All Queries for this Class received before the 10th, will be answered, if possible, on the 1St of the following month, i.e., in three weeks.
A. In some sins the judgment is immediate as in Esau’s case, &c.: in others it is delayed, though none the less sure. Likewise, with good works; in some cases the reward being open and without delay, in others, though equally sure, it may be deferred, in many cases not being received in this life at all. These general principles were valuable guides to Timothy in forming a correct estimate of the conduct or worth of others.
A. Simply that the wine miraculously produced by the Lord from water was so far superior to that provided by the bridegroom, that it alone could be called “good.”
A. (1) This passage clearly does not refer directly to Christians, (who have no special mission to the cities of Israel) but to the Jewish remnant, who will proclaim the gospel during Daniel’s last week, after all Christians have been taken to heaven. These form the “brethren of Christ,” (Matthew 25:4040And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (Matthew 25:40)) and they will not have completed their mission before the public return of the Son of Man to Olivet. (2) No. The shoes loosed from Joshua’s feet as well as Moses’ feet shows that the warfare of the Lord is as holy as His redemption; but the shoes of neither were put off when resisting the enemy, which is the aspect of Ephesians 6 Here however, shoes are merely used as expressive of the gospel of peace, and we cannot say that we are to take them off when in God’s presence.
Q. 293. Please give the Scripture on which the following verse of a hymn is based.
“He hell in hell laid low,
Made sin He sin o’erthrew,
Bowed to the grave destroyed it so,
And Death by dying slew.”
A. F. E.
A. We do not always undertake to justify the expressions of hymns, but in this case the first line is clearly anticipative of Revelation 20:1414And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (Revelation 20:14) (a result of Christ’s work). The second line reminds us of 2 Corinthains 5:21; Hebrews 2:1414Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14); and Romans 6 The other lines recall 2 Timothy 1:1010But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:10), “Who hath abolished death,” and 1 Corinthians 15:51,5551Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (1 Corinthians 15:51)
55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55).
Q. 294. Is the comma placed rightly in Neb. x. 72 after “forever?” Does forever mean eternal? (2) What is meant by being baptized “unto remission of sins” in Acts 2:3838Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38), (Revelation ver.) also “all who were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into His death,” (Romans 6:33Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3)) and “as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ?” (Galatians 3:2727For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27).) Is it possible to be baptized “into” Jesus Christ apart from 1 Corinthians 12:12, 1312For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13)? Peter baptizes “unto remission of sins,” others, “into Christ;” why the distinction? Ought not the word “all” (Romans 6:33Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3); Revelation ver.) to be “as many” as in Galatians 3:2727For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27). A. W. G. W.
A. The margin of the Revised Version is best— “for sins, forever sat down,” or “sat down in perpetuity.” The expression means sitting in contrast to working, and the work being forever finished and nothing now left to be done, the sitting is also forever (looked at in connection with—the work). (2) There is no doubt that all these passages whether “for” or “unto remission,” or “into” or better “unto Christ,” refer to water baptism, and are connected negatively with the pardon of sins (Mark 16:1616He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16)), and positively with a profession of the name of Christ; the one baptized becoming thus, outwardly at any rate, a partaker of Christ (Hebrews 3:1414For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (Hebrews 3:14)). 1 Corinthians 12 on the contrary is the baptism of the Spirit into the body of Christ, and is always real and eternal in its character. “All who” (Romans 6:33Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3) R. V.) is practically the same as “as many as.”
Q. 295. Please say why believers are called children in John 1:1212But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12), and Romans 8:16, 17, 2116The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:16‑17)
21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (Romans 8:21) (Revelation ver.), and sons in Romans 8:14, 1914For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)
19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19), and Galatians 3:26; 4:526For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)
5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:5). A. W. G. W.
