The Berean

Voice
Hope of Israel Ministries (Church of YEHOVAH) Volume 2, Number 6 November-December 2001

Inside....Inside....

Page 2 From the Editor

Page 3 Is the "Great Tribula-

tion" Really in the Future?

Page 30 Hope of Israel Mail

Bag

Page 34 The Three Great

Enemies of the Kingdom of
God!

Page 38 Taliban: A Perfect Is-

lamic Society

Page 43 Yehovah's Law and

Our Neighbor

Page 52 The House of Israel

Page 56 Is JUDAISM the Re-

ligion of Moses? -- Part 3

Page 63 Yeshua Did Not

Pre-Exist!

Is the "Great Page 76 "Yeshua -- The First-

born"

Tribulation" Really Page 81 ST. VALENTINE'S

DAY: Christian Custom? -- or
Pagan Holiday?

in the Future? Page 81 A Moment for Truth

Page 90 Back Issues of The

Berean Voice Magazine
 Islam and the Koran

The words "Arab" and "Islam" are synonymous.

Arabs were responsible for the introduction of
Islam, and Islam is responsible for keeping the
Arab world in the Dark Ages. Arabs are cruel,
and Islam is a cruel religion -- they suit each
other. The adherents of Islam are exhorted to
kill for the sake of Allah, and where the Islamic
holy law (Sharia) is in effect, there can be no
resisting of Islam nor turning to another religion
or faith. To do so invites severe punishment --
by sword, hanging, stoning or crucifixion.

The Koran teaches that women are inferior to

men and even admonishes husbands to
Hope of Israel Ministries (Church of
"scourge" their wives. According to a recent
YEHOVAH) poll, 80 percent of Arab women believe that
The Berean Voice Magazine routine wife-beating is "normal and beneficial
P.O. Box 6772 for family stability and discipline." And at least
Thousand Oaks, CA 91359-6772, U.S.A. one sect believes that women have no souls
and, therefore, will not be resurrected.
Website (West Coast):
http://hope-of-israel.org In some Islamic countries a woman who turns
Website (East Coast): from Islam to embrace Christianity will be pub-
http://hope-of-isreal.net licly hung. And if she has young children, those
E-mail: kiwihope@netscape.net under the age of five years will be hung along
with their mother. Petty crimes, committed by
Editor and Director: John D. Keyser both men and women, are punished by the sev-
ering of hands or feet, or both. The "cutting off
Contributing Writers of hands, feet, ears, tongues, and heads; and the
gouging out of eyes -- all of these things are part
R.E. Woodrow of Islamic law today."
Ernest Martin
Herman Hoeh Like the Arabs themselves, the religion of Islam
Dave Hunt is savage and rules by fear and terror. Iran's
own brand of fanatical Islam has executed
Technical Advisor Sean Keyser 95,000 political prisoners -- dissidents and
apostates -- since the 1979 revolution. Untold
thousands have died in the Sudan, Iraq and
Hope of Israel Ministries -- Syria. Welcome to the world of Islam -- the
Preparing the Way for the "supreme" religion that Osama bin Ladin and
others plan to bring by force upon the entire in-
Return of YEHOVAH God habited world.
and His Messiah! -- John D. Keyser
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 Is the "Great Tribulation"
Really in the Future?
What does the Bible teach about the "great tribulation"? Will it take
place during the last seven years of this age -- as Christians who follow
the Futurist interpretation believe? Others believe that these things hap-
pened before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. The two inter-
pretations cannot be reconciled -- which one is correct?

John D. Keyser and R.E. Woodrow

It was a shocking statement that fell upon the ears of the disciples. As they left the Temple
in Jerusalem, certain of them remarked about what a magnificent Temple it was and how remark-
able were its stones. But Yeshua said the time would come when one stone would not be left upon
another that would not be thrown to the ground! This startling pronouncement aroused immediate
questions from the disciples. As they sat upon the Mount of Olives opposite the Temple compound,
they asked Yeshua when these things would happen and what sign would be given when these
things were about to be fulfilled. In reply to these questions, Yeshua talked about deceivers, wars,
earthquakes, famines, pestilences, the "abomination of desolation" -- and GREAT
TRIBULATION!

Those among the Churches of God who hold to the FUTURIST point of view apply the
verses about deceivers, wars, earthquakes, famines, and pestilences to our time -- to the time lead-
ing up to the tribulation period which they believe will be the last seven years of this age. The
abomination of desolation is regarded as an idol of the Antichrist (or the Antichrist himself) to be
set up in the Holy of Holies of a rebuilt Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. When this happens --
according to this scenario -- the Jews will flee into the mountains around Jerusalem to avoid the
impending great tribulation.

The FULFILLED interpretation, on the other hand, portrays the deceivers, wars, earth-
quakes, famines and pestilences as events which Yeshua said would SOON happen -- things that
happened before the destruction of the Temple. When parallel accounts are compared, the abomi-
nation of desolation was clearly Gentile armies that surrounded Jerusalem in order to cause its
desolation. As a result of Yeshua's warning, the disciples fled from Jerusalem and Judea. What
Yeshua termed the "great tribulation" referred to the judgment that fell upon the Jewish nation --
resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 A.D. and the death of over
1,100,000 Jews.

Needless to say, the two scenarios or interpretations (the FUTURIST and the FULFILLED)
are eons apart. Many have accepted the futurist view simply because they have not been fully

3
aware of the historical fulfillment. The prophecy in question is recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13
and Luke 21. In order to get the complete picture, we must read ALL three accounts. Sometimes a
detail not fully explained in one is explained further in the other.

The statement Yeshua made about the Temple being destroyed is recorded in all three ac-
counts -- notice:

As Yeshua left the Temple and was going away, his talmidim [disciples] came and called
his attention to its buildings. But he answered them, "You see all these? Yes! I tell you,
they will be totally destroyed -- not a single stone will be left standing!" (Matthew 24:1-2,
Jewish New Testament).

As Yeshua came out of the Temple, one of the talmidim [disciples] said to him, "Look,
Rabbi! What huge stones! What magnificent buildings!" "You see all these great build-
ings?" Yeshua said to him, "They will be totally destroyed -- not a single stone will be left
standing!" (Mark 13:1-2, Jewish New Testament).

As some people were remarking about the Temple, how beautiful its stonework and
memorial decorations were, he said, "The time is coming when what you see here will be
totally destroyed -- not a single stone will be left standing!" (Luke 21:5-6, Jewish New
Testament).

"Tell us, WHEN will these things happen?" the disciples then asked, "and what sign will
show when all these things are about to be accomplished?" In addition to the questions about the
destruction of the Temple, Matthew -- and only Matthew -- recorded the question: "What shall be
the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?" Yeshua answered ALL of these questions.
However, the primary questioning (recorded by all the writers) was about the destruction of the
Temple: "When will these things happen?"

Deceivers

First, Yeshua warned about deceivers in Matthew 24:4-5; Mark 13:5-6 and Luke 21:8. No-
tice --

Yeshua replied: "Watch out! Don't let anyone fool you! For many will come in my name,
saying, 'I am the Messiah!' and they will lead many astray" (Matthew 24:4-5).

Yeshua began speaking to them: "Watch out! Don't let anyone fool you! Many will come
in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and they will fool many people" (Mark 13:5-6).

He answered, "Watch out! Don't be fooled! For many will come in my name, saying, 'I
am he!' and, 'The time has come!' Don't go after them" (Luke 21:8).

All three accounts warn about deceivers -- but Luke's account alone explains when these
things would occur: "The time HAS COME! Don't go after them." This was not something that

4
would take place hundreds or thousands of years into the future! Yeshua was clearly warning his
disciples about something that was about to happen in their time!

Did "many" deceivers deceive "many" people in the days of the original disciples? Indeed
they did! According to the Jewish historian Josephus, twelve years after Yeshua's death on the
tree, a certain impostor by the name of Theudas persuaded a large number of people to follow him
to the river Jordan which he claimed would part like the Red Sea for them to cross. At the time of
Felix (who is mentioned in the Book of Acts), Judea was filled with impostors who Felix had to
put to death EVERY DAY -- a statement that indicated there were very many of them! An Egyptian
who "pretended to be a prophet" claimed he would show "how" the walls of Jerusalem would fall
down at his command. He managed to gather 30,000 disciples to watch the event which, of course,
failed to come to pass.

Another prominent deceiver was Simon the sorcerer -- who we read about in Acts 8. He
led people to believe that he was the great power of YEHOVAH. According to Irenaeus, he
claimed to be the Son of God and the creator of angels. Justin further tells us he traveled to Rome
and was recognized as a god by means of his magical powers. This man was the REAL "Peter"
that the Roman Catholics claim was the first pope.

Origen mentions a certain wonder-worker by the name of Dositheus. This deceiver claimed
he was the Messiah foretold by Moses. Another such man was Barchochebas -- who claimed he
could vomit flames! Bar-jesus -- mentioned in Acts 13:6 -- was a sorcerer and false prophet.
These are a few examples of the many deceivers of whom history says there were "a great num-
ber," and of whom Yeshua had prophesied there would be "many."

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Next, Yeshua remarked in Matthew 24:6-7; Mark 13:7 and Luke 21:9-10:

"You will hear the noise of wars nearby and the news of wars far off; see to it that you
don't become frightened. Such things must happen, but the end is yet to come. For peo-
ples will fight each other, nations will fight each other..."(Matthew 24:6-7).

"When you hear the noise of wars nearby and the news of wars far off, don't become
frightened. Such things must happen, but the end is yet to come" (Mark 13:7).

"And when you hear of wars and revolutions, don't panic. For these things must happen
first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he told them, "Peoples will fight
each other, nations will fight each other..."

When Yeshua gave this prophecy the Roman Empire was experiencing a general peace
within its borders; but Yeshua boldly stated that they would soon be hearing of wars and rumors of
wars. And they did! Within a very short time the Empire was filled with strife, insurrections and
wars.

5
 Before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., four different emperors experienced violent deaths
within a space of 18 months. According to the Roman historian Suetonius, Nero "drove a dagger
into his throat" and Galba was run down by horsemen who cut off his head. "Thrusting his thumb
into the mouth" a soldier carried the horrible trophy about. Otho "stabbed himself" in the breast.
Vitellius was killed by slow torture and then "dragged by a hook into the Tiber." Tacitus, writing
of this period in history, used such expressions as "disturbances in Germany," "commotions in Af-
rica," "insurrections in Gaul," "intrigues among the Parthians," "the war in Britain" and the "war in
Armenia."

Among the Jews it was a turbulent and terrible time. Fifty thousand Jews were killed in
Seleucia. There was an uprising against them in Alexandria -- with many killed. In a battle be-
tween the Jews and Syrians in Caesarea, 20,000 were killed. During this period the mad emperor
Caligula ordered his statue placed in the Holy of Holies of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Jews re-
fused and lived in constant fear the armies of Rome would be sent into Palestine. In fact, the fear
was so great that many Jews did not even bother to till their fields.

Although there were to be wars and commotions, Yeshua explained to his disciples: "See
that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the END is not yet." Sermons
have often been preached in the Churches of God about deceivers, wars, rumors of wars and other
things mentioned in Matthew 24 -- as though they were signs of the soon coming return of the Mes-
siah! But instead of these things being signs of the end, Yeshua clearly said: "The end is not yet!"
Wars and commotions are of a general nature and, as such, could not provide a definite sign that
the end was at hand.

There is something else we should notice: the word "end" in this verse is not the same
Greek word used in the expression "end of the world." When the disciples spoke of "the end of the
world" in Matthew 24:3, the word used is sunteleia ( Strong's Concordance, #4930). But in
verses 6 and 14, the word translated "end" is telos (Strong's Concordance, #5056). Not realizing
or understanding this, some have taken "end" in verses 6 and 14 to mean the end of the world.
However, the primary "end" in these verses, understood in context, would be the destruction of Je-
rusalem. Later, when Yeshua answered the question about the end of the world, he used the term
"that day" -- when "heaven and earth shall pass away." Considering the setting, Barnes is no doubt
correct when he says the end here is "the end of the Jewish economy; the destruction of Jerusalem."

Famines, Pestilences, Earthquakes

Next in order are famines, pestilences and earthquakes. All three of the gospel writers re-
cord the words of Yeshua regarding this in Matthew 24:7; Mark 13:8 and Luke 21:11:

"...there will be famines and earthquakes in various parts of the world" (Matthew 24:7).

"...there will be earthquakes in various places, there will be famines; this is but the begin-
ning of the 'birth pains'" (Mark 13:8).

"There will be great earthquakes, there will be epidemics and famines in various places,
and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven" (Luke 21:11).

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 Now the Bible records a famine "throughout all the world...in the days of Claudius Caesar"
(Acts 11:28). Judea was especially hit hard at this time and "the disciples, every man according to
his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea" (verse 29). 1 Corin-
thians 16:1-5 and Romans 15:25-28 mentions that they took up collections of food for the saints
there. Historians such as Suetonius mention famine during those years and Tacitus speaks of a
"failure in the crops, and a famine consequent thereupon." Eusebius mentions famines during this
time in Rome, Judea and Greece.

Along with famines, Yeshua talked about pestilence, i.e. plagues -- the spread of disease
epidemics. Of course, famine and pestilence go hand in hand. Suetonius wrote of pestilence in
Rome during the days of Nero which were so severe that "within the space of one autumn there
died no less than 30,000 persons." Josephus records that pestilences raged in Babylonia in 40
A.D. and Tacitus tells of pestilences in Italy in 66 A.D.

During this same period Yeshua said there would be earthquakes in many places as well.
Once again, this is verified by the historians. Tacitus records frequent earthquakes at Rome "by
which many houses were thrown down" and that "twelve populous cities of Asia fell in ruins from
an earthquake." The Roman financier Seneca -- writing in the year 58 A.D. -- noted: "How often
have cities of Asia and Achaea fallen with one fatal shock! how many cities have been swallowed
up in Syria! how many in Macedonia! how often has Cyprus been wasted by this calamity! how of-
ten has Paphos become a ruin! News has often been brought us of the demolition of whole cities at
once." He mentions the earthquake at Campania during the reign of Nero. Hierapolus, Colosse and
Laodicea were overwhelmed by an earthquake in 60 A.D. Pompeii was greatly damaged in 63
A.D. and there were earthquakes in Crete, Apamea, Smyrna, Miletus, Chios, Samos and Judea.

Persecution Against the Disciples

Yeshua warned that his disciples would be afflicted, hated, imprisoned, beaten, killed and
brought before rulers and kings for his name's sake. But he added that they would speak wisdom
that their enemies could not gainsay or resist -- notice Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:9-13 and Luke
21:12-17:

At that time you will be arrested and handed over to be punished and put to death, and all
peoples will hate you because of me (Matthew 24:9).

But you, watch yourselves! They will hand you over to the local sanhedrins, you will be
beaten up in synagogues, and on my account you will stand before governors and kings as
witnesses to them. Indeed, the Good News has to be proclaimed first to all the Goyim.
Now when they arrest you and bring you to trial, don't worry beforehand about what to
say. Rather, say whatever is given you when the time comes; for it will not be just you
speaking, but the Ruach HaKodesh. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his
child; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death; and everyone
will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out till the end will be delivered.

But before all this, they will arrest you and persecute you, handing you over to the syna-
gogues and prisons; and you will be brought before kings and governors. This will all be

7
 on account of me, but it will prove an opportunity for you to bear witness. So make up
your minds not to worry, rehearsing your defense beforehand; for I myself will give you
an eloquence and a wisdom that no adversary will be able to resist or refute. You will be
betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends; some of you they will have put
to death; and everyone will hate you because of me.

That such persecution came upon the followers of Yeshua in those years is well known.
They faced "great persecution" (Acts 8:1) and were "imprisoned and beat in every synagogue"
(Acts 22:19). When called upon to answer charges, they were given a wisdom that their persecu-
tors simply could not resist (Acts 6:9-10). Also, they were hated and some were even put to death
(Acts 7:59; 12:2).

Adding to all this chaos, it was revealed by Yeshua that "many false prophets shall rise,
and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:11). Peter, who was present when Yeshua gave this proph-
ecy, later wrote about "false prophets" that has risen and of "many" that followed their deceiving
ways (2 Peter 2). The apostle John -- who also heard Yeshua give this prophecy -- recorded its
fulfillment in 1 John 4:1: "Many false prophets are gone out into the world." Paul clearly spoke of
"false apostles, deceitful workers" in 2 Corinthians 11:13. He reveals in 2 Timothy 2:17-18 that
Hymenaeus and Philetus taught false doctrines and overthrew the faith of many. By the time Paul
wrote to Titus, there were "many...deceivers...who subvert whole houses, teaching things which
they ought not" (Titus 1:10-11).

The true message of Yeshua and the disciples was perverted by betrayals, false prophets,
iniquity and the love of many waxing cold. "But he that shall endure [such things] unto the end, the
same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13) -- both now and hereafter. The word "end" here is to be un-
derstood in a GENERAL SENSE, for unlike the use of this word in verses 6 and 14, this particular
reference does not have the definite article in the Greek text.

Gospel to Be Preached to the Nations

In Matthew 24:14 we read -- "And this Good News about the Kingdom will be announced
throughout the whole world as a witness to all the Goyim. It is then that the end will come." Unless
we remove this verse clear out of its setting, "the end" written about here is the end or DESTRUC-
TION OF JERUSALEM! When the disciples spoke of "the end of the world in Matthew 24:3, the
word used is sunteleia (Strong's Concordance, #4930). However, in verses 6 and 7, the word
translated "end" is telos ( Strong's Concordance, #5056). Not realizing this, many have taken
"end" in verses 6 and 14 to mean the end of the world! But the primary end in these verses, under-
stood in context, is the DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. Later, when Yeshua answered the
question about the end of the world, he used the term "that day" -- when "heaven and earth shall
pass away." This clearly was the question that Yeshua was answering in the verses before -- and
the verses that follow are still speaking about Jerusalem and Judea. Jerusalem would be de-
stroyed, but "first" the Good News of the Kingdom of God would be preached to all nations -- see
Mark 13:10.

It was a fantastic prophecy! Picture the scene in your mind's eye: Here, on the Mount of Ol-
ives, Yeshua spoke these words to unknown, insignificant men. Who would have supposed in their

8
wildest dreams that their names would become known around the known world of the time -- and
that even in our day (almost 2,000 years later) the seeds of YEHOVAH's truth they planted would
still be producing fruit? Who would have even supposed that their message would ever have
spread beyond that immediate area?

Such a vast evangelical program reaching all nations seemed almost impossible of fulfill-
ment -- but it was! In a very real sense the gospel message did indeed go to all nations of the time
BEFORE the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.!

The seed was sown on the day of Pentecost. There were present in Jerusalem "devout men,
out of every nation under heaven" (Acts 2:5) who heard the Good News preached by Peter. Three
thousand were converted and many of these returned to their various homelands and shared the
gospel. Later -- when persecution raised itself against the Church of YEHOVAH at Jerusalem --
believers were scattered and "went everywhere preaching the word" throughout the regions of Ju-
dea and Samaria (Acts 8:1, 4). Philip took the message to Samaria with great results and was later
directed by YEHOVAH to a high ranking government official from Ethiopia who was converted on
the spot. Tradition records that this man took the Good News to the African continent where many
others were converted because of his inspiring testimony.

Peter took the gospel to the "Gentiles" at the house of Cornelius -- an event that was a turn-
ing point in the missionary activities of the church (Acts 10, 11). Eventually Peter took the message
to Rome itself -- see our article Did the Apostle Peter Ever Visit Rome? By the time of emperor
Nero the Christians in Rome had grown so numerous that they aroused the jealousy of the govern-
ment. The story of the great fire in Rome in 64 A.D. -- for which the Christians were falsely ac-
cused -- is well known. In his letter to the Christians at Rome, Paul opens by saying: "Your faith is
spoken of throughout the whole world" (Romans 1:8). In his closing words of this letter he speaks
of the gospel as having been "made known to all nations" (Romans 16:26).

This even included far away England. Records Newton: "There is absolute certainty that
Christianity was planted in this country in the days of the apostles, before the destruction of
Jerusalem." Eusebius -- and also Theodoret -- recorded that the apostles preached the gospel in all
the world and that some of them "passed beyond the ocean to the Britannic isles." By the time that
Paul wrote his epistle to the Colossians, he could rightfully say: "The gospel...is come unto you, as
it is in all the world...the gospel which you have heard, and which was preached to every creature
which is under heaven" (Colossians 1:6, 23). By 70 A.D., the gospel had gone forth to the world
for a witness. No longer was YEHOVAH's message to man limited to one nation or race!

The Abomination of Desolation

When Yeshua prophesied of the Temple being destroyed, the disciples then asked:
"...Rabbi, if this is so, WHEN will these events take place? And WHAT SIGN will show that they
are about to happen?" (Luke 21:7). As we have just seen, Yeshua mentioned things of a general na-
ture that would occur first. Now, at this juncture, he gives a specific sign -- when they would see
"the abomination of desolation," they would know that the destruction of Jerusalem was "nigh."
Upon seeing this, they were to flee quickly into the mountains.

9
Matthew 24:15-16: "So when you see the abomination that causes devastation spoken about
through the prophet Dani'el standing in the Holy Place (let the reader understand the allusion), that
will be the time for those in Y'huda to escape to the hills."

Mark 13:14: "Now when you see the abomination that causes devastation standing where it
ought not to be (let the reader understand the allusion), that will be the time for those in Y'hudah to
escape to the hills."

Luke 21:20-24: "However, when you see Yerushalayim surrounded by armies, then you are to
understand that she is about to be destroyed. Those in Y'hudah must escape to the hills, those in-
side the city must get out, and those in the country must not enter it. For these are the days of venge-
ance, when everything that has been written in the Tanakh will come true. What a terrible time it
will be for the pregnant women and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress in the Land
and judgment on the people. Some will fall by the edge of the sword, others will be carried into all
the countries of the Goyim, and Yerushalayim will be trampled down by the Goyim until the age of
the Goyim has run its course."

Notice now -- step by step -- the information contained in these parallel accounts:

1/. Where Matthew and Mark record: "when you see the abomination of devastation...that will
be the time for those in Y'huda to escape to the hills," Luke writes: "...when you see Yerushalayim
surrounded by armies, then you are to understand that she is about to be destroyed. Those in
Y'huda must escape to the hills..." What was to become a devastation or desolation, then, was
JERUSALEM.

We further note that this "devastation" was that which was "spoken about through the
prophet Dani'el." If we turn to Daniel 9, we will find the passage where Daniel speaks of this de-
struction: "And the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary"
(Daniel 9:26). A comparison of the parallel accounts in the gospels, the reference to Daniel's
prophecy, and the fact that Yeshua was answering questions about the destruction of Jerusalem --
all clearly show that what was to become a devastation was the city of Jerusalem.

2/. Looking again at the parallel accounts you will notice that what Matthew and Mark refer to as
the "abomination" that would devastate Jerusalem, Luke (using plain language) shows this would
be accomplished by ARMIES -- "Gentile" armies: "However, when you see Yerushalayim sur-
rounded by armies, then you are to understand that she is about to be destroyed....and Yerushalayim
will be trampled down by the Goyim" (Luke 21:20-24).

"Abomination" is a word that denotes anything that is especially loathsome or detestable.

This certainly fits the Jewish feelings towards idol-worshipping Gentiles -- intent on destruction --
taking a stand against their beloved city.

3/. In Matthew's account we find that the abomination (Gentile army) would be "standing in the
Holy Place" and he adds the words: "let the reader understand the allusion." Mark's account also
uses language that is somewhat veiled and includes the words; "let the reader understand the allu-
sion;" but Luke, on the other hand, writes his account in plain language saying: "However, when

10
you see Yerushalayim surrounded by armies..." Luke gives the explanation for the veiled language;
and so, it should be carefully noted, does not include the phrase "let the reader understand the
allusion."

By comparing scriptures we can clearly see that the term Holy Place in Matthew 24:15 re-
fers to Jerusalem. This portion of Matthew 24:15 is based on what was spoken by Daniel -- and
Daniel referred to Jerusalem as the "holy mountain" and "holy city" that was to become "desolate"
(Daniel 9:16, 24-27). Even after Yeshua was rejected there Jerusalem was still commonly re-
ferred to as the holy city -- see Matthew 27:53.

What is called the Holy Place is explained by Luke as the area that would be occupied by
armies surrounding Jerusalem. The Matthew Henry Commentary says it well: "Jerusalem was
the holy city, Canaan the holy land, the Mt. Moriah, which lay about Jerusalem, for its nearness to
the temple was, they thought, in a particular manner holy ground; on the country lying round about
Jerusalem the Roman army was encamped, THAT WAS THE ABOMINATION THAT MADE
DESOLATE" (Vol. 5, p.352).

According to Yeshua, Jerusalem was destined for destruction. But a few days after Yeshua
made these chilling pronouncements, he commissioned his disciples to wait in this very city -- to
be imbued with power from heaven. They were to be his witnesses throughout the known world --
including Jerusalem -- where their work would start from (Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49). But if the city
was to be destroyed, how could the disciples witnessing there survive? Were they to perish along
with those who rejected the Messiah and screamed "Crucify him, crucify him"? Or would there be
a way of escape? According to the Bible their witness in the city of Jerusalem was to continue up
to a certain point -- only until they saw a certain sign -- and then they were to flee from the city!

Everyone knows the city of Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed by Roman armies in
70 A.D. However, before this happened and in obedience to Yeshua's warning, every Christian
fled and therefore escaped death at the hands of the Romans. How this took place is truly amazing!

In 65 A.D., Florus, the most notorious of Caesar's procurators, took over control of Judea
and goaded the Jews to the point of rebellion -- a rebellion he found he could not handle. To con-
trol the situation, Cestius Gallus took over and marched his armies into Palestine. After subduing a
number of towns he advanced toward to Jerusalem and began to assault the city after camping
nearby for three days.

Seeing the city compassed with armies, the disciples then knew its destruction was near --
exactly according to Yeshua's statement. They realized this was their sign to flee! But how could
they flee when the city was surrounded by the Romans? Yeshua had not explained this in his
prophecy -- but notice what happened:

A Way of Escape

When Cestius was at the point of taking the city, suddenly, as Josephus says, "without any
reason in the world," he withdrew his forces and hurriedly departed! The Jews, who were about to
open the gates in surrender, couldn't believe their eyes! Filled with courage, they pursued the

11
retreating army, inflicting on it a major disaster. Following this retreat there was a brief interlude
before the armies of Rome would return with reinforcements to destroy the city. During this inter-
val, there was time for Yeshua's followers to flee Jerusalem. What took place is summed up by
Thomas Newton:

We learn from ecclesiastical histories, that at this juncture all who believed in Christ
departed Jerusalem, and removed to Pella and other places beyond the river Jordan; so
that they all marvelously escaped the general shipwreck of their countrymen; and we do
not read anywhere that so much as one of them perished in the destruction of Jerusalem
(Dissertations on the Prophecies [London: 1754], p. 389).

According to Adam Clarke, "it is very remarkable that not a single Christian perished in
the destruction of Jerusalem though there were many there when Cestius Gallus invested the city"
(Clarke's Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 228). without a doubt it was a marvelous escape! What a re-
markable confirmation of Yeshua's words! What an amazing fulfillment of prophecy!

After Cestius Gallus had retreated with his troops, Nero ordered Vespasian to take over.
He, in turn, ordered his son Titus to go to Alexandria and bring the fifth and tenth legions from
Egypt to subdue the rebellious Jews. But a crisis in Rome caused Vespasian to return there --
where he was hailed as the new Emperor in 70 A.D. As result, the job of capturing Jerusalem was
left in the hands of Titus who swiftly brought about its destruction.

In the verses where Matthew and Mark use the same somewhat veiled expression "the
abomination that causes devastation," Luke -- using plain language -- shows this to be Gentile ar-
mies compassing Jerusalem to bring about its devastation. This interpretation is solidly built on the
Bible. With it the gospel accounts are COMPLIMENTARY -- not contradictory. It is confirmed by
history and it glorifies Yeshua. It plainly demonstrates how his words were fulfilled and his warn-
ing heeded -- thus providing a great deliverance and blessing for the Christians of that time!

