among the Hebrews, were not only a means of social enjoyment, but were a part of the
observance of religious festivity. At the three solemn festivals the family also had its domestic
feast. (16:11) Sacrifices, both ordinary and extraordinary, (Exodus 34:15; Judges 16:23) includes
a banquet. Birthday banquets are only mentioned (Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6) The usual time
of the banquet was the evening, and to begin early was a mark of excess. (Ecclesiastes 10:16; Isaiah
5:11) The most essential materials of the banqueting room, next to the viands and wine, which last
was often drugged with spices, (Proverbs 9:2) were perfumed unguents, garlands or loose flowers,
white or brilliant robes; after these, exhibitions of music singers and dancers, riddles, jesting and
merriment. (Judges 14:12; 2 Samuel 19:35; Nehemiah 8:10; Ecclesiastes 10:19; Isaiah 5:12; 25:6;
28:1; Matthew 22:11; Luke 15:25) The posture at table in early times was sitting, (1 Samuel 16:11;
20:5,18) and the guests were ranged in order of dignity. (Genesis 43:33; 1Sam 9:22 Words which
imply the recumbent posture belong to the New Testament.
Baptism
It is well known that ablution or bathing was common in most ancient nations as a preparation
for prayers and sacrifice or as expiatory of sin. In warm countries this connection is probably even
closer than in colder climates; and hence the frequency of ablution in the religious rites throughout
the East. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is the rite or ordinance by which
persons are admitted into the Church of Christ. It is the public profession of faith and discipleship.
Baptism signifies—
•A confession of faith in Christ;
•A cleansing or washing of the soul from sin;
•A death to sin and a new life in righteousness. The mode and subjects of baptism being
much-controverted subjects, each one can best study them in the works devoted to those questions.
The command to baptize was co-extensive with the command to preach the gospel. All nations
were to be evangelized; and they were to be made disciples, admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s
religion, by baptism. (Matthew 28:19) It appears to have been a kind of transition from the Jewish
baptism to the Christian. The distinction between John’s baptism and Christian baptism appears
in the case of Apollos, (Acts 18:26,27) and of the disciples at Ephesus mentioned (Acts 19:1-6)
We cannot but draw from this history the inference that in Christian baptism there was a deeper
spiritual significance.
Barabbas
(son of Abba), a robber, (John 18:40) who had committed murder in an insurrection, (Mark
15:7; Luke 28:18) in Jerusalem and was lying in prison the time of the trial of Jesus before Pilate.p
Barachel
(God has blessed), father of Elihu. (Job 32:2,6) [Buz]
Barachias
(Matthew 23:35) [Zacharias]
Barak
(lightning), son of Abinoam of Kedesh, a refuge city in Mount Naphtali, was incited by Deborah,
a prophetess of Ephraim, to deliver Israel from the yolk of Jabin. Judges 4. He utterly routed the
Canaanites int eh plain of Jezreel (Esdraelon). (B.C. 1291-1251.)
Barbarian
frankie
(Frankie)
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