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;¦¦¦ fi-^-

.QUESTIONS

AND

ANSWERS

ON THE

OLD TESTAMENT.

OXFORD:
PHINTED BY AND POll J. VINCENT.
MBCCtlXXXVH,

YA L E

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE

OLD TESTAMENT.

1. What pi-oofs of the being of a God arc de
rived from nature, and what from revelation?
That there is a God, might have been
discovered by reason : — First, From the order
of^Suses which leSds us back to one original
cause, existing necessarily and of itself. 2dly,
From the very idea or notion of a God, which
implies in it a necessary existence. 3dly, From
the creation of the world and the order and use
fulness of its several parts. 4thly, From the
consent of all civilized nations 5 very few, if any,
having been so brutish as to deny it.* It may
likewise be argued by us Christians, from the
force of conscience which reproves us when we
do ill, and commends us when we do well ; as
also from prophecies and miracles, which could
not have been, if there had not been a God.
* " Omnium consensus natune vox est." Cicero.
1)

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

But lest human reason should fail of producing
so essential a point of knowledge, God has put
it beyond all doubt by revelation.* " Hear, O
Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord."f " He is
God in heaven above and upon the earth beneath ;
there is none else."! " We know that there is
none other God but one."§ ".In him we live."||
2. Why must a revelation be written ?
Because otherwise it would descend to pos
terity in a very imperfect manner. Methu
selah lived about 300 years while Adam was
alive ; and Shem lived almost one hundred years
with Methuselah, and above one hundred years
with Abraham ; but though it appears that
two intermediate persons, viz. Methuselalf*and
Shem, were sufficient to convey any tradition
from Adam to Abraham, yet the simplicity and
* It is to bo observed, that the Scripture, as it does not much
insist upon proving to us the being of a God, but rather
always supposes that to be already known by the light of
natuie ; so also -when it mentions any of the natural
attributes of the Divine Essence, it does not usually enlarge
upon the proof or explication of them, but generally makes
mention of them occasionally only, and as presupposing
them beforehand well known by men's reason. Clarke's
Sermons, vol. i. serm. 5. Tillotson, serm. 219. ,,-' "'i -.*;•.
t Deut. vi. 4. \ Deut. iv. 39. . '
$ 1 Cor. viii. 4; 1 Tim. ii. 3.
|| Acts xvii. 28, also 25; John v. 26. Burnet; Tomline on
the first Article; Pearson on the Creed. - ",

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

purity of the primajval religion was so grossly
corrupted in the days of Abraham, that all
knowledge of the one true God would have
been utterly extinguished, and idolatry would
have universally prevailed, if it had not pleased
God to reveal himself in an especial manner to
Abraham and his posterity, and to separate
them from the rest of mankind.
3. Is not the doctrine of the Trinity incon
sistent with the unity of God?
No. In the unity of the Godhead there
are three Persons of one substance, power, and
eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost; three Persons in the Divine Essence.
Such attributes and divine honours are ascribed
to them in Scripture, as belong not, and cannot
be ascribed to, any other being besides God.
The circumstances attending our Saviour's bap
tism support it.* " The Son was being baptized,
the Holy Ghost descended — and the Father
spoke, " This is my beloved Son in whom I
am well pleased."! By referring to John i.
31 — 34, we find John the Baptist alluding to
this fact and setting it in a clearer light. It may
be proved likewise from the solemn form in
which our Saviour instituted baptism: " Go ye,
teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of
• Matt. iii. 16, 17. f Luke iii. 21.

1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost ;"* and from the form of blessing made
use of by the early Christians — "The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with
you all ;"t in both which forms the three names
are joined together without any distinction or
note of inequality. In Genesis, ch.i. the Hebrew
word translated God is plural, Elohim, which is
the general appellation by which the Triune
Godhead is collectively distinguished.! Again,
ver. 2G; " and God (Elohim) said, Let us make
man." In a succeeding chapter we have, " Be
hold, the man is become like one of ms." If we
could suppose the omnipotent Jehovah presiding
in a less dignified council, would he have used
words that have such an .evident tendency to
place the Deity on a level with created beings?
The word Trinity does not occur in Scripture,
but was adopted in the second century. We
learn from the fathers of the three first centu
ries, that the divinity of the Son and Holy Ghost
¦was acknowledged by the Catholic Church from
the days of the Apostles.
4. What is the great strength of the evidence
drawn from prophecy for the truth of religion?
* Matt, xxviii. 19. t 2 Cor. xiii. 14.
I Compare John i. 1—3, and Heb. i. 2. X ,-

***

4

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT. O
It arises from all the prophecies taken to
gether as making one system. Hence though
the evidence be but small from the completion
of any one prophecy taken separately, yet the
amount of the whole evidence resulting from a
great number of prophecies, all relative to the
¦ same design, is very considerable, like so many
scattered rays, which though each be weak in
itself, yet concentred into one point shall form
a strong light, and strike the senses very power
fully.* ¦• £? . 'V:
5. How is the divine origin of prophecy
proved ?
The Avritings which contain all the prophe
cies can only be composed under divine in
spiration, because they relate to events so va
rious, so distant, and so contingent, that no
human foresight could by any possibility predict
* Home's Introd. ver. 1. ch. 14. sect. 3.
There is found in the train of prophecies a regular plan
developed from time to time, till it reaches the main object
in which they centre. They relate not to unconnected inci
dents, but all centre in ono grand object, which the minds of
the prophets often unconsciously predicted. By looking at
this plan, we see a master-mine, which brings fprwaid oil
that arc necessary and reserves olhers to be brought lorward
in their time ; which when done completely winds up Iho
whole. They harmonize in one amazing and consistent plan,
and run parallel with the history of mankind, past, present,
and to come. See Answer 113.
d2

(3

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

them : a prophecy is therefore a miracle in it
self. If unfulfilled, they may be considered as
- the seeds of future conviction, ready to grow, up
and bear fruit, whenever the corresponding facts
shall be exhibited on the theatre of the world.
So admirably has this sort of evidence been con
trived by the wisdom of God, that in proportion
as the lapse of ages might seem to weaken the
argument derived from miracles long since per
formed, that very lapse serves only to strengthen
the argument derived from the completion of
prophecy. 6. How then do you account for the pro
phecies of heathen oracles?
' They were matters of mere gainful traffic,
detached and unconnected, and there was always
some ready excuse at hand to account for their
variations from the event'.* The general faith of
the heathen world in oracles, auspices, auguries,
* When Croesus, the wealthy king of Lydia, consulted the
oracle at Delphi, whether he should mako war or not upon
tho Persians, he received this ambiguous answer : that " if
Croesus would mako war upon the Persiana he should destroy
a great empire." He became quito elevated at the announce.
ment, led out his forces and was miserably routed. Thus
what he interpreted in his favour, was fulfilled in the de
struction of his empire. Had the event boon otherwise, tho
.credit of the oracle would have been unimpaired. Herodot.
i. 64. ' i-:, ,'-;.- .'•-'•v-r-i: Jtfis

if

t ,„
{

i

J.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT. 7
and other impostures, was founded on two cir
cumstances, viz. an apt disposition in those
whom they were designed to impose upon, and
a powerful confederacy to carry on and abet the
cheat. The priests, whose religion was inter
woven with the civil constitution, and supported
by the magistrate as an essential part of the con
stitution, upheld conjunctively the national wor
ship, and deluded a people prepossessed in their
favour, and willing to be deceived. They be
came universally silent after the rise of Chris -
tianity. 7. Is it not difficult to distinguish prophecy
from the conjectures of hitman sagacity ?
No; because the Scripture prophecies bear
upon them those discriminating marks by which
divine inspiration may be distinguished from
mere conjectures — from a necessary or probable
event — from a casual and uncertain contingency.
And, first, Those which respect the Messiah are
neither few in number, nor vague and equivocal'
in their reference, but numerous, pointed, and
particular. They are such as cannot be referred
to the facts of mere natural penetration, because
they are not confined to general occurrences, but
point out with singular exactness a variety of
minute circumstances relating to time, place,
and persons, which were neither objects of fore-

8

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

sight nor conjecture ; because they were not ne
cessarily connected with the principal events, or
even probable either in themselves or in their rela
tion. They were such as could only have occurred
to a mind that was under the immediate influence
of the Divinity, by which distant periods were re
vealed, and the secrets of unborn ages disclosed.
2ndly, Those which relate to the fortunes of the
chosen people* We may notice, first, their great
extent and variety. \ 2ndly, The elements, obe
dient to the will of the great Jehovah, were
to combine in punishing this rebellious race.
3rdly, Another most signal feature is the uni
versal and protracted dispersion of the nation,
and the scorn and cruelty they were to experi
ence.! 4thly, Another circumstance, more ex
traordinary still, if any tiling can' be more extra
ordinary, is the signal and permanent alteration
which God would produce in the face of the
very country they were then preparing to inha
bit, a land then " flowing with milk and honey,
the glory of all lands." 5thly, That all these sc-'
vere and signal chastisements were not to termi
nate in a, final and irremediable destruction— a
promise accomplished during 3000 years from
its delivery. Tlie tenor of tlicfe predictions aro
entirely different from tho conclusions of political
* Dont. xxviii."" t Ver. 15, olc. - » Vor.G3,elc.

-ari

¦: fc"

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT. J
experience. All warnings, etc. are directed to
this single point— their obedience to their God.
They were so singular, as not to be withiu the
common range of human conjecture, to tlm hour
exhibiting phenomena unparalleled in the his
tory of the world. Surrounded by warlike na
tions, yet their final destruction as a nation was
to be effected by a nation whom God would
bring from far, viz. the Romans, " of fierce
countenance," etc.; that they should be sold,
and sent into Egypt;* and, lastly, that they
should be universally dispersed, and suffer the
most cruel and inhuman persecutions. Such
events surely cannot come within the common
course of human conjecture, and the regular and
natural progress of liuman events ; such accom
plishment cannot be the effect of blind chance ;
the prescience of inspiration, and the distinct
agency of Providence, is clearly indicated here.f
8. How is the credibility of miracles esta
blished? Miracles, , like other events, admit of tho
evidence of testimony. The credibility of the
witnesses is the only point to be considered, and
this must be determined on the principles on
* Deut. xxviii. CO, etc.
t (irnves on tho rcntatcuch, part iii. lect. 7. Sco An-
•wor 24U,

H.

10

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

11

which the credibility of testimony in general de
pends. Any thing capable of being proved by
mere testimony is credible in proportion to the
opportunity which the witnesses had , of being
well informed concerning it themselves, and their
freedom from any bias that might make them
wish to impose upon others. The more people
there are who relate the same transaction of
which they are equally credible witnesses, the
stronger is the evidence for it. The proper mark
of a story, being related by a number of inde
pendent witnesses of full credit, is their com
plete agreement in the principal argument, and
their disagreement with respect to things of less
consequence, or at least variety or diversity in
their manner of relating the same story. The
greatest part of our knowledge, whether scientific
or historical, has no other foundation than testi
mony. A man who has never been out of Great
Britain is, by testimony alone, as fully convinced
of the existence of foreign countries as he is of
the existence of the country in whicli he lives.*
9. What are the criteria whereby we may
distinguish them to be tlie effects of divine inter
position ?
First, That a fact stated to be miraculous
must have an important end, worthy of its au-
-.?»;.- , * Home, vol. i. ch. 14. Paley, ch. 1. •¦¦'-¦ &y.-

?*»

I

thor. 2ndly, That it be instantaneously and pub
licly performed, or the effects so visible as to be
observable by numbers. 3rdly, Such that the
senses of mankind can clearly and fully judge of
it. 4thly, It must be independent of second
causes. 5thly, Not only public monuments must
be kept up, but some outward actions must be
constantly performed in memory of the fact thus
publicly wrought. 6thly, Such monuments must
have been set up, and such observances have
been instituted, at the time the events took place,
and be afterwards continued.
10. How do you account for spurious mi
racles ; for instance, the three selected by
Hume? On the same principle as that before men
tioned, in the general faith in oracles, viz. an
apt disposition in those whom they are designed
to impose upon, and a powerful confederacy to
carry on and abet the cheat. The cure of the
blind and lame man at Alexandria by Vespa
sian, labours under a strong and just suspicion,
that the whole was a concerted imposture,
brought about by collusion, because there was
every thing to facilitate such a scheme. It
would confer honour upon the emperor, and
upon the god Serapis. It was achieved in the
midst of the emperor's flatterers, and amongst a

12

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

people before devoted to the worship of the God.
The restoration of a person's limb, in a Spanish
church, is related by cardinal Retz. The canons
of Saragossa showed him a man, who was em
ployed in lighting the lamps of the church, who,
they said, had been several years with one leg
only, but whom the cardinal saw with two.
But, it appears, the cardinal did not believe the
story, nor is it clear that he examined the limb,
which might have been artificial ; and in a place
where no such contrivance had been before heard
of, it would be sufficient to give currency to a
report, which would be patronized by the clergy,
as doing honour to their saint ; and if they pa
tronised it, others would not at that time be
likely to dispute it. The patients said to be
cured at the tomb of the abbe Paris, were so af
fected by their devotions, their expectations, etc.
that many were thrown into convulsions, which,
in certain, instances, produced a removal of dis
orders depending upon obstruction. But they
wero only tentative ; out of thousands, history
records only nine cures ; the convulsions arc ad
mitted ; the diseases arose principally from ob
struction ; the cures were gradual ; many were
incomplete; others were temporary, and scarcely
distinguishable from the progress of a natural
recovery. They were not, however, like the two

\

I

i-

I

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

13

former instances, having the power and preju
dice of the country on their side. They were
alleged by the Jansenists against the Jesuits,
examined by their adversaries, and much fraud
and falsehood appeared mixed with something
extraordinary ; but in none of them was the mi
racle unequivocal; by none were established
persuasions overthrown ; of none did the credit
make its way in opposition to power ; none in
duced many, in contradiction to prior opinions,
to undergo a life of sufferings ; none attested
them at the expence of fortune and safety.*
11. How do miracles prove the existence of
God? A miracle is the suspension or counterac
tion of the laws of nature : by them God go
verns the world ; he alone established them, he
alone can suspend them ; and from the course of
things thus established by infinite wisdom, these
laws of nature, ot.herwiso called in Scripture
" tho ordinances of heaven," no deviation can
bo made but by God himself, or by some person
to whom he has delegated his power.
12. Who appear to have been the first per
sons whom God empowered to work miracles ?
Moses and Aaron. The first evident mi-

* Paley, propos. ii. See also ch.l.
a miracle, see Answer 120, New Test.
C

For the definition of

14

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON.THE OLD TESTAMENT.

15

racle on record is that which we read of in
Exod. iv. 3, when the Lord commanded Moses
to cast the rod which he held in his hand on the
ground, and it became a serpent. The next is
that of the leprous hand, in ver. 6.
13. Why is it probable that a revelation
should be made ? skew the necessity of it ?
Because human reason is too short sighted
to be able of itself to discover fully the will of
God in religious matters ; and since he has en
dowed a portion of his creatures with faculties
capable of moral obedience to his will, and for
whom he has destined a future state, it is very
consistent with his goodness, that he would not
always leave men ignorant of what so nearly con
cerned them ; we therefore conclude it reasonable
to believe that an all-merciful Being would, in his
own appointed time, himself reveal his will to
his creatures, and declare to them what it is that
he requires at their hands. 2ndly, Because great
credit was given in all ages to false revelations.
Whence is it that the Alcoran of Mahomet, for
instance, which abounds with such senseless
rhapsodies and idle tales has been received as
a divine revelation by so many nations ? Does
not that plainly shew that they are sensible of
their need of a revelation from God to instruct
them in their duty, and the way to happiness?

/:v

And therefore, rather than have none at all, they
will take up with so wretched a forgery? 3rdly,
From the fact, that the wisest philosophers of
antiquity thought a divine revelation possible.
The necessity is proved, first, from the inability
of mere human reason to attain to any certain
knowledge of the law of God : this being de
pendent on his own will,- could be known only
from him ; and man, left to himself, would have
been almost under a moral impossibility of being
rightly informed. It would be tedious to recite
all the several passages from the wisest heathen
writers in which they express their doubt and
uncertainty as to this matter : * " who knows but
death may prove to a man the greatest good?"
said Plato, one of their most celebrated mo
ralists ; and that was the most that any of them
could say. What a feeble ground of hope ! what
a poor encouragement to goodness was this ?
And yet this was all that their reason could dis
cover to them about a future state. The little
that they did know availed them but little to
reform those parts of the world where they
dwelt ; of which the remarkable wickedness of
Greece, in the age of Socrates and Plato, is a
very melancholy instance ; as that of Rome, in
* There is a judicious collection to this purpose in Taylor's
Preservative against Deism, c.2.

16

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

'ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

17

the days of their best moral philosophers, also
was. , 2ndly, From the actual state of religion
and morals among the modern heathen nations.
To this day there is no alteration for the better.
Lascivious and obscene rites, barbarous sacri
fices, or, at the best, ceremonies frivolous, ab
surd, and unmeaning, generally prevail in coun
tries where the gospel is not preached; of which
there is the most ample' and undeniable and
truly heart-rending evidence in all missionary
records.* 14. What is the difference between an au
thentic and a genuine book ?
An authentic book is that which relates
matters of fact as they really happened, or the
contents of which are true. A genuine book is
that which was", written by tlie person whose
name it bears as the author of it. So that a book
may be genuine without being authentic, and a
book may be authentic .without being genuine.
15. Prove the Pentateuch to be both au
thentic and genuine.
First, From the language, manner, and style
of writing. The most ancient traditions and
• Lactantius, iii. 15, 16. Cicero, Tusc. Quajst. ii. 4; also
that beautiful passage at tho end of his Cato Major. Aristot
Lthic ... 3. Campbell on the Necessity of Revelation; and
Lcland on Advantage of Revelation, vi. ch. 10, 12, 21.

t

i

records which remain of the events, customs,
and manners of the countries and ages to
which it. refers, remarkably accord with the
Mosaic history. ' In many instances it shews the
real origin of those absurd fables, whicli obscure
all other histories of those remote times, throw
ing light on the original of liatidns, and on many
coincident subjects, more than can be obtained
from all other records of antiquity taken toge
ther. 2ndly/ From the nature of the Mosaic
laws. These laws are as ancient as the conquest
of Palestine."*' The laws and constitutions of a
whole country cannot easily be counterfeited ;
and if we bear in mind, that the civil and re
ligious polity ' of the Jews are so interwoven
together, that the one cannot be separated from
the other, it will not be difficult to perceive, that
they must therefore be derived from the same
original. "'Indeed,' the general interest of men
lies contrary to such impostures. A people,
whose characteristic was stubbornness, would
never have submitted to so rigorous and bur
densome a law, unless they had been fully con
vinced, by a series of miracles, that Moses was a
prophet sent of God. If there had been the least
suspicion of falsity in his writings, the ring
leaders of their revolts would have sufficiently
promulged it among them, to draw them off
c 2

18

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

19

from the worship of the true God, considering
how prone they were to idolatry. 3rdly, From
the testimony of Jews and Gentiles, as Manetho,
Eupolemus, Tacitus, Diodorus Siculus, Strabo,
Justin, Juvenal, etc.; all-of these mention Moses
as the legislator of the Jews, and author of the
Mosaic history. 4thly, The positive assertions
of tke writers of the New Testament, and our
Saviour's references to it* " Think not," said
Christ, "that I am come to destroy the law
and the prophets; I am not come to destroy,
but to fulfil/'f 5thly, From the contents of the
Pentateuch, and the strong internal evidence
it bears of real transactions, and the very im
press of truth. X Lastly, The prophetical part
bears indubitable testimony to the truth of the
Pentateuch, as history amply demonstrates the
accurate fulfilment of the predictions ; and the
inflexible adherence of the Jews to the principles
of their ancient code, from the remotest periods
down to the present hour, amidst the most
unheard-of cruelties, massacres, spoliations, and
reproaches, evidently attests a divine foreknow
ledge in the prophet, and a providential ar
rangement in the events. §
* John i. 45. v. 46. Luke xxiv. 27. Acts xv. 21. 2 Cor
iii. 15. Heb. vii. 14.
t Mm- »• l?- * Graves, part 1 and 2.
y Craves; Tomlino ; llornc, vol. i, ch. 2.

V

¦I-

16. What reason have you to shew it was not
compiled at the Babylonish captivity ?
Because the ^ tenor of their history, after
the captivity, represents the Jews, not as regu
lating their religion and polity by any new laws,
but as reviving the observance of the old law
given by Moses. 2ndly, The Mosaic code com
manded, that the Jews Bhould not intermarry
with any of the neighbouring idolatrous nations.
In the dispersion at the captivity, this law was
violated by many of the priests and Levites; it
is not probable, then, that they would have sub
mitted to put away all the strange wives, and
such as were born of them, had not this been
the same code they had been subject to before,
and which they now submitted to with scrupu
lous reverence, as of undoubted and divine au
thority. 3rdly, The Samaritans, in their appli
cation to the Jews to permit them to join in the
building of the temple, urged their plea by
saying, that they sought their God as they did,
and that they sacrificed to him since the days of
Ezarhaddon'. which proposal was contemptu
ously rejected. These Samaritans must have
derived their knowledge of the Mosaic institu
tions from a code that existed at the commence
ment of the captivity.* Now the Jews would
» 2 Kings xvii. 27, 20.

il

20

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

OF THE' OLD TESTAMENT.

21

never have received any compilation formed by
their enemies, at the very moment they rejected
their alliance; and yet the code which the Sa
maritans acknowledged, was nothing 'but the
Pentateuch. Had it not been acknowledged
before the separation of the two kingdoms, tiie
different monarchs who were afterwards so
watchful and politic in guarding their separate
sway, would never have permitted it to have
been fabricated and imposed on the whole Jewish
race, as the system which both nations, when
united, had acknowledged as of divine autho
rity, y, ,
17. Could it not kave been compiled during
any period of the regal government?
The supposition is very improbable. The
MosaIC code does not merely appoint a constitu
tion of which kingly government was no part,
but it notices this government as an innovation
which the people would introduce. It imposes
restraints on the kings which were very irksome
to their sensuality and ambition.* If the Mosaic
aws had not been revered as of divine authority
long before the time of Samuel, he. would never
have ventured to oppose the wishes of the people
m appointing a king, on the pretext of its beinjr
a rejection of God for their king, or have im-
* Deut. xvii. 16, etc.

posed such restraints on the monarchs of the
\ ,. Jews. Such a fabrication would have been de-
•"tl tected and exposed, either by Saul or by Solo-
'.'• mon, who must have felt his fame wounded and
his passions rebuked by the stern condemnation
Vr of the Mosaic law,
18. You have now ascended within two hun
dred years from the promulgation of the Mosaic
['¦ law; horn do you carry up the argument, so as
to come in contact with the legislator himself?
By positive and direct external testimony.
We have a number of tracts acknowledged as
¦r divine by the Jews, the latest of them written
during, or shortly after, the Babylonish capti-
> vity : they take up the history of the Jews from
; that period, and carry it regularly back to their
f first settlement in their- country by Joshua, the
\ ; successor of Moses. All these compositions unite
in presupposing the existence and truth of the
S Pentateuch ; they recite its facts, and appeal to
the people, to the kings, to the priests; in a
word, every writer and sect among the Jews
- have quoted and acknowledged, in every pos
sible form of quotation and acknowledgment,
this very'Pentateuch, from the present period to
the immediate successor of Moses himself, who
!'- solemnly attests its authenticity and divine ori
ginal. This surely must have been the same

22

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

with that which the Jews received, from the pre
sent hour down to the Babylonish captivity;
which must have preceded that event, because it
was likewise received by the hostile Samaritans,
who were planted in Judea at the commence
ment of the captivity ; which must have pre
ceded the division of the kingdom of Judah and
Israel, because it was acknowledged by both •
which must kave preceded the establishment of
the kings, because it supposes no such form of
government, but rather condemns it; which has
been quoted and acknowledged by every Jewish
writer, from the present period back to Joshua
himself. 19 . What other proofs kave you ?
In these books it is said, that a' certain
number of miracles were performed in the state
of the children of Israel. These books could
not have been received first except by the gene
ration which actually saw the miracles per
formed. If they had been forged, we will
suppose a Jew for the first time reading that
all his forefathers were miraculously brouo-ht
through the Red Sea, that in commemoration&of
that event, an ordinance of religion was estab
lished, to celebrate which they went up at a
stated period to Jerusalem, lie would imme
diately exclaim, I never heard of this before ; I

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

have never been at Jerusalem for such a purpose.
Or, if we could suppose a weak individual to be
thus imposed upon, yet surely a whole nation
could never thus be deceived. On the contrary,
a whole nation receiving these things may in it
self be regarded as a proof. We find likewise
that they practised numerous self-denials, en
tered into a long course of painful and expensive
duties, which it is scarcely possible they would
have done in the first instance, had they not seen
the miracles*"' Lastly, no period can be assigned
in the history of the nation, when their intro
duction would not have been likely to excite
great opposition; No body of men, no one in
dividual can be pointed out, whose interest it
was to form such a fabrication, or gain it that
universal credit it certainly acquired with the
divided subjects Of the kings of Judah and
Israel, and the hostile tribes of the Jews and
Samaritans. 20. Horn is the genuineness of the Historical
Scriptures proved ?
Their language and style prove that we are
enabled with precision to ascertain a time at or
before which they might have been composed.
Several parts of the Hebrew Bible nro found lo
differ as to style and language ; a proof that
they were composed at different periods. This

24

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

makes it improbable that they should have been
the work of one, — and the unity of design, that
they should have been the invention of many.
Those to whom they were first proposed were
capable of judging whether they were genuine
or not, and considering the extraordinary regard
paid to them by the Jews, it is reasonable Xp
conclude- that they were well satisfied on that
head. 2ndly, From the great number of par
ticulars of time, place, persons, etc. independent
of the consideration of the agreement of these
particulars with history both natural and civil,
and with one another. 3rdly, In the nature of
things it is very probable that, in a polity so
founded, occasions of writing histories and laws
should have occurred. These historical writings
have been delivered down from the earliest times
as a part of the Holy Scriptures or oracles of
God, committed to and carefully kept by the
Jews, and by them faithfully delivered to us, as
appears by the concurring testimony of Christ
and his apostles, who owned and approved of the
same Holy Scriptures which the church of the
Jews did. The genuineness of these books was
never called in question, as if forged in later
times, by any enemy either of the Jews or Chris
tians, with the exception of Porphyry against
the book of Daniel, who unreasonably alleged

!0N THE OLD TESTAMENT.

25

. that it was an ex post facto prophecy, but with
out the least foundation. As to the remaining
books, it is universally acknowledged that they
were written by those whose names they bear. The
prophets profess themselves to be the respective
authors of them, and this internal testimony is
confirmed both by Jewish and Christian tradition.
21. What is signified by inspiration ?
Such a complete and immediate commu
nication by the Holy Spirit to the minds of the
sacred writers, of those things which could not
otherwise have been known, and such an ef
fectual superintendency, as to other particulars
concerning which they might otherwise obtain
information, as sufficed absolutely to preserve
them from every degree of error, in all things
which could in the least affect any of the doc
trines or precepts contained in their writings, or
mislead any person who considered them as a
divine and infallible standard of truth and duty.
22. How do you prove the inspiration of the
Old Testament ?
¦ From the miracles recorded in theni. 2dly,
From prophecy. 3dly, From the system;of doc
trine and the moral precepts whicli are so excellent
and so holy, that the publishers of them must
have derived them from a purer and more ex
alted source than their own meditations. Many

20

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

7

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

27

facts recorded could not possibly be known, if
God had not revealed them : many things are
there recorded as future, which God alone could
foretel : other things are again far above human
capacit}^ and could never have been discovered
by man. In our Lord's allusions and references
to them (as well as those of the other inspired
writers of the New Testament), he not only au
thenticated the historical records of those facts
as genuine, but attested the miracles recorded in
them, which, admitted in their full extent, can
never be separated from the divine inspiration
of those who wrote them.*
23. What proofs can, you adduce from the
Scriptures themselves in support of the doctrine,
that " Holy Scripture containeth all things
necessary for salvation?" •"
The words of St. Paul are very full to this
* Our Lord never referred to any writings in this manner,
except those received by the Jews, as the word of God ; he
opposed oral traditions, and ho has not once quoted tho
books of the Apocrypha, some of which were then extant.
Our Lord gave the impress of his authority to the Old Testa
ment in the following passages : Books of Mose9, Matt. iv.
4—11. v. 17,18. xxii. 23— 33. xxiv. 37— 39. Luke xvi. 27— 31.
xvii. 26— 32. John iii. 14, 15. v. 39—47. Other parts of the
Old Testament : Matt. xii. 1 — 5, 41, 42. xxi. 15, 16. xxii.
41—46. xiii. 13— 15. xii. 39— 41. xxiv. 15. ix. 13. xii. 7. xi. 10.
Luke iv. 25. xxiv. 44—46. vii. 27. xxiv. 27, 44—46. John v.
39, 40. x. 34, 35. '.--'.

•'» \"'

J.

purpose in 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. And Moses for
bids "any one to add unto the word."* The
same prohibition is given . in the New Tes-
tament.f "If any. man shall [add unto these
things, God shall add unto him the plagues that
are written in this book," etc. St. Paul also tells
us, "Though we or an angel from heaven preach
any other gospel unto you, etc. let him be ac
cursed."! And our Saviour warns us against the
traditions of men.^ For this reason we reject the
five sacraments of the Church of Rome : their in
vocations of angels and saints; their worshipping
of images, crosses, and relics ; their belief in the
corporeal presence of the eucharist, etc. as errors
not to be proved by Scripture.
24. Is this position controverted ?
Yes; the Church of Rome does not be
lieve the New Testament to contain the whole
rule of a Christian's faith and practice ; but that
the apostles orally delivered many doctrines and
precepts not delivered there, and which have
been transmitted to the present time; and that
there is an infallible authority vested by Christ
in his church, to judge of their correctness, in
direct opposition to the Holy Scriptures.H
• Deut. iv. 2. Comparo Deut. xii. 32.
t Rev. xxii. 18, 19. t Gal.i. 8.
$ Matt. xv. 3—9. -' ' " || See Answer 2 and 22.

