Category Archives: JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is the “maw?”

What is the “maw?”

WHAT IS THE “MAW?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

This word occurs just once in Scripture, Deuteronomy 18:3: “And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.” Just what is this “maw?”

We should immediately notice at least one context clue. The “maw” is a body part of certain animals. Basically, it is the stomach of ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, and so on). Apparently, the word is from an Old English term (“maga”) for “stomach.” As per the Law of Moses, the maw was one portion of the sacrificial animal the Levitical priest could take for his own consumption. Remember, the Levites (governmental officials) depended on the other tribes of Israel for economic support. The Levites (serving the LORD and the nation Israel in their Tabernacle and Temple duties) benefited via the collected “income taxes” of tithing. These crops/grains and meat fed Israel’s religious-political leaders. (See our related tithing study linked below.)

Also see:
» Must I tithe 10 percent of my income?
» What is the “caul?”
» What is the “purtenance?”

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What does “several” mean in the King James Bible?

What does “several” mean in the King James Bible?

WHAT DOES “SEVERAL” MEAN IN THE KING JAMES BIBLE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

In 13 verses, the Authorized Version translators employ the term “several.” It is an excellent vocabulary word, an accurate rendering of the proper Hebrew and Greek texts. We just need to note the correct definition, lest we misunderstand the relevant passages of Scripture. The sense is not “more than two.” Our English word actually comes to us through the Medieval Latin “separalis,” with “separ” conveying the idea of “separate, different.” Related terms are “sever” and “severance” (cutting off). The overall concept focuses on the formation or function of individuals. With that background, read the “several” verses now:

  • Numbers 28:13: “And a several tenth deal of flour mingled with oil for a meat offering unto one lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.”
  • Numbers 28:21: “A several tenth deal shalt thou offer for every lamb, throughout the seven lambs:….”
  • Numbers 28:29: “A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;….”
  • Numbers 29:10: “A several tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs:….”
  • Numbers 29:15: “And a several tenth deal to each lamb of the fourteen lambs:….”
  • 2 Kings 15:5: “And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king’s son was over the house, judging the people of the land.” (In accordance with the Law of Moses, Leviticus chapters 13–14, leprous King Azariah/Uzziah was quarantined or isolated. See also 2 Chronicles 26:21 below.)
  • 2 Chronicles 11:12: “And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.”
  • 2 Chronicles 26:21: “And Uzziah the king was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house, being a leper; for he was cut off from the house of the LORD: and Jotham his son was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land.” (See note at 2 Kings 15:5 above.)
  • 2 Chronicles 28:25: “And in every several city of Judah he made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.”
  • 2 Chronicles 31:19: “Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every several city, the men that were expressed by name, to give portions to all the males among the priests, and to all that were reckoned by genealogies among the Levites.”
  • Matthew 25:15: “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”
  • 1 Corinthians 12:11: “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
  • Revelation 21:21: “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.”

Also see:
» What does “joined hard” mean in Acts 18:7?
» How was Tarsus “no mean city?”
» Can you define “carriage” in the King James Bible?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, Was Apollos at fault in 1 Corinthians 16:12?

Was Apollos at fault in 1 Corinthians 16:12?

WAS APOLLOS AT FAULT IN 1 CORINTHIANS 16:12?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 16:12: “As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.”

On the basis of this verse, Apollos has occasionally been charged with willfulness (stubbornness) and/or inattentiveness (carelessness). In other words, “He should have gone to Corinth as Paul wanted!” Yet, this seems harsh—and likely an incorrect assessment of the situation. All we know from this passage is that, whereas the Apostle Paul intensely wished Apollos would visit Corinth and help resolve their many spiritual problems, Apollos declined because he preferred to travel there at a “convenient time.” Apollos probably had to address other, more pressing ministry needs elsewhere (perhaps help Paul in Ephesus?). Once he had tended to those matters, he would go assist the Corinthian saints.

Whatever the case, Corinth would have to wait until Apollos’ schedule afforded him a chance to come. Paul himself was unavailable to personally visit Corinth until later, for he had chosen to remain in Ephesus to preach amidst severe persecution (see verses 1-9; cf. Acts chapter 19). Should we then accuse Paul of being negligent in choosing not to go to Corinth himself?! Of course not—and neither should we fault Apollos! Thankfully, Paul would at least send Timothy and Erastus, faithful brethren in ministry, to Macedonia, and they could reach Corinth on their journey (see Acts 19:22; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 16:10-11). Apollos, for whatever reason, would not be accompanying his brothers in Christ.

