The Watchtower, July 15, 1951
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"YOU ARE MY WITNESSES," SAYS JEHOVAH.—Isa. 43:12
The WATCHTOWER
Announcing
JEHOVAH'S
KINGDOM
JULY 15, 1951
Semimonthly
THE 1,290 AND 1,335 DAYS
OF DANIEL'S PROPHECY
MORE LIBERATION PROPHECY
TO BE FULFILLED
A DESOLATED EARTH FOR
A THOUSAND YEARS?
WHAT THE THOUSAND-YEAR REIGN
WILL ACCOMPLISH
©WTB&TS
"YOU ARE MY WITNESSES," SAYS JEHOVAH.—Isa. 43:12 THE PURPOSE OF "THE WATCHTOWER"
Literal towers in Bible times were elevated vantage points from which watchmen could observe happenings, warn of danger, or announce good news. Our magazine figuratively occupies such a vantage point, for it is founded on the very pinnacle of wisdom, God's Word. That elevates it above racial, national and political propagandas and prejudices, frees it from selfish bias. It is not bound by any traditional creed, but its message advances as the light on God's purposes and works increases.—Habakkuk 2:1-3.
It sees things Scripturally. When it observes this generation afflicted with greed, delinquency, hypocrisy, atheism, war, famine, pestilence, perplexity and fear, and persecution of unpopular minorities, it does not parrot the old fable about history repeating itself. Informed by Bible prophecy, it sees in these things the sign of the world's time of the end. But with bright hope it also sees opening up for us just beyond these woes the portals of a new world.
Thus viewed, "The Watchtower" stands as a watchman atop a tower, alert to what is going on, awake to note signs of danger, faithful to point out the way of escape. It announces Jehovah's kingdom established by Christ's enthronement in heaven, feeds his kingdom joint-heirs with spiritual food, cheers men of good will with glorious prospects of eternal life in a paradise earth, comforts us with the resurrection promise for the dead.
It is not dogmatic, but has a confident ring in its voice, because it is based on God's Word. It does not privately interpret prophecy, but calls attention to physical facts, sets them alongside prophecy, and you see for yourself how well the two match, how accurately Jehovah interprets his own prophecy. In the interests of our salvation, it keeps sharp and faithful focus on Bible truth, and views religious news generally.
'Be watchful in these perilous times,' God admonishes. So keep on the watch by regularly reading "The Watchtower".
PUBLISHED BY THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
117 Adams Street Brooklyn 1, N. Y., U. S. A.
N. H. KNORR, President
GRANT SUITER, Secretary
"They will all be taught by Jehovah."—John 6:45, NW; Isaiah 54:13
CONTENTS
Exchange of Letters Regarding New World Translation 427
The 1,290 and 1,335 Days of Daniel's Prophecy 432
Expansion of Theocracy in Indonesia and Singapore 428
Abbreviations used in "The Watchtower" for the following Bible versions
AS - American Standard Version LXX- The Septuagint Version
AT - An American Translation Mo - James Moffatt's version
Da - J. N. Darby's version NW - New World Translation
Dy - Catholic Douay version Ro - J. B. Rotherham's version
ED - The Emphatic Diaglott RS - Revised Standard Version
Le - Isaac Leeser's version Yg - Robert Young's version
Unless otherwise indicated, the Bible used is the King James Version
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JEHOVAH'S WORD ENDURES FOREVER!
PRACTICALLY all books grow old and out of date. Either they are revised and corrected or they are discarded as relics of the past. Thousands simply die with their authors. The one outstanding exception, of course, is the Bible. The world's oldest book, yet it is still as fresh and true as when its first pages were written more than 3,460 years ago.
No other book, in whole or in part, has been translated into a thousand languages and more. No other book has penetrated so many countries and influenced so many people. Upon the Bible many civil laws and judicial decisions are founded. However, the Bible has not always enjoyed such popularity; often its enemies have greatly outnumbered its friends. No story is packed with more horrors and tragedies than that which tells of the Bible's fight to live. Truly, had the Author of this book, Jehovah God, not also been its Preserver, it would not have endured down to this twentieth century!
And why was this Word of God preserved until now? The apostle Paul declares that it was written for our comfort and hope, and to serve as a warning to us upon whom the accomplished end of this system of things has arrived. (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17, NW) Therefore, in this most critical time, when all the "brilliant" leaders of this benighted old world are but fireflies in the darkness, how true the psalmist expresses the
thoughts of God-fearing men today: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Ps. 119:105) Walking in this divine light leads up the highway to the new world, concerning which the Bible is bursting with descriptive promises. Just think of it, a paradise earth free from crimes, calamities, sicknesses, wars and death itself!
At the great battle of Armageddon everything belonging to this old world, including its plans and promises, will topple and fall. Why not, therefore, put your hope and trust in something that will endure? Yes, God's Word will survive this old world, and its principles and precepts will become theocratic law of the new world.
So if you want to survive with the Bible and live in that glorious new world, you must begin now to study and follow its counsel. Do you have a Catholic Douay Bible? Read it! Do you have the Jewish Leeser translation? Read it! Do you have the King James Version? Read it! Or if you want a real thrill in understanding, get the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, in modern English! After reading and studying God's 'word of truth' (John 17:17,NW), you too will catch up the proclamation first made by Isaiah, and repeated by the apostle Peter eight hundred years later: "The word spoken by Jehovah endures forever." Isa.40:8:1 Pet.1:25.NW. A Desolated Earth for a Thousand Years?
COME now, and let us reason together." "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." (Isa. 1:18; 1 Thess. 5:21) In their search for the truth Christians will do well to always heed these Scriptural admonitions.—Acts 17:11.
According to the belief of
some, such as the Seventh-Day Adventists, "the present life is given to man as a probation. Death closes it." An "investigative judgment" determining the fate of each individual takes place before the return of Christ; and at his return the righteous will be rewarded with heavenly bliss, the wicked punished with destruction, and the entire earth will be desolated by a great earthquake.
