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MilcomAid to Bible Understanding
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MILCOM
(Milʹcom) [their king].
Evidently the same as Molech, god of the Ammonites. It was to Milcom and other deities that King Solomon, when deviating from true worship toward the close of his reign, built high places.—1 Ki. 11:4, 5, 7, 33; 2 Ki. 23:13; see MOLECH.
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MildewAid to Bible Understanding
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MILDEW
Generally, any of numerous plant diseases caused by fungi. The ruining of crops by mildew was one of the calamities experienced by unfaithful Israel. (Deut. 28:22; 1 Ki. 8:37-39; 2 Chron. 6:28-30; Amos 4:9; Hag. 2:17) It has been suggested that the mildew of the Bible may be grain rust (Puccinia graminis). This serious parasitic disease deprives plants of needed nourishment and water and thus can cause the kernels of grain to dry up. Small rust-colored spots appear on the stems and leaves of attacked cereal plants.
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MildnessAid to Bible Understanding
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MILDNESS
A New Testament Word Book, by William Barclay, says of the Greek noun pra·yʹtes: “In classical Greek . . . of things it means ‘gentle’. It is used, for instance of a gentle breeze or a gentle voice. Of persons it means ‘mild’ or ‘gracious’.” On the adjective pra·ysʹ the same work comments: “There is gentleness in praus but behind the gentleness there is the strength of steel, . . . it is not a spineless gentleness, a sentimental fondness, a passive quietism.” W. E. Vine, in An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, remarks: “PRAUTES . . . consists not in a person’s outward behaviour only; nor yet in his relations to his fellow-men; as little in his mere natural disposition. Rather it is an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word tapeinophrosune [humility], and follows directly upon it.”
The word pra·yʹtes is variously translated in Bible versions as “meekness,” “mildness,” and “gentleness.” (AV, AS, NW) However, as expressed in Barclay’s work quoted in the foregoing, pra·yʹtes goes somewhat deeper than gentleness, and, when used of persons, means mild, gracious.
Although Jehovah is one who will not tolerate sin and badness, he has lovingly provided the way of approach to himself through the ransom sacrifice and priestly services of Jesus Christ. Jehovah’s worshipers and servants can therefore seek his face without any feeling of morbid fear and dread. (Heb. 4:16; 10:19-22; 1 John 4:17, 18) Jesus represented Jehovah God so perfectly that he could say: “He that has seen me has seen the Father also.” He also said: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” (John 14:9; Matt. 11:28-30) Accordingly, Jehovah God is fully approachable by those who love him, and generates mildness, great confidence and strength in those appealing to him.
A TRAIT OF STRENGTH
Mildness of temper or of spirit is not an attribute of one weak in character. Jesus Christ said: “I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:29; 2 Cor. 10:1) Yet Jesus had the full power of his Father backing him, and he was firm for what is right, using great freeness of speech and action when such was called for.—Matt. 23:13-39; compare 21:5.
The mild-tempered person is such because he has faith and a source of strength. He is not easily unbalanced or caused to lose his good sense. Lack of mildness of temper is the result of insecurity, frustration, lack of faith and hope, and even desperation. Such a person is described by the proverb: “As a city broken through, without a wall, is the man that has no restraint for his spirit.” (Prov. 25:28) He is open and vulnerable to the invasion of any and all improper thoughts, which may motivate him to improper actions.
A FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Mildness is a fruit of God’s holy spirit, his active force. (Gal. 5:22, 23) God is therefore the Source of mildness, and one must apply to him for his spirit and must cultivate this fruit of the spirit to have genuine mildness of temper. Hence, it is not acquired by the exercise of sheer willpower, but results from drawing close to God.
Lack of mildness results in undue excitability, harshness, lack of self-control and in fights. On the other hand, the Christian is counseled to preserve unity and peace by “lowliness of mind and mildness.”—Eph. 4:1-3.
“Mildness,” in the Bible, is frequently coupled with “spirit,” as, for example, “mildness of spirit,” or “mild spirit.” Genuine mildness is, accordingly, something that is more than an outward, transitory or occasional quality, but a part of one’s makeup or temperament. The apostle Peter points out this fact when he says: “And do not let your adornment be that of the external braiding of the hair and of the putting on of gold ornaments or the wearing of outer garments, but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.”—1 Pet. 3:3, 4.
