Persisted in Rebellion ( 4 )
Quotations from the writings of Ellen G. White with the phrase . . .
| Though God had granted the prayer of Moses in sparing Israel from destruction, their apostasy was to be signally punished. The lawlessness and insubordination into which Aaron had permitted them to fall, if not speedily crushed, would run riot in wickedness, and would involve the nation in irretrievable ruin. By terrible severity the evil must be put away. Standing in the gate of the camp, Moses called to the people, "Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me." Those who had not joined in the apostasy were to take their position at the right of Moses; those who were guilty but repentant, at the left. The command was obeyed. It was found that the tribe of Levi had taken no part in the idolatrous worship. From among other tribes there were great numbers who, although they had sinned, now signified their repentance. But a large company, mostly of the mixed multitude that instigated the making of the calf, stubbornly persisted in their rebellion. In the name of "the Lord God of Israel," Moses now commanded those upon his right hand, who had kept themselves clear of idolatry, to gird on their swords and slay all who persisted in rebellion. "And there fell of the people that day about three thousand men." Without regard to position, kindred, or friendship, the ringleaders in wickedness were cut off; but all who repented and humbled themselves were spared. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 324.1 |
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| As the children of Israel, God's favored people, persisted in rebellion, notwithstanding the warnings and reproofs he had sent them, they were challenged to prepare to meet their God. By his appointed agents the Lord had sent them message after message which they had only despised and rejected, and now they must prepare to meet his retributive judgments. They would not prevail against him; for "lo, He that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declared unto man what is his thought; that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth down the high places of the earth, the God of hosts is his name." As an offended Judge, the Lord would execute his judgments upon his impenitent people. If they would escape his vengeance, they must humble their hearts, and confess their sins. {SW, March 14, 1905 par. 3} |
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| The Israelites had been guilty of treason, and that against a King who had loaded them with benefits and whose authority they had voluntarily pledged themselves to obey. That the divine government might be maintained justice must be visited upon the traitors. Yet even here God's mercy was displayed. While He maintained His law, He granted freedom of choice and opportunity for repentance to all. Only those were cut off who persisted in rebellion. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 324.3 |
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| The Israelites had been guilty of treason, and that against a King who had loaded them with benefits, and whose authority they had voluntarily pledged themselves to obey. That the divine government might be maintained, justice must be visited upon the traitors. Yet even here God's mercy was displayed. While he maintained his law, he granted freedom of choice and opportunity for repentance for all. Only those were cut off who persisted in rebellion. {RH, February 11, 1909 par. 17} |
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