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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ta Eithta.
ox ; of Dan an eagle . These devices gave an origin to tho hieroglyphics of the Cherubim and Seraphim , unitedly representing the Children of Israel . Ench tribe was distinguished by a banner charged with a device . Each standard was of a different colour , according to that of tho precious stono on which tho name of it was engraven , that was placed in tho breast-plate of tho high priest , and on each
standard their symbol was placed , therefore paintings were ovi . dontly not forbidden in those days . In tho Holy Temple K . S . mado 12 oxen under tho brazen sea , and in his own house or palaco K . S . placed 12 carved lions on tho steps of his splendid throne . The standard was tho common banner under which every three of the 12 tribes wore united ; besides which ( as I have beforo reminded you )
eaoh of tho 12 tribes had its own separate ensign or banner , as depicted on this tracing board , and as you see around these walls disposed in their order by notation in Arabic . The distance of the camp of Israel from the tabernacle was 2 , 000 cnbits . In this apace the priests , or Levites , pitohed their tents , as a protection to the tabernacle . I should like here to read to you the 49 th ohapter of
Genesis . More sublime langnnge there is not in that Holy Book , even in Isaiah or any of the Prophets . Those who appreciate sublime Ianguage can read it at home . I will here content myself with alluding to the fact that the Patriaroh Jacob , in blessing his sons , and describing the future habits of the people , and communicatirg to them that series of predictions , said he had read in the heavens the
destiny of their posterity , which gave rise to Albertus Magnus and his followers calling the heavens " Tho Universal Book , " full of information by the various configurations of the stars ; and to their implicit belief that there mi ght be distinctly foreseen the secret fortunes of individuals whose time of birth had been correctly registered . This secret belief is not really yet extinguished
universally ; but men do not now so openly acknowledge it . There were astrologers in those days . These four superior banners bore the component parts of the cherubic symbol of the Deity , who accompanied and afforded protection to the host , in the sacred pillar of cloud and of fire . Under each of these great banners the four principal divisions were managed ; the standard of Judah was borne
by Nabshon , its Prince . It was charged with a lion couchant , surmounted by a polden crown and sceptre ; because from this tribe the Messiah—the King of Kings , the Prince of Peace , the Lion of the tribe of Judah was destined to spring . The colour of this banner was crimson or scarlet . To the tribe of Judah was assigned the most honourable station in the camp , viz ., in the E . According to the
ancient belief of the Jews the East was the front , or forepart of the world ; and hence standing in the East they worship God by praying with their faces towards tho West . Christian priests do so now . Under the standard of Judah in the E ., before the entrance of the tabernacle , the tribes of Issachar and Zobulon pitched their tents , because they were all tho children of Leah ; and , consequentl y
united in a mutual bond of consanguinity . The banner of Issachar was borne by the standard bearer of Prince Nathaniel . It was sky blue , and ( according to best authorities ) was charged with a strong ass crouching between two burdens . The ass is a patient animal , and a proper symbol of labour . Accordingly the posterity of Issachar sat down quietly on the land allotted to them , and cultivated with
diligence and assiduity . Instead of employing themselves in war or mercantile pursuits , they wero lovers of peace and quietness . The act of the a 33 crouching between its burdens was an apposite symbol of the indolent character of this tribe ; who preferred submission to every species of tyranny and oppression rather than the trouble of asserting their natural civil and social rights in the field of battle .