28

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

25. What is meant by apocryphal, canonical,
and Ike rule of faitk?
Those books which carry no marks of in
spiration, and which are not admitted as a rule
of faith ; books from which you would not ad
duce a text to establish any doctrine. A canoni
cal book is one which being written by divine
inspiration, is to be received by us as a part of
the canon of Christian faith and practice. By
tlw rule of faith is meant those documents to
which we appeal as a standard for our doctrine.
26. Why are the apocrypkal books not con
sidered as inspired; what use is made of them,
and in what estimation are they held by tke
Church of Rome ? •;
Because they were not received as canoni
cal by the ancient church ;: whereas the others
were universally so in the first and second cen
turies. They contain no prophecy, or authentic
mark of inspiration, and were written subsequent
to the cessation of prophecy, though before the
gospel ; yet are they not cited by our Saviour,
nor alluded to in any part of the New Testament,
nor mentioned by any ecclesiastical writer of the
first three centuries. As they contain many
noble sentiments and useful precepts, our church,
in imitation of the primitive church of Christ,
" doth read them for example of life and in-

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

29

struction of manners," in. addition to their being
valuable as ancient writings which throw light
upon a period of Jewish history. The Church
of Rome considers them as canonical, Avith the
exception of the prayer of Manasseh, and the
third and fourth books of Esdras, following the
decree made at the fourth session of the Council
of Trent. " This still continues one of the many
points of difference between the church of Rome
and that of England.
27. Which of their leading doctrines is founded
on a passage in one of them ?
Praying for the dead.*
28. What was tlie state of the world in general
at the time Moses wrote? -
Mankind was absorbed in the greatest idol
atry, which for the most part had originated
in the neglect and perversion of certain truths
which had been once universally known. It has
been supposed to commence with the Cushites
when they dispersed into different parts of the
earth, into Hindostan, into Canaan, Egypt, the
western parts of Arabia, parts of Abyssinia,
Phoenicia, the, lesser Asia, Greece, Thrace,
Italy, etc. We find Gentilism the religion of
the ancestors of Abraham in Chaldea. The
worship of the true God was, however, not uni-
* 2 Mace. xii. 42, etc.
\ ¦"• ¦¦, • d2

30

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

versally renounced until many ages after the com
mencement of Gentilism. Melchizedek, Job, his
friends, and undoubtedly many of his country
men, the people of the Thebais or Upper Egypt,
and probably many others, still retained the true
religion, long after idolatry had been embraced
by a great portion of the human race. After
the settlement of the Israelites in Canaan we find
few traces of the true religion. But it is difficult
to fix upon the precise period when the whole
world beside the Jews became idolatrous.*
29. Is there any part of the booh of Genesis,
tlie authenticity of which has been disputed?
Yes : some have thought that the three first
chapters are not a recital of real events, but
a fable invented by Moses, after the example of
ancient Greek writers, to give the greater weight
to his legislative enactments, and designed to
account for the origin of human evil.
30. How do you prove that those chapters are
not allegorical? :r ^-'
The earliest Grecian cosmogony, viz. that of
Hesiod, was not invented until at least 545 years
after the death of Moses. 2dly, The style is
strictly historical, and betrays no vestige whatever
of figurative description; and if Moses be granted
* Dwight, sermon 101. Townsend's Bible, Genes, i. Sco '
Answer 501. -it;. .,

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

31

f

to be an inspired lawgiver, we cannot suppose
that he wrote a fable, and delivered it as a divine
revelation. 3dly, There are numerous incidental
references in the Old and New Testaments to the
creation, temptation, and fall of our first parents,
which clearly prove that they were considered as
acknowledged facts. Allusions to the creation
in Psalm xxxiii. 9; 2 Pet. iii. 5. To the tempta
tion and fall, in Job xxxi. 33 ; John viii. 44.*
4thly, This book, understood in its plain and ob
vious sense, furnishes a key to many difficulties
in philosophy, which otherwise would be inex
plicable. It has been reckoned difficult to ac
count for the introduction of fossil shells in the
bowels of the earth. It is impossible otherwise
to account for the origin of such a variety of
languages. Finally, Without this book the world
would be in comparative darkness, not knowing
whence it came, nor whither it is going. Here
a child may learn more in an hour than all the
philosophers in the world without it in a thousand
years. 31. What was tke order God observed in the
creation, and was there any thing remarkable
in that ?
On tho first day light was made; the fir-
* See Dissertation ii. at the end of Sherlock's Use and In-
tont of Prophecy...' ' »• ¦'¦¦.

32

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

from 1 S6Td5 the 6arth ™S sePa-ted
from the sea on the third; on the fourth, the
un, moon, and stars were made; on the fifth
he birds and fishes; on the sixth, * creep W
of the dust of the ground-God breathed into
h-s nostrils the breath of life, and he became a
from that which was less excellent, to that which
w more so. Let us endeavour that our last
works may be our best.
Jrutf1 ^ ^^ '^ Adam a ^ of
Each was a public and federal head, though
he influence of each on his respective side
vvas different. The one communicated his
depra ty to a.ll his posteri(y; ^ ^ h
quickening spmt. Adam was the glory of the
second In Adam human nature shone in its
brightest colours, but he destroyed them, and
gave them to fade into dimness ; in the Son of
Man their lustre is renewed, and man, through
grace, ,s restored to lost favour, f g
33. How was Eve formed?
t 8lade.Annot.onRom.v.l4<andlCor.xv.45.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

33

^

God did not create the woman at the same
time as the man, but he caused Adam to
fall into a deep sleep, and as he slept he took
from him one of his ribs, and made the woman,
and brought her to Adam.
34. Did the Sabbath exist as an institution
antecedent to its being enjoined by Moses, and
was it observed previous to that period?
There is every reason to think so, as Moses'
expression, in Exod. xvi. 23, seems to imply
that the Sabbath was not unknown to them.
Dr. Paley, however, thinks he finds here
the first institution of the Sabbath, and builds
his arguments on this and other passages/ Bi-'
shop Watson says, " With respect to the Sab
bath, the learned are divided in opinion con
cerning its origin: some contending that it
was sanctified from the creation of the world ;
that it was observed by the patriarchs before the
flood; that it was neglected by the Israelites
during their bondage in Egypt, revived on the
falling of the manna in the wilderness, and en
joined as a positive law at Mount Sinai. Others
esteem its institution to have been no older than
the age of Moses; and argue, that what is said of
the sanctification of the Sabbath in Genesis, is
, * Seo his Moral Philosophy, book v. ch. 7. His arguments
are ably controverted by Dwight, serm. 107.

34

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

said by way of anticipation. There may be truth
in both these accounts. To me," continues the
learned prelate, " it is probable that the memory
of the creation was handed down from Adam to
all Ins posterity; and that tho seventh day was,
for a long time, held sacred by all nations, in
commemoration of that event; but that the pecu
liar ngtdncss of its observance was enjoined
by Moses to the Israelites alone."* The rea
son subsisted from the beginning, and it cer
tainly was more cogent then than it could be at
a distance of more than 2000 years, when the
command was renewed at Mount Sinai. This is
confirmed by the custom of measuring time by
weeks, which has generally prevailed in the
world probably from an original tradition,
handed down from Adam and Noah to all their
posterity. The silence of Moses concerning its
observance by the patriarchs is nothing remark
able, when we consider how much darkness
rests on similar subjects in the scripture history
of the church. In Gen. viii. G-14, the repeated
mention of seven days may seem an intimation
of the observance of the Sabbath in the ark
after the ordinance of which the dove was sent
out. In chap. xxix. 27, the division of time into

* Watson's Second Letter. Apology for the Bi

bio.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

35

weeks intimates that some regard was paid to
the Sabbath.
35. What is the difference between a moral
and a positive precept? Of what hind is the
Sa.bba.th? A moral precept is one which regulates the
moral conduct of intelligent creatures, and binds
the will and the conscience. Positive pre
cepts are such as require conduct of moral
beings which, antecedently to the promulgation
of them, was not their duty, and independently
of them would never have become their duty,
but would have remained for ever a matter of
indifference. The precept in Exod. xx. 8—11,
is a moral and not a positive precept. Because,
first, it was intended to give the laborious classes
of mankind an opportunity of resting from toil.
2ndly, To be a commemoration of the wisdom,
power, and goodness of God in the creation of
the universe. 3rdly, To furnish an opportunity
of increasing holiness in man, while in a state of
innocence. 4thly, To furnish an opportunity to
fallen man of acquiring holiness, and of ob
taining salvation!
36. Horn do you infer from hence its uni
versal obligation ?
The time of the institution was the seventh
day after the creation was begun, and on the

3G

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

first after it was ended. At this time, none of
the liuman race were in being but our first
parents. For. them the Sabbath was instituted;
' and clearly, therefore, for all their posterity. It
is equally useful and necessary to every child of
Adam. It was no more necessary to a Jew to
rest, after the labour of six days, than to any
other man; the Jews being no more nearly con
nected with Adam than we are, and- no more
interested in any thing commanded to him than
are the Gentiles.
37. State the reason why seven was a fa
vourite number among the Jews.
It has always had a kind' of emphasis an
nexed to it, as from the beginning it was the
number of days in the week. It was, both among
believers and heathen, the number of sufficiency
or completion. " Purified seven times,"* means
perfectly refined.
38. Relate the circumstances of tke fall, and
the punishment denounced against tke serpent.
Was there any thing prophetical in it ?
Man was created holy : God placed him in
the garden of Eden, with full liberty to eat of
every tree in it except one, called the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil, which was designed
to be the test of his obedience. Satan, in the form
* Psalm xii. 6.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

37

of a serpent, finding Eve alone, tempted her to
suspect the meaning and certainty of the divine
prohibition, and to eat of the forbidden fruit.
Solicited by her, Adam followed his wife's ex
ample, and he did eat thereof. Guilt imme
diately seized their consciences, and irregular
passions sprung up in their souls ; and God,
after passing sentence on the serpent, doomed
Eve to sorrow and pain in childbirth, and in
flicted upon Adam and all his posterity, sorrow,
labour, and toil ; with a withering curse on the
ground, and with scanty crops ; and finally with
death, and a return' to dust.* The threatening
on Satan implied a promise of mercy and re
demption to mankind by the blood of Christ.
There is an intimation of Lis incarnation, his
sufferings, and his death.
39. Hon were the several parts of Scripture
distinguished, bi) the3 Jews, and what is tke
Christian division of them?
' The Jews divided their own sacred code
into three pnrts; the Law, the Prophets, and the
Ilagiographa. Tho Law — included in the Pen
tateuch — thoy considered as coming immediately
from God himself to Moses. The Prophets,
greater and the smaller — with whicli they con
nected Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings — as
¦¦* Gen. iii. 14, T5.

03

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

being extraordinary messengers, deriving their
authority from Ood, without the intervention
of man, and delivering predictions, etc. as they
were moved by the Holy Ghost. The Hagio-
grapka — containing Psalms, Proverbs, Job,
Canticles, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes,
Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chro
nicles — they considered also as divinely inspired,
but not to have been given on such extraordi
nary occasions as those on which the Law, aud
the different oracles delivered to the prophets,
were communicated. The Christian division of
them is— into historical, which is placed first,
ending with Esther; the doctrinal, ending with
Solomon's Song, are placed in the middle ; the
prophetic, to the knowledge of which an ac
quaintance with both histories and doctrines is
necessary, are placed last in order. But in all
the three parts, histories, doctrines, and predic
tions are often intermixed.
40. How do you obviate the objection arising
from tke apparently trivial nature of the pro
hibition in Paradise? •'. .--.,-,.
God punished Adam, not for the mere eat
ing of an apple, but because he disobeyed his
Maker. Whatever might have been the test of
his obedience, as he was in a state of probation,
it was his duty to* have complied. Whatever

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

39

was the mode, whatever the instrument of the
rebellion, the sin was" substantially the same.
The motives to obedience were many, and in
their moment infinite ; those to disobedience
were few, poor, and trifling. That disposition
which disobeys under the influence of a small
temptation, is certainly worse than that which,
resisting such a temptation, yields only to in
ducements which are very great.
41. God is all wise, all powerful, and all
good ; why did he not prevent the entrance of
evil, and the fatal consequence resulting from
the same?
The question is, in itself, one of great weight,
nnd requires great caution in the answer. It
is a maxim, that " true merit consists not in
never falling, but in rising every time we fall ;"
and perhaps wc may be witliout impropriety, if,
in the same tone'of illustration, wc were to say,
that the Almighty glorifies himself more by re
medying the evil effects of the fall, than he would
have done by preventing it altogether, in the first
instance ; but whether it be at first allowed or
not, that he really docs glorify himself more by
the remedy than by' the prevention, it will not
for a moment be denied, that, he manifests his
glory more to the human intellect by su<"h ii
mode of procedure, than he would have done

40

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

41

by at first preventing the evil. If he permits
man to be tempted, it is that he may glorify his
Creator by overcoming the evil, by an obedient
adoption of those means which his Creator has
appointed : if he permit him to fall, it is that
he may know and feci his dependence upon his
heavenly Father, and, by a child-like contri
tion, submit himself to the heavenly will, whose
design is to overrule the evil and reinstate the
penitent. 42. Docs the mystery in which some important
doctrines of revelation, arc involved, authorize us
to conclude that they cannot be true ?
It was a wise observation of the pious Boyle,
that God may be possessed of certain attri
butes of which We know nothing ; a maxim
in the reception of which we can see no diffi
culty. If, on the principle of human reason,
objections are raised against revelation on ac
count of the mystery in which some of its doc
trines are involved, and that they are therefore
inexplicable, such reasoning is the reverse of
fact ; for " as the heavens arc higher than the
earth," so are the workings of celestial intellect,
and the idea of heavenly things, beyond the
reach and the comprehension of mortality. In
a thing so extraordinary as divine revelation,
some particulars must of necessity be mystc-

<&

rious, too deep for the line of our reason to
fathom, too inexplicable for the merely human
mind. There are mysteries in' mathematics, in
physics, in physiology, nay, even in natural re
ligion.* The fall and redemption of liuman kind
are not more incomprehensible than the creation
and the conservation of the universe ; we cannot
comprehend the eternity or omnipresence of the
Deity, but how absurd would it be to object to
natural religion on that score? The mystery of
the fall, then, is no impediment in the way of
its reception as a truth, but rather an additional
circumstance testifying to its veracity ; and as
to the circumstances and consequences de
pendent upon it, as an event, we adopt the
the language of holy Scripture, and we ask —
" Shall not the Judge of all the earth do
r-ight?"f * " What is there that you can account fori Not for the
germination of a blade of grass, not for the fall ofalcafof
the forest. And will you refuse to cat of the fruits of the
earth, because God has not given you wisdom equal to his
own 1 Will you refuse lo lay hold on immortality, because
he has not given you, because he probably could not give to
such a being as man a full manifestation of the end for which
he desigus him, nor of the means requisite for the attainment
of that end V See Watson, Apology for the Bible, letter 10.
Sherlock, sermon i. part 3.
t AVatson, Apol. for Christianity, ad fincm. Bcattic's Evi
dences, chap. iii. 3. Soamo Jenyns' Internal Evidence, ad fin,
Millon, Par. Lost, xii. 460.
e2

42

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

43. What is meant by original sin ? *
The corruption of nature inherent in us, as
the offspring of Adam ; first termed so by St.
Austin ; by the early writers called " the old
guilt," " the common curse," etc.
44. Prove the doctrine from Scripture.
" The imagination of man's heart is evil
from his youth."f " Behold, I was shapen in
iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive
me." J Our Saviour says, " That whicli is born
of the flesh is flesh." § And the Apostle tells us,
" Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the
world, and death by sin ; and so death passed
upon all men, for that all have sinned."
45. What sect denied the doctrine of original
sin? ¦:• '-- ;••-,•-.• -/>..-, . ; ;,-r.^:,« .,
The Pelagians. ¦;", '-,'•: '-¦¦:¦- .;¦ •-
46. What is meant by following Adam? what
by original righteousness ?
The imitation of Adam ; or committing an
actual transgression, like Adam did when he
ate the forbidden fruit. — That primitive recti
tude of nature in which our first parents were
created, and which would have been transmitted
to their posterity, but for the violation of the
law of God.

* Seo the ninth Article, ,
t I'sal. li.C.

t Gen. viii. 21.
$ .lolm iii. (5,

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

43

47., Is original sin removed by baptism ?
n0:
48. What is meant by very far gone from
original righteousness? Wkat is the Latin
pkrasefor it ?
That man has quite lost that pure and un
tainted nature in which Adam was created, so
that he could never attain it again by his own
power or endeavours. — Quam longissime; as
far as possible.
49. Prove that original sin- is not removed
by baptism. What church supposes that it is
removed? ¦'¦¦¦
St. Paul says to the Galatian converts,
"The flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the
spirit against the flesh, and they are contrary
the one to the other ; so that ye cannot do the
things that ye would."* — The church of Rome;
which, like the Pelagians, confoimds " original
sin" with " original guilt."
CO. What is the difference between "original
sin" and " original guilt?"
Original sin is the corruption of nature
inherent in us. Original guilt is the imputa
tion of the sin of Adam. This is founded on
St. Paul's discourse in Romans, chap, v., where
lie compares the blessings Unit wc receive by
' * Gal. V. 17. Compare Horn. viii. 7.

44

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

I

the death of Christ, with the guilt and misery
brought upon us by the sin of Adam. Now by
Christ we have both an imputation of the merits
of his death, and likewise a purity of nature
conveyed to us by his doctrine and spirit. If
the comparison is to.be closely pursued, there
must be, in opposition to this, an imputation of
sin, i. e. original guilt, as well as a corruption
of nature, transferred to us from Adam, which
is original sin. This was the generally received
opinion, from St. Austin's days downwards.
But many ppsons do not accede to this opinion,
as thinking it incompatible with the justice and
goodness of God, to make the whole race of
men liable to punishment for Adam's sin. These
confine original guilt to a, mere liability. to death
and sin; The others to a: liability to punish
ment also ; which were tenets adopted by those
who prepared the Articles. Bishop Burnet
seems to think it possible, that the framers of
the ninth Article, although their own opinion
coincided with that of Austin, from a spirit of
moderation, designedly used such expressions as
would admit of another interpretation. The
words arc " wrath and damnation," which the
other class interpret as being adjudged to death,
and to all the miseries accompanying mortality,
but not to the wrath and punishment of God —

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

45

that being consequent on the sins which every
individual has himself actually committed, and
which every man that lives to the age of ma
turity does commit, from the corrupt nature de
rived from Adam. s
51. Which Person of the blessed Trinity was
it mMch called to Adam in the garden ?
The second.
52. Why could it not have been the first ?
Because of God the Father it is expressly
said, No man hath seen God at any time,
neither heard his; voice at any time, nor seen his
shape.*. '"<¦-- '<'
53. Mention other occasions on which the ¦
same Divine Person is represented as com
muning with man.
One of the1 three angels entertained bjf
Abraham, and who communicated to him the
forthcoming destruction of Sodom and Gomor
rah, is sujiposed by some to be the Son of God.
He appeared to Moses in a flame of fire out of
a bush ; to Joshua, with his sword drawn; to
Gideon, under an oak in Ophrah ; to Manoah ;
to the three Jews, in the burning fiery fur
nace, f

* Compare John v. 37.
t Gen. xviii. Exod. iii. 2. Joshua v. 13. Judges
xiii. 17—22. Dan. iii. See also Mai. iii. 1.

H;

46

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

54. Will this skew tke propriety of any
name which is applied to kim in tke Old Testa
ment, and by St. John in the New ?
Yes ; the Word of God, which was likewise
the title the Jews gave anciently to the Messiah,
existed before he assumed a liuman nature, and
even from all eternity; and to this eternal Word
did belong all those titles which the Gnostics
did, with so much senseless nicety and subtlety,
distinguish from one another, as if they had been
so many several emanations from the Deity.
All the fanciful genealogy of divine emanations,
with which they made so great noise, was mere
conceit and imagination. All those titles did
really belong unto him only, and met in him
alone. This title, the Xoyor, the Word, was so
famously known to be given to the Messiah,
that even the enemies of Christianity took no
tice of it. Julian the Apostate, and Mahomet,
in his Alcoran, give the name of the Word to
Jesus the son of Mary. Plato, Pythagoras, and
Zeno conversed with the Jews, and derived
from them many of their notions and expres
sions ; it is not therefore wonderful that we
meet with a fW Aoyor, or Divine Word, not
only in Plato, but in Tima^us the Pythagorean,
and the Stoics. As men discover their senti
ments to each other by the intervention of words,

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

47

V'.-i

a

so God by his Son discovers his gracious de
signs in the clearest manner to men. All the
various manifestations which lie makes of him
self in the works of creation, providence, and
redemption, all the revelations he has been
pleased to give of his will, are conveyed to us
through him, and therefore he is by way of
eminence fitly styled The Word of God.*
55. What name docs Malachi give to the
Messiah ?
The Messenger of the Covenant, and .the Sun
of Righteousness.! ' "' -"/ ' ' ¦¦
56. What is tkere remarkable in tke expres
sion rollick Eve made use of at the birth of Cain?
" I have gotten a man from the Lord." As
man, by the first sentence he uttered after God's
promise of a Redeemer, expressed his faith in
the promise, and his expectation of life and re
demption by the seed of the woman ; % so like
wise did the woman herself, in the first speech
whicli is recorded of her, when on the birth of
Cain she expressed herself in this manner.^
* Tillotson ; Parkhurst on the word Aoyos.
t Mai. iii. 1 ; iv.2.
$ Gen. iii. 20. He had beforo called her woman, as a
name for her and all her sex ; but now he called her Eve,
because ho had found she was still to be the mother of nil
living. This naming of his wife, then, must be looked upon
as an act of faith. § Mant, Gen. iv. 1 .

48

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

57. Wkat was ker next son's name? -'¦';*";
Seth. .: ...
58. Wkat were tke employments of Cain
and Abel? -<,•_
Cain was a tiller of the ground, Abel a feeder
of sheep.
59. On wkat account was it probable that
Abel's saenfice was more'- acceptable . to God
than Cain's? " - ' - Y- •¦ '.':;
Cain, not feeling the need he had of an atone
ment, brought only fruits of his ground as
an eucharistic offering to God, by which he
simply appears to have acknowledged him as the
Author of nature, and Dispenser of its boun
ties. Abel, feeling his obligation to the provi
dence of God, brought these likewise; and,
knowing the need he had of an atonement,
brought the best of Ills flock,- and offered them
for sacrifices.
00. How do .you .account for tke origin of
sacrifices ?
Many persons, some of them of considera
ble learning and. distinction, have maintained
that they arc of liuman origin ; others maintain,
with greater probability, that they were origi
nally and expressly appointed by God/ and that
they have their foundation in the apostacy of
man. The prcvalcncy of sacrifices in the world,

dfc THE OLD TESTAMENT.

40

although from the light of nature there appears
to have been no rational foundation for them,
seems, on.the one hand, to intimate an appre
hension in the mind of man, that some satisfac
tion for sin was requisite ; and, on the other,
may perhaps intimate, that there had been some
tradition concerning an expiatory sacrifice ap
pointed by God, which the sacrifices were in
tended to represent, and that therefore they arc
derived from one common source. No nation
beside the Jews can give : any account" of the
origin thereof, nor shew, unless loosely and un
satisfactorily," any purpose which it could ra
tionally fie expected to answer. The wisest
among the Heathen, at the same time that
they extolled natural religion, protested against
bloody sacrifices. This seems to prove they
were not' the invention of human reason. If
Abel's sacrifice :- was accepted, it is utterly re
pugnant to the Scriptures to imagine that God
would sanction a mere human invention ; for
this, as well as traditions of men, is most so
lemnly interdicted. It is said of Abel's sacri
fice, that it was offered in faith. Here, then, at
a period before the divine sentence had taken
place, at a period when, according to some,
there was no divine appointment, what he did
in the way of sacrifice is , ascribed expressly to

50

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

faith; which cannot exist but in reference to
the will of God, and that will revealed. This
act refers to God os the object of faith, and to
his will revealed as to the mode of worship. Sa
crifices, therefore, are of divine appointment.
This is confirmed in a variety of ways. It was
the custom of each head of a family to act as
his own priest. Cain, Noah, Job, and others,
did this. Then the prince of each family per
formed public services in behalf of the whole.
Thus we read of Melchizedek. It was after
wards transferred to Aaron and his posterity.*
61. Whose son was Enoch; and what re
markable circumstance is related of Mm? '•¦ '
There were two of the same name: one the
son of Cain ; the other the son of Jared, and
the father of Methuselah. The latter maintained
a most holy life, lived by faith, and walked with
God; and after he had lived three hundred
and sixty-five years, God translated him to
heaven, soul and body, without his tasting
death. Jude tells us, + that he prophesied of
the last judgment.
62. In what respect was he a type of Christ?
* Dwight, serm. 50. Tillotson, serm. 47. Outran, do Sac.
The publications which treat concerning this question are
numerous. A list may be seen in Doddridge's Lectures,
lect. 170. t Ver. 14, Id. ..'; r

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

51

f1:

*t;

vita

He was dedicated in a peculiar manner to
the service of God, so was Christ: he always
did what pleased his father, so did Christ : he
entered the heavenly mansions without seeing
corruption, so did Christ : he prophesied of
the last judgment, so Christ, as our great Pro
phet, foretold the last judgment, and the ruin of
the wicked generation of Judah.
63. Wlio was Methuselah? Lamech?
Methuselah was the son of Enoch, and the
oldest man that we read of: he lived nine hun
dred and sixty-nine years. Lamech was the son
of Methusael, the seventh from Adam in the
line of Cain, the first who took two wives.
There was another Lamech, the son of Methu
selah, in the line of Seth: he was father of
Noah ; he prophesied of the blessing the earth
should find in his son, which had been laid
under a curse for the sin of Adam.
64. Do you remember any remarkable ex
pression made by Lamech ; and can you explain
tke meaning of it?
The meaning is not agreed upon. Some think
, that he slew Cain in a bush, mistaking him for
a wild beast, and afterwards that he slew his
own son for directing him to shoot at that bush.
Others think that ho had slain two godly per
sons. Perhaps lie was suspicious of his wives,

r.9.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

53

or desirous to remove their' apprehensions for
his safety. : Having enemies whom11 he had
provoked, he draws a comparison between him
self and Cain, flatters himself he is much less
criminal, and encourages himself to expect im-'
punity in sin, and daroSthe-vengeancoof those
who hated him. ¦'>'¦¦¦:" cyi'^y? ' "'•-" -in1 •'
65. He was the first mO.n' who kad two wives ;
what reason woidd you assign for theprevalcn.ee
of polygamy among the Jews ? "' ¦' >'"'
Whether simultaneous polygamy -'Was per
mitted by the law of Moses seems doubtful :
but whether permitted or not, it was certainly
practised by the Jewish 'patriarchs; both before ,
that law and under it. The! permission? if there
were any, might bo" like that" of divorce, ¦" for
the hardness of their hearts," in condescension
to their established indulgences, rather than
from the general rectitude or propriety of the
thing itself. Perhaps it may be accounted for
by the hope that the Messiah would be born of
some of their posterity. This gave rise to the
custom of calling God the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and
not the God of Lot, Esau, Ishmael, etc.* the
promise having been made particularly) and re
peated to these three patriarchs. The law of
'.'*;';»:(;;•[ * gcc Answer 170. '"iou 'i > • . -;J:l'

we*'

.4-

Moses did. not restrain it, probably in the view
that men's own experience of the great inconve- -
nience arising therefrom in families would put
an end to it, and make them a law to them
selves. The state of manners in Judea had pro
bably undergone a reformation in this respect
before the time of Christ, for in the New Testa
ment we meet with no trace or mention of any
such practice being tolerated.*
66. Mention other instances.
Jacob had Rachel and Leah ; David a great
many wives ; Elkanah had Flannah and Pe-
ninnah. 67. Why did God send the deluge ?
Because mankind had provoked him by
their sins. He was grieved when he saw that
the wickedness of man was great on the earth,
and that all flesh had corrupted its way ; it re
pented him that he had made man. While all
around were vessels of wrath, Noah was a ves
sel of mercy, for he found grace in the eyes of
the Lord.f -" .'"•"' ' •"'
68. Had Noah any warning of the flood?
Yes ; a hundred and twenty years.
69. What difference did God command Noah
• Paley's Moral Philos. part 3. ch. 6. Home's Introducl.
vol. iv. ch.l. sect. 2. Grotius de Verit. lib.ii. sect. 13. note t/.
See Answer 134. r.v< f Gen. vi. 5.
>¦:-.¦'. f2

54

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

to make in the number of each hind of beast to
be taken into the ark ?
Seven of every clean creature and two of
every unclean creature. That is, seven males
and as many females of all clean creatures ; or,
perhaps, seven in all— three couples, and an odd
one to sacrifice ; and two males and two females,
or one male and one female, of the unclean crea
tures. 70. How old was Noah wlien the flood began?
It began in the six hundredth year of his
life, 1656 years from the creation.
71. Relate tlie circumstances of the deluge.
The foundations of the great deep were
broken up, and the clouds poured their rain
during forty days and forty nights. Only Noah
and his family and a few sample of land ani
mals were preserved in the ark. At the end of
nine months he sent out a dove, which brought
in an olive branch, to shew him that the waters
were abated ; and at the end of twelve months
and ten days he came forth, and the creatures
that were with him.*
72. Did God make any covenant with Noah?
Yes; viz. that tho world should never be
drowned again, that the course df nature should

be continued lo the end of time.
• Gen. vii. viii.

That Ood

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT. OO
would be to him a God; and that out of his
seed, .God. would take to himself a people.*
This is the first place in the Bible where the
word covenant is found. This is called the co
venant of safety for all mankind, of whicli the
rainbow was the appointed token. f
73. Was there any rainbow before the flood?
It is probable there was no rainbow before,
as we read that the earth was watered daily by
a thick mist, and then there could naturally be
none, for it is made by the sunbeams shining on
falling rain. However, the original does not
say that God first formed the rainbow after the
flood. The words may be rendered, " I do ap
point my bow in the cloud to be a sign of the
covenant between me and the earth." It would
then intimate, that as surely as the rainbow is a
necessary effect of sunshine in rain, as long as
sun and atmosphere endure, so surely shall
» Gen. vi. 18; ix. 9.
t There are other covenants mentioned in the Bible. The
covenant of obedience, or of works, between God and our
first parcpts, and with all mankind in them ; the sacramental
sign of whicli was the tree of life. The covenant of f.ovrrty
with Abinham and his seed, renewed with Israel at Sin.ii,
the seal of which was circumcision. The covenant of
royalty with David. The covenant of redemption a. id Ri-nre,
with Christ us its Burcl.y. Gcnos. ii. !) ; iii. 22 ; xvn. 1 - 13.
Exod. xix. 1-7. Dcutoron.ix.5— 11. Psal. Ixxxix. 12-35.
2 Tim. i. 9.

5G

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

57

this earth be preserved from destruction by
water. 74. From which of Adam's sons were Enoch,
Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah descended?
They descended from Adam in the line of
Seth. 75. Have any objections been started with
respect to the deluge ?
Yes ; there is scarcely any record of Holy
Writ which has been more canvassed and op
posed ; at the same time no fact that ever oc
curred in the world is so well attested, both by
natural and civil history. Its corrobations may
be reduced to three classes : first, General tradi
tions in the early histories of ancient nations. It
is remarkable, that the records of ancient history
usually terminate in the event of the deluge. We
may mention the Phoenicians, the Grecians, Per
sians, the Hindoos, Burmans, and Chinese, the
Goths, the Druids, the Peruvians, and even the
inhabitants of the Sandwich Isles. All this cer
tainly establishes the certainty of the Mosaic
history.* 2ndly, Tke civil history of mankind.
Vast tracts of land which are unoccupied, the
recent peopling of many large nations, the late
inventions of many discoveries prove it. And
the more the various languages are examined,
* See Home; and Grotius, lib. i. cap. 16.

