Ezekiel ranks amongst the great prophets. Most realistic
were his visions and powerfully described. A portion of his
prophecy was written before the final serious troubles upon
the kingdom of Judah, which resulted in the overthrow of the
kingdom. The entire prophecy was given in Babylon, Ezekiel
himself residing there and ministering as a Prophet chiefly to
the captives, arousing their hearts to an appreciation of their
situation and to a hope of return in God's appointed time to
their own land. Ezekiel stood for, or represented the Son of
Man, the great Teacher, the Redeemer; he also represented
the members of the Bride of Christ whom the glorious head
may from time to time use as his mouthpiece. R4881:1,5
Ezekiel's prophecy is full of symbolism, and has
appropriately been termed the apocalypse of the Old
Testament. It was written in Babylonia in the Chaldaic
language. Ezekiel was one of the captives of Judah taken to
Babylonia by King Nebuchadnezzar on the occasion of his
first invasion, when he placed Zedekiah on the throne, eleven
years before his later invasion, when the city was destroyed.
The captives taken at that time included many of the chief
men of the Jewish nation... some of them, as in the case of
Daniel, rising to positions of very high honor in the kingdom.
Ezekiel had great liberty, and his prophesying was done for
the Jews of the captivity--exiles. The Lord's testimony
through this prophet was undoubtedly intended to cheer and
comfort those of his people who were Israelites indeed, and to
fan the spark of faith which still remained in their hearts--to
lead them, as in the case of Daniel, to hope for the return of
God's favor and the end of their captivity with the end of the
appointed seventy years' desolation of the land. R3624:3
But although multiplied were their iniquities and their
crimes, the Lord did not utterly cast away his people, but in
great mercy remembered them, even in the land of their
captivity, where he was represented in their midst by the
prophet Ezekiel, who for twenty-two years delivered unto
them the Word of the Lord--words of reproof and
denunciation, and also words of promise and hope. As we
peruse these words of promise and call to mind the miserable
idolatries, licentiousness and ingratitude of this hardhearted
and stiff-necked people, let us not fail to mark the
lovingkindness of our God, his mercy and faithfulness, his
slowness to anger and his plenteous grace. And while we do
so, let us not forget the typical character of his dealings with
Israel. R1373:4
It came to pass -- A portion of this prophecy was written
before the final troubles upon Judah; the remainder, after the
complete overthrow. The entire prophecy was given in
Babylon. R4881:1
Written in the Chaldaic language, this prophecy is full of
symbolism and has been termed the apocalypse of the Old
Testament. R3624:3
As I was -- Carried miraculously forward to some of the
captives residing by the river Chebar. R4881:5
Heavens were opened -- Ezekiel, like John, seems to represent the living saints. (Rev. 4:1) R530:4*
Visions of God -- Related not only to natural Israel, but
also to spiritual Israel. R3624:6
Ezekiel -- Ranks amongst the great prophets. R4881:1
Represented the Son of Man, the great Teacher, the
Redeemer; and also the members of the Bride of Christ, used
as his mouthpieces. R4881:5
Out of the north -- The seat of divine empire. D653
Living creatures -- Cherubim are always connected with
the immediate presence or throne of God. R529:6*
Personifying the attributes of God: Power, Wisdom, Justice
and Love. R529:6*
We can hear the Power, Wisdom, Justice and Love of God
proclaiming in perfect harmony the glory and honor of our
Father. R530:5*, R2372:4
Coals of fire -- Or like fire, as all spirit beings are
described in Scripture. R2350:1
Went forth lightning -- Diffusions of knowledge. R511:2
A throne -- Or chariot, supported by the living creatures,
or cherubim; also represented in the Mercy Seat of the
Tabernacle. R529:6*
Hear, or...forbear -- Heed or refuse to heed. R3280:1
A roll of a book -- The plan and purpose of God, as
written in the Law and the prophets. (Rev. 10:2) R530:3*
He spread it -- It was sealed until Christ began to open it.
(Rev. 5:5) R530:3*
Lamentations -- We are sent to preach a message that is
offensive to "a rebellious house," the nominal "Israel of God."
(Verse 5) R530:4*
As honey -- A blessed feast; but, having been digested,
leads to self-denial, crucifixion, death. (Rev. 10:9) R530:4*
Hear with thine ears -- Few have hearing ears and
understanding hearts. R5768:4
Watchman -- The prophets and others. R1795:6
Every member of the Body of Christ. R4881:6
House of Israel -- Even though today Zion be in Babylon,
as were those typically addressed by the Prophet. R4881:6
Warning -- Going forth since the Gospel has been
preached: "He that hath an ear, let him hear." (Rev. 3:22)
R4881:5
Wicked -- Wilfully or intentionally wicked. R4881:5
Shalt surely die -- All of God's consecrated people are
duty-bound to make clear this feature of the divine program--
that all wilful sin will bring death. R4881:6
To save his life -- The evildoer, coming to God with full
repentance and change of heart, is forgiven and received into
God's family. R5781:2
His blood will I require -- With knowledge comes
responsibility. R5781:2
Turn from his righteousness -- The fact that the Lord has
richly blessed us in the past, while we were yet in the way
with him, is no guarantee that he will continue his favor to us
after we have forsaken him. R1869:5
A stumblingblock -- "God shall send them strong
delusions that they shall believe a lie." (2 Thes. 2:11, 12)
R1869:5
He shall die -- "Because they received not the love of the
truth that they might be saved." (2 Thes. 2:10) R1869:5
Warn the righteous -- A fitting description of how the
Lord has used the Vow. R4717:1*
Take thee a tile -- The use of such signs was common
with the prophets of olden times. R2223:4
Even Jerusalem -- Although the trouble is divided into
two portions, it is all represented as coming against one
people, as illustrated by the one capital city. C295; R1341:4
390 days -- Some suppose this dates from the revolt, when
they went into idolatry, about 390 years before the desolation
of Jerusalem. C295; R1341:4
40 days -- Some suppose the wrath against the two tribes
dated from 40 years before the desolation when, under
Manasseh, the two tribes became idolaters. R1341:4; C295
Each day for a year -- Time has its type and antitype, like
every other part. HG49:3
The word day often stands for epoch or period. Thus the
creative days were not 24-hour days. F19
A literal year, Jewish reckoning, contains 360 days; and since
in prophecy a day represents a year of actual time, each
symbolic "time" would be 360 years. R5564:3
A prophetic year of 360 days, used to symbolize 360 years, is
an arbitrary arrangement peculiar to its intended use. It is
neither a Lunar year of 354 1/3 days nor a Solar year of 365
1/4 days. R1979:6
A day for a year is Bible usage in symbolic prophecy. B91,
B66; Q846:2; OV81:1; HG519:5
Of the mountains -- Kingdoms. A318
Recompense -- We are already entering the great Day of
Recompense. R3619:2
The seller mourn -- For trouble will be on the entire
multitude and there will be no security of property. A315
Like doves -- Symbols of peace and purity. E212
Shall be feeble -- Helpless to turn aside the trouble. A315
Of little avail will be the protection which any government
can provide, when the judgments of the Lord and the fruits of
their folly are precipitated upon them all. D149
They shall cast -- The animosities of the masses will be
exercised with violence against the rich. R1690:3, R2904:3
The rich will suffer most. D273
Their silver -- The demonetization of silver seems to be
referred to. OV339:1; SM691:1; D472
In the streets -- Miller Bartella offered the mob, in vain,
his fortune for his life--a picture throwing lurid light upon the
situation. R2384:2
Financial institutions, including insurance companies and
beneficial societies, will go down; and "treasures" in them
will prove utterly worthless. D45
Treat it as a commodity and not as money. OV339:1
Shall be removed -- "As though it were unclean."
