Isaiah was one of the grandest of the Lord's prophets. Not
only is his message couched in kindly, sympathetic terms, but
it is most comprehensive, including, with the rebukes and
exhortations appropriate to his own day and nation, sublime
glimpses of the glorious future which the Lord in his own due
time will bring to pass for the blessing not only of Israel, but
of all the families of the earth. The prophecy of Isaiah and
what he saw and foresaw, was prepared during a period of
about forty years. R3451:3
There were three distinct climaxes to the complete
fulfillment of Isaiah's message: (1) It was about 170 years
from the time of his vision and the last year of King Uzziah,
before Judah was carried captive to Babylon, from which only
a remnant returned 70 years later. (2) The vision and the
message were about 800 years before the final rejection of
Israel by Messiah at his first advent, when only a remnant was
accepted into the Gospel age. (3) Isaiah's vision and message
were about 2,650 years before the rejection or nominal
spiritual Israel, preparatory to gathering out of the "Israelites
indeed," which shall rule and bless all the families of the
earth. In harmony with the above suggestions, it will be
found that Isaiah's prophecies repeatedly mingle and
commingle the events of his day with the events of our day.
R2372:3
Isaiah typified the sanctified, who have throughout this age
said, "Lord, here am I, send me." The message of this Isaiah
class has been unpopular, to this day. R4787:6
Some claim that not more than the first 28 chapters of
Isaiah are really the writings of that prophet; that the
remainder of the book bearing his name has distinctive
peculiarities indicating that they were written by two or three
other parties. We reply to this "Higher Criticism" that it is
altogether too high-that it takes the standpoint of unbelief and
therefore not the standpoint proper for the child of God. The
truly higher criticism would reason that as the olden-time
prophets generally used scribes, to whom they dictated, so
probably had Isaiah; and that as Isaiah's prophecy covered a
number of years, he probably had several scribes, and while
each scribe may have had his own peculiarities, the same God
who was able and willing to give a revelation of his will
through his prophet, Isaiah, was willing and able to overrule
the scribes provided, so that the revelation should reach his
people as he designed to give it. R1418:2
Vision of Isaiah -- Probably dictated to several scribes,
over a number of years. R1418:2
Some fulfilled within 250 years of his vision, some apply to
our day. R2372:5
Including rebukes and exhortations of his own day, and
sublime glimpses of the glorious future. R3451.3
Isaiah, like Ezekiel and John the Revelator, seems to represent
the living saints, who see "visions of God." R530:4*
Son of Amoz -- Isaiah was related to the royal family.
R2379:2
Hezekiah -- It is supposed that Isaiah was his tutor.
R2379:2
Kings of Judah -- Isaiah's prophecy was prepared during
about 40 years. R3451:3
Hear, O heavens -- Powers of spiritual control. A318
Give ear, O earth -- Society. A318
The LORD hath spoken -- Not the wisdom or exhortation
of Isaiah, but the Lord's message through the prophet.
R3451:3
Brought up -- Lifted high in greatness. R3451:6
From an obscure beginning the Lord brought Israel forward to
the most prominent place in world history. R3451:6
Children -- In natural Israel, likewise in nominal spiritual
Israel. R3452:1
Rebelled -- Israel's course was wrong, ungrateful and
sinful; but no worse than the other nations. R3451:6
It is not surprising that the Lord will not permit such to return
to his table. R1900:4
The ox knoweth -- We ought to be able to know our God
and recognize his supervision in our affairs in this Harvest
time, and see the dawning Millennium. R4044:1
The brute recognizes an obligation to the one who cares for
him. R3452:2
His master's crib -- The ox and ass know enough to return
again and again to the place where they have been fed, thus
owing more discretion than those who forsake the Lord's table
to prove the dishes offered on unclean tables. R1900:2,
R4044:2
Doth not know -- Their Creator and Redeemer--in the
sense of being fully acquainted with his character. R3312:6
The masses of Christendom are too busy with their own plans
and schemes. R3452:2
Some know not the Lord as their owner, but still "belong to"
various sects, parties and denominations. R4044:1
Illustrated by an elder instructing (or cautioning) his Ecclesia
to avoid use of the six volumes of Scripture Studies and other
Present Truth literature. R4044:4
Whoever manifests such a spirit should be firmly, kindly dealt
with, to the intent that the flock might be preserved from such
a pernicious spirit, and that the leader himself might be
recovered from the snare of the Adversary. R4044:5
Doth not consider -- Reflect, think, study, ponder.
R3312:3
Many whom the Lord has favored, both in natural and
spiritual Israel, do not exhibit the wisdom of even the brute
beast. R4044:1
Israel heeded not the light, nor the warning, as here foretold.
R2036:2
Readily forget where they got their previous food. R3786:4
Increased activity in the professed Christian church has taken
more of a business than a pious turn, emphasizing more the
forms of godliness than cultivating vital power, more to
worldly than spiritual prosperity. R2146:1*
The Bible is a religion of faith, but faith based on reasonable
evidences. R3312:3
Stricken any more? -- What would be the use of any more
stripes or chastisements? What hope would there be of
effecting a reformation? R3452:2
Is sick -- As a result of all tables being filled with vomit,
rejected doctrines. R3963:1
Foot even unto the head -- Probably referred to the people
as a whole and to their land, desolated from the north and
south. R3452:2
Is no soundness -- The fall of Adam has worked ruin to
mankind. R5977:6; CR209:2*
"There is none righteous, no not one." (Rom. 3:10) E252
Putrefying sores -- Mental and physical. E252
Country is desolate -- Looking into the future desolation
came about a century later. R3452:3, 2
Applied to Christendom, Evolutionists and other enemies of
the truth are laying waste the heritage of the Lord's people.
R3452:3
Daughter of Zion -- The nation of Israel, typical of
nominal spiritual Zion. R1648:3; D23
As a cottage -- A temporary structure; unsafe,
unsatisfactory-picturing the condition of the Jewish nation,
and foretelling the deplorable condition of Christendom.
R3452:3; D558
Had left unto us -- During Israel's double of disfavor.
OV75:4
Small remnant -- The majority stumbling because of pride
and hardness of heart. B215
The rest of Israel will have missed the honor, offered to them
first, of constituting the spiritual Bride of Christ. OV96:2
Similarly, also at the second advent of Christ, only a remnant
will be found of Israelites indeed, while the majority will be
rejected. R3452:5
Have been as Sodom -- Implied hopelessness as respected
the kingdom opportunities of Jewish and Gospel ages, but not
as respects the future. R3452:5
Vain ablations -- In the churches there is a great deal of
formalism-fine church edifices, grand organs, trained choirs,
gymnasia, "smokers," culinary departments, etc. R5696:4
Appointed feasts -- The Lord will not recognize and
accept such service. R5696:4
I will not hear -- "God heareth not sinners." (John 9:31)
R2024:1
Wash you -- Does not mean a washing away of literal sin
which they could not effect, which was only figuratively done
on the Day of Atonement, and will only be actually
accomplished by the Lord Jesus' work. R3452:6
Make you clean -- An exhortation to reform, like the
words of John the Baptist and Jesus in the Jewish Harvest.
R3452:6
Spiritual Israel has real cleansing in the better sacrifice of
Christ. R3453:1
Cease to do evil -- We shall not be able to effect this
transformation in ourselves except so far as we have a right
will and a pure heart, an honest endeavor for righteousness.
R4840:4
Although our wills are in opposition to sin of every kind,
having imperfect bodies, we cannot hope to be absolutely free
from sin. R3453:1
Learn to do well -- The Lord desires that we realize our
wrong condition and turn therefrom to the best of our ability.
R4840:4
Perfection must be our aim, and in our hearts it must be
continually the criterion-but we cannot live up fully to this
grand standard. R3453:1
Seek judgment -- Always be on the side of right and
justice, desiring to do justice to all with whom you have
dealings. R3453:2
Relieve the oppressed -- Be of generous spirit, willing and
anxious to lift some of the burdens from the groaning creation
to the extent of your ability. R3453:2
Judge the fatherless -- See that those not capable of
looking after their own interest do not suffer at your hand.
R3453:2
Plead for the widow -- Feel a sympathy for the helpless
and plead their cause with others. R3453:2
Let us reason -- Reason is the noblest faculty of the
human mind, the prominent mark of the divine likeness in
humanity, making man capable of communion with God.
R1565:3
Man is invited to use his reasoning faculties in the study of
God's Word. A20
God thus recognizes his image, even in fallen man. A174
Verses 18 to 20 apply especially to natural Israel, though an
application is also possible to spiritual Israel. R3453:5
Inviting the faithful to consider, to search, to prove. R3312:3
Appealing neither to prejudices nor to passions. A58
Indicating that God's Word is reasonable. Q747:4
So that our faith in his plan might be a reasonable faith and
that we might be able to give to our fellowmen a reason for
the hope that is in us. (1 Pet. 3:15) R1565:3
A faith without reason honors not God, nor is it worthy of an
intelligent being. Faith without reason is merely groveling
superstition. R883:3*
The two extremes of underrating and overrating human reason
are both fraught with evil consequences. R1566:6
The Lord is pleased to have those who are in harmony with
him know the equity, the justice, of all his dealings. R3947:1
We can reason together with God when we take the voice of
his Son and reject the voices of the "Dark Ages." R3795:3
As originally created, man was in his Creator's mental
likeness: Justice, Mercy, Love in man were the same in kind
as in God; so much so that they could and did, ever since the
fall, reason together on these subjects. R525:3
Nominal Christians, avoiding thought on religious subjects,
have not their "senses exercised by reason of use" and are, at
best, only babes in Christ. (Heb. 5:13, 14) R2890:5
Heathen religions, and to some extent nominal Christendom,
seek to restrain the intellect and appeal chiefly to the
passions, prejudices and fears. R2890:5
I will make it clear and plain to you, God says. R689:6
Together -- We are not to reason without him and his
Word. SM24:2; CR334:3
The Lord never reasons with any except those who have faith
in him and trust in his promises. R3947:1
Sins be as scarlet -- The Lord used crimson and scarlet as
indicative of the most flagrant sins. CR414:2
A fact recognized by some Jews on the great Day of
Atonement. C255*
As white as snow -- The merit of the great Atonement
sacrifices covers all blemishes and makes absolutely clean.
R3453:6
If a scarlet, or crimson, object is viewed through a red glass in
the light it appears white; so when we come where God will
view our sins through the blood of Christ they are accounted
as white. R13:4
Evidencing the full and complete forgiveness of all who are
truly repentant and who desire to draw nigh to God through
Christ. Q832:4
The word "white" is from the same root as the word
"frankincense." R84:5*
Red like crimson -- Deep red-a fast color. R689:6
If ye -- The obedient in the Millennial age. R1649:5;
A67; HG538:2
Good of the land -- All promises made to Israel were of
temporal good, with no mention of heavenly hopes. R1358:4
To the natural man this would mean earthly good things, and
to the spiritual Israelites heavenly good things. R3453:6
Ye shall be devoured -- If spiritual Israelites refuse to
walk in harmony with the Lord's direction and rebel against
him, they will bring upon themselves the Second Death.
R3454:1
Purge away thy dross -- A refining process, applicable to
spiritual as well as fleshly Israel. R1944:3
Restore thy judges -- The Ancient Worthies, in full
authority as prophets or teachers, under the supervision of
Immanuel's heavenly Kingdom. R4201:4, R4320:5; A294;
CR141:6; OV321:5, OV88:3
As at the first -- Implies that this was, in many respects, a
favorable time for the Israelites. R3102:5, R5645:6
The rule of the judges was superior to that of the kings.
R4201:4
Eventually the whole world will be under heavenly rule, with
incorruptible earthly judges enforcing the divine law.
R3216:5, R5646:5
The Millennial blessings will begin with Israel. OV88:3
And thy counsellors -- The lawgivers, as at the first, will
be the greater than Moses-The Christ, Head and Body.
R4201:4
City of righteousness -- The Christ complete constitutes
the New Jerusalem. R238:2*
The destruction -- There surely will be some lost, as well
as some saved. R3083:2
Of the sinners -- The wilful sinners. R3083:3
Judah and Jerusalem -- Natural Israel. By the time this
prophecy will have begun to be fulfilled, spiritual Israel will
be beyond the veil. SM736:1
Isaiah's prophecies repeatedly mingle and commingle the
events of his day with the events of our day; intruding the
Messianic Millennial Kingdom into the prophecies which
specially relate to natural Israel. R2372:5
In the last days -- When the last member of the elect
Church of Christ shall have passed beyond the veil.
SM730:2, R735:T, R362:3
That the mountain -- The Kingdom. C235; D628; E44;
R1914:2, R5990:1
Of the LORD'S house -- Of the house of Jehovah. E44
"Whose house are we." (Heb. 3:6) R269:2
Messiah's Kingdom, represented on earth by Israel, as the
divine channel of blessing, with the Ancient Worthies, as
princes in all the earth. SM730:1, SM731:1, SM732:2,
SM733:1
Established -- Now being established permanently; when
the first resurrection is complete. R172:1, R3175:5,
R5990:1
In the top of -- Overruling other kingdoms. D628, E44
It will be the chief mountain or Kingdom. R4990:1
The place of power. R269:2
Superseding. R5990:1
The Temple was permanently established, not only in
Jerusalem, but in the top of the mountain. R172:1
Not only true of the spiritual Kingdom, but including also an
earthly Kingdom of "Israelites indeed" headed by the
resurrected Ancient Worthies. SM732:2
As a "city set on a hill that cannot be hid." (Matt. 5:14)
R338:5, R421:6
The mountains -- All earthly kingdoms. D628; E44;
R5990:1, R4990:1; SM732:2
Shall be exalted -- This exaltation began in April, 1878.
C235; R5990:2
Above the hills -- The smaller governments of earth.
R5575:4, R5990:1
Republics. D628
The highest peaks. D628
All nations -- This Kingdom will intervene between the
divine government and mankind because the fallen race is
unable to meet the requirements of the divine law. R5181:2
Shall flow unto it -- As the world shall come to appreciate
the new order of things, all nations shall flow up to it.
SM734:T, SM735:T
The whole world will send to the wonderful "princes" to have
them extend everywhere their government, their yoke of
righteousness, seen to be so beneficial to Israel. D628
The New covenant will be inaugurated with natural Israel and
gradually the whole world will become attached to Israel as
part of Abraham's earthly seed. CR485:2
Many people -- The world in general. R5428:5;
SM735:1; OV85:1; Q60:7
Instead of the Lord's empire being a typical one over the little
nation of Israel, it will be the antitypical one, as King over all
the earth. R2550:3
Shall go and say -- When disturbed by the commotions
and trouble of the Epiphania, the Apokalupsis of the King in
the pouring out of the seven last plagues. R2957:1, R2975:4,
R3869:1
Come ye -- They will be completely disgusted with Satan's
ruling, and his deceptions, and glad to submit to the reign of
Christ. R1233:4
Let us go up -- In the time of trouble, and subsequently.
R5655:6, R517:4*; Q637:3
Let us submit to the new Kingdom of God. R269:2
All nations will be desiring salvation and the blessings of
restitution. R5655:6, R5000:2, R4796:1
Seeing God's blessings coming to the nation of Israel, the
others will want a share also. Q170:8, Q205:T, Q210:T
When the iron rod shall have accomplished the work of
destruction, then will the hand that smote be turned to heal,
and the people will return to the Lord and he shall heal them.
A256
As, similarly, representatives of many nations came to hear
Solomon. R2053:1
Let us seek protection and render obedience to the Kingdom
of the Lord. R687:1
Mountain of the LORD -- Kingdom of Jehovah. A297;
E44; SM735:1
To the house -- Temple. SM735:1
The God of Jacob -- The New covenant will be made only
with Israel. The only way other nations can receive a share of
restitution favors will be by becoming Israelites. R4575:4
The world, weak and awe-struck by the time of trouble, will
begin to take notice of Israel's rising again to national life and
the blessings bestowed upon them. R4555:3
They will say, he has done for the Jew first, but he will also
do for us. R4840:5
He will teach us -- As well as the Jews. R4796:4,
R4575:5
As a counsellor. (Isa. 9:6) R1747:4
After the time of trouble, they will be glad to forsake their
own ways and come into harmony with God. R269:3,
R5428:5
Walk In his paths -- "All the paths of the Lord are mercy
and truth." (Psa 25:10) R2334:6
"They shall return even to the Lord, and he shall be entreated
of them and shall heal them." (Isa. 19:22) A256
Present temptations to evil will be removed when Satan shall
be bound. R542:4*
Not until they do this will the Mediator recognize them.
R5428:5; Q60:7
Led forth from sin along the grand highway to perfection.
R1024:4
The Gentiles, seeing how the Lord blesses the Jews for so
doing, will want similar blessings. Q206:2
Those who fail to do this will have tribulation that they may
learn righteousness. R4729:2
For out of Zion -- The spiritual phase of the Kingdom, the
glorified Christ, Head and Body. A297, C293; D628;
CR156:6, CR157:2; R4555:3, R4575:4, R5000:2
The true Zionism of the past eighteen centuries has been of
the heavenly kind. CR156:6
Go forth the law -- As soon as the last member of the
Church is glorified, for correction in righteousness of the
world's affairs. CR157:1, 3, CR156:6; R4542:5
Now we persuade, urge, entreat men to come to the Lord;
then it will be different. R4542:5
Word of the LORD -- Divine messages, through the
"princes." (Psa 45:16) CR157:2; D620, R3869:2, R5583:4
From Jerusalem -- The seat of the earthly phase of the
Kingdom in the hands of the "princess" A297, C293; D629;
SM735:1; R4071:6, R5293:4, R5000:2; OV96:3
Jerusalem will become the capital city of the world. Q790:2
The Ancient Worthies will constitute the earthly Jerusalem,
the capital of the new dispensation. CRI57:2
The re-established fleshly Israel. C293; R4575:4, R1341:2
Fleshly Israel, recovered from blindness, shall be used as a
medium through which the streams of salvation, issuing from
glorified, spiritual Israel, shall flow to all the families of the
earth. C293
These two phases of the Kingdom will be in communication
and co-operation through the Millennium. R4071:6
From Israel, under the New covenant, through Israel's
Mediator, a way of approach to God will be opened up for all
the Gentiles. OV96:3, OV85:1
The earthly phase of the Kingdom will be essentially
Israelitish. R286:6
The nation that will not go up to Jerusalem will have no
blessings. (Zech. 14:17-19) R4819:5
He shall judge -- Previously-in the great time of trouble.
D628, D629
Rewarding and punishing justly. SM735:1
And shall rebuke -- By his judgments. R1469:6
And they shall -- As a result of the Lord's rebukes and
subsequently his law and word. D629
The connecting verses show that the conditions of peace
referred to will not be established until after the Kingdom of
the Lord is set up on the earth. Q812:2
Beat their swords -- After they have been brought to a
condition of willingness. R269:2
Into plowshares -- We Christians have not gotten them to
do so. R5061:3
Learn war any more -- Under Messiah's Kingdom wars
will cease forever. R5760:3; OV318:5
"Prepare war" (Joel 3:9, 10) is the prophecy that applies now.
R353:2*
O house of Jacob -- Natural Israel. A300, SM736:1
Walk in the light -- Truth. Those most prompt to respond
will get the greater blessing. A20; SM736:1
Thou hast forsaken -- Verses 6 to 10 give some reasons
why God's favor has been, for a time, withdrawn from Israel.
SM736:2
Full of horses -- Doctrinal hobbies. C316
Of their chariots -- Worldly organizations. C316
Is full of idols -- The idolatry of money, covetousness, etc.
B139; R1836:1
Shall be humbled -- They will not be boasting then.
OV420:3
Pride is a great obstacle, hindering approach to truth and
righteousness. The Almighty is not sufficiently reverenced.
SM737:1
Haughtiness of men -- The wisdom of the learned will
prove futile in the time of trouble. SM737:1
Shall be bowed down -- Nevertheless his judgment will be
for the world's deliverance, for he wounds to heal. R1869:3
The LORD alone -- The result will be the glory of the
Lord and the humbling of human pride. SM737:1
Exalted in that day -- In the time of trouble. B139
The thousand-year day in which Messiah is to be King over
all the earth. PD3/8
The Day now begun. OV420:3
When men give up the contest, God will exalt himself and
fully set up his government. R1213:6*
Upon every one -- Heavy upon every proud one. SM737:2
Cedars of Lebanon -- The ecclesiastically great. SM737:2
The oaks of Bashan -- The politically strong. SM737:2
The high mountains -- The kingdoms of this world.
SM737:2
All the hills -- The smaller princedoms. SM737:2
High tower -- Human organization. SM737:2
Every fenced wall -- Symbol of civil power. D40
Ships of Tarshish -- Possibly a reference to the destruction
of the Spanish navy in the Spanish-American war. R2506:5*
The LORD alone -- God must be first under the new order
of things. SM738:T
And the Idols -- The idolatry of money, covetousness, etc.
B139; R1836:1
And they shall go -- Realizing their inability to cope with
the mighty, pent-up forces with which they will have to deal
when the terrible crisis arrives. D148
Holes of the rocks -- Represent attempted protection of
human organizations, insurance companies, secret societies,
etc. SM738:1
Caves of the earth -- Fortresses of society Free Masonry,
Odd Fellowship, Trade Unions, Guilds, Trusts and all
societies, secular and ecclesiastical. B139
When he ariseth -- Assumes authority, takes command.
"At that time shall Michael stand up." (Dan. 12:1) B14 7
To shake terribly -- So that it may be removed. D55;
SM738:2
None of the shelters of society will be able to protect from the
trouble which is coming. SM738:1
The earth -- The present social order. D55
In that day -- In the time of trouble. D149, R2506:6
Now so very close at hand-"even at the door." (Matt. 24:33)
D148
Fear of the LORD -- Fear of his judgments which, in a
natural way, will produce the great time of trouble. B140
Shake terribly -- "Until all the foundations of the earth
(the foundations of society-the hitherto established principles
of law and order) are moved." (Psa. 82:5) D55
And to destroy its corruptions. B140
Present civilization will be destroyed because the Lord has
something far better for the world. OV420:3
Cease ye from man -- It is time for the Lord's people to
recognize the Lord as their only King and Director. R3217:3
Whole stay of bread -- During the Gospel age the poor
Jews have been famishing. They have been without any
communication with God. R5031:6; Q269:7
In that day -- An expression usually referring to the
closing period of the Gospel age with its time of trouble and
general church and world confusion. CR409:1
Seven women -- The complete nominal church, Babylon
the great and all her daughters. R295:2; Q851:2; CR413:2
None of them has his approval. CR408:3
Take hold of one man -- Christ Jesus. Q851:2; R295:2;
CR413:3
Eat our own bread -- Which the world supplies. R295:2
Made with the leaven of false doctrine. R5111:4
For the doctrines of Christ they care nothing. CR413:3
Our own apparel -- The filthy rags of their own
righteousness. R295:2
For any thought of redemption and covering of sins through
Christ they care nothing. CR413:3
Called by thy name -- They assume the name Christ, and
call their organizations, Christian churches. R295:2; Q851:2;
R413:3
Away our reproach -- That we are not the true Church,
because of worldliness. R295:3; Q851:2
Daughters of Zion -- Spiritual Israel. R1648:3; D23
Judgment ... burning -- The double cleansing process.
R3568:5*
A tabernacle -- Wherever there are one or more
consecrated hearts there is a dwelling place of God. R2080:3
From the heat -- Where the heart may rest its burdens and
find refreshment. R2080:3
From storm -- From the storms of life. R2080:3
Song of my beloved -- A parable, or story, of Jehovah.
R4794:3
A vineyard -- The Jewish nation. "A certain man planted
a vineyard and set a hedge about it." (Mark 12:1) R1982:2,
R2904:1
Palestine. R4257:1
Figure of Jewish and Christian systems, both the houses of
Israel. R1896:1
He fenced It -- With the Law and the prophets. R4794:3,
R1795:3
The spiritual promises with which he surrounds the Church.
R4795:4
The special supervision and fatherly guardianship of God, the
ministration of his faithful servants. to separate them from
ungodly, surrounding nations and to protect them from their
influence. R1795:3
Gathered out the stones -- Removed the difficulties.
R4794:3, R4795:4
The choicest vine -- Referring specially to the leaders of
the Jewish people. R2904:1
The richest promises of the Messianic Kingdom. R4794:3
The care with which the Lord planted his Church with
heavenly, spiritual promises. R4795:4
And built a tower -- A watch tower, representing the
prophets. R1795:6, R4794:3
A watch tower of grace and truth established by the apostles.
R4795:4
Made a winepress -- The various advantages conferred
upon Israel which should have caused an overflow of precious
fruitage. R1795:3
Bring forth grapes -- Mature fruits of character, especially
that of unselfish love. E206; R4794:1, 1795:6
God looked for choice fruitage from such a favorably situated
vineyard as Israel, but in vain. R4794:3
Wild grapes -- Israel's fruitage was not in harmony with
the promises God had planted, and this condition prevailed
until the time of Jesus. R4794:3
Similarly, in the Harvest for spiritual Israel, the great nominal
mass will be found unworthy. R4795:4
Men of Judah -- Isaiah was not writing to the ten tribes,
but to the two tribes of Judah, seeking to warn them by the
experiences of their sister nation. R3892:5
Could have been done more -- It was not for lack of
attention on God's part, but perversity of the vine which had
degenerated into a "strange vine." (Jer. 2:21) R1896:2
Wild grapes -- As natural Israel failed to be ready to
accept Jesus at his first advent, so spiritual Israel will fail to
be ready to receive him as the Messiah at the establishment of
his Kingdom. R4795:4
Do to my vineyard -- Temporarily abandoned, the
vineyard of Israel will be restored during the Messianic reign.
R4795:2
Take away the hedge -- Applies since the day of John the
Baptist, the last of the prophets. R4794:6
Trodden down --The Gentile nations have ravaged this
vineyard. R4794:6
Lay It waste -- Had some application to the 70 years of
desolation of Israel, with larger fulfilment at our Lord's first
advent when he declared their house left desolate because of
their wrong condition of heart and rejection of Christ. (Matt.
23:38) R4257:1
No rain -- It has been laid waste. No care has been taken
for it. R4794:6
Symbol of truth. B256
No rain of divine blessing, comfort, encouragement has come
upon the Jewish people in all these more than eighteen
centuries. R4794:6
House of Israel -- Natural Israel types Christendom which
is also called the Lord's vineyard. R5112:1
For judgment -- Justice. R2904:2, R4795:1, R5112:1
Behold oppression -- Contrary to the Law, of unselfish
love for the neighbor as for one's self. R4795:1
Those with the greatest knowledge of righteousness took
advantage of their more ignorant brethren. R2904:2
For righteousness -- Jehovah knew they could not keep
the Law perfectly, but did expect heart endeavors. R4795:1
Equity. R5112:1
Behold a cry -- Because of the landlordism of verse 8.
R5112;1
Of distress, from the oppressed. R5112:1, R2904:2
So it is throughout the length and breadth of Christendom.
R1896:2
Woe -- Verses 8 to 23 treat the reasons the Lord was
displeased with Israel and rejected them. R4257:1
Especially in the time of trouble. R2904:3
Unto them -- Natural Israel and nominal spiritual Israel,
Babylon. R2904:3
Join house to house -- The religious organizations,
corporations and individuals are all engaged in this business
of acquiring wealth. R1896:2
Landlordism. In the future, "they shall no more build and
another inhabit" (Isa. 65:22); perhaps signifying that in the
future, houses will be built for the owner's occupancy, not
rented. R2904:2
Illustrated in the Morgan-Rockefeller-Hill Trust "syndicating
the world," seeking to acquire control of the world's interests
in various lines, such as steel. R2804:3*
Lay field to field -- Amass wealth and control land and
machinery and all sources of wealth and power. R2904:3
There be no place -- For the poor to occupy. R2904:2
Placed alone -- The sin of selfishness, avarice, indicates a
lack of the spirit of the Lord. R4795:2, R4257:1, R5112:1
In mine ears -- In my hearing. R5112:2
The cry of the oppressed comes up into the ears of the Lord of
armies who declares "woe." (See Jas. 5:1-6) R1896:2
Shall be desolate -- Ruins will come on the great estates.
R4795:4
Mansions uninhabited and fields unfruitful. R4257:2
The time of trouble will be upon all. R5112:2
Great and fair -- Houses and families. R5112:2
The time of trouble will be especially against the great who
live in earthly palaces. R2904:3
Without Inhabitant -- In the time of trouble the finest
residences will be deserted for safety's sake, or their
occupants destroyed. R2904:3
Shall yield -- When the time of trouble has fully come, so
that "There is no hire for man or beast" (Zech. 8:10), the
returns from large holdings will be so poor as to lead to
serious results. R2904:5, R4795:4
Shortage of crops will have much to do with the trouble.
R5112:2
One bath -- Equals only eight gallons. R2804:6*
An ephah -- But a tenth of an homer (or about one bushel).
R2804:6*
Woe unto them -- Symbolic prophecy concerning both the
houses of Israel, after the flesh and spiritual. R1896:1
Many of the rich indulged themselves in intoxicating liquors,
music, revelry, etc., to their own injury and the neglect of
their responsibilities toward God. R5112:3
Strong drink -- Any indulgence of alcoholic spirits is
dangerous. R4256:3
Reference here is not to literal wine, but to the intoxicating
spirit of the world. R1444:1, R1896:2, R3892:3, R2904:2
Symbol of false doctrines. D614; R4257:6
Continue until night -- All day long give themselves up to
the intoxicating spirit of the world. R1896:3
Till wine inflame them! -- Controlling the will and
bringing it into slavery, rendering it almost powerless.
R3893:1
The harp -- Money-making, feasting, music and pleasure-seeking
absorb the attention of the great and influential.
R4257:2, R1896:3
And pipe -- Pipe organ. R2904:6
They regard not -- The majority of the rich, like the
majority of the poor, are selfish to the core. R5112:4
The minds of those given up to self-indulgence and enslaved
to sin are distracted , turned to unworthy and ignoble subjects
that have a degrading influence upon them. R3893:2
"God is not in all their thoughts." (Psa. 10:4) R3893:2
The work -- The plan. R1896:3, R2409:6
Humanity in general. God would have the prosperous
concentrate their powers, not upon the aggregation of wealth,
but on generous schemes for the blessing and uplifting of the
race. R5112:5
Neither consider -- Their wealth gave them time, for
which they are also responsible. R5112:3
Therefore my people -- Those professing to be my people,
Christians. R1896:3
Into captivity -- To ambitious leaders who have usurped
authority over them and made void the Word of God.
R1896:3
Have no knowledge -- Of the Lord's plan. R2905:1
Not being in the attitude of heart and mind in which God
could teach and lead them. R1896:3
Their honourable men -- Clergy, bishops and popes.
R1896:3
Are famished -- From lack of proper ideals and
nourishment from the prophecies. R4257:3
Similar conditions apply now in Christendom. The people are
hungry and thirsty for spiritual food and drink. R4257:3
"I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a
thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." (Amos
8:11) R1896:3, R5113:4
Dried up with thirst -- For explanations and consistency
which their teachers cannot satisfy. R2904:6
Therefore hell -- Sheol, oblivion. Israel, having
completely lost prestige having become as though dead.
E369; R1896:3, R2599:5, R4257:4
Not the hell of eternal torment. R5113:4
Enlarged -- The gratification of the fallen flesh has greatly
enlarged the tomb-many more die prematurely. R3893:3
During the time of trouble the grave will specialty enlarge to
take into it the octopus system of Babylon with its many
arms-financial, political, social and religious. R2905:1
The time of trouble approaching will mean the loss of much
life. "Unless those days should be shortened, there should no
flesh be saved." (Matt. 24:22) R5113:4
He that rejoiceth -- Thousands shall fall, including those
who have once rejoiced in faith. R4257:4
Descend into It -- Increase of death rate in the poor classes
of Israelites. R4257:4
The hopes of many in spiritual Israel are going down into
oblivion-faith is perishing among the people. R4257:4
The great systems of Christendom shall go into oblivion.
R1896:4
The mean man -- Who now selfishly exalts himself,
regardless of others. R1896:4
Shall be humbled -- In the great leveling processes of the
Day of the Lord. R1896:4
Exalted In judgment -- This will be the outcome of the
time of trouble. R1896:4
Sanctified in righteousness -- Bring in righteousness,
cause it to predominate. R3893:4
Of the fat ones -- Of the rich. R1896:5
Shall strangers eat -- The Lord will espouse the cause of
the poor and needy. R1896:5
The goodly portion, spiritual favors, were bestowed upon us,
Gentiles, aliens. R3893:4
Woe -- In the present life. An expression of sympathy, not
a threat of future tribulation. R3893:4
The "woe" time will be the great time of trouble. R3894:2
Unto them -- Especially to the prominent ones (teachers)
of Babylon. R2905:1
Cords of vanity -- Self-conceit, supposing that they are
hastening the Lord's work. R2905:1
Falsehood, in carrying forward their inequitable schemes.
R4257:4
And sin -- Especially lying and hypocrisy. R1896:5
With a cart rope -- The poor groaning creation is as a
slave bound to sin by a "cart rope;" it is so strong that he
cannot break it. R3893:5
That say -- "If there be a God, and if he have the power,
would he not long ago have exerted it? May we not,
therefore, go onward in the way of sin with impunity?"
R3893:5
By their conduct. R1896:5
Let him -- The Lord. R1896:5
Make speed -- Thus, in unbelief, they scoff at the truth
now due. R1896:5
That we may see It -- The fact that the Lord has been
lifting the veil of ignorance from the world and permitting
greater blessings is influencing many to turn to Evolution and
conclude that man did not fall. R3893:5
Draw nigh and come -- They claim to be in full accord
with the Lord and ready for his Kingdom if he had one, or if it
ever will come. R4257:5
Woe unto them -- Satan and his associates and servants.
E189; F199
Especially the clergy. R3894:1
Not that the founders of the counterfeit systems intentionally
organized them for the purpose Of misleading the people of
God. F199
That call evil good -- Calling God's good "evil" and God's
righteousness "sin." R1800:4
Sin is a terrible malady, and it is as improper to call it a
blessing as cholera or smallpox. R849:4
As do they who say that the evil in men is the working of God
in him. R1778:2, R1269:1, R848:2
Considering the evils of our time as nothing, as really good in
comparison with the past. R3893:6
Thus making it easy to do evil and difficult to do good. E189
The have called the evil things which they practice good.
R4257:5
As some who conclude that they are as much saved and as
much loved as the saints, while they are yet in their sins and
rebellion against God. R1253:5
"Let no man say, when he is tempted, I am tempted of God;
for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any
man." (Jas. 1:13) R1269:1
And good evil -- Imputing evil to God, whose work is
perfect. R1778:2, R1269:1
Calling truth and equity nonsensical. R4257:5
The good of the past they are disposed to reckon as evil,
imperfect. R3893:6
Darkness for light -- Teaching Evolution and eternal
torment as gospel. R3015:2, R2905:2
Satan's favorite method of operating. R5183:6, R5053:4
Is it any wonder that "my people perish for lack of
knowledge." (Hos. 4:6) R2693:4
Light for darkness -- False teachers warn the people
against the truth, as poison. R2905:4
Bitter for sweet -- Truth is sweet. R4257:5
Sweet for bitter -- Error-that which Babylon calls gospel
is bad tidings. R4257:5, R2905:2
The bitter dose of eternal torment is misnamed sweet,
heavenly truth. R2905:4
Them that are wise -- "The wisdom of this world is
foolishness with God." (1 Cor. 3:19) R1896:5
And prudent -- A wisdom and prudence which is of the
earth earthy, sensual, devilish. R4257:5
Woe unto them -- In the time of trouble now near at hand.
R3894:2
Mighty to drink wine -- Greedily imbibe the spirit of the
world while still professing to be God's people. R1896:5
Men of strength -- Of intellect and influence. R1896:5
Special condemnation to those who are the public leaders and
promulgators of false doctrines. R1444:4
Mingle strong drink -- Mingle the world's ideas and
doctrines and customs with a little of the truth, perverted and
misused and so associated with error as not to be understood.
R1896:6
Which -- Clergy of Christendom, in their funeral orations.
R3894:1, R2905:5
Justify the wicked -- Preach them into heaven. R2905:4
Defend the wicked, erroneous, God-dishonoring creeds; thus
perverting the truth. R3894:2, R1896:6
For reward -- For increased influence in the family or
denomination. R2905:4
For popular approval, denominational standing, the honor of
men, financial emoluments, social interest. R1896:6,
R3894:2
And take away -- To say all manner of evil against them
falsely- or, at least, to imply evil. R2905:4
The righteousness -- Misrepresent those who hold the
truth. R1896:6, R2905:4
Of the righteous -- Of those who come out of Babylon.
R2905:4
Therefore -- Verses 24 to 30 show the mighty power
which caused the fall of the Jewish polity and describe the
great time of trouble now impending. R4257:1, R2905:5
The hills -- The governments. D551
And he -- Possibly the concluding verses refer particularly
to the United States. R2327:5
Nor stumble -- The Millennial age "highway of holiness,"
free from stumbling stones. (Isa. 35:8, 9) R3026:5
Like a whirlwind -- Symbol of the time of trouble. D528;
R1896:6
Roaring of the sea -- The freedom possessed in the United
States is, in the estimation of many of the potentates of
Europe, like the raging of anarchy. R2327:6
Unto the land -- The social structure. R2327:6
In the heavens -- In the nominal church. R2327:6
In the year -- When Isaiah was commissioned to announce
the fall of Israel. R2379:2
I saw Isaiah, representing the living saints. R530:4
The vision was given to Isaiah to encourage him and to lead
him to volunteer to be the bearer of a new and difficult
message. R2371:1
Present Truth, now provided by our present Lord, affords his
faithful a waking vision of the Lord's glory never conceived
of before through the eye of faith. R2372:4
The Lord -- Adonai, Jesus, "The Messenger of the
Covenant." (Mal. 3:1) E48
Upon a throne -- Representing the majesty of God, his
greatness and glory. R2371:1
The vision is a prophecy of the future establishment of the
Kingdom of God during the Millennium. R2371:2
Instead of the Holy and Most Holy and their furnishings.
R4787:2
High and lifted up -- The representative of Jehovah might
well be saluted with praise in the name of the Father whom he
represented. E48
In the light of his glory, the majesty and tinsel grandeur of
earthly kings will be veriest dross. R2371:2
His train -- Of followers. R4787:2
The temple -- The Christ. T70
The Temple at Jerusalem, otherwise called the house of
Jehovah, was the scene of the vision. R4787:2
The seraphims -- Supporting, or carrying the throne or
chariot of Jehovah, as in Ezek. 1:5-16 and Ezek. 10:1-21.
R529:6*
On either side of him, as representing the divine attributes,
stood the four seraphim. R4787:2
Always connected with the immediate presence or Throne of
God. R529:6*
Fundamental attributes of God: Power, Wisdom, Justice and
Love. R529:6*, R2372:4
Cried unto another -- Two of the seraphim. R4787:2
Holy, holy, holy -- Repeating the word has an intensifying
effect, signifying superlatively holy, most holy. R2371:2
Indicating that all of God's attributes are in perfect harmony.
R530:4*, R2372:4
Is the LORD -- Jehovah, represented by "The Messenger."
E48
The whole earth -- Had Israel accepted Jesus as the King
of glory at his first advent, the Kingdom would have been
established forthwith with them. R4787:2
Full of his glory -- "The earth shall be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of the Lord." (Hab. 2:14) B99
Only from the prophetic standpoint, for it has never yet been
true. The earth is now full of sin, violence and every evil
work. R2371:2
The posts of the door -- The Jewish nation, the doorway
to this glory. R4787:3
Moved -- The shaking of anything, in a typical sense,
represents its instability, its removal. The Jewish nation was
removed from its favored position. R4787:3
Indicating the unreadiness of the world to receive the
message. R4787:3
Filled with smoke -- An obscuring haze filled the Temple,
dimming the glory indicating an unpreparedness for the glory
of the Lord. R4787:2
Woe is me! -- Lamenting his own unholiness, imperfection
and unworthiness. R2371:3
Those who see the divine glories, majesty and perfection most
distinctly feel their own blemishes, shortcomings and
unworthiness more than do others. R2371:3
Whoever has a deep humility of heart, knowing of his own
demerits and of God's perfection, can be blessed in the divine
service. R2371:3
I am undone -- This was the effect of Jesus' teaching upon
the holy ones of Israel who received his message. They
humbled themselves before the Lord, acknowledging their
unfitness to be teachers. R4787:5
Of unclean lips -- The Jewish nation, and all others, were
imperfect; and any message they would carry would be
imperfect. R4787:5
Have seen the King -- Jehovah, represented by the
"Messenger." (Mal. 3:1) E48
Jehovah, the King above all kings, ultimately to be revealed to
the whole world. R2371:1
Just such a view and message is now granted to the Lord's
servants who see the divine character of wisdom, justice, love
and power as never before. R2372:4
A live coal -- Enkindling the Gospel age invitation,
"Present your bodies living sacrifices." (Rom. 12:1) R4787:6
The altar -- Of sacrifice. R4787:6
Touched thy lips -- You, Isaiah, shall be granted powers
of speech and words beyond your natural ability, inspired by
the Lord. R2371:4
Some today have the opportunity of being mouthpieces of
God by being touched with an antitypical coal-the
consecration of the great sacrifice. R2372:4
When the hot coal touches our lips, we are ready to answer,
"Send me." R530:4*
The saintly ones during this Gospel age have had the required
blessing upon their lips. R4787:5
Iniquity is taken away -- The message of Rom. 12:1 has
not only taught a cleansing from sin, but a service to God.
R4787:6
Voice of the Lord -- Adonai, the "Messenger," Christ.
(Mal. 3:1) E48
Whom shall I send -- God has sent the invitation to
sacrifice to all who have an ear to hear. R4787:6
Here am I -- The sanctified, typical of God's holy people.
R4787:6
Send me -- All soldiers of the cross must be volunteers-none
will be drafted. R2371:5
These pray that the Lord will grant them a privilege of doing
all that their talents will fit them to do in his service. R2371:5
And he said -- Quoted by the Lord Jesus and the Apostle
Paul as further applicable to Israel at the first advent to the
sending of salvation to the Gentiles. (Matt. 13:13-17; John
1:12; Acts 28:16-31; Rom 11:5-11) R2371:6, R1435:3*,
R1742:1
Since natural Israel is a type of nominal spiritual Israel, we
find a somewhat similar message due to the spiritual house
now in the end of this age. R2371:6
Understand not -- The message of this Isaiah class would
be unpopular, resented, not favorably received. R2372:1,
R4787:6
"That seeing they may see and not perceive; and hearing they
may hear and not understand." (Mark 4:12) R1742:1
For delivering this message, tradition says Isaiah was sawn
asunder. R2371:6
Make the heart -- "Declare fat the heart of this people, its
ears heavy, its eyes dazzled, etc." (Young's translation)
R530:5*
How long? -- Israel's experiences are used as the
measuring line to show when the completion of the Church
will be accomplished. R4787:6
Removed men -- Not long after, the ten tribes were carried
away into captivity; Judah's share in the captivity coming
about 150 years later. R2371:6
Holy seed -- The Ancient Worthies, the earthly
representatives of Messiah's Kingdom. R4788:1
To these princes will be gathered the faithful, loyal, holy of
the Jews. R4788.4
With the wind -- Ruach, invisible power. E174
A sign -- Christ strikingly fulfilled this prediction.
