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 14, 1969.

Nathan (II Sam. 7:4)

Nathan has been described as a prophet and chaplain at the court of David and seems to have written "the book of Nathan the prophet," which recorded the acts of David and of his son Solomon (I Chron. 29:29: II Chron. 9:29).

I took thee from the sheepcote (II Sam. 7:8)

In Middle English cote was often employed to describe a shed for the protection of small domestic animals. So a sheepcote, especially in British usage, is the equivalent of a sheepfold. Moffatt suggests, "I took you from the pasture-land, from tending sheep, that you should be a prince over my people, over Israel."

Is this the manner of man, Lord God (II Sam. 7:19)

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown in their Commentary give the following explanation: "i.e. is it customary for men to show such condescension to persons so humble as I am?" They explain the question in verse 20, "What can David say more unto thee?" as implying, "my obligations are greater than I can express."

He led him [Jacob] about (Deut. 32:10)

The verb here translated "led ...about" means more strictly "surrounded" or "encompassed." Moreover, it has been noted that the word implies protection. Hence the passage might well be paraphrased, "He put his arms around him" (compare Deut. 33:27).

Deliver me in thy righteousness (Ps. 31:1)

Charles A. Briggs suggests that in this context "righteousness" is not so much to be considered as an ethical term as bringing out the thought of God's redemption or vindication of His people. A somewhat similar thought is expressed by J. M. P. Smith, who has, "Through thy justification, deliver me!" Moffatt translates, "Oh rescue me, as thou art faithful."

Plenteous (Matt. 9:37)

Bearing or yielding abundance; fruitful; productive; constituting, characterized by, or existing in plenty. The Twentieth Century New Testament suggests, "abundant" and the Revised Standard Version, "plentiful."

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Signs of the Times

December 6, 1969

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