A. “Children” is a broader word than “sons” and signifies relationship by birth, and as such is true of Old Testament saints as well as Christians. “Sons” is an individual title of privilege, “by adoption” and has reference to inheritance as well as to present nearness (shown by the cry of Abba Father), and is peculiar to Christians. Hence “sons” in Romans 8:1414For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14), is connected with the cry v. 15, and in v. 19 with the manifestation in glory, whereas in the other verses the kindred truth of childhood is taught. Galatians teaches most distinctly the value of the difference between childhood and sonship. An article “From Infancy to Manhood” in the “Young Believer,” vol. 1, would help on this subject.
A. For a full answer to this refer to Biblical Words and Phrases in Y. B. vol. 2. p. 68, “The four beasts,” and p. 159, “Cherubim,” also Q. 109, Y. B. vol. 2. p. 193.
A. (1) Certainly, it says so; but it does not necessarily follow that all are recorded; only such as are for our instruction are preserved. (1 Corinthians 10:1111Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (1 Corinthians 10:11)). (2) Only generally, as typical of the power of the enemy. They were Amorites, and as such were to be destroyed. (Genesis 15:2121And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. (Genesis 15:21)). (3) The whole law of the Lord. (See Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers). This book (Deuteronomy) is a recapitulation of these to the new generation (born in the wilderness) that had risen up in their father’s stead, ere they entered the land.
Q. 299. (1) Please say how is it that the mountain from which Moses saw the land is called Abarim in Number 27:12, and Pisgah in Deuteronomy 3:2727Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. (Deuteronomy 3:27). (2) Does Deuteronomy 26:55And thou shalt speak and say before the Lord thy God, A Syrian ready to perish was my father, and he went down into Egypt, and sojourned there with a few, and became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous: (Deuteronomy 26:5) refer to Jacob? Zurich.
A. (1) Pisgah is part of the mountains of Abarim, of which mount Nebo is the highest peak. (2) Certainly.
Q. 300. (1) Has the expression “unto this day” (Joshua 4:99And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day. (Joshua 4:9); Judges 6:2424Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. (Judges 6:24); 1 Kings 8:88And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. (1 Kings 8:8)) any reference to the last days? (2) What is meant by the company of two armies or Mahanaim? (Song of {s 22221}Solomon 6:1313Return, return, O Shulamite; return, return, that we may look upon thee. What will ye see in the Shulamite? As it were the company of two armies. (Song of Solomon 6:13); Genesis 32:22And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. (Genesis 32:2)). (3) Is Satan, or more directly the Assyrian, meant by the mighty and terrible one, Isaiah 49:2525But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. (Isaiah 49:25)? Zurich.
A. These expressions refer to the time the book was written. (2) Mahanaim means “two hosts,” (Genesis 32:2, 72And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim. (Genesis 32:2)
7Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; (Genesis 32:7)) and was a famous city in Israel, being at one time David’s only refuge. (2 Samuel 17:2424Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. (2 Samuel 17:24); 1 Kings 2:88And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the Lord, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword. (1 Kings 2:8)). The obscure passage in Cant. is literally, “We see as it were the (religious) dance of the two hosts of Mahanaim,” referring probably to some well-known religious rites there. (3) More probably the oppressors of Jerusalem, and notably the Roman Empire.
A. (1) 2 Kings 20:1919Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days? (2 Kings 20:19) favors the German, and it certainly does seem a selfish speech. (2) No doubt, and is therefore a far more correct portrait than those circulated by men in pictures, &c. (3) We should be glad to know the exact force of “sprinkle” in this passage from any of our readers.
A. Avoided and disregarded Him; did not own or recognize Him.
Q. 303. In Exodus 16:33And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. (Exodus 16:3)1 The manna is said to have tasted like wafers made with honey; in Numbers 11:88And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. (Numbers 11:8), like fresh oil. Please explain the apparent discrepancy. A. D. J.
A. The taste might very well resemble both. There is no absolute antagonism between the two. At the same time spiritually, it may bear the meaning, that as we travel further on our journey we get a richer taste of Christ, we appreciate Him more and understand His life down here better.
A. Because they saw the LORD, Jehovah; the One whom we know as Christ, who is ever the Revealer of the Godhead; then showing forth God, now revealing the Father. God the Father is never seen at any time, all manifestations being in His Son. (John 1:1818No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)).
