Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

Question:

“E. C.” ― “Does Hebrews 13:13 ― ‘Without the camp’ ― refer to Exodus 33, when Moses pitched the tent ί Without the camp, afar off?’ or, rather, is there an allusion to it; for I suppose there is no doubt the reference is to Leviticus 16? “

Answer:

In the Gospel narratives we learn that Israel had refused their Messiah, saying, “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19). Jesus said on His cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23). The answer to this intercession was the offer by the Holy Ghost, sent down at Pentecost (Acts 2), by Peter (Acts 3), “I wot that through ignorance ye did it,” he says, adding that if they would now repent, Jesus, whom they slew, would return, and the times of refreshing would come. Their full answer to this offer of grace was at the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7), in which act the citizens who hated the nobleman who had gone into the far country to receive a kingdom and return, sent the messenger after Him, saying, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” (See Luke 19) Stephen sees the Son of man ― standing at the right hand of God, till then ready to bring in the “sure mercies of David.” They had now refused these “sure mercies,” and the whole earthly order of things is broken up at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad, except the apostle. Hebrews now come in, and in it we find Jesus seated and expecting, till His enemies be made His footstool (chapter 10:12-13). Till the day when He says, “But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me” (Luke 19:27). In each Scripture it is a characteristic attitude in which He is seen. In consequence, the Jewish believers are called upon to “go forth therefore unto him outside the camp.” They must come outside the earthly order of things, and everything of a religious character which recognized man in the flesh, and connected itself with the world. This was most distinctly Judaism at all times. This Word of the Lord holds good with regard to every religion which connects itself with the world, and recognizes and provides for man in the flesh, and unrenewed. An earthly formulary, which takes in all the nation or country, or district, is the “camp” now, and the distinct call of God to the believer is uncompromisingly to disconnect himself with such, and take his true place with Jesus ― “bearing his reproach” ― “outside the camp,” or such an order of things.

Thus acting, he recognizes what God requires ― separation from evil ― in order to walk in fellowship with Him. Moses was quick in apprehension in the mind of God, when he pitched the tent without the camp. (Exodus 33.) He knew that God could not now dwell amid a rebellious and revolted people. Every one that sought the Lord went out to this place of separation to God; and God’s presence was found there; and there He spake to His faithful ones.

There is no doubt, as far as the offering went, that Leviticus 16 is alluded to. It was the type.