A more perfect application of 1 Corinthians 16:12 is apparent to those saints mature in their understanding of the rightly divided Word: God does not make our ministry decisions for us! We use His Word to arrive at a specific conclusion, and then we act by faith in the appropriate verses. Contrary to the tenets of Calvinism, God is not there “sovereignly” working by forcing people to do this or that against their will. “God said it, so you had better do it—or else!” This would be law and not grace. The Holy Spirit through Paul allowed Apollos to make a choice—and never does the Lord rob us of our volition. We will let the Lord alone judge whether Apollos made the “right” or “wrong” decision.

Also see:
» Should ministers study Scripture to prepare for teaching?
» How many Bible teachers should someone have?
» Does “touch not mine anointed” forbid us from correcting erring church leaders?

Can you explain “God save the king?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain, “God save the king?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN, “GOD SAVE THE KING?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“God save the king” is featured five times in four verses:

  • 1 Samuel 10:24: “And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.” This, of course, regards King Saul.
  • 2 Samuel 16:16: “And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.” Technically, Absalom was not king but simply a son of David who temporarily usurped his father’s throne while King David was still living. Although Absalom had plenty of support in Israel, he was murdered soon after.
  • 2 Kings 11:12: “And he brought forth the king’s son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.” King Joash (also called Jehoash) was only seven years old when he began to reign from David’s throne.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:11: “Then they brought out the king’s son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.” This is about young King Joash or Jehoash too.

Contrary to what you might believe upon first glance, “God save the king” is not a plea for rescue from an immediate threat. Rather, it is the bestowment of well wishes or a blessing for a monarch as his administration begins. It is an expression of a sincere desire that the LORD protect or deliver the new king from future spiritual errors, serious illnesses, military defeats, assassination attempts, and the like. Understandably, the speakers wish he would be saved from any and all dangers. How absurd it would be for the people of a nation to wish their leader would fail, just as silly as the airplane passenger praying his or her pilot would die!

Also see:
» What does “All hail” mean in Matthew 28:9?
» Should we say “God bless you” after someone sneezes?
» Is “Divine right of kings” a Scriptural concept?

Can you explain “God speed” in 2 John?, ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain “God speed” in 2 John?

CAN YOU EXPLAIN “GOD SPEED” IN 2 JOHN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

In 2 John 10-11, the Holy Spirit writes: “[10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: [11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” What is this “God speed?”

The larger context, of course, is found in verses 7-11: “[7] For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. [8] Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. [9] Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. [10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: [11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

“God speed” is a greeting which basically means, “May God prosper you on your missionary journey!” “Speed” is an archaic word derived from the Old English “spowan,” meaning “succeed, prosper.” (See our related study about “All hail” linked at the end of this article.) Obviously, it would not make sense for a Christian believer to endorse anti-Christian teaching. How absurd is the wish for God to prosper a false teacher’s ministry! The Apostle John is addressing Israel’s believing remnant during Daniel’s 70th Week, the time of the Antichrist, the false messiah.

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” (1 John 2:18). “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22). “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1 John 4:3). “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 7).

Speaking of this time of Daniel’s 70th Week, Jesus Christ delivered His Olivet Discourse.

Matthew chapter 24: “[4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many…. [11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many…. [23] Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. [24] For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. [25] Behold, I have told you before.”

Mark chapter 13: “[5] And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: [6] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many…. [21] And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: [22] For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. [23] But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.”

Luke 21:8: “And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.”

It was on the basis of these verses the Apostle John later wrote what he did in his little epistles of 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. Since the nation Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah/Christ during His earthly ministry 2,000 years ago, and persists in this unbelief even now is this the Dispensation of the Grace of God, the nation is headed for the culmination of Satan’s lie program.

See 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12: “[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, [10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. [11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: [12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Also, Jesus Himself said of the Antichrist, “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive” (John 5:43).

During Daniel’s 70th Week, or the Tribulation, or the reign of the Antichrist, these passages will be fulfilled. In other words, Israel in unbelief is still waiting for Messiah/Christ to come the first time—and that will set the nation up for supporting various “antichrists” or “false Christs” which will ultimately lead to the Antichrist. The followers of these corrupt men are they who are not to be bidden “God speed.” They are preaching, “The Antichrist is Christ/Messiah,” which is nothing but a false gospel. God certainly would not prosper Satan’s work.

Also see:
» What does “All hail” mean in Matthew 28:9?
» Why does Matthew 24:26 highlight the “desert” and the “secret chambers?”
» How can I most effectually deal with cultists who knock on my front door?

Can you explain Exodus 8:9 “Glory over me…?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain Exodus 8:9, “Glory over me…?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN EXODUS 8:9, “GLORY OVER ME…?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Yes, indeed!

To gain the context, we begin Exodus chapter 8 at verse 1 and continue to the end of the pericope (passage): “[1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me. [2] And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: [3] And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: [4] And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants.

“[5] And the LORD spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. [6] And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. [7] And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt. [8] Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD. [9] And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only? [10] And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God. [11] And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only.

