How were the materials obtained for the erection of the Tabernacle? The Tabernacle was of an oblong form; fiftyfive feet one way, and eighteen the other. The walls in the interior were constructed, on three sides, of boards or bars of shittim wood, overlaid with gold, and connected together by bars and rings. On the front, or open side, was a row of pillars, overlaid with gold. Over this structure four coverings of curtains were laid, another. one upon 1. The inner one, forming the ceiling, was of fine linen, embroidered with figures of cherubim, in various colors. 2. Curtains of cloth formed of goat's hair. 3. Skins of animals dyed red. ' 4. An outer covering of skins. In front, over the five pillars, was suspended a richly embroidered curtain. The interior was divided into two apartments, namely, the Holy Place, and the inner sanctuary, or Holy of Holies. The separation was made by a row of pillars, overlaid with gold, and set in sockets of silver, from which a veil of fine linen, wrought with needle-work in rich colors, was suspended. What was in the Holy Place? 1. The golden Altar, on which incense was burnt. 2. The golden Table, on which were twelve loaves of show-bread, renewed every Sabbath. 3. The golden Candlestick, with seven lamps, or branches. What was in the Holy of Holies? 2. The Tables of stone, containing the ten commandments. 3. The Mercy-seat, or lid of the ark. 4. The golden Cherubim, standing on the mercy-seat. 5. Aaron's Rod, that budded. What was in the court of the Tabernacle? 1. The Altar of burnt-offerings. 2. The Laver of brass. The court of the Tabernacle was a large open space surrounding it, and inclosed with pillars and curtains reaching from pillar to pillar. Here all the sacrifices were made. The brazen laver contained water for washing the sacred articles. LAWS OF MOSES. What division may be made of the laws of Moses? They may be divided into the Moral, Judicial, and Ceremonial laws. What is the moral law? The great principles of this law are contained in the Decalogue. Moral laws are intended for all times, all circumstances. all countries. all races of men. Some of the great and leading precepts of the Mosaic law were, 1. Love to God: this was the first and great commandment of the law. DEUT. 6:5. 2. Love to one's neighbor: this second was like unto the first. LEV. 19:18. 3. Kindness to the poor, the widow, the fatherless, the stranger, and even to enemies. EXOD. 23:4, 5; DEUT. 24: 14, 17, 19. 4. Mercy towards the brute creation. This is urged with great earnestness. DEUT. 25: 4, and 22:6, 7. The same sanction is appended to this precept as to the fifth commandment: "That it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days." How gentle is our God-how kind his word: What was the object of the judicial laws? To guide and regulate the people in their civil transactions, and ordinary affairs of gov ernment. What was the object of the ceremonial laws? To direct them in matters pertaining to religion. The ceremonial, or ritual law was intended for a particular people only, and to serve a temporary purpose. It was peculiarly adapted to the circumstances and characteristic traits of the Israelites, and was not designed to be of universal obligation. Where were all sacrifices to be offered, and by whom? At the tabernacle, and by priests. The penalty of death was attached to a violation. of this law. This punishment was designed to prevent idolatrous sacrifices and superstitious practices, to which the people, from long contact with the Egyptians, were naturally inclined, and to secure unity of worship--the worship of the one great Jehovah. What tribe was chosen to conduct the public worship? Of what orders did the priesthood consist? 1. High-priest; 2. Priests; 3. Levites. |