The Futurist Interpretation

Having laid out the exact and only possible fulfillment of Yeshua's words, let us consider
the now-popular FUTURIST interpretation -- that the "abomination that causes devastation" will
be an idol placed in the Holy of Holies of a rebuilt Jewish temple. One publication expresses it
this way: "The Jews -- who will have...restored Herod's Temple, and be in league with Antichrist
-- will have a visit by the False Prophet who shall bring an image of the Antichrist into Jerusalem
and wheel it into the Temple....When this image of the Antichrist is taken into the Jewish Temple,
that will be the sign Jesus mentioned in Matthew 24, the Abomination of Desolation" (Oral Rob-
erts, How to be Personally Prepared for the Second Coming of Christ, p. 38). Another equally
misguided writer has this to say: "This image will be placed in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem,
and is the 'abomination of desolation' to which the Lord made reference in his Olivet discourse"
(Richard W. De Haan, The Antichrist and Armageddon, p.13). William F. Dankenbring, in his
book The Last Days of Planet Earth adds to these misconceptions: "Here we need to understand
a basic and fundamental Bible truth. In prophecy, type often blends subtly into antitype. That
means, there is often a comparatively minor fulfillment of a major prophetic event pictured for the
"last days." Even so, the wicked Antiochus Ephiphanes, who desecrated the temple, and abolished

12
the daily sacrifice, is merely a TYPE of a king in these latter days, who will once again invade the
Middle East, conquer Jerusalem, and raise up the abomination of desolation! (p. 182).

There are some very serious objections to these opinions --

1/. The setting up of an idol in the Holy of Holies is something the enemy could not do until such a
time as the Temple would be in the enemies' possession. Since the magnificent Temple would be
the LAST THING yielded to an enemy in battle, by this time the city would have ALREADY
BEEN CAPTURED. It would be too late for Christians to flee then! An effective sign to warn
Christians to flee would need to come BEFORE the capture of the city -- not afterward!!

2/. The prophecy indicates that "the abomination" would destroy Jerusalem AND the Temple --
would cause devastation. This is EXACTLY what the Roman armies did. But with the teaching
that "the abomination" will be some sort of idol set up in the Temple, there is a definite contradic-
tion. HOW in the world could the abomination be an idol set up in the Temple -- when the Temple
was to be destroyed BY the abomination?! We all know that idols are abominations in YEHO-
VAH's eyes, but they are NOT capable of destruction!

3/. "The abomination" that causes devastation was to be something that could be SEEN by the in-
habitants of Judea and Jerusalem. "Now when you see the abomination"; that is, "when you see
Yerushalayim surrounded by armies," then, "that will be the time for those in Y'huda to escape to
the hills." It is quite evident that Yeshua was not talking about as idol in the Holy of Holies -- for
such could not be seen by the population of Jerusalem and Judea! Only the high priest entered the
Holy of Holies -- and that was only on the Day of Atonement. None of the ordinary Jews would
dare enter the Holy of Holies.

4/. The futurist interpretation regarding the abomination that causes devastation requires a rebuilt
Temple in Jerusalem. Some, strangely, even offer this as proof that the Temple will be rebuilt.
This, of course, is circular reasoning! Their scenario goes something like this: Since "the abomi-
nation that causes devastation" will involve the inner sanctum of the Temple, "it is certain that the
Temple will be rebuilt. Prophecy demands it" (Hal Lindsey, The Late Great Planet Earth, p. 56).
This is absolute twaddle!! The Bible makes no such demand, for WHAT Temple was the subject
of Matthew 24 and the parallel gospel accounts? Was Yeshua talking about the Temple of his day
or a rebuilt Temple 2,000 years later?

It is quite evident that Yeshua spoke of the Temple that was then standing IN HIS DAY; he
talked about the stones that it contained, had the disciples look at it, and answered questions about
it! Are we, in all seriousness, expected to believe that he was not actually speaking of that Temple
at all, but of a rebuilt Temple -- a different Temple, a Temple made of different stones, a Temple
to be built 2,000 years later? The answer should be evident! Yeshua was speaking of the Temple
of his day and it was that Temple which was to be destroyed by Gentile armies -- a prophecy that
was dramatically fulfilled in 70 A.D.

The disciples asked when the Temple would be destroyed and what sign would be given
them in warning. "Yeshua replied..." -- he told them when, he gave them a sign -- as we have seen.
But those who think the prophecy of Matthew 24 refers to a future Temple are at a COMPLETE

13
LOSS to show one verse in this chapter where Yeshua ever answered questions pertaining to a fu-
ture Temple!

The misguided teaching that the abomination that causes devastation is sometime yet future
not only requires a future and different Temple, but such a Temple -- instead of being destroyed --
is pictured as a place where the Antichrist will set up an idol for worship. If so, this would be a
preserved Temple -- a place of false religion -- not a destroyed Temple. The prophecy of Mat-
thew 24 and the parallel accounts NEVER make mention of a future Temple. That is a fact, pure
and simple!

As for Dankenbring's statements about the prophecy being dual -- a type and antitype -- just
where in YEHOVAH's word is such an idea promulgated? You can search the Bible from cover to
cover and you will not find a statement that prophecy is dual.

Flee to the Mountains

The area from which the disciples were to flee was Judea -- and especially Jerusalem.
They were to flee into the mountains. The setting is definitely Palestine, and the time -- as indi-
cated by the prophecy itself, as well as the historical fulfillment -- was back in the FIRST
CENTURY!

There are a number of popular books on prophecy that make the following wild claims:
"Where will the place of safety be? Some have speculated it might be Petra, the Rose-red City of
Rock....an indication that this may be so is found in Isaiah, chapter 16. We read: 'Send ye the lamb
to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion'" (Wil-
liam F. Dankenbring, The Last Days of Planet Earth, pps. 335-336). Talk about stretching scrip-
ture to promote the idea of Petra! Another book -- The Late Great Planet Earth -- makes this
equally ridiculous statement: "The residents of Israel who believe in Jesus will flee to the moun-
tains and canyons of Petra for divine protection" (Hal Lindsey, p. 56) -- as though what Yeshua
mentioned is still in the future! And why in the world Petra? The Bible nowhere says this! Wil-
liam Blackstone, in 1935, even sent workers to Petra where they placed Hebrew Bibles (encased
in copper boxes) in some of the caves in that area. He believed the Jews would flee there during
the tribulation period and read his Bibles!!

Futurism commonly takes verses that were fulfilled long ago and applies them to some
current event. People unfortunately take Biblical passages OUT OF CONTEXT and minimize or
ignore the historical fulfillment that is clearly intended. Why were the disciples given a sign to flee
into the mountains prior to 70 A.D? The Bible goes on to explain.

Then Shall Be Great Tribulation

For there will be trouble then worse than there has ever been from the beginning of
the world until now, and there will be nothing like it again! Indeed, if the length of
this time had not been limited, no one would survive; but for the sake of those who have
been chosen, its length will be limited (Matthew 24:21-22 -- Jewish New Testament).

14
 For there will be worse trouble at that time than there has ever been from the very
beginning, when God created the universe, until now; and there will be nothing like it
again. Indeed, if God had not limited the duration of the trouble, no one would survive;
but for the sake of the elect, those whom he has chosen, he has limited it (Mark 13:19-20
-- Jewish New Testament).

Luke's account reads as follows: "For these are the days of vengeance, when everything
that has been written in the Tanakh will come true. What a terrible time it will be for pregnant
women and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress in the Land and judgment on the peo-
ple. Some will fall by the edge of the sword, others will be carried into all the countries of the
Goyim, and Yerushalayim will be trampled down by the Goyim until the age of the Goyim has run
its course" (Luke 21:22-24, Jewish New Testament).

Unless we choose to totally ignore the setting, it is manifestly evident that the tribulation or
"trouble" mentioned here is that which was to envelop the people of Jerusalem and Judea -- trou-
ble that would result in the destruction of their city and Temple. General things like wars, famines,
pestilence and earthquakes would occur -- none of which would be the SPECIFIC SIGN of the im-
pending destruction. But -- when they would see Jerusalem surrounded by armies -- then they
would know the desolation was near. This would be the SIGN for them to flee into the mountains,
"then you are to understand that she is about to be destroyed."

The Jewish historian, Josephus, was an eye-witness to the unparalleled calamity that ended
in the fall and devastation of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. His detailed and scholarly account -- Wars of
the Jews -- was published around 75 A.D. -- while the events of which he wrote were still fresh
in the memory of thousands. His history provides an incredible confirmation of the prophecy Ye-
shua gave, even down to fine details. Since he was not a Christian, no one can accuse him of slant-
ing his material to match the prophecy.

The trouble in Jerusalem began over differences between the Jews and the Roman Empire.
There were also differences between the Jews themselves -- some favored a revolt against Roman
rule, while others hoped for a peaceful settlement. Those who favored revolt took a violent turn
and began killing those who disagreed with them. Troops were sent in to control the mob. War
was inevitable -- not only was there unrest at Jerusalem, but also throughout the land.

Records Josephus -- "Every city was divided into two armies, and the preservation of the
one part was in the destruction of the other; so the daytime was spent in shedding blood, and the
night in fear -- which was of the two the more terrible....It was then common to see cities filled
with dead bodies, still lying unburied; those of old men mixed with infants, all dead and scattered
about together; women also lay amongst them, without any covering for their nakedness: You might
then see the whole province full of inexpressible calamities while the dread of still more barba-
rous practices which were threatened, was everywhere greater than what had been already perpe-
trated" (Flavius Josephus, Wars of the Jews (Philadelphia: The John C. Winston Co., 1957
edition), 2, 18:2).

Jews in Alexandria (Egypt) that revolted against the Romans "were destroyed unmerci-
fully; and this, their destruction, was complete...houses were first plundered of what was in them,

15
and then set on fire by the Romans; wherein no mercy was shown to the infants, and no regard had
to the aged; but they went on in the slaughter of persons of every age, till all the place was over-
flowed with blood, and fifty thousands of them lay dead upon heaps" (ibid., 2, 18:8).

In one hour, according to Josephus, over 20,000 were killed in Caesarea and the battle
continued until "all Caesarea was emptied of its Jewish inhabitants...Galilee was all over filled
with fire and blood, nor was it exempted from any kind of misery or calamity" (ibid., 3, 4:1). So
much horror was in the land that one prominent man took a sword and killed first his aged father
and mother, his wife and children, then took his own life in order to save his family from a worse
fate. His family willingly submitted to their deaths at his hand.

In Jerusalem, those of the revolting party were known as Zealots. In their fanaticism they
"fell upon the people [who disagreed with them] as upon a flock of profane animals, and cut their
throats." In this manner 12,000 of the more eminent inhabitants perished. "The terror that was upon
all the people was so great, that no one had courage enough either to weep openly for the dead man
that was related to him, or bury him...those that mourned for others soon underwent the same death
with those whom they mourned for" (ibid., 4, 5:3).

Slaughter continued until "the outer temple was all of it overflowed with blood, and that
day they saw 8,500 dead bodies there." Included in this number were "those that a little before had
worn the sacred garments and presided over the public worship, which were cast out naked to be
the food of dogs and wild beasts." Even those who came with sacrifices were slain, "and sprin-
kled that altar...with their own blood; till the dead bodies of strangers were mingled together with
those of their own country, and those of profane persons with those of priests, and the blood of all
sorts of dead carcasses stood in lakes in the holy courts themselves" (ibid., 5, 1:3).

Continues Josephus: "The noise also of those that were fighting was incessant, both by day
and by night; but the lamentations of those that mourned exceeded the other...their calamities came
perpetually, one upon another....But for the seditious themselves, they fought against each other,
while they trod upon the dead bodies as they lay heaped one upon another, and taking up a mad
rage from those dead bodied that were under the feet, became the fiercer thereupon...and when they
had resolved upon anything, they executed it without mercy, and omitted no method of torment or of
barbarity" (ibid., 5, 1:5).

Little wonder Yeshua said: "Daughters of Yerushalayim, don't cry for me; cry for your-
selves and your children!" (Luke 23:28) -- knowing that all these things would come upon that gen-
eration! It is a fact that many Jews were killed by Jews -- not by the enemy outside the walls.
Josephus states that the Jews "never suffered from the Romans anything worse than they made each
other suffer." Such insanity shows the validity of Yeshua's words when he likened that generation
to a man possessed of demons -- see Matthew 12:43-45).

Food became scarce within the walls of Jerusalem, and many who ventured out by night to
search for food were caught by the Romans, "tormented with all sorts of torture," and then cruci-
fied in the sight of those on the walls. Incredible as it may sound, about 500 people were killed in
this manner EVERY DAY until the number finally became so great that there was not enough room
for all the crosses -- nor enough crosses for all the victims. Often, to save room, several victims

16
were nailed to the same stake. Imagine the torment of those who could see or hear their loved ones
being tortured in such a manner just a short distance from the walls. Many had their hands cut off
(Flavius Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 5, 11:1-2).

"Then did the famine widen its progress, and devoured the people by whole houses and
families; the upper rooms were full of women and children dying by famine; and the lanes of the
city were full of the dead bodies of the aged; a kind of deadly night, had seized upon the
city....Thus did the miseries of Jerusalem grow worse and worse every day...the multitude of car-
casses that lay in heaps one upon another was a horrible sight, and produced a pestilential stench"
(ibid., 5, 12:3; 6, 1:1).

Josephus goes on to record -- "The number of those that perished by famine in the city was
prodigious, and their miseries were unspeakable. For if so much as the shadow of any kind of food
did anywhere appear, a war was commenced presently, and the dearest friends fell fighting one
another about it....Children pulled the very morsel that their fathers were eating, out of their very
mouths, and what was still more to be pitied, so did the mothers do to their infants: and when those
that were almost dead were perishing under their hands, they were not ashamed to take from them
the very last drops that might preserve their lives....

"The seditious...also invented terrible methods of torture to discover where any food was,
and they were these: to stop up the passage of the privy parts of the miserable wretches, and to
drive sharp stakes up their fundamentals! and a man was forced to bear what it is terrible even to
hear" (ibid., 5, 10:3).

In one horrible instance recorded by Josephus, a woman of prominence killed and roasted
her infant son. When she had eaten half, she hid the other half. When certain rebellious Jews
smelled the scent of roasted flesh, they threatened to cut her throat if she did not reveal to them
where it was. She then uncovered the remaining half of the little body, saying: "Come, eat of this
food; for I have eaten of it myself! Do not pretend to be either more tender than a woman, or more
compassionate than a mother." But even those hardened men, horrified at the sight, left the house
trembling (ibid., 6, 3:4).

Without a doubt these horrifying incidents fulfilled the prophetic warning given years be-
fore in Deuteronomy 28:49-57: "The Lord shall bring a nation against thee from afar...which shall
not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young....And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine
own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters....The tender and delicate woman among you,
which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tender-
ness, her eye shall be evil toward...her young one...and toward her children...for she shall eat them
for want of all things secretly in the siege and straitness, where with thine enemy shall distress
thee."

Many, attempting to escape from the city, swallowed pieces of gold in order to take them
unnoticed. Once the Romans realized this, soldiers cut these unfortunate people open searching for
gold. "Nor does it seem to me that any misery befell the Jews that was more terrible than this,
since in one night about 2,000 of these deserters were thus dissected" (ibid., 5, 13:4).

17
 The Destruction of the Temple

Finally the Roman legions broke through the wall of the Temple and an enraged soldier set
it alight. "While the holy house was on fire, everything was plundered that came to hand, and ten
thousand of those that were caught were slain; nor was there a commiseration of any age, or any
reverence of gravity; but children, and old men, and profane persons, and priests, were all slain in
the same manner....The flame was also carried a long way and made an echo, together with the
groans of those that were slain...nor can one imagine anything either greater or more terrible than
this noise...one would have thought that the hill itself, on which the temple stood, was seething-hot,
as full of fire on every part of it" (ibid., 6, 5:1). As the Temple burned, the Jews knew that all hope
for deliverance was gone. Out of desperation people crowded into the aqueducts and city sewers
-- only to be discovered by the Romans and put to death.

It is highly significant that the very date the Temple was torched by the armies of Titus,
was the same date that Nebuchadnezzar had burned it centuries before! "But, as for that house, God
had for certain long ago doomed it to the fire, and now that fatal day was come, according to the
revolution of the ages; it was the tenth day of the month Ab, upon which it was formerly burnt by
the king of Babylon"! (Flavius Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 6, 4:5).

In Deuteronomy 28:68 the Bible warned: "The LORD will send you back to Egypt in gal-
leys, by a route which I told you you should not see again. There you shall offer yourselves for sale
to your enemies as male and female slaves, but none will buy." Josephus tells how those that sur-
vived the conflagration of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas were led away captives -- some
being taken into Egypt! "As for the rest of the multitude that were above 17 years old, he put them
into bonds, and sent them to the Egyptian mines...and sold the rest of the multitude with their wives
and children, and every one of them at a low price, and that because such were sold were very
many, and the buyers few" (ibid., 6, 8:9).

There were 97,000 that were sold as slaves and 1,100,000 people that perished during the
terrible TRIBULATION of those days, "the greater part of whom were indeed of the same nation,
but not belonging to the city itself; for they were come up from all the country to the feast of un-
leavened bread, and were suddenly shut up by an army....The multitude of those that therein per-
ished exceeded all the destruction that either men or God ever brought upon the world" (ibid.,
6, 9:3,4).

Josephus continues --

I shall therefore speak my mind here at once briefly:-- that neither did any other city suf-
fer such miseries, or did any age ever breed a generation more fruitful in wickedness than
this was, from the beginning of the world. -- Ibid., 5, 10:5).

These terrible calamities that engulfed the Jews were "the GREATEST of all those, not only
that have been in our times, but, in a manner, of those that EVER were heard of; both of those
wherein cities have fought against cities, or nations against nations...it appears to me that the mis-
fortunes of all men, from the beginning of the world, if they be compared to these of the Jews, are
not so considerable as they were."

18
 In a footnote to this passage in Josephus, the translator adds this comment --

That these calamities of the Jews, who were our Savior's murderers, were to be the
GREATEST that had ever been since the beginning of the world, our Savior had directly
foretold (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19; Luke 21:23, 24) and that they proved to be such
accordingly, Josephus is here a most authentic witness (ibid, Preface).

Writes Loraine Boettner: "There have been, of course, other periods of tribulation or suf-
fering in which greater numbers of people were involved, and which continued for longer periods
of time. But considering the physical, moral, and religious aspects, suffering never reached a
greater degree of awfulness and intensity than in the siege of Jerusalem. Nor have so many
people ever perished in the fall of any other city. We think of the atomic bomb that was dropped
on Hiroshima as causing the greatest mass horror of anything in modern time. Yet only about one-
tenth as many people were killed in Hiroshima as in the fall of Jerusalem. Add to the slaugh-
ter of such a great number the bestiality of Jews to Jews and of Roman to Jews and the anguish of a
people who knew they were forsaken of God, and we see the justification for Christ's words, 'For
then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been seen from the beginning of the world un-
til now, no, nor ever shall be!'" (The Millennium, 1957, p.202).

When Yeshua spoke of tribulation "worse than there has ever been from the beginning of
the world until now" he was using a proverbial form of expression. Similar expressions can be
found throughout the scriptures, such as: "I will give thee [Solomon] riches, and wealth, and honor,
such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee
have the like" (II Chronicles 1:12). Some might argue that there have been greater times of tribula-
tion since 70 A.D. They could also argue that there have been kings with more wealth and honor
than Solomon. But understanding how this expression was used in the Bible, we should not try to
press it beyond its intended meaning. Without a doubt, the HISTORICAL fulfillment fully meets the
requirements of the prophecy about great tribulation and devastation upon the land of Judea and its
people.

Knowing fully well the intensity of that trouble or tribulation, Yeshua had prophesied:

Indeed, if the length of this time had not been limited, no one would survive; but for the
sake of those who have been chosen, its length will be limited (Matthew 24:22; Mark
13:20)

We must keep in mind that the reference here is to the area upon which the tribulation or
trouble of those days fell -- Judea and Jerusalem. We should not attempt to wrest it from its proper
setting.

In a passage from the Old Testament concerning judgment that fell upon this same area, we
read: "Your land is a waste, your cities burnt down; before your eyes, the yield of your soil is con-
sumed by strangers -- a wasteland as overthrown by strangers!....Had not the LORD of Hosts left
us some survivors, we should be like Sodom, another Gomorrah" (Isaiah 1:7, 9). In the cities of
Sodom and Gomorrah, of course, no flesh was saved alive. It was total destruction.

19
 There is an obvious similarity here. In the Old Testament, "had not the LORD" left a rem-
nant (some survivors), no flesh would have been saved alive. In the New Testament, "if God" had
not limited the duration of the trouble, no one would survive. The meaning is basically the same in
both cases. It is not necessary (as some would do) to read atomic bombs, biological warfare and
modern times into this passage. Josephus informs us that "the population was almost
annihilated...there was no part of Judea, which did not partake of the calamities of the capital
city."

Though the Christians had successfully escaped into the mountains, living without housing
or provisions, they too could have eventually been destroyed by sword or famine. So, for their
sake, those terrible days were shortened. YEHOVAH had placed definite, foreordained limits:
"Yerushalayim will be trampled down by the Goyim [Gentiles -- Roman armies] until the age of
the Goyim has run its course" (Luke 21:24).

Some people pull these five words, "the age of the Goyim" right out of their setting and try
to stretch them far into the future. H.A. Ironside wrote that this is "the entire period during which
the nation of the Jews, the city of Jerusalem, and the land of Palestine are under Gentile domina-
tion. This began with Nebuchadnezzar's conquest of Palestine and will end at the Revelation of the
Lord Jesus Christ from heaven at the close of the Great Tribulation" (The Great Parenthesis,
1945, p.94). Unfortunately, this is nothing but Scofield dispensationalism at its worst. There is
simply NO SCRIPTURAL BASIS for this interpretation. Figuring from the time Vespasian re-
ceived his commission from Nero and declared war on Jerusalem (February, 67 A.D.) until the
end of the siege and destruction of the city and Temple (August, 70 A.D.), this treading down of
Jerusalem -- in actual time -- was three and a half years.

Signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars

"But immediately following the trouble of those times, the sun will grow dark, the moon
will stop shining, and the stars will far from the sky, and the powers in heaven will be shaken"
(Matthew 24:29).

Luke's account of these events states: "There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars;
and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea, as peo-
ple faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be
shaken" (Luke 21:25-26).

We are now seeing a description of the state of things after the tribulation or "trouble of
those times." There is no doubt that the trouble referred to here is the SAME as the one mentioned
previously. Yeshua said there would be great tribulation and except "those days" were shortened
no flesh would be saved alive. And then we read: "...immediately after the tribulation of those
days." Mark's testimony says: "But in those days after that tribulation..." Are we to understand,
then, these expressions about the darkening of the sun, moon and stars literally or figuratively?
Clearly, Yeshua used these expressions the SAME WAY as the Old Testament prophets did: figu-
ratively. They commonly used these expressions as part of literary devices to describe various
disasters: the sun shall go down, sun darkened, light darkened in the heavens, no light in the

20
heavens, the moon shall not give her light, stars shall fall, stars darkened, cloudy day, darkness at
noon day, etc.

This same type of wording was used to describe the destruction that came upon Egypt:
"Thus saith the Lord God: I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Nebu-
chadnezzar, king of Babylon. He and his people...shall be brought to destroy the land...the day shall
be DARKENED...a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity" (Ezekiel
30:6-18). "And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the SUN with a cloud, and the MOON shall
not give her light. All the bright lights of heaven will I make DARK over thee, and set DARK-
NESS upon thy land...I shall bring thy destruction...I shall make the land of Egypt desolate"
(Ezekiel 32:2-15).

The same type of wording was used to describe the destruction that came upon Idumea:
"All the host of heaven shall MOLDER. The heavens shall be ROLLED UP like a scroll, and all
their host shall WITHER like a leaf withering on the vine....Its streams shall be TURNED TO
PITCH and its soil TO SULFUR. Its land shall become BURNING PITCH....Through the ages it
shall lie in ruins; through the aeons none shall traverse it" (Isaiah 34:4-10).

In the prophecy about the fall of Babylon, which was to come "as destruction from the Al-
mighty," we read: "Lo! The day of the LORD is coming...to make the earth a desolation, to wipe
out the sinners upon it. The stars and constellations of heaven SHALL NOT GIVE OFF THEIR
LIGHT; the sun shall be DARK when it rises, and the moon SHALL DIFFUSE NO
GLOW...Therefore shall heaven BE SHAKEN, and earth LEAP OUT OF ITS PLACE...Behold, I
stir up the Medes against them...and Babylon...shall become like Sodom and Gomorrah overturned
by God" (Isaiah 13:9-21). The fulfillment of this prophecy is evident -- the kingdom was given to
that ancient people known as the Medes (Daniel 5:28-31). This was not an end-of-the-world-
prophecy, even though it was described in language about the sun, moon and stars being darkened.

This same type of wording or literary device was used describing the Old Testament de-
struction of Jerusalem: "I will stretch out My arm against Judah and against all who dwell in
Jerusalem...that day shall be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of calamity and
desolation, a day of DARKNESS and deep GLOOM, a day of DENSEST CLOUDS...the whole
land shall be consumed" (Zephaniah 1:4, 15, 18). "Now, then, dwellers of Jerusalem and men of
Judah...in that day, a roaring shall resound over him like that of the sea; and then he shall look be-
low and, behold, distressing DARKNESS, with light; DARKNESS, in its lowering clouds" (Isaiah
5:3, 30). "For thus said the LORD to the men of Judah and to Jerusalem...I look at the earth, it is
UNFORMED and VOID; at the skies, and their LIGHT IS GONE...for this earth MOURNS, and
skies are DARK above..." (Jeremiah 4:3, 23, 28). Jeremiah warned them to turn to YEHOVAH in
repentance "before He brings DARKNESS, and...while you look for LIGHT, he turn it into the
shadow of death, and make it gross DARKNESS" (Jeremiah 13:9, 10, 16-19). "Assuredly, it shall
be NIGHT for you...and it shall be DARK for you...the SUN shall set on the prophets...and the day
shall be DARKENED for them...and Jerusalem shall become heaps of ruins" (Micah 3:6, 12).

Now, obviously, when Babylon was overthrown by the Medes and others it was not the lit-
eral sun, moon and stars that were darkened. When Idumea became a desolation it was not the lit-
eral stars of heaven that were dissolved. And again, when Egypt and Jerusalem were overthrown

21
and became desolate under the attack of Nebuchadnezzar, it was not the literal sun, moon or stars
that were darkened. These expressions or literary devices symbolized very dark times for those
various places. The bottom line is, if YEHOVAH God saw fit to use these symbols in the Old Tes-
tament, why would we suppose He would inspire the Messiah to use different terms in talking to
his disciples on the Mount of Olives?

As we have clearly seen, the prophecy of Yeshua about the tribulation or trouble pertained
to a CERTAIN CITY -- Jerusalem; to a CERTAIN LAND -- Judea; to a CERTAIN PEOPLE --
the Jewish nation. What would be the condition of things for that city, nation and people "immedi-
ately after the tribulation of those days"? Would they experience only a passing tribulation after
which conditions would return to normal? No -- absolutely not! Transferring the expression about
the darkened sun, moon and stars from symbol to fact, the picture is one of a complete overthrow,
destruction and desolation! This interpretation is solidly built upon the Bible and its accuracy is
soundly confirmed by history.

The Return of the Son of Man

"Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, all the tribes of the Land will
mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with tremendous power
and glory. He will send out his angels with a great shofar; and they will gather together his chosen
people from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matthew 24:30-31).

"Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with tremendous power and glory. He
will send out his angels and gather together his chosen people from the four winds, from the ends
of the earth to the ends of heaven" (Mark 13:26-27).

"And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with tremendous power and
glory. When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about
to be liberated!" (Luke 21:27-28).

It would seem that we have here before us a description of the second coming of the Mes-
siah. For this reason, futurists start here and work backward through Matthew 24, Mark 13 and
Luke 21. By this method they then place the tribulation, abomination of desolation, earthquakes,
famines, pestilences and wars as end-time events. But in so doing, the very foundational theme
of the prophecy -- THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE -- must be ignored!

Some argue that the coming of the Messiah did occur at this time -- resurrection, rapture
and all -- in 70 A.D. However, the weakness of this scenario is the total lack of any history to con-
firm it! It tends to leave us hanging.

Others feel Yeshua came figuratively or spiritually in 70 A.D. -- to judge Jerusalem. In a

sense, this is true, because YEHOVAH had given Yeshua all authority to execute judgment -- see
John 5:22-27). This would have included his judgment upon Jerusalem. According to Josephus, a
strange omen appeared at that time: "I suppose the account of it would seem to be fable, were it not
related by those that saw it, and were not the events that followed it of so considerable a nature as
to deserve such signals; for, before sunsetting, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armor were
22
seen running about among the clouds" (Flavius Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 6, 5:3). Were these
angels? Was this a sign of the Messiah coming in judgment upon Jerusalem?

Being so closely associated with the apocalyptic language about the darkened sun, moon
and stars, it is not impossible that the coming of the Son of man in the clouds (Matthew 24:30-31,
etc.) could be understood in the same way. However, this has problems of interpretation. In this
scenario, the sending forth of angels with the sound of a trumpet to gather the elect, is taken to
mean sending the apostles to preach the gospel so that people could be gathered into the church.
But -- even granting that the word translated "angels" can be translated "messengers" -- we would
normally think of the apostles being sent forth at the ascension of Yeshua -- not at his return. By 70
A.D. these men had already gone forth into all the world with the gospel message.

Because of many second coming verses about angels coming with the Messiah, believers
being gathered unto him, the sound of the trumpet, etc. it is quite clear that Matthew 24:30-31 re-
fers to the return of the Messiah in power and glory shortly before the return of YEHOVAH God
the Father at the end of this age. This, of course, raises an objection. In verse 29 we read about the
condition of things "immediately following the trouble of those times." And the very next verse
says: "Then...they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with tremendous power
and glory." Would this not indicate that the second coming was to occur right then? It would, on the
surface, seem so. However, we must be aware that the word "THEN" (used by Matthew more than
all other New Testament writers put together) can mean an event will happen right away, OR it can
indicate the order in which events will take place. Applied in this latter sense, we could under-
stand Matthew 24 in the following way: Yeshua spoke of general events that were to occur before
the overthrow of Jerusalem and then the specific sign of that destruction or devastation -- Gentile
armies surrounding Jerusalem. The invading armies would bring about great tribulation or trouble
for the people left in Jerusalem and Judea. The condition of things immediately after that tribula-
tion or trouble would be that of desolation. All of these things would happen first, "then" -- in the
order of events mentioned -- "they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with
tremendous power and glory." Many other verses justify this position:

1/. The second coming was not to be at the fall of Jerusalem because Yeshua expressly warned the
disciples about any who would say that the Messiah had come in those days -- and was in the de-
sert or in some secret place (Matthew 24:23-27).

2/. Yeshua stated that Jerusalem would be destroyed and the Jews who were not killed in the
tribulation or trouble would be led captive into all nations -- see Luke 21:24. This could not be the
same time as the second coming of the Messiah at the end of the age, for the Jews will not be led
away captive into all nations then. It was following the events of 70 A.D. that they were led away
captive. The one event was the end that came upon Jerusalem; the other will be the end of the age.

3/. In a later part of Matthew 24, Yeshua clearly stated that no man knows the time of the second
coming, the end of the age (Matthew 24:35-36). But, and realize this, Yeshua knew the time of the
overthrow of Jerusalem and said that it would be BEFORE that generation then living would pass
away. They had asked him when this destruction would take place, and he told them. But the time
of the second coming was NOT REVEALED. There is a distinct contrast here. The possibility
that a long period of time might pass before the coming of the Messiah is suggested by the story of

23
the bridegroom that did not appear until the midnight hour or the master who "AFTER A LONG
TIME" returned -- Matthew 25:5, 6, 19.

4/. The destruction of Jerusalem was preceded by a SPECIFIC SIGN -- Jerusalem surrounded by
Gentile armies. But the second coming will be "as a thief in the night"; we are exhorted to be
ready at all times; there will be no specific sign (such as a huge cross in the sky!) to warn people a
few minutes before the Messiah returns. People will be eating and drinking and getting married --
the routine things of life, just as in Noah's day -- and will not be expecting anything unusual to hap-
pen. SUDDENLY -- the Messiah will come! The sign preceding the fall of Jerusalem was SPE-
CIFIC; the signs or warnings about the second coming are GENERAL -- nothing to reveal the day
or hour!!

5/. At the time of the fall of Jerusalem, the disciples were to escape into the mountains. Then,
there was time to flee; but when the Messiah comes there will be NO TIME to flee or make prepa-
rations to meet him. At the second coming, believers will not flee into the mountains, but will be
caught up to meet Yeshua in the clouds. In the first century, they scattered -- at the second coming
they will be gathered. It is CONTRAST all the way through.

The Meaning of "Generation"

In Matthew 23 Yeshua warned that generation of Jews: "Go ahead then, finish what your
fathers started!....Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and Torah-teachers -- some of
them you will kill, indeed, you will have them executed on stakes as criminals; some you will flog
in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. And so, on you will fall the guilt for all the in-
nocent blood that has ever been shed on earth, from the righteous blood of innocent Hevel [Abel]
to the blood of Z'kharyah Ben-Berekhyah (Zacharias son of Barachias], whom you murdered be-
tween the Temple and the altar. Yes! I tell you that ALL THIS WILL FALL ON THIS GENERA-
TION!" (Matthew 23:32-38).

In commenting on this passage, C.I. Scofield correctly wrote: "It is the way also of history:
judgment falls upon one generation for the sins of centuries. The prediction was FULFILLED in the
destruction of Jerusalem, A.D. 70." (Scofield Reference Bible [New York: Oxford University
Press, 1917], p. 1032). Unfortunately, however, Scofield tries to make "generation" mean "race,
kind, family, stock, breed" in the verses in Matthew 24 where Yeshua said: "This generation shall
not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" -- a statement which would place the great tribulation or
trouble back then! Then, based on this erroneous definition, concludes: "The promise is, therefore,
that the generation -- nation, or family of Israel -- will be preserved unto 'these things'" (ibid., p.
1034).

But, if we go back through the book of Matthew, we can clearly see by context how Yeshua
used the word "generation". First, there is Matthew 1:17: " Thus there were fourteen GENERA-
TIONS from Avraham to David..." This reference is not to 14 different races, but to 14 different
generations of that race -- each generation following the other in logical sequence. Yeshua asked:
"Whereunto shall I liken this GENERATION?" -- a reference to that generation then living. Yeshua
called it "an evil and adulterous GENERATION," and likened it to a man possessed of demons
whose latter end was worse than the first. The people of Nineveh "will stand up at the Judgment

24
with this GENERATION and condemn it" (Matthew 12:38-45). It was a "faithless and perverse
generation" (Matthew 17:17).

Then, in Matthew 23, Yeshua sternly rebuked the hypocrisy of his day and proclaimed that
they were no better than their fathers (former generations) that had killed the prophets; judgment
upon Jerusalem was certain; their house would be left desolate -- "all these things shall come upon
this GENERATION." Finally we read in Matthew 24:34: "Yes! I tell you that this people will cer-
tainly not pass away before all these things happen."

It is totally arbitrary to take "generation" in all these other verses in Matthew to mean the
generation living at one time, and then -- in Matthew 24 -- try to make it mean the whole race of
Jews over a period of 2,000 years or more! This is illogical and preposterous! Only someone try-
ing to uphold a pet "theory" would attempt to do this.

Strangely enough, those who say "generation" means the Jewish people as a race in Mat-
thew 24, also say the Jewish race will never pass away! So if Yeshua meant the Jewish race will
not pass away until these things are fulfilled, and if the Jewish race will never pass away, his
words were totally meaningless! But if we take the word "generation" in its normal and primary
meaning -- the generation of people living at one time -- Yeshua did indeed answer the question:
"WHEN shall these things be?"

The End of the Age

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away. Concerning
that day and hour NOBODY KNOWS, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but
only the Father" (Matthew 24:35-36).

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Concerning that day
or the hour NOBODY KNOWS, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but the Father"
(Mark 13:31-32).

To this, Luke's account adds --

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away. But keep
watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and
the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you SUDDENLY like a
trap! For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole
world" (Luke 21:33-35).

Now up to this point Yeshua spoke of things leading up to and including the destruction of
Jerusalem. Twice he briefly left his original line of thought to contrast those events with the second
coming (Matthew 24:27 and 30-31). After explaining what would happen in that generation, the
entire discourse now shifts to the question about the second coming and the end of the world. Ye-
shua said that heaven and earth shall pass away -- the end of the age -- and that the TIME of "that
day" is not revealed -- see Matthew 24:40-42:

25
 "Then there will be two men in a field -- one will be taken and the other left behind.
There will two women grinding flour at the mill -- one will be taken and the other left be-
hind. So stay alert, because you don't know on what day your Lord will come"

Dispensationalists who suppose these verses describe a pre-tribulation rapture, face seri-
ous difficulties of interpretation! We are all the way down at verse 40. To harmonize with the dis-
pensational scenario, these verses should have been way back in the early part of Matthew 24 --
before the tribulation, before the abomination of desolation, before the flight into the mountains!
But, no matter how hard you look, there is NO HINT of a secret rapture anywhere in those early
verses. Not until "after the tribulation" -- regardless of how we understand the tribulation of Mat-
thew 24 -- do we read of Yeshua's coming when one will be taken and the other left!

New Testament References for "Tribulation"

The word that is translated "tribulation" or "trouble" in Matthew 24 is thlipsis (Strong's

Concordance, #2347). This Greek word is also translated affliction, anguish, persecution, and
burdened. An in-depth study of all references in which this word appears can be summed up in the
following categories --

First, tribulation upon the Jews. As we have seen, Yeshua spoke of "great tribulation" or
trouble (Matthew 24:21). Luke's account states: "There shall be great distress in the land" -- JU-
DEA -- "and wrath upon this people -- THE JEWS -- "and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the
Gentiles" (Luke 21:23-24). We know this tribulation CAME TO ITS END IN 70 A.D.

Second, tribulation against Christians. "In the world you shall have tribulation" (John
16:33). "We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom" (Acts 14:22). "Tribulation
works patience" (Romans 5:3). Tribulation will not separate us from the Messiah (Romans
8:35-37). We are exhorted to be "patient in tribulation" Romans 12:12), "joyful in all our tribula-
tions" (2 Corinthians 7:4), and faint not at tribulation (Ephesians 3:13 and 2 Thessalonians 1:4).
In the book of Revelation we find that the Church of YEHOVAH at Smyrna suffered tribulation --
see 2:9-10. The apostle John, the writer of the book of Revelation, refers to himself as "your
brother and companion in tribulation" (Revelation 1:9). This type of tribulation SPANS THE EN-
TIRE GOSPEL AGE.

Third, tribulation upon the wicked. To the believers in Thessalonia who were enduring
"persecutions and tribulations" (2 Thessalonians 1:4), Paul wrote: "For it is justice for God to pay
back trouble to those who are troubling you" (verse 6). WHEN? "When the Lord Yeshua is re-
vealed from heaven with his mighty angels in a fiery flame. Then he will punish those who don't
know God, that is, those who don't listen to the Good News of our Lord Yeshua and obey it. They
will suffer the just penalty of eternal destruction, far away from the face of the Lord and the glory
of his might. On that Day, when he comes to be glorified by his holy people and admired by all
who have trusted, you will be among them, because you trusted our witness to you."

When Yeshua descends from heaven, his people will be caught up to meet him in the air --
and "sudden destruction" will fall upon the wicked "and they shall not escape." It is concerning
THIS WRATH -- not a seven year tribulation period -- that we read: "For God has not intended
26
that we should experience his fury [wrath], but that we should gain deliverance through our Lord
Yeshua the Messiah" -- see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:9. True Christians are not appointed to wrath,
but only a few verses before Paul did say they are appointed to tribulation! "...none of you would
let these persecutions [tribulation -- thlipsis] unsettle him. For you yourselves know that these are
bound to come to us; even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were
about to be persecuted; and indeed it has happened, as you know" (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4).

Jacob's Trouble

One prophecy remains to be considered here -- the time of Jacob's trouble! "Ah, that day is
awesome; there is none like it! It is a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be delivered from it"
(Jeremiah 30:7). Because this description in some translations uses the terms "great" and mentions
trouble "is awesome; there is none like it," dispensationalists ASSUME this refers to a final seven
year tribulation period. And since this "is a time of trouble for Jacob" -- not the church's -- it is
further ASSUMED the church will be raptured before this time! Such conclusions cannot be justi-
fied when taken in context.

Because the book of Jeremiah is a long book -- the second longest in the scriptures -- many
people are simply not familiar with the SETTING in which this prophecy was given. Jeremiah re-
peatedly warned the Israelites that enemy armies would come against them; they would be taken
into captivity; they would be punished by YEHOVAH -- if they did not repent. They did not repent
-- and the time of trouble came upon them. They were then taken into captivity by the king of Baby-
lon. But notice -- the prophecy said, "but he [Jacob -- Israel] will be delivered from it." This took
place when YEHOVAH God allowed the people to RETURN from the Babylonian captivity.

We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask ye now, and see
whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on
his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? Alas! for that day
is great, so that none is like it: it is even THE TIME OF JACOB'S TROUBLE; but he
shall be saved out of it. For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I
will break his yoke from off thy neck...I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the
land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return...I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's
tents...and the city shall be builded upon her own heap (Jeremiah 30).

1/. The prophecy about Jacob's trouble mentioned "a voice of trembling" (verse 5). Was this the
case when the king of Babylon came against Israel? Yes -- notice: "We have sinned against the
Lord. We looked for peace...and for a time of health, and behold trouble! The snorting of his
horses was heard...the whole land trembled" (Jeremiah 8:14-16).

2/. Jacob's trouble would be a time of fear (verse 5). Did fear come upon the people in those
days? You bet! "Behold, a people cometh from the north country...they ride upon horses....We have
heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble...fear is on every side" (Jeremiah 6:22-26). "Fear
and a snare is come upon us, desolation and destruction" (Lamentations 3:47).

27
3/. The prophecy said peace would be taken from them (verse 5). Was their peace taken away in
those days? Indeed -- notice: "I have taken away my peace from this people....We looked for
peace...and behold trouble" (Jeremiah 8:15; 16:5).

4/. The prophecy compared Jacob's trouble to the travail of a woman giving birth to a child. This
also happened at this time: "What will thou say when he shall punish thee?...sorrows shall take
thee as a woman in travail" (Jeremiah 13:21). Also: "Pangs have taken thee as a woman in
travail...for now shalt thou go forth out of the city...even to Babylon" (Micah 4:9-10).

5/. It would be a time of trouble so "that none is like it" (verse 7). Does this phrase properly de-
scribe the trouble that enveloped that people? Yes! Ezekiel -- using language very similar to that of
Jeremiah -- said: "...assuredly, thus said the Lord God: I, in turn, am going to deal with you, and I
will execute judgments in your midst in the sight of the nations. On account of all your abomina-
tions, I will do among you what I have never done, and the like of which I will never do again"
(Ezekiel 5:8-9). When this punishment descended upon them, Jeremiah stated that it "exceeded the
iniquity of Sodom, which was overthrown in a moment" (Lamentations 4:6). Daniel wrote of that
time of trouble in the following words: "All Israel have transgressed thy law...therefore the curse
is poured upon them...God hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us...by bringing upon
us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusa-
lem" (Daniel 9:11-12). Such proverbial wording and literary techniques were used by the prophets
to describe times of trouble that were uniquely severe.

6/. Even though this time of trouble would come upon Jacob (Israel), the prophecy had some light
at the end of the tunnel: "But he shall be delivered from it. In that day -- declares the Lord of Hosts
-- I will break the yoke from off your neck and I will rip off your bonds...I will deliver you from
far away, your folk from their land of captivity" (Jeremiah 30:7-8, 10). They had the promise that
"after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon, I will visit you...in causing you to return...I will
turn away your captivity...I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried
away captive" (Jeremiah 29:10-14). "Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you fear; do
not be afraid of him -- declares the LORD -- for I am with you to save you and to rescue you from
his hands" (Jeremiah 42:11). "Fear not thou, O my servant Jacob...I will save thee from
afar...Jacob shall return" (Jeremiah 46:27). The fulfillment of these verses and the return from the
seventy years captivity at Babylon are spelled out in the book of Ezra.

Here, then, we have the prophecy about Jacob's trouble and deliverance -- complete with
other scriptures that record the fulfillment. In most cases the wording is precisely the same. It all
fits perfectly together. But some misguided modern-day "prophets" and "ministers" have set all of
this aside, claiming that this prophecy is still future, because of the closing words: "...in the latter
days you shall consider it" (Jeremiah 30:24). In reading the expression "the latter days" it is easy
for some to ASSUME the very end of this age is intended. However, the word latter -- which is
used several times in Jeremiah -- simply expressed an undefined future: "in the future" or "later on
you will consider it."

When these things had all taken place, they were able to "consider" or understand the ful-
fillment of what had been prophesied. In this case, the "latter" days were those days AFTER
THEIR CAPTIVITY. The house of YEHOVAH (the Temple) that they built upon their return was

28
the "latter house" or Temple as compared to the "former" house or Temple before the captivity --
see Haggai 2:9. After their return, the prophets that had warned them before the captivity were re-
ferred to as "the former prophets" (Zechariah 1:4; 7:7, 12) which would mark the days after the
captivity (in comparison) as the later or latter days. Therefore, it is in this sense that the expres-
sion is used in Jeremiah 30. What Jeremiah labeled "the time of Jacob's trouble" is now AN-
CIENT HISTORY -- not an end-time tribulation period!

A Seven-Year Tribulation Period?

With so much talk in "Christian" circles about a future seven-year Tribulation Period -- and
all the discussion as to whether the rapture will be pre-trib or post-trib -- it is simply amazing that
one simple fact has been completely overlooked: There is not one single verse anywhere in the en-
tire New Testament that mentions a seven-year tribulation period!

Are we, therefore, implying that there will be no tribulation at the end of the age? All
through the centuries there have been times of tribulation experienced by Christians -- to one de-
gree or another. We have, of course, no guarantee that the last days will be any exception. But we
certainly DO NOT believe there will be the type of tribulation period that is commonly expounded
in dispensational circles.

The Bible clearly teaches that at the time of the second coming -- the end of the age -- peo-
ple will be eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, planting and building, buying and
selling -- in other words, life will be going on as it normally does! (Luke 17:26-30). Life will be
continuing in what will be considered a NORMAL, routine pattern. People will be saying, "Peace
and safety" (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Surely, if "all hell will break lose" upon this earth in the way
some have proclaimed, after undergoing this for seven years people clearly would not be saying,
"Peace and safety"!!

Writing more than a hundred years ago, H. Grattan Guiness said it well --

If such signs as are imagined by some people to precede the advent, the state of society
predicted in these passages could not by any possibility exist. If monstrous, unheard of,
supernatural, portentous events were to transpire, would they not be telegraphed the same
day all over a startled world, and produce such a sense of alarm and expectation that buy-
ing and selling, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, would all be ar-
rested together, and 'peace and safety' would be far from anyone's lips? (Light for the
Last Days, London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1893).

In view of the things we have presented in this article, the only conclusion possible is that
there WILL NOT be the type of tribulation during the last years of this age as some have envi-
sioned. We don't know the day or the hour of Yeshua's return. The important point to remember is
that we should watch and be ready for his return at all times -- "while continuing to expect the
blessed fulfillment of our certain hope, which is THE APPEARING OF THE SH'KHINAH
[GLORY] OF OUR GREAT GOD [YEHOVAH] AND the appearing of our Deliverer, Yeshua the
Messiah" (Titus 2:13 -- Jewish New Testament).

29
HOPE OF ISRAEL
Dear Brother John D. Keyser, Hello,
M Thanks for the Berean magazine. May Yehovah
God and Yeshua Messiah bless you a bundle.
Thank you for sending me the latest issue of the
Berean. Could you please send me a calendar for
This is the true good news that shall preach to all the year 2001 so that I will be observing the cor-

A the nations before the return of the Messiah.

One thing that I thought you had made a mistake

rect Sabbath Day and also the correct Holy Days
this year? I tried to view it from my computer
but I can't for some reason. Thank you so much
because you denied the pre-existence of Yeshua for all your help. Your articles are outstanding,
the Messiah. Are you denying that Yeshua is not and they have helped me to dramatically change

I God in flesh? If so, you are also denying John

1:1; 10-12; 10:30; 14:6-10; Matthew 1:22; Rev.
1:17-18; 22:13.
my life for the Lord.

Thank you again,

P.F. (Arizona)
I am also a minister of a Church of God, but I

L love to call and use the name of God Yehovah or

Yahuvah or Yashua or Yeshua instead of Lord
and Jesus. That is why I came out from the
I love to get a monthly Berean report and any-
thing else that you might send to help me in my
daily walk with God.
Church of God in 1992. I always prayed that one
day Yeshua will open the blind preachers eyes COMMENT: A calendar has been sent. Inciden-
and many will come with me to share and praise tally, The Berean Voice is bi-monthly -- not
God's Holy Name, the name Yehovah and the monthly! If time allows, I would certainly like to
B name of Yeshua, the true name of salvation. Now
that my eyes have seen you proclaim the name
Yehovah and Yeshua, and it makes me very
make it monthly. Thank you for your message.

***
happy. Halleluyah. May your magazine shine for

A everywhere so people may see the true light and

the truth that will set them free. Halleluyah.
Greetings:

Thank you for sending me The Berean Voice. I

Please put me in your list. I am a pastor and is was so moved by the articles in the December,
also your Brother too. 2000 issue that I am requesting that you send the

G Shalom,
D.K.H. (California)
magazine to three of my friends. I still have to
read the July/August, 2001 issue...and can't wait.
The article entitles "Should there be Government
in the Church of God?" was truly Holy Spirit in-
COMMENT: Thank you for your letter. You bet spired! It is so sad how this world and this
I deny the pre-existence of Yeshua -- the Bible world's churches are corrupt through and
denies the pre-existence of Yeshua! The verses through with satanic influence. This just causes
you mentioned in no way prove that Yeshua the me to cry out to YEHOVAH to come quickly
Messiah pre-existed before his human birth in and establish His Kingdom here!
Bethlehem. I don't have room in this section to
answer all of the verses you quote above. You Would you please send the articles that I have
need to send for the many articles we have that marked on the enclosed sheets. Enclosed is a
cover these much misunderstood parts of the money order to cover your costs. Please send
Bible. this order to the above inside address. Thank you
and YEHOVAH's blessings be upon you.
***
Sincerely,

30
D.M. (Texas) A Woman Rides the Beast, by Dave Hunt.
The Gospel According to Rome, by James G.
COMMENT: Yes, may YEHOVAH set up His king- McCarthy.
dom soon! The articles you requested have been sent. The Two Babylons, by Alexander Hislop.
Babylon Mystery Religion, by Ralph Woodrow. (I be-
*** lieve this book is now out of print. You should be able
to locate a copy on the Internet or Interlibrary Loan
Half of my family is Catholic, my best friend is Catho- Service.)
lic. They now tell me that Jesus is Catholic because
Peter founded the early church.
***
I read your article about Peter, and wish that I could
present it to them, but as a fellow believer in Christ, I Hello,
don't think I could present these facts to them, without
making them think they are being bashed. Do you have I wanted to thank you for all the wonderful articles you
something with a little more grace, that presents the have been sending to me. They sure have opened my
truth to people who are so grounded in their faith, yet eyes to the truth. Your ministry is wonderful. I wish all
are open-minded to facts? the other ministries out there would have the courage
to speak out against all the lies as you have done.
I am not Catholic, nor a Protestant, I can't stand labels,
although I may lean toward one direction more than an- I need some help though. Now that I am observing the
other. I believe literally in the Bible and prefer the Sabbath by the moon, I am a little confused as to when
King James Version over all the others. I pray daily for to follow it. Could you send me a calendar for the re-
my friends and family. I just am not sure how to get mainder of the year, and that way I will know also when
them the truth, especially since they think that I don't Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Taberna-
know the truth. They label me as a Protestant. I am just cles is. Lately, I have been following the Sabbath Day
a believer in Christ and the Bible is my foundation. I do for Fridays. Example: This week on Thursday August 9,
attend a 4 square church, that is just a part of my feed- 2001 at sunset I would begin Sabbath and end Sabbath
ing, my richest food is from the Bible. However I am on Friday August 10, 2001 at sunset. Is this correct?
weak at presenting the truth especially since my Catho- And then next week begin on Thursday, and end on Fri-
lic family reads the same book as I and get another in- day, and the next week. Then it would begin on a Satur-
terpretation. I believe these Catholics are saved, maybe day evening at sunset and end on Sunday night.
mislead, yet by God's grace are saved. However I do
wish for them to see some facts. Could you please let me know if I am correct?

What if Peter is who they truly think they believe in Thank You So Much,
because constant Biblical references are made, and A.
what if they never really knew about Simon Magus?
What if God looked in their hearts and knew their in- COMMENT: Dear A., Yom Kippur and the Day of
tent was the good Peter and not bad Simon, because Atonement are one and the same day. On the week you
they didn't know the difference? Your article could hit mentioned the Sabbath actually fell on the Saturday
hard, and probably wouldn't even be accepted by my (sunset August 10 to sunset August 11). The following
friends and family. Can you show me something with week it also fell on the Saturday -- sunset August 17 to
just facts so they would decide for themselves, rather sunset August 18. The next Sabbath day fell on August
than feel it's being thrown at them that they are being 27 (sunset Sunday 26th to sunset Monday 27th). We
led by Satan? Please help. sent you a calendar which explains how YEHOVAH's
calendar works.
A.M.
***
COMMENT: Thank you, A.M., for your message.
There are a number of books on the market which deal Dear Mr. Keyser,
with the erroneous doctrines of the Catholic Church.
Here are a few: Thank u for the Berean Voice I received a few weeks

31
ago. My friend, D.M., most probably gave you my ad- Worldwide, of which I was a 'member' and Global, of
dress -- he feels it has to come from you otherwise he which I was a 'member.' I think that 'church,' in any
is indoctrinating me. case, means called out ones and not a body corporate. I
might be wrong, but the experiences I've had does make
I found your articles on the Sabbath very interesting one skeptic.
and thought provoking. I would like to study what you
have. I have always studied whatever came my way -- Thank you for reading my letter. Hope to be hearing
prayed about it before I started and asked our Father to from you soon.
guide me only in the Truth. Mr. Dankenbring will
probably blast me, but I cannot leave studying this in- Yours faithfully,
formation, I will always be wondering.... H.M.G. (South Africa)

One thing I would like to ask though. I don't know COMMENT: The first thing to remember is that you
whether I am dimwitted, but with the Sabbath being ob- can't go by the present erroneous Jewish calendar.
served according to the moon, should Pentecost not With that in mind, the true Pentecost will not fall on
then fall on the ninth of Sivan? As the Bible says we Sivan 6 on this calendar. This year it fell on Friday the
should observe it the day AFTER the SEVENTH SAB- 10th of Sivan (sunset Thursday Sivan 9 to sunset Friday
BATH. I am at work and can't remember the verses Sivan 10) according to the Jewish calendar. We must
from memory, I think my old grey head is getting very think in terms of YEHOVAH's calendar -- not the
forgetful. So counting the first week from the 16th Ni- faulty calendars that are the product of the minds of
san (we have two weeks in Nisan), then we count four men. The article, Leviticus Proves Saturday Is Not the
weeks in the following month and the 7th week in Sivan Sabbath (September-October Berean Voice) should
which starts counting on the 2nd to the 8th (Sabbath) help you grasp the subject of Pentecost.
then the day after the seventh Sabbat falls on the 9th
(which I think is a better figure 3 X 3), 6 somehow Regarding Dankenbring and his libelous charges -- this
does not fit. As you say, if there are more than 29 days man has a history of making accusations against people
in the month the extra day is counted together with the without doing any checking to see if he has any
last Sabbath (if there is an extra day). Please let me grounds for such charges. He is quick to jump to con-
know where I am thinking wrong. clusions and has, in fact, promulgated lies about a num-
ber of people who happen not to agree with some or all
Please could you send me all the other literature you of his corrupt doctrines. Needless to say, I did not
have on the page I am sending a copy of. With you peo- steal his website or steal his mailing list -- these are
ple in America and us in South Africa it is a bit diffi- nothing but false accusations without a fragment of
cult to send money, but I will arrange with D. when he evidence to back them up. "I know your works, your la-
transfers again. You don't have to send all at the same bor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who
time, I will leave it to your discretion. are evil. And you have tested those who say they are
apostles [or prophets] and are not, and have found
I have just sent a letter to Mr. Dankenbring about the them liars" (Revelation 2:2).
Pentecost question -- after the 7th Sabbath and in-
cluded the 16th page of his Bible lesson #12 on which ***
I asked him about the paragraph by Dr. Dimbleby about
being able to tell the day of the week by the sun and Hello,
moon....I also told him that I just received your first
Berean Voice and that I was studying your idea about I have just found your web site and love all the helpful
the Sabbath. information. I have been attending David J. Smith's
church in Waxahachie, TX. Many people have been
I would also like to know whether you really stole the leaving in the last six months. Do you have any infor-
website and the list of members when you left? Funny, mation about Mr. Smith that would help me? Also do
though, that you never sent me a magazine....Mr. Dank- you have a list of churches in the Ft. Worth, Waco, TX
enbring is very very mad with you, and he will be very area.
mad with me, but I believe that if I do not study widely I
will never know the Truth -- look what happened to Thanks for your help!

