A QUESTION:
I believe that you are one of those of whom God's spirit is causing to "wake up". As you can imagine, this is a mixed blessing. Satan is against these, and along with godly devotion, comes persecution (2Tim. 3:12; Eph.6:12).
4) In the book of Lamentations, a picture of the destruction of the temple and land by the Babylonians is recorded. Here we again we also see the trampling of Jerusalem as well as the defilement of the sanctuary.
Lam.1:10 The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation.
Lam.4:12 The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.
Lam.4:13 For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,
5) In a Psalm of Asaph, a similar message is seen, with additional connections to the two witnesses and the martyrs of Revelation (discussed further in the next section).
Ps.79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
Ps.79:2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
Ps.79:3 Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
6) Finally, in Ezekiel’s Temple vision, Ezekiel is told to give a message to the rebellious house of Israel regarding the strangers that they brought into the house of the Lord. Here it seems that their sin included both bringing Gentiles (uncircumcised in flesh) as well as unholy Jewish priests (uncircumcised in heart) into the temple.
Eze 44:6 And thou shalt say to the rebellious, [even] to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,
Eze 44:7 In that ye have brought … strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.
Eze 44:8 And ye have not kept the charge of mine holy things: but ye have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves.
Eze 44:9 Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.
It should be obvious then that there is an intimate connection between the presence of Gentiles in the holy city of Jerusalem and the defilement of the temple, usually by their presence within the temple itself. The importance of this connection is that this firmly places the 42 months of Revelation 11:2, the treading of the Gentiles, within the second period, since the desolation of the temple occurred at the beginning of the second period
And so, if we review all these traits...
The faithful "two witnesses" would:
-be anointed
-teach truth
-be repentant of the sins being committed by God's people (courtyard of worship) which sin is
accepting a rule by Gentiles, rather than by Christ and his Father
-being "trampled" underfoot by Gentiles who are ruling in God's people (courtyard of God's
worship) when these faithful no longer accept that Gentile rule. (Eze.30:3; Luke 21:24)
(Spiritual Gentiles are not anointed "Jews" -Rom.2:29)
-would have been given truth through vision, in order to prophesy (Rev.11:3; Num.12:6)
-Have been appointed by Christ and empowered by him to prophesy.
-are not generally accepted or recognized by God's own people
-will be persecuted for the Truth they preach
As for your next question, "What is my role and responsibility as a non anointed jehovas witness?"...
According to God himself...His "witnesses" are the anointed "chosen" ones (see Isa.43:10 a; 1Pet.2:9,10).
I hope that the spiritual food I have offered you here, answers your need.
Hi Pearl,
I have just begun to read your blog and your articles. Thank you for taking the time to do those things.
I have just begun to read your blog and your articles. Thank you for taking the time to do those things.
I am 25 years old and was raised as a witness....I am actually 6th generation on my moms side.
As of late I feel lost and pulled in many directions. I do not feel any love coming from the organization. I do not feel satisfied with the explanations for certain teachings. I feel intellectually stifled by being discouraged from doing outside research or being afraid to raise questions in fear of being labeled apostate.
I appreciated your article on titles and pioneering (http://pearl-titles.blogspot.com/ ).
This was a major issue of mine since my entire immediate family started pioneering 2 years ago. My mom, dad, and younger brother. in addition to feeling like the black sheep, I took issue with the special school, special book, special lunches, and dinners and get-togethers. Pioneers should be taking the lead and setting an example. But instead they form a club. They mostly go out during the week with other pioneers and many skip sat morning service.....i'm beginning to rant.
This was a major issue of mine since my entire immediate family started pioneering 2 years ago. My mom, dad, and younger brother. in addition to feeling like the black sheep, I took issue with the special school, special book, special lunches, and dinners and get-togethers. Pioneers should be taking the lead and setting an example. But instead they form a club. They mostly go out during the week with other pioneers and many skip sat morning service.....i'm beginning to rant.
I have begun to do a lot of reading and research. I have been very wary tho. Maybe because of an ingrained thinking that all outside out dissenting opinions or teachings are evil and apostate. How do I know who to trust? I know I must only trust God and the Bible, but there are many deep things if the Bible that need to be explained through the anointed on earth, but as you have stated many if these anointed are either deliberately or unknowingly teaching things which are false. How can I trust what anyone says including yourself?....I don't mean that in a disrespectful way. Should I be seeking out other anointed ones to talk to or read their words?
Is the Bible even written for non anointed ones?
What is my role and responsibility as a non-anointed "Jehovah's witness"? I have stopped going to meeting due to what I see in the organization. I lost faith in God momentarily.
I could not understand why, if I am suppose to make a choice between God and satan, I was not able to make a real informed decision....I felt God was hidden from me, and if I was not even sure of his distance then how could I choose him? How could anyone?
And now if the very organization that he has chosen is going to try to mislead me, and the other anointed are both scattered and teaching differing things, what do I do?