A. Joshua 14:1515And the name of Hebron before was Kirjath-arba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war. (Joshua 14:15) merely states an historical fact which 18:3 shows was not justified. Chapter 22:4 does not occur till after 21:43, 44, so that the second was right, the first wrong.
A. Refer to “Y. B.” vol. ii. p. 27, Q. 46; also to “Y. B.” Jan., 1881, p. 28, Q. 170. If you require more, write again.
Q. 307. What is the meaning of Philippians 3, “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead?” S. R. W.
A. The joy before him was so great that the way he reached it mattered not—by martyrdom, by crucifixion, or by any other way. The passage does not express a doubt of attaining it, but his indifference as to the path, so long as he attained the goal.
A. (1) We cannot say why the result varies in the two records. Josephus gives Israel 900,000 and Judah 400,000. (2) The second day’s work was merely ordering a-id dividing; nothing fresh was created or brought forth, to which the term “good” could apply.
Q. 309. Please explain the difference between “fathers, young men, and children” in 1 John 2:12,1312I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. (1 John 2:12‑13). (2) Why is the word “fully” put in Acts 2:11And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1)? H. L. L.
A. Read from “Infancy to Manhood,” “ Y. B.,” vol. 1. The terms represent three stages of Christian growth. The children being characterized by knowing the Father; the young men, by their strength; and the fathers, by knowing Christ. (2) Because it was now absolutely fulfilled never to be repeated. It is remarkable that of these great Jewish feasts, two, passover and tabernacles will be revived in the Millennium. (Ezekiel 45:21,521In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. (Ezekiel 45:21)
5And the five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of the house, have for themselves, for a possession for twenty chambers. (Ezekiel 45:5).) Pentecost never will.
Q. 310. (1) Into what is it we are said to be grafted in Romans 11:17-2017And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (Romans 11:17‑20)? (2) Does the word “angels” in Revelation 1:2020The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. (Revelation 1:20) represent the ministers of each Church? A. H.
A. (1) Into the olive tree of the people of God on earth, whose are the promises of God. Of this Israel was the root, and the Gentiles come in now, on the rejection of Israel nationally. Abraham was really the root, but the bad branches (the literal seed) had been broken off in order that good branches, the spiritual seed, might be grafted in. (Romans 4) The whole is connected with outward position and profession on the earth. (2) Possibly the leading person. (See “Y. B.,” vol. 2, p. 192, Q. 105).
A. Does this not clearly refer to Numbers 18:88And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever. (Numbers 18:8), with which compare 1 Corinthians 9:1313Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? (1 Corinthians 9:13) and 10:18. The sacrifices belonged to Aaron and his sons, (Christ and the Church) not to the Levites who served the tabernacle (the Jews). (2) 2 Corinthians 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10) is a general passage and does not touch the question, but is explained by Revelation 22:1212And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. (Revelation 22:12); 1 Corinthians 3, &c. Everything doubtless will be brought up that will asst in determining our places in the glory, but the Lord will never deal twice with the soul about the same thing.
A. (I) Doubtless there will on earth, but in the Revelation, we get heavenly things described. On consideration it will be apparent that no words exist in our language to describe what is there, hence in describing them the Spirit is forced to use earthly symbols that will most clearly represent to us what He wishes to convey. These are figures, therefore, for the simple reason that there are no words to convey what is in heaven. (2) If one object of this judgment seat be to assign the believer his true place in the glory, (see Luke 19:1515And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. (Luke 19:15), &c.) as we believe, then it is evident that all that will have a bearing on this will be brought up. A believer’s history however begins with his birth. We cannot say however that no antecedents will be brought up, for we have no Scripture to support us; but all will be in perfect love.
Q. 313. (1) Please explain wily it is said in 1 Corinthians 15:55And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: (1 Corinthians 15:5) that Christ was seen of the twelve when there were only eleven at that time. (2) Does 1 Corinthians 11:3-103But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head. 5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. (1 Corinthians 11:3‑10) apply to a Bible reading in a private house? If not, what is the breadth of its application, and does the word “head” in v. 5 refer to the man, or what the woman is to cover? J. R.
