Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel

Treasures from God’s Word WT Library References

INDEX

Source Material ...... 1

An Introduction to the Book of Ezekiel...... 2

Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Ezekiel ...... 3

Jehovah commissions Ezekiel (then an exile in Babylonia) as watchman ...... 3 Warning prophecies against unfaithful Judah and Jerusalem ...... 3 Prophecies against surrounding nations, a number of which Jehovah foresees as rejoicing over Jerusalem’s downfall ...... 3 Prophecies of deliverance and restoration of God’s people ...... 4

Ezekiel – Outline of Contents ...... 5

Why Beneficial ...... 6

Treasures from God’s Word ...... 7

WT Library Highlights ...... 21

Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 1-5 Ezekiel Delighted to Declare God’s Message ...... 7

Chapters 6-10 Will You Be Marked for Survival? ...... 8

Chapters 11-14 Do You Have a Heart of Flesh? ...... 9

Chapters 15-17 Do You Keep Your Promises? ...... 10

Chapters 18-20 When Jehovah Forgives, Does He Forget? ..... 11

Chapters 21-23 The Kingship Belongs to the One with the

Legal Right ...... 12

Chapters 24-27 A Prophecy Against Tyre Strengthens

Confidence in Jehovah’s Word ...... 13

Chapters 28-31 Jehovah Rewarded a Pagan Nation ...... 14

Chapters 32-34 The Watchman’s Heavy Responsibility ...... 16

Chapters 35-38 Gog of Magog Will Soon Be Destroyed ...... 17

Chapters 39-41 Ezekiel’s Temple Vision and You ...... 18

Chapters 42-45 Pure Worship Restored! ...... 19

Chapters 46-48 Blessings That Restored Israel Would Enjoy . 20

WT Library Reference

Chapters 1-5 ...... 21

Chapters 6-10 ...... 42

Chapters 11-14 ...... 62

Chapters 15-17 ...... 72

Chapters 18-20 ...... 81

Chapters 21-23 ...... 87

Chapters 24-27 ...... 105

Chapters 28-31 ...... 125

Chapters 32-34 ...... 141

Chapters 35-38 ...... 149

Chapters 39-41 ...... 170

Chapters 42-45 ...... 182

Chapters 46-48 ...... 192 Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel

Source Material

This material has been sourced from the 2016 Watchtower Library compact disk. Scriptures Included. Only verses that are explained in some way are included in the Scripture Index. Hence, if the material explains the meaning of the text, gives its background, tells why the text was written, or clarifies an original-language word and its implications, the text would be indexed, since the verse or part of it is explained. Scriptures that are used as proof texts but that are not explained are omitted. For example, Ezekiel 18:4 may be used merely to show that the soul dies. In this instance the scripture would not be indexed, since no explanation of the text is given. Note: In some verses material from the WTLibrary is duplicated.

Additional personal research is encouraged.

