The subject worked out for this month is—
Animals used Symbolically.
It would appear from the papers furnished this month that very few animals indeed can be said to be used in a constantly symbolic sense in Scripture. In many instances certain natural characteristics are taken up to illustrate certain points in the history of a person or nation, but this does not of course justify us in considering the animal itself as symbolic of the person or nation, and this is the more evident from the fact that in many cases the different characteristics of the same animal are used in illustration of different nations. Some animals however come before us prominently both as symbolic and illustrative, and amongst these we may single out the Lamb and the Serpent. In arranging the subject we have included illustrative as well as symbolic uses.
The Lamb.
The Lamb is so pre-eminently typical of our Lord that we have ventured a little more into detail, and print below one of the papers which we have received on the subject, merely remarking in addition that the character of the animal is also used in Scripture as typical of certain graces which were prominent in the Lord’s ways on earth.
First mentioned Genesis 22:7, 87And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? 8And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. (Genesis 22:7‑8). Here we have the prophecy of Abraham, who is counted amongst the prophets in Psalms 105:1515Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. (Psalm 105:15).
The Passover lamb Exodus 12 it was to be
1. Without blemish
2. Set apart on the 10th day of the first month, answering to the day described John 12:12-3612On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. 14And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, 15Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. 16These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. 17The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. 20And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 22Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. 23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. 27Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 36While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. (John 12:12‑36).
3. Killed on the 14th day, answering to the day of the Lord’s death.
4. The blood ensured the perfect safety of the houses upon which it was put.
5. The flesh was food for the delivered people of God.
7. With bitter herbs, repentance and humiliation.
9. The eating of the lamb the signal of departure from Egypt, (the world).
10. Not a bone of it to be broken.
A daily sacrifice, Exodus 29:3838Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually. (Exodus 29:38). This was of two lambs, one morning, one evening. Thus a perpetual sacrifice was offered, answering to the perpetual value of the one offering of Christ. Other offerings on the following occasions:—
1. For a peace offering. Leviticus 2.
3. At the consecration of the priests, on the 8th day. Leviticus 9.3
14. At the feast of tabernacles, 14 lambs each of the seven days and 7 lambs on the 8th day (15 times 7). Numbers 29:12-3812And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: 13And ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the Lord; thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year; they shall be without blemish: 14And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals unto every bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth deals to each ram of the two rams, 15And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs: 16And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 17And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 18And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 19And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and the meat offering thereof, and their drink offerings. 20And on the third day eleven bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish; 21And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 22And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 23And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 24Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 25And one kid of the goats for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 26And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 27And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 28And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. 29And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 30And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 31And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 32And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish: 33And their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 34And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering. 35On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work therein: 36But ye shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor unto the Lord: one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish: 37Their meat offering and their drink offerings for the bullock, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the manner: 38And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering. (Numbers 29:12‑38).
In the New Testament, The Lord Jesus, John 1:29, 3629The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
36And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! (John 1:36); 1 Peter 1:1919But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:19); Revelation 5:6, 8, 12; 6:166And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. (Revelation 5:6)
8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. (Revelation 5:8)
12Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. (Revelation 5:12)
16And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: (Revelation 6:16) &c. This is the prevailing name given to the Lord Jesus in the Revelation, and in many new connections. Thus we have not only the “Lamb slain,” but described as with 7 horns, and 7 eyes, (the power and discernment of the Spirit). We have the Lamb as the object of worship to the 4 living creatures, the elders, the angels, and every creature in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, and in the sea.
The wrath of the Lamb, 6:16.
Robes washed in the blood of the Lamb, 7:14.
The Lamb as the One who feeds and leads to the living fountains of waters, 7:17.
The blood of the Lamb the victory over the devil, 12:11.
The Lamb as the avenger, 14:10.
The Song of the Lamb, 15:3.
The Lamb as the conqueror of the Beast, and the 10 Kings, 17:14.
The marriage of the Lamb, 19:7.
The Bride the Lamb’s wife, 21:9.
The 12 apostles of the Lamb, 21:14.
The Lamb the temple of the City, 21:22.
The Lamb the light of the City, 21:23.
The book of life of the Lamb, 13:8; 21:27.