Is the Bible even written for non anointed ones?
What is my role and responsibility as a non-anointed "Jehovah's witness"? I have stopped going to meeting due to what I see in the organization. I lost faith in God momentarily.
I could not understand why, if I am suppose to make a choice between God and satan, I was not able to make a real informed decision....I felt God was hidden from me, and if I was not even sure of his distance then how could I choose him? How could anyone?
And now if the very organization that he has chosen is going to try to mislead me, and the other anointed are both scattered and teaching differing things, what do I do?
The book(s) by brother Franz, are they ok to read? .....you can tell I have been taught that they are dangerous and apostate lol.
not sure what I am looking for in emailing you, but I was compelled to. Sorry it was not more coherently laid out.
Thank you.
REPLY:
Hello Xxxx,
I am very happy to hear from you, and that you decided to write me.
I will try to take each thing you bring up (the points you make are excellent), and let you know what I glean from scripture regarding them.
Yhvh has indicated that he will draw those who have a heart that pleases Him. Without that undeserved kindness and mercy, all of us would,
on our own, remain blind and dead. Because of your quote..."As of late I feel lost and pulled in many directions. I do not feel any love coming from the organization. I do not feel satisfied with the explanations for certain teachings. I feel intellectually stifled by being discouraged from doing outside research or being afraid to raise questions in fear of being labeled apostate."...
I believe that you are one of those of whom God's spirit is causing to "wake up". As you can imagine, this is a mixed blessing. Satan is against these, and along with godly devotion, comes persecution (2Tim. 3:12; Eph.6:12).
Your comments to follow, show that your heart is indeed on the right path (Eze.9:4). You have safeguarded your thinking ability, and trained your perceptive powers to distinguish between right and wrong (Prov.3:21,22,23,24,25,26; Heb.5:14). Our heavenly Father supports such ones (Ps.97:10). Those marked by the "Beast" have abdicated (1John 4:1; 2Cor. 13:5; 11:3-4) these responsibilities to the "image" of their god (Rev.13:15,16) and will suffer the consequences of allowing themselves to be mislead (Rev.13:8; 2Thess. 2:10).
It is good however, that you are wary (1John 4:1). This is the period of time where expressions inspired by demons are at work (1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:13). Many anointed will fall to this deception (Matt.24:24; Rev.12:4; 13:7).
If you have noticed, both the Harlot daughter of Babylon the Great (Rev.17:5), and the faithful woman's Virgin daughters, are both located in the "wilderness" leading up to the end (Rev.17:3; 12:6).
This is a symbol of a time of testing (Matt.4:1), just as it was for the Israelites previous to their arrival to the Land of Promise.
This day of test, is for each anointed one to prove what their own work is (1Cor. 3:12,13,14). Jesus gave many warnings to his anointed slaves about this hour (Rev.3:10; 16:14; Matt.25:13; 1John 2:18). Only those who "keep awake" will be found "standing" when he returns (Luke 21:36; Mal.3:2,3). The rest of the anointed will suffer shame (Rev.3:18; 16:15).
I tell you these things, because during this "hour", all the spiritual air which surrounds us, is befouled by pervasive falsehood (Rev.8:10,11,12; 16:10,13,15; 9:2).
Jesus knew we would be facing this. For this reason, he gave guidance for recognizing the true prophets from the false (Matt.7:20; John 13:34,35).
I hope you will consider http://pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com
which article offers Jesus words, relevant to this selecting of "the proper food"/"fruit".
The truth is, that according to my own "roving about" (Dan.12:4); I have seen a sea of error, which it seems all are drowning in (Rev.12:15,16; 18:3; Jer.51:7; Isa.28:7,15,17,18,19).
Take heart that this was all prophesied, during this hour of test. Everyone, anointed and not, are proving the source of their teachings and therefore, their god.
Continue to be extremely selective. It means your life.
It is true that the anointed are needed for understanding. Many take offense at this thought. All the scriptural indications of this are contained in the article,
Please know that I do not take the slightest offense at being scrutinized or critiqued. Any anointed one may prove unfaithful. Only God, Jesus, and the Bible can be trusted implicitly.
And so, any anointed one must measure up to the requisites given by Christ. (in first article)
The Bible is written for all, but not all parts for all.
It may help you to resort to the scriptural description of the faithful remnant, in discerning who they are. I will review with you, those verses.
At Rev.11:1, we are told:
"I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers."
The "Temple" and "altar" being measured, are the anointed
It may help you to resort to the scriptural description of the faithful remnant, in discerning who they are. I will review with you, those verses.
At Rev.11:1, we are told:
"I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers."
The "Temple" and "altar" being measured, are the anointed
(1Cor. 3:16; 1Pet. 2:5; Eph.2:20,21,22; Rev.6:9,10,11).
Verse 2 reads:
"But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles.They will trample on the holy city for 42 months."
