arianne
The Mammon Parable (Luke 16:1-18)
“Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty” (Luke 16:6). This parable concerns a rich man who accused his servant of wasting his goods and demanded an accounting from him. The outcome would determine the steward’s future. After considering the alternatives, the steward decided to at least recoup a portion of what was owed to his master (verses 57). As a result, [...]
Numbers
“Jehovah spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt” (Numbers 1:1). What Christians refer to as the Old Testament, Jewish believers refer to as the Tanakh — a word assembled from the letters TNK, signifying the [...]
Prophecy — A Light that Shines in a Dark Place
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19). The Apostle Peter’s appeal to the church was passionate. His second epistle held his final words and it was to be circulated throughout all the churches. Peter knew that his martyrdom was close at [...]
Ezekiel’s Temple and the Solar Year
“In the 25th year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the 10th day of the month, in the 14th year after that the city was smitten ... there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed” (Ezekiel 40:1, 3). The temple described in Ezekiel’s vision [...]
Caesarea Philippi and The Gates of Hades
“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked ... whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter ... said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus ... said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona ... Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not [...]
Living Clean in a Dirty World
Quotes from RVIC Living clean is embodied in the four attributes of Jehovah God Almighty: “Four living creatures ... they had the faces of a man; and they four had the faces of a lion on the right side; and they four had the faces of an ox on the left side; they four had also the faces of an eagle” (Ezekiel 1:5, 10). [...]
God’s Message at Calvary
“Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the spirit. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Matthew 27:50,51). By orchestrating the events that occurred while Jesus hung on the cross, and upon his death, God spoke in almost a parable‑like [...]
Migdal Eder (Tower of the Flock)
“And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you [...]
286.1 Inches
“In that day shall there be an altar to Jehovah in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to Jehovah. And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto Jehovah of hosts in the land of Egypt” (Isaiah 19:19, 20). Most Bible Students who are readers of this journal are familiar with the spiritual [...]
King David, a Model of Repentance
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions” (Psalms 51:1). One of the questions candidates are usually asked at a baptismal service is, “Do you acknowledge yourself a sinner in need of redemption?” This acknowledgment is an essential part of growing a relationship with God. With that acknowledgment must [...]
Water from the Rock at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7)
“And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, by their journeys, according to the commandment of Jehovah, and en camped in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:1). Chapter 17 opens with the nation of Israel pitching their tents in Rephidim after a journey of several stops coming from the wilderness [...]
Manna and Quail (Exodus 16)
“And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host” (Exodus 16:13). Israel had just spent several weeks at the beautiful wilderness oasis of Elim. They continued their journey to the Promised Land on the 15th day of the second month. Verse 1: “And they took their [...]
Cleansing the Water
What made the water at Marah bitter? A huge underground water supply is underneath the Sinai desert, which drains near the eastern and western coasts. This water is rich in sulfates, which are bitter, and when ingested is a strong cathartic. (Glauber’s salt, sodium sulfate, is given medicinally as a cathartic, but it is too bitter for some people.) Not only is it bitter, [...]
The Waters of Marah (Exodus 15:22-27)
“And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah” (Exodus 15:23). The nation of Israel had just been through the most amazing experience of their lifetimes. They had witnessed the awesome power of their God, a God with whom they had been acquainted only through the [...]
Sennacherib’s Cylinder
“He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it” (Isaiah 37:33). Sennacherib’s Cylinder is a six-sided clay tablet discovered by Colonial Robert Taylor in 1830. It was found in the ruins at Nineveh, capital city of the Assyrian Empire. Taylor’s cylinder is presently found in the British Museum. Two [...]
Hands of the Living God
The Apostle Paul in writing to the Hebrews resorted to figurative language when he referred to “the hands of the living God.” “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). As we ponder this expression, we wonder what prompted Paul to make this statement. The experience he had in the city of Athens, recorded in Acts [...]
Woe to the Spoiler
Isaiah 33-35 Bible Students have long appreciated the poetic and prophetic beauty of the 35th chapter of Isaiah. It is the chapter that speaks of the desert blossoming as the rose, the lame man leaping as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb singing. It describes the glories of restitution, resurrection, the highway of holiness, and the ransomed of the Lord returning from [...]
Enoch
“And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:23, 24). Though Enoch lived for the remarkable length of 365 years, by the standards of his day his lifespan was relatively brief. His father Jared would live for 962 years, and Enoch’s son Methuselah would live [...]
Making Peace
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). What is a peacemaker? There is difference between peacemaker, and a peacekeeper. A peacekeeper wants to keep things quiet — a peacemaker is not as much concerned about quiet, as about ultimate peace. Blessed are the peacemakers. Jesus was a peacemaker. In Romans 5:1 Paul said that we are [...]
Rachel Weeping for her Children
“Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramoth, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not” (Jeremiah 31:15). “The moral is that self-sacrifice ensures life, a paradox which is exemplified by Jewish history” (Soncino Jewish Commentary notes on Ezekiel 16:16). Some of the richest promises for Israel’s restoration are recorded [...]
The Trespass Offering
“He shall bring for his trespass unto Jehovah a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done ... and shall add the fifth part thereto: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the [...]
Nisan 16
“And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it” (Leviticus 23:11). This text speaks of Abib 16 (which we know better as Nisan 16, the month name drawn from the Babylonian month “Nisanu,” during Israel’s captivity). Leviticus 23:5 refers to Nisan 14, when the passover lamb was to [...]
The Council of Arles
(August 1, 314) — World War I (August 1, 1914) Starting in the 1880s, the brethren expected that in 1914, a Great War would bring down the failed Church‑ State systems of Christendom. This dating was later refined to begin with the Civil Year (Rosh Hashanah) in October. However, hostilities for the Great War broke out two months earlier on August 1, not October [...]
Constantine and Christianity
A remarkable turn of events in 313 AD The Edict of Milan was one of the first documents in the history of the world to promote freedom of religion. It was a boon for Christians who up until that point had been severely persecuted during a ten year policy of intolerance initiated by the emperor Diocletian. The document was beneficial for all parties. It [...]
Jesus’ Early Miracles in Matthew
“Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:23). Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy of Jesus, showing that his legal guardian, Joseph, was descended from Abraham, and from David. In Chapter Two is an account of Jesus’ miraculous birth. In [...]
The Papal Millennium
THE MILLENNIUM IN JEWISH BELIEF On Pentecost Sunday the apostle Peter spoke of the Times of Restitution, as a season of blessing and refreshment (Acts 3:19-21). For his Jewish audience he was presenting a familiar belief that held the 6,000 years from creation would be followed by a special 1,000 year Sabbath “day.” This belief goes back to before the destruction of the second [...]
“Here I Stand”
The Reformation and its Aftermath In Germany, Wittenberg’s nobility still took Medieval pride in their collection of relics from the saints. Fittingly, these were set off in gold and silver artwork and — to maintain the mystery — viewing was permitted only during the great feast day of “All Saints.” A small admission fee permitted the faithful to view “a fragment of Noah’s ark, [...]
The Faith of Habakkuk
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in Jehovah, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17,18). Habakkuk [...]
A King’s Desire for His Young Son
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” (Proverbs 3:13). As King David approached the end of his life, he was to give a final admonition to his people and to his son Solomon, the designated heir to the throne of Israel. Having called all the princes, officers, and valiant men to Jerusalem, David spoke his last official words [...]
Zephaniah and a Pure Language
“The word of the LORD which came unto Zephaniah the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah” (Zephaniah 1:1). Frequently, we might pass over the opening lines of a book in the Bible that list lineages of the prophet. In Zephaniah it is unusual [...]
Remembering Israel’s Six-Day War
Fulfilling Prophecy June 5-10, 2017, marked the 50th Anniversary of Israel’s momentous victory against a massive Arab attack in the 1967 Six-Day War. What had been the cry of the Jews for centuries, “Next year in Jerusalem,” in 1967 became the cry, “Now and forever in Jerusalem!” The effects of this amazing event in Israel’s history still impacts the world today. Under the prompting [...]
Translating the Rosetta Stone
The right help, at the right time. As Thomas Young was struggling to decipher the Rosetta Stone, a traveler gave him a parcel of Egyptian manuscripts. Among the baffling hieroglyphics he noted three names written in Greek: Apollonius, Antigonus, and Antimachus. As he was puzzling over the rest, a friend gave him some papyri he had purchased at Thebes in 1820. Two of these [...]
Pure Nard, Very Costly
John 12:2-11, Mark 14:3-9, Matthew 14:3-9 It was Jesus’ last Sunday on earth when he and the twelve disciples arrived at Bethany, to the home of Simon the leper. (“Six days before the Passover,” John 12:1. That would be Sunday, six days before the Passover feast the following Saturday.) It is thought likely Simon the leper had died, and his heirs lived there: Martha, [...]
Forsaken Love, The Letter to Ephesus
“Thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars” (Revelation 2:2). Christianity probably came first to Ephesus with Aquila and Priscilla when Paul made a brief stop there on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:18,19). On his third journey he stayed in the city for about three [...]
A Bone of Him Shall Not Be Broken
“For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken” (John 19:36). “There are pictures of the Church which represent her as participating with the Lord in his sacrifice; but the Passover type is not one of these. The Passover lamb represented our Lord Jesus Christ as ‘the Lamb of God, which taketh away the [...]
David’s Mighty Men
“These be the names of the mighty men whom David had ... thirty and seven in all” (2 Samuel 23:8, 39). Saul, David, and Solomon, the first three kings of Israel, conspicuously each reigned the same number of years, 40 in each case. Forty is a symbol in Scriptures of trial or testing, and in this case reflects that the reigns of these three [...]
Prophecies Against Rome Addressed to Tyre
TIRAS, THE ETRUSCANS, ROME The list of first‑generation nations from Japheth ends with Tiras. Their homeland was at the west and southwest of the Black Sea, where Romanians today call it Thracia, and in English we slur it to Thrace. Its capital was called Troy, or Troas, and the people were called Trojans. Like other seafaring nations, these people established colonies on faraway shores, [...]
Laodicea, The Indifferent Church
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:19‑20). There is no city whose spirit and nature are more difficult to describe than Laodicea. [...]
Kingdom Miracles
“Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me” (2 Kings 2:9). Some of the Old Testament types are clear and strong. The picture of the Prophet Elijah is among these. His persecutor, Jezebel, was the idolatrous queen of Ahab, king of Israel. The symbolism is described in Revelation, were Jezebel represents Papacy, persecuting the true church. (See [...]
Tikkun Olam
“In that day shall Israel be ... a blessing in the midst of the land” (Isaiah 19:24). In 2013, a video was released entitled “Israel Inside.” The video describes various groups of Israelis who have a special passion of doing good for others. These groups include engineers, doctors, nurses, farmers, entrepreneurs, inventors, and many others. One of their central concepts is a philosophy called [...]
Hezekiah’s Seal
“And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and ... seal unto it” (Nehemiah 9:38). Israeli archaeologists have discovered a mark from the seal of biblical King Hezekiah, who helped build Jerusalem into an ancient metropolis. The circular inscription, on a piece of clay less than a centimeter (0.4 inches) long, may very well have been made by the [...]
Prophetic Events Closing Zechariah
The closing three chapters of Zechariah narrate the sequence of prophetic events that take Israel and mankind from blindness into Kingdom blessings. In 12:1-9 we find the deliverance of Judah and Jerusalem and the judgment of the nations; 12:10-14 links this future deliverance to recognizing the Messiah by a faithful portion of the Jewish people; 13:1 speaks of opening the wonderful fountain of grace [...]
Feeding the Multitudes
“You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up? Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up? How is it that you do not understand that [...]
King James Version
King James Translators on the King James Version The preface to the original 1611 King James Version (KJV) says: “Some peradventure would have no variety of senses to be set in the margin, lest the authority of the Scriptures for deciding of controversies by that show of uncertainty, should somewhat be shaken. But we hold their judgment not to be sound in this point.” [...]
The Bigger Picture of the Memorial Supper and Its Preparation
Let us consider as a suggestion an inspiring interpretation of the events surrounding the Memorial Supper. Too often we seem to become bogged down in annual debates of things like, “Did Jesus and his disciples eat the Passover?” It is not that these questions are illegitimate, but their omnipresence on an annual basis would seem to detract from more important considerations. This question was [...]
Gather My Saints Together
“Gather My saints together unto Me” (Psalms 50:5). This Psalm is a Psalm of judgment. It opens with a proclamation. Verse 1: “The Mighty One, God, Jehovah, hath spoken, And called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.” The various names of God here are impressive. He is called “Yaweh El Elohim,” or Jehovah the mighty one of [...]
A Note on the Abrahamic Promise
“In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). The Hebrew of this text, rendered literally, is “And will-be-blessed in thee all peoples of the land.” And of Genesis 22:18, “And will-bless-themselves in seed of thee all nations of the earth.” The latter is often carelessly translated. In both cases the verb has the letter “vav” (ו) prefixed, which is a [...]
The Dragon of Revelation
“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads” (Revelation 12:3). A dragon is referred to by name in twelve Revelation scriptures. Though interpretations of the dragon exist, it seems that the symbol’s definition is often changed to fit the preferred interpretation: one time it is religious pagan [...]
Isaiah 65-66, New Heavens and a New Earth
“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13). What was the promise to which Peter refers? Immediately, our minds might leap to the closing of Revelation: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more [...]
Revised Version 1881
From the Preface of the Revised Version New Testament (1881) “We know full well that defects must have their place in a work so long and so arduous as this which has now come to an end. Blemishes and imperfections there are in the noble Translation (KJV) which we have been called upon to revise; blemishes and imperfections will assuredly be found in our [...]
Out of the Tomb(s)
“And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many” (Matthew 27:52, 53). The expressions “out of the graves [tombs]” and “out of the tomb” are used occasionally in the New Testament, but apparently with a different shade of meaning. The [...]
The Return of Judah and Ephraim
The following is from Charles Burton (minister of All- Saints, Manchester), “Lectures on the Millennium, the New Heavens and New Earth,” London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1841, pages 61-62. As to the historic fact of the return of some of the Ten Tribes, along with some of Judah and Benjamin, there is very scanty information. It was unnecessary that any particular mention should be [...]
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
“When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18). We all know the emotional connection we have with our mothers. They have more influence in our lives than our fathers for we all imprint on our mother’s voice and chemical signature from the time late in the first trimester [...]
The Eleventh Hour Worker
“When he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour ... and said ... Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. ... Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he [...]
Coverings of the Ark of the Covenant
When the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall go in, and his sons, and they shall take down the veil of the screen, and cover the ark of the testimony with it, and shall put thereon a covering of sealskin, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof” (Numbers 4:5,6 ASV). Among the many details given [...]
Two Pillars
“He cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about” (1 Kings 7:15). The Temple of Solomon evidently is a picture for us of the Church class, which, when completed and glorified, will be God’s agent for drawing mankind back to Himself. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of [...]
The Dedication of Solomon’s Temple and Its Relationship to the Seven Last Plagues
“And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of Jehovah, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of Jehovah had filled the house of Jehovah” (1 Kings 8:10,11). Solomon’s temple was completed in the 8th month of Solomon’s 11th year as king [...]
God’s Spirit Upon All Flesh
“I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh” (Joel 2:28). After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, on Pentecost the Apostle Peter quoted Joel 2:28-32 to open up the Gospel Age for the church. However, in Acts 2:17 he reverses the sequence of two clauses, implying the sequence is not important. (Perhaps to draw more attention to clauses that introduce the new state of affairs.) [...]
