"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part III – Bible Numerology Lesson 137A   "Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward." Deut. 2:3     The cited God's command was given to Moses near the end of the forty years of the wandering of Israelites on the desert. These words enlivened greatly the chosen nation, as the time of their entering to the land promised them by God approached. Their whole journey, from leaving Egypt till the encampment on the Moab fields – the last stop before entering the Canaan land, represents the earthly pilgrimage of the Church, ending with entering to Heavenly Canaan. This is the numerical value of the first letters of all localities, from Rameses to the lowlands of Moab, according to their names given in the Hebrew language of the Old Testament in Num. 33:5-49:         The number "3596" represents the quantity of years, since leaving Egypt by Israelites (1615 B.C.), till the end of the earthly course of the Church (spring 1981 A.D.).     1615  +  1981  =  3596       Lesson 137B   "TURN YOU NORTHWARD"   "God told these words to Moses when the generation that went out from Egypt already extincted. Also long, lasting forty years punishment already ended, during which Israel spent the time on the wilderness ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part III – Bible Numerology   Lesson 122       The words above mentioned are the content of the proclamation, which will utter Great Company and after it the whole mankind, when the judgement already will be done over Babylon. (verses 1-5; Questions, page 291). To the numerical calculation was used Greek text (according to Nestle). Farther words, "for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints," do not belong to the content of the voice. Diaglott treats them as the parenthetical insertion. It is similarly in the English translation R.S.V. (Revised Standard Version). The number "1948" represents the quantity of years, since the spring 33 (32,25), during which the Church prepares to the Wedding of the Lamb (1980,25).   32,25  +  1948  =  1980,25   Lesson 123   One of the books of Scripture is titled "The Song of Songs." The content of this whole book is the love of the Bridegroom to the Bride. Here is the numerical value of first verse, which begins the content of this "Book of Love":     "It is the song of the Lamb..."     Lesson 124     Lesson 125 The numerical value of the following words is full of the meaning:     The number "2948" shows the quantity of years, from Resurrection our Lord in spring of ...more

How prophecies of the 1974 have been fulfilled? – today's comment     The birth, development, final elevation and fall of Antichrist   At first Christian churches, even when Apostles lived yet, appeared the tendencies among the God's people, to swagger, to receive honour from one another and tyrannize over those who were allotted to their care. Apostles were counteracting these tendencies, but after their death, more and more quick the going away from Jesus primitive principles started. Only few among disciples of Christ made up their minds to wait for his second arrival faithfully. Majority of the Christ believers decided to use the strength of the Gospel to the acquiring of wealth, power and influences. The rulers of the Roman empire accepted the new religion in the place of paganism and in the after-effect of this they invited persecuted so far Christians to their palaces. Christ usual brothers, the oblivious his warning not to call any man on earth "father" (Matt. 23:9), they began quickly to become transformed in the fathers, reverend ones, the Right Reverend ones and the Right Reverend bishop ones. Gradual emerging at communities of Christian congregations the dividing into clergy and laymen was favourable to the arising in the church ...more

How the prophecies of the 1974 year have been fulfilled? – today's comment From the very beginning the Bible Students movement at the USA (1874-1916) had the prophetic character. It always rigorously abided by the principle to teach only things about which Bible says. The comments relating to types, the figures of Mosaic Law, prophecies and lessons of the Old and New Testament had the exact reference to the concrete verses of the Scripture. The teachings about "the times of restoration of all things" (Acts 3:21), owing to such faithfulness to the Word of God, they achieved huge credibility and circulation in the whole world. The emission of millions of the copies of the volumes of Studies in the Scripture is the sufficient evidence of this. It was understood that the typical feature of the Mosaic Law, known as the Jubilee, was intended to foreshadow the great Restitution that is the recovery of mankind from the fall. Chronologically it began in 1874, and it will be executing throughout the Millennial age. Israel's Jubilee Year, in its character, it was an illustration of the coming Restitution. The joyful time of The jubilee announced the loud sound of the trumpet. This blowing the ...more

How the prophecies of the 1974 year have been fulfilled? – today's comment The chapter ten of the Revelation describes the special mission, which John received to the realization. He was the passive observer of successive visions so far. Now, he saw an Angel who placed his right foot on the sea and the left foot on the land, and who held in his hand a little scroll (small book). He handed this book over to John, told him to eat it, and commanded: "Once again you must utter prophecies..." (10:11).         In the third volume Study in the Scriptures there is commentary to the parable of the Ten Virgins. The parable was explained as follows: The first movement of the virgins, who went out to meet bridegroom corresponds to one which began with the "Miller movement" (1829-1844). This movement ended in 1844 with the bitter disappointment. In result of this "all [virgins] slumbered and slept." This deep slumbering, which have been caused by the lack of the understanding of the time, has interrupted the cry at the midnight announcing the second presence of our Lord (1874). All virgins woke up, and wise virgins out of them went out to meet bridegroom ...more

How the prophecies of the 1974 year have been fulfilled? – today's comment Students of the Bible at United States announced received by faith the fact of the second presence of Christ since 1874 and expiry of so-called Times of the Gentiles (1914). These two matters are mutually closely connected. Zedekiah turned out to be the last king who sat down on the "throne of Jehovah" (1 Chron. 29:23). Prophet Ezekiel announced the king's dethronization and the fall typical kingdom of God, and declared to expect on the legitimate claimant to the crown that is the Jesus Christ (21:26, 27). From Divine Plan of the Ages it results, that this period of the interregnum had to last more than two and a half millenium. At that time it was permitted to the Pagan rulers to administer the matters of the world according to their own fancy. That is why the Lord Jesus named that entire period the Times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24). Our Lord, from the very beginning of his invisible presence (1874), until expiration of the Pagans power (1914), he did not violate the laws of kings, aristocracy and clergy. Nevertheless, all the meantime of the forty years, ...more

How the prophecies of the 1974 year have been fulfilled? – today's comment   The seventh seal has been broken   The leader of prophetic movement of years 1879-1916 at the USA, the author of the six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures, Charles Taze Russell, long ago said: "There are certain things in Revelation which I do not understand, and for this reason I do not write the Seventh Volume" (Q643:3; 1916 A.D.). He said also, that the seventh volume would not be for the development of the Church; that the preceding six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures contain the necessary spiritual food for that purpose. Asked why, then, it would be written, he replied, "It will probably be given to the Church in a time of direst need, for her comfort and encouragement." (the book "The Finished mystery", page 7; 1917 A.D.). Until the Divine time came on this and come to pass the events on which suitable visions would be to point, the secrets of the Revelation Book could not be understood. From the time of expiry of so-called Times of the Pagans (1914) took place many remarkable events. The two world wars shook the mankind, exploded many various revolutions, ...more

How the prophecies of the 1974 year have been fulfilled? – today's comment The flood, annihilation Sodom and Gomorrah, the fall of ancient Babylon are biblical pictures of the destruction of the old world. It has been a part of God's great plan to permit evil to reign for 6,000 years. A splendid era for the world has began from the dawn of seventh "day", Millenium. Great adversary of God, Satan, will be bound, his kingdom overthrown and replaced with the kingdom, which our first parents lost because of sin. All these things which Satan built from the entry of the sin to the world, that is all the systems supporting his rule, unjust and despotic, they have to be removed from the earth. Jesus Christ, since the very beginning of his second invisible presence (gr. parousia), has been making the work of overthrowing these systems. Presence of our Lord (gr. parousia) was noticed for hundred years only through the consecrated believers. The year 1980/81 is the time, in which this presence reached already the critical phase – manifestation (gr. epiphaneia). The world events have been abruptly accelerating since this year. There is such system, which since a dozen or so ...more

