Covering sins...

Today I was intrigued as I studied Helaman 1-2 in the Book of Mormon and saw how the Gadianton robbers tried to cover or hide their sins. Many of us try do do that in one way or another. I think it is because we do not understand or accept the mercy and grace of Jesus. My thought tonight is that we all need to understand more fully what the real covering for us can be. I share that by sharing an article from the July 1990 Ensign by Hugh Nibley discussing the meaning of Atonement.  Here is the portion that really blessed me today:

"The basic word for atonement is kafar, which has the same basic meaning in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic--that being “to bend, arch over, cover; 2) [to pass over with one’s palm &c., to wipe out, rub] … to deny, … to forgive, … to be expiated, … renounce.”3

The Arabic kafara puts the emphasis on a tight squeeze, such as tucking in the skirts, drawing a thing close to oneself. Closely related are Aramaic4 and Arabic kafata,5 meaning a close embrace, which are certainly related to the Egyptian hpt,6 the common ritual embrace written with the ideogram of embracing arms. Hpt may be cognate with the Latin capto7 and the Persian kaftan,8 a monk’s robe and hood completely embracing the body.

Most interesting is the Arabic kafata,9 as it is the key to a dramatic situation. It was the custom for one fleeing for his life in the desert to seek protection in the tent of a great sheik, crying out, “Ana dakhiluka,” meaning “I am thy suppliant,” whereupon the host would place the hem of his robe over the guest’s shoulder and declare him under his protection. In one instance in the Book of Mormon we see Nephi fleeing from an evil enemy that is pursuing him. In great danger, he prays the Lord to give him an open road in the low way, to block his pursuers, and to make them stumble. He comes to the Lord as a suppliant: “O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine enemies!” (2 Ne. 4:33.) In reply, according to the ancient custom, the Master would then place the hem of his robe protectively over the kneeling man’s shoulder (kafata). This puts him under the Lord’s protection from all enemies. They embrace in a close hug, as Arab chiefs still do; the Lord makes a place for him (see Alma 5:24) and invites him to sit down beside him--they are at-one.

This is the imagery of the Atonement--the embrace: “The Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love.” (2 Ne. 1:15.)

“Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.” (Alma 5:33.)"

I concur! Let's remember and accept the mercy and grace of Jesus as it is so fully proffered to us!