Just like the true quadruped ass , which though a sturdy , strong , and hardy animal , sinks tamely under heavy burdens ; though it conld easily , by the exercise of its bodily strength shake off and get free from them . The geographical position of the territory taken up by this tribe in the Land of Promise was also perhaps hereby alluded to . According to Bomo authorities , however , the banner of Issachar was
charged with a sun and a moon , and several ancient Rabbins are inclined to patronise this opinion . Prince Eliah erected the banner of Zebulon . It was purple , and bore for its characteristic a ship . Thus the principal quarter of the camp was marked by the standard of the three royal colours , blue , purple , and crimson . The south side of the camp ( being the next honourable post ) was
occupied by the tribes of Reuben , Simeon , and Gad , who were brothers ( by Leah and Zilpah her handmaiden ) . The device on the great banner of this division , which was borno by Prince Eleizus , was another of the chernbic forms—namely—a man , because Reuben was the firstborn of his father . The excellency of his "dignity and power ;" the prerogatives of the first born , which Reuben would certainly
have enjoyed , according to his just claim , if he had not forfeited them by his offences . Jacob prophesied that ho should not excel by reason of his instability . He predicted of him , " unstable as water , thou shalt not excel ; " that , as water , by a natural propensity , inherent in its substance , flows from its source , in an elevated situation , to a place that is lower than itself , so shonld
Reuben fall from his birthright , and subside into an inferior situation among the tribes . And this prophecy was remarkably verified ; for nothing great or praiseworthy has been recorded respecting the posterity of Reuben . They were inferior in numerical strength to the other tribes ; and yet the pre-eminent leadership was given to Judah . and because nothing great or honourable is recorded of his tribe , some
think that the device upon his banner was the mandrake ( man . dra . go . ra . ) a narcotic plant , the subject of many fables . The tribe of Levi was separated from the congregation of Israel to be devoted exclusively to the service of the altar ( Numbers viii . 6-34 . ) Thev had a maintenance assigned to them out of the public stock . They had no settled inheritance , even in the Land of Canaan ; they were
exempted from taxes , tribute , war , and all public duties ; they were not even numbered among the people . They were set apart entirely for a particular and peculiar duty of greater honour and sanctity . There were three degrees to be taken before they could be allowed to perform the services of tbe tabernacle . The first was initiation ; tbe Becond , consecration ; the third , admission to doty . At fifty years of
Ta Eithta.
ago their labonrs were to cease , and their declining years were spent in instructing the younger Levites . That the colour of the banner of this division should have been red , is a nvtter of surprise to many ; because Rouben was not a warlike tribe , and in tho oopnlar languago of every nation , red ( the colour of blood ) was tho emblem of combat . Prince Shelumiel , as the leader of tho tribe of
Simeon , boro a yellow baunor , emblazoned with a city , as some assert ; others say a tower , in reference to the tower of Shechem , but more generally accepted authorities are in favonr of the sword , tbe implo . inont used by tho progenitor of the tribe in tho barbarous slaughter of tho Shechomites . In this tracing board Simeon and Levi are represented on the banner . Tho former by the sword , the latter by the
dagger—as instruments of warfare used by them . The dying Patriarch expressed his abhorrence of the numerous murders committed by them under the assurance of kindness and good faith ; and he lamented the violent passions of these two of his sons , formally denouncing them in these words— " accursed be their anger , for it was fierce ; and their wrath , for it was cruel . I will divide them in Jacob , and scatter
them in Israel . " The tribe of Levi was entirely lost among the other tribes , and the tribe of Simeon had little or no possessions in the Promised Land , but dwelt in the midst of Judah . Some of them wandered as far as Mount Leir , and the deserts of Gideon Having been associated in wickedness , supremo providence ordained that their posterity should be disunited , that
no opportunity should be afforded them of working evil npon the brethren , as did thoir progenitors . The banner of tho tribe of Gad was under the charge of Prince Eliasaph . Gad signifies a troop . Jacob foretold the difficulties that would oppose the progress of Gad ' s posterity , and the hostility of their neighbours ; but that , though doomed to be sometimes overcome , yet , in the ond , they
