p. 16 | Our Bible Band

Pacific Press Publishing Association

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 34, No. 14.

Our Bible Band.

Schedule for Week Ending April 11, 1908.

Sunday April 5 Judges 3, 4 Psalm 98 Monday ` 6 5, 6 ` 99 Tuesday ` 7 7, 8 ` 100 Wednesday ` 8 9, 10 ` 101 Thursday ` 9 11, 12 ` 102 Friday ` 10 13, 14 ` 103 Sabbath ` 11 15-17 ` 104

Judges 3 to 17 is one composite record of backsliding from God, of consequent suffering, oppression, captivity, servitude, or returning to God, of forgiveness and deliverance. We wonder at the perversity and the unbelief of the people. We marvel at the long-suffering and goodness of God. We often fail to take into account the awful moral surroundings of Israel, and the demoralizing influences of the tribes which they permitted to remain in the land of promise. We wonder sometimes how God could use such men as Samson, but He always uses the best He has, the ones willing to be used. Notwithstanding Samson's grossness and simplicity, he believed in God and in the mission of Israel, and was willing to give his life at last to avenge the foes of his people.

Note how easy it is to build up a false object of worship, as in the case of Gideon and the ephod he made. The selfish desire to memorialize his victory over Midian became a snare to him and his home.

In the case of Jephthah's daughter, let our readers beware of the usual interpretation that Jephthah slew his daughter. (1) Because human sacrifices were contrary to the law; (2) Because the text does not necessarily imply that he slew her. Some render Judges 11:31 as follows: `

Then it shall be that whatsoever cometh forth from the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall be Jehovah's, and I will offer to Him a burnt offering.'' Therefore he dedicated his daughter, his hope for the perpetuation of his family in Israel, to the Lord, to perpetual virginity, or celibacy. Her coming out to meet him brought him very low, brought extinction to his family, because she would never marry. Read verses 37 to 40 with the margin of 40. She bewailed not her death, but her virginity. She could never be a mother. Therefore the daughters of Israel went four days every year to talk with the daughter of Jephthah, and

`she knew no man.'' Verse 39.

Beautiful and helpful are the psalms for this week, inviting to meditation, devotion, and praise.