You Will Become "a Kingdom of Priests" - A COVENANT THAT PROTECTS THE OFFSPRING

As the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob multiplied into the millions, Jehovah made a nation out of them-the nation of Israel.  Through Mosses, Jehovah concluded a unique national covenant  with them by giving them the Law, and the nation of Israel agreed to the terms of that covenant.  The Bible relates: "[Moses] took the book of the covenant and read it aloud to the people. And they said: 'All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do, and we will be obedient.' So Moses took the blood [of the sacrificed  bulls] and sprinkled it on the people and said: 'This is the blood of the covenant that Jehovah had made with you in harmony with all these words." - EXODUS 24:3-8.

The Law covenant  went into effect at Mount Sinai in 1513 B.C.E.  By means of that covenant, the ancient nation of Israel was set apart as God's chosen nation.  Jehovah now became their Judge, their Lawgiver, and their King' (Isaiah 33:22) The history of Israel provides a record of what happens when God's righteous standards are either observed or ignored.  Since the Law forbade intermarrying with pagans and participation in false worship, it was designed to prevent Abraham's line of descent from being contaminated. - EXODUS 20:4-6; 34:12-16.

The Law covenant also provided an arrangement for a priesthood, foreshadowing a greater arrangement in the future.  (Hebrews 7:11; 10:1) In fact, through the covenant, Israel had a unique opportunity and privilege to become "a Kingdom of priests," providing they met the stipulation to obey Jehovah's laws. (Exodus 19:5, 6)  Israel, however,  failed to meet this requirement.  Instead of esteeming the arrival of the Messiah, the primary part of Abraham's offspring, the nation rejecting him. Consequently, God rejected that nation.

Israel's failure to remain faithful to Jehovah and thus supply all those who would make up a kingdom of priests did not mean that the Law had failed.  The Law was to protect the offspring and lead humans to the Messiah.  Once the Christ came and was identified, the Law's role was realized. "Christ is the end of the Law," states the Bible.  (Romans 10:4)  The question, though,  remains: who would then have the opportunity to become a kingdom of priests?  Jehovah God provided another legal contract to form a new nation.

Next time: You Will Become "a Kingdom of Priests" - A NEW NATION COMES ITO EXISTENCE

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