“[12] And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh. [13] And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields. [14] And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank. [15] But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.”

Moses converses with Pharaoh about the LORD’S second judgment on Egypt. This plague of frogs is most disgusting, one of the 10 punishments for Egypt because its king relentlessly holds Israel hostage (really, it is Satan working through Pharaoh). Also, God is using these pestilences to judge the Egyptians’ gods (see Exodus 12:12; Numbers 33:4). We draw our attention to the phrase in question, Exodus 8:9: “And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?” In other words, “Pharaoh, you have the honor of deciding what time you prefer I pray to the LORD to take away the frogs.” The King of Egypt, not the LORD or Moses, has been given the power or privilege to determine just how long he wants to suffer this type of judgment. Pharaoh’s answer is verse 10, “To morrow.” In his stubborn pride, the king makes a poor decision. He is willing to let the plague continue just a bit longer before he considers releasing Israel. To wit, “I would rather tolerate these unpleasant frogs one more night before I think about submitting to the God of Israel!” Willful Pharaoh has no one to blame but himself for his misery. The Egyptians have no one to blame but their defiant monarch for their suffering.

Also see:
» Why did God kill the Egyptians’ firstborn sons?
» What is “the botch of Egypt?”
» Did Pharaoh drown in the Red Sea?

ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What does “pernicious” mean?

What does “pernicious” mean?

WHAT DOES “PERNICIOUS” MEAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

The Authorized Version uses “pernicious” only one time, in 2 Peter 2:2: “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” What does this word mean? By learning it, how can we better grasp end-times prophecy?

Whatever its definition, “pernicious” is definitely situated in a bad context: “[1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned [faked, pretend!] words make merchandise of you [take advantage of you for purposes of gain]: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.”

Although we could study all 22 chapters of the Revelation, or all 12 chapters of Daniel, or all 14 chapters of Zechariah, to gain a great deal of insight into what lies ahead for our planet; a quicker method would be to study the Olivet Discourse, the Lord Jesus’ end-times sermon delivered just prior to His crucifixion. It is recorded in Matthew chapters 24–25, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21.

Of particular interest to us in this study is what the Lord said about deception during the recommencement of the prophetic program (after our mystery program has ended):

  • Matthew chapter 24: “[4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many…. [11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many…. [23] Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. [24] For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. [25] Behold, I have told you before.”
  • Mark 13: “[5] And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: [6] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many…. [21] And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: [22] For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. [23] But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.”
  • Luke 21:8: “And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.”

This deception is also featured in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12, particularly verses 9-12. While Jesus Christ is away at His Father’s right hand in Heaven—the period between His First Coming and Second Coming (but excluding our 2,000-year-long Age of Grace!)—“many” imposters will arise. All these men will claim to be Messiah or Christ, allowing apostate or unbelieving Israel a multiplicity of opportunities to follow someone other than Jesus the genuine Christ (cf. John 5:43). This mounting deception allows one ultimate Antichrist (fake Messiah) to take over Israel’s government.

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time” (1 John 2:18). “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 1:7). “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:1-4).

Having run through cross-references, we return to 2 Peter 2:1-3 and better understand the passage: “[1] But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [2] And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [3] And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” Basically, all these false prophets have one message: someone other than Jesus is Christ! Not only will many preach this blasphemy, many will be misled because of it. Such deception will cement the Antichrist’s power in Israel and his influence over the nation. His satanic religion will ensnare the multitudes, influencing even the nations (Revelation 13:3,7,14). It is here in 2 Peter that we come across that interesting term “pernicious.”

“Pernicious” is based on a Latin word that means “destructive,” itself derived from a term for “ruin,” itself related to a word meaning “death.” In English, it is defined as: “destructive or harmful, especially in a subtle or gradual way.” In the Greek New Testament, it is “apoleia,” 8 times rendered “perdition” (John 17:12; Philippians 1:28; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 6:9; Hebrews 10:39; 2 Peter 3:7; Revelation 17:8,11); five times “destruction” (Matthew 7:13; Romans 9:22; Philippians 3:19; 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Peter 3:16); two times “waste” (Matthew 26:8; Mark 14:4); once “damnable” (2 Peter 2:1); once “damnation” (2 Peter 2:1); once “die” (Acts 25:16); and once “perish” (Acts 8:20).

In fact, as you might have just noticed, “apoleia” is found four times in the three verses with which we opened our study: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable [“apoleia”] heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction [“apoleia”]. And many shall follow their pernicious [“apoleia”] ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation [“apoleia”] slumbereth not.” This is quite strong language! God does not appear to be happy with these people, does He?