Queen Esther (continued)
“Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her” (Esther 2:15) (Continued from the September, 2014 issue). The first part of this article suggested that Queen Esther, renowned for her beauty, is a picture of the Church class, which will be renown for beauty of character. That Xerxes, the king, was a picture of our Lord Jesus. That the 127 [...]
Pictures of Jesus’ Sacrifice
“All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). There are so many prophecies that were fulfilled in the final days and hours of Jesus life. What is interesting to consider is the question: What did Jesus know about his sacrificial death ahead of time? We suggest that [...]
The Third Epistle of John
“The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth” (3 John 1). This third epistle of John was written to a private individual as opposed to a church. It was probable that the family kept the epistle private until the death of Gaius. Only after that did it likely come to light as a product of the Apostle John. It [...]
The Prophecy of Obadiah
(Continued from the May, 2014 issue). In the May, 2014 issue, the following points were covered respecting Obadiah. (1) Edom, the subject of Obadiah’s prophecy, represents Christendom. Bozrah, the capital of Edom, represents the religous power of Christendom, Mount Seir the political governments of Christendom, and Teman is suggested to represent a Church State union of Christendom (2) Revelation 18:8 indicates that some of [...]
“El Shaddai”
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). This Scripture is a beautifully clear and direct statement from God of His omnipotence; so we should strive for perfection before Him, simply because He is our Almighty God. Many Bible translations [...]
Memorial, Thursday, April 2, 2015
“This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Our Lord inaugurated the Memorial in the upper room with his apostles on Thursday, April 2, 33 AD (by the Roman Julian calendar).1 The coming Memorial is unusual in that the Nisan 14 observance will also begin after Sunset on Thursday, April 2. This brings together the Nisan 14 remembrance with the actual correct solar calendar [...]
Locusts and John the Baptist
“His meat was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4) From time to time there are friendly discussions as to whether John the Baptist ate locust insects or locust bean (Matthew 3:4, Mark 1:6). One approach to resolving the question is to see how the Greek word for locust(s) is used in the rest of the Bible. If that is not sufficient to resolve the [...]
Matthew 5:32, A Usually Misunderstood Text
What Does the Divorcer Cause? The common translation of Matthew 5:32 is: “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery” (KJV). However, the Greek word translated “to commit adultery” (moi cheuthenai,1 from the verb moicheuo) is in a past [...]
In the Beginning God Created the Heavens
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “Thus saith the LORD, who stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the breath of man within him” (Zechariah 12:1). The Bible asserts the universe had a “beginning” and that it was subsequently “stretched.” The scientific community would not have supported the assertion that the universe [...]
The Highway of Holiness
“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10). Isaiah 35:1-10 contains a richness of promises for mankind in the Kingdom. All the promises of our Heavenly Father are sure, and here we are assured, that [...]
Elijah at Mount Horeb
“And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God” (1 Kings 19:8). Elijah the prophet lived during a time when Israel had strayed from the proper worship of Jehovah. Ever since the kingdom of Israel divided in the days of Rehoboam and Jeroboam, the northern kingdom [...]
Queen Esther
“And [Mordecai] brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter” (Esther 2:7). Queen Esther was selected as a consort for the great king from young ladies throughout the empire. Only the fairest need apply, for [...]
Claiming His Kingship
“Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matthew 21:5). Why did Jesus ride into Jerusalem as King? Certainly, this had to be a confusing signal to the disciples. After seeing him ride in as king they may have thought that maybe all that talk about him coming to Jerusalem to die [...]
The Name of Jehovah
“And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am Jehovah” (Exodus 6:2). My observation is that many avoid all forms of Jehovah/ Yahweh/Yahavah in order to stay away from the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect. Often this may be so, as very often they lose arguments with Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Decades ago the local Baptist minister, in non-confrontational discussion, suggested that is likely why the [...]
The Field of Blood
“One of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said ... What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver” (Matthew 26:14, 15). The 30 pieces of silver given to Judas have some interesting history connected with it. First, according to Exodus 21:32, thirty pieces of silver [...]
The Prophecy of Obadiah
“How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!” (Obadiah 1:6). Obadiah’s prophecy relates the judgment to come on symbolic Edom, which symbolizes Christendom. There appear to be four aspects of Edom in prophecy: (1) EDOM = Christendom overall — Political, Religious, Civil, Financial, Social, etc. (2) BOZRAH (Capital of Edom) = Religious Segment of Christendom (3) MOUNT [...]
A Different View of Alpha and Omega
As soon as it is recognized that “A and Ω” is not supported by any of the ancient and best manuscripts of Revelation 1:11, the need goes away to allow that expression to apply to Jesus, rather than always to God.1 What results is a progression from 1:8, “I am the A and the Ω,” to adding “the beginning and the end” (21:6), to [...]
“Aleph-Tau, Alpha and Omega, Even I”
“I am Alpha and Omega” (Revelation 1:8). It would be comforting to know that the translators of the Bible were working with the original words of the sacred canon’s prophets, evangelists, epistle authors, and particularly the text of Revelation. Sadly, this is not the case for many verses of scripture. The problem is particularly acute for the transmission of the text of Revelation. For [...]
The Manifold Works of God
“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches” (Psalms 104:24). Matthew Poole commented on Psalm 104 about the year 1676, saying, “This psalm declares and celebrates the wonderful and gracious works of God to all mankind in the creation of this visible world, and in the wise and powerful disposition of [...]
War in Heaven
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels” (Revelation 12:7). Those who have studied the Book of Revelation will recognize this familiar phrase, “War in Heaven,” from the 12th chapter. It is a fascinating chapter and there have been various interpretations of the symbols used. The passage to be considered reads [...]
Matthew 5:32
A Usually-Misunderstood Text. What Does the Divorcer Cause? The common translation of Matthew 5:32 is: “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery” (KJV). However, the Greek word translated “to commit adultery” (moicheuthenai,1 from the verb moicheuo) is in [...]
Pergamos, a “Mixed Marriage”
“To the angel of the church of Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges” (Revelation 2:12). When we look at our brethren’s trials throughout the Gospel Age it truly is a cause for reflection, encouragement, and thanksgiving for their faithfulness. While the golden candlestick representing the church is beaten from one piece of solid gold, Revelation consistently [...]
Harmonizing Acts 7:16 with the Old Testament
“Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulcher that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem (Acts 7:15,16). It would seem that a part of Stephen’s account of the Old Testament is faulty. But we know that he gave an accurate [...]
Locusts and John the Baptist
“John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins, and his meat was locusts and wild honey” (Matthew 3:4). From time to time there are friendly discussions as to whether John the Baptist ate locust insects or locust bean (Matthew 3:4, Mark 1:6). One approach to resolving the question is to see how the Greek word for locust(s) is [...]
Sources of Abraham’s Faith
Abraham was a wonderfully faithful man. He is referred to as the father of the faithful. “They which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham” (Galatians 3:7). But one might ask, where did Abraham get this wonderful faith? There are at least three possible sources. (1) FROM PROMISES TO HIS FOREFATHERS Paul defines faith as, “the substance of things hoped for, [...]
The Specialness of the Tribe of Levi
“Thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony ... and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle” (Numbers 1:50). Background — Following the Exodus from Egypt, Numbers chapters 13 and 14 recount that twelve spies, one selected from each tribe, were sent out to reconnoiter the Promised Land. Ten of the twelve spies brought back a bad [...]
Six Lambs
“And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the LORD in the sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish” (Ezekiel 46:4). This text is part of the nine chapters that constitute the vision of Ezekiel’s Temple (Ezekiel 40-48). The vision is about the Millennial Kingdom, and the blessings of life that will flow to the world as they approach God during [...]
Balaam’s Talking Donkey
“And Jehovah opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?” (Numbers 22:28). Balaam’s ass is famous for refusing to carry Balaam forward as he wished, and then speaking to Balaam to defend himself against the beating that Balaam gave her. The verbal interchange between Balaam and his [...]
Between the Lines
Unbelievers constantly seek to find fault with the Bible. One of their criticisms is when the Bible reports different versions of the same event. These critics overlook the fact that different witnesses see events from different perspectives. That can be seen when multiple witnesses give their version of a particular event. The differences are sometimes considerable! But they all saw the same event! For [...]
A Bloody Husband
“It came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because [...]
Redemption as Shown in the Tabernacle
The ransom is the foundation of God’s plan for the redemption of mankind. It contains the fundamental idea of a corresponding price — Jesus for Adam, that is, substitutionary atonement. As explained in Tabernacle Shadows, pages 51-52: “The bullock represented Jesus at the age of thirty years — the perfect man who gave himself and died on our behalf. The High Priest, as we [...]
The Ordinances of the Altar
“And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt-offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon” (Ezekiel 43:18). Ezekiel’s Temple is a glorious structure found in Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48. It is primarily a picture of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom, conveying various aspects [...]
The Oldest Text
What would you say is the oldest archeological find of a scripture text? In 1979, Hungarian born Israeli archeologist Gabriel Barkay, along with a group of 12 and 13 year olds, was excavating in an area outside of Jerusalem in the backyard of St. Andrews Church, an area known as Ketef Hinnom. One of the boys, wielding a hammer under a burial bench, unexpectedly [...]
The Color Blue
“Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens” (Psalms 89:2). The color blue is a symbol of faithfulness. The very heavens cast this beautiful color into the eyes of all observers, while they reflect on the importance of their faithful law giver. “Thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens” (Psalms 89:2), “To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy [...]
Papias
We happened upon an interesting comment in Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History regarding a certain Papias. He wrote: “In these he (Papias) says there would be a certain millennium after the resurrection, and that there would be a corporeal reign of Christ on this very earth; which things he appears to have imagined, as if they were authorized by the apostolic narration, not understanding correctly those [...]
Put to Death Flesh, Raised Spirit
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). All Christians rejoice in the truth of the resurrection of our Lord. But the details of what that resurrection entails, as viewed by most of Christianity, diverges significantly from [...]
70 Bullocks
The number of animal sacrifices during the Feast of Tabernacles was greater by far than any other feast. 70 bullocks were sacrificed during the week, 119 lambs, rams and goats in addition to grain and wine offerings. Numbers 29 details which animals were offered on which day. The number of smaller animals was the same on each day of the feast. There was one [...]
Ten Glorious Days
After Jesus' resurrection, on Nisan 16, he was on earth for 40 days teaching and encouraging his disciples. They needed his post resurrection appearances to establish their faith that Jesus was alive and that his death had been essential to God's plan. The Day of Pentecost followed 50 days after his resurrection. 0n the day of Pentecost the holy spirit was sent to the [...]
The Precious Fruit of the Earth
"Wait patiently therefore, brethren, till the coming of the Lord. Behold! the husbandman expects the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it, till he receive the early and latter harvest" (James 5:7, Wilson Diaglott). In the 0ld Testament God appointed special times for the nation of Israel to celebrate and remember certain important events. In Leviticus 23 He commanded Israel to observe [...]
The Stars Cry Out
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world" (Psalms 19:1-4 NIV). In this text, notice David's [...]
Two Views of Atonement
"And this shall be a statute forever unto you; in the 10th day of the 7th month ... to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year" (Leviticus 16:29,34). The Hebrew word rendered "atonement" means "to cover." Strong says it appears in various forms including the words cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pardon, purge, reconcile. It is [...]
Thy Throne is the Throne of God Forever and Ever
Hebrews 1:8 reads, "but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; and the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom" (ASV text). Or, "but of the Son he saith, Thy throne is God forever and ever; and the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom" (ASV margin). When taken out of context, the Greek [...]
Earnest Admonitions
"Consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession" (Hebrews 3:1, NASE). The letter to the Hebrews contains the longest sustained argument of any book in the Bible. Employing a careful and closely-knit discussion, the author moves with confidence step by step through an elaborate proof of Christianity's preeminence over Judaism. The recipients of the letter were wavering in their Christian faith and [...]
For Liberty
"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty" (Galatians 5:13). The doctrine of Christian Liberty is a broad one with many wonderful lessons. To this list we may add a nice note found in W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Under the topic of Freedom we find this gem thought: "The word is twice rendered "freedom" in the RV of Galatians 5:13 [...]
The Sacrificial Ritual of Ezekiel 43
Understanding Leviticus chapter 16 has blesssed Bible Students for well over 120 years.1 It is interesting to note that Ezekiel 43:18-27 has many of the same symbols and overall tone. We believe it is another picture of the Antitypical Atonement Day sacrifices of the Gospel Age, as it is a ritual that takes place immediately before the activation of Ezekiel's Temple, which is a [...]
Michael Nekora
November 4, 2011 Bro. Michael Nekora, well known to nearly all our readers, completed his term in the "School of Christ" and passed to his service above, on the evening of November 4, 2011, as the clouds parted near sunset. Bro. Nekora served as one of the founding editors of Beauties of the Truth in October 1990 and continued to serve as a thoughtful [...]
The Wandering of Hagar
And Abraham ... took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba" (Genesis 21:14). Sometimes in scripture we have occasions where God approves of actions that we might not think to be very kind. A frequent target of Bible [...]
153 Fishes
"Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, and hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken" (John 21:11). After the death of Jesus, a number of disciples returned to their fishing business. After a night of casting their net, they caught nothing. Standing on the shore, Jesus [...]
Bible Words for “Ransom”
"The Son of man came ... to give his life a ransom" (Matthew 20:28). There are three Hebrew root words and two Greek words that are translated "ransom" in the KJV. They are listed in the following chart. Included are the three Greek words used in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament, and some examples of texts in which these words appear. The [...]
Kittel, on Lutron
"Lutron (Strong 3083) is formed from luo (Strong 3089; to loosen) with the ending "tron." ... In post-Homeric constructs ... lutron is "money paid as a ransom." The word is not found in Homer, but it occurs in Herodotus and the tragedians, as well as various inscriptions and papyri. "Lutron is especially the money paid to ransom prisoners of war, but it is then [...]
The Seven Spirits, What and Where?
"There were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God" (Revelation 4:5). The Book of Revelation gives us the "Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:1). God gave this revelation to him, but it is Jesus who testifies it to John, through an angel. "He which testifies these things saith, Surely I come quickly ... even so, come, [...]
Two Readings of the Law
"And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which Jehovah had commanded to Israel" (Nehemiah 8:1). Ezra and Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem from Babylon and Persia respectively. Their object was the same: to revive the work of [...]
What Did the Magi See?
What the Magi may have seen around the time of Jesus Christ's Birth. Magi in the East saw the "star" of the King of the Jews (Matthew 2). But what was it that they saw, and how did they interpret it? That question has been around for centuries, but astronomical information recently pointed out may answer it. An improved chronology of Roman history around [...]
Ancient Hebrew Text
Discovery of a text that may be the most ancient example of Hebrew writing. An ancient text was discovered on a shard of pottery in Israel, and turned out to be the earliest known example of Hebrew writing. Scientists have discovered the earliest known Hebrew writing - an inscription dating from the 10th century BC, during the period of King David's reign. The breakthrough [...]
Luther and Russell
Brief comments regarding the decline of the Ottomans and return of Israel. MARTIN LUTHER ON THE LAST DAY "When the Turk begins to fail a little the Last Day will surely come [der jungste Tag gewisslich kommen]. For this is the way it must be according to Scripture. There is commotion enough in the political life at present. Lawyers never had more to do [...]
Return of the Jews to Israel
A brief look at what made possible the Jewish return to their homeland. Beginning with the Autumn 1874 planting and the Spring harvest of the winter crops in the Balkans, a number of seemingly-unrelated but rapid-fire events enabled the Jews to return to their land for the first time in about eighteen centuries. Within four years the first Jews were making Aliyah (return). BACKGROUND [...]
