Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 7: The Finished MysteryRussell, C. T. (Charles Taze)
Religion
Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 7: The Finished Mystery
Russell, C. T. (Charles Taze)
Bible -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.; Jehovah's witnesses -- Controversial literature
Of the tribe of Issachar [were sealed] twelve thousand.—Issachar signifies
_There is reward_, or _He brings reward_. “God hath given me my hire,
because I have given my maiden to my husband.” “Issachar is a strong ass
couching down between two burdens: and he saw that rest was good, and the
land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear.” (Gen. 30:18;
49:14, 15.) This seems to signify that the next honor goes to the zealous,
those who joyfully undertake, in the Lord’s name and cause, to work hard
for the glory of His name.—1 Cor. 15:58.
7:8. Of the tribe of Zabulon [were sealed] twelve thousand.—Zebulun
signifies _Habitation_ or _Dwelling_. It signifies the blessed
satisfaction that comes to those who, like the Master, during their
earthly pilgrimages have not known where to lay their heads; but, although
they have wrestled with poverty throughout life’s little day, have
nevertheless held faithfully to the Lord, serving Him, with limited
education, strength, talents and opportunities, in hope of finally
reaching “The Home where changes never come, nor pain, nor sorrow, toil
nor care.” What a homecoming they will have! In the Father’s House of many
mansions theirs will be the happiest home.
Of the tribe of [Joseph were sealed] BENJAMIN twelve thousand.—Benjamin
signified _Son of my Sorrow_ originally, but the name was changed to
signify _Son of the right hand_. The youngest of Jacob’s children, he
seems in some aspects to typify the Great Company class (Z. ’81‐1‐7), but
succeeds in gaining the higher reward, probably because of being the
companions of those that occupy more advanced positions in the Body. Thus
the humble‐minded and faithful servants and _companions_ may and do fill
up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ, even though their
personal sufferings be slight.—Heb. 10:33.
Of the tribe of [Benjamin were sealed] JOSEPH twelve thousand.—The
Sinaitic MS. mentions Joseph last, with peculiar fitness. Joseph was one
of the most beautiful characters of the Bible. His name signifies _Whom
may God increase_. He had so many virtues that it is inadvisable to
attempt their enumeration, but the story is told at length in Gen. 37‐50.
He is one of the very few characters named in the Bible about whom nothing
uncomplimentary is expressed. He well represents all the other members of
the Divine family, all of whom have attained the Divine likeness in their
hearts and given expression to that likeness as well as the frailties and
weaknesses of the flesh would permit.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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