Old Testament Rites

In the Beginning

The Old Testament speaks of many ancient rites, some connected to the Law and some which preceded it. Paul tells us of Israel’s experiences: “These things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come” (1 Corinthians 10:11, NASB). Evidently the same applies to the earlier narratives and experiences related in the Bible. Thus the various rites and ordinances therein described also contain lessons of spiritual and typical value for us.

This issue begins with The Covenant of Circumcision, a rite which symbolizes our need to cut away earthly defilements. Covenant Sacrifices looks at the method of ratifying covenants in the Old Testament, which not only men observed, but to which even God condescended, to give us assurance of his promises.

One of the covenants God made was with King David. Its meaning is examined in The Sure Mercies of David. The article Covenant Signs looks at various signs, or emblems, that were attached to God’s covenants with the ancients. The Jewish Influence on Early Church Meetings explores how the practices of old times, and their Jewish customs, influenced the operation of ecclesias in the opening of the Gospel age. The final article on this theme, Baptism, shows that this Gospel age practice was represented long ago at the crossing of the Red Sea, and during the flood

We end by examining a subject treated in the last issue of 2004, the engaging prophecy of Revelation 17 describing a woman riding on a beast with seven heads and ten horns. Two thoughtful approaches are aired in the articles A Foundation for Understanding Prophecy, and Heads and Horns. Both articles embrace the common position that the woman is the Roman Catholic Church, and that the close of the prophecy speaks of its demise. However, each reaches a different conclusion about how that end is represented.

We hope this issue brings a greater appreciation of the Old Testament record. May we apply its lessons and exhortations to be cleansed from the world, rejoice in the assurances of its covenant promises, and delight in the insights to God’s plan which their study affords.