Reader Reply on Gnosticism
Some research from years ago. Your article on Gnosticism ... Beauties of the Truth, Volume 22, No. 2 (May 2011) reminded me of some research I did many years ago. I had a developing interest on how various ancient false systems of thought impinging upon the Bible's Ransom teaching influenced so called "orthodoxy" into error; and researching along these lines developed a special interest [...]
Elijah, Ahab, Jezebel, Related Antitypes
"Elijah ... and all of his doings were a type on a small scale of greater things which came afterwards" (R5741).1 Divine providence may arrange a forceful method of conveying lessons when an illustration is needed respecting moral conduct and its consequences. God can overrule so that men acting with complete moral free-will have their words and actions preserved in the Bible. History by [...]
832
The previous engaging article on Waldo draws to mind some thoughts about the Pergamos and Thyatira periods of the Church. Doctrinal corruption was formalized at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD, a date which some consider began the Pergamos period. Political corruption in the Papal system was formalized in 539 AD, when Papacy entered upon their 1260 years of political influence. Peter Waldo, [...]
Why Waldo? (Continued and concluded from February, 2011)
Peter Waldo lived during the period of Thyatira, during the depths of Papal authority. The Catholic Church partnered with governments to rule with a heavy hand. This partnership is referred to in Revelation 2:20-23. "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and [...]
When Jesus became God
(Addendum to the article "Development of the Trinity," November 2010 issue) When Jesus Became God: the Struggle to Define Christianity in the Last Days of Rome. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1999; Harvest paperback, 2000. Paris: Editions Decouverte, 2001. The account of our Lord's life and the developments in the church during apostolic times are well known, as is the story of Christian persecutions during [...]
Translating No-Verb Sentences
Many languages do not require every complete sentence to have a verb, among them Hebrew and Greek, although English is not such a language.1 In the absence of a verb, the tense is usually unimportant or irrelevant. Therefore it is important that italics (or brackets) be used to indicate that a verb in English has been added in the translation. Grammatically, the tense of [...]
Keener Vigilance
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1). The letter to the Hebrews contains the longest sustained argument of any book in the Bible. With a careful and closely knit discussion, the author moves with confidence step by step through an elaborate proof of Christianity's [...]
Psalm 48, Mount Zion
"Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north" (Psalms 48:2). King Hezekiah was surrounded "like a bird in a cage." 1 Jerusalem was besieged by the armies of Assyria led by king Sennacherib in the 7th century BC as recorded in Isaiah chapters 36, 37. To bolster morale within the city, the sons of [...]
Gnosticism: “Science Falsely So Called”
"Avoid ... oppositions of science falsely so called" (1 Timothy 6:20).1 When the Apostle Paul wrote to condemn "Science falsely so called" (1 Timothy 6:20, he referred to the confused spiritual beliefs of "Gnosticism." The very name "Gnosticism" comes from the Greek word here translated "science" (knowledge, Strong 1108, gnosis). "Gnosticism" is a deceptive path of inner "knowing" that was bitterly fought against from [...]
The Beauty of Holiness
"Laid on Thine Altar, 0 my Lord Divine, Accept this gift today, for Jesus' sake. I have no jewels to adorn Thy shrine, Nor any world-famed sacrifice to make; But here I bring, within my trembling hand, This will of mine - a thing that seemeth small; And Thou alone, 0 Lord, canst understand How, when I yield Thee this, I yield mine all." [...]
Explaining Scripture in Light of Gnostic Heresies
"Laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7). During the latter stages of their ministries the Apostles constantly battled counterfeit Christian heresies. This is well documented in Scripture. Less understood is the specific nature of these heresies. The early stages of heretical thought recorded especially in Paul's and [...]
Why Waldo?
"I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy Patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first" (Revelation 2:19). Of all the messengers to the seven stages of the Church, one of whom we know little was the fourth, Peter Waldo, for records of him and his work are scant from this dark period of the [...]
From Jordan to Golgotha
"And the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age" (Luke 3:22, 23). How long was the spirit-begotten life of Jesus Christ? Nobody knows precisely. But from Autumn 29 AD [...]
The Law of the Offerings
"This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meal offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the Peace offerings" (Leviticus 7:37). The book of Exodus closes with a record of building the Tabernacle, almost a year after the Israelites left Egypt. "In the first month, in the second year, [...]
Understanding John 1:1, “Towards God”
"In the Beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was towards [in the service of] God, and the Logos was a god" (John 1:1, literal translation). The opening verses of John's Gospel, John 1:1-2, are familiar. But they have been misunderstood.1 (1) The translation "with God," as appears in most Bibles, is inaccurate. (2) The correct translation is "unto God," or, "towards God." The [...]
Development of the “Trinity Doctrine”
"Hold fast the form of sound words" (2 Timothy 1:13). The apostles who walked with Jesus during his ministry, and led the Church in the first decades of the Christian era, knew Jesus as Messiah, the anointed of God. He was "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). He had existed from the beginning of God's creation. Later he was "made [...]
The Foul Waters Will Be Sweetened
"Every thing that liveth, whieh moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live ... for they shall be healed" (Ezekiel 47:9). The Dead Sea is one of the most prominent features of the land of Israel. It is the lowest elevation on the face of the earth, being some 1,312 feet below sea level. It is the deepest salt lake in the world, and [...]
Who Are the Jews?
The world's 13 million Jews are strongly linked by religion and culture. But do they share a common genetic heritage? Two new studies conclude that most members of the far-flung Jewish Diaspora can trace their roots to ancestors who lived in the Middle East more than 2000 years ago. The new research, based on recent advances in genome technology, apparently refutes controversial claims that [...]
Origins of the Two Horned Beast
"And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon" (Revelation 13:11). It has been well stated that if one wants to understand prophecy he must first study history. That seems especially true when studying the book of Revelation. There we see historical entities portrayed as beasts and dragons. [...]
Man with the Writer’s Inkhorn
"Go through the midst ... of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof " (Ezekiel 9:4). The passage in Ezekiel chapter nine has intrigued Bible Students for many years. It describes a man clothed in linen who is instructed by God to go through [...]
Double Elevens
"There are eleven days' journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir unto Kadesh-Barnea" (Deuteronomy 1:2). In a previous issue of Beauties of the Truth appeared the article "Double Numbers" (May 2009). That article noted the repeated appearance of the number 18 in Luke chapter thirteen, which appears nowhere else in the New Testament - and an earlier conspicuous double reference to the number [...]
The Eternal Debate
(This is the forepart of a lengthy treatise excerpting writers throughout the age respecting hope for the unsaved. The portion below takes us through only the second century of the Christian era.) Both Jews and Christians have debated for centuries about eternal life, the immortal soul, hell, and the scope of God's salvation. This debate reaches from the Jewish writers, the early Church, to [...]
Shepherd of the Sheep
"The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, [with] the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work" (Hebrews 13:20, 21). This text refers to Jesus as the "Shepherd of the Sheep." The thought that Jesus is our shepherd is expressed by Jesus himself in John 10:11, 14, "I [...]
James, John, and the Cup
" 'Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?' And they said unto him, 'We are able' " (Matthew 20:22). The setting of this event (Matthew 20:20-23) was when our Lord was returning to Jerusalem with his Apostles for the observance of Passover. He had reached Jericho [...]
The Pilate Stone
A Fragment of History The Pilate Stone is the name of a block of limestone with a carved inscription attributed to Pontius Pilate, a prefect of the Roman-controlled province of Iudaea from 26-36. Pilate is infamous as being the man who condemned Jesus Christ to a painful scourging and death by crucifixion ca. 33. The partial inscription reads (conjectural letters in brackets): [DIS AUGUSTI]S [...]
Tabernacle Coverings of Sea-cows
"They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, its covering and the outer covering of hides of sea cows, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting" (Numbers 4:25 New International Version, 1984). The word tachash (Strong's 8476) occurs in the descriptions of the tabernacle in Exodus 25, 26, 35, 36, 39; in the directions for moving [...]
Top of the Mountains
"In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of Jehovah shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it" (Micah 4:1). This blessed promise, well known among Bible Students, speaks of re-established Israel as the center of God's Kingdom on Earth. This text [...]
Psalm 47, Celebrating Victory in the Face of Enemies
"O Clap your hands, all ye peoples, shout unto God with the voice of triumph" (Psalm 47:1).1 So beloved and important is Psalm 47 that to this day it plays a special part in the annual Jewish liturgy. In traditional synagogues, Psalm 47 is recited before the sounding of the Shofar (ram's horn) at the start of each New Year. Although the custom of [...]
Paul’s Third Missionary Journey
"And after he had spent some time there [Antioch], he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples" (Acts 18:23). The account of Paul's third missionary journey begins with this text, somewhat inauspiciously in mid-chapter. Galatia and Phrygia would be major parts of Turkey as one travelled westward from Antioch. The account continues to the [...]
Between the Shoulders
"Jehovah ... shall dwell between [Benjamin's] shoulders" (Deuteronomy 33:12). In the blessings given by Moses to the twelve tribes of Israel, a direction is given to Benjamin that is not immediately clear. In Deuteronomy 33:12, Moses tells us where Jehovah will dwell. "And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him [...]
Samuel the Levite
"Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-Zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite" (1 Samuel 1:1). This scripture requires some explanation because it might seem to indicate that Samuel was not a Levite, since he is called an Ephrathite. The following explanation is [...]
Psalm 46, A Song Upon Alamoth
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Psalm 46:1). The situation was dire. The Armies of mighty Sennacherib, king of Assyria stood outside the very gates of Jerusalem. Recognizing the high cost of a direct assault on [...]
Tyre and Sidon, Unrestrained Capitalism (Continued from previous issue)
PROTESTANT WORK ETHIC But today, why is there such a difference between Western Christendom looking to Rome and Eastern Christendom looking to Constantinople? There are a multitude of reasons to be sure. But what opened the door to commerce in Western Christendom was the challenge for Papacy that came with the unbridled neopaganism of the Renaissance and then the counterbalancing nearly fatal crisis of [...]
Rooted in Deep Waters
"In the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert" (Isaiah 35:6). In the biblical narrative, the word yuval (Strong 2988) which appears three times in the Bible seems to have lost its original nuance and it is recognized as meaning a stream of some kind.1 In modern Hebrew, it refers to a perennial stream, and so it has generally been understood [...]
Joshua’s Request
"Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon, and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon" (Joshua 10:12). Abstract. Much has been written through the centuries about these scriptures found in Joshua 10:12-14. Some of the explanations of Joshua's request defy the very laws of the universe established by God. God uses His universal laws to accomplish things but does not go against these laws. With [...]
Tyre and Sidon, Unrestrained Capitalism
"Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king: after the end of seventy years shall Tyre sing as an harlot" (Isaiah 23:15). Isaiah speaks of a period not quite two centuries future to his own day when the harlot song of Tyre would follow a period of seventy years when it would be forgotten. While in their own tongue [...]
Double Numbers
"Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men?" (Luke 13:4) EIGHTEEN IN SCRIPTURE One way to emphasize a point is by repetition. In Scripture, there are some conspicuous cases of the repetition of numbers that seem to indicate there is a spiritual point in them. One example occurs in Luke [...]
Two Trees
"Who in his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24). In studying the teachings of the Old Testament, we learn from them, sometimes by way of contrast, and sometimes by way of comparison. A striking illustration of this fact is found in Genesis 2:9, "And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every [...]
A Passover Experience
"Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword ... he proceeded further to take Peter also. Then were the days of unleavened bread" (Acts 12:1-3). Herod (Agrippa I, grandson of the Herod who sought the life of the baby Jesus) had espoused the religion prevalent in his kingdom, [...]
Lunar and Solar Calendar
"And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years" (Genesis 1:14). As is well known, 12 lunar months aggregate to somewhat shy of a solar year, 354 days as compared to 365 days. How did the Jews adjust the [...]
Memorial Dates
"For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7). What has been the historical record of Bible Student reckoning of the Memorial and what are some future dates? BIBLE STUDENTS RECKONING 1880-1920 The Christian Memorial is celebrated after sunset on Nisan 14. The Gregorian (European-American) calendar day corresponds to the Jewish Nisan 13 (which ends at sunset). The Gregorian dates for [...]
Principles of Biblical Quotations
"Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21). From time to time we note what appear to be inaccuracies when New Testament writers quote from the Old Testament. Sometimes words are left out, added, or changed. Many times what we have learned in the Harvest Message applies to the second advent, is applied to the first [...]
Memorial Observances
"For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7). Eight "Questions" about the observance of Memorial were treated in earlier articles, February 1996 and August 2008. Here follows a Ninth Question in this series. Question Nine - How do the Temple Festivals relate to the Passover-Memorial service? The cycle of Temple festivals provided much of the same joyful anticipation for the [...]
Newton Republished
While working for civil defense in Washington, a former congressman showed me through the old building of the Library of Congress. In the rare book section, I decided to look in the card catalogue under Isaac Newton. I heard he wrote about religion but had never seen any published materials. The library had a complete list of Newton's published work with only one book [...]
Solomon – and his Glory
In Matthew 6:28, 29 Jesus speaks of how splendidly our Heavenly Father clothes the lilies of the field. He tells us that their beauty rivals even Solomon's glory. We see that despite Solomon's failings, memories of his glorious reign were one of his abiding legacies. Let us ask two questions about the life of Solomon. First, are his failings consistent with his prayer for [...]
Jeremiah’s Enemies Uncovered
In Jeremiah 20:1-6, 38:1, Pashur was a priest, and Gedaliah his son. Both were enemies of Jeremiah. Recently evidence directly linked to this passage of scripture was unearthed at Jerusalem's ancient City of David, this time corroborating the Book of Jeremiah.1 A completely intact seal impression, or "bula," bearing the name Gedaliahu ben Pashur was uncovered. The bula is actually a stamped engraving made [...]
Elijah’s Sleeping Baal
There is a pertinent and interesting parallel to Elijah's mocking words in 1 Kings 18:7 that has gone unnoticed until recently.1 When the priests of Baal fail to get any response from their god, Elijah mocks them saying, "call loudly ... perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened." Aside from the biting satire, Elijah's words may recall some cultic awakening of the [...]
The Convincing Spirit of Truth
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:7-8). What did Jesus mean when he [...]
John Huss, Martyr
John Huss was the bold reformer who took up the spirit of Wycliffe, who predeceased Huss by 31 years. Huss laid the groundwork for the Reformation of Martin Luther a century later. He was also a master at Charles University in Prague, and produced extensive writings. Richard II, King of England, married Anne of Bohemia, and travelling back to Bohemia brought Wycliffe's ideas with [...]
Three and a Half Years
"In the midst of the week, he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease" (Daniel 9:27). Thus are the 3½ years of our Master's earthly ministry defined - half of the last, or seventieth week, of the prophecy. Probably all would agree that these are the most important 3½ years for the human race. During this time the very son of God himself [...]
Carl Hagensick
Born September 17, 1934 Changed May 23, 2008 After dealing with a paralyzing stroke for some 19 years Bro. Carl Hagensick, a founding editor and frequent contributor to Beauties of the Truth, has finished his earthly pilgrimage. He leaves behind a legacy of devoted service to the brethren all over the world. Bro. Carl was personally involved in many special projects that have blessed [...]
Memorial Observances
"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (Corinthians 5:7). FOUR QUESTIONS Considerations about the Memorial observance were treated in February 1996, when four questions were answered.1 (1) Since Bible Students link the celebration of Memorial to the Passover observance and use the Jewish calendar to [...]
