one thing is needful;79 and Mary ha th chosen that good part, which shall not be taken
away from her.'
78. This, instead of 'Jesus,' is the reading more generally received as correct.
79. Few would be disposed to adopt the proposed alternative reading (R.V., margin): 'but
few things are needful, or one' - meaning, not much preparation, indeed, only one dish is
necessary.
It was, as we imagine, perhaps the first day of, or else the preparation for, the Feast.
More than that one day did Jesus tarry in the home of Bethany. Whether Lazarus came
then to see Him - and, still more, what both Martha and Mary learned, either then, or
afterwards, we reverently forbear to search into. Suffice it, that though the natural
disposition of the sisters remained what it had been, yet henceforth, 'Jesus loved
Martha and her sister.'
Book IV
THE DESCENT: FROM THE MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION INTO THE VALLEY
OF HUMILIATION AND DEATH.
Chapter 6
AT THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES
FIRST DISCOURSE IN THE TEMPLE
(St. John 7:11-36.)
IT was Chol ha Moed - as the non-sacred part of the festive week, the half-holy days
were called.1 Jerusalem, the City of Solemnities, the City of Palaces, the City of beauty
and glory, wore quite another than its usual aspect; other, even, than when its streets
were thronged by festive pilgrims during the Passover-week, or at Pentecost. For this
was pre-eminently the Feast for foreign pilgrims, coming from the farthest distance,
whose Temple -contributions were then received and counted.2 Despite the strange
costumes of Media, Arabia, Persia, or India, and even further; or the Western speech
and bearing of the pilgrims from Italy, Spain, the modern Crimea, and the banks of the
Danube, if not from yet more strange and barbarous lands, it would not be difficult to
recognise the lineaments of the Jew, nor to perceive that to change one's clime was not
to change one's mind. As the Jerusalemite would look with proud self-consciousness,
not unmingled with kindly patronage, on the swarthy strangers, yet fellow-countrymen,
or the eager -eyed Galilean cur iously stare after them, the pilgrims would, in turn, gaze
with mingled awe and wonderment on the novel scene. Here was the realisation of their
fondest dreams ever since childhood, the home and spring of their holiest thoughts and
best hopes - that which gave inward victory to the vanquished, and converted
persecution into anticipated triumph.
1. Also Cholo shel Moed and Moed Qaton.
2. See ch. iii. of this Book.