\

*3

\\i.

v.i/

the more is the truth of revelation confirmed.
Sir William Jones, who had a mind of the first
order, says, that more is to be gathered from
the tenth chapter of the book of Genesis, tracing
all the nations of the earth to the three de
scendants of Noah, than from all other books
put together. Such likewise were. the senti
ments of Bishop Watson : it explains, says ho,
what all prophane authors -were ignorant of —
the origin of nations. . 3rdly, An examination
of tke state of our globe. .::. The remains of
animals, of marine substances, arc found in parts
where no such creatures have ever been known
to exist, and in many of the highest mountains,
many miles from the sea. On the tops of the
Alps, the Appennincs, the Pyrenees, and the
highest Asiatic mountains, are to be found
fishes and other marine productions, which
shews that the deluge was universal. •
76. Adduce some indisputable evidences in.
attestation of. the verity of tkis part cf the
Hible history.
It should be considered, says Bishop Home,
that the author who relates this transaction,
relates it to have been carried on under the im
mediate direction of God ; the event must, from
the very nature of it, have been miraculous, and
out of tho common course. The »'afhering of

,-A

58

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

59

the animals into the ark might have been in
great part by the impulse of instinct, the num
ber being small in comparison of what is ge
nerally thought. With regard to their dis
persion, their peculiar qualities and instincts
would prompt them to seek such countries as
would be most suitable to their natures. As to
the quantity of water requisite to deluge tlie
earth, the doctrine of a subterrcne reservoir of
waters is generally supported by divine authori
ties, heathen testimonies, and philosophic corol
laries. The size of the ark was quite sufficient to
accomodate those who were to find safety in it. It
is computed by Dr. Hales, to be equal to 42,413
tons burden. Our first-rate men-of-war do not
exceed two or three thousand tons ; and while
tliC3r have to carry the crew, the provision, and
sometimes several hundred troops, wc cannot
doubt that the ark should contain eight persons,
and about two hundred or two hundred and
fifty pair of four-footed animals, the number to
whicli the celebrated Bit lion has limited all the
creatures on the face of the earth.*
* It might carry twenty thousand men, with provisions for
six months, besides the weight of eighteen hundred cannons,
and all requisite military stores. See also Burnett and
Winston's Theory of the Earth ; Woodward's Theory ;
Parkinson's Organic Remains ; and last, though not least,

M >
-¦\i ¦

77. Do' you remember any prophecy of
Noak's, and under what circumstances it was
delivered? ' ' •>• ' = ..-
Yes ; he cultivated the vine, and, perhaps
insensible of the intoxicating virtue' thereof,
took of the wine until he Avas drunk, and he
lay uncovered in his tent. Ham, his younger
son, perhaps informed by Canaan, (or jicrhaps,
Canaan joined with his father Ham,) went in
and saw him in this condition, and made sport
with him. Canaan was therefore cursed ; pro
bably it might be so to punish Ham, for surely,
it must be very grievous for a parent to hear
such a curse concerning his offspring. He de
nounced a curse of servitude on his posterity;
but blessed Shem and Japheth, because they,
when they saw their father, .decently covered
him with a garment. Noah had no malice or
resentment; but the Holy Spirit took occasion
from Ham's offence to reveal his secret pur
poses.* Calcott's Treatise on tho Deluge, a volume fitted for general
use, and of the most peculiar attraction. Also Doddridge's
Lectures. * The-offence of Ham was not the cause of the subsequent
punishment of the Canaanites. As a punishment for the
offence, the veil of futurity was withdrawn, and his paternal
feelings must have been deeply affected at the future destiny
of his descendants. When they were driven out of Canaan,

Afc.

60

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

78. Sliem horn tkis was fulfiUed in after
ages. When the Israelites, descendants of Shem,
invaded the Canaanites, they took possession of
their land, and compelled the Gibeonites to
become tributary to them, those that remained
becoming afterwards tributary to Solomon. The
Greeks and Romans, descendants of Japheth,
subdued all Syria and Palestine; and the re
maining part of the miserable race of Canaan
and Ham, in Egypt and Africa, have ever since
groaned under the oppression of a foreign yoke,
under the Saracens, descended from Shem, and
afterwards under the Turks, descendants of
Japheth. The Africans live in a state of ig
norance, barbarity, and { the most oppressive
slavery.* :?- -'¦T\ . "-air::' V -, ¦
79. What did he predict " of Shcnr'ahd.
Japheth. ? " ' ' -¦".'
That the posterity of Japheth should be ex
ceedingly numerous, and at last seize on the
territories of Shem. By him were the isles of
the Gentiles peopled; his posterity possessed
Europe, the Lesser Asia, and the vast northern
nations formerly inhabited by the Scythians,
it is expressly said, that it was on account of their groat
wickedness only. Levit. xviii. 3, 24, 27; xx.23.
* Gen. ix. 25. .-¦ rj _•¦- :u. 'i.. '. '.i';.-:'.-

ON THE'OLD TESTAMENT.

01

J- ¦
ii

now by the Tartars. •> The Jews, the most emi
nent of Shem's race, were tributaries to the
Grecians first, and afterwards to the Romans,
both of Japhcth's seed. Of Shem, he said,
"Blessed be the Lord God of Shem." This
blessing took effect, the worship of the- true
God continued in the race of Shem among the
Jews, who for a considerable period were the
only professing people God had in tlie world.
Perhaps there may be also some intimation- of .
the Messiah's descent from Shem.'f
80. Can you adduce a similar instance of a
knowledge of futurity designed to operate as a
punishment? ... .:,
Yes ; the case of Hezekiah.f When the king
of Babylon sent ambassadors to congratulate
him on his recovery, he shewed them all the
treasures of his palace. Isaiah reproved him,
and foretold that all the treasures he had ga
thered, and his. children also, should be carried
away to Babylon. Thus his pride was punished.
81. By whom were tke four great monarchies
of the world founded?
The Assyrian and the Persian were founded
by the sons of Shem ; the Grecian and the
Roman by the posterity of Japheth. The
Assyrian began under Ninus, 2059 years before
* Genes, ix. 26, 27. :-.^r \ 2 Kings xx. 14.

62

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

63

Christ ; it lasted 1264 years, and ended with
Sardanapaltts. Out of its ruins arose the king
doms of Babylon, Nineveh, and Media. The
Persian monarchy was founded by Cyrus, 536
years n. c. ; the Grecian by Alexander the Great
331 years B.c. ; and that of Rome by Romulus,
753 years b.c It was overturned in the West
by the Goths, Vandals, and other barbarous
nations, in the fourth and fifth centuries. In
the East it was subdued by the followers of Ma
homet, the Saracens, and finally by the Turks,
who are now in possession of it.
82. Relate the circumstance of the confusion
of tongues and dispersion of mankind.
Being all of one language, they agreed to
build a chief city, with a tower, that all men
miglit be in one nation ; but God scattered them
into different nations, and by making them
speak different languages, they ceased to build
the tower called Babel, or confusion.
83. 7F7io was Abraham ?
The son of Terah, of the posterity of Eber.
The place of his nativity was Ur of the Chal-
dees ; from whence, in obedience to the call of
God, he and his family took their departure.
84. What was tke intention and purport of
his call?
Abram was selected for (be following rea-

I

sons : First, AVhen idolatry so extensively pre
vailed in the Avorld, the pure principles of the
patriarchal religion were in danger of being
swept away by the torrent of universal cor
ruption. To prevent a total apostacy so fatal,
God determined to select one nation, amongst
whom to cultivate the principles of true religion.
For this purpose he selects Abram, and enters
into a national covenant with him, that he and
his posterity should serve the one true God
alone. 2ndly, God promised that through his
seed all the nations of the earth should be
blessed. Jt was therefore necessary that there
should be a separation of his family from all
people, and that their whole economy should be
such as might prepare the way for the intro
duction of that blessing, when the wall of parti
tion should be broken down, and all nations
called into one fold under one shepherd. Thus
the great object of this dispensation was to pre
serve in the world a standing monument, and a
proof of the unity, the supremacy, and the
providence of Jehovah, and to prepare the way
for the coming of the Messiah.*
85. What three promises did God make to
him; and. at what time?
First, That he should have a son when a
• The call of Abram was 1921, n.c.

.64

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

65

hundred years old. 2ndly, That his children
should possess Canaan. 3rdly, That all the
families of the earth should be blessed in him.
The first happened when God changed his name
into Abraham, and promised to raise great na
tions from him ; the second happened during
the same time; the third, when God com
manded him, to leave his- country and his
kindred to go wherever God should shew him.*
86. Horn came Abram, to go into Egypt?
Because there was a famine in the place
where he then was, which was Canaan.
87. What occurred to him in Egypt ?
He feared the Egyptians would have de
prived him of his wife, as she was very fair
he therefore agreed with her that she should be
called his sister. Pharaoh' was smitten with
her beauty, and she was in imminent danger of
being taken to Pharaoh's bed. To prevent" this
God afflicted him and his family with such
plagues as clearly manifested the cause. After
that, Pharaoh rebuked Abram, and returned
him his wife undefilcd, and gave orders for
their safe departure out of his dominions. - -
88. On what occasion did God renew his
promise to Abram. the second time?
After Abram and Lot agreed to separate.
? Gen. xvii. 1-0, 15, 16 ; xii. 1-3 ; xxii. 17, 10.

:V y

Lot had scarcely departed for the plain of
Sodom, when God reassured Abram that his
seed should. possess the whole country in view :
a good land, and a numerous issue to enjoy
it.* •
89. Who was the first priest, and mho the
first king recorded in Scripture ?
Melchizedek, king of Salem, and priest of
the most High God."
90. What is related of him ?
He met Abram as he was returning from
Lot's rescue, when the kings of Chaldea and
Persia came to plunder Sodom, and when Lot
among the rest was stripped of all, and taken
captive. Melchizedek pronounced a blessing
upon Abram, and offered bread and wine.
Abram gave hirn the tithe of all he had taken,
and restored to the king of Sodom the prisoners,
and all that had been taken from him, with some
feAv trifling exceptions.!
91. How was he a type of Christ ?
In his name of King of Righteousness. In
his city Salem,' which means Peace. In his
office, King and Priest. In the omission of the
names of his parents, time of his birth, and
length of his life, exhibiting an indefinite reign
and priesthood.

* Gen. xiii. 14,

4

t Gen. xiv.

a2

66

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

67

92. In wkat parts of Scripture does Ids
name occur ?
In Psalm ex. 4. " Thou art a priest for ever,
after the order of Melchizedek.* It is not to be
concluded that he was like Adam immediately
created, but only that his genealogy is not re
corded. 93. Explain Genesis xv. 13 — 16.
We have here a prediction of the suffering
state of Abram's seed for four hundred years.
2ndly, The judgment of their enemies : by the
plagues of Egypt, God constrained them to
release Israel, and punished them for all the
hardships put upon them. 3rd!y, That Israel
should come out with great substance, and be
enlarged. 4thly, Their happy settlement in
Canaan, and the peaceful death of Abram.
94. Who was Ishmael?
The son of Abram by Hagar.
95. What became of him and his mother?
God commanded Abram to turn him and
his mother out of his house into the wilderness
because he had mocked his younger son Isaac!
When they were both exhausted through want of
water, the angel of the Lord shewed her a well.
Her son afterwards grew up, became dexterous
at the bow, and dwelt in the desert of Paran.f
* See llcb. vii. 1-11 ; v. 20; vi. 20. t Ocn. xxi.

96. What was propliesied of him ?
That he should be a wild man ; that his hand
should be against every man, and every man's
hand against him; that he should dwell in the
presence of his brethren ; and that his seed
should multiply exceedingly, and that he should
beget twelve princes.*
97. Who were his descendants ?
The Hagarcnes, Saracens, and other tribes of
Arabs, who have always retained a great vene
ration for the memory of Abraham. Bishop
Newton has Avell shewn the fulfilment of the
remarkable prophecy concerning Ishmael. In
all ages, even to the present day, they have
been a hardy, unsubdued race of freebooters,
distinct from other nations. Attempts have
many times been made to root them out, but
all in vain. They have maintained their inde
pendence, notwithstanding the most poAverful ef
forts for their destruction by the Egyptians, the
Assyrians, the Persians, Alexander the great,
and one of his successors, Antigonus; even the
power of the Roman arms attempted their sub
jugation in vain. -" Under Mahomet and his
successors, they subdued a great part of Asia
and Africa, and in a feAV years reduced a great
part of Spain, France, Italy, and the islands in
* Gen. xvi. 10—12; xvii. 20.

j

68

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

the Mediterranean. In short, in a few years
they had subdued more people than the Romans
in several centuries. They live in tents, and
remove from place to place with their flocks.
The possess neither pasture lands nor corn fields;
the whole of the interior of their country is a
desolate wilderness. With the exception of the
Jews, they are the only people who have existed
distinct from the beginning, still continuing in
their primitive state. As was their father
Ishmael, so are his descendants : a convincing
proof of the divinity of the prediction, a clear
indication of the hand of God in the whole
affair from beginning to end.*
98. Why were Ishmael and Esau's de
scendants excluded from the advantages which
the other descendants of Abram enjoyed ?
Because Abram had other sons by Hagar
and his second wife Keturah ; Isaac also had
two sons, Jacob and Esau, but the twelve sons
of Jacob inherited the promises. Wc hear of
no rcncAval after, till the time came for the be
ginning of the fulfilment, when Moses con
ducted tliein and gave them a law.
99. Where was Abram when it was pro
mised that a son should be born to him and
Sarai? >"¦• • ,¦;
* See Newton, dissertation ii.

4

-«**

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

GO

In the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron.*
100. la wkat manner, arid by wkom was tke
promise communicated ?
After the institution of circumcision, God
changed Sarai's name into Sarah; and he said,
" I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of
nations. "f t
101. How old were Abram and Sarah when
Isaac was bom ?
Abram was a hundred, and Sarah ninety
years old, when Isaac was born.
102. When was Ab?-am's name changed to
Abraham? ¦¦- :'
It was when the covenant was to be ratified
and sealed, and circumcision instituted.
103. What do each of these words import ?
Abram means' a high father; Abraham, a
father of a great multitude.
104. What did the coveiiant made with
Abraham consist of? *-'•
It consisted of two distinct parts, or two dis
tinct covenants : the one relating to the tem
poral state and prosperity of his seed in the land
of Canaan; tho other, to the blessing which,
through him and his seed,, Avas to be conveyed
to all nations of the earth.
105. To which is the Lani of Moses annexed!
* Gen. xv. 4; xvii. 15. t Gen xvii. 15—17.

f

ro

QUESTIONS AND AN SAVERS

To the temporal covenant.
100. Give your reasons.
If the LaAV was given in execution of the
promise made to all nations, then it would
follow that the nations have nothing further to
expect, God has fulfilled his word. The JeAvs
. are right in adhering to their Law, and we wrong
in rejecting it. But if the LaAV of Moses is built
upon the temporal covenant only, and given
properly to the Jews only, then both Jews and
Gentiles have further hopes, and a just ex
pectation remaining, to see God's promise to
all nations accomplished, which was not so by
the Law.
107. Shew that tke Law of Moses was given
to the Jems only, and not to all nations.
First, The obligation of no law extends
beyond the terms of its promulgation. The
words are, " Hear, O Israel," and not all na
tions of the earth. It is not like the Christian
law, there the commission is " to teach all na
tions." 2dly, The Law of Moses relates to the
temporal covenant only, as being established ex
pressly upon the terms and conditions of it:'
"who brought thee out of the house of bondage.";
The promise is of the same kind : " That thy days
may be long in the land which the Lord thy
God giveth thee." 3rdly, Many rites of the

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

"1

Law were confined to the land of Canaan, and
the temple of Jerusalem. It is absurd, if .the
»* Law was intended for all people, that the main
performances of it should be confined within the
territories of one particular people onty,
108. Mention tke limitations with regard to
the blessing of Abraham.
We have already seen, in Answer 98, that it
was limited to Isaac and Jacob ; the next
limitation of it is to the tribe of Judah in that
famous prophecy delivered by Jacob : * " The
sceptre shall not depart from Judah," etc.f
The last limitation of this special promise is to
the family of David ; I here the promise rested
until it fell upon kim, for whom it was reserved,
and to whom it was ever due, the " First-born
of every creature."
109. Wkat was tke token of the covenant
between God and Abraham ?
Circumcision," which effectually distinguish
ed and separated the Jews from all other
people. 110. How many years previous to the
Mosaic Law mas it instittited ?
Four hundred years before the Mosaic Law
* See Answer 147. t Gen. xl'.x. 10.
; 2 Sam. vii. 12—15. Isa. ix.7; xi. 1. Jer. xxiii. 5, 6. Amos
ix. 11. Lukei. 69. . Acts ii. 30.

72

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

had been received by the numerous descendants
of the illustrious patriarch.
111. At wkat age was it directed to be
performed? ', . ....
Eight days.
112. What was Abraham's age when lie was
circumcised? "Ninety years old and nine."
113. Is there any tiling remarkable . con
nected witk the different periods when the
prophecies relating to the covenant of better
kopes were given ?
Yes; they were given when religion itself
seemed to be in distress, and to want all helps
to support it iii the world. On Adam's fall ;*
on Abraham's separation from an idolatrous
world, when he was to forsake the country and
the religion of his fathers;! when Isaac and
Jacob were surrounded on all sides with idolatry;
when Israel was in Egypt ;[ on the dispensation
of a new economy by Moses ;§- when the suc
ceeding kings fell into idolatry,|| and tho people
into great wickedness ;" and on the Babylonish
captivity, 1T prophecies were communicated with
a growing light : these were times in which true
faith wanted the comfort of future hopes.
•Gen. iii. 15. t Gen. xii. f Gen. xxvi. 3; xlix. 8.
§ Deut. xxviii. || See the Prophets, passim. 1f lb.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

73

-.*£'.

L

114. Who was Abimelech?
He was king of the Philistines who dAvelt in
Gerar. "'" -"-' : "v:""
115. Is there more than one-king of that
name mentioned in Genesis ?
Yes, two ; father and son.
116. Wkat is related of tkem ?
Captivated with the beauty of Sarah, and
informed by Abraham that she was his sister,
he took her into his palace, intending to make
her his wife. God appeared to him in a dream,
and threatened him with a sudden death, if he
did not immediately restore her to her husband,
on which he severely reproved the patriarch and
restored Sarah. The son and successor of the
former was likely to be imposed upon by Isaac
in the same manner as his father had been by
Abraham, but from the familiarity he saw be
tween Isaac and Rebekah, he immediately con
cluded that she was his'wifc. He sent for Isaac,
and reproved him as guilty of what tended to
involve him and his subjects in guilt and
punishment.* 117. Wkat means did God take to prove
Abraham's faith, ?
He commanded him to offer up his only son
Isaac. "¦'•-¦-• *Gen.xx; xxvi. 7 — 11.

74

^L

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

118. Relate all the circumstances of Abra
ham's temptation.
In obedience to God's command, Abraham
set off early, with Isaac and some servants.
After travelling three daj's, he came to Mount
Moriah, when Isaac bare the Avood, and his
father the knife and the fire ; an altar . was
reared, Isaac bound and stretched thereon, but
when Abraham had lifted his hand with the
knife, the Lord himself prevented the stroke,
and assured him that he had sufficiently dis
covered his faith. Meanwhile the patriarch,
looking behind him, observed a ram caught by
the horns in a thick bush, which he offered in
stead of his son. .!-¦"'.;.
119. Of wkat was it typical? . * W-; ,
Of the sacrifice of Christ. '''<
120. Shew how.
Both of them were promised ; earnestly de
sired ; their birth supernatural ; both bare their
cross ; Christ was sacrificed in our stead, as the
ram was instead of Isaac : the offering up of
Isaac was suspended, so was Christ's, but only
till the latter end of the world; and in the mean
time, the sacrifices of beasts should be accepted,
as the ram was, as a pledge of the great future
expiation. It is observable that the temple, the
place" of sacrifice, was afterwards built on this

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

75

J-
r

3^,

mount ; and Mount Calvary, where the Saviour
was crucified, was nor far off, being selected,
doubtless, with reference to that event. This
was the " day" which " Abraham rejoiced to
sec" — he saAV Christ's day in Isaac's sacrifice —
" and was glad."*
121. What was Sarah's age when she died,
and what is there remarliable connected with it ?
She died in Hebron, being one hundred and
twenty-seven years old. It is worthy of re
mark, that Sarah is the only woman, in the Old
Testament, whose age is recorded. She was
ninety-one years old when Isaac was born ; and
she lived thirty-six years after. With Sarah,
the promise of the incarnation of Christ com
menced; and with Mary it terminated. The
conception of Isaac was supernatural ; the phy
sical impossibility was increased in the case of
Mary. Every thing is supernatural in the birth
of Christ ; what wonder then, that his spiritual
offspring must have a supernatural birth too !f
122. Relate tlie death of Abraham. What
is meant by " being gathered to his people?"
After providing for his other sons, and
sending them away eastward from Isaac, he
made Isaac his heir, and gave him all that he
had ; after which he died in a good old age, and
* Gen. xxii. John viii.. 56. t Gen. xxiii. 1,2, John iii. 3,5.

70

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

77

Avas gathered unto his people. He lived 175
years, just 100 years after he came to Canaan,
and was buried by Isaac and Ishmael in the
cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, with
Sarah his wife. — The people of Abraham were
all buried either in Padan Aram, or in Ur of
the Chaldees, while he, we see, was buried in
the cave of Machpelah in Canaan. . Isaac also
" was gathered unto his people," yet he was
buried Avith none of his friends beside his pa
rents, and these could not be styled "his peo
ple." The " people" to whom these persons
were gathered Avere the assembly of the blest.
123. Whom did Isaac marry ?
Rebekah. Abraham bound Eliezer his prin
cipal servant by oath, to take for his son a
wife out of his own kindred ; and to avoid
every step calculated to make Isaac return to
Mesopotamia, he sent him awayr,with a suit
able train, and a number of presents. Rebekah
the daughter of Bcthucl, and sister of Laban,.
Avas -providentially pointed out, by her offer lo
draw -water for Eliezer's camels. She willingly
left her country, and became Isaac's wife.*
124. Relate the circumstances of the birth of
Esau and Jacob.
When Rebekah was with twins, the Lord
* Gen. xxiv. . ,

^

't

informed her that they would become nations,
but of a very different temper and condition,
and that the eider should serve the younger.
In their birth, the last took hold of the other's
heel, and for that reason was called Jacob, or
the supplanter.* ,
125. How came Jacob to obtain the blessing
from Ms father?
By presenting some savoury meat, which
his mother had prepared, to his dim-sighted
father, and pretending he was Esau, ho ob
tained his principal blessing — a fat land, Avell
watered, and the dominion over all his
brethren.f For this he incurred Esau's violent
enmity. 126. How had Esau forfeited his birth
right? When he was faint after coming from the
field, Jacob's pottage pleased his eye, on which
he sold his birthright for a mess to his brother
Jacob. 127. Why is he called a "profane person ?"\
* Gen. xxv.
t Gen. xxvii. How impartial is this history, how the cir
cumstances which seem lo make against its own honour
arc told in the most ample and minute dotail I And what a
proof is this of the authenticity of the sacred book ! Had
this been the work of an impostor, a single trait of this story
had never appeared. \ Ileb. xii. 16.
h2

78

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

70

It is generally believed that, before the law of
Moses, the first-born son had a right to the
priesthood, and that it belonged solely to him
to offer sacrifice. Shuckford considers that
Esau sold the right of offering sacrifice to
Jacob, and, on this account, he might justly be
deemed profane. When ¦ we consider likewise
that a prophetic blessing went along with the
birthright, it was properly expressed by " pro
fane person."
128. What was foretold concerning the de
scendants of Esau and Jacob, and what were
they called? . ..-'¦
That Esau's descendants should live by the
sword, serve Jacob's posterity, but aftenvards
should cast off their yoke. That Jacob's pos
terity should live on the fatness of the earth,
and nations should bow down to them. The
same distinction which had before been made
between Isaac and Ishmael, was now renewed
between Esau and Jacob. The Edomites were
the descendants of Esau, and the Israelites those
of Jacob.
129 When did tke elder se?~ve tke younger ?
In 1 Kings xi. 16, we find, that David had
made an entire conquest of the Edomites, and
they were afterwards totally subdued by Ilyr-
cunu.s, the nephew of Judas Maccabeus; after

Ai
>?'/

which they Avere incorporated into the Jewish
nation. 130. What difference was there in tke bless
ing bestowed on Jacob and that on Esau ?
They were something similar in temporal
blessings. To Jacob it Avas said, " God shall
give thee of the dew of heaven, and of the fat
ness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine."
To Esau, " Behold, thy dwelling shall be the
fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven
from above." But herein lay the difference : in
Genes, xxviii. Isaac dismisses Jacob with a
solemn blessing, the blessing of Abraham, the
gospel blessing, more express and full than the
former ; in ver. 10 — 14, likewise, Avhen Jacob
dreamed and beheld the ladder, (ver. 13,) the
Lord stood above it, and told him, that " in him
and his seed all the families of the earth should
be blessed ;" and, in process of time, of his pos
terity was born the Saviour of the world.
131. What occurred to Jacob as he was going
to Haran?
He lay down to sleep on a stone at Bethel,
and had a holy dream of God, and of angels
there ascending and descending between heaven
and earth.
132. Explain Genesis xxviii. 12.
It represents, first, the providence of Ood, a

80

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

correspondence kept up between heaven and
earth by the ministration of angels. 2ndly, The
mediation of Christ, in whom both worlds meet —
the grand connecting medium between heaven
and earth. By him, God comes down to man ;
and through him, man ascends to God.*
133. How came Jacob to be called Israel?
On his return to Canaan he had a vision of
God, as of a man wrestling with him. He
was called Israel because he prevailed Avith
God for a blessing while he wrestled with him
in the form of a man.f
134. Relate the circumstances of Jacob's
sojourning with Laban ?
Jacob served seven years for Rachel, La-
ban's youngest daughter, but at the end of that
period he was imposed upon by his father-in-
law, and Leah, the eldest, was fraudulently taken
to his bed. He, however, for the great regard
and love he bore to Rachel, served another
seven years for her. The polygamy of the pa-.
triarchs was in some measure excusable in them,
because though there was a reason against it as
ancient as Adam's marriage,! yet there waB no ex
press command against it. It was in them a sin
of ignorance, and not tho effect of sinful lust.^

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

81

&

* Gen. xxviii. It, 13.
t ftlalachi ii. 15.

t Gen. xxxii. 20 ; xxxv. 10.
§ Lovit. xviii. 10. 1 Cor, vii. 2.

It was an early custom to give in marriage
the daughters according to their seniority, and
it is Avorthy of remark, that the oldest people
now existing,' next to the Jews, the Hindoos,
have this as a positive law.*
135. How many so?is kad Jacob ?
- Twelve.
136. . By whom were they born ?
Leah and Rachel his wives, and Bilhah and
Zilpah his concubines.
137. Who was Dinah, and what is related
of her ? ¦¦-•..-¦¦', V
She was Jacob's daughter by Leah. When
he had come to Shalem, Dinah, in the bloom of
youth, Avent to see the young women of the
country ; Shechem the son of Hamor, and
prince of the city of Shechem, being captivated
with her comeliness, took her and defiled her.f
138. Explain Genesis xlix. 5, 6. '-, j ¦
It refers to the murder of the Shechemites by
Simeon and Levi. They slew a man, Shechem
himself, and many others ; and to effect this,
they digged doAvn a wall, and broke the houses
to plunder them. This they did to revenge
Shechcm's using their sister as if a harlot.
139. What was Isaac's age at his death ?
Isaac lived many years after Joseph was
* Sec Answer 65. t Gen. xxxiv.

82

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

sold into Egypt. lie lived the longest of all
the patriarchs ; he was 180 years old when he
died, and Avas buried by Esau and Jacob.*
140. How came Joseph, to be sold into Egypt ?
His brethren envied him because his father
loved him, and because he dreamed that their
sheaves made obeisance to his sheaf, disliking
the import of it ; and at another time, that the
sun and moon and the eleven stars made
obeisance to him. They conspired against him,
and sold him to some Midianites, merchantmen,
for twenty pieces of silver. They, afterwards,
sold him to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's. f
141. Did not slavery form a part of tke
Mosaic code ?
Yes ; slavery at that time was almost uni
versal in the world. But Hebrew slavery was
totally different from that Avhich subsisted
among other nations. The slave of the Israelite
Avas a member of the family, and capable of
rising to the highest offices in the master's house,
and their penal code guarded his person, as well
as that of the freeman. The chastity of femalo
slaves aviih guarded by strict regulations. t No
Jew could be a slave for longer than seven
years, and he was not then to be sent empty

* Uon. xxxv. 28,20.
( lOxod, xxi. 7—10.

t Gon. xxxvii.

***

=T-

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

83

^

away.* If a master caused the death of a slave
he was sure to be punished ; if the violence
offered maimed the servant, he was immediately
to have his freedom. Among the Greeks and
Romans, the condition of slaves was wretched in
the extreme ; hence we read of the rebellions of
this wretched class of beings in Greece and Rome,
and, on the other hand, we observe the universal
tranquillity in this respect among the Jews.f
142. How came Joseph to be a man of such
great importance witk Pharaoh ?
Being cast into prison, owing to a false ac
cusation of his master's wife, he interpreted the
dreams of some of his fellow prisoners, on which
he was sent for to court, to interpret the king's
dream. 143. Do you know of other instances where
God makes communications to men for the
benefit and preservation of his people ?
Yes ; to Laban,t to Abimelech,^ to Balaam,||
and to Nebuchadnezzar. 11
* Deut. xv. 13, 15. t Hook's Roman History, book vii.
eh. 4. Graves' Lectures, part ii. loot. 3. The legal slato of
these unhappy persons among the Romans is alTcctingly do-
'lineated by Dr. John Taylor, in his Elements of Civil Law,
quoted by Parkhurst under Aou\oj. Sec also Poller's An
tiquities of Greece, book i. ch. 13 ; or Robinson's, p. 140.
J Gen. xxxi. 24. - §Gcn. xx.3.
II Num. xxii. ... >.:.-.;' f Dan.ii. Sec Answer 51 1.