(Margin) D45
Become scarce and eventually be completely withdrawn by
the people; hiding it as though it were an unclean thing, as the
Hebrew text implies. SM691:1; OV339:1
Silver and their gold -- And bank notes and bonds. F554;
D329
Neither silver nor gold will be available. OV339:1
Not be able to deliver -- Procuring neither protection,
comforts nor luxuries. F554
The character of the trouble will be one in which the
animosities of the masses will be exercised with violence
against the rich. R1690:3
Day of the wrath -- This is the predicted time of distress
of nations with perplexity. (Luke 21:25) D149
They shall not satisfy -- With their wealth. D45
Because it -- The idolatry of money. B139
Is the stumblingblock -- The spirit of acquisitiveness
which lies at the foundation of all the trouble is to be found in
every land, but nowhere more so than in so--called
"Christendom." R2904:4
Those who worship idols of gold, silver, stocks or bonds, will
receive severe chastisement before being granted a share in
the coming blessings. SM482:1
The strangers -- Others, beyond the revolting hosts of
Christendom, will also form a part of the Lord's great army.
D549
Anarchists outrivaling heathendom in barbarity; or, possibly,
uprisings of the peoples of India, China and Africa against
Christendom. D550
Make a chain -- Bind, unite them together, let them make
common cause. D550
The city -- Christendom. D550
Worst of the heathen -- Probably those in Christendom
without God and without Christian sentiments or hopes.
D550
Their holy places -- Their honored or sacred places, their
religious institutions, etc. D550
Charge over the city -- Babylon, Christendom. D527
And one man -- Pastor Russell. R6011:5*
Of the Cherubims -- Symbols of God's love and power.
T125
Always connected with the immediate presence or throne of
God. (Rev. 4:6) R529:6*
Likeness of a throne -- Symbol of authority and rulership.
A92
Over the city -- Babylon, Christendom. D527
Even gather you -- Even now beginning to be fulfilled.
R1630:2
Not only out from among all nations, but also out of your
graves. R1630:2
I will give -- The King of Glory, the Good Physician, will
fulfill God's promise to Israel, and from Israel to all the
families of the earth. R4674:2
Them -- A promise to natural Israel. SM368:T
I will take -- In the incoming age, man's likeness of Satan
will give place to the original likeness of God. R376:5
Stony heart -- Of selfishness. R1244:6
An heart of flesh -- Proper fleshly minds. R376:5
Restore the original image of God--restitution. A333;
R4729:4, R5068:4
Tender, sympathetic, generous, God-like. R3202:6,
R1244:6, R4777:2
The work of the Kingdom when set up in power and great
glory. R5886:1
During the Millennial reign of Christ. R1617:5
That they may walk -- Under the New covenant--the real
Law covenant. R5071:3
The heart of flesh will enable them to keep his covenant, and
walk before him with a perfect heart, and be a channel of
blessing to all the families of the earth. R1617:5
The Cherubims -- Representing the divine attributes.
R4787:2
Upon the mountain -- Kingdom. A318
On the east side -- Open to the Sun of Righteousness.
D653
Not see it -- Zedekiah never saw Babylon. His eyes were
put out before he was taken there. R2402:1, R4866:3;
PD47/59
Days are at hand -- The vision is to be made clear at the
appointed time. R5374:3
And the effect -- At the time of the Millerite movement in
1844. C90*
Matter or thing (as spoken). R5375:4
Vision -- The fact that the vision is now speaking, made
plain upon tables, is very convincing. R5375:4
Follow their own spirit -- Instead of saying with
confidence: "Thus saith the Lord, and here are the chapter and
verse; and thus and so it harmonizes with every other chapter
and verse of the Word." R1357:4
Have seen nothing -- No man has a commission to teach
divine truth who has not first learned what the truth is.
R1357:4
Lying divination -- "Lying wonders" (1 Tim. 4:1); and
"seducing spirits" (2 Thes. 2:9); deceptions of the fallen
angels. R2173:4
Writing of the house of Israel -- The same book as in
Dan. 12:1, "thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall
be found written in the book." HG66:2, HG82:4
Noah -- This commendation shows that God did not hold
Noah's act of drunkenness against him, but indicates that
Noah did it in ignorance. R3044:2
Daniel -- Daniel was in a position of great prominence in
Babylon at the time these words were written. R2492:3,
R3630:3
And Job -- Indicates that the narrative of Job is not a
parable. R1505:3, R5401:3; Q793:2
Job -- One whom God especially loved. R5878:5
The evil -- Calamities and judgment. R1299:6*
Son of man -- Ezekiel represented the Son of Man, and
also the members of the Bride of Christ, every member of
which is a watchman on the walls of Zion. R4881:5,6
Waxen great -- Compare the description here given with
that of the rich man in Luke 16:19-31. R802:3*
Her husband -- Here the word "husband" means caretaker,
referring to a union or covenant between Jehovah and Israel.
R1388:6
Corrupted more than they -- "It shall be more tolerable
for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment" than for
Capernaum. (Matt. 11:23) HG149:6
Sodom -- The Sodomites possessed a very rich valley,
making hard work unnecessary, which induced much
idleness. PD24/35
Sin there reached the enormity referred to by Paul in Rom.
1:18-32. R1617:6
Pride -- Prosperity develops pride, instead of gratitude to
God and a realization of increased responsibility as a steward.
Pride begets misrule, arrogance, injustice and tyranny.
R2306:1
Fulness of bread -- Abundance of idleness is disastrous,
making the downward course more rapid. SM157:1;
PD24/35
Neglecting the poor and the needy. R3948:4
Some modern instances: jewels worth $1,000,000 on one
costume, $50,000 for two vases, $350,000 for a horse,
$50,000 for a coffin, $5,000 for burying a dog, $50,000 for a
single entertainment. D294
Such displays of luxury and extravagance will surely excite
the envy and hatred of the poor against the wealthy.
R2105:3; D295
Took them away -- Not to eternal torment, but from
present life with its privileges and advantages. R1617:6
The death of the Sodomites was merely the Adamic Death
hastened, not the Second Death. OV43:2
Temporarily destroyed by fire as an example of the absolute
annihilation which will ultimately come upon all wilful
sinners, the Second Death. R4599:5, R5083:5
All human right in the earth was abrogated by the death
sentence upon the sinner. R5335:6
As I saw good -- Good, because it made an example of
them for those who should afterward live ungodly. R1779:2,
R1270:4
As with the Canaanites, their further continuance would be
neither for their good nor for the Lord's glory. R5335:6
In all these things God had a wise purpose; and in his own
time he will make that purpose manifest to all, as he even now
makes it manifest to the saints. R675:5
If death ends all probation, why did God see good to take this
people away without giving them a chance of salvation
through "the only name?" R259:2; A111
Because it was not yet their due time. In "due time" they will
be awakened from death, come to a knowledge of the truth,
and have a full opportunity for life everlasting. A111;
R5083:5, R1779:2, R1270:5, R545:5, R259:2; PD24/35
Samaria -- God here speaks of Israel and compares her
with her neighbor Samaria. R259:2
Half of thy sins -- The chastisement and discipline
necessary to Sodom's and Samaria's restoration to
righteousness will be less severe than for some who are of the
natural lineage of Abraham. R1374:2, R5363:5
When I shall -- Under the New covenant, under Messiah's
Kingdom. PD24/35
Bring again -- The Sodomites will be raised from death
and brought to a knowledge of God. R5179:6, R4881:3
The Sodomites could not have had their judgment yet--their
second judgment. Like the rest of us, they suffered in the first
judgment which came upon Father Adam. HG223:2
Future probation is a doctrine of the Bible. R477:1*
Their captivity -- In death, all are captives. R7:6,
R259:3, R545:6, R236:1; A112
Captivity of Sodom -- "There shall be a resurrection of the
dead, both of the just and of the unjust." (Acts 24:15)
R351:1*
In selecting so extreme an example of clemency, our Lord
evidently intended that we should see that the sacrifice which
he gave was unquestionably "a ransom for all." HG336:3
Since Jesus says they were all destroyed (Luke 17:29), this
must be by a restoration of life from the dead. R413:2
In the midst -- Sodom, Samaria and Israel will all be
raised together. R8:1
Thy sisters -- The Lord will humble their pride by
restoring peoples whom Israel detested as inferiors and
sinners. SM211:2
Shall return -- Even the Sodomites who are held up, all
through the Bible, as examples of wickedness, and "as
suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 7), are to share
in the restitution. HG17:3, HG14:5
Their former estate -- To open the prison doors of the
grave--restitution. R8:1, R259:3, R4881:3; A112
The Sodomites will be sharers in that restitution. R4594:4
Not to judgment merely, and then to heaven or hell. HG39:5
Of human perfection--to all who will receive Christ and obey
him. R1718:4, R3452:5
Your former estate -- Their former estate is as much
beneath the Kingdom, which flesh and blood cannot inherit,
as our present position is beneath that of the angel Gabriel.
HG36:5
Remember my covenant -- "For the gifts and callings of
God are without repentance." (Rom. 11:29) R8:1, R259:3
I will -- Showing that the Lord was not speaking ironically
to the Jews. (Matt. 11:23) He was not saying that he would
just as willingly bring back the Sodomites as them, but had no
intention of restoring either. OV227:6; HG346:1
Establish unto thee -- The Lord's dealings with other
nations will be through natural Israel. R4464:5; CR59:5;
PD24/35
Everlasting covenant -- The Lord will restore Sodom,
Samaria and Israel, and establish his covenant with them
through Messiah in the Millennial Age. R4599:5
As the old Law covenant was with Israel only, so the New
(Law) covenant will be with Israel only. Other nations will
share it by becoming Israelites. R4321:1
Jesus is the Mediator of the New (Law) covenant, under
which he will establish his Mediatorial Kingdom for the
blessing of Israel and the world. R4476:1
Shalt remember -- Raised with the same nature and
personality and able to recall their former degraded condition.
R360:5, R604:3*
Be ashamed -- "They shall look upon him whom they
pierced and mourn." (Zech. 12:10) R517:1*
If our ways are not right, they should be amended and not
justified by saying, "It is my way." R705:3
Christ will set men's sins in order before them, and they must
freely confess their sins and bear their shame. R1646:4
Shalt receive -- The Lord's dealings with other nations will
be through natural Israel. F4464:5
Thy sisters -- Sodom and Samaria, representing other
nations of the world. R4464:5
I will -- God is not here speaking ironically, as some
suggest. R259:3
Give them unto thee -- The Lord clearly indicates that his
dealings with outside nations will be through natural Israel.
CR59:5
For daughters -- The nations are to be instructed and
blessed under the New covenant by becoming "daughters" to
Israel. R4464:6, R4371:3, R4575:4, R130:5
"Thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters to be
nursed at thy side." (Isa. 60:4) D638
Other nations will become Israelites, "proselytes of the gate,"
not under the Old, but under the New covenant. R4321:1
They will enjoy, as "daughters of Judah," the highest degree
of happiness they are capable of appreciating. HG27:4
That she may instruct them and bring them into harmony with
God's plans. R447:4*, R659:4*
Not by thy covenant -- Not by the Law covenant, but by
the New covenant. R4464:6, R4371:3, R4575:4, R236:1;
CR59:5; SM212:T, Q622:1
Israel's Old covenant will cover them until they are brought
under the new Mediator of the New covenant. Q134:2
I will establish -- The Jews are to be the first to experience
restitution favor. OV120:5
My covenant -- The New Law covenant. SM212:T,
CR59:5; R4354:6, R4575:4
That -- In order that. SM212:T
Confounded -- Ashamed. R4881:4
Open thy mouth -- In boasting or complaint. R4881:4
Pacified -- In the redemption accomplished by our Lord.
R4881:4
"And so all Israel shall be saved." (Rom. 11:26) OV228:1
The promised restitution is not based on the merits of Israel,
the Samaritans or the Sodomites. R259:4, R546:1
That thou hast done -- Which he declares to be worse
than Sodom had done (see verses 47 and 48). R1618:1
Saith the Lord GOD -- When God signs his name to a
statement this way we must believe it. R259:4, R8:1,
R546:1
Taken an oath -- Of faithfulness as a vassal to the king of
Babylon. R3623:2
Oath he despised -- The taking of that oath was the
immediate cause of Zedekiah's downfall. R3623:2
The word of the LORD -- The 18th chapter of Ezekiel
relates specially to the time when the Adamic transgression
will be offset by the New covenant. Naught will remain
against believers but their own misconduct. R2017:3
The fathers -- Adam and his descendants, our ancestors.
A109; R2220:2, R2608:5
Have eaten -- Those who claim that God directly creates
every human being, make out that God is responsible for all
the idiocy, insanity and imbecility in the world. E309
Sour grapes -- Of human sin and weakness. R4881:2,
R2050:6, R3133:6; E309
And -- In consequence. R2220:2
Children's teeth -- By heredity, from their parents.
R4881:2
Are set on edge -- Now all suffer for what their fathers
sowed. OV392:3
By sickness, misery and death which follows. A109
They are all depraved. E309
All of Adam's posterity are fallen, depraved, dying, as a result
of his transgression. R2398:6
Illustrated by the nearly one-half of the human family who die
in infancy--thus obviously not for their own sins. E331
Ye shall not -- During the Millennial age. R4971:4;
E331; Q288:6
Any more -- No longer will men be held accountable for
Adam's sin. R5292:3; A143
The parents' sins will not be upon the children. R381:2
The Adamic sin and curse being canceled by the Redeemer,
men will be freed from that condemnation. R492:5
The weakness of heredity shall no longer weigh men down.
R892:4
All souls are mine -- God does not leave the eternal
destiny of a single soul to the faithfulness of parents, or
pastor, or any one. R944:6
The soul -- The being. E465; R282:1, R1221:5,
R1377:6, R3027:5, R5578:6, R205:4, R277:1
It was not Adam's hand nor his body that sinned, but his soul,
his intelligent will. CR170:1; R5611:3, R3174:1; Q835:T
Because of sin, all souls die. To redeem our souls, our Lord
became a human soul and "made his soul an offering for sin."
(Isa. 53:12) Therefore there is a resurrection of the soul, not
of the body. R3027:5, R3854:5; HG135:3
That sinneth -- Not the innocent children, as at present.
E331
Wilfully and deliberately against full light and ability. R892
An individual and deliberate act. R649:5
All the wicked--not all the ignorant--will God destroy.
HG197:2
It shall die -- The Second Death. R3175:6, R381:2,
R553:5, R5292:5; HG283:6
Not suffer eternal torment. R4982:5, R5318:2, R1039:6,
R1196:1, R2607:3, R5753:5; CR269:6, CR293:4,
CR492:1, CR498:6; OV362:3, OV376:2; SM86:3,
SM171:T, SM520:2, SM663:2; HG394:6, HG707:2*;
A128
The penalty for sin was not dying, but death. E465
The spark of life produced the soul, so taking away the spark
of life extinguishes the soul. R5611:3
"The wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:36) E404
This scripture is not generally applicable to the present time
because all now die--saints and sinners; it is expressed as a
second sentence based on individual action and the context
refers to those who are free from Adamic sin. E330
A truth applicable to the Gospel Church now and to the world
during the Millennial reign, but not applicable to the Jews at
the time of the utterance. R4881:1
The sinning soul, but none other. R363:1
It is the soul, the living, intelligent being, which enters into
death. Q834:3; SM86:3; HG654:1
It was the soul that died; it is the soul that is to be
resuscitated. Q836:4
The full penalty of the divine law. OV16:1
The just penalty for the unworthy. E404
The only penalty expressed against sin by the Creator and
Lawgiver. R1983:3
God's law is that any creature who will not live in harmony
with his law shall not live at all. R282:1
Everlasting punishment, but not everlasting torment.
R2611:4; HG224:1
This shall always be the divine standard. HG233:1
Death is the absence of life, the loss of life. R3754:6
God gave us our existence and he has the power to deprive us
of it if we do not use it properly. R363:1, R1882:1
If it dies it does not have any punishment, or any more pain
after that. It has had its punishment. It is a great punishment
to die. HG221:6
But the breath of life (the spirit), the energizing of life
principle, was removed from the body and returned to God.
Q837:4
Death is the sentence, and it is from death that the world must
be awakened in order to know the privileges of divine grace.
HG115:2
In direct opposition to Satan's lie to Eve, "Ye shall not surely
die." R910:5
The first death, Adamic Death, was the death of the soul.
HG356:5
Never in the chemical laboratory, with analysis, microscopes
or scalpel, has any scientist ever been able to discover that a
man has a soul that could not die. CR209:1*
"God is able to destroy both soul and body." (Matt. 10:28)
CR169:6
That God could create a human soul, but could not destroy
one, is absurd and unscriptural. OV34:1; HG334:5
"All the wicked will God destroy." (Psa. 145:20) R2607:3
"The wages of sin is death." (Rom. 6:23) R2607:3
The Second Death is not an enemy, but a friend.
R3175:6, R1219:4, R1511:4, R4999:6; Q261:1, Q623:6
None but wilful sinners will die in the Millennium. R1073:2
Usury -- The meaning of the English word "usury" has
somewhat changed--now it indicates oppressive interest.
Formerly its meaning was, simply, interest. R1995:1
We do not understand the taking of a reasonable interest to be
usury. R1994:5
A reasonable proportion of the profit would not be usury; but
there might be circumstances where even a small interest
might mean oppression and injury. R1994:6
The soul that sinneth -- See comments on verse 4.
Verses 20 to 32 give the rules of the coming age. R2613:3
The son shall not bear -- Each will have an individual
trial, just as in Adam's case, and each will be sentenced for
himself. R1222:4, BR2117:4, R2606:3
No one will die again on account of another; no one live again
on account of another. R527:6*
Keep all my statutes -- Implies also the pondering and
study of them. R2016:6
Shall surely live -- The evildoer, coming to God with full
repentance, is forgiven and received into God's family.
R5781:2
Verses 21 to 24 present the principle of divine justice.
R4986:5
Have I any pleasure -- The destruction of the incorrigible
shows God's unceasing hatred of sin. R1782:1
Not be mentioned -- If he sins wilfully, his past good
deeds will not be remembered. R5781:2
Every act, down to the last, has to do with the sentence of the
trial. R4986:5
Differing from the reasoning that a man's life should be
judged by the whole, and not by the failures in it. R2016:6
Contradicting the concept of "once in grace, always in grace."
R4971:2
Dieth in them -- Unrepentant. R2017:1
I have no pleasure -- Ours is a merciful God. CR277:4
He desires to "have all men to be saved." (1 Tim. 2:4) E466,
E467
The destruction of the incorrigible shows God's unceasing
hatred of sin. R1782:1
He willeth not the death of him that dieth, but would (prefer)
that all should turn unto him and live. R1026:5, R2398:6
Nevertheless, when Adam chose disobedience, God
pronounced the penalty. E468
Not that he does not "will" the death of the sinner, for it is his
will that the "soul that sinneth, it shall die." R1449:6*
God changes not. He has always had this good will toward
his creatures. E467
Him that dieth -- The Second Death is not an enemy, but a
friend. R3175:6, R1219:4, R4999:6, R1511:4; Q261:1,
Q623:6
Turn yourselves -- Choose life by complying with the
conditions on which God says we may have it. R363:1
In the day -- The day of the Passover, the first feature of
the Law. R1731:2,1
I gave them -- So far as the Ten Commandments are
concerned, there is no question that they were given only to
Israel after the flesh. R1726:5, R971:4
Live In them -- Jesus' life was not taken from him because
of disobedience. He laid it down voluntarily that it might
become an asset in the hands of divine justice to be used for
mankind. R5342:4
Also I gave them -- It was given to Israel. It was
something new to the Israelites, not previously known among
them or their fathers. R1731:3, R3752:3
To be a sign -- In all ages God has made covenants, with
visible signs thereof. R2032:1*
And you -- You Israelites. R1731:2, R3752:6
Will gather you -- Even now beginning to be fulfilled.
R1630:2
Under the rod -- Israel's experiences under the chastening
rod have been painful and humiliating, but her buffeting is
almost over and soon the blessings of the new everlasting
covenant will begin to be showered upon her. PT369:5
Shall ye remember -- Restored or re-created beings will
recognize themselves, and also neighbors or former
acquaintances. R604:3*
Not speak parables -- "Not unto themselves but unto us
did they minister." (1 Pet. 1:12) B23
They were stated in dark and symbolic language, and linked
with events then future. To understand them then was
impossible. B23
The prophets acknowledge their own ignorance of what they
wrote. It was not for themselves, but for the instruction of the
Gospel Church, and especially for the two ends--the opening
and the closing end of the Gospel age. R1418:6
And thou -- Zedekiah, the last king of the Jewish nation.
A248; R2401:2, R3616:1; SM416:1; PD47/59
Profane wicked prince -- "Death-deserving wicked one."
(Leeser) R1372:6
Whose day is come -- 3520 years after the fall in the
Garden of Eden, and 3520 years before the end of the
Millennial age in 2914 AD. R3460:3,4*
"Seven Times," or seven symbolic years, began on the day of
Zedekiah's overthrow and are due to end October 1914.
OV80:10
Not that the Gentiles would be fully out of power by 1914,
but, their lease expiring, their eviction would begin. Biii
Have an end -- Termination of the typical kingdom of
God. R1372:6
Take off the crown -- The Davidic crown. OV52:4;
PD47/59
The crown and diadem of authority and power. R3687:4
Because of sin, God removed his throne from the Davidic
line. R507:2
The typical crown of the typical kingdom of God. A248;
B76, B79; Q80:1, Q93:8, R507:2
Israel had proven themselves unfit for exaltation to universal
dominion, having become corrupt, vain and idolatrous. B75
From king Zedekiah in 606 BC. R5598:6, R5406:2;
SM416:2; Q80:1; B79
God gave the lease of earthly power to Nebuchadnezzar and
his successors. SM478:T, R5328:5, R5526:1
God actually removed his typical kingdom to permit
Nebuchadnezzar's government to become universal; for it
would be impossible for the Gentiles to have universal sway
so long as God's kingdom, even in a typical form, existed.
R1979:1
In 606 BC, at the midpoint between the ending of Adam's
1000-year day and the 1000-year day of the second Adam.
R3460:3*
Not be the same -- I will discontinue this order of things.
Q79:2; R166:1*, R419:5
Him that is low -- Humble. R2401:2
The line of Nathan. E133
Him that is high -- Proud. R2401:2
The line of Solomon. E133
Overturn, overturn -- Satan's earthly empires. R362:5
Completely overturn Solomon's line. E133
The typical kingdom of God. A248; R1979:1, R4497:3,
R4833:4, R5673:4; Q83:1
First to Babylon, then to Medo-Persia, then to Grecia, then to
Rome. B76, B79; R5673:4
First at the Babylonian captivity, 606 BC; second at the
destruction of Jerusalem, AD 70; third will be the one spoken
of in Zech. 14. R107:6*
The new King (The Christ, complete) will dethrone and bind
the former prince of the power of the air, Satan, and
accomplish the final overturning. R362:1
The overturning of Zedekiah's government until the
establishment of Messiah's Kingdom, corresponding to the
2520 years' lease to the Gentiles. R5526:2, R2977:1,
R4867:2, R5564:3, R5598:6, R5710:3, R1979:2, R4497:3;
CR41:3; PD47/59; HG48:1
Shall be no more -- It shall not belong to anyone.
R1372:6
There has been no king of Israel from Zedekiah's day to the
present--the overturning has been very thorough. The kings
of Israel at the first advent were not Israelitish nor of
Israelitish birth, but appointees of Gentile governments.
R3259:5, R4867:4; Q79:2, Q93:8; OV52:4; CR139:4
It was to remain overturned until Christ, the rightful heir,
should claim it. Thus, inferentially, any claims by others to
be "kingdoms of God" are spurious. A249
There has been no earthly kingdom of God from that time
onward. Q79:2
During which time kings and emperors did not reign by the
grace of God, though he permitted various experiments at
self-government for an appointed time. R1094:5
Though restored to national existence by Cyrus, they were
subjects and tribute-payers to the successive empires of
Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. A248
Until he come -- Until Messiah himself, at his second
advent, shall take the throne as the antitypical Son of David.
CR41:3
The Christ, Messiah. R166:1, R419:5, R5328:4, R5589:3;
SM478:T; Bix
The glorified Christ, Jesus and the Church. R3616:2,
R1979:1; SM416:1; HG675:6
The great Prophet, Priest, King and Judge. R2609:1
The immediate beginning of the legal restoration of the Jews
by the Anglo-Saxon treaty is circumstantial and visible
evidence that "he whose right it is" has come. R82:2*
The "Times of the Gentiles" applying to the interval between
the removal of the typical kingdom and the establishment of
its antitype, the true Kingdom, when Christ comes to be
glorified in his saints. B73; A249
The treading down of Jerusalem would then cease. R5328:5
Whose right it is -- In whose hands is the shaping of the
destinies of nations and individuals. R1619:3
I will give it him -- The dominion is about to be given.
R5489:4
We believe that the time for the giving of the Kingdom to the
Messiah is near at hand. (1915 comment) R5680:2
1914 is the date when Christendom will lose its crown and
when he "whose right it is" will take his great power and
reign. R3574:1*, R4867:5
Speedily following the introduction of the Millennial
judgment reign. R2609:1
We are not to expect that this transfer will come as a flash of
lightning it will require a little time. R5328:5
The time of trouble will be the natural consequence of the
transfer of rulership from the devil, the prince of this world,
to "him whose right it is." R592:2
For an inheritance. (Psa. 2:8) D12
At, or during, the sounding of the seventh and last trump.
(Rev. 11: 15) HG20:1
Has the Kingdom begun in any sense of the word? We so
believe. The light now going forth is under the direction of
the Captain of our Salvation. R5567:3
"And there was given him dominion and glory and a kingdom,
that all people, nations and languages should serve him."
(Dan. 7:14) R2609:1; OV83:4
"And the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom."
(Dan. 7:22) R2609:1
A reproach -- This is Christendom's unhappy lot at the
present time. D72
Thus saith the Lord -- The Lord reproves very sharply
some who recklessly use this expression to give weight to
their own imaginings or opinions. R1481:4*
Prince of Tyrus -- Verses 1 to 10 give an exact description
of the Pope of Rome, who is Satan's vicegerent on earth.
R1237:1*
Tyre represents the kingdom of Satan. R1237:1*
Than Daniel -- Whose great wisdom is thus acknowledged
by Ezekiel, Daniel's contemporary. R3630:3
The king of Tyrus -- Symbolizing Satan. R3187:2*
Verses 11 to 19 give a description of Satan. R1237:1*
Anointed cherub -- Satan was created an angel of a very
high order. OV298:2; R3187:2*
Iniquity was found -- Then estrangement from God
becomes rapid. OV298:3
Mountain of God -- Kingdom of God. A318
Covering cherub -- Of the highest order of angels,
glorious and beautiful. OV15:3; SM95:1; Q826:T
When I shall -- Very shortly to be brought to pass, and is
even now beginning to be fulfilled. R1630:2
Executed judgments -- Under the righteous reign of "The
Christ" before the great "white throne" of truth. R541:5*
Of Egypt -- Of the world. R1828:2
A staff of reed -- Better far will be those who lean not
upon Egypt for help, but who lean upon the Lord. R1828:2
I cause the horn -- Power. T42
In the day when he -- Literal and modern mystic Babylon.
E372; R2599:5
Down to the grave -- Sheol, oblivion, death, not torment.
E372; R2599:5, R2600:3
In it (Sheol) the dead are spoken of as asleep or inert, or as
deprived of the honor and power which they had in life.
R828:6*
Sheol--variously translated "hell," "grave" and "pit." There is
no evidence that the word had more than one significance or
that its later signification was different from its earlier.
R828:6*
The old-time nation of Babylon was overthrown by the
Medes and Persians and went into oblivion, into the death
state as a nation. E372
Down to hell -- Sheol, oblivion, death. E372; R2599:5
And all the trees -- Showing that not only people are to be
found in "hell." HG556:2, HG734:5*
Cover the heaven -- The powers of spiritual control.
A318; D591
Make the stars -- The apostolic lights. D591
Will cover the sun -- The Gospel light, the Truth--Christ
Jesus. D590
And the moon -- The light of the Mosaic Law. D590
Not give her light -- Truth. A20
The strong -- El, mighty ones, a name sometimes applied
to Jehovah. E69, E66
"El" is sometimes, as here, used in connection with inanimate
things. E69
Among the mighty -- The mighty nations which perished
previously. E372
Shall speak to him -- To Egypt, by the voice of history.
E372
The midst of hell -- Sheol, oblivion, death, not torment.
E372; R2599:5
Representing Egypt's overthrow as a nation to join Babylon in
destruction--buried. R2599:5
Gone down to hell -- Sheol, oblivion, death, not torment.
E372; R2599:5
With their weapons -- "He maketh wars to cease." (Psa.
46:9) E372
Showing that they take these weapons with them into "hell."
HG556:2, HG734:5*
Under their heads -- The grave is the only "hell" where
fallen ones lie with their weapons of war under their heads.
R2599:5
The watchman -- When the foundations of all our faith are
assailed, we lay aside mildness and cry aloud so as at once to
arouse all Israel to the danger of the hour. R425:6, R431:6
Be not warned -- It is our duty to warn against selfishness,
our most imminent danger--our greatest enemy. R548:3
O son of man -- Applying to any steward of the Lord.
R1558:6
If thou dost not speak -- There can be no compromise of
truth, no mixing of it with human philosophies to make it
more palatable or to avoid any measure of otherwise
inevitable persecution. R1558:6
His blood will I require -- "I am pure from the blood of all
men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the
counsel of God." (Acts 20:26, 27) R1558:6
Say unto them -- The world of mankind in the incoming
age. R2613:3
I have no pleasure -- "The Lord is not willing that any
should perish." (2 Pet. 3:9) R1449:6*
Not that he does not "will" the death of the sinner, for it is his
will that the "soul that sinneth, it shall die." R1449:6*
Death of the wicked -- Second Death. R904:3
In mercy God will blot such out of existence. R605:5,
R3083:5
Only when they absolutely refuse to be rightly exercised by
the discipline of the Lord will he administer the final
punishment which forever blots them out of existence.
R904:3
This will be the last unpleasant duty of the Creator. R1834:1
The destruction of the incorrigible will be in demonstration of
God's unceasing hatred of sin. R1782:1, R1273:5
Turn ye -- If men in this life repent of sin and continue the
work of reformation to the best of their ability, they will reap
the benefit of so doing in the age to come. R722:5, R2613:3
Why will ye die -- "See, I have set before thee this day life
and death." (Deut. 30:19) R401:1*
His transgression -- If he sin wilfully, his past good deeds
shall not be remembered. R5781:2
That he turneth -- The evildoer, coming to God with full
repentance, is forgiven and received into God's family.
R5781:2
Not be remembered -- The crown of life is promised to
those who shall prove themselves faithful, even until death.
