Course 1, Chapter 27: The Messiah promised and prefigured — Fifth promise. Eighth figure of the Messiah — The Paschal Lamb. — (A. C. 1491.)

1. Did Jacob live long in Egypt?

Jacob was one hundred and twenty years old when he went down into Egypt; he lived there seventeen years, honored and respected and tenderly cherished by his son Joseph.

2. YVhat prophecy did Jacob make when dying?

Jacob, seeing his end approach, assembled around his bed his twelve sons, and announced to them what was to happen to their descendants. When he came to Juda, he spoke thus: Juda, ihee shall thy brethren praise: the sceptre .shall, not be taken away from Juda, nor a ruler from his thigh, till He come that is to be sent, and he shall be the expectation of all nations.

3. What was the meaning of this promise?

This promise announced that the sovereign authority should reside in the tribe of Juda, until the coming of the Messiah, the expected of all nations. It was verified at the time of our Lord; for Herod, an Idumean, was the first stranger who reigned in Judca. This promise teaches us, further, that it is in the tribe of Juda, to the exclusion of all others, we must for the future look for the Messiah.

4. What happened to the children of Jacob after his death?

After the death of Jacob, his children multiplied rapidly; Joseph soon followed his father to the grave; a new king ascended the throne of Egypt, and oppressed the Hebrews.

5. Whom did God make use of to deliver his people?

To deliver his people from the bondage of Egypt,

God made use of Moses, and Aaron his brother. They both went together into the presence af Pharao, whose obstinacy Moses subdued by striking Egypt with ten great calamities, which are called the ten plagues of Egypt.

6. What did the Hebrew people do before setting out?

Before setting oat, the Hebrew people immolated the Paschal Lamb, which is the eighth figure of the Messiah. This Paschal Lamb was to be without spot; our Lord is the true Lamb without spot.

7. With what dispositions were they to eat the Paschal Lamb?

They who ate the Paschal Lamb were to have their loins girdled, a staff in their hands, and sandals on their feet, as travelers ready for the journey. Those who receive the holy communion must have their loins girdled, that is, must be chaste; a staff in their hand, that is, they must resist all evil; sandals on their feet, that is, they must be like travelers, ready to undertake any thing in order to reach heaven.