would overcome all difficulties . This prediction was also amply verified . They established themselves firmly and peaceably in the portion allotted to them ( a country beyond Jordan ); and although for some time they were necessarily exposed to the inenrsions of the Ammonites and suffered severely , yet ultimately they overcame them through the military talents of the renowned Gileaditish general
Jephtha , who also afterwards defeated the Ephraimites , and furnished us with the password of the second degree . The . banner is white , and charged with a troop of horsemen , according to the best authorities . But , again , they vary . De Loutherbourg , in his famous picture of the Twelve Standards of Israel , has charged it with a field semde of stars , whilst the title-page frontispiece to Barker ' s Biblo ,
printed in 1634 , or 243 years ago , represents it by a flag . Tho third side of the camp was ocenpied by the half-tribe of Ephraim , united with those of Manasseh and Benjamin , all of whom were descended from Rachel ; Ephraim and Manasseh , though only grandchildren of Jacob , taking the precedence of his own children , in consequence of the blessing of the dying : Patriarch . Ephraim stepped into the
inheritance of his father Jos-ph , and was elevated into one of the leading tribes of Israel . The ancients said Joseph ia a fruitful bough , growing by a well-watered soil , and shooting forth two luxuriant branches ; thus referring us to the banner of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh , and the predictions fulfilled in their pre-eminence . Of Joseph it was said , " the archers sorely grieved him , and shot at
him , and hated him " ( in reference to the persecutions of his brethren , who afterwards sold him into Egypt , and to the false acousation by which he was thrown into prison ) . He has been represented as armed with a bow ; his abode being in strength , and the arms of his hands made strong by the mighty God . He triumphed over all bis enemies , and rose to the highest state of worldly prosperity . Ephraim stepped
into the inheritance of his father Joseph , and was elevated into one of the leading tribes of Israel . His banner ( green ) was borne by Prince Elishua , and consecrated with the figure of a cherubic emblem of the Deity ( an ox ) , which denotes patience , industry , strength . In Tyre an ox was the symbol of the city . In Egypt the soul of Osiris was believed to have migrated into a bull ; and the
sacred Apis was considered as a beautiful representation of the soul of the Deity . The figure of a bull , as a symbol of vigour , watchfulness , and fidelity , was frequently employed by the ancients in the construction of their mystical emblems . The fable of Jason ' s golden fleece guarded by brazen-footed bulls was grounded on a tradition of the cherubim , which , with flaming swords , were placed at the
eastern gates of Paradise , ( Psalm lx . 7 . ) " Ephraim is the strength of my head , " said Jehovah in the Psalms . Prince Gamaliel led the tribe of Manasseh . Their tents were pitched under a flesh-coloured banner , which was charged with a luxunant vine , planted by the side of a wall which its tendrils overhung . But again we notice a variation in the description of
ancient authorities , some describing this banner as charged with a unicorn , and others as with a palm-tree depicted thereon . The reasons are not very obvious , and I need not delay to point them out . Abida . n the Prince bore the banner of the tribe of Benjamin , of that there is no dispute ; it was a green banner , emblazoned with a wolf . The tribe of Benjamin were ever a fierce and warlike people—a
bellicose and cruel sept ; giving battle , single handed , to all the other tribes , and even overcoming them in battle . Saul ( who possessed great military talents ) sprang from this tribe , and both he and his sons were slain in battle . You may recollect that Jacob was ever notoriously fond of his younger son Benjamin ; indeed , be was his pet aud favourite ; yet , in his patriarchal dispensation of blessings under
Divine inspiration , Jacob neither secured nor conferred any peculiar blessings for or upon Benjamin or his posterity , he merely describes him and his descendants as fierce and warlike . The fourth and last quarter of the camp was assigned to Dan . Dan was the largest tribe next to Judah , and it was for this reason probably that it was placed in the rear : so that the most numerous
portions of the host formed the front and rear guards ( as they may be termed ) of tho allied army ; for , as in the present day—however bitter and warlike amongst themselves—the Jews unite , as allies , against all foreign interests . With Dan were associated the two remaining tribes Asher and Napthali ( the sons of the two concubines , Bilhah aud Zilpah ) . The great banner was borne by Prince Ahiezer
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ta Eithta.