Page 1

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel

An Introduction to the Book of Ezekiel

Ezekiel was the son of a priest, and served as a prophet of Jehovah. He lived in Judah until 617 B.C.E. when Judean King Jehoiachin was forced to surrender to Babylon. Ezekiel was among the Jewish exiles whom King Nebuchadnezzar took to Babylon at that time. In 613 B.C.E. Jehovah commissioned Ezekiel to prophesy to the exiled Jews living in Babylonian captivity. Ezekiel faithfully fulfilled his assignment for at least 22 years. He completed his book in about 591 B.C.E. Ezekiel's prophetic work overlapped that of Obadiah and Jeremiah, in Judah; and of Daniel in Babylon. The sanctification of Jehovah's name is highlighted throughout the Book of Ezekiel. The expression “Sovereign Lord Jehovah” appears 217 times. The Book of Ezekiel has 48 chapters. In chapters 1 to 3 we read about the awe-inspiring visions Ezekiel sees by the river Chebar. During an intense windstorm, Ezekiel beholds four magnificent living creatures, or cherubs. Each one has four faces; that of a man, a lion, a bull, and an eagle. These faces reflect attributes that Jehovah possesses. Ezekiel is awed by a vision of the heavenly part of Jehovah's organization which is represented by a celestial chariot directed by God's spirit. Chapters 4 to 24 contain Jehovah's judgement against Jerusalem and her rebellious idolatrous people. Ezekiel often communicated Jehovah's prophecies by means of symbolic actions. For example, Jehovah had Ezekiel engrave the city of Jerusalem on a brick and stage a mock siege against it. As a sign of the coming siege he lay on his side for 430 days. In chapters 25 to 32 Jehovah turns his attention to the surrounding nations. They receive an adverse judgment because of their opposition to his people. Through Ezekiel Jehovah foretells destruction for the city of Tyre and her king. Did you know? The prophecy against Tyre was fulfilled in two stages. Years after Nebuchadnezzar devastated the mainland city, Alexander the Great completed the destruction by building a causeway to the island city of Tyre using the rubble remaining from Nebuchadnezzar's conquest. Chapters 33 to 48 contain a message of hope, and of the restoration of pure worship. In chapters 40 to 48 we read of Jehovah giving Ezekiel a vision of a temple. This vision of the temple underscores Jehovah's high standards for true worship. As you study this prophetic book take note of Jehovah's awe-inspiring qualities; Ezekiel's unswerving obedience to his instructions; and Jehovah's promises to unite all mankind in pure worship by means of the Kingdom.

Page 2

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel

Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Ezekiel

Prophecies regarding the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon and the restoration of a faithful remnant. A central theme is that people “will have to know that I am Jehovah” Written in Babylon—most of it during the six years before Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 B.C.E., and some of it as late as about 591 B.C.E. Jehovah commissions Ezekiel (then an exile in Babylonia) as watchman Given awe-inspiring vision of Jehovah’s glory, along with cherubs having four faces and accompanied by wheels having rims full of eyes Serious responsibility as watchman Warning prophecies against unfaithful Judah and Jerusalem Ezekiel is directed to enact Jerusalem’s coming siege by lying before an engraved brick for 390 days on his left side and 40 days on his right, while subsisting on meager amounts of food and water The land, including sites used for idolatry, to be desolated; unfaithful people to perish, with a remnant to survive; neither gold nor silver of value in providing escape Because idolatrous practices are carried on in temple precincts, Jehovah determines to express his rage, showing no compassion; only those marked by secretary clothed with linen to be spared Flight of King Zedekiah and people illustrated by Ezekiel’s carrying out luggage through an opening dug in a wall Jehovah’s judgment against false prophets and prophetesses Eagle-vine riddle indicates bitter consequences because people turn to Egypt for help Judgment of Jehovah to be according to individual action and not, as wrongly claimed, merely for sins of fathers Wicked Zedekiah’s crown to be removed, and royal rule in David’s line to cease until coming of the One having the legal right Unfaithful Samaria and Jerusalem represented as two prostitutes, Oholah and Oholibah; Jerusalem to receive severe treatment from her former lovers Besieged Jerusalem compared to heated cooking pot, and the inhabitants to meat inside Prophecies against surrounding nations, a number of which Jehovah foresees as rejoicing over Jerusalem’s downfall Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia to be desolated Tyre to be besieged by Nebuchadnezzar and, in time, to become a desolated site; destruction likened to the sinking of a fine ship with its cargo; Tyrian dynasty to end because of arrogance and treachery

Page 3

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel

Egypt to be plundered by Nebuchadnezzar in payment for his services as executioner of divine judgment against Tyre; Pharaoh and his crowd compared to a cedar that would be cut down Prophecies of deliverance and restoration of God’s people Jehovah to regather his people, his sheep, and raise up his servant David as a shepherd over them Whereas Edom is to be desolated, the land of Israel is to flourish like the garden of Eden As exiles in Babylon, the Israelites resemble dry, lifeless bones, but they are to be raised to life The union of two sticks, one representing Joseph and the other Judah, illustrates the bringing back of the exiled people into a unity under God’s servant David Jehovah’s restored people to come under Gog’s attack, but Jehovah promises to protect them and destroy Gog’s forces Ezekiel is given vision of a temple and its features; a stream flows from the temple to the Dead Sea, where waters are healed and a fishing industry develops; trees along the stream’s banks yield edible fruit and leaves for healing Land assignments are outlined; the city “Jehovah Himself Is There” is described