The apostle Paul writes: “Clothe yourselves with . . . mildness,” which, superficially read, might seem to indicate that it is somewhat of a veneer for mere outward appearance, but in the same context he admonishes: “Clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it.” (Col. 3:10, 12; Eph. 4:22-24) This shows that mildness is indeed a personality trait, primarily one not naturally inherited, but a trait gained as a fruit of God’s spirit through accurate knowledge and application thereof.
ESSENTIAL FOR THOSE HAVING OVERSIGHT
In his letter of instructions to young Timothy on proper care of the congregation, Paul commanded him as to handling difficult matters, saying: “A slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed; as perhaps God may give them repentance.” (2 Tim. 2:24, 25) Here we see a similarity between mildness and long-suffering, in that the individual realizes why he has to deal with the difficulty, that God has permitted it, and that as an overseer he must handle it in the best interests of the individual(s) involved. He must put up with the difficulty until it is settled, without getting overwrought.
Titus, another overseer, residing in Crete, was likewise counseled to remind his Christian brothers “to be reasonable, exhibiting all mildness toward all men.” To impress upon Titus the need for mildness, Paul calls attention to the unsurpassed love and mercy of God as manifested through his Son, calling for a forsaking of the old ways of maliciousness and hatred and following the new way leading to everlasting life.—Titus 3:1-7.
Again, Paul addresses those who are spiritually mature ones in the congregation, outlining the responsibility upon them: “Even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to restore such a man in a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself, for fear you also may be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1) They should keep in mind how God has dealt with them. Doing so, they should not give the erring man a harsh reprimand, but should try to restore him in a spirit of mildness. This will prove to be far more effective and beneficial to all concerned.
ALLAYS ANGER
Mildness will accomplish results when dealing with a difficult situation or an angry person, breaking down difficulty, whereas harshness would magnify the bad situation. The proverb says: “An answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up.” (Prov. 15:1) Mildness can have great force. “By patience a commander is induced, and a mild tongue itself can break a bone.”—Prov. 25:15.
ESSENTIAL WHEN UNDER DISCIPLINE
Another fine principle involving mildness or calmness is set forth by Solomon. It concerns the tendency we may have to show a rebellious spirit when corrected or chastised by one in authority. We may get so indignant as to leave our place of proper submission. But Solomon warns: “If the spirit of a ruler should mount up against you, do not leave your own place, for calmness itself allays great sins.” (Eccl. 10:4; compare Titus 3:2.) The proper attitude of calmness and mildness under discipline not only avoids further anger from the authority, but enables us to improve our personality through keeping our temper and our proper place and applying the discipline.
This is especially true when the ruler is Jehovah God and when discipline comes through those set in authority by him. (Heb. 12:7-11; 13:17) It also applies in our relationship to those permitted by God to wield worldly governing authority. (Rom. 13:1-7) Even when such a ruler may make a harsh demand of the Christian as to the reason for the hope he has, the Christian, while firmly putting obedience to God first, should answer “with a mild temper and deep respect.”—1 Pet. 3:15.
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MileAid to Bible Understanding
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MILE
[Gr., miʹli·on].
A measure of distance. (Matt. 5:41) In the Scriptures the measure in question is probably the Roman mile (5,000 Roman feet; 4,860 English feet; 1,481 meters). At Luke 24:13; John 6:19; 11:18 the word miʹli·on does not appear in the Greek text, but the distance figures are given in terms of stadia (1 Roman stadium = 1/8 Roman mile or 625 Roman feet; 607 English feet, 185 meters). In the New World Translation the stadia figures at Luke 24:13; John 6:19; 11:18 have been converted to Roman miles. For example, “sixty stadia” is given as “seven and a half miles” (about 7 English miles or 11 kilometers).—Luke 24:13.
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MiletusAid to Bible Understanding
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MILETUS
(Mi·leʹtus).
A city on the W coast of Asia Minor that is now in ruins. It lies near the mouth of the Maeander (Menderes) River and anciently had four harbors. By the seventh century B.C.E. the Ionians seem to have made Miletus a prosperous commercial center having numerous colonies on the Black Sea and in Egypt. The woolen goods of Miletus became widely known. Indicative of this is the fact that at Ezekiel 27:18 the Septuagint Version lists “wool from Miletus” as an item of Tyre’s trade. Miletus was also the home of famous philosophers such as Thales (640?-546 B.C.E.), regarded as the founder of Greek geometry, astronomy and philosophy. In the fifth century B.C.E. the Persians captured and destroyed Miletus for having shared in revolt. Later (in 334 B.C.E.), the rebuilt city fell to Alexander the Great. During Hellenic and Roman times Miletus witnessed considerable architectural activity. An impressive ruin from this period is a large theater built in an open field.
