Words of Current Interest

Related to the Lesson-Sermon for July 11, 1976, in the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY Subject: Sacrament

Messenger of the covenant (Mal. 3:1)

Probably to be understood as an angelic representative of God.

He shall purify the sons of Levi (Mal. 3:3)

The messenger is seen to cleanse religion of its shabby, careless elements (see 1:6-2:9) and to restore the dignity of the priestly office. J. M. P. Smith notes: "The religious teachers of the land must be pure, if the people at large are to become pleasing to Yahweh."

A brand plucked out of the fire (Zech. 3:2)

This is thought to be an old proverbial expression (cf. Amos 4:11), denoting something precious rescued from disaster, and represents here the rescued people Israel after the Exile.

Joshua was clothed with filthy garments (Zech. 3:3)

Not to be confused with Joshua, son of Nun, a contemporary of Moses. This latter Joshua, chosen high priest in Jerusalem, was dressed in attire symbolizing the careless manner in which the priesthood had been operating during the Exile, with Palestine an occupied country.

Let them set a fair mitre upon his head (Zech. 3:5)

The Revised Standard Version translates, "Let them put a clean turban on his head." A mitre, or turban, was part of the high priest's vesture (see Ex. 28:4).

Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas (Acts 9:36)

Two popular names—one Aramaic, one Greek—that mean the same thing: gazelle.

Saints and widows (Acts 9:41)

"Saints" is the all-inclusive word for "Christians," but we need hardly suppose that the widows were not Christians.

Be ... an example ... in word, in conversation (I Tim. 4:12)

"Conversation" is used here in the ancient sense of deportment, behavior, and so is a fitting contrast and complement to "word" earlier in the verse.

The Lesson-Sermons contain Bible references (King James Version) and correlative passages from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy.

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