Of the Day of Judgment and World to Come
Extracted from Yahuda Ms. 6, folio 12-19, part of The Synchronisms of the Three Parts of the Prophetick Interpretation (Sotheby Catalogue, Lot 244). RESTITUTION The mystery of the restitution of all things is to be found in all the Prophets: which makes me wonder with great admiration that so few Christians of our age can find it there. They understand not that the final [...]
Enoch, Methu- selah, Lamech
Enoch, Methuselah and Lamech were the last patriarchs before Noah, in the genealogy of Genesis chapter five. Enoch is mentioned by the Apostle Jude as "Enoch ... the seventh from Adam," who prophesied of the judgment coming (Jude 1:14). That judgment was the flood, but Jude's mention of it shows that the judgment then also applies to something future from Jude's day. Also, Jesus [...]
Kohen-Levi Conference
"The Gathering of the Tribe," Jerusalem, July 2007 As a follow-up to the article, "The Sons of Aaron and Levi," Beauties of the Truth, 19, 1 (February 2008), a reader from Germany noticed mention of a conference for Levites in Jerusalem July 15-19, 2007. These dates commemorate the traditional remembrance of the death of Aaron. "Just days before the holiday commemorating the destruction of [...]
The Wedding
"She is all glorious within" (Psalms 45:13). For upward of twenty centuries the door has stood open for the completion of the Church; but the time must come when she will stand before the Son of God, adorned as a bride for her husband (Revelation 21:2, R6024). All eyes in the celestial realm are on the bridal pair. The bride's beauty of form, her [...]
The Heavens Declare the Glory of God
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, [...]
“The Lord is Near to All who Call on Him.” (Psalm 145:18)
I work in a large university, and much of my time is spent helping students solve academic and personal problems. While my work is rewarding, it is sometimes overwhelming, even though I know that God uses me to help people who are facing difficulties. Toward the end of the academic year, I was exhausted from helping other people find solutions. One morning when a [...]
Our Glorious Crown
"Take silver and gold, make an ornate crown and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest' " (Zechariah 6:9-11, NAS). No cross, no crown. This spiritual axiom is clearly expressed in Scripture. "It is a faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign [...]
“Towards God” (John 1:1)
The efforts of the outstanding scholar and Christian John Wycliffe in the 1370's produced the first English Bible translation still somewhat readable. Written by hand on costly parchment, these precious texts were concealed and carried throughout England by preachers willing to risk their lives so that God's work could be made intelligible to the common people. With his characteristic intellectual boldness, Wycliffe in this [...]
Jeremiah
"The word of the LORD came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign ... unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month" (Jeremiah 1:2, 3). Jeremiah was Jehovah's prophet to Israel, and to [...]
The Sons of Aaron and Levi
"Who may abide the day [now present] of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver" (Malachi 3:1-6). All those calling upon the name of the [...]
The Jewish Diaspora: 135 to the Fall of Rome¹
BAR KOKHBA'S REBELLION (132-135 AD) The last agonized moans of the crucified on Jerusalem's walls fell still, drowned out by the steady tramp of a heavy military occupation that followed the failed Great Jewish Revolt (70-73 AD). The Second Temple was destroyed by the Roman siege on August 4, 70 AD. This date is the 9th of Av on the Jewish calendar. As prophesied, [...]
Jacob’s Speckled Sheep
Professor Yehuda Felix of Jerusalem, who devoted his life to research of the world of botany and zoology in the Bible, passed away on December 2, 2005 at the age of 83. He was among the founders of the Land of Israel Studies Department at Bar Ilan University, and headed it for many years. He authored some 20 books and dozens of articles; his [...]
Paul’s Striving for Laodicea
"For I wish you to know [that is, to understand] how greatly I agonize [or strive in every way] for you and for them at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh" (Colossians 2:1). Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are very much alike. In these three epistles of the Apostle Paul we find many of the same thoughts and [...]
The World to Come
(Continued from previous issue, and its longer title, "Of the Day of Judgment and World to Come." At the beginning of this segment we reproduce part of the paragraph closing the last issue, to connect the thought. This article is of historic importance, but the reader is cautioned to weigh specific interpretations.) This city [new Jerusalem] must be understood to comprehend as well Christ [...]
The Tribes of Israel – Asher
Asher springs from the pitiless infighting and the destructive rivalry bred of the deception Laban played on Jacob. Originally, Jacob had not planned on his polygamous union with both Rachel and her older sister Leah. The less-loved wife Leah adopted the stratagem of escalating her importance in the eyes of the community and Jacob by adding sons through surrogate motherhood. By the end of [...]
The Voice of the Lord (Psalm 29)
David in his palace in Jerusalem observes and vividly describes a severe thunderstorm as it sweeps across the entire land of Palestine from Lebanon in the north to the south of Israel. Floods from such storms cause considerable damage in the Biblical lands. Sometimes it may not rain for two or three years, but when it does, it turns into a deluge, destroying the [...]
Newton: Bible Student and Scientist
Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was born in Lincolnshire on Christmas day nearly two months premature, and posthumous to his father. In the superstition of the day, all three of these circumstances were considered to portend a child of exceptional abilities, and so he was. He was born in the last year a witch was publicly burned at the stake in England. When he went to [...]
Harmonizing Habakkuk 3:9
"Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah ..." (Habakkuk 3:9, AV) Considered by most translators and commentators as an obscure and difficult to translate passage, Habakkuk 3:9 has confounded interpreters for centuries. The United Bible Societies Bible Translator Handbook states that "with so many possibilities to be found in reputable translations (and many other [...]
Soles of The Feet of the Priests
As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests ... shall rest in the waters, the waters ... shall be cut off (Joshua 3:13). The people were not to wait in their camps until the way was opened; they were to walk by faith. They were to break camp, pack up their goods, form in line to march, and move down to [...]
God’s “Only;’ His “Darling”
Many years ago, God asked of Abraham a heavy thing. "And he [God] said [to Abraham], Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee, into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of" (Genesis 22:2). "And he [the Angel of the Lord] said, [...]
The Testimony of Hegesippus
The Gospel accounts describe the reaction to Jesus' ministry in his hometown of Nazareth and lays out the natural family of our Lord in detail: "ls not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these [...]
Tyre and Sidon
The history of these twin cities of Tyre and Sidon illustrate the evils of abominable idolatry linked to a commerce driven life without the restraints of God's spirit. Their primacy as economic powers of the ancient world presented a continual reproach to the children of Israel. And yet, this should not have happened. It happened because Israel never fully entered upon the blessings tendered [...]
The Liberation of Jerusalem, 1917
"I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD ... [they will] return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and ... shall possess it" (Jeremiah 30:3). On December 9th the city of Jerusalem surrendered to the British Third Army under General Sir Edmund Allenby. So important was this victory in World War I that news [...]
Days of Daniel
A popular account of the Allenby campaign by Owen Wister, The Romance of the Last Crusade - with Allenby to Jerusalem, points to the interest in the apparent fulfillment of Biblical prophecy with the conquest coming in 1917.1 First, it is necessary to point out that for the hopes of the Lord's people comprising the true church, the interpretation of the Days of Daniel [...]
Messenger of Millennial Hope (By Charles F. Redeker)
Pastoral Bible Institute, 1425 Lachman Lane, Pacific Palisades, California 90272, USA • Published November, 2006 Ninety years ago the founder of the Bible Students, Pastor Charles Taze Russell, died. The organization he established became fragmented and subject to strong personalities who felt they knew how to best continue his legacy. These differences between the groups who trace their roots to the Pastor's ministry continue [...]
The Letter to Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-10)
THE TITLES OF CHRIST IN REVELATION In the book of the Revelation, Christ reveals himself to the Church according to their moral condition, and the title which Christ assumes in addressing each church anticipates what is vital and with moral significance to them. For example, in the writing to Pergamos we read, "By the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith [...]
Wisdom That is Tender Hearted
''Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Jesus recognized the need for blending opposites. He knew that his disciples would face a difficult and hostile world, where they would confront cold and arrogant men whose hearts had been hardened. So he said to them, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves," (Mat thew 10:16) [...]
Trample Not on Any
The Jews would not willingly tread upon the smallest piece of paper in their way, but took it up; for possibly, they say, the name of God may be on it. Though there was a little superstition in this, yet truly there is nothing but good religion in it, if we apply it to men. Trample not on any; there may be some work [...]
The 9th of Av
Tisha B'Av (tish'ah be-ab) is a major annual fast day in Judaism. Its name denotes the ninth day "Tisha" of the Jewish month of ''Av," which falls in mid-summer. It has been called the "saddest day in Jewish history." In the Bible, before the exile, this month was simply called, "the fifth month." The lunar-based Jewish calendar shows some variation of the dates each [...]
If He Love His Master
'1f thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years shall he serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing ... And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto [...]
Oxen and Wagons
"(1) And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them; (2) That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, [...]
“Hastening the Presence”
We find 2 Peter 3:12 translated ''As you look forward to the day of God, and speed its coming" (New International Version), where this last phrase is otherwise translated "hasting unto the coming" (King James). A technical translation such as the Marshall Diaglott renders this phrase "hastening the presence (parousia) of the day of God." How should we understand this? This word "hastening" in [...]
The Conversion of Nathanael
An Expansion of John 1:43-51 Nathanael was a devout Jew with the highest of ethical standards.1 He was aware of the distinction between himself and most of his fellow Israelites. Rising above the expected always takes special effort, and Nathanael clearly recognized this. He also possessed the character trait of healthy skepticism. When his friend Philip proclaimed, "I have found the messiah!," Nathanael mused [...]
Ancient Papyri Disprove Critics
Revolutionary ideas about the Bible that have been popularized over the past century include the notions: (1) that Constantine (312-337) excluded several valid gospels from our Bibles, (2) that the Epistle to the Hebrews was not writ ten by Paul or any other apostle, (3) that the writings of John could not possibly have been written before the late 3rd century since the dragon [...]
Matthew 28:19
"Go ye and make disciples of all the nations in my name, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded you" (Matthew 28:19). Following is the seminal article frequently quoted in scholarly studies on the modifications of Christian doctrine after the Apostles slept. Published in 1902, the Hibbert Journal article by Conybeare draws together the scholarship for the close of Matthew's Gospel to [...]
Lamech
In our last issue appeared an article on Enoch and Elijah, suggesting that the quiet taking of Enoch represents the raising of the sleeping saints, whereas the climactic taking of Elijah represents the taking of the last members of the body of Christ amid the tumults closing the Harvest. We then noticed that Methuselah, the successor of Enoch, may represent the same class as [...]
Lo, I Am With You Always
(This lesson is continued from the previous issue. The first portion took us through the miracle of Jesus stilling the tempest after awaking from sleep in a storm tossed boat. Then the miracle of Jesus' feeding of the 5000 was introduced, after which he sent the disciples in a boat across the Sea of Galilee, as he went into a mountain for solitude and [...]
Hebrew “Roots” in Strong’s Concordance
One of the great blessings contributing to an improved understanding of the Bible for non-speakers of Hebrew and Greek was the first printing of the James Strong's Concordance in 1894. A little assistance in understanding Strong's references to Hebrew words may be of help since the language structure is so different from English and Romance languages. Consider the Hebrew word "to write" (Strong 3789). [...]
Names of Ten Antediluvian Patriarchs
In Hebrew, as in most Oriental languages, we find that all proper names are significant words. Instances of this occur in almost every page of the Hebrew scriptures. As an example, Genesis 5:3-32 lists the names of ten antediluvian patriarchs from Adam to Noah, inclusive. These are (1) Adam, Seth, (3) Enos, (4) Cainan, (5) Mahalaleel, (6) Jared, (7) Enoch, (8) Methuselah, (9) Lamech. [...]
I Will Be What I Will Be (Etymology of the words “Yahweh” and “Ehyeh”)
While the word "Jehovah" is used in some versions of the Bible, the general practice of replacing it with "LORD" in most Bibles has concealed some of the most profound and beautiful thoughts in the word of God. The disciple who correctly understands and appreciates the deep significance and beauties of this sacred name will never desire to bury these beauties under other names, [...]
Lo, I Am With You Always
The setting for our lesson is a storm on the Sea of Galilee. "Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side" (Matthew 8:18). The press of the crowd to follow Jesus and witness his many miracles began to tax his strength, and he wished to go by boat with his disciples to the other side [...]
Crimson Garments from Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1-3, 5, 6)
Who is this that cometh from Edom [the land of Esau, who for one earthly morsel sacrificed his spiritual inheritance - Edom thus typifying the nominal Church and so-called Christendom], with dyed [crimson, RSV] garments from Bozrah [the capital of Edom signifying the Papacy]? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling [riding on horseback] in the greatness of his strength? I [the risen [...]
Enoch and Elijah
These two Ancient Worthies both had a miraculous ending to their lives. Of Enoch it was written simply, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:24). Of Elijah, "There appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire ... and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven" (2 Kings 2:11). Most brethren who express a thought on [...]
A Friend Loveth Like a Brother
''A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). A different and more correct rendering would give the verse thus: "The true friend loveth at all times, and loveth like a brother born for adversity." We are to be on our guard against merely whimsical friend ship, a friendship that is governed by moods and incidental and ever-changing [...]
Summer, Winter, and Sabbath (Matthew 24)
In the 24th chapter of Matthew, which we call "Our Lord's Great Prophecy" verses 20-22 read: "But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there [...]
Scape Goat and Lord’s Goat
When we consider Leviticus 16:8, ''And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scape-goat," we ask, "How was this done?" Jewish tradition states that there were two lots made either of wood, stone, or any kind of metal. On one was written Lassem, for the sacred name (Jehovah), and on the other [...]
Israel’s Cloud
God's providence on behalf of the children of Israel in their wilderness wanderings through the Sinai desert, the land of Moab, and that of the Ammonites, was manifested by a miraculous cloud formation, which became to them a visible token of His constant care and of His presence in their midst. ''And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a [...]
Myrtle Trees in the Bottom
"I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. Then said I, 0 my Lord, what are these?" (Zechariah 1:8-9). Previously the significance of the horses in this wonderful prophetic picture were considered, but what about the "myrtle [...]
Amos, Weaving the Web
''And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord" (Amos 7:15-16). THE ARRAIGNMENT OF ISRAEL Amos the Prophet resided in a small village south of Jerusalem in what is known as the wilderness of Judea. His ministry was during the reign of [...]
Rejoice Evermore
In his retirement, President John Adams (second president of the United States) turned his attention back to Biblical studies and in 1805 challenged the idea of the "perfect ability of man" as expounded by the eighteenth-century philosophers. "I consider the perfectability of man as used by modern philosophers to be mere words without meaning, that is mere nonsense," he wrote. Then he added, "[but] [...]
The Samaritan Woman
The account of Jesus and the woman of Samaria who came to draw water, and was offered a taste of the "living waters," is recorded inJohn4:l-29. Samaria was the name of a stretch of country located between Judea and Galilee, and while the Jews dealt with the Samaritans on a commercial basis, they had no intercourse with them socially or religiously but, rather, treated [...]
The Law and the Gospel
But what does it mean when Christ says: "The poor have good tidings preached to them?" Is it not preached also to the rich and to the whole world? Again, why is the Gospel so great a thing, so great a blessing as Christ teaches, seeing that so many people despise and oppose it? Here we must know what Gospel really is, otherwise we [...]
