Post by Lee on Oct 17, 2014 2:08:11 GMT
“Are the slaying blocks to be placed between the temple wall and the water which flows out of it, or are they placed beyond the water?”—A.D.
ANS.—We read in chap. 65., verse 2, that the sanctuary is surrounded by suburbs fifty cubits wide. These suburbs are elsewhere described (chap. 42. verse 20) as the “profane place.” There is an obvious use for this space, and that part of it near the gates would be available and suitable for slaughtering the sacrifices. As to the position of the waters in their eastward flow by two common channels, one on the North side and the other on the South side of the house, one would think this channel would be outside the fifty cubit belt surrounding the house, called the profane place, and therefore at least fifty cubits from the wall Then, as to the position of the slaying blocks, for a variety of reasons these are placed on the outside of the house, an arrangement in harmony with the Sacrifice of Christ, who “suffered” without the gate (Heb. 13:12). If those blocks are placed on the side of the stream furthest from the temple, they would be a considerable distance from it, and the ministers in the house would have to carry the slaughtered animals through the water. A more reasonable conclusion is that the beasts are driven through the water, and that the blocks are placed half-way between the outside wall and the stream of water which flows past the temple. These blocks are shewn nearer to the building upon the drawings than half-way, because otherwise they would be outside the picture. - Bro Sulley
. Vol. 25: The Christadelphian: Volume 25. 2001 (electronic ed.) (160). Birmingham: Christadelphian Magazine & Publishing Association.