The throne of the Lamb, 22:1.
We thus have in Scripture the history of the Lord Jesus from the cross to the throne, as the Lamb of God.
Man in need of redemption
Ever firstling of an ass shalt thou redeem, Exodus 13:13
A bridle for the ass, Proverbs 26:3
Ridden on—typical of humility
Lowly and riding on an ass, Zechariah 9:9; John 12:14
Speak ye that ride on white asses, Judges 5:10
The tribe of Issachar as submitting to bondage
Issachar is a strong ass, couching down between two burdens, Genesis 49:15
Natural man as refusing God’s authority
For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt, Job. 11:12; 39:5
Assyria a wild ass alone by himself, Hosea 8:9
As wild asses they go forth, Job. 24:5
He will be a wild (Hebrews ass) man, Genesis 16:12
Israel as turning away from God
A wild ass used to the wilderness, Jeremiah 2:24
He was unto me as a bear lying in wait, Lamentations 3:10
As a bear robbed of her whelps, Hosea 13:8
As a bear robbed of her whelps, 2 Samuel 17:8; Proverbs 7:12
A ranging bear ... so is a wicked ruler, Proverbs 28:15
And behold, another beast ... like to a bear, Daniel 7:5
To skip like a calf, Psalms 29:5
Christ as the sin-offering
Neither the blood of goats and calves, &c., Hebrews 9:12
As food, symbolic of the best thing that the heart of the giver (God or man) can provide
Bring hither the fatted calf, Luke 15:23; Genesis 18:7; 1 Samuel 28:24; Amos 6:4
Ye shall grow up as the calves of the stall, Malachi 4:2
Thou shalt not bring the price of a dog into the house of the Lord, Deuteronomy 23:18; Matthew 7:6
For dogs have compassed me, Psalms 22:16; 59:6, 14
Is not meet to take the children’s bread and to cast it to dogs, Matthew 15:27
But it is happened unto them according the true proverb; the dog, &c., 2 Pet. 2:22
Beware of dogs, Philippians 3:2
As a dog returneth to its vomit, Proverbs 26:11
Dog generally, or dead dog
That which is contemptible, insignificant, or vile
Am I a dog that thou comest, &c., 1 Samuel 17:43. After a dead dog, after a flea, 1 Samuel 24:14; 2 Samuel 3:8; 16:9
Unfaithful ministers as to their testimony
His watchmen are blind ... they are all dumb dogs, Isaiah 56:10
Covetous ministers making a gain of their flock
They all look to their own way, Isaiah 56:11
His offering of turtle doves, Leviticus 1:14
Beauty and purity especially applied to the bride of Christ
Many passages in the Song of Solomon
The Spirit of God descending like a dove, Matthew 3:16
I did mourn as a dove, Isaiah 38:14; 59:11; Ezekiel 7:6
Simplicity as befitting Christ’s messengers
Be ye harmless (simple as doves) Matthew 10:16
Ephraim also is like a silly dove, Hosea 7:11
God’s people in affliction
O deliver not the soul of thy turtle dove, Psalms 74:19
God’s care for His people
I bare you on eagle’s wings, Exodus 19:4. As an eagle ... fluttereth over her young, so the Lord alone did lead them, Deuteronomy 32:11
Swiftness of divine judgments
The Lord shall bring a nation against them ... as the eagle flieth, Deuteronomy 28:49; Hosea 8:1; Hab. 1:8
Swifter than the eagles of heaven, Lamentations 4:19; Job 9:26
The pride of thine heart ... though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, Jeremiah 49:16
Kings of Babylon and Egypt
The destruction that shall overtake the enemies of God
They shall be a portion for the foxes, Psalms 63:10
Anything which destroys the communion of the people of God
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines, Song of Solomon 2:15
The desolation that overtook Israel
The mountain of Zion which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it, Lamentations 5:18
They prophets are like foxes of the desert, Ezekiel 13:4
Go ye and tell that fox, Luke 8:32
Ye shall take it ... from the goats, Exodus 12:5; 1 Corinthians 5:7
Christ as typified by the various offerings
If his offering be ... of the goats, Leviticus 1:10
Christ in the double aspect of the work of redemption— God-ward, making atonement, man-ward, bearing away sin
Then shall he kill the goat of the sin-offering ... and bring his blood within the vail ... and he shall make an atonement. And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel ... and shall send him away, Leviticus 16:15-21
Now the rough goat is the king of Grecia, Daniel 8:21
Those who oppress the weak of God’s flock
Behold I judge between the rams and the great he-goats, &c., Ezekiel 34:18
the nations who reject Christ’s messengers before the millennium
He shall set ... the goats on the left. Then shall He say also to them on the left, Matthew 25:31-46
Song of Solomon 2:9, 17, &c.