This is My Blood which Ratifies the Agreement
Matthew 26:28 reads: "For this is my blood of the new testament" (King James). [However] the word "new" (kaines) is absent in the best and oldest manuscripts (Aleph, B, L, Z, Theta, 33, etc.) and in most modem editions (Tischendorf, Westcott and Hort, Nestle, Souter) - as well as in the parallel, Mark 14:24. It stood in the medieval text and the Latin Vulgate [...]
The Miracle at Shiloh
CASTING LOTS AT SHILOH "And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance. And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, 'How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you?' And Joshua said, 'Give out from among you three men for each tribe, and [...]
Jezebel’s Death
"And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay" (1 Kings 19:17). Revelation names only four historical persons: faithful Moses, faithful David, iniquitous Balaam and but one woman - iniquitous Jezebel. In itself, the name "Jezebel" holds the promise of noble character and one [...]
The Salutations of John
With the exception of the three epistles of John and, debatably, Hebrews and Revelation, the non-historical books of the New Testament begin with the author's name. The Apostle John appears to be the lone exception to this rule. The question naturally arises as to why this is so and if there is any importance to this detail. We will first examine the two debatable [...]
Twenty-One Days
"The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia" (Daniel 10:13). This text has captivated our interest from our earliest years. Gabriel, one of the highest of God's angelic host, evidently second only to Michael, was withstood on an [...]
Elijah’s Letter
Question: In 2 Chronicles 21:12-15 Elijah writes a letter to the king of Judah condemning him for apostasy. Since Elijah was dead, how could he write such a letter? Answer: 2 Chronicles 21:12 reads, ''And there came a writing to [King Jehoram] from Elijah the prophet, saying..." The phrase "there came" should be rendered "was brought." Why assume that Elijah then sent it? It [...]
Love Your Enemies
Probably no admonition of Jesus has been more difficult to follow than the command to "love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). Some men have sincerely felt that its actual practice is not possible. "It is easy," they say, "to love those who love you, but how can one love those who openly and insidiously seek to defeat you?" Others contend that Jesus' exhortation to love [...]
Antiquity of the Pentateuch
The integrity of the Old Testament is treasured by brethren of"like precious faith" (2 Peter 1:1). The circumstances of its production, and the authority by which it comes to us in its present form, is of interest to many. The early narratives in Genesis were assembled by Moses from extant written records which accumulated from the most ancient times as part of the historical [...]
Pray Without Ceasing
The Apostle says, "Pray without ceasing." That is, he teaches men to have the remembrance of God in all times and places and circumstances. If you are making something you must call to mind the Creator of all things, if you see light, remember the Giver of it, if you see the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in [...]
With Many Thanks
The editors of this journal express their deep thanks to Bro. Jerry Leslie for his many years of devoted service to this publication, thereby promoting its uplifting influence among the brethren. This thanks is no doubt echoed by our many readers, specially those who know Bro. Leslie personally, and attest to the spirit of 2 Timothy 3:10 in his life and service to the [...]
Hezekiah’s Song of Trust
"I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake" (2 Kings 19:34). Sandwiched in between two wicked kings, Ahaz and Manasseh, Hezekiah was a reformer king in Judah. Although wavering at times in his faith, all in all he was one of the most remarkable rulers over the southern kingdom. Among the biblically recorded incidents [...]
Solomon’s Splendor Affirmed
"Thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard" (Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, 1 Kings 10:7). Archaeologist William Dever of the University of Arizona in Tucson adeptly observes that, "In the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict, people are increasingly invoking archaeology in support of their cause." 1 In this regard, Solomon's wisdom and riches recently have been called into question and become part of [...]
The Great River and the Waters of Life
SHILOAH'S SOFT WATERS Deep beneath Jerusalem there is a stratum of hard, impervious rock sloping gradually towards the southeast. All the rain that falls upon the city and filters into the ground finally gathers upon that unyielding shelf only to reemerge as springs upon the hillsides outside the city. The most famous of these springs is the "Virgin's Fountain" located halfway down the steep [...]
Robert Greathead
Historians frequently focus on those characters who both shape and are the products of their times. Luther was one such man who stood up against the prevailing religious oppression and bombast of his time and found that society was prepared to heed his message. John Hus (1369-1415 AD) a century earlier than Luther came to Bohemia preaching the same message of reform and zeal, [...]
Notes on Translation: Only Begotten
We owe a debt of gratitude to the clear explanation presented by Pastor Russell in The Atonement between God and Man (Study III). This study elucidates the confusing subject of "only begotten." In the Englishman's Greek Concordance we also find an invaluable study tool (now available keyed to Strong's Concordance), which shows the nine biblical uses of "monogenees." This is the single Greek word [...]
An Altar to God
"No one should give the answer that it is impossible for a man occupied with worldly cares ...to pray always. Everywhere, wherever you may find yourself, you can set up an altar to God in your mind by means of prayer. And so it is fitting to pray at your trade, on a journey, standing at the counter or sitting at your handicraft. Everywhere [...]
About our Chronology and Time Prophecies
"Without chronology," says Dr. Hales, "history would lose its most valuable characters of truth and consistency, and scarcely rise above the level of romance" - Martin Anstey, The Romance of Bible Chronology (1913). The Jewish nation had a Divine chronicler. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets" (Hebrews 1:1). "Knowing this first, [...]
Peter and Mark in Babylon
“The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son” (1 Peter 5:13). This rather obscure scripture of greetings holds within it three enigmas. (1) Who is it that is in Babylon? (2) To which Babylon does the apostle refer? (3) What was the relationship between Peter and Marcus? It is the search for answers to [...]
The Way of an Eagle in the Air
As a boy, I was lying on my back one day in the woods in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, drinking in the beauty of nature. As I looked up through the foliage of the trees around me, I noticed a stirring overhead. Lo and behold, a bald eagle was resting on one of the upper branches, and not having seen [...]
The Letter to Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6)
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead’ ” (Revelation 3:1, NASB). SARDIS AND EPHESUS The messages to the seven churches in the book of Revelation have a fourfold reference. First, [...]
Wycliff on Church Elections
John Wycliff (1329-1384) has well been called the “Morning Star of the Reformation,” and he is best remembered as the first translator of the Bible into English. Because the Papacy was in such disarray during his lifetime, he was able to write and act with a freedom that would not be matched until the great Reformation. To assure that the English people would not [...]
The Epistle of Barnabas
There have been several other chroniclers in history as well as those who have written about time prophecies. Pastor Russell comments on the “venerable tradition” is in his second volume of Studies in the Scriptures, The Time is at Hand. “Here we furnish the evidence that from the creation of Adam to AD 1873 was six thousand years. And though the Bible contains no [...]
The Lord’s Jewels
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as [...]
The Nazarite Vow
Particulars of the Nazarite vow are found in Numbers chapter six. This vow was taken voluntarily, either man or woman, in respect to their faith and devotion to Jehovah. For the period of their vow the Nazarite would (1) abstain from wine or any product of the vine, even down to seeds or leaves, (2) let his hair grow uncut, (3) avoid contact with [...]
Thanksgiving in our Hearts
Is there a method for cultivating mindfulness? The one we may choose is gratefulness, which can be practiced, cultivated, learned. And as we grow in gratefulness, we grow in mindfulness. With our waking thoughts and prayers, as our eyes greet the morning, we may remind ourselves that we have eyes to see while millions of our human brothers and sisters are blind in their [...]
A Divine Ladder — Which End is Up?
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified” (Romans 8:29, 30). Most students of the Bible concur that these verses [...]
Mt. Musa, Jabal al-Lawz (The Search for the Real Mt. Sinai)
TESTIMONY OF ADVENTURERS AND SCHOLARS ON MOUNT SINAI For centuries now, Bible scholars have been puzzled as to where the real Mt. Sinai is located. Most people are unaware that little evidence supports that what is called “Mt. Sinai” in the Sinai Peninsula — where the monastery of St. Catharine sits — is indeed the famed mountain of Exodus. Biblical scholars have suggested several [...]
Twenty-Four Courses
To King David was accorded the privilege of assembling the materials for the Temple. To his son, Solomon, was accorded the privilege of construction, dedication and ordering of the Temple and its services. One of David’s last executive acts was to assemble the Levites and designate their appointment for the Temple services. The record begins in 1 Chronicles 23. This is the principle means [...]
Psalm 119
This psalm is all about the Word of God. It is unique in several ways. It is the longest of all the psalms; in fact it is the longest chapter in the Bible, with 176 verses. These verses are not the divisions of an editor — they are inherent in the original. There are precisely 22 parts to this psalm, each containing 8 verses. [...]
It Came to Pass
Once at a testimony meeting the leader asked each one to quote a favorite Bible verse. One brother simply quoted the words, “And it came to pass.” This surprised everybody because it is not even a verse. Yet he insisted that the phrase “and it came to pass” was the one most meaningful to him. “Why?” asked the leader. The brother explained that in [...]
The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)
Philadelphia stood about 28 miles southeast from Sardis in the plains of Hermus, and about midway between the river of that name and the termination of Mount Smolus. It was a city of commercial importance conveniently located as the gateway to the high central plateau of Asia in Asia Minor. The name means “brotherly love” and commemorated the loyalty and devotion of Attalus II [...]
Priests and Levites
“And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 66:21). The context of the above verse places it in the time when all nations “shall come, and see my glory” (Isaiah 66:18). It describes the aftermath of the battle commonly called “Jacob’s Trouble” which is detailed in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Here we find the saga of [...]
The Breastplate’s Jewels
“Thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel ... And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD upon his two shoulders for a memorial ... Thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment [...]
David’s Prayer for Forgiveness
Overview, Psalm 51. “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba” (Psalm 51, Title). David’s prayer for forgiveness after his sin with Bathsheba is rightly considered a model expression of repentance and plea for forgiveness. It is noteworthy that this Psalm is assigned to the chief musician — as a [...]
Numbering Israel
“And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel. And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it. And Joab answered, The LORD make his people an hundred times so many more as they be; but, my [...]
The Flood and the Days of Noah
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Parables of Jeremiah (Continued from Previous Issue)
POTTER AND CLAY The next parable of the earthen vessels, that of the potter and the clay, is in Jeremiah 18:1-10. Jeremiah is first directed to learn a lesson as he watched the potter at his wheel. Pottery making was a familiar industry throughout the Near East and one that Jeremiah had witnessed many times. What impressed Jeremiah the most was the absolute dominance [...]
Salt and its Lost Savor
Salt is one of the main products of tears and is essential to life. Its amazing properties captured the imagination of early scientific inquiry into the laws of God’s nature. While salt remains unchanged by the flame of a fire, one drop of water accomplishes the dissolution of the salt that the fire for all of its power cannot achieve. By the time of [...]
Solomon by Solomon
The Bible is notable for recording the faults along with the virtues of the characters that cross its pages. Rather than portraits of black and white, people of the Bible are sketched in various shades of gray. Few of its actors are more mottled in gray than Solomon, son of David, king of Israel at the zenith of its power. He was infamous for [...]
The Letter to Pergamum
Revelation 2:12-17. Truth or Compromise? Pergamum is the third church of Revelation. It was located about 55 miles from Smyrna, the second church of Revelation. Pergamum was some 15 miles from the Aegean coast, and a mile or two from the Caicus River. Beyond all other cities in Asia Minor, Pergamum was fitted by nature to be a royal city. It was planted at [...]
Measuring Time
Our use and reference to time have both a general or accommodative framework as well as a level of very precise meaning. The expression, “Arrival will be at 6 pm when the sun sets” may be understood quite differently for a meal invitation, a train schedule or a scientist monitoring an atomic clock. A child may say, “I am five and a half” when [...]
Parables of Jeremiah
We generally do not think of parables in the Old Testament, but there are many. Among the major prophets Isaiah has 3 parables, Jeremiah 10, Ezekiel 23 and Daniel 5. Among the minor prophets there are some 14 others. We will con- sider some of the parables in the book of Jeremiah. Like Isaiah, Jeremiah prophesied to the two tribe Kingdom of Judah. At [...]
Wycliffe’s Work
John Wycliffe’s life is summarized in the Columbia Desk Encyclopedia as follows. “1328-1384, English religious reformer, educated at Oxford. He boldly asserted that Christ is man’s only overlord, that the clergy should own no property; that the Scriptures are the supreme authority; that many Church doctrines (notably transubstantiation) were false. His teachings were spread by his “poor priests” and influenced John Huss. He brought [...]
A Star Called Wormwood
Islam, Orthodoxy, and Catholicism in Prophecy The third church, the third seal, and the third trumpet together weave a tapestry that shows the challenges God’s people have met and triumphed over through Christ. Yet, their historic importance is relevant to our day, for a star called “Wormwood” and the church in Pergamos directly relate to the challenge of terrorism and warfare in Afghanistan that [...]
The Defense of Truth (Proper and Improper Methods)
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17). Question: May it be inferred from this text that purity of doctrine is placed first above all other considerations and that the defense of truth comes before peaceableness? In endeavoring to resolve this [...]
Transition
With this issue we welcome Bro. Richard Doctor to the staff of Beauties of the Truth, who has agreed to accept the duties of Managing Editor. Bro. Jerry Leslie, who has served in this capacity for several years, suggested a change, in the spirit of humility, but has agreed to continue on the editorial board. The members of the board wish Bro. Doctor the [...]
The Book of Job
(Continued from previous issue ... full text available electronically from the author at chagensickl@attbi.com) DOCTRINAL SIGNIFICANCE Perhaps the main importance of the book of Job is to answer the simple question as to why a loving God permits evil. Viewed from this standpoint, job represents mankind grappling with the facts of sin and death around him. As representing man, Job can only be used [...]
The Song of Solomon
This book is unique among the books of holy writ. It is a story of love, in tender, romantic language, which Hebrews recognize as a story of love between God and Israel, and Christians recognize as a story of love between Christ and his Church. It is frequently read at Passover season by the Jews, in commemoration of God's loving favor at the Exodus, [...]
Solomon’s Sanctuary
'Walk about Zion, go round her, count up her towers, review her ramparts, scan her citadels, that you may tell the age to come what a God our God is forevermore. ' (Psalms 48:12-14, Moffatt) According to 2 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 17, David planned a stone sanctuary for the Lord. He was inhabiting his own house of cedar, and God gave him [...]
The Book of Job
The following article is the last portion of a comprehensive treatise on the Book of Job, available electronically, as a Word file, from the author, at cahcbs@aol.com. Here we begin with Elihu's Response to Job. ELIHU'S PREFACE - CHAPTER 33:1-22 Although he plans to criticize Job, Elihu is almost apologetic in approaching him. Before addressing the main problem, he makes clear to Job that [...]
Abraham and Melchizedek
Abraham's faith is well known. We remember him for his prompt obedience to leave his own country and go to a land God would show him. We remember the promise made upon his father's death for the blessing of all the families of the earth. God honored him for his faith and readiness to sacrifice his only son. The perception of these men of [...]
I Came to Him
I came to Him, so proud and so sure, Caught in the web of the world's allure. Needing no Savior, or so I had thought, Neither the love nor redemption He bought. Happy with life and feeling no pain, Basking in sunshine and warm in the rain. Yet something was missing - not really there, Wanting to search, but knowing not where. I heard [...]
The Cup That Passed
The following is a presentation of scripture evidence that the cup Jesus stated was 'the cup which my Father hath given me, ' and 'the cup that I drink of, ' representing experiences prophesied concerning him, was not the cup he asked if possible might pass, (John 18:11; Mr 10:38) but that the cup he asked might pass was the mental conflict and agony [...]