ox ; of Dan an eagle . These devices gave an origin to tho hieroglyphics of the Cherubim and Seraphim , unitedly representing the Children of Israel . Ench tribe was distinguished by a banner charged with a device . Each standard was of a different colour , according to that of tho precious stono on which tho name of it was engraven , that was placed in tho breast-plate of tho high priest , and on each
standard their symbol was placed , therefore paintings were ovi . dontly not forbidden in those days . In tho Holy Temple K . S . mado 12 oxen under tho brazen sea , and in his own house or palaco K . S . placed 12 carved lions on tho steps of his splendid throne . The standard was tho common banner under which every three of the 12 tribes wore united ; besides which ( as I have beforo reminded you )
eaoh of tho 12 tribes had its own separate ensign or banner , as depicted on this tracing board , and as you see around these walls disposed in their order by notation in Arabic . The distance of the camp of Israel from the tabernacle was 2 , 000 cnbits . In this apace the priests , or Levites , pitohed their tents , as a protection to the tabernacle . I should like here to read to you the 49 th ohapter of
Genesis . More sublime langnnge there is not in that Holy Book , even in Isaiah or any of the Prophets . Those who appreciate sublime Ianguage can read it at home . I will here content myself with alluding to the fact that the Patriaroh Jacob , in blessing his sons , and describing the future habits of the people , and communicatirg to them that series of predictions , said he had read in the heavens the
destiny of their posterity , which gave rise to Albertus Magnus and his followers calling the heavens " Tho Universal Book , " full of information by the various configurations of the stars ; and to their implicit belief that there mi ght be distinctly foreseen the secret fortunes of individuals whose time of birth had been correctly registered . This secret belief is not really yet extinguished
universally ; but men do not now so openly acknowledge it . There were astrologers in those days . These four superior banners bore the component parts of the cherubic symbol of the Deity , who accompanied and afforded protection to the host , in the sacred pillar of cloud and of fire . Under each of these great banners the four principal divisions were managed ; the standard of Judah was borne
by Nabshon , its Prince . It was charged with a lion couchant , surmounted by a polden crown and sceptre ; because from this tribe the Messiah—the King of Kings , the Prince of Peace , the Lion of the tribe of Judah was destined to spring . The colour of this banner was crimson or scarlet . To the tribe of Judah was assigned the most honourable station in the camp , viz ., in the E . According to the
ancient belief of the Jews the East was the front , or forepart of the world ; and hence standing in the East they worship God by praying with their faces towards tho West . Christian priests do so now . Under the standard of Judah in the E ., before the entrance of the tabernacle , the tribes of Issachar and Zobulon pitched their tents , because they were all tho children of Leah ; and , consequentl y
united in a mutual bond of consanguinity . The banner of Issachar was borne by the standard bearer of Prince Nathaniel . It was sky blue , and ( according to best authorities ) was charged with a strong ass crouching between two burdens . The ass is a patient animal , and a proper symbol of labour . Accordingly the posterity of Issachar sat down quietly on the land allotted to them , and cultivated with
diligence and assiduity . Instead of employing themselves in war or mercantile pursuits , they wero lovers of peace and quietness . The act of the a 33 crouching between its burdens was an apposite symbol of the indolent character of this tribe ; who preferred submission to every species of tyranny and oppression rather than the trouble of asserting their natural civil and social rights in the field of battle .