84

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

144. By what means did Jacob first hear of
his son Joseph ? •
There happened to be a great famine, and
Joseph's brethren came down to Egypt to buy
corn. Joseph, after he had made himself
known to them, treated them with much kind
ness, and sent for hi3 father and the families of
his brethren into Egypt, and maintained " them
all during the famine, about seventy souls. '•"'
145. When Joseph feasted his brethren, he
caused the Egyptians which did eat with him to
sit by themselves, because it was an abomina
tion for tke Egyptians to eat bread, with the
Hebrews. — Why was it so?
The Israelites were shepherds, and, as such,
were peculiarly contemptible to the Egyptians,
on account of tho cruel usage they experienced
from the tyranny of the pastor-kings, who in
vaded and ruled Egjqit for more than two
hundred years ; they were probably something
like the Bedouin Arabs of the present day.
The Egyptians were always a fastidious people,
and the contrariety in their religious customs was
remarkable. They worshipped oxen and sheep,
while the Israelites sacrificed them. ' Their
offerings were the fruits of the earth : the
shepherd's increase was from the fold only, and
his offerings were the firstlings of his flock.

«><*

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

85

4*

This made the Egyptians dislike shepherds, not
their occupation, than which nothing was more
innocent or necessary.*
146. Relate tlie specific occasions when tke
promise of a Messiah was made to Isaac and
Jacob. When there was a famine in the land Isaac
sojourned in Gerar, and the Lord appeared
unto him and confirmed the promise made unto
Abrahamf. The same promise was repeated
unto Jacob on his way to Padan-aram to marry
one of his uncle's daughters, when in his dream
he saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven. %
147. Did Jacob propliesy of him ? In what
words? Yes ; " The sceptre shall not depart from
Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet,
until Shiloh come, and. unto him shall the
gathering of the-people be.'%
148. Explain that prophecy, and shem how
it was fulfilled. - '
Shiloh signifies he that is sent. The off
spring of Judah preserved their distinct exist
ence as a tribe, with a power of government,
•Bryant's Dissertation on the Shepherds of Egypt; and
Tacitus, Histor. lib. v. cap. 4. t Gen. xxvi. 1—4.
} Gen. xxviii. 11—14. See Answer 130—132.
§ Gen. xlix. 10,

.-^W.

Jv

80

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

till Christ came in the flesh. Not long after,
Judaea was reduced to the form of a Roman
province. The Gentiles had not long begun
to gather to, and obey him, when the Jewish
church and state were quite overturned. Their
genealogies Avere lost, and consequently the
distinction of tribes was never after known.
The nation was scattered and broken fo pieces,
and every appearance of government among them
was lost. Their sufferings in the war when the
Romans besieged Jerusalem were quite unparal
leled. They had filled up the measure of their
guilt by rejecting the promised Messiah, and the
hour of awful retribution speedily arrived.*
149. Where was Jacob buried and wkat was
Ms age? >¦ '-.'
In Canaan, when he was one hundred and
forty-seven years of age. Before he breathed
his last, he charged his sons to bury him in the
cave of Machpelah, where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac,
and Rebekah had been buried. After his body
had been embalmed, and a mourning of seventy
days performed for him in Egypt, Joseph and
his brethren, with the chief men in Egypt, at
tended his corpse to its interment in Canaan. f
150. Where was Joseph buried?
Joseph was 110 years old when ho died. His
* See Answer 372, Now Test, f Gon. xlvii. 20 ; I, 1-13.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

87

f

body was put into a coffin, but remained in
Egypt 144 years, till the Hebrews carried it
with them ; and, in the time of Joshua, it Avas
buried near Shechem, in the very spot which
Jacob, by his blessing, had assigned him.*
151. Were all the twelve Patriarchs sons of
Israel? Wliy were tkey called so ?
Yes. — They were called Patriarchs because
they Avere the fathers of the tAvelve tribes of
Israel. Levi not being numbered, the comple
ment was made up by reckoning the sons of
Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, as distinct
tribes. f
152. Which mas the oldest, Ephraim or Ma
nasseh ?
Manasseh. J
153. Did the tribe of Ephraim or Manasseh
afterward become the most numerous and pow
erful ?
Ephraim Avas more numerous and powerful.
Jacob in blessing them crossed his hands, lay
ing the right on the head of Ephraim, and the
left on the head of Manasseh ; and gave as a
reason for it, his certain knowledge, that though
Manassch's tribe should be great and numerous,
yet that of Ephraim should be much more
* Gen. 1. 22-2G. Exod. xiii. 19. Josh. xxiv. 32.
t Gon. xlviii.G. s ? Gen. xlviii. 14.

88

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

rV.

so.* It was likewise the effect of the blessing of
Joseph, who was to be a fruitful bough. +
164. What treatment did the Israelites re
ceive from the Egyptians after the death of
Joseph ?
They Avere enslaved, and sorely oppressed. J:
155. Was Joseph a type of our Saviour?
Yes, a remarkable one. Our Saviour was emi
nently the distinguished favourite of his father.
He is our kind and affectionate brother ; causing
us to share richly in the fatness of his house.
He, like Joseph, was haled, sold, falsely accused,
and condemned, and for three days imprisoned
in the grave, and afterwards exalted to glory at
God's right hand. . . =
156. Give a sketch of the patriarchal theo
logy, as exhibited in the book of Genesis.
Every father Avas priest to his own family.
God spoke to the Patriarchs by visions, dreams,
etc. ; and to these he revealed the future salva
tion, by the bruising of the seed of the woman.
" The Gospel," says St. Paul, " was preached
to Abraham." " Your father Abraham;'?, said
our Saviour to tho Jews, "rejoiced to see,; my
day; he saw it and was glad." The whole cur-
* Gen. xlviii. 15, etc. t Gen. xlix. 22.
X Exod. i. 11—13. Answer 101. Sco ulso conclusion of
Answer 103,

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

89

rent of the history must have exhibited to
them, that God was the Creator and Governor
of all things;* that he is everlasting, omniscient,
true, holy, and just ; and, more especially, that
a hope was cherished, originally founded on a
divine promise, of a great Saviour, who was to
deliver mankind from the ruin to Avhich they
were exposed, and through whom God was to
make the fullest discoveries of his grace towards
the human racc.f Their continual sacrifices
shewed, that " without shedding of blood" there
could bo no possibility of " remission." " All
these," says St. Paul — speaking of the Old
Testament witnesses, from Abel to Daniel and
his companions — " died in faith ;" that is, the
faith of the Gospel. They had a special confi
dence and trust, that God was and would be
their God, their- Comforter, Helper, and De
fender. This is the Christian Faith. They
looked Avhert Christ should come; we are in the
time when he is come. Thus there is one system
of religion only taught in the Old and New Tes
tament; one law on which the whole is ulti
mately founded; ono system of doctrines and
duties of what is called natural religion ; one
system of doctrines and duties of the Christian
* Gen. xiv. 19 ; xiv. 5, 7, 0, etc.
t Gun. iii. 15; xii. 3; xvii. 19; xxii. 10; xxvi. 4; xlix. 10.
i2

00

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

system, appropriately so called ; and it is evi
dent, that the foundation of the Patriarchs, the
Prophets, and the Apostles is the same, Jesus
Christ being the chief corner-stone.
157. With what does the booh of Genesis
end ?
With an account of the death of Joseph.*
158. Who were appointed by God to deliver
the Israelites ?
Moses and Aaron. ,
159. Who were Moses and Aaron?
They were of the family of Levi. Moses
was the leader, lawgiver, and deliverer of Is
rael. Aaron was the first high-priest of Israel.
160. Which was the eldest? ,
Aaron. It is usual in Scripture, as in the
case of Shem, Abraham, f and others, to men
tion a younger brother first, when any thing pe
culiarly excellent is attached to his character.
In Exodus vi. 20, however, Aaron is mentioned
first, as being the eldest.
161. What cruel edict did Pharaok make re
specting tke male children of the Israelites? "•
Ho commanded all the midwivCB to kill
every male child of the Hebrews at their birth.
He feared the poAver of a people which increased
so rapidly, and who dwelt in the key of the

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT,

91

* Sco Answer 150.

t Gen. xi, 27.

«

I

land towards Asia. This was a new dynasty,
different to that which existed in the time of
Joseph; and the Israelites were feared, as at*
tached to the former line : the Egyptians sought,
therefore, to impose heavy tasks upon them, to
check their increase. *
162. In what way was Moses preserved in
his infancy ?
His mother, after concealing him for three
months, was obliged to expose him, by laying
him on the bank of the river in an ark of bul
rushes. The king's daughter found him, and
reared him as her own son ; and as he grew up,
he was instructed in all the wisdom of the
priests. f
163. By wkat act did Moses first distinguish
himself? Being grown up, he visited his brethren,
and seeing an Egyptian oppressing a Hebrew,
he vindicated him, sIcav the Egyptian, and hid
his body in the sand. J
164. How was he treated by Ms countrymen?
When he endeavoured to interpose his good
offices to end a controversy between two He
brews, the faulty person replied to him pertly,
"Wilt thou kill me as thou killedst the Egyp
tian?" Whereupon, finding that the slaughter
» Exod. i. 13. f Expd. ii. 3. \ Exod. ii. 12.

92

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

of the Egyptian was divulged, he fled into the
land of Midian, in Arabia Petraea, south of
Sinai ; Avhere he married Zipporah, daughter of
Jethro, priest or prince of Midian.*
165. Wliat were the excellencies of Ms cha
racter ?
Amongst his natural excellencies we may no
tice the beauty of his person,f the strength of
his understanding, the firmness of his resolution,
the dispassionate temper of his mind. J He uni
formly appeared calm, amidst the most trying
and afflicting occurrences. § His adventitious ex
cellencies were his great learning ;1T his princely
dignity ; his flattering prospects ; || his high re
putation.** 160. Is it not strange that we hear so little of
the family of Moses, nothing that exalts the
character of any of his near relations, nothing
concerning tke sons of so distinguished a per
sonage ?
No. It is true he passes by his own fa
mily; he gave no rank or privilege to them
* Moses was now choosing to Buffer affliction with tho
people of God ; and, at his first setting out, to meet with this
affliction and reproach from them, was a very sore trial of his
resolution. God sent him away into Midian for wise and
holy ends : things were not yet ripe for Israel's deliverance.
t Exod. ii.2. J Acts vii. 22. § Numb. xiv. 3.
H Acts vii. 22. || Exod. ii. 10. *» Acts vii. 22.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

93

during his lifetime, and left nothing to them
after his death ; they became incorporated with
the Levites, from amongst whom they are never
distinguished ; but what a strong proof is this
of the celestial origin of his religion ! Had it
been of man, it must have had the gratification
of some impure passion for its object — lust, am
bition, or avarice; but none of these ever appear
during the Avhole of his precedence among the
Israelites, though he had it constantly in his
power to have gratified each. What a difference
between the religion of the Pentateuch and that
of the Koran! The former is God's workman
ship : the latter is a motley mixture of all 'bad
crafts, Avith here and there a portion of the hea
venly fire stolen from the divine altar in the Old
and New Testaments, to give some vitality to
the inert mass.
167. State the circumstances of 3Ioses call
to be the deliverer of the children of Israel.
Being employed in feeding the sheep of Je
thro, he one day came to the mountain of Ho
reb ; the Lord appeared to him in a bush that
burned but was not consumed, and commissioned
him,notwithstanding his reluctance and hesitation,
to require from Pharaoh the release of Israel.
168. By what name did God reveal himself
to Moses?

94

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

"I am that I am;" which is the same as
Jehovah. 169. What is the meaning of that name ?
It signifies the Self-existent ; he who gives
being and existence to others.* The Jews, after the
captivity at Babylon, out of superstitious respect
for this holy name, ceased to repeat it, and for
got its true pronunciation. The very heathen
seem to have had some knowledge of this in
communicable name. We have an oath in Py-
thagoras's Golden Verses, " By him who has the
four letters" — TerpaKrvs. On the frontispiece of
a temple at Delphi was inscribed, (says Euse
bius,) " Thou art." The Egyptians on one of
their temples inscribed " I am." Cicero pro
duces an example in his catalogue of heathen
deities ;f and Lucan says, the earth would have
trembled had any one pronounced them.
170. Where was he at that time ?
In the land of Midian. I
171. Why did Moses consider himself un
equal to the commission to which he was ap
pointed ? '
He concluded the work to be above his
strength, considering the boldness and the diffi
culty of the enterprise. He thought the people

* See Answer 104.
} Exod. iii.

t Do Nat. Deorum, lib. 3.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

95

Avould not hearken to his voice, unless he shewed
them some sign.*
172. What means did God take to overcome
his incredulity ?
He turned his rod into a serpent, and
changed it into a rod again. He commanded
him to put his hand into his bosom, and he
drew it out all covered with leprosy. He was
commanded to put it again into his bosom and
draw it out, and it came out sound as his other
flcsh.f -'¦'¦::''--
173. Did Pharaoh lighten their tasks, on
seeing the miracles which Moses and Aaron
performed ?
No ; he increased their misery, by requiring
them to provide straw for themselves, and yet
furnish out the due tale of bricks. \
174. How did Moses and Aaron prove to
Pharaoh and tke people that tkey were com
missioned by God ?
God endued them with the power of working
miracles.

* Exod. iv. 1.
t Exod. iv. 1-^9. When Bloses pleaded that he had not a
ready utterance, God told him that ho would qualify him with
¦speech, and that Aaron should be his assistant and spokes
man. The above are the first evident miracles on record.
t Exod. v. 5—19.

A

96

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

175. How did tke Israelites behave when they
saw the signs which were wrought ?
They believed, bowed doAvn their heads, and
Avorshipped. 176. Why did tke Hebrews desire to go and
sacrifice in tke wilderness rather than in
Egypt ?
They could not sacrifice in Egypt, because
the animals they were to offer to God were
held sacred by the Egyptians ; and they could
not omit this duty, because it was essential to
religion, even before the giving of the law. .
177. On whom did tke Israelites throw the
blame when their hardships increased? *•- !
They bitterly reflected on Moses and Aaron,
as the cause of their additional misery.* ; ;& •
178. Did God renew his covenant with se
veral of the patriarchs and holy men in suc
cession ?
Yes. 179. Why did lie do it?
Because Abraham had. other sons by Hagar
and his second wife Keturah. f Isaac, a"-aiii,
had two sons, Jacob and Esau, but the twelve
sons of Jacob inherited the promises. After this
we hear of no rcncAval, till the time came for

" Exod. v. 21.

t (Jen. xxv. 1, 2.

4-

<*

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

97

the beginning of the fulfilment, when Moses
conducted them, and gave them a law.*
180. How old were Moses and Aaron when
tkey were sent to Pharaoh ?
Moses was eighty, Aaron eightyrthree years
of age.f
181. In what words does God renew his pro
mise to Moses, that lie would deliver the chil
dren of Israel ? -
Exod. v. 3—8. ' :<
182. How do you understand God's harden
ing the heart of Pharaoh, in Exod. iv. 21 ?
God chooses out of incorrigible offenders
whom he thinks fit, to make public examples of
his wrath and vengeance. Thus he hardened
Pharaoh, as he tempted David in the same
manner, by permitting Satan to do it ; not by
decreeing him to be wicked, God forbid, but he
being obstinately wicked, God raised or supported
him in power, and deferred destroying him, that
his name might be declared through the whole
earth, that so Pharaoh's obstinacy might be
known to the world. J He gave him up to his
• Gen. xii. 2, 3; xvii. 7, 8; xxvi. 3, 4; xxviii. 13, 14.
Though the covenant was ono and the 6ame, the apostle, in
Ephcs. ii. 12, speaks of it in tho vlurul number, as it was
given at scvural times, with various explications and en
largement. See Doddridgo, ad loc.
t Exod. vii. 7. ; Clarke's Serm.

98

4-

QUEST10NS AND ANSWERS

own heart's lusts, provoked by his crimes, and
took off those providential restraints by which
men are kept from atrocious crimes. He was
emboldened in rebellion, and fortified against
conviction. The Lord foresaw and foretold that
this would be the case, and he formed his whole
plan accordingly.* The apostle, in Rom. ix. 17,
does not produce an instance of an innocent
person being made an object of divine displea
sure out of mere sovereignty, but ono of the
most insolent sinners the world ever knew.f
183. Explain Exod. vi. 3. Did not God re
veal kimself before under tkat title ?
It means, that God having actually given
defence and plenty to Abraham, Isaac, and
Jacob, was already knoAvn to them by the name
of " El," almighty, and " Shaddai," all-suffi
cient ; but that not having fulfilled to them his
promise of giving to them or their seed the land
of Canaan, he was not known to them by his
name Jehovah — which imports a God constant
to his Avord, and the same yesterday, to-day,
and for ever, t It is certain that he had revealed
himself under the name Jehovah long before,
from Gen. xii. 7. down to this place; but it may
be understood thus — " I was seen by Abraham
as G od Shaddai, but by my name Jehovah was
* Scott. t Doddridge. } Mant.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

99

I not appropriate to them," (as about to give
existence to my promises).* They were but in
dividuals, at most but a family, not a nation :
other people well knew him by that name — Lot,
Melchizedek, Job, Hagar, Abimelech, Laban,
Balaam, etc.; but noAv Israel being about to be
come a nation, by my name Jehovah I will be
the appropriated Deity of that people. The
same is the import of the Avord in Exod. i. 18.
There arose a king over Egypt which appro
priated not Joseph : he was a king by con
quest, and of another race and country, there
fore tlie services done to former Pharaohs were
no services to him.f
184. Is there no interpretation of tke in
effable name Jehovah in tlie Scriptures them
selves ?
Yes. The Lord God, merciful and gracious,
long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and
truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiv
ing iniquity and transgression and sin, and that
will by no means clear the guilty : or, accord
ing to the Samaritan reading, "with whom the
innocent shall be innocent ;" i. e. an innocent
person shall never be treated as if he were a
transgressor. 185. What is there particularly remarkable
' Adam Clarke. t Taylor, in Calmot.

100

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

in the nature of the plagues which God in
flicted on the Egyptians ?
They were remarkably adapted to .punish
the stupid idolatries of that people, their priests'
wickedness, and their wanton cruelties.*
186. Shew horn each was directed against the
idolatry or superstition of tlie Egyptians.
All the plagues inflicted on the Egyptians
had reference to their national crimes, or were
rendered particularly severe by their customs.
First, The waters turned into blood, on the
eighteenth of the seventh month. The priests
held blood in abhorrence : they worshipped the
Nile, calling it the ocean. This plague may be
considered as a display of God's justice for the
murderous decree whicli consigned the Israelites
to destruction in that river, the waters of which,
so necessary to their lives, were now rendered
deadly by being turned into blood. 2. The
plague of frogs, on the twenty-fifth. They were
consecrated to Osiris; and their swelling was
employed by the priests as an emblem of divine
inspiration : and as they are excessively loath
some, they were suitably punished when their
sacred river Avas polluted with swarms of these
creatures, so as to fill the land, and make the
whole country offensive. 3. The -plague of lice,
* Homo's Introd. vol. iv. ch, 1. sect. 3."

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

101

**3

on the twenty-seventh. The priests Avere very
cautious, lest any lice should be found on their
garments.; by this plague, flieir superstitious
prejudices must have been distressingly shocked,
and the people, >vith the priests, overwhelmed in
a common disgrace. 4. The plague of flies,
on the twenty-ninth. They worshipped several
deities, whose province it was to drive away
flics. Baalzebul, the god of Ekron, was a fly
deity of this kind. The plague must have ut
terly degraded this divinity. 5. The murrain
of the cattle, on the second of the eighth month.
Many beasts1— but especially the ox, heifer, and
ram — were held sacred by them. The soul of
Osiris was thought to reside in the body of the
bull Apis : yet could not the revered god save
the beasts from the fatal disease which fell upon
them at the command of Jehovah. 6. The
plague of boils and Mains, on the third. The
Egyptians had several medical divinities, to
whom they offered human sacrifices from among
the Israelites. Their ashes were cast into the
air, that a blessing might descend with every
scattered atom. Tho ashes which Moses took
descended upon priests and people, and shamed
their honoured deities. 7. The thunder nnd
grievous kail, on tho fifth. In Egypt it neither
hails nor rains. By the. destruction of (heir
k2

102

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

103

barley, and by the loss of their flax for fine
linen, in which they so extensively traded, they
must have been harrassingly spoiled. 8. The
plague of locusts, on the eighth. Swarms of
these creatures are horribly destructive of every
green herb. All the divinities of the land were
totally unable to afford them the least assist
ance. 9. The plague 6f darkness, on the tenth.
They worshipped darkness as the origin of their
gods. This darkness their gods had no power
to prevent or alleviate. 10. The death of the
first-born in every family, on the fifteenth. The
bowlings of the Egyptians at the decease of
their friends were remarkable. They had slain
the Hebrews' children, and now this heaviest
calamity was to avenge their cruelties on the
people of Israel. There must have been indeed
a great cry in Egypt. Thus, according to Usher,
all these plagues were inflicted in something less
than one mouth.
187. How many of the miracles of Moses
and Aaron coidd the magicians imitate?
When Aaron cast down his rod before Pha
raoh, it became a serpent, something like which
was performed by the magicians.* They like
wise imitated the two first of Moses1 miraculous
plagues. t
* Exod. vii. 8-13. t Exod. vii. viii. '"

¦X

• 1 88 .' At which did they fail ?
. They failed at the plague of lice. They suc
ceeded, by their juggling tricks, in making.
their rods serpents ; 2ndly, in turning the little
water that was left into blood ; and, 3rdly, m
producing frogs.
189. What was the difference between Moses'
miracles and those of the magicians^ ?
The magicians wrought no miracles. All
they did was to busy themselves with " their
enchantments," by secret sleights or jugglings,
by which they deceived the spectators, but which
they could not continue, but were at length
obliged to confess their inability any longer to
imitate the effects of divine power. " This,"
said they, " is the finger of God."
190. How many days rvas the institution of
the Passover pr evious to its observance?
Four days. On the tenth of the month Abib,
each man for his family, or if his family
was small, he for his and his neighbour's fa
mily, took a male lamb or kid of a year old,
and quite unblemished. It was kept in the
house alive until the fourteenth day of the
month, on the evening of which it was slain ;
and with the blood thereof, received in basons,
they with a branch of hyssop sprinkled the
upper lintel. and posts of their doors, that the

104

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

destroying angel might not enter their houses.
The lamb so slain they were to eat roasted, with
unleavened breatl and bitter herbs. They were
to eat it in haste, and to leave none of it till the
morning. Not a bone of it was to be broken in
the killing, roasting, or eating of it. While they
Avere eating this first Passover, the first-born of
Egypt were slain, Pharaoh was induced to
allow their departure, and judgment was exe
cuted on the gods of Egypt.*
191. How does it bear evidence to the truth
of the facts to which it refers?
It being in after-ages a memorial of the
power and love of God in delivering Israel,
and of the miracles connected with that deliver
ance, had not these events taken place, the na
tion could not possibly have been persuaded
that they were eye-Avitnesses of them." And if it
had not been adopted, at the time when these
public events were said to have occurred, at
what fitter time could the nation be persuaded
that they, from age to age, believed and com
memorated them? - . .'":.-
192. How many plagues had been inflicted on.
Pharaoh when it was instituted?
Nine. 193. Shem in what respects the Passover
* Exod. xii. Numb, xxxiii. 4.

J- iI

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

105

essentially differed from the sacrificial rites
of tke Egyptians. . ?i.
Among the Egyptians a lamb or kid was not
sacrificed, but venerated. Eat no part raw,
as was usual in their solemn festivals. Not
carried forth, as Avas likewise usual. No bone
broken, as was pulled asunder in enthusiasm.
Not sodden, as in solemn rights. Roasted with
fire, not by the heat of the sun. To be roasted
with the purtenance thereof, the intestines, which
used to be reserved for divination. No part of
it to remain, but the fragments to be burnt,
which were usually kept for charms and super
stitious purposes.*
194. Can you shew tliat the sacrifice of tlie
paschal lamb and tlie sacrifice of Christ are
strictly analogous?
In the same month, on the same day and
at the same hour in which the Israelites were
ordered to kill the lamb, was Christ crucified.
In Exodus xii. 6. the margin has " between the
two evenings." The Jews counted a double
evening, one from noon till three o'clock ; the
other from that time till sunset. The moment
between the two evenings Avas three in the after
noon ; and we find that our Saviour was slain
at that very time, called the ninth hoiir.f As in
* Riant. Exod. xii. 3. f E»ke xxiii. 44.

100

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

all sacrifices it was the blood which made atone
ment for the soul, so it is the blood of Christ
Avhich cleanseth from all sin. He was also a
Lamb of whom we are told, not a bone of him
was broken.* In this grand sacrifice of Christ,
all other offerings for sin were for ever closed.
195. How do you prove from Scripture that
the Passover had actual reference to Christ?
St. Paul says, " Christ our Passover is sacri
ficed for us."f "Behold the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sins of the world. "J
" The precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb
witliout blemish, and without spot."§ Often in
the Revelation he is called the Lamb.||
196. Did the Israelites understand the nature
of tke sacrifice ?
Believers would discover from the promises
and prophecies, under the teaching of the Holy
Spirit, something of the nature of redemption
through Christ, and in them it would not only
be a joyful tribute of gratitude for former
temporal mercies, but an act of humble faith
and dependance on the promised Saviour, even
until his coming. But that the bulk of the
people understood the spiritual meaning, the
Bible does not intimate to us. Most, it is to bo
* John xix. 33. ) 1 Cor. v. 7. } John i. 29.
y Compare Exod. xii. 5. and 1 Pet. i. 19. || Ans. 70, N.T.

i i
>

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

107

i

feared, rested in the outAvard observance, whicli
Avas connected Avith their temporal deliverance.
197. Was there any thing in the nature of
sacrificial offerings in general calculated to
convey spiritual instruction?
None but clean animals were to be offered.
We must not resemble the animals that were
rejected. God chose the useful ox, the quiet
lamb, the harmless dove : here we see the
character of true worshippers. The animal was
slain, and the whole offered ; we must wholly
devote ourselves, and die to sin. The finest
of the wheat was offered with oil and frank
incense; Ave must offer the best we have, and
have the grace of the Holy Ghost upon us. All
the washings and purifications shew us our need
of being cleansed by the Holy Ghost. Above
all, every sacrifice and offering was designed to
teach us our infinite obligations to the Saviour,
and the love and service we owe to him.
198. Did Moses ever tell tke people wliat was
the object of sacrifice ?
Yes; to make an atonement for souls. We
cannot in any conceiArable light view the insti
tution of sacrifice, but in relation to that great
sacrifice which was to make atonement for
sin.* ¦ - * Mant. Lcvit. xvii. 2.

108

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

109

199. How were the children of Israel al
length saved from the hands of the Egyptians?
When the last dreadful visitation of the Al
mighty had taken effect, Pharaoh and all the
Egyptians arose that night in the greatest con
sternation, and sent word to Moses and Aaron
that Israel should depart the country Avith all
speed. The Israelites, therefore, set out from
Ramases, with all that belonged to them, espe
cially Joseph's bones.* Being arrived at the
way of the desert on the borders of the Red
Sea, Pharaoh, repenting that he had let them
go, pursued them, to destroy them in the desert.
God ordered the Israelites to proceed, and at
his command Moses Avith his rod divided the
waters of the Red Sea asunder, and they went
through on dry land. The angel of the Lord went
behind them, and the pillar of the cloud placed
itself behind them, between their camp and that
of the Egyptians, giving light to theirs, and
darkening that of the Egyptians, so that these
could not come near them all that night.
200. Howmany years after tkedeathof Joseph?
One hundred and forty-four years after the
death of Joseph.
201. What became of Pkaraok and of all
kiskost? ' • See Answer 150.

I*

God retarded their march, arid took off
their chariot Avheels, and troubled their host ;
and when Moses stretched his hand over the
sea, the waters returned, cut off the retreat of
the Egyptians, and they were all drowned.
202. For kom long a period were tlie Israelites
afflicted ?
During two hundred and fifteen years. They
sojourned in Canaan the same number of years,
making four hundred and thirty years in all.
In Genesis xv. 13, the two periods together
are termed their affliction : * two hundred and
fifteen years sojourners in a strange land, and
two hundred and fifteen in affliction In Exodus
xii. 40, and Genesis xv. 13, we find a difference ;
here it mentions four hundred, there four hun
dred and thirty, but there is no contradiction.
In Genesis the period is reckoned from the birth
of Isaac ; in Exodus from the departure of
Abraham from Ur of the Chaldecs. In Acts
vii. 6, Stephen mentions four hundred in round
numbers; or he might, as in Genesis, reckon
from about the birth of Isaac.
203. In Exodus iii. 22, wkat is meant by
borrowing jewels of gold, etc.?
The word here translated "borrow," pro
perly means ask, or demand. The Israelites
* See Answer 93.

110

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

Ill

had performed many services for the Egyptians
during many years, for which they had not re
ceived any recompence. They had an express
command from the Sovereign of the universe
to take this spoil. Or had they intended only
at first to borrow them, the pursuit of the
Egyptians afterwards Avith an intent to destroy
them, would have given them a right to have
plundered their country as well as their dead
bodies, and therefore much more evidently to
retain those goods of tlieii-s already in their
hands. Thus the Lord took care that their hard-
earned wages should at last be paid, and that the
people should be provided for their journey.*
204. Had the Israelites any chariots ?
No. It does not appear that the kings of
the Hebrews used chariots in war. Solomon
had a considerable number, but we know, not of
any military expedition in which they were
employed. f
> 205. Why were tkey not permitted to keep
horses ?
God forbade the kings of Israel to keep
many horses or chariots, and their judges and
princes generally rode on mules and asses ; but
they might use them for agriculturo and the
common purposes of life. God ordered Joshua
* Doddridge's Lectures. Tomlinc. f 1 Kinrs x. 2fi.

i

to hough or cut the sinews of the legs of all the
horses of the Canaanites, and to burn their
chariots ; the design of which no doubt was
to prevent their correspondence with foreigners,
or trusting in war to their chariots and horse
men.* 206. What fact is there recorded in the New
Testament which may be illustrated from this
prohibition ?
It is that which records our Saviour's riding
in triumph on an ass to Jerusalem in strict
observance of the divine law. We read that
David rode on a mule, and ordered Solomon
to do so on his coronation day. f When
Solomon and succeeding princes multiplied
horses, they were rebuked by the prophets,
and chastised by God for it.J The Eastern
asses are a much larger and more beautiful
animal than ours, and it appears that the pa
triarchs and judges of the nation thought it no
disgrace to ride upon them. Abraham, Moses,
and Jair's family, aro instances. §
207. How many souls went up with Israel
into Egypt, and how many returned thence
with Moses ?
•See Deut. xvii. 10. Josh. xi. 6. Pb. xx. 7; xxxiii. 17.
Hosea xiv. 3. t 1 Kings i. 33, 34.
J 1 Kings iv. 26. Isaiah ii. 6, 7; xxxi. 1.
'J Gen, xxii. 3. Exod. iv. 20. Judg. x.4^.10. Ans. 300, N.T.

