[1] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, [2] Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. [3] Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. [4] And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Verse 1 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| Who is speaking? | Jehovah God. |
| To whom is he speaking? | The 7th Messenger. |
Verse 2 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| How does he address the one to whom he is speaking? | Thou "son of man." He is speaking to Br. Russell. |
| Who exactly is meant by "the Lord GOD?" | Strong's H3069 - Jehovah God H3069 יהוה yehôvih yeh-ho-vee' A variation of H3068 (used after H136, and pronounced by Jews as H430, in order to prevent the repetition of the same sound, since they elsewhere pronounce H3068 as H136): - God. |
| What is meant by "the land of Israel?" | Christendom - that unholy mixture of church and state (with its territory.) |
| Why did our Lord say "An end, an end is come?" – Why not simply say "An end (one time instead of two)?" | In the Hebrew this is simply a repetition or doubling of the word "end." In this it is just like the Greek. When this is done in the Greek it is giving a strong emphasis. For example: in the Greek there is no word that corresponds to the English word "forever." The word G165 αἰών (Strong's 165) basically means "age-abiding" or "age-lasting." However, in the Scriptures the thought of "for ever" is shown by doubling this word, i.e., by saying G165 αἰώνaiōaiō G165 αἰώνaiōaiō. This is (in the KJV) always translated "for ever and ever." - See Gal. 1:5 ; Phil. 4:20 ; 1 Tim. 1:17 ; 2 Tim. 4:18 ; Heb. 1:8 ; 13:21 ; 1 Pet. 4:11 ; 5:11 ; Rev. 1:6 ; 4:9-10 ; 5:13-14 ; 7:12 ; 10:6 ; 11:15 ; 14:11 ; 15:7 ; 19:3 ; 20:10 ; 22:5. |
| Why does it specify "upon the four corners of the land?" What does that mean? | From every direction, – also may be a reference to God's four attributes. |
Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| When is "Now?" | The time when the 7th Messenger was present in the flesh. |
| When He says "Now is the end come upon thee" is this a different "end" than the "end" mentioned in verse 2? | No, it is the same. |
| Who is "thee?" | Christendom. |
| When the Lord sends His "anger" – what principles are involved? [i.e, why is He doing this?] | Cause and effect, Justice. |
| How will God judge them? | "According to thy ways," i.e., justice. |
| What is the result of this judgment? | God "will recompense upon thee all thine abominations." |
| What is the meaning of "recompense?" | Payment to recover from a loss. |
| What are "all thine abominations?" | The abominable doctrines which Christendom claimed represented the Divine character, most notably, "The Abomination that maketh desolate." Also the abominable way they treated all who disagreed with their claims. Rev. 17:4-6 ; 6:9-11. |
Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What is meant by "mine eye shall not spare thee?" | |
| .. "neither will I have pity?" | |
| What does He mean "I will recompense thy ways upon thee?" | |
| What were Christendom's abominations? | |
| How could their abominations be made to be "in the midst of thee?" | |
| "Ye shall know.." – Who is "ye?" | |
| What does it mean "Ye shall know that I am the LORD?" - Don't they know this already? | |
[5] Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come. [6] An end is come, the end is come: it wakes up for thee; behold, it is come. [7] The diadem is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. [8] Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations. [9] And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.