Just like the true quadruped ass , which though a sturdy , strong , and hardy animal , sinks tamely under heavy burdens ; though it conld easily , by the exercise of its bodily strength shake off and get free from them . The geographical position of the territory taken up by this tribe in the Land of Promise was also perhaps hereby alluded to . According to Bomo authorities , however , the banner of Issachar was
charged with a sun and a moon , and several ancient Rabbins are inclined to patronise this opinion . Prince Eliah erected the banner of Zebulon . It was purple , and bore for its characteristic a ship . Thus the principal quarter of the camp was marked by the standard of the three royal colours , blue , purple , and crimson . The south side of the camp ( being the next honourable post ) was
occupied by the tribes of Reuben , Simeon , and Gad , who were brothers ( by Leah and Zilpah her handmaiden ) . The device on the great banner of this division , which was borno by Prince Eleizus , was another of the chernbic forms—namely—a man , because Reuben was the firstborn of his father . The excellency of his "dignity and power ;" the prerogatives of the first born , which Reuben would certainly
have enjoyed , according to his just claim , if he had not forfeited them by his offences . Jacob prophesied that ho should not excel by reason of his instability . He predicted of him , " unstable as water , thou shalt not excel ; " that , as water , by a natural propensity , inherent in its substance , flows from its source , in an elevated situation , to a place that is lower than itself , so shonld
Reuben fall from his birthright , and subside into an inferior situation among the tribes . And this prophecy was remarkably verified ; for nothing great or praiseworthy has been recorded respecting the posterity of Reuben . They were inferior in numerical strength to the other tribes ; and yet the pre-eminent leadership was given to Judah . and because nothing great or honourable is recorded of his tribe , some
think that the device upon his banner was the mandrake ( man . dra . go . ra . ) a narcotic plant , the subject of many fables . The tribe of Levi was separated from the congregation of Israel to be devoted exclusively to the service of the altar ( Numbers viii . 6-34 . ) Thev had a maintenance assigned to them out of the public stock . They had no settled inheritance , even in the Land of Canaan ; they were
exempted from taxes , tribute , war , and all public duties ; they were not even numbered among the people . They were set apart entirely for a particular and peculiar duty of greater honour and sanctity . There were three degrees to be taken before they could be allowed to perform the services of tbe tabernacle . The first was initiation ; tbe Becond , consecration ; the third , admission to doty . At fifty years of
Ta Eithta.
ago their labonrs were to cease , and their declining years were spent in instructing the younger Levites . That the colour of the banner of this division should have been red , is a nvtter of surprise to many ; because Rouben was not a warlike tribe , and in tho oopnlar languago of every nation , red ( the colour of blood ) was tho emblem of combat . Prince Shelumiel , as the leader of tho tribe of
Simeon , boro a yellow baunor , emblazoned with a city , as some assert ; others say a tower , in reference to the tower of Shechem , but more generally accepted authorities are in favonr of the sword , tbe implo . inont used by tho progenitor of the tribe in tho barbarous slaughter of tho Shechomites . In this tracing board Simeon and Levi are represented on the banner . Tho former by the sword , the latter by the
dagger—as instruments of warfare used by them . The dying Patriarch expressed his abhorrence of the numerous murders committed by them under the assurance of kindness and good faith ; and he lamented the violent passions of these two of his sons , formally denouncing them in these words— " accursed be their anger , for it was fierce ; and their wrath , for it was cruel . I will divide them in Jacob , and scatter
them in Israel . " The tribe of Levi was entirely lost among the other tribes , and the tribe of Simeon had little or no possessions in the Promised Land , but dwelt in the midst of Judah . Some of them wandered as far as Mount Leir , and the deserts of Gideon Having been associated in wickedness , supremo providence ordained that their posterity should be disunited , that
no opportunity should be afforded them of working evil npon the brethren , as did thoir progenitors . The banner of tho tribe of Gad was under the charge of Prince Eliasaph . Gad signifies a troop . Jacob foretold the difficulties that would oppose the progress of Gad ' s posterity , and the hostility of their neighbours ; but that , though doomed to be sometimes overcome , yet , in the ond , they
