Article February 7, 1942 Issue

Bible Notes

[The Biblical citations given in the Christian Science Quarterly are from the Authorized King James Version. The Bible Notes in these columns 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 February 15, 1942.]

"A day in thy courts is better than a thousand" (Ps. 84:10)—This represents a literal rendering of the original Hebrew, but Dr. Smith makes the meaning more explicit by rendering: "Better is one day in thy courts than a thousand elsewhere;" while Dr. Moffatt suggests: "Better a single day within thy courts than a thousand days outside!" (Compare II Peter 3:8.)

"I will set my tabernacle among you" (Lev. 26:11)—The term "mishkan," which is here translated "tabernacle," means literally "dwelling place" (from "shakan"—"to dwell"); but was often employed with special reference to the sacred "tabernacle" or tent which the early Israelites thought of as the dwelling place of their Deity, Yahweh, or Jehovah (compare Exodus 29:42—45).

"Joshua ... and Caleb ... rent their clothes" (Num. 14:6)—In the Old Testament period, to rend one's clothes was a sign or symbol of deep sorrow, which is referred to in many different passages. Sometimes, however, it was little more than an external expression of grief without inward sorrow or repentance. So we find Joel exhorting the people thus: "Rend your heart, and not your garments" (Joel 2:13).