Verse 5 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Thus saith the Lord GOD; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| "Thus saith the Lord GOD." What is the first thing we think of when we see this phrase? | |
| What is meant by "an evil, an only evil?" – That is, why does it repeat and add "an only evil?" | |
| Why "Behold, it is come?" – Why not simply "it is come?" | |
Verse 6 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| An end is come, the end is come: it wakes up for thee; behold, it is come. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What does it mean: "An end is come, the end is come" and is this different from Verse 2? | Strengthens the import of the end. Br. Don suggested this may have reference to: . The Time of the end (1799 - 1914) . End of Harvest of Christendom (1874/78-1914/18) . Times of the Gentiles (1914) |
| Regardless of the answer to the previous question, why has the Lord here repeated the phrase: "An end is come, the end is come?" | |
| What is the significance of "it wakes up for thee?" | One suggestion of how to look at this is like that of a death-row inmate. He may choose not to think about it, acting as if somehow he will avoid having to reap the full force of what is coming. Now the day of death is finally here and he is not prepared for it. |
| Why did our Lord say "Behold, it is come," instead of simply "it is come?" | Behold = Pay attention! This is something right in front of you AND you have been told about it in advance. You should be aware. – Luke 19:41-44 |
Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| The morning is come unto thee, O thou that dwellest in the land: the time is come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What is "the morning?" | The word is actually "diadem" – Strong's 6843. |
| How is it that "the diadem" – "is come unto thee?" – Who exactly is "thee?" | In vs. 2 this message goes out to "the land of Israel," i.e., Christendom. |
| When it says "Thou that dwellest in the land," – what is indicated by "the land" and who is it that dwells there? –– Just what does it mean to "dwell in the land?" | Earth-Dwellers |
| "The time is come." – What time? | The time of Christendom's judgment. |
| What is meant by "the day of trouble" and what is the import of it being "near?" | It is at hand, i.e., it is already here. |
| What does "not the sounding again of the mountains" mean? | Please see Additional Comments Eze. 7:7 |
Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| "Now will I shortly pour out..." Does this make sense? How can it be "Now" and also be "shortly?" | "Now"- in the early days of Pastor Russell's ministry (vs. 2.) "Will I shortly..," i.e., not immediately in the early days but at the end of Pastor Russell's day. |
| Who is going to do this? | The LORD GOD. |
| What is meant by His "fury" and does this differ from His "anger?" | Fury is more intense than anger. It is often translated as "hot displeasure." |
| What other terms are used to describe this? | Wrath - "The seven last plagues, for in them is filled up the wrath of God." Rev. 15:1 |
| What are His "fury" and "anger" related to? (i.e., why is He doing this?) | Because of "all their abominations." They had the vessels (truths) of God's Holy Word and did not appreciate it but instead corrupted those teachings - Matt. 15:9 |
| What takes place during His judgment? | A recompense or just payment. – payback |
| In what manner does He judge them? | "According to thy ways." |
| What is the result of this judgment? | They (as a system) are treated the same way they treated others. Christendom lorded it over all those who did not support and agree with her claims (false as they were.) So the Lord brings the same attitude back upon them and this results in their destruction (as a system.) |
Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| And mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will recompense thee according to thy ways and thine abominations that are in the midst of thee; and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| This entire verse (with the exception of the very end - "that smiteth") is identical with verse 4. Why? | Once again the LORD is drawing attention to what He is saying. All really need to pay special attention! |
| What does it mean "I am the LORD that smiteth" and does this change and/or clarify our understanding of verse 4? – If so, how? | This seems to now lay the stress on the thought that Christendom and it's adherents will not really belief that their collapse is the Lord's doing until He actually "smites" them, i.e., until the events of Aug. 1, 1914 and beyond. |
[10] Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded. [11] Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall there be wailing for them. [12] The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. [13] For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life.
Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Behold the day, behold, it is come: the morning is gone forth; the rod hath blossomed, pride hath budded. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What is "the day?" | "The Day of the Lord" "The Day of Judgment" "The Day of Christ" |
| Why does it say "Behold.. behold..?" – Why the repetition? | The Lord is reminding Christendom that they never were "Christ's Kingdom" and they should know it. |
| According to this verse how close is it time-wise to "the day?" | "It is come," i.e., it is here now! |
| What is meant by "the morning (or diadem) is gone forth?" | The diadem seems to be the same as in Eze. 21:26,27 where we are told the diadem was taken from Judah's last king (Zedekiah - and then given to the king of Babylon,) then overturned (from Babylon to Medo-Persia,) overturned (from Medo-Persia to Greece,) overturned (from Greece to Rome) "and I will give it (the diadem, rulership) to him (Jesus Christ) whose right it is." |
| What is "the rod?" and how has it "blossomed?" | The "rod" refers to "a branch, figuratively a tribe." This was the word used to describe Aaron's "rod" that budded, showing God's approval of the tribe of Levi.