A. (1) There were then only eleven actually living of those who were appointed by the Lord, but Matthias who (Acts 1:2626And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26)) took the place of Judas as the twelfth, saw Him. (v. 22.) (2) Verse 5 refers to the woman’s head. If a woman prays or prophecies (in public) she is to have her head covered. This does not take place generally in private Bible readings. The passage appears to contemplate women doing both, not of course to men, (1 Timothy 2:1212But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12)) but to her own sExodus When occupying suck a position a man is uncovered, a woman covered.
A. See “B. S.” p. 16, Q. 235. This passage refers to outward attachment to Christ by profession, the proof of the reality of which lay in the bearing of fruit. A vine branch that is fruitless is absolutely worthless, even the wood being of no value save for burning. The whole passage refers to outward attachment to Christ on earth. There might be a true hidden link, or there might not; fruit was the proof.
A. It was bad enough to refuse Christ in the days of His rejection, even when here in grace; but all who meet Him hereafter in judgment, (when the little stone cut out without hands falls upon the feet of the image, Daniel 2:3434Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. (Daniel 2:34)) will be ground to powder.
A. Refer to “Y. B.” vol. 2. p. 74. Ver. 22 is understood to refer to the last half of the last or seventieth week of Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:2727And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. (Daniel 9:27)) which is divided in two by the setting up of the image of the beast. (Revelation 13) Each half consists of 31 years, or, as is said of the first half, (Revelation 11:33And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:3)) 1260 days, these are not shortened. The second half is called 42 months, but never specified like the first by days; hence in accordance with Jewish time reckoning (a part being equal to a whole) any part of the last month would suffice to fulfill the prophecy. In this manner therefore, the days can be shortened and yet the prophecy fulfilled. Of course all is Jewish. “End of age” is more appropriate. Ver. 34 means that morally the same generation, the same class of people will be found up to the coming of the Son of Man.
A. See “Y. B.,” vol. 2, p. 272. John the Evangelist and James the greater were, we know, the sons of Zebedee. James the less was probably the Lord’s cousin, son of Alphaeus or Clopas, and Mary the aunt of the Lord. He is also called the Lord’s brother. (Galatians 1:1919But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. (Galatians 1:19).) He was probably the author of the Epistle that bears his name.
Q. 318. (1) Will the Antichrist of Revelation 13:1-81And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:1‑8) be instrumental in, or present at, the taking of Jerusalem mentioned in Zechariah 14:22For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2); Luke 21:2424And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24) and Jeremiah 19:7-97And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth. 8And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof. 9And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them. (Jeremiah 19:7‑9)? (2) Will that sacking of Jerusalem take place in the middle of the last week, soon after the setting up of the abomination of desolation? (Matthew 24:15-2215When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: 17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:15‑22)). (3) Is the desolation there spoken of synchronal with the period referred to in Revelation 12:1414And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (Revelation 12:14)? (4) Will the king of the north of Daniel 11 have any hand in the sacking of Jerusalem in Zechariah 14:22For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2)? J. C.
A. Antichrist or “the King” is certainly reigning over Jerusalem and the land when the first attack is made on Jerusalem, mentioned, not in Luke 21:2424And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24) or Jeremiah 19:7-97And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth. 8And I will make this city desolate, and an hissing; every one that passeth thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof. 9And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them. (Jeremiah 19:7‑9), but in Zechariah 14:22For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. (Zechariah 14:2). (2) That partial capture takes place within the next half week of Daniel 9 after the abomination of desolation spoken of also in Matthew 24 (3) Revelation 12:1414And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (Revelation 12:14) synchronizes with the half week as a whole. (4) “The king of the north” (Daniel 11) is “the Assyrian” of Minh &c., who leads the nations against the Jews, and after the partially successful siege of Jerusalem already noticed. (Isaiah 28) He comes up a second time to complete his work and falls by Divine judgment as in Zechariah 14:3, 43Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. 4And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. (Zechariah 14:3‑4); Isaiah 29; 30, &c.