112

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Israel's family which went into Egypt
amounted to seventy persons.* It was now
two hundred and fifteen years since God had
promised Abraham to make of him a great
nation,f and yet that branch of his seed, on
which the promise was entailed, was as yet in
creased but to seventy. The number that went
out with Moses "was six hundred thousand, be
sides women and children. Here we see that
•during the same number' of years that they
abode in Canaan, in considerable prosperity,
and in which they increased to seventy persons
only, in Egypt, under much oppression and
cruel bondage, they amounted to the above asto
nishing number. How punctual the promise of
the Almighty ! | -¦ r.~.v.r'...,
208. Did God give any prophetic intimation
of the judgments he was in time to bring upon
tke Egyptians ?
Yes; Genesis xv. 14. refers to the means
Avhich he should use to constrain them to re
lease Israel, and punish them for all the hard
ships put upon his people. §
209. Give the situation of Egypt. What
was it most remarkable for ?
It is n country on tho north-cast of Africa,
* Gen. xlvi. 27. t Gon xii. 2.
t Isaiah lx. 22. Gen. xvIn6. Sec Ans. 05, 93. ySceAns.93.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

113

and south-west of Canaan. Greatest length, six
hundred miles ; and its greatest breadth, from
cost to west, about three hundred. It is bounded
by the Mediterranean Sea on the north ; by the
deserts of Libya on the west; by Abyssinia
on the south ; and by the Red Sea on the east.
It was called Misraim and the land of Ham.
It was anciently a place reputed for knowledge
and wisdom, arts and sciences. But in after-
ages it sadly degenerated ; it became the seat of
the most degrading superstitions, the theatre of
the most gross and ridiculous idolatry. Osiris
and Isis, Jupiter and the Nile, were their prin
cipal divinities, while they did not disdain the
worship of dogs, cats, rats, crocodiles, onions,
etc. They likewise held the notion of the trans
migration of souls. It is famed for being a
scene of antiquities. The pyramids have ranked
as among the wonders of the world. It was the
subject of many prophecies fulfilled in ancient
times,* and it bears to this day the marks with
whicli prophecy has stamped its destiny. It is
now tho " basest of kingdoms," as foretold by
Ezekiel, chap. xxix. 14, 15; xxx. 12, 13.
210. What occurred at Marah?
Departing from the Red Sea, they went out
into the wilderness of Sliur. Being come to
* Sec Newton.
l2

114

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Marah, they found the waters so bitter that they
could not drink them. They murmured against
Moses, but God shewed hiin a tree, which being
cast into the water made it sweet.
211. Wkat occurredinthe wilderness of Sin?
Their provisions being spent, they began
to murmur, and to long for the flesh-pots of
EgJP1- G°d said he would rain down food
from heaven : that evening the camp was covered
with quails, and next morning the surface of the
earth was covered over with a small grain like
hoar frost, which they called manna, this was
the bread for their sustenance. If kept more
than one day it bred Avorms and was bad.
212. When did tke manna cease to descend ?
It constantly continued for near forty years,
and ceased as soon as the Hebrews could obtain
sufficient of the corn of Canaan.*
213. Wkat circumstance here intimates the
observation of a seventh-day sabbath?
God on the sixth day gave them a double
quantity. On that day they fetched enough for
two days, for on the seventh there was none to
be found. If the sabbath had not been instituted
before, Moses could not have understood what
God said to him concerning a double portion to
be gathered on the sixth day without making any
* Joshua v. 12.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

115

express mention of the sabbath ; nor could the
people so readily take the hint, even before
Moses had declared that it was done with re
gard to the sabbath, if they had not had some
knowledge of the sabbath before.*
214. What memorial of this miracle was
there set up ?
An omer of it was preserved and laid up in a
golden pot,f where for a number of ages it was
deposited before the ark, in the most holy place,
remaining pure and Avithout corruption from
generation to generation.
215. Relate what occurred at Rephidim..
Finding no water,, they murmured against
Moses ; who by God's command struck the rock
in Horeb with his rod, whereupon water gushed
out, which supplied them all with drink. The
place was then called "Massah," temptation,
because they tempted God; "Meribah," strife,
because they chid with Moses. |
216. Who attached tke Israelites in tke
desert ?
The Amalekites were the first to assault them.§
217. What was there remarkable in the war
with Amalek ?¦ Wkd were tkey ? What did God
say concerning them?

* Sco Answer 34,.;,,
t Exod. xvii.

t Hebrews ix. 4.
$ Numh.xxiv. 20.

116

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

During the fight Moses went up to a mountain
with Aaron and Hur. As long as he held up
his hands the Israelites had the better ; but when
he let them down Amalek prevailed. His arms
growing weary, Aaron and Hur held up his
hands till sunset:— They were the posterity of
Esau who hated Jacob because of the birthright
and blessing, this enmity being hereditary.
Others suppose them to be descendants of Ham,
because they are almost always joined with. tho
Canaanites and Philistines, and because Moses
never reproaches them with attacking the Israel
ites their brethren; a circumstance which pro
bably he would not have omitted had they been
descended from Esau.— God declared in Exodus
xvii. that he would " utterly put out the remem
brance of Amalek." This threatening was accom
plished by Saul* four hundred and twelve years
afterwards, and more completely by David.f
In Exodus xvii. 14, is contained the first mention
of writing on record.
218. Wkat was Jctkro's counsel to Moses? '
He counselled him to provide able men, and
appoint them to the office of judges or magistrates
in -cases of dispute, reserving the decision of all
matters of difficulty to himself.
219. Where was the law delivered? Re-
* 1 Sam. xv. .¦ f 1 Sam. xxx. 2 Sam. i. 1 ; viii. 12.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

117

late the circumstances of the delivery of the
law.
From the top of Mount Sinai, God pro
claimed his law;, and here Moses had almost an
immediate fellowship with God. — Moses, after
having been in conference with God on the
mount, descended and communicated his in
structions to the people. He commanded them
to prepare themselves for the third day, on which
the Lord would descend; which being come,
lightning was seen, and thunder heard, and the
mountain was covered with a very thick cloud,
and quaked greatly. The trumpet sounded long
and loud, and out of the midst of fire and
darkness God proclaimed his power and gave
out his law.
220. Where in tke New Testament do you
find tke substance of tke moral law ?
Our Saviour has seen fit to reduce the whole
of the moral law into two positive injunctions.
Thus what is amplified in various precepts in
the Old Testament, is in the New reduced to
this, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy mind ;" and "Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. On these two commandments hang
all the law and the prophets."* This is the sum
. • Matt. xxii. 37— 40.

118

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

and substance of all those precepts relating to
.practical religion, Avhich Avere at first written in
men's hearts, revived by Moses, and enforced
by the prophets.*
221. How is it familiarly called?
The Ten Commandments.
222. On wkat was it written? Did God deliver
these lams under one and the selfsame character ?
On two tables of stone, written by the finger
of God and given to Moses. — No. He may be
considered under three characters : — First, as
tke universal Creator of all men, requirino- of
them all the duties of the light of nature.
Secondly, as tke God of Israel, whom he had
separated for himself. Thirdly, as the proper
King of the Israelites, as subjected to him, and
as receiving from him political laws for the
regulation of their government.
223. Wkywerc the ten commandments written
on two tables ?
To refer us to the two great branches of our
duty towards God and man.
224. Did the Jewish laws consist of one
undivided code? v
No. It was a threefold system of laws ; a
moral system, binding all persons wherever it is
published, in every nation and age; a cere-
• See Sherlock's Sorm. on Matt. xxii. 40.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

119

monial, prescribing the rites of their Avorship ;
and a judicial or political system, which di
rected their policy under God, as being their
chief magistrate.
225. Wliat mere the sanctions of the Jcwisk
law, and why did not a future state form one
of them ?
The Jews, unlike any other people, were under
an extraordinary providence ; Moses therefore
employs temporal sanctions both nationally and
individually. The theocracy being so connected
with miraculous incidents, their whole political
institutions were founded on the acknowledged
certainty of such extraordinary providence.
They had the assurance of the interference of the
Deity in every emergency, to exalt virtue and
depress vice, by the immediate distribution of
rewards and punishments ; this being abundantly
sufficient to support the interests of religion and
morality, and to convince them that God was,
and that he was a rewarder of those that diligently
seek him. It afforded an opportunity of feeling
experimentally the existence of Jehovah in con
trast with the impotence of idols ; his superiority
to whom could not have been established by a
comparison of his power in the distribution of
future and invisible rewards and punishments.
Temporal blessings and evils Avere at that time

120

^4J

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

the prevailing incitements to idolatry; but by.
thus taking them into the Hebrew constitution
they became motives to continuance in the true
religion. The whole nation was slow to believe
that he could produce any effect different from
what they had experienced. Their desires being
confined to the enjoyments of this Avorld, they
would pay but little attention to the promises of
a future retribution. As offences against the
state and against individuals must be restrained
by immediate punishments, not merely by the
terms of a future state, so, in order to prove that
God was really equally the author of the entire
system, he undertook to support cverypart alike
by an exact distribution of temporal, sanctions.
The sanctions of a future life were therefore in
such a system unnecessary, and foreign from its
design. ' "" >'"""•'
226. Is their any importance in tke distinction
between a positive and a negative commandment?
Yes ; the positive, though always in force, do
not extend to all persons, nor oblige at all times :
the negative oblige always, all persons, at all times.
Secondly, they mutually include each other.
When any duty is commanded, whatever is con
trary thereto is forbid. When any thing is forbid,
the opposite duty implied is to be fulfilled.*
N * See Answer 35.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

121

r

227. Is it not inconsistent with the general
character of God, as delineated in the Scriptures,
to visit the sins of the fathers upon the children ?
It is evident that children in general are
sufferers by the crimes of their parents : but
Israel was under a peculiar covenant which
idolatry violated in its primary condition ; they
were surrounded by idolaters, themselves very
prone to it, and being in an especial manner
under the government of God as a nation, this
crime was as it were high treason ; if therefore
the parent forfeited the covenant blessings, their
posterity might suffer the effects of the forfeiture.
As this was intended to restrain them from sin,
by means of natural affection, the third and
fourth generations only are mentioned, for they
could not expect to see more of their descendants,
and would be less concerned about their remote
posterity. Besides, as Warburton has observed,
they Avere only punished by the deprivation of
temporal benefits to Avhich they had no natural
claim, but given only on condition of obedience,
and in their nature forfeitable. He punished
with temporal evils only to the third and fourth
generation, but promised to extend the blessings
obtained by parental obedience, even to the
thousandth generation of those who love him.
We may be sure he would perfectly rectify any
M

122

QUESTIONS AND ANSAA'ERS

. apparent inequality in the course of his govern
ment over them in another world, by repaying
the innocent with an eternal and abundant
recompence.* 228. How do you account for the similarity
between the Levitical law and any of the re
ligious ceremonies of the Gentiles?
Those nations which were not favoured with
revelation have, by the dull gleam of nature's
lamp, possessed some confused notions of the
Deity, and of the homage due to this " unknown
God ; " hence the multifarious attempts at pro
pitiation, which are connected with the super
stitious rituals of heathenism. So far as there
is any resemblance between them and the Jewish
ritual, it must be ascribed to the same source,
the divine ritual of the patriarchs. Others have
been derived from the Jews themselves; for
instance, from the laAV of the burnt-offering, and
the fire burning on the altar in Levit. vi. 9, it is
probable that the Gentiles derived their sacred
perpetual fires, common to many nations. There
Avere periods in the history "bf Egypt, and of
other nations connected with the Israelites, when
Ave may without difficulty suppose they were
inclined to imitate some of the rites of the chosen
people. The resemblance consists however in
* Graves, part iii. lect. 3. sect. 2. * •

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

123

little more than that both had priests, temples,
altars, sacrifices, and festivals, to attract attention.
These, freed from the superstitions and corrup
tions with which they were blended, derive
their origin from an authority more ancient
than that of Moses, for the use of sacrifice was
coeval with the fall ; and at this period divine
revelation was enjoyed by every individual of
the human race, which in the lapse of ages was
corrupted and quite obscured. But the whole
tenour of the Jewish law exhibits a studied oppo
sition to the principles and rites of idolatry,
especially in their purifications and distinctions.*
With the Jews, every thing had reference to
Jehovah, the only true God. They were called
on to love him with all their hearts, their souls,
their might, and not to render him a mere
external superstitious worship. When they had
sinned, their hearts Avere to be humbled. f
229. What was the object of the Levitical
law? First, to mark out the Hebrew nation as a
distinguished and" a holy people. Secondly,
to employ them, and attach them to their re
ligion, by engaging their imagination and their
* Levit. xix. 19, 27. Deut. xxii. 5.
+ Exod. xix. 5,6. Levit. xix. 2. See Graves, part ii. lect. 5,
which will repay a diligent perusal.

124

1

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

senses, and force upon them the necessity of
purity and circumspection in the presence of
God, and thus preserve them from following the
idolatry of the nations around them. Thirdly,
to represent, by types and emblems and figures,
the gospel, the offices of Christ, and the pecu
liarities and blessings of the gospel-revelation.
Without this; says Faber, the whole ritual would
be utterly unintelligible, and will seem to consist
of unmeaning 'ceremonies. It is plain the cere
monial law is typical of the spiritual dispensation
of the Messiah, and upon this plan the whole of
the Epistle to the Hebrews proceeds.*
230. Give some instances of its figurative
significance. The prefiguration of the Messiah is peculiarly
remarkable in the ceremonies on the great day
of atonement, f The Passover and the feast of
Pentecost, as they were commemorative of the
deliverance from Egypt, and the promulgation
of the law on Sinai, so were they as clearly
figurative of tho sacrifice of Christ and the
effusion of tho Holy Spirit. There wcro typical
places, such as Canaan, Zion, the temple; typical
utensils, as the ark of the covenant, the table of
shew-bread, etc.; the typical offerings, as the
burnt-offering, peace-offering, all relating to our
* See Answer 291). f Sec Levit. xvi, with llch. ix. and x.

-3»-.-

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

125

i

Saviour; typical seasons, as the Passover, etc.;
typical purifications, of which there were many.*
231. What notions had tkey of the efficacy of
the law in Paul's time?
The notions of the Jews with regard to their
law Avere very high ; and because it prescribed
expiatory and pacificatory sacrifices, and a
great variety of purifications, they fancied they
might be justified by it before God. They
built much likewise on the extraordinary piety
of their ancestors, the covenant made with those
holy men, and the knowledge which they had
of God in the law, and their diligent study of
it. These erroneous notions are combated by
St. Paul in his masterly epistle to the Romans.
232. Did tlie Jews understand the spiritual
meaning of the various institutions ?
Perhaps a few of them who were more en
lightened might understand the meaning of some
of the most considerable, but wo have no inti
mation from the Bible that the bulk of the
people understood the spiritual meaning of
them. Pearson (Article vi. on the Creed) says,
that the Jews did all believo that the tabernacle
did signify this world, and the holy of holies the
highest heavens.
* See the whole or the Epistlo to the Hebrews. See
Answer 197.
m2

126

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVER8

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

127

233. Do our sacraments come in the room
of any ceremonies of the Jewish law?
Yes; baptism comes in the room of circum
cision, and the sacrament of the Lord's supper
in the room of the passover, as the gospel comes
in the place of the law.*. •
234. Mention some expressions in tke New
Testament which indicate the connexion between
Christianity and the Jewish history and Scrip
tures. "And did all cat the same spiritual meat ;
and did all drink the same spiritual drink:
for they drank of that spiritual Rock, and that
Rock was Christ." f The manna was a type of
Christ crucified, the Bread which came down
from heaven.J., Christ is also the Rock on which
the Christian church is built: "Whom God
hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith
in his blood," etc.$ Christ is our propitiatory
sacrifice, typified by the mercy-seat. || "By a
new and living way, which he hath consecrated
for us through tho vail, that is to say, his flcsh."1T
The vail typified the human nature of Christ/'
his flesh which Avas rent, wounded, and bruised
for our sins : "A minister of the sanctuary, and
* Tomlmp,Arl.27. t 1 Cor.x.3,4. Exod. xvi. 14,etc.xvii.
} John vi. 32. $ Horn. iii. 25. 1 John ii. 2.
f| Seo l'arkliuist, undor 'lArwrij/uo.', If Heb. x, 20.

1

of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched,
and not man."* The true tabernacle of his own
human body now in heaven. His blood is
called the blood of sprinkling :f in allusion to
the sprinkling of the Jewish sacrifices. The
Jewish incense was a type of prayer :J the sabbath
also and the land of Canaan was a type of the
release of believers from sin, and the final rest
of the saints in heaven. §
235. Horn could there be any propriety in
appointing so many ceremonies, the spiritual
purport of which was not generally understood?
By considering the JeAvish dispensation as the
childish or infant state of the church of God.||
Secondly, as intended to confirm the Gospel
in after-times, by evidencing its agreement with
the previous types, as we see in the Epistle to the
Hebrews. Thirdly, as there are yet many pro
phecies unfulfilled, and so but partially under
stood, so we may suppose, that many more of
the types will in some future day be fulfilled ;
and probably it may be reserved, as one part
of the glory of that happy period Avhen the
Jews shall be converted, that the rest of their
prophecies, and the rites of their ancient worship
* llcb. viii. 2. tUcb. xii. 24. J Rev. v. 8.
. $ Sec tho wholo of Hebrews. Sumner's Evidences, p.
103-129, || Seo Gal. iv. 1-3.

128

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

together Avith their accomplishment in Christ
and his Gospel, shall be more completely under
stood.* 236. What was the tabernacle, and of wkat
was it made ?
In form it resembled our modern tents, but it
was much larger, having the sides and roof
secured with boards, hangings and coverings,
and surrounded on all sides by a large outer
court. It consisted, first, of the tent which was
covered, and next of the court that surrounded
it. It was a moveable building, and the Avhole
might be taken to pieces. f
237. When was it exchanged for a solid
temple? " .V; «:;
Four hundred and eighty years after, the
temple, a glorious and splendid building, was
erected by Solomon. t
238. Where was the tabernacle erected ?
In the wilderness of Sin, and carried along
with the Israelites, as they journeyed towards
Canaan. 239. How was it divided ?
The end of it was divided by a vail or hanging,
* See Answer 287. Watts.
t Exod. xxv. etc. For the sacred places, persons, seasons,
things, etc. consult Home's Introduction, vol. iii. p. 3. ch. 1.
} 1 Kings vi. 1.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

129

Cj#

Avhich parted the holy place, which is called the
first tabernacle, from the holy of holies, called
the second tabernacle.* Here none but the high
priest entered once a year. The vail was made
of fine linen of various colours, embroidered with
cherubs, and hung on four pillars overlaid Avith
gold. It was rent Avhen our Saviour expired :
pointing out that the Mosaical dispensation was
abolished, the way into the holiest laid open, and
the distinction betAveen Jew and Gentile termi
nated. The tabernacle of Moses had three
hangings ; only tAvo of which were preserved in
the temple of Solomon and the second temple ;
as is intimated by Paul, Avho speaks of the second
vail.f The other vail was for the outer door of
the tabernacle. Through it the priests went in
every day to minister in the holy place, but not
the people.]:
240. What was the ark of the covenant ?
A small chest or cover made of shittim wood,
overlaid with gold. In it were put the two
tables of the law, (from which it was called the
ark of the testimony or covenant,) with the pot
of manna,^ and Aaron's rod that budded. ||
241. Where was tke ark kept?
* Heb. Lx. 2, 6, 7. t Heb. ix. 3.
; Exod. xxvi. 31— 36. A nswor 378, New Testament.
§ See Answer 214. || Answer 307.

130

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Being the most holy of all the sacred furniture,
it was kept in the holy of holies.
242. Who alone were allowed to look into
the ark ?
None but Aaron, when he went once a year into
the most holy place. An exception was made
with respect to his sons, the priests, who were to
assist him when the tabernacle was to be taken
down, to be conveyed to another station. The Le
vites were forbidden to touch it, on pain of death.*
243. Do you know any instance of a Levite
being punished for touching it?
Yes; the penalty was for the first time ex
acted on Uzzah, a Levite. When the ark was
brought from Kirjath-jearim to Jerusalem, Uzzah
stretched out his hand to support it, because of
the stumbling of the oxen. In consequence of
this, the anger of the Lord smote him, and he
died on the place. -f
244. Horn do you know that no otii-eh perso7is
were allowed ?
Because the Lord expressly ordered a vail
and covering for it. And, in his directions to
Moses and Aaron relating to the service of the
Kohathitcs, he says, But they shall not go in to
sec when the holy things arc covered, lest they
die.| v ¦
* Sec Numb. iv. t 2 Sam. vi, | Numb. iv. 5,- 6, 20.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

131

245. Do you remember any occasion on mh ich
the breach of this, law was severely punisked by
God? Yes ; in the case of the men of Bethshemesh.
The severity of which will not seem unreasonable,
Avhen it is considered how much in every nation
it has been accounted the greatest profaneness to
obtrude into the mysteries of religion.*
246. Wkat was tke mercy-seat ?
The lid or covering of the ark, which was
wholly of solid gold. It was called the pro
pitiatory, f
247. Wliat was tke shechinah?
The divine presence in the appearance of a
cloud. It rested over the propitiatory, and from
hence God gave his oracles, as some think, when
consulted by the high priest on account of his
people. J:
248. What was the skew-bread, candlestick,
laver and its use, ephod, breast-plate, robe of
the ephod, and mitre ?
* 1 Sam.vi. 19.Mant. Taylor's Calmet. t See Ans. 234.
; The Rabbins affirm that it first resided in the tabernacle
prepared by Moses. It passed from thence into the sanctuary
of Solomon's temple, on tho day of its dedication, where it
continued till the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by
the Chaldeans, and was not afterwards seen there. It is
called by Peter, 2 ep.i. 17, the excellent glory, and alluded
to in various places in the New Testament,

132

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Twelve cakes of bread, whicli Avere placed on
the table according to the number of the twelve
tribes. The candlestick was made of gold, and
had seven branches, three on each side and one
in the centre. On the extremities were seven
golden lamps, lighted every evening. It was
placed in the holy place, and served to illumine
the altar of incense and the table of shew-bread,
which stood in the same chamber. The laver
was a vast vessel of brass, for the priests to wash
their hands and their feet when they went to do
sacrifice in the tabernacle. The epkod was a
kind of short vest without sleeves, to be worn
above the other garments. It was made of fine
linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet interwoven
with plates of gold.* The breast-plate was a
piece of embroidery, about ten inches Square,
worn by the high priest on his breast. It had
twelve precious stones, placed in four rows,
on each of which was engraved the name of
one of the tribes. It was fastened to the ephod.
Tlie robe of the ephod was an upper garment,
woven all of blue, with wrought pomegranates,
and golden bells hanging on them, to make a
sound when the high priest went into the holy
placc.f The mitre was a cap of fine linen cover
ing the head, with a gold plate on the forehead.!
* Exod. xxxix. 2, 3. f Ver. 22, 23. ? Arer.28, 30.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

133

X

249. Wkat was engraved on the mitre?
Holiness to the Lord.
250. Wliat was the Urim and Thummim ?
It is impossible to decide with certainty what
they were. Some think the stones of the breast
plate are meant, others teraphs enclosed in it.
The most probable opinion seems to be that of
Josephus and the Jewish writers generally, who
state that they were the twelve precious stones
in the high priest's breast-plate. There are
various other conjectures. It may suffice us to
know that this was a singular piece of divine
workmanship, which the high priest was obliged
to wear upon solemn occasions, as one of the
conditions* upon which God engaged to give
him answers. There is likewise no less a diver
sity of opinions concerning the manner in whicli
God Avas consulted by Urim and Thummim.*
According to Josephus, this oracle ceased one
hundred and tAvelve years before Christ.
251. Wkat other holy tilings were there be
sides those you kave mentioned; and what was
their use ?
The table made of cedar, covered with gold,
which had on it the shew-bread. The two altars,
the one for the burnt-offering in the tabernacle,
the other the altar of incense. This was fixed
* See Mant. on Exod. xxviii. 30.
N

134

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVER3

in the holy place, over against the shew-bread.
The koly oil with which the vessels of the taber
nacle were to be anointed, as well as Aaron the
high priest and his sons. There was none to be
made like it on pain of death. The incense
whicli was burnt daily on the altar, together
with the instruments and vessels, censers, bowls,
dishes, covers, pots, shovels, basons, etc; used
in their sacrifices arid religious ceremonies.
252. What general rule were the Israelites
ordered to observe respecting tlie choice of vic
tims for sacrifice?
The victim was to be a male, without blemish,
perfect in its kind.*
253. In what place were sacrifices to be
offered? - -¦ ¦
At the door of the tabernacle or temple. f .
254. Was this rule always observed? *
No ; as we find in the account of Gideon's,
Samuel's, 'David's, and Elijah's sacrifices. It
was not lawful to be done, but by inspired men,
or at God's express command.];
255. Did the sacrifice of tke victims actually
make an atonement for the sin of him that
off ered them? , ,..;•;¦ - --. r ..
The legal sacrifices did not of themselves take
* Levit. xxii. 19, 20. t Levit. xvii. 8, 9. Deut. xii. 13.
I Judges vi, 25. 1 Sam. vii. 9. 1 Kings xviii.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

135

away sin, and it was impossible they should do
so.* They fell infinitely short of the offering
made by Christ. For the blood which was
carried by the high priest Avithin the vail,
though accepted by God as a token of the death
and real atonement of his son in due time for
the sinner, was after all but the blood of brute
beasts, and therefore in itself of little worth.
The legal offerings could only cleanse the bodies
of the Israelites, polluted Avith legal infirmities
and sin; but the blood of Christ extends its
cleansing influence even to the soul, it purges
the conscience from dead works, for which the
law was so far from providing an atonement,
that it annexed to them the penalty of death.f
256. Were there any other offerings beside
sacrifices ?
Yes ; meat-offerings, drink-offerings, tithes,
the first-born, firstlings, first-fruits, ordinary
oblations, as the shew-bread and incense, free
will-offerings, wave-offerings, heave-offerings.
257. Why did salt form an ingredient in
some offerings ?
Among the ancients, salt was a symbol of
friendship. It seasons and renders palatable
* Heh. x. 4.
t Seo Mant. on Heb. ix. 13, 14. Slade's Annotations ;
Doddridge's Lectures, lect. 160,

136

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

the principal aliments used for the purposes of
life. God hereby intimates that their sacrifices
in themselves were unsavoury.*
258. With what fire were the sacrifices burnt?
With fire from heaven. From this it is pro
bable that the Gentiles derived their sacred <
perpetual fires. f - :
259. How do you know that no other was
allomed ? v ' • ¦-'
Nadab and Abihu, perhaps under the influence
of pride and ostentation, burnt incense before the
Lord, though not at the appointed hour, both
together, instead of one alone, and with strange
fire, and for their presumption they Avere struck
dead.J ', • -
260. What mas the sacrifice of the red heifer?
A red heifer was to be solemnly burnt to
ashes. They were afterwards carefully gathered
and laid up for the use of the congregation.
They were intended to purify from ceremonial un
cleanness by forming theAvaters of purification.^
201. What was tlie sacrifice of the scape
goat? .•¦-.''--•:,>
On the great day of atonement, among other
offerings, the high priest was to cast lots on two

* Levit. ii. Numb, xviii. 19.
t Seo Answor 228. Levit. ix. 24; vi. 13.
§ Numb, xix, - Ji,

t Lovil. x.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

137

goats : that on which the lot fell to be the scape
goat, was to be presented alive before the Lord,
and afterwards let go into the wilderness. The
high priest, laying his hands on his head, con
fessed over him ' the sins of the whole congre
gation, putting them on the head of the goat.
He Avas then to send him away into the wilder
ness by a man appointed . for that office. The
other goat was sacrificed for the sins of the
people.* "•'-' — "
262. Skew that it mas typical of Christ.
-'The transfer of the iniquities of the people
on the head of the scape-goat, and the bear
ing them away into the wilderness, manifestly
imply that the atonement effected by the sacrifice
of the sin-offering consisted in the transfer and
consequent removal of those iniquities. As no
one animal could fully answer all the purposes
of the type, two were selected. One was slain,
to represent the death of Christ ; the other went
away alive, to represent Christ as living again
after having borne our sins on the accursed tree.
The Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all.f
Thus he made an end of sin, and brought in
everlasting righteousness.!
263. What do you mean by cities of refuge?
• Levit. xvi. t Isaiah liii. 0'.
} John i. 29. See filant, Lovit. xvi,
¦ -• ... n2

138

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

There were six cities mercifully provided by
God for the relief of involuntary men-slayers.
They were situated three on each side of the
river Jordan, and belonged to the Levites.*
264. Wkat persons among the Israelites mere
holy? _ Priests and Nazarites and Levites. Some
times the whole nation was called holy. .
265.' What mas the distinction between the
Priests and Levites ?
The Priests were of the family of Aaron : they
were to do the higher offices of the sanctuary, to
offer the sacrifices, and to manage all the re
ligious ceremonies of the people. The Levites
were the descendants of Levi, and were to do
the lower offices of the sanctuary, inferior to the
priests. They were the ordinary teachers of the
people. They had no landed 'property except
forty-eight cities, and the tithes of the produce
of the land for their services. In this capacity
were all the posterity of Moses, f
260, Who mere the Nazarites?
Men or women of any tribe who separated
themselves to the peculiar service of God for
any time, or for life, by a particular vow. "
267. Do you know of any persons by name
mho were Nazarites ?
* Numb. xxxv. Deut. xix. Joshua xx. t Sec Ans. 16G.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

139

Yes ; Samson and John the Baptist were
Nazarites by birth; others were voluntary.*
The Rechabites also Avere of this class. f
268. What were the rules of a Nazarite's
vow ?
He was to drink no wine nor strong drink,
to come at no dead body, nor to suffer any
razor to come upon his head, but let his hair
grow all the time, unless he fell under some cere
monial defilement. ' ' '-
269. How was the vom ended?
By shaving his head at the door of the taber
nacle, offering a sacrifice, and burning his hair
in the fire of it.
270. How did God signify that lie had ap
pointed Aaron high-priest?
By sending down fire from heaven to consume
the sacrifices. He had before ordered Moses to
make every necessary preparation for the conse
cration of Aaron, in the way of garments,
and every other article necessary to his holy
function.]: 271. What mas the form of appointing the
priests to their office ?
They were solemnly anointed and purified,
and clad in their vestments. Sacrifice for sin
* Numb. vi. Acts xviii. 18 ; xxi. 23—2(5.
t Jorcm. xxxv. ; Exod. xxviii. Levit. ix.

