NOVEMBER 5
ADAM AND FALLEN MAN
A white stone (Rev. 2:17)
The Cambridge Commentary states: "It is said that there was a custom of giving a white pebble as a ticket of admission to a feast . . . . Again, a white stone was associated with special happiness; Pliny speaks of a glad day being marked with a white stone."
The pride of life (I John 2:16)
The Interpreter's Bible (IB) explains: "The Greek word for 'pride' here connotes vainglory, insolence, and display, while that for 'life' refers particularly to possessions or 'style of living.' Thus everything from 'conspicuous expenditure' to a presumptuous trust in outward securities is suggested."
Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch (John 10:23)
Solomon's porch was a part of the outer court of the temple, the covered colonnade along the east side—a natural place for walking and teaching. Here too the people gathered to hear Peter, after the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate (see Acts 3:11).
NOVEMBER 12
MORTALS AND IMMORTALS
That the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God (II Cor. 4:15)
The New English Bible (NEB) reads, "So that, as the abounding grace of God is shared by more and more, the greater may be the chorus of thanksgiving that ascends to the glory of God."
Their right hand is a right hand of falsehood (Ps. 144:11)
Oaths, ancient and modern, have been accompanied by the uplifted right hand and sometimes a handshake. The Hebrew poet uses this imagery to allude to deviousness, especially of those who break faith with men and with God, who is witness to the oath, by breaking their word.
They are without excuse (Rom. 1: 20)
"They" refers back to the ungodly and unrighteous men referred to in vv. 18, 19. The present verse may imply that the structure and character of God's ideal and invisible creation ("the invisible things of him") are amply illustrated in the visible world. Common sense, therefore, ought to lead a person to behave in conformity with divine requirements; and disobedience is inexcusable.
In the days of Elias . . . the time of Eliseus the prophet (Luke 4:25, 27)
See I Kings 17 for the encounter between Elijah (Greek, Elias) and the widow of Zare-phath (Sarepta). Eliseus is Elisha (see II Kings 5).
NOVEMBER 19
SOUL AND BODY
They that watch for the morning (Ps. 130:6)
IB notes that the reference is to night watchmen guarding a sleeping city or caravan and looking eagerly for the first light of dawn to signal the end of their vigil.
Church (I Cor. 1:2)
The Greek word ekklesia was used in the first century to refer to any kind of public assembly (cf. Acts 19:32, 39). The religious meaning came from its use by the early Christians—especially Paul, who uses it over twenty times in this one letter—following the translators of the Septuagint (Greek version of the Old Testament), who had used it for the congregation or assembly of the people of God.
Saints (I Cor. 1: 2)
Widely used to refer to the holy men of Old Testament times, the concept of "holy ones" ("saints" in the King James Version) was adopted by the early Christians to apply to themselves as successors of the covenant people. Gradually the word was supplanted in this sense by the more specific term "Christian." Here Paul uses it to refer to church members.
Disputer of this world . . . the wisdom of this world (I Cor. 1: 20)
Modern translators render the first phrase as "debater (or critic) of the present age." "World" translates two different Greek words, with different meanings. Goodspeed brings out both in his reading: "Where now is your philosopher? Your scribe? Your reasoner of today? Has not God made a fool of the world's wisdom?"
Strong hand . . . arm (Isa. 40:10)
The King James Version's italics indicate that the translators have added a word to smooth the translation. Here "hand" is added, apparently to complement the metaphor of God's arm. Both are symbolically used in the Old Testament to refer to God's strength. Moffatt thus gives, "Here is the Eternal coming in power, maintaining mightily his cause!"
NOVEMBER 26
ANCIENT AND MODERN NECROMANCY, alias MESMERISM AND HYPNOTISM, DENOUNCED
That make a man an offender for a word (Isa. 29:21)
Probably referring to slander—a statement that can destroy someone's reputation.
Lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate (Isa. 29:21)
The city gates were anciently the site where judges convened trials, so that the judicial process was open to community scrutiny. NEB reads, "Lay traps for him who brings the wrongdoer into court."
Turn aside the just for a thing of nought (Isa. 29:21)
There are several ways to understand this. The Revised Standard Version (RSV) translates, "With an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right."
They that murmured shall learn doctrine (Isa. 29:24)
"Doctrine" here means instruction, which even the rebellious grumblers (cf. Deut. 1:27) will willingly accept.
My people ask counsel at their stocks (Hos. 4:12)
An 'asherah, or sacred wooden post (sometimes carved), was a fertility cult object, symbolizing a female deity. The prophet notes sarcastically that a people who worship a wooden post will next be asking their canes and other wooden objects for advice; indeed, a cane did function in magical practices.
Be not dismayed at the signs of heaven (Jer. 10:2)
The reference is to astrology.
Shaketh his hands from holding of bribes (Isa. 33:15)
In modern colloquial language, "Money doesn't stick to his ringers."
He shall dwell on high (Isa. 33:16)
The image refers to security in a high, rock-bound stronghold, with ample supplies of food and water to withstand even a prolonged siege.
Froward things (Prov. 2:12)
The Hebrew refers to the plotting of revolution.
Evil communications corrupt good manners (I Cor. 15:33)
In modern terms, "Bad company is the ruin of a good character" (NEB).
THANKSGIVING
Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together (Ps. 122:3)
Noting that "the word translated 'compact' is used also of the union of associates or members of a group," IB suggests that a better translation might be, "O Jerusalem, thou that art built as the city by which brethren are united together."
We are bound to thank God always (II Thess. 1: 3)
Except for Galatians, all Paul's letters begin with some specific reference to thanksgiving.
God is able to make all grace abound toward you (II Cor. 9:8)
"All grace" may also be translated "every blessing" (RSV).
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.