As the hart ... so panteth my soul after thee, O God, Psalms 42:1
Lightness and joy of heart
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, Isaiah 35:6
Her princes are become like harts that find no pasture, Lamentations 1:6
He maketh my feet like hind’s feet, Psalms 18:33
Let her be as loving as the hind, Proverbs 5:19; Hab. 3:18
Christ as the basis of an abiding covenant
Take me an heifer, Genesis 15:9
Christ whose blood alone can cleanse guilty Israel from their sin in killing Him
Deuteronomy 21:1-9; see Matthew 27:24, 25
Christ on the ground of whose work the believer is cleansed from defilement contracted during his wilderness journey
A red heifer, without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke, Numbers 19
Egypt is like a very fair heifer, Jeremiah 46:20
Ye are grown fat as heifers at grass, Jeremiah 50:11
Ephraim is as an heifer that is taught, Hosea 10:11
For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer, Hosea 4:16
Moab ... an heifer of three years old, Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:34
Strength and swiftness in which man trusts (but vainly) instead of trusting in God
An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength, Psalms 33;17; 20:7; 147:10; Proverbs 21:31; Isaiah 31:1
Impatience of control and needing firm guidance
Be ye not as the horse and the mule which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, Psalms 32:9; Proverbs 26:3; James 3:3
Swiftness of destroying power
His horses are swifter than eagles, Jeremiah 4:3; 8:36
Blindness of Jerusalem rushing to destruction
As the horse rusheth into the battle, Jeremiah 8:6
His goodly horse in the battle, Zechariah 10:3
He that sat on him had a bow, Revelation 6:2; 19:11, 14
There was given unto him a great sword, Revelation 6:4
He that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand, Revelation 6:5
His name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him, Revelation 6:7
Permanent characteristic of evil
Or the leopard his spots? Jeremiah 13:23
Fierceness of God’s wrath against Israel
A leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out shall be torn in pieces, Jeremiah 5:6; Hosea 13:7
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, Revelation 13:2
Symbolic generally of power, strength, and energy, and of that which is thoroughly able to provide for its own wants
Numerous Scriptures in the Old Testament, e.g., What is stronger than a lion, Judges 14:18
Terrible, cruel, powerful, and unsparing
They gaped upon me with their mouths as a ravening and roaring lion, Psalms 22:13
As a roaring lion ... so is a wicked ruler, Proverbs 38:15. Your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, 1 Peter 5:8
Judah is a lion’s whelp: he couched as a lion, Genesis 49:9
The lion of the tribe of Judah, Revelation 5:5
A difficulty that appears insurmountable
The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, Proverbs 26:13
The character of the judgments which God will execute against Judah and Israel
The young lions roared upon him, and they made his land waste, Jeremiah 2:15; Isaiah 5:29; Jeremiah 4:7; 5:6; Lamentations 3:10; Hosea 5:14; Amos 3:4; Joel 1:6
The Lord in defense of Mt. Zion
Like as a lion ... so shall the Lord of Hosts come down to fight for Mount Zion, Isaiah 31:4
Israel in rebellion against the Lord
Mine heritage is unto me as a lion in the forest, Jeremiah 12:8
The remnant of Jacob among the Gentiles
As a lion among the beasts of the forest, Micah 5:8
Nineveh in the day of its power
For if the blood of bulls and goats ... how much more shall the blood of Christ, Hebrews 9:13, 14; Leviticus 1:2-9
Devotedness to the service of God
For each prince an ox, Numbers 7:3
Jeremiah 31:18; see also Deuteronomy 33:17
Fierce and brutal enemies
Israel, during the tribulation, exhausted by her ineffectual efforts to escape from her enemies
As a wild bull in a net, Isaiah 51:20
The nations under the judgment of God
Isaiah 34:7, 8; Jeremiah 46:17, 22
Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:9, 10; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18
An ox that is brought to the slaughter: and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, Jeremiah 11:19; Proverbs 7:22
Blessings provided in the gospel
My oxen are ... killed, Matthew 22:4
The Gadites ... were swift as the roes upon the mountains, 1 Chronicles 12:8; 2 Samuel 2:18; Proverbs 6:5
The beauty of Christ in the eyes of His bride
Let her be ... as the pleasant roe, Proverbs 5:19
The people of God, both Jewish and Christian
The sheep of thy pasture, Psalms 74:1; Ezekiel 34. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep, John 10:11. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold, John 10:16. Feed my sheep; John 21:16.