140

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

141

was offered by them, and fire from heaven
consumed the offerings.*
272. While Moses was on the mount receiving
instructions for these and other particulars,
what happened to Israel during Ms absence?
Aaron and Hur Avere left to govern them.
Perceiving Moses' long stay on the mount, they
clamourously prevailed with Aaron to make
unto them gods, whereupon they contributed by
giving up their ear-rings to make a golden calf,
and amidst a great feast to own it as a god.f
273. Horn did God express Ms displeasure?
He told Moses, who was still on the moun
tain, what was done, and expressed his indigna
tion against so ungrateful and rebellious a race.
Moses appeased him with his prayers.
274. Horn did Moses act mken he came down ?
When with Joshua he approached the camp,
carrying the stone tables on which the law Avas
written, and hearing the songs of rejoicing, in a
passion he threw down the tables, and broke
them at the foot of the mountain. He burnt the
calf, reduced it to powder, cast it into water and
caused Israel to drink thereof. He reproved
Aaron for complying with their request.
275. Horn did he roll amay this reproach ?
He stood at the gate of the camp, and bid all
^ * Levit. viii. t Exod. xxxii.

4

who Avere on the Lord's side to come over to
him. All the sons of Levi quickly joined him,
Avhom he ordered to go and slay every man his
neighbour who had been active in this idolatry.
After shewing them the greatness of their sin,
he addressed the Lord for pardon : God replied
he would accompany them no more, but send his
angel to guide them; but on Moses' continued in
tercession, he promised his presence, and gave him
a signal manifestation of his mercy and equity.*
276. Were the tables of the law restored?
Having procured two new tables of stone,
Moses returned to the mount ; and having con
tinued there forty days, came down with the,
moral law divinely inscribed on the tables.
277. At whose expence was the tabernacle
reared ?
It was done by voluntary contribution, with a
readiness, zeal, and liberality Avhich Avas exces
sive. •(¦
278. When were tke people first numbered?
When the tabernacle was building. They were .
numbered in order to contribute individually to
wards it. t
279. Wko were the Kohathit.es, the Merarites,
and, the Gcrskonitcs ?

* Exod. xxxii.
; Exod. xxxviii. 25, 26.

t Exod. xxxv. xxxvi.

142

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The Kokathites were the descendants of
Kohath, the second son of Levi, and father
of Amram. From him, through Aaron the
son of Amram, sprung the Hebrew priests.
The Merarites were descended from Merari,
the third son of Levi. The Gershonites were
descendants of Gershon, the eldest son of
Levi.* - '
280. What were their respective offices ?
The office of the Kokathites Avas to carry on
their shoulders the ark and other sacred utensils
of the tabernacle. To the Merarites it pertained
to bear in their waggons, and to fix the pillars,
bars, and boards of the tabernacle. They went
first of all the Levites, that the pillars might be
set up before the hangings came to be laid on.
The Avork of the Gershonites was to carry the
vails and curtains of the tabcrnacle.f
281. Were all Aaron's family to be priests?
Yes; provided they had no bodily imper
fections. J
282. Upon what account mas it that the
Levites mere constituted to minister in holy
things ? < '¦ :-
It was the recompense of their zeal and fidelity
in cutting off their idolatrous friends in the matter
• Gon. xlvi. 11. Exod. vi. 16. Numb. iii. 17.
f Numb. iii. t Lovit. xxi. 17.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

143

of the golden calf.* When God saved the first-
born of Israel from the destroying angel, who
smote all the first-born of Egypt, he claimed all
the first-born of all the tribes of Israel as his
own, but in exchange he took the Levites to
attend constantly upon his service. But at the
same time he appointed a price to be paid for
the redemption of the first-born of all succeeding
generations, which was five shekels. f
283. How often did tho tribes go up to Jeru
salem ?
Three times. At the passover, pentecost, and
the feast of tabernacles, all the males were to go
and appear before God. These were the three
chief feasts.|
284. Was not their land at that time subject
to the depredation of their enemies that dwelt
around them?
God promised them, that when they should go
up to appear before him, no man should " desire
their land," though they were surrounded with
enemies, and during the time most proper for
armies to be abroad, viz. between March and
September, Avhich was an obvious miracle.§
285. What mas the feast of pentecost?
* Seo Answer 275. Exod. xxxii. 28. Deut. xxxiii. 8-10.
t Exod. xiii. 13. Numb, xviii. 15, 16. See Ans. 130, N. T.
Numb. iii. 40— 51. t Exod. xxiii. 14— 17. § Exod. xxxiv,

144

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

It was instituted to commemorate the giving
of the law at Sinai, it being received fifty days
after the deliverance from Egypt. It was also
called the feast of harvest, as it Avas held at the
close of the wheat harvest, the first-fruits of which
in two loaves of fine flour were presented to the
Lord.* ;; "
286. Wkat was tke feast of tabernacles?
It was held at the close of all their harvest, to
acknowledge the bounty of God in crowning
the year with his goodness. They dwelt seven
days in booths made of the boughs of trees, to
remind them of their forefathers' sojourning in
the wilderness, when they came out of Egypt. \
287. Is there any thing in Christianity
corresponding to this feast?
As the passover and the feast of pentecost
have each a reference to events which were to
happen under the Christian dispensation, X so it
is supposed the third is to receive a similar com
pletion. But as there is nothing decisive as
yet discovered in the history of Christianity
corresponding to it, it is probable we are to
seek in some future event its completion or
antitype, when the fulness of the Gentiles shall be
" See Answer 441, New Testament. Levit. xxiii.
t Deut. xvi. 13. Levit. xxiii. 39— 44.
} Answer 191 ; and also Answer 441,412, New Testament.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

145

come in, and the Jews restored to their own
land.* : :¦'
288. What other feasts' were there among tlie
Jems ?
The feast of new moons, the feast of trumpets,
the sabbatical year, and the great year of jubilee.
The sabbatical year Avas called the year of re
lease, it being every seventh year. They tilled
not the ground, neither did they prune the vine, .
whence the land Was said to keep a sabbath. They
discharged all debtors, and released all debts,
Avhencc it was called the Lord's release. Every
sixth year was attended with extraordinary fruit
fulness, as God promised that the land should
bring forth the fruit of three years, that on the
seventh it might rest from tillage, an extensive
and obvious miracle.it The great jubilee was held
every fiftieth year. It was a year of general
release of debts, of slaves arid prisoners, and of all
lands and possessions, whether they had been sold
or mortgaged,]:
289. What was tke feast of unleavened
bread ?
It was a kind of an appendage to tho passover,
and immediately succeeded it, continuing during
seven days. Before it began, leaven was put
• See Graves, lect. vi. pait 3. Seo Answer 235.
t Levit. xxv. 6, 2, 20-22. Deut. xv. 2, 9. % Levit. xxv.
O

140

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

from all their dAvellings, and their houses were
generally cleaned.*
290. Why was unleavened bread used only ?
To commemorate their hasty departure from
Egypt.t 291. What was the feast ofpurim?
A commemoration of the Jews1 deliverance
from the massacre which Haman had determined
for them.!
292. IVliy were the Israelites to pass forty
years in tke wilderness?
According to the number of the days in whicli
the spies were searching the land of Canaan,
they were to wander forty years, that they might
be brought to repentance for their murmurings
at the unfavourable account of the spies.^
293. Horn did they know when and where tkey
were to march ?
They were guided by a pillar of cloud by day,
and a pillar of fire by night. When the cloud
appeared upon the tabernacle they stopped,
» Exod. xii. 15. t Exod. xii. 11, 15—17, 33,34, 39.
J Esther ix.
$The Israelites were forty years in the wilderness; but
Moses has recorded tho transaction of only three years, viz.
tho fiist two and last, lie mentions however in Numb, xxxiii.
nil Iho places where they pitched their tenia, Iho whole time
they were In the wilderness. Numb. xiv. 34. See Answer
,300,301,327. .";.;¦¦:. .¦-..;•< " v/' ' ;

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT,

147

whether for a single night, or for years. When
it moved, they put themselves in motion, and
continued their march, till the cloud appeared
again to settle upon the tabernacle. That which
was a cloud by day, appeared as fire by night.
Had it been a cloud only, it had not been visible
by night; and had it been fire only, it would
have been scarcely discernible by day. When
they marched it Avent before them, excepting
when they went through the Red Sea.*
294. On what occasion were tke seventy ciders
appointed, and by wkat name was a council of
that number afterwards called?
It was when the manna was loathed, and the
people lusted for flesh to eat. When Moses
heard the people weeping through their families,
he addressed himself unto the Lord, and com
plained of the heavy burden he had upon him in
the charge of such a people ; on this God directed
him to gather seventy of the elders to assist him.
They were afterwards called the Sanltedrim;
but whether it was the same is very doubtful :
it is however generally believed to be the foun
dation of the great national council of the
Jcws.f 295. .Horn did. God punish the Israelites when.
they loathed the marina and desired flesh?
* Sec Answer 199. Numb. ix. 15-23. t Numb. xi.

148

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

God in anger sent them quails in abundance,
so that the feast they had procured by murmuring
they paid dearly for. He smote them with a
very great plague, some bodily disease which
probably Avas the effect , of their surfeit.*
296. Horv mere tkey' supplied- mitk raiment
during the forty years in, the' milderness ?,.' •
As God 'supplied themSvith manna, so he
appears to have preserved ' their linen raiment,
(the most necessary, and the least lasting part of
the dress of every person in those hot countries,)
from wearing, by a supernatural operation, that
that they might not feel the want of flax.f
297. Wkat was the object of the great day of
atonement? ¦'- ¦•"¦¦'* ¦ ' -l. -¦: '.•¦-•'-, -r~- .<,-¦->¦
It avos a feast of expiation, oh the tenth of the
month Tisri, when the high priest, dressed in his
richest robes, entered into the most holy place
with the blood of the peculiar sacrifice, (men
tioned in Answer 261,) which he sprinkled on the
lnercy-seat before the Lord, as an atonement for
the sins of the whole nation. It Avas observed by
the people as a day of public humiliation and
repentance.! " ¦ " . ¦*.''¦* >'•
298. What reasons are therefor the appoint
ment of so many festivals?
Several: first, to perpetuate the memory of
*Nuinb.xi. t Deut. viii.4; xxix. 5. Graves. JLevit.xvi.

L 1

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

149

those great events and wonders wrought in
favour of Israel by God. The sabbath,* brought
to remembrance the creation ; the passover,^
the departure out of Egypt; the pentecost, the
law at Sinai, etc. : secondly, to keep them firm
to their religion, with the vipw of ceremonies,
and the majesty of divine service :! thirdly, to
give them instruction ; for in their assemblies
the law of God was read and explained : fourthly,
to renew the acquaintance, correspondence, and
friendship of their tribes and families with one
another, by coming from the several towns in
the country, and meeting three times a year in
the holy city.§ - ¦'¦'¦-
299. Were tke Israelites allomed to cat all
sorts of meat?
No. They distinguished two sorts of crea
tures, clean and unclean. The latter they were
not to eat. A beast that had a cloven foot, and
that chewed the cud, was clean; hence swine
were unclean, because they chew ndt the cud ;
and rabbits and hares, because they have not
cloven feet. Among the fishes, only such as
had fins and scales Avere allowed. Birds o
prey, blood, and the flesh of beasts strangled,
Avere prohibited.

» Answer 34-36, 213.
; Answer 229.

t Answer 190.
§ Answer 283.

f I-

150

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

300. How many spies were sent into the land
of Canaan?
Twelve, one for each tribe. They went from
Kadesh-barnea, in the desert of Sin or Puran,
through the land, to the very north borders, to
Rehob, near Hamath, and returned in forty days.*
301. Whicli of them gave a true account of
the land? ":
Caleb and Joshua, who followed the Lord
fully. The ten other spies died immediately of
a, plague, and the people were condemned to
wander forty years.
302. How were they rewarded ?
They only of all the armed men that came
out of Egypt entered into Canaan. Joshua
afterwards succeeded Moses, and Caleb had the
possession of the places about Hebron promised
him.f '
303. Wlxat mas Miriam's sin, and how mas
she punished?
In conjunction with her brother Aaron, she
upbraided Moses for his marriage with Zipporah
the Midianitcss, and for overlooking them in the
constitution of the Seventy elders. She was
smitten with leprosy, but upon the prayer of
Aaron, who was duly sensible of his guilt, she

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

151

i

was restored.!

* Numb. xiii.

t Joshua xiv. xv.

; Numb. xii.

ii

304. Who mere Korah, Dathan, and Abiram?
Korah was the cousin of Moses ; Dathan and
Abiram Avere sons of Eliab.
,,: 305. What mas tkeir offence, and how were
they punished ?
They hotly upbraided Moses and Aaron, as
taking too much upon them, since the whole
congregation were sacred to God. Moses re
plied that they were too arrogant to find fault
with the prescriptions of God, and that on the
morrow the Lord would shew whom he allowed
to officiate in the priesthood. He advised Korah
to appear with his accomplices,, two hundred
and fifty in number, with their censers full of
incense ; they did so, and the earth opened its
mouth, and SAvallowcd them up alive, with their
tents and families, while a fire from God con
sumed the two hundred and fifty men.*
- 306. What was done with their censers?
They were made into broad plates, for a
covering for the altar, to be a memorial in Israel
that no stranger who is not of the seed of Aaron
should come near to offer incense before the
Lord. - '. ,;
* From a comparison of ch. xvi. with xxvi. 9, 11, wc find that
Korah'schildrcndiednot.asthoseof Dathan and Abiram did.
They seem to have kept themselves free from the guilt of
their father's rebellion. They were afterwards employed by
" David as singers in the house of God. Numb. xvi.

152

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

307. By what miracle mas the establishment
of the Levitical priestliood confirmed?
The controversy was finally determined by
God, who made Aaron's rod, in one night,
which he laid up before the mercy-seat, to
blossom and bear almonds ; while the rods of
the other Hebrew tribes continued in their
withered state : a plain indication that Aaron
was chosen, and not any other of the princes
or tribes.*
308. How mas the expiration of it signified
in the Nem Testament ? .
As the peculiarities of the Mosaic system were
sanctioned by an authority confessedly divine,
so the like authority was required to abrogate
them. This was done by Christ, f
309. Why mas. the abrogation thereof so
gradually announced?
- Because it would have greatly shocked the
prejudices of the Jews. In 'the infancy of
the nation it would have been injurious, for
they could not have been so easily induced
to adhere steadfastly to their law, if they
were told that it was to be abrogated. But
as soon as that adherence was sufficiently
secured by its long establishment, the pro
phets were empowered to predict this in-
• Numb. xvii. Sec Ans. 210. t See Ans. 178, New Test.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

153

,4-

tended change, with increasing clearness, as
that change approached.*
310, Wkat is the first intimation of this
kind? — •*"' "
The first intimation of it is to be found in
Genesis xii. 3 : "And in thee shall all families of
the earth be blessed." See also xxvi. 4 ; xxviii. 4.
This seems likewise the purport of Moses' cele
brated prophecy, Deut. xviii. 15, etc.f
311. What relation docs the Gospel bear to
this wonderful system of ordinances ?
The Gospel sets forth the substance of all that
was pointed out and typified in legal ordinances,
being itself the body, soul, life, energy, and full
accomplishment. They prefigured the priest
hood and kingdom of Christ, the privileges and
happiness of his people ; the bondage in Egypt,
their miraculous deliverance, their sojourning in
the wilderness, and their entrance into the pro
mised land. Their ceremonies and sacrifices
were all predictive figures of Christ's coming,
of the establishment of Christianity, and of the
worship, sacraments, and excellencies of the
Gospel.! 312. Point out tke superiority of the Gospel
dispensation. * See Graves, part iii. lect. G. sect. 1, 2.
t Seo Answer 342. ( See Answer 229, 230, 231, 235.

154

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

It is superior in the clearness of the revelation
given by it, as to those truths which are most
'important to salvation. The substantial must
needs be more evident than the typical dispensa
tion. The spirituality of its nature is superior,
its blessings arc spiritual, as genuine repentance,
renewal of heart, peace of conscience, internal
purity, and consolation amidst the afflictions of
life. It is more glorious in the universality of
its extent, and in its perpetuity. It will continue
till it Jias spread itself over the habitable globe :
and while the Mosaic economy had only a tem
porary existence, "of the increase" of the Re
deemer's "kingdom there shall be no end."*
313. Wkat remarkable circumstances hap-
pencd at Kadesh ?
Here Miriam died. Here the water failed ;
and here Moses and Aaron offended God, in
drawing water from the rock, by which they
were prevented from entering the promised land.f
This is the second time they were at Kadesh,
thirty-eight years after the events mentioned in
Answers 300—307.!
314. When the Israelites mere at Kadesh,
what prevented' tkeir marching directly into tlie
promised land?

* 2 Corinth, iii. 11.
t Seo note to Answer 292,

t See Answer 338.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

155

The nearest Avay to Canaan from the place
where Israel lay encamped, was through the
country of Edom. Moses sent ambassadors to
treat with the king of Edom for leave to pass
through his country. They returned however
with a refusal, on which they turned another
way,* and did not take occasion to fall out with
the Edomites. We may here remark the old
enmity between Jacob and Esau, whose descend
ants the different parties were.f
315. What circumstance occurred at Mount
Hor? Aaron's death occurred here ; for whom the
congregation mourned thirty days. Here like
wise Eleazar was installed as his successor It
is a remark of some of the Fathers, that neither
Moses, the representative of the law, nor Miriam,
the representative of the prophets, nor Aaron,
the representative of the priesthood, could bring
the Israelites into the possession of the promised
land. This was reserved for Joshua, who was
in name and conduct the lively type of our
Saviour.! 316. How did God punish the Israelites in
their journey from Hor to Zalmonah, wken
they murmured and loathed the manna?

* Deut. ii. 45.
Sec Answer 125, 128.

t Gen. xxvii. 41. Numb. xx.
} Numb. xx.

156

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

He sent fiery serpents among them, which
destroyed many of them.*
317. How mere iliey saved ?
By looking up to a serpent of brass, which
Moses was directed to place on a high pole.
318. Horn could the serpent, the essence of
evil, be connected on this occasion with, tlie idea
of a restoration? "" -..- ? ; ¦
Among the Gentiles, the serpent has been con
sidered as an emblem not only denoting evil, or
producing calamity, but likewise as denoting or
producing good, which, contradictory as it may
appear, yet is founded on fact. They were es
teemed sacred to Esculapius, who- was adored
in Epidaurus under the form of a serpent;! There
was no reason why Israel should not consider
the serpent symbolically, in the same light as
other nations then and afterwards did.f
. 319. What mas done with the brazen serpent ?
It was kept and carefully preserved by the
Israelites. 320. By whom was it afterwards broken in
pieces ; and on wkat account ?
By Hezekiah; who, on being informed that the
people paid a superstitious worship to it, had it
broken in pieces, and by way of contempt he
called it Nekushtan, i. e. a brazen trifle.!
* Numb. xxi. t Taylor in Calmct. ; 2 Kings xviii.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT;

157

321. Of what was the brazen serpent typical?
Of our Saviour; prefiguring his sufferings,
both in their circumstances and consequences.
322. Horn so?'
Because it expressed the manner of his death,
and the benefits derived from, it.* The biting
of the Israelites represents the effects of sin.
The erecting of the brazen serpent represented
Christ on the cross. God himself devised the
antidote; so in our salvation by Christ, God
himself found the ransom.: It was an unlikely
method of cure ; so Christ was to the Jews a
stumbling*block, and to the Greeks foolishness.
That which cured was in the likeness of that
Avhich wounded ; so Christ was made in the
likeness of sinful flesh. They looked and lived ;
we look up by faith.f The sight of the eye was
the only means to derive virtue from it, and the
faith of the heart is the means by which the
sovereign efficacy of our Redeemer is conveyed.
323. What people were tke Israelites not to
distress on their march to Canaan?
" Their brethren," the children of Edom,! the
Moabites, and the Ammonites, the descendants
of Lot, were not to be disturbed, whatever
provocations they might give.§

* John iii. 14, 15.
; Sec Answer 314.

t Ilcb. xii. 2.
§ Deut. ii.

Isaiah xiv.

158

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

324. Who mas Balaam, and mhat is related
of Mm ?
A wicked prophet and soothsayer. When
the Israelites had conquered Sihon king of the
Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, Balak the
king of Moab sent for him to curse Israel, as
the only defence against their power. On his
way, an angel stood before him, on which the
ass he rode upon turned aside, and fell down for
fear; for this he unmercifully beat. her. She
was miraculously enabled to reprove him for
his madness and cruelty. However, instead of
cursing Israel, he prophesied of them. He
endeavoured again to curse them on Mount
Pisgah, but his intention was overruled; he
blessed Israel from thence. He made a third
trial on the top of Peor; but again he was
forced to prophesy concerning the potent and
flourishing condition of Israel.* But what he
failed in doing as a prophet, he accomplished
as a politician. He instructed the Moabitcs and
Midianites to send their daughters into the camp
of the Israelites to entice them into lewdness
and idolatry, in Avhich they succeeded. -,;.,.
325. Ho rv mere tke people punisked? -;
Provoked at this, God sent a mortality among
the Israelites, so that, twenty-three thousand fell
* Numb. xxii. ejc.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT!

159

in one day, besides a thousand slain by the
sword. : ', *
326. Horn mas the pla,gue stayed ?
By means of Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the
son of Aaron. An Israelite named Zimri brought
in a Midianitish woman named Cozbi, in the
sight of Moses and of the congregation, on
which Phinehas, zealous for God's honour,
thrust them both through, after which the
plague was stayed. :
327. What prophecy did Balaam deliver con
cerning the Messiah ?
" I shall see him, but not now : I shall behold
him, but not nigh : there shall come a Star out
of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,
and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy
all the children of Sheth. Seir and Edom shall
be a possession for his enemies ; and Israel shall
do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that
shall have dominion."*
328. Explain the meaning of that prophecy.
It has reference to the coming of the Messiah.
He shall come like a star and a sceptre; the
former denoting his glory and lustre, as the
bright and morning star, the latter his power and
authority. His kingdom shall be universal, fitly
typified by David's victories over Edom and
* Numb. xxiv. 17—19.

160

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

Moab. Perhaps this prophecy gave occasion
to the Avise men to inquire for him that Avas
born king of the Jcavs.* (
329. What mas his end?
When he was dismissed by the Moabites, he
Avent to the Midianites, where his stay was pro
tracted. When Moses by God's command fell
upon the Midianites, he also was slain amongst
the number.f We have abundant proof that he
lived and died a Avicked man, an enemy to God
and his people.!
330. Recapitulate the sins and the pimish-
mentsoftke Israelites in tke wilderness.
Their first sin was making a golden calf, to
Avorship it, for whicli three thousand of them
were slain.§ Secondly, they loathed the manna,
when God gave them quails, and with them the
plaguc.|| Thirdly, they murmured at the un-
* Newton, dissert, v.
t It is abundantly evident that the knowledge of the true
God was not confined to tho Jews. (See Answer 143.) It
was a general practice among the nations of antiquity to de
vote their enemies to destruction at the beginning of their
wars. Even the Romans had public officers appointed to
perform the ceremony, the form of which is still preserved.
(Macrob. Saturnalia, lib. iii. cap. 9.) It is not certain
whether the Lord had ever spoken to Balaam before this,
but by this interposition he mado his power known, and
spread among tho nations the power of his people.
t Numb. xxxi. 8. Deut. xxiii. 3—5. Mic. vi. 3—5.
y See Answer 272, || Sec Answer 295. '

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

161

favourable report of the spies, on which they Avere
condemned to wander forty years.* Fourthly,
the rebellion of Korah, etc.f Fifthly, when
they murmured at the length of the way, and
for want of better food, when many of them
were destroyed by fiery serpents.! Sixthly,
their lewdness and idolatry with the Midianitish
•"women, when twenty-four thousand of them were
cut off.§
331. Wkywcre the Israelites to avenge them
selves on the Midianites?
Because they were the occasion of sin to
Israel. || They took their women, their chil- '
drcn, etc. and plundered all they had. Moses
commanded them to kill all the women, but to
spare all the female children. The young men
might avenge what they might deem their coun
try's Avrongs; the mothers might have again
allured the Israelites. The women children
being brought up among the Israelites, never
would be a temptation to idolatry. H
332. How often were the Israelites numbered
in the wilderness ?
" It is observable, that on two occasions, viz. in the matter
of the golden calf, and after the return of the spies, the wholo
nation united in rebelling against God, and determining to
return lo Egypt. See Answer 292. t See Answer 305.
; Seo Answer 316. y See Answer 324, 325.
|| See Answer 324. 11 Bishop Watson.
i. 2 '

1G2

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

Three times. First, before the building of the
tabernacle.* Secondly, a month after, to prepare
for their regular encampment, and government,
and to ascertain their genealogies, in order to the
division of the laiid.f Thirdly, in the plains of
Moab, preparatory to theirtaking possession of the
promised land, thirty-eight years after the second.
They were now one thousand eight hundred and
twenty fewer than they were at the first muster.!
333. Were all the tribes numbered?
At the second numbering,^ the tribe, of Levi
was not numbered among the rest. They were
distinguished from the rest, for to them was com
mitted the care of the tabernacle ; consequently
they were numbered by themselves : they made
up twenty-two thousand tAvo hundred and seventy-
three in number. || In the plains of Moab they
were again numbered by themselves, when the
number was twenty-three thousand. This tribe
'came hot under the sentence passed upon all ,
that were numbered at Sinai, that none of them
should enter Canaan, but Caleb and Joshua;
for Eleazar, probably Ithamar, and perhaps
others, who were above twenty years old then,
entered Canaan. IT
* See Ans. 27R. f Numb. i. } Numb. xxvi.
y Numb. i. || Numb. iii.
1f Josh. xvii. 4; xxiv, 33. Numb. xxvi. 64.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

103

334. Do you.knom of any other person, not
¦ being an Israelite, who prophesied of Christ?
Yes, Job; vv ho lived in Idumea, on the
borders of Arabia and Egypt.
335. When is he thought to have lived?
Much controversy has existed relative to the
age when he lived. Some think the period to
have been some years before, or about the time
of Moses. Dr. Hales and others place him
between the deluge and the call of Abraham,
being a connecting link in the church of God
between Noah and Abraham. The book of Job
contains Job's history, his singular piety, riches,
afflictions, and restoration ; ¦ in all which the pro
vidential government of God and other subjects
are particularly illustrated.
336. What is his prophecy, and how do you
explain it?
" I know that my redeemer liveth, and that
he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
and though after my skin worms destroy this
''body, yet in my flesh shall I see God."*— It re
lates to the general resurrection, and the life of
the world to come, when our blessed Redeemer
shall come to judge the world at the last day,
and complete the redemption of his people.
337. 11% were none of those who came out
• Job xix. 25, 26.

164

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

of Egypt permitted to enter tke promised land,
save Caleb and Joshua?
Discouraged by the spies, they were for re
turning to Egypt, for which they were condemned
to wander forty years, till all who were above
twenty years old should die in their travels,
Caleb and Joshua excepted, they having given
a good account of the land.*
338. What sins had 3Ioses, Aaron, and
Miriam been guilty of?
Moses and Aaron offended God in the wilder
ness. They varied from their commission" in
fetching water from the rock at Meribah Kadesh.
Instead of doing this in the name and for the
glory of God, they spoke unadvisedly, not mani
festing a firm faith; they spoke to the people
instead of to the rock. They assu med too much of
the glory to themselves — " Must we fetch water?"
Therefore it is said they did not sanctify God, '
i. c. they did not give him that glory of this
miracle which was due unto his name.f Miriam
sinned at Hazeroth, she joined with Aaron in '
railing against Moses.!
339. What inference would you dram from
Moses' recording such incidents ?
If the Pentateuch had been compiled by any
* See Answer 292. f SceAnswer313. Numb. xx.
; Sec Answer 303.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

165

I

historian, guided by the partialities of the liuman
mind, it would appear in his description of the
character of the legislator of the nation,, who
were the people of God. ' But nothing of this
kind can be found in the sacred books ; while
Josephus, an historian of general integrity,
conceals many facts which would be disadvan
tageous to the credit of the nation and their
leader in the eyes of the world. Thus the
above-mentioned affair at Meribah is entirely
omitted by him.*
340. Relate the circumstances of Moses'
death ?
Being warned of his death, and his successor
being marked out, he gave him a solemn charge,
and rehearsed to the people summarily Avhat
God had done for them, and set before them the
blessings that would attend their obedience, and
the curses that would follow disobedience. After
blessing the tribes, he went up to the top of
Pisgah to take a clear view of the western Ca
naan, and there breathed his last ; and to prevent
the Israelites from idolizing his relics, the Lord
buried him in the valley, but his grave could
never be found. Thus he could procure no ad
mission into Canaan, because he trespassed at
the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the wilderness
* See Answer 1G0.

166

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

of Zin ; because he sanctified not God in the
midst of Israel.*
341. How old was he?
One hundred and twenty years; not disabled
by decay, either of body or mind ; his eye was
not dim, nor his natural force abated. The first
forty he spent as a prince in Pharaoh's court;
tho second as a shepherd in Midian ; (he third
as a " king in Jcshurun. " He had finished his
second forty when he received his commission
to bring Israel out of Egypt. After his death,
Israel mourned for him thirty days.'
342. In wkat words did Moses prophesy con
cerning the Messiah ?
" The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a
Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren,
hke unto me; unto him shall ye hearken."f
343. How do you know tkat it applies to tke
Messiah ?
It is expressly applied to Christ, as the Messiah
promised, by St. Stephen in his dying speech,!
and by Pctcr.ij Like Moses, Christ was not
only a Prophet, but a Saviour and a LaAvgiver
too, by whom God has sent a new system of
precepts, and new ample discoveries of his will.||

* Deut. xxxi— xxxiv.
t Deut. xviii. 15, 18.
§ Acts iii. 22.

Sec Answer 338.
t Acts vii. 37.
|| Sherlock on Prophecy, ctia. vi.

ON THE. OLD TESTAMENT.

167

344. What was tlie characteristic distinction
between Moses and every other inferior prophet?
Great dignity belonged to him in that he was
a lawgiver. No prophet after Moses was sent
with such a commission, during the term of" the
law ; but the prophet foretold by him was evi
dently to resemble him in this particular.
345. What difference was there, in their in
troduction, between the respective laws of Moses
and of Christ ?
The law of Moses was delivered with over
whelming terror at Sinai, so that the Jews be
sought God not to speak to them in this manner
anymore, "lest they die."* God approves of
and grants this entreaty ; and as the mode of im
pressing the Jewish law was suited to its nature
as a coercive system, so the Gospel scheme was
ushered in with the most attractive manifestations
of mildness and mercy, benignity and love, pro
claiming peace and good-will to men on earth. f
346. Shcrv how Moses was a type of Christ.
Moses was a deliverer, a lawgiver, a judge,
and a leader to the verge of the land of promise.
So is Christ every one of these : he rescues us
from the slavery of the devil ; he came as a law
giver lo confirm every moral precept, to teach,
* Deut. xviii. 16.
t See Graves. Ira1.er Hor. Mos. vol. ii. lib. 2. sect. 3.