How the prophecies of the 1974 year have been fulfilled? – today's comment The understanding of the object, the manner and the time of our Lord return pictured promised God's Kingdom on earth in realistic shape. The first presence of the Jesus Christ recognized only the "Israelites indeed". Owing to what? Owing to the certain peculiar signs that is several prophetic statements of the Scriptures foretelling Messiah. The disciples have associated these prophecies with Jesus person of Nazareth. Our Lord could then be seen the corporeal sight, because he was the man, of human nature. He has left heavenly glory, spiritual nature, has become the man, "hath been made a little lower than the angels" (Hebr. 2:9). Why? To become the Ransom for Adam and his descendants our Lord had to die as the man, not the angel (1 Tim. 2:5,6). Giver of the ransom for man had to be of the same nature. Briefly before finishing his mission, the Lord told Apostles that the world will not see him anymore (John 14:19). What does it mean? The Father of our Lord, exalted his Son to the divine, immortal nature, above all remaining creatures in the universe, in prize for his ...more

How the prophecies of the 1974 year have been fulfilled? – today's comment Lessons from Biblical Chronology (1974) quoted below relate to the Law of Moses. The mathematical relationships of the numerical values of the names of equipment and ceremonies of the Law have delivered additional proofs on this, that the expectation prophetic relating to the year 1980/81 and 1984 will be fulfil unfailingly. It was expected, that these years would bring decided breakthrough, ending era of the spirit of the Gospel Age and beginning the blessings of God's Kingdom on the earth. When these years came, seemingly no important events (conspicuous and of huge scale) have been occurred. It turned out, however, that victory of the Solidarity Movement at Poland brought about so-called "snowball efect". From an initial state of small significance (seemingly) the events are gaining more and more momentum, and are running right now with the terrific speed to the precipice. Year 1980/81 is the beginning of blowing the trumpet seventh angel: The kingdom of the world is become [the kingdom] of out Lord, and of his Christ: (...) And the nations were wroth, and thy wrath came..." (Rev. 11:15, 18). The communistic governments, which paralysed world with ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part III - Bible Numerology     THE INTRODUCTION     Every phone of the Hebrew and Greek alphabet has the numerical value: a = 1, b = 2, g = 3, d = 4 etc. (See the enclosed Hebrew and Greek alphabet with passed numerical values). Adding together the numerical value of phones (letters) in the word we receive the numerical value of the word. Brother John Edgar, in article titled "Abraham’s Life History. An Allegory of the Divine Plan of the Ages" quotes from 'Hastings' Bible Dictionary, regarding the number of Abraham’s servants, as follows: "The number 318 is the equivalent of Eliezer, if the numerical values of the different letters of this name are added together: 1 + 30 + 10 + 70 + 7 + 200 = 318. It would be a strange coincidence if the number of Abraham’s ‘trained servants’ stood in such a relation to ‘Eliezer,’ the only name known to us of a trained servant of Abraham [Gen. 14:14]." (Look booklet "FAITH’S FOUNDATIONS," page 73). Some letters of the Latin alphabet have the numerical value. In the Seventh Volume there is the comment to Rev. 13:18. There are passed the numerical values of letters on ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part II - Bible Geometry       THE TEMPLE OF GOD Ezek. 40-48     The prophet Ezekiel received the vision of the Temple. He at a time was exactly acquainted with the construction and the dimensions of temple (See drafts: No. X and No. XII).   The description of the whole is contained in chapters 40-48 of the prophecy of Ezekiel. Let's draw our attention to some of the dimensions mentioned there.         THE MOST HOLY Ezek. 41:4     From the book of prophet Ezechiel (41:4) we learned about two dimensions of the Most Holy: the length and width, 20 x 20 cubits. These dimensions are compatible with suitable dimensions of the Temple of Salomon, therefore all what was said about the "Most Holy" of Salomon's Temple, also relates to the "Most Holy" of the Temple described by Ezekiel.   Let's take notice to one more measure relating to the both Temples.   The diagonal of the floor of the "Most Holy" contains in oneself 198 palms (after rounding the number 197,9899), what shows on the year 1980 in scale 1:10 (Look draft No. XI). Draft No. XI.      The largest area from the whole terrain of God's Sanctuary occupied the Outer Court. This court together with the pavement which surrounded it, was on ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part II - Bible Geometry     THE INTRODUCTION     We live in the time of an increasing skill prophesied by the prophet Daniel (Dan. 12:4). The various fields of knowledge have become accessible to wide masses of the society.   The basic principles of geometry, once accessible for privileged classes only, today, as the obligatory subject, they are taught at schools as general education. No wonder that the various geometrical data in the Bible, previously taken little notice, today they gain a lot of the meaning. Owing to general education and skill they can be comprehensible for many from the God's people, which have free access to them.   We are grateful to God for the abundant delivery of the deeper knowledge of the times and seasons, hidden so far behind the laconic sometimes figures, as if without the meaning, which can even seem superfluous to the reader.   The Master's words come true also and here: "One jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law, till all things be accomplished" (Matt. 5:18). "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out!" ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part I - Chronology of the Divine Plan of Ages       DAVID     The name, David means "Beloved." David is the type of our Lord, who is "Beloved Son of God" (Matt. 3:17) and of the Church, which is accepted in "his Beloved" (Eph. 1:6). Our Lord has to reign as the antitype of David. The mother of Jesus, Mary, was informed about this by the angel Gabriel: "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David" (Luke. 1:26-33). David was anointed three times: (1) By Samuel, in accordance with God's decree (1 Sam. 16:1-13), (2) By tribe of Judah (2 Sam. 2:1-4), (3) By remaining tribes of Israel (2 Sam. 5:1-3). First anointment represents the anointment of the Lord Jesus with the Holy Spirit during sacrificing in the Jordan (Matt. 3:16). Second anointment represents acknowledgement of our Lord as the their king through God's people in the Gospel Age. Third anointment represents acknowledgement of our Lord as the king through the whole world. David reigned over tribe of Judah for 7 years and over Israel for 33 years (1 Kings 2:11); so he reigned in all ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part I - Chronology of the Divine Plan of Ages       WHEREBY SHALL I KNOW?   Abraham is one of the most illustrious biblical persons of The Old Testament. The most important events from his life are described in the book of Genesis (11:26-25:8). The faith in Divine promises was the outstanding feature of Abraham distinguishing him among other people. The apostle Paul includes him in the rank of men of faith, because they proved their faithfulness in difficult conditions. For this cause they will be granted by the Lord a part in the "better resurrection." (Heb. 11:8-10, 35) The apostle Paul calls Abraham "father of all them that believe" because of this exceptional faith (Rom. 4:11). Abraham is the father for Jews, because they are his sons by Isaac and Jacobs; for Mohammedans by Ishmael and Esau, whereas for Christians, by the faith (Gal. 3:29). The brother Edgar was author of brochure "Abraham's life history. An Allegory of the Divine Plan of the Ages." He analysed Abraham's entire history and found there beautiful things relating to various outlines of God's Plan. Brother Russell, in the printed sermon, "Divine Plan hidden in Abraham's family," combines in one the whole ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part I - Chronology of the Divine Plan of Ages     THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES   Hitherto known chronological calculations led the most far off till 1914/1915. The events related to this year were expected for nearly 40 years. The World war, by which the year 1914 was clearly marked, was the evidence that the calculations were correct. Nevertheless the exaltation of the last members of the Church before this time – how this was expected – did not happen. Moreover, the work of pronouncing of the Truth was continued after the war farther and it still continues. It turned out that these expectations were premature, so we should wait for fulfillment prophetic events in the future. Many things was fulfilled since 1914. So far we survived the Second World War (1939-1945); we watched the great sufferings of the Jewish nation, as well as coming into being the state of Israel. Had the Bible chronology to lead God's people only 1914 A.D. only, and farther not? We have the promise in God's Word: "But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Prov. 4:18); and: "Thy word is a ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part I - Chronology of