Page 4

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel

Ezekiel – Outline of Contents

Arrangement of Material. For the most part, Ezekiel’s prophecies and visions are arranged chronologically as well as topically. The four verses of chapter 29:17-20 are placed out of their chronological order (compare Eze 29:1; 30:20), but topically they belong here with the prophecy against Egypt. Up until the tenth month of the ninth year of the first exile, the central point around which Ezekiel’s prophecies revolved was the complete fall and desolation of Jerusalem, with only brief references to the restoration. Such is the tenor of the first 24 chapters. During the siege of Jerusalem, the prophet turned his attention mainly to pronouncing woes upon the pagan nations foreseen by Jehovah God as rejoicing over the downfall of Jerusalem. After arrival of the news that Jerusalem had fallen, the prophet sounds the glorious note of restoration, which is a dominant theme throughout the remainder of the book.—33:20, 21. The book of Ezekiel reveals that Babylon’s false religion had been introduced into the precincts of Jehovah’s temple, particularly in the form of worshiping the Babylonian god Tammuz. (Eze 8:13, 14) Besides such detestable false worship at Jehovah’s temple itself, the apostate Jews filled the land of Judah with violence. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that in his vision Ezekiel hears the call for Jehovah’s executioners to come with their weapons for smashing and to stand beside the altar in the inner courtyard of the temple. Jehovah then gives them orders to go through the midst of unfaithful Jerusalem and kill off everybody not marked as a worshiper of Jehovah: “Old man, young man and virgin and little child and women you should kill off—to a ruination. But to any man upon whom there is the mark do not go near, and from my sanctuary you should start.” (9:6) Ezekiel reports that Jehovah’s executioners started by killing first the 70 elderly men who were worshiping idolatrous carvings on the wall in a chamber in the inner courtyard. All the women who were sitting at the gate, weeping for the Babylonish god Tammuz, and the sun-worshiping apostates at the temple porch were also killed. (8:7–9:8) The vision of Ezekiel was but a preview of what was about to befall Jerusalem when Jehovah would make her drink the cup of wine of His rage out of His hand by means of His executional servant, King Nebuchadnezzar (Nebuchadrezzar), and his armies.—Jer 25:9, 15-18. Ezekiel’s prophecies of restoration must have been of comfort to the exiled Jews. In the 25th year of his exile (593 B.C.E.) Ezekiel had a remarkable vision of a new temple of Jehovah, the pattern of which came from Jehovah God himself, and of an adjacent city called Jehovah-Shammah, meaning “Jehovah Himself Is There.” (Eze 40:1–48:35) In the midst of a land of pagan idolatry, it strengthened hope in the repentant Jewish exiles of again worshiping the true God, Jehovah, at his temple. Ezekiel’s prophecy emphasizes the theme of the Bible, the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty and the sanctification of his name by means of the Messianic Kingdom. It points out that while God would permit a long period of vacancy on the throne of David, God had not abandoned his covenant with David for a kingdom. The Kingdom would be given to the One who had the legal right. Ezekiel thereby pointed the Jews, as did Daniel, to the hope of the Messiah. (Eze 21:27; 37:22, 24, 25) Jehovah caused Ezekiel to say more than 60 times that people ‘will have to know that I am Jehovah.’ Ezekiel magnifies the memorial name of God by using the expression “Sovereign Lord Jehovah” 217 times.—Eze 2:4, ftn.

Page 5

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel

Why Beneficial

The pronouncements, the visions, and the promises that Jehovah gave to Ezekiel were all faithfully related to the Jews in exile. While many scoffed at and ridiculed the prophet, some did believe. These benefited greatly. They were strengthened by the promises of restoration. Unlike other nations taken into captivity, they preserved their national identity, and Jehovah restored a remnant, as he foretold, in 537 B.C.E. (Ezek. 28:25, 26; 39:21-28; Ezra 2:1; 3:1) They rebuilt the house of Jehovah and renewed true worship there. The principles set out in Ezekiel are also invaluable to us today. Apostasy and idolatry, coupled with rebellion, can only lead to Jehovah’s disfavor. (Ezek. 6:1-7; 12:2-4, 11-16) Each one will answer for his own sin, but Jehovah will forgive the one who turns back from his wrong course. That one will be granted mercy and will keep living. (18:20-22) God’s servants must be faithful watchmen like Ezekiel, even in difficult assignments and under ridicule and reproach. We must not let the wicked die unwarned, with their blood upon our heads. (3:17; 33:1-9) Shepherds of God’s people bear a heavy responsibility to care for the flock.—34:2-10. Outstanding in the book of Ezekiel are the prophecies concerning the Messiah. He is referred to as the one “who has the legal right” to the throne of David and to whom it must be given. In two places he is spoken of as “my servant David,” also as “shepherd,” “king,” and “chieftain.” (21:27; 34:23, 24; 37:24, 25) Since David had long since died, Ezekiel was speaking of the One who was to be both David’s Son and Lord. (Ps. 110:1; Matt. 22:42-45) Ezekiel, like Isaiah, speaks of the planting of a tender twig that will be put on high by Jehovah.—Ezek. 17:22-24; Isa. 11:1-3. It is of interest to compare Ezekiel’s temple vision with the Revelation vision of “the holy city Jerusalem.” (Rev. 21:10) There are differences to be noted; for example, Ezekiel’s temple is separate and to the north of the city, while Jehovah himself is the temple of the city of Revelation. In each case, however, there is the flowing forth of the river of life, there are the trees bearing monthly crops of fruit and leaves for healing, and there is the presence of the glory of Jehovah. Each vision makes its contribution toward appreciation for Jehovah’s kingship and his provision of salvation for those who render him sacred service.—Ezek. 43:4, 5—Rev. 21:11; Ezek. 47:1, 8, 9, 12—Rev. 22:1-3. The book of Ezekiel emphasizes that Jehovah is holy. It makes known that the sanctification of Jehovah’s name is more important than anything else. “‘I shall certainly sanctify my great name, . . . ….and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” As the prophecy shows, he will sanctify his name by destroying all profaners of that name, including Gog of Magog. Wise are all those who now sanctify Jehovah in their lives by meeting his requirements for acceptable worship. These will find healing and eternal life by the river that flows from his temple. Transcendent in glory and exquisite in beauty is the city that is called “Jehovah Himself Is There”!—Ezek. 36:23; 38:16; 48:35.

Page 6

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 1-5 Ezekiel Delighted to Declare God’s Message

In a vision, Jehovah gave Ezekiel a scroll and told him to eat it. What was the significance of that?

• Ezekiel was to absorb fully God’s message. Meditating on the words in the scroll would affect Ezekiel’s deepest emotions and motivate him to speak • The scroll tasted sweet because Ezekiel maintained a good attitude toward his assignment How will prayerful Bible study and meditation affect me? 1 Ezekiel in Babylon sees visions of God (1-3) Vision of Jehovah’s celestial chariot (4-28) Storm, cloud, and fire (4) Four living creatures (5-14) Four wheels (15-21) An expanse sparkling like ice (22-24) Jehovah’s throne (25-28) 2 Ezekiel commissioned as prophet (1-10) ‘Whether they listen or not’ (5) Shown a scroll of dirges (9, 10) 3 Ezekiel to eat the God-given scroll (1-15) Ezekiel to serve as a watchman (16-27) Negligence leads to bloodguilt (18-21) 4 Siege of Jerusalem portrayed (1-17) Guilt carried for 390 days and 40 days (4-7) 5 Fall of Jerusalem portrayed (1-17) Prophet’s shaved hair divided into three portions (1-4) Jerusalem worse than the nations (7-9) Rebels dealt with in three ways (12)

Page 7

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 6-10 Will You Be Marked for Survival?

