David Doran
Bones and Bodies
In Ezekiel 39:11-16 is a statement (apparently symbolic) of the burying of the bodies of the remnants of Gog's invasion of Israel. This article's purpose is to suggest a possible solution to the symbolisms of bodies, graves, passengers, Hamon-Gog, Gog, and the seven months. Concerning the symbolic use of bodies and their parts, it is suggested that a reading of Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Zechariah [...]
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, [...]
Bones and Bodies
Ezekiel 39:11-16 is an account (apparently symbolic) of the burying of the bodies of the remnants of Gog's invasion of Israel. This article's purpose is to suggest a possible interpretation of the symbolisms of bodies, graves, passengers, Hamon-gog, Gog, and the seven months. Concerning the symbolic use of bodies and their parts, we suggest that Ezekiel 37:1-14 will aid in understanding Ezekiel 39. In [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
A Harvest Psalm – Psalm 82
This Psalm seems to divide into three major divisions: (1) Verses 1 through 5, (2) verses 6-7, and (3) verse 8. The first section refers to Jesus standing in judgment against the mighty ones of earth. Verses 6-7 have Jesus turning to the saints and saying “you are the ones who will help execute this judgment.” The final verse is apparently David (as John [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
The Beginning and the End (of Revelation 13)
Students of the Bible have become aware that chapter divisions can be misplaced and thus cause confusion in the understanding of a passage. One of the better known examples is Matthew 16 and 17. If there were no chapter division after 16:28, it would be much easier to discern that the transfiguration was the fulfillment of the statement of 16:28. The 13th chapter of [...]