R350:1*
Bear a son -- Its partial fulfillment (8:3 and 8:8) is no
argument against its application to Mary. (Matt. 1:23)
R436:2
Call his name Immanuel -- Is it objected that Mary's son
was called Jesus and not Immanuel? Many names, as well as
many offices, are his. The church in general has recognized
him by the name Immanuel for 1800 years. R436:4
Isa. 9:6, 7 seems to be a continuation of this prophecy.
R452:3
This expression is used in a prayer offered by the Jews at
their wailing place in Jerusalem. C277
Butter and honey -- Representing good and evil, but not
evil deeds. R444:1*
Shall he eat -- There were many ways he ate, or
experienced evil; Lazarus' death caused him to sorrow and the
hard-heartedness of the Jews caused him to "groan in spirit."
(John 11:33) R444:1*
Refuse the evil -- Jesus felt the evils of sin without
sinning. He suffered on account of others. R444:1*
I went -- The prophet represented Jehovah. R436:4
The prophetess -- Representing the virgin Mary. R436:4
Bare a son -- The typical fulfillment of Isa. 7:14, R436:2
Maher-shalal-hash-baz -- Representing Jesus. R436:4
Associate yourselves -- Unite. R1079:5
Religiously, financially and politically. R1385:1
New schemes are being formed to unite the people behind
denominational fences on other than doctrinal lines. R1546:2
The clergy desire union at any cost. R1548:4
A union would give prestige to indefensible doctrines and
greater political power, leading ultimately to the suppression
of truth as unsettling to peace. R3372:2
Speaking more of religious unity than of Christian unity-with
Jesus taking his place in the companionship of Guatama,
Confucius and Zoroaster. R1546:6*
A false Christian, or religious, union. R1874:3
It is the tares that are to be bundled, gathered together for a
great trouble time. R5443:2, R3877:4
The spectacle of Christendom today is unique-on the one
hand the natural tendency of disintegrating elements is
conspicuous; while, on the other, the artificial tendency to
unity is very pronounced. R1548:2
Of far countries -- Heathen. R1548:5
Gird yourselves -- Bind yourselves together for mutual
protection. R1875:2; D239
Broken in pieces -- The seeming successful union will be
of short duration. R1079:5
For the Scriptures indicate most distinctly that the trouble of
this "Day of Wrath" will be anarchy." every man's hand
against his neighbor." OV59:6
Such ecumenical assemblages as the World Parliament of
Religions, rightly viewed, are another manifestation of the
faithlessness of Christendom. D238
Counsel together -- Kings and rulers who have banded
themselves together to oppose the execution of God's plan.
R1385:2
Speak the word -- For unity. D239
Shall not stand -- The very nature of an organization of
such heterogeneous elements must be self-destruction.
R1874:3
Say ye not -- The Lord's faithful, consecrated people are
warned against having any part in any church federation.
R3877:1, R5443:2, R1741:4, R1754:4, R4611:1, R4747:1
The work now is not organization, but division, as it was in
the Jewish Harvest. D610; R1743:5
The forming of a commune of believers is opposed to the
purpose and methods of this Gospel age. God's people should
not shut themselves up in convents, cloisters or communities.
R1862:6; D480
Church federation or confederacy is quite a different thing
from the Church's oneness. OV234:6
The forming of a visible organization of the gathered out ones
in the Harvest would be out of harmony with the spirit of the
divine plan. R1743:5
God's saintly people need no outward federation, even as they
need no creedal fences. OV190:6
We should not stop merely with an outward federation, but
rather unite our hearts, heads and hands along the lines of the
divine promise. OV237:7 OV240:8, OV242:7, OV247:5
Like John the Baptist, we must, by our teaching and example,
declare unlawful the proposed and sure-to-come union
between church and civil government. R1754:4
A confederacy -- A league or covenant, a compact or
alliance for mutual support or common action. R601:1*
Church federation. R1573:1, R4611:1, R5443:2; OV187:2
Including:(1) Hypocrites; (2) Moralists; (3) Indifferents; (4)
Followers afar off; and (5) Saints-with Moralists and Higher
Critics dominating and the saintly few eventually becoming
separated from the nominal mass. OV190:3-5; CR80:1
Including not only church organizations, but all the various
societies and unions which tie men up together in bundles
today as never before. R1828:1
Of all denominations of nominal Christians. HG316:5
The image of the beast. R1948:1
Federated Protestants, vitalized through association with the
Episcopal Church, with the Roman Catholic Church as the
other side of the scroll. R4110:4; OV244:7
In every direction- ecclesiastical, political, social and
financial. As there were giants in the earth before the flood,
so there are to be giant institutions before the great time of
trouble breaks into cataclysm. OV60:T
Has not come along so rapidly as we might have expected but
we may be sure there is no real delay. R4611:2
Now near at hand. R4735:5, R5063:2
Broad enough to include all grades of outwardly moral
people-Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Brahmins and
Mohammedans. R1079:5
This is an age of unions and confederations. Every
department of the commercial world is being bound together.
The church, in its worldly condition, is unable to resist this
trend. R3864:5*
A reign of the churches, counterpart to that of Papacy during
the Dark Ages, except more enlightened. R2091:6
Will result in ecclesiastical arrogance and persecution.
CR81:5
Soon we will have their union or confederacy. Its bitter fruits
of error will manifest themselves in tyranny, as during the
Dark Ages. R3396:1
Perhaps more than merely church federation, but also of
societies and unions. R1828:1, R4747:2
The desire to join such "confederacies" is a part of the spirit
of our day, against which we are forewarned. D481
Typified by the union between King Herod, representative of
the world power of that time, and Herodias, his unlawful
wife, representing the ecclesiastical power of Christendom.
R1754:4
It is along doctrinal lines that the sacrificing in the interests of
federation will be chiefly demanded. OV235:1; CR68:6
The rejection of the holy Spirit lies at the foundation of every
church federation which has blighted the prosperity of the
church during her history. R3864:2*
This people -- Those who think that this federation is the
divine arrangement will be opposed to those who do not
accept it. R4611:1
Neither fear ye -- The Lord's people are to understand that
their safety is not dependent upon human power. R4747:2
Their fear -- That, unless a federation is formed, the
whole religious system will go to pieces and God's purposes
will fail of being accomplished. R4611:1, R4747:1
Fear, a realization of weakness, is at the bottom of the desire
for union at the expense of truth. R3372:2
Nor be afraid -- Fear not man; but dread to displease God.
R5443:2
Sanctify the LORD -- Jehovah. E49
Wherever the sanctifying of the truth goes, there true union
goes proportionately. Not worldly or denominational union,
for the truth separates from such, uniting children of the truth
to each other and to their Head--our Lord. R3372:3
Let him be your fear -- Fear nothing except what would
be displeasing to God. SM332:1, R1788:6
All other fears are tormenting; but the fear or reverence of the
Lord is comforting, helpful and safe for us. CR9:1
Under present circumstances it is a question of whether we
will fear the world or fear "Him." CR9:2
And he -- Our Lord Jesus, not Jehovah, nor Isaiah. E49
For a sanctuary -- To the sheep that hear his voice.
R602:6*
Only a remnant in the Harvest of each dispensation is
prepared to receive the truths due and enter into the special
privileges of the dawning dispensation. B26, B229
But -- Because unprepared to receive him in the way he
came, and because of the cross. B241, B215
Stone of stumbling -- Over the cross. Higher Criticism is
undermining true faith, and Evolution theories are making the
cross of Christ of none effect. R3298:5
The great fundamental rock-doctrine of the redemption
through the precious blood of Christ. R1255:2, R1649:3,
R3332:4, R4927:1, R1452:2
The manner of Christ's coming and the establishment of his
Kingdom; some expecting an outward display that would
appeal to the natural senses. R176:1, R175:6, R5258:1,
R224:2
Instead of stumbling over this stone, the members of Christ
will be lifted up by it to greater appreciation and higher
conditions. The feet shall not be moved. R5437:6
All but the "very elect" of God will be stumbled by the errors
and worldliness of our day. R5801:6
Only the sanctified in Christ Jesus, the "feet" of the Body of
Christ, shall be upheld that they stumble not. R2647:6
The "feet" of the Body are the last members, the ones now in
danger of being stumbled. R5816:6, R4927:1, R3332:4
The fleshly house failed to recognize his presence in the
flesh; the spiritual house refuses to acknowledge his presence
in a spiritual body. R505:5*, R515:5, R681:6
While looking for Messiah, they failed to recognize him
because of the manner and object of his coming. R821:6*
Because they made void the Law of God through giving heed
to traditions. (Mark 7:9, 13) B241
Because of their pride. B215
The Papal apostacy, claiming Peter as the stone on which the
church is built. R813:1*, R1525:1
To some who claim that the death of Christ was either for
himself, or as an example of how each must save himself.
R1255:2
"He (Jehovah) shall give his angels charge over thee to keep
thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands,
lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." (Psa. 91:11, 12)
R288:1, R757:6, R1268:2
To both the houses -- The nominal Jewish house and the
nominal Christian house. B26, B229; R228:3, R1452:2,
R3964:4, R5817:1, R175:1
The fleshly of the Jewish age and the spiritual of the Gospel
age stand related to each other as type to antitype. R1983:1,
R5092:2
Cannot refer to the ten and the two tribes, for that was a split
in the one house or family of Israel. R862:5
Shall stumble -- Over Jesus. R4942:6
Over the truth. R601:6*
Be turned aside from divine favor. R4942:5
And fall -- Backward. R4942:6
The rejection of the nominal fleshly house was necessary so
that the call could go to the Gentiles. The nominal spiritual
must fail that the true might be manifested. R177:6
Some who are really children of God will fall with Babylon.
R177:5
And be broken -- Their faith shattered and broken.
R601:6*
While the fleshly house will be restored, the Babylon church
will never be restored. R177:6
Be snared, and be taken -- In the snare of the Adversary.
A great flood of infidelity will engulf the church nominal.
R601:6*
Seal the law -- To those consecrated and separate from the
world, the Law and the testimony are precious; but none of
the unfaithful shall understand their import. R601:6*
Among, my disciples -- Jesus' disciples; not Jehovah's, nor
Isaiah's. E49
Consecrated class. R2072:4
And I -- Christ Jesus. E49
Wait upon the LORD -- Jehovah. E49
The house of Jacob -- Natural Israel. A300
Behold I -- Christ Jesus. E49
Whom the LORD -- Jehovah. E49
Hath given me -- Christ Jesus. E49
Seek unto them -- It is still true that he that seeketh
findeth, and the thing sought is generally the thing found.
R3742:1
Some get themselves into serious difficulties through
curiosity, which leads them to either spiritualistic seances or
to have private communication with these fallen ones.
R2582:1
Since the fallen angels have been barred from materialization
they have sought to otherwise influence humanity. PD42/52
By getting possession of their wills. R4976:2
Have familiar spirits -- Demons that infest earth's
atmosphere. Q840:2, Q804:3
Spirit mediums. R265:6, R1688:5
We are not informed regarding the power used by the fallen
angels in their miracle workings and cures, but we know that
it is not from God. R5800:1
Wizards -- Mediums. Q840:2
That peep, and that mutter -- Who pretend to have
communication with the dead. R4976:2
Seek unto their God? -- For counsel. R3742:1
And have nothing whatever to do with these "seducing
spirits." R2180:4; HG726:1
For the living to the dead? -- On behalf of the living,
should they seek unto the dead? R2189:6
For why should the living go to the dead? R265:6
Because the Scriptures teach that when a man is dead he knows not
anything, and will never know anything until the resurrection
of the dead. SM197:T
The living are forbidden to make any attempt to communicate
with the dead. B126; Q839:2
Few would communicate with the fallen angels if they knew
their real character; hence they represent themselves as being
our dead friends and relatives. PD42/52; Q804:3
To the testimony -- The Bible. R266:1, R3210:6; A163;
D66; E167
With a disposition to prove the testimony. F232
It is our duty as Christians to individually prove all things that
we accept. D66; R3104:4
Cutting and drifting away from the creeds and theories of
men. R3945:1
We have no intimation in the Scriptures that the spirit of God
leads his children through any other medium than that of his
Word. R614:2
To be established in the Present Truth signifies that I have
carefully studied and thoroughly proved it by the Law and the
testimony. R1627:2*, R3089:2
Many doctrines in the catechisms and the creeds have no
foundation in the Bible. R1136:5
"He that seeketh findeth." (Matt. 7:8) E167
If they speak not -- The early Church rightly reverenced
the knowledge and wisdom of the apostles, yet not with
blank, unquestioning minds, but with a disposition to try the
spirits and prove the testimony. R1524:4
While the Church needs teachers to understand God's Word,
yet the Church individually each by himself and for himself,
and himself only, must fill the office of judge, to decide
whether his teaching be true or false. R1136:1
The Lord might use dreams to instruct and guide his people,
but a dream must never lead in opposition to the written Word
of God. R3144:1
The thoughts of ancient time are to be weighed and tested, as
well as those of modern times, by the one standard-the Divine
Revelation. R3737:3
Suggestions from the students of the Book of Nature must be
compared carefully with the Book of Divine Revelation.
A163
As in the case of the declarations of scientists. A163
Theories which find it necessary to deceive and misrepresent
and shun the light of full investigation are not of God. Prove
them by the "Law and the testimonies," beginning at the
foundation. R867:3
Every doctrine should, from the foundation up, step by step,
be brought to the test of the Word and the testimony. All for
which there cannot be found a "Thus saith the Lord" must be
promptly rejected, and all to which his Word testifies as truth
"held fast." R1206:2
As in the case of the eternal torment theory. R2597:3
As in the case of the Sunday School when it displaces the
Christian parent as the preceptor of his children. F547
As in the case of modern miracles of healing. F638, F639
According to this word -- The value of all other books is
in proportion to their fidelity to the teachings of this Book of
books. R3210:6
Especially the writings of the apostles. F222
While prompt to acknowledge the channels and agencies
honored by the Lord in bringing to our attention the things of
his Word, let us never forget that the Word itself is the final
arbiter. R1882:6, R2412:1, R4003:6
The first test of relationship to the Lord is that of faithfulness
to him and his Word. R4480:4
We are to accept only such assistance as will aid us in
appreciating the inspired message. F61
It is by the Word of God that we are judged and not by the
opinions or precedents of our fellow-men in any capacity.
D66; F547
God warns people not to believe anyone whose teachings are
contrary to the Word, no matter what powers they may
exercise. R266:1
Learn to discern between fact and theory, and to make no
positive statement except that which can be proved by the
Bible to be truth-fully warranted and established. R4716:6*
The tendency of human thought seems to go from one
extreme to the other; hence the need of a divine revelation to
guide our judgments-especially on religious subjects.
R2323:3
While not opposing scientific investigation, let us carefully
compare their deductions with the Book of Divine Revelation-the
Bible. An accurate knowledge of the teachings of both
books will be harmonious. R737:2
The great mass of Satan's delusions will be seen to be
spurious by noting that they are out of accord with the
fundamental doctrine of the ransom-the touchstone of divine
truth. F639, F640
There Is no light -- No truth. A20
They are not of God. F547
In those that handle the Word of God deceitfully. R3188:4
Whatever doctrine is not based upon the Word of God is to be
rejected. R5099:5, R266:1; HG717:3
It is the Ecclesia's responsibility not to vote for such, nor in
any manner accept them as teachers or elders. F278
Those who follow such teachers as have "no light" are sure to
get further and further into darkness. R2801:2
Hungry -- Those who have neglected the "Law and the
testimony," God's Word, and give heed to the doctrines of
demons, suffer the pangs of regret because there is nothing to
satisfy their cravings for enlightenment. Q840:2
Nevertheless -- This verse should property be the last
verse of chapter 8 (Leeser). R2550:1, R3686:1
The dimness shall not -- There will be no gloom (RV).
R3468:2
Be such as was -- Omit these words (RV). R3468:2
In her vexation -- In her that was in anguish (RV).
R3468:2
Zebulun and ... Naphtali -- The names of the principal
districts of Ephraim. R3468:2
Grievously afflict -- Hath he made it glorious. R3468:2
In Galilee -- Jesus did most of his mighty works in these
lands of Zebulun and Naphtali, called Galilee. R3468:3,
R5135:5
Of the nations -- Of the Gentiles. In Isaiah's time Galilee
had been denuded of its Jewish population and had been
settled by Gentile emigrants. R3468:3
Subsequently, outside of the Samaritan district, Galilee
became repopulated by the Jews. R3468:3
The people -- Applicable, first, to the people of Galilee;
but also to all peoples who have had the eyes of their
understanding opened during this Gospel age. R3468:5
Walked In darkness -- Galilee, separated from the great
religious center of their day, was in greater darkness than
their brethren. R4557:1
The world has walked in the darkness of ignorance and
superstition for 6,000 years. R1746:3
Seen a great light -- Of divine truth. Local fulfilment was
in Galilee, in the ministry of Jesus; but the real fulfilment lies
in the future Millennial Kingdom. R5135:3, R2550:1
Which flared forth in Galilee, where the people were more
amenable to the teachings of Jesus than many of their
brethren in Judea. R4557:1
The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
Jesus Christ." (2 Cor. 4:6) R2550:2
"The Sun of Righteousness shall arise." (Mal 4:2) R3686:1
Shadow of death -- Fleshly Israel, under the condemnation
of their Law covenant. R1746:6
The death-darkness that was upon the Gentiles. R4557:1
On the whole world, ever since the first transgression in
Eden. "I walk through the valley of the shadow of death."
(Psa. 23:4) R3468:6
In the deadly shade, properly a title of hades; those who are in
hades, in darkness. R3686:4
The light shined -- Will shine with special brilliancy first
on fleshly Israel. R1746:6
As a lamp, to the class that now walk with the Lord. R3468:6
The light must shine upon every member of our race: "The
true Light which (ultimately) lighteth every man that cometh
into the world." (John 1:9) R3686:4
Thou hast multiplied -- Israel; a reference to their
gathering together again as a nation after the long dispersion;
and the resurrection of their Ancient Worthies. R1747:1,
R3469:2
Nominal spiritual Israel has phenomenally increased, but
there are many false children (tares) there. R5135:6
Multiplication by resurrection of the world of mankind during
the Millennium. R3686:5
The nation -- The world of mankind under the new
administration of the Millennial Kingdom. R2550:3
Not -- Omit this word (RV, Leeser). R2550:3, R3686:5
Increased the joy -- Their joy in their great deliverance is
not yet accomplished. R3469:2
To the joy -- The hilarious joy. R2550:4
The joy of Israel when the blessings of their restoration to
divine favor are realized. R1747:1
In harvest -- In the midst of plenty. R2550:4
In the Harvest of this age the faithful will rejoice. R5135:6
This is the joy of harvest, and such shall be the Church's joy.
R303:5*
Divide the spoil -- Dividing something which is not theirs
by right, but which has fallen to them as a divine bounty.
R3686:5
Dividing the fruits of victory. R2550:4
Yoke of his burden -- Satan's yoke of sin, pain, sorrow
and death. R3686:6
The burdensome yoke of creedal superstition will be broken.
R5135:6
And the staff -- Of affliction and slavery. R3686:6
Rod of his oppressor -- The rod of the oppressor, Satan,
will be broken as was Midian's by Gideon and his band.
R5135:6, R536:5
Satan himself will be a captive. R2550:4
The heavy burden of oppression imposed upon Israel and the
persecutions inflicted by their Gentile enemies during their
exile will be broken. R1747:1
The day of Midian -- When Gideon's band, typifying the
Royal Priesthood, by letting their lights shine out, achieved a
great victory upon the hosts of the enemy. R3686:6,
R2550:5, R5135:6
Prefiguring the great victory for truth and righteousness
through a time of trouble, eventuating in the release of all the
oppressed. R3686:6
Picturing the deliverance by which the Lord will bring in the
new dispensation, the hosts of sin being utterly discomfited
by self-destruction in anarchy. R2550:5
The Midianites typified the world, the flesh and the devil.
R4083:2
For every battle -- Every ordinary battle. R2550:5
But this -- This great time of trouble is described as being
more severe, more intense, than all preceding troubles.
R2550:5
With burning -- The complete destruction of all the
weapons of Satan and his associates. R3687:1
"He maketh wars to cease to the ends of the earth." (Psa.
46:9) R3469:3
Fuel of fire -- A more furious destruction, best likened to a
consuming of fuel in the fire. R2550:5
The world will be cleansed of every evidence of opposition to
the divine government and the law of righteousness. R3687:1
For -- Because; an explanation of the process by which the
foregoing gracious prophecy of blessing and release from the
oppressor shall be accomplished. R3687:1, R2550:5
Unto us a child -- This prophecy is a continuation of that
in Isa. 7:14--"a virgin shall conceive and bear a son." R452:3
A prophecy of Jesus' birth. B227
The humble beginning and earliest manifestation of the Sun
of Righteousness. R2550:1
Is born -- The prophet takes a future standpoint. B227;
R1970:1
The birth of Jesus was a gift of divine love. R5135:2
A son is given -- The gift of God's dear Son. "God so
loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son." (John
3:16) R2550:5, R5135:2
The great heavenly King, the Son of David. SM502:1
The Old Testament associates the works of the first and
second advent together, as if they were one and the same-treating
the Gospel age as a parenthesis. HG52:4
The government -- The right to govern the world is his
since he died on our behalf; but he awaits the Father's time for
taking to himself his glorious power to reign. R5136:1
Upon his shoulder -- The figurative epaulets of authority
and honor will be upon the Lord Jesus. R3469:4
The responsibility falling upon him as a royal mantle from the
heavenly Emperor, Jehovah. R3687:2, R2550:6
His name shall be -- The many titles indicating various
features of his greatness. SM502:1; CR113:4
In the eyes of those who rejected him. R1747:2
During the Millennial age. R3912:5
Called Wonderful -- His is the most wonderful career and
the most wonderful character of which we have any
knowledge. Wonderful was his life amongst men; wonderful
also was his resurrection. R3912:2
He is the most wonderful of all the Heavenly Father's family.
E141
He is eventually to bear many titles in commemoration of the
many wonderful offices he will fill and services he will
accomplish. R5136:1
Wonderful love, condescension and grace, and wonderful
exaltation, glory and power. R1747:4
His revelation to the world will be as the Wonderful One, the
embodiment and expression of divine justice, love, wisdom
and power. R5136:1, R2550:6
Counsellor -- Whose instructions in righteousness will be
respected by all the world of mankind seeking a return to
divine favor and full restitution. R2550:6, R1747:4
The world's instructor. R5136:1
Guide, teacher, miraculous pattern. E46, E141
The leader, guide and instructor of his people. R3912:3
The mighty God -- Very Mighty, Very Great--Mighty,
Mighty One. R1515:4, R5136:1, R296:3
Ruler. "Arise, O God, judge the earth." (Psa. 82:8) E69;
C126
The Father's representative, voice, mouthpiece, the well-beloved
Son whom he has clothed with glory, honor and
immortality and given all power in heaven and in earth.
R3687:3
The whole body of Christ under his headship. R298:4
"Mighty to save." We need such a mighty Savior. "Able to
save unto the uttermost all who come unto the Father through
him." (Heb 7:25) R3912:3
The mighty powerful, and so he is, for to him the Father hath
given all power in heaven and earth. (Matt 28:19; 11:27)
R296:3
If angels were called Elohim, gods, if Elohim signifies a
mighty one, surely he is above the other mighty ones,
properly termed, the mighty Elohim, the one mighty amongst
the mighty. R3912:3
Thus the devout Jews believed that he would set up an earthly
kingdom at the first advent and, when he rode into Jerusalem,
hailed him with glad Hosannas as their king. HG512:5
Everlasting Father -- Father who gives everlasting life.
E141; C126; CR113:4, CR472:2; OVI24:6, OV321:5;
O207:T, R4832:1, R296:5, R5583:5
The successor of Adam, the temporary father of the race, who
failed to give his posterity- life. Q722:1; R3654:5, R3912:5
Age-lasting Father. OV321:5
This, in Hebrew, signifies just what it does in English-a father
forever. R296:5, R1855:2
The word "Savior" in the common language of Palestine,
Syriac, spoken by the Lord and his disciples, means "Life-giver."
(Luke 2:10, 11) R2407:3
He who was cut off childless becomes the everlasting Father.
R1359:5, R1438:5
To all who obey him. R5136:4, R3912:6, R2116:3
Jesus, the successor of father Adam, the regenerator of the
human family. Q722:1; R2833:5; E141, E142
As the giver of restitution life to the world by virtue of his
own merit-his ransom sacrifice. R4556:6, R2833:5
If the Lord Jesus did not possess the right to an earthly life as
an asset he could not regenerate the race. Q444:4; OV46:T
Life-giver of the world in the thousand-year day of the
Messianic Kingdom. R5623:5, R5582:3, R5136:2
The Christ, Head and Body. T102; R298:1
The Church is his Bride and joint-heir, in contradistinction to
the saved of the world of mankind who will be recognized as
the children of Christ. R2652:3
All who would have life in the Millennial age must become
children of Christ, begotten of truth. R1219:2
Of the Ancient Worthies also. "Instead of thy fathers shall be
thy children whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth."
(Psa. 45:16) R4555:2
So Jesse will, in the "Times of Restitution," become the son
of Christ who is called the "Root," or father, of Jesse. (Isa.
11:10) R1352:3
The world will be privileged to come into him, as their
Father, by consecration. F698
"His seed also will I make to endure forever." (Psa, 89:36)
R1936:5
"For the seed of the blessed of the Lord are they, and their
offspring with them." (Isa. 65:23) R4411:5*
This will be the relationship of the great Mediator to all the
people. R4840:6
Not to the Church, who are begotten of the Heavenly
Father. R5136:4, R4840:6, R297:2, R1515:5, R3912:5,
SM780:1
Some imply that the Church will be the mother. "Be thou the
mother of thousands of millions." (Gen. 24:60) PD27/38,
SM348:2
Prince of Peace -- Messiah; Prince who establishes sure
and lasting peace. OV118:4; E141
Not only making peace between God and man by the blood of
his cross; but also by overthrowing all wrong and evil and
establishing peace on the sure basis of holiness. B85
"Ye shall die ... like one of the princes." (Psa. 82:7) F724
The claim that present kingdoms are "kingdoms of our Lord
and his Anointed" is a gross libel upon the true Kingdom and
its "Prince of Peace." A269
The one whose reign will be undisputed and unmolested.
R5136:4
Will not apply at the beginning of his reign when he will be
breaking in pieces every human system out of accord with
divine standards. R5136:4, R3687:4, R3912:6
He will put down, subdue, all enemies, all sin, all
unrighteousness. R3687:4; Q752:T, Q812:2
His glorious reign will bring peace, joy and everlasting rest.
R1747:4, R3912:6
Note the omission of "Jehovah" from these titles. E46
Of the increase -- The continuous success. R3687:6
The Kingdom will be spreading for the thousand years.
R4974:2, R5183:2
Extending over all the nations and families of the earth.
R453:3
The great redemptive work was the foundation for all his
future work. R5136:1
His government -- The right to rule the world is his since
he died, but he awaits the Father's time for taking to him self
his glorious power to reign. R5136:1
And peace -- His government shall be at peace, and in
control of all. R453:3, R3470:2
Certainly did not come to pass during the eleven centuries of
the Papal vicegerency. R5853:4
Shall be no end -- It will conquer everything before it.
Nothing shall stop it. R4974:2, R5183:2, R5136:4,
R3470:1
Throne of David -- Inheritance and royalty are reckoned
through the mother as well as the father; Jesus' mother was a
daughter of David. R453:1, R944:4
God established his kingdom in the hand of David, first over
Judah (type of all fleshly Israel); and secondly over Israel as a
whole (type of the whole world). R453:6
The Messiah was to be the seed of David, according to the
prophets; and the genealogical records as given by Matthew
and Luke prove that Jesus was the son of David. R944:1
Type of the authority of the glorified Christ; Messiah's
Kingdom. B255; R5136:4
As David sat upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord, the
greater than David, Messiah, will sit upon
the throne of the Kingdom of Jehovah. R5136:5, R3687:5
To establish It -- It has been overturned ever since the
days of Zedekiah. R3687:4
With judgment -- With punishments for wrong-doing and
rewards for right-doing. R3687:5
Zeal -- Love. R5136:5
Of the LORD -- Jehovah, showing that he is not the one
referred to in the previous verse. E46; R3687:5
Will perform this -- Will accomplish this prophecy;
operating through Messiah. E46; R5136:5
The head -- Babylon's laws emanate from their heads or
rulers instead of the true Head of the Church. R295:2,
R365:4
Fuel of the fire -- The Day of Vengeance. D527
Spare his brother -- It used to be considered proper to sell
an enemy bread. Now it is not. This is the spirit of anarchy
and it will spread from nations to individuals. OV419:4
The rod of mine anger -- Divine authority. R4058:4
The Lord used the enemies of Israel to chastise them.
R4199:5
A remnant of them -- In the Harvest of the Jewish age.
B70; R2948:1
To whom favor was increased during the last three and a half
years of the seventy weeks. B70
Only a remnant would prove worthy of the covenant favor,
the rest, blinded by their pride and hardness of heart.
R1795:1; B215; OV96:2
The same is true today. The preachers of Babylon need have
little fear that the true Gospel will affect the majority of their
hearers in the least. R2948:1
Slaughter of Midian -- Typifying the world, the flesh and
the devil. R4083:2
Stem of Jesse -- The genealogical records prove him to be
the son of David. The prophets foretold that the Messiah was
to be the son of Jesse and David. R944:1
And not as the root out of David, because David himself is a
type of Christ, his name signifying beloved. R2372:6
Here the Lord pictures natural Israel as entirely cut off,
leaving nothing behind but the root of divine promise.
R2372:6
And a Branch -- When Jesus became a man. R809:6
The new spiritual shoot out of the Abrahamic promise.
R2373:2
Our Lord Jesus. R1352:1
Had a fulfilment in Solomon, but only because Solomon was
a type of the greater son of David, who was also the Son of
God. R2372:6
Shall grow -- Gentile governments are often symbolized
by trees, their destruction as the cutting down. Many trees do
not sprout again after being cut down. The Lord speaks of
Israel as a vine, and one peculiarity of the vine is that it seems
to thrive the better as it is pruned. R2373:1
Out of his roots -- After David's genealogical tree had
apparently dried up, new life was to enter one of the roots.
R1663:1*
The root of divine promise, from which shall ultimately come
all the blessings originally promised to Abraham. R2372:6
It is the custom of the vinegrowers of Palestine to cut down
the vine clear to the roots yearly so as to get fresh sprouts.
Thus Israel was cut off from the spiritual promises, except for
the remnant privileged to become members of the house of
sons. R2373:1
And the spirit -- Not the "ghost," nor a person in any
sense. E169
This prophecy begins with our Lord at the time he reached
manhood's estate, made consecration, was accepted and was
imparted the holy Spirit. R2373:2
The spirit of Christ and of Jehovah comes upon the Body of
Christ from the Head. R2373:3
Jesus received of the Father's spirit unlimitedly, "without
measure," but we, being imperfect, receive it only limitedly.
R2373:4
Rest upon him -- Preparing our Lord Jesus for the grand
office of Royal High Priest for mankind. E52
Each branch in the vine, members of Christ, are likewise
recipients of the holy Spirit through him. R2373:3
The anointing of Christ, antitypical to that of Bezaleel in
Exo. 31:2-5. R4093:1*
Spirit of wisdom -- Typed by the myrrh in the holy
anointing oil. (Exo. 30:23) R4093:1*
God gives wisdom equal to our knowledge and understanding
combined. Wisdom is knowing what to do. R4093.2*
Understanding -- Typed by the cinnamon in the holy
anointing oil. R4093:1*
Of counsel and might -- Counsel here means advice, or
how to do a thing; might here means the ability to perform.
Same as the "workmanship" or deputyship of Exo. 31:2-5.
R4093:3*
After giving us the wisdom to know what to do, God counsels
us how to do it, and gives us the might or ability to perform it.
R4093:3*
Typed by the cassia in the holy anointing oil. R4093:1*
Spirit of knowledge -- Based on his pre-human existence.
"By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many."
(Isa. 53:11) R2373:3
Making him alert in the use of his knowledge in reverence
and submission to the divine will. R2373:3
Typed by the calamus in the holy anointing oil. R4093:1*
Fear of the LORD -- Reverence for Jehovah. D634; E52
And shall make him -- The Christ, Head and Body.
D520, D633
As soon as the entire Christ, Head and Body, has been
prepared for the work to be done, then the work itself will be
commenced. R2373:4
Quick understanding -- Christ will have a superhuman
endowment of power by which he shall know the very
thoughts and intents of the heart. R2373:6
A characteristic of those who have cultivated that spirit of
love which "thinketh no evil." (1 Cor. 13:5) R5122:6
He shall not judge -- Accustomed to misgovernment, it
was necessary to give them some assurances that the new
ruling power would have both good motives and possess
superior knowledge and judgment. R2373:5, R5573:2
Sight of his eyes -- Because he has been touched with the
feeling of their infirmities, thus better enabled to succor all
who come to God by him. E52
Hearing of his ears -- He will not need to call up the
testimony of human witnesses, as must all earthly rulers,
however well-intentioned. R1352:1, R2373:6
With righteousness -- Absolute correctness. D634,
D520; R5573:3; OV351:7
His reign is to be simultaneously a terror to evildoers and the
consolation and joy of all the meek who love righteousness.
R1352:2
The poor -- The poor, the helpless, the despised of the
present time will find in the new King a friend. R2373:6
As a result there shall then be neither rich nor poor, but all
shall be brought to one common level. Q813:4
And reprove -- The rich, in the time of trouble. R2374:2
As soon as a man finds the attempt to commit a robbery will
bring upon him some physical punishment, he will desist.
HG234:5
Equity for the meek -- The meek, the backward, the
modest, will have his special care. R2373:6
The meek who love righteousness will no longer be
oppressed, but shall be exalted and blessed. R1352:2
Doing away with banking and brokerage houses, private
capital, landlords and renting houses. D633
Smite the earth -- The present social order. D549
Somehow the truth is either directly or indirectly to bring
about the smiting of the earth, the "great time of trouble."
R1352:2
Rod of his mouth -- The .judgments which he has already
expressed. R2374:3, R5574:1
Breath of his lips -- Force and spirit of his truth. D19;
R1352:2
Slay the wicked -- Showing that there will be wicked
persons in the earth at the time the Lord's Kingdom is
established. R2374:3
His reign is to be a terror to evildoers. R1352:2
Girdle of his loins -- The Messiah will be Jehovah's
faithful, diligent servant. R2374:4, R5574:2
The wolf also -- Possibly literal, possibly referring to men
of wolf-like disposition. R1649:6, R5574:4
It would be unnecessary to change the disposition of the brute
creation if mankind were to be changed to another nature and
become as angels. R2374:6
The lower animals which have shared in the disorder resulting
from the fall will also share in the restoration of order
accomplished by Messiah. R2374:5, R5574:2, R1352:3
With the lamb -- Possibly literal, possibly referring to men
of lamb-like disposition. R1649:6, R5574:4
And a little child -- An earthly, not a heavenly scene,
referring to the Times of Restitution, and having nothing
whatever to do with the heavenly hopes of the Church.
R2374:6
Shall lead them -- Control them. The original disposition
of the wild animals having been restored to what they were
before men fell and lost control. R2374:6, 1, R152:3,
R5574:3
Shall eat straw -- No longer eat flesh. R2837:1, R5574:4
They shall not hurt -- But shall be forcibly restrained
therefrom. D633; R5023:6, R5182:2
For instance, if someone wished to speak evil, paralysis of the
tongue might come upon him merely for the intention, before
he spoke the evil; thus teaching him not to think evil.
Q118:4, Q438:1
The blessedness of the Millennial day could not be imagined,
except Satan be restrained, not permitted to further deceive
humanity. SM105:2
No longer will any evil be licensed; any spiritous liquors or
other harmful thing be made or sold. R3469:6
Every misdeed will be punished as soon as it is determined
upon, before it shall have been put into effect. D633;
R5760:4, R5771:4
By the suppression of Satan and all his institutions of evil--
moral, social and financial--that now hurt mankind. R3469:5,
R4768:1; SM534:2
We may reasonably suppose that, after perfection is reached,
there will be no more accidents nor catastrophes. Q6:T,
R5318:1, R5031:3
"He shall rule them with a rod of iron." (Rev. 2:27) A302
Therefore it is merciful on God's part to destroy the
incorrigibly wicked. R3083:6
"No lion shall be there." (Isa. 35:9) A217
Every improper, injurious and useless thing will be utterly
destroyed. R894:4, R2609:6
The Great Company being the police force, looking out for
the whole people. Q438:1
No radical, permanent results will be reached until Messiah's
Kingdom shall take full control of earth's affairs. R5795:3
At the close of the Millennium. R5694:6
In the perfect condition of humanity, when fully justified, not
only reckonedly, but actually. R1117:2*
Mankind will be compelled to be obedient. SM440:T
Nor destroy -- The microbes of disease and pestilence
shall be restrained. R1771:6
Even human perfection would not bring happiness if
cyclones, tornadoes, blizzards, tidal waves, earthquakes,
famines and pestilences continued. R4768:2
Mountain -- Kingdom. A318; Q6:T, R5182:2, R5574:4,
R5575:4, R5771:4
The stone which smote the image on its feet and afterwards
became a great mountain. R2375:1, R5575:4, R5182:2
Earth shall be full -- At the close of the Millennium.
D656; R5442:2
This is not true in this age. A75; R2610:3, R2520:6,
R4990:3; HG113:5, HG540:6
From the flood of Present Truth which has been rising higher
and higher and will continue to rise. R6015:3*
Caused in part by the telegraph, telephone, improved printing
presses and rapid mail service. R1155:3, R5363:6
Because the whole world of mankind will be under the
instruction of the Lord and his Bride class. R4158:5,
R5461:4, R5780:2
All must come to a clear knowledge of the conditions of life
and death before they can be condemned or justified.
R2117:4
Including all the heathen and all those of imbecile mind and
all infants who have died before they could know of God. It
includes the dead as well as the living. R5575:5, R5407:1
Typified by the giving of sight to blind Bartimaeus. (Mark
10:46-52) R5485:5
Provision for this recovery was made in the divine purpose
before the foundation of the world. R5338:2
Light and truth are yet to be universal. R2633:1*
In that day an intellectual unbelief in Christ and the offer of
salvation will be an impossibility. R1772:3
Because mankind will no longer be invited to accept Christ
and give their hearts in obedience to him, but they will be
compelled to be obedient. CR51:3
With evil restrained and Satan bound. R256:4, R542:2*
This is the very purpose of the Millennial age. HG316:2
Of the knowledge -- Knowledge ocean-deep to every
creature; no longer confined to the spirit-begotten. R4908:6,
R6013:5; SM791:2
Which will not then appear to men as foolish. R2610:1
"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened and the ears of the
deaf unstopped." (Isa. 3:5) R2432:6, R1988:3, R2408:1
The most wonderful thing the Bible tells us respecting the
New Day is the great intelligence and enlightenment which it
will bring to every creature. SM791:2
Much that we now receive by faith will then be demonstrated
to the world by sight. R2610:2, R553:2
Before the awakened sleepers can be regenerated they must
be brought to a knowledge of the truth. OV382:T
It is the will of God that all men come to the knowledge of the
truth that they may be saved. (1 Tim. 2:4) There can be no
salvation without knowledge. (Rom. 10:14, 15) R2375:2,
R5575:4
Forgiveness of sins and being awakened from death would
profit little if there were not provision for a recovery from
present mental, moral and physical weaknesses. HG443:3
But this knowledge is now coming to people who at heart are
unprepared for it. R5363:6
There will be then upon man a different test--not of faith, but
of works--backed by faith. F113
Then faith will be to a considerable extent different from the
blind faith necessary now. F113
As the "kingdom of darkness" now operates through the
servants of sin along the lines of ignorance, superstition, sin
and death; so the kingdom of light will operate through
earthly agencies in harmony with the principles of
righteousness, truth and knowledge. OV45:2
As the Gospel age is closing and the Messianic age is
dawning, darkness, ignorance, superstition are fleeing and
knowledge is filling the earth. R5363:6
Of the LORD -- The curse shall be rolled away; instead
shall come his blessing, his light. R5338:2, R5780:2;
SM105:2, SM172:2
No conflicting creeds then. R1352:3
"They shall all know me from the least to the greatest." (Jer.
31:34) R1363:6, R3026:3
His knowledge is the power by which the Lord shall
accomplish the blessing of mankind after he has crushed the
power of evil R2375:2
This knowledge is for all who have ever lived. R5407:1;
SM172:2
"God shall have all men to be saved and to come to the
knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4) E20; R2519:5
Not the knowledge of mankind, sin or human philosophy.
Life eternal is not gained by a knowledge of astronomy,
geology, mathematics or chemistry--but by the knowledge of
God. HG434:5
The world will be made to know about God's wonderful
character and plan. OV424:1
As we copy our Heavenly Father's character, each additional
step of progress means a clearer knowledge of the Father.
HG434:6
Cover the sea -- Full, broad, ample and ocean-deep.
R1352:3, R2375:3; CR270:4; SM791:2
The blessed truths and principles of Christianity shall then
permeate not only all nations, but all hearts. R624:5*
A downpour of truth and grace will produce a flood of
righteousness and knowledge of the Lord worldwide and
ocean-deep. HG432:2
In that day -- When he is filling the earth full of the
knowledge of the Lord. R1283:6*
Shall be a root -- Another root, the Ancient Worthies.
R2375:5
Or father of Jesse. Christ is now to be "the everlasting
Father." R1352:3
Christ. R1063:1*
For an ensign -- When Christ is thus exalted in the earth
there will indeed be a great turning to him. R1352:3
Standard for all the people to pattern after. R2375:4
And his rest -- His executive authority and power not
merely established, but permanently established. R1283:5*
His rest is not one of "masterly inactivity," but the very
opposite. His rest is in the strength of his nature, in the
security of his position, in the satisfaction of his work, and in
the certainty of his ultimate and complete success. R1283:6*
Shall be glorious -- Blessedly satisfying; so different from
the miserable resting places now afforded by human creeds.
