The “cup of salvation” (Psalm 116:13) is the cup of thanksgiving for the
great salvation. The “cup of consolation” (Jeremiah 16:7) refers to the
custom of friends sending viands and wine to console relatives in mourning
(Proverbs 31:6). In 1 Corinthians 10:16, the “cup of blessing” is contrasted
with the “cup of devils” (1 Corinthians 10:21). The sacramental cup is the
“cup of blessing,” because of blessing pronounced over it (Matthew 26:27;
Luke 22:17). The “portion of the cup” (Psalm 11:6; 16:5) denotes one’s
condition of life, prosperous or adverse. A “cup” is also a type of sensual
allurement (Jeremiah 51:7; Proverbs 23:31; Revelation 17:4). We read also
of the “cup of astonishment,” the “cup of trembling,” and the “cup of
God’s wrath” (Psalm 75:8; Isaiah 51:17; Jeremiah 25:15; Lamentations
4:21; Ezekiel 23:32; Revelation 16:19; comp. Matthew 26:39, 42; John
18:11). The cup is also the symbol of death (Matthew 16:28; Mark 9:1;
Hebrews 2:9).
- CUP-BEARER an officer of high rank with Egyptian, Persian, Assyrian,
and Jewish monarchs. The cup-bearer of the king of Egypt is mentioned in
connection with Joseph’s history (Genesis 40:1-21; 41:9). Rabshakeh
(q.v.) was cup-bearer in the Assyrian court (2 Kings 18:17). Nehemiah
filled this office to the king of Persia (Nehemiah 1:11). We read also of
Solomon’s cup-bearers (1 Kings 10:5; 2 Chronicles 9:4). - CURIOUS ARTS (Acts 19:19), magical arts; jugglery practised by the
Ephesian conjurers. Ephesus was noted for its wizard and the “Ephesian
spells;” i.e., charms or scraps of parchment written over with certain
formula, which were worn as a safeguard against all manner of evils. The
more important and powerful of these charms were written out in books
which circulated among the exorcists, and were sold at a great price. - CURSE denounced by God against the serpent (Genesis 3:14), and
against Cain (4:11). These divine maledictions carried their effect with
them. Prophetical curses were sometimes pronounced by holy men
(Genesis 9:25; 49:7; Deuteronomy 27:15; Joshua 6:26). Such curses are
not the consequence of passion or revenge, they are predictions.
No one on pain of death shall curse father or mother (Exodus 21:17), nor
the prince of his people (22:28), nor the deaf (Leviticus 19:14). Cursing
God or blaspheming was punishable by death (Leviticus 24:10-16). The
words “curse God and die” (R.V., “renounce God and die”), used by Job’s
wife (Job 2:9), have been variously interpreted. Perhaps they simply mean