This refers to Our Lord and the true church who follow Him. They have "blossomed" in the sense of either being with Christ in glory, or having the privilege of proclaiming His right to "rule the nations with a rod of iron." – Rev. 2:26,27 ; 19:14-16 |
| What is the difference between "blossomed" and "budded" – and what does that mean to us in the understanding of this verse? | Blossomed is Strong's 6692
H6692
Budded is Strong's 6524
צוּץ tsûts tsoots A primitive root; to twinkle, that is, glance; by analogy to blossom (figuratively flourish): - bloom, blossom, flourish, shew self. H6524
It is the rod (The Christ, ruling with a rod of iron, dashing in pieces the nations) that blossomed. This lets us see, by world events, that this began in 1914.פּרח pârach paw-rakh' A primitive root; to break forth as a bud, that is, bloom; generally to spread; specifically to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively to flourish: - X abroad, X abundantly, blossom, break forth (out), bud, flourish, make fly, grow, spread, spring (up). It is Christendom's pride that "broke forth" (budded) for all to see how false were their claims. |
Verse 11 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness: none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of any of theirs: neither shall there be wailing for them. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What is the meaning of "Violence risen to a rod of wickedness?" | Please see Additional Comments for vs. 11. |
| "None of them shall remain. What does this mean and at what time does it apply? | Christendom (its hierarchy, etc.) will be destroyed. |
| After "none of them shall remain," we still have the same said of "their multitude" and "any of theirs." Why? | Their multitude would seem to include those who "dwelt" in the land, the earth-dwellers of Revelation, i.e., those who were fully and enthusiastically in support of that whole arrangement. The others ("any of theirs") would seem to include those who were allied with but not part of Christendom. |
| What is the importance of "Neither shall there be any wailing for them?" | Consider Jer. 9:10,18-24 ; Eze. 27:31-36 ; Rev. 18:7-10, 15-24. |
Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| The time is come, the day draweth near: let not the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn: for wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| "The time is come" – the time for what? | The time of Gentile rulership has expired. It is time for "him whose right it is" to take control. |
| If "the time is come" why does it say "the day draweth near?" If it has come why does it add it is near? | This is another way of saying "it is here, it is at hand, right in front of you, etc." |
| Who is the "buyer" and why should they not rejoice? | Those who "buy" in to Christendom's false claims. |
| Who is the "seller" and why is it that he does not mourn? | Those who are teaching (selling) these claims. |
| Verse 12 says "wrath" is come upon all the multitude. What is indicated by "wrath?" – And who is being referred to by "the multitude?" | The wrath is revealed in the 7 last plagues (Rev. 15:1.) The multitude would seem to be all of Christendom's adherents. |
| Having identified "wrath" and "the multitude," why does it say "For [Because] wrath is come.." the buyer should not rejoice or seller mourn, i.e., how does the arrival of "wrath" change the attitude of buyer and seller? | What is involved here is Doctrine, Teaching. It is the Doctrines of "present truth"* that constitute the plagues. The pouring out of God's wrath (plagues) is the advancement of Truth, especially Religious Truth. This is what plagues Christendom. The buyer of Christendom's false doctrines can no longer "rejoice" in them because Present Truth (plagues, God's wrath) has shown them to be false. |
Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they were yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude thereof, which shall not return; neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| Verse 13 speaks of the seller returning to what he sold. Was this the normal practice in ancient Israel? | This was supposed to be done every 50 years in the year of Jubilee. Lev. 25:8-10 |
| Why does this text then add "although they were yet alive?" What is this telling us? | This strengthens the thought that this refers to the Jubilee year. In the Jubilee each family returned to their posession, even if the seller had died. |
| What vision is here being referred to? | While it may be the familiar vision of Hab. 2:2 (referring to the Chart of the Ages,) it would seem more to refer to this vision of the destruction of Christendom. |
| What is the point of "the whole multitude thereof" failing to return (to that which he sold?) | There is none that can return to the old arrangement (church and state claiming to be Christ's Kingdom) because that arrangement has been done away with. Babylon has been cast into the sea never to rise again. "Affliction shall not rise up a second time." Nah. 1:9 |
| What is the meaning of "neither shall any strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life?" | The NIV reads "Because of their sins, not one of them will preserve their life." |
[14] They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. [15] The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. [16] But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity. [17] All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. [18] They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads. [19] They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity. [20] As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them. [21] And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it. [22] My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it.
Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What was the purpose of sounding the trumpet? | As a warning or announcement, often indicating an enemy army was approaching. |
| What trumpet is being spoken of here? | 7th, Last, Jubilee Trumpet |
| What battle are they supposed to be ready for? | The Battle of Armageddon, the battle between Truth and Error. Dii:1 |
| Why is it than none goes to the battle? | Because they are asleep at their posts. Isa. 56:10 |
| "My wrath is upon all the multitude thereof." What does that mean? | The seven last plagues (Rev. 15:1) have been poured out and it is now effecting all under Christendom's sphere of influence. |
Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What is pictured by the sword, pestilence, famine? | Sword - The word of the Lord. Heb. 4:12 Pestilence - Plagues Rev. 15:1,5-8 ; Rev. 16 Famine - Lack of spiritual food (because of false doctrine.) The good food was available (Matt. 24:45) but they rejected it. |
| Why is the sword described as being "without." | The sword is the Word of God and its Spirit. It is described as being without the city because God has removed His Spirit from Christendom. The voice of the Bride and Bridegroom as well as the light of the candle etc. is not heard in her any more. |
| Why are the pestilence and famine described as being "within." | Pestilence is sickness, plague. The plagues are upon Babylon (Christendom, the city.) The famine (lack of spiritual food) is also on those whithin because they have rejected the Present Truth. |
| What is the field? | The world. |
| What is the city? | A city is always the symbol for a government. In this case it is the government of Christendom (the union of church and state in Europe.) |
| What is the difference between what happens to those in the field and those in the city? – What does that mean? | Those in the city (Christendom) are destroyed by the plagues (the Present Truth, plagues to them because they reject these and instead attempt to defend their false ideas) and by starvation (lack of spiritual food – because they still try to eat the husks of Babylon's false doctrines which give no spiritual nourishment.) |
Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| But they that escape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity. | |
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| Question | Suggested Answer |
| Who are "they that escape?" | Those of Christendom who were not deeply committed to to Christendom. |
| From what do they escape? | The plagues (pestilence) and starvation (from attempting to live off of the husks of the false church teachings.) |
| Why does it use the word "escape" twice? What does this mean? | There are two different Hebrew words used. ISV translates this as "Fugitives that escape.." |
| Where do they escape to? | To the mountains" – kingdoms. |
| Why are they described as "doves of the valleys?" | Valleys are (in contrast with mountains) lower, in a position of humility. It would seem that these nominal Christians, have been humbled. They are calling for peace (the dove is a universal symbol of peace.) This seems remeniscient of the 1914 Christmas Truce. |
| Why are they mourning? | These seem to at least recognize their sinful condition. They may be mourning over the fact that they had given their support to the false Kingdom of Christ – Christendom. |
Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What do hands picture? | Power, favor, activity. "Do with thy might what thy hand finds to do.." Ecc. 9:10 |
| Why are "All hands feeble?" | When sick, nothing much can get done (hands - activities.) They could not turn aside the power of God. |
| What is pictured by knees? | When one has strong knees they can walk, run, stand up, etc. When such an one bends his knees in prayer it is not because he is unable to avoid it, it is because of reverence. |
| What would make the knees be "weak as water?" | Fear. |
Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| In this verse, who is "They," "them(-selves)" and "their?" | "The Christendom folk." |
| What does it mean for someone to "gird themselves," i.e., what is the purpose? | See definition of "gird." – gird |
| What does it mean to gird themselves with sackcloth, and why would they do this? | This was the traditional way a Jew showed deep mourning, and lamentation. |
| What is meant by "horror shall cover them?" | In a literal sense the "Great War" caused many man to have extreme horror. In the symbolic sense the thought that a brother "Christian" from one country (France, England, etc.) should be at war, killing and wounding their "brother Christians" from another country (Germany, Serbia, etc.) would surely cause "horror" to all who consider it. |
| What is meant by "shame shall be upon all faces?" | Likely the "shame" of falling into co-operation with Christendom and her claims to represent Christ. |