Ezekiel’s vision was initially fulfilled with the destruction of ancient Jerusalem. What is the modern- day fulfillment?

• The man with the secretary’s inkhorn represents Jesus Christ • The six men with smashing weapons represent the heavenly armies with Christ at the head • The great crowd will receive the mark when they are judged as sheep during the great tribulation What action must I take to be marked for survival? 6 Against the mountains of Israel (1-14) Disgusting idols to be humiliated (4-6) “You will have to know that I am Jehovah” (7) 7 The end has come (1-27) A unique calamity (5) Money thrown into the streets (19) The temple to be profaned (22) 8 Ezekiel taken to Jerusalem in a vision (1-4) Detestable things seen in the temple (5-18) Women weeping over Tammuz (14) Men worshipping the sun (16) 9 Six executioners and man with inkhorn (1-11) Judgment to start at the sanctuary (6) 10 Fire taken from between the wheels (1-8) Cherubs and wheels described (9-17) God’s glory leaves the temple (18-22)

Page 8

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 11-14 Do You Have a Heart of Flesh?

What is Jehovah’s guidance?

• Entertainment • Dress & Grooming • Love & Forgiveness How can I follow God’s guidance more fully?

• Entertainment • Dress & Grooming • Love & Forgiveness 11 Evil princes condemned (1-13) City compared to a cooking pot (3-12) Promise of restoration (14-21) “A new spirit” given (19) God’s glory leaves Jerusalem (22, 23) Ezekiel returns in vision to Chaldea (24, 25) 12 Exile foretold by symbolic actions (1-20) Luggage for exile (1-7) Chieftain will leave in darkness (8-16) Bread of anxiety, water of horror (17-20) A deceptive saying proved false (21-28) “None of my words will be delayed” (28) 13 Against the false prophets (1-16) Whitewashed walls to fall (10-12) Against the false prophetesses (17-23) 14 Idolaters condemned (1-11) Judgment on Jerusalem inescapable (12-23) Righteous Noah, Daniel, and Job (14, 20)

Page 9

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 15-17 Do You Keep Your Promises?

What oath did King Zedekiah break?

• What were the consequences of breaking his oath? What promises and agreements have I made?

• What are some possible consequences of breaking my promises and agreements? 15 Jerusalem, a useless vine (1-8) 16 God’s love for Jerusalem (1-63) Found as an abandoned child (1-7) God adorns her and enters a marriage covenant with her (8-14) She becomes unfaithful (15-34) Punished as an adulteress (35-43) Compared to Samaria and Sodom (44-58) God remembers his covenant (59-63) 17 The riddle of the two eagles and the vine (1-21) A tender shoot to become a majestic cedar (22-24)

Page 10

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 18-20 When Jehovah Forgives, Does He Forget?

When Jehovah forgives our sins, he will never hold those sins against us in the future. The following Bible examples help us to trust in Jehovah’s forgiveness.

• King David What was his wrongdoing? On what basis could he be forgiven? How did Jehovah show his forgiveness?

• King Manasseh What was his wrongdoing? On what basis could he be forgiven? How did Jehovah show his forgiveness?

• Apostle Peter What was his wrongdoing? On what basis could he be forgiven? How did Jehovah show his forgiveness? How can I imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness?

18 Each one responsible for his own sins (1-32) The soul who sins will die (4) A son not to pay for his father’s sin (19, 20) No pleasure in death of the wicked (23) Repentance brings life (27, 28) 19 A dirge for Israel’s chieftains (1-14) 20 A history of Israel’s rebellion (1-32) Restoration promised for Israel (33-44) Prophecy against the south (45-49)

Page 11

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 21-23 The Kingship Belongs to the One with the Legal Right

Jesus had the “legal right” to kingly power in fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy.

