Page images
PDF
EPUB
[merged small][graphic]

the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (see 2 Cor. iii. 12-18.)

Moses having received full instructions for the building and furnishing of the tabernacle, and several individuals having been pointed out to him, as those whom the Lord had in a particular manner qualified for the work, and inclined their hearts willingly to undertake it, he immediately set about fulfilling the orders given, and invited the people to contribute of their substance and their ingenuity. It is pleasing to observe the willingness with which they offered; so that much more was brought than the work required, and it became necessary to issue a proclamation to suspend their offerings. Does not the willing zeal of the Israelites in this instance, shame the cold-heartednes and inactivity of many Christians in the service of a nobler sanctuary?

The work proceeded prosperously, and was at length accomplished. The tabernacle erected and furnished, the candlesticks lighted, the altars placed, the vessel of incense supplied, the tables of testimony deposited in the ark, the bread set in order on the table, the laver supplied with water, the appointed offerings presented, Aaron and his sons invested in their priestly robes; and, lo, Jehovah descends to take possession of his rest: a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord

66

filled the tabernacle." The solemnities of the consecration, and of opening the tabernacle service, met a sad reverse and interruption in the sin and death of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. These young men, being fully consecrated to their office, were perhaps elated with their distinction, and influenced by pride and ostentation, and considering the burning of incense as the most honourable part of their office, they were impatient to enter upon it; and when the people were prostrated in adoration of the manifested presence and glory of God, they rashly and presumptuously, without orders, which they should have waited for, both at once, which was never practised, and with fire taken not from the altar of burnt-offering, but probably from under the peace-offerings, attempted to enter the tabernacle to burn incense, though it was not the hour at which this service was appointed to be done. Probably they intended to place their censers on the golden altar. At all events, their conduct manifested very great and awful irreverence, and, if suffered to pass, might have led to much carelessness and presumption on the part of their brethren; to prevent this, and enforce exact and reverent obedience to His precepts, the Lord was pleased to make them an example, by causing fire from His presence to slay them suddenly, without consuming their bodies or their clothes.-How pungent must have been the feelings of Aaron, under this unlooked-for and most afflictive stroke!" his own sons, his eldest sons,

[graphic][merged small]
« PreviousContinue »