rhinoceros. When it is said to “chew the cud,” the Hebrew word so used
does not necessarily imply the possession of a ruminant stomach. “The
lawgiver speaks according to appearances; and no one can watch the
constant motion of the little creature’s jaws, as it sits continually working
its teeth, without recognizing the naturalness of the expression” (Tristram,
Natural History of the Bible). It is about the size and color of a rabbit,
though clumsier in structure, and without a tail. Its feet are not formed for
digging, and therefore it has its home not in burrows but in the clefts of the
rocks. “Coney” is an obsolete English word for “rabbit.”
- CONFECTION (Exodus 30:35, “ointment” in ver. 25; R.V., “perfume”).
The Hebrew word so rendered is derived from a root meaning to
compound oil and perfume. - CONFECTIONARIES only in 1 Samuel 8:13, those who make
confections, i.e., perfumers, who compound species and perfumes. - CONFESSION (1) An open profession of faith (Luke 12:8). (2.) An
acknowledment of sins to God (Leviticus 16:21; Ezra 9:5-15; Daniel
9:3-12), and to a neighbour whom we have wronged (James 5:16; Matthew
18:15). - CONGREGATION (Hebrews kahal), the Hebrew people collectively as a
holy community (Numbers 15:15). Every circumcised Hebrew from
twenty years old and upward was a member of the congregation. Strangers
resident in the land, if circumcised, were, with certain exceptions (Exodus
12:19; Numbers 9:14; Deuteronomy 23:1-3), admitted to the privileges of
citizenship, and spoken of as members of the congregation (Exodus 12:19;
Numbers 9:14; 15:15). The congregation were summonded together by the
sound of two silver trumpets, and they met at the door of the tabernacle
(Numbers 10:3). These assemblies were convened for the purpose of
engaging in solemn religious services (Exodus 12:27; Numbers 25:6; Joel
2:15), or of receiving new commandments (Exodus 19:7, 8). The elders,
who were summonded by the sound of one trumpet (Numbers 10:4),
represented on various occasions the whole congregation (Exodus 3:16;
12:21; 17:5; 24:1).
After the conquest of Canaan, the people were assembled only on
occasions of the highest national importance (Judges 20; 2 Chronicles 30:5;
34:29; 1 Samuel 10:17; 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 1 Kings 12:20; 2 Kings 11:19;
21:24; 23:30). In subsequent times the congregation was represented by