Words of Current Interest

The words in this issue are related to the Lesson-Sermon in the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY designated to be read in Christian Science churches on December 11, 1966.

I . . . will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land (Ezek. 34:25)

The word here rendered "evil" was used by the early Hebrews in a wide variety of senses, including "bad, wicked, vicious, wild." In modern English the phrase "evil beasts" would rather be translated "wild beasts."

They shall dwell safely in the wilderness (Ezek. 34:25)

The Hebrew word midhbar (wilderness) was used to express the thought of "open country," where sheep or cattle might graze, and is often what we might call "moorland" or "prairie." The thought seems to be that whether the region were open or wooded, those who dwelt there would be safe from attack.

I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing (Ezek. 34:26)

If "my hill" is to be taken literally, it would no doubt refer to the hill of Zion, the site of the temple—an eminence often called in the Old Testament "the hill (or mountain) of the Lord," because of the worship carried on there. True, the temple was lying in ruins at this period, but Ezekiel foretold its reconstruction, once the exile in Babylonia was over.

Cherish

(cher'ish—ch as in chair, e as in end, i as in is). To hold dear; to feel or show fond affection for; to keep or guard with care and affection; to entertain or harbor something in one's mind deeply and resolutely.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake (Ps. 23:3)

Briggs comments that "the divine name, or honour is involved in guiding rightly." Moffatt translates, "He guides me by true paths, as he himself is true."

A cloudy pillar (Neh. 9:12)

In verse 19, this is called "the pillar of the cloud." In the account of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, and of their wanderings in the wilderness, repeated references are made to the pillar of cloud which guided and protected them by day, as well as to a corresponding pillar of fire by night. (Compare Ex. 13:21, 22; 14: 19, 20; etc.)

Unprejudiced

(un-prej'oo-dist—u as in up, e as in end, oo as in foot, i as in is). Not prejudiced; free from undue bias, warp, or prepossession; impartial.

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Signs of the Times

December 3, 1966

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