R1699:6
He shall die for it -- There is a possibility of failure in the
Millennial age. R401:2*
If one should make a covenant with God and then fail to keep
that covenant he would lose his covenant relationship with
God as soon as he abrogated the contract. Q288:5
If the wicked restore -- Godly sorrow for the wrong,
turning from the wrong, and then, as far as possible, making
the wrong right--that is repentance. R747:6*
Shall surely live -- This principle applies at the present
time to those who pass from death unto life as New Creatures;
but it especially applies to the Millennial age. R4971:2;
Q288:5
Shall be mentioned -- His past evil is entirely ignored,
except as it may bear its fruit in certain weaknesses of mind
and body. R5781:2
Shepherds of Israel -- All who accept the position of
elders are, to some extent, representing the Lord, who is the
Great Shepherd of the flock. R5389:4
Hireling shepherds of the pulpit. D62; HG715:6
Greedy, ignorant, lazy teachers. F287
Feed themselves -- Divide amongst themselves the spoils
of filthy lucre, honors, reverence, titles, etc. R1895:6
Many preachers have discerned the Plan but, instead of
preaching it, have hidden it, to cause themselves to shine.
R3138:4
These are warned by the Lord of his displeasure, and could
not be expected to thrive spiritually. R3138:5
Feed the flocks -- Not nominal Christians, but the true
saints of God. R5693:3
Leading them to the "green pastures" of God's Word and to
the "still waters" of divine truth. R5693:2
Ye kill -- Slaughter their influence, cast out their names as
evil. R633:2
Them that are fed -- They that find pastures of truth and
feed, despite the neglect of the shepherds. R633:2
Feed not -- Their church arrangements are often especially
for the goat or tare class. R5693:3
Very few of the flock of the Lord's consecrated people any
longer seek spiritual food at their hands. R5693:6
All the mountains -- Kingdoms. A318
The Lord's sheep are intermixed with various nations. R633:2
Every high hill -- Societies of earth--churches. R633:2
Or seek after them -- The shepherds sanction the scattered
and divided condition of the Lord's sheep, and claim that it is
the Chief Shepherd's will that they should be separated in
various sects. R633:2
There was no shepherd -- Preferring to act a lie, to
destroy the faith of the too-confident sheep whom they lead
and whose praise and money they enjoy. SM298:1
The shepherds -- Theological professors and pastors, by
not explaining the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words
Sheol and hades, have permitted God's character and plan to
be traduced. R2598:6
Require my flock at -- Take my flock from. R633:1,
R2599:1
Cease from feeding -- They shall not continue to be God's
mouthpieces, nor shepherd his flock. R2599:1
Feed themselves -- Upon the husks of science and man-made
theology, and in honoring each other with titles.
R633:2
Behold, I, even I -- Behold I am here and will enquire for
my flock. R633:1
In the day -- The "Day of the Lord." R487:3
He is among -- Present among. R487:3
Will I seek out -- This is having a fulfillment in the
gathering of the sheep of both folds, natural and spiritual
Israelites, out of their respective bondages and dispersions.
R487:3
Will deliver them -- Mark well that this will be when he is
present, "here," and "among his flocks that are scattered."
R633:2, R5693:6
Cloudy and dark day -- The Day of the Lord, the time of
trouble. R487:3, R633:2
Gather them -- He is about to complete his flock of this
Gospel age. R5693:6
Their own land -- The homeland of the Lord's sheep of
this Gospel age is heaven itself. R5694:1
A good fold -- The whole world will become "the fold."
R5694:6
Will feed my flock -- This promised feeding of the Lord's
flock is now taking place. R633:4
With judgment -- A righteous recompense. R5694:3
O my flock -- The beguiling of the attention of the flock
from the one true shepherd to a fellow sheep is not always the
fault of the leaders. There is a tendency of those of the sheep
nature to follow one another. R2080:2, R5694:3
The rams -- Elders in the church. R5389:1
The he goats -- Whenever any one manifests the goat
disposition the ecclesia should strictly avoid making him a
leader. R5389:4
Owners of sheep sometimes use a goat as leader of the flock
because a goat is more combative than a sheep, and thus
supplies the sheep courage. R5389:4
The deep waters -- Of truth. R3076:1; C65
They eat that -- Each sheep must see to it that he eats only
"clean provender" and drinks only "pure water" as directed by
the Shepherd. R2080:4
I, will judge -- This already has begun in respect to the
Gospel Church. R5694:4
The fat cattle -- Some who have been considered quite
prominent in Christendom, pushing and managing its affairs,
will be reproved by the Lord in this day. R5694:4
The lean cattle -- The poor, the outcasts, the peculiar, are
styled his flock, which he is now gathering and feeding.
R5694:4
I will judge -- See comments on verse 20.
My servant David -- The Christ, Head and Body.
R5694:5
The evil beasts -- The evildoers, those who will devour,
destroy and do harm. R5694:6
In the woods -- A quiet and restful condition. R5694:6
Yield her increase -- In the "Times of Restitution" of
Messiah's reign. R4674:1, R1248:3; A192; HG515:1
Already we have evidence of how these scriptures may be
fulfilled. R4431:5
For the microbes of destruction and disease shall be
restrained. R1771:6
Son of man -- Ezekiel, representing the Lord in their midst,
even in the land of their captivity--for 22 years delivering
unto them the word of the Lord. R1373:4, R2503:1
Profaned my holy name -- They brought disgrace upon
the name of the Lord in all the countries whither they went.
R1373:5
From among the heathen -- Out of all nations. OV67:1
And gather you -- This great regathering of all Israel to
the land of promise, which shall by and by include their risen
dead, is already begun. R1374:1
Out of all countries -- From every quarter of the world.
OV67:1
Into your own land -- Not all Jews, but some of the most
pious and zealous, will gather in Palestine. OV67:1
This unquestionably refers to the literal and final regathering
of Israel to Palestine. R1373:6
Then will I -- Through the Millennial reign of Christ.
A333
Not before, but after, their return. R101:6, R1373:5
Sprinkle clean water -- Pure truth and righteous influence.
R1374:2, R101:6
Would seem to signify the application of the truth. R2503:5
Had some fulfilment in those who returned from Babylonian
captivity, who were influenced by the truth of the promises
made to the fathers. R2503:6
Cleanse you -- There will be no desire nor temptation to
idolatrous worship then. Satan shall be bound. R1374:2
In chastising, correcting, forgiving, restoring and promising to
reinstate them to his favor, he is illustrating his great love and
mercy toward the whole world. R1373:4
A new heart -- Renewed, or repaired; such as belongs to
perfect manhood. R636:6, R1374:2, R5164:4
God purposes to settle the whole matter for rich and poor in
his own way--and his way must be the best way. He purposes
to change the hearts of men. R5154:6; HG578:3
The work of re-writing the divine character in the heart,
which will progress in the world for 1000 years, is already
begun in the Church. We write these qualities within our own
hearts. R5309:5
The new heart condition is essential also to spiritual Israel--to
be free from idols and separated to the Lord God. R2505:1
The creating of man was a momentary act, but the re-creating,
the re-generation, the re-newing, the re-storing of the heart
will be a gradual work. R1374:4, R2503:6
Will I give you -- Jesus did not do this at the first advent.
This was to be still a future work, the work of the Kingdom.
R5886:1
A new spirit -- Such as Adam had before sin entered.
R111:1
New will, new mind, new disposition. This must come first
before the new heart condition can be attained. R2504:3,
R2503:1
I will take away -- By means of the afflictions of the time
of trouble. R2504:1
The gradual work of the Mediatorial Kingdom by instruction
in righteousness. R5292:3, R2504:2
Sin is now written on the hearts of all humanity. This must
first be blotted out and the former image--the law of God--
reinstated before men will be perfect men. R276:4
Through the better sacrifices, the antitypical Mediator will
have the power to start the people with a clean slate. R5292:3
The stony heart -- Of self-will and self-gratification;
calloused and depraved. R2504:1, R636:6
The stony heart condition means "me," "my," "mine," "right if
I can, wrong if I must." R2504:1
Not take away their flesh and make them spiritual beings.
R276:4
It will be a time for melting and mellowing all hearts.
R1655:3
Israel is probably as much, and probably no more, affected
with the stony heart condition than any other nation. R2504:1
I will give you -- Under the New covenant, the Lord will
take away the sins and stony hearts of mankind. But the New
covenant does not become personal between God and
mankind until the Mediator steps out of the way. R4903:4
This change of heart is entirely aside from the making of the
New covenant. It will take 1000 years to remove the
stoniness out of the hearts of man and to make them stand
without a mediator. R5164:4
An heart of flesh -- The restored image of God. A310;
R276:4, R2504:2
Tender, sympathetic, generous, godlike. R3202:6, R1374:2,
R4777:2, R5154:6
Under the gracious terms of the New covenant during the
Millennium. R5947:1, R4903:4, R4309:6
This work will proceed from Israel to all the families of the
earth. R5058:5
The Mediator will have the power to start the people with a
clean slate. R5292:3
With spiritual Israel the new heart is not a heart of flesh, for
they are begotten unto the high calling to partake of the divine
nature. R2505:4
Put my spirit -- A new will, mind or disposition, in
harmony with God; the spirit of righteousness, truth and love;
the spirit of grace and supplication. R2504:3,5, R1374:4
This does not refer to spiritual Israel, although spiritual Israel
has a somewhat similar experience in advance. R2504:5
The same outpouring of the holy Spirit upon fleshly Israel is
referred to by the Prophet Zechariah (Zech. 12:10) and
directly applied to the end of this age. R2504:5
Cause you to walk -- Inclining and enabling them to be
obedient. R1374:4
Ye shall be my people -- All who, under the New
covenant, shall become his people, typified by Israel.
R1655:3
After he has made provision for all, only those who accept of
those New covenant favors will be recognized by him as "my
people." R1374:4
Will increase it -- The land, which has been so long
desolate and unproductive, will return to its former fertility.
R107:4*
Artesian wells, irrigating canals, miracle wheat, the draining
of marshes are all evidences of how these scriptures may be
fulfilled. R4431:6
In connection with the transformation of heart and will, will
come the blessing which the Lord promised upon the earth--it
shall yield its increase. R2504:6
Many fold. R4431:6
Multiply the fruit -- Burbank and others have, under
divine guidance, worked miracles in horticulture. R5058:2
Increase of the field -- In a larger sense, the renewed
earth, Paradise restored. R1374:4
Shall ye remember -- The restored being will recognize
himself and neighbors of former acquaintance. R604:3
The restored ones will be reminded of their unworthiness of
the free, unmerited gifts of God. R1374:5
Be ashamed -- React with confusion and repentance.
R1374:5
Land that was desolate -- The land of Israel--the blessings
beginning there will illustrate divine providence operating on
behalf of those who are influenced by the truth and its spirit.
R2504:6
The garden of Eden -- The word "paradise" signifies "a
delightful garden, park or pleasure ground." The Garden of
Eden was the original Paradise, and mankind will be restored
to that Edenic condition. Q845:1
Then -- In the Millennium. A333
Shall know -- As these blessings progress, all will be
witnesses of God's faithful goodness to his people. R1374:5
Be inquired of -- Cooperation necessary, prayer being a
token of the soul's sincere desire. R1374:5
Like a flock -- Every soul that longs for the truth is one of
the Lord's lost sheep, and will be found during the
Millennium. R1374:5
Flocks of men -- "Other sheep I have that are not of this
fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice,
and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:16)
R1374:5
The hand -- Power. R2505:3
This passage of Scripture regarding the dry bones was
addressed to fleshly Israel when in Babylon. R2505:2
Midst of the valley -- The valley of Jehoshaphat, typifying
Adamic Death. R2908:2
Representing the captivity in Babylon. R2505:2
Was full of bones -- Captive Israelites, the whole twelve
tribes. R2505:3
This was a vision, not literal. R2505:3
This vision does not refer to the literal resurrection of the
dead, but to the restoration of the dead hopes of the Jewish
nation and their gradual reanimation as a people. Q584:4
The dry bones represented the Israelites themselves. R2505:2
Can these bones live? -- Is there any hope for the scattered
people of Israel that they will ever be restored as a nation?
R2505:5
Lord...thou knowest -- Any hope must come from God.
R2505:5
Prophesy -- Ezekiel was to declare the divine message,
foretelling what was to come to pass. R2505:5
Ye dry bones -- Of hope of again becoming a nation.
PD53/65
Cause breath -- Ruach, spirit of life, life-energy. E315
Ye shall live -- Not referring to a literal resurrection, but to
the revival of Israel's hopes in the divine promises. R5503:3;
Q584:4; PD53/65
Sinews -- Of strength. PD53/65
Flesh -- Of comeliness. PD53/65
Skin -- Completion. PD53/65
And put breath -- Ruach. E316
Be infused with the spirit of the Lord as the breath or energy
of national life, begotten of faith in the promises, and standing
again as a nation. R2505:6
Ye shall live -- Though a symbol, it shows that a human
organism has no life until it receives the ruach, the breath of
life, which is common to all animals--none of them can live
without it. E316
A noise and...a shaking -- The Revised Version renders
this: "Thunder and an earthquake." R2505:6
The commotions incident to the fall of Babylon and the
transfer of the empire to the Medes and Persians, typifying
the coming time of trouble. R2505:6
There is a commotion amongst those who are spiritual
Israelites indeed, whose Kingdom hopes are now being
revived. R2506:4
The great noise is the "seventh trumpet" which has begun to
sound. R2506:1
The bones came together -- Now in progress among the
Jewish people through Zionism. PD53/65
No breath -- Ruach. E317
Unto the wind -- Ruach, spirit of life, life-energy--margin,
breath. E317
Four winds -- Ruach. E317
O breath -- Ruach. E317
Great army -- A nation. R2505:6
Whole house of Israel -- The whole twelve tribes.
R2505:3
No longer to be considered as two distinct nations. R2505:3
The rest of the world is typified by the "whole house of
Israel." R1377:2*
Our hope is lost -- Does not refer to the literal
resurrection, but to the revival of Israel's hopes in the divine
promises. R5503:3; Q584:4; PD53/65
Of being God's favored people and the heir of the promises
made to Abraham. R2505:3
Of ever again becoming a nation. PD53/65; R2505:3
We have lost heart, our ambitions are all gone, or are asleep.
R4788:5, R2505:2
A lesson might also be drawn for spiritual Israelites, who, for
centuries, lost sight of Kingdom hopes for blessing the whole
world of mankind. R2506:2
For our parts -- From our parts, from all tribal and
national union. R2505:3
I will open your graves -- Where the dead sleep, waiting
for an awakening. SM39:T
Blinded, stumbled Israel is still there. R4781:2
Restitution is spoken of by the mouth of all the holy prophets.
R545:3
The various provinces of Babylonia in which your national
hopes are buried by your captivity; foreshadowing the general
scattering among all nations. R2506:1
Out of your graves -- Israel will be regathered out from all
the nations whither they have been scattered, and also come
out from the graves. R1630:2, R1652:4
The fulness of Israel will finally embrace the dead as well as
the living. R107:3*, R1378:4, R1466:6
The power is with God to bring men to life again. R536:4
They go into the tomb as individuals, as everyone else; but as
a nation also they have gone into the tomb--especially since
AD 70. R4788:5
The land of Israel -- Then Abraham will realize the
reward of his faith. R1652:4
The present land of Palestine is a very small part of the
promised land, which is to stretch from the Nile to the
Euphrates (Gen. 15:18), and appears to include Arabia, as
well as parts of Egypt and the Sudan--an area equal to the half
of Europe. Q792:2
Ye shall know -- Be delivered from blindness and brought
to that full, clear knowledge which will render every man
without excuse and fully responsible for his choice of life
through obedience to Christ. R4781:3
When -- During the Millennial day. C260; A108
Put my spirit -- Ruach. E317
In your own land -- The land of Palestine. C260;
R1373:6
Join them -- No longer to be considered as two distinct
nations, but henceforth as a reunited nation. R2505:3
Shall become one -- This was done to show that the exiles
of Israel (carried away to Babylon BC 722, when Samaria
was destroyed) were to unite with the captives of Judah.
R4893:5
The sticks -- Two sticks representing the divided people.
R2084:4
Will gather them -- With the fulfilment of their "double."