It is further held that this desolated earth will be the abyss into which Satan and his demons will be cast, they thus being bound by a "chain of circumstances". At the end of a thousand years the saints will return to the earth and the wicked will be raised from the dead. Then the wicked, under the direction of Satan and his demons, will come up against the saints, and "just as the final blow is to be struck by the attacking army, lo, fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them". So the Adventists teach.
THE ABYSSING AND BINDING OF SATAN
Is a desolated earth the abyss into which Satan and his demons are cast? Those who so teach use as proof the fact
that the Hebrew word rendered "deep" at Genesis 1:2 may also be translated "abyss". "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep [abyss]." But the mere fact that that Hebrew term of Genesis 1:2 rendered "deep" may also be translated "abyss" cannot be used as proof that the abyss mentioned at Revelation 20:1-3 (NW) into which Satan is cast is the earth. Why not? Because there is no proof whatever that the earth and the deep of Genesis 1:2 refer to one and the same thing.
Today the ocean is referred to as the deep. The ancients spoke of it as an abyss because it was a great deep whose depth was unfathomable or bottomless as far as they were concerned. The deep mentioned at Genesis 1:2 undoubtedly is the great expanse of water in suspension which covered the globe like a canopy and which was divided from the waters on the earth for the formation of the atmosphere or "vault" of the heavens. (See Genesis 1:6, 7,20,Mo.) Also note that when Christ was on the earth certain demons begged him not to send them "out into the deep" or the abyss at that time. Since they already were on the earth it surely could not be the abyss they referred to.-Luke 8:31.
Then what is the abyss into which Satan and his demons are cast? The death state, just as Jesus in death was said to have gone to the abyss. (Rom. 10:7) Certainly it would not require an angel to come from heaven with a chain to thus abyss and bind Satan if it were done by a chain of circumstances. (Rev. 20:1) Clearly the point is not that the people, but that the Devil, will be removed.
EARTH DESOLATED FOR A THOUSAND YEARS?
Is there any Scriptural proof for the claim that the earth will be desolated for a thousand years? True, Revelation 16:18, 19 speaks of a great earthquake, but must we necessarily conclude that this is a literal one, with so many obviously symbolic expressions in other parts of this prophecy? Also note that after the earthquake a great hail fell (not literal hail) and men blasphemed God because of this hail; thereby indicating that the earthquake had not destroyed all wicked human creatures.
Endeavoring to find further support, advocates of the desolated-earth teaching cite the prophecies found at Isaiah 24:1-6 and Jeremiah 4:23-28 which speak of Jehovah desolating the earth and making it an empty waste without man. However, a careful study of these prophecies shows that they had a literal fulfillment in the desolation of the land of Judah from 607 B.C. to 537 B.C., which desolation is the theme of the entire book of Jeremiah. Telling of the restoration back there is the following: "Thus saith Jehovah: Yet again there shall be heard in this place, . . . in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without beast, the voice of joy and the voice of gladness."—Jer. 33:10-14, AS.
That these prophecies do not teach a complete emptying of the entire earth of human creatures is apparent from the context. Note Isaiah 24:6, AS, "Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, . . . and few men left." And Isaiah 24:12-14, AS, tells that in the city that is left desolated there will be "gleanings" and that "these shall lift up their voice, they shall shout; for the majesty of Jehovah". And at Jeremiah 4:27, AS, we are told: "The whole land [of Judah] shall be a desolation; yet will I not make a full end." And verse 29 of the same chapter shows that men shall flee into the thickets and climb upon the rocks. The entire earth was not desolated in the miniature fulfillment in 607 B.C. to 537 B.C., neither will it be when these scriptures have the greater fulfillment at Armageddon.
Why desolate the earth for a thousand years? What purpose would it serve? Since the earth was not created in vain, would it not have been created in vain at least as regards the thousand years if it were desolate that long? (Isa. 45:18) To claim that the saints will judge wicked men and angels to determine the degree of their guilt and punishment and that this will take a thousand years merely shows the weakness of the position taken. All the wicked will have been judged guilty to a degree meriting their destruction; a judgment passed and executed before the saints start the thousand-year reign with Christ. Since Adventists are agreed that death, not purgatory or eternal torment, is the reward of the wicked, how can it be according to degrees? Death is death. The degree of guilt of those destroyed would be inconsequential.
God has appointed a day for Christ Jesus to judge the world, and the saints will be associate judges. This judgment day will be a thousand years long and the rule is that, when Jehovah's "judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness". (Isa. 26:9, AS; Acts 17:31; 1 Cor. 6:1-4; 2 Pet. 3:8) If desolate, who learn righteousness?
Further, the Scriptures show that all the families of the earth will be blessed by the seed of Abraham which seed consists of both Christ and his body members, the saints. If this seed is to be taken to heaven and then return after a thousand years to enjoy the blessings of earth, who are all the families of the earth that the seed is to bless?—Gen. 22:17,18; Gal. 3:16,29.
And Revelation 20:5,6 shows that the saints will be kings and priests for a thousand years. As kings ruling over whom for a thousand years, if the earth is to be desolate at that time? And whom can they serve as priests, if there are no men on earth at that time requiring the services of priests?
Also note that the Bible does not state that those who join the Devil in his final effort are loosed or raised from the dead with him. Rather it clearly shows that when he is loosed he will go forth to deceive those on the earth, indicating that there are people on the earth before he is loosed and who are not deceived.—Rev. 20:7-10.
