The common people of Syria speak of the _kummer_ as of a man's financial strength. There are practically no "bank accounts." "How is { 253} the _kummer_?" means, "How do you stand financially?" To tap the _kummer_ cheerfully indicates good circumstances. It is joy and glory for a youth when he reaches the age when he may have a _kummer_. The thrill of satisfaction which that possession gives still lingers with me. It was as much of a sign of maturity and independence for me to tap that Scriptural girdle which I wore, when I had money in it, as to swear by my newly sprouting mustache. It was my treasure!
From all this it may be noted that the Master's command, "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your girdles," meant, not only to carry no money on their missionary journey, but to seek and _horde_ no money. An Oriental's girdle is his bank.
The part of the command which says, "Neither two coats," means two changes of clothing. The thing sought here, however, as well as in the saying, "Neither shoes," is not the abandonment of the necessary wearing apparel, but willing self-denial.
"Nor yet staves." The staff, or the "stick of travel," is the symbol of journeying in Syria. There, _Elkeina el'asa_ (rested the staff) means we reached the end of our journey. _El'asa_ (staff) occupies a significant place in Syrian lore. It is difficult for me to imagine a Syrian starting on a journey without an _asa_. The Israelites were given explicit directions concerning their preparations for the journey on the eve of their exodus from Egypt. They were told[5] to eat the lamb of the passover "with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, _and your staff in your hand_."
In our travels in Syria the staff was to us a most valuable support in climbing the steep hills, crossing the streams of water, battling with snakes and ferocious dogs, and with highway robbers. "The staff is a companion" is a current saying in the land. The disciples were commanded in this manner to detach themselves from the material interests of this world, and to give themselves wholly to the preaching { 255} of the kingdom. In their need and in their weakness they were to be rich and strong through their vision of the eternal realities.