32
B. Would like to receive The Omer Count and God's
Weekly Cycle, also Was Jesus Christ in the Grave for
COMMENT: I do not know Mr. Smith personally, but 3 Days and 3 Nights?
have visited his website and found it full of what could
best be called drivel. COMMENT: You don't have to worry -- The Berean
Voice magazine has articles proving that Yeshua did not
Unfortunately, we do not have any local churches in the pre-exist, as you have probably realized by now. The ar-
areas you mentioned. If you are not already getting The ticles you requested have been sent to you.
Berean Voice, be sure to ask for a free one-year
subscription.
***
***
Dear Sir:
Dear Mr. Keyser, Please send me articles about the pre-existence of Ye-
shua, pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton and the
Have been reading some of your articles about the truth about the Anti-christ.
weekly sabbath. All of the articles have been making
great sense to me. So would like to continue getting My address is...
some of these, instead of getting them from friends.
Many thanks and hope to receive them soon!
I'm enclosing a small check to help with the postage,
etc. Since I'm old and on Social Security, although both Sincerely,
my husband and I are active, and doing alright we still A.V.C. (Philippines)
have to watch the budget, and he is definitely not inter-
ested in religion. COMMENT: Dear A.V.C. -- the articles are on their
way to you!
Anyway, one thing I'm concerned about it seems a lot
of people, places, etc. are sure to impress you with ***
facts about how Yeshua was here at the beginning and
involved with the creation not realizing that this is Hi!
wrong. John 1:1 should read that In the beginning was
the creation, and the creation was with God. Well, I I have searched the internet and I found your site. I read
won't go into this further, but I'm hoping that you won't approximately less than 1/3 of the article Did the
have articles, etc., tapes to convince people that Yeshua Apostle Peter Ever Visit Rome? The information was
was the creator and not God. In fact just the opposite interesting.
I'm finally looking forward to more people who realize
that Yahweh was the creator and Yeshua is the Messiah.
I would love if I had a copy of Joseph and the Engi-
Enough said, needless to say, I'm eagerly seeking after
all these years, 30 or more to get on the right track, and neering Wonders of Egypt.
realize that there is more to learn, and keep on learning
and changing if that is what HE is showing us to do. Thank you.

God bless you, may God use you to bless others, &
Thank you for listening,
bring them to salvation!
R.M.C. (Washington)
God bless you!
We have two addresses because we have 2 places one E.B.
in town and one at the lake. But since we will be at the
lake more now, so send to this above address. Thank
COMMENT: Thank you for your letter. The article
you.
has been sent to you.

33
 The Three Great Enemies of the
Kingdom of God!
John D. Keyser

The true explanation of the whole course of human history lies in the realms of the unseen;
and it is only by divine revelation -- as has been given in the Bible -- that the hidden causes of the
great historical movements and epochs of the world of men can be known. And let us have no
doubt in our minds that all the disorders, conflicts, restlessness and miseries of the world are a re-
sult of the resistance Satan has offered -- and still offers -- to the establishment of YEHOVAH
God's and Yeshua's rule on this earth.

In light of these Biblical facts, it is of the deepest significance that there have appeared,
during all the centuries of the Christian era, just THREE great systems, having a religious charac-
ter and a political aim, which have set themselves up in DIRECT OPPOSITION to the Kingdom
of God and the express rule and sovereignty of YEHOVAH God and Yeshua the Messiah on the
earth. These three systems are satanically energized and have the single object of frustrating the
purpose and plan of YEHOVAH. We read, in Luke 11:21-22 --

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But
when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which
the man trusted and divides up the spoils.

This world was the strong man's (Satan's) house; and he was keeping his possessions (hu-
man beings) in "peace," until someone stronger than he appeared upon the scene and stripped him
of his armor in which he trusted. Yeshua's coming into the world was for the one purpose -- which
he caused to be proclaimed in the most public way, of setting up a kingdom -- the Kingdom of God.
This was a DIRECT CHALLENGE to "the prince of this world" (Satan), who has never ceased,
from that time until now, to resist the attempt to "spoil him of his possessions."

Judaism

The first system that offered organized and satanically inspired opposition to the Kingdom
of God was THE JEWISH NATION -- the leaders of which were declared by Yeshua himself to
be the children of the Devil (see John 8:44). That nation has miraculously maintained its national
existence and its traditional religion ("the traditions of the elders") through all the centuries of our
era. And it is, of course, BITTERLY OPPOSED as ever to the faith of Yeshua the Messiah. It is a
fact that Judaism has NOT improved or changed its nature during the nineteen centuries of its exis-
tence in "this present evil world."

Judaism is the religion of the Pharisees and the patrimony of Babylon, from whence the
Talmudic and Kabbalistic traditions of Judaism ultimately derive. It is the Talmud, not the Bible,
which is the basis of the system of orthodox Judaism. Everything about Judaism is either a

34
distortion or a falsification of the Old Testament because Judaism is based on a man-made tradi-
tion that voids the Old Testament by means of a series of dispensations and loopholes. The uncen-
sored Talmud is replete with absurdities and the filthiest and most psychotic libels and
maledictions against non-Jews, women and Bible patriarchs imaginable. It specifically defines all
who are not Jews as non-human animals, and specifically dehumanizes Gentiles as not being de-
scendants of Adam. Orthodox Judaism's other major sacred book -- the Kabbalah -- is filled with
astrological teachings, fortune-telling, gematria, necromancy and demonology. It is the other Jew-
ish wing of the oral tradition of the elders claiming, like the Talmud, to be part of a secret teach-
ing given to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Judaism's aim still is supremacy over the Gentiles, and its religious attitude is as uncom-
promisingly anti-Christian as it ever was. Satan, who inspired and directed its activities at the be-
ginning, is still its spiritual leader and energizer. Apostate Judaism has neither quit the field of
conflict, nor has it changed sides. Let us be perfectly clear about that. In a statement from the Is-
raeli Mechon-Mamre Torah Scholars we find: "The Torah maintains that the righteous of all na-
tions have a place in the World to Come. But not all religious Gentiles earn eternal life by virtue
of observing their religion...And while the Christians do generally accept the Hebrew Bible as
truly from God, many of them [those who accept the divinity of Yeshua after his resurrection] are
idolaters according to the Torah, punishable by death, and certainly will not enjoy the World to
Come" (June 26, 2000). Judaism's character and career as an opponent of true Christianity is pic-
tured in the first group of four TRUMPETS in the Book of Revelation.

Muhammadanism

The second of the three great systems, religious in character, but having for its political
aim the DOMINATION OF THE WORLD, is Muhammadanism or Islam. It is necessary to call at-
tention to the remarkable fact that in Islam we have a movement energized by prodigious spiritual
powers of evil -- a satanic caricature of the Kingdom of God being led by a FALSE PROPHET
and based upon a FALSE BIBLE (the Koran) and seeking to gain the sovereignty of the world. Is-
lam's earnest goal, set forth in the Koran and hadith (Islamic written tradition), remains the same:
to bring all mankind into submission (that's what "Islam" means) and to kill or enslave all "infi-
dels." Islam (in obedience to the Koran and Muhammad's example) is the driving force behind
most terrorism today. Muhammad himself declared, "The last hour will not come before the Mus-
lims fight the Jews and the Muslims kill them."

Islam spread rapidly under Muhammad and his successors through jihad ("holy war"). Mu-
hammad himself planned 65 campaigns and personally led 27 involving naked aggression and
treachery. This incredible "evangelism" made "converts" by the millions at the point of a sword.
At its peak, Islam had conquered all of North Africa and almost took over Europe. Muhammadan-
ism continues its conquest worldwide. Today's invaders are millions of immigrants who make
converts to Islam through misrepresentation. Westerners naively accept Allah -- who inspired Mu-
hammad -- as the God of the Bible. Yet Allah has no son, is unknowable, and was the pagan
idol/god of Muhammad's tribe before he was born. Allah tells Muslims, "Take not the Jews and
Christians for friends...slay the idolaters [infidels] wherever ye find them....Fight against those
who...believe not in Allah nor the Last Day."

35
 Catholicism

The third and last of these three enemies of the Kingdom of God is Catholicism. Here,
again, we have identically the same distinguishing features that characterize the other two and mark
them plainly as the enemies of the Kingdom of God. The system is also religious in character,
binding its adherents together by that which has ever been the strongest of all ties -- religion. As
well as this its aim is political, the same precisely as that of the other two -- namely to gain su-
preme authority over the nations of the earth.

Judaism bases its claim to supremacy over the nations upon its misinterpretation of the
prophets. Muhammadanism also claims a God-given right to rule the world, basing its claim upon
the Koran and the pretensions of the false prophet. Catholicism, in this respect, is the most subtle
and deceptive of them all -- for its claim to supreme governmental authority is based upon the
blasphemous pretension that its head, the pope, is the "vicar of Christ."

One difference between Catholicism and the other two systems calls for special attention.
Both Judaism and Muhammadanism have been -- from the very beginning -- the OPEN ENEMIES
of Christianity. They are shown in the trumpet visions as openly opposed to YEHOVAH and His
saints. However, Catholicism arose not from without but from within the pale of professed Chris-
tianity. It has set itself forth not as the adversary of the Kingdom of God, but on the contrary as be-
ing the true realization and embodiment thereof. Therefore, it's real character as the enemy of
YEHOVAH and the oppressor of His purposes is not openly displayed. It is unveiled as a "mys-
tery" in the days of the seventh trumpet, where it is shown by a special vision as developing out of,
and in close political association with, the Roman Empire -- the political framework of which was
perpetuated and subordinated to its purpose. The gradual transformation of Imperial Rome into Pa-
pal Rome has been a marvel of history greater and more mysterious even than the rise and career
of Muhammadanism.

The Three Great Systems

This has been the general state of affairs during the Christian era. It is certain that if the de-
sign of the trumpet series of visions in the Book of Revelation was to reveal to the servants of Ye-
shua the great adversaries that were to arise in direct opposition to the purpose of YEHOVAH in
this age, then we shall find therein the symbolic representations of just THREE -- no more and no
less -- great and mighty religious systems, and each having the SINGLE POLITICAL AIM of sub-
jugating the world. And, on the other hand, if upon careful study of the symbols of the trumpet se-
ries we find them such as may be clearly explained by reference to the three systems that have
contested the field of the world (Matthew 13:38) with the soldiers of Yeshua, then we are fully
warranted in concluding that it was the design of those visions to reveal the rise, the development
and end of these great adversaries of the Kingdom of God.

It is also a matter of deep significance that each of these three great systems has manifested
untoward activity in, and subsequent to, the great war of 1914-1918. For while the political ma-
nipulations of the Jews in regard to the finances of the great nations are very carefully concealed,
nevertheless the "invisible hand" sometimes shows itself on the surface of world affairs. Also, the
vitality of Zionism -- and the progress made in a very brief period of time towards converting

36
Palestine into a national homeland for the Jews -- are among the most significant of the events of
the end-time.

Students of prophecy are watching these developments with intense interest, some with ex-
pectations (such as that the Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem by the Israelis, animal sacrifices
resumed, etc.) which are totally without support in the Bible. Yet, in all of this, is the Word of YE-
HOVAH with the clear promise that "all Israel shall be saved" (Romans 11:26). That these words
refer to the physical, not to the spiritual Israel, is clear from the context -- where reference is made
to the power of YEHOVAH to "graft them in again into their own olive tree" (verses 23-24).

Muhammadanism too has had a remarkable recrudescence -- not withstanding the seeming
death-wound to the Ottoman Empire in the First World War. The marvelous recovery under the re-
gime of the Young Turks, the unrest in India, Egypt and elsewhere, and the dread possibility of
concerted action by the Muslim countries of the world against the United States and the nations of
western Europe ("the Christian nations," so called), are not the least among the anxieties of the
heads of governments in these perplexing times.

Finally, as to the activities and gains of the Papacy in the field of world politics, coupled
with that of religion (where it is taking full advantage of the disintegration of the Protestant de-
nominations under the canker of Modernism) it is needless to speak. In fact, it would require an
entire book to tell the full story. It is enough for those with understanding to see that these THREE
MIGHTY SYSTEMS OF EVIL -- the agencies of the god of this world -- are all ready for instant
action when the blast of the SEVENTH TRUMPET will announce the hour for the last fatal con-
flict in which all that oppose the Kingdom of God and the power of His Messiah shall be finally
and completely overthrown.

It is indeed a very significant fact that in the tiny country of Judea (modern Israel) these
three great systems are even now in touch with one another -- with results that hint at the most seri-
ous consequences. For the Muhammadan Arabs are violently opposed to the State of Israel; and the
Papacy has uttered its protest against the "desecration of the holy places" by Jewish occupancy. So
right here is a situation that is pregnant with great possibilities. For out of it might easily spring
events that will set those mighty forces into operation, whereby the mystery of God shall be fin-
ished, His enemies be overwhelmed, and the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of
YEHOVAH and of His Messiah.

In future issues of The Berean Voice we will delve into the prophecies of the Bible, and
particularly the symbolism of the Book of Revelation, to show in more detail where these satanic
forces are leading.

In Future Issues....
The Trumpets of Revelation and the Scourge of Islam!

Who Is -- "The Alpha and Omega"?

Colossians 1:15-20

37
 Taliban: A Perfect Islamic
Society
by Keerthi Reddy

On July 16, 1998, the maggot ridden naked corpse of a woman caked with old blood was
found in a ravaged back alley of Khairkhana, Kabul in Afghanistan. After hours of investigation,
the post mortem revealed that the corpse belonged to a young woman named Shukria, the daughter
of Ali Mardan. When she was alive, Shukriya used to take care of her family's tiny tailor shop in
addition to raising her four young children. Fifty five days earlier, on her way back from a relig-
ious ceremony Shukriya was startled to hear the screeching of brakes as a car spun to a halt in front
of her. A gang of about seven Muslim holy warriors of the Taliban, who carried beards the length
of which were in exact religious conformance with the Islamic scriptures, grabbed her and dragged
her into their car.

The Taliban is comprised of Pakistanis and Afghanis who are considered the true "Muja-
hideen" or "holy warriors of Allah" because they have established a purely Islamic state which
rigidly conforms to the "pious Muslim ideals" which were outlined and set down by the Prophet
Mohammed.

The piercing screams of Shukriya as she was gang raped by the holy warriors must have
been muffled by the sound of the engine, for not a single passer by dared to protest the crime taking
place in front of their eyes. Minutes later as her cries subsided, a thick and dark trail of blood
slowly started dripping out of the drivers side door. Suddenly the car veered dangerously and
drove off in the distance to an unknown location. No doubt the mangled and violated body of a
woman who just minutes ago was the mother of four young children and now a lifeless corpse,
must have been unceremoniously dumped by the Mujahideen like yesterday's garbage, only to be
found in its festering condition, fifty five days later.

But that's not what's shocking about this incident.

What's truly shocking about it is the fact that Shukriya's story is just one among thousands if
not millions such similar stories. Amnesty International, the leading global human rights monitor,
in its report on Afghan women declared that:

"Armed groups have massacred defenseless women in their homes, or have brutally
beaten and raped them. Scores of young women have been abducted and then raped,
taken as wives by commanders or sold into prostitution. Some have committed suicide to
avoid such a fate. Scores of women have reportedly disappeared and several have been
stoned to death. Many women are traumatized by the horrific abuses, they have suffered
or witnessed."

38
 So desperate is their situation that the majority of women prefer to die by consuming caus-
tic soda or other household poisons. Western aid workers in Afghanistan have reported a dramatic
increase in the number of women committing suicide because they can no longer bear the country's
stifling Islamic code. The mass phenomenon of Afghani women consuming caustic soda to put
themselves out of their misery is shockingly common. The agony of their situation can be gleaned
from the fact that consuming caustic soda results in a torturously painful and lingering death. First
it burns away the throat, and then slowly the internal organs are burnt. It takes an average of three
to four days to suffer out the symptoms which are horribly traumatic.

Many doctors are also reporting the fact that thousands of Afghan women now flock clinics
by feigning heart condition. The reason for this drama is to somehow acquire lethal digoxin tablets
for the purpose of committing suicide. The increase in female suicide was barely highlighted in
last year's United Nations report on Afghanistan. A huge spurt in incidences of women being ad-
mitted to mental hospitals with severe depression has become rampant with the Talibanization of
Afghanistan. The suicides and mental illnesses are never spoken about in the rigidly fundamentalist
Islamic society. International aid agencies have been threatened with dire consequences for daring
to say anything about the true situation of women in Afghanistan.

The reason for the utter helplessness of the raped, depressed and abused women of Af-
ghanistan is the Quran. Rape is, if not very difficult, almost impossible to prove because of Is-
lamic law. Prophet Mohammed's divine injunctions of Allah clearly outline through the Quran that
a woman's word on rape is not to be taken into account. Proving her innocence is a dauntingly un-
reachable task. Almost all the rape victims are in fact charged with an adulterous and loose moral
character. This is because the Quran clearly says that the testimony of one man is considered as
equal to that of two women. This blatant discrimination is amply explained in Quranic Sura
24:1-4. Regarding this issue, the famous Islamic scholar Anwar Shaikh comments:

"As a result of this law, a raped woman has to produce four eye-witnesses to the act,
which is more or less an impossibility. Its devastating effect can be clearly seen in Paki-
stan where several thousand good, honest Muslim women are imprisoned for suffering
rape. When they report their cases to the police, they are required to produce four eye-
witnesses. As they cannot do so, they are held as false accusers, and put behind bars."

Many Quranic Surahs exhort torturous punishment for "fornication prone" women. It is pri-
marily due to this inherent disadvantage which weighs down Muslim women, that they fear for
their very lives when they are the victim of rape. Instead of having the opportunity to bring the cul-
prit to justice, these women spend the rest of their lives in fear that the deed will be discovered
and that the victim herself will have to suffer the punishment for being an adulteress instead of the
other way around.

Some of the Quranic Surahs which provide the basis for these type of heinous punishments
on women are provided below. These verses have been taken verbatim from the translation of the
Quran by the respected Muslim scholar, Abdullah Yusuf Ali:

39
Quran 4:15: "If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, Take the evidence of four (reliable)
witnesses from amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do
claim them, or God ordain for them some (other) way."

Here one must note that anybody can point the finger and accuse a woman of "lewdness"
meaning illicit sex and all they have to do to seal the woman's horrendous treatment is to get four
other witnesses to testify against her. In case of gang rapes, there have even been situations where
one of the rapists accuses the woman of "lewdness" and four of the other rapists support this
charge with their testimony, in which case by Islamic law, the woman has to suffer the punishment
for adultery.

Quran 4:16: "If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and
amend, Leave them alone; for God is Oft-returning, Most Merciful."

The law for Muslim men who indulge in "lewdness" however is quite different. As long as
the men "repent and amend" they are to be let off completely. This is a blatant instance of women
being denied the rights that men enjoy in Islam.

Quran 4:34: "Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because God has given the one
more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the
righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in absence what God would have them guard.
As to those women on whose part ye fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, admonish them, refuse to
share their beds, beat them; but if they return to obedience, seek not against them Means: For God
is Most High, great."

The fate of Muslim women has been sealed by this Quranic Surah as it provides Muslim
men a clear justification for physical violence against women. The verse is redolent with blatant
chauvinism and declares that women should be obedient as slaves to men. What is truly shocking
about this Quranic verse is that it clearly implicates that if a man even so much as suspects the fi-
delity of his wife, he has a right to admonish and physically abuse her by divine approval of Allah!
In many cases of rape in Afghanistan, this very verse is used as justification by the victim's hus-
bands to beat and torture her despite her innocence.

Quran 4:31: "If ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of
your choice, Two or three or four; but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them),
then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent
you from doing injustice.

This verse clearly illustrates that concubinage and treating non-Muslim women as sexual
property is divinely sanctioned by Allah himself in Islam. A non-Muslim woman who is taken cap-
tive in war is treated as "Ghanimah" or plunder. The captured Kafir (non-Muslim) women
snatched from their husbands can be enjoyed with absolute immunity by the Mujahids (holy warri-
ors of Allah). Not only is it lawful to commit rape on captured women it is in fact a "pure and pi-
ous" act which earns the Muslim merit in the eyes of Allah.

40
Quran 2:228: "And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what
is equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And God is Exalted in Power,
Wise."

Again a clear vindication of Men's superiority over women is being sanctioned by Allah
himself in this verse. In effect men have more rights than women in an ideal Islamic society.

The Taliban, in true accordance with Islamic strictures, has forbidden women to work any-
more. Considering the skyrocketing rate of widowhood, the women of Afghanistan are left with no
choice but to sell their bodies as prostitutes for the sake of a morsel of food. So desperate has the
condition of these women become that they force their five to six year old children to beg on the
streets. Many of the western aid workers secretly admit that almost half a million of these children
are also forced into prostitution to earn tiny amounts of money for their families' subsistence.

If by chance a woman's rape comes to light she is accused of adultery by Islamic law. Most
often the punishment for adultery is severe lashing or stoning to death. Over 65% of the Afghani fe-
male population is now directly or indirectly involved in prostitution. As prostitution invites the
same punishment as adultery, millions of Muslim women carry on their trade in a surreptitious
manner. They disguise themselves in rags in order to pass off as beggars. Their clients are usually
shopkeepers who have a store room or an attic where they take the woman without any problem.
Beggar prostitutes charge about 2 lakh Afghanis which is equal to Rs 250 (Pakistani).

This amount is peanuts considering the cost of living in war tattered Afghanistan, therefore
most prostitutes are desperate to find at least three to four clients a day. Most of the prostitutes
also become "traveling" types, as they cannot stay in one place for too long, due to fear of detec-
tion. The exceptions are those special prostitutes who work in the brothels which have the protec-
tion of the Taliban. Hordes of Pakistanis also come from across the border to take advantage of the
freely available sexual services.

Even then the situation of Muslim women is far, far better than that of non-Muslim women
who are accursed enough to live in Afghanistan. The non-Muslim women and children are treated
worse than sewer rats. Considering that Muslim women themselves are being abused so rampantly,
one can only imagine how inhumane the treatment meted out to these victims must be. The plight of
non-Muslims is unimaginably horrific.

All non-Muslims, including Hindus and Sikhs, living in Afghanistan must abide by the "Ten
Commandments'', issued in accordance with the rules of Islamic Sharia. A few pockets in Kabul
and Jalalabad, are still inhabited by these unlucky Hindus and Sikhs. The Islamic "Law Ministry"
in Kabul has issued ten directives to all non-Muslims, including Hindus and Sikhs, determining
their conduct in their daily lives. These orders include such unimaginably discriminatory tenets
like the rule that non-Muslims are absolutely not allowed to build any place of worship like tem-
ple, church or Gurudwara. Legally, non-Muslims are not entitled to bring any lawsuits against a
Muslim at all, regardless of the criminality or culpability of the Muslim! One can only imagine
what sort of justice non-Muslim victims of rape and molestation in Afghanistan must receive!

41
 Non-Muslims must follow such incredible rules as displaying a two-meter long yellow
cloth atop their house for identification of their status as non believers. The order also bans non-
Muslims from living together with Muslims in one house in a direct indication of the untouchability
of the non-Muslims. The women of non-Muslim families are prohibited from walking in a street or
bazaar without wearing the Islamic "chadar'' to cover them. They cannot wear jewelry made from
any metal more precious than iron in a humiliating reminder of their low status. What is most out-
rageous of all however, is the injunction for non-Muslims to wear dresses which are clearly "dif-
ferent" from those of Muslims. Non-Muslims must wear a MARKED YELLOW OUTFIT in order
to ensure identification of their Kafir status from a distance. Non-Muslims CANNOT wear ANY
dresses which signify priesthood or other religious denomination.

The status of Kafirs under the Taliban is exactly as Prophet Mohammed had envisioned it.
It is in fact in perfect consonance with the suggested treatment of non-Muslims in the Quran. A
number of apologists and misled scholars who have been horrified by the Taliban's policies have
tried to explain away their practices as "misinterpretations of Islam". The truth however is ex-
actly the opposite. The Taliban of Afghanistan, ably supported by the Islamic purists of Pakistan,
is pursuing the establishment of an Islamic society that can be termed as a perfect realization of
the Islamic ideals entrenched in the Quran. The Taliban IS the perfect Islamic society. The
treatment accorded to women and non-Muslims by the Taliban is exactly as prescribed by the
Quran and the Prophet Mohammed. In fact the reign of the Prophet Mohammed was marked by ex-
actly the same type of society.

As Islamic terrorism and fundamentalism raises its ugly head all over the world, its time
civilized societies took a long hard look at the Talibanism of Afghanistan, for the situation there
foretells exactly what is in store for other countries around the world with a sizable Muslim
population.

By refusing to stare the problem in the face, we risk allowing it to become stronger still. If
we keep ignoring it, it won't be long before the ability to stop Talibanization in its tracks slips
right out of our fingers.

The Celto-Saxon Law

It can be demonstrated that the British Com- early Britons was of a high standard, bearing
mon Law derives in no small part, through the comparison with that of contemporary civilized
legal system of ancient Britain, from an origi- nations.
nal Divine revelation. Much of this Law is
contained in the ancient Celtic Triads, which A feature of the Triads is that, while they
are considered to owe their origin to a codifi- contrast sharply with the Babylonian code of
cation which has been firmly attributed to the Hammurabi (with its trials by ordeal and se-
royal British legislator, Molmutius, who ac- vere penalties which anticipate those of the
cording to available evidence, was of Judaic Civil Law which descended through Rome)
descent through the Trojans. The Triads, which they reveal remarkable resemblance to the
were clearly drawn from earlier sources, fur- code of laws revealed through Moses to the Is-
nish evidence of the fact that the culture of the raelites at Sinai.

42
 Yehovah's Law and Our
Neighbor
The source or foundation of all law, order and society rests upon
authority. Human lawgivers in a democracy declare that all power is
from the people and in the people; but how blind are these lawgivers,
for the Bible clearly tells us that "there is no power but of God." This
statement is the underlying principle of all just governments. When
the citizens of our countries realize this fact then, and only then, will
Satan and his kingdom be destroyed from the face of the earth.

John D. Keyser

For those who come to the realization of the national need to keep YEHOVAH God's com-
mandments, statutes and judgments, a question often comes to mind: What can we do about it? It is,
of course, impossible for any one individual to put into operation the statutes of national admini-
stration or government. But we can, insofar as national violation of YEHOVAH's laws are con-
cerned, POINT OUT the righteousness of the law and PROTEST its violation -- thus calling
attention to the penalties being exacted from us as a nation today for such violation. Essentially it
is a word of WITNESSING: a voice in the wilderness, as it were, CALLING ATTENTION to the
ways of righteousness -- pointing out the need of a NATIONAL RESTORATION of the admini-
stration and keeping of ALL of YEHOVAH's laws in order to secure the blessings of peace and
prosperity.

Individually we do not have to wait until the nation makes that restoration before comply-
ing with the law and coming under its benefits. Many of the requirements of the law can now be
kept by individuals -- such as the rules for health as well as the required attitude toward YEHO-
VAH God and towards our fellow man. Therefore, while it is impossible to have the perfection of
administration and peace promised by YEHOVAH as the result of the nation keeping His com-
mandments, statutes and judgments as the law of the land yet, insofar as the law applies to the indi-
vidual we can, as a committee of one, conform to its requirements. It should be self-evident that
keeping every requirement of the Ten Commandments (or Words) brings specific blessings and an
inward spiritual peace. This, then, is the answer for those who -- having heard of the need to keep
the law and of its national administration -- ask the question as to what the individual can do about
it!