The "courtyard" of the "Temple" has been defiled by the Nations/Gentiles, and doesn't measure up to God's standards. Those ruling priests in covenant with Yhvh have done this thing (Isa.22:15,16,17,18,19; Luke 16:3; Ezek.44:7,8). THEY have brought in the Gentile "Image" of worship (Eze.5:11; 8:5,6; 23:38; 33:11; Rev.13:14,15,8; Eze.44:7; 30:3; Jer.13:20,21) John is told to "cast it clear out" , (or "dis-possess" them, and "turn to flight"; according to Greek and Hebrew--as Deut.7:17 and Heb.11:34 puts it for cross reference) (Deut.7:17,21,22,23,24,26; Exo.22:20; Rev.13:8; Isa.62:10).
This "casting out" is the same Greek world used for casting out demons (Mark 16:17; John 12:31).
Deut.7:17 reflects a lack of confidence on the part of those who will do this casting out (Rev.13:4).
This "Gentile" courtyard is also accused of "trampling the holy city underfoot" (Rev.13:7; Matt.24:15; Dan.9:27; 11:16 --(Rev.13:4); Dan.11:31; 12:11).
Here is an excellent reference on exactly what parts of the Temple have been defiled by the "Gentiles"...
Rev. 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev. 11:2 But the court which is WITHOUT the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot 42 months.
The sanctuary in Daniel 8:11 & 13 is cast down and trodden, but in Revelation 11:2, portions of the sanctuary are afforded some means of protection, symbolized by its measurement by John (see, for example, Zechariah 2:1-5) (3). In addition, in Daniel the pollution of the sanctuary seems to include the very portion that is protected in Revelation. The problem here arises from the identification of the “court” in Revelation 11:2a with the Outer Court of the Temple, namely the Court of the Gentiles.
1) The Abomination of Desolation, the removal of the daily sacrifice, & the presence of Gentiles in the sanctuary all indicate that more than just the OUTER COURT of the temple was polluted. In fact it is strong evidence that AT LEAST the INNER COURT of the temple was somehow defiled by these Gentiles. (Although not proven here, the “army” of Dan 11:31, and the “little horn” and “host given him” in Daniel 8 are almost certainly Gentiles, as an analysis of Daniel’s prophecies quite readily show).
2) The Outer Court was the “court of the Gentiles,” so the natural question is why would the presence of Gentiles in the outer court be reason for its casting out? On the other hand, the presence of Gentiles in the Inner Court (see below) was an abomination and cause for pollution in and of itself.
One possible solution, which I propose, is that the passage in Revelation is misinterpreted. It is not the OUTER COURT which is actually cast out, but the INNER COURT.
1) Beale in his commentary on Revelation says “A few manuscripts have ‘inner court’ instead of ‘outer court’ (Uncial #1, 2329, al, vgs, syph, Vic.).” Although Beale does not believe this is the original, he does state that one possible reason for the error was “the copyists thinking that the inner court of the temple originally was in mind and that their predecessors had miscopied the text.” (4).
2) Even if the text in fact reads “outer,” another possible translation of the text is “the court that is outside the temple.” (5) Beale goes on to say that “Snyder prefers ‘the court that is outside the temple,’ which she concludes refers to the court outside the sanctuary* where the altar of burned offerings was located; consequently for her it is that altar which is in mind in Rev.11:2 instead of the altar of incense.” (6) (7)
*The Greek word “naos,” although sometimes used to refer to the entire temple complex (Matt 26:61, 27:5, John 2:20), more often refers to the temple proper which included the “inner sanctuary or inside house where only priests were allowed” (8). The altar of Revelation 11:1 may refer to either the altar of incense inside the naos (which many prefer), or to the altar before the naos in the Inner Court, that is, the altar of burnt offerings.
3) The Naos (Holy Place and Holy of Holies) and the altar which stood just outside the Naos, are said to be “measured, ” (Rev 11:1). John is never actually told to measure the Inner Court, so the implication is that it is not included in the measurements. If the outer court is cast out, and only the Altar and Naos measured, that leaves the tent that forms the Inner Court conspicuously unmeasured.
Put another way, if the naos and altar (regardless of whether it is the altar of burnt offering or the altar of incense), are the only objects measured and protected, then this emphasizes the exclusion of everything around them including the Inner Court.
4) The expression “cast out,” translated “leave out” in the KJV, implies that something was “within.” This further indicates the original term may have been “esothen,” (within). In other words, the court “within” is cast “without.” Mounce in his commentary on Revelation says that ‘esothen’ [within]… makes ‘ekballo’ [cast out] more understandable.” (9)
5) The Daily Sacrifice was in the Inner Court. If the Outer Court, the court of the Gentiles, is cast out, why would the daily sacrifice cease? This is better understood if the court referred to in Revelation 11:2 is the Inner Court. The reason the daily sacrifice is taken away is because with the absence of the tent that formed the Inner Court, Israel’s approach to God, along with their sacrifices were removed. Any sacrifices would be defiled before ever being allowed on the altar. The daily sacrifice, therefore, would be effectively “removed” with the pollution of the inner court.
