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 May 31, 1970.

There is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel (Num. 23:23)

The word here translated "against" can also mean "with" or "in," so the passage could be understood as affirming that Jacob (or the Israelites) practiced neither enchantment nor divination. Therefore McNeile renders this same verse, "Divination is not in Jacob and soothsaying is not in Israel," adding that "this appears to explain Israel's victorious strength by the fact that they were free from these heathen practices."

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer (Deut. 18:10, 11)

The Interpreter's Bible makes the comment, "The author almost exhausts the Hebrew vocabulary in order to designate the various types of superstitious practice."

Beds of ivory (Amos 6:4)

This reference is far from being a metaphorical one, for remnants of a palace built in Samaria by King Ahab have been unearthed (cf. Amos 3:15), showing how lavishly ivory panels and decorations were used by the rich for may kinds of household articles, including beds.

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning (Isa. 14:12)

The term rendered "Lucifer" means literally "shining one," and its "falling from heaven" could refer to the waning of a star as dawn approaches. It may be used here as a personification of one of the pagen empires; or, again, it could refer to some specific ruler (cf. verse 4).

Witchcraft (Gal. 5:20)

The basic meaning of the Greek term pharmakeia (root of our English word "pharmacy" and here translated "witchcraft") is "the use or the administering of drugs"; also "poisoning"; or "sorcery, magical arts."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit