Jay
The Law as a “Schoolmaster”
“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). The Greek word translated “schoolmaster” is — παιδαγογός — paidagogos. This word occurs three times in the New Testament, Galatians 3:24, 25, and 1 Corinthians 4:15. Paul selected this word here because it beautifully describes the function of the Law to bring Israel to [...]
Four Generations Illustrating God’s Plan
A study of Old Testament heroes is inspiring as we see their faith demonstrated in real life situations. Those described in Hebrews 11 remained true to God and the principles of righteousness in very difficult circumstances. When examining some of these examples, there is an interesting possibility in connection with the fathers of Israel. Their experiences may illustrate the plan of God. It is [...]
I Have Sinned
“I have sinned ... Jehovah is righteous” (Exodus 9:27) This particular declaration, which is a confession of sin, occurs eight times in the Scriptures. We might think that such an expression would be a positive indicator of a new course. But in reviewing the occasions where it occurs, we find a surprising reversal. (1) BY PHARAOH Exodus 9:27 — “And Pharaoh sent, and called [...]
Resolving Differences at the Garden Tomb
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6). In comparing the Gospel accounts of the Garden Tomb experience some apparent differences appear. For example, the Matthew account says Mary Magdalene and “the other Mary” came to the tomb of Jesus to anoint his body (Matthew 28:10). Mark adds Salome (Mark 16:1), [...]
Moses, the Reluctant Servant
“I will send thee” (Exodus 3:10). With good reason, Moses is highly esteemed as the servant of Jehovah. He was the agent God used to free the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. He then led them for forty years in the wilderness. He is called the meekest, or humblest, man in the earth (Numbers 12:3). So it may be of some surprise to [...]
The Hebrew Record
“The days of Seth were 912 years” (Genesis 5:6). The book of Genesis provides numbers for the lifespans of the 10 patriarchs from Adam through Noah, inclusively. Another record, the Sumerian King List, also supplies year numbers for a list of pre-flood leaders.[1] However, their list omits the first man, Adapa (Adam), and also the last patriarch, the Sumerian flood hero, Ziusudra (Noah of [...]
Two Pillars and Two Testaments
Solomon’s Temple is a symbolic representation of the glorification of the church at its completion, when the temporary and transportable Tabernacle in the Wilderness is replaced by the more permanent structure of the temple. The similar but expanded features of the temple also illustrates the progress of each member of the church throughout Gospel Age, beginning outside of God’s arrangement in the camp to [...]
The Hour and Day and Month and Year
The Unintended Reformation to World War I “Christianity remained in the sixteenth century what it had always been — a shared way of life, not simply as an ideal but in practice, inescapably social because of Jesus’s central command: ‘Love one another as I have loved you’ (John 15:12). And the Bible was God’s word, his saving truth for human beings with implications for [...]
Rubbed Upon the Touchstone
The use of the word torment in the Bible has mislead many to believe in the false teaching of eternal torment. In the King James version, the Greek word basanos (G931, βασανος) is commonly translated torment or tormented. However, the concept of hell as a place of sorrow and pain is inconsistent with the true Biblical teaching that hell means the grave, a condition [...]
Turn to Ashes
Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures the concept of sacrificing animals is an integral part of worshipping God. The straightforward procedure is to build an altar, put wood on it, light the fire, slay an animal, and then place it on the altar to be consumed. The worshipper thus demonstrates his desire to gain God’s approval by offering an animal sacrifice that cost him something. That [...]
The Prophet Haggai and the Harvest
“In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest" (Haggai 1:1). The name Haggai means “Festive” or “Festival.” Haggai was one of the 12 Minor Prophets [...]
Was Jesus born on the Feast of Trumpets?
ROSH HASHANAH AND YOM KIPPUR The Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah is also called the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24) as well as the “head of the year” for it is the Jewish civil New Year. It leads up to the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of the month. This first month is about renewal, inner renewal, and atonement, divine atonement. Rosh [...]
The Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3
Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Address To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: Christ These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: These things saith the first and [...]
Israel, the Sand of the Seashore
(Romans 9-11) Many Christians miss the point respecting “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth.” We know that when the kingdom comes, Israel is to be a blesser to the nations, not only one of the nations being blessed. We might ask the question, “Who first preached the Gospel of the kingdom?” It was neither Jesus, nor was it the apostles. It [...]
Joshua Crossing Jordan
“The waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the ... salt sea ... were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho” (Joshua 3:16). The crossing of Jordan by the Israelites under Joshua was a remarkable miracle, recorded in Joshua [...]
Following the Battle of Ezekiel 38
Brethren have long studied the prophetic sequence of the invasion of Israel described in Ezekiel 38. God’s purpose in allowing the land to be invaded is described in the closing verse. “And I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the eyes of many nations; and they shall know that I am Jehovah.” THE CONFLICT CONTINUES Israel’s final [...]
Animals that Represent Jesus
“The Lion of the tribe of Judah ... hath overcome” (Revelation 5:5). In the symbology and typology of scripture, Jesus is depicted in a variety of ways. The choice of these symbols is, of course, the divine choice, and each has with it specific lessons associated with the qualities of the type. Among these types are several different animals used to represent Jesus. Each [...]
Did Jesus have Brothers and Sisters (Siblings)?
The Roman Catholic church claims that Jesus was an only child and that those described as his “brethren” were cousins rather than siblings. These brethren are mentioned numerous times in scripture. Matthew 12:46, “While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.” Luke 8:19, 20, “And there came to him his mother [...]
Correlating the Spring and Fall Burnt Offerings
The feasts of Israel were special observances designed to help Israel recall the many blessings and providences of God. They were observed in both the spring and fall of the year. Before addressing the feasts of Israel it may be helpful to examine the basic meaning of burnt offerings. THE PEOPLE’S BURNT OFFERINGS As described in Leviticus 1, any Israelite was free to bring [...]
Dividing the Land
“By lot was their inheritance, as Jehovah commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half tribe” (Joshua 14:2). Joshua and the Israelites had spent six years conquering Canaan west of the Jordan River. Two large coalitions had been overcome, one in the south, and a larger one in the north. The cities involved in these two campaigns are [...]
A Lion, a Bear, and a Serpent
“Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it? ... the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. (19) As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him” (Amos 5:18, 19). The Prophet Amos [...]
Melchizedek
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God” (Genesis 14:18). The identity of Melchizedek of Salem has been a subject of interest by many a commentator. He appears on the scene suddenly and vanishes just as quickly. Genesis, Psalms, and Hebrews mention him. So little is known of his life that we [...]
Four Classes
The Church, Great Company, Ancient Worthies, World of Mankind. We read in the Bible that four classes of people will be rewarded with everlasting life In Jehovah's Divine Plan of the Ages, made possible through the Ransom Sacrifice of His only begotten son, Christ Jesus. These four classes are represented in scriptural pictures, as follows. The Church of Christ, to receive the divine nature [...]
Fig Tree and Figs in the Bible
The Fig Tree and Figs in Jewish Environment, Life, and Culture. Of all the fruit trees found in Israel, the fig tree carries central significance in Jewish life and culture. It has been an integral part of the diet, customs, and landscape of Israel. There are a myriad of references to it in Biblical writings and Israeli literature. The ubiquity of fig trees and [...]
Michael the Archangel, Jesus
“At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book” (Daniel 12:1 ASV). In Jude [...]
How David Beat Goliath
In the 20th century endocrinology has shown that tall and strong people often have limited eyesight. [1] "Endocrinology has been marshalled to prove convincingly that limited eyesight, common in tall, strong people, could have hampered Goliath's capability to react correctly to David's aiming his sling." Consider highlights of this encounter: "And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that [...]
A Crown of Thorns
"When they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29). Jesus suffered many pains and indignities when he bore the penalty for Adam and his race. With the crown of thorns, both pain and indignity [...]
The House of Togarmah, Is Modern China a Cultural Descendant?
“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against China and against the land of the Mongolians, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O China, the chief prince [Rosh] of Meshech and Tubal: and I will gather your people [...]
The Likeness of Moses and Paul
“God will raise up ... a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me” (Deuteronomy 18:15). Moses, as a type, points to Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15). As the messenger of God, Moses was used to convey the Law and be a mediator between God and the nation of Israel. Jesus likewise is designated as the “mediator of the new covenant” (Hebrews [...]
The Pentateuch and the Divine Plan
The opening books of the Bible appear to parallel the various stages of the Divine Plan. This provides additional confirmation of the plan’s divine origin. GENESIS The word Genesis means, “the origin, or coming into being of something.” The book includes the events of Creation, the fall of man, the flood of Noah’s day, and the histories and generations of the earliest Patriarchs. It [...]
The Bloodshed of Jezreel
“Name him Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will punish the house of Jehu for the bloodshed of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel” (Hosea 1:4, 5). When God instructed Hosea to name his son Jezreel, He also [...]
Hosea, A Minor Prophet with a Major Challenge
“I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God” (Hosea 2:23). On a number of occasions the heavenly Father asked some faithful individuals to do things they could not understand at the time. Those who obeyed received a profound glimpse at the wisdom of God. One such individual was the prophet, [...]
No “Give Me” in the Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer is given to us in Matthew 6:9‑13, and in shorter form in Luke 11:2‑4. The first part is addressed to God: “Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Next is for others: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.” Then “Give US ...,” “Forgive US ...,” “Bring US not ...,” “Deliver US [...]
In Our Image, After Our Likeness
“And God [1] said, Let us make man [2] in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (27) And God created the man in his own image, in the image [...]
Seven Pictures of Armageddon
Seven climactic battles are detailed in the time of the Judges; each typifying the Battle of Armageddon, but each offering a different facet of it. Judges 3:7‑11. Cushan‑rishathaim king of Mesopotamia (Hebrews, Aram Naharaim, “Aram of two rivers,” or “Highlands of two rivers,” Euphrates and Tigris) was the first king God permitted to punish Israel in their land, for eight years. His name means, [...]
Using the Enemy Against the Enemy
“And they cried, The sword of Jehovah and of Gideon” (Judges 7:20 ASV). Several times in the period of the Judges (Deliverers), we are told, “And the children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah” (Judges 3:12, 4:1, 10:6, 13:1). In the time of Deborah, Israel had sinned and was delivered into the hand of the king of [...]
The Seven Last Plagues
An Update from 1991 The Seven Last Plagues were given a suggested interpretation in an article, “An Introduction to the Exodus: A Picture of the Plan of the Ages,” Beauties of the Truth, November 1991. Since that time, new information has surfaced, particularly for Plagues 1 and 6, as reflected in the table below and in the subsequent discussion. This writer had been unaware [...]
The People that Walked in Darkness
“In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time hath he made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them [...]
When the Seventh Angel Sounds
The Apostle John, who wrote down Revelation Revelation 10:7 seems to present a near‑certain contradiction as it is commonly read: “In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then is finished the mystery of God, according to the good tidings which he declared to his servants [1] the prophets” (Revelation 10:7 ASV). Too easily, this verse [...]
Allies Against Ancient Israel
There are many times enemies came against Israel or Judah and were defeated. These often appear to typify the destruction — often self‑destruction — of this world at the end of the Gospel Age, preparatory to the Resurrection in the Millennial Kingdom. In some cases, there are multiple nations allied against Israel, and three of these are of interest here. THREE ENEMIES AGAINST GIDEON [...]
Evidence Missing!
The One-half billion years (give or take a few years) of evolutionary evidence is missing! The June 22, 2023 Nature magazine article “Lost World of Complex Life,” by Jochen J. Brocks, et al. [1] deserves special mention to our readership. The intense interest in all aspects of the appearance of “complex life” by the science community has brought to light compelling proof for the [...]