Furthermore, if the “altar” in Revelation 11:1 is the altar of incense, then everything outside the naos would be excluded including the altar of burnt offerings where the daily sacrifices were made. If this is true, John is essentially saying that the only thing left Holy, by God’s divine power, was the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, along with its worshipers.
6) Matthew (see arguments below for further detail) records that the “abomination of desolation” is set up in the “holy place.” Although the “holy place” could possibly refer to the “outer court,” it more likely refers to the inner court or even the Holy Place itself (see below).
New Testament Allusion 2; Old Testament Allusion 3] The Abomination of Desolation
Matt 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Matt 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
…
Matt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
…
Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
Compared to Luke’s account in the Olivet Discourse, Matthew and Mark describe the same period of time, but do not mention the surrounding of the city by armies, nor the trampling of Jerusalem by Gentiles. Matthew and Mark, on the hand, replace this event with another…the abomination of desolation. It seems then, although not recorded in Revelation 11, that this abomination of desolation is somehow associated with the “treading of the Gentiles.”
In addition they both mention that this abomination is set up in a place that it should not be, and according to Matthew it is “in the holy place.” Before continuing, if the abomination was set up in THE Holy Place, then this contradicts Revelation 11:1-2, since the NAOS, including the Holy Place, is measured and not cast out. This is quickly resolved by observing a passage from the book of Acts in which Paul was said to defile “the holy place” as well.
Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Acts 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
The exact same Greek phrase is used here for “holy place,” but does not refer to the Holy Place itself but to the temple, in this case, the hierion. The “hierion” included not just the NAOS but the entire Temple complex, including the courts. In other words, Paul was being accused of polluting A holy place, not THE Holy Place by bringing Gentiles into the Inner Court. The same is probably true of Matthew 24:15. The pollution did not occur in the Holy Place, but inside the Inner Court.
But this abomination is not mentioned by the author of Revelation. Is there a connection between the abomination and the treading of the Gentiles?
1) As seen already from the account in Acts, the presence of Gentiles within the temple itself causes pollution of the temple (Acts 21:28).
2) Daniel also makes a connection between the presence of some ‘army’ or host and the abomination of desolation.
Dan.8:11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
Dan.8:12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Dan.8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?
Dan.11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
Dan.9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Dan.9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
There is no surprise then that Luke uses the Gentile presence in Jerusalem and Matthew and Mark use the ‘abomination of desolation’ since the two are intimately connected in Daniel. The Gentile presence, the “arms” of Daniel 11:31 are the ones that ultimately “set up” the “abomination.” Furthermore, what this indicates is the presence of Gentiles themselves within the Inner Court which defile the Inner Court, causing it to be “cast out.”
3) There is a strong connection in the Old Testament between the presence of Gentiles and the defilement of the sanctuary, usually in connection to the sins and disobedience of Israel. In Leviticus we find a warning to the Israelites in the wilderness what God would do if they walked contrary to his commandments.
Lev.26:27 And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me …
Lev.26:31 And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.
Lev.26:32 And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.
Lev.26:33 And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.
Verse 2 reads:
"But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles.They will trample on the holy city for 42 months."
The "courtyard" of the "Temple" has been defiled by the Nations/Gentiles, and doesn't measure up to God's standards. Those ruling priests in covenant with Yhvh have done this thing (Isa.22:15,16,17,18,19; Luke 16:3; Ezek.44:7,8). THEY have brought in the Gentile "Image" of worship (Eze.5:11; 8:5,6; 23:38; 33:11; Rev.13:14,15,8; Eze.44:7; 30:3; Jer.13:20,21) John is told to "cast it clear out" , (or "dis-possess" them, and "turn to flight"; according to Greek and Hebrew--as Deut.7:17 and Heb.11:34 puts it for cross reference) (Deut.7:17,21,22,23,24,26; Exo.22:20; Rev.13:8; Isa.62:10).
This "casting out" is the same Greek world used for casting out demons (Mark 16:17; John 12:31).
Deut.7:17 reflects a lack of confidence on the part of those who will do this casting out (Rev.13:4).
This "Gentile" courtyard is also accused of "trampling the holy city underfoot" (Rev.13:7; Matt.24:15; Dan.9:27; 11:16 --(Rev.13:4); Dan.11:31; 12:11).
Here is an excellent reference on exactly what parts of the Temple have been defiled by the "Gentiles"...
Rev. 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev. 11:2 But the court which is WITHOUT the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot 42 months.
The sanctuary in Daniel 8:11 & 13 is cast down and trodden, but in Revelation 11:2, portions of the sanctuary are afforded some means of protection, symbolized by its measurement by John (see, for example, Zechariah 2:1-5) (3). In addition, in Daniel the pollution of the sanctuary seems to include the very portion that is protected in Revelation. The problem here arises from the identification of the “court” in Revelation 11:2a with the Outer Court of the Temple, namely the Court of the Gentiles.