The relationship of man to his Creator is set forth in the first half of the Ten Command-
ments. There can be no orderly society when these requirements are ignored. Unless men place
YEHOVAH first, and recognize their proper relationship to Him, men are INCAPABLE of having
a proper relationship to their neighbor. Immediately following the requirements governing man's
relationship to YEHOVAH, He sets forth the relationship of men -- one to another.
43
 Domestic tranquillity and peace is simply IMPOSSIBLE in any community that ignores
these fundamental laws. Thus, while the greatest of all commandments is to love YEHOVAH your
God with all your heart and mind, the second is like unto it: "You shall love your neighbor as
yourself."

The Sixth Commandment

No man can violate the last five commandments (beginning with the sixth) and love his
neighbor as himself. The sixth commandment is: "You shall not murder."

But there will be men who will violate this law. Unless authority is vested in some organi-
zation with POWER to enforce its observance, society will suffer from the result of violence and
crime. Because this is so, YEHOVAH authorized the establishment of governments -- delegating to
man the power to administer His laws and authorizing the bringing to justice of the individual who
violates His commandments.

Now understand this: Individuals have absolutely NO RIGHT whatsoever to set up a stan-
dard of personal conduct! That has already been done by YEHOVAH through the Ten Command-
ments. It is also equally true that NO NATION has a right to say what type of punishment shall be
meted out to those who violate any of the commandments! The punishments have already been laid
out by the statutes and judgments of YEHOVAH God.

Capital Punishment Mandatory

The original statute, "Whoever sheds man's blood, by MAN shall his blood be shed," was
enlarged upon by a statute of judgment given to Israel at Mt. Sinai. Notice: "The assembly [i.e., the
governmental assembly of Israel] must then judge between the striker [slayer, the one who has
taken life] and the avenger of blood [the executioner]...And these [things] must serve as a statute of
judgment for you throughout your generations in ALL your dwelling places. Every fatal striker of
a soul should be SLAIN AS A MURDERER...And you must take no ransom for the soul of a mur-
derer who is deserving to die [not even the substitution of life imprisonment]...And you must
not pollute the land in which you are; because it is blood that pollutes the land, and for the land
there may be no atonement respecting the blood that has been spilled upon it except by the blood of
the one spilling it" (Numbers 35:24-33).

Under this very law every nation is justified in executing the murderer. THIS LAW
MAKES SUCH EXECUTION MANDATORY and the nation that refuses to carry out this law is
guilty of failure to administer justice in the land. Such failure will result in a land filled with vio-
lence and crime.

In order to PROTECT the man whose duty it is to execute the criminal, a judgment was
rendered under this sixth commandment: "And [if] the avenger of blood [the executioner] does slay
the manslayer, HE HAS NO BLOOD GUILT" (Numbers 35:27).

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not hold life cheaply. It is a serious thing in YE-
HOVAH's eyes to take life, and for the taking of life the murderer must forfeit his life. But those

44
who ACCIDENTALLY cause the death of another person are confined in a city of refuge until the
death of the High Priest. In some cases this could amount to life imprisonment. Such a law cer-
tainly produced a healthy respect for life and made a man careful of the life of his fellowman.
Automobile accidents would be reduced to a minimum today if this law was in operation. A driver
of a car would be as careful of the life of another's husband, wife, daughter and son as he would be
of his own loved ones -- for none would want to forfeit his freedom.

Swiftness of Justice

It has been a fact of our history that when crime becomes intolerable the Anglo-Saxon mind
unconsciously reverts to the ancient Israel laws of administration. This was very evident in the
early days of the American west when vigilante committees were formed to deal with crime. The
SWIFTNESS with which justice was executed soon restored law and order to a troubled commu-
nity. This swiftness of justice was the method YEHOVAH God demanded in the handling and pun-
ishment of the criminal. The case was tried and before sunset of the day following the verdict the
murderer was dead. The man or woman who feels such swiftness of justice will not have a law-
abiding effect completely fails to understand human nature. A man desires to live -- not to die.
YEHOVAH knows this and therefore gave laws and judgments which would deter men from com-
mitting crimes. In the swiftness of judgment He said, "So shall you put evil away from among you;
and all Israel shall hear, and fear."

Specific Judgments

Certain cases would be difficult to decide, so judgments were rendered by YEHOVAH to

cover this: "He who fatally strikes a man shall be put to death. If he did not do it by design, but it
came about by an act of God, I will assign you a place to which he can flee. When a man schemes
against another and kills him treacherously, you shall take him from My very altar to be put to
death" (Exodus 21:12-14, The Jewish Bible (Tanakh) translation).

Also: "He who strikes his father or his mother shall be put to death" (Exodus 21:15,
Tanakh).

When two men strive or fight together and one becomes injured and is confined to his bed
(or hospital) and the one responsible is uninjured, then the uninjured one shall pay for the loss of
the injured man's time and bear all the expense necessary to effect a cure. Notice also --

"And in case men should get into a quarrel and one does strike his fellow with a stone or
a hoe and he does not die but must keep to his bed; if he gets up and does walk about out
of doors upon some support of his [crutches], then the one who struck him must be free
from punishment; he will make compensation only for the time lost from that one's work
until he gets him completely healed" (Exodus 21:18-19).

If an ox should gore a man or a woman the ox shall be killed and the owner be free except
in the case where he knew the ox was vicious. In modern society this could apply to a dog (i.e. a
pit bull) that kills someone. If the owner knew the animal was vicious the DEATH PENALTY

45
could be pronounced upon him, but under this judgment he could redeem his life by paying
substantial damages.

When a thief is found breaking and entering someone's home at night and if the homeowner
kills the intruder, then the homeowner would not be guilty of murder (Exodus 22:2). If the crime
occurs during the daytime and the intruder is not killed, the thief can redeem his blood and if he has
nothing, then he can be sold for stealing. These, and sundry other judgments, were passed by YE-
HOVAH to guide in the matter of administration.

There would be cases where a murder has been committed and the perpetrator of the crime
is NOT DETECTED. In such scenarios the city in which the crime was committed, or if in the
country the nearest city, is to make atonement -- see Deuteronomy 21:1-9. Here we have commu-
nity guilt established when the individual responsible for the crime is not detected and punished.

We cannot leave this subject without referring to the New Testament. Yeshua stated that
hatred of a brother without cause was equivalent to murder. Thus the inward desire to destroy an-
other is considered murder in the sight of YEHOVAH.

In the New Testament exclusion from the Holy City -- which is emblematic of the coming
new order -- is pronounced upon "the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgust-
ing in their filth and murderers and fornicators and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all
the liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur. This means the second
death" (Revelation 21:8).

The Seventh Commandment

Next to murder, YEHOVAH condemns the pollution of the lifestream of His people. The
corruption of family life was to be guarded against at all costs, therefore the seventh commandment
is: "You must not commit adultery."

A vigorous, prosperous, healthy nation depends upon a healthy and vigorous family life and
relationship. History has demonstrated time and time again that when a people depart from the
laws of decency and morality, that nation declines rapidly. The Bible is very clear in its instruc-
tions regarding the proper relationship between the sexes -- for ignorance of such matters is not
considered a virtue in scripture.

Death for Adultery

YEHOVAH pronounces severe judgments on those who fail to keep these laws. Respect
for womanhood, motherhood and for the rights of one's neighbor would prevent violation of this
commandment. DEATH is the penalty for its violation. "Now a man who commits adultery with
another man's wife is one who commits adultery with the wife of his fellow man. He should be put
to death without fail, the adulterer and the adulteress as well" (Leviticus 20:10).

Yeshua cites this commandment and rendered a judgment under it when he said: "But I say
to you, that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already

46
in his heart." Under such judgment thousands -- even millions -- become guilty, for in this statement
Yeshua has taken this commandment from the Table of Stone and written it upon the heart. By out-
ward appearance men can seem virtuous by force of circumstances, but the man whose heart is
right will not think or desire to do evil. He will refrain from all evil in thought and deed -- regard-
less of conditions and circumstances.

Very strict rules are given under the law governing sex relations and hygiene. Close mar-
riages among blood relatives are absolutely forbidden. DEATH is pronounced for the crime of
sodomy (homosexuality) and for carnal relationships with animals.

Women engaged to be married are treated, under the law, as though they are married --
with the DEATH PENALTY for the man who molests them. A problem, the mishandling of which
has caused untold suffering, involves young people who have been compelled to get married. Un-
der YEHOVAH's law it was mandatory that they marry and it is stipulated as an atonement that the
young man pay a sum of money to the girl's father. In addition to this, the law declares that the
young man MAY NOT divorce her for any reason all the days of his life. Thus, by his act, he has
made binding upon himself the need of keeping, supporting and cherishing her to the end of his life.

Adultery is the ONE GROUND under the law that Yeshua proclaimed was justification for
divorce. He said: "Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes
her to commit adultery" (Matthew 5:32). The reason for this is clear: According to the law of
judgment, death was the penalty for adultery. Therefore, under the law, the one who committed
adultery was legally dead -- and whether actual death followed or not divorce was justifiable.

There are certain cults and priesthoods of some religions (i.e. the Catholic Church) that
teach against marriage. Timothy 4:1 unequivocally declares that it is giving heed to seducing spir-
its and doctrines of demons for anyone to follow such teachings. The Bible declares that marriage
is honorable -- but adulterers will be judged by YEHOVAH (Hebrews 13:4).

Solomon said, before going astray: "My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments
with you. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them upon
your fingers, write them upon the table of your heart. Say to wisdom, You are my sister; and call
understanding your kinswoman: That they may keep you from the strange woman, from the stranger
who flatters with her words." He also said, "But whosoever commits adultery with a woman lacks
understanding: he that does it destroys his own soul."

The Eighth Commandment

Having given the commandments respecting life and virtue YEHOVAH proceeded to set
forth man's relationship to his neighbor's possessions. The violation of this eighth commandment is
responsible for more violence and suffering than perhaps the violation of any of the other laws.
Violence and murder -- and, in fact, the whole category of crime -- can often be traced to the
violation of this commandment. The eighth commandment reads: "You shall not steal."

A wide variety of activities in modern business and financial life violates this law. Every
phase of human endeavor that undertakes to secure SOMETHING FOR NOTHING when such

47
acquisition is a loss to others is STEALING. Withholding tithes is stealing from YEHOVAH ac-
cording to Malachi 3:8.

Judgments for Stealing

The judgment for stealing varied with the type of goods stolen. It ranged from restoration
and other penalties to even death. If oxen and sheep were stolen and found in the hand of the thief,
he was to restore DOUBLE. If, however, the thief had sold or killed the stolen animals, he was
then to restore FIVE oxen and FOUR sheep for the one ox and the one sheep which he had taken.
While this law applied to an agricultural community, it nevertheless sets forth a principle which
can as readily be applied to a highly industrial civilization. YEHOVAH's law removes all profit
from stealing and imposes severe penalties upon those who steal. When money is stolen, the thief
must make DOUBLE restoration.

In the case of kidnapping -- or the stealing of a man or woman to sell them for ransom --
YEHOVAH's judgment requires that the thief should surely be PUT TO DEATH.

A natural question that arises is: "What shall be done with a thief who cannot make restitu-
tion?" YEHOVAH said: "If he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft." That is, HE MUST
WORK OFF HIS INDEBTEDNESS. If such a law was in operation today, any financier or busi-
ness magnate who had taken millions from the needy and/or elderly through stock manipulations
would spend the balance of his life working to RESTORE DOUBLE that which he had fleeced
from his poor victims.

Under YEHOVAH's law two, four and even five times increase in restoration over that
which was stolen and with double the money taken to be returned by the thief, many would-be
thieves would FEAR to do wrong. Manipulation of finances and reorganizations for the sole pur-
pose of squeezing out the small investor -- in fact, ALL SHARP PRACTICES by which much sto-
len wealth has been accumulated in the past would cease under the righteous administration of
such laws.

For certain borderline cases that would be difficult to resolve, YEHOVAH has judgments,
under the law, to handle these. Let's take a look at a few of them, for the Bible definitely BLESSES
AND PROTECTS PRIVATE OWNERSHIP.

Personal Responsibility

If a man digs a pit or hole in the ground -- and an ox or other animal of his neighbor falls
into it -- the owner of the pit must make good the loss. If one man's ox (or animal) hurts another's
so that it dies, then the live ox (or animal) is to be sold and the money divided, and the dead ox (or
animal) is also to be divided. But if the ox (or animal) was known to be vicious -- and the owner
fails to keep it confined -- he must then make good the ox (or animal) his neighbor has lost and the
dead ox (or animal) will be his.

If a man causes a neighbor's field to be eaten by his animals, he is to make restitution. If he

lights a fire and it accidentally burns his neighbor's goods, he must make restoration of the goods

48
destroyed. When a man delivers goods or money to his neighbor for safekeeping and it be stolen
from out of his neighbor's house and the thief is caught, then the thief must make DOUBLE restora-
tion. If the thief, in this particular scenario, cannot be found then the judges must decide as to
whether the man to whom the goods or money had been entrusted is himself guilty; and if the judges
condemn him, HE must make DOUBLE restoration.

If a man delivers his stock to a neighbor for safekeeping, and it die or be driven away by
wild animals (with no man seeing), he must take an oath before YEHOVAH that he did not person-
ally harm his neighbor's stock. If it be stolen from him he must make restitution to his neighbor --
but if it is torn to pieces by wild animals and he brings it in for evidence, then he need not make
good.

If a man borrows anything from his neighbor -- and it is hurt or dies or is damaged in any
way while in his hands (and the owner is not present with it) -- it must be made good. But if the
owner is present with it, he shall not make it good for it is hired and the owner, being present, is
responsible for its care. These judgments of YEHOVAH establish principles of law that are appli-
cable in every age.

YEHOVAH God said: "You shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another."

The Ninth Commandment

Thus it is that the life, wife and the possessions of his fellow men are to be respected by
man. YEHOVAH now set forth the relationship of men towards the good name and reputation of
their neighbors. The ninth commandment is, "You shall not bear false witness against your
neighbor."

There are many ways in which one can bear false witness regarding his neighbor. It can be
set in motion by word, act or deed -- for often a false report can be started about another by a lift
of the eyebrow, the shake of the head or the shrug of the shoulder at the mention of a name. In many
instances, action can be a more powerful method of circulating a false report than even the spoken
word.

YEHOVAH forbids the making of false oaths -- as well as committing any fraud. "You
must not follow after the crowd for evil ends; and you must not testify over a controversy so as to
turn aside with the crowd in order to pervert justice" (Exodus 23:2)

Examination of Witnesses

Bearing false witness in court proceedings was more readily detected under YEHOVAH's
laws than it is possible to detect it today. Each witness was examined separately and out of the
hearing of the others. This minimized the possibility of collaboration between witnesses as well as
the opportunity to escape detection if testimony is falsified.

When the judges detect the possibility of falsification the case stops and the judges make a
thorough investigation. If the testimony was found to be false, "Then shall you do to him as he had

49
thought to have done to his brother." The man who testified falsely would have to bear whatever
the judgment would have been had the defendant been found guilty. If it would have been death,
then it meant death for him. If the judgment were to be restitution, then the witness had to pay the
equivalent of that restitution. The result would be as YEHOVAH declared: "And those which re-
main shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil among you."

Bearing false testimony is greater in scope than testifying in court cases alone. YEHOVAH
said, "You shall not raise a false report; put not your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous
witness."

Also -- "Whosoever privately slanders his neighbor, he will I cut off."

Talebearing Forbidden

The Bible has a lot to say about those who harm their neighbors by gossip. "You shall not
go up and down as a talebearer among your people." It is interesting to note that the truth or falsity
of the matter is not raised -- for if you truly love your neighbor as yourself you will not privately
bear witness to his harm, be the gossip true or false. YEHOVAH only knows the untold heartaches
that have resulted from the violation of this commandment and the amount of suffering which has
resulted. James had these facts in mind when he said: "The tongue is a little member, and boasts
great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!" (James 3:5).

Many otherwise respectable people look down upon an unfortunate brother who may have
violated some of the other laws of YEHOVAH, while they themselves are breaking this ninth com-
mandment. However, Yeshua warns: "But I say to you, that every idle word that men speak, they
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." YEHOVAH God demands swift witness and
judgment against false swearers -- and against those who oppress the worker in his wages, the
widow, the fatherless and that turn aside the stranger from what is rightfully his; and those that do
not fear Him.

The Tenth Commandment

The final commandment which the Israelites heard from the voice of YEHOVAH at Mt. Si-
nai was: "You shall not covet your neighbor's house, you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor
his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is your neighbors."
Yeshua also added: "Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consists not in the
abundance of the things which he possesses."

It should be noted that this last commandment sums up the cause behind most of the viola-
tions of the rest of YEHOVAH's commandments. Covetousness leads men to commit murder and
adultery; it is the first cause leading man to steal the property of his neighbor and is often behind
the giving of false testimony. YEHOVAH has declared, "Woe to them that devise iniquity and
work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practice it, because it is the power of
their hand. And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away; so
they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage."

50
Reason for Violence

Violence and blood have filled the earth as the result of the breaking of this tenth com-
mandment. The desire to acquire the possessions of others has resulted in destructive competition
in business -- which is itself WAR when carried on under the Babylonian system -- leading to
armed conflict between nations. The desire for commercial supremacy as nations strive to destroy
competition is but coveting world markets, even to the point of waging war in order to take that
which is coveted. There will -- and can always -- be legitimate trade in the buying and selling of
goods and the exchange of one's increase. But, unfortunately, methods are such under the present
Babylonian system that men are not content to live and let live. Instead men covet power and
wealth -- and in their desire to bring their plans to fruition have drenched the pages of history with
blood.

YEHOVAH God gave to men an inheritance in the land forever, but modern business and
the Babylonian system of administration we live under has DENIED men their God-given privi-
lege. In a world order where foreclosure of mortgages, tax sales and interest charges can be im-
posed upon a people -- and used to acquire the property of one's neighbor at a greatly reduced
value -- such has served those who have coveted their neighbor's possessions. Covetousness is the
FOUNDATION of evil desires and lusts.

If the Ten Commandments that YEHOVAH has set before His people are kept (and they can
only be kept by a people in whose heart they have been written) there will be peace and content-
ment in that community, with freedom from strife.

Individual Requirements

When the question is asked as to what we can do regarding YEHOVAH's law, the answer
is to keep that law insofar as it is possible for the individual to comply with its requirements. No
individual can do less as he yearns and works for the restoration of YEHOVAH's law as the law
of the land.

This article contains but a brief summary of the last five of the Ten Commandments -- mak-
ing reference to certain of the statutes and judgments which are for the purpose of forcing men to
comply with the requirements of the commandments. Until our nation makes this enforcement part
of their national administrative activities, only men of good will will strive to keep the require-
ments of YEHOVAH's law.

While no honest man can deny the importance of the Ten Commandments yet they are no
more important to the individual who strives to be right with YEHOVAH than are the God-given
statutes to the nation that would have YEHOVAH's blessings on all their undertakings in the right-
eous administration of equity and justice for all.

51
 The House of Israel
Our Shemite Ancestors ethnologist who migrated, mostly westwards, from the
region of the High Caspian. Long before Israel moved
to Egypt, thrustful Shemites were pushing westward by
For centuries, it was considered that the English- land, river and sea. The Stone Trail from Bible Lands
speaking and kindred folk were "hybrids," descended in to Stonehenge and Norway marks their path. Unwit-
part from skin-clad savages and in part from racially tingly they blazed the trail for westward-moving Israel,
distinct "Germanic" tribes: Celts, Angles, Saxons, centuries later, from Canaan to their Appointed Place
Jutes, Danes, Vikings and Normans. This concept has in the Isles of the West, promised by God to His Ser-
been updated. There are now historians of the highest vant People as a sure refuge in which to re-consolidate
rank who have asserted that our Family of Nations -- and to return to Him.
the Celto-Saxons -- as to the great mass of them, stem
from a single ethnic group.
This is a great step towards the vindication of our
Movement's century-old conviction that the Celto-
Not Hybrids Saxons in general stem from a migration of kindred
clans who originated as far east as Bible lands and, in-
A generation ago, Sir Arthur Keith, F.R.S., an eth- deed, that these were none other than the mass of "lost"
nologist of the highest rank, said of the early inhabi- Israelites deported from Palestine by the paramount
tants of Britain: "The British Isles are supposed to be Assyrian power in the 8th and 7th centuries B.C.
inhabited by a mongrel people, the most mixed in
Europe -- descendants of Celts, Saxons, Angles, Jutes,
The clans of Israel sprang from the Hebrew section
Danes, Normans, Flemings and Huguenots....Although
of the great Shemite race of which the patriarch Abra-
they came at different times, bringing with them pecu-
ham, father of the Israel peoples, was a prominent citi-
liarities in speech, manners and customs, they were
zen in the cultured metropolis of Ur. He was
not in a physical sense different peoples....It is true to-
summoned to the service of Almighty God and to him
day, just as it was in the days of Tacitus, that a dark-
was committed the Divine Code which had been earlier
haired people of Mediterranean origin live in southern
entrusted to his ancestor, Shem, patriarch of the far-
Wales and southern Ireland. Notwithstanding these ex-
ranging, civilizing race from which so many of the na-
ceptions, we may rightly look upon the people of Brit-
tions of the ancient civilizations derived their lore,
ain as the least mongrel, the most uniform to be found
learning and flair for government.
in any country in Europe." Since then, later authorities
concur in this.
Israel in Palestine
Whilst there is assuredly no inherent discredit at-
taching to any of the peoples of mankind, mixed or un- The Israelites became established nationally around
mixed, by reason of their race or colour, it is the 15th century B.C. Assembled en masse before the
necessary for the development of our theme to show Divine Presence they were given a commission to
that the Celto-Saxons are largely of one physical type serve their God as His point of contact with His whole
and are now embodied in one section of the Caucasoid human family. For His part, God undertook to guide,
race. There remains, therefore, no obstacle from this prosper and protect them. For their part, they accepted
viewpoint to our assertion that they sprang from a this role, with the privileges and responsibilities at-
common source -- the great race of the mighty Shem, taching to it. This was Israel's Old Covenant with Al-
custodian of the Oracles of God, from whom came the mighty God. By this, they were guaranteed national
Hebrews and God's Servant people of Israel. safety and well-being, provided that they obeyed their
God and maintained His Code. On the other hand, it
The Indo-Europeans was made plain to them that failure to do this would
bring punishment -- even to the extent of their being
expelled from their new homeland.
Accepting this, it is logical to equate the pioneering
race of Shem with the Indo-Europeans of the
52
 Some five centuries later, the nation split into two decided to follow others of their race to Spain. In
sections on the issue of harsh taxation. The ten north- 1490 B.C. they assembled under the leadership of
ern clans chose Jeroboam, a commoner, as their king, King Calma and decided to leave Armenia for Galicia
to become the "House" or Kingdom of Israel, whilst in Spain. They said (as recorded by the Chronicles)
the clans of Judah and Benjamin, with the priests and "Whithersoever we go, we shall live free!"
most of the Levite officials, remained loyal to the
Royal House, which continued to reign at Jerusalem. Moving to the port of Sidon they embarked in ships
These became the southern "House" or Kingdom of and sailed across the Mediterranean Sea, passed
Judah. through The Gate of Hercules (the Strait of Gilbralta)
and round by the coast of Es-feine (Spain), where they
Israel Moves West entered by the mouth of the Tagus river. They jour-
neyed northward and found some of their own race,
who had left Iber 140 years before. They called their
Thenceforward, the two sections acted as if they new land Gael-ag (or Galicia) in the north-west of
were separate nations, each with its own line of kings. Spain. There they lived free for 484 years.
Judah at first remained loyal to the worship of Jehovah,
whilst Israel deserted their God-given Code and bra- King Eolus, who reigned over them from 1368 to
zenly adopted idolatry. Subsequently, Judah fell away 1335 B.C., began the writing of the Chronicles of Eri,
in similar manner. Thus, both sections of the Israel na- creating a written language derived from the Phoeni-
tion incurred the ultimate penalty under the terms of cians in Sidon. He put down in writing for the first
their Covenant with Almighty God. Both were expelled time tales of the past which had been transmitted orally
from their land -- Israel and much of Judah to the Cas- from father to son for several centuries. His last entry
pian area and the residue of Judah to Babylon -- from in the Chronicles read: "Thereby wilt thou avoid doing
which point in time the Bible narrative has little to say unto another what thou wouldst not have another do
-- though Bible prophecy has much to impart about unto thee. Preserve the glory of the race, die, or live
their future. free." Tarlot was the first Ard Olam. To him Eolus gave
the writings which he had accumulated, and Tarlan
In addition to the testimony of the trustworthy Bible swore in the presence of the people "To guard the writ-
narrative, there is good secular evidence that most of ing, to set down the words of the Gael, to keep false-
the deported Israelites were moved by their conquer- hood therefrom, and to preserve them during his days."
ors to the Caspian region, later to head westwards into So from that day the records have been faithfully kept
the huge territory of South Russia, to the north and until early in the nineteenth century when, in 1822,
east of the Black and Caspian Seas, known in New Tes- they were published in London in English.
tament times as Scythia. From there, secular history
brings them into the Isles of Britain as Celts, Angles, Much of the material found in the Chronicles of Eri
Saxons, Jutes, Danes and Normans. are born out by the Declaration of Arbroath issued by
King Robert Bruce 6th April, A.D. 1320. The king and
-- L. Buxton Gresty his noblemen declared their independence from any
other nation, declaring that "they journeyed from
greater Scythia by way of the Tyrrhenian Sea (the
The Origins of America: What the Mediterranean) and the Pillars of Hercules and dwelt
Chronicles of Eri Reveal for a long course of time in Spain among the most sav-
age tribes, but nowhere could they be subdued by any
The Chronicles of Eri faithfully record the events race, however barbarous. Thence they came...to their
of the Eri-an (Aryan) people from the time of the home in the west where they still live today...In their
Flood, circa 3100 B.C. They took residence in the Shi- kingdom there have reigned one hundred and thirteen
nar Valley, or Mesopotamia, for 300 years under the kings of their own royal stock, the line unbroken by a
leadership of Shem, son of Noah. They were forced single foreigner."
back by the Assyrians, into Eri-menia (Armenia), a
high plateau between Mount Ararat and the Caucasus In their Declaration these Scottish leaders claim to
Mountains. They enjoyed their freedom there. As the have been the first to accept Christianity, saying, "That
Gael of Sciot of Eri, they lived in peace for 1,300 the King of kings and Lord of lords, our Lord Jesus
years on the high plateaus of Armenia (Eri-menia) and Christ, after His Passion and Resurrection, even

53
though settled in the uttermost parts of the earth, al- Beginning with Eochaid, who began his reign in 703
most the first to His most holy faith. Nor would He B.C., the Chronicles of Eri list 64 kings who reigned
have them confirmed in that faith merely by anyone but as Ardri until 7 B.C., a period of approximately 700
by the first of His Apostles by calling -- though second years. 14 kings are listed as kings of Ulster previous to
or third in rank -- the most gentle St. Andrew, the Eochaid, which carried the strains of Zarah-Judah into
Blessed Peter's brother, and desired him to keep them the royal House of Eri. Previous to that, twenty names
under his protection as their patron forever." are given of the Chiefs who ruled the Gael of Sciot in
Galicia of Spain from 1491 to 1000 B.C. These make
Many of those 113 kings mentioned in the Declara- up a total of 98 kings who ruled over the Eri people be-
tion were kings of the Eri in Spain, and many others fore the Christian era. The Hie Neil dynasty began with
were kings in Er-land (Ireland) where they stayed for the Christian era and carried on until 557 A.D., when
over a thousand years, before moving over to Scotland. Columba transplanted Christianity from Ireland to the
In the year A.D. 503 one of the Irish kings, Fergus Mac Isle of Iona.
Eric, moved the Stone of Beth-el to Iona. There it re-
mained until A.D. 836 when King Kenneth removed it The two volumes of the Chronicles of Eri, trans-
to Scone, where he had established his throne. lated into English by Dr. O'Connor, end with the Chris-
tian era. Dr. O'Connor never completed the Chronicles
The 1,500 years of the Gael of Sciot in Eri-land are with a third volume; but we can be sure that the claims
carefully recorded in the Chronicles of Eri. In 1003 of the Declaration of Arbroath of an unbroken succes-
B.C. the Gael of Sciot of Eri were forced to leave sion of 113 kings of the Sciots (Scots) is a conserva-
Spain, taking ship and landing on the shores of the is- tive number. Transfer of the throne was made by
land known today as Ireland. A large part of the tribe of Fergus Mac Eric (son of Eric) who led the Dalriads to
Dan, learning the art of navigation from the Phoeni- the shores of Iona and Argyllshire in 503 A.D. Subse-
cians, had escaped from captivity in Egypt and con- quently, the throne was moved to Scone, where rested
quered the island 200 years before the Eri arrived. the Stone of Destiny, or "Lia Fail," until removed to
Moreover, circa 1600 B.C., portions of the tribe of Westminster by Edward I in 1296. Concerning this
Zarah-Judah had arrived in the north end of the island throne it has been written:
and had already sowed the seeds of the Kingdom of
Northern Ireland, now known as Ulster. These two Unless the fates are faithless found.
tribes of Israel had already arrived in Eri-land and were And prophets' voice be vain,
in control of the island. They were prepared to contest Where'er this monument is found
the landing of the Eri, but finding that they were like- The Scottish race shall reign.
wise descended from Shem, rejoiced and welcomed
them instead. They assembled together and decided to What had been done by Edward I in bringing the Lia
divide the island into five kingdoms.
Fail to Westminster was completed by King James VI
of Scotland, who was invited to become the king of
After three hundred years there arose much conflict England in 1603, assuming the name of King James I.
between the five kings and their people. In 703 B.C. Having a Scottish king upon the throne of England
King Eochaid of Ulster called the other four kings to- seems to have fulfilled the rhyme as given above. In-
gether and suggested that one of them should be deed, not only did kings of Scottish blood reign in
"raised a little higher than his fellows" and be the High England, but stout-hearted Scots scattered all over the
King, or Ardri. Eochaid was chosen by the others to be world, providing leadership in new countries forming
High King, with the title Eochaid Olam Folla Ardri. He abroad. Several Scots placed their signature to the U.S.
built a parliament building on Tara hill, called Declaration of Independence, among whom was Colo-
Teacmor, in which the kings and noblemen of the land nel George Ross. While he was placing his signature to
assembled every third year. Eochaid built a palace on that document, his brother John was fighting and dying
Tara, called Dun Sobairce, gave Ulster to his relative to give effect to its brave words. And it was the widow
who became King Ros of Ulster in his stead. King Ros of John Ross who sewed together the first flag of the
represented Ulster in the triannual parliament meetings United States, in the form of thirteen stars and thirteen
held in Teacmor, where Eochaid presided as Ardri. stripes.