Israel as departed from God
The lost sheep of the house of Israel, Matthew 10:6; 15:24
I have found my sheep which was lost, Luke 15:6
Those who depart from God
I have gone astray like a lost sheep, Psalms 119:176; 1 Peter 2:25
The nations who receive the Jewish preachers sent by Christ
Then shall he set the sheep on his right hand, &c., Matthew 25:31-46
That our sheep may bring forth thousands, Psalms 144:13
We are counted as sheep for the slaughter, Psalms 44:22
That the congregations of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd, Numbers 27:17
Those who do not trust in their own strength
As sheep in the midst of wolves, Matthew 10:16
An outward appearance of humility
False prophets ... in sheep’s clothing, Matthew 7:15
That old serpent, called the Devil and Satan which deceiveth the whole world, Revelation 12:9; 20:2; Genesis 3:1; Isaiah 27:1
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, Genesis 49:17
Sin in its poisonous hurtful aspect
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent, Psalms 58:4; 140:3
The unfailing certainty of God’s judgments
I will command the serpent, and he shall bite them, Amos 9:3
The shall lick the dust like a serpent, Micah 7:17
Satan in his beguiling character
So your minds should be corrupted, &c., 2 Corinthians 11:3; Genesis 3:1-6
Satan in his persecuting character
He persecuted the woman, Revelation 12:13-17
And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, Numbers 21:6
Christ as made sin for us
So must the Son of man be lifted up, John 3:13
The wicked obstinately refusing to listen to God
The deaf adder that stoppeth her ear, Psalms 58:4
New Queries, Nos. 196-217.
A. (1) Refer to B. S. vol. 1, p. 115, Q. 377. If more is wanted write again. (2) The time will come when all Israelites on earth will own their Messiah, their hearts being turned to Him according to Zechariah 12:1010And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. (Zechariah 12:10). The word. “ Israel” seems purposely to include not only those we know as “Jews,” but also the lost ten tribes who will then be restored to their own land. Previously, however, to this glorious time numbers of Jews who have been deceived by Antichrist, and received the mark of the beast will have perished.
A. Isaiah 4:66And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. (Isaiah 4:6) speaks of the “day-time” implying a “night-time,” and 40:11 speaks of day and night, Isaiah 66:2323And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 66:23) does not mean there will be no day nor night, and Zechariah 14:66And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: (Zechariah 14:6) speaks only of that special and glorious day when Christ will descend to the Mount of Olives. There will be day and night on earth during the millennium, but not in the heavenly Jerusalem.
A. The death of Christ is here presented in a peculiar aspect. He suffered on the cross, (thus accomplishing the will of God,) sooner than yield to sin in any way. By dying being tried to the uttermost, He had done forever with sin which constantly assailed Him from without. Now, we are to arm ourselves with the same steadfast purpose to accomplish God’s will. But remark that the word “flesh” in the end of the verse does not mean the perfect human nature or life which is called flesh in the beginning of the text. Our temptations are not always from without, but often from within. Hence our old nature (called the flesh) suffers; that is, it is not indulged or gratified if we do not yield to it, and we thus cease from sin. When we do not suffer in the flesh we commit sin, for its desires are ever evil. This verse is only another way of rendering Romans 6:11, 1211Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (Romans 6:11‑12), with the addition of the example of Christ as a model.