1) The Abomination of Desolation, the removal of the daily sacrifice, & the presence of Gentiles in the sanctuary all indicate that more than just the OUTER COURT of the temple was polluted. In fact it is strong evidence that AT LEAST the INNER COURT of the temple was somehow defiled by these Gentiles. (Although not proven here, the “army” of Dan 11:31, and the “little horn” and “host given him” in Daniel 8 are almost certainly Gentiles, as an analysis of Daniel’s prophecies quite readily show).
2) The Outer Court was the “court of the Gentiles,” so the natural question is why would the presence of Gentiles in the outer court be reason for its casting out? On the other hand, the presence of Gentiles in the Inner Court (see below) was an abomination and cause for pollution in and of itself.
One possible solution, which I propose, is that the passage in Revelation is misinterpreted. It is not the OUTER COURT which is actually cast out, but the INNER COURT.
1) Beale in his commentary on Revelation says “A few manuscripts have ‘inner court’ instead of ‘outer court’ (Uncial #1, 2329, al, vgs, syph, Vic.).” Although Beale does not believe this is the original, he does state that one possible reason for the error was “the copyists thinking that the inner court of the temple originally was in mind and that their predecessors had miscopied the text.” (4).
2) Even if the text in fact reads “outer,” another possible translation of the text is “the court that is outside the temple.” (5) Beale goes on to say that “Snyder prefers ‘the court that is outside the temple,’ which she concludes refers to the court outside the sanctuary* where the altar of burned offerings was located; consequently for her it is that altar which is in mind in Rev.11:2 instead of the altar of incense.” (6) (7)
*The Greek word “naos,” although sometimes used to refer to the entire temple complex (Matt 26:61, 27:5, John 2:20), more often refers to the temple proper which included the “inner sanctuary or inside house where only priests were allowed” (8). The altar of Revelation 11:1 may refer to either the altar of incense inside the naos (which many prefer), or to the altar before the naos in the Inner Court, that is, the altar of burnt offerings.
3) The Naos (Holy Place and Holy of Holies) and the altar which stood just outside the Naos, are said to be “measured, ” (Rev 11:1). John is never actually told to measure the Inner Court, so the implication is that it is not included in the measurements. If the outer court is cast out, and only the Altar and Naos measured, that leaves the tent that forms the Inner Court conspicuously unmeasured.
Put another way, if the naos and altar (regardless of whether it is the altar of burnt offering or the altar of incense), are the only objects measured and protected, then this emphasizes the exclusion of everything around them including the Inner Court.
4) The expression “cast out,” translated “leave out” in the KJV, implies that something was “within.” This further indicates the original term may have been “esothen,” (within). In other words, the court “within” is cast “without.” Mounce in his commentary on Revelation says that ‘esothen’ [within]… makes ‘ekballo’ [cast out] more understandable.” (9)
5) The Daily Sacrifice was in the Inner Court. If the Outer Court, the court of the Gentiles, is cast out, why would the daily sacrifice cease? This is better understood if the court referred to in Revelation 11:2 is the Inner Court. The reason the daily sacrifice is taken away is because with the absence of the tent that formed the Inner Court, Israel’s approach to God, along with their sacrifices were removed. Any sacrifices would be defiled before ever being allowed on the altar. The daily sacrifice, therefore, would be effectively “removed” with the pollution of the inner court.
Furthermore, if the “altar” in Revelation 11:1 is the altar of incense, then everything outside the naos would be excluded including the altar of burnt offerings where the daily sacrifices were made. If this is true, John is essentially saying that the only thing left Holy, by God’s divine power, was the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, along with its worshipers.
6) Matthew (see arguments below for further detail) records that the “abomination of desolation” is set up in the “holy place.” Although the “holy place” could possibly refer to the “outer court,” it more likely refers to the inner court or even the Holy Place itself (see below).
New Testament Allusion 2; Old Testament Allusion 3] The Abomination of Desolation
Matt 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Matt 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
…
Matt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
…
Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
Compared to Luke’s account in the Olivet Discourse, Matthew and Mark describe the same period of time, but do not mention the surrounding of the city by armies, nor the trampling of Jerusalem by Gentiles. Matthew and Mark, on the hand, replace this event with another…the abomination of desolation. It seems then, although not recorded in Revelation 11, that this abomination of desolation is somehow associated with the “treading of the Gentiles.”
In addition they both mention that this abomination is set up in a place that it should not be, and according to Matthew it is “in the holy place.” Before continuing, if the abomination was set up in THE Holy Place, then this contradicts Revelation 11:1-2, since the NAOS, including the Holy Place, is measured and not cast out. This is quickly resolved by observing a passage from the book of Acts in which Paul was said to defile “the holy place” as well.
Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
Acts 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
The exact same Greek phrase is used here for “holy place,” but does not refer to the Holy Place itself but to the temple, in this case, the hierion. The “hierion” included not just the NAOS but the entire Temple complex, including the courts. In other words, Paul was being accused of polluting A holy place, not THE Holy Place by bringing Gentiles into the Inner Court. The same is probably true of Matthew 24:15. The pollution did not occur in the Holy Place, but inside the Inner Court.
But this abomination is not mentioned by the author of Revelation. Is there a connection between the abomination and the treading of the Gentiles?
1) As seen already from the account in Acts, the presence of Gentiles within the temple itself causes pollution of the temple (Acts 21:28).
2) Daniel also makes a connection between the presence of some ‘army’ or host and the abomination of desolation.
Dan.8:11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
Dan.8:12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
Dan.8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?
Dan.11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
Dan.9:26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Dan.9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
There is no surprise then that Luke uses the Gentile presence in Jerusalem and Matthew and Mark use the ‘abomination of desolation’ since the two are intimately connected in Daniel. The Gentile presence, the “arms” of Daniel 11:31 are the ones that ultimately “set up” the “abomination.” Furthermore, what this indicates is the presence of Gentiles themselves within the Inner Court which defile the Inner Court, causing it to be “cast out.”
3) There is a strong connection in the Old Testament between the presence of Gentiles and the defilement of the sanctuary, usually in connection to the sins and disobedience of Israel. In Leviticus we find a warning to the Israelites in the wilderness what God would do if they walked contrary to his commandments.
Lev.26:27 And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me …
Lev.26:31 And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.
Lev.26:32 And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.
Lev.26:33 And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.
4) In the book of Lamentations, a picture of the destruction of the temple and land by the Babylonians is recorded. Here we again we also see the trampling of Jerusalem as well as the defilement of the sanctuary.
Lam.1:10 The adversary hath spread out his hand upon all her pleasant things: for she hath seen that the heathen entered into her sanctuary, whom thou didst command that they should not enter into thy congregation.
Lam.4:12 The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.
Lam.4:13 For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests, that have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her,
5) In a Psalm of Asaph, a similar message is seen, with additional connections to the two witnesses and the martyrs of Revelation (discussed further in the next section).
Ps.79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
Ps.79:2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
Ps.79:3 Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
6) Finally, in Ezekiel’s Temple vision, Ezekiel is told to give a message to the rebellious house of Israel regarding the strangers that they brought into the house of the Lord. Here it seems that their sin included both bringing Gentiles (uncircumcised in flesh) as well as unholy Jewish priests (uncircumcised in heart) into the temple.
Eze 44:6 And thou shalt say to the rebellious, [even] to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,
Eze 44:7 In that ye have brought … strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.
Eze 44:8 And ye have not kept the charge of mine holy things: but ye have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves.
Eze 44:9 Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.
It should be obvious then that there is an intimate connection between the presence of Gentiles in the holy city of Jerusalem and the defilement of the temple, usually by their presence within the temple itself. The importance of this connection is that this firmly places the 42 months of Revelation 11:2, the treading of the Gentiles, within the second period, since the desolation of the temple occurred at the beginning of the second period
(Matthew 24:15-16, Mark 14:13-19, Daniel 9:26-27).
If the "holy city" is being trampled underfoot (Rev.11:2 c; Isa.26:13), then this involves these two faithful witnesses. At Rev.3:12, and Rev.21:2; we see that those sealed ones belong to this "holy city" which is being trampled (Rev.13:7).
See Psalm 79.
If the "holy city" is being trampled underfoot (Rev.11:2 c; Isa.26:13), then this involves these two faithful witnesses. At Rev.3:12, and Rev.21:2; we see that those sealed ones belong to this "holy city" which is being trampled (Rev.13:7).
No one should rule over God's chosen anointed priests, except their head and high priest...the glorified Christ (Eze.21:25,26,27; Isa.26:5,6).
Previous to John being given the command to cast out/dispossess the Gentiles from ruling in the Temple ("given" into the hands of "the Gentiles"), the anointed had accepted this dominance over them. This is why the two witnesses needed to repent (Eze.44:6,7,8,9; Jer.13:19,20,21; Lam.4:17,12,1,2,11,16,18,19,20,21,22) and take their God assigned temple priestly service, back. Some anointed will (Eze.44:15,16; Isa.26:2), some won't (Eze.44:10). This is why Rev.11:1 shows that these are individually being measured up.
The inner courtyard being ruled by the Gentiles, is beyond repentance
Previous to John being given the command to cast out/dispossess the Gentiles from ruling in the Temple ("given" into the hands of "the Gentiles"), the anointed had accepted this dominance over them. This is why the two witnesses needed to repent (Eze.44:6,7,8,9; Jer.13:19,20,21; Lam.4:17,12,1,2,11,16,18,19,20,21,22) and take their God assigned temple priestly service, back. Some anointed will (Eze.44:15,16; Isa.26:2), some won't (Eze.44:10). This is why Rev.11:1 shows that these are individually being measured up.