The Chronicles of Eri faithfully record the history

54
of Eri-land, or Erimion, until the coming of St. Patrick have "obtained mercy" by having become Christian, by
(whom some claim to have been a Scot) who converted benefiting from the sacrifice of Christ upon the cross
many of the nobility of Eri to Christianity. By 563 at Calvary and by becoming two Christian nations be-
A.D. Columba, of the royal House of Eri, moved to fore the world. That term describes them up to the pre-
Iona and began the conversion of Scotland to Christian- sent day, and the grace by which they "have obtained
ity. In doing so, he founded not only the Church of mercy."
Scotland but also, as the historian Hume Brown has
said, "Scottish history may be emphatically said to be- The central three letters of America is the exact
gin with Columba's landing at Iona in 563. By the great name of the ERI people, or the "hero people" of God,
work he achieved Columba fairly takes his place with who are all descended from Shem, the eldest son of
the founders of nations, who have a niche apart in the Noah. They were formed for a definite purpose and
annals of mankind." No one can doubt the magnificence have had the direct protection of Almighty God in their
of Columba's work in helping create the Scottish long wanderings across the face of the earth. They have
nation. loved freedom and are today among the leading nations
of the free world. As ERIans they are of the Aryan
Beginning in 1610 thousands of Eri people left the race, which is the phonetic spelling of the original
British Isles and settled in colonies in North America. word ERI-ans. The ending of the word Ameri-CA
They entered the forests, cut down trees and planted means the place where the ERI people live. Obviously
their crops. They created farms, built towns, some of it is in the Continent of America where they live today
which became cities. They went under royal charter of in predominant numbers.
the kings of England. Many went to Canada in the north
and many to what is now the United States to the south. God has given great blessings to those of His people
All of the first settlers came directly from Britain to whom He has led to the North American Continent.
North America, first the English, followed by the People of all nations wish to receive those same bless-
Welsh, the Scots and the Irish. The 1980 census taken ings. And so they shall -- as they accept the kingship of
in the United States show that the majority of their the Lord Jesus Christ in the days ahead.
citizens trace their roots back to Britain. Large num-
bers came from other Israelite nations such as Den- -- J.A.B. Haggart
mark, Norway, Sweden, Holland, and others from
pockets of Israel in Germany, France and other Euro-
pean countries. Israel's Caucasus Trek

Although Canada and the United States appear to be a The movement of peoples and tribes during the late
conglomerate of many people, they primarily have centuries B.C. and the early centuries A.D. were so
their roots in the twelve tribes of Israel and fulfill the sporadic and involved that ethnologists have had diffi-
prophecy made by Jacob concerning Ephraim and culty in establishing the original identity or habitat of
Manasseh, the twin sons of Joseph. The United States any of them with certainty. For centuries the position
undoubtedly fulfills the prophecies for Manasseh and -- particularly in the Near and Middle East -- was so
Canada -- being also one of the "young lions thereof" -- fluid that any one locality might have been occupied by
is clearly the American portion of Ephraim. These two totally different peoples within the space of a few
great nations of North America have lived for over two generations.
hundred years on each side of an open, unfortified bor-
der. Of course there have been differences between The student of Bible history is particularly con-
them; but they have always been able to settle these by cerned with accumulating evidence which relates the
arbitration. They are model nations for the future de- movement of the Israelites after their removal from
velopment of nations in the Kingdom of God soon to Palestine to the Caspian area of Media and their subse-
be established on earth. quent, second Exodus from that land and of their sec-
ond captivity. Of outstanding interest is the testimony
Both nations are American, and both enjoy the of modern authorities to the fact that Israelitish cus-
blessings of Almighty God, as the name "America" re- toms still survive in the Caucasus regions, furnishing
veals. The first two letters mean "my people," as they sure proof that Israelites passed that way in their ever-
were called by Hosea (2:1 & 2). They are also called westward trek. Rostovtzeff's Iranians and Greeks in
"Ruhamah" which means "having obtained mercy." They South Russia should be read in this context.

55
 Is JUDAISM the Religion of
Moses?
Here is the third installment -- revealing what really hap-
pened under Ezra and Nehemiah, and how the Govern-
ment of God functioned in the Old Testament Church.

by Ernest Martin
Part Three

THE religious condition of the Jews during the time of Christ had not evolved in just a few
years. It took over 200 years for Judaism to firmly implant itself in Palestine.

If we are to adequately understand the full development of Judaism, we will have to go

back in history over 500 years before Christ. In these centuries history shows why and how "Juda-
ism" replaced the Law of Moses as the religion of the Jews!

The Babylonian Captivity

The proper place to begin a study of the development of Judaism is with the Babylonian
captivity of the Jews.

Between the years of 604 B.C. and 585 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Babylonians,
made war with the Kingdom of Judah. The Jews were not successful in any of the skirmishes with
the Babylonians. In the first years of this war, Nebuchadnezzar carried away the majority of the
Jews from Judah to Babylon. At the end of the war, in 585 B.C., ALL THE JEWS, except those
under Gedaliah, were finally carried to Babylon. And even those under Gedaliah finally fled Pal-
estine. This was a complete captivity.

The Babylonian captivity came to an end with the downfall of the Babylonian Empire in
October 539 B.C. Isaiah had prophesied, about 200 years before, that Cyrus, the king of Persia,
would be responsible for the overthrow of Babylon and for making it possible for the Jews to re-
turn to Palestine (Isa. 45:1-4). Thus, Cyrus and his armies captured the capital of the Empire and
Babylon was absorbed into the Persian Empire.

Cyrus was so betook over the exact prophecy by Isaiah concerning himself, that he deter-
mined to honor the God who had granted him victory over the Babylonians. He issued an edict that
the Jews who had been carried captive by the Babylonians could return to Palestine and rebuild
the Temple of God (II Chron. 36:22, 23; Ezra 1:1,2).

56
 The issuance of this decree resulted in about 50,000 Jews later returning to Palestine.
These Jews were under the leadership of two men. Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, and
Joshua, the High Priest. The reason for the Jews' return was to rebuild the Temple, which had
been destroyed by the Babylonians, and to again establish the true worship of God. The books of
Haggai and Zechariah were written during the period when these Jews were returning to Palestine
and during the building of the Temple. These books describe the condition of the Jews at this time.

Majority did NOT Return

It must be remembered, however, that the majority of the Jews did NOT return to Palestine.
Most of them elected to remain in the Babylonian area. Under the benevolent rulership of Cyrus,
many of the Jews had their own homes, substantial properties and not a few were wealthy and in-
fluential. They did not want to give all of this up in order to go back to the wasted land of their
forefathers. Even Cyrus did not want all of them to leave the Babylonian area since the bulk of the
population in some provinces was principally Jewish. Depopulation would have been a serious
setback to the ECONOMY of the area (Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, vol. i,
p. 8).

The majority of the Jews were content with the situation in Babylon. They had no desire to
return, and in consequence, they built permanent schools, colleges, and synagogues. They were
settling down to stay. And, even though there were several migrations from Babylon back to Pales-
tine, the bulk of the Jews remained in the Mesopotamian area. Even as late as the New Testament
times, there were still more Jews in Babylon than there were in Palestine (ibid., vol. i, pp. 7-9).
THIS EXPLAINS WHY THE APOSTLE PETER WAS IN BABYLON IN THE LATER YEARS
OF HIS LIFE. He wrote his two epistles from near Babylon on the Euphrates (I Pet. 5:13). Since
the Apostle Peter was the apostle to the Circumcision scattered abroad -- the Jews in the Diaspora
(Gal. 2:7) -- it is not difficult to see why he went to Babylon, where many of the Jews lived.

Ezra Goes to Jerusalem

After the deaths of Zerubbabel and Joshua, who led the first wave of returning Jews to Pal-
estine, the people began to take a lackadaisical attitude concerning the services in the Temple and
religion in general. Even though the Temple had been completed in the early months of 515 B.C.,
the people of Palestine took no interest in rebuilding the city of Jerusalem. It still remained in ru-
ins! The people had also begun to intermarry freely with the idolatrous Gentile people round
about. The religious life of the people in general was becoming corrupt. This condition was
prompted because the people in general did not have any real spiritual leaders after the death of
Zerubbabel and Joshua. As the years rolled by, the condition became worse and worse.

Finally, in the summer of the year 457 B.C., the seventh year of Artaxerxes, Jewish reckon-
ing, Ezra came to Palestine to rectify the situation that was beginning to get out of hand (Ezra
7:7-8).

Ezra was a priest of no mean standing. He was a direct descendant of Aaron and some of
his forefathers had been former High Priests in Israel. His grandfather was the High Priest who
returned with Zerubbabel and Joshua to Jerusalem in the first migration back to Palestine

57
(Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. iii, p. 435). Ezra,
himself, was a "scribe," a "ready scribe of the law of Moses," "a scribe of the words of the com-
mandments of the Lord and of His statutes to Israel," "a scribe of the law of the God of heaven"
(Ezra 7:11, 12). He was considered by Josephus, the Jewish historian of the apostles' days, to
have been, in a sense, the "High Priest" of the Jews who were still living in Babylon (Antiquities
of the Jews, xi, 5,1).

The Scriptures say that Ezra "had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do
it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10). From these Scripture references
alone, we can say confidently that Ezra was determined to live by the laws of God and to teach
them to the people. So profound an influence had Ezra over the Jews, and so righteous was his
character, that a later Jewish writer said he would have been the lawgiver to Israel had not Moses
preceded him (The Talmud, Sanhedrin, c.ii).

Ezra knew the laws of God -- he was well trained in them. And God directed that he go to
Jerusalem to beautify the Temple, establish its services in proper order, to teach the people the
laws of God, and to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

He went to Palestine, in the year 457 B.C., with authority from the Persian government to
carry out these reforms. About 2,000 people went with Ezra to Palestine. These were notably
priests, Levites and servants of the Temple. The object of Ezra and these other important dignitar-
ies in going to Jerusalem, was to restore the worship of God that was fast becoming defiled.

Ezra's Restoration

When Ezra and his retinue went to Jerusalem from Babylon, they went with a royal decree
from the king of Persia -- Ezra had the power he needed to carry out the reform. The decree gave
him authority not only to establish the true religion in its purity, but also he had governmental or-
ders to "appoint magistrates and judges which may judge all the people that are beyond the river
(in Palestine), all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye him that knoweth them not. And
whosoever will not do the law of thy God and the LAW OF THE KING, let judgment be executed
upon him with all diligence, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods,
or to imprisonment" (Ezra 7:25, 26). In other words Ezra was going to Jerusalem not only as a
priest of God to reestablish the religious worship, but also to establish law and order by rebuild-
ing Jerusalem as a Jewish capital city.

Why was the king of Persia so interested in the Jews' religion and why did he want Jerusa-
lem to be rebuilt and inhabited? The answer is plain.

The Bible records how Esther, a Jewish girl from the tribe of Benjamin, became Queen of
Persia, and Mordecai, her uncle, became Prime Minister of the kingdom (Esther 2:17; 10:3). Es-
ther was married to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) who ruled according to Persian reckoning, from 485
to 465 B.C. The king under whom Ezra was appointed to rebuild Jerusalem was Artaxerxes I --
the son of Xerxes. Esther was still, undoubtedly, the Queen Mother, when Ezra left for Jerusalem
in 457 B.C. Thus we see that there was considerable Jewish influence in the king's palace at this
time. No wonder Ezra was given such responsibility by the Persian king. He had power from the

58
king to perform the needed restoration. Ezra's personality and authority had a tremendous effect on
the people.

The real intent of Ezra was to establish the Law of Moses as the constitutional law
throughout Judea (Herford, Talmud and Apocrypha, p. 33) -- to make Judea a model state within
the Persian Empire -- one adhering to the law of Moses. The laws of the king were to be few,
dealing mainly with taxation. Herford, the Jewish scholar, continues, "The Persian rulers, living
far from Judea, seldom interfered with the internal affairs of their Jewish subjects, and were con-
tent to leave their public business in the hands of the governor of the province. If the royal taxes
were paid, and order maintained, the Jews might organize their own life as a community in the way
that seemed best to them" (ibid. p. 45). This was the policy of the Persian rulers for the two centu-
ries they governed Palestine. This gave the Jews ample opportunity to settle down firmly in Pales-
tine and to practice their religion without undue molestation.

Jews Had Married Foreign Wives

The first thing Ezra found upon his arrival in Palestine was that most of the people pos-
sessed only a nominal religion. The Temple services were not being conducted properly and a
great number of the people had intermarried with foreign women. Ezra, in no uncertain terms,
warned the people that these very acts were violations of the Law that caused their forefathers to
be carried into captivity (Ezra 9:5-7). Upon hearing this, many of the people covenanted before
God to disentangle themselves from their foreign wives (Ezra 10:2-5). However, we find that not
all of the people were so willing to do this. Some became quite obstinate. It took about 13 years
to get all the people to forsake their own ways and be obedient to the Laws of God.

The reason that the Law had commanded the Jews not to marry with the heathen is that the
natural tendency of a person is to lean towards the religion of the wife or husband. Solomon even
set up heathen idols in Jerusalem and throughout Israel to please his pagan wives (I Kings 11:4).
And because the Law specifically commanded the Israelites not to marry heathen women or men
(Exodus 34:15, 16), Ezra commanded the Jews to repent of their erroneous ways and to begin
keeping the Law. (See also Deut. 7:3.)

A paramount issue in the mind of Ezra was the establishment in Palestine of the civil Law
as given by Moses. In other words, he was determined to see that the Jews obeyed the command-
ments of God as revealed in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Within these four
books are found the basic spiritual commandments of God, plus many basic laws and statutes of a
civil nature for the governing of the physical nation of Israel. Also within these books are the ritu-
alistic and ceremonial laws of purity and the sacrificial ordinances that formed such a distinctive
part of the Law of Moses that by New Testament times the term "Law of Moses" often became a
special and exclusive term for the sacrificial ceremonies and physical rituals (Acts 13:39; 15:5).
Ezra was commissioned by God to teach the people ALL these laws -- from obedience to the
spiritual laws to the observance of physical rituals.

Ezra was fully qualified in education, political power and divine favor to accomplish the
job of establishing the Law of Moses as the law of the land.

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 "To place the Torah (the Scriptures) in the position of supreme authority in Judaism, and to
win the people to that recognition and acceptance of that supreme authority was what Ezra set out
to do" (Herford, Talmud and Apocrypha, p. 37). And, we find that Ezra succeeded in transform-
ing the Jews from a nominal Mosaic religion to the real thing. It took, however, the help of Nehe-
miah to finally and fully implant the Law of Moses as the law of the land.

Nehemiah Comes to Jerusalem

Nehemiah was a Jew who was a high government official in the Persian kingdom (Neh.
2:1-8). After learning of the plight of the Jews in Palestine and the difficult time Ezra was having
getting the Jews to obey the laws of Moses, he resolved to do something about the situation. Being
in close communication with the king of Persia and in good favor with him, he petitioned for the
right to become governor of the province of Judea, directly under the king himself. The petition
was granted!

Ezra, who had also gone to Palestine in an official capacity, was not the governor of the
province. He acted more as a civil servant of the king. But Nehemiah came with much more
power. He went to Jerusalem as governor of the whole province of Judea.

Upon the arrival of Nehemiah in Artaxerxes' twentieth year, Ezra's position was greatly
strengthened. Nehemiah was as much inclined toward getting the people back to God as was Ezra.
Nehemiah and Ezra both worked together in harmony towards accomplishing their goal. And ac-
complish it they did! They established the Law of Moses as the law of the land, they set up the
Temple service in proper order and they made the people put away their foreign wives. They es-
tablished meeting places where the law was preached and expounded. The ordained priests were
judges, teachers, and administers of the government. This was a phenomenal task to accomplish
among thousands of Jews who were not always in favor of the law. But it was done.

Jews Sign a Covenant With God

Ezra and Nehemiah brought all of the leaders of the people, the priests, Levites, and all the
principal men, and had them sign a covenant that they would henceforth obey the laws of God. In
the covenant they signed, they all agreed to perform seven things. These articles of the covenant
were mandatory: 1) They were to keep all the laws, statutes, judgments and commandments of
God; 2) not to intermarry with the heathen; 3) to keep the Sabbath holy; 4) to observe the Sabbati-
cal year; 5) to pay the annual third of a shekel for the upkeep of the Temple; 6) to supply wood for
the altar in the Temple; 7) to pay all the tithes that were commanded in the Law (Nehemiah
10:28-39).

The leaders signed the covenant on behalf of all the people. Consequently, all the Jews
who lived in Palestine, solemnly entered into this covenant. They all pledged to carry out its
requirements.

Before this time, the people were content with a nominal form of religion, but after the
surge of spiritual zeal and determination of Ezra and Nehemiah, with the Persian monarch backing
them up, the people took on a new outlook towards the truth of God. There arose a new kind of

60
constitutional government -- a government which had as its laws the Law of Moses. It was a kind
of Church and State government, under the authority of the Persian kingdom, but with its own
schools, colleges, synagogues, court houses and Supreme Court. With this kind of central govern-
ment established in Judea, the result was a religious unity not known since the days of Joshua. No
wonder that Ezra, the principal figure of the time, was called the "second Moses." This was a new
beginning in the history of the Jews.

The Great Assembly

The convening of these Jewish elders was of great importance. This assemblage was ac-
tually a religious and political body of priests which was, under the leadership of Ezra and Nehe-
miah, empowered by God to maintain the obedience of the people to the Law of Moses for that and
future generations.

This organization was known as "The Great Assembly." It was an assembly comprised of
Ezra and Nehemiah, two of God's chosen ministers, along with all the principal priests of the
Jews. This assembly was the ruling institution to guide the religious life of the Jews. It was the re-
ligious supreme court. It was the center of authority in regard to education and regulating the
priests and Levites in teaching the people the Law of Moses. In effect, the Great Assembly was
the governing body of the Jewish people in Palestine.

This assembly initiated by Ezra and Nehemiah has often been called by the Greek name
"The Great Synagogue." The word "synagogue" in Greek means ASSEMBLY. This is the name
most modern writers use when referring to this authoritative body of priests. But whether the name
Great Synagogue or Great Assembly is used, it represents the same institution.

"According to the most ancient tradition, this assembly or synagogue was styled GREAT
because of the great work it effected in restoring the divine law to its former greatness, and be-
cause of the GREAT AUTHORITY AND REPUTATION WHICH IT ENJOYED" (Cycle. of Bib.,
Thee., and Ecc. Lit., vol. x, p. 82).

This assembly actually represented the executive, judicial and legislative congress of the
Jews. It was convened to insure the observance of the Law of Moses. From history we know that
it accomplished its task. It brought the people back to the Law of Moses, and established that Law
as the constitutional law of the land.

Some of the decisions of this Great Assembly have had far-reaching effects -- even unto
our present age. It is necessary that we learn about this organization established by God under the
supervision of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Members of the Great Assembly

The Jewish historians are united in telling us that there were 120 members in the original
Great Assembly (Berakoth, ii, 4; Megillah, 17b). All of these members WERE PRIESTS (Her-
ford, Talmud and Apocrypha, p. 59). There were no laymen in this authoritative assembly.

61
 The president or ruler was the High Priest. According to rank, this should always be the
case. However, when the Great Assembly was organized by Ezra and Nehemiah, the High Priest,
Eliashib, did not meet with the Assembly. He did not entirely agree with the covenant that the
Great Assembly made binding. See Nehemiah 13:4-7.

He did not agree with the specific part of the covenant which commanded all Jews to give
up their Gentile wives. His grandson, Manasseh, was married to a very important Gentile woman,
of which more will be said later, and Eliashib did not necessarily want this particular union to be
broken. Because of this attitude, he was rejected from having a part in the Great Assembly. Later
on, however, the High Priests did assume their proper place as head of the Assembly.

The rest of the Great Assembly were priests of varying rank occupying different positions
within the institution. Their jobs were to carry out the actual work of the Assembly while the High
Priest would supervise and oversee.

These priests were the leaders of the Jewish nation at the time of Ezra and Nehemiah,
about 440 years before Christ. They and their immediate successors were responsible for many
weighty and authoritative decisions that affected the whole mode of Jewish life, and, in reality,
settled a very important question, the effects of which reach unto our own day.

We shall see in the next installment, how this Great Assembly, with the Spirit of God guid-
ing them, put together the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Our Old Testament comes to us be-
cause of the work of this Great Assembly!

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62
"And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom
you sent, Yeshua the Messiah" -- John 17:3 (Jewish New Testament).

Yeshua Did Not Pre-Exist!

John D. Keyser

Just who is Yeshua the Messiah?

We state this question in the present tense, because though Yeshua the Messiah was cruci-
fied 1,900 years ago at the instigation of a Jewish mob and maladministration of Roman power, he
lives today.

And the fact that he lives is of the greatest significance to mankind.

Paul, the one time inveterate opponent of Christianity, who was converted into its greatest
advocate by the incontestable evidence of Yeshua's resurrection (1 Cor. 15:10), explained it thus:

"For he has set a Day when he will judge the inhabited world, and do it justly, by means
of a MAN whom he has designated. And he has given public proof of it by resurrecting
THIS MAN from the dead" (Acts 17:31 -- Jewish New Testament).

To judge the world is to rule it. Paul thus taught that the living Messiah is the assurance of
YEHOVAH that He will send Yeshua to set up His Kingdom on earth (Acts 1:11; 3:19-20). Ye-
shua is coming to change present conditions, and to reign as a king under his Father YEHOVAH.

Confusion Concerning Yeshua

But who is Yeshua the Messiah? Eternal life is bound up in the answer to this question, as
the quotation at the head of this article shows. Put the question to Jews, and they reply that he was
the son of Joseph and Mary, and that he lived and died in Judea 1900 years ago. Ask it of most
clergymen, and they will state that he is the second person of a biune or triune God. Others, whilst
rejecting the Trinitarian concept as unscriptural and illogical, teach that he pre-existed. Thus end-
less controversy has continued; even those who admit that he lives, violently disagree as to who he
is.

We can ignore the Jewish answer. The disciples were not liars, fools, mystics or charla-
tans. They comprised practical fishermen like Peter, hard-headed businessmen like Matthew, even
skeptics like Thomas. Such men were not prepared to be misled by a rumor, but demanded con-
crete proof of the resurrection of Yeshua (John 20:24-29). We believe them, and reject the unbe-
lieving attitude of Jews and atheists.

We not only set aside the skeptical attitude of Jews and atheists; but we also repudiate the
doctrine of the Trinity and the doctrine of a biune God. The concept of three Gods who are but one
63
God is illogical and unscriptural. Similarly, the idea that two gods existed together from eternity is
totally unscriptural. The word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, but is a title manufactured to
serve the cause of theology. On the other hand, the Bible teaches that Yeshua is subordinate to YE-
HOVAH, thus:

"There is ONE God, and one mediator between God and man, the MAN Christ Jesus" (1
Tim. 2:5).

"ONE God, the Father . . . and one Lord, Jesus Christ" (1 Cor.8:6).

"Now when everything has been subjected to the Son [Yeshua], then he will subject him-
self to God [YEHOVAH], who subjected everything to him; so that God [YEHOVAH]
may be everything in everyone" (1 Cor. 15:28 -- Jewish New Testament).

Did Yeshua Pre-exist?

Although such a question, if asked of any other person, would be treated with the ridicule it
deserves, it is seriously alleged of the Messiah.

Yet the Bible clearly shows that Yeshua had no existence prior to his birth in Bethlehem,
1900 years ago. He was born of the virgin Mary, by the overshadowing power of YEHOVAH
(Luke 1: 30-35), and thus was both son of YEHOVAH and son of man.

From his mother, he derived the nature common to all mankind, but from his Father he in-
herited latent spiritual proclivities that strengthened him to conquer the flesh, and manifest divine
qualities (1 Tim. 3:16). He was executed as a criminal, but, in fact, never sinned, and therefore
YEHOVAH's justice demanded his resurrection (Acts 2:24). He was raised to immortality, and
ascended into heaven, where he awaits the time to return and set up the reign of his Father on this
earth (Acts 3:19-23; Daniel 2:44).

Nowhere is it suggested that he existed before his birth.

Take, as example, the opening verse of the New Testament:

"The genealogy of Jesus Christ the SON of David, the SON of Abraham" (Matthew 1:1).

If Yeshua lived in some form before Abraham and David, he was not their son, and the
statement is false. We believe that the statement is true, and all Scripture agrees therewith. Con-
sider the record of his early childhood:

"And Yeshua grew both in wisdom and in stature, gaining favor both with other people
and with God" (Luke 2:52 -- Jewish New Testament).

How can these words possibly apply to a pre-existent angel, or the second person of a Tri-
une or Biune God? Could such a one increase in wisdom and in favor with YEHOVAH? Assum-
ing the impossible were true, and Yeshua pre-existed as an angel or a member of the god-head, on

64
what grounds could it be said that he increased in favor with YEHOVAH merely because in his
new state he grew from a baby to a youth!

If Yeshua pre-existed, he must have divested himself of all previous identity, lost all his
former knowledge, power and standing with YEHOVAH, and had to establish this all again! What
for? What did it accomplish? Is such belief logical? We shall show it is unscriptural!

It is normal procedure for a child to "develop in wisdom and stature," but where Yeshua
differed from all before or since, was in his Divine conception, and his exceptional predilection
for spiritual things. This he inherited from his Father. The Father who is from everlasting became
revealed in the Son (2 Cor. 5:19; Isa. 11:2-3; John 12:49), so that Yeshua could say with perfect
truth, "before Abraham was I am" for he was "God manifest in the flesh" (1 Tim. 3:16).

The only sense in which it can be taught with truth that there was anything pre-existent
about Yeshua is in relation to YEHOVAH Who was manifested in him. In all that he did and said,
there was manifest the impress of his divine origin, and the influence of YEHOVAH's spirit which
was given him "without measure" (John 3:34). He is "the only begotten son" of YEHOVAH (John
3:16), whom "the Lord made strong for Himself" (Psalm 80:17), in order that His ways might be
revealed unto men.

The Thread of Evidence Throughout The Bible

Throughout the Old Testament the promise of the Messiah is proclaimed; throughout the
New Testament the person of the Messiah is described.

He was the "seed of the woman" promised from the beginning, to destroy the law of sin and
death which was the product of the misguiding influence of the serpent (Gen. 3:15). The New Tes-
tament comments:

"When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His son, made of a woman,
made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law" (Galatians. 4:4).

