-
Questions From ReadersThe Watchtower—1966 | July 1
-
-
or the having of fewer children to be a circumstance allowing them more time for the service of Jehovah God. Childless couples, for instance, do not have the responsibilities that go with the rearing of children and thus have greater opportunities to expend their time and energies in the direct pursuit of Kingdom interests.—Matt. 6:33.
Married couples, of course, must govern their own affairs. They know their individual circumstances and desires. So, it is up to them to decide whether to adopt a child or not.—Gal. 6:5.
● Who was the father of the Shelah mentioned in the Bible? Was he Cainan or Arpachshad?—J.B., U.S.A.
Evidently Arpachshad was the father of Shelah. However, the foregoing question arises because of seeming disharmony between certain Bible texts. For example, according to the Hebrew Masoretic Text, Genesis 10:24 and; 1 Chronicles 1:18 indicate that Arpachshad was the father of Shelah. On the other hand, Luke, in giving the genealogy of Jesus Christ through his mother, Mary, states at Luke 3:35, 36 that Shelah was “the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad [Arpachshad].”
In considering this matter, it is interesting to note that the name Cainan does not appear in extant Hebrew manuscripts of the Hebrew Scriptures and is omitted in all ancient versions and targums.
Many believe that the name Cainan was not to be found in the original text of Luke’s Gospel account. Notably, in a footnote on Luke 3:36 in the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, 1950 edition, it is pointed out that the expression “the son of Cainan” is omitted in the Cambridge Manuscript, which is of the sixth century C.E. Such an omission harmonizes with the Masoretic Text at Genesis 10:24; 11:12 and; 1 Chronicles 1:18. Yet, it is acknowledged that the name Cainan may be a corruption of the word “Chaldean.” Hence, the Greek text of Luke 3:36 may once have read: “the son of the Chaldean Arphaxad.”
An awareness of the fact that the names Arpachshad and Cainan could both apply to the same person is reflected in the book “Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie.” In it, on pages 112 and 113, there appears a chart entitled “The Earthly Line of Descent of the Son of God as the Seed of God’s ‘Woman.’” There one finds the name Arpachshad followed by the name Cainan in parentheses.
-
-
AnnouncementsThe Watchtower—1966 | July 1
-
-
Announcements
WHY SUCH A WICKED WORLD?
Have you ever wondered why God, who is All-powerful, would allow wickedness to continue so long? Have you ever asked yourself if it will ever end? Is the rapid increase in crime and delinquency cause for pessimism or is there hope of relief in sight for our generation? These questions and many others are answered in the book “Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie”; 416 pages, hardbound, gold-embossed cover; 50c. Send at once and receive the free booklet When God Is King over All the Earth.
FIELD MINISTRY
It is important for every one of Jehovah’s witnesses to keep in mind the Scriptural counsel not to “neglect the house of our God.” And it is a great kindness to others to encourage them to attend the meetings of the congregation too. At their weekly Bible studies held in relatively small groups in various neighborhoods throughout their congregation territory, Jehovah’s witnesses are at present studying the fine book “Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie.” With a view to sharing this vital information with others, during July they will offer that book, with a booklet, to other interested persons on a contribution of 50c.
“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS
July 24: Gaining Maturity Through Personal Study Is Joyful. Page 392.
July 31: Exercising Maturity—A Safeguard. Page 398.
-