T120
Hanging for the door -- Symbol of the death of the human will. T21
Altar of burnt offering -- Representing Christ's ransom sacrifice. T22
Hangings of the court -- Representing to those within, a wall of faith;
but to those without, a wall of unbelief which hindered their view of and
access to the holy things within. T18
The door of the court -- "I am the way," "I am the door." There is only
one way of access to God. T18
The way out of unbelief and sin. T22
With the spirit of God -- Fecundated their minds, energizing natural
faculties without affecting them in any moral sense. E175
Fine twined linen -- Symbol of righteousness. T29, T30, T36
And blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
And purple -- Symbol of royalty. T34
And scarlet -- Symbol of the blood of the ransom. T34, T109
With cherubims -- Symbol of divine love and power. T125
Taches of gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18, T20
Taches of brass -- Copper, symbol of perfect human nature. T18
He made a covering -- No eye could penetrate it. Representing our
"hidden life" in which we "walk by faith, not by sight." R237:3*
Of badgers' skins -- As God covered the Tabernacle with unsightly
skins, so the glories and beauties of spiritual things are seen only by the
Royal Priesthood. T127
Sockets of silver -- Symbol of truth. T114
He made a vail -- The passing of the second veil represented the death
of the human body. T21
The tabernacle door -- Symbol of the death of the human will. T21
The five pillars -- The door posts at the entrance to the Tabernacle
represented the "New Creatures in Christ"-the consecrated saints. The
difference between these and the posts in the Court represents the
difference between the condition of the justified believers and the sanctified
believers. T114
Made the ark -- It represented the eternal purpose of God for mankind
in The Christ, Head and Body. T121
With pure gold -- Representing the divine nature. T18, T20
The mercy seat -- Representing the underlying principle of Jehovah's
character-justice. T124
He made two cherubims -- Representing divine love and power. T125
Out of one piece -- All the divine attributes are in perfect harmony.
T125
Mercy seatward -- Neither love nor power can be exercised until
justice is fully satisfied; hence they look inward towards justice to know
when to move. T125
Made the table -- Representing the Church as a whole, holding forth
the word of life. T115; R5418:5
Made the candlestick -- Representing the entire Church, the true
light-bearers. T116
Representing the light of God's truth. R5621:6, R5418:5
Of beaten work -- We feel almost discouraged sometimes at the knocks
and blows we receive, forgetting that the branches must be like the shaft --
all of beaten work. R243:5*
The fashion of almonds -- In the almond tree fruit buds appear before
leaves. So with the Royal Priesthood: they begin to sacrifice, or bring forth
fruit, before the leaves of profession are seen. T122
A knop and a flower -- Representing the true Church as both beautiful
and fruitful from first to last. T116
The incense altar -- The Golden altar in the Holy represents the Church
in the sacrificing condition. T120
Representing the privileges of worship and prayer. R5418:5
The horns thereof -- Symbols of power. T42
Holy anointing oil -- Typifying the holy Spirit. T29, T37, T116;
D650; R5654:5
The pure incense -- The sweet incense beaten small represented the
perfection of the man Jesus. When he came in contact with the trials of life
(fire), he yielded perfect obedience to the divine will-a sweet perfume.
T56, T120
The prayers of God's people rise up before him as a sweet perfume.
R5692:5
He made the altar -- Representing Christ's ransom sacrifice. T22
He made the horns -- Symbols of power. T42
With brass -- Copper; symbol of perfect human nature. T18
The laver of brass -- Aaron had to be washed in order fitly to represent
the purity of Jesus. T29
Symbolizing the putting away of filthy practices -- lying, stealing, slander,
envy, strife, back-biting, etc. R1543:6, R3054:2
Lookingglasses -- Polished copper mirrors. R117:1*
He made the court -- Representing the condition of justification. T19
Representing the justified condition. In proportion as those in the Court
advance toward the Holy, in that proportion they draw nigh to God and
experience a measure of justification or harmony with God, leading to
complete justification. R4745:3
See comments on Exodus 27:9.
