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PRACTICAL LESSONS FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF ISRAEL FOR THE CHURCH OF TO-DAY BY F. C. GILBERT A Hebrew Christian Author of "From Judaism to Christianity" SECOND EDITION REVISED AND ENLARGED COPYRIGHT 1902, 1914, BY F. C. GILBERT All rights reserved Entered at Stationers' Hall, London, England GOOD TIDINGS PRESS, CONCORD, MASS. " For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written fo:r our learning, that we through patience and com- fort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4. " Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ig- norant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea ; and did all eat the same spirit- ual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink : for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also mur- mured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he stand- eth take heed lest he fall." 1 Cor. 10: 1-12. " So we see that they could not enter in because of un- belief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. Let us labor, therefore, to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of un- belief." Hebrews 3 : 19; 4: 1-11. " 0 that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever !" Deut. 5 : 29. III " The history of the children of Israel is written for the instruction and admonition of all Christians. When the Is- raelites were overtaken by dangers and difficulties, and their way seemed hedged up, their faith forsook them, and they murmured against their leader whom God had appointed for them." " The example of ancient Israel is given as a warning to the people of God, that they may avoid unbelief and escape His wrath. If the iniquities of the Hebrews had been omit- ted from the sacred record, and only their virtues recounted, their history would fail to teach the lesson that it does." " With the history of the children of Israel before us, let us take heed, and not be found committing the same sins, following in the same way of unbelief and rebellion." —White. IV INTRODUCTION A PEOPLE without a home, a race without a country, such is the Jew of to-day; and such he has been for nearly two thousand years. No people ever had so many promises offered them as the Jews, no people ever had such bright and cheering prospects. They were originally set apart for a particular purpose, which meant then, and still to-day means, much to the people and church of God. Israel was to be a lesson for the church. Their refusal to comply with the wishes of God led them to become a forsaken people; and the Saviour said to them just before the close of His earthly ministry : " The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."' During these many years their sufferings and perse- cutions have been a faithful witness to the truth of the Saviour's words.2 Still God offered them salvation, and does even to this present day. His work, however, did not cease; for what if some of them did not believe? Shall their unbelief make void the promise of God? God forbid.3 The work of the gospel of the grace of God con- iMatt. 21 : 43. 2John 8 : 24. 3Rom. 3 : 3, 4 VI INTRODUCTION tinued, even though the Jews remained in unbelief; and it continues to this day. However, it should be re- membered that the experiences of the Jews have many valuable and profitable lessons for the church of all ages: for history repeats itself. It has been the purpose of the author to present some of the practical lessons from the experiences of Israel for the church of to-day. Disobedience to God's com- mands resulted in great loss to the Jewish people; obedience always brought to them many blessings. As the apostle Paul says : " Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."4 Thus it always has been, and thus it is at the present time. And now this work is commended to those who de- sire to become better acquainted with the ways of Him who dealeth after the counsels of His own will, — with the prayer that the Holy Spirit may use the feeble ef- forts to encourage, strengthen, comfort, and enlighten those who desire to see the purpose of God for the church of to-day, as revealed through Jesus Christ, and His ancient people Israel. F. C. GILBERT. South Lancaster, Massachusetts, U. S. A. 4Gal. 6 : 7. NOTE TO THE READER THE author has designed to make this work helpful, simple, and practical in all its phases. Because of the simplicity of the Master's teachings, the common peo- ple heard Him gladly. No effort, therefore, has been spared to bring this work within the comprehension of all. Paragraphs throughout the entire work are num- bered, and sub-headings are frequently placed in the chapters. The small figures in the body of the work are an index to the scriptures found at the foot of the page. The alphabetical letters signify explanatory notes at the end of the chapter. The Appendix was inserted to give other laws of the Jews not found in the body of the work. In addition to the Bible, the writer has consulted the works of Geikie, Edersheim, Pick, McCall, E. G. White, and others. Most of the Talmudic quotations are taken from the Talmud direct, or from translations of the same. This work is now committed to the hands of all, and the author must ask the reader to manifest that large charity which hides a multitude of errors. " Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Rom. 12 : 9. F. C. G. VII Modern Jewish Priests Blessing the People " And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, on this wise ye shall bless the chil- dren of Israel, saying unto them, " The Lord bless thee, and keep thee : the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee : the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." VIII NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION IT is with pleasure that the author sends forth this second edition to the reading public. He was hap- pily disappointed with the warm reception the first edition received. Many expressions of appreciation have come to the author. Although fifteen thousand copies were printed, the book was so well received that the supply has been exhausted. • There was no expectation that another edition would ever be published. It was thought that the first edition would supply the demand for a work of this character; but the calls for the book, and the requests that it be placed be fore the public, are strong indications that its mission is not completed. This second edition contains much added information. The Bible student will find many things in this new edition not found in the first, and some lines of Scrip- tural study which will more than pay him for the pe- rusal. Many letters have come to the author asking ques- tions, and seeking information along miscellaneous Bible themes, especially questions relating to the church at the present time. He has endeavored to supply this information as far as possible. IX X NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION The Bible readings in the end of the book are an en- tirely new feature, and it is hoped that they may stim- ulate a desire to further study the Scriptures of truth. The Bible readings were inserted more especially for students in schools, ag well as for others who wish to get information concerning the Old Testament. The author will be pleased for any criticisms which may be of service for future use. May God bless the pages to His glory, and to the furtherance of His kingdom among men. F. C. GILBERT. A Modern Jewish Ghetto PRACTICAL LESSONS CHAPTER I GOD'S PURPOSE WITH THE JEWS " But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlast- ing salvation." Isa. 45 : 1 1 THE JEWS AS A DISTINCT PEOPLE N all the annals of history during the past four thousand years, no people have stood so prominently I yet distinctively alone, separated from all other peoples yet mingled with them, as have the Jews.

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