ROOT OF DIFFICULTY
Evidently the difficulty lies in not appreciating that at Christ's return, in addition to those Christians who will receive a heavenly reward, and those wicked ones who are destroyed, there will be another class of creatures upon the earth. The Scriptures are replete with proof showing that two separate and distinct classes will receive salvation, one to heavenly, and the other to earthly life. Jesus indeed promised a heavenly reward to some of his followers: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32) See also John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:35-54; 2 Peter 1:4. However, he also spoke of "other sheep . . . which are not of this fold", and he made it very clear that some sheeplike ones would not receive the heavenly reward. "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." But surely God would not fail to reward such a faithful servant as John
the Baptist. How will he be rewarded? By a resurrection to life on the earth.—Ps. 115:16; Matt. 11:11; John 10:16.
Jesus likened this world's end to the time of the Flood. (Matt. 24:37-39) The Flood cleansed the earth even as Armageddon will in the near future. A comparatively few righteous ones were spared then and a comparatively few righteous ones will likewise be spared now, those seeking meekness and righteousness. To the survivors of the Flood God gave the mandate to multiply originally given to Adam and Eve and he will again restate it to the ones surviving Armageddon. But whereas Satan soon corrupted the human race after the Flood, he will be bound after Armageddon so that he will not be able to do so then.—Gen. 1:28; 9:1; 10:8; 11:1-9; Zeph. 2:1-3.
Another difficulty in the teaching of the desolated earth is the failure to appreciate the great difference between spirit and human creatures. The Scriptures assure us that the heavenly creature is far superior to and cannot even be seen by a human creature. In fact man has no idea what a spirit creature looks like. (Acts 26:13, 14; Ex. 33:20; 1 Cor. 15:40-54) Christ divested himself of heavenly glory and became a human creature. He prayed that God might glorify him with the glory he had with his Father before the world was. Paul assures us that God did highly exalt him, even far above what he had before. Can we imagine Christ now in human form? And if his followers are to be like him, will they not also be glorious spirit creatures? And if such is the case, can we imagine that after a thousand years of existence as glorious spirit creatures in the heavenly realm they will be demoted or lowered to mere human conditions and bodies and be content to spend an eternity thus?—Rom. 2:7; John 17:5; Phil. 2:5-11; Hebrews 1 and 2.
But someone will ask, If the 1,000 years are to be used to judge the living and the dead, why does Revelation 20:5 state that the "rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished"? First of all note that modern translations all leave out the word "again". See Moffatt, Goodspeed, American Standard Version, Weymouth, New World, etc. Also note that it does not state that the rest of the dead were not resurrected until the thousand years were finished, as if there were a thousand years between the first resurrection and the resurrection of mankind in general. It merely states that they did not "live" until the thousand years were finished.
The purpose of the 1,000-year reign of Christ is to bring life to mankind. However, even though resurrected from the dead they will not really be alive in God's sight, perfected and having the ransom fully applied toward them and having the right to life, until they have proved their worthiness to everlasting life by withstanding the final test of integrity brought upon them by the loosing of the Devil and his demons. The Scriptures repeatedly refer to sinners as being dead though not actually so. "Let the dead bury their dead." "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."—Matt. 8:22; Eph. 2:1.
HOPE FOR THE DEAD
If, as it is claimed, 'the present life is given to man as a probation and death closes it,' what will be the fate of all the heathen who never lived during a judgment period and never had the opportunity to hear of God, Christ and the Ten Commandments? If it is argued that all such will be saved because of ignorance, why not keep all humankind in ignorance and then save all? But all these difficulties vanish when we understand the provisions of
the 1,000-year reign of Christ for such ones who in times past did not live during a special period of divine judgment.
In summing up: According to the Scriptures Christ Jesus will destroy all the wicked, seen and unseen, at the battle of Armageddon, which Bible prophecy shows is not far away, and at which time Satan and his demons will be bound in the abyss of the death state or unconsciousness for a thousand years. Those who survive that battle will be given the privilege of being fruitful, multiplying and filling the earth and subduing it. During this time the saints will rule with Christ in heavenly glory, having a part in judging the world in righteousness and in blessing all the families of the earth. During this time those unjust ones in God's memory, in the memorial tombs (but not the willfully wicked, whose names will rot), will be raised. Not having previously been involved in Jehovah's adverse judgments, they will then have the opportunity to learn righteousness.—John 5:28, 29, NW; Prov. 10:7.
By the end of the thousand years all in the tombs will have come forth and the earth will have been completely subdued, restored to a paradise state and filled with righteous creatures. (1 Cor. 15:24-28) Then Satan and his demons will be loosed for a little time to test all those on the earth. Those who fail in that test will be destroyed together with the Devil and his demons. Then, in the fullest sense of the word, being perfected and having the right to life, all survivors will live. Then there will be no more death due to inheriting Adamic sin, neither sorrow nor crying, nor any pain, for all former things will have passed away. (Rev. 21:4) Thus instead of the earth's having been desolated for a thousand years, it will have been crammed full of opportunities, activities and blessings.
ABOVE everything else the Scriptures magnify the supremacy of Jehovah God. "That they may know that thou alone, whose name is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth." "Power belongeth unto God." There is none like him, "declaring the end from the beginning." Whatever he purposes he accomplishes. He never miscalculates; he never makes a mistake. He is never in a predicament or a quandary because of what some of his creatures do or fail to do. Never is there any need for him to change his purposes. That is why he can so confidently state: "Yea, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it."—Ps. 62:11; 83:18, and Isa. 46:10, 11, AS.
The thousand-year reign of Christ will furnish a striking example of Jehovah's ability to carry out his purposes, and that on time, according to his schedule, regardless of what any of his creatures may or may not do. Stating his purpose regarding the earth to man, Jehovah said, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it; have dominion over the [lower animals]." And so that man may ever be mindful of Jehovah's supremacy, his life was made conditional on obedience. "But from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you must not eat; for the day that you eat of
it you shall certainly die."—Gen. 1:28; 2:17, AT.