168

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

to rule and save. Moses was a founder of a new
dispensation, by signs and wonders ; so was Christ.
Moses fasted forty days; so did Christ. Moses
supplied the people with bread in the wilderness ;
Christ fed five thousand at one time, and four
thousand at another, with a few loaves. Moses
sent forth twelve men to spy the land; and our
Saviour sent twelve apostles, to visit all nations.
Moses promised a holy land; Jesus Christ a
better country, that is, a heavenly. Eusebius
and Dr. Jortin have draAvn able and exact
parallels between them.* " -
347. Shew how Aaron was a type of Christ.
Christ is our great highpriest; he intercedes,
like Aaron, for his people, in heaven, the holy
of holies.f Aaron was called of God, as Christ
was. Aaron was anointed to his office; Christ
was prepared for Lis priesthood by an immeasur
able unction of the Holy Ghost. Aaron was
clothed with his holy garments, typifying the
dignity of Christ, our high pricst. fn *
branch of his holy office, Aaron shews forth our
great high priest over the house of God.! '"
348. In Deut. xxviii. explain Moses' pro
phecies concerning the Israelites.
In Deut. xxviii. he predicts that misery and
* See Newton on the Prophecies, dissert, vi
t See Answer 297. filch, iv.14-16. ' i

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

1G9

war, that public calamity and private afflictions,
which were to be the certain punishment 'of their
disobedience., In ver. 49, the nation from afar
were the Romans, who, from the rapidity of
their conquests, might • well be compared to
eagles ; indeed this was the very standard in their
armies. Ver. 52, refers to Shalmaneser king
of Assyria, who took Samaria. Sennacherib,
another Icing of Assyria, took all the fenced ci
ties of Judea. Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem,
and burnt the city and temple. It was after
wards taken by Antiochus Epiphanes, and by
Pompey, before its final destruction by Titus.
Ver. 53, 54, which predict the sufferings from
famine, have reference to a circumstance men
tioned by Josephus, viz. a woman of illustrious
birth killing and eating her own sucking child
during the siege by Titus. Eleven hundred
thousand of them perished, besides ninety-nine
thousand two hundred who Avere made prisoners.
No nation on earth has been exposed to more
persecutions than the Jews. They were sold
for slaves, rooted out of their OAvn land, and re
moved into all the kingdoms of the earth. Ver.
29 — 32 : Even in our own country, they have
had their estates confiscated. Henry III. polled
them in every pecuniary difficulty. In many
catholic countries, their children have been taken

170

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

from them by command of government, to have
them educated in the popish religion ; in Avhich
countries it is common for them to comply with
idolatrous worship, rather than suffer their goods
to be confiscated : their very name is used as a
term of reproach. In Levit. xxvi. 44, God says,
he will not utterly cast them away to destroy
them; of whicli he has not been unmindful, for
they still live a distinct people, unmixed with
any of the nations.*
349. Who succeeded Moses in governing the
people ?
Joshua.350. Of whom was lie an eminent type ?
Of Christ. The Hebrew word Joshua is the
same as the Greek word Jesus, both signifying
saviour. Joshua is named Jesus in Acts vii. 45;
Heb. iv. 8. Joshua saves God's people from the
Canaanites ; Christ from their sins. He, like
Joshua, is the Captain of our Salvation; he puts
us in possession of the heavenly Canaan through
every difficulty, and even death, and thus gives
us rest, which Joshua merely adumbrated. f
351. Why is Deuteronomy so called?
Deuteronomy is so called because it contains
a repetition of the moral law, with various and
particular explanations of it.
* See Newton, dissert, vii, > t llcb. iv, 8,"

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

171

352. What relation does the book of Joshua
bear to the Pentateuch ?
It is one of the most important books in the
Old Testament, and is a continuation and com
pletion of the Pentateuch. Between it and the
books of Moses there is an analogy, as between
the Gospels and the Acts.
353. What does it contain?
It contains an account of the conquest of
Canaan, and the division of the country among
the tribes of Israel.
354. What kind of government had the chil
dren of Israel from their departure out of Egypt
till the time of Samuel ?
Their government was different from that of
all other nations. It was, as Josephus calls it,
a theocracy ; their whole system of civil laws
being enacted by God as their King, and their
magistrates appointed by him. And when they
came to have kings like other nations, they were
but his viceroys, who derived their authority
solely from him. This was very evident in the
appointment of their first king.*
355. Relate the circumstances of the passage
of the river Jordan. How mas Jericho taken ?
As soon as the priests who bore the ark entered
the Jordan, the waters which floweA from above
* 1 Sam. ix. x. Warburton, boolcv. sect. 3.

172

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

stood up in a heap, so that Israel passed through
the channel dry-shod. Twelve stones Avere taken
from the bottom of the river, and placed on the
shore, as a memorial of the" miracle.* — They
marched six days round the city, and On the
seventh they sounded trumpets (probably in the
shape) of rams' horns, and the people shouted,
on which the Avails fell down, and the ' city was
taken. All the inhabitants were put to the sword,
with the exception of Rahab the harlot, who hid
and saved the spies which Joshua had sent over,
356. Among the nations whicli tke Israelites
were commanded to extirpate, had any of them
such an origin as mould lead us to expect their
future iniquity? *' ¦'' "¦:•- r»
Yes ; the Canaanites were cursed in their pro
genitor Ham, by his father Noah, when he pro
nounced the different fortunes of his family.f -
357. Horn was Ai taken ?
The Hebrews counterfeited a flight, on whicli
the men of Ai were drawn out of the city. Some
of the Hebrew forces which lay in ambush on
the other side immediately rushed in and set
it wholly on fire. Their army Avas cut in pieces,
the king taken and slain.!
358. What was Achan's crime?
He concealed part of the accursed spoil of
"Josh. iii. 14, etc. iv. t See Answer 77,78. J Josh. viii.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

173

*

Jericho. . God shewed his displeasure in the
defeat of three thousand HebreAvs before Ai.
By the direction of God, lots were cast, Avhich
fell upon Achan, when he, his children, and his
cattle Avere stoned to death.*
359. Why were not the Gibeonitcs destroyed?
They sent ambassadors with old garments and
mouldy bread, to prove that they came from a
far country, on which the men of Israel rashly
made peace with them.. On discovery, their lives
were spared, but Joshua condemned them to the
servile but sacred work of hewing wood and
drawing water for the house of God.f
360. Was not this peace afterwards violated?
Yes ; Saul and his subjects by his orders had,
under pretence of zeal for the Hebrew nation,
murdered great multitudes of them. Long after
Saul's death, God punished the Hebrews with
three years' famine, nor was it removed till the
Gibeonitcs, by David's permission, had hanged
up seven of Saul's descendants before the Lord
in Gibcah.l • "
361 . Was it not inconsistent with the character
of God to permit the children to be punished?
The crime of Saul was a wilful breach of the
laws of God and man, which it became God,
the supreme governor of the nation, to manifest
* Josh. vii. ¦ t Josh. ix. % 2 Sam. xxi.
q2

174

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

his displeasure against. Children very frequently
suffer for the crimes of their parents, as is evi
dent from the constant experience of all nations
and tribes. *
362, How was tlie king of Jerusalem witk
his four allies conquered?
God assisted Israel by casting great hail-stones
from heaven on their enemics.f
363. What miracle occurred on this occasion?
Joshua bade the sun and moon stand still, to
lengthen out the day for his victory ; and they
obeyed him.
364. Is there any similar instance in Scrip
ture? x
Yes ; in the time of Hezekiah the sun Avent
back fen degrees.!
365. Do you know of any Greek historian
mho relates something like a confused tradition
concerning this miracle ?
Yes ; Herodotus, in his Euterpe, speaking of '
the Egyptian priests, says, they told him that
the sun four times deviated from his course,
having twice risen were he uniformly goes down'
a.nd twice gone down where he uniformly rises.
This however had produced no alteration in the
climate of Egypt.
* See Chandler. 2 Sam. xxi. t Josh, x
X 2 Kings xx. 8— II.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

175

i'

366. Were all tke Canaanites extirpated by
Joshua ?
No. "¦¦'.''. ' "^ ¦;¦
367. Why was tlieir extirpation to be gradual?
In order to serve as scourges and snares to
the Israelites "when they sinned against God, and
thus to be instruments in the hand of God to
punish them.
368. Where was the tabernacle first, pitched,
and why there? "•'¦¦ "' ;
In Shiloh, by the appointment of God.
369. Did all the tribes pass over Jordan ?
No. We read in Numb, xxxii. that the two
tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe of
Manasseh, had their inheritance fixed' to the east
of the Jordan, but the armed men amongst them
were to cross over to assist their brethren. Ac
cordingly, forty thousand of the tAvo tribes and a
half went over before their brethren,* leaving the
rest, amounting to seventy thousand five hundred
and eighty, behind, to defend the possessions
ceded to them on the east side of Jordan.
Jleuben  43,730
Gad  40,500
Half tribe of Manasseh 26,350
110,580 effective men in all.
40,000 ciosscd over.
70,580 left behind.
* Josh iv. 12, 13.

176

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

370. Wliy had not the tribe cf Levi any land
assigned them ?
Because they were to live on sacred oblations.
But they had forty-eight cities, scattered among
the other tribes, with a field of three thousand
cubits around for pasture and gardens.*
371. Was not tke severity exercised towards
the nations of Canaan inconsistent with the
moral justice of God?
No. They were abominable sinners, exceed
ingly wicked and idolatrous, and the very land
sick of their odious and brutal practices. This
was the reason for destroying them, and not to
make room for the Israelites. They Avere only
instruments in God's hands to exterminate them,
just as it might have happened by a pestilence,
earthquake, or fire ; when even innocent persons
and children are involved in the common ca
lamity, in accordance with the usual course of
Providence, f
372. Whence is the book of Judges so named ?
Because it is the history of the commonwealth
of Israel during the government of thirteen
judges, from the death of Joshua to Eli, during
three hundred years.
373. What is related of Othniel, Ehud,

i * Josh. xxi. 3,
t Paley, serm. 29.

i '

4

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

177

See Graves, part iii. lect. 1.

Shamgar, Deborah, Barak, Gideon, and Jeph-
tliah? They were extraordinary judges, whom God
in the course of his providence raised up to
rescue Israel from their enemies.
374. From what oppressions did they re
spectively deliver the Israelites; and in what
manner ?
When Cushan-rishathaim oppressed Israel,
Othniel levied an army and routed the Mesopo
tamian troops. Ehud delivered them from the
oppression of Eglon king of Moab. Shamgar
from the oppression of the Philistines. He slew
six hundred of them with an ox-goad.* Deborah,
a prophetess, from the oppression of Jabin. Ba
rak was sent for by Deborah, to levy an army
against Jabin king of Canaan, whose army was
commanded by Sisera. Deborah, accompanied
by Barak, marched against him, and so entirely
defeated him that few escaped alive. Gideon
from the oppression of the Midianites. He de
stroyed the worship of Baal. Jepkthah from the
power of the Ammonites. f
375. What was the nature of their office ?
They were not a regular succession of govern
ors, but occasional deliverers raised up by God ;
some also elected by the people, as circumstances
• Judges iii. t Judges iii.— xi.

178

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

required, to rescue Israel from oppression, to
reform tho state of religion, and administer justice
to the people. They were something like the ar
chons of Athens, the dictators of Rome, the suf-
fctes of Carthage, and the governors of Germany,
Gaul,, and Britain, before the Roman invasion.
370. Who was the last judge over Israel?
Samuel. . . ;,y
377. What is there remarkable of Jephthah ?
When he was preparing for battle against the
Ammonites, he rashly vowed, that if the Lord
should prosper him, he would devote to him
Avhatever should first meet him from his house.
The first who met him was' his only daughter
with timbrels and dances. Some think, as did
most of the ancient fathers, that she was sacri
ficed; but the subject has of late been very fully
discussed, and the weight of argument appears
to be that she was not sacrificed, but consecrated
to perpetual virginity.*
378. Who was Abimelech? what did he?
He was the son of Gideon by his concubine.
He slew his threescore and ten brethren, except
the youngest, who escaped, and advanced him
self to the kingdom. As he was besieging a
city, a woman cast a. piece of mill-stone on his
head, and killed him. * Judges xi.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

179

4

379. Do you remember any fable in the book
of Judges ?
Yes ; Jotham's fable or apologue of the trees,
which he addressed to the men of Shechem, when
he found that Abimelech wanted to make him
self king. There is no fable which contains a
finer moral, viz. the weak, worthless, and the
Avicked will ever be foremost to thrust them
selves into power, and in the end bring ruin
upon themselves, and the unhappy people over
whom they preside.*
380. Is it not a mode of instruction incon
sistent with truth ?
No. The truth of a fable lies in the instruc
tion it contains, and the feigned circumstances
being known 'to be such, the whole is made to
serve the cause of truth. They are sanctioned
by the practice of our Saviour.
381. Mention other such figurative repre
sentations ?
See Answer 227, New Testament.
382. TF7io was Samson, and what mas tkere
remarkable in his birth?
The son of Manoah. — After his mother had
been long barren, the angel Jehovah appeared
unto her, and informed her she should have a
son. He ordered her to consecrate the child to
* Judges ix. 7,

"

180

questions and Ansavers

I

God, and bring him up as a Nazaritc from his
infancy. When she informed her husband, ho
prayed that the man of God would again appear,
nnd give further directions concerning the educa
tion of the child; on which he again appeared,
and repeated his former directions. They begged
he Avould tarry a little, while they prepared for
his entertainment, on which he bade them offer
their burnt-offering unto the Lord. He told
them his name was Wonderful ; and while Ma-
noah offered, his kid and meat-offering on the
rock, the angel ascended up to heaven in a
flame.* 383. Relate the principal circumstances of
his life. ¦'-; j ¦:--.:¦- : '-....
On one occasion he tore a lion asunder. 'N He
broke all the cords with which he was bound:
He slew a thousand Philistines with the jaAv-
bone of an ass ; and when they beset the city
gates at Gaza, with the intention of killing him
in the morning, he rose at midnight and carried
the gate and gate-posts with him, when he made
his Avay out. He fell in love with Delilah, one of
the Philistine women, who cut his hair, in which
his strength lay, and betrayed him to the Philis
tines, who put out his eyes and made him grind
in a mill.t * Judges xiii, . f Judges xiii.— xvi.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

181

3cj 4. What mas his end ?
Thousands of the Philistines were assembled
in the temple of their god, Dagon, to observe
a solemn thanksgiving for delivering Samson into
their hands, Avhom they ordered to be brono-ht
to make them diversion. His strength beino-
restored, he leaned on the two pillars which sup-
ported the temple, and, in order to avenge him
self on the Philistines, he pulled the building
down on their heads and his own.
385. Wkat mas the beginning of idolatry in
Israel? :'. ; -, .-
^ A person of the name of Micah stole from
his mother a sum of money, which she had
dedicated to God, to make images of it for family
worship.. The money was restored, and the
images made, which Micah set up in a chamber,
with a Levite to officiate.*
386. Who succeeded Samson as judge?
Eli.— He judged forty years.
387. Why mas tke house of Eli cursed?
On account of the extreme wickedness of his
sous. He honoured God himself, but restrained
not his sons from Avickedness.
388. Who were Samuel's father and mother?
Elkanah and Hannah, f
389. For what mas Hannah remarkable. ?
* Judges xvii. t i Sam. i. ii.

182

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

"For fervency in asking and gratitude in re
ceiving mercy from God. By her silent prayer
she testified her belief of God's knowledge of
the heart, and its desires. By her public thanks
giving she shewed that her heart was enlarged
Avith love and gratitude; she rejoiced in the
salvation of the Lord.*
390. Relate the circumstances of Samuel's
call. He Avaitcd on the service of the tabernacle.
One night God called him three times, when he
was a child, and made a prophet of him. When
God called him, he answered, Here am I, and
ran to Eli, thinking it was his call. When God
called the third time, Eli perceived it was the
Lord, he therefore instructed Samuel to 'say,
Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.t <*:'¦'
391. How did he judge Israel?
He travelled through the land every year, and
judged with great honour and justice for many
years.! 392. Did his sons resemble him in piety" and
integrity? No ; they oppressed and abused the people.' s
393. Why did the Israelites wish for a king ;
and did tkey sin in so doing ?
In consequence of this oppression, they wished
* 1 Sam. ii. t 1 Sam. iii. i 1 Sam. vii. 16.

ON THE. OLD TESTAMENT.

183

for a king, like the rest of the nations. Doubtless
they sinned in this, for God said to Samuel,
they have not rejected thee, but they have re
jected me, that I should not reign over them. In
reality, the demand was treasonable.*
394. Was tlie theocracy now abolished?
No. The Lord reigned over them, but not in
such a peculiar manner as by the judges, who
were generally raised and called by God's special
appointment. f >,.¦•, '•;.
395. Relate the circumstances of Saul's being
made king. < , :
• Saul Avas sent by his father to seek some asses
that he had lost, Samuel meeting with him took
him aside, and anointed him king. Afterwards,
God publicly chose and determined him to be
king, by casting Jots among the tribes and
families of Israel.! -,
396. Did tke government remain in his fa
mily? ,.,'. ..i ;. ,,
No.
397. What sin did Saul commit ?
He disobeyed the word of the Lord. When
the. Philistines, marched against Israel, and no

* 1 Sam. viii.
t Warburlon proves that the theocracy was continued
'tllider the kings, and even to the appearance of our Saviour.
J, 1 Sam, ix. •-.- ,-.

184

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

more than six hundred remained with Saul, he
did not wait seven days for Samuel, as he should
have done, but offered a sacrifice himself; for
which Samuel rebuked him, and told him that
God would transfer the royalty to another, who
would act more agreeably to his mind.*
398. What was his conduct afterwards ; and
mkat did Samuel say to him ? /
s When he was sent against the Amalekites to
destroy them utterly, he spared Agag their king
and the best of the plunder. The Lord was dis
pleased with Said, and it grieved Samuel greatly '.
he told him that God regarded obedience better
than sacrifice, and that disobedience was as bad
as witchcraft or idolatry. f
399. Who was David; where was ke anointed
king; and by whom? ¦ /¦¦ ¦¦•.[.
The youngest son of Jesse, who kept the sheep :
he was anointed king in Bethlehem by Samuel. I
400. Who was Ruth ; and why is her history
introduced in Scripture ?
She was a native of the country of Moab,
whither an Israelitish family retired in a season
of famine, and into Avhich she married. :She
afterwards married Boaz, great-grandfather of
David.— Her history was introduced to signify
a preintimation of the admission of the Gentiles
» 1 Sam. xiii. t 1 Sam. xv. % 1 Sam. xvi.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

185

into the Christian church ; and likewise to evi
dence the care of divine Providence over those
who sincerely love God, by raising her from a
state of the deepest adversity, to that of the
highest prosperity.
401. Did David succeed Saul immediately
asking? Who then did?
No : he reigned seven years and a half in
Hebron over the men of Judah.* — Ishbosheth,
one of the sons of Saul, reigned over the rest of
the tribes of Israel ; but having quarrelled with
Abner, the general of his army, Abner joined
with David. Ishbosheth's own servants slew
him, and then all Israel chose David for their
king. 402. Mention some circumstances of David's
early life.
While yet a shepherd, he killed a lion and a
bear which came to rob his father's flock.
Plaving a knowledge of music, he was sent for
by Saul to play on the harp, to refresh him when
he had an evil spirit of melancholy. When
the giant Goliath challenged Israel, David en
gaged him in single combat, and slew him with
a sling and a stone. After this, Saul employed
him against the Philistines, many thousands of
whom he slew.f
* 2 Sam. v. t 1 Sam. xvi. xvii. xix.
r2

186

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

187

403. What mas the cause of Saul's ill-mill
tomards him?
It arose from envy, .because the women of
Israel sang to their instruments, Saul has slain
his thousands, and David His ten thousands.*
404. Give an account of the dangers to which
David mas exposed by the malice of Saul.
Twice he' attempted to murder him by throw
ing a javelin at him. He married his daughter
Michal to him, provided he would give one hun
dred foreskins of the Philistines as her dowry,
hoping he would perish in the attempt. Just
after, he directed some of his courtiers to kill
him. He fled from place to place, till at last
he was driven to conceal himself among the
Philistines. When he diverted him with his
harp, Saul threw a javelin at him, and because
he escaped, ordered his guards to beset his house
and murder him. Michal hearing this, let Da
vid down by a window, f
405. Had David any opportunities of killing
Saul? Yes; twice. AVhen David was in the desert
of Engedi, he and his men lodged in a cave.
Saul, in searching the country for him, entered
into this very cave, probably to sleep during the
heat of the day. Some of David's friends ad-
* 1 Sam. xviii. 5-7. t 1 Sam. xviii. xxi. xxvi. xxvii.

vised him to kill him, but he refused, and only
cut off the skirt of his robe, Avithout being per
ceived. Again, Avhen David was in Hachilah,
Saul with three thousand men marched in quest
of him. One night, David reconnoitred Saul's
army, and finding them all asleep, he carried
aAvay Saul's spear and cruse of water.*
406. Give an account of SauTs death.
In a battle with the Philistines Israel was
worsted, and Saul Avas sorely Avoundcd, on which
he desired his armourbcarer to kill him, lest he
should fall into the hands of the enemy ; but on
his refusing to thrust him through, Saul fell
upon his sword. Jonathan and two other sons
likewise were slain. f
407. Give an account of David's principal
sins. His adultery with Bathsheba, and the murder
of Uriah ; multiplying wives and concubines,
and numbering the people from pride of power.!
He fell in love with Bathsheba as she was wash
ing herself, and sending for her he defiled her.
Failing in persuading her husband Uriah to go
down to his house, he ordered Joab his general
to place him in the hottest place of the battle,
and leave him to be slain. Bathsheba was added

* 1 Sam. xxiv. xxvi.
; 2 Sam. xi. xxiv.

t 1 Sam. xxxi.

X

188

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

to the number of his Avives, and she bare him a
son, whom God in his displeasure struck with
sickness and death, threatening David that the
sword should never depart from his house, and
that his children should be his grief. Towards
the latter end of his life, elated with prosperity,
he caused Joab to number the people ; which, as
it was done through pride of power and vain
confidence in his own strength, displeased the
Lord. The prophet Gad Avas ordered to bid
him choose famine, pestilence, or war, as a
punishment. David chose the pestilence, or
famine, choosing rather to fall into the hands
of God than of man ; whereupon the Lord sent
an angel, who struck the people Avith a plague,
that destroyed seventy thousand men in the
space of three days. ¦•<
408. Why was he nevertheless called the
" man after God's own heart?" ' ¦¦'¦'¦ '•
He was so called because he acted in con
formity to the main purpose of God's heart ; not
on account of his private virtues, but of his •
public conduct ; not for a spotless purity of
manners, but for his abhorrence of idolatry,
and his strict adherence to the civil and re
ligious laws of his country. This was the dis
tinguishing excellence of his character. He was
a sincere and hearty lover of his country, and a

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

189

zealous preserve!" of its laws.* He was sorely
chastised in the remainder of his days: it was a
continual course of deep affliction, one train of
humiliation and* repentance; his whole heart
and soul* was employed in God's service, who1
pardoned his sins. In no case was virtue so>
signally rewarded, in no case Avas guilt so signally!
chastised. Millions have fallen like David, but
who ever repented and recovered like him ?
409. Give a slight sketch of the bright side of
his character.
• He adhered steadily to the one true God,.
and his religion. " He was a wise, munificent ;
prince. He cannot endure the lies of a trea
cherous Amalekite, though he brings him a
crown. His forbearance towards his enemies
and most violent persecutors is remarkable. He '
mourns bitterly over Saul, and rebellious un
grateful Absalom, and blesses those that had
sheAved them kindness. How true is his friend
ship to Jonathan, and others that had shewed
him kindness ! With what gladness and joy
does he conduct the ark to Zion ! And with
what zeal and devotion does he purpose to build
a temple for the God of Israel t Here we see
much to admire. '

* Want's Bihlo.
sect. 2, ad (in; ¦ i i M

1 Sam. xiii, 14. Graves, partiii. lect. 2.
, j'i.i l . !¦•...

190

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

410. Mention the chief troubles which befel
David and his family. ¦•¦'• :¦. >ti
Rape, incest, murder, and rebellion, raged
among his children. His son Amnon defiled
his sister Tamar, and after two years Avas slain
by Absalom on that account. Absalom drove
his father David from his throne, but aftenvards
was slain, and bitterly mourned over by ' his
father. Sheba rebelled against him. And in
consequence of his numbering the people, the
Lord, offended with his pride, took off seventy
thousand of the people by a pestilence. Lastly,
his son Adonijah set up himself as king. He
was thus deserted by his friends, banished from
his capital, and plunged into the deepest afflic
tion ; so that he died exhausted at seventy, still
older in constitution than in years.* rf i-Wimf
411. Horn was David a type of Christ?. -,i '
In his appointment to the kingdom ; the violent
opposition he met with in his way to the throne ;
his deep afflictions ; his great deliverance ; and
his final triumphs. In his reigning in righteous
ness, seeking the welfare, and subduing the
enemies of his people ; in his example of patient
resignation, and in his forbearance and tender
ness towards his bitterest enemies, we have Christ
and David in one view. In Acts xiii. 34, ever-
.'..•,....¦) • 2 Sam. xiii. xv. 14; xviii.,9,14; xxjy., ..... v ,

ON'THE OLD TESTAMENT.

191

lasting life is expressed by " the sure mercies of
David," i. e. of Christ, who in the Prophets is
often called by the name of David.*
412. What' good men mere contemporaries
with Mm ?
Nathan, who faithfully reproved him. Zadoc,
Abiathar, and Araunah, who cleaved steadfastly
to the Lord in times of darkness and confu
sion, f
413. Who succeeded David?
-. Solomon. ¦ - "¦ * '':' ; •¦¦
414. Wkat was his general character, and
in what did he shew his wisdom ?'
' The Lord granted him such wisdom and
honour and wealth, as none before or after him
ever possessed. But his conduct in the after
part of his life' has marked him with disgrace.
He shewed his wisdom in that he asked not for
long life, nor riches, nor honours, but under
standing and knowledge to govern so great a
people. The first instance of his wisdom in the
government, was his deciding the quarrel between
two women, who contended about a child, and
in giving the child to the true mother.!
* Jcrem. xxx. 9. Ezek. xxxiv. 23, 24; xxxvii. 24, 25.
Hos. iii. 5. See Mant and Elsley on Acts xiii. 34. David
was the generic name of the lungs of Israel, as Cresar was for
a considerable time of the emperors of Rome.
t 2 Sam. xii.' xv.'xvii. xix. 1 Kings i. ii. t 1 Kings Iii.

192

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

415. Why was David not permitted • to build
the temple? ,i ... ¦•
Because he had polluted his hands with
blood.* 416. Where mas tke ark at this time ?
David, in the commencement of his reign,
fetched it from Kirjath-jearim, and placed it in
Zion.f .---. ' •"< ';••¦'
417. What sins was Solomon guilty of?
Multiplying wives and concubines : he had
seven hundred of the former and three hundred
of the latter, mostly heathenish idolaters. In
compliance with these he forsook the Lord, and
worshipped idols ; whereupon the Lord told him
that he would rend off ten of the Hebrew tribes
from their subjection to his seed. Alarmed at
this, he repented of his sins ; and it is likely
about this time wrote his Ecclesiastes, and, it is
thought, a part of his Proverbs, wherein he so
earnestly warns his son against lewd women.!
418. Give an account of the building of the
temple. ,*.
The temple was built on mount Moriah, in a
most splendid manner, of cedar, and fir, and
olive wood, after the plan of the tabernacle. The
materials Avere brought, in ready for their place,

* 2 Sam. vii. 12, 13.
t 2 Sam. vi. 1— 17.

1 Chron. xxii. 7, 8.
, . (1 King6 xi,

I

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

193

so that they required only to be joined, and yet
it was seven years in building. Solomon was
assisted by Hiram king of Tyre, and his ser
vants and artificers. Its courts, porticos, and sur
rounding offices, composed a prodigious pile;
the most splendid perhaps that the world ever
saw. But scarcely any two writers agree in
describing the proportions, and the several parts
of this magnificent structure.*
419. Horn many years before Christ was it
finished? One thousand and four.
420. Who mas Solomon's successor ?
Rehoboam. • '
421. Horn many tribes revolted from him,
and mhy did they revolt?
Ten ; because he despised the counsel of the
old men, and hearkened to the advice of rash
young men, and threatened the nation to make
their yoke heavier than his father had done.f
422. Wkat effect had this division on the
fortunes of Judah ?
It prepared the way for the completion of
Jacob's prophecy, the blessing of Judah-! Had
all the tribes continued under one head, they
Avould probably have all undergone the same
fate; but being divided in interest, their fortunes
* 1 Kingsv. See Answer 120. f 1 Kings xii. 'Gcn.xlix.
s

194

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

proved very different ; for the Assyrian captivity
Avas ruin to the ten tribes, but the Babylonish
captivity was only a seventy years' punishment
to Judah.
423. What difference is there betmeen the
boohs of Kings and Chronicles ?
The Chronicles give one summary view of the
whole history, from the creation to the days of
Ezra. Though in substance the same with the
other books of Kings, yet a variety of subjects
are here treated more at large, and several in
teresting particulars added.
424. What sins mas Rehoboam guilty of?
For three years he and his subjects followed
the Lord and prospered, but afterwards he for
sook the 'law of tlie Lord, and all Israel with
him. Idolatrous altars, groves, and high places
were every Avhere formed, and other enormous
wickedness practised.*
425. Which mas the capital of tke ten tribes?
Samaria.
426. Which tmo did not revolt? /''.'"''
Judah and Benjamin.
427. By what names mere the two kingdoms
afterwards designated?
The kingdom of Judah, and the kingdom of
Israel. 11 2 Chron. xii. . 1 Kings xiv. 21—31,

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

195

428. Were any of the kings of Israel pioiis
men? ':' ,
No, not one of them.
429. Who was the first king of Israel? . ,
Jeroboam.430. What sin did lie commit ?
He made two golden calves, and set them up
in two distant parts of the land of Israel — Dan
and Bethel. He forsook the temple which God
appointed, and made priests of the lowest of the
people, instead of the sons of Levi.*
431. Had this any effect on the subsequent
fortunes of Israel ?
Yes ; they never prospered afterwards. Their
land became a land of war, confusion, and
trouble. 432. What object had lie in so doing ?
He feared, if the people went up frequently to
sacrifice at Jerusalem, they would be tempted to
return to their allegiance to Rehoboam.
433. Was he guilty of a breach of the first
or second commandment ?
He was guilty of a, breach of the second com
mandment. 434. What is the difference between the two ?
The first is designed to set us right in the
object of our religious Avorship, and to prevent
* 1 Kings xii. 28. 2 Chron. xi. 14.