In the present time, the Court represents the condition of all those who,
exercising faith in God, are approaching nearer and nearer to him and his
service-a condition of divine favor. R4922:5, R5418:3
Hangings of the court -- Representing, to those within, a wall of faith;
but to those without, a wall of unbelief which hinders their view of and
access to the holy things within. T18
Fine twined linen -- Representing Christ's righteousness. T36, T114
Their pillars -- Representing justified believers. T113
Their brasen sockets -- Copper; representing that, though actually
imperfect, the standing of the justified believer is that of a perfect human
being. T113
Hooks ... of silver -- Silver being a symbol of truth, justified believers,
pillars, can truthfully claim that Christ's righteousness (the linen curtain)
covers all their imperfections. T114
The Great Company class was represented by the "silver." R4745:6
For the gate -- "I am the way" (John 14:6); "I am the door" (John
10:9). There is only one way of access to God. T18
Made the ephod -- Type of the Abrahamic covenant (front part) and the
New covenant (back part). T30
Of gold -- Representing divine power. T34
Blue -- Representing the ability faithfully to maintain his righteous
character. T34
And purple -- Proclaims the royal power of the Kingdom cooperating.
T34
And scarlet -- Representing redemption from the Adamic curse through
the blood of the ransom. T34
Fine twined linen -- Indicating the restoration of man to his original
purity. T34
Shoulderpieces -- Golden clasps representing divine power to enable
Christ to carry out the terms of both covenants. T30
The curious girdle -- Representing a servant. "The messenger (servant)
of the covenant whom ye delight in." (Mal. 3:1) T33
The breastplate -- Type of the Law. T34
A span -- Indicating that the Law of God is the full measure of a perfect
man's ability. T35
Being doubled -- Representing the spirit and letter of the Law; the front
part, which bore the jewels, representing the spirit of the Law, fulfilled in
us "who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit" (Rom. 8:4); the back
part representing the Law in letter as presented to fleshly Israel. T35
Four rows of stones -- Representing the true Israel, the "Little Flock."
"They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up
my jewels." (Mal. 3:17) T36
Work of pure gold -- Indicating that the Law is divine and that we are
upheld by the golden chain of divine promises. T36
The ephod underneath -- As the Israelites regarded them, not seeing
the hidden connection, the Abrahamic covenant and the Law were all one.
T34
The robe ... of blue -- Symbol of Christ's faithfulness. T30
Pomegranates -- Representing that the faithful performance of the
Redeemer's work of sacrifice has borne rich fruit. T30
Bells of pure gold -- The golden bells signifying that when our High
Priest appears in glory the fruit of his sacrificial work will be proclaimed to
all. T30
Coats of fine linen -- Representing the righteousness of Jesus imputed
to his Body members. T36
For Aaron -- Representing our High Priest, Christ. T36, T116; E449
And for his sons -- Representing the members of Christ's Body. T36
A mitre of fine linen -- A strip of fine white linen, typical of
righteousness, worn around the forehead, to which the golden plate, or
crown, was fastened. T29
And goodly bonnets -- To indicate that they were not the head of the
priesthood but merely members of the body. God gave Jesus "to be the
head over all things to the church, which is his body." (Eph. 1:22, 23) T36
And a girdle -- Indicating a righteous servant. T30
HOLINESS TO THE LORD -- Thus proclaiming Christ's entire
devotion to the accomplishment of Jehovah's purposes. T30
A lace of blue -- Showing that the crown was righteously his. T29
Thus was all the work -- God's minute instructions respecting the
Tabernacle were only for the lessons it would convey to us. Its Court, Holy
and Most Holy, its furniture, priests and sacrifices illustrated the most
important features of the divine plan. PD36/47
The tabernacle -- Was not a church edifice or a place of worship for
Israel. R3053:3
Only the tribe of Levi were permitted in the Court. R3053:6
Put therein the ark -- It represented the eternal purpose of God for
mankind in The Christ, Head and Body. T121
With the vail -- The passing of the second veil represented the death of
the human body. T21
Bring in the table -- Representing the Church as a whole, holding forth
the word of life. T115
The candlestick -- Representing the entire Church, the true
light-bearers. T116
The altar of gold -- The Golden altar in the Holy represents the Church
in the sacrificing condition. T120
The spiritual privileges, praises, prayers and communion which we have
with the Lord R3054:2
Hanging of the door -- Symbol of the death of the human will. T21
Set the altar -- Representing Christ's ransom sacrifice. T22
Representing primarily the perfection of the man Christ Jesus. R3053:6
Set the laver -- Aaron had to be washed in order fitly to represent the
purity of Jesus. T29
Symbolizing the putting away of filthy practices -- lying, stealing, slander,
envy, back-biting, etc. R1543:6, R3054:2
Set up the court -- Representing the condition of justification. T19;
R3053:6
Representing the justified condition. In proportion as those in the Court
advance toward the Holy, in that proportion they draw nigh to God and
experience a measure of justification or harmony with God, leading to
complete justification. R4745:3
In the present time the Court represents the condition of divine favor of all
who, exercising faith in God, are approaching nearer and nearer to him.