• Which tribe did the Messiah come through? • Whose kingdom would be secure forever? • Matthew provided the legal genealogy through whom? 21 God’s sword of judgment unsheathed (1-17) Babylon’s king to attack Jerusalem (18-24) Wicked chieftain of Israel to be removed (25-27) “Take off the crown” (26) “Until the one who has the legal right comes” (27) Sword against the Ammonites (28-32) 22 Jerusalem, the bloodguilty city (1-16) Israel like worthless dross (17-22) Leaders and people of Israel condemned (23-31) 23 Two sisters who are unfaithful (1-49) Oholah with Assyria (5-10) Oholibah with Babylon and Egypt (11-35) Punishment on the two sisters (36-49)

Page 12

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 24-27 A Prophecy Against Tyre Strengthens Confidence in Jehovah’s Word

The book of Ezekiel foretold specific details regarding Tyre’s destruction.

• Sometime after 607 B.C.E., who destroyed the mainland city of Tyre? • In 332 B.C.E., who used the ruins of the mainland city to build a causeway and destroyed the island city of Tyre? What detailed prophecy are you looking forward to seeing fulfilled?

24 Jerusalem like a rusty cooking pot (1-14) Death of Ezekiel’s wife a sign (15-27) 25 Prophecy against Ammon (1-7) Prophecy against Moab (8-11) Prophecy against Edom (12-14) Prophecy against Philistia (15-17) 26 Prophecy against Tyre (1-21) “A drying yard for dragnets” (5, 14) Stones and soil thrown into the water (12) 27 A dirge over the sinking ship of Tyre (1-36)

Page 13

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 28-31 Jehovah Rewarded a Pagan Nation

If Jehovah rewarded a pagan nation for a service, how much more so will he show appreciation for the work of his loyal servants! Babylonian Action

• Siege of Tyre My Actions

• What kind of spiritual warfare do I wage? Babylonian Sacrifices

• The costly siege of Tyre lasted 13 years • Babylonian soldiers suffered physically • The Babylonians received no wages My Sacrifices

• What sacrifices have I made in service to Jehovah? How Jehovah Rewarded Babylon

• Jehovah gave Egypt as spoil My Rewards from Jehovah

• How does Jehovah reward me? • Match the Correct Bible Text with Each Quotation. Ru 2:12 Mal 3:16 Heb 6:10 “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.” “May Jehovah reward you for what you have done, and may there be a perfect wage for you from Jehovah.” “A book of remembrance was written before him for those fearing Jehovah and for those meditating on his name.” 28 Prophecy against Tyre’s king (1-10) “I am a god” (2, 9) Dirge over Tyre’s king (11-19) “You were in Eden” (13) “The anointed covering cherub” (14) “Unrighteousness was found in you” (15) Prophecy against Sidon (20-24)

Page 14

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Israel to be restored (25, 26) 29 Prophecy against Pharaoh (1-16) Egypt to be given to Babylon as a reward (17-21) 30 Prophecy against Egypt (1-19) Nebuchadnezzar’s attack foretold (10) Pharaoh’s power broken (20-26) 31 The fall of Egypt, the lofty cedar (1-18)

Page 15

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 32-34 The Watchman’s Heavy Responsibility

Literal watchmen were often stationed on the city walls and towers to warn of approaching danger. Jehovah appointed Ezekiel as a figurative “watchman to the house of Israel.”

• Ezekiel warned Israel that execution would come upon them if they did not turn away from their bad ways What message from Jehovah do we proclaim today?

• By sounding the warning, Ezekiel could save his life and the lives of others What should motivate us to proclaim the urgent message that Jehovah has entrusted to us? This week I will try to preach to . . . a classmate a coworker an unbelieving family member other:

32 Dirge over Pharaoh and Egypt (1-16) Egypt’s burial with the uncircumcised (17-32) 33 Responsibilities of a watchman (1-20) News about Jerusalem’s fall (21, 22) Message to inhabitants of Jerusalem’s ruins (23-29) People not acting on the message (30-33) Ezekiel “like a romantic love song” (32) “A prophet has been among them” (33) 34 Prophecy against Israel’s shepherds (1-10) Jehovah’s care for his sheep (11-31) “My servant David” to shepherd them (23) “A covenant of peace” (25)

Page 16

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 35-38 Gog of Magog Will Soon Be Destroyed

The Bible describes the events that will occur before and after the destruction of Gog of Magog.