If Yeshua pre-existed, how could he be described as the "seed of the woman?"

Abraham was taught: "In thy seed shall all nations be blessed" (Genesis 22:18).

Paul commented: "And that SEED is Christ" (Galatians 3:16).

Would Abraham imagine that his seed (son) existed before he did? Of course not! Where is
there any evidence in Genesis that Yeshua was then living in any form? There is none!

Moses, Israel's law-giver and leader, who typified the coming Law-giver and Leader (Ye-
shua the Messiah) told the Jewish nation:

"The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet FROM THE MIDST OF THEE, OF
THY BRETHREN, LIKE UNTO ME; unto him ye shall hearken" (Deuteronomy 18:5).

65
 In the New Testament, Peter quoted those very words and applied them to Yeshua (Acts
3:22; 7:37), and Paul taught:

"Therefore, IN ALL THINGS he had to be made like his brethren . . . ." (Hebrews 2:17 --
NKJV).

Can the words of Moses above apply to a pre-existent angel or a member of the god-head?
Could such a one be truthfully described as "raised up from the midst of thee," "of thy brethren,
like unto Moses?"

Only a false theory could possibly make those words apply to a pre-existent angel or a god.

Yeshua was the son of David, and David was told:

"When thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed
after thee, WHICH SHALL PROCEED OUT OF THY BOWELS, and I will establish his
kingdom for ever. I WILL BE HIS FATHER, and he SHALL BE My son (2 Sam.
7:12-14).

The prophecy relates to Yeshua, as the New Testament comment upon it makes abundantly
clear (see Luke 1:32-33; Hebrews 1:5), and with that clearly established, note well the future
tense used in relation to him. God says: "I WILL BE his Father," he "SHALL BE My son." If Ye-
shua were already in existence, should not YEHOVAH have said: "I am his Father," "he is My
son"? Mary was told:

"He shall be (not is!) great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God
shall give unto him the throne of his father David; and he shall reign over the house of Ja-
cob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:32-33).

These words of the angel Gabriel state that Yeshua "SHALL BE called the Son of the
Highest," and he shall reign on the throne of "his father David." Can these expressions apply to one
already in existence?

Consider also the preaching of the Apostles. Did they proclaim belief in a pre-existent an-
gel or god who had assumed human form? They did not. Listen to Peter's preaching:

"David . . . being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of
the FRUIT OF HIS LOINS, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his
throne" (Acts 2:30).

Whom did David believe would sit upon his throne? An angel or god who was already in
existence? No; he believed the one who would reign there would be "the fruit of his loins," that is,
a descendant. The boy born of Mary was a descendant of David, not a pre-existent angel or god
assuming human form!

66
 Isaiah declared: "A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Em-
manuel" (Isa. 7:14).

That prophecy was fulfilled in the birth of Yeshua (Matthew 1:23), whom Peter described
as "a man approved of God . . . by miracles and wonders which God did by him" (Acts 2:22).

In short, YEHOVAH revealed Himself in a man of His providing who became the pattern
for all those who would approach Him in hope of eternal life. YEHOVAH does not expect that
such will attain unto the perfection they behold in the Son, but He does require of them that they
build into their lives some of the divine characteristics that they see there revealed. By so doing,
they develop a character worthy of perpetuation in a body of incorruptible glory in the Age to
come (1 Cor. 15:53-57).

The theory that sets forth Yeshua as a pre-existent angel or a member of the god-head,
however, destroys this pattern, and mystifies and distorts the beautiful doctrine of God-
manifestation in the man Yeshua.

And remember that a correct understanding of the relationship of the Father and the Son is
essential to salvation -- "And eternal life is this: TO KNOW YOU, the ONE true God, and HIM
WHOM YOU SENT, Yeshua the Messiah" (John 17:3).

Is Not Yeshua The Firstborn?

At this juncture the reader might become a little impatient, and desire to point out Bible
references that seem to give some support to the pre-existence theory.

We are not ignorant of those passages, but proclaim that none of them give support to the
theory if they are properly interpreted. It is unfortunately true, however, as the Bible itself states,
that some take passages of Scripture that are "hard to be understood" and proceed to "wrest them
unto their own destruction" (2 Peter 3:16).

Such a reference is Colossians 1:15. It describes Yeshua the Messiah as "the firstborn of
every creature," and some have advanced this in support of the pre-existence theory. If Yeshua is
firstborn, he must have existed before all others, they claim.

But does not that set Scripture against Scripture? If he is literally "firstborn" in the sense
implied by the theory, how can the Bible claim that he is the "son of Abraham and David" (Mat-
thew 1:1)?

And consider the statement itself: "firstBORN of every creature." Does not that demand a
mother? Who was the mother who gave birth to him before all others?

These difficulties are solved, and the passage simply and beautifully explained, when the
Bible doctrine of the "firstborn" is understood. In the Bible, "firstborn" is a legal term, describing
pre-eminence of position or status, though not necessarily of birth. There were special privileges

67
granted the legal firstborn in a family. He represented his father, he acted as a priest, he received a
double portion of the family inheritance (see Deuteronomy 21:17).

But the law of YEHOVAH provided that the eldest son of a family could forfeit his posi-
tion as legal firstborn, if guilty of misconduct or inability to perform the necessary duties, and be
supplanted by a younger son. In other words, it was not necessary for Yeshua to be the first of YE-
HOVAH's creation to be eligible for the position of legal firstborn.

For example, consider 1 Chronicles 5:1:

"Reuben the firstborn of Israel . . . but forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birth
right was given unto the sons of Joseph, and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the
birthright!".

Reuben's lewd conduct earned the rebuke of his father, who deposed him from his legal
status of firstborn, and gave the position to a much younger son: Joseph.

Other examples can be briefly mentioned: Ephraim was blessed as firstborn by Jacob, even
though he was younger than Manasseh his brother (Genesis 48:14-19), and YEHOVAH endorsed
the appointment by describing Ephraim as "His firstborn" (Jeremiah 31:9). Jacob was given the
birthright over his older brother Esau (Genesis 25:32-34). Simri was appointed to the position
even though he was younger in years than his brethren (1 Chronicles 26:10).

These examples (and they could be multiplied many times over) clearly show that it was
often the practice for a younger son to be elevated to the position of legal firstborn in a family. In
fact, this was so common that the Mosaic Law prohibited the elevation of a younger son to this po-
sition on the mere whim of his father, because of favoritism. It commanded:

"It shall be, when he maketh his sons to inherit that which he hath, that he may not make
the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated . . . " (Deut. 21:17).

This prohibition shows that a legal firstborn could be a younger son, and therefore has a
great bearing on the interpretation of Colossians 1:15.

The Bible refers to two notable "sons of God": Adam and the Messiah (see Luke 3:38).
The "first Adam" forfeited the right of inheritance, the position of firstborn of the human race, be-
cause of sin; but YEHOVAH raised up a younger Son (called in 1 Cor. 15:45 "the last Adam")
whose complete obedience to the will of his Father proved him worthy of the preeminence. He
was thus elevated to the position of firstborn of the human race, which means that he receives "a
double portion of the inheritance," and that he acts as priest in the family of YEHOVAH. Yeshua is
firstborn, not by fact of longevity (which confers no merit) but by virtue of his moral excellence.

His elevation was predicted in the Old Testament. YEHOVAH declared concerning him: "I
WILL MAKE HIM My firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth" (Psalm 89:27).

68
 The use of the future tense in this prophecy shows that Yeshua is not the firstborn by birth
but by appointment; otherwise YEHOVAH should have said, "He IS My firstborn."

The resurrection of Yeshua was the seal of the Father's approval on the Son (Rom. 1: 1-4).
This constituted him the Firstborn. Paul wrote: "He is . . . the firstborn from the dead; that in all
things he might have the pre-eminence" (Col 1:18), the "firstborn among many brethren" (Rom.
8:29). The followers of the Messiah are also described as a "kind of firstfruits" to YEHOVAH
(James 1:18; Rev. 14:4), and as "the congregation of firstborns" (Heb. 12:23 -- Greek. See Dia-
glott). Therefore, if the title "firstborn" teaches the pre-existence of Yeshua, it must do so also in
relation to his followers. All the privileges of the firstborn that rest on the Messiah, apply to a
lesser extent to his followers. They will receive a double portion of inheritance in the Age to
come, even immortality (1 Cor. 15:52-54), and they will act as a royal-priesthood (Rev. 5:9-10) in
relation to the mortal population that will remain (see Zech. 14:16) during the period of the Mes-
siah's millennial reign and that of the Father on this earth (Rev. 20:6).

These expressions show conclusively that the apostle did not mean, by his use of the term,
that Yeshua pre-existed.

Did Yeshua Create The Heavens?

Some will remind us, however, that we have not disposed of all the difficulties contained
in Colossians 1. For example, does it not reveal that Yeshua created all things? Paul taught:

"For by him (i.e. Yeshua) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth,
visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions, or principalities, or powers;
all things were created by him and for him" (Col. 1:16).

This seems conclusive evidence, for it appears to teach that Yeshua created even heaven.
But a close examination of the passage will reveal that it teaches too much if this interpretation is
pressed, for it claims that he created all things "in heaven." That would include YEHOVAH Him-
self, to say nothing of the angels!

That is obviously neither logical nor Scriptural. What, then, does the verse mean? The
Scriptures speak of heavens other than those which are above. For example, the prophet Isaiah
speaks of "new heavens and a new earth" to be manifested in the future, which he describes as "Je-
rusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy" (Isa. 65:17-18).

The coming of Yeshua will result in the formation of these political "heavens." The rulers
who will reign therein will be followers of the Messiah, then made immortal, reigning "on the
earth" (Rev. 5:9-10).

Even now, a follower of Yeshua is elevated into a position of privilege in relation to YE-
HOVAH and His Son, described as "the heavens in Christ" (Eph. 1: 3 -- see margin). Paul thus
taught:

69
 "He hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places (the heavens)
in Christ" (Ephesians 2:6 -- Margin).

These "heavens" have been brought into existence through Yeshua, and they are the precur-
sors of the political "heavens" to be manifested in the age to come when he rules on earth. In them
are found gradations of authority, described as thrones, dominions and so forth; some of which
were visible then, and some of which are yet to be manifested, and, therefore, are as yet invisible.

All will be revealed in the Age to come.

The term "heaven," therefore, often relates to a position of privilege or elevation. It is used
to describe the present relationship of Yeshua's followers to the Father and the Son, as well as the
authority that they will wield in the Kingdom that Yeshua will set up on earth in which they will
exercise gradations of power (see Luke 19:17-19).

In Isaiah 65:17-18, the "heavens" constitute the rulers or government of the age to come,
and the "earth" the ruled, or common people, as the prophet is careful to show (see v.18). The
same interpretation is demanded for Colossians 1:16. The word in the Greek translated "by" is the
preposition en. This is translated "because" in Matthew 26:33; Mark 14:27, but is more commonly
rendered "in." It signifies "in the sphere of" a person's influence or being. The R.S.V. and Revised
Version translations of the Bible render Colossians 1:16 as "for in him were all things created." It
cannot be said that the material creation was created "in Christ," and therefore the reference must
be to the spiritual creation, as is further implied in v.18.

Elsewhere, a person "in Christ" is described as a "new creature," or "new creation" as the
expression should be rendered (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15), and as the "things" that Yeshua is said to
have created are "in him" it is obviously this "new creation" that the Apostle has in mind. Yeshua
is the beginning of this new creation of YEHOVAH (Rev. 3:14), leading the way to which his fol-
lowers can attain (Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:1-2), for what he is today they can become.

To summarize, Colossians 1:16 does not teach the literal creation of the heavens and the
earth by Yeshua, because:

1. It conflicts with the testimony of the Old Testament which teaches that YEHOVAH alone cre-
ated the heavens and the earth.

2. The heavens in question are "in Christ" which is only possible if they relate to spiritual things.

3. Other expressions by the Apostle align the "heavens" to positions of privilege in Yeshua.

So Paul concludes: "He is before (Greek -- superior to) all things, and by (Greek-en, in)
him all things consist" (Col. 1:17).

The Greek word translated "consist" is sunistemi and signifies to "stand, or adhere, to-
gether." Yeshua is the cohesive force of the new creation, and as such these words can be under-
stood. But if the creation in question is interpreted to mean the literal creation, we must

70
acknowledge that Yeshua holds all that together. Why, then, did it not disintegrate when he died?
Obviously this interpretation is wrong, and as the context clearly shows, was never intended by
Paul, who was writing of a spiritual creation in Yeshua.

"I Am From Above" (John 8:23).

This statement is often used to teach that Yeshua was in heaven before he came down to
earth. The context of the verse, however, shows that this interpretation is incorrect. Yeshua de-
clared to the Jews: "Ye are from beneath: I am from above," then, in explanation, he continued:
"Ye are of this world; I am not of this world." The Messiah was "from above" and "not of this
world" because YEHOVAH was his Father, and he manifested wisdom and characteristics that
were divine.

A man who "loves the world" is "from beneath," or "earthy," but one who has "the love of
the Father" dwelling in him is "from above" (1 John 2:15). Yeshua told Nicodemus that a person
must be "born from above" (John 3:3 -- margin) if he would inherit the kingdom of God. Such a
one is begotten by the word of YEHOVAH (I Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9-10), by a "wisdom that de-
scendeth from above" (James 3:15-18). The character that he will develop is one molded by the
Word that dwells in him (John 17:17), so that he can claim to be "from above" though he was
never literally in heaven.

That is the sense in which Yeshua's words are to be understood. He was "not of this
world" in the same sense as John exhorted believers to be "not of this world" (1 John 2:15). The
Yeshua-follower is expected to look beyond the earthy things of this world to the glory yet to be
revealed, and to become mentally and morally changed by the influence which is "from above."

The Messiah provided an example of this.

"I Came Down From Heaven" (John 6:38).

"This is a hard saying, who can understand it?" asked the disciples (v.60). It was followed
by one even more difficult: "What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where he was be-
fore?" So ridiculous did this sound to some of Yeshua's disciples that they left him (v.66). And that
conclusively proves that they knew nothing of the theory of a pre-existent Messiah.

Moreover, consider the title the Messiah used. He described himself as "Son of Man."

Was the pre-existent one a Son of Man? Evidently he was if this reference is relied upon as
proof of his supposed pre-existence.

What did the Messiah mean by these difficult sayings?

They appear at the end of a long conversation with the Jews, based upon the giving of
manna in the wilderness, and the circumstances provide the key to their meaning.

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 The manna is described as "bread from heaven" (John 6:32), and the Messiah likened him-
self to anti-typical manna or "bread from heaven" (vv. 32-33). Does this description mean that the
manna was manufactured in heaven, at the dwelling place of YEHOVAH, and wafted down in a
thick cloud every night through the illimitable spaces above to the wilderness below? Or did YE-
HOVAH send His spirit to earth, and there manufacture it?

Undoubtedly the latter, as any reasonable person will concede.

That is the sense, therefore, in which we must understand the Messiah's allusions to him-
self. Consider the circumstances of his birth. The angel told his mother:

"The holy spirit shall come upon thee, the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee,
therefore that holy thing that shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke
1:35).

Yeshua was "the only begotten Son of God" and therefore from above. Paul taught that
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself" (2 Cor. 5:19). That which was in Yeshua
(the Spirit) had come down from heaven, and tabernacling in the flesh of Yeshua, ascended into
heaven after his resurrection.

That this is the true meaning, is shown by the explanatory words of the Messiah himself. To
the confused disciples he declared:

"What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit
that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing" (John 6:62-63).

YEHOVAH, by His spirit, descended to earth to provide one of the human race capable of
conquering sin (see Ps. 80:17), and having done so, He withdrew this one to heaven, having
changed his nature from a body of flesh to one of spirit, for it should be clearly understood that a
spirit being is corporeal (1 Cor. 15:44-45). Thus the Spirit ascended where it was before, though
in a different form. It descended as the power of YEHOVAH; it ascended as a Son of Man made
immortal.

In The Beginning Was The Word (John 1)

John's Gospel commences with this statement, and goes on to state that this word was with
God (YEHOVAH) and was God (YEHOVAH), and made all things (vv. 1-4). And because the ti-
tle, Word of God, is applied by many to the Messiah in Revelation 19:13 (in actual fact this is ap-
plied to YEHOVAH God's Shekinah Glory -- not the Messiah), it is claimed that these verses in
John relate to a pre-existent Messiah.

If this were so, however, it would make the Bible appear hopelessly contradictory, for
such reference as: "I will be his Father, and He shall be my son," "I will make him My firstborn,"
"Jesus Christ the son of Abraham the son of David" are at variance with the teaching that repre-
sents Yeshua as already living.

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 The Greek term translated "word" is Logos. It signifies the outward form of inward thought
or reason, or the spoken word as illustrative of thought, wisdom and doctrine. Not only that, but it
can also refer to YEHOVAH's Shekinah Glory.

John is teaching that in the very beginning, YEHOVAH's purpose, wisdom or revelation
(Shekinah Glory) had been in evidence. It was "with God" in that it emanated from him; it "was
God" in that it represented Him to mankind (a similar expression is used by Yeshua in Matthew
26:28: "This is my blood" -- that is, this represents my blood. Again in Matthew 13:20: "the same
is he" signifies the same, "represents he." "That rock was Christ" (1 Cor. 10:4), it represented Ye-
shua); and it became the motive power of all that YEHOVAH did, for all was made with it in
mind, and it presented the hope of life to mankind (see John 1: 3-4).

What John is stating, therefore, is that in the very beginning there existed the wisdom or
purpose of YEHOVAH (His Shekinah Glory), and that it was revealed unto men to provide a way
of life.

What did it proclaim?

The coming of one who would overcome sin and give reality to the hope of life. The prom-
ise of this was stated from the beginning in the Word or Shekinah Glory of YEHOVAH (e.g. Gene-
sis 3:15).

This Word, Wisdom or Shekinah Glory found its reality, its substance, its confirmation
(Romans 15:8) in the person of the Messiah; therefore John taught:

"The word was made (Greek-ginomai "became") flesh, and dwelt among us, and we be
held his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth"
(John 1:14).

The Word was made flesh, or became flesh, as it is expressed in the Greek. The Declara-
tion of Divine wisdom found its substance and reality in the person of the Messiah. Before his ad-
vent, it was a mere Word or Promise, but when he became manifested, it became a person.

The person did not exist before the birth of the child Yeshua; but the promise and wisdom
(Shekinah Glory) of YEHOVAH always existed.

That is the teaching of John. It does away with the embarrassment of teaching that an angel
or a god became an embryo in the womb of a woman, as demanded by the theory of a pre-existent
Messiah.

We acknowledge that "Word" is personalized as "him", in John 1:4, but that is a common
Hebraism found throughout the Bible. Riches, Wisdom, Sin, and other subjects are similarly
treated. Sometimes these are used to press the doctrine of pre-existence. For example, on several
occasions, Jehovah's Witnesses have drawn attention to such passages as Proverbs 8:22, and ap-
plied them to their notion of a pre-existent Yeshua. The passage reads:

73
 "The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old."

The subject matter of the chapter is wisdom which is personified; but, unfortunately for the
doctrine of the preexistent son, it is personified as a woman: "She standeth, she crieth" etc. (Prov.
8:1-3).

"The Glory I Had with Thee Before The World was" -- John 17:5

Do these words mean that Yeshua was personally with the Father from the very beginning?
or are they expressive of the fact that YEHOVAH, as a wise Architect (Hebrews 11:10), foresaw
the glory of His completed plan?

The latter without doubt! This is shown beyond question because of the use of similar lan-
guage in the same manner.

Thus Peter taught that the Messiah was "foreordained before the foundation of the world
but was manifested in these last times for you" (1 Peter 1:20). John describes him as "the Lamb
slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev. 13:8).

Was Yeshua "slain from the foundation of the world?" Typically, yes, in the sacrifices pro-
vided; but literally, no.

In like manner, YEHOVAH, who knows the end from the beginning, foresaw the glory of
the Son and proclaimed it through the prophets. The ultimate glory of Yeshua was in the mind and
purpose of the Father from the very beginning.

He also provided for the ultimate glory of Yeshua's followers, so that the Messiah prayed:

"The glory which Thou gavest me, I have given them" (John 17:22).

Do Yeshua's followers possess his glory now? They do not, they are merely "in hope" of it
(see Romans 5:2).

How can Yeshua then claim to have given it to them? Only in the sense that he has provi-
sionally bestowed it, foreknowing that they to whom it is given in promise will fulfill the condi-
tions to ultimately receive it in reality.

Thus, an accepted follower at Yeshua's coming could well speak to the Messiah as Yeshua
prayed to the Father:

"Glorify thou me with the glory that I had (in promise) with thee before (this millennial)
world began!"

YEHOVAH foreknows the completed purpose, and knowing that He will bring it to con-
summation, is able to "call those things which be not as though they are" (Rom. 4:17). Paul taught:

74
 "God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, without
blame before Him" (Eph. 1:4).

If John 17:5 proves the pre-existence of Yeshua, Ephesians 1:4 must prove the pre-
existence of all who are followers of him!

The same language is used of other men whom YEHOVAH has used in a special way. Of
Jeremiah it is written:

"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the
womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).

Does that prove the pre-existence of Jeremiah? If not, why should John 17:5 be used to
teach the pre-existence of Yeshua, and so be made to conflict with many other references which
speak of him as the son of David born 1900 years ago? Similar language is used of Paul (Gal. 1:
15) and others. When Yeshua returns, his accepted followers will be granted a glory similar to that
bestowed upon the Son. They will be "conformed to the image of YEHOVAH's Son, that he might
be the firstborn among many brethren" (Rom. 8:29).

Your Responsibility

As the hope of eternal life is bound up in a correct understanding of the Father and Son
(John 17:3), it is the responsibility of all to seek out the truth concerning these matters. It is very
difficult to rid our minds of bias, but it is necessary if we would find the truth. Is it logical that an
angel or a god should become a baby, and be compelled to learn all over again those things that
once he knew? What purpose is served by this?

No, the truth is simple, clear and logical. YEHOVAH's spirit caused the birth of His son,
and strengthened him in his daily pilgrimage towards victory over sin. By so doing there was re-
vealed the means of victory for each one of us: divine help and strength (Phil. 4:13). A careful
consideration of Scripture will show that the doctrine of pre-existence is both illogical and false.

Hope of Israel Ministries is On the INTERNET!

THE HOPE OF ISRAEL WEBSITE ON THE INTERNET now has hundreds of articles, plus
some past issues of this magazine, available for download -- as well as books and many other
features for the discerning Christian who is seeking answers to the perplexing conditions in the
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75
"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be
partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath de-
livered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us
into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemp-
tion through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is
the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature."
-- Colossians 1:12-15

"Yeshua - The Firstborn"

In the Bible Yeshua is given the title of the firstborn. What
does this mean? In being the firstborn or possessing the title,
many benefits or privileges went along with it. Since Yeshua
was elevated to the status of firstborn at his resurrection, he
inherited all these benefits -- and more! This article shows
what they are.

by A. Thomas and John D. Keyser

Did Yeshua pre-exist? At first glance, the last phrase of the fifteenth verse of Colossians
might seem to prove the idea. If kept in perspective with the whole council of YEHOVAH, such a
conclusion is impossible. Though we understand that the Messiah existed as a matter of promise
and was loved by his father "before the foundation of the world (kosmos)" (John 17:24), the scrip-
tures give us plenty of evidence to deny that Yeshua existed in any sort of physical or disembodied
spirit form as a "third or second person of the Godhead" before the account of his birth, as is
clearly recorded for us in the Gospels written by Matthew and Luke. As Gabriel clearly revealed
to Mary: "behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name
Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give
unto him the throne of his father David. The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the
Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be
called the Son of God" (Luke 1:31, 32, 35).

The only way that we can correctly say that the Messiah "pre-existed" in any way is to un-
derstand that he has existed in the plan and purpose of YEHOVAH since the creation. We see him
as the promised "seed" of the Woman (Genesis 3:15), a promise given to Adam and Eve as an
eventual remedy to the condemnation of death that now rested on the human race as a result of their
disobedience. The Messiah would be that promised remedy by the destruction of sin in his own
flesh through his death on the tree, "that through death he might destroy him that had the power of
death, that is, the devil (diabolis)" (Hebrews 2:14).

A proper understanding of the meaning of John 1:1 also helps us to understand the sup-
posed pre-existence of Yeshua. It is not our intent to delve into an exposition of this verse (which

76
would take pages), but understanding that the "Word" or Logos carries the meaning of a declared
or expressed intention, we see through the smoke screen created by Apostate Christianity. The Lo-
gos, defined as a doctrine or declaration, helps us to understand YEHOVAH's purpose in the earth,
and what he has promised. Consider the Apostle Paul's letter to Titus: "In hope of eternal life,
which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began" (Titus 1:2). In John 1:1 we are told
that "in the beginning was the word" and in the second verse that "the same was in the beginning
with God." What was in the beginning with YEHOVAH God? Was it Yeshua himself? Was the
Messiah that word? No, the "word" was YEHOVAH's declared purpose to people the earth with
an immortal race of beings that would manifest his name. It was that "promise of eternal life" that
Paul made mention to that "was with God, and was God."

To understand Yeshua's relationship to this "word" or declaration, we must continue down

to the fourteenth verse of the same chapter where we are told that Yeshua was the "Word" made
flesh. The Messiah is the vehicle in which the promise of eternal life, YEHOVAH's expressed in-
tention or declaration, was to be carried out. He was the promised seed of Eve to provide a way
out of death. As Yeshua confessed of himself: "I am the resurrection and the life." It was through
the Messiah that YEHOVAH's declared purpose was to be manifested and carried out. In this we
see no evidence of a physical pre-existence but a glorious truth concerning our heavenly Father's
plan and purpose with the earth.

Much more could be said to disprove the pre-existence of Yeshua, but that is not the main
focus of this article. Our purpose is not to show what the phrase "firstborn of every creature" does
not mean, but the very beautiful truth it in fact expresses. Instead of teaching pre-existence, this
statement reveals what the Messiah accomplished when he was on this earth.

Yeshua - The Firstborn of YEHOVAH

In Luke 3:38, we find a lineage of Yeshua that traces him back to Adam. When we arrive at
the 38th verse we read: "Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, Which was the
son of Adam, which was the son of God." Here we have it stated that Adam was the Son of God
(YEHOVAH). Knowing that Adam was the first created of the race, for he had no natural father,
there is nothing questionable about this statement. As every child's memory verse states; "And the
Lord God formed man (Adam) of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of
life; and man became a living soul" (Genesis 2:7). But how do we understand the statement that
Yeshua is the firstborn of every creature? We have all been taught the account of the creation since
being a child and that Adam was the first man created. We all have been taught, since an early age,
the events surrounding the birth of the Messiah some 4,000 years after the Creation. How can the
scriptures speak of the Messiah being the firstborn when chronology and simple logic seem to
prove otherwise?

Adam was considered the son of YEHOVAH, for he had no natural father, and the Messiah
was also considered the Son of YEHOVAH because he had no natural father. But as scripture
bears out, Yeshua was given the title of the firstborn. In ancient, and to some degree modern times,
there were many benefits that went along with being the firstborn. A certain degree of prestige and
power went along with such a position. But if we were just to consider the different accounts in the
book of Genesis alone, we see that the rights and benefits of the firstborn mainly went to the

77
younger child. Shem was the youngest son of Noah but was given the pre-eminence over Japheth
the firstborn. Isaac was placed over Ishmael, Jacob before Esau, Joseph before his brethren, and
Ephraim before Manasseh.

Just as God told Rebekah, "the elder shall serve the younger"; these examples point for-
ward to Yeshua the Messiah. Even though the Messiah, in the truest sense, was the "only begotten
of the Father" by the way he was created as being born of a woman, as opposed to Adam being
created directly from the clay, at first it might not be thought that Yeshua would be considered the
"firstborn of every creature". It would seem that such a title would appropriately fall on Adam, yet
the title is given to the Messiah. Let us consider further! The book of Psalms in the 89th chapter
makes prophetical reference to this exaltation of Yeshua: "I have found David my servant; with my
holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established mine arm also shall
strengthen him" (verses 20, 21). "He shall cry unto me, 'thou art my father, my God, and the rock of
my salvation.' Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth" (verses 26,
27).

Benefits of the Firstborn

If being the firstborn, or possessing the title, is such a desired position, what benefits go
along with the title?

