Theocratic Aid To Kingdom Publishers

Lesson 63

WATCHTOWER BIBLE (A.S.V.) APPENDIX

Handling aright the word of truth is daily the delight of a faithful minister of God; for by so doing he not only lays up treasures for the new world but also continually refreshes his mind by proving what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. Likewise, by gaining such ready knowledge he increases his ability to receive God's spirit or active force. He is thereby strengthened for daily combat in the warfare against the demons. To these ends the appendix to the Watchtower Bible (A.S.V.), as an added instrument, affords valuable assistance. —2 Tim. 2:15; Matt. 6:20; Rom. 12:2.

The appendix consists chiefly of a concordance of more than 3,000 entries. In the one alphabetical listing is found a concordance of "Bible Words, Names, and Expressions" as found in the American Standard Version of the Scriptures. On the concluding page of this concordance, page 95, is found a chart of the abbreviations of the names of the books of the Bible from which references are made in this concordance. The final feature of the appendix is a series of four maps that are worthy of frequent consultation in associating Bible places and locations.

The concordance itself offers so many items of vital import to the minister that only a few can be referred to herein. Be trained now in the use of these offered features, that God's Word will be quick, powerful and sharp in your wielding. Several hundred Bible names of persons and places have been incorporated, giving the meaning of the proper name itself with a number of outstanding references listed, others partially cited. For example, "Jonadab." The concordance gives the meaning as "Jah is liberal", together with four references as to where "Jonadab" is found in the American Standard Version. Further example, an excellent study is offered in the names of the months of the Jewish calendar. All this is found under the principal word "Months", on page 50 of the concordance, giving there the names of the twelve official Jewish months. One is then referred for further information to the listings under each of the twelve names, whether the particular name of the month appears in the Bible or not. As, for example, the month "Ab", under which word the concordance offers the following: "The season of fruit. Fifth month of the Jewish sacred year, corresponding with July-August. The name of this month does not appear in the Bible, it being designated merely by the expression 'fifth month'. See 2 Ki. 25: 8; Ezr. 7: 9; etc.

The crowning study in proper names is that offered with reference to the glorious name "Jehovah". As to the meaning of the word "Jehovah" this Watchtower concordance says: "He will become whatsoever he may, will or can become; the Becoming One; meaning his purpose toward his creatures." Then follows a choice selection of 74 references and citations (out of a possible 6,600 in the American Standard Version) covering every manner of use of this majestic name.

Under the word "money" the concordance gives a complete chart of the many monetary units mentioned in the Scriptures, together with the approximate modern equivalents in British and American money. The concordance also

renders a service as to various weights and measures, giving their modern equivalents. See "bushel", "gerah," "cubit," "furlong," etc.

In the field of Bible expressions the concordance endeavors to give ready aid to the Theocratic minister. Common Bible expressions similar to the following are listed, together with their partial scriptural citations and references: "Beggarly Rudiments," "City of Refuge," End of the World," "Familiar Spirits," "Know that I am Jehovah," "Kingdom of God," etc. Also, such Theocratically important terms as "vindicator", "vindication," and "Theocracy" are listed and information given thereon.

As for the general listing of principal words other than proper names and expressions, the Theocratic minister will find a wide range of key words most frequently used in the gospel-preaching work. Words included in the usable vocabulary of the gospel-preacher with reference to Jehovah's purposes and His righteous new world are the ones that are considered as "principal", worthy of treatment in this condensed concordance. Examples of such principal words are "peace", "prayer," "salvation," "spirit," ''truth," "wisdom," "work," and a host of others.

Great care was taken in selecting the partial citations and the additional references of scriptures that give comparative uses of the key word under consideration. Only those scriptures that are most pointed in their use of the principal word are listed, that proper aid will be rendered in the educational program now in progress. Furthermore, the comparative feature of the citations enables one to give an authoritative impromptu talk on almost any given Biblical subject or doctrine. Very often in the house-to-house ministry as well as on back-call book studies questions are propounded by those seeking knowledge of God's purposes. By means of this concordance the light of truth can be quickly focused on the question for a satisfying Biblical reply.

Take, for illustration, the subject of "spirit", which frequently arises. The concordance offers a complete Scrip-

tural study of the subject, giving the comparative uses of the word "spirit". In the forty-two citations and references given one will find scriptures which refer to the following six comparative uses of this word: in the sense referring to Jehovah himself, to Christ Jesus, to angels, to life force or breath of life, to God's active force, and to mental disposition or attitude. Likewise timely impromptu expositions can be given at short notice on subjects such as "kingdom", "peace," and "prayer" by simply using the various scriptures as cited in the concordance. The alert minister becomes skillful in the daily use of the comparative-study feature of this unique concordance.

In the regular feeding on the daily text and comment, as offered in the Society's annual Yearbook, the minister of Jehovah will find it profitable to probe deeper on the text for the day. It may very well be that one does not have the time to look up previous issues of The Watchtower for the fuller discussion of the text under consideration. However, by the use of the American Standard Version concordance in connection with the daily text much corroborative information can be found to the general enlightenment of the individual.

Take, for example, the text for April 14, 1945: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts." (Zech. 4:6, Am. Stan. Ver.) By resorting to the concordance in the back of this Bible look up additional scriptural counsel under the principal words might, power, and spirit. One will be delighted with the rich collateral information he will quickly glean in this manner. He will learn therefrom that Jehovah will grant His spirit of counsel and might upon his chosen servant Christ Jesus; and that all his servants go forth in the strength of God's might. Also, that God will demonstrate to Satan His great power; that the Almighty is excellent in power; and that God giveth power to the faint. Under the word spirit it will be learned that in the sense of His active force the spirit of Jehovah spoke by David; that the spirit of Jehovah is

upon His anointed; and that in the last days he pours forth of his spirit upon all faithful flesh. Thus is collected further information as to the fact that not by might nor by power but by God's spirit or active force will Jehovah's witnesses perform exploits in the last days. —Dan. 11: 32.

The wise and faithful servant of the Lord daily delights to study Jehovah's law and His purposes, that he may safeguard his glorious treasure of service. —2 Cor. 4:7.