R1352:4
It shall come to pass -- Not necessarily after Israel comes
into existence as a nation. R2125:2
In that day -- Judgment day. R433:6*
To recover -- The deliverance from Egypt will seem
insignificant when compared with the great deliverance which
the Lord will accomplish again, the second time. R608:4
The remnant -- The old house of Israel was condemned
and left desolate, a type of the second house. It is from the
remnant of both houses that the new house is formed.
R518:5*
Shall assemble -- If Israel would repent, the Lord would
return his favor to them. R1496:4
Of Israel ... of Judah -- A statement to cover all Israel, not
merely the two tribes. To guard against any
misunderstanding, both are included. Q354:1
Mentioned separately because this prophecy was written
before all had gone into captivity. R2125:2
Cast off and dispersed mean practically the same. He is going
to count them all in as one nation. Q354:2
Of Ephraim -- Applied to Christendom. D22
And not be afraid -- "The Lord knoweth how to deliver
the godly." (2 Pet. 2:9) F420
The LORD JEHOVAH -- The name Jehovah is properly
rendered only four times, where it seemed impossible to do
otherwise. Here and in Exo. 6:3; Psa. 83:18 and Isa. 26:4.
E65
This title belongs only to the Father. E41
Burden of Babylon -- The doom of Babylon. HG714:3
Mystic Babylon, Christendom. D26
Verses 1 to 13 are a description of the time of trouble.
R5735:4
The extravagant language used in respect to the fall of
Babylon was made extravagant because the divine testimony
had reference to mystic Babylon more particularly than to
literal Babylon. R2372:5; HG64:1, HG520:5
Lift ye up a banner -- The standard of the gospel of truth,
divested of the traditional errors that have long beclouded it.
D40
Upon the high mountain -- Among those who constitute
the true embryo Kingdom of God. D40
Exalt the voice -- Earnestly and widely proclaim this truth.
D41
Unto them -- The bewildered sheep of the Lord's flock
who are still in Babylon. D41
Shake the hand -- Motion with the hand--let them see the
power of the truth exemplified, as well as hear its
proclamation. D41
That they -- The true sheep. D41
Go into the gates -- Realize the blessings of the truly
consecrated. D41
Of the nobles -- The heirs of the heavenly Kingdom. D41
Of a multitude -- Of a tumult. D21
In the mountains -- Kingdoms. B146
A great people -- Contending for real and fancied rights
and liberties. B146
A tumultuous noise -- "The Lord himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout." (1 Thess. 4:16) B145, B147
Mustereth -- He gathers the nations and assembles the
kingdoms to pour upon them his indignation, even all his
fierce anger. (Zeph. 3:8) D528
Host of the battle -- Hosts of the time of trouble. A324;
B146; D528
To destroy -- Nevertheless his judgment will be for the
world's deliverance; for he wounds to heal. R1869:3
Every man's heart -- Every mortal's heart. D21
Be amazed one at another -- Wonder every man at his
neighbor. D21
Shall be as flames -- Red like flames shall their faces
glow. D21
Day of the LORD -- The Day of Jehovah, which will
accomplish the destruction of Babylon. R1352:6
The day of judgment divides into two parts. First, a "time of
trouble"; and, secondly, a morning, driving away the mists of
superstition. This text is fulfilled in the first of these portions.
R268:4, R34:6*
Cruel -- Direful. D21
Wrath -- "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." (Rom.
1:18) R350:4*
Stars of heaven -- The apostles. D591
The sun -- The Gospel light, the truth, and thus, Christ.
D590
And the moon -- The light of the Mosaic Law. D590
Not cause her light -- Symbolic of a spiritual night.
R268:4, R35:1*
For their evil -- In aggrandizing the few, heedless of the
cries of the poor and needy. D149
Of the terrible -- Of the tyrants. D22
A man more precious -- The lives of multitudes will not
then be sacrificed. D149
A man's life. D45
Shake the heavens -- The powers of spiritual control.
A318
And the earth -- The present organization of society.
C229; A323; D46
And Babylon -- Verses 16 to 22 evidently referring to
literal Babylon. R2372:5
Symbolic of mystic Babylon. R5092:2
The glory of kingdoms -- Likewise, mystical Babylon, the
great ecclesaistical kingdom, is exalted to power and
dominion and backed, to a considerable degree, by the kings
of the earth, the civil powers. D25
Mercy on Jacob -- Natural Israel. A300
Of Babylon -- Mystic Babylon, Christendom. D26
The golden city -- The exactress of gold, see margin.
D473
Ceased! -- Gone to sheol, oblivion. Babylon shall be
utterly lost sight of and forgotten. E369
Earth is at rest -- Will be, as a result of the establishment
of God's Kingdom. R3053:4, R1248:5
Into singing -- The prospect even now puts a new song
into our mouths. R1262:3
The fir trees -- The Lord's people. R480:5*
Hell from beneath -- Sheol, oblivion (Margin: grave).
E369; R2599:5
The preface to the Revised Version says that the word "hell"
was left in this passage because of the familiarity of the
passage. Elsewhere they translate "sheol" with either "grave"
or "pit." R829:1*
Learned translators could not agree to render this word
"grave" or "tomb" and left it untranslated. PD29/41
At thy coming -- At the destruction of Great Babylon,
soon. E369
Pomp is brought down -- Babylon's greatness will soon be
a thing of the past. E369
To the grave -- Sheol, oblivion, not to a burning hell.
E369; R2600:2
How art thou fallen -- This description primarily fits
Satan's own course, and in a secondary sense is applicable to
the rise and fall of literal Babylon; and in a yet further sense
to the rise and fall of mystic Babylon. F618
From heaven -- God has found it necessary to perform the
unpleasant duties of discipline. In justice he must disown the
disloyal sons and deal with them as enemies. R1833:4
Lucifer -- A glorious angelic being of a high order.
OV306:3; SM63:1; R5843:3
The shining one, God's first opponent. R5896:1
His name was changed to that of Satan, meaning the hater, the
accuser. R5896:1
Primarily Satan, whose existence many deny. F609
Secondarily, applies to literal and mystic Babylon. F618;
R1686:2
Son of the morning -- One of the earliest of creation.
R1642:1, R1686:1
If Satan had known the results of his course, he probably
would not have taken it. R5576:5
Cut down to the ground -- Limited to the earth and
sentenced to final destruction. R1686:3
Cut off from all association with holy beings. R5896:1
I will ascend -- Ambition is good, but only when it is
based on humility. Any spirit that does not respect God's
wisdom is foolish. R5186:2
Lucifer had long cherished in his heart ambitious designs.
PD15/24; R4928:6, R5665:3
A man has no right to aspire to be an angel, never having been
invited to that position; nor has an angel any right to aspire to
the divine nature, that never having been offered to him.
A189
It was by permitting pride and ambition to gain control of his
heart that Satan became an opponent of God and of
righteousness. R5183:3
"Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased." (Luke 14:11)
A189; R5844:5
Ambition is necessary in the Church, as in the world; but it
must not be a selfish ambition for greatness or prominence,
but a loving ambition to serve the Lord and his people, even
the very humblest. F296
He became ambitious to become some great one, thereby
necessitating his abasement; for "pride goeth before
destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov. 16:18)
R1892:3
Illustrating the principle that no kind of pride is more
detestable in God's sight than pride of the truth. R5001:1
Nothing in the Scriptures indicates that Satan assumed any
evil disposition or opposition to the Almighty prior to his
seduction of our first parents. This was the time of Satan's
temptation and fall into sin. R2839:6, R1678:1
Into heaven -- Power of spiritual control. A318; R1686:2
Exalt my throne -- Authority and rulership. A92
Satan thought to exalt himself; Jesus, to humble himself.
R5186:2; E80
Above -- A position already filled by the only begotten
Son of God. R1686:2
The stars of God -- Others of the sons of God. F297,
R1686:2
Satan wanted to be higher than the other angels, their captain
and leader. SM95:1; R5955:4, R1515:2, R4928:6;
OV15:3; PD15/24
Upon the mount -- The Kingdom. F618
Of the congregation -- God's people. F618
Sides of the north -- The Pleiades, in the north, long
esteemed the center of the universe, the Throne of Jehovah.
F618
The farthest end of the north-universal dominion. R1686:2
Like the most High -- A monarch, or king, over the human
family. E113; R2839:6, R1678:1; OV15:3; SM63:1;
PD15/24
His peer, his equal. R4928:6, R1515:2
Not to take Jehovah's place, but to establish a rival dominion.
CR425:6; OV15:3; SM63:1, SM95:1
Indicating a covetous, selfish, presumptuous, ambitiously
proud spirit, in opposition to God. R5665:3, R5955:4,
R5183:3, R5001:2; SM63:1; OV298:4
The ambition to become ruler seems to have developed as he
beheld the first human pair with their procreative powers,
reasoning that if he could control this man he should have
dominion over all his offspring. R1678:1; PD15/24;
SM63:1, SM95:1; Q826:T; HG593:6
He thought that if he had an empire of his own he could
improve upon the divine order of things. OV306:3
"As God is the Emperor of the entire universe, I should like to
be the Emperor of some quarter of it where I might reign
supreme and work out my own schemes and plans." Q826:T
He would prefer to be a monarch of happier subjects than the
"groaning creation" and is thus willing to become a reformer
in all particulars but one--his ambition must be gratified.
E113
Satan's claim is contrasted with Jesus', who did not claim
equality or aspire to a usurpation of God's authority. (Phil.
2:6, Diaglott) R1686:2, R369:3, R5844:5, R1515:2
The very exaltation which Satan sought and failed to reach by
pride and rebellion is, in substance, obtained by the chief
messenger who humbled himself and has now been exalted to
the divine nature. R490:3
A man has no right to aspire to be an angel, never having been
invited to that position; nor has an angel the right to aspire to
the divine nature, that never having been offered to him.
R612:3
A usurper of divine authority, without divine appointment,
and contrary to divine regulation. F297, R1515:2, R4928:6;
SM95:1
This language applies also symbolically to the Papacy, for the
Papacy is Satan's own work, in his own likeness. R1686:2
Yet thou shalt be -- "God is the Judge, he putteth down
one and setteth up another." (Psa. 75:6,7) R5710:5
Down to hell -- Sheol, oblivion. F618, R2599:5
The grave, so rendered in verse 11. R2599:5
Is this the man -- Perhaps suggesting that Satan would
appear as a man in the last days. (In letter from Benjamin
Barton. Brother Russell's view is different.) R5866:3*,
R5867:1
Of his prisoners -- Death's captives. A112
For I will rise up -- Not wholly fulfilled by Cyrus; much
still awaits for fulfilment in mystic Babylon. R2498:3
So shall it stand -- God's original plan is still in progress.
A66; R419:3; HG537:3
We have the assurance that all God's purposes shall be
accomplished. R165:5
Hath purposed -- God knows the end from the beginning;
he changes not from his original purpose. R2026:6
Who shall disannul it? -- God has a definite and
systematic plan for the development of the race by which the
largest possible proportion thereof shall be brought to
ultimate and permanent good. R902:6*
God's righteous and benevolent plan could know no failure.
R1834:6
Turn it back? -- Having begun the work of salvation, God
does not intend to abandon it. R2690:1
God's plans were perfect before they began to be executed;
hence all the changes of God's course or conduct are working
out the accomplishment of his original purpose which
contemplated these very changes. R2026:6
Shall the throne -- Authority and rulership. A92
Of David -- Type of the glorified Christ. B255
Of the seas -- Restless, turbulent, dissatisfied masses of
the world. A318
Woe -- Ho (Young's translation). R3404:3
To the land -- By many, supposed to refer to the United
States of America. R3404:3
Shadowing with wings -- Sheltered by divine providence
as an asylum for the liberty lovers and truth lovers of the
world. R3404:3, R3405:1
Which is beyond -- A fitting description of the location of
the United States. R3405:2
Rivers of Ethiopia -- Beyond the waters of the ends of the
earth. R3405:2
Sendeth ambassadors -- God's messages of Present Truth.
R3405:2
Vessels of bulrushes -- Papyrus, paper. R3405:2
Ye swift messengers -- God's message going forth in
literature, the Millennial Dawn books, tracts, etc. R3405:4
To a nation scattered -- "A Holy Nation, a Royal
Priesthood." (1 Pet. 2:9) R3405:4
Also the Jewish nation, in stumbling over Christ. R1982:6
And peeled -- Polished. R3405:4
A people terrible -- In their experiences hitherto. R3405:4
A nation meted out -- Whose course and experiences in
life the Lord has measured out for them, for their own highest
welfare. R3405:4
And trodden down -- As a part of their necessary
experiences. R3405:4
The rivers -- Either of death or as in Psa. 46:4. R3405:5
Have spoiled -- Divided. The river of death separates this
Holy Nation from its inheritance on the other side of Jordan.
R3405:5
In that time -- The time when the message of the swift
messengers goes forth. R3405:5
Shall the present -- The Holy Nation, brought as a present
to Jehovah. R3405:5
The mount Zion -- The heavenly Kingdom. R3405:5
Set the Egyptians --The opponents of God's people.
F458, C315
Against his neighbor -- Selfishness gone to seed will bring
forth anarchy at the close of this age. OV419:3; SM385:1
The bond of human sympathy and brotherhood will be utterly
snapped in riotous selfishness. OV321:2
Seek...familiar spirits -- Communications with the fallen
angels. R2172:1, R1642:6, Q804:3; HG726:1
Ponds for fish -- Nephesh, souls, sentient beings. E334
In that day -- The day when the great Savior and Deliverer
shall come to set at liberty sin's captives. C315
This storehouse of knowledge, like the major part of the
Bible, was kept purposely sealed until its testimony should be
needed and appreciated. C320
Altar to the LORD -- The Great Pyramid. R4790:6;
C315; B366
Designed by the Lord, unlike all other pyramids. Ciii
From its base-line upward the Great Pyramid seems to stand
as a symbol of God's plan of salvation. C331
Its construction shows an exactness and skill possessed 4,000
years ago which was lost in the interim, contrary to
Evolutionist teaching. R3619:6, R737:4
Among the tools used by pyramid builders were both solid
and tubular drills, straight and circular saws, the drills being
set with jewels. R3620:1*
Midst of the land -- Of the land surface of the earth. C326
The center of the sector-shaped country of northern Egypt.
Q743:1
Of Egypt -- Type of the world of mankind, full of vain
philosophies, ignorant of true light. C315
A pillar -- The limestone blocks were taken from a quarry
southeast of the city of Cairo; but the nearest red granite
blocks are found hundreds of miles up the Nile. R4621:5
At the border -- Of the sector-shaped land of lower Egypt.
C326; Q743:1
And it -- The Great Pyramid, probably constructed by
Melchizedec in 2170 BC. C322, C338
Completed at midnight of the autumnal equinox, the true
beginning of the year. C321, C327*
When "a Draconis" looked directly down the entrance, and
the ascending passage pointed to the Pleiades at the very same
time. C321
Showing correctly such facts as the length of the year, earth's
distance from the sun, etc. C326, C378
Shall be for a sign -- Not on a parallel or equality with the
Word of God, which stands pre-eminent always in authority.
Ciii
The crowning feature is the top-stone, itself a perfect
pyramid, type of Christ, first finished, model for the whole.
"A stone of stumbling and rock of offence." (Isa. 8:14; 1 Pet.
2:8) C328, C329; R1568:4
The downward passage representing the course of sin. C331;
R224:6
The entrance to the downward passage showing the date
when Isaac came into possession of Abraham's estate. C366,
C368
The lower terminus of the Well showing 1881 AD as the time
when restitution blessings should begin to be due. C367
The subterranean chamber, or bottomless pit, representing the
time of trouble and the end of every being pursuing a
downward course. C341, C344
Its location showing the time of trouble due to begin in 1914
AD. C342
The First Ascending Passage representing the Law
dispensation. C332; R224:6
Its length showing the period from the exodus to the full end
of Jewish favor, 36 AD. C347
The Grotto, representing Jesus' death. C361
The Well, representing the new way to life opened up by
Jesus' death and resurrection. C337; R224:6
The upper terminus of the Well showing the length of our
Lord's life. C337
The passage to the Queen's chamber, showing the 6000 years
of sin and 1000 years of restitution. C369-371
The Queen's chamber, representing perfect human life. C358
Its air tubes showing that human life will be everlasting to
those who meet the conditions. C373
The Grand Gallery, representing the period of the Gospel call.
C332; R224:6
An opening at the top of the upper end of the Grand Gallery
indicates where the Bridegroom came as a spiritual being in
1874 AD. R225:1
The step at the upper end of the Grand Gallery pictures Christ
as "the stone of stumbling." The progress of all seems
dependent on recognizing the Present One. R225:1
The Grand Gallery height represents the spiritual blessings of
the Gospel call; its narrowness the narrow way to life; its
steepness the danger of backsliding. C349
Its leaning south wall, the date of the Lord's second advent as
1874 AD. C365; R225:1
Its length, showing the termination of the call in 1881 AD.
C363, C367; R225:1
The low entrance to the antechamber representing the first
step of consecration, death of the human will, or begetting of
the Spirit through the Word of truth. C351, C357
The granite leaf in the forepart of the antechamber
representing the second step of submission to the divine will
or quickening to service and sacrifice through sanctification
of the Spirit. C351, C357
The antechamber, representing the School of Christ. C352;
R5060:3
Its granite floor beyond the granite leaf, representing our
standing as New Creatures. C351
The low passageway into the King's Chamber, representing
birth of the Spirit. C357
The King's Chamber, representing heaven itself, the condition
of those who attain immortality. C355
The Vertical Axis, showing the distinction between human
and spirit natures. C357
Prof. Piazzi Smyth's interest centered in the upper chambers
of the Pyramid, accounting for the error in his diagram,
placing the vertical axis prior to the pit, instead of bisecting it.
R3451:2; C333
The Great Pyramid does not show a place for the Great
Company. They all come into the antechamber, but only the
"faithful unto death" pass beyond it into the King's Chamber.
R5060:3
Now commencing to speak to men of science. Noah's ark
may be preserved as another such witness. R525:4
For a witness -- To his foreknowledge and to his gracious
plan of salvation; "Signs and wonders in the land of Egypt
even unto this day." (Jer. 32:20) C318
In that it so clearly corroborates the teachings of the Lord's
Word. C328; Q743:1
The Pyramid stands strangely related to the hope of the Jews.
R4953:2*
For they -- The Egyptians, the poor world during the time
of trouble coming. C317
A saviour, and a great one -- The Savior of the world;
"The mighty God." (Isa. 9:6) R4634:5, R1747:4
Not of the Jew only, but also of the Gentile. R2050:6
Of the Church now, in a partial sense, by hope; future in the
fullest sense, in the "first resurrection." The saving of the
world will begin then. R4634:5
Known to Egypt -- The world. C317
In that day -- In the Millennial day, at the close of the
time of trouble. C317
Shall smite Egypt -- The world, in the great time of
trouble just at hand. C317
Shall heal them -- He wounds to heal. A256; R1869:3
In that day -- In the future. Prophecy is more to be
understood after it is fulfilled. (Written in 1906) Q353:3
They shall be waked in due time, "the Times of Restitution of
all things." (Acts 3:21) R3725:6*
Israel...Egypt...Assyria -- In what way Israel is going to
be one with these others in the future is not very clear yet.
Q353:3
Sargon -- Tablets have recently been found which give a
complete history of Sargon's reign. R2101:4*, R818:3*
The founder of a dynasty, the father of Sennacherib and one
of the greatest monarchs that ever occupied the Assyrian
throne. R818:3*
The burden of -- Much of the threatening of this chapter is
of two-fold application and fulfilment, on literal and symbolic
Babylon. R45:1
Babylon is fallen -- Mystic Babylon, Christendom. R45:1
The fall of the literal was by the turning aside of the waters
and the drying up of the Euphrates. The symbolic Euphrates
is also said to be "dried up." (Rev. 16:12) Each is compared
to a stone cast into the water. (Jer. 51:64; Rev. 18:21) R45:1
As Jesus said, "your house is left unto you desolate" (Matt.
23:38), so in the spring of 1878 AD the nominal gospel
church was given up and their house left desolate. R46:1
The two events of the New Jerusalem or Kingdom of God
being established in the earth and the complete overthrow of
the great city of Babylon will occur simultaneously. R1352:6
Watchman -- "I will stand upon my watch, and will set my
foot upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say
unto me." (Hab. 2:1) R4943:6
On the lookout from whence matters of interest and profit
may be announced to the "Little Flock," and as "The Herald
of Christ's Presence" to give "meat in due season" to the
"household of faith." R3:5
It is the duty of the watchman on the walls of Zion to declare
the whole counsel of God--the bitter as well as the sweet.
HG414:1
The Rabbis expound that the watchman who speaks here is
the Messiah. R4691:6*
What of the night? -- That is, what hour of night is it?
"Little children, it is the last hour." (1 John 2:18) R4692:4*
It is right for us to desire the morning, to hope for it, to
inquire as to the signs of it hour after hour. R302:2*
The morning -- The Millennial morning, which will bring
to light the hidden things of darkness. A21; C208; R968:1,
R1774:1, R3332:1, R4926:2
It will dispel the noxious vapors of evil and bring life, health,
peace and joy. A21
We have been in the Millennial dawn since the year 1874 and
enjoying many of its blessings. SM792:2
When He appears, Day appears. R302:3*
"The Lord shall help her (the Church) early in the morning."
(Psa. 46:5) R2504:4
Cometh -- Has come (Revised Swedish Bible). R3531:2*
We are in the morning of this text. R6014:2
Daybreak began more than a century ago--in the year 1799
AD. HG416:1
Were this morning an uncertainty, how dark the night would
seem! how difficult to fight against faintness and despair!
R303:5*
In proportion as the blessings of God have come in this New
Day the discontent and unbelief of humanity have increased.
SM794:3
And also -- And still it is (Revised Swedish Bible).
R3531:2*
The night -- The time of trouble. R3332:1; D273
A much darker time in comparison with the present, which is
called day. R968:2
The sunlight of Gospel truth, which has enlightened the
Church, is fading out gradually and being eclipsed by worldly
wisdom. HG418:4
The short night of trouble will affect the consecrated
followers before it reaches the world in general. R4167:6
A night of trouble, in the forepart of which the saints will be
gathered out of Babylon. D608
Typified by the imprisonment of John the Baptist. R1754:5
The night of the parable of the rich fool. (Luke 12:15-20)
D273
"The time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine." (2 Tim. 4:3) R968.2
When the sun and moon (the Gospel and the Mosaic Law)
shall be dark (general infidelity being widespread); and the
stars (apostolic lights) withdraw their shining. (Joel 2:10)
D544
"Wherein no man can work." (John 9:4) C208, C211,
C225; D544; R968:2, R1754:5, R1409:1, R587:4*
After the morning dawn has been well ushered in--a dark
cloud just at sunrise. R6014:3; SM795:2
An overcasting of the skies, a great morning storm. R4149:4;
HG417:5
Great tribulation immediately preceding the dawning of the
glorious day. R1774:1, R3332:1
When the religious liberty now enjoyed will be greatly
restricted by the strong hand of combined civil and
ecclesiastical power. R1409:1
When all opportunities for service will be effectually
obstructed, leaving no opportunity for candidates to enter the
work--the shutting of the door. C208
"in that night there shall be two in one bed." (Luke 17:34)
D608
"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night." (Psa. 91:5)
R3332:1, R4926:2
If ye will inquire -- If ye will ask more (Revised Swedish
Bible) than "what of the night?" R3531:2*
For the length of the night is hidden, the time of the daybreak
is uncertain. R302:2*
Inquire ye -- Because you ought to know; because without
a knowledge of prophecy God's present works are a mystery;
and because knowing the future is of incalculable importance
in shaping the present. R4691:5*
Return, come -- Come back again (for more information).
R3531:2*
To the Jews, Turn ye, repentance toward God; and come,
faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. R4691:6*
Behold the LORD -- It is the Lord that makes the earth
desolate. Truth on every subject is the voice of God. It is
the dissemination of truth that prompts men to assert their
equal rights and make desperate efforts to obtain them.
R686.6
Maketh the earth -- The present social organization.
R1813:6
Upside down -- The upper crust, the proud, will be
deposed and the lower classes, the humble and meek, will be
exalted. R332:3
Few men left -- A class of the world, not spirit-begotten,
who will be preserved in the time of trouble: "Seek
righteousness, seek meekness, it may be ye shall be hid in the
day of the Lord's anger." (Zeph. 2:3) R5041:6; Q719:1
As the three Hebrews were preserved in the fiery furnace, so
we expect some will be spared in the time of trouble.
R5041:6; Q718:6
Strong drink -- False doctrines. R3455:2; D614
Fear -- Verses 17 to 22 give a vivid description of the
awful time of trouble. R5735:4
The earth -- The present old social structure. D558;
R1813:6
Is utterly broken -- In the time of trouble. D551;
R1813:6
Reel to and fro -- As a result of the judgments of the Lord
falling heavily upon the wayward and disobedient. R1913:4
Like a drunkard -- Vainly endeavoring to right itself,
maintain a footing and re-establish itself. D551
Like a cottage -- To clear the way for the new building of
God. D558
Shall reign -- When Christ and his glorified Church shall
reign in righteousness. R2049:5
In mount Zion -- The spiritual phase of the Kingdom of
God. F363
Gloriously -- "He must reign until he shall have put all
enemies under his feet." (1 Cor. 15:25) R2049:6
O LORD -- Jehovah. E46
Thou art my God -- Christ is represented as the speaker.
E46
I will exalt thee -- I will honor thee. E46
The result of the Millennial reign. At its close all things will
be back in subjection to Jehovah, whose power, working in
The Christ, put all things under him. E46
Made of a city -- Babylon, Christendom. R1957:3; D527
In this mountain -- Millennial Kingdom. R3175:5,
R1695:2, R1957:2, R2701:2, R3833:3; A318
The glorified Church. R154:1
Shall the LORD -- Jehovah, "Through our Lord Jesus
Christ." (1 Cor. 15:57) E46; R2708:4
Feast of fat things -- Rich blessings. R1695:2; A10
For the whole world, Jews and Gentiles. PD31/43; R1219:5,
R5415:6
Following the passing over of the Church to be associated
with their Lord in the blessing work. R4591:1
For the penitent class, all who return to God from the ways of
sin. R5435:2
The realization of the things we have long hoped for, now at
hand. R343:4
The feast of fat things provided for the sinners in Israel (Luke
15:27) corresponds to the feast to be opened ultimately to all
mankind in the Kingdom. R2708:4
In the Millennial age men will be permitted to partake of
Christ's perfections--physical, mental and moral. R1015:4
Wines -- Doctrines. C160
An apt symbol of joy and gladness. R1695:2
Typified by Jesus' first miracle, of turning water into wine.
R1695:2, R3164:3
Well refined -- Refined joys and pleasures. R342:3
He will destroy -- Cast into destruction, or, in symbol, the
lake of fire. R2600:4, R894:4
The shame (sinful weaknesses) and the shade (sorrow, gloom)
of all shall be swallowed up in the blessings of that day.
R1219:5
The work of the completed Royal Priesthood includes the
binding of Satan, the destruction of death. R86:6
By the release of all out of it; but this will not hinder any of
the released from dying the Second Death as the penalty for
their own wilful sins when on trial. R1219:6
In this mountain -- The Kingdom of God, the New
Jerusalem. R894:4, R154:1
Through this mountain (Kingdom, the Church in glory) he
will destroy the veil of ignorance and the covering of death.
R303:3, R474:3
The covering -- Death. R154:1, R247:4, R894:4
The shame--sinful weaknesses. R1219:5
And the vail -- Ignorance and unbelief. R154:1, R247:4,
R894:4, R2330:5; HG233:6
Removed by the manifestation of long-hidden truths through
whatever means God may use to bring it about. R91:2*
The shade--sorrow and gloom. R1219:5
Satan's blinding influences. R5896:2
He will -- Jehovah will. "Thanks be unto God who giveth
us the victory (deliverance, triumph) through our Lord Jesus
Christ." (1 Cor. 15:57) E46
When the Body of Christ is complete. R86:3, R204:4
To be accomplished during Christ's reign (not after). R1219:5
Swallow up -- Destroying and removing sin and its effects.
R87:4
Destroy gradually during the Millennial reign. R87:1,
R4760:6
Beginning with the first resurrection. R3175:5, R86:3,
R204:4
As the obedient come into the terms of the New covenant they
will be blessed with life. It will be a gradual work. R4760:6
Death -- Adamic Death. R1219:5, R86:6, R333:2
As death, like a huge monster, has devoured the human family
gradually, it is to be destroyed gradually during the Millennial
reign. R86:6, R4760:6
"There shall be no more death." (Rev. 21:4) This declaration
applies to the very end of the Millennial age, and not in full to
any previous time in that age. R2833:2, R4760:6
In victory -- The Kingdom will bless not only the living,
but also those who have fallen asleep in death. R5706:4
"Death is swallowed up in victory." (1 Cor. 15:54) R2600:4,
R1219:5
GOD -- Jehovah. E46
Tears from off all faces -- In the seventh day there shall be
a blessing for the whole groaning creation. R5395:5
Rebuke of his people -- The reproach of being his people
will disappear from the earth. R5032:2; HG233:6
To be of the Lord's people will no longer bring reproaches,
dishonor, persecution. R1219:5
Shall he take away -- Restoring to men all that was lost
through sin. R87:4
Said in that day -- When Messiah comes a second time in
glory and power. C249
When mankind shall see everything beginning to collapse,
then they will begin to realize that there is no hope except in
God, and then they will be willing to be taught. OV431:1
Lo, this is our God -- Christ, the Messiah, is our God.
C249
Israel will be the first to recognize the Kingdom established.
R1352:6, R1693:4
Under the guidance of the new administration of Messiah the
spirit of a sound mind will gradually come to mankind and
proportionately they will turn to him in loyal obedience.
SM456:T
We have waited for him -- Will be said by Orthodox
Jews. Israel, after the flesh, their blindness removed, will
become exceedingly zealous for the Lord's Anointed. C249;
F119
His salvation -- From the veil of ignorance and Adamic
Death. R342:3
In that day -- In the dawn of the Millennial age. R1352:6
Verses 1 to 9 are a prophetic description of the Millennial
day. R1951:1, R2338:3
Land of Judah -- Israel will be the first to recognize the
Kingdom established. R1352:6, R1693:4
A strong city -- A city that is securely established, the
Millennial Kingdom of God. R1352:5
The City of God, the Kingdom of God. A296; C229
Walls and bulwarks -- A strong city of refuge which all
desiring salvation may enter. R1353:1
Open ye the gates -- The Ancient Worthies, through
whose instrumentality all may enter into the Kingdom.
R1353:1
Which keepeth -- Observeth, or regardeth. R1353:1
May enter in -- The nations of the earth will be walking in
the light of the glorified Church, the New Jerusalem.
R2338:3
"They shall bring the glory of the nations into it." (Rev.
21:26) R1951:1
Him -- A class who has gone further than the condition of
peace with God and have the peace of God. R5432:1
In perfect peace -- "The peace of God, which passeth all
understanding." (Phil. 4:7) R5432:1, R5879:1
"When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?" (Job
34:29) R5878:2
In the midst of the time of trouble of verses 5, 6 & 21, God
would have his people at rest and peace in him. R1787:3
No matter what the outward conditions may be, even amid
turmoil and trouble. R5879:2, R5432:1,4
Not in an outward sense, but an inward tranquility.
R5432:2,1
Which comes through strong, unwavering faith. R5432:6,4,3
In proportion as we receive the holy Spirit. R5432:3
Dependent on full obedience and giving unreservedly to God
of time, talents, influence, life and all. R5432:6,1
To enjoy this we must have unswerving trust in our Father's
love and abiding faithfulness. R5432:5
We are not to be at peace with the flesh, but always at
warfare with it. R5432:3
Stayed on thee -- No one can retain this peace whose mind
is not stayed, fixed, on God; and our peace is in proportion to
our staying qualities. R5432:6
Nothing can, in any wise, hurt these. R5432:4
When we take the proper view of our experiences we can
sing: "No storm can shake our inmost calm while to that
refuge clinging." R5879:2
Like an iceberg towed by a powerful undercurrent, the
Christian is upheld and borne onward by the strong
undercurrent of peaceful communion with God. R1070:4*
The LORD JEHOVAH -- This title belongs only to the
Father. E65
Bringeth down -- In the time of trouble. B138; R1787:3
The humbling of the proud. R1951:1, R2338:3
The lofty city -- Mystic Babylon. R2338:3, R1353:1,
R1951:1, R1357:3, R5917:4
The city formerly exalted and powerful in the earth. R1353:1
Even to the dust -- Utterly destroyed. R1352:5
Tread it down -- A reference to the great social troubles
now at hand. R1353:1
The way of the just -- In the Millennium the path of the
just will be made level and they shall delight therein.
R1219:6
Is uprightness -- Is plain (Leeser). R1353:4
Dost weigh -- Dost make exactly plain (Leeser). R1353:4
Remembrance of thee -- Israel still remembered the Lord
and desired his favor and blessing. R1353:4
With my soul have I -- The Body of Christ. R2338:3,
R1951:1
Desired thee -- Praying "Thy kingdom come." R2338:3,
R1951:1
In the night -- The night of the Gospel age. R2338:3,
R1951:1
A night of weeping, sighing, pain, sickness and death. A9
It is what their souls longed for, even in the night of sin.
R1219:6
Seek thee early -- Early in the Millennial morning.
R1219:6
When thy judgments -- The swift and unerring justice of
the Millennial age, side by side with mercy and peace. D619;
SM16:1, SM56:2, SM423:2; R4758:5, R350:6*; Q438:3
Rewards and punishments--a "resurrection by judgment."
(John 5:29, Revised Version) R3066:4, R4559:6
Our Lord's righteous dealings. SM56:2; R4730:5
Corrective in nature. SM423:2; R1715:1
A spiritual police force will have humanity under absolute
control. R5760:4
Exposing the evildoers. R5317:3
Punishments for every wrong course, rewards for every right
deed. R5780:3, R5781:1
Perhaps including some form of instant paralysis for those
who wish to do or speak wrong. R5023:6; Q621:T
Bringing blessings to every well-doer and punishments to
every intentional evildoer. Q438:3; R4730:5, R5286:6;
OV47:1; B138; SM16:1, SM56:2
These corrective judgments of the Lord will mean blessings in
disguise. R3790:5
The will will not be taken as instead of the deed, as it is under
the covenant of Grace. R4729:2
The troubles of the "Day of Jehovah" will give opportunities
of preaching the good tidings of coming good such as are
seldom afforded. A342
Even the dashing in pieces in judgment is so that man may
learn righteousness. R31:1*
The judgments of the day of trouble which introduce the
Millennial reign are necessary to teach the world
righteousness. R2338:3, R1951:1, R5443:3, R5493:4,
R269:3; D627, SM701:1
Babylon will fall as a result of Kingdom judgments. D623;
R2763:4
They will be so markedly before the attention of the people
that all will know that a change has taken place. R5218:5
The symbolic burning and breaking of Zeph. 3:8, 9 and Rev.
2:27 will be the missionary method by which the Church
glorified will bring in "everlasting righteousness." R2462:6
Are in the earth -- Bringing the great time of trouble.
R2314:1
The inhabitants -- Wearied and discouraged at their own
efforts. R686:6
Of the world -- The blessed opportunities of that time will
belong to all mankind except the Church, who have a special
blessing. R4730:5
Will -- God's original plan cannot fail in any particular.
R99:1*
Learn righteousness -- In the vengeance upon the nations
the Lord will reveal to the world the fact of the change of
dispensations and the change of rulers. B138
The world will see and recognize him when his judgments
make his presence manifest to all. R714:5*
Under the righteous administration of the glorified followers
of Christ, united with the Lord as the governing body, the
Kings and Priests. Q852:2
The Church shall rule as Kings with a rod of iron, but the
object will be to humble the nations and so fit them for the
reception of the truth. R404:6*
The overthrow of the kingdoms by the strong hand of
judgment is what will break the proud spirit of the nations.
R60:5*, R256:4
Gradually, under the Kingdom's restraints, corrections,
rewards and punishments. R5781:1, R4559:6, R5639:5,
R5780:3, R5286:6, R5023:6; SM734:T, SM16:1; OV47:1
All good intentions and endeavors will bring uplift--mentally,
morally and physically. R5771:4, R5760:4
The plowshare of trouble must first prepare human hearts for
the sowing of the good seed of the next dispensation.
R5521:1, R2627:5, R3414:5; HG417:3
Allowing man to realize the evil effects of his own course.
R1712:3
While the symbolic fire will destroy the institutions and
arrangements peculiar to that time; it will not destroy the
people, but prepare them for the reception of the Lord's
message. R2844:6
The uplifting influences will begin at once following the great
time of trouble. OV128:4
It will not take them long to learn. They will not need to have
calamity overtake them many times before they will learn that
it would be better for them not to do wrong. Q118:3
As soon as one finds that to slander his neighbor will bring
upon him a temporary paralysis of the tongue, he will be
careful respecting his words. HG234:5
Learning the inexpediency of sin and selfishness and that
thereafter no other rules than the Golden Rule shall be
permitted. R2314:1
All the inhabitants of the earth will learn perfectly what
righteousness is and what are its rewards. R1219:6
By the end of the Millennial age, even the entertaining of a
thought disloyal to the Almighty will lead to the Second
Death. SM57:T
Illustrated in the case of a young Atheist, who dared God to
strike him deaf and dumb, and was so stricken. R3388:6
The Lord's people have the opportunity to comfort and cheer
the world with these good tidings. A342
Those who will not fall into line with God's law will have
tribulations that they may learn righteousness. R4729:2
Yet will he not -- Some, even in the Millennium. R1951:1
Even with fullest knowledge, some will not learn to love
righteousness. R1219:6, R2338:3
Land of uprightness -- The Millennial or "new earth"
state. R1951:1, R2338:3, R1219:6
The majesty -- Will not recognize the majesty of the
Lord's law. R1219:6
They will not see -- The remainder of the world who have
not yet recognized the new Kingdom under the Ancient
Worthies. R1353:4,2
They shall see -- "Oh, that they might see." R1219:6
They shall yet see and be ashamed of their past course.
R1353:4
Shall devour them -- All who persistently remain enemies
of the Lord shall be destroyed. R2338:3, R1353:4
Thou also hast -- Verses 12 to 15 represent the faithful
taking a glance backward and acknowledging that the
deliverance has been wholly God's work. R2338:3
Wrought...works in us -- Expresses confidence in God
who has cared for them in the past. R1353:4, R1951:2
Other lords -- The various nations and systems that have
oppressed Israel. R3725:6*
The trusts and other giants of vice and selfishness. D370
Evil governments and systems, rulers, powers. R1353:4,
R1951:2, R2338:3
Sin, the great task--master, and every evil system which
oppresses men at the present time, some of which are highly
esteemed among the oppressed. R2338:3
Have had dominion -- Contrasting their condition under
the Kingdom of God with the bitterness and woes of the past.
R1353:4
But by thee only -- But of thee only, as our ruler.
R1951:2
Mention of thy name -- Mention only the Lord as their
King and forget the bitterness and woes of the past. R1353:4,
R2338:4
They shall not rise -- Every power of evil and oppression
shall be destroyed forever, never to rise again. R1951:2,
R1353:4; Q211:T, D370
Does not refer to mankind, but to the perishing of giant and
powerful trusts and corporations. Q210:2; R3725:6*; D370
Hast increased -- Israel regathered under divine protection
and favor. R1353:5
In trouble -- This trouble (of verses 16 to 19) is unlike all
others of the past 1,800 years upon the Jewish people. It is
not a mark of divine disfavor, but, contrariwise, of favor.
R1324:3
Poured out a prayer -- Nominal Christians, when they
awake to a knowledge of their situation and realize the
presence of the Lord. R5993:6
So have we -- The nominal church. R505:3, R5993:6
Been with child -- Nominal church claims to convert
sinners, to bring forth spiritual children. R5993:6, R505:3
This is said after they have realized the presence of the Lord.
R5993:6
Have been in pain -- She has had much zeal, but not
according to knowledge. R5993:6, R505:3
Not wrought any deliverance -- She has organized her
armies, developed her machinery and multiplied her stores;
yet the enemy does not fall before her. R505:3, R5993:6
Thy dead -- God's dead now are those who are members of
the Body of Christ. R4667:2; Q582:2, Q583:5, Q587:1
Men -- Omit this word, which was added by translators.
R4667:2, Q582:2, Q587:1
Shall live -- Referring to the resurrection of the Church.
R4667:2; Q582:2, R583:5, R587:1
Not that the dead are not dead. CR349:6
Trouble, a mark of God's favor, awakens the Jews from
lethargy to cause their hearts to long for the promised land.
R1324:3,5
Together with -- Omit these words, which were added by
translators. R4667:2; Q582:2, Q583:5, Q587:1
My dead body shall they arise -- The resurrection of the
Church, the Body of Christ. Thus, properly translated, this
passage should read: "Thy dead shall live; my dead Body,
they shall arise." R4667:2; Q582:2, Q583:5, Q587:1
Awake and sing -- In the resurrection morning when the
sleepers shall come forth from the tomb. E345
"Joy cometh in the morning." (Psa. 30:5) E345
Come forth to learn the goodness of God. R4667:2
Ye that dwell in dust -- Of the earth. E345; R4667:2
Come -- "Come out of her, my people." (Rev. 18:4)
R1788:2
My people -- Saints of the past and present. R2020:6,
R1787:6
"Those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
(Psa. 50:5) R1787:6
Into thy chambers -- "The secret place of the Most High."
(Psa. 91:1) R1788:2
The place of intimate communion and fellowship with God.
R1788:2
Passing unto the Lord. R5255:3
And shut thy doors -- Of faith. R1788:3
Hide thyself -- Withdraw from the world and nominal
church to walk alone with God; heeding not the reproaches of
men. R1788:3
A little moment -- As this shall be the sharpest, so shall it
be the shortest persecution of them all, but true believers shall
be preserved till the calamity be overpast. R1275:6*,
R1789:1
The indignation -- The storm of trouble; the alarm, fear
and trembling that will take hold upon all other classes.
R1788:6
Not the severity of the coming catastrophe because the saints
will be gone before that time. R2020:6
For, behold -- In the time of trouble. R1357:2, R1787:3
Punish the inhabitants -- God's just judgments upon the
world. R5255:3
In the close of this age, the judgment of the Lord will be upon
Christendom. R5256:2
Disclose her blood -- From this generation God will
require all the righteous blood shed during this age. R5256:2
In that day -- The day of punishment of the earth (Isa.
26:21); of trouble such as never was (Dan. 12:1); that shall
burn as an oven (Mal. 4:1); like a refiner's fire (Mal. 3:2); the
day of reckoning. R1357:2
The dragon -- That old serpent, the devil and Satan. (Rev.
12:9) R171:6*
The sea -- The restless, turbulent, dissatisfied masses of
the world. A318
That come of Jacob -- Natural Israel. A300
Blossom and bud -- After being apparently dead.
R1063:1*
One by one -- Not in multitude at the first gathering.
R341:5*
The great trumpet -- Related to the trumpet of Jubilee.
R2025:3, R2026:1
Woe -- Pertains to both natural and spiritual Israel.
R4287:2
Crown of pride -- Worldly prosperity. R1357:3
Self--sufficiency. R3455:2
The drunkards -- Those intoxicated with error, false
doctrines and theories. R4287:3, R3104:2, R588:3; D614
Ephraim -- Christendom. R1357:3, R3455:2, R3104:2;
D22
The word means "fruitful" and indicates the numbers,
influence, power and wealth of Babylon. R1357:3
Applied to the ten tribes who revolted against the Kingdom of
the Lord and established a different mode of worship; an apt
illustration of the nominal Gospel church. R562:2
Glorious beauty -- Pride, or exaltation. R1357:3
The glory of the nominal church is in numbers, wealth and
worldly prosperity. R562:3
Fading flower -- Her glory in numbers, wealth and power
is fading; her beauty and fragrance will soon pass away.
R3104:3, R1357:3, R3455:3, R562:3
The fat valleys -- World mindedness; worldly possessions
and pleasures. R1357:3, R3455:2, R562:2
Overcome with wine -- The spirit of the world. R1357:3
Strong one -- The Lord. R1357:4
A tempest of hail -- Truth put in a hard, forcible way.
R1357:5, R1774:5
As a flood -- The conflict of the Day of Vengeance. D528,
D527
God is now permitting the Adversary to bring in error like a
flood. R2875:6
Of mighty waters -- Symbol of truth, destined to cover the
whole earth. "The knowledge of the Lord shall cover the
earth as the waters cover the sea." (Hab. 2:14) R1357:4
Shall cast down -- Casting down to the earth, with power,
the crown of pride. D528
Crown of pride -- The wealth, fame and prestige of these
great systems of Babylon. R1357:5
Trodden under feet -- Humbled in the dust. R1357:5
By the lawless ones, the anarchists. R3104:3
A fading flower -- The beauty of the great system named
Christendom will quickly disappear. R4287:6
As the hasty fruit -- Sour and bitter, forced, immature.
R1357:3,5
Nominal churches have great fruitfulness in numbers, but the
fruit is immature, not good. R1357:3
God's plans come to maturity by slow and steady
development. R562:3
Like the early fruit, the earthly beauty of the present systems
will disappear. R4287:6
Eateth it up -- Babylon's sudden destruction at the hands
of anarchists. R3104:3
In that day -- Now, in the end of this age. R4287:6,
R3455:3
The very day of Babylon's fall. R562:6, R4287:6
A crown of glory -- Even in the present life his truth in
their hearts shall cause their faces to shine. R3104:6
They are his betrothed and will shortly be exalted as his Bride
and joint--heir. R1357:6
They shall receive the crown of life-glory, honor and
immortality. R3104:6
Diadem of beauty -- To the faithful ones the Lord will
become more glorious as they see the breadth, height and
depth of his love. R4287:6
Unto the residue -- The remnant, the Little Flock.
R3455:3
Those who are truly consecrated to the Lord. R1357:5
Spirit of judgment -- The Lord's people will have sounder
judgment, even in the present life. R3104:6, R4287:6
The Lord will give judgment, discretion to discern between
truth and error, to those who bring all things, both new and
old, to the test of his Word. R562:6, R1357:6
Sitteth in judgment -- When made partakers of the
Kingdom glories, these will be amongst the judges of the
world. R3104:6
Strength to them -- The Lord will be a strength and power
to them, inwardly they will have peace. R4287:6
To all who battle against the forces of error. R562:6
Turn the battle -- May be viewed aggressively or
defensively. R2662:1
To the gate -- Possibly a symbol of dominion, representing
Satan's stronghold, the doctrine of eternal torment. Possibly
representing the restraint the enemy has exercised over
mankind to hinder them from the truth. R2661:3*
Signifies public effort to withstand error with the truth, even
in the stronghold of error. R1357:6
In defense of the Citadel of Truth; not permitting false
doctrines to enter in, but insisting that every doctrine be
decided by the Word of the Lord, squared by the Golden Rule
and the Ransom. R3455:4
But they also -- To whom the people look as leaders and
teachers, the clergy. R1357:6
The ministry, as well as the membership. R1493:2
Erred through wine -- Symbol of the spirit of the world.
R1358:1
Intoxication of Christendom--of errors, false doctrines, human
schemes. R3104:2
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled
with the Spirit." (Eph. 5:18) R1502:5,2, R3962:6
Verses 7 to 13 have an application to natural Israel at the first
advent but, because of parallel dispensations, it is proper that
we should expect similar stumblings in the present Harvest in
nominal spiritual Israel. R3962:3-5
Strong drink -- Being intoxicated with the spirit of the
world. R1488:6, R1444:4
Are out of the way -- Confusion prevails amongst
religious teachers of every denomination. SM107:2
Priest and the prophet -- The religious instructors of the
people. R562:5, R1444:4, R1488:6, R3455:4, R1847:5
Err in vision -- The intoxicating errors pervert the
judgment and hinder a proper view of the divine Word and
the simplicity of the Gospel. R4288:1, R562:5, R1358:1,
R1488:6
Cannot see the riches of divine grace, but see instead the
nightmare of eternal torment. R3962:6, R4288:1
Stumble in judgment -- They are unable to discern and
follow the truth. R1444:4, R562:5, R3455:4, R4288:1
Using it as a temperance lesson, Christendom cannot see that
this Scripture applies to themselves. R1358:1
For all tables -- Denominational creeds, "Tables of
devils." (1 Cor. 10:21) R3455:4, R3963:1-3, R4288:2
How different the condition of those fed with "meat in due
season." "My table thou hast furnished (supplied) in the
presence (sight) of mine enemies." (Psa. 23:5) R3396:1
Are full of vomit -- Doctrinal monstrosities and
misrepresentations rejected by the more enlightened.
R3963:2, R3455:4
Repulsive mass of mingled traditions and abominable errors.
R562:5, R4288:2
Rejected matter--old errors swallowed in the past with
thoughtless complacency. R1899:4, R3396:1
In reaction to the miserable husks of human tradition on
which they have been feeding for centuries past. R1475:2
Vomiting forth the various creeds and theories of the Dark
Ages which have produced their intoxication. SM107:2
No place clean -- No table fit for God's intelligent
children. R1358:1
A necessary realization before looking beyond Babylon's
creedal fences and leaping the barriers to the feast of fat
things spread now by our present Shepherd. R2913:4
Whom shall he -- The Lord. R1358:2
God. R562:6; SM107:3
Asks the class mentioned in verse 7. R3531:2*
The majority who have vomited the creeds of men feel so
great a disgust for everything in the way of doctrine that they
are barely able to hear that word. R3963:5
Teach knowledge -- Doctrine. R3963:5
A large proportion in Christendom are not true Christians,
consecrated followers of Jesus. SM107:3
In Churchianity there is a superabundance of mysticism,
ignorance and superstition, but a dearth of knowledge. "My
people perish for lack of knowledge." (Hos. 4:6) R3455:6
Understand doctrine -- Pure doctrine, the deeper elements
of God's Word and plan. R229:6, R3455:6
Weaned from the milk -- Contained in the printed
questions and answers in the International Sunday School
lessons. C143
Those who have ceased to be babes and made some
development, feeding upon the strong meat of the divine
Word. R3963:6, R1358:2, R4288:6
The foretold "strong delusions" of our day are not actually
strong, but have great power to delude because few are
"weaned from the milk." R5801:4, R1644:1
To appreciate the doctrines of God we must leave the first
principles and go on to perfection. (Heb. 6:1) C143
None may expect to understand the deeper things of truth,
except they progress from being babes to becoming strong
men. SM108:1; R562:6
The fruits and graces of the Lord's spirit cannot be obtained
merely through the milk of the divine Word. R3963:6
"Everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the Word of
righteousness, for he is a babe." (Heb. 5:13) C143
Few nominal Christians have even used the milk of God's
Word. R5801:4
Drawn from the breasts -- "Woe unto them that are with
child and to them that give suck in those days." (Matt 24:19)
R229:3
Precept upon precept -- The same truth repeated over and
over from different standpoints, thus enforcing its teachings.
R563:1
The most saintly of the Lord's people need constant
replenishment from the fountain of truth. R5805:3
As with the Gospel Church, the hearing of the voice of the
Son of God is a gradual matter, so it will be with the world
during the Millennial age. F709
If we cease to receive we will cease to have; hence we must
continually renew and review our study of the divine plan of
the ages. F316
Line upon line -- The way in which the Lord's message
would be presented. R4574:1
Here a little -- Those awakened from error must accept the
truth as God provides it for them. R4288:6
In the school of Christ we do not learn all in a day or a week.
R5125:4
Our poor earthen vessels are very leaky and need constant
replenishment. R5805:3
A little of truth here and little more there--little by little we
gain strength. R563:1
There a little -- In the end the harmony of the fragments of
truth from Genesis to Revelation, often disconnectedly stated,
become a demonstration of power to those who come to see
their relationship, harmony and beauty. SM108:2
Stammering lips -- Imperfect human lips. R2813:5
Despised or scorned. R563:2
Those who are proclaiming Present Truth are chiefly the
common people, and in the eyes of the world are quite
unqualified for their work. R3456:1
Divine revelation is given in a disconnected and broken form
in the Scriptures. SM108:2
The Lord will not choose the most approved and pleasing
instruments to human fancy, but despised or scorned lips, to
proclaim the truth. R563:3
Another tongue -- Other servants who will faithfully
proclaim God's truth; other teachers not ordained of men.
R1358:2, R563:3
Those awakening from error must be prepared to receive the
message of truth because it is the Lord's, from other lips than
those of their own denomination, and in quarters from which
they had not expected it to come. R4288:6
It was necessary to speak to the Jews in other tongues in the
early Church. R3962:5
As in the Jewish Harvest, the Lord used foreign tongues and
inspirational powers instead of the tongue of the Scribes,
Pharisees and Sadducees; so in the present Harvest, the
Bridegroom's voice is outside of Babylon entirely. (Rev.
18:23) R3963:6
Applied distinctly by Paul to the gift of tongues in 1 Cor.
14:21. R3962:3
Instead of plain statements in our native tongue. SM108:2
Will he speak -- He will raise up other teachers, teachers
not ordained of men, but of God. R1358:2
This is the rest -- The Harvest Message, containing God's
plan of salvation. R3456:1
The Little Flock will rest in these promises and will be
refreshed by them. SM109:T
The weary to rest -- The only foundation of this rest is
acceptance of the ransom. R563:3
The refreshing -- Rest, peace, satisfaction, which he has
provided for his true sheep. R4289:1
They would not hear -- But the nominal church has
refused to hear. R563:2
When teachers from God point out the true rest and
refreshment of divine truth, they will not hear. R1358:3
God's warnings go forth to all the nations of Christendom, but
go unheeded. D58, D60
The Harvest Message is sent forth throughout Christendom,
but the majority will not hear. R3456:1, R4289:1
Precept upon precept -- Nagging upon nagging, to Higher
Critics. R3531:5*
Line upon line -- Prating upon prating, to Higher Critics.
R3531:5*
Permitting repeated captivities to Israel, yet he kept hold of
them, and when they repented and cried unto him, he heard
them and delivered them. B88
The message is to be sent forth tract upon tract, here a little,
there a little. R3456:1
That they might go -- The Word of the Lord does not
profit them, not being believed. R713:4
And fall backward -- Into Higher Criticism and
Evolutionism. R3456:4
Though the Word of the Lord has been plain for the
instruction of his children, nominal church leaders have gone
backward, substituting their own theories, deceitfully
wresting the Scriptures. R563:2
A thousand will fall to one who will stand. (Psa. 91:7)
R2295:5
Snared, and taken -- Entrapped by the Adversary because
they considered God's beautiful plan of salvation as merely
prating and nagging. R3531:5*
In the general unbelief that is even now sweeping over the
civilized world. R2813:6
Divine revelation is given in disconnected and fragmentary
form so that all others than Israelites indeed may be ensnared
and entrapped. SM108:2
A solemn warning of the responsibility of those who hear, but
will not heed the truth; showing that when they are ensnared
in the traps of error it will be due to their own improper
condition of heart. R1358:3
Ye scornful men -- Disdaining teachers. R2813:6
Unfaithful teachers of today. R563:6
Jerusalem -- Symbol of the church. R563:5
Covenant with death -- Declaring that it is a friend, not an
enemy. E370; R2599:6, R2813:6
God terms their theory that "death is the angel God has sent"
an agreement with death. R563:6
And with hell -- Sheol, oblivion, death, not torment.
E369
Are we -- All who believe that the dead are not dead.
E370
An agreement -- Not believing it to be the wages of sin.
E370; R1774:2, R2599:6
The false doctrine that the dead are more alive than before.
SM114:2
Overflowing scourge -- The great time of trouble. Q166:2
Of infidelity. R2814:1
"An inundation of waters hath passed over." (Hab. 3:10,
Young's Literal Translation) R1813:4
One of the most serious aspects of this overwhelming scourge
will be the power of the evil spirits, the fallen angels.
SM118:1; Q166:2
Not come unto us -- Nominal church leaders have said:
"We are safe in the ignorance of our people and their
dependence upon us for their faith and hopes even though an
overflowing scourge of infidelity come." R2814:1
Lies our refuge -- System of false theories. R563:6
Nominal church leaders say: "As we succeeded in deceiving
the people in the past, we shall continue to do so in the
future." R2814:1
"From the prophet (orator) even unto the priest (minister)
every one practiseth falsehood." (Jer. 8:10) C157
Precious corner stone -- The chief cornerstone in a
pyramid is the top stone, which is also the model after which
the whole building is being fashioned. R3622:4
"Upon this rock (Greek petra, the rock in mass, the foundation
rock) I will build my church." (Matt. 16:18) R1760:3
Christ, the top stone of the pyramid. "The stone which the
builders rejected is become the head cornerstone." (Matt.
21:42) "He shall bring forth the headstone thereof with
shootings, crying, Grace, Grace, unto it." (Zech. 4:7) C329;
R1568:4
The Church is built up under him, fashioned in accordance
with the lines and angles seen in him who is the model.
R1568:5
"Unto you, therefore, which believe, he is precious; but unto
them which be disobedient the same is made a stone of
stumbling and rock of offense." (1 Pet. 2:6-8) R1649:3
A sure foundation -- Zech. 4:7 calls it the "headstone,"
not incongruous because, as a heavenly building it has a
heavenly foundation and is held together by heavenly
attraction. R1568:4
How appropriate that the stone in whose likeness the whole
structure is to be finished should be laid first. A243
This is not all of the Gospel, but it all comes as a consequence
of this fundamental or foundation truth, faith in Jesus our
Redeemer. R429:2
Not make haste -- Taking God's plan instead of hastily
constructing theories of their own. R564:1
Like those who, in haste, discard the Lord's plans. R589:3
Judgment also -- When the Little Flock is complete it will
not be "Judgment to come," but present judgment. E192
Justice. R5218:6
"He hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in
righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained (Christ,
Head and Body)." (Acts 17:31) R5443:5
His judgment will be for the world's deliverance, for he
wounds to heal. R1869:3
There will be sweeping moral reforms, great educational and
philanthropic enterprises, wonderful faith cures from every
disease and deformity, mental and physical. R1095:4
A spiritual police force will have humanity under absolute
control by disciplinary judgments promptly executed. Every
misdeed will be punished as soon as it is determined upon.
R5760:4, R4758:5; SM421:2
Retributive justice similar to that manifested in the French
Revolution and in the destruction of Jerusalem. D536
To correct sin and wrongdoing and to reward righteousness
and well-doing. HG966:2
Woe will be unto them which call evil good and good evil.
All errors will be swept away. R564:1; CR291:4
We are in the beginning of the great Day of Judgment--the
Millennial age. R1037:6
Judgment shall begin at the nominal house of God. R5574:1
I lay to the line -- He will make "justice the line and
righteousness the plummet." (R.V.) R5917:4
A work already begun. B138
Now going on to the intent that ere long the equitable
principles of his government may be established in all the
earth. R5989:1
The Mediator's work in the world will be one of force,
compulsions severe ordeal to those who love unrighteousness.
R3915:5; SM16:1; OV154:2
"He shall rule them with a rod of iron." (Rev. 2:27) C369
In God's government great punishments following great
offenses are not greater than is necessary to establish justice
and effect a great moral reform. R2618:5, R723:1
His will shall then be done on earth as it is done in heaven.
(Matt. 6:10) R1781:2
Only the agonies of the coming great social revolution will
reveal the truth of this statement to all. D536
And righteousness -- Which alone can secure the
blessings all desire. B102
To the plummet -- Reign of law under the New covenant.
R4331:4
A severe ordeal to those who love unrighteousness and
untruth. OV154:2
Every sinful act will receive punishment and every good act
will receive blessing. R5760:4, R5770:5
Requiring those who steal to refund the stolen property with
20% interest added. R2613:4
All of earth's affairs will be squared and plumbed with
righteousness and brought into strict conformity thereto.
D632; R5989:2, R2992:6
And the hail -- Hard cutting truth. R1692:5, R1774:5,
R511:5, R2814:1
Crystallized and purified truths, perhaps in tract form.
R1119:6, R1121:5
The same storm and flood mentioned by our Lord in his
parable of the house built upon the sand. (Matt. 7:26, 27)
R5443:4, R3748:5
Righteous judgment. A303
Unwittingly served by Doctors of Divinity, Communists, et
al. R820:3
Shall sweep away -- The dominion of the Prince of Light
will supersede the dominion of the Prince of Darkness.
SM733:2
An early feature of our Lord's reign resulting in great
commotion. R2992:6
Sweeping moral and other reforms. R1095:4
Refuge of lies -- Every refuge of error and
misrepresentation. R1470:4, R4331:4
All the falsities and errors of those who exalt themselves.
R249:4
Falsehood and deception of every kind will give place to clear
knowledge of the truth. E192
Satan's deceptions shall cease. SM16:1; R564:1
And the waters -- Truth. A303; R2814:1, R511:5,
R1692:5
The Revised Version New Testament is a powerful element in
the storm which already begins to sweep over the nominal
church of all denominations. R249:4, R207:3
A mighty downpour of truth is now in progress throughout
Christendom. R5443:4
Overflow -- A flood, overthrowing the faith structure of
those not built upon Christ. R5443:4
The hiding place -- Expose all errors and subterfuges.
R2814:1, R1692:5; A303
He will bring to light all the hidden things of darkness and
correct private as well as public sins and selfishness.
R1692:5
Shall be disannulled -- The Lord will ultimately convince
the world of the truth of the Scripture statements respecting
death and the oblivion condition. E370
Agreement with hell -- Sheol, oblivion, death, not
torment. E370
Overflowing scourge -- Whip, rod; chastisement. R564:2
The trouble will commence with the nominal church. R229:2
This overwhelming trouble will soon reach the entire world.
Indeed, it has already begun among all nations to some extent.
R5443:5
Then ye -- False teachers. R5443:4, R2814:2
Trodden down -- Oppressed. R564:2
That it goeth forth -- In its very commencement. R564:2
The trouble will commence with the Church. R229:2
By day and by night -- Increasing like a flood of waters.
R229:2
A vexation -- Distress, perplexity. R564:2
The overthrow and destruction of venerated theories. R564:3
Vexed and perplexed only until they come to understand
God's Word and plan. R229:2
Only to understand -- It shall be a vexation only "until he
shall make you to understand doctrine." (See margin)
R564:2, R590:6*, R207:3, R230:2
The report -- The message of Present Truth; true doctrine.
R3748:6, R2814:2, R5443:4
Doctrine--or "to eat meat," margin. R230:2
When liberated they will rejoice in the overthrow of every
form of error and its replacement with truth. R564:3, R229:2
The bed -- A place for rest and refreshing; symbolizes a
faith--a creed. R564:3, R215:4, R229:1, R513:5, R339:2
Creed-bed, or crib for spiritual babes. D608, R229:2,
R564:3, R2814:2, R4706:4
Where nominal Christians have been put to bed and to sleep.
R1476:5
"I tell you in that night (before the day has dawned, yet a part
of that day) there will be two in a bed; one will be taken and
the other left." (Luke 17:34; Diaglott) R229:1, R4706:4;
D608
God provides the good and suitable resting place of faith in
his Word. R564:3
Is shorter -- The erroneous teaching (of hell fire) is like a
short bed. CR20:3
Than that a man -- A fully developed Christian. D608;
R1352:4, R2814:2
Can stretch himself -- Exercise his mind and heart so as to
find rest therein and grow more. CR20:3; R1352:4, R564:3
Fine for those curled up in selfishness and fast asleep, but
when they awaken and attempt to stretch themselves they will
find it no longer a resting place. R215:5
The covering -- Doctrines. R207:4
God's promises, narrowed by a wrong theology. D609
Narrower -- He knows so little of the divine plan that he is
constantly subject to doubts and fears. R1352:4
The assurances offered by the nominal church are vague and
their knowledge of God narrow and meager. R564:4
Fear will creep in just as the chilly winds upon the person
who has too narrow a bed--covering. CR20:3
The LORD shall rise up -- The great decisive battle
cannot begin until the great "Michael," the "Captain of our
Salvation," stands forth and gives the word of command.
(Dan 12:1) D548
In these battles God was not dependent upon human skill or
generalship, but fought his battles in his own way. So in this
battle God will bring deliverance in his own time and way.
D555
As in mount Perazim -- Referring to the Lord's
deliverance of Israel from the Philistines at Perazim, and from
the Amorites at Gibeon. (2 Sam 5:19-25; 1 Chron 14:10-17)
D555; R564:6
He shall be wroth -- The catastrophe, though imminent,
cannot occur until the "elect" have all been "sealed" and
"gathered." D548
Valley of Gibeon -- The standing of the sun at the
overthrow of the Amorites was evidently typical of the power
to be displayed in the "Day of the Lord" at the hand of him
whom Joshua typified. (Josh 10:10-15) A61; D555; R564:6
May do his work -- Setting up his Kingdom. R2904:6
It will mean for a while the general destruction of faith. All
church systems will go completely to pieces. R5718:5
The separation of the wheat and the tares, the rolling together
of the heavens as a scroll, the preparation of the elements for
the melting with fervent heat. R1488:1,4
I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people,
even a marvelous work and a wonder (miracle). "For the
wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding
of their prudent men shall be hid." (Isa. 29:14) R2813:5
His strange work -- (The Lord permits) the prospering of
error and unbelief. R2813:5
Overthrowing the nations. R1439:3
Strange to those who do not understand the dispensational
changes due at the introduction of the seventh Millennium.
D548
The overthrow of Babylon and the anarchy incidental to the
establishment of the Kingdom. R2904:6
The world will not be able to understand it. OV429:5;
R1487:3; C122
The events of the time of trouble will fill the world with fear
and dread. C122
God's procedure will seem most strange to men when they see
all religious systems go down. R4977:1, R5823:6, R1357:5
Very strange to the great ones of ecclesiasticism. D547
His strange act -- Strange to them. Spewing "Laodicea"
out of his mouth, rejecting the nominal church systems and
casting all but the faithful into the outer darkness of the
world. R1439:3
(The Lord permits) the prospering of strong delusions.
R2813:3
Destruction of venerated systems of error, civil and religious.
R565:4, R1357:5, R590:6
Confusion and anarchy incidental to the establishment of the
Kingdom. R2904:6
The deliverance of regathered Israel. D555
Be ye not mockers -- There are many despisers of Present
Truth. Let us beware of that spirit which despises the
instruction of the Lord. R1487:3, R1488:6
Some seem inclined to treat lightly the predictions of the
overthrow of the present order of things. R565:1
Do not oppose the Vow. R4238:5
Be made strong -- The bands which bind the tares in
bundles were never so strong as now. C145
Those who mock at the truth become more tightly bound in
Babylon. R565:4, R878:5
A consumption -- An expiration, a consummation; the
time of trouble. D548, D273
An end, a "harvest." R207:4
A short work will the Lord make. (Rom. 9:28) D272
Doth the plowman -- The prophet borrows an illustration
from the work of an intelligent farmer. R576:1
Plow all day -- Always. R576:1
Break the clods -- The previous age has been an age of
preparing men by the plow and harrow of bitter experiences
with sin and law. R576:1
Made plain the face -- He first prepares the soil of
humanity and breaks it up and makes it ready for the seed of
the truth. R576:1
Cast abroad -- Then follows the sowing of seed and the
harvest of each in its season. R576:1
Threshed -- The time of trouble coming upon the Church
should be recognized as the Harvest, the threshing time, the
time for separating the real grain from the chaff and tares.
R576:2
Threshing instrument -- With saw-like teeth. R576:3
Fitches...and...cummin -- Small aromatic seeds used for
medicine and food, growing in little pods and requiring only
gentle threshing to separate them. These represent a class of
saints quickly separated from the world and its systems.
R576:2
Bread corn -- Grain which clings closely to the chaff,
representing some who cling closely to the world, its forms
and institutions. R576:2
Is bruised -- In Bible times cart wheels were passed over
such grains repeatedly until the separation was effected.
R576:2
Not ever be -- Though the Lord will use stronger measures
to separate some of his children it is not his design that the
time of trouble shall destroy them. R576:3
Nor break it -- Grind it. R576:2
Wonderful in counsel -- Enabling us to understand the
present threshing and sifting among God's children and to be
co-workers with him. R576:3
Woe to Ariel -- Christendom, nominal church. R576:4;
D22
A name used for Jerusalem. R1296:3*
Add ye year to year -- Although the nominal church has
become corrupt, the Lord permits her to continue her
existence a few years, that his truly consecrated children may
complete their sacrifice and separate from the nominal
systems. R576:4
Let them -- His truly consecrated children. R576:4
Kill sacrifices -- Fulfil their consecration vows. R576:4
Will distress Ariel -- The nominal church. R576:4
And it -- Many within her are his own dear children; some
of them weak, erring and negligent. The object of this
distress is to awaken and liberate them. R576:4
Unto me as Ariel -- As Jerusalem which, though often
chastised, was dear to Jehovah. R576:4
Mount -- Camp. R576:5
Forts against thee -- Bulwarks to hide myself from thee,
the nominal church. R576:5
Low out of the dust -- Once she loudly proclaimed her
teachings of eternal torment, but now her voice is low.
R576:5
A familiar spirit -- Communication with fallen angels.
R1643:2
Of thy strangers -- Worldly, unregenerated church
members, which she considers to be her strength. R576:4
Be like small dust -- Completely scattered in the coming
storm. R577:1
Of the terrible ones -- The tyrants, the clergy. R577:1
Shall be as chaff -- Forsake the church as soon as it ceases
to be popular and financially successful. R577:1
With thunder -- Controversy. R576:6
Infidelity, denial of the ransom, boldly proclaimed in the
nominal church, is the most subtle form of controversy.
R576:6
With earthquake -- Condition of the mass of the nominal
church when it fully breaks upon it. R576:6
Great noise -- Controversy. R576:6
Devouring fire -- The certain destruction that shall surely
consume these false systems. R576:6; D528
These are symbolic expressions of the great storm of trouble
soon to break on nominal Zion. R576:6
Against Ariel -- Jerusalem or Zion; the nominal church,
within which are God's own dear children in bondage.
R576:4, R577:4
And her munition -- Her bulwark, stronghold, the Bible.
R577:2
The hosts of infidelity are endeavoring to overthrow the
nominal church systems and also to demolish the Bible.
R577:4
As a dream -- Their victory will prove to be but the
delusion of a dream. R577:4
Appetite -- Thirst. R577:2
Zion -- Nominal Christendom. R577:2
Cry ye out, and cry -- "Turn your eyes away (from the
truth) and be blinded." (Leeser) R588:3
The truth is now so clear that only those who deliberately turn
away their eyes could be blinded. R588:3
In their darkness they wonder at what they consider the
strange course of the Lord's dealings. R588:3
They are drunken -- They have partaken of the
intoxicating spirit and pleasures of the world. R588:3
The drunkenness referred to is of the spirit and mind.
R591:4*
Not with wine -- Not with the cup of the Lord. R588:3
Wine symbolizes their consecration. R588:3
But with the intoxication of error, of false doctrine, of human
schemes and plans, the spirit of man and the Adversary in
contradistinction to the spirit and teachings of the Lord.
R3104:2
It is the wine of Churchianity which confuses those who use it
and beclouds their minds in respect to the true Christianity. It
addles their judgment and brings the people into captivity to
false doctrines and false teachers. R2904:5
They stagger -- Because of indistinct vision and
confusion. R588:3
Of deep sleep -- Spiritual stupor. R3104:3
"God hath given them the spirit of slumber." (Rom. 11:8)
This passage is not a temperance lesson. R3962:3
Asleep to spiritual things, but not to earthly things. R588:6
Closed your eyes -- "Lo, the word of the Lord have they
rejected, and what wisdom is in them." (Jer. 8:9) C157
The seers -- An expounder is a special teacher, or a
teacher of teachers--a see-er through whom hidden things may
be manifested. R732:6
Hath he covered -- A veil is cast over the teachings of the
prophets and of Jesus and the apostles. R588:6
The vision of all -- The vision of everything. R588:6
The revelation of God's truth through the prophets, Jesus and
the apostles. R588:6
Is become unto you -- Nominal spiritual Israel in the
Harvest of the Gospel age. R1847:2
A book -- God's Word, a sealed book, understood and
appreciated neither by the learned nor unlearned. CR10:1;
R2814:2
That is sealed -- None should be satisfied with saying, I
don't understand and cannot explain certain parts of God's
Word. R1214:5
If we study God's Word faithfully, earnestly asking that his
spirit enlighten the eyes of our understanding, we shall learn
his language and his Word will no longer be "a sealed book"
to us. R1062:6*
Would that more had the spirit of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts
8:26-40)--a desire to understand the Scriptures and to avail
themselves of such humble instruments as the Lord may be
pleased to send. R2110:6
"He that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be
opened." (Matt. 7:7) R1150:4
One that is learned -- A Doctor of Divinity. R213:1
I cannot -- How many of the clergy of all denominations
demonstrate that whatever came to them at their ordination
has done them no good, but rather harm, in connection with
their ability to expound the Word of God. OV160:4
It is sealed -- To the teachers of nominal Zion who have
studied only at the feet of science and sectarianism and have
neglected the school of Christ. R589:1
Very few teachers in the nominal church make any effort to
expound the Word of God. R588:6
Because of unwillingness to sacrifice needful time and effort
in its careful study. R728:2
I am not learned -- Therefore unable to interpret.
R2110:6
The unlearned, accustomed to look to earthly learning for
instruction in heavenly things, make no attempt to understand
the Bible. R589:1
Many have never learned God's language. Our citizenship is
of the heavenly Kingdom, therefore we should be diligent to
learn its language. R1062:6*
Forasmuch -- Because Christendom has not received the
truth in the love of it, therefore God will send them strong
delusions that they may believe a lie, because they had no
pleasure in the truth. R4070:2
This people -- Applicable to typical Israel at the first
advent, and consequently to nominal spiritual Israel in the
present time. R2813:5
With their mouth -- Though the forms of godliness have
increased, the real worship and submission to God has ceased.
R589:2
With bells chiming out hymns, well-trained choirs singing
anthems, gifted orators delivering eloquent dissertations
outwardly a wonderful zeal for righteousness. R5630:6
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."
(Exo. 20:7) "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ
depart from iniquity." (2 Tim. 2:19) R1527:6
With their lips -- It would be better not to approach the
Lord at all than to do so in an improper formalistic manner.
R5480:1
Saying "Thy kingdom come" and "Thy will be done" while
establishing their own sectarian dominions. R589:2
Heart far from me -- Formality of worship and
service has taken the place of heart-worship. R589:1
It is not sufficient that we make a profession to be his people,
for the "Lord looketh on the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7) R4052:3
"Having a form of godliness but denying the power he (2Tim. 3:5) R3962:3
Their fear toward me -- A false kind of fear; because of
substituting the "doctrine of devils" for the precious things of
God. R4747:1, R2872:6; HG307:6
The bondage of fear instead of love fails to hold the penitent
or draw him near to the Lord. R1402:3
Tormented by the doctrines of fire and brimstone and fear for
their friends. HG305:5
The scourge of torment is held to be a necessity to restrain
men from vice, inspire them to virtue and morality and secure
their admission to heaven when they die. R1122:2
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom in contrast
with the fears inspired by superstition, which are the
beginning of folly and trouble. R3726:2
There is also a proper kind of fear and a proper kind of dread.
The proper fear carries this dread with it--a dread to do
anything that would displease the Lord. R4746:3
"Fear not." (Rev. 1:17) We cannot come into close sympathy
with our Lord and be taught of him and his plan until we learn
this lesson. R3570:1
Error does not have a sanctifying effect. The fear which it
produces is unhealthy fear. HG490:4
The Lord would have his people free from this fear, though
not free from a proper reverence toward him. R3115:3
Greater knowledge of God and of his character will dispel this
kind of fear. R4796:3
Hindering one from coming into the sunshine of his love.
First we must see a little of the love of God, then we find the
entire plan to be "just like him." R311:5
When his true character is love. R330:5
Through the delusions of Satan the "gospel (?) of damnation"
has been substituted for the "gospel of the Kingdom."
R2872:6
The oppression of thumbscrew, rack and stake for the
correction of heretics was the result of fear, and the fear was
the result of misunderstanding God's character. R3051:5
Afraid to believe their own senses in the study of God's
Word. R1122:2
Precept of men -- Human traditions, false doctrines.
R4996:3, R4747:1, R4783:3, R4796:3
The eternal torment doctrine. SM382:1, SM22:T
The eternal torment theory is a man-made, not a Scriptural
doctrine. R5149:3, R564:5, R1122:2, R3051:5, R790:1,
R904:3, R919:2
As unscriptural as they are contrary to every reasonable
conception of the proper exercise of justice, wisdom, love and
power. R4783:2
Built upon an unconscious violation of language which makes
such words as perish, lost, lose life, destroy, death, etc., mean
their very opposite--preserve in torture everlastingly.
R3242:5
Ignoring Bible doctrine, but holding firmly to human
doctrines respecting eternal torment, natural immortality, etc.
D173
In their haste to convert the world, the nominal church has
wrested parables and symbols to threaten and frighten people.
R564:5, R1122:2
Satan is blinding men with fear--fear that good, reasonable,
just thoughts toward God and interpretations of his Word are
delusions of the Adversary. R3133:6
Systematic theology, like the Talmud of the Jews, is
calculated to a large extent to make void the Word of God.
D64; HG716:4
A marvellous work -- Of overthrowing the present great
systems of men. R589:3, R1487:3
The Harvest work and all the attendant features of a change of
dispensation. R1487:3, R885:4
Among this people -- Clergymen and others. D173, D239,
D473
And a wonder -- A miracle. R2813:5
The wisdom -- Instead of approaching geology and
scientific research from the standpoint of faith in the Bible,
scientists approach from the reverse standpoint--that the Bible
is certainly wrong in some measure, great or small. R3221:1
The cant from the pulpits of sacred phrases that mean
nothing. R821:4*, R820:2*
As in disarmament plans which will have the opposite
reaction from what is anticipated. R2361:2
Wise men -- Statesmen. R1759:4
Modern critics. R1418:3
College professors, Doctors of Divinity, and the best educated
pulpiteers of Christendom. R4955:5, R1488:6
Teachers of Evolution. OV86:3; R5062:3, R1784:6,
R1792:1; HG492:6
Great financiers, as in the demonetization of silver. D473
A great falling away from faith is in progress among all
nationalities--especially among the "wise" and the "learned."
R3008:4
A rejection of the Word of God has more attraction for the
clergy than for the masses. R3497:4
Shall perish -- Their wisdom becomes a trap and a snare
unto them. R2492:6
Scientists are still guessing, and still repudiating the guesses
of each other. R4285:2
Their failure comes from neglect of the Word of God.
R4404:4
The unbelief of the people grows and threatens to become
agnosticism, or worse, atheism. R4955:4
"The wise are taken in their own craftiness." (Job 5:13)
R4135:6
The wise are being confounded by the power of the truth in
the hands of the humblest of God's consecrated children.
R1920:4
When the new dispensation is ushered in, they will see the
unwisdom of their course. R5186:5
The faith of many shall be overthrown. R3033:5
Ridding themselves of unscriptural traditions, many ministers
have become Higher Critics and Evolutionists. They are
discarding cardinal truths which their errors obscured.
R3335:2
"For this cause God shall send them a strong delusion, that
they may believe a lie who believe not the truth, but had
pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thes. 2:11, 12) R4404:4
Hence the Christian of low degree, through the instructions of
the Bible, may know clearly things that the famous and
learned in other wisdom cannot know. R4135:6
The heavenly wisdom is hidden from the wise and revealed
unto babes. R589:3
Thus we should utterly lose confidence in worldly wisdom
and the more firmly rely on the wisdom which cometh from
above. R2396:1
God will cause all their plans to wonderfully miscarry and
fail. R589:3
Their prudent men -- Business men. R1759:4
Wealthy men who have endowed colleges to teach unbelief
and Evolution. R5062:3
It is the professors and learned ones who are most
blameworthy. These have kept back the truth about "hell."
R2598:6
As exhibited at the World's Congress of Religions. D239
Shall be hid -- Obscured. R2492:6, R676:5
Not visible. R4144:2
"I thank thee, Father, that thou hast hid these things from the
wise and prudent." (Matt. 11:25) R589:3
Only in the light of the Scriptures can the peculiar condition
of things now at our doors be understood or appreciated.
OV86:3
Woe unto them -- The nominal church. Their counsel
shall come to naught; their cherished plans shall fail; their
pride shall be humbled; but it will be a blessing in disguise to
the individuals. R589:4
A time of reckoning, of judgment, is coming. R722:2,
R2612:6
Their counsel -- Schemes, plans. R589:3
From the LORD -- If our plans are not in harmony with
God's plans we may deceive men, but cannot deceive God.
R589:3
God knows that the controlling principles of sectarianism are
earthly and selfish. R589:4
Who seeth us? -- "The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
beholding the evil and the good." (Prov. 15:3) R722:2
In vain do they hide it and tell the Lord that they are laboring
for him. R589:4
Upside down -- Perverting the Lord's plans and doctrines.
R589:5
As the potter's clay -- As the efforts of the potter's clay to
oppose the potter. R589:5
For shall the work -- "We are his workmanship." (Eph.
2:10) R589:5
Workmanship--the systems or organizations, not the people.
R589:5
He made me not? -- Some look to Peter, some to Luther,
some to Calvin, Knox and Wesley. R589:5
Lebanon -- The majesty and dignity of the nominal
church. R589:6
A fruitful field -- The humble and lowly saints. R589:6
As a forest -- Things shall be reversed; the proud cut down
and the humble exalted. R589:6
In that day -- The Millennial day. D519; R877:4,
R1265:4, R2117:1
Surely we are now entering "that day." R536:5
Deaf hear -- It will bring blessings to those utterly ignorant
of God's Word. R589:6
Blind shall see -- The sin-blinded. R1265:4
Blinded by Satan. R1958:4, R2090:6
Because the Lord shall take away the veil of ignorance which
now is spread all over the earth. R2330:5
"All flesh shall see it together." (Isa. 40:5) R877:5
With the fall of the great systems (Babylon, confusion), men's
eyes will begin to open. SM424:2
As illustrated by the Sabbath-day miracle of healing the blind
man at the Pool of Siloam. R1400:6
The Jew first. R1786:4
Out of darkness -- Out of the obscurity. R2330:5;
SM424:2
With "seven-fold light." (Isa. 30:26) D519
Spiritual light will no longer be confined to the few; it will be
universal. R49:4*
Meek also shall increase -- As we seek to teach the meek,
let us see to it that we maintain the meek, childlike spirit,
without which we would not have been worthy of the truth
either. R957:4
The terrible one -- Satan. R589:6
For a word -- Spoken contrary to them. R590:1
In the gate -- Publicly. R590:1
The just -- The righteous. R590:1
For a thing -- As a thing. R590:1
His children -- The Christ, the spiritual seed. R590:4
They -- Fleshly Israel. R590:4
My name -- Jehovah. R590:4
Holy One of Jacob -- Christ. R590:4
Note it in a book -- The prophets did not confine
themselves to oral teachings. R1145:3
He shall break -- The coming of the King of earth means
much of trouble. R1692:4
In returning -- To God. R1787:6
And rest -- In him alone. R1787:6
A word behind thee -- The voice of our Lord from the
past. F410; CR497:6
The voice of God that comes through the apostles and
prophets of the past. R4136:1, R4882:2, R1753:2;
HG590:1
Not before thee, as of some new theology, like Evolution,
Spiritism or Christian Science. R1753:1
This is the way -- To the Church now, a way of faith
and consecration even unto death. R1753:4
To fleshly Israel and the world under the Millennial reign of
Christ, a highway of holiness. R1753:3
Clean provender -- In contrast, the ministers and
theological schools of Babylon turn out very poor grist-largely
husks and chaff, which will not sustain spiritual life
and strength. D609
There shall be -- The blessings of restitution are due, not
only to Israel and Palestine, but also to the whole earth.
R1380:1
Now commencing to be fulfilled. R1379:6
Great slaughter -- Disintegration, grinding to powder.
R1379:6*
The towers fall -- Kings, potentates, etc. R1379:6*
Light of the moon -- The Mosaic Law. R334:2
Increased light thrown upon the Law shadows showing the
true teachings of the Tabernacle, its services and sacrifices.
R499:6
Sevenfold -- Perfect. R334:2
Light of seven days -- Not spoken of natural, but of
spiritual light. R49:2*
When the sin-blinded eyes shall be opened, the world will see
right and wrong, justice and injustice, in a light quite different
from now. D519
In the day -- The Millennial age. D519
It is the same day (period) in which he assembles the outcasts
and makes up his jewels. R499:6
The breach -- Caused by sin. R334:2
His people -- The Jews. R49:2*
And tempest -- This Day of Vengeance. D527
Tophet -- Valley of Hinnom, symbol of Second Death.
Q640:2, R5041:6
King -- The devil with his messengers, those in sympathy
with evil. Q640:2; R5042:1
Fire and much wood -- A type of the real Gehenna,
unquenchable until its work is done. R1449:5*
Plenty of fuel to accomplish its complete destruction.
R5042:1; Q640:2
Breath of the LORD -- The Spirit of the Lord will set it
afire and cause it to burn to complete destruction. Q640:1;
R5042:1
Go down to Egypt -- The world. C316
For help -- For worldly ideas and plans and for counsel as
to how they should act in the crisis of this great day. C316
And stay on horses -- Who endeavor still to ride the old
false doctrinal hobbies. C316
Trust in chariots -- Worldly organizations. C316
And in horsemen -- The great leaders in false doctrines.
C316
Seek the LORD! -- With whom alone is safety and victory
in the time of trouble. C316
Shall stretch out -- As he will do shortly. C316
His hand -- His power, the power of the truth and other
agencies. C316
He that is holpen -- By the powers of Egypt, the world's
ideas. C316
Shall fall together -- In their human plans and schemes.
C316
A king -- The Prince of Peace. A269
Messiah will be the Great King, his Bride being associated
with him. OV321:4; R3114:1, R5898:2, R1063:2*
Christ, Emmanuel, Messiah. R307:5
Shall reign -- When the latter house of the Lord's building
(the Church) is complete and filled with glory; when the elect
Church, whose head is Christ Jesus, shall be given the
Kingdom, the dominion of earth. R2520:6
And princes -- The saints. R307:5, R238:2*, R31:4*
The glory which is peculiar to the divine nature, as well as
judicial, sacerdotal and regal authority, are to be jointly
participated in by all the overcomers. R1284:4*
They shall reign with him a thousand years and shall judge
the world in righteousness and bless all the families of the
earth. R1908:6
The Ancient Worthies. OV321:5
Shall rule -- Decree justice. Under their dominion the
whole earth shall be at rest. (Isa. 14:7) R3053:4
In judgment -- Executing summary justice in the
prevention of evil. D633
Shall not be dim -- Thus far only few have seen the light
of truth. It is in the future when this promise will be fulfilled.
R1311:5
Of righteousness -- Which shall be accomplished during
the Millennial age. R238:4*
Sow beside all waters -- If the sowing has been a general
one, we must expect the harvest work to be similarly broad.
R4000:2
Every nation, people, kindred and tongue. R4000:2
Thee that spoilest -- We will know who is meant when the
time of trouble is fully on, or nearly over. R2488:5
Be gracious unto us -- The saints in the time of trouble.
A338; R1470:5
Be thou their arm -- The helper of all truth seekers, even
though not overcomers. R1470:5
Fear of the LORD -- Reverence. R1470:5
Shall cry without -- Shall become discouraged and weep,
powerless to stem the tide of anarchy. R1470:5
Verses 7 to 14 give a vivid description of the awful time of
trouble. R5735:4
Ambassadors of peace -- Those who are crying "Peace,
peace" and predicting a Millennium of peace by arbitration.
R1470:5
Shall weep bitterly -- When the time of trouble brings
their hopes to naught. R1470:5
The highways -- Of commerce. R1470:6
The wayfaring man -- The traveler. R1470:6
Broken the covenant -- Contracts cease to be of value.
R1470:6
Despised the cities -- Which, because depending on
commerce, will become very undesirable places. R1470:6
Regardeth no man -- Principles of honor and manhood
will no longer be regarded or trusted. R1470:6
The earth -- Society in general. R1470:6
Lift up myself -- The appointed time to overthrow the
present order of things and establish the Kingdom of God
having come. R1874:2
Ye -- The "sinners in Zion." (Verse 14) R1874:3
Bring forth stubble -- When you draw the worldly into the
nominal church. R1874:3
Your breath -- False doctrines of belief and policy.
R1874:3
As fire -- Shall set her on fire. R1470:6
Shall devour you -- Lead to fearful trouble and
destruction. R1874:3
The people -- Assembled as a religious union. R1874:3
Burnings of lime -- An organization of such heterogeneous
elements must, of necessity, be self-destructive. R1874:3
Like staking lime; the heat will be intensified as the water of
truth is cast on, until the hardness of heart is all dissolved,
bringing them into complete harmony with the laws of the
Millennial Kingdom. R1470:6
As thorns -- The coming religious union will be a union of
thorns; each party will be a thorn in the flesh of the other.
R1874:3; D552, D267
Cut up -- Made ready. R1874:3
Burned in the fire -- Consumed; have their opportunities
for doing evil destroyed. R1470:6
The sinners in Zion -- In nominal spiritual Zion. D23
Who have forgotten, or failed to keep, their covenant with the
Lord. C304
Wilfully blind leaders and their wilfully blind followers who
love and prefer error. R1874:5
Are afraid -- Of the clouds of the time of trouble. C304
The hypocrites -- Those of the clergy who offer their own
false reasonings along the lines of Evolution as superior to the
Word of God. R1874:6
They are seized with the fear of sectarian fences, gates and
bars; wild lest their hypocrisy be revealed. CR351:2;
HG557:6
Who among us -- A class who will not be consumed.
R1470:6
Like the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace, coming out of the
flames without even the smell of fire upon them. R2087:4*
Everlasting burnings -- The trouble which threatens to
last until the whole present order of things is consumed.
R1875:2, R2087:4*
Walketh righteously -- Who have no part nor lot with the
workers of iniquity. R1875:2
Contrary to the course of this present world. R1875:4
Speaketh uprightly -- Bold and fearless presentation of
the truth. R1875:4
Gain of oppressions -- Refusing to be profited by any
unrighteous scheme. R2087:3*
Holding of bribes -- Cannot be bribed to do evil.
R2087:3*, R1875:5
Hearing of blood -- Any scheme that might cost another's
life, or wreck him morally, physically or financially.
R1471:1, R2087:3*
From seeing evil -- From beholding evil approvingly or
with quiet acquiescence. R2087:3*
Determined opposition to sin in all its forms and a firm
resistance to it. R3114:4
He shall -- The Church of Christ. Q270:T
Dwell on high -- Above the fears, unrest and distress
which will overwhelm the world. R1875:5
In the place of divine favor. R2087:4*
Munitions of rocks -- The Rock of Ages. R1875:5
Bread -- The Bread of life, spiritual and physical.
R1875:5
"Give us this day our daily bread." (Matt. 6:11) R5202:4
Shall be given him -- Whatever we have, we acknowledge
our dependence upon the Lord for what he provides for us;
and we ask for nothing beyond what he does provide.
R5202:5
He who sustained Elijah can equally sustain us. R2326:3
His waters -- The water of life, spiritual and physical.
R1875:5
Many of nominal Israel are hungry and thirsty. In the
meantime the Church of Christ is in the protected place.
R5032:1
Shall be sure -- The Lord has promised to provide for our
temporal wants as well as our eternal welfare, not
sumptuously, but nevertheless surely. R1313:1, R1745:2
This may have applied to the Jews at the time of the
destruction of Jerusalem and others who have put their trust in
the Lord. R5031:6; Q269:8
"I shall not want." (Psa. 23:1) R1745:2
Bread, water, plain clothing; but what some fear is the loss of
some of the comforts, the luxuries which God has not
guaranteed us. R832:5
The saints have little to fear from financial disasters.
R2274:5
Thine eyes shall see -- The eyes of faith shall catch the
inspiration of the glory to be revealed. R2087:5*; C304
The king in his beauty -- The beauty of holiness.
R2087:6*
Reigning in power and great glory. R2087:5*
A blessed and inspiring promise. R5863:1
The land -- Paradise restored. C304
That is very far off -- Beyond the vista of a thousand
years. C304
Looking through the telescope of God's Word, it is a glorious
vision. R2087:4*
"But he that lacketh these things is blind and cannot see afar
off." (2 Pet. 1:9) R2097:6*
Shall see Jerusalem -- Restored earthly Jerusalem and her
priesthood. R35:4*
The LORD is our king -- Our esteem, homage and
obedience must be to him whom the Lord has appointed, King
Immanuel. R3219:4
And the inhabitant -- Of paradise restored. C304;
R1072:6*
Not say, I am sick -- The final results at the close of the
Millennium. R1073:1
After the Redeemer shall, during the Millennium, have put
away sin. R4587:2
Ye nations, to hear -- This dashing to pieces as a potter's
vessel will prove a valuable lesson to them when they come
forth to an individual judgment under the Millennial reign.
D20
Let the earth -- The present organization of society.
C229; A323; D46
And all things -- All selfish and evil things. D20
Come forth of it -- Of the spirit of the world. D20
For the indignation -- The time of trouble. D13
Is upon all nations -- The judgment of nations, now
instituted, is a judgment of men in their collective (civil and
religious) capacities. D12
Including heathendom also, because they have preferred
darkness to light. D70
He hath utterly -- Taking the future standpoint. D20
Hath delivered them -- Judging them unworthy of a
continued lease of power. D70
The host of heaven -- The nominal church, ecclesiastical
systems. D552; R1947:6, R1705:5, R1488:2; HG316:5
Shall be dissolved -- A symbolic representation of the way
in which the change of dispensation will be effected.
R1814:2
Together as a scroll -- Catholicism and Protestantism, the
two ends. D258, D552, Diii; R4343:3, R3531:4, R1355:6,
R1474:1, R1766:2
Not in one great roll, but in two separate parts, really in
opposition. R1705:5, R2061:6
A concentration to one center--but in two great divisions.
R1474:1
Coming closer together as their power decreases. R1355
Rolling together for mutual protection, sympathy and co-operation.
R5349:4, R1488:2, R3533:1
We see in Germany what seems to be the start of this rolling
together. The Emperor has been obliged to conciliate the
Catholic element of his empire more and more. R3532:1
The two sides clearly divided; as the book of Revelation
clearly distinguishes between the "Image" and the original
"Beast," Papacy; while showing that they will be considerably
in fellowship.
(Rev. 13:15-17) R2047:1, R2046:3
Illustrated by the appointments of ritualists as bishops in the
Church of England, and the elevation of a Roman Cardinal to
the House of Lords as a Lord Bishop. R2309:1; D551
Shall fall down --Fall off, drop out; not all at once, but
gradually, yet rapidly. D552
To judgment -- Verses 2 to 5 are a symbolic
representation of the way in which the change of dispensation
will be effected. R1814:2
The blood of lambs -- Of the tribulation saints. D17
And goats -- The "tare" class. D17
Sacrifice in Bozrah -- The name Bozrah signifies "sheep
fold," and the city is even yet noted for its goats. D17
Ecclesiasticism, the chief citadel of Christendom. D17
The LORD'S vengeance -- The time of trouble. Dll,
D20; OV345:6
A day of rectifying the wrongs of the people. R3841:5
The controversy -- The strife and contention in nominal
Zion. D19
Of Zion -- The saints, the true Church. OV345:6
Into brimstone -- Destruction. A318
The smoke thereof -- The remembrance of the destruction
of the present systems of deception and error. R2609:6
Shall be glad for them -- The happy world of mankind.
Q845:1
The earth is to be brought to the perfection primarily designed
for it. R5057:6, R1117:1
Becoming a happy home and worldwide paradise for
mankind. R4768:1; Q845:1
The animal, mineral and vegetable kingdoms will all serve
man's pleasure and supply his needs. R1117:1
The Old Testament tells over and over about these Restitution
Times. CR270:3
And the desert -- Possibly including the now desert
regions of the frigid zones. R3184:5
Much of Israel's promised land--from the Nile to the
Euphrates, including Arabia and parts of Egypt and the
Soudan is now desert --but it shall blossom. Q792:2
Messiah's Kingdom will not only uplift humanity, but will
also bring blessings of perfection to the earth. Eden
eventually will be worldwide. R5364:5
Shall rejoice -- For the microbes of destruction and
disease shall be restrained. R1771:6
Blossom as the rose -- During Messiah's reign Paradise
Lost will become Paradise Regained, as illustrated in Adam's
Eden home. SM48:1; R5060:4, R1117:1, R5057:6,
R6013:5
God has foreseen all the necessities of his plan and will make
ample provision for the needs of his creation in what will
seem a very natural way. A161
Not yet, though it is in process of completion. At the end of
the thousand years of Christ's reign the whole earth shall have
been brought to perfection. R4989:6
The earth shall no more bring forth thorns and briers and
require the sweat of man's face to eat bread. A192
Most barren land can be made rich simply by adding to it
certain mineral elements which cost but little such as
nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash. R2776:1*
Burbank and others are, under divine guidance, working
miracles in horticulture. R4674:1
We are only in the beginning of the thousand years in which
this will happen. These things are beginning to be
experienced. Human ingenuity and engineering feats are
working miracles. PD95/109
The New Day is ushering in these blessings of increased
fruitfulness through irrigation and science; but it will require
God's power during the thousand years of Christ's reign to
bring the earth to perfection. OV350:T, R4989:6; SM37:1;
C268*
Major climatic changes are gradually preparing the world for
this. PD91/105
They -- The earth's redeemed millions. R542:1
Strengthen ye -- Tell them not to let slip valuable
opportunities for service. R2512:3
Those whose faith staggers not at the promises of God are to
encourage those of weaker faith. R542:2*
Confirm -- Make firm. R2512:3
Be strong -- Those who accept God's strength. R5488:6
Fear not -- Because greater is he that is with you, that is
for you, than all they that be against you. R5488:6
Your God will come -- At the second advent of Christ.
F664, F666
With vengeance -- To bind the Adversary, Satan, and
destroy his works. R542:2*
The transition period following the Gospel age and preceding
the Millennial age is often mentioned as a "Day of
Vengeance" to punish evildoers and prepare the world for the
reign of righteousness. R247:5
With a recompence -- At the same time that destruction
comes to one class, redemption and glory comes to another.
R1385:6
Then -- Not yet. R4901:3
After Satan shall be bound for the thousand years that he
should deceive the nations no more. (Rev. 20:1) R3026:5
When the Millennial age prevails. E23; R1988:6, R3167:1,
R3026:4, R5336:4; PD64/74; Q426:1
Eyes of the blind -- "The god of this world hath blinded
the minds." (2 Cor. 4:4) E470, R1958:4, R2348:1,
R4901:3; OV393:7; SM680:T, HG145:5
Eyes which cannot see the things of faith, ears which cannot
hear the message of faith. R3504:4
Long-blinded to the glorious light of the goodness of God.
R5716:3
Sin-blinded. R1077:4, R1232:1
Israel shall be saved from their blindness (Rom. 11:25,26)
and not only Israel, but all the families of the earth. R3501:2
Eyes of understanding. R3209:1, R3504:5, R4527:6,
R4534:4, R5455:3, R5485:6; OV382:T
Shall be opened -- In the glorious reign of Messiah.
OV320:3; R4973:2, R5031:2, R5354:4
Typified by the healing of the blind man at the Pool of
Bethesda and the Pool of Siloam. R1396:1, R1400:6,
R2670:2, R5484:2
As a result of Satan being bound for a thousand years that he
may deceive the nations no more. OV381:5, OV253:2
God has promised to deliver mankind from Satan's power and
his blinding influence. R5896:2
The Gospel must ultimately open the eyes of the "blind."
R1786:4
Ignorance and prejudice being removed. R517:4*, R790:5
All shall come to an accurate knowledge of the truth.
R1180:4
To see the divine character and attributes. R5737:2,
R5485:6; OV169:6
As a consequence, the true knowledge of the Lord shall fill
the whole earth as the waters cover the great deep. (Isa. 11:9)
R2432:6
Not only will the bodies of men be thus blessed, but their
minds and hearts will be similarly liberated from the fetters of
ignorance, superstition and sin. R1773:6
The Jew first, and also the Gentiles. R5832:2
Every eye shall see that the Kingdom is established,
R5455:4, R4522:2, R4617:5, R5066:6, R5465:4, SM172:2
While still having room for the exercise of faith, men will, to
a very considerable degree, then walk by sight. R4908:6
Not seeing his presence with the natural sight, but clearly
seeing with the eyes of understanding, all will appreciate his
character and rejoice therein. OV57:4
The miracles and cures performed by Jesus were small
illustrations of the great work of his Millennial Kingdom.
R5104:4, R2000:4, R5065:3, R5485:2, R1773:6, R2414:5;
PD64/74
Ears -- Of appreciation. R3504:5
Of the deaf -- Those who have not had "ears to hear"
during this present age. R2117:1
Prejudice--stopped. R1077:4, R1232:1
Long deaf to the voice of truth. R5716:3
Deafened by the babel and clamor which the god of this
world induces and perpetuates for this purpose. R3167:1
Be unstopped -- Sweeping away the ignorance and
superstitions which entangle humanity. SM130:2
So that they may hear the truth and understand and appreciate
it. R2310:6
All will see, all will hear, all will know of the love of God.
SM130:2, R174:2
Thank God our eyes are already opening and our ears are
being unstopped. R4522:2
The lame man -- Lame in character. R2310:5
Leap as an hart -- The world's greatest hospital will be in
full operation for the next 1,000 years at the hands of the
Great Physician and his under physicians. The work will be
done by processes of testing, trial, judgments, disciplines.
CR209:5*, CR210:1*
Sing -- Speak forth the praises of the Deliverer. R2310:6
Waters break out -- To have a literal, as well as a spiritual
fulfilment. R2776:2
While especially applicable to Israel and the now barren land
of Palestine, the same blessings of restitution are also due to
the whole earth. R1380:1
Irrigation by artesian wells and aqueducts. R4673:6,
R5057:6; PD95/109
Streams -- Truth. R542:4*
Great physical changes in the Harvest, so that the earth may
go gradually to the fullest perfection. R879:5
In the desert -- Thus making ample provision for the
needs of the millions brought forth from the tomb. A161;
R607:2
Dragons -- Error and vice. R542:4*
Shall be grass -- Rapid and healthy growth of virtue.
R542:4*
And an highway -- The established New covenant.
R1520:6
Open to all. R2428:2*
A public roadway, not a narrow way. E240; A215;
R1248:2, R1772:6, R5055:2, R542:4*, R1791:1, R34:1*;
HG180:6
"Cast up the highway, gather out the stones." (Isa. 62:10)
A217, E240; R1248:2
Designed to lead to the Edenic condition, from which the
broad way had led them. R4246:1*
Will lead from imperfection to perfection, restitution.
R4575:5
There is no place on the highway of holiness for wilful
transgressors. R4811:5
Will be opened up through Israel, through the Ancient
Worthies, through the New covenant made with them.
R4575:5
Shall be there -- When the great King takes control of
affairs. Q331:5
No such way now exists. It will not open until the narrow
way closes. A216; CR497:1; Q331:1, Q829:2
There will be no such highway until the great King takes
control of affairs, overthrows the present order of things and
sets up the Kingdom of heaven. R5245:1
And a way -- A way in which the human family as a whole
will be invited to return to harmony with God through the
Great Mediator under the terms of the New covenant.
R2075:1
It will be a way of righteousness, but not a way of sacrifice,
as is the present narrow way. R2590:5
The way of life and the way of death will be before them.
Each must make his own choice. Whoever refuses to go up
thereon will go down into the second Death. CR497:6
It will be an upward way; exertion will be required. Q332:T,
F713; R2590:5, R5245:2, R1772:6
Gently sloping upward to life, for a grand reversal of public
sentiment will make the way easy of ascent. R1520:6
The way of holiness -- To grand human perfection, God's
image and to everlasting life. D634; HG616:3; R860:4;
A215
The way of life shall be made plain and easy. A215;
R1450:3, R1248:2, R2063:5
It will accomplish the straightening of every crooked path.
R2563:5
Leading, not to the throne, but to the Edenic condition, from
which the broad way had led men. R4246:1*
The way to human perfection requires only the putting away
of sin; not the sacrifice of human rights and privileges, but
their proper enjoyment. A215; E240
Unclean shall not pass -- All who refuse to go up on the
highway shall "be destroyed from among the people." (Acts
3:23) R2331:6
The evildoers having been cut off long before. R1773:2
Those who refuse to make progress along the highway shall
die at one hundred years of age. (Isa. 65:20) E478; Q805:3
Though fools -- Though unacquainted therewith;
unlearned. A215; R852:2, R1248:2, R1363:6, R5737:2;
CR497:2
Though simple. R4617:5
Though unsophisticated. R3026:5
Shall not err therein -- Need not err. R3199:1
"They shall all know me, from the least of them unto the
greatest of them." (Jer. 31:34) A215
Every obstruction will be removed from their path. CR497:1;
R542:4*
No lion -- Of temptation or degenerate public sentiment.
A217, CR497:1
Of opposition; to threaten, to discourage. R1772:6
Nothing to hurt, destroy or intimidate from well doing.
R2590:6
All obstacles shall be removed from the way of holiness.
R717:4*
Satan. "Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion." (1 Pet.
5:8) Q785:2; R825:3, R2590:6
Any ravenous beast -- Fierce temptations. R1055:3,
R2075:1
No beasts of strong drink or passion shall be there to hinder.
HG187:4
Giant corporations, organized to advance selfish interests at
the expense of the general good. A217
False systems and false doctrines. R1227:4
Go up thereon -- The lifting up out of death will be a
gradual progress and gradual attainment, an upward ascending
path requiring effort and overcoming. Q332:T, F713;
R2590:5, R5245:2, R1772:6
The upward course toward life--the resurrection, or rising up,
toward complete recovery from the fall. F718
But the redeemed -- All for whom Christ died. HG180:6
Shall walk there -- Only those who flee from the
defilements of sin. R542:4*
And the ransomed -- The whole human race. "He gave
himself a ransom for all." (1 Tim. 2:6) R1520:6; CR497:2;
HG336:1, HG514:5; A216; Q785:2
Shall return -- From destruction, by the grand highway of
holiness. A218; R526:4, R903:4*
To Zion -- God's fortress. R526:4
With songs -- For the time of their blessing will then be at
hand; their hearts will be made glad with the knowledge of
the truth that they may obtain eternal life in a state of
happiness. HG514:5
Throughout the whole of the cleansed world, praises shall
ascend to God and to him who loved us and redeemed us with
the one sacrifice of himself. R3228:3
Shall flee away -- Gradually and forever during the
Messianic reign. OV147:2
The opportunity of suffering with Christ and sacrificing will
then be at an end. R5250:5
All the defenced cities -- Passing down the Mediterranean
coast, overthrowing Sidonians and Philistines, to Joppa and
further south; then eastward to Lachish--nearly forty cities of
Judah fell. R4832:6
From Lachish to Jerusalem -- Recorded on the "Taylor
cylinder" now in the British Museum; which boasts of
Hezekiah's mistake, but omits his subsequent victory.
R2382:4
Give pledges -- The penalty was a heavy one, amounting
to nearly one million dollars, a much larger sum then than
today. R4832:6
The LORD said unto me -- Taking cognizance of the fact
that Israel trusted in Jehovah, they first declared that the
Assyrians were sent there by Jehovah for the very purpose of
overthrowing the kingdom. R2381:2
Like your own land -- Promising them homes and
circumstances similar to those they then enjoyed, the object
being to obliterate the feelings of patriotism in the various
peoples conquered. R2381:2
King Hezektah -- God himself was King of Israel,
Hezekiah his representative upon the throne. R1358:4
A blast -- Some have supposed that it was a simoon, or
sandstorm, not uncommon in the vicinity of the Arabian
desert. Jewish tradition ascribes the destruction to a
pestilence. R2382:2
Hezekiah -- We may admire his sterling character; he was
a great reformer in his day. R1358:6
Hezekiah prayed -- Because fear prevailed in Jerusalem.
R4833:1
For deliverance, but this was not a precedent for other nations
to follow. R1358:5
God of Israel -- Israel was under a special covenant with
God; and Hezekiah was their sovereign and arbiter of their
destiny. R4832:3
Between the cherubims -- Between love and power, above
a foundation of justice. T124
Always connected with the immediate presence or throne of
God. R529:6*
Incline thine ear -- The king and people sought the Lord
in prayer. R4833:1
Sennacherib -- Loudly proclaimed his victories, warning
the people not to trust in their God. R4833:1
Violated his compact not to attack Jerusalem. R4832:6
Assyria -- Threatened to become the first universal empire.
R4832:3
Laid waste -- Whole country filled with fear as nearly
forty cities of Judah fell. R4832:6
Gods into the fire -- The gods of other peoples all failed
before Sennacherib. R4833:1
Our God, save us -- Fear prevailed in Jerusalem. R4833:1
Israel was God's peculiar people, under his special protection
and care. R1358:3
Isaiah -- Hezekiah's faithful friend and advisor, and
supposed tutor in earlier years. R2381:3
This is the word -- Evidently intended to be the answer
which Hezekiah should send to Sennacherib through
Rabshekah. R2381:5
Hook...bridle -- Figurative, representing the manner in
which bullocks and horses are controlled--thus would the
Lord control the Assyrian army. R2381:5
This shall be a sign -- That the retreat of Sennacherib's
army was not just temporary, and that he would not come
upon them again. R2382:4
Thus saith the LORD -- Israel's history shows how God
actually did deal with them. R1358:6
He shall not come -- God honored Hezekiah's prayer for
deliverance. R1358:6
"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth and delivereth
them." (Psa. 34:17) R1358:6
I will defend -- As long as they were obedient they had
prosperity and no evil could befall them. R1358:4
The lesson for us is to note divine power which overrules,
orders and directs that all things work together for good.
R4833:4
Angel of the LORD -- Jehovah fought Israel's battles
anciently without being seen. R286:3
Wind, fire or lightning may be the Lord's messengers or
angels. R4833:2, R2382:2
Smote -- The messenger of death may have been a
malignant form of fever. R4833:2
Egyptian history records the departure of Sennacherib's army,
ascribing its retreat to an invasion of field mice, gnawing the
quivers, bowstrings and thongs--but perhaps figurative of the
pestilence, represented in Egypt by the mouse. R2382:2
Assyrians -- It was not the Lord's will that Assyria should
become the first universal empire. R4833:4
In those days -- Somewhere in the period of time when
"Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor." (2 Chron.
32:27) R2382:5
731 BC, 125 years before the overthrow of Zedekiah;
corresponding to the date of the French Revolution in 1789
AD, from which Christendom recovered, though it must have
seemed to be a "sickness unto death." R3574:2*
Was Hezekiah sick -- With a malignant ulcer. R3588:1
Had somewhat to do with Hezekiah's prosperity and pride.
R2382:6
Was neither of divine nor Satanic infliction, but a natural
effect from some natural cause. R3588:2
All sickness and death are indirectly the result of Satan's
work, whose deception brought the death penalty. R3588:1
Thine house in order -- Make proper preparations for the
interests of the Kingdom, disposition of property, your
funeral, and for your successor. R3588:2
It is the duty of the Lord's stewards to leave their affairs in
such shape that those who take up the work can do so
intelligently. R3588:2
Thou shalt die -- Nothing in Hezekiah's conduct indicated
that he had fear of torment. R3588:3
Hezekiah...prayed -- Instead of rejoicing that he was
about to go to heaven. R3588:3
He would have died had he not prayed. R3588:5
Does not imply that we should make specific requests for
recovery from illness. R3588:5
The difference between our relationship to the Lord and that
of Hezekiah is that we have surrendered earthly life and
interests for the spiritual. R3588:5
And said -- A brief summary of his prayer. R3588:4
Not a boastful prayer, for he freely acknowledged his sins.
(Verse 17) R3588:4
A perfect heart -- We all should be able to claim such in
our walk. R3588:4
Hezektah wept sore -- Hezekiah did not rejoice in the
thought of death. R3588:3
Heard thy prayer -- The Lord can arrange certain matters
as easily one way as another without interference with his
general plans. R3588:5
A sign -- Hezekiah requested a sign. (See 2 Kings 20:8)
R3588:6
For a confirmation of faith and not because of disbelief.
R3589:1, R2383:1
The New Creation, walking by faith and not by sight. should
avoid putting the Lord to tests and signs. R3589:1
Ten degrees backward -- This was more difficult to be
accounted for and therefore the surer test. R3589:2
Representing the 10 years from the beginning of the Time of
the End in 1799 to the French Revolution in 1789. R3574:3*
So the sun -- Could result if the upper atmosphere be in
that condition which causes two parhelia, or mock suns, to
appear on opposite sides of the sun, while clouds hide the real
sun and the eastern mock sun. R3589:2, R2383:1
Writing of Hezekiah -- Verses 9 to 22 record, in poetic
form, his resolves, embodying his previous prayer, with
thanksgiving for deliverance. R2382:6, R3589:4
Gates of the grave -- Good King Hezekiah expected and
declared that he was going to hell (sheol--"the grave").
HG335:1
Sheol, oblivion, death, not torment. E370; R2600:2
Residue of my years -- Years Hezekiah might reasonably
have expected to enjoy. E371
Hath done it -- I freely acknowledge that it was not the
lump of figs but the Lord, who produced the recovery.
R3589:4
In love to my soul -- My being. E371
All my sins -- He freely acknowledged his sins. R3588:4
For the grave -- Sheol, oblivion, death, not torment.
E371: R2600:2, R3589:5
Cannot praise thee -- It is a place of silence, forgetfulness
and absolute unconsciousness. HG335:4, HG121:5
"The dead know not anything." (Eccl. 9:5) R1881:5
Death can not -- "For in death there is no remembrance of
thee; in sheol (hell, the tomb) who shall give thee thanks?"
(Psa. 6:4, 5) SM525:T
Shall praise thee -- His proper desires were to live, serve
and praise the Lord. R3589:5
Take a lump of figs -- Instead of healing him without
remedies. R3588:4
We should recognize behind the remedial agents, the will of
God. R3588:4
What is the sign -- The Lord's people of the New Creation
are advised not to ask signs of the Lord nor to make tests.
"We walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor. 5:7) R3589:1
Babylon -- Just as France once more favored Papacy.
R3574:2*
Then said Isaiah -- Reproving Hezekiah for unwisely
showing the foreigners the great wealth of his treasuries.
R2383:5
Good is the word -- Showing prompt resignation to the
divine will. R2383:5
In my days -- The King of Babylon would despoil the city,
but not in Hezekiah's day. R2383:5
Comfort ye my people -- Natural Israel. E357;
R1325:4, R5568:2, R2605:4
Because the "double" is completed, we may speak the words
of comfort. SM398:1; R599:5, R1405:3, R4110:3,
R5503:2, R5234:6, R2296:6, R2361:5, R2526:1
It is not our expectation that the Jews would return to
Palestine as Christians. R4764:4
God's attitude toward the Jews is typified by Joseph's full
forgiveness of his brethren, recognizing that their crucifixion
of Messiah was merely a carrying out of the divine purpose.
R5234:6
Speak ye -- The Church. R1378:6
Earnest Christians armed with the power of divine truth.
R1379:2
Zionism from a prophetic standpoint seems to stir the Jewish
heart as the subject never did politically. R4764:5
Were it not for a share in the work of gathering out the Bride,
we would be in Jerusalem to do a part in the great work of
turning away blindness from Jacob. R1395:5
Preaching to the Jews the return of divine favor as a people
before they believe in Christ; and that, with this favor, would
come the opening of their blinded eyes to recognize in Christ
Jesus the Sun of Righteousness. R1325:4
Comfortably -- A new message for Israel of the return of
divine favor. R1325:4
To Jerusalem -- From 1878 AD onward. B227, B258,
R2361:4, R5568:2, R4110:3
The natural seed. R1378:6
One of the signs of a new dispensation would be the
sprouting, or indication of life, hope, promise. amongst the
Jews. R5503:2
Thirty years ago I attempted to tell Israel the good tidings but
God's set time for Israel to hear was still future. I am still
waiting for God's own time and way for the fulfilment of Isa.
40:1,2 (1910). SM480:1
Not that Jerusalem is going to hear at first. Q379:3
That her warfare -- Her appointed time of waiting
(margin). C258, C288; R1043:4, R2605:4
The time of their national death and torment. R2605:4
They will leave their hadean state (national death) and
torment and become the first of the nations to be blessed.
HG387:4
Her time of sorrow. OV78:2
"That is determined shall be poured upon that desolate one (or
cast off people)" till her cup be full of sorrow. (Dan. 9:27)
B72
They were sentenced to a "double" or repetition of their
already long period of waiting, during which God would
show them no favor, manifest no interest in them. R1202:4
Is accomplished -- The time is evidently not far distant
when their national hope will be rehabilitated and they shall
rejoice again as a people. PD53/65
After divine wrath has burned out their national transgression,
even searching them out to the very lowest oblivion (sheol).
(Deut. 32:22) E357
Every evidence of the return of divine favor to fleshly Israel is
an evidence that divine favor to spiritual Israel is gradually
drawing to a close. R2361:6
As in many other prophecies, the standpoint of the future is
taken and the things are spoken of as accomplished facts.
R1754:6
Her iniquity is pardoned -- "His blood be upon us and
upon our children." (Matt. 27:24) R2786:4
She hath received -- Where their double of waiting for the
Kingdom expired; the Kingdom did come in 1878 AD.
R1202:4; SM400:1; CR104:3,5Therefore the "rich man" (Israel) will walk out of his fiery
troubles over the bridge of God's promises yet unfulfilled to
that nation. (Luke 16:19-31) R2605:1
As divine favor was gradually taken from Israel, so we expect
the return of favor will be gradual. SM401:1, SM403:2
LORD'S hand double -- Her double, kophel, as of a thing
folded in the middle; "I will recompense their iniquity and
their sin double unto them." (Jer. 16:18) B227, B218
The period of Israel's disfavor, from AD 33 to 1878, was to be
of the same length, 1845 years, as the period of her favor
from the death of Jacob to the death of Christ. B219;
R1202:1
The second portion, of two equal parts. R1378:6, R5235:1;
HG53:2; CR141:2, CR104:2; SM398:1, SM400:1
The period of their blindness is the second part of the
"double." With the fulfilment of that "double" their blindness
will begin to vanish and "all the blind eyes shall be opened."
SM398:T, CR105:4
Since that time we have seen a marked beginning and the
gradual progress of the turning away of blindness from fleshly
Israel. R1405:3
Since 1878, the star of Judaism has been rising. R5568:2,
R5920:6, R599:5
The voice of him -- Verses 3 to 7 are God's message to
Christendom. R4721:2
In John 1:19-27 John the Baptist claimed to be the
fulfilment. R1736:3
The message of John the Baptist was typical of the message
of God through his consecrated people to nominal
Churchianity and the world. HG457:3; E44
Foreseeing Israel's rejection of John's testimony; the Lord had
in mind the Gospel Church as another antitypical Elias.
R1687:6, R1379:2
The same voice that speaks to the Jews words of comfort
warns Christians that we are on the eve of strenuous times.
HG457:2
Prepare ye -- If the kings of earth and the financial and
ecclesiastical princes would promptly and thoroughly
establish righteousness in the earth, Messiah's Kingdom
would be introduced peaceably. HG457:5
The way of the LORD -- Of Jehovah, making his footstool
glorious. E43
The Kingdom of Messiah, offered typically to the Jews
eighteen centuries ago, is now about to be inaugurated in
power and great glory. HG457:3
Make straight -- John did not fulfil all of the prophecy,
clearing the way and preparing for Messiah's Kingdom.
R4113:4
A highway -- Highway of holiness. (Isa. 35:8,9) R1248:2,
R1772:6
Every valley -- Of despair and discouragement. R1772:6
The meek and humble. R1379:2
Be exalted -- The humble lifted out of degradation.
R4113:5; HG457:6
Every mountain -- Of difficulty. R1772:6
Kingdom. R5575:4
And hill -- Smaller governments of earth. R5575:4
Be made low -- The conditions of society will be leveled.
R4113:5, R332:4; HG457:6
The great ones in politics, theology and finance feel confident
that the valleys and hills of society will never come to a level.
R1379:4
In consequence of this gradual leveling of society the final
adjustment to the requirements of the Kingdom will be
proportionately less than in an autocracy. HG458:2
The Income Tax is a part of this leveling. HG458:2
By the great time of trouble. It will doubtless be a short and
sharp work. HG458:2
The city of Quito, Ecuador, the highest city in the world, has
subsided 76 feet in the past 122 years; this prophecy may also
have a literal fulfilment. R1215:3
And the crooked -- The perverse. R332:3
The crooked ruts in which the present evil order of things is
running. R1379:2
The rough places -- Errors, inconsistencies, false doctrines
and stumbling-stones. R1379:3
And the glory -- The blessing and salvation. T84
"And the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people."
(Lev. 9:23) T83
The majesty of his righteous character and government.
R1379:3, R2463:1
Of the LORD -- Jehovah. No conflict here for it can be
said with propriety that Messiah will sit upon the Throne, or
Kingdom of Jehovah. HG458:2
Shall be revealed -- In the Millennial age. T83; R2371:2,
R3345:6, R5032:2
Through The Christ. (Rom. 16:27) R385:1*, R1394:5
After the suffering of Christ (Head and Body) shall be
complete. R2581:1
When the day of trouble ends, then he who spoke to the
raging Sea of Galilee will likewise, with authority, command
the raging sea of human passion, saying "Peace! Be Still!"
A171
The full blessing of God will come to earth again. R4973:2
And all flesh -- The whole world of mankind. T83;
R2402:4, R3345:6
Not merely the Jews. A59
The dead as well as the living. R2402:4
Shall see it -- Appreciate it. R1379:3
Recognize God's gracious love more and more each day. T83
Now we must "walk by faith, and not by sight"--but the world
will walk by sight. OV129:5
The burning of "the fire of God's jealousy" and the breaking
of "the rod of iron" will be the new missionary method by
which the glorified Church will bring in "everlasting
righteousness." (Zech. 3:8, 9; Rev. 2:27) R2462:6
Even though they call for the rocks and mountains to cover
them that they may remain in the dark. (Hos. 10:8) R192:6*
All flesh is grass -- Sinful flesh, which cannot please God.
R208:6
There was a time when Adam and Eve held daily communion
with God before sin entered, when they that were in the flesh
could please God. R208:6
The grass withereth -- "The wages of sin is death."
(Rom. 6:23) R208:6
Spirit of the LORD bloweth -- It will require only a
breath from the Lord to scatter all the might and power and
glory of earthly institutions. R1379:4
The spirit of righteousness, sent forth, will cause the day of
trouble in which all humanity will wither as grass. HG458:5
The flower fadeth -- All who oppose his plan will fade in
the great Day of Wrath which will burn as an oven. R1379:4
Word of our God -- Many professed teachers are heartily
opposed to Bible study. R4857:6
Shall stand for ever -- Shining more and more brightly
down to the very end of this Gospel age. R4858:1
It is possible to endeavor to destroy God's Word, though all
such efforts will fail. R2401:1
Attempts to destroy it may include: rejecting it, speaking of
its truths irreverently, neglecting it, forbidding it, persecuting
its advocates, misrepresenting it or skipping over and ignoring
certain of its teachings. R2401:4
O Zion -- The one true Church, represented by its last
living members, the only ones who know and can proclaim
the tidings of Restitution. R1379:5
Get thee up -- Into the glorified spiritual condition.
R1379:5
O Jerusalem -- The faithful ones of fleshly Israel will
come into prominence by reason of the leaders God will raise
up. R1379:5
Be not afraid -- When men's hearts are failing them for
fear, God's people may rejoice that their redemption is near.
R1379:4
Cities of Judah -- All who shall then be in covenant
relationship with God. R1379:5
Behold your God -- Is here. R1379:5
The Lord GOD -- Adonai Jehovah. E46
Will come -- To administer appropriate future rewards and
punishments. R723:4, R2613:5
With strong hand -- Against the strong one, Satan.
R1379:5
And his arm -- The Lord Jesus. E47, R1379:5
Reward is with him -- Not having been previously given.
R2613:5
He shall -- To feed the flock is the Lord's province. F283
Feed his flock -- The Little Flock, all that follow him.
R1379:5
Using such human instrumentalities as are sufficiency
humble. F283
Like a shepherd -- The lambs and sheep make one flock,
and there is but one shepherd who superintends and cares for
all. R118:3*
The Lord's care for even the weakest of the flock in the day of
his presence. R633:4
Gather the lambs -- The weakest ones of his true sheep.
R1379:6
Though scattered over the hills of sectarianism, he calls his
own sheep together into one fold, one Church, as it was at
first. R633:4
Gently lead those -- Such teachers and evangelists as are
of the Lord's true sheep. R1379:6
That are with young -- "Woe unto them that are with
child and to them that give suck in those days." (Matt. 24:19)
R1379:5
In a balance -- Very moderate language in his description
of the majestic power and greatness of the Creator. R5210:3;
SM468:1
Small dust -- Man is so small in the sight of the great
Creator that we wonder that God should have any interest at
all in humanity. R4972:2
Sitteth -- Highly figurative and poetic language, not
proving the firmament to be a solid structure. R1812:2
Neither is weary -- He is ever active and his strength is
equal to his activity. R1283:6*
God's rest is in the strength of his nature, the security of his
position, the satisfaction of his work, and the certainty of his
success. R1283:6*
He giveth power -- Let your faith grow strong by
meditation upon the promises. R5381:5*
They that wait --Time is necessary for the working out of
his kind providences in our individual affairs; for God works
on philosophical principles for lasting and blessed results.
R1840:5
Renew their strength -- By again going over the proofs of
our faith the Lord will strengthen our heart. R5712:6
By the voice of God's truth speaking to his people today.
R4741:5
"As the days of a tree are the days of my people." (Isa.
65:22) R1649:5
As eagles -- Living high above the world, farseeing; having
eyes adapted to looking at the light; representing intelligently
earnest Christians. R229:4
The first, and with the last -- God is the only one that
should be recognized. Q361:1; CR276:5
All others go into forgetfulness. I will be the God eventually,
in the end. Q361:1
Of good courage -- A right kind of courage, a godly
courage. R5330:1
Abraham my friend -- Being in heart accord with God,
Abraham was granted a measure of covenant relationship.
R4595:3
Fear thou not -- He who exercises much faith may have
quietude. R5345:5
For I am with thee -- We need this assurance to carry out
the responsibilities of the Lord's service. R1652:1
Hand of my righteousness -- With the power of his truth.
R1307:6
Thy redeemer -- The Father. All that our Redeemer has
done for us has been the carrying out of the Plan of Jehovah.
R4085:3
I will open rivers -- Now commencing to be fulfilled.
R1379:6*
Produce your cause -- To scoffers we say: Account for the
peculiar fitness of the testimony of the "stone witness" by
your worldly wisdom. C374
Let them -- The fallen angels. R2172:6
Shew us what shall happen -- Scoffers: Venture to
prophesy of the future and see how well your prophecies will
result. C374
The former things -- Things before, or to come. R2172:6
Things for to come -- Scoffers: Prove that it requires no
inspiration to foretell future events. C374
That ye are gods -- Mighty ones. C374; R2172:6
Mine elect -- Jesus and the Church. R3587:4; E41
His well beloved Son, the chief of all the elect. R3109:1,
R5576:3
Bring forth judgment -- The work of the Lord's Anointed,
Head and Body, in conferring restitution blessings upon
mankind during the Millennial age. R3587:4
To the Gentiles -- As well as to the Jews. A58, A59
He shall not cry -- Jesus' preaching was reasonable and
delivered with dignity and meekness. R646:2, R1468:4,
R3070:5
Let us, likewise, endeavor to present God's truth in all its
native simplicity and beauty and trust its inherent power to
win its way in due time to every heart. R651:4*
Nor lift up -- "Nor call aloud" (Leeser). R646:2
Heard in the street -- Neither the Bible nor sound
judgment dictates street quarreling for the truth's sake.
R1468:4
Like the Salvation Army of the present day. R2597:4
A bruised reed -- See comments on Matt. 12:20.
If there be even a slight disposition to penitence, God fosters
and cherishes it. R1614:5
Shall he not break -- So, on the highway of holiness, if
there is any tendency to appreciate divine favors, the Lord
will not break off such a one at 100 years. R1772:5
So also the Lord's people who are strong in faith are taught to
bear with weaker ones. R2163:4*
The smoking flax -- Faith, in its beginning, is always
weak; but God does not despise the day of small things.
R2163:4*; F684
Shall he not quench -- On the highway of holiness, if
there is even a smouldering spark of love toward God, the
Lord will fan it into a blaze. R1772:5
Judgment unto truth -- Right, according to the truth.
R527:6*
Eventually bringing every thought into captivity to the will of
God. R1772:5
He shall not fail -- He comes to do a variety of work and
shall not leave it nor return until he hath accomplished to put
down all authority and power. R631:5
All God's purposes shall be accomplished. A95
Nor be discouraged -- Throughout the Gospel age the
various agencies of evil, the civil power and subsequently the
civil and ecclesiastical powers in combination, have seemed
to thoroughly block the way for the development of the living
stones of the Kingdom. R3651:3
Till he have -- Present enlightenment of the people and
their incidental discontent are merely means toward the great
end that he has in view. R1770:2
Set judgment -- Having first selected and glorified his
saints. R631:5
Established righteousness, justice, on a lasting basis. R770:1,
R764:4, R527:5, R569:1, R1770:2
Stretched them out -- "Stretched them forth" (R.V.)
Highly figurative and poetic language, not proving the
firmament to be a solid structure. R1812:2
Will hold thine hand -- By sending an angel to minister to
Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. R1801:5
And will keep thee -- From falling or failure. R1801:4
And give thee -- The Christ. R3109:2; Q195:4
"Against thee" (Leeser). As the world's representative, God
would appoint or enter into a covenant with Jesus on behalf of
the people. R3109:1
For a covenant -- Sacrificed in the interests of a covenant,
the New covenant. R4321:3
Not that they become the covenant, but that there could be no
covenant without Christ and the Church because it is the
blood of Christ that constitutes the sealing value of the New
covenant. Q195:4
The New covenant is given to Israel and the world only
indirectly; the Father's dealings are not with Israel, nor the
world, but with the Mediator. R3109:2
As the Mediator through whom the covenant towards our race
will be fulfilled. R3109:2, R4571:5
Of the people -- Israel. R4321:3
Light of the Gentiles -- The Hebrew nation will be
lightbearers to all other nations. R5768:6
To enable them all to come under the blessings of Israel's
New covenant. R4321:3
The Gospel was to be told to the Jew first, but also to the
Gentiles. R3010:2
"Of the nations" (Leeser). R3109:1
Not yet dawned--waiting for the completion of the
resurrection of The Christ. R751:3*
To open -- Under the New covenant the Lord will remove
their blindness. Q171:3
Our Lord must do these things at his first advent, and in a
measure begin the work of restitution, so that Israel could
recognize him and be responsible for rejecting him and his
"works." R2000:4
The Gospel must ultimately open the eyes of the blind.
R1786:4
Blind eyes -- Eyes of understanding. R1396:4, R3504:5
To bring out -- Applied by our Lord to himself; but he did
not break open the prison-house of death and set all the
captives free by resurrection immediately upon his own
resurrection. R4793:2
The prisoners -- Death's captives. HG137:1; R930:6;
A112
From the prison -- From death. E41; R4793:2, R458:4*
The tomb, sheol, hades. From this prison none can break
forth, but all are prisoners of hope. SM611:1; R5151:1
Sit in darkness -- By contrast with those who walk in the
light and run for the prize. A25
I am the LORD -- Jehovah. E41
The distinctive, personal name of the Almighty Father should
not be translated; the distinctiveness is lost by its being
generally translated "LORD." R338:3, R1410:6, R379:2
That is my name -- The name Jehovah signifies the "Self-Existing
One" or "The Immortal One." E40
"I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the
name El Shaddai (God Almighty), but by my name Jehovah
was I not known unto them." (Exo. 6:3) R1410:6
And my glory -- My honor as the original lawgiver. E41;
F396
Will I not give -- The glory of the Son never has and never
will eclipse the glory of the Father. The Son never attempted
to diminish the Father's glory, but always to add to it. R920:1
LORD shall go forth -- When he rises up in judgment
against the nations. D549
A man of war -- While the Lord forbids his people to fight
with carnal weapons and declares himself to be a God of
peace, he also declares himself to be a God of justice, and
shows that evil shall not forever triumph in the world. D549
Shall cry, yea, roar -- By means of his great army. D549
The blind -- The hour is near when all the blinded ones
who are now feeling after God shall have the eyes of their
understanding opened and shall find the "way." R2090:6
Darkness -- Ignorance. SM266:T
Who is blind -- To earthly ambitions, prospects and
worldly wisdom. R3176:6
With this blindness Jehovah is well pleased. R3176:6
But my servant -- Our Lord Jesus, and incidentally, the
Church, his Body. R3176:6
Perfect -- Surrendered, devoted. R3176:6
But -- Omit this word. R3176:6
Observest not -- Heedeth not. It is not that we do not see
earthly advantages, but we purposely reject them, closing our
eyes to all earthly allurements. R3176:6
Magnify the law -- Bring out its fine points. R1463:2*
Our Lord showed how far-reaching and comprehensive are its
requirements. SM352:3; R5756:1
The lengths, breadths, heights and depths of the meaning of
the Law were seen by none until taught by Jesus. R5286:2
Shown to have a still higher and deeper scope than was ever
previously comprehended. R3176:6
Failure to perceive the spirit of the Law was one of the
reasons why Israel could not get eternal life. R5071:5
Christ kept the Law in its minutest and widest sense, and
proved it a just and perfect Law which a perfect man could
keep; thereby proving the fault to be in man and not in the
Law. R678:5, R3176:6
The Law said, "Thou shalt not kill," but Christ magnified that
when he taught that whomsoever hateth his brother without a
cause is guilty of murder. (Matt. 5:21,22, 27, 28) HG582:5*
Christ magnified the Sabbath law by teaching that the Jew
gave God one-seventh of his time, but the Christian is to give
him seven-sevenths. HG583:1*
Make it honourable -- Jesus kept the Law, proving that it
could be kept and that the fault lay with mankind. R5071:6,
R4451:6, R1462:3, R678:5
In bringing it down to the comprehension of sinful men, God
was obliged to state it in such a way as to meet the exigencies
of their case; and so it abounds in commands and
prohibitions. R1462:3
Through the waters -- Afflictions, disappointments,
perplexity, trouble; the school of experience, discipline and
testing. R4005:1, R1857:5
We are not to float with the current but endure hardness.
R4005:1
He will pull us safely over to the other side. R4005:4
It is a mistake to claim these promises literally, as they were
to fleshly Israel only. R1408:3
A covenant of blessing and protection to Israel as long as they
were loyal and obedient. R1409:2
I will be with thee -- In every trouble, sympathizing with
us in all of our trials, adversities, afflictions, perplexities, etc.
R4005:1
With consolation of heart and sustaining grace. R5758:4
Through the rivers -- Illustrated by Israel's crossing
Jordan into Canaan. R3084:2
Overflow thee -- As Israel, in passing through the Red Sea
and Jordan, had nothing to fear; so the Christian has nothing
to fear so long as he realizes the divine presence and
approval. R1408:3, R1857:2
Or, extinguish thee. R4005:4
Through the fire -- Illustrated in the account of the three
Hebrews in the fiery furnace. R1408:2
A furnace of affliction, but the New Creature in Christ shall
not be hurt. R1857:5, R1409:5
I am the LORD --Jehovah, as in verse 11. R379:2
Thy Saviour -- The Almighty himself is the Savior, the
Author of the great plan of salvation, and the executor of it,
through his willing agents and representatives. E33
Jesus is here called Savior for he shall "save from their sins"
and from the penalty of sin all who shall become "his people."
(Matt. 1:21) SM502:2
Gather thee -- As certain as this prophecy has been
fulfilled in the preservation of down-trodden Israel in all
lands, so certain will it be fulfilled in their restoration to their
own land. R232:5*
Called by my name -- Israel means "People of God" and
the name will ultimately apply to all who are his. D654
For my glory -- "For thy pleasure they are and were
created." (Rev. 4:11) Man's true peace can be found only in
harmony with his Creator. R1840:3
Beside me...no saviour -- Author of the divine plan. E33
From the larger standpoint, God is the originator of the entire
plan of salvation--from start to finish he is thus the Savior.
But he accomplished his salvation through his Son. R3172:3
The LORD, your redeemer -- Jehovah himself; Jesus
carried out his plan. R4085:3
A path -- God opened for Israel a path through the Red
Sea. R1951:2
Lie down together -- In the time of trouble. R2462:5
They shall not rise -- When once the armies of strife and
giant trusts have been overthrown they shall never rise again;
illustrated by the destruction of Pharoah and his army in the
Red Sea. R2338:4, R1951:2
The giant trusts of our day, corresponding to the giants of
Noah's day, falling in the great time of trouble impending,
will never rise again. R2462:5
Does not refer to individuals. R2338:4
Do a new thing -- Verses 19 to 25 show that the
deliverance from Egypt and the wilderness journey were
foreshadowings of future blessings upon all who shall become
true Israelites. R1951:4
The greater deliverer than Moses is The Christ; the greater
overthrow than that of Pharoah will be that of sin and Satan;
the greater leading and care will be those of the Millennium.
R1951:4
Rivers In the desert -- Just on time we see abundance of
rain, with springs, lakes and wells bursting forth in the deserts
where, for hundreds of years, none have been known.
R1379:3*
While specially referring to Israel and the barren land of
Palestine, the same restitution blessings are also due to the
whole earth. R1380:1
His redeemer -- Israel's Redeemer. R1052:6*
Spoken long before he had sent Jesus to be our Redeemer, so
that God was then the only Redeemer; but still true after Jesus
came, for only God can save, and he does--through the death
of "the Lamb of God." R1052:6*
The first, and I am the last -- God is the only one that
should be recognized. Q361:1; CR276:5
Dry up thy rivers -- In Revelation, the Prince of the Kings
of the earth is shown as drying up the symbolic Euphrates--the
wealth and resources of mystic Babylon. R2498:5,
R509:6; B209
That sayeth of Cyrus -- Meaning "Sun," typifying the
"Sun of Righteousness. (Mal. 4:2) R2498:4; HG521:1
Type of Christ. R2498:4, R4699:5
It is a wonderful thing that Cyrus was named by the prophet
Isaiah in advance, and called "God's Shepherd." R4893:1,
R1483:3, R3642:2
It is likely that, as Daniel was speedily made a high officer, he
had access to King Cyrus, and probably called his attention to
the scriptural predictions which marked him as the divine
agent, even by name. R2509:3
Tradition says that this prophecy was read to Cyrus and
resulted in his proclamation permitting the Jews to return to
their own land. R3642:3
Profane history calls him "gracious, clement and just, treating
men as men and not as mere tools to be cast aside--a
conqueror of quite a different type than any the world had
previously seen." Plutarch declares that "In wisdom, virtue
and magnanimity he seems to have surpassed all kings."
R4893:1
Saying to Jerusalem -- As the typical Cyrus encouraged
the typical Jews to return from Babylon, so the antitypical,
our present Lord, will see to the drying up of the Euphrates
and Israel's opportunity and encouragement to return to the
land of Abraham. R4699:5
To his anointed -- Typically. R4699:5
Every business enterprise employs various classes of workers.
The firm may not approve of all their moral qualities--some
are of good moral character and some of poor character, but
the most responsible positions are given to those of
recognized good character. R5385:3
In no degree interfering with the moral sense of Cyrus or
Israel but taking advantage of the aims and desires of carnal
men, their courses, not their motives, to accomplish his plans.
R1272:1, R1780:4
To Cyrus -- The Median General. type of Christ. R509:6,
R2498:4, R4699:5
Typical of Christ, the Prince of the Kings of the East, who, in
Revelation is shown drying up the symbolic Euphrates,
destroy symbolic Babylon and delivering spiritual Israel.
HG521:2
I have holden -- God prospered the way of the noble and
benevolent Cyrus to the seat of power. R1780:4
Subdue nations -- Overthrow literal Babylon, type of
mystic Babylon. R2498:3, R509:6
The two leaved gates -- Enormous gates of brass spanning
the River Euphrates which flowed through Babylon. R2498:2
Shall not be shut -- Cyrus dried up the old channel by
digging another, and then passed under the brass gates.
R2498:3, R509:6; D24
That thou mayest know -- Rather, God would have Cyrus
know that his accession to power was not accidental, but by
divine arrangement, for the purpose of returning the Israelites.
God would have Cyrus recognize him as supervisor of his
people's affairs. R1351:1*
By the calamities (evils) inflicted upon them and the
overthrow of their man--made gods, to whom they would
vainly appeal for deliverance--that there was no God beside
the God of Israel. R1351:1*
Jacob my servant's sake -- As Cyrus made the
proclamation which permitted literal Israel to return from
captivity, so the King of kings, upon taking his great power
as earth's new King, will set free all the Lord's people.
HG521:3
Israel mine elect -- The fact that we may see in this
statement a certain typical application to Christ and the
deliverance of nominal spiritual Israel from mystic Babylon
does not interfere with the fact that typical Israel is here
spoken of as "elect." F176
"You only have I known of all the families of the earth."
(Amos 3:2) F176
I girded thee -- A stronger hand guides them. R1089:6*
Create darkness -- Darkness may be said to be created by
the withdrawing of light. R1351:1*
Create -- To prepare or arrange, taking cognizance of, and
permitting calamities, etc. R849:1
Evil may be said to be created by the withdrawal of the
restraint and protection that affords peace. R1351:1*
Showing divine control of every trouble or evil. R871:5
Is God responsible for evil? Yes, in that it comes by
permission and arrangement as the proper punishment for
violating his laws. No, in that man is the author of his own
suffering by his violations of those laws. R871:6
No matter what accidental evils might happen to other
nations, no accident could occur to Israel. God would carry
out his part of the covenant--every blessing and every evil,
just as he had promised. R1226:4, R1887:2, R2029:2
Evil -- In this text the word "evil" stands in opposition to
the word "peace" and hence carries the thought of trouble,
war, or some similar evil opposed to peace. R1271:5,
R1780:2
Sin is always an evil, but evil is not always a sin. A125;
R1226:2
God is not the author and instigator of sin. A124; R848:3,
R1800:4
Because Israel was inclined to view their calamities as
accidents, and not as chastisements, God here sends word
reminding them of their covenant, and that their calamities
were from him and by his will for their correction. A125
Calamities upon the Jewish nation as chastisements for
wrongdoing. R1271:5, R1780:2; A124; Q773:4
Two things must be borne in mind--the proper significance of
the word "evil" and the special covenant relationship between
God and Israel. R1271:4, R1780:1
"Anything that directly or remotely causes suffering."
(Webster) R1271:4, R1780:1
The Hebrew word "ra" is translated 32 different ways in our
common version. It might be used in referring to any thing
not good. Physical evil (calamity) is the only permissible
meaning in this context. R1800:2, R871:5
Not sin, but calamity. R1351:2*
All evil, directly or indirectly of God, is both punitory and
reformatory. R872:1
Speaking of the evil which came upon Babylon at the hand of
Cyrus, who was God's messenger to punish Babylon and
restore Israel. R871:5
His Maker -- Man's Maker. A190; R612:5
Ask me -- None have the right to dictate to God. A191;
R612:5
Command ye me -- Or, assert that he must carry out our
ideas? A191
Raised him up -- Cyrus was God's messenger to punish
Babylon and restore Israel. R871:5
Build my city -- Ir, a walled place; here, the court walls of
the Temple. The city walls themselves were not built until
the 20th year of Artaxerxes. (Neh. 2:3-8) B67
God that hidest thyself -- He can be seen only by those
whose eyes of understanding have been opened. R5210:5;
SM472:T
World without end -- "The world to come" (Heb. 2:5);
"wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Pet. 3:13); the New Age.
A67, E402
Not in vain -- Not to be burned up as some ignorantly
think. R1052:6*
To be inhabited -- He created various orders of creatures
adapted to the earthly home, of which man was the chief--lord,
ruler, king. R470:3
By restored, perfect men. Who are we that we should say it is
unjust for God to do as he likes with his own? A191
By a glorious race of perfect beings, to whose wants it will be
perfectly adjusted when both they and it have attained its
ideal perfection, at first illustrated in our progenitor, Adam,
and his specially prepared Eden home. R1117:1*
Not to be destroyed by fire. R470:3; SM791:1; PD91/105;
HG398:4
The whole earth is eventually to be made like Paradise.
CR292:1; PD91/105
The world has never yet been fully inhabited. R5364:4;
PD18/26
Necessary resources will suffice, for the process of change is
always in a circle and mankind will merely need to follow the
circle to its initial starting point and repeat the process
throughout eternity. Q772:2
Year by year we see the earth preparing for full inhabitation.
Through climatic changes the earth is gradually changing.
Gradually will the curse be removed and the blessings of God
be substituted. PD91/105
As opposed to scientific theories of the solar system running
down, the earth becoming cold and lifeless, the earth
dropping into the sun or colliding with a comet or other
planet. Q771:1
There is sufficient room--Texas has room to bury three times
an exaggerated estimate of all humanity, and they could all
stand in an area less than the size of New York or
Philadelphia. A161
"And every creature on earth heard I saying, Blessing and
honor and glory and power be unto him that sitteth upon the
throne." (Rev. 5:13) F52
Other planets were not made in vain either, but may be
inhabited by beings yet to be created in God's image, to whom
this earth's experience with sin will be a perpetual lesson.
F70; E416; Q161:2
There is none else -- None has a right to dictate to him.
R612:5
A god -- El, strong, powerful, mighty one. R296:2
None beside me -- Yet God hath exalted Jesus and given
him the name at which all shall bow. R52:4*
Look unto me -- Not to mind cures, hypnotism, Christian
Science, Spiritism, Occultism, etc. SM329:T
That unto me -- The whole world shall be brought back to
allegiance to the Heavenly Father. SM16:2
Every knee -- Not only the living nations, but also all
those who have gone down into death. R2972:4
Shall bow -- By acknowledging Christ and the Church the
world will be bowing to Jehovah. OV351:4
All who are willing to come into harmony with God will have
bowed the knee. R5303:1
Every tongue -- Including the repentant fallen angels.
R1679:6; HG729:5
Swear -- Confess. Those who refuse shall die the Second
Death. R5098:1; SM16:2; HG647:4
Bowing to Jehovah's Anointed and confessing him as their
Lord and Ruler. HG729:5
There is no more reason why a sinner could not be forgiven in
the future than that a sinner could not be forgiven in the
present. HG647:2
End from the beginning -- God permitted men to do
wrong, which he foreknew. R5211:1
Counsel shall stand -- The Lord and his apostles had
abiding peace because they believed that what God had
promised he was able to perform, that his righteous and
benevolent plan could know no failure. R1834:6
And I will -- "God will have all men to be saved and to
come unto the knowledge of the truth." (1 Tim. 2:4)
R630:5*
Do all my pleasure -- God's original plan is still in
progress. A66; HG537:3
O virgin -- Said in derision of her claim to purity. D42
Daughter of Babylon -- The ecclesiastical powers of
Christendom. D42
Not sit as a widow -- "I sit a queen, and am no widow, and
shall see no sorrow." (Rev. 18:7) D43
And widowhood -- "Therefore shall her plagues come in
one day; death and mourning and famine; and she shall be
utterly burned with fire." (Rev. 18:8) D43
In their perfection -- In full measure. D43
For the multitude -- Despite the multitude. D43
For the great -- Despite the great. D43
Thy wickedness -- With the word "evil" in verse 11,
illustrating the two kinds of evil-sin and calamity-in the same
connection and in contrast. R1226:2
Thy wisdom -- Thy worldly wisdom. D43
Evil come upon thee -- Calamity. R1226:2
Thou shalt not know -- Thou shalt not previously know.
D43
Prognosticators -- False prophets. Q776:2
The fire -- The time of trouble. Q776:2
To warm at -- No source of comfort for the false prophets
or prognosticators of verse 13. Q776:2
To his quarter -- His own interest, own denomination.
R4324:4
Transgressor from the womb -- The children of Adam are
not in God's image, but love sin. R5286:5
Furnace -- Figurative and symbolic of affliction, fiery
trials, by which we are relined. R2971:2
Not give my glory -- Neither to Jews nor Gentiles, but
keeps it for himself. R2126:4
Hearken unto me -- Beginning a new subject from that of
verses 9 to 11. R2126:4
Go ye forth -- The "wheat" will first all be separated from
the "tares." R2538:1
Of Babylon -- A reference to the restoration of the Jews
from literal Babylon. R3643:1, R4893:4
The Lord now calls his people forth from mystic Babylon.
R3643:4, R2538:1
Voice of singing -- A writer describes it thus: "Forth from
the gates of Babylon they rode to the sound of joyous music--a
band of horsemen playing on flutes and tabrets,
accompanied by their own 200 minstrels and 128 singers of
the Temple." (Ezra 2:41-65) R3643:1, R4893:4
There is no peace -- God is not favorable for peace at the
present time and under present circumstances. SM457:T
There is no peace to any man out of Christ. R1841:1
The wicked are self-seeking and grasping; filled with anger if
they cannot get what they want; with malice if they see
someone enjoying what they cannot have. All these things
indicate a lack of peace. R4818:2
Unto the wicked -- Broadly, the entire human family; only
a comparatively small number have ceased to be wicked.
SM457:1
"The wicked are like the troubled sea" (Isa. 57:20),
continually casting up mire and dirt. R4818:2
Man's true peace can be found only in harmony with his
Creator. R1841:1
It is a light thing -- The raising up of Israel is a "light
thing," only a small part of the entire restitution work.
R542:1*, R353:4*
For a light -- The hope of a resurrection. R751:2*
Not yet dawned, but waiting for the completion of the
resurrection of The Christ. R751:2*
To the Gentiles -- As well as to the Jews. A59
Whom man despiseth -- "He was despised and rejected of
men." (Isa. 53:3) E156
An acceptable time -- Throughout the Gospel age.
R858:6
Interpreted by the Apostle Paul: "Now is the accepted time ...
now is the day of salvation" (See comments on 2 Cor. 6:2).
R5536:5
Have I heard thee -- Christ Jesus and the Church, his
Body. R536:5, R858:3, R4542:2, R5536:5
Day of salvation -- The great salvation to the divine
nature. R4542:2, R859:1
Have I helped thee -- The Body of Christ is helped or
succored in its day of salvation in order that it may be the
instrument of God for the blessing and releasing of those who
are in the prison-house of death. HG337:1
Give thee -- The entire Christ, Head and Body. R4542:2
For a covenant -- As soon as the last member of the
Church shall have died the New (Law) covenant with Israel
will be sealed. R4453:3
By which God will bring the whole world anew into covenant
relationship with himself. R4542:3
All God's people during this Gospel age serve that New
covenant by getting themselves and each other ready for the
future work of glory. R4542:2, R4453:2
Messiah, as a living sacrifice for sinners. R4715:1
Of the people -- The world of mankind, not the Church.
R4542:1
Establish the earth -- Order, or rule, the earth. R536:5
Institute general Times of Restitution of all things. R4542:2
Cause to inherit -- Our Lord has not yet received the
heathen for an inheritance. R4542:1; SM435:2
Thou -- The Christ, Head and Body. R858:3
To the prisoners -- Death's captives. R4793:2, R536:5,
R858:6; SM30:1; A112
To all the world, locked up in the prison-house of death.
SM30:1; R4793:2
Go forth -- The great prison-house will give up the
prisoners; He who died on Calvary obtained the key of hades.
OV363:5; Q329:3
"The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God ... and shall
come forth." (John 5:25,2 9) R4793:2
That -- The Church class is chosen for the special work of
accomplishing the salvation of the world in the next age--that
will also be a day of salvation, for all the world. R859:2
In darkness -- In the tomb. R858:6; SM31:T
Shew yourselves -- A pictorial way of stating the
resurrection of the dead. HG137:1
Their coming forth will be that they may manifest their real
sentiments, either for righteousness or for unrighteousness.
SM31:T
Come to the light, the truth. R536:5
Can a woman forget -- From the standpoint of the divine
nature, know that parental affection will have its widest scope
as well as its greatest power to bless. R1211:5*
Sooner can a woman forget her infant child. R957:5
Will I not forget thee -- Zion, the Church. R957:4
An assurance of tenderest love on the part of our Heavenly
Father. R957:1
Service to the saints in any way the Lord will not forget.
R957:4
Palms of my hands -- "Before the throne my surety stands;
My name is written on his hands." R1829:5
And thy Redeemer -- Jehovah is the center of the entire
plan of salvation, and of its every feature. F397
The Lord GOD -- Adonai Jehovah. E52
Hath given me -- Christ. E51
Jesus, the great teacher appointed by the master teacher,
Jehovah, is himself taught of Jehovah. E51
Of the learned -- Instructed. E51
The Lord GOD -- Adonai Jehovah. E52
Turned away back -- From his teachings. E52
GOD will help me -- On the assurances of the Lord we
may rest. R5432:2
Set...like a flint -- To do God's will, describing loyalty to
God and his truth. R4670:5*
Her wilderness -- The true Church is the Church in the
wilderness. R1841:6
Her desert -- Applied to the renewed fruitfulness of
Palestine. R1044:1, R1379:6
Garden of the LORD -- No longer will thorns and thistles
cause sweat of face, but the earth shall yield her increase.
R5078:4
On mine arm -- The Lord Jesus. E47
Arm of the LORD -- Christ Jesus. E47
Redeemed of the LORD -- All who will accept the gift of
life upon the conditions of its offer. R1772:6
Mourning shall flee -- There will be no more sin, sorrow,
pain, sighing, crying or dying. R5250:5
Afraid of a man -- "The fear of men which bringeth a
snare." (Prov. 29:25) R1788:5
Rather be fearful of anything that would separate you from
God and a future life. R5390:3
Plant the heavens -- Establish the new heavens or powers
of spiritual control. R1788:4; A318
Of the earth -- The new earth, or social order. R1788:4;
A318
Zion -- The tried and proved, heirs of the New Kingdom.
R1788:4
Drunken -- Intoxication of error, false doctrines and
theories. R4287:3
Awake, awake -- Describing the resurrection awakening of
Zion in the Harvest time. R3596:3
He who sleeps now neglects his duty to his brethren and puts
himself in jeopardy. R2463:5
O Zion -- The spiritual phase of the Kingdom of God, the
Church. R3596:3; A297, T33
Shall be redeemed -- Gaal, set free by payment of a price.
E438
Know my name -- Understand and appreciate my true
character. R3589:3
In that day -- In the Harvest of the Gospel age. R3589:3
How beautiful -- How beautiful are those proclaiming
good tidings of good things. HG307:1
Those who bear the truth have a special force and influence at
the present time. R5259:2
The "feet" members of the Body of Christ reflect a measure of
transcendent glory, their faces shining with heavenly joy.
C301
Upon the mountains -- Kingdoms. A341; C236
The feet members go heralding to every nation (mountain) the
good tidings of Immanuel's reign begun. C301
Are the feet -- The last members of the Body of Christ.
A341; B253; C236, C301; R287:2, R757:2, R3298:4,
R5257:6
While there has been a hand and foot class all along, in every
age of the Church, yet of the Church as a whole, the last
members are the feet. R514:6, R2827:2, R3298:4, R5257:6
While Jesus and the dead saints are shown as in the heavenly
condition, the living saints who are not yet changed, are used
as his mouthpiece. R328:4*, R514:6
Who sing the restitution song of Moses and the Lamb.
R498:1
The beauty and honor connected with their proclamation does
not appear to the world. R757:3, R287:3
The feet are figurative, as also in other Biblical passages.
"His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives."
(Zech. 14:4) B157
"The dead who die." (Rev. 14:13) C241
These same feet, as representatives on earth of the entire
Body, are to pour out the seven vials of Rev. 16. R498:1
All who are of the "feet" shall be thus engaged. C237
Of him -- Christ in the flesh, the Elijah. A341; B253;
C236, C301
Good tidings -- The sweetest notes of the glad tidings of
restitution are reserved until now during the sounding of the
seventh trumpet. R757:2, R287:2, R328:4*
Not inflaming either real or fancied wounds, thus doing injury
to those we should be helping and blessing, spreading their
discontent, and hence their trouble. A341
Publisheth peace -- Millennial joy and peace. C302
By preaching the good tidings of the ransom for all and its
consequent blessings, we shall be true heralds of the
Kingdom; ambassadors of peace. A341
Publisheth salvation -- A ransom for all and consequent
blessings for all; deliverance. A341; C236
That saith unto Zion -- The message is going forth,
"Behold the Bridegroom," (Matt. 25:6) and further
announcement to Zion, "Thy God reigneth. R2645:3
The glorified saints beyond the veil are active participants in
the work assigned members of the same Kingdom class this
side the veil. D624
As in the Jewish Harvest, the Lord's instructions confined the
special work to Israel, so here the special work of his
messengers is confined to the household of faith--spiritual
Israel. R1742:3
Thy God reigneth -- The reign of Christ, which shall bring
deliverance, is begun. B142; D624; C236; R1379:5,
R2201:3
The oft-repeated prayer of the Church has been answered; the
Kingdom of God has indeed come. C301
The Lord is present, the Kingdom is being set up. R514:6;
D624; C301, C236
Now the rule and government has been assumed by "Him
whose right it is." (Ezek. 21:27) He has taken to himself his
great power and his reign is commenced. R287:5, R757:5
The time for the Kingdom reign is practically here, the time
for this message of God is at hand. The Kingdom of God is
in process of erection and the gathering of the saints in
process of completion. With the completion of this class will
come the inauguration of the Kingdom. R5259:4
That the Millennial Kingdom is already beginning its rule.
R1379:5, R2201:3
The new regime is only opening. After our Lord shall have
delivered and glorified the Church, then he will begin the
work with the world. But, since 1878, we are making this
proclamation. R5258:1, R287;4, R328:4*, R757:3
As there was a proclamation of Jesus in the flesh as King, so
there must be correspondingly a proclamation of Jesus, the
New Creature, as King of Glory. R2645:3
This declaration is due now before the feet are joined to the
same Body. R757:5, R287:5
The present Harvest Message. R2645:3
Only the feet have been privileged to utter the whole message,
including "the Day of Vengeance of our God." (Isa. 61:2)
R757:3, R287:3
Thy watchmen -- In the Harvest of the Gospel age.
R3596:3
See eye to eye -- Clearly, as one man, harmoniously
singing the new song of Moses and the Lamb. C237
Only if the divine mind and will were the only one alive.
R309:2*
"They shall be all taught of God." (John 6:45) R3856:5
It is proper that we should wish that all might see eye to eye,
but it is not reasonable to expect it when we know that all are
fallen from perfection. F326
More and more. R3856:5
Not until the Bride is complete and Zion is brought back.
R67:5*, R56:3*, R5359:1
Only the watchmen of Zion shall see eye to eye until "that
which is perfect is come." (1 Cor. 13:10) R344:2
Regarding things to put off, and things to put on, as we get
further and further into this Day of the Lord. R5770:2
In due time we shall be able to see and teach the same thing.
CR250:4
Bring again Zion -- Return favor to the Jewish people.
R309:2*
When Israel rises, Babylon must fall. R115:5*
Waste places -- Now becoming fruitful. R1044:2
Of Jerusalem -- Earthly phase of the Kingdom of God.
A297
His people -- Natural Israel. R3589:3
The LORD hath -- At the setting up of his Kingdom. E47
Made bare -- Made bare and extended to help. R21:2*
His holy arm -- The Lord Jesus. E47; R4792:6
Of all the nations -- The time is near when the message
shall be preached to every creature. It is even now being
fulfilled. R5259:4
The ends of the earth -- To the Jew first, but also to the
Gentiles. R3010:2
Salvation of our God -- God's original plan cannot fail in
any particular. R99:1
Go ye out -- Full, complete separation was not enjoined
until the Harvest time. C187
The Lord now commands the "wheat" to be separated from
the "tares." R2538:1
"Come out of her, my people." (Rev. 18:4) B240; R3596:3
Standing with God even if that should seem to imply standing
alone. R1383:3
"Gather the wheat into my barn." (Matt. 13:30)
"Gather the good into vessels." (Matt. 13:48) R3589:6
Be ye clean -- The Royal Priesthood. B240
From wrong practices and from false doctrines. C187
Justified in God's sight, pure and sanctified of heart.
R5258:3, R5860:5
King Hezekiah directed that the priests and the Levites
sanctify themselves afresh to the Lord and his service before
the cleansing of the Court of the Temple began. R4812:3
As the typical priests and Levites were instructed to wash and
keep themselves continually clean, so the spiritual priests
should be pure in word, action and thought. R5860:5
In proportion as their hearts are clean, their spiritual vision is
clear. R5259:5
No one is properly ready to render service to God in any form
until he himself has come to a sanctified condition of heart in
relationship to the Lord. R4812:4
Vessels of the LORD -- The Lord's truths or doctrines.
C187
In the Tabernacle and Temple, those vessels which were
connected with the holy services--in the Court, Holy and
Most Holy. These were only handled by the consecrated
class--the priests. R5258:2
Behold, my servant -- Christ. R3589:6
Shall -- In the Millennial age. R3589:6
Deal prudently -- Prosper. (Lowth translation) R141:1*
Wisely. R4831:3
Extolled -- Lifted up. R4831:3
During his Millennial reign. R3596:3
Be very high -- Jehovah's promise to Jesus of the divine
nature. R5066:1
As many -- Of the Jews living a the first advent. E159
Were astonied -- Surprised that he would submit to such
abuse. E159
The world will be astonished when they see the reality of the
Kingdom, more majestically grand than anything dreamed of.
R4831:3
At thee -- At the time of his crucifixion. R3590:1
His visage was so marred -- "Deeply marred was his
appearance, out of all human likeness, and his form out of all
semblance to sons of men." (Cheyne's translation) R3590:1
"So shall his visage be inglorious among men." (Douay
translation) R574:1
His features drawn with pain. R3590:1
Might refer to the marring of his beauty with the thorns, nails
and sorrows. R574:1
Might refer to his character deficient in those qualities the
world esteems in their depraved sight. R574:1; E159
Whatever of care, sorrow or pain marked that perfect lovely
face was the self-imposed weight of our infirmities and sin.
R575:1
More than any man -- By man. E159
More than the -- By the. E159
So -- Showing a contrast--his glory, honor, influence and
power will be proportionate to the sufferings and ignominy
which he experienced, not only as respects our Redeemer, but
also as respects his Church. "If we suffer with him we shall
also reign with him." (2 Tim. 2:12) R3590:1
Shall he sprinkle -- Startle; surprised at his patient
submission to abuse. R4831:3; E159
"Deep will be the obeisance of many." (Cheyne's translation)
R3590:1
Many nations -- Others of all nations, now and in the
future, have wondered and will wonder at such patience and
meekness. E159
At him -- To him. R4831:3
Had not been told them -- Of others. E159
Some have told them that Messiah's reign was during the
Dark Ages; others that it is now in progress; still others that it
is an Evolutionary matter through moral reforms. R4831:3
Shall they see -- Exemplified in him. E159
Consider -- Understand. R4831:3
Isa. 53:1
Who hath believed -- Only a very few. R1359:1,
R3590:3, R516:6*, R2414:3; CR155:1; E489
The complaint of the primitive evangelists. R141:1*
Israel's failure to hear the divine message. OV75:5
"To us who believe he is precious." (1 Pet. 2:7) R2789:2
The reason for the general rejection of the message is that
reconciliation with God means opposition to sin. E489
Our report -- Our teaching, our presentation, our message
of reconciliation, atonement. E489; R3590:3; CR154:3,
CR155:3
The message of God in respect to his great plan, the Gospel.
CR155:1
That God is willing to forgive our sins, receive us as his
children, and fit us for the heavenly Kingdom. CR155:3
And to whom -- Over whom. (Leeser) R575:5
Few, "as many as the Lord our God calls." (Acts 2:39) E489;
R1359:2, R3590:3
The arm of the LORD -- Christ, the power of God unto
salvation. E47, E418, E489; R1359:2, R4792:6; CR154:6
Showing the headship of Jehovah. R765:2*, R1075:3
Stretched down for the relief of Adam and his race from sin
and death. E418, R4831:5, R516:6*
Not merely a finger, doing a small work for a small class; but
the all-powerful arm which will overthrow evil, establish
righteousness and bless all the families of the earth. R3590:4
Revealed -- "Who perceives what the arm of Jehovah is
preparing?" (Rosenmuller translation) R141:1*
In the Gospel. CR154:6
In the present time. R3590:3
For he shall -- Few believe the report because at the first
advent our Lord did not appear as a glorious and powerful
king. R3590:4, R574:3
Before him -- Jehovah. R1359:2
As a tender plant -- Small shoot. E156
To the natural man seeming too tender ever to prosper.
R3590:4
As a root -- Lifegiver. E144
Dry ground -- The Davidic line having apparently lost its
virility, its life. R3590:4
Thirsty ground. His appearance and surrounding seemed
unfavorable; he was an unlikely king. R574:3
All humanity was reckoned dead. Like a new, fresh, living
root out of the barren soil, he grew up from infancy to
manhood. R1359:2
Form nor comeliness -- Of the kind worldly men admire.
E156; R2293:6
Honor. E156
To blind bigots he lacked good looks, but to those whose eyes
are opened he becomes " chiefest among ten thousand" and
"altogether lovely." (Song of Sol. 5:10, 16) R1063:2*
When we shall see him -- When we observe him. E156
There is no beauty -- No appearance of hauteur and
ambition. E157; R574:3
That we -- Jews, especially leaders and prominent ones.
E157
Should desire him -- Should desire in him. E156
Not having found in him the qualities of an earthly conqueror.
E157; R574:3, R1359:3, R4831:6, R2293:6
He is not our ideal of the soldier, statesman and king,
befitting our nation's needs and likely to fulfil its long-cherished
hopes. E158
He is despised -- Was counted by the Romans as unworthy
of notice. R3590:5
The apostles were similarly evil-treated because of their
faithfulness--their refusal to compromise the message, "the
word of reconciliation." E490
"As he was, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17) R3776:5
One of the many prophecies attesting that the Bible is a divine
revelation. A57
Rejected of men -- Shunned. R574:3
Because the Jews failed to see the sufferings of Christ.
R59:3*
Because the prophecies of Christ's glory and Kingdom were
not then fulfilled. R59:3*
By his own nation who for sixteen centuries had hoped and
waited for his coming; by the Romans, counting him
unworthy of particular notice. R3590:5
Denounced as an imposter. HG512:5
Not because he deserved such; but because they were so
degraded and blinded by sin. R2789:2
The Jews esteemed him not, except for a few. R3590:5
They were looking for a king who, with military skill, would
deliver them from the Roman yoke. R1359:3
Following the circumstances as though we were present we
perceive that it was difficult for the chief actors surrounding
our Lord to realize the true situation. Similarly we are
sometimes too close to great events to appreciate their true
import. Thus we should have sympathy with those who
rejected Jesus. R3887:3
It should be expected that all through the Gospel age his
followers would be similarly misrepresented, slandered,
maligned, despised and rejected by the religionists of
Christendom. R2789:5
A man of sorrows -- Deep and abounding sympathy for
others. R3734:3
Makaboth, pains. R2767:2*
With grief -- Choli, sickness, weakness, disease.
R2767:2*
Acquainted with infirmity. Jesus had an abundance of
sympathy; each time he healed he was touched with a feeling
of their infirmity while they were refreshed and revitalized by
his strength. R574:4
We hid...our faces -- Ashamed of him. R3590:5,
R3776:6, R5495:1
"As one hiding the face from us (as in weeping)." (Young's
translation) R574:3, R141:2
Were ashamed of, and would not acknowledge him. B188
"He hid as it were his face from them." (Margin) Because of
their unbelief they lost the benefit of his wisdom, teaching
and mighty works. R1359:3
"Like one who hideth his face from us" (to bury his griefs in
seclusion). (Pye Smith translation) R141:2*
Esteemed him not -- Considered him a fanatic because of
his loyalty to truth and righteousness. R3776:6
His weariness, sorrow, weeping, etc., were construed by men
to result from weakness. R574:3
"Gave him no attention." (Pye Smith translation) R141:2*
Hence it was decided that they could not be of the Bride
class, and as a nation the Jews were cast off until the elect
should be found. R3776:6
Borne our griefs -- "Himself took our infirmities and bare
our sicknesses." (Matt. 8:17) A230; E124; R4138:2,
R2028:5, R2000:2, R105:1
Voluntarily. R105:1, R1359:3
"But only our diseases did he bear himself." (Leeser) R575:5
He was a man, of the human nature, but not a sharer of our
imperfection, except as, during his ministry, he voluntarily
took our sickness. R809:2
Being without sin, he was also without sickness and pain
except as he "bore" it for others that he might be touched with
a feeling of our infirmities and, thus, a sympathetic High
Priest. R2028:6
Our Lord was not sick with ordinary maladies. His perfect
organism was proof against the intrusion of special diseases.
Rather, the healing of diseases exhausted his vitality, leaving
upon him the weight of our sicknesses. R4138:3, R5577:2,
R2000:1
Carried our sorrows -- "There went virtue (vitality) out of
him and healed them all." (Luke 6:19) A230; E124;
R4138:2, R2000:2, R105:1, R1359:3
Our Lord's healing miracles are much more precious to us
knowing that they cost him so much. E124; R4138:2
The sicknesses which our Lord bore were those of the world,
and not those of his special friends and disciples. We have no
record that he healed any of his followers. R4138:3
We did esteem him -- Speaking for fleshly Israel at the
first advent. E124
Not that he was actually smitten of God. R424:4*
What thus seems, or appears, is not the fact--it was for our
sins, not his own sins, that he suffered. E123
This was probably one of the severest of our Lord's trials--to
be esteemed as an offender against God and under divine
wrath. R1816:1
Smitten of God -- They thought him righteously punished.
R574:5
Men did not realize the real cause of his physical weakness.
R1359:4
He was wounded -- Death in any form would have met the
requirements of justice. It was not necessary for the ransom
that the Lord's person should be wounded. This was for other
considerations. E443
Not made to suffer eternal torment-thus proving that the
wages of our sin is not torment. HG608:6
For our transgressions -- And not for his own. R1394:5,
R47:2*
The chastisement -- As a true Son, he had his share:
"What son is he whom the Father chasteneth not?" (Heb.
12:7) R3133:1
Necessary to preparation for glory, honor and immortality:
"He learned obedience by the things which he suffered."
(Heb. 5:8) R3133:1
Of our peace -- By means of which our peace with God
was made. E124; R141:2*
Upon him -- Noting the laying of the sin upon a person
instead of a dumb animal. A57
With his stripes -- By the things which he suffered in our
stead. E442
He bore the death sentence against us. R3590:6, R3560:6
It was necessary that upon Jesus should fall the rod of
affliction, even unto death. R5315:3, R3560:6, R3590:6
We are healed -- Healed as sinners preceding our
acceptance as members of the Body of Christ. F632
We are to be healed; through his death our reconciliation was
made possible. R4364:5
All we like sheep -- Israelites, "lost sheep" (Matt 10:6)
because they had wandered from the Lord and from their
covenant. R2261:3
"I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:15) R652:5
And who, after coming to a knowledge of the truth and being
rescued by the shepherd, follow him not, will no longer be
counted as the Lord's sheep. R1217:1
Have gone astray -- Followed one another into wrong
paths. R3590:6
"There is none righteous." (Rom. 3:10) R2706:3
The LORD -- Jehovah. R1359:4
Hath laid on him -- Jesus, our willing substitute.
R1058:2, R574:6
The full penalty of the divine law. R4793:1, R574:6,
R387:1, R657:5, R1058:4, R5315:3.
Our sins have been laid upon, or imputed, to him. If we
believe on him, his righteousness will be imputed to us. Thus
we are justified. R657:5
Thus ransoming, not pardoning, mankind. E461; R324:1,
R1058:4
Therefore God did not pardon us, that is, he did not suffer our
sins "to pass without punishment. R324:1, R387:1, R1058:2
Only by the shedding of blood could there come a remission
of original sin. R3985:3
Thus God could maintain justice and at the same time receive
all sinners who would come to him through the appointed
substitute. R1350:3*
Inconsistent with the theory of eternal torment. A159
The iniquity of us all -- Jesus' death was "the wages of
sin," as all death is, but not the wages of sin which he
committed. R648:3
"The punishment of us all." (Young's translation) R574:6
He was oppressed -- Verses 7 to 9 portray the matured
view of Jesus' disciples as they began to consider more
carefully and understand more fully their Master and his
work. R4831:6
He was afflicted -- Taunted. (Leeser) R575:6
He is brought -- He was led, not driven, to death. He
willingly permitted the sick and afflicted to partake of his
vitality. R772:5*
As a lamb -- In meekness, unsuspicion and gentleness.
R4750:5
"Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the
world." (John 1:29) R77:6*
To the slaughter -- A test to prove his character,
manifesting to men and angels his obedience and worthiness
of high exaltation. Q559:2
As a sheep -- A ewe. (Leeser) R575:6
Openeth not his mouth -- In any plea or endeavor to
deliver himself from death. R3591:1, R574:6, R3776:2,
R5642:5, R5871:6, R5561:5, R1806:6
Why? Because he desired to save others and knew that the
salvation of others required the sacrifice of himself. R1815:6
Had he done so his accusers might have succumbed to the
eloquence of him who spake as never man spake. R3591:1,
R5561:5
To follow in his footsteps is to sacrifice ourselves as he did,
with the same uncomplaining cheerful submission. R772:5*
He was taken -- Taken away, cut off from life. R3591:2
"By an oppressive judgment he was taken away--the men of
his age who shall describe?" (Brown's translation) R141:4*
From prison -- By oppression, by false accusations.
R3591:2, R1359:5
And from judgment -- By oppression or injustice as far as
those who condemned him were concerned; by divine justice
and judgment so far as God was concerned, because he had
consecrated himself unto death. R3591:2
Through judicial proceedings, by means of false
condemnations which secured a legal condemnation unto
death. R1359:5
"Through judicial punishment." (Leeser) R575:6
Declare his generation -- Who could suppose that he
would have offspring, would be the Everlasting Father to the
whole world. R3591:2, R4832:1
Declare to his generation why he was cut off. R574:6
May be understood in three ways: (1) those of his day; (2) his
divine lineage and (3) his posterity. R1359:6
For the transgression -- His death was so ignominious,
few could realize that he was suffering the just for the unjust.
R574:6
Of my people -- "For the sins of the whole world." (1 John
2:2) R3591:3
Stricken -- Smitten. R574:6
"The plague was laid on him." (Leeser) R575:6
Made his grave -- Qebar, tomb, place of interment. E348
With the wicked -- Being crucified between two thieves.
R3591:3
Rasha, the condemned or guilty race. R1360:1, R1394:4,
R3591:3, R574:6
And with the rich -- In the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
R1360:1, R1394:4, R3591:3, R574:6, R141:5*
The godless rich. R575:6, R652:4
Because -- Or, although. R574:6
Done no violence -- There was no just cause of his death.
A58
It pleased the LORD -- Verses 10 and 11 give the
prophetic explanation of the experiences of Jesus. R4832:4
Not that the Father took pleasure in the sufferings of his Son,
but because he saw the glorious results, both to Jesus and to
mankind. R3591:4, R4618:3, R5878:6; CR348:5; Q559:2
The Heavenly Father had to do with the breaking of our
Lord's body. R5341:5
The bruising, we understand, was not of divine necessity, but
of divine wisdom and expediency. Q559:3
Because it best illustrates his justice, wisdom, love and
power. R5878:6
To bruise him -- To allow him to have an experience with
pain and sorrow. R2000:1
To permit him to demonstrate his loyalty and faith even unto
death so that he might the more abundantly reward him.
R3591:3, R5878:6
"Crush him through disease." (Leeser) R575:6, R652:4
"For Jehovah is pleased to crush him with sufferings." (Pye
Smith translation) R141:5*
As Jesus broke the loaf at the Last Supper, the Heavenly
Father had to do with the breaking of our Lord's body.
R5341:5*
When thou -- Because Jesus gave his life, his soul, in
exchange for Adam's life, or soul, the restoration for the
world is indicated as being the direct work of our Lord Jesus,
and not the Father's work, though he was the author of the
entire plan of salvation. SM781:1
Shalt make his soul -- Human soul, human being. R667:3,
R981:1
Being, existence, all that he had. E127; T52, R667:3,
R2000:1
A human soul--for he had exchanged his spiritual being, or
existence, for the human, which was typified by the
Atonement Day bullock. T52
The death of the soul is the penalty for sin. E328; R2611:4,
R2794:5, R5238:2; SM779:1; OV166:2; HG135:4,
HG334:5, HG331:4; CR209:1*
The penalty was not against Adam's body, but against Adam
himself, the soul, the ego, the being. It required the sacrifice
of another soul to redeem him. R3174:2, R3854:5, R5238:2
"The Good Shepherd giveth his life." (John 10:11) E337
An offering for sin -- For our sins, not for his own. E23;
R4793:1
"When his soul hath brought the trespass offering." (Leeser)
R575:6, R652:4
Thereby causing the typical sacrifices and ablations to cease.
(Dan. 9:27) B65
Our Lord Jesus did not suffer an eternity of torment as the
price of our redemption. R4793:1, R1086:2, R803:2
His seed -- Progeny. R4832:4, R1360:1
One of the titles of our Lord in the Millennium is "Everlasting
Father." (Isa. 9:6) SM780:2
As many of Adam's seed as will accept adoption upon his
conditions. A129; R4832:4, R3591:4
The Gospel Church is nowhere spoken of as the "seed of
Christ." SM780:1, SM781:1; R1359:5
Prolong his days -- Resurrection to a higher than human
plane being granted him by the Father as a reward for his
obedience. A129
Prolong their days everlastingly. R1360:1
All those who sacrifice with Jesus shall gain immortality.
SM783:2
The pleasure -- Will, plan. R1360:1; SM781:2
Of the LORD -- Of Jehovah. R1360:1
Shall prosper -- When he shall have put all enemies under
his feet. (1 Cor. 15:25) SM785:2
He shall see -- Shall see the fruits. R1360:1, R785:4,
R5018:2; SM42:1; CR431:5; Q179:5
" (Freed) from the trouble of his soul shall he see (the good)
and be satisfied." (Leeser) R575:6
A glorious fruitage! The exaltation of himself with his Bride
and "the virgins, her companions"; the Ancient Worthies; and,
finally, the groaning creation brought to human perfection.
R5066:6
In the Millennial reign of glory and the end thereof. R4578:4
Of the travail -- The reward of the travail. R5578:6,
R3591:4; SM42:2
His humiliation, suffering and death. SM787:T
"I hid not my face from shame and spitting." (Isa. 50:4-10)
E52
Of his soul -- In the grand restitution of the redeemed race.
R1360:1
Because his soul hath labored. R575:1
Shall be satisfied -- To give his life to purchase the world.
E441
When he has fulfilled the gracious promises of God to bless
the world. OV57:1, OV23:2
With the results. F121
This satisfaction will result from the salvation of more than
the "Little Flock." SM42:2
With the Heavenly Father's bountiful provision for his
personal glory and exaltation, and for the honorable work
which he will do for Adam and his race. SM787:1
Which he would not be if only a few of mankind will
eventually be blessed. R3725:3*
Because the conclusion of God's plan will be satisfactory.
F50
God's original plan cannot fail in any particular. R99:1*;
A66, A95; E34; OV57:1, OV23:2; R1125:2
The Church also shall be more than satisfied with God's
arrangements on their behalf, and through them, on behalf of
the world. SM788:T
By his knowledge -- His full confidence in God born of
experience. A132; R1835:1, R3160:5; HG293:1, HG396:2
Gained through his pre-human existence. E91; R446:1,
R1060:1, R2373:3, R4612:1; Q371:4
At the time of our Lord's spirit-begetting an impression of his
pre-human experience was made upon his brain, and he then
received special knowledge of heavenly things. R5157:5,
R5065:1
Knowing the Father, remembering the glory he had with him
before the world was, trusting him implicitly, enabled him to
be obedient to the death of the cross. R3591:5
Knowing the Father's plan, his own will being in entire
harmony with the Father, he went steadily forward to
accomplish that will, even unto death. R631:6*
Of the divine plan or purpose to redeem and restore the fallen
race, enabling him to carry out that purpose in the sacrifice of
himself, thus justifying many by bearing the penalty.
R1360:4
He grew in knowledge--being led into the knowledge of the
various features of the plan as they became due to be worked
out through his instrumentality. R3160:3
Enabling him to be obedient even unto death. R3591:5,
R4019:1
It was from lack of knowledge of God that the first Adam in
his perfection was weak. R3591:5
Knowledge which Adam did not possess. CR453:3; R146:2
The first Adam, having no knowledge of evil's terrible nature,
was tempted and fell. The second Adam, with a knowledge
of its awful results, and of the power of God, was just as
really tempted, but triumphed. R327:3*, R3638:2*
Justify many -- Very many--all men. R575:1
For he shall -- While he will. (Leeser) R575:6,1
Bear their iniquities -- Which our Lord began to bear at
his consecration, and finished so doing at his crucifixion.
R5065:5
Therefore -- Because of his faithfulness and sacrifice.
R575:1
"Therefore will I distribute to him the many for his portion;
and the mighty people shall he share for his spoil." (Lowth
translation) R141:5
Will I -- Jehovah. R1360:4
With the great -- Rab, Lord, Chief, Master of the
Universe, Jehovah himself. R1360:4, R3592:1
Divide the spoil -- Of his great conquest over sin and
death, with all its heavenly glories and privileges of blessing
mankind. R3592:1, R1360:4, R4832:4
He shall divide, or distribute, the spoil to mankind. R575:1
With the strong -- The overcoming Church of this Gospel
age. R3592:1, R1360:4, R4832:4
"When I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Cor. 12:10)
R3592:1
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my
Father in his throne." (Rev. 3:21) R1360:4
"The spoils of the strong"--of the strong prince of this world
who has left mankind destitute. He will be bound and his
spoils distributed to enrich mankind. R575:1
Poured out his soul -- Being, existence. R1451:6,
R1880:5, R2794:5, R5238:2, R5578:6, R5749:2
From Jordan to Calvary. E127
Permitted his life to be taken from him. R5085:3
Not the body, but the being, called in the Scriptures, soul,
dies. R205:4, R277:1, R4174:3, R5749:2
It was Jesus, the human soul, that had died; but he was raised
from the dead a soul of a higher order. R5578:6
It was the soul that needed redemption; it was the soul of our
Lord Jesus that was given as a ransom price for the soul of
Adam with the result that the souls of Adam and his posterity
are guaranteed a resurrection. R2794:3, R1880:5
Contradicts the idea that the Lord himself did not die, that
merely his flesh died. R2794:5
Unto death -- Non-existence, oblivion. E362
He kept on until he had given all that he had. R157:6,
R5432:1
Made "his soul an offering for sin" (verse 10), in offset to
Father Adam's soul. R2794:5; CR170:5
Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.
R3592:4
His soul did die. CR290:3
Our Lord had a perfect earthly life. He gave up that life. The
same with us. If we would live we must die. R5342:1
When our Lord was changed from spirit to human being his
existence did not cease for a moment; but at Calvary his being
or existence was laid down completely, he ceased to exist--gave
his being as "a ransom." R667:3
Numbered -- Reckoned, by crucifixion. R575:1,
R2473:1,5, R2787:4
With the transgressors -- The thieves on the cross.
R2787:4, R1815:6, R3370:4
As the penalty against Adam included his isolation from the
Father as a condemned rebel, so it was necessary for Jesus to
experience the full meaning of a sinner's separation from God.
R2474:4
Crucifixion was practiced by the Romans only upon culprits-usually
outlaws, brigands and seditionists. R2787:4
Being misunderstood when he came to John, whose
immersion was for washing away a sinful past. SM644:T,
R960:4
And he bare -- "While he bore." (Leeser) R575:6
Made intercession -- "For the transgressors he let (evil)
befall him." (Leeser) R575:6, R652:5
Sing, O barren -- Spiritual Zion, our mother or covenant.
C297, R1341:6
The promise to Abraham has been barren for a long time.
R1389:1
The Apostle applies this to the Gospel Church, or Abrahamic
covenant, (Gal 4:27); showing that the ultimate fruitage shall
be great. R3596:3
That didst not bear -- Beginning with the Lord Jesus, a
result followed the coming into covenant relationship which
had never occurred before--a begetting to a new nature.
R4450:2*
For more -- The promise includes not only the
development and blessing of the seed, but also the blessing of
all the families of the earth through that seed. R1389:3
Are the children -- The Christ, typified by Isaac and
Rebecca. C297, R1341:6, R1389:2; Q164:2
Of the desolate -- The Gospel covenant, typified by Sarah.
R1389:1
Than the children -- The Jews, according to the flesh.
Q164:2
Of the married wife -- Hagar, type of the Law covenant;
her offspring, a servant class. R1389:2
Thine husband -- Caretaker. R1389:1
Illustrating the union between Jehovah and Israel. R1388:6
Thy Redeemer -- Jehovah himself. R4085:3
All that our dear Redeemer has done for us has been the
carrying out of the great plan of Jehovah, purposed in himself
before the foundation of the world. R4085:3
Lay thy stones -- The Church is pictured as the glorious
New Jerusalem, built of precious stones. R3596:5
All thy children -- The spiritual sons of God. R3051:1
Taught of the LORD -- Taught of Jehovah. "Learned of
the Father." (John 6:45) E50
Our Lord Jesus is the Great Teacher of men by the
appointment of the Heavenly Father, the great Master Teacher
above all. E50
God, however, does not teach all in the same time and way.
R385:1*
In the school of Christ, learning not all lessons at once, but
gradually, "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little
and there a little." (Isa. 28:10) R3051:1
Because unprejudiced and anxious for truth. E32
We should avoid following human teachers as leaders. Their
teachings should be received only so far as they harmonize
with the word of truth. R386:4*
Is it not reasonable that God, who is love and a kind and
loving Father, should provide for the education of every
individual who ever came into the world. R33:3*
Shall be the peace -- Of those who understand the Lord's
dealings. R3051:1
Without this peace one cannot have the joy of the Lord; and if
they have not this it is because they have not been sufficiently
taught of the Lord. R3051:3
Of the Millennial day, in which the Prince of Peace reigns.
R2520:6
In righteousness -- Righteousness, justice, must be the
foundation of every character acceptable to God. R3051:4
Shalt thou -- The godly. R3051:3
Be established -- Those who are not established in
righteousness now will not be accounted worthy to be sharers
in the first resurrection. R3051:3
Far from oppression -- Having no sympathy with it.
R3051:5
Anxious to set men free, not anxious to enslave them.
R3051:5
Shalt not fear -- "Perfect love casteth out fear." (1 John
4:18) The Lord's people should be the most fearless people in
the world as respects earthly calamities. R3051:5
"Their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men." (Isa.
29:13) R3051:5
Not come near thee -- Applies to the present life, and not
to the life of glory. R3051:3
Gather together -- A general gathering together of
opponents to the truth and its servants. R3051:6
Shall fall -- Come to naught. It is impossible to .injure the
very elect. R3051.
Against thee -- Against the New Creature. R3050:3
The called, faithful and chosen ones--the Church. R1239:2*
The prince of this world has power to deceive and to lead
astray many--if it were possible he would deceive even the
very elect. The elect are the only class who cannot be
deceived. R1239:2*
May be, to some extent, applicable to regathered and re-favored
Israel after the flesh in the near future, when God will
fulfil to them all his good promises. R3050:3
Shall prosper -- Even though it may affect health, social
position or financial prosperity. R3050:6
The rage of the enemies of truth is impotent except as it
resorts to misrepresentation and sophistry, which the Lord
assures us cannot "deceive the very elect." (Matt. 24:24)
R2738:1
Rise against thee -- In envy, malice, hatred, strife, slander.
R3050:6
This merely injures the old creature--the flesh, already
consecrated unto death. R3051:1
Is of me -- "If God be for us, who can be against us.
(Rom. 8:31) R3052:4
Ho, every one -- The call of the Gospel age, to the
consecrated class now. R4321:3, R2072:4, R1899:2
During the Millennial age. R3597:1
That thirsteth -- Verses 2 and 3 show this call to be for
those thirsting for truth during the Gospel age. R1363:6
"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness."
(Matt. 5:6) R1936:1, R1899:2
"After righteousness" (Matt. 5:6); not only after truth with a
curiosity interest, but after that righteousness which comes
through a knowledge of the truth. R1936:1
Water is unwelcome except to the thirsty, and food produces
loathing if forced upon one who is not hungry; so truth is
obnoxious to those who prefer error. R650:3*
Come ye -- If they will not come, let them stay away until
they are ready to come. In time they will be thirsty enough.
R650:6*
To the waters -- In a sense, any who now thirst may come
to Christ and find him a fountain of life--"A well of water
springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) R3596:6
These "wells of water" have not yet become the Millennial
"river" of Rev. 22:1, 17. R3596:6
Pictures the Millennial age and its blessings upon the world of
mankind. "Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life
freely." (Rev. 22:17) R1363:3, R3596:6
The water of life will not be forced upon any. R1363:3,
R651:1
Refreshing waters of divine truth. R1936:2, R1363:3,
R650:3*
There is an abundance for us all in our Heavenly Father's
wonderful provision--in the Bible. OV260:3
Hath no money -- None of us has ought to offer as an
equivalent for this priceless treasure. R1936:2
Come, buy wine -- A sanctifying draught. R1363:3
Exhilarating. R1363:3
And milk -- Life-giving. R1363:3
Nourishing. R1363:3
Without money -- Published truth is not for all the poor in
the world, but for the poor who are the Lord's children and
are sufficiently interested to request it. R908:3
Without price -- In the Millennial age, without walking in
the narrow way, or taking up a cross of self-denial and
suffering for righteousness' sake. R3597:2
There is a price at the present time, the price of self-sacrifice
even unto death. R3597:1
Wherefore do ye -- Who have searched in vain for truth
from other sources. R1363:6
Spend money -- Influence and labor. R1364:1
Which satisfieth not -- Temporally or spiritually. F535
The satisfaction and joy of those who live by faith in the Son
of God is solid compared to the passing ripple of emotion
caused by mere religious excitement. Excitement must
subside, but truth and its joys abide. R23:6*
The present life and present transitory interests. CR16:3
In the Millennial age none will thus vainly search for truth.
R1363:6
Hearken diligently -- The invitation is synonymous with
Rev. 18:4, to come out of Babylon. R1364:1
That which is good -- Meat in due season. R1936:2
The good plan of God. R1364:1
In fatness -- Cream of the Everlasting covenant. R4321:3
A share in the glory, honor and immortality of the Kingdom.
R4321:3
The soul that is fed at the Lord's table is not lean. R1936:2
The good plan of God produces the fatness of understanding.
R1364:1
The fulness, the glorious provision which the Lord has made
for them and which will then be opened before them in the
Mediatorial reign. R3597:3
Incline your ear -- Turn your ear away from the clashing
of conflicting creeds and incline it toward God's precious
Word. R1364:1
"It shall come to pass that every soul which will not hear that
Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people." (Acts
3:23) R3597:3
Come unto me -- The Master's gracious invitation as it will
soon reach the world of mankind through the glorified
Church. R3597:3
Hear -- Obey. Obedience to God will be the only
requirement for all who, being justified by faith in Christ,
would consecrate themselves fully to God. R442:6
Your soul shall live -- God distinctly declares that the
extreme penalty of wilful sin and wilful rejection of Christ is
the death of the soul. R1196:1
Everlasting covenant -- The New covenant, the agreement
to forgive, to cancel sins that are past. R3597:3, R4321:6
An agreement to share in the sure, holy promises which
belong to his beloved Son--the Kingdom, power and glory of
the world to come. R1364:1
If we put ourselves under Christ's care, the covenant of
sacrifice will be everlasting with us and we shall have the
"sure mercies of David." R5163:6
With you -- If you are Christ's you are David's seed--and
his seed will sit upon the throne to be the Messiah. Q192:2
With those who hunger and thirst after righteousness and who
have consecrated themselves to him, been anointed and have
the witness of the spirit that they are the sons of God.
R1936:3
Sure mercies of David -- Or, holy things promised to
David. R1466:2
The mercies granted to Israel and the world through our Lord,
the great antitypical David (Beloved). R3597:4, R1466:2,
R1364:2; SM731:1
A promise that Messiah would be the root and offshoot of the
Davidic line. SM477:1; Q192:2
We of the Gospel age are invited to share in the sure, holy
promises which belong to our Lord. R1364:2
Of Christ, set forth in Psa. 89:20-37: (1) That his throne
would be established forever; (2) That all would be made
subservient to him; (3) That God's covenant to bless all the
families of the earth would be fulfilled by his reign; (4) That
his children, by redemption and regeneration, would be
established in righteousness; (5) That all the willing and
obedient shall endure forever. R1364:2, R1936:2
To share with Jesus the glory, honor and immortality of the
Kingdom. R4321:3
I have given him -- The antitypical David, The Christ.
R3597:4
Leader and commander -- As Leader he is our example in
obedience and our Forerunner; and he has said, "Observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you." (Matt. 28:20)
R61:5
As the great Prophet, Priest and King, typified by Moses and
Melchizedek. R3597:4
Behold, thou -- Christ. R3597:4
Shalt call a nation -- "A Holy Nation, a Royal Priesthood,
a Peculiar people." (1 Pet. 2:9) R3597:4 R4321:3
Run unto thee -- Throughout the Millennial age. R3597:4
Shows how the work will progress among the people of the
world after The Christ has been glorified. R1364:2
Seek ye -- All the world during the Millennium. R3597:4
While he is near--When God does reveal his grace it must not
be trifled with. R1364:3
Forsake his way -- This will not be a time for pardoning
wicked men, but those who desire to forsake their wicked
ways. R1364:3
His thoughts -- The unjust must abandon unrighteousness,
even in thought. R3597:5
Return unto the LORD -- Obedience to God, not
sacrifice, will be required in the Kingdom. R442:6
For my thoughts -- My plans for man's salvation.
R3598:4
My plans are not your plans. SM85:1; R2733:4
Not your thoughts -- We should not judge the Lord's
methods or laws by the standards accepted among fallen men,
which permit all to live whose liberty would not be dangerous
to society. R1220:4
Thus the vast majority of Christian people cannot take the
standpoint of the saints in the prophetic testimony before us,
but rather the standpoint of the natural man. R2712:3
The world, and not the saints, are addressed. R1023:2
The wonderful blessings of the Kingdom will be beyond the
thinking of mankind. R3597:6, R546:5, R3028:5, R542:2*
Neither are your ways -- In the organization of your
human churches. F197
Many justify themselves, saying, "It is my way." This is no
excuse for retaining the actions, but for rejecting them. If we
would honor God we would not do our own way. R705:3
The uncrucified will always think its own way the best, not
learning to obey orders from the Head and trust God's
superior wisdom where they cannot trace him. R961:3
My ways -- Jehovah's gracious purposes, a great plan of
salvation. A10; R546:5
My ways of executing my plan are not such as you would
surmise. R1364:4
God has not been choosing out exclusively the great, the wise
or the good. R4388:3
My methods. SM85:1
Permitting his truth to be obscured from the worldly-wise by
letting it appear as if the Gospel were accomplishing little or
nothing. CR499:4
My ways higher -- His plans or methods. CR58:1;
SM42:1, SM6:T, R838:2, R4483:4, R2595:5
God had higher plans for mankind than the Jews expected.
CR58:1; R4463:3
The world does not understand God's plan. R2074:5
While there are certain correspondences between human
secret orders and the one of divine origin the latter is in every
way superior to all others. SM5:3
Grander and more beneficent. R794:3
Let us not mistakenly allow our own littleness of mind to
hinder our appreciation of the true meaning of the Scriptures.
SM249:1
"We make God's love too narrow by false standards of our
own." SM535:2; HG391:2
Illustrated in the contrast between present mission work and
slum work with God's Millennial provision for lifting up the
weak and opening the blind eyes of the barbarians. R2690:2
"The length and breadth and height and depth of the love of
Christ, which passeth all understanding." (Eph. 3:18, 19)
SM42:2
We have every reason to believe in the supernatural. God is
not limited or confined in his power by those laws of nature
which our human understanding can comprehend. R676:1
My thoughts -- My plans--clear, plain, reasonable, just,
loving and wise. R4551:4
It is not in the power of friends or enemies of the Lord to
change his purpose one iota. SM146:T
It is the privilege of the saints, who have laid aside their own
ways and thoughts, to thus think his thoughts. R1023:2,
R1024:5
Than your thoughts -- Your own will and plans. R961:6
All schemes of human origin are necessarily imperfect, like
their formulators. R921:3
Human reason is vastly inferior in scope and power to God's
reason. R1566:3
Returneth not thither -- In vain. R1030:4*
So shall my word be -- Including the Harvest Message.
R3883:3
That goeth forth -- Sent forth to Abraham, announcing the
blessing of all the families of the earth. SM90:2, R3052:1
Through Jesus--to gather out a people for his name, the Little
Flock, the Church. SM90:2; R256:6, R1023:6, R1079:6;
HG693:6
The Lord knoweth them that are his, and he knoweth how
best to bring them in contact with the truth. R2965:2
The going forth of the Word of the Lord in all ages must have
reference to the great end; as a man, building a home for
comfort, keeps that in mind in all stages of the building
process. R98:6*
My mouth -- Our Lord Jesus, the mouthpiece of Jehovah.
SM51:1
Not return unto me void -- God's Word shall be fulfilled.
OV184:T, OV86:T, R3598:4, R4347:3
It is certain that it will reach everyone for whom it was
intended. R690:5*
He has the wisdom to foreknow, prepare and plan for the
execution of his justice and love. Further, he has the divine
power to carry out all that his wisdom, justice and love have
planned. SM85:1
Divine wisdom has at all times been able to overrule the
wrath of man to serve him and the remainder to restrain, thus
causing all things to work out the divine purpose. R5263:1
It shall accomplish -- The world has not yet been
converted-proof that the Word has not been sent yet on that
mission. OV223:5; R256:6, R2376:2, R2396:4, R1710:4,
R4212:6, R1023:3; CR343:1; A95
Having begun the work of salvation, God has not abandoned
it and does not intend to abandon it. R2690:1
Nothing could come to pass contrary to divine permission;
although many things do come to pass contrary to divine law--
being permitted for wise purposes. OV33:2
Therefore whatever inharmonies we now see in nature must
be viewed as incidental to the preparations for the perfection
of all things which is not due until "the dispensation of the
fulness of times" (Eph. 1:10) following the Millennial reign
of Christ. R1560:3
Though men call God slack, supposing his promise to punish
the wicked never to be fulfilled, they overlook the fact that
1,000 years with men are as a day with God. R1364:5
While God has permitted the interruption of sin, he has not
permitted, nor does he purpose to permit, a failure of his
plans. R1267:4
As God has promised the Jubilee Restitution, so surely it will
come to pass--but there should be no breathless haste, but a
quiet, patient, faithful waiting on Jehovah. OV86:T
Contrary to the Calvinist concept of election. HG545:5
That which I please -- And is not regulated by prayers out
of accord with his purposes. R1999:2
It shall prosper -- Because of the one purpose of the one
God. E182
Because backed by perfect justice, love, wisdom and power.
E34
The consecrated have no plans of their own; they desire that
God's will shall be done. Since God's plan shall prosper, their
plan shall prosper; for his is theirs. R1383:5
Even while Satan imagines that he hinders. E485; HG433:2
Whereto I sent it -- Hence we know that it has not yet
been sent out to convert the world. A95
God cannot exercise his providence in a way detrimental to
his plan. R1560:1
It will gather his saints, those sanctified in heart. It will not
gather in the world. CR84:5
In this age, for the gathering out from among the mass of
mankind a peculiar people. R1023:6
It is now prospering in the work of selecting the Church; and,
by and by, it will prosper in the work of blessing all the
families of the earth. HG354:1
Nothing can alter the definite, fixed outlines of the divine
program. But the Lord has left certain of the filling in of our
experiences subject to modification. This is where prayer
enters in. R4347:3
It is one God who is operating under various circumstances
and by various means for the accomplishment of his own one
purpose. E182
Go out with joy -- Out of the prison of death. R542:2*
Be delivered with joy. SM85:1
Led forth with peace -- No longer suffer persecution.
R3597:5
God's purpose in sending forth his Word is the great
Restitution. R1023:3
Brought home in peace, by the Great Shepherd. SM85:1;
R3597:5
Mountains and the hills -- The ruling powers. R1024:4
Trees of the field -- The people. R1024:4
Instead of the thorn -- The wicked, who lurkingly seek to
injure the unwary. R3597:5, R1364:5; SM86.1
The fir tree -- An evergreen, symbolic of a man possessed
of everlasting life. R3597:5, R1364:5; SM86:1
Whose balsamic influence is healthful, giving a refreshing
effect. SM86:1
Of the brier -- Reaching forth to attack and ensnare those
attracted by its sweet odor typifying the wicked who now
flourish. R3597:6; SM86:1
The myrtle tree -- Beautiful and harmless. R3597:6
An evergreen; yields sweet perfume and berries that are a
delicacy. SM86:1
The fir and myrtle trees represent mankind during the
millennium yielding good influences and possessed of
everlasting life. SM86:1; R3597:6
And it -- The Lord's work of salvation for our race.
R3597:6
For a name -- To his glory and honor. R3597:6, R48:2*
The name given is made to refer to position or official
relationship, so that the position is meant when the word
"name" is used. R48:2*
An everlasting sign -- Of his greatness and goodness.
R3597:6, R1024:4
And do justice -- "Justice and judgment are the habitation
of thy throne." (Psa. 89:14) T124
A name better -- The name given is made to refer to
position or of official relationship, so that the position is
meant when the word "name" is used. R48:2*
My house -- The Temple then was merely a figure of a
greater Temple, the Church, which is now in preparation.
CR420:1; R5713:2
"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the
spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Cor. 3:16) R5713:2
House of prayer -- The glorified Church, symbolized by
the Temple with its Shekinah glory, will be the house of
prayer for all nations. R5713:6; CR457:2
Men will approach God through the glorified Church, in
which his presence will be manifested, and his mercy will be
available to all. R5714:1
Outcasts of Israel -- The publicans and sinners who heard
the Gospel message gladly, but whom the Scribes and
Pharisees rejected. R5004:6
His watchmen -- The clergy of today. R330:4, R717:3
Blind -- Of mental perception. R718:3
Because they hold the traditions of men, they cannot see the
great prize of our calling. R330:5
Describing the last, or Laodicean, stage of the Gospel house.
R717:3, R718:4
Are all ignorant -- Of the character and purposes of God.
R718:3
"Lo, they have rejected the Word of the Lord, and what
wisdom is in them?" (Jer. 8:9) C157
Failing to recognize, and therefore rejecting, the spiritual
King now present. C179
Dumb dogs -- D-- D--s. F287
They cannot bark -- Cannot speak faithfully for the
Master. R718:3
They refuse to awaken the household under their care to a
knowledge of Present Truth. R2674:5
Ministerial etiquette intimidating and sealing the lips of any
disposed to lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's
people their sins and dangers. R2106:1
Sleeping -- Dreaming or talking in their sleep. F287
Lying down -- Lazy. F287
Loving to slumber -- Loving ease. F287; HG712:6*
They are shepherds -- Ministers who outwardly pose as
God's servants but in reality are hypocrites. SM134:1
Hireling shepherds, "Whose own the sheep are not." (John
10: 12) D62; HG715:6
To their own way -- Or ism; turned away to fables and
science, falsely so-called. R718:3
Welfare, self-interest. F287, R330:4
For his gain -- High-sounding titles and lucrative church
appointments. R718:3, R3959:4; D61
"The priests thereof teach for hire." (Micah 3:11) F287
From his quarter -- His denomination or sect. C179;
D61; F287; R3449:3, R3748:2; HG715:3
And thou -- Israel, represented as a woman. E371
Wentest to the king -- Made alliance with earthly kings.
E371
Didst debase thyself -- Oblivious to the Lord and to the
principles of his truth and the righteousness which is of faith.
E372
Even unto hell -- Sheol, oblivion, becoming figuratively
dead. E371
Figurative of deep degradation. R2599:5
High and lofty One -- Jehovah. R5217:3
All who would be in harmony with God must be repentant in
respect to their own shortcomings and must be appreciative of
his lofty standards--his holy standards. R5218:4
Inhabiteth eternity -- Before the mountains were brought
forth, or the hills, before the First-born was created, he is
God. R5217:3
Contrite -- Quiet, deep, continual sorrow for acts not in
harmony with righteousness. R5217:6
Our great and lofty God is particularly sympathetic toward
those of a broken and contrite heart. R5217:3
Humble spirit -- This humble, discouraged condition
becomes a favorable one if the person will seek divine
assistance. R5218:1
The lowly estate in the present life is only the necessary
discipline to fit one for the glory and service of the time to
come. R2139:5*
The aristocracy of the present age will not be the aristocracy
of the new dispensation, but the poor in spirit will reign with
Christ for the blessing of all the families of the earth.
R2139:4*
Revive the spirit -- Give strength and assist in the right
way. R5217:6
Of the humble -- Only the humble-minded can really
appreciate their own condition. God will not only revive their
spirit, but make them again sons of God, with all that this
implies. R5218:4
To revive the heart -- To such he is ever near, to revive
and give them strength. R5217:6
This text applies not only to the present time, but will also
have an application in the next age. R5218:5
Contrite ones -- To be repentant is to be thoroughly
submissive to the divine will, and implies a change of mental
attitude toward sin. R5218:1
Cast up mire and dirt -- "A froward man soweth strife,
and a whisperer separateth chief friends." (Prov. 16:28)
R2038:4
No peace... to the wicked -- The peace, joy, rejoicing,
blessing, comfort in the Scriptures are only for the Lord's
beloved ones. SM334:i
Cry aloud -- Point out what the Scriptures have to say.
R5630:5
Attacking errors of doctrine unsparingly, though in kindly
terms. HG558:2
It is not now necessary or proper to cry aloud in the streets, or
at the churches. R5631:3
Like a trumpet -- Sound the trumpet of truth. R1476:5
Shew my people -- Point out to Christendom of today their
error as we have opportunity. R5630:3, R1158:1
But it would not be very well to go about berating them or
anybody. R5630:3
These faithful reprovers are generally abused as enemies.
R577:4; CR351:5
Their transgression -- Their attitude calls for sympathy,
pity and tender help over their misunderstandings rather than
for abuse and cutting and lashing sarcasm. R1158:1
Calling attention to the fact that there is hypocrisy practiced
in the name of religion. R5631:3
House of Jacob -- A distinguishing term referring
exclusively to the Jews, God's ancient covenant people.
R5630:3
Point out to the Jews the reason w they are in their present
cast off condition. R5630:3
Seek me daily -- Apparently, but actually there is great
zeal for the traditions of men. R5630:6
Guide thee continually -- Ask him to guide you; and, with
no will of your own, no choice as to the pathway, trusting
everything to God, silently waiting to hear his voice, it will be
given you to know his will. R590:5*
Doing thy pleasure -- Christian sabbath keeping is to
refrain from doing our own ways, finding our own pleasures
and speaking our own words--every day. HG583:5*
Thine own ways -- That certain ways are our own ways
should be no excuse for retaining them if they are not right.
R705:3
They -- The man-made systems of our day. R718:6
Cockatrice' eggs -- Adders' eggs--Satan's lies. R718:6
Crushed -- Analyzed. R718:6
Viper -- infidelity and Spiritualism, the progeny of Satan.
R718:6
Truth is fallen -- Truth has been covered and error has
been advanced, accepted and acted upon. R767:1
In the street -- Of Babylon, Christendom. R767:1
There was no man -- "None righteous, no not one."
(Rom. 3:10) E96
No intercessor -- "None of them can redeem his brother."
(Psa. 49:7) E96
His arm -- Christ Jesus. E47; R765:2*, R1075:3*
Brought salvation -- When there was no eye to pity and
no arm to deliver us God sent his Son for our redemption.
R4792:6, R4963:6
Of vengeance -- Our time, and the years of trouble before
us. R4265:6
Righteous indignation against wrong. SM420:4
Repay recompence -- Some fearful calamity awaits her,
the full measure of just retribution; she is to receive a "double
for all her sins." (Isa. 40:2) D39
Like a flood -- Permitting the Adversary to bring in error
like a flood. R2875:6
Spirit of the LORD -- Throughout the Gospel age, at the
hands of spiritual Israel. D558
Lift up a standard -- The ransom. R642:5
The Vow. R4251:2, R4236:3, R4265:6, R4228:2
This text is variously rendered in different translations, but
the one furnished in our Common Version seems to fit all the
conditions better than any of the others. R4266:1
The specializing of several features of our consecration will
enable many to "resist the devil that he may flee from thee."
(Jas. 4:7) R4236:3
The Redeemer -- Gaal, one who sets free by avenging or
repaying. E438
The Deliverer. D558
Shall come to Zion -- The Church, the Body of Christ.
D558
In Jacob -- Among fleshly Israel. D557, D558
Is my covenant --The language of this verse shows that the
Law covenant is still in force upon natural Israel. R1730:1
Arise, shine -- Has a double application-first to spiritual
Israel, and second, to Israel after the flesh. R2036:1,
R2372:5
"Arise, give light." R1746:6
Beginning to be spoken to natural Israel in 1878. R107:2*
Reminding us of our Lord's counsel to Mary after his
resurrection. When she would linger in his presence he
reminded her to bear the good tidings to the other disciples.
R2036:6
Through the secondary instrumentality of the fleshly seed of
Abraham shall all the nations of the world be blessed.
R1746:6
God's message to fleshly Israel at the dawn of the Millennial
age. R1747:1
The prophet calls upon the saints to shine now; all who have
been enlightened by the Harvest Message. R2036:2
Thy light is come -- "The Sun of Righteousness," the Lord
Jesus at his second advent. R2036:1
Light, to Israel, was the hope of the resurrection. That hope is
not yet realized, "waiting for the completion of the
resurrection of Christ." R751:2*
The Bride (as part of the "Sun of Righteousness"). R238:2*,
R2037:4
The Lamb (Head and Body) is the light thereof. (Rev. 21:23)
R244:1*
When the finished Temple of God shall displace the present
tabernacle. R1982:2
Behold, the darkness -- Confused regarding the plan of
God; from the standpoint of human creeds. CR267:2; A18
Evidenced by the some 600 sects of Christian people, besides
other sects of other religious people. CR267:2
Cover the earth -- Civilized society. R3686:2; CR227:4
And will continue to do so until all the members of the
Church, the "Body" of the great High Priest, shall have first
gone beyond the second veil (actual death) into the Most Holy
by resurrection change. T90
Of the world's population of 1,424,000,000 (1883) nearly
two-thirds are still total heathen, and the remainder are mostly
Mohammedan or followers of great apostate churches.
R535:2*
The entire 6,000 years of the reign of sin, from Adam's
disobedience until the establishment of the reign of Christ,
has been a night time. HG433:3
Satan is "the ruler of the darkness of this world." (Eph. 6:12)
A68
But the world is not always to remain in this condition. "The
morning cometh." (Isa. 21:12) A21
And gross darkness -- "The god of this world hath blinded
the minds of them that believe not." (2 Cor. 4:4) T90;
R2122:6
There are different shades of darkness. R5099:5; CR220:5
The majority are not able to see the desirability of the truth.
R5338:3
Notwithstanding the faithfulness of Jesus and a few
lightbearers. R4987:6
Human affairs have become demoralized by the darkness of
ignorance and superstition. R5097:2
God's people have need to take heed to every step. CR251:4
The people -- The heathen. R3686:2; CR220:4;
SM240:2, SM435:2
Glory shall be seen -- The bow of promise; the Lord
comes while yet darkness covers the earth. A18; R2036:2
There is a refractive light and influence wherever the Lord's
saints reside. SM699:T
When, by and by, we shall shine in the glory of the Kingdom
for the blessing of the whole world. R2036:5
And the Gentiles -- The nations of the earth in general, the
heathen. A18, R535:1
Not only the living Gentiles. but also the living Jews, shall
come to the light and blessing of the Millennial Kingdom.
R2402:4
Come to thy light -- Applies to spiritual Israel; also to
fleshly Israel restored to favor. D638
After the resurrection of the Church. Christ will be revealed
in glory and light to Israel. They shall fall before him and go
out as a people through whom God will lighten the Gentiles.
R751:3*
From Israel the light will shine out which will bring the
chastened world to its knees and usher in the pouring out of
the spirit of holiness "upon all flesh." D639
The world will be given time to see in Israel the operation of
divine government, in contrast with anarchy, so that the
majority of all nations shall desire the Kingdom rule. D638
None shall be permitted to languish in darkness or fail of
eternal life by reason of lack of knowledge, but in due time all
the blind eyes shall be opened. R2409:1
And kings -- Earth's principal ones. D638
And thy daughters -- "And I will give them (Sodom and
Samaria) unto thee for daughters." (Ezek. 16:61) D638
Then -- During the Millennial age. E23
Thou shalt see -- A glorious day of opening blinded eyes.