| What is meant by "baldness upon all heads?" | |
Verse 19 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| Who is "they?" | The "Babylonians," i.e., those who went along with Christendom. |
| The "silver" and "gold" in this verse, are these referring to literal gold and silver or symbolic? | Yes. In a literal sense it applies to monetary value, wealth, mammon. In the symbolic sense it likely applies to the Great Company (silver) and the Little Flock (gold.) |
| Why do they cast only their silver in the streets and not their gold? | If this refers to the Great Company (silver) then they are casting the Great Company out of Christendom by no longer desiring them to remain. Also the Great Company sees the reality of things once the predicted great trouble started in Europe. Thus they were cast into the streets (the "highways and byways.") |
| How (and Why) is their gold removed from them? | In the symbolic sense it is because the Gold (symbol of things Divine, i.e., Divine Promises, the Little Flock) are no longer in her, having left when the Lord issued the command to "come out of her my people." |
| Why is it that their silver and their gold is unable to "deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD?" | From the literal sense their monetary wealth has become of little value. From the Spiritual sense the Little Flock and Great Company cannot deliver them for two reasons: 1) They have left that system. 2) They could only have saved themselves and not the system. Compare Eze. 14:13-21 (esp. vss. 14,16,18,20.) |
| "They shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels" – What does this mean? | In a literal sense it indicates that their earthly wealth could not save them from the terrible events in and immediately following "the Great War." In the spiritual sense, none could give the holy spirit to others. The saints were now gone along with their influence. Of course they could not give any spiritual satisfaction. |
"Because it is the stumblingblock of their iniquity."
|
It refers to their silver and gold. It is their stumblingblock because they have placed their trust in the wrong things. They trusted in Christendom, its false teachings and claims and in material wealth when they should have been trusting in the Lord and His Word. |
Verse 20 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| "The beauty of his ornament.." Who is "he" and what is meant by "his ornament?" | |
| "He set it in majesty.." what is meant by "set it in majesty?" | |
| What are "the images of their abominations?" | |
| What are their detestable things? Are they different from their abominations? – If so, how? | |
| What is it that God sets "far from them?" | |
Verse 21 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| And I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall pollute it. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| Is there a significance to "I will?" | Our God is a God of action who always delivers on His word. |
| Who are "the strangers" and what is meant by giving it into their "hands?" Why not simply say "I will give it to the strangers?" | The strangers would be those not of Christendom. Hands picture strength, activity. |
| According to this verse, what is the purpose for giving it to the hands of the strangers? | These shall prey upon what once was Christendom, i.e., this seems to be describing the Lord's great army. Joel 2:1-11 |
| Who are "the wicked of the earth?" | The wicked ones of organized society. |
| How is it "a spoil?" – What does that mean? | An army takes a spoil, "the spoils of war." |
| What is the difference between the wicked of the earth "polluting" it and what Christendom had already done? | Remember, it was called "Christ's Kingdom." These come in who are completely without the true God. They pollute it by taking over, filling it with those who have no belief in any intelligent power superior to man. |
Verse 22 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| My face will I turn also from them, and they shall pollute my secret place: for the robbers shall enter into it, and defile it. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| Who specifically is "them?" | Christendom and its adherents. |
| What is meant by God turning His face from them? | Turning His favor away from them. This was initially done in 1878. |
| What is God's "secret place?" and how do "they" pollute it? | This would seem to refer to those hidden or protected ones, i.e., the spirit-begotten (Little Flock and Great Company.) |
| Who are the robbers? | Please see John 10:1 ; Jer. 7:11 ; Matt. 21:13 |
| Into what do the "robbers" enter? | Into God's secret place, i.e., they attempt (make the claim) that they are those who are being spoken of in Psa. 91:1 when in reality it is the spirit-begotten who dwell there. |