R4922:5, R5418:3
We might also understand that the Levites in the Court very fittingly
represent all those who desire to turn from sin and approach God, making
progress toward complete justification. R4878:1
While the Court condition seems to represent at the present time all those
who are approaching God, it appears as though with the close of this age
the Great Company is represented by the Court condition thereafter.
R4878:4
Only the Levites will be in the Court. In its last analysis, the Court
represents the spirit-begotten ones separated from the world. R4745:6
The Israelites in general were not permitted within even the outermost of
the Tabernacle enclosures, the Court. R3053:6
Hanging at the court gate -- "I am the way," "I am the door." There is
only one way of access to God. T18
The anointing oil -- Typifying the holy Spirit. T29, T37, T116;
D650; R5654:5
And his sons -- As the priests must be Levites, so those who would be
of the Royal Priesthood must have been justified believers. R3054:1
Door of the tabernacle -- Consecration, full and complete. R3054:2
And wash them -- Aaron had to be washed in order fitly to represent
the purity of Jesus. T29
Symbolizing the putting away of filthy practices -- lying, stealing, slander,
envy, back-biting, etc. R1543:6, R3054:2
The holy garments -- Symbolizing the heavenly grandeur, honors and
glories of Messiah during his reign. OV127:5
Clad in his robes of glory, the High Priest represented Messiah blessing
mankind. PD36/47
And anoint him -- The anointing came upon Aaron only at first; but
upon each of his sons as they succeeded him to the office of chief priest.
F131; Q689:3
The High Priest was anointed with oil, which constituted the divine
evidence of his call to the priestly office. SM598:2
Shalt anoint them -- The anointing came upon Aaron only at first; but
upon each of his sons as they succeeded him to the office of chief priest.
F131; Q689:3
The mercy seat -- The mercy seat, glory-light and cherubim together
represented Jehovah God. T123
He put the table -- Representing the Church as a whole, holding forth
the word of life. T115
The bread in order -- Representing the truth, the word of life. T22,
T115
Spiritual food. R5418:5, R5621:6
Put the candlestick -- Representing the entire Church, the true
light-bearers. T116
Representing the light of God's truth. R5621:6, R5418:5
Lighted the lamps -- Symbolizing the enlightenment of the holy Spirit.
R3054:4
Before the vail -- And not in the Most Holy, as Heb. 9:4, where there is
either a slip of the tongue by St. Paul, or an error by his amanuensis.
Q702:3
Then a cloud -- A manifestation of God's protecting care over them as
his people. R4028:3, R4029:5
Covered the tent -- Teaching that God should be the center of all
ambition and activity, spirituality and veneration first, in the center of our
affections. R4028:3, R4029:6
Glory of the LORD -- The enlightenment of the holy Spirit has been
with us, an ever present help and guide. R4029:6
Filled the tabernacle -- Showing God's approval of the Tabernacle.
R1237:4
When we were begotten of the holy Spirit and God took up his abode with
us, the glory of the Lord filled us. R4029:6
When the cloud -- If all brethren look to the Lord for guidance, then all
are ready for his leading, whether to move or to stay. R4098:6
Whoever comes into harmony with the divine arrangement will be brought
into touch with all others who are in fellowship with the Father and his
glorious plan. R4028:5