LIGHT FOR THE WORLD ’ S DARKNESS
WORDS fromthe WORD by Chorles L. Feinberg, Th.D., Ph.D., Director, Talbot Theological Seminary
Two Great Conferences on Prophecy and the Jew
These are cataclysmic days for Israel and the world. The Word of God sheds light on these events. To understand better the times in which we live, we are planning two im portant conferences. CEDAR LAKE, INDIANA August 2-8
Cut Off From His People
^ large number of offenses were pun ished in Old Testament times by cutting off from the people of Israel — an expression variously explained. Such punishment was specified for: 1) moral breaches and wilful sin (Num. 15:30,31); 2) incestuous and similar relations (Lev. 18:29; 20:9- 21); 3) breach of the covenant of circumcision (Gen. 17:14; Exod. 4: 24); 4) neglect of the Passover (Num. 9:13; 5) Sabbath-breaking (Exod. 31:14); 6) neglect or disregard of the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:29,30); 7) offering of children to Molech (Lev. 20:3); 8) witchcraft (Lev. 20: 6 ); 9) unauthorized use of holy oil (Exod. 30:33); 10) eating of leaven during the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exod. 12:15,19); 11) eating the sacrificial fat (Lev. 7:25); 12) eating blood (Lev. 7:27; 17:14); 13) eating sacrifices while unclean (Lev. 7:20, 21; 22:3, 4, 9 ); 14) offering too late (Lev. 19:8); 15) using holy oil pri vately (Exod. 30:32,33); 16) using perfume for private purposes (Exod. 30:38); 17) neglect of purification (Num. 19:13,20); 18) disregard of offering after slaying a beast (Lev. 17:9); 19) slaying an animal else where than at the tabernacle (Lev. 17:4); and 20) illegal touching of holy things (Num. 4:15,18,20). A consideration of these offenses will reveal that they touch the cov enant features and institutions of the nation Israel, and the basic ordi nances of their worship and ritual. There is a difference of opinion as to the exact nature of the penalty in each case, although the same phrase
is employed throughout. Cutting off from the people can mean either ex- communication or death. If the pen alty were the first, it was carried out by man; if the second, God inflicted it. In the case of excommunication the offender forfeited his privileges as a member of the nation. He could not expect protection of his life and property by the elders. He would not be allowed access to the gate of the city, nor to the worship of the people. Unquestionably, in certain instances the sinner suffered death (Lev. 18:29; 20:9-21). It is doubtful, in view of the general tenor of the regulations of the Mosaic Law, that the extreme pen alty was inflicted in every case. Mo tive and attitude would be determin ing factors: offenses done highhand edly (Num. 15:30,31) were punish able by death. See also Exodus 31:14; 35:2. Certain passages (Lev. 20) draw a difference between death and cut ting off from the people, however. With reference to Genesis 17:14 (the command concerning circum cision) the Talmud understood the penalty to be childlessness and pre mature death. This traditional posi tion cannot be proved. One is reminded of the prediction of Isaiah that the Servant of the Lord would be cut off out of the land of the living (Isa. 53:8). That death is meant in this passage there can be no doubt, for the Servant was to be buried in a rich man’s tomb. And the reason for the punishment is also stated: “for the transgression of my people to whom the stroke was due.” Thank God, it was for us too.
Renowned Speakers Children's Programs Rest and Recreation
The speakers include: Dr. Charles L. Fein berg, Director, Talbot Theological Seminary of Los Angeles, Calif.; Bishop Kenneth G. Good of the Mennonite Church from Morton, 111.; Dr. Herbert J. Pugmire, Pastor, Ft. Wayne Gospel Temple, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; President Charles H. Stevens, Piedmont Bible College, Winston-Salem, N.C.; and members of our Mission staff. Hotel and housekeeping accommodations are available at moderate costs at one of the Midwest’s most beautiful, best equipped Con ference Grounds. For reservations write: Manager, Confer ence Grounds, Box 87, Cedar Lake, Ind. Mention American Board of Missions to the Jews Conference and dates. NEW YORK C ITY August 24-31 This will be our 13th Annual SUMMER’S END CONFERENCE held in our Leopold Cohn Memorial Building, 236 West 72nd St., New York 23, N.Y. Some of the country’s best-beloved, mighty men of the Scriptures will speak on the Signs of the Times, the Rapture, the Second Com ing, and Israel. These speakers will include: Dr. Charles L. Feinberg, Director, Talbot Theological Seminary, Los Angeles, Calif.; Dr. Thomas G. Lawrence, Bible Teacher, Pastor, Calvary Temple, Hartford, Conn.; Dr. Alan Redpath, Pastor, The Moody Church, Chicago, 111.; Bishop Ernest J. Swalm, Breth ren in Christ Churches, Duntroon, Ont., Can. SPEND YOUR VACATION WITH US For Particulars Write To: AMERICAN BOARD OF MISSIONS TO THE JEWS, Inc. 236 W. 72nd St., Dept. 8 New York 23, N.Y.
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The King's Business/June 1958
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