D638
Flow together -- Be filled with light. D638
Thine heart shall fear -- Heart shall be awed. D638
God does not desire the service of fear, except that filial fear
which is inspired by love, which dreads to incur his
displeasure or to be ungrateful for his favors. R829:6*
The abundance -- Now. however, the great Fisherman has
no special use for any more or other than one kind of fish.
R920:2
Of the sea -- The anarchistic masses. D638
Shall be converted -- His enemies shall fall before him.
They will be enemies no more. It is the error that made them
enemies--the falsehood. HG272:6
The forces of -- The best of the Gentiles. D638
Gates shall be open -- Compare with Isa. 26:2 and Rev. 21:24-26. R1951:1, R2338:3
My sanctuary -- All mankind's blessings (Rev. 21:3-5)
will result from the establishment of God's residence or
sanctuary among men. T76
I will make -- At about this time we are to expect
wonderful contortions of nature and some radical changes in
earth's conditions to make it more adapted to the wants of
man during the Millennial age and throughout eternity.
HG400:6
The place of my feet -- "Earth is my footstool." (Isa. 66:1)
T76; R1874:5, R286:2, R5060:5, R5078:4, R5364:4,
R5839:1, R6013:5
The promises of God to the children of Isaac and Jacob are
not heavenly or spiritual, but earthly. SM504:T
Glorious -- The restored earth. D647, SM37:3, SM389:2,
SM504:T, OV351:1
Paradise restored will no longer be a garden merely, but the
whole earth. SM503:2; OV351:1; HG435:2
When the Kingdom is set up. R5058:1, R4768:1, R5839:1
The city of the LORD -- Earthly or heavenly Jerusalem.
R56:1*
The Zion -- Not only the earthly Jerusalem is called Zion,
but also the heavenly. (Heb. 12:18, 22) R56:5*
And thy Redeemer -- Author of the divine plan of
redemption. E33
Walls Salvation -- Symbolic of protection and security.
R333:6
The salvation walls rest securely on the finished redemption--
the completed foundation as expressed by Jesus, the apostles
and prophets. (Eph. 2:20) R333:6
Of my planting -- The Vine of Jehovah's right-hand
planting. R3544:3, R3806:5
"I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Husbandman.",
(John 15:1) R3544:2
The Spirit -- The holy Spirit, the power of God. R5588:2,
R240:4, R5068:4; E169
Not a "ghost," or a person in any sense. E169
Leaders of the Lord's people must have first, a knowledge of
the Lord's Word, and, second, the possession of a good degree
of the spirit of the truth. R5982:5
Divine truth comes to us with all the authority of its divine
author. R2057:2
Many today, ignoring the divine test, looking merely to
education and talents, are serving as ministers in the church of
Christ who would make no profession of being spirit-begotten
and give no outward evidence thereof. R5940:2
Of the Lord GOD -- Not another god, but it was the
Father's spirit that was communicated to our Lord Jesus.
E169
Is upon me -- To all appearances the prophet was the
person meant. Yet, when Jesus points out its fulfilment in
himself (Luke 4:18) we see that in him its conditions were
fully met. R436:2
Jesus quoted this prophecy in Luke 4:18 and applied it to
himself and his work. R240:1
The Christ, Head and Body. F276; R5971:5, R311:6;
PD73/87
From the time of Jesus' baptism. R3300:5, R5291:6,
R5536:2, R1715:2; CR436:2
We are begotten of the spirit, as was he. R5536:5
Hath anointed me -- The word "anointed" is used in the
sense of ordination. R5536:2
The word "Christ" signifies "the Anointed." CR458:3
To Jesus it was a witness that his sacrifice was accepted,
evidence that he would receive the divine nature, and it
enabled him to know and do the Father's will. R240:4
The anointing of the Church is for a work yet future, in the
next age. R5537:1
Illustrated in the anointing of the typical High Priest, the oil
poured on the head only and running down to the skirts of his
garments-showing how all true Christians come under the
anointing of their Head. (Psa. 133:2) R1715:3, R5536:5,
R5971.6
This is the only divinely authorized commission that was ever
given to any man to preach the Gospel. R1715:2, R4307:5,
R5536:2, R5537:2, R5940:1, R5893:2, R2925:5, R5807:3
The Church, Head and Body, is God's Anointed. CR460:4;
OV161:T, R3436:1, R5536:5
Although this did not come directly upon the Church until
Pentecost, they had a foretaste of it in that the Lord conferred
upon them a share of his holy Spirit power when he sent them
out to preach. F212
Every member--male and female. R1549:1, R1083:1*
Only partially fulfilled at our Lord's first advent; its complete
fulfilment is due now, in his Day; but we should not expect
all of its fulfilment in the first dawn of the Day. R629:5
The commission of the apostles was in the main, the same as
the commission of the Lord and the whole Church. It was to
preach the Gospel of the Kingdom. R1521:5, R1972:3
The burying of the dead, the administration of baptism, the
administering of the elements of the Lord's Supper--any of the
brethren may perform for another. R1017:3*
As the oil in the type should be composed of things that none
should ever have except the High Priest and the king; so God
represented that he would anoint certain ones with the holy
Spirit for a special purpose. CR459:6
With God, human ordination counts for nothing. R5537:2,
R296:1, R5363:2; PD73/87
To preach -- The commission of The Christ is one of
service. F212
Everyone who receives the holy Spirit is ordained to preach.
R5588:2, R5940:1, R537:2; F276; CR343:3; Q514:2
The chief business of life. R3211:1, R1440:4, R942:4,
R334:6
We should rejoice in the privilege of proclaiming the good
tidings. R5537:3
Applies to every member of The Christ. R5698:3, R2057:3,
R2157:1*, R646:1, R537:2, R335:1, R241:3
R6023:3*, R5363:2, R5956:6, R768:6, R1575:4, R1720:6:
R1891:2, R1917:5; F242
None can be of the Anointed body except they be preachers to
the extent of their ability or talent. R812:3*, R942:4,
R1917:5, R5893:2
The spirit of the Anointed one is not designed to qualify you
for any work except preaching--in some sense, in action or
word. R311:6
But it is of very great importance that we consider well what,
when, how, where, and to whom, we may preach. R646:2
As the Master did not give his time to temperance or social or
political reform, but rather to the instruction of the people in
the doctrines of the Word--so let us be content to follow him
in this matter. OV260:6
Preaching is not always public declaration; every influence
that we can send out within our talents is preaching the
Gospel. R1917:5, R5893:4
One limitation of the Apostle is that the sisters are not to
teach in public. R5588:2
Good tidings -- God's grace, mercy and peace through
Jesus--to all who have an ear to hear. R3211:1, R241:2,
R335:1, R5740:4
The Gospel of the Kingdom. R1521:5, R1714:3; E378
Good news in two parts: Of restitution, resurrection, as well
as the great prize of the high calling. R241:2
Including private conversations with neighbors and friends.
R5956:3
We are not commissioned to teach other matters than the one
Gospel, but we may use every other subject to introduce the
plan. R1440:4
Let those who have not the Gospel, but who have merely a
message of reformation, preach political reforms, social
reforms, moral reforms. R2965:6
Unlike John the Baptist, it is not the duty of the Lord's people
to go through the world rebuking sin, but preaching the
Gospel. R3326:2
Unto the meek -- Those willing and able to hear; the poor.
R241:4, R629:4, R2310:5, R3200:6
The meek alone can, or shall, see the Present Truth. E90;
CR386:1; R445:5*, R795:2, R935:6, R956:6
Meek enough to receive the good tidings by faith. R1714:3
We are to seek those who are feeling after the Lord, not
satisfied with the things of the world, and are teachable.
R5537:2, R1468:4; CR386:1
Our Lord's teachings only convinced the meek, and only such
he expected to receive them. R1059:3
Lovers of righteousness-only such were accounted worthy of
it. R1557:3
As the work of the first advent began in the synagogues of the
Jews, so now the truths of the new dispensation belong to the
Christian first before going to the world in general. R1461:4
Not the proud, arrogant, hard-hearted, profane, rebellious and
indifferent. E488; R1465:6, R1461:4, R5537:2, R2965:6
As soon as you find that the person you are talking with is not
meek, you should draw off. Don't antagonize him or try to
give him an ear. Q512:2
"The meek will he guide in judgment; the meek will he teach
his way." (Psa. 25:9) R3103:3
To bind up -- Jesus' footstep-followers are authorized to
do the work of a good physician and bind up the
brokenhearted. SM264:1
In many instances the broken heart needs to be touched with
the application of the healing balm of grace and truth, but the
touches should be gentle. If more breaking of the heart is
necessary it is not for us to do. R4131:2
The message of the Lord's lips at the present time are not
arrows (Psa. 45:5), nor the sword--but an invitation to rest.
(Matt. 11:28-30) SM53:1
The brokenhearted -- Our mission is not to break hearts,
but to heal broken ones. R3436:1, R5521:2, R5537:1,
R2965:6, R3326:3; Q512:2; SM265:2
With the message of divine mercy; that the Kingdom will
bring order, peace and joy. R5449:1, R1714:3
Sin is breaking the hearts of thousands--through man's
disappointment in himself and his own ambitions, efforts,
friends, business and pleasure. SM266:T
The Church's special work in blessing and comforting the
world will be in the Kingdom. R5537:1
To proclaim liberty -- A return to their former estate,
restitution. A112; R241:1; SM504:1
Freedom from evil, maladies and death. R241:1, R816:3
In the antitypical Jubilee--in the type the setting free of every
debtor and the return of everyone to his home foreshadowed
the return of all mankind to liberty--to freedom from sin and
its tyranny. R1055:6; CR113:6
The healing and setting at liberty a few from the prison-house
of death at the first advent was merely a foretaste of the
grander work at the second advent. R2310:5, R5068:5
After sin and Satan are destroyed men can be entrusted fully
with the precious boon of liberty; and the liberty of one will
not infringe upon the liberties of another. R1737:6
To the captives -- Of sin, ignorance and superstition.
R4793:3, R2310:5, R5068:4, R240:6
Captives of sin, receiving daily its wages--dying by inches
and entering the great prison-house, the tomb. R1086:1
In death. A112; R1714:6, R1086:1, R4793:2
All are prisoners: some in the grave and some not yet
entombed. R838:6, R1055:6
And the opening -- The resurrection from the dead.
CR113:6; R4553:1, R4793:2
"I have the keys of death." (Rev. 1:18) E378; SM32:T,
HG497:4
Christ is to deliver death's prisoners. He did not do so at his
first advent, but will in due time set at liberty all the captives,
opening the prison doors of hades (the tomb). R458:4*
They will all come forth to trial--not on Adam's sin, nor on
account of things done while under the Adamic penalty, but
to a new trial for life on their own responsibility. R3372:1
Of the prison -- The great prison-house of death. E422;
SM504:1, SM611:1; R303:5, R474:4, R240:6, R838:6
"All that are in their graves shall hear his voice and shall
come forth." (John 5:28, 29) R2613:3, R4552:6
This cannot refer to a literal release from prison at the first
advent because John the Baptist was not released. HG130:3
Jesus did not deliver death's prisoners at the first advent.
R458:4, R816:6; SM32:T, HG143:3, HG497:4
He did not preach a discharge of all culprits in states' prisons.
This would not be "good news." R240:6
To them that are bound -- Captives of death. R303:6
The acceptable year -- Time, period, the Gospel age,
during which God will accept joint-sacrificers with Jesus.
R3301:1, R241:5, R1714:6, R4505:2, R5068:5, R4535:3;
SM48:2
And -- At the word "and" between "Lord" and "the" the
Gospel age parenthesis comes in. HG52:5
The day of vengeance -- Those who come into conflict
with God's laws reap the penalty of their own course. A308
Time of fire, or purifying trouble. R241:6
We are on the very eve of this great Day of Vengeance.
R5537:5
World War I is the one predicted in the Scriptures as
associated with the "Day of Vengeance." R5601:2
Not the thought of divine malice; but violators of God's laws
reaping the penalty of their own course. A308
It is part of the good news only because we are able to
recognize the blessed results God intends shall follow
afterward. R241:6
Also called the "year of my redeemed." (Isa. 63:4) R116:1*
Jesus omitted reading this part of the prophecy; it was not
then due; but it is now. R5537:5, R287:3, R757:3,
R1714:3,6, R241:6, R59:2*, R1917:6; A218
Jesus and the apostles had an important work in proclaiming
the "good tidings of good," but only the "feet of him" are
privileged to say "unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isa. 52:7)
R757:3, R287:3
To comfort -- By the "Comforter, the holy Spirit" (John
14:26), "Through the comfort of the Scriptures." (Rom. 15:4)
R2665:1
One of the features of our commission as ambassadors of the
Lord. R5537:4
With the knowledge that their sins are forgiven, and that God
is very sympathetic. R2664:6
The children of God have had their own hearts bound up and
healed by the Great Physician, hence they know where to
direct longing hearts who need the balm which only God can
give. R5537:4
Communicated by members of the Church one to another:
"Wherefore comfort one another." (1 Thes. 4:18) R2665:2
All that mourn -- The vast majority of mankind. R2664:2
In the end of the time of trouble the whole world will be
comforted by the Lord's reign. R1715:1
To appoint -- To promise. R241:2, R2664:5
The great Millennial work is foreshown in verse 3. R1917:6
Them that mourn in Zion -- The wheat class in nominal
Zion have often painfully observed the spirit of the world
operating through the tare element. D30; R5537:4, R1441:2,
R1715:2, R1493:3
The Lord's people in the present life have a ministry of
comfort to perform. R2665:4, R5537:4
Not only to Zion, the consecrated Church, but to all that
mourn, the repentant. R2664:2, R241:2
To give unto them -- In the New Day dawning. HG615:3
Beauty -- The beauty of the resurrection. R3436:1
The completeness and symmetry of divine truth. R1715:2
For ashes -- The ashes of death. R3436:1
Of human creeds. R1715:2
The oil of joy -- The message of grace. R5537:4, R241:2,
R2664:6, R5133:5
Symbol of the spirit. R241:2
Thus the "Little Flock" is promised a share in the same
anointing as their Head, Jesus. R241:2
Garment of praise -- Even the lovingkindness of our God.
R3436:1
The glories which the Lord has promised by and by. R3436:1
Spirit of heaviness -- Induced by the unsatisfying human
creeds. R1715:1
Disappointments, sorrows and troubles of this present time.
R3436:1
Trees of righteousness -- Not undeveloped sprouts, but
those that have grown and matured. R5559:1
And they shall -- In the Times of Restitution. E23
Build the old wastes -- Prophetic of the rebuilding of
natural Israel. R1044:1
For your shame -- Verses 7 to 11 relate to the Messianic
Kingdom. R2372:5
I will greatly rejoice -- The Anointed Body. R1948:6
Be joyful in my God -- Even in the present life. R1948:3
Garments of salvation -- An expression that can be used
interchangeably with the "robe of righteousness." Q603:2
Our salvation is not complete but begun in the sense that we
are already counted as on the Lord's side. Q603:2
Covered me -- He covers our unwilling imperfections by
the robe of Christ's righteousness. R5073:1
Robe of righteousness -- Justification; as necessary to the
noblest as to the most degraded. Q603:2
For Zion's sake -- The typical Zion is the Jewish nation;
and the antitypical Zion is the glorified Christ. Thus the
blessings of the Church, on the spirit plane, will have their
counterpart on the earthly plane with the Ancient Worthies.
R4913:3
A new name -- "She shall be called, "Jehovah our
Righteousness or the Righteousness of Jehovah." (Jer. 33:16)
R4913:3
Crown of glory -- Each jewel will be placed in its
particular setting by Jehovah. "God hath set the members in
the body." (1 Cor. 12:18) R4913:6; HG607:1
Royal diadem -- A lamp. R1389:1
A beautiful ornament in the divine hand. R4913:3; CR333:2
Our Lord Jesus was the first setting in this great diadem,
followed by his members. R4913:6
The "crown" and "diadem" express practically the same
thought, the repetition making the sentiment doubly
impressive. A diadem is a crown. HG606:6
Set in the gold of the divine nature. OV424:4
Hand of thy God -- The Church, in the hand of our God, is
to be exhibited to angels and to men as a marvelous piece of
workmanship. OV424:4; R4914:1; CR333:2; HG606:6
God rejoice over thee -- Jehovah will rejoice over the
restored land of Israel. R1389:1
I have set watchmen -- Prophets and others--God's care.
R1795:6
We examine with close scrutiny the words and
communications of the brethren who labor among us, for God
hath set them as watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem. (Words
fitly spoken, commanding our attention and respect--Editor.)
R309:1*,6
Jerusalem -- The heavenly and the earthly. R309:1*
Through the gates -- In the Millennia] Kingdom the
gates of faithful obedience will be clearly seen and easily
accessible to all. R1771:5
Prepare ye -- Ye: the true Church. B31; R1771:3
Preparations for the incoming age. No provision for the
proud, haughty, self-conscious, but all for the humble-minded.
R5218:5; E240
Cast up the highway -- "And an highway shall be there."
(Isa. 35:8) A215-218; R1055:3, E240
Not a "narrow way" of sacrifice, for the day of sacrifice will
be past. E240
That highway will lead to the perfection of human nature.
R860:4
The mountain of difficulty shall be leveled and the valleys of
despair and discouragement shall be filled up. R1772:6
The Millennial King's highway will have an upward grade. R1772:5, R1771:5
Gather out the stones -- The stumbling stones, error,
temptation. etc. A217; R1248:2, R860:2, R3673:5,
R2610:2, R542:4*
None of the licensed (or unlicensed) evils of the present day
will find a place under the glorious reign of righteousness.
R1248:2, R1520:6
Lift up a standard -- The true standard--the "cross of
Christ," the "Ransom." R3673:5
The truth. A217
Pointing to the outcome of God's plan. B31
Time, talent, money, should be spent in lifting up the truth.
R1029:4
The Vow represents a very high standard of Christian living.
R4266:1
For the people -- "We are made a spectacle unto the
world." (1 Cor. 4:9) Q744:T, F231
Salvation cometh -- Jesus fulfilled this prophecy and that
of Zech. 9:9 when he rode into Jerusalem upon the ass.
(Matt. 21:5) R3850:6
With the second advent of the Lord. F664
Who is this -- The Prophet takes his standpoint down at
the end of the Harvest of the Gospel age. D14
That cometh from Edom -- Christendom. D15
Corresponding to the symbolic Babylon of Revelation, Isaiah,
Jeremiah and Ezekiel. D17
An appropriate symbol for a class who, in this age, have
similarly sold their birthright for a consideration as trifling as
the mess of pottage which influenced Esau. D15
From Bozrah -- The capital of Edom. The word means
"sheepfold." It is even yet noted for its goats. Hence a type
of ecclesiasticism. D17
Glorious in his apparel -- Clothed with authority and
power. D14
I that speak -- The King of kings and Lord of lords, our
blessed Redeemer and Lord Jesus. D17
Mighty to save -- Jesus was such because he was sinless.
E96
I have trodden -- This work has already (1915) begun in
the present European war which is growing in severity and
awfulness day by day. R5698:1
The winepress -- The last work of this eventful "Harvest"
period, the last feature of the great time of trouble. D18
The great conflict is before us. R5697:6
Alone -- Divine, not human power, is to overthrow the
nations. There will be no human Alexander, Caesar or
Napolean to bring order out of the confusion. D18
None with me -- In our Lord's saddest hour it was not
possible for even his closest earthly friends to enter into his
feelings. R3886:4, R2467:2, R4428:6, R4701:3, R5550:6
Not one who understood the circumstances and conditions
and who could share his grief by offer of sympathy,
encouragement or consolation. F438, F478
With us it is different--we have the fellow-members of the
Body. F478
Because he alone had been begotten of the holy Spirit.
SM218:3; R4707:5; Q703:2
Day of vengeance -- "It is the day of the Lord's vengeance
and the year of recompence for the controversy of Zion."
(Isa. 34:8) R3841:5
The time of trouble. D11
The natural result of not heeding the Lord's instructions.
A309
The pulling down of the old dispensation. B222
The Day of Wrath is included in the Gospel Harvest, in the
closing ministry of Christ. R115:6*
From this text Hebraists evolve, by what they term "Raise
Teboth," the sentence: "All Judah shall hear and behold the
fall of Nicholas, emperor of Muscovy, on account of the
oppression of the children of Judah, and after happening our
fall will happen our real redemption, and near at hand for the
children of Judah will be the good tidings of the Tishbite
prophet." R615:6*; C264
And the year -- Or time. R3841:5
Of my redeemed -- "For the year of my redeemed is
come"-vengeance follows immediately upon the completion
of the "Little Flock." R247:5
The establishment of the new dispensation. B222; R1385:6
At the same time destruction comes to one class redemption
comes to the other. R1385:6
Hebraists evolve, "When Nicholas reigns redemption comes."
C264
Mine own arm -- My own power. D18
Salvation -- God's sympathy was manifested in the
promise to Abraham, that one of his posterity would be the
Savior of the world. R4963:6
Drunk -- Intoxication of error, false doctrines and theories.
R4287:3
He was afflicted -- The Lord's consecrated people belong
so completely to him that in all their afflictions he is afflicted.
R5173:3
Our Lord was not sick with ordinary maladies. His perfect
organism was proof against special diseases. It would appear
that his healing of diseases exhausted his vitality, leaving
upon him the weight of our sicknesses. R4138:3
Saved them -- Applies merely to the overcoming Church
of the first-born, typified by the first-born of Israel spared at
the time of the first passover. R2911:6
Prepared for him -- Jesus has gone to prepare them a
place in the Father's house on high--a very different one than
the place for man, earth. R4675:1, R4966:2
A heavenly salvation for the Church, the Bride of Christ.
R4966:2
Our righteousnesses -- Unless covered by the merit of
Christ. E445
God uses his righteousness for us, the wedding garment of all
his people. Q604:4
As filthy rags -- All endeavors toward righteousness on
our part aside from the merit of Christ. E445
It would be a fearful thing for us to stand trial before God in
our own righteousness. R1261:3, R1392:1
Mine elect -- Jesus. the Head and the Church, his Body.
R3587:4
Ye did not answer -- Israel's rejection of Messiah.
OV76:T
Vexation of spirit -- From a broken spirit ye shall howl.
OV76:T
Blesseth himself -- All nations shall bless themselves in
becoming Abraham's seed in coming into relationship with
the Kingdom of Israelitish basis. R5810:1
For, behold -- Verses 17 to 25 give a prophetic view of the
Millennial reign of Christ. R4411:1*
I create -- The Lord speaks of Restitution as a new
creation. R604:3*
He that was able to create is also able to recreate those once
completely destroyed. R604:5*
New heavens -- Spiritual ruling powers. R631:1,
R3312:5; PD94/108
Christ and the Church, reigning. Q580:2; PD94/108
And a new earth -- Human society. R3312:5; PD94/108;
Q580:2
Mankind regenerated, or brought to life again. R631:1,
R604:6*
And the former -- Having been "removed like a cottage."
(Isa. 24:19, 20) D558
Not be remembered -- We will try to forget all those
things of death and imperfection. Q580:3
Nor come into mind -- The grandest earthly arrangements
today would seem so trivial you would want to forget all
about them, the things in the future being so far superior to
these. Q581:7
Jerusalem -- The earthly phase of the Kingdom. A297
A rejoicing -- Because of the exaltation of the Body of
Christ to Kingdom power and glory. R1649:4
No more thence -- Conditions under Messiah's reign will
be very different than at present. OV127:2
An infant of days -- No infant shall be born to die in a few
days, as many do now. All shall come to maturity. R631:1,
R5218:6; Q492:2; OV127:1
Nor an old man -- The old man who died and will be
brought back to life again will have just the same chance as
the infant in that age--the full length of his probation. R631:2
Not filled his days -- He might, at the very least, by
obedience to the laws of Messiah's Kingdom, live to the
conclusion of the Millennium. HG232:5; E478
The shortest period of probation in the next age will be one
hundred years. R631:2, R1649:5
The child shall die -- "As a lad shall one die." (Leeser)
A144
They will be but "children," partially developed. R1261:6
Spoken of as children compared to those who will live on and
become perfect. R4986:2, R631:2, R283:4, R3556:4*;
OV127:2
But an infant, at 100 years of age, as in the antediluvian age.
R3066:5
Just as, before the flood, when the average life was between
600 and 900 years, anyone dying at 100 would have been
dying practically in childhood. Q492:2 OV127:4
The Second Death, because of having failed to benefit by the
opportunities given to them. R2304:3, R1261:3
We may be sure that torture will not needlessly be inflicted on
such. OV131:5
Electrocution will be the method used. OV131:5
Similarly, in olden times, Aaron's two sons violated their
relationship with God and were smitten to death with an
electric flash. OV131:5
The decision of some individual cases will be reached long
before the end of the age; but in each age there is a "Harvest"
or general separating time in the end of the age. R2606:2
The trial for life or death will proceed during all the
Millennial age--throughout all that thousand-year judgment
day. R4986:4, R2980:2
100 years old -- Thus all are granted at least 100 years of
trial. A144; OV129:4; R631:2
The extreme limit of reasonable mercy. OV129:4
Ample time for the world to see whether they will make even
a little progress upward. R4986:4
After this, if there is a tendency to hold on, to appreciate and
make use of the divine favors, "A bruised reed he will not
break." (Isa. 42:3) R1772:5
Restitution blessings will recover mankind from
the effect of the fall, so that it shall be
as in Adam's day-full human maturity will be reached in a
century, and a man dying then would be dying in childhood.
OV128:2
Before one can then make progress he must enter into the
New covenant and formally purpose to come into line with
the requirements of the great King. R5240:4, R5388:5
Without receiving all the benefits of the Millennial reign--
simply because he refused to avail himself of them. R1426:4
Four times the period of mature experience in the present
time. R1261:6
Not a guarantee--he may die sooner if sufficiently wilful or
disobedient; but he may prolong his life, if in a measure
disobedient, for 100 years, but no longer. Q201:2, Q492:2
But the sinner -- Who makes no progress toward
perfection under full light and opportunity. A144, A242;
R1649:5, R4794:1, R3066:5; CR376:3
Who, after reasonable trial would oppose the rule of the
Kingdom in any particular. F709; R4986:1, R5240:4,
R5388:5
The wilfully rebellious sinner. R5442:3; OV127:2; Q201:2;
HG148:4
None out of Christ will be made alive, fully resurrected,
though all experience the awakening from death and a trial to
prove their worthiness or unworthiness. R1592:4
He dies for his own sin, not for Adam's, as Adamic sin and
Adamic Death have been cancelled. He dies the Second
Death. R631:2
Sin and death go hand in hand, and neither shall be destroyed
until the end of the thousand years. R10:3*
Shall be -- The decision of some individual cases will be
reached long before the end of the Millennial age. R2606:2
Accursed -- Cut off from life. D643; R2051:4, R4986:2;
SM172:1; Q492:2
If any who prove faithful during the first hundred years
should then oppose righteousness, such would be cut off.
R4986:2
One may die sooner than a hundred years if sufficiently wilful
and disobedient. Q201:2
The sinner shall be accursed who dieth a hundred years old.
R2063:5. R4986:2
The new Kingdom will have abundant power to execute
summary sentence in the punishment of evildoers, when they
have determined to act, but before they have done injury to
others. D633
In the Second Death--destruction--from which there is to be
no ransom and no resurrection. R1772:1
Not sent to eternal torment. OV131:2
And they shall -- Earthly blessings to Abraham's natural
seed, and through Israel to all nations. R4956:6, R329:5,
R1227:5, R5575:1, R4966:2
Build houses -- Instead of witnessing to them, as to us, that
houses and lands must be forsaken to gain a heavenly
inheritance. R376:6
In the Times of Restitution. (Acts 3:21) R2323:5
Improved and cultivated homesteads. R1649:5
Earthly blessings. R4956:6; Q282:2
Not according to a fixed, common idea so that everyone will
be exactly equal in convenience, elegance or tastefulness, but
each may work out his own ideas and enjoy the results.
R1326:6
There will not be rich nor poor. There will be socialism in
the proper sense. OV186:2
And inhabit them -- The individual right of property will
be respected. R1326:5
Another inhabit -- There will be no such thing as a
landlord in the coming age. R2904:2, R6013:4, R1649:5;
SM791:1; OV1862
Days of a tree -- "They shall renew their strength." (Isa.
40:31) R1649:5
It is believed that some trees live to be at least a thousand
years old. OV128:3
Mine elect -- All the faithful and obedient then. R1649:5
Shall long enjoy -- Shall make them continue long
(Margin). R3597:4
God's provision for restored Israel and all the families of the
earth, but not for the Church. R4966:2
The everlasting possession of the land promised to Abraham.
R1652:4
Every hope held forth to the Jew is earthly. OV118:1
Nor bring forth -- Seems to indicate that childbearing will
continue for some time into the Millennial age, if not up to
within 100 years or so of its close. R4411:2*
For trouble -- "Unto an early death." (Leeser) R4411:2*
They -- A human class and under the administration of the
Kingdom. Q426:5
Are the seed -- The children. R1649:5
Blessed of the LORD -- The Church. R1649:5
The class, coming up by awakening from the dead, are not
considered Adam's seed, but are the seed of the "Blessed and
Only Potentate," who will then be known as the "Everlasting
Father." (1 Tim. 6:15; Isa. 9:6) R4411:5*
Their offspring -- During an early stage in the
Millennium. Q426:5
The cutting off of the matter of human families will be a
gradual one. Q426:5
Perhaps of those who have not been child bearers during the
present time, to replace in the earthly family those who will
be of the spiritual nature and those cut off in the Second
Death. R4411:5*
Before they call -- Before the desires of their hearts have
found expressions in words. R1866:5
So near will the Lord be, so mindful of all mankind's interests.
R1649:5
God foreknows all our difficulties and has arranged for our
relief, merely waiting for us to cry unto him. R5278:4
I will answer -- Will begin to so shape events as to bring
the answer sooner or later. R1866:5
When, with broken and contrite hearts, they turn to the Lord.
R1561:5
First, in the redemption provided; and secondly, in the
necessary hard experiences which shall have brought them to
repentance and humble dependence on God. R1561:5
While a prophecy relating to the Millennial age, it is
nevertheless true of all his faithful ones of this age. R1866:5
The wolf -- Possibly literal; possibly referring to men of
wolf-like disposition. R1649:6, R5574:4
And the lamb -- Possibly literal, possibly referring to men
of lamb-like disposition. R1649:6, R5574:4
Shall eat straw -- No longer eat flesh, but return to his
original condition in the Garden of Eden. R2837:1, R5574:4
And dust -- Signifying the destruction of Satan. "His
enemies shall lick the dust." (Psa. 72:9) R1649:6, R5574:4
The serpent's meat -- Satan's. R1649:6, R5574:4
They shall not hurt -- But shall be fully restrained
therefrom. D633
"No lion shall be there." (Isa. 35:9) A217
This will be realized when Messiah's Kingdom shall have
been established amongst men. R4768:1
Nor destroy -- The supposition that there would be any
catastrophe then would be out of harmony with this prophecy.
R5318:1
The microbes of disease and pestilence shall be restrained.
R1771:6
My holy mountain -- Kingdom. R1649:6
The stone which smote the image on its feet and afterwards
became a great mountain. (Dan. 2:35) R2375:1
Heaven is my throne -- Symbolic language to show God's
all-embracing power and control. OV2:4; R5547:5
God has heaven for his locality, but his power pervades the
universe. OV3:1
God is not present in person everywhere. R5547:5
Earth is my footstool -- God's footstool. "I will make the
place of my feet glorious." (Isa. 60:13) T76; CR113:6;
R5364:4, R5060:5; OV351:1
The entire earth is to become like the Garden of Eden.
R6013:5, R5839:1
Jehovah used his footstool before sin entered, but has since
removed his presence. R286:1
The word "feet" is sometimes used in the Old Testament to
represent permanent establishment, or rest. R286:1
Messiah's Kingdom will not only uplift humanity, but will
also ring blessings of perfection to the earth. Eden eventually
will be made worldwide. R5364:5
The house -- The Temple. R2139:4*
All the blessings secured by the Day of Atonement will result
from the establishment of God's residence, or sanctuary,
amongst men. T76
Place of my rest -- Zech. 14:3-5 describes when and how
Jehovah will establish his feet or residence. R286:2
To him that is poor -- The aristocracy of the present age
will not be the aristocracy of the new dispensation; but the
poor in spirit will reign with Christ to bless all the families of
the earth. R2139:4*
Hear the word -- It remains with you, as it did with the
man born blind, to keep silence and remain in the church, or
confess his presence and be cast out. R213:6, R4150:4
Ye that tremble -- You who judge yourselves; you for
whom a word or look of reproof is sufficient. E233
Your brethren -- False brethren. SM222:1
Applies also to members of our own families who are not in
sympathy with the truth. R5172:5
That hated you -- Nearly all persecutions that have come
to God's people have come from professed Christians, fellow-believers.
R5479:3, R5215:5, R214:1; SM222:1; PD13/23
We do not know but that they will go to the extreme in our
day-to kill socially, to kill ecclesiastically, perhaps to kill
physically. R5479:3
There is in the human heart a treacherous disposition to do
evil if only an excuse for it can be found. PD84/97
Those who have persecuted the Royal Priesthood unwittingly
will be mercifully dealt with, and be ashamed. R5636:3,
R5893:3
Cast you out -- Rejected you. R4094:6
Wherever this present light comes, all who accept it are
driven out from organized bodies and its opposers are left to
themselves. HG73:5
Those who attempt to use their liberty to preach the good
news in the synagogues today will either convert whole
congregations or awaken storms of opposition. C182
Evidences multiply that the mob spirit, the inquisition spirit,
is growing. PD84/97
The present is the assembling to his standard of the "outcasts"
of nominal spiritual Israel. (Psa. 147:2-6) R438:2
LORD be glorified -- We do this for the Lord's glory.
C182; R4150:4, R634:3*, R4524:1, R5215:5; HG502:1
But actually for the good of antichrist; Churchianity; for the
cause of error. R438:2, R4094:6; HG557:6; CR351:2
Like Saul of Tarsus, they thought they did God service.
PD84/97
He -- Christ. R4094:6
Shall appear -- "When he shall appear we shall be like
him." (1 John 3:2) So, then. our opportunity for revenge will
be future, and our revenge will be to do our enemies good.
We will do them so much good that they will be thoroughly
ashamed of what they are doing against us. R5260:5
To your joy -- Every martyr, in proportion to his
faithfulness, will receive a crown of life. PD13/23
They shall be ashamed -- Those teaching errors,
persecuting, slandering, doing evil. R5916:5, R794:5,
R5260:4; PD13/23
Already the world, including the Jews, realize that a great
mistake was made in persecuting Jesus; and, to some extent,
similar transgressions against the faithful followers of Jesus
have been recognized. R5215:5
"Some shall come forth to shame and lasting contempt."
(Dan. 12:2) This contempt will last until there has been a
proper repentance. R5893:3, R5479:3
We should be sympathetic and realize that with our
persecutors it is very much as with the Jews of our Lord's
day-had they known what they were doing they would have
been very much ashamed of their course. R5173:1
Our revenge will come in then-in helping them out of their
meanness and hardness of heart to the blessings then to be
free to all the willing and obedient. HG502:1
A voice of noise -- Confusion. R1648:6
From the city -- Babylon. R1648:6
A voice -- Of truth and warning. R1648:6
From the temple -- The true Church, The Christ. R1648:6
Recompence -- In the time of trouble. R1649:1
Before she -- Nominal Zion. R1649:1, R4454:1,
R5574:5
The great composite Christ shall come forth entire, not one
member lacking, before Zion's travail has begun. R5574:6
"Watch ye that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all
those things coming upon the world." (Luke 21:36) The
overcomers escape all the travail of Zion and the wrath of the
world. R184:2, R1649:1
Tavailed -- At the end of this age, before the burning. the
consuming trouble shall come. R5574:5. R1649:1
Deathly anguish, illustrative of the severity of Zion's trouble
and its necessity--without it her children cannot all be born,
delivered. R183:2
The first three plagues, preceding the seven last, we
understand to be the trouble, or travail, of Zion. R183:6
The "winter" time coming when truth and error are both
attacking her. R230:5,1
The ripe wheat of the Gospel Church are to be separated from
the tares and glorified before the burning, consuming trouble
shall come. R1649:1, R5574:5
She brought forth -- "There shall come out of Zion the
Deliverer." (Rom. 11:26) R1649:1
This birth began over 1,800 years ago with the resurrection of
Christ Jesus. R1649:1, R5574:5, R4454:2
Before her pain -- Before the nominal system will be
overthrown. R5574:5
Of a man child -- The Christ, Head and Body. R1649:1,
R230:6, R5574:5; Q116:T, R184:2
Those who obeyed the call, "Come out of her, my people."
(Rev. 18:4) R1649:2
Zion brought forth the Lord, the Head of the Church, eighteen
centuries ago. R184:4. R4454:2, R361:2, R5574:5
This is the man-child that is to bless all the families of the
earth. (Gen. 28:14; Gal 3:16, 29) The birth of the man-child
is the first resurrection. R1649:1
As Joseph who became, through great tribulation of a certain
kind, the ruler of Egypt--a type of Messiah and his glorious
Kingdom. Q116:6
In one day -- The Millennial day--a day of conversions
and revivals along the lines of the truth and not along the lines
of fear and misrepresentation. D638
A nation -- The Church, the Holy Nation. OV184:6:
R4454:2
The nation of Israel. R1595:1
Israel will be that nation: (1) Spiritual Israel, the "Holy
Nation"; (2) Fleshly Israel, its earthly representative. D638
Be born at once -- Come forth perfect and complete in the
first resurrection. R4454:2; OV185:2, OV184:6,2
Zion -- Christendom, Babylon. R1649:1, R183:2,
R5574:5
Typified by Sarah, and again by Rachel. R4454:1; Q115:5
Travailed -- The anguish of the time of trouble. R1649:2,
R183:2, R184:2
Rachel died in giving birth to Benjamin (son of my pain);
type of the Great Company. Q115:5; R4454:1, R184:4
Nominal Zion will die in her travail pains, and. in dying,
bring forth the Great Company. R5574:5, R1649:4
She brought forth -- The travail upon nominal Zion will
quickly liberate the true children of God still in her. R1649:5
The Great Company coming up to glory through great
tribulation. (Rev. 7:14) R184:2, R1649:2, R5574.6
Her children -- The Great Company, freed from the
nominal Church after the deliverance of the Christ company.
R1649:2, R4454:2, R5574:6, R184:1, R230:6
As Benjamin became a type of the Great Company class who
do not attain to the throne. Q116:T
Bring to the birth -- Deliver the Head, Christ. R4319:3,
R4454:1
Cause to bring forth -- The Body, the Seed of the Sarah
covenant, in the first resurrection. R4319:3, R4454:1
As surely as the Head was brought forth, so surely shall the
Body also. R5574:6, R4454:2, R1649:1, R369:2, R4319:3
It will be the same resurrection Jesus had that you and I are
invited to share. "That I may know the power of his
resurrection." (Phil. 3:10) CR50:1; R361:2
Rejoice ye -- The birth of Zion, the exaltation of the Body
of Christ, will indeed be cause for rejoicing on the part of all
people. R1649:4
For, though it will first dash in pieces all their long cherished
hopes, it is the dawn of real hope for all the world. R1649:6,
R5574:4
With Jerusalem -- Following the birth of the Little Flock
and the Great Company will come the birth of the Jewish
nation. R5574:6
The earthly phase of the Kingdom of God. A297
Zion and Jerusalem used here interchangeably. R1649:4
Rejoice -- Fleshly and spiritual Zion will rejoice together.
R5574:6
Because of the exaltation of the Body of Christ to Kingdom
power and glory. R1649:4
Ye that mourn -- That now try to dissuade her from her
course. R1649:6
Not seeing the prize at the end of her faithful self-sacrifice.
R1649:6
Like a whirlwind -- Symbol of the time of trouble.
R5863:6
With flames of fire -- Judgments, destructive to evil
systems and schemes. R1469:6
The fire of God's jealousy, righteous anger. R5863:6
By his sword -- The truth. R1469:6, R775:4
Slain of the LORD -- Conquered by the sword of truth.
R1469:6
Shall be many -- Great Babylon, with all her
denominational legions, will be no more. R775:1
But he smites to bless and he wounds to heal. R775:1
Bring all your brethren -- The Gentiles helping the Jews
in every way to return to their homeland. HG51:4
Israel's deliverance will be accomplished by some concerted
project among the nations. R1343:5
In 1909 the Turkish government invited the Jews of Russia
and Romania to settle in Turkey, agreeing to remove all
restrictions and grant full citizenship to them. R4431:4
Out of all nations -- Now is the Lord's time for the long
promised deliverance of Israel. R1343:4
Upon swift beasts -- Kirkaroth, swaying furnace, a train in
rapid motion. A Jewish proverb says correctly, "When the
railway reaches Jerusalem, Messiah comes." C264, C272;
R615:3
The new heavens -- The new ecclesiastical powers--the
Church, elect in glory with Christ. HG612:5
And the new earth -- New conditions of human society,
the Kingdom of God. R1343:4
The reorganized social arrangement, wholly different from the
present. HG612:5
Pointing to a time when they are fully established. R896:4
From one new moon -- From month to month. R1733:1
From one sabbath -- From week to week. R1733:1
It is possible that in the beginning of the Millennial age that
God may restore the Sabbath and various festivals, and even
sacrifices, to teach the world by these as object lessons.
R1732:6
Upon the carcases -- Not living creatures. HG304:2
Not of billions alive in flames and torture. R2603:2
The dead bodies will be in evidence--not a roasting of souls.
OV167:4; R112:1, R896:1
That have transgressed -- The Jews had a custom of
refusing usual burial to the very vilest criminals, casting their
dead bodies into the Valley of Hinnom with the filth of the
city, indicating that they should be esteemed as the
offscourings of society and that their memory should rot.
HG304:2
Worm shall not die -- Not leave the carcass, but complete
the work of destruction of whatever is cast into the Valley of
Hinnom, symbol of the Second Death. R2603:1, R112:1;
Q766:1
No one quenched the fires in the Valley of Hinnom. and those
carcasses which lodged upon the rocks and did not reach the
fire were consumed by worms without hindrance. HG304:2
There are no immortal worms. R896:1
Fire be quenched -- But burn on until all is consumed.
R2603:1, R111:6
Utter destruction of the Second Death; figure used by our
Lord in Mark 9:48. R896:1
A literal fire which would burn ceaselessly is not conceivable.
R896:1
To insure quick destruction and thorough disinfection,
brimstone is said to have been freely used. HG304:2
And they -- The incorrigible, wilful enemies of
righteousness destroyed in the Millennial age. R2603:2,
R896:4
An abhorring -- All shall see the justice. as well as the
wisdom, of the utter destruction of the incorrigible, wilful
enemies of right. R896:4
Unto all flesh -- Unto all who love righteousness and
justice. R2603:2