expression “it may be” in the King James Version is ulaí. This Hebrew word does not convey any idea of positiveness. It may be rendered “perhaps,” “probably,” “it may be,” or “maybe.” It is translated in the New World Translation as “maybe” at Genesis 43:12 and; 1 Kings 18:27. It is rendered “perhaps” in Joshua 9:7. At Zephaniah 2:3 it is rendered “probably.” In agreement with this thought the Revised Standard Version of 1952 renders Zephaniah 2:3 as follows: “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his commands; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the wrath of the LORD.”

Sometimes ulaí expresses doubt, but it may also express hope. Hope is apparently indicated at Genesis 16:2, where we read: “Hence Sarai said to Abram: ‘Please now! Jehovah has shut me off from bearing children. Please, have relations with my maidservant. Perhaps I may get children from her.’ So Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” Hope is also expressed at Amos 5:15, which says: “Hate what is bad, and love what is good, and give justice a place in the gate. It may be that Jehovah the God of armies will show favor to the remaining ones of Joseph.”

Zephaniah 2:3 shows that those who start out to seek righteousness and meekness are not guaranteed that they will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger just because they have started out on a right course. But there is hope of their qualifying to be hidden. Being concealed is a probability.

Yet there is a considerable element of uncertainty indicated by the wording of this text. That uncertainty, however, does not apply to God in the sense that he is incapable of concealing faithful seekers of righteousness and meekness at Armageddon. Not at all. The point is that God is not obligated to do so, and that is the thing that causes or leaves room for uncertainty. We cannot take preservation for granted as if it were something due, something owed us. It all depends upon God’s mercy, his undeserved kindness to us sinners, for really our sins deserve death for us. However, the only way by which we can Scripturally hope for mercy to us on God’s part is by our seeking Him and righteousness and meekness, before it is too late. Then it may be that he will show consideration for our repentance, conversion and dedication to him. The Scriptures give us reason to believe he will probably do so.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

“Persons taught by Jehovah” daily add to their knowledge of him and enjoy peace in their relationship with him and with others who love and serve him. This knowledge from his Word they gladly share with others. During November Jehovah’s witnesses will do this by offering to all persons Bible study aids designed to enable others to gain precious knowledge of Jehovah God and his purposes. They will offer the new book “Babylon the Great Has Fallen!” God’s Kingdom Rules! or the book From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained, with a booklet, on a contribution of 75c.

1964 YEARBOOK AND CALENDAR

After December 1, 1963, the 1964 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be available. Its thrilling report of worldwide expansion through the preaching of the “everlasting good news” will encourage you and stimulate your faith. Available also will be the beautiful pictorial calendar emphasizing the year’s text. This year the calendar may be obtained with the Scripture text in any of these languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish. Write today. For the Yearbook, send 50c. For the calendar, send an additional 25c.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

December 15: Why We Should All Join in a Resolution, and The Resolution. Page 680.

December 22: Execution of Divine Judgment upon False Religion, ¶1-31. Page 688.

December 29: Execution of Divine Judgment upon False Religion, ¶32-64. Page 695.