196

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

us from giving divine honour to any besides
the true God. The design of the second is
to direct us in the manner of worshipping
him, in a way that he requires. We are not
to worship him under any symbol or image,
which Jeroboam appears to have done. The
first prohibits idolatry; the second image-mor-
skip. ...'¦" -<'
435. Horn did God manifest kis displeasure
to Jeroboam ?
He sent a prophet to the altar at Bethel, who
foretold that Josiah, of the house of David, should
burn the bones of Jeroboam's priests on the altar.
Jeroboam endeavoured to lay hold of the pro
phet, when his hand withered, but at the prayer
of the prophet it was restored. God threatened
him likewise with destruction, so that none of
his family should find a grave, except Abijah,
his youngest son.* ¦ :• ¦ <,;-]> . •,.!
436. Who was Ahab? What sin did lie com
mit, and how did God manifest his displeasure
to him? -,.„..
The son of Omri. — He provoked God beyond
all who went before him. He took Jezebel to
wife, daughter of the king of the Zidonians ; and
he worshipped Baal, and slew many of the Lord's
prophets. f God sent Elijah to reprove him,

* 1 Kings xiii. xiv. 13,

t 1 Kings xxi. 25.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

197

J_

and to foretel that there should be neither dew
nor rain for several years.* '
437. Who was Elijah.?
A native of Gilead, and a noted and illustrious
prophet. He Avas called Elijah the Tishbite,
probably from the place where he lived.
438. What is related of Naboth the Jezreelite ?
He had a vineyard which was coveted by
Ahab. By the help of false witnesses, at the
suggestion of Jezebel his wife, he caused Naboth
to be stoned to death, and possessed himself of
his property. This was one of his most remark
able sins against man.f
439. Wfiat miracles did Elijah perform at
Sarepta ?
He made the handful of meal and the small
quantity of oil which the widow of Sarepta had,
to last till God sent rain on the land ; and when
her son died, he raised him to life again.!
440. How did lie destroy the prophets of
Baal, and convince the people that Jehovah
mas God?
He proposed that a sacrifice should be offered
by the respective parties, to Baal, and to Je
hovah, to make the experiment which was the
true God, and that Avhichever should with fire
from heaven burn up their sacrifice, should be
* 1 Kings xvii. 1, fl Kings xsi. t 1 Kings xvii.
s2

198

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

199

worshipped as the true God : Baal's prophets
implored their god in vain, but fire came from
heaven and consumed Elijah's sacrifice, after he
had poured a great quantity of water upon it.
Then the people fell on their faces, and ac
knowledged Jehovah to be the true God ; and
then, at the command of Elijah, the people slew
all the prophets of Baal.* ' ¦ •
441. What mas the end of Ahab ?
In opposition to the prophecy of Micaiah, he
went to fight with the king of Syria, and re
ceived a mortal wound. His dogs licked up his
blood on the spot where Naboth's blood was
shed, as Elijah had foretold. f
442. Of what sins was Ahaziak guilty ? *
Happening to fall from one of his windows,
he fell sick, and sent to Baal-zebub, the idol god
of Ekron, to inquire if he should recover. Elijah
met them, and assured them that for this reason
he should certainly die of his disease, Avhich they
reported to the king, whereupon he immediately
ordered a troop of his forces to fetch Elijah.!
443. Wkat did Elijah to those men wlwm
Ahaziah sent to take him? " ' '
At his desire fire came doAvn from heaven,
and consumed two troops with their captains

b

-}

successively, but upon their captain's entreaty,
he spared the third.
444. Relate the principal miracles that were
performed by Mm.
Restoring to life the son of the widow of Sa
repta, and wonderfully increasing her cruse of
oil and barrel of meal.* Causing fire from
heaven to consume the sacrifice.! Consuming
the troops.! And dividing the river Jordan
Avith a stroke of his mantle. §
445. Is there any thing remarkable recorded
of him after his death ?
About nine hundred and thirty years after he
quitted this earth, he descended from heaven,
and conversed with our Saviour on the mount.
446. What mas the end of Elijah ?
He was carried up into heaven in a whirl
wind, by a chariot and horses of fire,
447. By whom was he succeeded?
By Elisha, who had a double portion of the
spirit of Elijah given him.
448. What mere the most remarkable mi
racles performed by him ?
He cursed some children that mocked him,
when two she-bears came and tore to. pieces
forty-two of them. He brought water in a

* 1 Kings xviii. 17—38.
t 2 Kings i.

t 1 Kings xxi, 19; xxii. 38.

• Answer 439.
f Answer 443.

f Answer 440.
<j 2 Kings ii.

200

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

time of drought to supply three armies. ' He
promised a son to the Shunamite woman who'
was before barren, and raised this son to life
again when he died. He healed Naaman of his
leprosy ; and made the iron head of an axe float
on the water. He discovered the king of Syria's
private counsels to the king of Israel, and smote
his army with blindness.*
449. Who was appointed utterly to destroy
the house of Ahab and Baal's worship? -
Jehu.450. In what manner did he execute this
work ?
He shot Jehoram the king, Ahab's son, with
an arrow, and cast him on the land of Naboth,
Avho was slain by Ahab.f He ordered Jezebel, ,
the wicked queen of Ahab, to be cast out of the
window, and the dogs ate her up. He com
manded Ahab's seventy sons to be slain, and
their heads brought to him in baskets.! Lastly,
he gathered the priests and worshippers of Baal
together into his temple, pretending a sacrifice
to Baal, and then ordered them all to be slain,
and the temple to be destroyed. ¦ ¦->
451. Did he continue to obey God in all
things ?

* 2 Kings ii.— viii.
; 2 Kings ix. x.

t See Answer 438.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

201

No ; he maintained the idolatry of Jeroboam,
in worshipping the calves of Dan and Bethel.
452. What -is there remarkable recorded of
Elisha after his death? ' > -¦•
They buried a man in his sepulchre, and when
he was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha,' :
the man revived and stood upon his feet.*
453. What happened worthy of note in the
reigns of Joash and Pekak?
Joash routed the army of Judah, took king
Amaziah prisoner, and plundered the temple. f
Pekah joined with the king of Syria against
Judah, but he Avas repulsed. Tiglath Pileser
king of Assyria carried many of the people
captive to Assyria.!
454. In whose reign was Israel led captive
to Assyria?
In the reign of Hoshea, Shalmaneser king of
Assyria made tlie multitude of Israel captives,
and distributed them into several countries, from
which they have never returned to this day.
455. Were there any prophecies relating to it ?
Yes ; in addition to many of the prophet
Hosea's Avhich might be mentioned, there is a
particular one of Isaiah, specifying the precise
liine.^

* 2 Kings xiii. 21.
} 2 Kings xv.

t 2 Kings xiv.
§ Isaiah vii. 8.

202

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

-r-

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

203

456. Who was at that time king ofJudak?
Hezekiah. ¦ ¦ -,t ¦
457. How many years did the kingdom, of
Israel last?
Two hundred and fifty-four years. . ,
458. Is their return to be expected?
The language of prophecy undoubtedly
justifies us in looking out for some signal
change, and restoration of all the tribes to
divine favour and prosperity. And it is the
opinion of many commentators, that this change
will be attended with a return to their own
land, and that they shall be incorporated as a
nation, with independence, and great temporal
prosperity.* ... ,
459. In what did the government of Israel
differ from that of Judah?
The difference was striking both in their
character and form of government. That of
Judah was hereditary in the house of David,
according to God's appointment, and descended
from father to son to the Babylonish captivity,
a period of five hundred and ten years, without
one revolution. The ten tribes broke off with
Judah, and established a government and a re
ligion more congenial to their own depraved
minds. Several of the kings were rebellious
* Sec Graves, ad fincm.

usurpers from any tribes, as it happened, most
of them being monsters of iniquity.
460. Were any of the kings of Judah pious
men ?
A few of them.
461. Who was Rekoboam's successor, and
wkat is related of him ?
Abijah. — When Jeroboam made war against
him, he reproved Israel for departing from the
true Avorship of God, and when they joined
battle, his army cried unto the Lord, and shouted,
when five hundred thousand of the enemy were
slain.* 462. Wliat pious acts are related of Jehosha-
pkat, Joash, Amaziah, and Uzziah ?
Jehoshaphat appointed Levites and Priests to
teach the law, and judges in the land.f Joash
restored the worship of God, and repaired the
temple.! Amaziah at first did that whicli was
right in the sight of the Lord.§ Uzziah sought
after God, and his arms prospered under God.||
463. Wherein did tkey respectively afterward
offend God?
Jehoshaphat made an alliance with Ahab the
wicked king of Israel. IT Joash changed the
Avorship of God for idols, and slew Zechariah

* 2 Chron. xiii. f 2 Chron. xvii.
§ 2 Chron. xxv., ^ jj 2 Chron. xxvi.

1 2 Chron. xxiv.
If 2 Chron. xviii.

204

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

for reproving the idolatry of the people.* Ama
ziah Avorshipped the gods of Edom.f Uzziah
assumed the priests' office.!
464. Mention tke kings of Judak mko mere
wicked throughout their reign.
Jehoram, Ahaziah, Ahaz, Amon, Jehoahaz,
Jehoiakim, Jehoiacin, Zedekiah.
465. Who mere the tmo that preeminently
distinguished themselves by their zeal for the
Lord? Hezekiah, and Josiah his great-grandson.
466. What mas the first act of Hezekiah's
reign.? He made a great reformation : he brake the
images, cut down their groves, destroyed their
altars, and repaired the temple.") - - '•¦ '«' "
407. What mere tke difficulties to mkick he
mas exposed by the Assyrians?
AVhen Sennacherib invaded Judah, he bribed
him to depart with gold taken from the temple ;
but notwithstanding, Sennacherib, a feAV years
after, sent an army to take Jerusalem.
468. What was the end of Sennacherib aiid '•
Ms army ? ¦>.••',.-¦
Rab-shakch his general was, with one hundred
and eighty-five thousand of his army, slain in one

* 2 Chron. xxiv.
t 2 C'hrun. xxvi.

t 2 Chron. xxv. " '' '
§ 2 Chron. xxix; xxxi.

.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

205

night by an angel of God. Sennacherib hasted
home with the poor remains of his army, and it
was not long before two of his sons killed him,
as he Avorshipped Nisroch his idol.*
469. What prophet was sent to Hezekiah
when lie was sick ?
Isaiah.
470. What did Isaiah say unto him ?
He told him to set his house in order, and
that he was to die.f On this, Hezekiah prayed
and wept sore ; whereupon Isaiah was com
manded to tell him that he should be healed,
and, moreover, that he should live fifteen years
longer. 471. What sign mas vouchsafed to Hezekiah
for tlie encouragement of his faitk?
The shadow returned backwards ten degrees
upon the dial of Ahaz.
472. Wliat offence did he aftermards commit,
and mhat did Isaiah prophesy in consequence?
In the pride of his heart, he shewed the mes
sengers of the king of Babylon all his treasures.
God signified to him by Isaiah, that all those
treasures should bo carried into Babylon.!
473. What is related, of Manasseh ?
Tho most infamous degeneracy marked the
* 2 Kings xviii. xix. f 2 Kings xx. 1.
t 2 Kings xx. 12, 13. 2 Chron, xxxii. 25, 26. Answer 80.
T

206

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

former part of his life ; he rushed into the abo
minations of Paganism; he became a furious
persecutor, and persisted in the most incorrigible
obstinacy. He was carried as a degraded cap
tive to Babylon, and in this affliction he Avas
convinced of his sin and folly, and he returned
to the God of his fathers.*
474. Horn old was Josiah mhen he came to
the throne ?
Eight years old.
475. What happened in the eigkteenth year
of his reign ?
After purging the land, he caused the temple
to be repaired. Hilkiah the high priest found
the book of the Lord, which was read before the
king, on which he rent his clothes, and sent to
inquire to Huldah the. prophetess, concerning
the words of the book that was found, and caused
it to be read before the elders. f
476. What promise did God make to him in
consequence of his humbling himself before him?
By the mouth of Huldah the prophetess he
promised that he should be gathered unto his
fathers in peace, and that he should not see the
evils which were to come on the place, and the
inhabitants, because they provoked God to anger
by their idolatry.!
.* 2 Chron. xxxiii. t Chap, xxxiv. . J Chap.xxxiv. 27, 28.

ON' THE OLD TESTAMENT.

207

477. What prophecy was titer e concerning
Josiah? '¦' ' "' .
That of the old prophet in the reign of Jero
boam : ''Altar,* altar, thus saith the Lord ; Be
hold, a child shall be born unto the house of
David, Josiah by name ; and upon thee shall he
offer the priests of the high places that burn
incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be
burnt upon thee."*
478. Horn did he fulfil it?
He slew the prophets, and burnt the bones of the
priests that had been buried there on the altar. f
479. What other abominations did he remove?
He broke down the houses of the Sodomites ;
he defiled Topheth in the valley of Hinnom ;
he took away the horses that the kings of Judah
had given to-'" the sun; he brake down groves,
and images, and altars. He likewise put away
workers with familiar spirits.!
480. Explain 2 Kings xxiii. 10. -
See Answer 168, New Testament.
481. What is related of Josiah's celebration
of the passover?: ' I •¦
There was not holden such a passover from
the days of the judges, nor in all the days of the
kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah. §
* 1 Kings xiii. 2. Sec Ans. 435. t 2 Kings xxiii.
$ 2 Kings xxiii. .....-¦ f 2 Chron. xxxv.

208

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

209

482. Wliat was the end of Josiah ?
He went to fight with the king of Egypt
without trhe direction of God, and he Avas slain,
and great lamentation made for him.*
483. What power had the kings in religions
matters ?
They exercised the chief power in all religious
matters. Ahimelech appeared before Saul.f
David regulated the worship of God-!
484. What does our church say as to the
power of the civil magistrate ?
That the king hath the chief power in all
causes, ecclesiastical and civil.
485. Prove from Scripture that the king may
be the head of the church.
In addition to the above instances, our Saviour
commands us to render unto Coasar, etc.'j
486. What is related of Zedekiah?
He rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar; who
came up, and after a siege of two years took
the city of Jerusalem. ||
487. Jeremiah foretold that Zedekiah should
be brought to Babylon, and behold with his eyes
the king. Ezekiel prophesied that he should
* 2 Chron. xxxv. 20—25. t 1 Sam. xxii. 11.
* 1 Chron. xxiii. 6.
§ Luke xx. 25. Compare Romans xiii. 1. Titus iii. 1. and
1 Peter ii. 13, 14. See Article xxxviii. || 2 Kings xxv.

t

not see Babylon. How do you reconcile this
apparent inconsistency ?
When he fled from the city, he Avas seized
by the Babylonians; Nebuehadnezzar ordered
his eyes to be put out, and then he was
bound and carried to Babylon. Thus he came
to that city, according to Jeremiah; but he
did not see it, according to Ezekiel.*
488. Horn many years did tlie kingdom of
Judah last, and what is there remarkable during
that period ?
It subsisted four hundred and sixty-eight
years from David's accession to the throne;
three hundred and thirty-eight from the sepa
ration of the ten tribes ; and one hundred and
thirty-four from the ruin of the kingdom of
Israel. There was not one ' revolution or civil
war in Judah during all this period ; an instance
unequalled in the world.
489. How long was it prophesied that the
Jeivs should remain captive in Babylon ?
Seventy years. f
490. Wliy did it last that exact period?
The observance of tho sabbatical year,! had
been neglected from the accession of Saul to the
Babylonish captivity, which was about four

* Jerem. xxxii. 4, 5. Ezek. xii, 13.
t Answer 288. Levit. xxvi.
t2

t Jerem. xxv. 11.

210

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

hundred and ninety years. Seventy years there
fore was a period equal to the neglected sabba
tical years.
491. From what time do you date tkese
years ?
Some difference of opinion exists in the exact
date. If we fix it in the fourth of Jehoiakim,
Avhen Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem, seventy
years from this time will bring us down to the
first year of Cyrus.* Fix it at the time Avhen
Jerusalem was burnt, the conclusion will fall
about' the time when Darius issued his decree
for rebuilding the temple. Or, thirdly, at the
time when Nebuchadnezzar completed the de
solation, it will fall about the time when the
temple was dedicated. In every way, Jeremiah's
prophecy will be fully accomplished.!
492. Horn was it tkat the Jems mere not lost
in their captivity ?
It was because of the promise that the sceptre
should not depart, etc.! The tribe of Judah
Avas resettled purely for the accomplishment of
God's promises, because "from them Christ
was to descend." That this was the design of
their preservation is clear, in that they were not
to enjoy the ancient privileges of God's people :
those were forfeited by their iniquity ; the bless-
* Lira i. 1. t Newton. \ See Answers 147, 148.

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

211

ings of the temporal covenant were lost, and their
Urim and Thummim no more heard of. They
had no merit in them to justify this regard of
God towards them ; they were as bad as their
neighbours ; but they had the advantage of the
promise.* '>
493. Wluo released them ?
Cyrus.'
494. By whom was this foretold, and in
what mords ?
By Isaiah, one hundred years before. " He is
my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure :
even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built ;
and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid."f
495. By mhat means was he induced to eman
cipate tke Jems ?
Daniel, by his wisdom and integrity, prospered
highly at the court of Babylon, and there can be
little doubt but that he improved his familiar
intercourse with Cyrus for the advancement of
the cause of religion; and that he was acquainted
with the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah,
before mentioned, is manifest from the words of
his proclamation :! we may therefore gather that
Daniel was instrumental in procuring this pro
clamation. * Sherlock, dis. vi. on Prophecy. Josephus Antiq. lib. iii.
ch. 8. sect. 9. note f-' t Isaiah xliv. 20. }Ezrai.2.

212

QUESTIONS AND ANSAVERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

213

496. To which of the tribes did most of the
families that returned belong? \ .,-
Chiefly to those of Judah and Benjamin, Avith
the Priests, and several of the Levites....;:
497. Who conducted them bach to their
country ?
Zerubbabel, a prince of Judea, of the seed
royal.* , ." r- >-,..,,;
498. Did they continue free ever after?
No ; they lived tolerably easy under the Per
sians, for two hundred years ; and when Alex
ander reduced the Persian empire, he greatly
favoured them. For more than a century they
suffered grievously, in the continual wars of
Alexander's successors. Under the government
of the Maccabean family and their, successors,
they were greatly relieved; until, in B. C. 65,
when the assistance of the Romans being called
in by Aristobulus, against his brother Hyrcanus, .
Pompey placed Hyrcanus on the throne, but
made Judea a tributary province of the Roman
empire. Although they were under the dominion
of these foreign masters, yet they were a separate
people, and the authority of their rulers and
ciders was continued. r-.,
499. To what do you attribute their separate
existence as a people ? -.-¦ . ¦.-„¦„
i * Ezra ii. 1, 2; iii. 8. .,-.;::,:,

1

To the unerring word of prophecy.* They
are God's living witnesses to the authenticity
and' genuineness of the Scriptures. ,: Scattered
as they have been, arid after so many persecu
tions, it is truly marvellous that they are not
destroyed. Secondly; in order to their final
conversion and restoration to their own land,
predicted by the prophets. f If we consider the
various nations among which they have been
scattered, and the very strong temptations to sepa
rate which have been presented to them, the
whole must appear a miracle of Providence.
The northern nations came in swarms into the
more southern parts of Europe , but they are
not now to be discerned and distinguished. In
France, who can separate the race of the ancient
Gauls from the various other people who from
time to time have settled there? In England,
who can pretend to say with certainty, which
families are derived from the ancient Britons,
and which from the Saxons, Danes, or Nor
mans ? Even in the destruction of their enemies,
God has shewn his care over them. The Egyp
tians, Syro-Macedonians, the Romans, powerful
as they were, have disappeared. Nebuchadnezzar
lost his reason. Antiochus Epiphanes died a
* Levit. xxvi. 44. Deut. xxx. 1 — 5.
t Isaiah xi. 10— IG; liv. 7—11 ; lx. 8-10; Ixi. 1-8.

214

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

215

miserable death, Caligula was murdered in the
flower of his age. The Jews still exist, witnesses
of the truth of prophecy ; but having rejected tho
Gospel, we no longer observe such manifest
interpositions of God in their favour,*
500. Were they ever guilty of idolatry after;
the Babylonian captivity?
No; they wholly renounced it. They re
tained a constant aversion to it, for they justly
believed it to have been a chief reason of their
ejection from the land. This great reformation
was accomplished by Ezra and Nehemiah, and
those eminent men who succeeded them. But
during our Saviour's ministry, we learn that the
power of godliness was lost, as the Jews were
widely divided into various religious parties,
which differed much in opinion, and pursued
each other with the most violent hatred. f
501. To what do you attribute the origin of
idolatry ?
There is every reason to suppose it was practised
before the flood, which is confirmed by Jude, v, 4.
The heavenly bodies were the first objects, of
divine worship, and Mesopotamia and Chaldca
were the countries where it chiefly prevailed after
the deluge. It originated in the folly of man,
* See Butler's Analogy, part ii.c.7, ad fin. Graves, ad fin.
t See Answer 7, Now Testament. •-,. ... , ,; , ,,.

I

in a desire of perpetuating the memory of useful
men, and an immoderate love of immortality^
To represent the Deity, they erected pillars and
statues on the tops of hills and mountains, or in
pyramids and high buildings raised for the pur
pose. Light, air, wind, and fire, seemed to them
active spirits, by whose energy all the operations
of nature were conducted and controlled. These,
Avith water and earth, became the objects first
of gratitude and admiration, next of awe and
reverence. We read of Ninus worshipping his
father Belus after his death.*
502. What was the first thing they did after
tkeir return ?
They set about collecting large contributions
towards the rebuilding of the temple.
503. Relate the circumstances of the rebuild
ing of the temple.
The Priests and Levites, when the builders laid
the foundation, sang and praised the Lord with
trumpets, after the ordinances of David. When
the people shouted with a loud voice, many of
the priests and chief of the fathers, who had seen
the first temple, wept with a loud voice.t
504. Was any impediment offered?
Yes; the Samaritans wished to join them in
building the temple, but the chief of the fathers
» Sec Answer 28. Home, vol. iii. p. 352. t Ezra iii.

210

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

refused them; Avhereupon they weakened. their
hands, and troubled them in building.* ,.
505. In mhat respect was this temple deficient
in splendour to Solomon's?
In the richness of the materials, and the mag
nificence and curiosity of the workmanship. It
Avanted likewise five things which belonged to
the first, viz. the Urim and Thummim, the ark
of the covenant, the Shecinah, or the divine
presence in a cloud of glory on the mercy-seat,
the fire on the altar which came down from
heaven, and the spirit of prophecy.
506. How then came Haggai to prophesy, ii. 9,
" The glory of this latter house shall be greater
than of the former?" ) " , ; ,");.;!/.
Because the Messiah, who was the greatest
blessing ever given to the world, Avas presented;
in this temple, and appeared in it. ¦>;> ¦
507. When did propliecy cease? :•
In the predictions of Malachi, B. C. 420.
508. Who was Daniel?
One of the Jewish captives in Babylon, a
prophet of extraordinary sanctity and wisdom.
His predictions are the most comprehensive in
the prophetical writings. He dctcrminatcly
fixed the time of the Messiah. f Seventy weeks
of years, or four hundred and ninety, years,
* J-'.tni iv. t Daniel ix. 24,

ON THE OlD TESTAMENT.

217

reckoned from the seventh of Artaxerxes, in
which Ezra Avas. commissioned to restore the
Jewish state and policy, will bring us to A. D.
33, when Christ suffered for us,
509. Who mere Ezra and Nehemiah ?
Ezra was the person sent by Artaxerxes, king
of Persia, with a royal warrant to rectify the
church and state of the Jews, after the temple
had been built. Nehemiah was also a Jewish
captive, and cup-bearer to the Persian monarch ;
a station of honour in the east. He encouraged
the Jews to build their walls amid opposition
from some Jewish partizans, and under a com
mission from Artaxerxes : he ruled over the Jews
in the whole about thirty-four years.
510. What are me to learn from this mon-
derfxd history ?
The destructive nature of sin, bringing down
judgments and ruin, on king, priests, and people
together. The faithfulness of God to David
and his house.
511. What effect must all tlie miraculous
interpositions recorded have had on the Gen
tiles ? ,
The whole must have exhibited an experi
mental, obvious, and clear proof of the moral
government of God, to all the nations that were
affected by the fortunes of Israel, or placed in

218

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

their vicinity. At the captivity, especially, it
was the means of exciting the attention of the
heathen to the unity and majesty of the Deity.
It is highly probable that the Grecian phi
losophers derived some of their opinions from
the Jews. There was constant intercourse be
tAveen Judea and Egypt, and the communica-'
tion of the Greeks with the latter country is
avcII knoAvn, for here their legislators and phi
losophers acquired their knowledge. From
the period ' of the captivity, when so many
Jews were removed to Babylon and Egypt,
the Greeks began to have more exalted ideas
of the Deity. * -; > - <-->:*
512. How are the prophetical books divided ?
and mho mere tlie four major prophets t '<'¦ -
Into the four greater, and the twelve minor.
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, were the
four greater. >
513. What is the characteristic style of their
mritings ?
Their style is highly poetical and sublime,
figurative and metaphorical; and many eastern
similitudes are used which appear singular to
us. 514. Was the gift 'of prophecy always con
fined to the chosen seed?
* Graves, Iccl. v. pari 3.

f. t
i

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT.

219

No ; nor yet always imparted to the best of
men. God might sometimes, to convince the
Avorld of his superintendence and government,
disclose tho purposes of his Providence to hea
then nations. He revealed himself to Abimelech,
to Pharaoh, to Nebucliadnezzar.* Unworthy
persons may sometimes be possessed of spiritual
gifts, as well as of natural. Aaron and Miriam,
Avho Avere inspired on some occasions, yet on
others mutinied against Moses, and rebelled
against God. Jonah for his disobedience was
cast into the . sea. . Balaam was a remark
able instance,' both -of 'a- prophet who was a
heathen, and of a prophet that was an immoral
man.f 515. When did . God give tlie plainest in
timations of his purpose with regard to the
Messiah? . '*" '" "-¦ ". >.
It was during the darker period of their
history,! during the period of the captivity of
Israel and Judah. Isaiah, the evangelical pro
phet, entered upon his office not long before the
captivity of the ten tribes. Jeremiah saw the
other two carried to Babylon. Daniel also was
one of the children of the captivity. The scene
Avas now dark and gloomy, and the people saw
* Gen. xx. xii. Dan. ii. 1,28. t Seo Answer 143.
\ Seo Answer 113,

220

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

nothing but tokens of anger on eveiy side. In
this time, therefore, God gave plainer intimations
of his purpose than had ever been given before,
from the days of Adam. Now it was that the
promised seed was clearly described, that the
time and place of his birth Avere appointed ; his
great works, his glories, and his sufferings, were
foretold. * ''"'
516. Which are the most ancient authentic
historians, and mith wkick of tke inspiired writers
mere they contemporary ?
Herodotus and Thucydides, who were con
temporaries with the latest of the sacred his
torians, Ezra and Nehemiah; but they could
not Avrite with any certainty of events much be
fore their own time. The book of Joshua com
mences at least one thousand years before He
rodotus, called the father of history. Whatever
more perfect knowledge the world has been
blessed with, concerning the transactions in the
primitive ages, is entirely OAving to the books of
Moses. ' • .Vi:;
517. Which of the nations of antiquity mere
most affected by the fortunes of Israel ? • '•'
The Egyptians the wisest, the Canaanites the
most warlike, and tho Pliavnicians the most
commercial nations of remote antiquity ; and
afterwards the four great empires of Assyria

ON THE OLD TE8TAMENT.

221

-¦- 1'
¦t"

.,' I .

'i .;"'

and Persia, Greece nnd Rome, which suc-
scessively swayed the sceptre of the civilized
Avorld. * ' "*' -'"-: '-,--' "''''_" ¦-.-. :;
518. Are' tkey' tlie only empires tliat have
existed anciently ?
No : there have been empires as great or greater
than some of these, as those of the Tartars,
Saracens, and of the Turks; hut those four
monarchies, Assyria, etc., had a particular re
lation to the church and people of God, which
were subject to each of them in their turns.
They were therefore particularly predicted, and
were likewise the subject of the most celebrated,
pens, both in former and in later ages. They
are the study of the learned, and the amusement
of the polite ; we learn them when wc arc young,
and forget them not when Ave are old. We have
in them a line of prophecy extending from
the reign of Nebuchadnezzar to the full and
complete establishment of the kingdom of the
Messiah. 519. In mhat language mas the Bible origi
nally written? Wlien was it translated into
Greek ?
In Hebrew; and they are the only writings
now extant in that language. — They were trans
lated into Greek at Alexandria, when Ptolemy
Philadelphus was king of Egypt. It was called

222

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

223"

the Septuagint, as it is supposed from the
number, viz. seventy-tAVO persons, who were ap
pointed to the Avork. Some have supposed it
Avas called so because it was approved by the
Sanhedrim, seventy in numbtf. ^ It was in great
estimation among the Jews in the time of our
Saviour. Most of the quotations in the NeAV
Testament are made from it, except, in Mat"-
thcw's Gospel. ¦ 1 1, 1 I, • ¦-•,'¦_ • ","•>':;
..;.!. 520. What does the book of' Esther contain?' •
.-.It contains an extraordinary display of divine
providence, in the elevation of an orphan Jewish
¦ captive to the throne, of Persia, and a remarkable
deliverance of the 'Jews^by her means, which
happened in the time of Ezra ;' the advancement
of Haman, and his wicked contrivance, to effect
the extirpation of the Jcavs, the overthrow of
his plot, and his punishment.* - ; ¦¦
; 521. At what period does the Old Testament
'„ history end? ' *...
- In about a century after-fflie era of the re
turn from the captivity. The events of the'iei
maining four hundred years ai'e supplied by
Josephus, the Jewish historian. A short ab
stract of this period will bo found in Elsley's
Annotations, or Tomlinc's Elements of Chris-
'- tian Theology. ."' ¦ •¦¦¦'¦ ''-• ¦"
,¦': * See Answor 291.

, ' 400 The Old Testament history closes.
330 Alexander overthrows the ModiJrPersian empire.
.308 Ptolemy Soter^ king of-. Egypt, reduces the Jews.
£ i-lTO-'The persecution of Antiochus tEpipbanes, king of,
! Syria, j..- ' | ¦¦¦ffi ._ ¦. .
165 Judas Maccabeus recovers Jerusalem from the
Syrians. " ;: ' '
65 The Romans conquer Syriajarid, terminate the "
Grecian empire and establish their own.
63 Judea, made a Roman province.

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