Jehovah provided Adam and Eve with everything they needed. They had a measure of the divine attributes of wisdom, justice, love and power; and so they could exercise wise and loving dominion over the lower submissive animals. And that the earth might be filled and become one vast paradise God gave man, and also the lower animals, the power to bring forth offspring, and provided the vegetation with seed so that it could multiply. Having created the earth and man and supplied him with all things needful for carrying out God's commands, Jehovah desisted from further creative activity. It was now up to man to forward Jehovah's purpose regarding the earth, and from Bible chronology we ascertain that he was given seven thousand years in which to realize that purpose. Gen. 2:1-3, AT.
JEHOVAH'S PURPOSE UNCHANGED
But Adam and Eve did not appreciate their blessings and their privilege of cooperating with Jehovah in the carrying out of his purpose regarding the earth or they would not have disobeyed him in the matter of eating the forbidden fruit. Did their disobedience change Jehovah's purpose regarding the earth and man? No. "He created [the earth] not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited." He changes not. (Isa. 45:18; Mal. 3:6) If some creatures fail to appreciate their privileges, God chooses others. His purposes will be carried out according to schedule.
Why did not Jehovah immediately destroy the principals of that first rebellion, Satan, Adam and Eve, and start anew? Because his name was involved—whose fault was it that man sinned, Jehovah's or man's?—and because of his love for men who would keep integrity. So he allowed man to remain and bring forth offspring and then gave these the opportunity to show where they stood, and for all lovers of righteousness he made provision for everlasting life by Christ's ransom.
Bible prophecy shows that we are standing at the very threshold of that new world. (Matt. 19:28; 24:1-51; Rev. 11:15-18) In that new world Christ and his bride will reign for a thousand years, during which time Satan and his demons will be bound. And, as we have seen in the foregoing article, instead of the earth's being desolated during that time, it is during that very time that all the families of the earth will be blessed. Thus Jehovah's purposes regarding the earth will be accomplished. Gen. 22:17,18.
In that new world, instead of hundreds of conflicting religions, causing confusion and strife, there will be but one true worship. Man will learn the fear of Jehovah, which is to hate evil and is the beginning of wisdom. Then all the "earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea".—Prov. 8:13; 9:10; Isa. 11:9, AS; Mal. 1:11.
THE DIVINE MANDATE FULFILLED
In that new world Jehovah's mandate to man to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth, and which was to be done in righteousness and to life, will for the first time be fulfilled. True, man has multiplied up
to the present time, but it has been in unrighteousness and to death. Then the parents "shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for calamity; for they are the seed of the blessed of Jehovah".-Isa. 65:23, AS.
Then Jehovah will restore man's dominion over the lower animals. "The wolf shall couch then with the lamb, the leopard's lair shall be the kid's; the lion shall eat straw like any ox, wolf and lion shall graze side by side, herded by a little child."—Isa. 11:6,7,Mo.
Because of man's disobedience he was sent forth into a cursed earth, one bringing forth thorns and thistles. But in the new world the earth will yield her increase and "instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree; and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle-tree". Even as Eden was a place of verdure, abounding with all manner of plant life, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc., so also will the new earth be. And even as Jehovah has rejuvenated the spiritual condition of his servants at the present time, so in the new earth: "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose."—Gen. 3:17, 18; Ps. 67:6, 7; Isa. 35:1, 2, 7; 55:13, AS.
Jehovah's purpose regarding Adam and Eve included neither idleness nor hard labor. So also in the new earth, man will
work but it will not be with sweat of face. And just as in Eden Jehovah gave man perfect health and the prospect of endless life, so in the new world. As in a spiritual way now for all the faithful, so then, too, "the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick." Christ will reign until death, the very last enemy, has been destroyed.—Isa.
33:24;1 Cor. 15:24-26.
In the new earth men will realize the fruit of their labors even as man did in the garden of Eden. Instead of corrupt politicians and greedy interests oppressing and exploiting the people, causing them to mourn, the people will rejoice because then a righteous "new heavens" will reign over obedient mankind. Yes, "They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them." Prov 29:2 Isa 65:21 22
In that new world every man shall sit "under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid". (Mic. 4:4) No crime, organized or unorganized, no racketeering, no violence of any kind. And no more war! Now every national economy is geared to the production of implements of war, but then "they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more". Of "peace there shall be no end". All this is certain because "the mouth of Jehovah of hosts hath spoken it".—Isa. 9:7; Mic. 4:3, 4, AS.
Imagine it, a world without undertakers, without doctors, without insurance agents, without lawyers, without policemen, without jails! With such conditions who would not want to fall in line with the new system of things and do what is right? Should any willfully rebel, they will have ample time to demonstrate their mental attitude before being destroyed as incorrigible. Isa. 65:20, Ro.
Then, to make sure that all obedient ones are acting from love, from principle, and not merely from policy, there will be one final test of integrity. Satan and his demons will be returned from the abyss or death state to permit them to try to turn all away from Jehovah God. Those whose
hearts are not fully in tune with Jehovah's righteous arrangement will be ensnared by Satan and his demons and will take part in his rebellion against the righteously constituted authority on earth at the end of the 1,000 years. Being unfaithful, fire will come down from heaven and devour them. Then all the obedient will realize life in the fullest sense, being given the right to life, pictured by having their names written in the book of life. Rev. 20:6-10,15.
Having reigned until all enemies have been destroyed, "then the Son himself will also subject himself to the one who subjected all things to him, that God may be all things to everyone." (1 Cor. 15:28 NW) Which fact further shows that Christ's reign is full of activity in behalf of Jehovah's name, man and the earth, and not a rule over a desolated earth. Incidentally, if those who are to enjoy these blessings had an interim of 1,000 years in heaven between their experience with present evil conditions and the blessings of the new world, as claimed by some, the contrasts the Scriptures make between the two conditions would lose all their force. Besides, if the saints were to return to a desolated earth at the end of the 1,000 years, would that not mean God's creative work starting all over again, providing men with all the things needed for life on earth?