The inner courtyard being ruled by the Gentiles, is beyond repentance
(see pearl-winepress.blogspot.com).
All of them, are worshiping this Gentile Beast (Rev.13:8) and it's false Prophet (Rev.8:10,11; 9:1; 13:11; 17:1; 19:20; 20:10). But the anointed are still free to choose who they will obey; the Gentiles, or Yhvh. The "two witnesses" choose wisely, and repent. They will pay a price for this loyalty, they will be "thrown out" from performing their duties for the courtyard (John 16:2; 2Chron. 13:9)
All of them, are worshiping this Gentile Beast (Rev.13:8) and it's false Prophet (Rev.8:10,11; 9:1; 13:11; 17:1; 19:20; 20:10). But the anointed are still free to choose who they will obey; the Gentiles, or Yhvh. The "two witnesses" choose wisely, and repent. They will pay a price for this loyalty, they will be "thrown out" from performing their duties for the courtyard (John 16:2; 2Chron. 13:9)
(Rev.11:7; 12:11; 13:7,15; 6:11; 17:6; 2Chron. 20:11,12; Psalm 79:1,2,3,4; Rev.11:8,9,10)
Next, in Rev.11:3, Jesus begins his description of these two witnesses..
"And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
These "two" are appointed by Christ himself. They are anointed ones (John 15:16; Rev.5:9,10). These are the ones he found being faithful at his return (Matt.24:46,47).
Next, in Rev.11:3, Jesus begins his description of these two witnesses..
"And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
These "two" are appointed by Christ himself. They are anointed ones (John 15:16; Rev.5:9,10). These are the ones he found being faithful at his return (Matt.24:46,47).
Why "two"?
That symbol means that these ones are teaching truth (John 8:17). Note that they are dressed in sackcloth. This indicates their past guilt and repentance (which is covered in many prophecies about the remnant)
Joel 1:13; Dan.9:2,3,4,5,7,14,16,17,18,19,24,26,27; 11:32,35; 12:9,10; Isa.26:16,17,18,19,20,21
This guilt reflects that these of the Temple, were a part of the sins of the courtyard, but they have repented in sackcloth (Isa.22:12; Job 42:6). Scriptures indicate that this courtyard and Temple of God, are those bearing God's name (Jer.25:29; 1Pet. 4:17; Eze.9:6; Dan.9:17,18,19).
And Jesus says that he will "cause" these "two witnesses" "to prophesy".
This means that these two, are Prophets.
According to God's own decree, this means that these two have received visions of truth from Yhvh's Holy Spirit (Num.12:6; Acts 2:17,18). Despite this, we also know that these prophets will not be accepted, recognized, or appreciated (Rev.11:7,9,10) And so, in the midst of all the confusion and "roving about" (Dan.12:4,10); these "two" will be prophesying "true knowledge". The next verse, Dan.12:5, shows that this knowledge is associated with these two. This is confirmed in Zech.4:3,5,8,9,10,11,12,13,14. And Zech. is confirmed in Rev.11:4 which follows Rev.11:3.
This guilt reflects that these of the Temple, were a part of the sins of the courtyard, but they have repented in sackcloth (Isa.22:12; Job 42:6). Scriptures indicate that this courtyard and Temple of God, are those bearing God's name (Jer.25:29; 1Pet. 4:17; Eze.9:6; Dan.9:17,18,19).
And Jesus says that he will "cause" these "two witnesses" "to prophesy".
This means that these two, are Prophets.
According to God's own decree, this means that these two have received visions of truth from Yhvh's Holy Spirit (Num.12:6; Acts 2:17,18). Despite this, we also know that these prophets will not be accepted, recognized, or appreciated (Rev.11:7,9,10) And so, in the midst of all the confusion and "roving about" (Dan.12:4,10); these "two" will be prophesying "true knowledge". The next verse, Dan.12:5, shows that this knowledge is associated with these two. This is confirmed in Zech.4:3,5,8,9,10,11,12,13,14. And Zech. is confirmed in Rev.11:4 which follows Rev.11:3.
Rev.11:4 ...
"They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”
"They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”
And so, if we review all these traits...
The faithful "two witnesses" would:
-be anointed
-teach truth
-be repentant of the sins being committed by God's people (courtyard of worship) which sin is
accepting a rule by Gentiles, rather than by Christ and his Father
-being "trampled" underfoot by Gentiles who are ruling in God's people (courtyard of God's
worship) when these faithful no longer accept that Gentile rule. (Eze.30:3; Luke 21:24)
(Spiritual Gentiles are not anointed "Jews" -Rom.2:29)
-would have been given truth through vision, in order to prophesy (Rev.11:3; Num.12:6)
-Have been appointed by Christ and empowered by him to prophesy.
-are not generally accepted or recognized by God's own people
-will be persecuted for the Truth they preach
As for your next question, "What is my role and responsibility as a non anointed jehovas witness?"...
According to God himself...His "witnesses" are the anointed "chosen" ones (see Isa.43:10 a; 1Pet.2:9,10).
