p. 8 | Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 13, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 28.

Question Corner

1533.—The Dominion to Whom? Gen. 1:26.

Please explain Gen. 1:26. Was it to Adam that God gave this dominion? A. W.

The man of verse 27 is the fulfilment of verse 26. The Hebrew word from which “man” is translated is adam, the same as the name of the father of the race. Gen. 2:4–6 refers to a time previous to the creation of man. Verses 7, 21, 22 is a detailed account of what is given in a brief way in Gen. 1:27. The American Revised Version has “man” in every instance in the second chapter where the common version has “Adam.” Adam was the name of our first father and of the race (Gen. 5:2); and to Adam and his descendants was the dominion given, which he lost by sin, and which will be restored through the second Adam, Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 15:45).

1534.—Where Did Cain Get His Wife?

She was one of the daughters of Adam. Gen. 5:4.

1534.—Jephthah’s Daughter. Judges 11.

Was Jephthah’s daughter offered as a burnt-offering? T. B.

We do not think so. (1) Because it was unlawful for God’s people to offer human sacrifices. If a vow included that which it was unlawful to offer, a value was estimated, and the value given. Lev. 27:2–8, 11, 12. Jephthah’s vow was, “Whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, . . . shall surely be the Lord’s, or I will offer it up for a burnt-offering.” Judges 11:31, margin. As it was his daughter that met him, he could not offer her as a burnt-offering, but he could dedicate her, his only child, to the Lord as a perpetual virgin. This he did, and thus yielded all hope of having any descendants; hence his lament in verse 35; hence also her period of mourning, not because she was to be made a sacrifice, but because she was to be deprived forever of being a mother in Israel. Verses 37, 38. Then her father fulfilled his vow, and she knew no man; that is, she never married. To honor that sacrifice the daughters of Israel went four days a year to meet with and comfort her. Verse 40, margin. All depends on the understanding of his vow, and its nature. It would have been sin to have burnt his daughter. God did not want rash wrong vows fulfilled. Lev. 6:4, 5.

1535.—Jawbone and Lehi. Judges 15:15–19.

Our correspondent will understand Mr. Starr’s article on Judges better if he will remember that “Lehi” in Hebrew is the same as “jawbone” in English. Notice that after his slaughter Samson cast away the jawbone (Judges 15:15–17), and called the name of the place Ramath-Lehi, meaning in English, “the height of a jawbone.” Then he was sore athirst, and called upon God. In answer “God clave a hollow place that was in the jaw [margin, ‘in Lehi,’ the place where Samson stood], and there came water thereout.” The Jewish version reads, “And God clave a hollow place that was at Lechi.” See also verse 9. Similarly also Spurrell, Young, and the Revised Versions, render.

1536.—Clean and Unclean Beasts. Isa. 66:15–17.

Isa. 66:15–17 seems to have been written in view of Christ’s coming and the end of the world, and would indicate that the law regarding clean and unclean meats would exist to the end, but some claim that this law was done away, citing Col. 2:16. How is this? K.

The law as given to the Jews was done away. The fact still remains that there is a distinction between beasts. This distinction is not because of some law, but it exists in the very nature of the beasts, and did before the law of Leviticus 11 was given. See of the beasts that entered the ark, Gen. 7:2. He who would have the better diet will abjure the unclean meats. He who would have the best in these days of unnatural conditions, will abstain from all flesh foods.

1537.—A Troubled Sister.

I am the only one in my family who makes a profession. My husband, and my daughter, and son-in-law, who live with us, are not Christians; consequently when I read and have worship, there is talking going on. Sometimes I feel as though I must run away—where, I do not know; for I am old and could not support myself by labor. I pray for them. I think sometimes my lot is hard, and I can not bear it. Then I think our blessed Jesus had more to bear than I do, and I am ashamed to find fault. Well, please pray for me, and if you can offer any comfort through the SIGNS, please do so. READER.

Our heart goes out to these lonely ones. We wish there were not so many. Yet the place they are in may be the very best place for them under the circumstances. But, first, it may not be this sister’s duty to read and pray in public. Do not neglect to read and pray, but do it alone with God. Matt. 6:6. Your family does not seem to have respect either for God or you, and if so you can not help them in this way; but they must see and read your life. If you feel at times you must have family worship, ask them if they are willing. Get one or all of them to read from the Bible. Do not condemn them in conversation or prayer. John 12:47. Place them before the Father, and plead that His love may win them to God. But do not force your religion upon them. If they do not wish to hear you talk, say nothing; but live Christ every day. Make Jesus your trust. “Roll thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee.” He loves you. He suffers and bears with you now. Rest down in His arms like a little child. Isa. 46:4. Cherish sunshine; look for the blessings; sing and rejoice. “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” May God bless you and yours.