Truly the Scriptures magnify the supremacy of Jehovah and, when understood, are seen to be consistent and reasonable. They show that at the end of the millennial reign of Christ all of Jehovah's purposes regarding the earth will come to be fully realized. His sabbath of 7,000 years will end by having the earth handed over to him, a paradise of Eden covering the globe. His purposes and supremacy having been fully vindicated during this sabbath, it will indeed have been a day sanctified.—1 Cor. 15:24; Gen. 2:3.
Exchange of Letters Regarding New World Translation
October 18, 1950
New World Bible Translation Committee Watchtower Bible and Tract Society Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dear Friends:
Last week I purchased a copy of your New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures of which I take pride in being an owner. You have done a marvelous work.
I was happy, indeed, to see the name Jehovah in it. It would have made me happier if you had given the name as precisely as possible and so used the word Yahweh. Since this is God's "name forever" and His "memorial to all generations", it is evident that it should appear in every place the King James Version uses the word Lord (in small capital letters) and where the Revised Version uses the name Jehovah.
In 1931 I wrote a folder in which I outlined a few things that need to be restored, one of which was the Divine Name! While I had no evidence that it was used in the Septuagint or in any copies of the Greek Christian Scriptures, I felt compelled, from the Old Testament evidence, that it should be used by Christians of today and that much had been lost by the suppression of the Name through the centuries. I even ventured the assertion that some day a New Testament would be gotten out in which the Name would be boldly printed. Your long step in that direction should lead to a widespread conviction in its favor.
I am sending you under separate cover a booklet of which I am the editor entitled "Order". I believe that if you will read the two articles by F. W. Emmons entitled "The Fellowship" and the one by myself entitled "Facts About Acts 2:42" you will make some revision of your rendering of that passage in future editions.
But you have made a marvelous step in the right direction, and I pray God that your Version will be used to His glory. What you have done for the Name alone is worth all the effort and cost!
Please pardon this intrusion on your time. Faithfully yours,
J. D. P., Editor "The Truth"
P. S. I am glad you have unmasked the clergy's
criticism of your work. They surely knew the facts as to 1 John 5:7! In 1947 I published a book by the late Gilbert O. Nations exposing the clergy.
October 31, 1950
Mr. J. D. Phillips 2305 E. First St. Austin, Tex.
Dear Friend:
This acknowledges yours of the 18th instant.
As publishers of the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, we wish to express our deep appreciation of your kind words with reference to this Translation. We can sense therein your own love of God's Word in its purity and your honest desire to have it set forth in its most faithful form that it may aid others to gain the divine truth.
Thank you, too, for sending us your book, "ORDER: The Commission and The Items of Worship." We are glad to have it on file, especially with its compilation of what has been said by these several individuals regarding Acts 2:42 and related scriptures. We have gone through it, especially reading the article "The Fellowship No. 2", by F. W. Emmons, and also the article "Facts About Acts 2:42", by yourself. What these articles say on koinonia has some claims for recognition, and a footnote at Acts 2:42 could have done so, showing the possible rendering "the contribution", as it appears in the main text of The Emphatic Diaglott, of which we are also the publishers. This would take its place alongside the other footnote, "to the breaking of the bread." While the Translation Committee prefers the rendering appearing in the main text, the footnotes show another possible or allowable rendering and the reader is thus left to choose what to him appears the preferential reading according to his own study and understanding of the sacred text.
Your prayer in behalf of the new Version is noted and appreciated, and if by the circulation of this Version we can serve toward men's greater love and grasp of God's Word and the glorifying of his holy name, we shall be most grateful indeed to him.
Very sincerely yours,
WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
ACCORDING to our last report the president of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society had concluded a successful national assembly at Sydney, Australia, and now he and his personal secretary were winging their way to Darwin on the northern coast of Australia. The account by N. H. Knorr regarding himself and M. G. Henschel continues:
Darwin was reached at 5:30 a.m. and we were taken by bus to the Qantas Empire Airways rest house for breakfast. The grass alongside the roads was as high as the roof of the bus in many places, and it was very hot even in the morning. Breakfast was enjoyed and soon we expected to be headed back to the airport. But the captain reported further engine trouble and that meant we must wait from hour to hour to hear the news. It was 1 p.m. when we finally left Darwin, which we learned was a military and air base of vital strategic value for the defense of Australia.
DJAKARTA
Our seats were directly over the wings, and that cut off the view of the ground below and the islands that we passed over. We flew over the Timor sea to Surabaja and passed over that city. At 5 p.m. we landed in Djakarta, Djawa, Indonesia (formerly Batavia, Java, under the Dutch administration). We were quite late and yet we saw many magazines published by the Society being waved above the heads
of a group of waiting people. There were about 30 of them and it was a good surprise to us. Many among them were of Chinese descent; some spoke English. Conditions are difficult for living in Djakarta there is a housing shortage. The new republic has many government departments organized and the people often live in the hotels. It was a real struggle for the brothers to locate a room for us, but they found a room at a hotel that is partly constructed, and there we were taken by them. After placing our luggage in the room we went to the home of Brother Tan at Djalan Tjiudjung 24 in a taxi. We spent an hour talking to about 25 brothers, with interpretation in Indonesian. Then we returned to the hotel to rest. People in general in Djakarta do not stay out late at night, and there is some danger of robbery late at night. At 8 p.m. there were still many people on the streets and the traffic was heavy on some roads. Many ride bicycles. Then there were the betjak travelers. We were later to have the experience of riding in a betjak, which is a three-wheel cycle operated by pedal power and licensed to carry passengers. Passengers sit in front of the driver and the ride is quite comfortable. When the sun is hot a shade is put up over the passengers. We noticed too how many canals there were, evidently the influence of the Dutch who developed the city, and in these many people bathe, launder clothing and wash cycles or other equipment.
