Afar Off

The children of Israel shall encamp every one by his standard, with the ensign of their father's house; round about the tent of meeting, afar off, opposite to it shall they encamp. Number 2:2

When the ancient Israelites pitched their tent in the wilderness, they were in groups according to family or tribe. Each had their place. But according to this verse, they could not pitch the tent anywhere near the tabernacle (or the tent of meeting). The Levites and the priest, who had to serve in the tabernacle, were permitted to pitch tents closer.

The only reason for a non-Levite/priest to come to the tabernacle was with an offering. Since his tent was pitched afar off, the offerer had to travel with his offering (or gift) to the entrance of the tabernacle. In plain sight. In the sight of everyone.

Offerings were brought for several reasons including:

• for a known sin: trespass offering
• for a sin that was not known, but brought to light later: sin offering
• for thanksgiving
• for a vow
• for praising Jehovah
• for fellowship
• and there was the offering just to please Jehovah, the continual burnt offering (as far as I can tell, there was no other reason for this offering).

The sinner had to come from afar off. I suppose that some that were more conscience of the power of the Most Holy and their own unworthiness, probably made more frequent trips.

They could approach Jehovah, but since Jehovah dwelt in the Holiest of Holiest, the offerer could not really get too close. He had no business going any further than the altar of burnt offering. There was nothing for him beyond that point.

Just like the ancient Israelite, we approach Jehovah. We approach Him in prayer. The offerer had to enter the tabernacle gate. When we enter into prayer, we are told to enter into thy chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, shutting ourselves in separated from the cares of this world . The ancient Israelite had no reason to come without a gift, an offering. We have no reason to bring an offering. We come to God in prayer empty-handed. Each and every offering brought to the tabernacle (or later, temple) and offered on the altar of burnt offering (for whatever reason) was merely a foreshadowing looking forward to a day when Jesus Christ was to be made the offering for us. The author of the book of Hebrews spent a lot of ink to demonstrate this.

This reminds me of the parable of the lost son (you may call him a prodigal if you like). After the son spent and lost everything, he came to his father empty-handed and his father spotted him while he was yet afar off.

And he rose up and went to his own father. But while he was yet a long way off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell upon his neck, and covered him with kisses. Luke 15:2

So, when you have to confess sin, give thanks, vow a vow, offer praise, desire fellowship or just want to please God, come empty-handed in prayer. Shut the door behind you. Pray to the Father who is in secret. See if He is not moved with compassion.

And remember why your hands are empty.