The “pernicious ways” of unbelievers during the end times can be seen in Matthew 7:13, Acts 8:20, 1 Timothy 6:9, and Hebrews 10:39; their result is in 2 Peter 3:7,16; their doom, meeting the Lord Jesus Christ face-to-face as He returns in flaming fire to take vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)!

Also see:
» “In your patience possess ye your souls?”
» Does doctrine really matter?
» How do we identify false teachers?
» How many Bible teachers should someone have?
» What does “Anathema Maranatha” mean in 1 Corinthians 16:22?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is a “sheepcote?”

What is a “sheepcote?”

WHAT IS A “SHEEPCOTE?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

We find three references to a “sheepcote” in the King James Bible:

  • 1 Samuel 24:3: “And he came to the sheepcotes by the way, where was a cave; and Saul went in to cover his feet: and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave.”
  • 2 Samuel 7:8: “Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:….”
  • 1 Chronicles 17:7: “Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, even from following the sheep, that thou shouldest be ruler over my people Israel:….”

Of course, upon initial glance, we can surmise a “sheepcote” must have something to do with sheep and shepherds. Yet, what about the “cote” portion of this compound word? A “cote” is simply a shelter, small shed, or pen for mammals or birds. When you see “cote,” think “cottage” (they are actually related through Old English). Therefore, a “sheepcote” is just a place where sheep are kept (“sheepcote” is British English, the 1611 Bible being from England, remember). In other contexts, the Hebrew word for 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles (“nave”) is rendered “habitation,” “dwelling.” As for the 1 Samuel reference, that Hebrew term (“gedera”) is elsewhere handled as “wall,” hedge,” “folds” (that is, “enclosure”).

Also see:
» What is the “shambles?”
» What is a “charger?”
» What is a “battlement?”

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is a “maul?”

What is a “maul?”

WHAT IS A “MAUL?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The word “maul” is found a solitary time in our Authorized Version: “A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow” (Proverbs 25:18). From the context, we deduce “maul” has to be a sort of weapon—and we would be correct in that inference. In fact, it is a hammer or mallet, or a heavy club. Our English word is derived from the Latin “malleus” (“hammer”). We are more familiar with the verb form of “maul,” however, conveying the sense of “to bruise or injure with a rough beating.” In the case of the Proverbs passage, the idea is metaphorical, but still communicates a literal truth. A gossip—someone who spreads misleading information about another person—crushes like a maul/club, cuts like a sword, and pierces like an arrow. The overall concept is character assassination, great internal or emotional trauma inflicted on the unfortunate soul. A maul shatters, a sword chops, and an arrow punctures—all graphic illustrations of the consequences of lies told about another person.

Also see:
» Can you explain, “Standing against the blood of thy neighbour?”
» What is a “battlement?”
» What does “brutish” mean?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What are “benefactors?”

What are “benefactors?”

WHAT ARE “BENEFACTORS?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

On the night of Christ’s last Passover, the following exchange was held between Him and His disciples. Luke chapter 22: “[21] But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. [22] And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! [23] And they began to enquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. [24] And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. [25] And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. [26] But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. [27] For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth. [28] Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations. [29] And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; [30] That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

The Lord Jesus’ words in verse 25 describe despots, bullies, or tyrants—people striving to be on top so they may dominate or oppress others. The Gentiles were idolatrous and under Satan’s control (Acts 14:15-16; Acts 17:29-30; Ephesians 2:2,11,12; Ephesians 4:17-19). Consequently, they were competing with each other to obtain the highest offices of government; in doing so, they would be at the center of attention, having the most influence over people (“exercise lordship”). Even today, such narcissists oft occupy political offices all around the world—including (sadly) church leadership positions!! The Lord Jesus knew such an attitude did not belong in His Father’s kingdom, so He sharply rebuked His disciples for their rivalry in Luke chapter 22. This was a recurring problem among them!!! See Matthew 18:1-6, Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 9:33-37, and Mark 10:35-45.

What made ancient authoritarians so hypocritical was they were styled “benefactors.” “Benefactors” is “euergetes,” taken from two Greek words: one is “eu” (“good”), the other is “ergon” (“work”). To wit, a “benefactor” is a “worker of good,” synonymous with “philanthropist.” It was a title of honor or flattery, a favorite name especially among the Greek kings of Egypt and Syria. Ironically, these so-called “benefactors”—that is, “doers of good” (HA!!)—were usually self-centered. “Benefactor” was actually a misnomer. Whatever “good” they did for their people, it was simply to advance their own political career and acquire more praises and loyalty from their subjects. Stated another way, it was a popularity contest… and the Lord spoke up because He absolutely refused to let His disciples behave so foolishly and sinfully.

Also see:
» Is it a truly good work if done for selfish reasons?
» Are the Christian life and ministry about bossing people around?
» What are some verses to help me stop focusing on myself?