Q. 199. What passages prove that there will be a temple on earth during Christ’s reign on earth? Will the sacrifices be offered according to the former Levitical dispensation? M. B. H.
A. Ezekiel 40 to the end is taken up with a full detailed description of the millennial temple and sacrifices. Passover and Tabernacles will both be re-established (45:21, 25). Pentecost, however, being “fully come” in Acts 2:11And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1), in the formation of the church, will not be revived. The sacrifices will have a retrospective aspect with regard to the cross, to which previously to the coming they of Christ looked forward. Many scriptures speak of the temple in the earthly Jerusalem, Zechariah 14:2020In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. (Zechariah 14:20), &c. &c. In the heavenly Jerusalem there will be no temple.
Q. 200. Is there any scriptural ground for the statement that doctrinal evil is worse in God’s sight than moral evil? C. H. C.
A. There is just the difference between sin of practice and principle. In 1 Corinthians 5 evil, wicked, immoral practice had crept into the Church of God, and apostle unsparingly pointed out the evil. But the sin was a plain offense against the laws of God, and could clearly be exposed and judged as suchapter In Galatians however, there was not a question of immoral actions, but of a subtle principle of legality or fleshly religion creeping in, undermining, and supplanting the gospel. This struck at the very principle of the truth, and the tone and language of the apostle is much more severe here than to the Corinthians, and he has evidently more difficulty in exposing and getting them to judge the sin.
Q. 201. What is the connection between Job 38-41 and the rest of the book? Job’s sin was justifying himself rather than God, and these chapters are occupied with God’s power and not His righteousness, and power is not in itself a proof of justice or goodness. T.
A. Elihu’s argument in the preceding chapters fully justifies and explains God’s actions with regard to Job. What Job now needed was to understand that it really was GOD whom he had to do with. Job had spoken of God, and Elihu had spoken of Him, but now he was brought face to face with Him (proved to be God by His wonders in creation,) for the first time, (compare Romans 1:2020For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20)) and thus Job really understood his own utter insignificance and nothingness. We quite agree that these chapters are not enough alone, but neither are the others; for right thoughts of God’s power are as necessary as of His righteousness. We too often forget that God is God, and that we are but men.
Q. 202. Is it in accordance with Scripture for us to draw inferences concerning the times and seasons of this dispensation from the symbolism apparently existing in the great Pyramid? To say for instance that the 1882 inches of the long passage typify the 1882 years of the Christian era? T.
A. We fear the deductions drawn from most of these measurements are but the result of the ingenuity of the human mind, and certainly we do not exalt the great pyramid to the level of a divine revelation. There is no hint in Scripture that we are to look for any such a supplement to the Bible, and we fear that excessive occupation with such a subject only tends to make one forsake the fountain of living water for cisterns of our own hewing that hold no water. What will be the result moreover, if the Christian era should last 1883 years, if as you say there are but 1882 inches? It is easy to find coincidences agreeing with past events. God alone can foretell the future.
A. Refer to B. S. vol. 1, page 88, Q. 319.
A. Does not this refer rather to the bringing back the Jews to their land out of the earth (Gentile world) where they are scattered; ver. 1 describing the Jewish remnant who will be delivered through their trouble (under Antichrist) if their names are written in the book (see Revelation 7), verse 2 more especially referring to the lost 10 tribes of Israel, who will be brought back as life from the dead (see Luke 15:3232It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (Luke 15:32); Romans 11:11I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. (Romans 11:1).5, similar expressions) to their land. See Ezekiel 36;37
Q. 205. Does the term heretic apply not only to the one who forms a party round himself, but also to those who are gathered round him? C. H. C.
A. We presume you refer to Titus 3:1010A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; (Titus 3:10). There is nothing said here as to forming a party. The R. V. reads “a man-that is heretical (or factious) after a first and second admonition refuse (or avoid). The word does not apparently imply excommunication, but rather absence of friendship and intercourse. Of course, his errors may lead him absolutely astray, and possibly as you say to form a party. About this however the Scripture says nothing. The term used would, apply equally to every man who held heretical views or followed heretical ways Q. 206. Will you please explain the genealogies in Matthew and Luke? Is the one of Joseph and the other of Mary? R. S. S. (U. S. A.)