March 28 was spent with some of the publishers. In the morning we went to their home to talk over the problems of the work and the centers where the work may be developed. There is a big field of some 70 million people in Indonesia, and at the present time they have four pioneers and a few company publishers. What is needed there is improvement in theocratic organization and trained publishers, such as
summed up for 45 minutes with two interpreters. The meetings were held at the YMCA, and 37 were present.Most of them were Chinese, but there were Indonesians and others present too. They expressed great appreciation following the meeting and then showed their desire to comply with all theocratic requirements.
The public meeting was widely advertised by the use of handbills and the news-
graduates of Gilead. The about 30 local publishers are very willing to follow instructions and we found among them some with very quick minds. They were very thorough students and had many Bible questions at hand that we tried to answer. Also, some of them are translating the literature into Indonesian, and when this is available many more people can be reached with the Kingdom message. It was good to know that witnessing is done on four of the Indonesian islands. Three of the pioneers made request to go to Gilead for missionary training.
papers. The handbills were in all three languages. It was possible for the brothers to book the Gedung Kesenian (Schouwburg) at Djalan Komedi 2, a fine old theater that is centrally located in Djakarta. The talk was to start at 6 p.m., but according to custom a few minutes were allowed to pass before beginning. Interpretation was done in Indonesian and Dutch. There were 254 who attended, including many Moslems, Chinese and Indo-Europeans.
After spending Saturday morning March 30, with the
On the morning of the 29th we visited the offices of the Department of Immigration and the Department of Religion in connection with the giving of approval for visa applications filed for graduates of Gilead in New York. Matters had made little progress
and so we did all we could to move things along. We were to call at these offices
officials at the Department of Immigration and the Department of Religion, just past noon we reported to the airport for our onward trip to Singapore. Twenty of the publishers were there and they took a few photographs while we awaited the plane's depart-
ture. This time it was a Constellation of the Qantas Airways, and there was some
again during the next two days and we left with matters not fully settled.
That afternoon we joined in a meeting with the publishers and people of good will. I started to talk at 2:15 and a brother interpreted in Indonesian. At 3:30 Brother Henschel spoke and his talk was interpreted in both Indonesian and Dutch.I then
delay in loading. We did not mind, for we had enjoyed visiting with the publishers in Djakarta and rejoiced to see their zeal for the truth.
SINGAPORE
Our take-off time was 1:35 p.m. and the flight was a fairly short one. We saw a few islands en route, passed the equator, and landed at Kallang Civil Airport in Singapore at 3:50.
It had been raining there, but it stopped a few minutes before we arrived. We were away from other Kingdom publishers for less than three hours, for there at the airport were the Gilead graduates assigned to Singapore and some of the company publishers, a few of whom we had met on our last visit to that city. Quite a few publishers are Chinese—it is not unusual, for eighty per cent of the population are Chinese—and there are also some Indians. Their convention was in session and we were looking forward to meeting all of the publishers of Singapore and Malaya.
The brothers told us how much work had gone into preparing for the first theocratic assembly in Singapore with the president of the Society in attendance. Singapore has over a million people and they must know about it. The best auditorium in town, the Victoria Theatre, was engaged for the Sunday sessions, including the public lecture, and their advertising material was made ready. Invitations were sent out to all magazine subscribers and people of good will whose addresses were on file. At all home Bible studies the assembly was talked about. The real concentrated publicity campaign began two weeks before the assembly. The Victoria Theatre, right there in the center of the government buildings and on the main road, displayed a large, prominent advertising sign on its façade. Because of the regulations put into effect following the recent riots in Singapore, public advertising by handbill distribution on the streets, the wearing of placards by publishers and putting up signs on house walls was prohibited. Even so, 8,000 handbills were put in the hands of the people and 400 signs were put in store windows. Additionally, four theaters displayed slides and one of the
daily newspapers carried two advertisements.
The convention had opened on Friday, March 30. It began with songs, followed by the chairman's opening address, a service meeting and theocratic ministry school, all held at the Kingdom Hall, 33 Poole Road. While the usual attendance at the Singapore company's service meetings had been around 17, the regular attenders were thrilled to see 50 turn up for this meeting, including three visiting brothers from the Federated Malay States. The theocratic ministry school session happened to be the beginning of the course in the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures and this first lesson showed the new ATTENDERS what benefits would be derived from regularly sharing in this highly educational meeting and learning what the Scriptures teach.
Saturday's sessions were held at the Junior Technical (Trade) School on Bales tier Road. It is located in a quiet neighborhood and across the road is a large cricket field. Field service activities for the day were organized from the school. After the afternoon sessions some of the publishers came to the airport to meet us. After their day and a half of convention activities they were all in a happy mood—many of them had never attended a convention before. That evening 72 persons assembled at the school auditorium and listened to us.
The Gilead graduates made room for us at the Society's property at 33 Poole Road, and that is where we went that night to sleep. The home is a one-story building of recent construction and very well kept. The roof is of red tile and the cream-colored stucco exterior of the walls stood out in sharp contrast. The lawn and grounds surrounding it are very nice. We found the home very comfortable and it was a pleasure to be with those faithful missionaries for a few days.
On Sunday morning 45 turned up at the Victoria Theatre to hear a discourse on baptism, after which 5 persons symbolized their consecration to do God's will by being immersed in a pond near the edge of the city. The question now was, How would the public respond to the advertising for the public lecture, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land"? At 4 p.m. came the answer. We saw the ground floor of the theater filled with an audience of 307 persons, which, considering the restricted avenues of publicity available due to municipal ordinances and emergency regulations, was a splendid result. There were Malays, Arabs, Indians, Jews, Chinese, Eurasians and Europeans present. Many publishers expressed surprise and appreciation, for it was the largest meeting of its kind they had ever attended. The entire audience gave close attention and I enjoyed speaking to them, warm though it was with a coat on. After the public talk there was an invitation for those who wished to do so to remain, and following the intermission 85 listened to several other talks, including one each by Brother Henschel and myself.