Languages and Babel
“God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1). But Nimrod and those like him rebelled and said, “Come, let us build a city and a tower ... lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:3‑4). Therefore, God set about to punish them (or let them punish [...]
Can We Explain Gehenna Without the Garbage Dump?
Most modern translations of the Bible transliterate the Hebrew Sheol and the Greek Hades, both of which refer to the death state from which resurrection is possible. It is still, however, the general practice to translate Gehenna as “hell,” allowing readers to think that the reference is to a place of eternal torment. Gehenna is the Greek form of the Hebrew Gai Hinnom, or [...]
The First Trumpet, Ephesus
“And the first [trumpet] sounded, and there came to be hail and fire, mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of the earth was burnt up, and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up” (Revelation 8:7, RVIC). Seven angels with seven trumpets prepare to sound. The first to [...]
Two Overturnings of the Tables — Two Miracle Fish Draughts
A few days before he finished his earthly course, and his last Passover, three Gospel accounts describe Jesus entering the temple complex and overturning the tables of the moneychangers. This was at the close of his ministry, and is recorded in Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15, and Luke 19:45. However, the Apostle John relates an overturning of the tables event that seems to occur at [...]
Joel 2:28,29
The Prophet Joel The interpretation of these two verses is, at the very least, difficult! As we will discern, Bro. Russell is likely the only interpreter to grasp the layout and prophetic sequencing within these verses. Jewish translations (and a very few gentile ones) begin Joel Chapter 3 with the verse we have as 2:28. This includes: Soncino Tanach (Stone), Tanach (JPS), Leeser, New [...]
Gnostic Belief
A background to Gnosticism, as an editorial adjunct to the previous article Shortly before our Lord’s birth, Gnostic belief emerged. It was a mixture of Judaism that was awed by Platonic Greek Philosophy but departed from both sacred Biblical text and Platonism. Gnosticism set forth a basic tenet of error — that all creation excepting the inaccessible divine creator was an amalgam of spirit [...]
True Christians in the Middle Ages
The Beliefs and History of the Albigenses Editor’s Note — The following contribution significantly updates the scholarship on the Albigenses found in the “Man of Sin” chapter of The Time is at Hand, Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 2. Departing from our usual literary style, the investigation of current scholarship by Bro. Timothy Krupa is based on visiting the Cathar Museum in Mazamet, France, [...]
How 535-542 AD Changed the World
Introduction to the Dark Ages Occasionally, a natural event has a dramatic effect on the world. Recent discovery shows how it shifted power from Constantinople back to Rome. A catastrophic volcanic eruption in 535-536 AD made 536 and 541 the worst years for trees in the past two millennia. [1] The effects were worldwide, as told by writers in Italy, Constantinople, and China. Sulfate spikes [...]
666, the False Donation of Constantine, and the Renaissance
“Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is 666” (Revelation 13:18) Pastor Charles T. Russell, Question Book (1911), page 37. “What about the number of the beast, 666?” ANSWER. — “There are various interpretations given to this. I am not specially prepared to say all about [...]
Five Special Occasions
Two Ages of Redemption (Leviticus 23) “Speak unto the children of Israel ... concerning the feasts of Jehovah, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts” (Leviticus 23:1). Leviticus chapter 23 provides a summary list of special occasions contained in the Law of Moses. Most of these are given in greater detail in other places, but in this chapter [...]
Never a Secret Society Member
Clear Statements Question. Can a man who has made full consecration to the Lord remain a member of a secret society? Answer. We cannot speak from personal experience, never having been a member of any such society. But if we should even take for granted that they are in no way opposed to the doctrines of Christ, and that they cultivate morality (which is [...]
The Harvests of God
Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7) When you hear the word “harvest” what do you think of? If you are a farmer, you probably think of the results of your work and effort through a growing season. But most Bible students probably think immediately of that beautiful parable Jesus gave concerning the wheat and the tares and its application [...]