Gog of the Land of Magog
The establishment of the Kingdom of God upon earth at the time of the Second Advent is preceded by a final and decisive conflict between the forces of good and evil. Those powers and institutions of this world which have been built upon human greed and injustice launch a concerted attack upon the new rulership which comes to bring peace to the nations, abolish [...]
World Population
The following tables compare the world population groups in 1999 with those of 1886 as reported in Volume One, page 16. We observe that while Muslims are the fastest growing group, Jews are the smallest and a diminishing percentage. God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. (1 Corinthians 1:27) Download PDF
Symbolisms of the Great Pyramid
Descending Passage = The downward course of 'This Present Evil World' to destruction. Subterranean Chamber, or Pit = Destruction or Gehenna, that state of death from which there will be no awakening. First Ascending Passage = The Israelitish Age; or the Law Dispensation during which the nation of Israel endeavored to gain life by the works of the Law. Well-Shaft = The Ransom-sacrifice of [...]
Spurious Words
'And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever Amen.]' (Matthew 6:13) The bracketed words above are generally recognized as spurious by most students of the Bible. They are not in the oldest Greek manuscripts, the Sinaitic and the Vatican. Some comments by Pastor Russell are: 'The Kingdom or [...]
The Dates of Christ’s Birth, Baptism, and Crucifixion
The Scriptures contain sufficient data to enable us to accurately determine the year when Jesus was born, and also the dates of his baptism and crucifixion. The present AD date, as fixed in the 6th century by Dionysius Exiguus for the beginning of the Christian Era, is now generally recognized to be in error by those who have given the matter careful study. Ussher's [...]
Zechariah’s Horses
"I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. Then said I, 0 my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will show thee what these be. And the man [...]
A Difference Between Bulls and Goats
While religious Jews the world over look forward to the Atonement Day, Christians view the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the beginning of that day. The purpose of that day is to make atonement with the LORD. On the annual Atonement Day of the Jewish Age, the high priest was to offer first a bullock {1} as a sin-offering to make atonement for himself [...]
The Interrupted Vision
'The angel of the LORD answered and said, 0 LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years? And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words '. (Zechariah 1:12,13) Zechariah and Haggai were the two prophets [...]
Little Ways of Doing Good
'As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the Household of Faith'. (Galatians 6:10) The Apostle's exhortation here is very comprehensive - to do good without limitation, whether it be in word or deed. Some can be more benefited by words than by any other service we could render them. One of the great [...]
Thy Watchmen Shall See Eye to Eye
'Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion'. (Isaiah 52:8) The immediate setting of this text is the promised return from captivity to Babylon. There would be symbolic watchers on the walls of Jerusalem and symbolic heralds hasting over the mountains to announce to [...]
At Home and a Stranger
'For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2) For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: (3) If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. (4) For we [...]
Farrar on Light
Note Canon Farrar's earnest words: 'My brethren, the love that sees goodness and beauty in all human nature, helps to make goodness and to make beauty in human nature. To those who love, even a common person is a human soul, who walks in the transfiguring glory of their affection. You think someone a dull person. Why? That is because you are dull. An [...]
The Seven Spirits
In Revelation 1:4 the Apostle John wrote greetings from three entities, including the seven spirits which are before the throne of 'him which is, and which was, and which is to come.' We believe this refers to Jehovah God's throne, a throne of judgment and authority. A little later John sees 'seven golden candlesticks' (luchnia, lampstand, compare Diaglott), and 'in the midst of the [...]
Joseph’s Silver Cup
The story of Joseph is one of the longest in the Old Testament (14 chapters from Genesis 37 to 50). It is a soul-searching story mixed with villainy and great character. Both hatred and love drive the story while divine providence moves to fulfill God's purpose. In the end love wins out. The beautiful part of God's plan is that love triumphs in the [...]
Lessons from Esther
The fact that the story of Esther was recorded in the Bible indicates that there are lessons to be learned from it. That is the purpose of all scripture. Let us consider some of the many lessons in this beautiful story of God's providential care for his people. The name Ahasuerus means Lion-King. Jesus Christ is designated "The lion of the tribe of Judah" [...]
The Burning Bush
`And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in aflame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside [...]
They Parted My Garments (John 19:23-24; Psalms 22:18)
John chapter 19 opens with a striking change of garments. Jesus had just endured a mock trial. The charge was blasphemy for saying he was the Son of God, that he was a king. Now he endured the contempt of common Roman soldiers. The arraignment was one of ridicule. The soldiers scorned him and braided for him a crown of thorns. And to further [...]
Balaam / Judas
The fate of Balaam was similar to that of Judas, and their characters bear a marked resemblance to one another. They both tried to unite the service of God and Mammon and met with failure. Balaam acknowledged the true God as a steppingstone to the acquirement of riches and worldly honor, and because of this, he stumbled and fell, and was broken. Judas expected [...]
The Restoration of Job
'And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before". (Job 42:10) Nearly all admit that the narrative of Job has an allegorical element to it. Though most apply it to the lesson of the permission of evil, Job representing mankind, there is an alternative and complementary possibility. [...]
Joseph
The story of Joseph consumes most of the last 14 chapters of Genesis, from chapter 37 onward. Genesis 37:2 begins "These are the generations of Jacob;" or as in the NIV translation, "This is the account of Jacob." The phrase actually refers to the preceding narrative. It is a closing expression which ends the previous passage and for this reason modern translations show a [...]
Categorized Texts on Baptism
REFERENCES TO ALL BAPTISM Acts 19:3a - Questions which baptism (John's or Christian) Hebrews 6:2 - translated "washings" in NAS REFERENCES TO TYPICAL "BAPTISMS" OR WASHINGS 1 Corinthians 10:2 - Immersion into Moses prepared the nation for transfer into the greater than Moses by John's Baptism which brought them back into this original Moses' Baptism. Verse 4 clearly shows the aim to be the [...]
The Doctrine of Baptisms
Never in Church history has the information concerning baptism been made so clear as in the writings of Pastor Russell. He has made it plain from Scriptural comparison that in Christian baptism: (1) Water baptism is a symbol with no inherent merit. (2) Baptism is correctly immersion, not sprinkling. (3) Baptism is to be performed only upon those who have made an intelligent, personal, [...]
Say Ye Not, A Confederacy (Isaiah 8:12)
These words condemned the conspiracy of Pekah of Israel with Rezin of Syria against Jerusalem in the days of Ahaz of Judah. Yet the last kings of Judah could not avoid the same temptation to trust the arm of foreigners and doubt the arm of the Lord. The final years of the kingdom of Judah were plagued by relations with neighboring kingdoms to the [...]
Women’s Role in the Church Today
As one examines the biblical account of the province of women both in the religious affairs of ancient Israel and in the early Christian church, it becomes evident that certain limitations were imposed. Clear differences emerge in the responsibilities assigned to the sexes, with the man consistently given a leading role and the woman a subordinate place. How are we to account for these [...]
Editor’s Note on The Virgin Birth
The article "The Virgin Birth" (previous issue) drew a number of comments. To address a concern about Mary contributing faulty genetic material, the article suggested both sperm and egg were from heaven, transplanted together into Mary's womb. However others observed that dominant genes from one parent can supersede recessive genes from another, and suppose by some such means Mary might have supplied the egg [...]
Spirit Begettal in the Churches Today
The beginning of the third millennium and continued extension of the Harvest Period seems a most appropriate time to review the question of whether spirit begettal can occur in the nominal churches. We would like to investigate this subject from two standpoints: first, by direct sanctified reasoning based on the Scriptures and analysis of current conditions; and second, by examining the statements of Pastor [...]
The Cross and Crown: William Penn, Messenger of Brotherly Love
An introduction to the life and Christian service of William Penn, a stalwart of faith in the Philadelphia period. "Being ready to faint concerning my hope of the restitution of all things, it was at this time the Lord visited me with a certain and sound testimony of his eternal world." - William Penn {1} A seasoned man of arms learns both victory and [...]
Index of Articles, 1995 TO 1999
1995 Memorial Supper, When Observed? Contrasting the Two Gardens The Burden of Dumah Weights and Years Holy Anointing Oil This Thing is From Me Angel or Eagle? The Philosophy of Atonement The Parousia Cloak, Books and Parchments The Three SignsWhere Does the Year Really Begin? The Parable of the Vineyard Laborers Five Smooth Stones Seven Kings and Eight Princes The Sea of Glass Things [...]
Maher-Shalal-Hashbaz
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shaft call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which [...]
The Virgin Birth
The central feature of our Heavenly Father's plan is "the Ransom for all" (the corresponding price), a life for a life, the life of the perfect man Jesus for the life of the perfect man Adam. All God's works are perfect, and Father Adam was no exception. He was created perfect, in the character of his Creator. Back in the far reaches of time, [...]
Foxes
In an article titled "Samson" (Beauties of the Truth, May, 1997), we observed that the 300 foxes Samson set running through the fields of the Philistines, tails ablaze with torches, represented God's burning judgments against the Roman power (compare Revelation 8:8) . This is consistent with Luke 13:32 which records Jesus' designation of Herod, the ruler appointed by Rome, as "that fox." Recently two [...]
Jacob at the Ford Jabbok
Long ago a great scenario of the plan of God was enacted through the lifetimes of four generations. In Abraham's life we glimpse the age of faith leading up to the coming of the seed of promise. The first stage was from Eden to the flood, suggested by the death of Terah, when Abraham passed over the river from the old order and began [...]
Let This Cup Pass From Me
There are a few words of Jesus in the garden that should be most sobering for us. "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt... O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done". (Matthew 26:39,42) We do not [...]
Balaam’s Fourth Prophecy
Balaam is an enigma. That he was greedy seems clear. That he had some courage is also in evidence. That he was an enemy of Israel is certainly implied. He was honest enough to warn Balak that he would speak no more and no less than he was authorized by God. The passage does not imply he was a false prophet, for his predictions [...]
Stephen Suraci Passes From Us
Brother Stephen Suraci peacefully ended his service this side the veil at his home on Saturday, April 10, about 8 am. He is survived by his dear wife Sister Jackie, two children, and two grandchildren. Bro. Stephen, who was baptized August 31, 1941, at the New York Labor Day Convention, served as a much loved elder in the New Haven Class for many years, [...]
“Every Eye Shall See Him…
The above promise is by Jesus in Revelation 1:7. But Christian people hold divergent opinions about the manner of its intended fulfillment. Are we to understand from it that Jesus will be revealed to the literal sight of people in the earth, or that he will be "seen" in a figurative sense by mental perception? STRONG'S DEFINITION The Greek word represented by "see" in [...]
Anointing, Seal and Witness of the Spirit
Unknown to the world, the Lord has been carrying on a grand and glorious work. The mighty power of God that raised Jesus from the dead is working in the hearts of those to whom God has given the Spirit of sonship. This mighty power is working in the hearts of those whom the world esteems not, for they are the weak and insignificant [...]
Under His Wings
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." - Psalms 91:4 The familiar words of this divine promise present before the mental vision of many of us the mighty wings of a great eagle or the protective fold of the mother hen for her young. Either vision is comforting. Both [...]
On the Addition question in Numbers Chapter Three
Numbers chapter three contains an inconsistency in the count of Levites. Numbers 3:22 records 7500 from Gershon, verse 28 records 8600 from Kohath, and verse 34 records 6200 from Merari. This totals 22,300, yet verse 39 gives the total as 22,000. Where is the error? It is clear from Numbers 3:43,46-47,50 that 22,273 firstborn were 273 more than the total number of Levite males [...]
Elisha’s Typical Experiences (Continued)
In the previous issue seven of the fourteen episodes of Elisha following his recrossing of the Jordan were examined, each picturing something about the Ancient Worthies in the Kingdom to be established at Israel. The fourteen episodes are found in 2 Kings. They are listed below, followed by an examination of the last seven to complete our discussion. (1) Waters (2 Kings 2:19-22) (2) [...]
Wisdom of the Seven Churches
Biblical prophecy is comprised of two aspects. One is the predictive side, where certain events are foretold. The second aspect of prophecy is the moral lesson intended. With that in mind we want to look at the seven churches and see the moral lesson in each of the messages given. In addition, there appears to be a correlation between the moral lessons from each [...]
The Breastplate and New Jerusalem
These thoughts are a comparison between the High Priest's breastplate as described in Exodus 28 and New Jerusalem as described in Revelation 21. Both the breastplate and the city of New Jerusalem are said to be foursquare. The breastplate was set with 12 stones. New Jerusalem has 12 foundations garnished with precious stones. The 12 stones of the breastplate were in four rows of [...]
1 Thessalonians 4:14-17
When we read our English Bibles we must at all times remember we are reading translations of the original writings. These translations were made by mostly very sincere and honest people - people, however, who did not understand the plan of God. They had no knowledge of the two salvations - the salvation now for the Church, the salvation in the future for all [...]
Understanding the Bible
What is the difference between you and others who read the Bible but do not understand what it teaches? What do you have that they do not have? Paul tells us: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard; neither have entered into the heart of man; the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us, [...]
Elisha’s Typical Experiences
Following the taking of Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, Elisha recrossed the Jordan and became involved in a succession of fourteen episodes recorded in 2 Kings 2-10. Since Elijah represented the church taken to glory, and Elisha the Great Company whose experience this side the veil ends soon after, it has been customary among many brethren to suppose Elisha represents the ancient worthies [...]
Views of the Early Church Fathers
"To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and for whom we live; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things; and through whom we live" (1 Corinthians 8:6, KJV and NIV). If Jesus taught and revealed himself to be an uncreated "God the Son" rather than the Son of God, it should have been universally [...]
Notice to Subscribers
The Editors of Beauties of the Truth kindly request that all subscribers in North America please send a notice to us indicating your wish to continue receiving this publication. It is a service we are glad to provide, but only to those who wish to have it. Accordingly, please send us a note by mail or email, simply informing us whether you wish to [...]
The Great Debate
TRINITARIAN VIEW The doctrine of the Trinity is the belief that God is three separate personalities or three persons. Eash person is God, but each person is distinct from the other persons. Thus Jesus is God and the Father is God, but Jesus is not the Father - they are separate persons. It is a puzzle not to be grasped by the human mind. [...]
The TRINITY… Mystery or Confusion?
"There is but One God, the Father." -- 1 Corinthians 8:6 All who consider the issue agree that the doctrine of the Trinity is incomprehensible. Its most ardent proponents suppose this to be a strength -- that as we cannot comprehend the majesty and glory of the infinite Creator, so we cannot fathom his nature and being. Not so. The Creator has explicitly revealed [...]
Samson, a Type of Socialism
Through Pastor Russell, the Lord furnished us with the "keys" of understanding. Using these keys we can understand things which could not be understood 80 to 100 years ago because it was not the due time. In this treatise we will examine the manner of the burning of the tares, the fall of Babylon, and the role of natural Israel. We are to watch [...]
Daniel and the Lions
Fear knocked on the door Faith opened it. No one was there Not for a moment did King Darius think of what might happen to Daniel when he signed the decree outlawing the petitioning of any god or man save the king himself never did he suspect his counselors were seeking to entrap him so they might legally accomplish the death of his most [...]
The Deluge and the Epic of Gilgamesh
"All the mighty windstorms blew together ... at the same time the rainflood swept over the cult centers ... and the windstorms drovethe mighty boat about on the mighty waters" (Epic of Gilgamesh, Sumerian version, circa 3rd millennium BC). 1, 2 Clay tablets with curious wedge-shaped script emerging into daylight from beneath nearly three millennia of dust electrified the biblical and archeological community in [...]