There was one more day of convention to go. Monday night 73 assembled at the Kingdom Hall. Chairs had been placed on the lawn in front of the house and temporary lights were suspended on bamboo poles. There was a pleasant breeze. Little lizards were busy catching bugs and giving out little peeps periodically. Occasionally a plane from the nearby airport would roar overhead, red and green lights blinking in the night. After experiences by some publishers and talks by Brother Henschel and myself the convention closed. It was indeed a pleasure, the publishers told me, and it will remain in their memories for a long time. They felt that the assembly would mean an advance in the work in Singapore. Already the March report showed a new
peak of 72 publishers. It was quite a contrast to the group of nine, four of whom were publishers, that met together in 1947, when I visited Singapore before, and I told the publishers how well they had done, with Jehovah's rich blessing. There must yet be many hundreds, yes thousands, of persons of good will who will want to come into Jehovah's organization, the unwalled city around which Jehovah, like a burning fire, has thrown his protection. The Singapore publishers are thankful to be in it and to have the privilege of helping others to find their way into it by God's undeserved kindness for their eternal salvation.
Singapore is always an interesting place and we enjoyed noting that it appeared much cleaner than it was in 1947. There are many new military barracks and many new buildings for civilians now in use. Traffic is heavy and business is thriving. Rubber and tin exports are large and there are always many ships in the harbor. Hundreds of them-ocean steamers, oil barges, tankers, small cargo boats, tramp steamers, junks, sampans, and launches—are in the harbor and rivers. It was a time of special holidays for the Chinese and often they would be seen burning paper houses, cars or imitation money that they send off to their relatives they think are alive and need such items to be happy. The small alleys they turn into bazaars, the stacks of firewood brought in from nearby islands, the Oriental music, the street peddlers carrying their wares by means of bamboo poles resting on the shoulders, the Chinese women laborers doing construction work, the many religious temples of Eastern and Western origin, the portable sidewalk restaurants—these are the things that make Singapore, that remain in one's mind. And, of course, there is the humidity. But here, too, the light of Kingdom truths shines forth, teaching some how to choose life, that they might live.
"The LORD knows the days of the innocent."
instructions". The Society appointed one of the mature brothers in each congregation to be its representative. At this direction many objected and forsook the Society and walked away. They wanted to handle the Lord's work in their own way.
3 By this time the "sackcloth" condition of God's people was being changed, replaced with
IN 1918 (A.D.) no song of liberty and praise was heard, daily service of praise was not performed. Jehovah's people were silent, and it was a sorrowful condition, heart-sickening to the loyal, faithful remnant, some of whom were in prison. In March, 1919, God set organizers of his people free from prison and immediately they got busy and arranged a convention which was held at Cedar Point, Ohio, in September of 1919. There, comfort, strength and encouragement were given to Jehovah's
other garments of identification. The ashes were changed for beauty. (Isa. 61:3, AS) Jehovah began to cause the lightnings to flash from the temple, and marvelous truths were discerned. It was seen we were now living in the 'day of Jehovah'. (Ps. 118:23, 24, AS) The Isaiah class who had been unclean were cleansed. (Isa. 6:5, 6) The Lord Jesus had come to the temple for judgment. (Mal. 3:1-3) This was explained in 1922 at a second Cedar Point Convention, September 5-13. Now Zion's children were awake, the "sackcloth" off, from inactivity to action, from
people. Spiritual food was served by the "faithful and discreet slave". It was seen there was more work to do, a shock indeed for some who had stated the work was all done. The companion magazine to The Watchtower, then known as The Golden Age, was published in 1919. It was a time of great testing and heart searching, but happy were those who were in a condition of heart and mind of being ready for any service. But some were not in a healthy spiritual condition. Their motive for service was not pure; and we should not be surprised, for Jesus said: "The love of the
uncertainty to confidence, from fearfulness to boldness. Out into the open before the whole world they stood truly as God's servants, henceforth to advertise the King and the Kingdom. But what about the enemies, who had caused the death of the antitypical "two witnesses"? "Great fear fell upon those beholding them." (Rev. 11:3-11, NW) Well it might, for their fears and torments were just about to begin.
4 This means that since 1918, which had ended the 1,260-day period, two great wonders had happened. First, the Devil had set up his makeshift kingdom which was
greater number will cool off." (Matt. 24:12, NW) Some began to work lawlessly in God's organization and to even smite their former companions.-Matt. 24:48,49.
2 In 1921 The Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society first published "organization
to take the place of God's kingdom by Christ and was striving to make all people worship it. Secondly, he was successful for a time in causing God's holy ones to cease offering the continual sacrifice of praise
2. What significant developments are to be noted in the history of the Lord's people from 1918 to 1921?
What great change in the condition of God's servants on earth became quite apparent in 1922?
4,5. What events since 1918 therefore clearly indicate fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the 1,290 days?
to Jehovah God.
These events so clearly fulfill the angel's prophecy to Daniel of the 1,290 days: "Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but they that are wise shall understand. And from the time that the continual burnt-offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." (Dan. 12:10,11,AS) "From the time of the taking away of the continual ascending-sacrifice, and the placing of the horrid abomination that astoundeth shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days." (Ro) "And from the time of the removal of the perpetual sacrifice, when the abomination of desolation shall be set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days." (LXX) "Twelve hundred and ninety days shall pass, after the daily offering has been stopped and the appalling abomination has been set up." (Mo) This sacrifice need not be a literal everyday offering, but rather continual. The Hebrew word "taw-meed" is the same thought as in Isaiah 21:8, Isaiah 62:6, Psalm 34:1 and Psalm 71:6. It pertains to the continual, faithful service of Jehovah's people.