| What is meant by the "robbers" defiling it? | Compare 2 Tim. 4:2-4 |
[23] Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. [24] Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled. [25] Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. [26] Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. [27] The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
Verse 23 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Make a chain: for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What is the purpose of a chain? | A chain is used for binding, holding something or someone in place, not letting them escape. |
| What is a chain made of and how might that help us understand this verse? | A chain is made of links. The stronger the links the stronger the chain. This should make us think of Isa. 28:10 – we are taught of the Lord precept upon precept and line upon line. Psa. 149:5-9 |
| What are these "bloody crimes?" | Crimes against the saints. Rev. 6:9-10 |
| What city is spoken of here? | Rev. 16:13,19 |
| What is meant by it being "full of violence?" | Just what it says. This is what happened during WWI to Christendom. |
Verse 24 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| Who are "the worst of the heathen?" | See Pastor Russell's description – D550:2 |
| What is meant by "they shall possess their houses?" | "They [the worst of the heathen] shall possess their [Christendom's] houses." Christendom's houses are their temples, i.e., their places of worship. Once people actually believed what was taught there. This seems to say that would change. |
| Who are "the strong" and is there any evidence concerning God making their pomp to cease? | The "strong" of Christendom were those in power, i.e., the aristocracy and the clergy. Their "pomp" was indeed brought low, especially as a result of WWI and WWII. |
| What are "their holy places?" | Their (false) doctrines. |
| How are/were they "defiled?" | These teachings were shown to be false, corrupt. |
Verse 25 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What destruction is being spoken of here? | The destruction of Christendom. |
| Did they really seek peace or is this still in the future? | They really did seek peace, or at least to avoid war. This is easy to see by reading the "The Willy-Nicky Telegrams." |
| If in the future, how might this be fulfilled? If in the past, how was this fulfilled? |
Please also see "Peace in Our Time." |
Verse 26 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| What is "mischief?" How else is this word used in scripture and does this help us in our understanding of this verse? | Mischief is Strong's 1943.
H1943 Isa. 47:8-13
הוה hôvâh ho-vaw' Another form for H1942; ruin: - mischief. Clearly this is another reference to the fall of mystic Babylon and in particular to the papacy. Compare with Rev. 18:4-8. |
| What is meant by "rumour shall be upon rumour?" | Report upon report. - See Additional Comments for this verse. |
| What is meant by "they shall seek a vision of the prophet?" | Compare with Isa. 29:9-14. |
| What is "the law" and who are "the priests?" | The true law was the Word of God. The law of the priests (of Christendom) would be their words – false doctrines and practices. |
| Who are the "ancients" whose counsel perishes? | The ancients are the religious leaders of Christendom, the parallel to the Sanhedrin at the end of the Jewish Age. The suggestion was also made that this could refer to some of the eastern religions. If so the spectacle of the World Parliament of Religions in 1893 would seem to be a good fit here. |
Verse 27 Expanded Bible Comments Additional Comments Expanded And Additional Comments
| The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Suggested Answer |
| Who is the king in this verse? | Satan. |
| What causes him to mourn? | The collapse of his empire, his great counterfeit system.
Satan would especially mourn when our Lord Jesus, the "stronger than he" (Luke 11:21-22) entered his house upon his return in 1874. |
| Who is the prince in this verse? | The Pope. Eze. 28:2 |
| Why is he "clothed with desolation?" | Because he has lost the control and respect he formerly had. |
| What is meant by "the hands of the people" and why are they troubled? | Two points here. 1) It is not just any people but specifically "the people of the land," i.e., of the land of Christendom. 2) Hands represent power, strength, activity. With the destruction of Christendom, where do its adherants put their energies now? |
| What form of judgment will the Lord give them? | As always, Just judgment. "According to their deserts will I judge them." |
| When will they know God? | Eventually "all shall know me from the least unto the greatest." Jer. 31:34 ; Heb. 8:11 ; Isa. 11:9 ; Hab. 2:14 |