The Trial of Faith
The Edomite saint [a classical title for Job] must have looked into birds' nests when he used the comparison, “I said, I shall die in my nest” (Job 29:18). That is what a good many people say. They build each a nest for himself, and not for a summer, but for a life. They say that they shall die in it after many years [...]
The Empty Tomb
The empty tomb is a theological conundrum. We cannot use it to prove anything really, nor can we use it to disprove anything. Yet if Jesus' body lay entombed there, how difficult it would be for the disciples to believe in the resurrection. The instances when the disciples witnessed Jesus' power to raise the dead always involved a body being raised. Therefore, for the [...]
Matriarch Prophecies
In view of the fact that the Hebrew nation has been known as “the children of Israel,” a closer look should be given to the children of Jacob from which the nation took its name. Since Chapters 29 and 30 of Genesis record the early history of these twelve sons of Jacob, it follows that their history, in some way, corresponds with the history [...]
Jephthah’s Daughter
The story of Jephthah in Judges 11 is quite peculiar. How are we to excuse an army captain who heartlessly offers his daughter in exchange for victory in a war against the Amorites? The account begins in Judges 11, verse 30: “And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, [...]
Trials
It seems to me that God tries or tests not our weaknesses but our strengths, not our weak points but our strong points. Isn1 this reasonable? A teacher does not test his pupils until they have been instructed and have learned their lessons. The higher the education the more difficult the examination. The greater our strengths, the greater our trials along those lines may [...]
The Setting of the Vision of Ezekiel’s Temple
The vision of Ezekiel's temple is the most prominent part of his prophecy. It covers the last nine chapters of the book and is the focal point of his entire message. This remarkable book covers a span of 20 years, from the fifth year of Jehoiachin's captivity (1:1, 2) to the vision of the temple in the fourteenth year after the fall of Jerusalem [...]
Where Will All Nations Be Gathered?
The concept of a “gathering of all nations” to the final battle between good and evil is a common one in Biblical prophecy. Seven different Old Testament prophecies refer to this event, as well as the well known reference to “Armageddon” in Revelation. However, though there are numerous references to such a gathering - and, being in end-time prophecies, they all appear to refer [...]
Two Genealogies of Christ
Sceptics of all ages have urged the impossibility of reconciling the difficulties in the two accounts of the descent of Jesus. Even Alford says it is impossible to reconcile them. But certainly several possible explanations have been suggested. The chief difficulties will be discussed. 1. In Matthew's list several discrepancies are pointed out. (a) It is objected that Matthew is mistaken in making three [...]
Following the Star¹
Matthew 2:1-12 (Translations are from the NASV) “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him” And when Herod the king heard it, [...]
Four Passovers
“Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews.” (John 5:1, NIV) “The identity of this feast is significant for the attempt to ascertain the number of Passovers included in Jesus' ministry, and thus the number of years his ministry lasted. John explicitly mentions at least three different Passovers: the first in 2:13, 23, the second in 6:4 and [...]
Common Root for All the Branches
From the beginning, God chose Abraham and his seed for blessing all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3, 22:17-18). Careful Bible Students recognize that at the end of the Jewish dispensation “God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name” (Acts 15:14). “I will call them my people, which were not my people” (Romans [...]
Dan and Benjamin
In a previous article (May 1997) evidence was presented that Samson pictured the church. The narrative of his experiences appears in Judges chapters 13-16. Following this appear two other narratives which close this book. The first is about the tribe of Dan, explaining how a large portion of this tribe fell into a form of idolatry which continued “until the day of the captivity [...]
Horses Ready for Battle
“Hast thou given the horse his strength? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Cans't thou make him afraid as the grasshopper? The glory of his nostrils is terrible He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. The quiver [...]
Growth of the Righteous
“The Righteous shall flourish as a Palm Tree; he shall grow up as a Cedar of Lebanon.” - Psalms 92:12 There is a wealth and depth of meaning in every line of the Bible could we but fathom the divine intention. Some have questioned - Why is not Scripture given in simple language so all might readily understand? We might well reply - for [...]
The Trial of Jesus Christ
Each year, as we celebrate the Memorial of Jesus' death, we are brought closer to Him through the realization of what he suffered during that last day which ended in his death. Nothing that is recorded of his life has such an impact on our appreciation of the magnitude of his suffering and sacrifice on our behalf. At the conclusion of the celebration of [...]
Samson
Samson was one of the most colorful figures among the heroes of the Old Testament. Paul lists him in the company of such stalwarts as Gideon, Barak, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who “through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, [...]
Are You Moving?
If you change your address, please inform us early. Non-Profit mail is not automatically forwarded and requires an attempt to locate you and re-mail the material. Download PDF
Historic Confirmation of Bible Student Chronology
Summary report of L.A. Times feature article, “Time Keepers,” by staff writer Thomas H. Maugh, II, August 29, 1996. Metro section, p. B-2. (See also NATURE, “The Exodus Enigma,” July 18, 1996, p. 213, a scientific report in more technical terms.) OVERVIEW In a breakthrough of historic proportions, researchers from Cornell University have developed the first tree-ring chronology from the Middle East, allowing precise [...]
The Resurrection
“The doctrine of the resurrection appears to have been thought of much more consequence among the primitive Christians than it is now. How is this? The apostles were continually insisting on it, and exciting the followers of God to diligence, obedience, and cheerfulness through it. And their successors in the present day seldom mention it! So apostles preached, and so primitive Christians believed; so [...]
A Subtle Hint of the Resurrection
Sometimes we look so hard at the antitype that we completely miss a little blessing in the story (or type) itself. For example, at the end of Job's trial it says: “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold.” Then it lists what he received. [...]
Why Rachel? Why Ramah?
“Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel [Rachel] weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and shine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the [...]
Turning Point¹
The year 1878 is significant in Bible Student reckoning It marked the end of the Jewish double or mishneh of 1845 years. The first half of favor began with the death of Jacob and blessing of the 12 tribes of Israel and extended to our Lord's death in 33 AD. The second half of disfavor commenced there and extends to the year 1878. Incidentally, [...]
Venerable Tradition
Psalm 90:3-4 - “Thou dost turn man back into dust, and dost say, 'Return, children of men' ' For a thousand years in Thy sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night” (NAS) 2 Peter 3:8 - “But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a [...]
Treasures in Heaven
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal For where your treasure iS there will your heart be alsa” - Matthew 6:20-21 The things we value in history are not the records of events, the geographical and historical information; but what they reveal of the men and women that [...]
The Song of Solomon and Revelation
The central idea of the Song of Solomon is the same as that of the Apocalypse. According to Ewald, the commentator who has given the most subtle analysis of this exquisite poem, the plot is this: “On the one hand, a king in all the splendors of his glory, transported with admiration, overflowing with passion; on the other, the poor and simple shepherd to [...]
The Builder’s Temple-Tower (Luke 14:25-30)
“Now there went great multitudes with him.” Some were friends and followers; more were enemies who sought an occasion to do him injury; most, mere curiosity-seekers or place-hunters. Upon this mixed assembly the Master turns, and in a few words lays down the primary requirements for discipleship. Listen, O easy-going, lukewarm professor of Christianity: full consecration - a daily cross-bearing, even unto death - [...]
Consecration vs. Pharaoah’s Objections
The Christian’s duty to separate himself from the world is well illustrated in Pharaoh’s four subtle objections to the full deliverance of God's ancient people from the land of Egypt. The first objection is expressed in his words to Moses: 1. “Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land [of Egypt]” (Exodus 8:25) The object in this proposal of Pharaoh, doubtless instigated by [...]
Haggai and the Second Temple
Two years after they returned from their captivity in Babylon the Jewish people began to reconstruct the temple in Jerusalem. They had received permission from Cyrus and the construction went on uninterruptedly during his reign. After the next king, Cambyses, began his reign, the construction was halted due to the intervention of the surrounding nations. Two years after King Darius assumed the throne, the [...]
The Dew and the Lion
“And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men. And the remnant of jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a [...]
Our Lord’s Resurrection Appearances
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life .” 1 John 1:1, NIV TEN POST-RESURRECTION APPEARANCES The Bible records ten1 post-resurrection appearances of Jesus during the forty days following that most blessed Sunday.2 This is significant [...]
“Ye Shall Find a Colt Tied”
Knowing that the Passover season was approaching, Jesus turned his steps toward Jerusalem. As he neared the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples into a nearby village to procure for him the colt upon which he would ride for his presentation to Israel as its king (Zechariah 9:9). In this connection, it is interesting to note that this colt was one [...]
Walls, Bars and Gates
“I will go up to the land of unwalled villages ... having neither bars nor gates.”(Ezekiel 38:15) There is evidence that WALLS, BARS and GATES symbolically relate more to faith than natural defenses. They are the essential emblems of a city. The building of cities grew out of the desire for conveniences, safety, trade, concentration of wealth as well as the expression of human [...]
Rocks in the Wilderness
“He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.” - Psalms 78:5 With great celebration the Israelites praised the Lord for the victory he wrought over Pharaoh and his hosts in the Red Sea (Exodus 15). However they were soon to face the perils of a desert journey which would sorely test them. Under these tests [...]
So Many Beasts, Heads and Horns!
One problem in the interpretation of Revelation is the identification of the similar but differing beasts of Daniel 7, Revelation 12, 13, and 17. For purposes of reference, they will herein be referred to by the following titles: Daniel 7 - The Terrible Beast Revelation 12 - The Red Dragon Revelation 13 - The Leopard Beast Revelation 17 - The Scarlet Beast Let it [...]
Nine Men in the Life of Bathsheba
Lives are often defined by those with whom we come in contact. Bathsheba is a good example. There is little we know of her life and character from the scriptural account. We have no direct information concerning her character, either for good or for bad. She figures directly only in four incidents in the Bible: her illegitimate liaison with King David (2 Samuel 11), [...]
Jeremiah’s Purchase
Think of all the important documents that have touched your life. Insurance policies offer assurance to file claims in time of distress. You may keep some honorary degrees or certificate of credentials in a safe place to be used to acquire employment. Power of Attorney and letters of authorization empower you to act on behalf of another in the eyes of the law. Your [...]
Dating the Crucifixion
This article is abbreviated from one appearing in Nature Magazine, December 1983, by Colin J. Humphreys and W.G. Waddington. (Square brackets indicate BT editorial comments.) In this study astronomical calculations have been used to reconstruct the Jewish calendar in the first century AD and to date a lunar eclipse that Biblical and other references suggest followed the crucifixion. The evidence points to Friday 3 [...]
The Right Hand
“I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth.- my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy,- at thy right hand there are Pleasures for evermore.” - Psalms 16.-8-11 [...]
The Memorial Supper – Questions of Interest
QUESTION 1. Since Bible Students link the celebration of the Memorial to the Passover observance and use the Jewish calendar to determine the date for the 14th of Nisan, why does our Memorial occur consistently two days before the Passover? (Using the 1996 calendar to illustrate this point, Thursday, April 4 is listed as the Passover day, but our Memorial will be held on [...]
Articles for Beauties
Articles for this journal are reviewed by each of the editors for clarity and value according to the mission printed with the banner of each issue. We look for helpful critique from each author and substantive recommendations for change are reviewed with the author. We also look for approval of at least four of the six editors before using an article in these pages. [...]
From our Readers
On reading the article “The Parable of the Vineyard Laborers” in the August issue, I was reminded of Pastor Russell's explanation of this parable given in 1914, R5473. Pastor Russell pointed out the “penny” wage for vineyard labor could hardly signify “the prize of eternal association with the Lord Jesus Christ in the glory of the kingdom” as the previous article suggests - but [...]
Things Which Must Shortly Come to Pass
THE PROBLEM It has bothered many, justifiably, that Bible student interpretations of Revelation tend to ignore the above phrase of 1:1 when these interpretations explain the message to Ephesus (2:1-7) with Paul's being its “angel.” Since Revelation was written at the very end of th ' e first century, by that time the Ephesus stage of the church was almost all history, and the [...]
The Sea of Glass
“Also before the throne there is as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.” (Revelation 4:6, RSV) In the Holy Scriptures the sea often symbolizes the asses, peoples, multitudes and nations. The Bible says that the sea is the gathering of waters (Genesis 1:10). The signification of the waters is given to us in Revelation in this way: “The waters you saw ... [...]
Seven Kings and Eight Princes
“And this shall be our Protection from Assyria: When he comes into our land, And treads upon our soil, Then we will mise up against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men,- And the land of Nimrod with the drawn sword,- And they shall rescue us from Assyria When he comes into our land, And treads upon our border.” (Micah 5.-5, 6, Smith-Goodspeed, [...]
The Parable of the Vineyard Laborers
Sometimes known as the “Parable of the Penny,” this story of Jesus in Matthew 20:1-16 has been explained in a variety of different ways, but not often is it connected with the incident of the rich young ruler recounted in the previous chapter. The division is at an unfortunate point; the passage from verse 16 of chapter 19, to verse 16 of chapter 20, [...]
Where Does the Year Really Begin?
(The following interesting article is reprinted by permission from the b’nai b’rith “Messenger” of April 7,1995. However, please observe some editorial comments at the end.) Somewhere in the long evolution of the Jewish calendar there was a minor hiccough. The Biblical system of counting the months by simple ordinal numbers, first, second, third, etc., changed quite suddenly to Nissan, Iyar, Sivan, Tamuz, and so [...]
Five Smooth Stones (1 Samuel 17:40)
One of the most notorious, heroic events of the Old Testament is the courage and faith of David in the slaying of Goliath. David was a humble lad and the youngest among eight brothers. The Philistines were an ominous foe and it took the strongest and bravest to stand against the enemy. There has been much written about this conquest. There are also two [...]
The Three Signs
“And the Lord said to Moses.- When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand.” Exodus 4:21 It is a fact well known that the return of Moses to Egypt represents the return of our Lord Jesus to the surroundings of the earth (1 Thess. 4:17). As Moses returned to Egypt [...]
Cloak, Books and Parchments (2 Timothy 4:13)
This is what the Apostle Paul requested from Timothy. He wrote, “The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments” These were the last days of the apostle. The words imply that these were the only possessions the Apostle Paul had before he was executed. He knew that he would not [...]
The Parousia
The promise “I will come again” (John 14:3) has been associated -and rightly so -with the Scriptural foreview of the end of this Age and the winding up of affairs of this world preparatory to the inauguration of the new world order centered in Christ. There still remains some faith in medieval ideas of a twenty-four hour Day of Judgment, the annihilation of the [...]
An Angel or An Eagle?
“And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound” (Revelation 8:13, King James Version) This curious close to the record of the fourth trumpet is rendered differently in [...]
The Philosophy of Atonement
The Apostle Paul is noted as a great logician. In few places is this more exhibited than in the fifth chapter of Romans, specially in verses 16-21. To get the background we will begin this study in verse 12. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have [...]
This Thing is From Me
“Statements such as this, made by the Lord to his people, should bring home to us with blessed reality the fact that everything which concerns us is of even greater concern to the Lord-that he is just as interested in our personal welfare as we, and eminently more qualified to know what is best for us. This is the reassuring lesson which Jesus gives [...]
Holy Anointing Oil
“Take... principal spices … pure myrrh 500 shekels ... sweet cinnamon ... 250 shekels sweet calamus 250 shekels ... cassia 500 shekels ... and of oil olive an hin make it an oil of holy anointment” (Exodus 30.-23-25) The precious oil used to anoint both high priests and kings consisted of five ingredients: olive oil, myrrh, cinnamon, calamus and cassia. It was neither to [...]
