DECEMBER 18TH, 1941

DECEMBER 18TH, 1941

BELOVED BROTHER, — In answer to your letter received this morning with reference to Psalm 16: 10, I may say that the Hebrew word sheol is explained by Mr. Darby as “vaguely expressing the place or state of the soul separated — from the body” — see note to Psalm 6: 5 in the New Translation. The person who dies, as we see frequently in the Old Testament, goes down to sheol. But the Lord, in having death before Him, had full confidence that His soul would not be left to sheol, nor would He be allowed to see corruption. That is, He had resurrection immediately in view. In His case, as ^[p. 304] we know, He committed His spirit into the Father’s hands, and He was that day in paradise. So that there is no vagueness or uncertainty as to where His spirit was in the interval between death and resurrection. Nor is there any uncertainty as to where the spirits of the saints are who have departed; they are with Christ, with the Lord. So that we do not think of speaking now of sheol or hades in reference to saints, for God has given us light far in advance of what was vouchsafed in Old Testament times. Saints of old died in faith that God would fulfil His promises, and I have no doubt apprehended in some way that it would be as raised from the dead that they would enjoy them. And they ought to have gathered from the Scriptures that Christ would die and be raised from among the dead; at any rate Psalm 16 made it clear that His resurrection would quickly follow His death. And the New Testament makes clear where His spirit was in the interval between death and resurrection.

I do not know that I need add more. I am pleased to think of so many of you being together to be a comfort and help to one another. You are continually in the prayers of the dear brethren. I trust you will be much helped in reading Colossians together.

With much love in the Lord,

Yours affectionately in Him,

December 18th, 1941.