A. Refer to B. S. vol. 1, page 89, Q. 324, also to B. S., vol. 2, p. 81, Q. 63.
A. (1) No. What we said refers to the fact that if Nahash be not the name of David’s mother, it is another name for Jesse (the name of his wife being unknown). It is a universal tradition among the Jews that Nahash and Jesse are identical, and in Ruth 4:22And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat down. (Ruth 4:2)2 They read, “and Obed begat Ishai (Jesse) whose name is Nachash.” (2) We cannot give any better rendering than the text.
Q. 208. (1) “They drank of that spiritual rock that followed them,” (1 Corinthians 10:44And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4).) Did the water flow on as they journeyed? (2) Can you tell me where to find the sentence “Thy favor which is better than life?” E. B.
A. (1) We do not see the slightest indication from the historical narrative that the children of Israel were followed by a continuous stream of water. Water is still found naturally in many parts of the Peninsula, and is believed to have been much more abundant formerly. We rather think the passage means that it was Christ, He who “carried them all the days of old,” who followed them in all their wanderings. There is still evidence, as testified to by careful travelers, that there was formerly a far greater abundance both of vegetation and water in the wilderness than now, so that it was only on exceptional occasions that it was miraculously provided. (2) The nearest are the following, “Thy loving kindness is better than life,” (Psalms 63:33Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. (Psalm 63:3)); “Favor is better than silver and gold,” (Proverbs 22:11A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. (Proverbs 22:1). margin).
A. The unity of the Spirit mainly refers to that unity that the Spirit forms the one body (1 Corinthians 12), and it was to be kept practically in peace by Jew and Gentile, lately hating each other, but now made one in Christ. This exhortation was peculiarly needed at Ephesus. The way to fulfill it is by walking in the spirit of ver. 2. It is only as we realize the intense antagonism that existed naturally between Jew and Gentile in every detail of religious and social life, that we understand the peculiar force of such an exhortation at that time to those who had so recently been made one in Christ.
A. Certainly. Galatians 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26) says “For ye are all the sons of God, through faith in Christ Jesus,” and then proceeds, “For as many of you,” etc., evidently applying to the same company.
A. (1) Fastening cushions to the armholes, or rather for the arms to rest on, signified in the symbol which the false prophet uses, that the people might rest in security, for no enemy would disturb them; while “kerchiefs on the head of (people of) every stature” were badges of liberty or triumph, signifying that they should overcome the Chaldeans; thus the people were deluted. (2) We think, Israel that is reproached in Isaiah 42:1919Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord's servant? (Isaiah 42:19), for being blind and deaf, but should be glad of further light on this difficult passage. (3) Refer to B. S. vol. 1. page 134, Q. 409.
Q. 212. Will you please tell me if we are to eat and drink in heaven? If not, why did Jesus say that He would not hence-. forth drink... till He drank... in His Father’s kingdom? A. C.
A. We believe that our Lord here used wine as a symbol of joy connected with the earth. The meaning of the passage is not therefore literal drinking from a cup, but rather entering with His disciples on the scene of earthly joys in the millennial morning. Till then, like the Nazarite of old, he gets no joy from this earth as suchapter We know no Scripture showing that we shall eat or drink in heaven.
Q. 213. In 2 Chronicles 2:77Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide. (2 Chronicles 2:7) we read “with me in Judah and Jerusalem,” does this skew that part of Jerusalem was not in Judah? (see Joshua 15:63;1863As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day. (Joshua 15:63)
35And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth, (Joshua 19:35). 28 and Judges 1:2121And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day. (Judges 1:21)). H.S.
A. Jerusalem properly speaking was in Benjamin, the boundary line between it and Judah (Josh, 15:7, 8; 18:16, 17) running along the valley of Hinnom.
Q. 214. Please explain the following expressions (1) “went out to the south” (Joshua 15:33And it went out to the south side to Maaleh-acrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadesh-barnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa: (Joshua 15:3)), (2) “fetched a compass,” (3) “south side of the river,” what river? (ver. 7), (4) “unto the south side of the Jebusite” (ver. 8), (5) “and the border was drawn” (ver. 9), (6) “They met together” (chapter 17:10), (7) “the mountain that hath before” (18:16). H. S.
