Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 24, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 24.

Question Corner

By Editor

"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 (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best.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.

589. "Generation."

WHAT does the word "generation" mean, mentioned in Matt. 24:34. S.

It means a birth, a progeny, a step in genealogy, an interval of time. In Matt. 24:34 it means those living at the same time upon the earth. That generation of people who see in the light of the prophecy the signs of Christ's coming, will not pass away till he shall come.

590. First-day Convocation.

PLEASE explain Lev. 23:7: "In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work therein."

This was the first day of the feast of unleavened bread. It does not refer to the first day of the week, or the first day of the month, but the first day of that feast, which came the fifteenth day of the first month, on whatever day of the week it happened to fall. It was one of the yearly sabbaths of the Jews, and expired by limitation at the cross.

591. Hiving Bees on the Sabbath.

IF two men had a lot of bees in the same yard, and both parties' bees swarm and settle on the same spot, would it be right to hive them on the Sabbath? And after the bees are cared for, would it be right to accept a stand of bees from the same person (not being a Sabbath-keeper) when they want to give them to you free of charge on the Sabbath?

Such questions come between the individual and his God, and can not be answered dogmatically by another person. If he has doubt, give God the benefit of the doubt. Personally the writer does not believe in hiving bees on the Sabbath; and old bee-keepers say that it is not necessary that bees should swarm that day. They can be "set back," or separated, or artificially swarmed.

2. The question is not plain as to the matter of the gift. If it involved in any way the violation of a command of God or a compromise of faith, it should not be accepted. The command is, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." See also Isa. 58:13. What would Christ do?

592. Beginning and Close of Sabbath.

CAN you tell me where it says in the Bible that the Sabbath should be kept from sunset to sunset the next day? H. T. K.

(1) According to Bible reckoning the day begins with the even or evening. "The evening and the morning were the first day." See Gen. 1:5, 8, etc. (2) The even begins at sunset. "And at even, when the sun did set." Mark 1:32. (3) "From even unto even, shall ye celebrate your Sabbath." Lev. 23:32. So the Jews would not bring the sick to Jesus till the Sabbath closed, "at even, when the sun did set." See Mark 1:32; Matt. 8:16; Luke 4:40.