You ask about your responsibility before God, as one not anointed.
The scriptures answer this question. God is more distant from those not anointed, IF they do not join themselves to a faithful ambassador of Christ
(Matt.10:40,41,42; John 13:20; 2Cor. 5:20; Zech.8:23; Jer.31:31,33; Rom.2:29).
These "chosen" "hills" are God's arrangement for dispensing spiritual nourishment and spirit (Mal.2:7; John 17:14,17,18,21,26; 2Cor. 4:7; Matt.24:16) (in the time of exodus from the "City" "Jerusalem").
The grapes of a vineyard can not receive sustenance, unless they are attached to the branches of the true vine (John 15:5,8). For this reason, the anointed branches must also, remain in union with Christ as their only Head and Vine (1John 2:28; Rom.11:17,18,19,20,21,22).
Not all have remained in union with Christ and holy spirit during this hour of test (Matt.25:2,8,11,12,13,24,25,30; Rev.17:12,18).
This is the period of time Jesus referred to as "Winter" (Matt.24:20). It is the time when spiritual waters of Truth are "frozen" and scarce. Prophecy says that God is holding them back until the time He decrees...when he will melt them, releasing the anointed from their captive paralyzed condition, and they will then flow truth freely (see Job 38:22,23,29; Psalm 147:15,16,17,18,19,20)
The "scattered" condition (among the Gentiles) of the anointed was prophesied (Jer.31:10; Joel 3:2; Eze.34:6; Zech.14:2), as well as the faithful ones as being gathered together in the near future (Isa.11:12; Eze.20:34; Matt.24:28,31).
In the meantime, we can rely on Jesus' guidance for discerning the "fine trees" (Matt.7:15,16,17,18).
There is another responsibility that the Bible cites for all...including those not anointed. It is the commandment of Christ (John 13:34,35; James 2:8; Matt.22:36,37,38,39,40).
It is a matter of life and death to do this to the "least of Christ's brothers" (Matt.25:40,46; Luke 9:48). Jesus already knew what the "greatest" of his brothers would be inclined to do (Mark 9:33,34; 10:42,43,44,45; Matt.24:48,49). These who glorify themselves (John 7:18) are not the ones proving True. This should help you to discern where to find safe spiritual provisions.
Regarding the "misleading" that now occurs in the Organization...Satan is at the root of it. He has waged war with the remnant of the 144000, and is trying to overtake them with lies (Rev.12:15) in the hope of drowning their hope and Covenant promises. He "got in" through a traitor at the top (Rev.8:10,11; 9:1; 2:5; 13:11; Isa.28:15)
The collateral damage, is the "earth" surrounding the faithful, which swallows those lies. God justly allows it, because they have taken refuge in their beloved demonic lies, and idolatry.
(1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:13,14; 12:16; 2Thess. 2:9,10,11,12; Isa.28:14,15,17; Rev.13:5,14,8).
Those lies also mislead the "earth" into hating and mistreating the faithful anointed (Rev.11:3,7,9,10; Matt.25:41,42,43,44,45). This is already being fulfilled, as all those who remain loyal to God, are being disfellowshipped. They are then shunned by J.W.'s as filthy apostates. The Great Majority of JW's are loyal to the Organization/Beast who are "killing" the least of Christ's brothers, rather than treating these faithful ones, with love. Satan has found a way for God's own people to condemn themselves (Matt.25:40; Rev.11:10; 13:8).
And yet, as you pointed out, all the love is "cooling off" (Matt.24:12,13). Jesus was not referring to the world, but to the love of God's own people. It is due to the "increasing of lawlessness", which is due to the rule of the "man of lawlessness" over God's "temple"
And yet, as you pointed out, all the love is "cooling off" (Matt.24:12,13). Jesus was not referring to the world, but to the love of God's own people. It is due to the "increasing of lawlessness", which is due to the rule of the "man of lawlessness" over God's "temple"
1Cor. 3:16 (the anointed) (2Thess. 2:3). That rule is in opposition to the anointed (2Thess. 2:4), is over them (2Thess. 2:4) and "tramples them underfoot" (Rev.11:1,2). This is the "disgusting thing" "standing"/ruling, in the "holy place"/Temple (Matt.24:15; Dan.11:31; 12:7,11).
All this, as well as Yhvh's remedy and rescue, was prophesied.
You may read anything you wish. Just keep in mind that even with the faithful anointed;
no one has all truth yet. (1Cor. 13:9). As the end approaches, the truth becomes more abundant
among the faithful anointed.
among the faithful anointed.
This is covered in the article http://pearl-distinction.blogspot.com
I hope that the spiritual food I have offered you here, answers your need.
If not, feel free to write again.
Because of the quality of your question, I have posted it on my front page. You may find reading it there an advantage, since all the scriptures will "pop-up" for you.
Thanks again Xxxx, and I'm very pleased to have met you.
Pearl
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