Article June 21, 1941 Issue

Bible Notes

[The Biblical citations given in the Christian Science Quarterly are from the Authorized King James Version. The Bible Notes in this column can be used, if deemed necessary, to elucidate some of the words or passages contained in the Bible Lessons. The Notes in this issue are related to the Lesson-Sermon designated to be read in Christian Science churches on June 29, 1941.]

"The Lord hath made bare his holy arm" (Isa. 52:10)—The "arm," as it is used in the Bible in a metaphorical sense, has been well described as "an expressive emblem of power to direct, control, seize, overcome." Consequently the expression, "Make bare the arm," suggests preparation for action, and is virtually equivalent to "display or exhibit power." Moffatt suggests: "All nations have seen the Eternal bare his sacred arm for action."

"The glory of Lebanon . . . the excellency of Carmel and Sharon" (Isa. 35:2)—The chief "glory of Lebanon" consisted in its mighty cedar trees; while in Bible times Mount Carmel was famed for its flowers, olive trees, and luxuriant vegetation; indeed, the word "carmel" itself means "garden" or "park." Then, too, Sharon was a fertile vale, noted for its wild flowers.

"It shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those" (Isa. 35:8)—Apparently, "those" refers to "those who are holy," and so fitted to use "the way of holiness;" while "the wayfaring men" is taken by some as referring to "those who are holy" or "God's people" (rather than to "fools"—as our Common Version would suggest by its rendering of the remainder of the verse). Smith renders: "A road . . . called the Holy Way; no unclean one shall pass over it—but it shall be for his people as they go along the way—and no fools shall wander there."

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