1. The firstborn were set apart as belonging to YEHOVAH (Exodus 13:2): "Sanctify unto me all
the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast: it
is mine."

2. The firstborn received a double portion of his father's possessions. He was to receive twice as
much as his brethren (Deuteronomy 21:15-17): "But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for
the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his
strength, the right of the firstborn is his."

Even though this makes reference to the justice delivered to the son of a hated wife (in the
event that the man had more than one wife), the reference clearly shows that the right of the first-
born was a double portion of the father's possessions.

3. The firstborn was held in honor next to the parents. The other children were expected to look up
to the firstborn, and the firstborn was to be an example for them (Genesis 49:3). Jacob spoke of
Reuben his firstborn as "my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and
the excellency of power."

4. The firstborn was appointed ruler in his father's house. In 2 Chronicles 21:3, Jehoram was made
a kin over Israel "because he was the firstborn."

5. The firstborn acted as a priest and led the family in their approach to YEHOVAH. In Numbers
8:14-18, we learn that the Levites were to be separated from the rest of Israel and minister to the
service of the Tabernacle. Before the Levites were chosen for this service, the firstborn of every
family group offered the sacrifices for the family -- see verse 16.

78
 In this fifth benefit lies the key of our consideration. Levi was not the eldest tribe, but why
is it chosen to fulfill the priestly duties of the firstborn? Because when Moses descended the mount
after forty days, it was the tribe of Levi that stood by YEHOVAH in destroying those that had re-
belled in the absence of Moses.

So, it would seem that the duties and benefits of the firstborn rely on obedience rather than
natural inheritance. The scriptures show that a younger brother could replace the natural firstborn
in a family if the elder was disobedient or could not perform the necessary duties.

This brings us to Yeshua as the firstborn. We read in Psalms 89:27 that YEHOVAH would
make him (Yeshua) his firstborn. The key word in this reference is the use of the word "make", that
YEHOVAH would make him his firstborn. By his natural birth, Yeshua was not automatically the
"firstborn" of all creatures. As the examples that we have already mentioned, we see that it was
Yeshua's perfect obedience to the Father's will that made him worthy of the position of the
firstborn.

In 1 Corinthians 15:45, we have Yeshua referred to as the "last Adam". As the first Adam
is the head of a race of people, so is the last Adam placed at the head of a race or family. We
haven't the space to consider at length the two federal heads, but we know that those who are con-
nected to the first Adam are related to sin and death, while those related to the last Adam are re-
lated to life and eternal blessings (1 Corinthians 15:22). The first Adam lost his position of favor
and likewise lost his position of the firstborn, while Yeshua gained the title and all its benefits by
his obedience to the Father's commands.

Since the Messiah was raised to the status of firstborn, he naturally inherited the duties and
benefits that go along with such a title. The duties and benefits are as follows:

1. He was set apart as belonging to YEHOVAH (Luke 1:32, 33): "He shall be great, and shall be
called the Son of the Highest." "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak
these things" (John 8:28).

2. He received a double portion of an eternal inheritance (Hebrews 1:4): "Being made so much
better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they."

3. He acts as a priest (Hebrews 7:17): "Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

4. He will be appointed ruler over part of his Father's Kingdom (Luke 1:32, 33): "and the Lord
God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob
for ever."

5. His name will be held in honor next to his Father (Isaiah 9:6): "And the government shall be
upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The ev-
erlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

An important point that we have yet to touch upon is that before the Messiah could enjoy
the benefits we have just mentioned, he had to become the firstborn from the dead. Not only did

79
Yeshua's obedience grant him all the glorious benefits that his Father wished to bestow upon him,
but more importantly, his perfect obedience made it possible for YEHOVAH to raise him from the
dead and grant him immortality. Referring back to the first chapter of Colossians in the eighteenth
verse: " And he is the head of the body, the ecclesia: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the
dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."

There had been others that had been raised from the dead, Lazarus for example, but none
had ever been raised from the grave to be granted a perfect nature, never to return to the grave.
And no other man has ever been appointed to be the arm of YEHOVAH, a Savior for fallen man.
All this was no accident but according to the plan and purpose of the father.

Our Relationship to the Firstborn

Natural Israel can be seen as a type of firstborn in a natural sense. Because of disobedi-
ence, on a national scale, the benefits that YEHOVAH had promised to his people, namely the
Kingdom, would be extended to the Gentile. "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall
be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof" (Matthew 21:43). Though
Gentiles after the flesh, we have been adopted into the position of the firstborn (or firstfruits)
through the blood of the Messiah. In a sense, there is a comparison with our previous position as
"children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3, 11-13) and the hope that we now have as being Spiritual Is-
rael, as compared to the law concerning the "son of the hated" (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). As the
"son of the hated" was to be given a double portion, so are those Faithful of Spiritual Israel (once
"children of wrath") to receive a double portion over the Natural Israelite. Though Natural Israel
will be saved and be allowed to dwell in the Land and enjoy preeminence over the nations (Ro-
mans 11:26; Zechariah 8:23), it will be those of Spiritual Israel that will be given absolute power
over the earth and the prize of all prizes -- IMMORTALITY! (Revelation 2:7, 26, 27)

Along with the redemption from sin that we have gained through the Messiah and the right-
eousness that has been imputed to us, we also have the promise of sharing a portion with our elder
brother. And by continued obedience, upon our resurrection and judgment, we may be granted the
gift of eternal life and inheritance after the pattern of Yeshua the Anointed. "Of his own will begat
he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (James 1:18).
"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which
follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the
firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb" (Revelation 14:4).

As we think upon these things, may we realize the beauty, wisdom, and supreme justice of
YEHOVAH's plan of salvation as carried out through His Son. We see through YEHOVAH's
workings with the position of the firstborn that what may appear logical or just according to the
flesh is not in harmony with the thinking of the Spirit. "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh
profiteth nothing."

May we be thankful to have the hope and privilege of being able to share with Yeshua the
benefits of the firstborn; not by our own doing, but by the work of our elder brother -- THE
FIRSTBORN OF EVERY CREATURE.

80
ST. VALENTINE'S DAY: Christian
Custom? -- or Pagan Holiday?
by Herman L. Hoeh

WHERE DID St. Valentine's Day come from? You might suppose school teachers and edu-
cators would know. But do they? How many of you were ever taught the real origin of Valentine's
Day? -- were ever told in school WHY you should observe the custom of exchanging valentines?

The Silence of Educators

Teachers are all too often silent about the origin of the customs they are forced to teach in
today's schools! If they were to speak out, many would lose their jobs!

Isn't it time we examined why we encourage our children to celebrate St. Valentine's Day
-- when it is never so much as mentioned in the Bible as a practice of the New Testament Church?

Today, candymakers unload tons of heart-shaped red boxes for February 14, while millions
of the younger set are annually exchanging valentines. Florists consider February 14 -- St. Valen-
tine's Day -- as one of their best business days. And young lovers pair off -- at least for a dance or
two -- at St. Valentine's balls.

Why? Where did these customs originate? Where do we find any such practices in the Bi-
ble? How did we come to inherit these customs?

A Christian Custom?

Did you know that centuries before Christ, the pagan Romans celebrated February 15 and
the evening of February 14 as an idolatrous and sensuous festival in honor of Lupercus, the "hunter
of wolves"?

The Romans called the festival the "Lupercalia." The custom of exchanging valentines and
all the other traditions in honor of Lupercus -- the deified hero-hunter of Rome -- was also linked
anciently with the pagan practice of teen-agers "going steady." It usually led to fornication. Today,
the custom of "going steady" is thought very modern. It isn't. It is merely a rebirth of an old custom
"handed down from the Roman festival of the Lupercalia, celebrated in the month of February,
when names of young women were put into a box and drawn out by men as chance directed."
That's the admission of the Encyclopedia Americana, article, "St. Valentine's Day."

When Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire there was
some talk in church circles of discarding this pagan free-for-all. But the Roman citizens wouldn't

81
hear of it! So it was agreed that the holiday would continue as it was, except for the more grossly
sensual observances.

It w as not until the reign of Pope Gelasius that the holiday became a "Christian custom."
As far back as 496, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia on February 15 to St. Valentine's Day on
February 14." (p. 172 of Customs and Holidays Around the World by Lavinia Dobler).

But how did this pagan festival acquire the name of "St. Valentine's Day"? And why is the
little naked Cupid of the pagan Romans so often associated today with February 14? And why do
little children and young people still cut out hearts and send them on a day in honor of Lupercus the
hunter of wolves? Why have we supposed these pagan customs in honor of a false god are
Christian?

Who Was the Original "St. Valentine"?

Valentine was a common Roman name. Roman parents often gave the name to their chil-
dren in honor of the famous man who was first called Valentine in antiquity. That famous man was
Lupercus, the HUNTER. But who was Lupercus? -- and why should he have also borne the name
Valentine among the heathen Romans?

The Greeks called Lupercus by the name of "Pan". The Semites called Pan "Baal," accord-
ing to the Classical Dictionaries. Baal -- mentioned so often in the Bible -- was merely another
name for Nimrod, "the mighty HUNTER" (Genesis 10:9). The hunter Nimrod was the Lupercus --
or wolf hunter -- of the Romans. And St. Valentine's Day was originally a day set aside by the pa-
gans in his honor!

But why should Nimrod have been called "Valentine" by the Romans? And why should the
celebration of this day have been anciently limited to the city of Rome before Pope Gelasius' time?
What part did the site of ancient Rome play in the life of Nimrod?

Valentine comes from the Latin word "Valentinus", a proper name derived from the word
"valens", meaning "to be strong," declares Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. It means literally
"strong, powerful, mighty." Any connection with Nimrod? We read in the Bible that Nimrod was
the "MIGHTY hunter" (Gen. 10:9). It was a common proverb of ancient time that Nimrod was "the
MIGHTY hunter before the Lord." NIMROD WAS THEIR HERO -- THEIR STRONG MAN --
THEIR VALENTINE!

How plain that the original Valentine was Nimrod, the mighty hunter of wolves. Yet an-
other of Nimrod's names was "Sanctus" or "Santa," meaning "Saint." It was a common title of any
hero-god. No wonder that the Roman Lupercalia is called "Saint Valentine's Day"!

But why do we associate HEARTS on a day in honor of Nimrod -- the BAAL of the Phoe-
nicians and Semites?

The surprising answer is that the pagan Romans acquired the symbol of the heart from the
Babylonians. In the Babylonian tongue the word for "heart" was "bal" (see Young's or Strong's

82
Concordance). The heart -- "bal" -- was merely a symbol of Nimrod -- the "Baal" or Lord of the
Babylonians!

Executed at Rome

Nimrod -- THE ORIGINAL ST. VALENTINE -- was also known as Saturn, the Roman-
Babylonian god who HID from his pursuers in a secret place. The Latin word Saturn is derived
from the Semitic-speaking Babylonians. It means "be hid," "hide self," "secret," "conceal." The
original Semitic (Hebrew) word, from which the Latin Saturn is derived, is used 83 times in the
Old Testament (see Young's Concordance under "Sathar," also "sether").

According to ancient tradition, Saturn (Nimrod) fled from his pursuers to Italy. The Apen-
nine mountains of Italy were anciently named the mountains of Nembrod or Nimrod. Nimrod
briefly hid out at the site where Rome was later built. The ancient name of Rome, before it was re-
built in 753 B.C., was Saturnia -- the site of Saturn's (Nimrod's) hiding. There he was found and
slain for his crimes. Later, professing Christians in Constantine's day made Nimrod -- the St. Val-
entine of the heathen -- a SAINT of the Church and continued to honor him under the name of a
Christian martyr.

Why February 14?

But why should the Romans have chosen February 15 and the evening of February 14 to
honor Lupercus -- the Nimrod of the Bible? (Remember that days in ancient times began at sunset
the evening before.)

Nimrod -- the Baal or sun god of the ancient pagans -- was said to have been born at the
winter solstice. In ancient times the solstice occurred on January 6 and his birthday therefore was
celebrated on January 6. Later, as the solstice changed, it was celebrated on December 25 and is
now called Christmas. It was the custom of antiquity for the mother of a male child to present her-
self for purification on the fortieth day after the day of birth. The fortieth day after January 6 --
Nimrod's original birthdate -- takes us to February 15, the celebration of which began on the eve-
ning of February 14 -- the Lupercalia or St. Valentine's Day.

On this day in February, Semiramis, the mother of Nimrod, was said to have been PURI-
FIED and to have appeared for the first time in public with her son as the original "mother and
child."

The Roman month February, in fact, derives its name from the "februa" which the Roman
priests used in the rites celebrated on St. Valentine's Day. The "februa" were thongs from the skins
of sacrificial animals used in rites of purification on the evening of February 14.

Cupid Makes His Appearance

Another name for the child Nimrod was "Cupid" -- meaning "desire" (Encyclopedia Bri-
tannica, art., "Cupid"). It is said that when Nimrod's mother saw him, she LUSTED after him --
she DESIRED him. Nimrod became her Cupid -- her desired one -- and later her Valentine! So
83
evil was Nimrod's mother that IT IS SAID SHE MARRIED HER OWN SON! Inscribed on the
monuments of ancient Egypt are inscriptions that Nimrod (the Egyptians called him Osiris) was
"the husband of his mother."

As Nimrod grew up, he became the child-hero of MANY women who DESIRED him. He
was their Cupid! In the Book of Daniel he is called the "DESIRE of women" (Dan. 11:37). Moffatt
translates the word as Tammuz -- a Babylonian name of Nimrod. He provoked so many women to
JEALOUSY that an idol of him was often called the "image of jealousy" (Ezekiel 8:5). Nimrod,
the hunter, was also their Valentine -- their strong or mighty hero! No wonder the pagans com-
memorated their hero-hunter Nimrod, or Baal, by sending heartshaped love tokens to one another
on the evening of February 14 as a symbol of him.

Nimrod, the mulatto son of Cush the Ethiopian, was later a source of embarrassment to the
pagans of Europe. They didn't want an African to worship. Consequently, they substituted a sup-
posed son of Nimrod, a white child named Horus, born after the death of Nimrod. This white child
then became the "fair cupid" of European tradition.

It is about time we examined these foolish customs of the pagans now falsely labeled
Christian. It is time we quit this Roman and Babylonian foolishness -- this IDOLATRY -- and get
back to the faith of Christ delivered once for all time.

Let's stop teaching our children these pagan customs in memory of Baal the sun god -- the
original St. Valentine -- and teach them instead what the Bible really says!

Some Hope of Israel Articles

(All prices noted are suggested donations)

1) Determining YEHOVAH's True Calendar! 3.00

2) Pre-Existence and the Christ 2.00

3) Just Who or What Is the "Antichrist"? 3.00

4) A Future Antichrist and the Secret Rapture -- A Catholic Hoax? 3.00

5) Just When Will Yeshua Return? 3.00

6) The New Testament Gentiles and the House of Israel 3.00

7) Three Days and Three Nights -- When Did Yeshua Die? 3.00

8) The Plain Truth About Christmas! 2.00

9) The Second Coming of YEHOVAH! 3.00

84
 A Moment for Truth
YEHOVAH is our refuge and strength, a
very present help in trouble. Therefore
we will not fear....
-- Psalm 46:1-2

Dave Hunt

America awakened September 11 to appalling scenes on TV of passenger planes deliber-

ately crashing into the towers of the World Trade Center and into the Pentagon. Stunned disbelief
gave way to the question, who could so carefully plan and efficiently execute such incredibly inhu-
mane destruction and slaughter? What cause could so powerfully motivate educated and trained in-
dividuals to sacrifice their own lives and the lives of so many total strangers in this manner? In the
minds of civilized people these men were unbelievable fanatics. But were they?

Could one call the spiritual leader of an entire major country a "fanatic," a man universally
recognized as properly representing his religion? Who would know his religion better than the
spiritual leader himself? Such was Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini when he declared, "The purest joy in
Islam is to kill and be killed for Allah" (David Lamb, The Arabs: Journey Beyond the Mirage,
Vintage Books, 1988, p. 287; David Reed, The Unholy War Between Iran and Iraq, Readers
Digest, August 1984, p. 389). Is that fanaticism?

And could you call the founder of a major world religion a fanatic? Muhammad, who with
his followers slaughtered thousands in establishing and spreading Islam, said of Muslims, "Who
relinquishes his faith, kill him....(quoted on authority of Ibn 'Abbas in Sahih of al-Bukhari, part 9,
19. Attested by numerous Islamic scholars) I have been ordered by Allah to fight with people till
they testify there is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his messenger" (op. cit., part 1, 13). Was
Muhammed a fanatic? Are they fanatics who obey him today in exacting the death penalty upon
Muslims (as in Afghanistan, the Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan) who for the
sake of conscience convert to another religion?

Do we need a new definition of "fanatic"?

There is a certain hypocrisy in the new outrage with which America and the world now
view terrorism. History's bloodiest, most vicious and successful terrorist, Yasser Arafat, has been
given the Nobel Peace Prize and embraced as a world statesman. He is proof to would-be imita-
tors that terrorism pays big. The United Nations, European Union, and countless world political
and religious leaders have sided with him in his terrorism against Israel. Arafat and his PLO held
the record for the largest hijacking (four aircraft in a single operation) -- which has just been
equaled, the greatest number of hostages held at one time (300), the greatest number of people shot
down at an airport, the largest ransom collected ($5 million paid by Lufthansa), the greatest variety
85
of targets (40 civilian passenger aircraft, five passenger ships, 30 embassies or diplomatic minis-
tries plus innumerable fuel depots and factories), etc. (John Laffin, The PLO Connections, Tran-
sworld, 1982, p. 18). Instead of being tried by an international tribunal as were the Nazi and
Serbian leadership, Arafat's bloody exploits gained for him acceptance as a leader for peace!

In his brief speech to the nation the morning of the 12th, President Bush declared that the
attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. were "acts of war." Indeed, they were -- jihad ("holy
war"). He said that "freedom and democracy are under attack [but] we will not allow this enemy to
win the war by...restricting our freedoms." Is it a mere coincidence that the freedom of speech, re-
ligion, the press, and of vote and conscience which we hold so dear in America are suppressed in
every Muslim country?

Who dares to make the obvious connection between this declaration of war against Amer-
ica, and the declaration of war against the entire world by Muhammad in the seventh century, a
part of Islam ever since? Since its inception, jihad has been waged by Islamic warriors to spread
that religion of violence and hatred. Islam does not change. Rioting Muslim mobs invariably chant
in their "fanaticism," "Allah is great! Allah is great!"

In the wake of this terrible act of "holy war," our President and Congressional leaders re-
ferred to God numerous times and invoked His blessing in tracking down the perpetrators of this
infamous deed. The God of the Bible to whom they referred is not Allah, the god of Islam, whom
the attacking terrorists served so faithfully!

We may be certain that the hijackers were not Israelis or evangelical Christians. Never!
The simple but horrible fact is that only the religion of Islam could supply the motivation for what
they did. Why are Muslims responsible for most terrorism in the world today? There is a definitive
and foundational reason.

It would be extremely naive to imagine that terrorists who are willing to blow themselves
up in Israel or to crash a plane at the loss of their own and many other lives do so for some com-
mendable humanitarian cause. The courage comes solely from a unique doctrine of Islam. Abu-
Bakr, the first Caliph to succeed Muhammad (and one of the few to whom Muhammad promised
Paradise without martyrdom), declared that even if he had one foot in Paradise he could not trust
Allah to let him in. The only sure way in Islam of achieving Paradise is to sacrifice one's life in ji-
had. Yes, suicide is forbidden as self-murder. But to sacrifice one's life in killing infidels carries
the highest reward.

And what reward does Paradise bring to the jihad martyr? He is promised a palace of
pearls in which are 70 mansions; inside each mansion are 70 houses and in each house a bed on
which are 70 sheets and on each sheet a beautiful virgin. He is assured that he will have the appe-
tite and strength of 100 men for food and sex. This is the fantastic dream that is fed to Muslim boys
from earliest childhood. This motivation alone gives the reckless courage and determination to
train and execute terrorist deeds in which they sacrifice their lives in bringing death and destruc-
tion to "the enemies of Allah."

86
 America has been called "the Great Satan" by Muslim leaders around the world. Thus the
strike at America was a strike for Allah against his chief enemy. Palestinians danced in the streets
to celebrate the destruction in America, shouting victory to Allah. The day before the attack CNN
showed routine footage of third-grade children in a West Bank school chanting death to Israel.
Only indoctrination into Islam makes possible such incredible scenes and the terrorism they
celebrate.

Though people of good will naturally recoil from attaching blame to a major world relig-
ion itself, we can no longer afford such sentimentality. No longer dare we allow Islam to escape
its undeniable responsibility. Yet former President Bush called Islam a peace-loving religion.

The devastating acts of war by Islamic terrorists against the United States were greeted by
naive statements from well-intentioned governmental leaders to the effect that we must distinguish
between terrorism perpetrated by extremist groups and Islam itself which is peaceful. Yet there
are more than 100 verses in the Qur'an advocating the use of violence to spread Islam. In the
Qur'an, Allah commands Muslims, "Take not the Jews and Christians as friends....Slay the idola-
ters [non-Muslims] wherever ye find them....Fight against such...as believe not in Allah..." (Surah
5:51; 9:5, 29, 41, etc.). Though most Muslims would shrink from obeying such commands, this is
official Islam and it cannot change without admitting that Muhammad was a false prophet and
murderer.

Several years ago Steven Emerson produced for PBS an excellent video titled Jihad in
America. Its cameras went directly inside cell groups associated with mosques here in America
where eager young Muslims were being recruited for jihad against the United States. Muslim lead-
ers are shown giving speeches about bringing America to its knees through terrorism and making
cold-blooded statements such as the following from Fayiz Azzam in Brooklyn in 1989: "Blood
must flow, there must be widows, orphans, hands and limbs must be severed and limbs and blood
must be spread everywhere in order that Allah's religion stand on its feet!" Yes, Allah's religion is
the motivation!

In Kansas, in 1988, another leader recruiting Islamic holy warriors against the United
States exults, "O, brothers! After Afghanistan [where Muslim "freedom fighters," aided by the CIA,
drove out the Soviets and installed the brutal Taliban regime] nothing in the world is impossible
for us any more! There are no superpowers or minipowers. What matters is will power that springs
from our religious belief!" Yes, religious belief, the particular belief of Islam, is the only motiva-
tion capable of inspiring such "fanaticism."

At the beginning of the video, Emerson, who had tracked international terrorism for the
prior ten years, reported on what he called "networks of Islamic extremists" inside the US. He ac-
curately warned that "for these militants jihad is a holy war, an armed struggle to defeat nonbe-
lievers, or infidels, and their ultimate goal is to establish an Islamic [worldwide] empire." Yet he
later backpedaled into the incredible statement that "Islam as a religion does not condone violence;
the radicals represent only themselves -- an extremist and violent fringe...." THAT IS SIMPLY
NOT TRUE. It is not because men are Arabs or extremists that they turn to terrorism, but BE-
CAUSE THEY ARE DEVOUT MUSLIMS. Yet who will face this obvious fact?

87
 Hatred of Israel and the call to destroy America for supporting her are also underlying
themes of the terrorists seen in the documentary. Another Muslim leader in the US declares that
Washington's Capitol Hill is "Zionist-occupied territory," that the Jews control Congress, and that
the United States deserves what it gets so long as it continues to support Israel.

Referring repeatedly to "Islamic holy warriors," the video documented as clearly as could
be done that Islam is the driving force behind terrorism. Astonishingly, however, the narrator and
counter-terrorism experts being interviewed repeatedly declared that Islam was not to be blamed
but only the "fanaticism" of certain individuals. For example, Paul Bremer, former
Ambassador-at-Large for counter-terrorism for the State Department, said it is "important to make
a distinction...the vast majority of Muslims and Arabs are peace loving."

It is true that the vast majority of Muslims are peace loving and would protest that they op-
pose terrorism. Our sympathy is with them. However, should they not ask themselves why they fol-
low a religion founded upon violence which from its very inception has been spread with the
sword? Under Muhammad's leadership in the seventh century, thousands of Arabs (and many Jews
and Christians) in the Arabian Peninsula were killed by Islam's fierce "holy warriors" to force that
religion upon the Arab world. Upon Muhammad's death, most Arabians abandoned Islam, imagin-
ing that they were free at last. Swiftly, tens of thousands of Arabs were slaughtered in the Wars of
Apostasy, which forced Arabia back under Allah. From that base Islam was spread everywhere
with the sword.

On radio and TV, during that black Tuesday in September which we can never forget, we
were repeatedly told by well-intentioned government officials that we must be careful not to blame
Islam for what a few fanatics had done. In fact, terrorists act in direct obedience to Muhammad,
the Qur'an, Allah and Islam. While nominal Muslims reject the idea, all Islamic scholars agree that
it is the religious duty of every Muslim to use violence whenever possible to spread Islam until it
has taken over the world.

We need to face some simple questions: Is not the attempt to force them into Islam the
cause of the cruel enslavement, torture and slaughter of millions in southern Sudan? Is not Islam the
driving force behind the murderous and destructive riots against Christians in Nigeria, Indonesia,
Pakistan and elsewhere? Is it not the enforcement of Islamic law that makes the Taliban deny all
civil rights to those under its control in Afghanistan?

And what is it but Islam that unites the otherwise divided Arab world in an implacable and
unreasoning hatred against Israel? No Arab map in the world admits Israel's existence. It is only
Islam's claim that Ishmael, not Isaac, was the son of promise and that the Holy Land belongs to
them which unites Arabs in the "fanatical" determination to destroy the Jews.

There is a natural reluctance to accept any statement which seems to be a prejudiced attack
upon a world religion. IT IS THE FEAR OF SUCH PREJUDICE WHICH PREVENTS THE
WORLD FROM FACING THE TRUTH. But is it prejudice to state the plain facts? No, it is not --
but it is difficult to face the truth that Islam itself is a religion of violence and that those who prac-
tice it are not extremists and fanatics in the ordinary sense of those words, but SINCERE FOL-
LOWERS OF MUHAMMAD.

88
 The world has sided with Islam in its false claim to the land of Israel, which is now inac-
curately called Palestine. This promised land, given to Israel by the God of the Bible, has been oc-
cupied by Jews continuously for the last 3,000 years, and they are the only people to have done so.
In recognition of that undeniable historic fact, all of "Palestine" was to be given to the Jews for a
national homeland by a 1917 ruling of the League of Nations. But steadily the Jews were betrayed
by Britain's administration of this mandate (and the demise of the British Empire can be dated from
that betrayal); the land was parceled out to Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, etc. Israel is now accused of
"occupying" land which actually has been theirs for 3,000 years. The come-lately "Palestinians"
are sustained by the world in the lie that they are the original owners of this land. As a result, ter-
rorism is perpetrated not only against Israel but now in this latest act against the United States to
apply pressure to force Israel out of its rightful land and to spread Islam around the world.

We have arrived at a defining moment when TRUTH could triumph if the world would
recognize that terrorists are not "fanatics" but DEVOUT FUNDAMENTALIST MUSLIMS WHO
ARE EARNESTLY FOLLOWING THEIR RELIGION. This recognition could bring fresh sympathy
for Muslims of all nationalities who are tragically trapped in that system. The expose of the truth
could embarrass Muslim nations into opening the Islamic Curtain and allowing freedom to enter
their borders. It could be a new day of open evangelism for the world where not force but love and
reason permit each person to determine the faith he would embrace from his heart.

Let us pray to that end.

The hour has come to expose the growing worldwide

religion of Islam. Our Muslim friends must be deliv-
ered from it's deception and be brought into a saving
knowledge of the truth about YEHOVAH God and Ye-
shua the Messiah!

Many are unaware of what Islam really stands for. Cer-

tain well known Muslim leaders are labeled as "extrem-
ist" because they want to export Islam by force, and
order the execution of those who disagree with them.
In fact, these leaders are just conservative Muslims
who want nothing more than to follow the teachings of
their prophet Muhamed.

This simple, easy to understand book reveals Islamic

teachings using intensified, scientific research. It is
filled with quotes from authoritative ancient and con-
temporary Muslim scholars, accompanied with docu-
mented, detailed references from their own Arab
textbooks. It also contains shocking information re-
vealing that Muhamed not only owned slaves but
worked as a merchant in this ugly business.

Behind the Veil: Unmasking Islam Many Muslim converts to Christianity have shared in
the research contained in this book. Many Muslims
$12.00 postage paid from:
have found the truth and we believe that Islam will be
Hope of Israel Ministries exposed and eventually defeated.

89
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