A. (1) “towards the south side,” (2) “made a detour,” (3) “south side of the” torrent “a rocky gorge that runs into the Jordan near Jericho,” (4) the city of Jebusites was on the north side of the valley of Hinnon, and forms part of Jerusalem, the part known in modern times as Sion, (5) “marked out,” (6) It appears to mean that the boundary of Manasseh and Ephraim taken together was Asher in the north and Issachar in the east, (7) probably Mount Sion, or if not, the mountain to the south side of the valley of Hinnon.
Q. 215. Kindly say what is the meaning of Hebrews 6:1-61Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this will we do, if God permit. 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:1‑6). J. F. G.
A. Refer to B. S. Jan. 1882, p. 18, Q. 32. Hebrews 6:4-64For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4‑6) describes the whole circle of christian privileges in contrast with the Jewish elements spoken of in verses 1 and 2, and proceeds to show that if a Hebrew, after tasting and being connected with all that Christ had brought in, returned to Judaism, and. gave all up, there was nothing further for him; he openly joined the crucifiers of Christ (ver. 6), and put Him to an open shame. Observe these people never went beyond more profession; there is not a hint of their being “safe in Christ” or of having believed on Him. They were enlightened, they had tasted of the heavenly gift (the revelation of the grace of God)—of the good word of God, of which they saw the preciousness, although not quickened by it, (see Matthew 13:2020But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; (Matthew 13:20)), and the powers of the world to come (miracles which they had seen); but only to reject all; they were also outward participators (the force of the word used) of the Holy Ghost, not as life, but as a new power known and felt among all professing christians. Thus no christian privilege was wanting, but the enjoyment of them all does not imply life; the simplest trust in Christ does. This is seen in ver. 18, God thus conclusively chewing in the same Chapter that the greatest privileges and professions do not give life, but that the weakest faith does. Moreover, although the apostle thus warns any Hebrew apostates, he expressly (ver. 9) excludes the christians whom he was addressing, however ignorant, because (ver. 10) their faith had shown itself in fruit.
Q. 217. By whom will the gospel be preached after the church is translated? E. S. M.
A. The present gospel will no longer be preached, the door of grace being then shut, but the everlasting gospel will be proclaimed to every heathen nation as we learn in Revelation 14:77Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Revelation 14:7), probably by Jewish messengers whose treatment by these nations will form the ground of the judgment of these according to Matthew 25.
Q. 218. Had our Savior sinless infirmity? E. B.
Q. 219. Referring to Q. 135, p. 118, does not Matthew 5:34-3634But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. (Matthew 5:34‑36) refer to ordinary conversation only? If so, would 1 Peter 2:13,1413Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. (1 Peter 2:13‑14) be a sufficient warrant for a christian to take the customary oath in courts of justice, and also to make affidavits? H. N.
A. Matthew 5 is evidently referring to conversation. With regard to the other point refer to B. S. vol. 2, p. 90, Q. 118.
Q. 220. What is the meaning of Jeremiah 17:1313O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters. (Jeremiah 17:13), “They that depart from me shall be written in the earth?” When the Lord stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground (John 8:66This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. (John 8:6)), did He wish to show the Pharisees that he would write their names in the earth, because they would not receive Him? H. N.
Q. 221. (1) What is typified by the yoke in Numbers 19:22This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke: (Numbers 19:2)? (2) What are the principalities and powers in Ephesians 6:1212For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)? and are they the same as in chapter 3:10, and Colossians 2:1010And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Colossians 2:10). W. H. M.
A. (1) One never used in the service of man. (2) It is evident that those principalities and powers of which Christ is head (Colossians 2:1010And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Colossians 2:10), Ephesians 1:2121Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (Ephesians 1:21)) cannot be the same as those in Ephesians 6:1212For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12), of which Satan is chief. The word “principality” is a peculiar one, literally meaning and generally rendered “the beginning” (John 1:1, 21In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1‑2), etc.) It also has a secondary meaning of rule (1 Corinthians 15:2424Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (1 Corinthians 15:24)) which is the meaning of the word “principality.” Of course, there is both good and bad rule in the spiritual world.
(Several Queries are left over for want of space).