arianne
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
1996 Financial Statement
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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 ofjacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young [...]
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 [...]
1995 Financial Statement
$ 669.50 Balance January 1, 1995 5311.41 Donations 30.90 Interest - 2667.87 Expenses $ 3343.94 Balance December 31, 1995 “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us, therefore let us keep the feast.” Download PDF
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
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 [...]
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
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 [...]
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 2l: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)
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 of Gomer with the Crimea, etc., seems too strong to ignore; so also are the mines of Cornwall and Spain too evidently associated with [...]
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 [...]