p. 7 | Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 6, 1898

Question Corner

“Enquire and make search and ask diligently.”

NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to “explain” a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) “Foolish and unlearned questions avoid,” also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

686. Josh. 24:2, 3. “The Other Side of the Flood.”

What is meant by the expression “the other side of the flood,” in Josh. 24:2, 3? J. E. H.

It means the River Euphrates, down near the mouth of which Abraham lived in his youth, together with his relatives. The Revised Version renders, “beyond the River.”

687. 1 Chron. 3:5. Two Nathans.

If Nathan the son of David was a prophet before David took Bathshua to wife, how can this writer say that he, Nathan, was brother to Solomon the son of Bathshua?

Nathan was not a name monopolized by one man. Nathan the prophet and Nathan the son of David and brother of Solomon were two different men; and there are three or four other Nathans mentioned.

688. Gen. 36:31. Kings of Edom.

It is said by some on account of this verse that Genesis was not written by Moses, but by some writer in the days of the kings of Israel.

Moses probably wrote the book of Genesis. The verse in question was probably added by a later writer. But the fact could have been given by the spirit of prophecy. In no way is this against the Scriptures or their integrity.

689. Feet Washing.

Where did the ordinance of feet washing occur? and what was the design of feet washing? P. C. O.

The record of the institution of feet washing as an ordinance is found in John 13:4–17. It was instituted in connection with the Lord’s supper, and was practised in the early church. See 1 Tim. 5:10. The object of washing the feet in general is to cleanse them. Gen. 18:4; 43:24. But this was not the object of the ordinance; for the disciples had all bathed, and Peter did not know what our Lord meant, a thing he would have known if the service had been an ordinary one. John 13:7, 10, 11. The ordinance was to inculcate humility and brotherly love. Verses 13–17. If it had been always carried out in the Christian church in its true spirit, there would have been no caste or orders in the church. “One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.”

690. Matter of Disagreement.

J. G. H.—The matter of disagreement between two Bible writers may be wholly from our limited field of view. One man may tell only one part, the other man the other part. The thing to do in such a case is to wait for light.

691. Zech. 12:9–11. At What Time.

At what time does this text apply? E. M.

In its fullest sense to the great day of the Lord, and the ultimate triumph of good.

692. Rev. 22:2. Healing of the Nations.

Please explain Rev. 22:2, latter part. Do the righteous saved need healing? E. M.

In a way, yes. During all the later ages of sin’s reign man has been dwarfed in stature. Compared with the perfect man who came from God’s hand, he is greatly inferior. May not these leaves of the tree of life be that which will during the 1,000 years restore the nations to the beauty of primitive man?