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 January 25, 1970.

Let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour (Zech. 8:17)

The Hebrew verb chasab can mean "imagine" or "think," but it was often used in a much stronger manner, implying devise or plan, charge or impute. Moffatt suggests, "Plot no evil in your hearts against one another"; while Smith has, "Let none of you devise evil in your thoughts against your friend."

The fast[s]... shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts (Zech. 8:19)

Their fasts are to be turned into days of rejoicing. God's blessing covenanted to Israel depends not so much upon Israel's goodness, but Israel's goodness should follow as the consequence of God's gracious promises.

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14)

The Commentary of Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown observes that the repetition of the term "multitudes" is "a Hebraism for immense multitudes." Moffatt renders the verse: "What a din of hordes, what a din within the valley of the Verdict! For the Eternal's day is near within the valley of the Verdict!"

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (II Chron. 34:1, 2)

Josiah, king of Judah, was as noted for his good reign as his grandfather Manasseh had been notorious for his evil practices (see II Chron. 33:9). Both kings lived in the seventh century B.C. II Chronicles, Chapters 33 and 34, runs parallel to II Kings, Chapters 21, 22, and 23.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15)

Weymouth suggests, "Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a workman who, because of his straightforward dealing with the word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame." The New English Bible translates, "Try hard to show yourself worthy of God's approval, as a labourer who need not be ashamed, driving a straight furrow, in your proclamation of the truth."

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