I Cor. 10:2

[inquiringmind]

From what I've been reading in the book of Moses, it seems Moses knew all about water baptism (and I think he was baptized by his father in-law, Jethro), but I don't see how more than maybe a few (like Joshua and Caleb) of those he led out of Egypt could have been baptized.

If they were, why would Paul be drawing metaphors about baptism from their crossing of the Red Sea?

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness (1 Cor. 10:1-5, Joseph Smith Translation.)

Paul's point seems to be that baptism is just the beginning, and that after you've done that you have to be faithful, but if those who fell in the wilderness had been literally baptized, why wouldn't he just say so?

Why talk about their being led by a cloud, and passing through the parted waters of the Red Sea as a kind of baptism?

How do you all understand this passage?

Were only a few (like Joshua and Caleb) baptized?

Is it possible they were all baptized and Paul just didn't know it?

If they were all baptized, and Paul knew it, why would he use this metaphorical language?

Edited May 3, 2012 by inquiringmind

[TAO]

The baptism through the Red Sea, like all other baptisms, was a preparatory act, mean to show and symbolize the future act. There are funny little parallels between the Old and the New, and this is one of them.

If you notice, in the Book of Mormon, there are people getting baptized at the time of Christ - this is for the Holy Ghost. I do not know if they were baptized before or not, but, I think that it was required to go through again for the Holy Ghost to be received. As of such, I guess you could say, it doesn't matter so much that you get baptized again. What's important is that baptism in the New Law brings the Holy Ghost. So I guess you could say baptism had slightly different, but also very similar functions in the laws... the old was a preparatory for the new.

Hope this helps (although some is probably wrong as usual)

-TAO

[CV75]

From what I've been reading in the book of Moses, it seems Moses knew all about water baptism (and I think he was baptized by his father in-law, Jethro), but I don't see how more than maybe a few (like Joshua and Caleb) of those he led out of Egypt could have been baptized.

I read the "sea" as the brasen sea, or any body of water used for baptism, and not referring to the event of passing through Red Sea where they were not immersed (cross refernce with Psalms 99:7).

Edited May 3, 2012 by CV75

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

From what I've been reading in the book of Moses, it seems Moses knew all about water baptism (and I think he was baptized by his father in-law, Jethro), but I don't see how more than maybe a few (like Joshua and Caleb)

I baptized them that is the name of my two sons. On a more serious note I remember reading once where all of Israel were baptized via symbolism of passing under the Red or (Reed) Sea.

Edited May 3, 2012 by Bill “Papa” Lee

[inquiringmind]

I read the "sea" as the brasen sea, or any body of water used for baptism, and not referring to the event of passing through Red Sea where they were not immersed (cross refernce with Psalms 99:7)

If Paul isn't speaking symbolically, what does baptized in cloud mean?

He says all were baptized unto Moses "in cloud and sea."

I baptized them that is the name of my two sons. On a more serious note I remember reading once where all of Israel were baptized via symbolism of passing under the Red or (Reed) Sea.

That's my question.

If Paul is speaking of all Israel being "baptized via symbolism of passing under the Red or (Reed) Sea," does that mean that all the adults weren't literally baptized?

Edited May 3, 2012 by inquiringmind

[mfbukowski]

There will come a time when you figure out that your own answers dictated by the spirit are as good as anyone else's speculation and there is little need for these threads any more.

I really don't mean to be nasty or mean, but in my opinion, it's time for the fledgling to leave the nest. Bringing these things up for discussion is one thing, but asking as if we have answers that you cannot figure out for yourself is another thing.

Sorry. I just felt someone had to say that for your own progression.

[CV75]

If Paul isn't speaking symbolically, what does baptized in cloud mean?

He says all were baptized unto Moses "in cloud and sea."

I see it as the cloud covered (or contained) the tabernacle which in turn contained the brasen sea, or that they were baptised in the presene of, and under the protection of, the authentic God (as the cloud over the tabernacle testified). It is said the brasen sea was only used to wash hands and feet, so maybe another "sea" was used for immersion, but still under the protective "cloud" of the true priesthood of God. Perhaps these baptisms were done only in the daytime, resulting in no need to mention the pillar of fire, which appeared only at night.