These two things are in evidence together, namely, (1) placing of the horrid abomination that astounds, and (2) the taking away of the continual sacrifice. There is no Scriptural reason for concluding that the 1,290 days should run at the same time as the 1,260 days. The 1,290 days are therefore reckoned from the date of the setting up of the abomination, which was in the latter part of January, 1919. This period of 3 years and 7 months ends at September, 1922—the very time of the Cedar Point Convention mentioned above. Let it be kept in mind that this convention was not arranged for this date with a view to fulfilling any prophecy, for at that time
it was not known that these dates were important. The "continual sacrifice" had been restored by 1922. The Isaiah class had been cleansed of lip and now they are wholly devoted to singing praises to Jehovah. "And in his temple everything saith, Glory."—Ps. 29:9, AS.
At the end of this 1,290-day period the whole world was to come to know that the League of Nations was not approved of God and would come to nought. (Isa. 8:9,10) Its doom was to be pronounced. Any build-up of the same system would be likewise doomed to failure. Three years and seven months passed from the time the abomination was set up until it was publicly pronounced as condemned, there at the Cedar Point Convention of September, 1922. There, too, another situation ceased, from the time the continual sacrifice of praise to Jehovah was interfered with and taken away until it was restored, and the sacrifice of praise was again being offered in God's temple, and the obnoxious abomination exposed as a subterfuge, standing in the place where it never should be. So ended the 1,290 days.—See The Watchtower, Nov. 1, 1922.
1,335 DAYS
Daniel 12:12 (AS) announces: "Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days." From 1922 there was a forward movement, new truths were opening to the view of the faithful. No halting now, for, with the vision of the Lord at the temple, the work of advertising the King and his kingdom was on. There are those who may think it strange that these 2,500-year-old prophecies are now receiving fulfillment in a few short years. But we must realize that they must come to pass sometime, and
What facts point to the accomplishment of the 1,290 day period in September, 1922?
Is it reasonable to think that these three time periods mentioned in Daniel 12 cover many centuries of time? Why do you so answer?
why not now? Some may prefer to think of these 1,260,1,290 and 1,335 "days" of Daniel 12:7-12 as covering many centuries of time, just as though that would add to their importance. But is that reasonable? Why not question yourself: Why were these wonders given? It was certainly not just to record or set forth historical facts, so that Bible students could point with confidence to God's Word as being true. Rather, these visions are for the comfort, edification and guidance of God's people in these "last days", so they would really know the sign of the times and when their deliverance from Babylonish captivity would come. (Rom. 15:4,NW) How possibly could these wonders guide us today if we merely knew that certain prophecies had been fulfilled during the Middle Ages? It is true certain prophecies received a partial or miniature fulfillment at the first advent of Christ Jesus, and this was to identify God's Son and to fulfill God's purposes concerning him, so giving the church confidence and complete assurance in him as the Messiah.
The prophecies of Daniel are not provided to outline the course of the Gentile nations from 607 B.C. to 1914 (A.D.), but to show Jehovah's people the happenings from 1914 on, not during the lease of Gentile power, but at its expiry. Daniel was told the visions and wonders for the last days, not for the purpose of then disclosing the events spread over 2,000 years, and in effect saying, "That is now over." But it is a "living" word; these visions are for the time appointed and will speak at the day they are required, and surely they do that today. Thus it is that knowledge is increased, indeed the understanding of these visions forms part of the knowledge. Keep in mind that the greatest event in human history has come to pass, for
Christ Jesus has been commanded by Jehovah God to rule in the midst of his enemies. When the infant Son of God was born at Bethlehem, Jehovah sent angels from heaven to announce the glad tidings. Also remember John the Baptist, who was the Elijah of that time, preached only a very short time before Christ's ministry began. Again numerous prophecies were fulfilled during the three and a half years' ministry of Christ Jesus, and that was for only 1,260 days.
Do you then wonder why Jehovah God has caused so much prophecy to be recorded for these last days, when the presence of Christ Jesus is not as a human babe but as the glorious King of all kings? Did you expect something spectacular, some worldly outward show, or some magnificent splendor, so all the world would marvel? He did not so come at the first advent. (Matt. 12:19; Luke 4:9-12; Isa. 53) His second appearing does not commence with such display. Take note: "For you yourselves know quite well that Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. So, then, let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses." (1 Thess. 5:2,6,NW) "Yet Jehovah's day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered." (2 Pet. 3:10,NW) It is actually possible for many wonders to be fulfilled and millions of people not even know it. Happy are your eyes if they see these things, if you are awake and watching.
10 Call to mind the rebuilding of Jerusalem's temple in the days when Israel was delivered from Babylon's literal captivity.
What was the purpose of these visions and prophecies of Daniel? and what other happenings long foretold were fulfilled in brief periods of time?
Was it to be expected that these wonders connected with the second presence of the Lord Jesus would be readily observable to all the world?
What corresponding facts in the prophecy of Zechariah (4:9, 10, AS) fully corroborate our understanding of the "days" of Daniel?
It seemed so insignificant, so small, just comparatively few captives returning and commencing to build. However, it is recorded: "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel; these are the eyes of Jehovah, which run to and fro through the whole earth." (Zech. 4:9,10,AS) Therefore keep in mind these are the beginning of things, for God commenced doing a great and marvelous work through his people particularly from 1919 on. Once that work commences it never ends. Yes, it begins in a small, quiet way, without ostentation, but with a certainty which will never stop. The new system of things was coming in and replacing the old. In these last days, a 4,000-year-old world is to end, and a new world is to come in. The fulfillment of prophecy may seem to some insignificant; but do not be deceived. Keep in mind that a great mountain, which filled the earth full as it were, grew out of a small stone. (Dan. 2:34,35) When Jehovah sets his hand to accomplish any purpose, it is done and no power anywhere is able to prevent him, for He is almighty. Jehovah's people will yet endure much brutal persecution, for they still live in an ungodly wicked world, but their unity and peace which arise out of knowing they are the nucleus of the New Earth society will never be shattered. Never will they be broken to pieces. Let the truths that Jehovah's King is present, the Kingdom is here to stay forevermore and will shortly manifest its power among the nations, sink into your mind.
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