the Divine Plan of Ages     THE TRUE AND COUNTERFEIT "DAYS" OF DANIEL   As there will be a Millennial Kingdom, during which Jesus Christ and his joint-heirs shall reign in righteousness for the blessing of all the families of the earth, so there has been a counterfeit of this, namely, the Papal Millennium, during which the great Anti-Christ system reigned to the hindrance of the world's progress. The Apostle warned the early Church not to expect the near approach of Christ's Kingdom. The Lord had revealed to him that the Adversary would be permitted to reign during the Gospel Age; and that in due time this counterfeit kingdom would be dissolved and finally destroyed by Christ when he came to establish the true Kingdom of God. In 2 Thess. 2:1-10, we read: "Now we beseech you, brethren, by [concerning] the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by [concerning] our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, that the day of Christ is at hand. [They were not to imagine that the great 1000-year "day" of ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part I - Chronology of the Divine Plan of Ages     THE DOMINION PARALLELS   When God gave the Law to the descendants of Israel, he promised them blessings if they would obey, and the cursings if they did not. They constantly disregarded the Law, and therefore every adversity threatened has come upon them. Two of the severest of these were the "seven times" of punishment, and the "desolation of the land," pronounced together by Moses in the book of Leviticus (26:14-43). The Scriptural connections show that these punishments both began at the same date, namely, 606 B.C. This period of desolation was 70 years and began when Zedekiah was dethroned by Babilonian king, Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 9:2, 11). In dethroning Zedekiah, Israel's last king, and laying waste Jerusalem and the land of Judea, the king of Babylon began the lease of power to the Gentiles. Although the Jews were allowed to return to their land after the 70 years desolation was accomplished, they were still subject to Gentile powers, because the long period of their "seven times" of punishment (2520 years) had to run its course. The Jews will not regain full national freedom until, as Jesus said, the ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part I - Chronology of the Divine Plan of Ages     THE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE JEWISH AGE AND THE GOSPEL AGE   The length of the Jewish Age and the Gospel Age is proved from the Bible Chronology to be exactly 1845 years, so that any date in the former has its parallel date in the latter 1845 years afterwards (See diagram No. 6). It is important to recognize that "time-parallels," to be of any value, must correspond in events as well as in dates.     In addition to those already indicated there are a number of striking parallels in the two Ages, which help to confirm our understanding of the times and seasons; they correspond so closely that we cannot doubt they were so arranged by our loving heavenly Father, that the faith of his consecrated children might be strengthened in Him, and in his great Plan of the Ages. In the year 606 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar laid the holy land desolate and took the Jewish king and nation captive to Babylon, where they remained till the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, who, after the overthrow of the Babylonian kingdom, released the Jews from bondage and at the same time ...more

"Bible Chronology" (published in April, 1974). Part I - Chronology of the Divine Plan of Ages      CHRONOLOGICAL PERIODS   From the foregoing list of Bible dates (see part 1), we find that the chronological chain is composed of nine main periods or links of different lengths. Each link will stand close investigation, when examined in the light of the Scriptures themselves. It is most important, that they should be thoroughly tested, for correct interpretation of the time-prophecies entirely depends upon the true chronology.         The period of 1656 years from the creation of Adam to the flood, does not require much comment, for it is based upon the records of the original Hebrew Scriptures. As has been pointed out by many eminent chronologists, the addition in the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament of exactly 100 years to the ages of most of the patriarchs, is quite evidently a forgery. We could not imagine a reason why the Hebrews in Palestine should desire to shorten their ancient chronological records; but it is easy to see why the Greek Jews in Egypt were induced to lengthen them when translating the original Hebrew into Greek. They desired to make their history appear as ancient as ...more