SM398:T
This verse of Scripture appears on the official medal for the
second Zionist conference in 1898. R2362:5*
One nation -- No "ten lost tribes," for whom there has
been so much seeking. R4893:5
David my servant -- David's posterity, Christ. C257
Given unto Jacob -- Natural Israel. A300
Covenant of peace -- The New covenant. R101:6,
R282:6, R4371:3
Sanctuary -- Dwelling--the Church. R102:1, R111:1
Gog -- The merciless plunderers of regathered Israel.
D554
Representing the "all nations" of Zech. 14:2. D555
Magog...Meshech...Tubal -- Descendants of Japheth,
Europeans. D556
Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya -- The very ones now
occupying Egypt, Palestine and the east--and all these nations
are Mohammedans. HG89:4
Gomer...Togarmah -- Descendants of Japheth, Europeans.
D556
Of the north quarters -- Possibly Russia. HG89:5
After many days -- Gathering of Israel to Palestine within
this Harvest period. D553
Gathered out -- Indicating that Palestine would be
released from Turkish oppression, and the Jews persecuted
and driven out of various countries, before the great climax of
trouble. R2056:1
During the Day of the Lord when the first return of the
Israelites to Palestine shall have taken place (a second and
greater returning evidently will not take place until after the
time of trouble). R286:3
Dwell safely -- At the time when the rest of the world is in
its wildest confusion. D553
And thou -- Gog--Europeans, with Asiatic and African
allies. D555, D556
Unwalled villages -- An open, defenseless condition.
D554
That are at rest -- Regathered Israel during the time of
trouble. D553
To take a spoil -- Toward, or at the close of the time of
trouble. R148:4, R410:1
For "the day of the Lord cometh, when thy spoil shall be
divided in the midst of thee." (Zech. 14:1) R148:4
Many Jews have doubtless gone to Palestine, not out of
respect to God's promises, but, realizing the dangers to which
property will be exposed, have chosen to be far away from
the strongholds of communism. R26:5, R410:1, R593:1
Their wealth and prosperity excite the cupidity of the nations.
R286:3, R2056:1
To pillage and rob the wealthy Jews. R26:4, R410:1
Palestine must become wealthy to permit fulfilment. R1846:4
Sheba and Dedan -- Descendants of Ham, North Africans.
D556
Tarshish -- Descendants of Japheth, Europeans. D556
The north parts -- Europe and Asia. D555
In the latter days -- Literally, the last of the days. D555
The closing scenes of the day of trouble. D555
Sanctified in thee -- Set apart, distinguished as thy
conqueror. D555
My fury shall come up -- The destruction of Israel's
enemies can only be compared to the terrible overthrow of
Pharoah and his hosts when seeking to repossess themselves
of Israel whom God was delivering. D556
The fishes -- The men. C214
Of the sea -- Masses of mankind not under religious
restraint. R333:1
Fowls of the heaven -- Satan and his agents. R2634:6,
R817:3; C162
Beasts of the field -- Symbol of Gentile governments.
A261
The mountains -- Kingdoms. A318; R5992:1
And every wall -- Civil power. D40
I will call -- The Lord shall again fight for Israel. R1747:1
Every man's sword -- National animosities will become
personal animosities. R5852:5
The disconcerted hosts will effect the complete disruption of
the present order of things. R5604:5, R5790:6
Against his brother -- An outbreak of jealousy, revolution
and anarchy amongst the various elements composing the
mixed army, which will complete the universal insurrection
and anarchy--the great earthquake of Rev. 16:18-21. D557
The spirit of anarchy will spread from nations to individuals.
OV419:4
They shall know -- The miraculous overthrow of Gog will
demonstrate to the world that Christ's Kingdom has come.
R4751:3*
Gog -- Russia. R107:5*
That Russia and Great Britain were likely to come into
conflict before the end of Gentile times was noted in Scripture
in association with the prophecy of this chapter. R2056:6
See my judgment -- In the deliverance of regathered
Israel. D557, R4751:3*
Heathen shall know -- The purpose of the trouble is for
Israel's own good and the good of the nations. R107:5*
Against me -- In rejecting Christ. D557
Of their enemies -- For all the centuries of the Christian
dispensation. D557
Therefore -- Now that the punishment is completed. D557
Captivity of Jacob -- Natural Israel. A300
The whole house -- Living and dead. D557
They have borne -- They have (thus) borne. D558
Led into captivity -- Exiled. D558
Very high mountain -- Kingdom. A318
On the south -- Symbol of restitution to perfect humanity.
D653
To the temple -- The fourth temple. R1297:1
Into the house -- Representing the glorification of the
Church. R3625:1
And it was shut -- Representing the closing of the door in
the parable of the ten virgins. R3625:1
Ministers -- The Great Company, servants of the true
Church, on a heavenly plane of existence. R4079:6*
Keepers -- The Great Company. R4079:6*
Boil the sacrifice -- In the beginning of the Millennial age,
God may restore some of the features of the Jewish Law to
serve as object lessons. R1732:6, R2488:6
We think it unlikely that typical sacrifices will be restored.
R2488:6
Afterward -- During the Millennial day. D655
After the closing of the door to the High Calling shown in
Ezek. 44:1. R3625:1
Not until the glory of the Lord shall have entered the Temple,
not until the Church will be glorified, not until the door will
be forever shut, will the water of life issue forth. R3625:2
Of the house -- The Temple of God, the Church glorified.
R3625:1, R4882:3
Waters issued out -- Truth; blessings of refreshment and
restitution. R5846:2, R4882:3, R2508:3
Not the Gospel, flowing at the present time, but Millennial
age blessings. R3625:1, R2507:5
"There is a river, the rivulets of which shall spring from the
city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most
High." (Psa. 46:4) R2508:5
"Living waters shall go out from Jerusalem." (Zech. 14:8)
D650
"Water of life, clear as crystal" (Rev. 22:1)--Restitution
blessings. D665
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his
belly shall flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38) R2508:4
Under the threshold -- There was a fountain connected
with the Temple hill but it never was of any considerable size
and never will be without a miracle. R2507:3
From the right side -- The Temple, the Church, is not yet
completed; so there is no river yet. R2508:2
Waters were risen -- Rapidly increasing; the rapid
increase of the blessings of the Lord as soon as his time shall
have come. R3625:2
Very many trees -- The description of the river and trees
is so similar to the Millennial age blessings of Rev. 21 and 22
as to leave no doubt that the same thing is referred to.
R3625:1
Toward the east -- Open to the Sun of Righteousness.
D653
Go into the sea -- The restless, turbulent masses of
mankind. A318
Dead Sea, representing a class submerged in ignorance,
superstition and degradation. R4882:6,3
The vast multitude of mankind which has gone into the tomb.
R3625:4, R2508:2
Shall be healed -- Revived, recovered from its deadness.
The water of life, flowing from the church, shall reach even
those in the tomb, awakening them to opportunities of
restitution. R4882:3, R3625:4, R2508:1,2
A possible literal fulfilment of this may be the opening of a
channel from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea. R3625:4,
R2507:2,3,5
That every thing -- Nephesh, soul, sentient being. E335
Multitude of fish -- Men-those reached by the Gospel.
R3625:4
Whither the river cometh -- The wilderness east of
Jerusalem, representing the condition of all the families of the
earth. R2508:2
Grow all trees -- Seems to demand a literal interpretation
as well as a symbolic one--a return to Paradisaic conditions.
R2507:5
Refers to the Millennial age. R2508:4
Also see comments on Ezek. 47:7
Whose leaf -- Representing restitution. R3625:4
The fruit -- Representing the abundance of instruction and
encouragement--mental, moral and physical. R3625:4
For meat -- For the sustenance of everlasting life.
R4882:6
For medicine -- Healing the repentant peoples of earth of
all imperfections. D656
From the north -- A new division of the land of Canaan
among the twelve tribes. R2507:2
The LORD is there -- Jehovah-shammah, the Wonder of
Jehovah. E43