would overcome all difficulties . This prediction was also amply verified . They established themselves firmly and peaceably in the portion allotted to them ( a country beyond Jordan ); and although for some time they were necessarily exposed to the inenrsions of the Ammonites and suffered severely , yet ultimately they overcame them through the military talents of the renowned Gileaditish general
Jephtha , who also afterwards defeated the Ephraimites , and furnished us with the password of the second degree . The . banner is white , and charged with a troop of horsemen , according to the best authorities . But , again , they vary . De Loutherbourg , in his famous picture of the Twelve Standards of Israel , has charged it with a field semde of stars , whilst the title-page frontispiece to Barker ' s Biblo ,
printed in 1634 , or 243 years ago , represents it by a flag . Tho third side of the camp was ocenpied by the half-tribe of Ephraim , united with those of Manasseh and Benjamin , all of whom were descended from Rachel ; Ephraim and Manasseh , though only grandchildren of Jacob , taking the precedence of his own children , in consequence of the blessing of the dying : Patriarch . Ephraim stepped into the
inheritance of his father Jos-ph , and was elevated into one of the leading tribes of Israel . The ancients said Joseph ia a fruitful bough , growing by a well-watered soil , and shooting forth two luxuriant branches ; thus referring us to the banner of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh , and the predictions fulfilled in their pre-eminence . Of Joseph it was said , " the archers sorely grieved him , and shot at
him , and hated him " ( in reference to the persecutions of his brethren , who afterwards sold him into Egypt , and to the false acousation by which he was thrown into prison ) . He has been represented as armed with a bow ; his abode being in strength , and the arms of his hands made strong by the mighty God . He triumphed over all bis enemies , and rose to the highest state of worldly prosperity . Ephraim stepped
into the inheritance of his father Joseph , and was elevated into one of the leading tribes of Israel . His banner ( green ) was borne by Prince Elishua , and consecrated with the figure of a cherubic emblem of the Deity ( an ox ) , which denotes patience , industry , strength . In Tyre an ox was the symbol of the city . In Egypt the soul of Osiris was believed to have migrated into a bull ; and the
sacred Apis was considered as a beautiful representation of the soul of the Deity . The figure of a bull , as a symbol of vigour , watchfulness , and fidelity , was frequently employed by the ancients in the construction of their mystical emblems . The fable of Jason ' s golden fleece guarded by brazen-footed bulls was grounded on a tradition of the cherubim , which , with flaming swords , were placed at the
eastern gates of Paradise , ( Psalm lx . 7 . ) " Ephraim is the strength of my head , " said Jehovah in the Psalms . Prince Gamaliel led the tribe of Manasseh . Their tents were pitched under a flesh-coloured banner , which was charged with a luxunant vine , planted by the side of a wall which its tendrils overhung . But again we notice a variation in the description of
ancient authorities , some describing this banner as charged with a unicorn , and others as with a palm-tree depicted thereon . The reasons are not very obvious , and I need not delay to point them out . Abida . n the Prince bore the banner of the tribe of Benjamin , of that there is no dispute ; it was a green banner , emblazoned with a wolf . The tribe of Benjamin were ever a fierce and warlike people—a
bellicose and cruel sept ; giving battle , single handed , to all the other tribes , and even overcoming them in battle . Saul ( who possessed great military talents ) sprang from this tribe , and both he and his sons were slain in battle . You may recollect that Jacob was ever notoriously fond of his younger son Benjamin ; indeed , be was his pet aud favourite ; yet , in his patriarchal dispensation of blessings under
Divine inspiration , Jacob neither secured nor conferred any peculiar blessings for or upon Benjamin or his posterity , he merely describes him and his descendants as fierce and warlike . The fourth and last quarter of the camp was assigned to Dan . Dan was the largest tribe next to Judah , and it was for this reason probably that it was placed in the rear : so that the most numerous
portions of the host formed the front and rear guards ( as they may be termed ) of tho allied army ; for , as in the present day—however bitter and warlike amongst themselves—the Jews unite , as allies , against all foreign interests . With Dan were associated the two remaining tribes Asher and Napthali ( the sons of the two concubines , Bilhah aud Zilpah ) . The great banner was borne by Prince Ahiezer