Weights and Years
In the November, 1994 issue of Beauties of the Truth appeared an article titled “Two Secret Numbers.” One suggestion of the article was that the cryptic message of Babylon’s judgment, “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin,” carried a veiled testimony of the 2,520 years which would pass until Divine Judgment fell on the last of the four world empires. I think that suggestion is correct. The [...]
The Burden of Dumah
“The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.” Isaiah 21:11, 12 The burden of Dumah comes near the end of a series of “burdens” or “woes” on the nations surrounding Israel. As in [...]
Contrasting the Two Gardens
When our Lord entered the garden outside of Jerusalem, the Garden called Gethsemane, one's mind is immediately reminded of another garden, the Garden of Eden. The contrasts between the two are most striking, indeed. In Eden, all was delightful and perfect. In Gethsemane, all was dark and foreboding. In Eden, Adam and Eve spoke with an enemy. In Gethsemane, Jesus sought his Father in [...]
The Memorial Supper – When is it Properly Observed?
Among Bible Student groups, there is general agreement that the celebration of the Lord's Supper should be carried out on an annual basis, as a remembrance of the fulfillment of the Paschal sacrifice. The term “Memorial” Supper has been adopted as a reminder that the primary emphasis of the occasion is to commemorate the death of Christ as the atoning sacrifice on behalf of [...]
The Blood of Atonements (plural)
“And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin- offering of atonements: once in a year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.” (Exodus 30:10) In Hebrew the word rendered “atonements” in the King James Version is actually plural even though most translators, [...]
Two Secret Numbers
“The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29 The tools by which we understand the word and plan of God are the Holy Spirit combined with a careful inspection of the dictionary/concordance meaning of words and [...]
Jehoiada
Ahaziah of Israel, the son of Jehoram (son of good king Jehoshaphat of Judah) and Athaliah (Ahab and Jezebel's daughter), reigned only one year. But this was sufficient for the Bible to tell us in 2 Kings 8:27 that he “walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the Lord.” This king was killed in battle [...]
From our Readers
Dear Brethren, Just to let you know again how much I appreciate your providing me with Beauties of the Truth. It does indeed stimulate thoughtful consideration and unlimited horizons in study of our Lord's words to us through the blessed scriptures. I thoroughly enjoy each issue, and of course keep them for ready reference. Admittedly, we are all “leaky vessels” at times and your [...]
The Seven Lamps and Seven Spirits
“There were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.” (Revelation 4:5) THE SEVEN LAMPS We might be inclined to believe that the seven lamps have the same meaning as the seven lampstands mentioned in the first chapter of Revelation and that, consequently, they symbolize the Church of Christ. However St. John does not use the same [...]
God’s Providence Since Israel’s Statehood
During the first twenty years since 1948, when Israel was recognized as an independent nation by the United Nations, their population was very small in proportion to the area of their possession. Being surrounded by numerous hostile armies, the Jews have urged their kinsmen all over the world to emigrate to the land of promise. Thus Ezekiel's prophecy is fulfilled: “I will increase them [...]
The Four Visions of God’s Glory (Ezekiel 1:1-3:14)
“Behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar, and Ifell on my face.”(Ezekiel 3.-23) PROLOGUE In each of us is a deeply-felt need to relate to God-the ultimate reality -through the same conscious senses that make the rest of our world real. God lives in a completely different dimensionality and “no man hath [...]
Two Treatises Available
Two extensive Bible Student treatises have recently come to our attention that deal with history and prophecy. For our readers who want to explore these subjects further, these books can be obtained by writing to the authors. THE KEYS OF REVELATION, Over 700 pages. $20 each The following, excerpted from the Preface, presents the author's thinking. “No explanation of the prophetic and highly symbolic [...]
Locating the Jubilees
According to Leviticus 25, the Sabbath and Jubilee year system of counting toward years of rest and restoration began upon entering the land after the exodus from Egypt and the wilderness wandering for forty years. Simply stated, Israel was to engage in cultivating the land for six years and allow it to rest in the seventh. After a cycle of seven of these Sabbath [...]
Two Kings
“Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain. And both these kings hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table,- but it shall not prosper.-for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.” Daniel 11:26, 27 In Volume 3 of Scripture [...]
The Twenty-Four Elders
“Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders.” (Revelation 4:4, NIV). Various thoughts have been expressed about the meaning of these twenty-four elders. At first sight, we may believe that the elders represent the Church of Christ, because they were sitting on thrones and had crowns of gold on their heads. Moreover, this concept seems to be supported [...]
The Mouths of All God’s Holy Prophets (Acts 3:21, Revelation 4:4)
1. Enoch - Jude 14,15 2 . Jacob - Genesis 49:10 3. Moses - Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Genesis 22:15 4. Samuel - 1 Samuel 10:23-25, 2:6 5. Job - Job 33:19-30, Job 14:12-15 6. David - Psalms 90:3,4, 104:5, 45:16, 30:5, 37:10-11 7. Solomon - Proverbs 2:21, Ecclesiastes 1:4 8. Isaiah - Isaiah 33:24, 35:1-10, 40:4,5, 25:6-9, 9:6,7, 11:6-9, 45:18, 55:12,13 9. Jeremiah - Jeremiah [...]
Five Wise Virgins Sue for Inheritance
“And Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, had no sons, but daughters, and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Malah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.” (Numbers 26:33) In Numbers 27:1-7, the daughters of Zelophehad, all five, came before Moses to plead a case for their inheritance. They were of the Tribe of Manasseh. Their argument was that their father had died in [...]
The Beasts of Job
When one wants to study prophetic beasts in the Bible, it is customary to turn to either the book of Daniel or Revelation. However, other books of the Bible also speak of beasts in a prophetic sense. In this article we want to address two beasts who figure prominently in the story of Job - behemoth and leviathan. OUTLINE OF JOB While the book [...]
“Shout with a Great Shout”
When Joshua was near Jericho, the angelic “captain of the host of the Lord” said “See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.” (Joshua 6:2) And he gave Joshua a specific strategy. Joshua and his soldiers were to march around the city once each day, for six days, in company with priests who bore [...]
Joshua, Jericho, and the Gospel Age
It was 1575 BC when Joshua led more than a million Israelites out of the wilderness to an encampment point a mile or so outside the high walls of Jericho. Archaeologists say those walls were approximately 20 feet high on three sides; a steep natural cliff dropping off toward the Jordan River protected its eastern side. This was the twentieth city to be constructed [...]
Saul, Jonathan, and David
“The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” - 1 Samuel 18:l Before Israel received its first king, the nation “did evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines 40 years” (judges 13:1). Saul, David and Solomon were Israel's first three kings and [...]
The Throne of God
REVELATION 4:1-3 “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.' At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting [...]
Getting Ready to Move
The house in which I have been living all my lifetime is getting very much out of order and repairs do not seem to last long, and a light wind causes it to tremble (Eccl. 12:3-7), so I am getting ready to move (2 Cor. 5:1-4). The house to which I am moving is of such surpassing loveliness that no language can describe it [...]
Prefactory
The following prefatory to the 1905 publication of Hymns of Millennial Dawn may be of historical interest to many of our readers. We published in 1890, with several more recent editions, a volume entitled “Poems and Hymns of Millennial Dawn” without music. The same collection of hymns with the music is now urgently needed, and therefore appears in this volume. The poems, although highly [...]
The Great Company
In Revelation 7:9, the Apostle John sees “a great multitude which no man could number.” He is asked to identify the white-clad, palm-bearing (a symbol of victory) multitude, and, with characteristic humility, tacitly acknowledges his inability to proffer a response. He refers the reply back to the questioning “elder,” who obviously possesses superior insight into the matter. It is apparent to John that the [...]
Sinful Flesh (Romans 8:3)
The possibility of any claiming that this text suggests Jesus had sinful flesh is easily offset by other texts (e.g. Hebrews 7:26). But the strongest argument is within the verse. The reasoning at the beginning of the verse is (to paraphrase): “The law could not succeed because fallen flesh was not able to keep it.” How illogical, then, that God should send another one [...]
Cain and Abel
Cain was Eve's first child. “I have gotten a man from the Lord” said Eve reverently, according to the A.V. of Genesis 4: 1. God had already promised Eve that her seed would become the means of undoing the damage that had been done in Eden, that he would “bruise the serpent's head,” which could only mean the overthrow of sin and the restoration [...]
A House in a Walled City
“And if a man sell a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold,- within a fully or may he redeem it. And if it be not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be established forever to him that bought it [...]
The 450-Year Period of the Judges
Here is a problem in Bible Chronology which, in some measure, should exercise the minds of students. The Apostle Paul declares that God gave judges to Israel. “He gave unto them judges about [during] the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul ... forty years.” (Acts 13:20, 21) [...]
Chronology of the Hebrew & Septuagint
When many today prefer the Chronology of the Septuagint instead of the Hebrew Bible, it is good to examine this subject closely. The Septuagint is the oldest known Greek translation of the Old Testament. It is believed to have been done by 72 educated Jews of Alexandria in Egypt in the third to the first century before Christ. They have departed considerably from the [...]
Jesus’ Birth and Herod’s Death
Bible Students have long believed that Jesus was born in 2 BC (SS, Vol. 2, pp. 54-62 [B54-B62]). But many modern historians have dated his birth at from 4 to 7 BC. The reason for this is that Jesus was born before Herod died (Matt. 2:1), and it has been thought that Herod died in the spring of 4 BC, following an eclipse of [...]
Satan the Serpent and the Woman
What beginning is referred to in John 8:44, which states that Satan was a liar from the beginning? Lucifer was perfect from the time he was created until the day iniquity was found in him (Ezekiel 28:15). His defection commenced here on earth, in the physical Garden of Eden, and is associated with the dawn or “beginning” of human civilization. The failure of Lucifer [...]
The Creation Allegory
“In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth." - Genesis 1:1 Many Bible stories are allegorical. Not that they did not literally happen, but that the events they contain were so overruled by God as to contain a deeper allegorical lesson in addition to their historical facts. Examples of this include the life of Abraham and the book of Job. The Creation [...]
The Holy Incense Ingredients (Exod. 30:34-38)
In ancient and medieval civilizations there existed little hygiene. The close proximity of chicken coops, animal stalls, and garbage heaps to family living quarters was the order of the day. Inadequate sewage drainage and disposal, and the noxious vapors of perspiration in body and clothing, of beasts of burden, and of human waste, added to the tenacious presence of flies, mosquitoes, and insects everywhere [...]
144,000 Children of Israel
Why is it sound doctrine to believe that the 144,000 of Revelation 7:4 and 14:1 represent the church and not literal Israelites? The reasons (some better than others, but cumulatively strong) are as follows: (1) The very fact that Revelation 7:4 says "of all the tribes of the children of Israel" is reason to believe that it means something else. We are clearly told [...]
The Resurrection Body of Jesus
It is the view of most in Christendom that the body with which Jesus was resurrected from the dead was some kind of glorified flesh. Though extremely popular, this view presents a number of scriptural questions. Very few Christians would deny that Jesus gave his life as a ransom, that is, because of the penalty of death pronounced upon Adam (and his progeny) for [...]
A Prophecy Nearing Fulfillment (Isaiah 21:5-10)
In Song of Solomon 2:12 the time of mating is called the “time of the singing.” This book is the love song of Jesus and his future Bride. As the time nears for the marriage, the focal rays of prophecy converge in a climactic fashion, and there comes a quickening need for these predictions to terminate in prophetic events. As the birds begin to [...]
From a Reader
Dear Brethren: Greetings in our Present Lord. In the August, 1992 issue, “J.N. of California” spoke of Lamech, how he had two wives and that he slew “a young man to his hurt,” etc., Genesis 4:23,24. It will be well to note that there are two Lamechs in the Bible. The one referred to in Genesis 4th chapter was from Cain’s lineage. The other [...]
Chronology Lessons from the Book of Ezekiel
Ezekiel was a prophet of God to the Hebrews in Babylonian exile, and he was a priest. (Ezekiel 1:1, 3) (A) The Lord began Ezekiel's prophetic office in a very marked way (Ezekiel 1:3-onward). Ezekiel recorded the day (5th), the month (4th), and year (5th), of king Jehoiachin's captivity (612 BC), which was Ezekiel's fifth year of captivity as well. Yet Ezekiel synchronizes king [...]
The Silent Years
The Old Testament is the history of the people of Israel. Of its 39 books, only Genesis is not concerned with that story, encapsulating the history of nearly 2500 years from creation to the formation of Israel into 50 short chapters. The Israelites were God's people. They were the ones for whom he specially cared. Theirs were the patriarchs, priests, judges and kings. But [...]
The Mountain of the Lord
The Mountain of the Lord Beginning in Micah 4:1 we read: “In the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the [...]
Table of Nations (Continued)
In the previous issue, we traced the descendents of Japheth, Ham, and Shem. We complete our article with the following supplementary information, and charts. HOW JOSEPHUS COMPARES The differences in the identification of nations between Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews I, vi, and this summary (last issue) can be seen in the attached table and may be commented on as follows: The association [...]
Passover – The Time Features
To understand Moses' statements regarding the time of the Passover, we must keep in mind the custom of time reckoning then in use: (A) The day began at sunset. (B) The day was divided into two parts, night and day; Gen. 1:5: “God called the light day, and the darkness he called night.” (C) Thus, the term “day” has two uses in connection with [...]
When the Sun Stood Still
It was shortly after the entry into the Promised Land that Joshua's army, battling to secure possession of their new home, marched all night from Gilgal to Gibeon, an uphill journey of sixteen miles, involving a climb of several thousand feet into the mountains, to intercept and do battle with the Canaanites and Amorites. Upon their arrival, at probably about five in the morning, [...]
The Table of Nations
After the Flood, exploration of the land must have been priority. Within two or three generations, Nimrod's rebellion exhibited continental awareness, "Come, let us build a city ... lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth" (Gen 11:4. Cf. Gen 9:1 for God's command). When peoples began fighting over the land, it appears portions of the earth were allotted to [...]
Burnt?
Some question has arisen concerning Leviticus 9:24. What offering is it which was here consumed? Was it (1) the daily evening offering, or (2) the remains of the sacrifices earlier in Lev. 9, or (3) one of the animals of verse 2? The answer may be hidden in the three Hebrew words translated “burnt.” A full study of these words in their various uses [...]
A Little Horn
The twelfth chapter of Daniel presents three significant time periods. These are the 1260,1290 and 1335 days. They appear to all have the same starting point but different terminal points. The 1260 days are referred to in a number of forms in Scripture including 1 Kings 17:1; Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Revelation 11:2 -3; 12:6, 14; 13:5. The foundation of interpretation for the "days" of [...]
From a Reader
First, please allow me to thank you for sending me "Beauties of the Truth." I enjoy every issue, and look forward to its arrival. I would like to comment on the May 1992 issue, which arrived a few days ago. In particular, I would like to make an observation on the article "Seventy Times Seven.” The third paragraph begins with the words, "The only [...]
Holiest- Hebrews 10:19-20
An answer to two questions In Verse 19, Is the term "Holiest" reference to the Holy or Most Holy? (Translators seem to differ) The answer seems consistent whether answered by an examination of CTR's writings or by an examination of the Apostle's usage of the Greek word forms. In this verse "Holiest" (meaning Most Holy) appears to be the best translation even though translators [...]
Wasted Years
An ancient story with a modern application “And the ill-favoured and lean-fleshed king did eat up the seven well-favored and fat king ... and the thin ears swallowed up the seven rank and full ears." - Gen. 41:4-7 Away back there, when the world was young, a mighty Pharaoh of Egypt had a dream, so much out of the ordinary that his wise men [...]