COMMENTARIES: LIMITED HELP
I am at present engaged in composing addresses for a "mini-series," just two meetings. Actually I have completed one address and have "delivered" it to a small company of the Lords' people gathered to His name.
When I began my study I all-unconsciously determined to seek for help from the least amount of available "sources." Having cast myself on the Lord for the help of His gracious Holy Spirit, I "armed" myself with the A.V., J.N.D.s' Translation; Strongs Concordance; a Bible Dictionary and a little book containing the meaning of many Biblical names.
Some long hours later I ran into difficulty. I could not understand the next verse in the passage. I redoubled my prayer for help and read and re-read the verse. Within a short time I felt that I had grasped the meaning, that enlightenment had been graciously afforded to me. I really wanted confirmation, and readily found it in the meaning of two words as expansively given in the concordance. I was elated!
Now I am in the throes of completing my second ministry address for those dear saints. But early on I found myself floundering as to the truth contained in another verse! Of course I was dependent on the help of the Spirit of God, but I continued to be nonplussed. So, giving in I sought help from the written ministry of some of the most erudite and gifted servants of God.
I love and cherish the written ministry of many who so revered the Scriptures, particularly, but not exclusively, those brethren of the nineteenth century. Three commentaries were consulted to absolutely no avail! None of the three writers referred to the difficulty I had encountered!
Commentaries do have there limitations, but I would not be without them!
Finally, in His grace the Lord enlightened me once again, I believe, and my spirit was lifted up in thanksgiving.
