All the theological interpretations of atonement look back to the Old
Testament Hebrew terms _kaphar_ and _kasah_ “to cover.” We
are saved by an atoning sacrifice; that is, by a sacrifice which covers
us.
A fire on a gentleman’s estate in England destroyed his mansion.
It spread to a plantation near by, and trees and bushes were
burned and charred. The gentleman next day heard the chirping of
little birds in a blackened thicket close by him. He searched
among the charred branches and discovered a nest, on which was
lying, with outstretched wings, a dead robin. Under her were
three fledglings, safe and sound. The mother bird had covered
her young, saving them at the cost of her own life. (Text.)
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