Theocratic Aid To Kingdom Publishers

Lesson 62

WATCHTOWER BIBLE (A.V.) APPENDIX

A reliable Bible appendix is a valuable part of the equipment of a fighting soldier of Jesus Christ. Jehovah has so equipped his servants in the Watchtower edition of the Authorized Version (A.V.) Bible, otherwise known as the King James Version. Its appendix consists of four sections.

The first section, the "Index of Proper Names, Expressions, and Their Meanings", contains a list of 824 of the most important names and expressions in the Bible. The meanings of the names of Bible characters and the places are vital to the understanding of Scriptural prophecies. The marginal references or Bible dictionaries do not always give the correct meanings of Bible names. For example see the marginal reference at 1 Samuel 1: 20 and check it with the meaning given to "Samuel" in the appendix. Also compare Bible dictionaries and the appendix as to the meaning of "Zerubbabel".

The second section, a "Concordance of Bible Words and Expressions", is a 59-page concordance of more than 1,800 principal words, and is arranged for the hand-to-hand fighting in the field ready for use at a moment's notice. If this concordance is properly understood and used it will help to meet all emergencies with the point of the "sword", either in offensive or defensive battle, by enabling one to locate the texts pertaining to the issue involved. Only principal words are listed. Some texts are given containing the word and its immediate context, others containing the word are shown by the Bible book, chapter and verse without any context. There is no inflexible rule for determining what words are considered as principal words, but a suggestion is here offered: Keep in mind always that this is a "new world" Theocratic concordance. The principal words are determined by their relationship to the Theocratic New World; words that have to do with Jehovah,

the things he will accomplish, his purposes, his judgments against the enemy or his blessings for his people.

In selecting the scriptures to be listed in this concordance the endeavor was made to show the comparative usages of the various principal words, where such exist. To illustrate, take the word "earth". Under that word Ecclesiastes 1:4, "the earth abideth for ever," is cited. That refers to the literal mundane sphere. Isaiah 65:17, "I create new heavens and a new earth," shows its usage as the rule by the princes under The Theocracy. Isaiah 60: 2 is listed: "darkness shall cover the earth." Here the reference to "earth" is to the present rule of imperfect men under demon influence. At back-calls it is often necessary to show the literal and symbolic uses of the same word.

Listed also in the concordance are some Biblical phrases often used by Theocratic ministers. Many scriptures might contain one of the several words of the phrase, but few would use the entire phrase. This greatly narrows the field of texts to be checked and facilitates finding these often-used expressions. Some of them are: "appeal unto Caesar," "body of Christ," "king of the north," "kingdom of God," "principal of the flock," "second death," and "thousand years".

Then, too, there is a special Theocratic feature of showing such words as "Theocracy", "Vindicator," and "vindication". While these words do not occur in the text of the King James Version Bible, this concordance cites other translations that do use them, or shows texts where the original root words are used and from which the word listed in the concordance is drawn. Thus the concordance may properly be called a "new world" Theocratic concordance.

In addition to the above uses, this concordance can serve as source material for many sermons. A glance at the texts partially quoted under a certain word will immediately bring to mind much material that can be presented at once, without spending time in advance preparation. For

instance, a glance at texts quoted under such words as "war", "peace," "sacrifice," "resurrection," "immortality," etc., will be sufficient to give a logical discussion on any one of these subjects without previous preparation. A thorough and comprehensive discourse could be given on "hell". The reference "hell" also shows how the concordance is exhaustive as to certain controversial words and how it even gives the Greek and Hebrew originals.

The third section of the appendix, namely, "God's Word on Vital Subjects," can be very helpful to the minister in his educational work. The first heading is "Ministers of the Gospel", and many potential sermons are here set out for ready use by the minister; in this one division of the "Vital Subjects" there is material for many back-calls. Many questions that arise in gospel-preaching can be answered by use of the texts listed in this section.

The last appended section contains four maps that are of invaluable aid to the Bible student and the Theocratic minister. The first map gives the Biblical record of the division of Palestine among the tribes of Israel after they conquered Canaan. It will be noted that this map differs somewhat from the conventional maps of this period as found in non-Theocratic publications, as, for example, that Simeon's tribal inheritance lies within the territory of Judah. The second map showing the ancient habitable earth enables one to follow the Genesis record of the origin and general location of the early nations. The Eastern Mediterranean area is shown on the third map, which gives the scene of Biblical events during the first century A.D. Here one is able to follow the missionary journeys of the apostles, especially those of Paul. The last map, that of Palestine in the time of Christ, is of real aid in following the events of his great ministry. Here will be noted the four Roman divisions of Palestine at the time of Christ, and their rulers designated.

The Society has made an effort to give the latest, authoritative and most reliable aid to the Theocratic minister

through the Bible appendix. Use it in 'discipling the nations'.