As time passed, the city declined in importance. This is attributed to the silting up of its harbor facilities by the Maeander River. Ancient Miletus seems to have been situated on a promontory extending from the S side of the Latmian Gulf. But today the ruins of the city lie about five miles (8 kilometers) inland, and what was once the Latmian Gulf is a lake.
PAUL VISITS
It was to Miletus that the apostle Paul came, probably in 56 C.E. Because of wanting to get to Jerusalem by Pentecost if at all possible and not wishing to spend time unnecessarily in Asia Minor, Paul, apparently at Assos, decided to take a vessel that bypassed Ephesus. But he did not neglect the needs of the congregation there. From Miletus, doubtless by means of a messenger, Paul sent for the older men of the Ephesus congregation (about 30 miles [48 kilometers] away). The additional time it took for word to reach them and for them to come to Miletus (perhaps a minimum of three days) apparently was less than might have been involved had Paul gone to Ephesus. Possibly this was because the available ship(s) from Assos putting into port at Ephesus made more breaks in the voyage than did the one(s) stopping at Miletus. Or, circumstances in Ephesus itself might have delayed Paul had he stopped there.—Acts 20:14-17.
In speaking to the older men of the Ephesus congregation, Paul reviewed his own ministry among them, admonished them to pay attention to themselves and to the flock, alerted them to the danger of “oppressive wolves” entering the congregation, and encouraged them to stay awake and to keep in mind his example. Having been told that they would see him no more, these overseers gave way to considerable weeping, “fell upon Paul’s neck and tenderly kissed him,” and then conducted him to the boat.—Acts 20:18-38.
At an unspecified time after his first imprisonment in Rome, Paul seems to have returned to Miletus. Trophimus, who had earlier accompanied him from Miletus to Jerusalem, became ill, necessitating Paul’s leaving him behind.—Compare Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Timothy 4:20.
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Military CommanderAid to Bible Understanding
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MILITARY COMMANDER
The Greek word khi·liʹar·khos (chiliarch) means “commander of 1,000 soldiers.” With the exception of its use in Revelation, it refers to a Roman military tribune. There were six tribunes in each Roman legion. The legion, however, was not divided into six different commands; rather, each tribune commanded the whole legion one-sixth of the time. For each two-month period, two tribunes served on alternate days.—See ARMY (Roman).
Such a military commander was vested with great authority. He nominated and assigned centurions. He presided at courts-martial and could order capital punishment. He had a body of attendants serving as aides, relaying orders, and so forth. His rank was recognized by his dress: a purple stripe on his toga and a gold ring of distinction. At one time these tribunes were elected by the people; later the Senate and other civil or military personnel were primarily responsible for their appointment. Normally ten years’ infantry duty or five years in the cavalry were required. Augustus allowed sons of senators to begin their careers as tribunes. Tiberius reserved the right of appointment to himself.
At the celebration of Herod’s birthday these commanders were among the honored guests entertained by the dancer Salome. In the presence of such men of rank Herod felt compelled to keep his oath, and so ordered John the Baptist beheaded. (Mark 6:21-26) A military commander (chiliarch) accompanied the soldiers who arrested Jesus.—John 18:12.
In 56 C.E. Claudius Lysias was the military commander of the Jerusalem garrison and the one who rescued Paul both from the street mob and from the rioting Sanhedrin and the one who wrote a letter of explanation to Governor Felix when Paul was secretly slipped down to Caesarea. (Acts 21:30–24:22) Military commanders were present in numbers when Paul appeared before Agrippa. (Acts 25:23) “Military commanders” are among those against whom God’s judgments are executed in John’s vision, in the book of Revelation.—Rev. 6:15; 19:18.
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MilkAid to Bible Understanding
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MILK
The product of female mammals for nourishment of their young, and used as a food by mankind in general. (Gen. 18:8; Judg. 4:19; 5:25) The Hebrew word rendered milk usually means “fresh milk,” and is generally distinguished from curds, cheese and butter. (Deut. 32:14; 2 Sam. 17:29; Job 10:10; Prov. 27:27)
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