• The destruction of what will begin the great tribulation? • Who will attack Jehovahʼs people? • Jehovah will destroy Gog of Magog in which war? • How long will Christ reign? How can I prepare spiritually for the attack of Gog of Magog? 35 Prophecy against mountains of Seir (1-15) 36 Prophecy about mountains of Israel (1-15) Restoration of Israel (16-38) ‘I will sanctify my great name’ (23) “Like the garden of Eden” (35) 37 Vision of the valley of dry bones (1-14) Two sticks to be joined together (15-28) One nation under one king (22) Eternal covenant of peace (26) 38 Gog’s attack on Israel (1-16) Jehovah’s anger against Gog (17-23) ‘Nations will have to know that I am Jehovah’ (23)

Page 17

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 39-41 Ezekiel’s Temple Vision and You

The guard chambers and lofty pillars remind us that Jehovah has high standards for pure worship Ask yourself, ‘In what ways can I uphold Jehovah’s lofty and upright standards?’

39 Destruction of Gog and his troops (1-10) Burial in the Valley of Hamon-Gog (11-20) Restoration of Israel (21-29) God’s spirit poured out on Israel (29) 40 Ezekiel brought to Israel in a vision (1, 2) Ezekiel sees a visionary temple (3, 4) The courtyards and gates (5-47) The outer east gate (6-16) The outer courtyard; other gates (17-26) The inner courtyard and gates (27-37) Rooms for temple service (38-46) The altar (47) The porch of the temple (48, 49) 41 The sanctuary of the temple (1-4) The wall and the side chambers (5-11) The west building (12) Buildings measured (13-15a) The interior of the sanctuary (15b-26)

Page 18

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 42-45 Pure Worship Restored!

Ezekiel’s temple vision reassured the faithful remnant of exiled Jews that pure worship would be restored. At the same time, it reminded them of Jehovah’s high standards of pure worship.

• The priests would teach the people Jehovah’s standards List some examples of how the faithful and discreet slave has taught us the difference between what is unclean and what is clean. (Reference - kr pp. 110-117 Moral Refinements—Reflecting God’s Holiness)

• The people would support those taking the lead What are some ways that we can show our support of the elders in the congregation?

42 Dining-room blocks (1-14) The four sides of the temple measured (15-20) 43 Jehovah’s glory fills the temple (1-12) The altar (13-27) 44 The east gate to remain shut (1-3) Regulations regarding foreigners (4-9) Regulations for Levites and priests (10-31) 45 The holy contribution and the city (1-6) The chieftain’s allotment (7, 8) Chieftains to act honestly (9-12) People’s contributions and the chieftain (13-25)

Page 19

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel-Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 46-48 Blessings That Restored Israel Would Enjoy

Ezekiel’s temple vision lifted the hearts of exiled Israelites and confirmed earlier prophecies of restoration. Pure worship would occupy an exalted place for those blessed by Jehovah. The vision promised organization, cooperation, and security

• Flourishing, fruitful land

• An inheritance for each family Before land was allotted to the people, a special portion of the land was “set apart” as a “contribution” to Jehovah How can I demonstrate that Jehovah’s worship takes first place in my life? (Reference - w06 4/15 27-28 ¶13-14)

46 Offerings on certain occasions (1-15) Inheritance of the chieftain’s property (16-18) Places to boil offerings (19-24) 47 The stream flowing from the temple (1-12) Water gradually deepens (2-5) Water of the Dead Sea healed (8-10) Swampy places not healed (11) Trees for food and healing (12) Boundaries of the land (13-23) 48 Division of the land (1-29) The 12 gates of the city (30-35) City named “Jehovah Is There” (35)

Page 20

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

WT Library Highlights

Chapters 1-5 (Ezekiel 1:1) In the 30th year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiled people by the river Cheʹbar, the heavens were opened and I began to see visions of God.

*** it-1 p. 791 Ezekiel *** “The thirtieth year” seems to have reference to Ezekiel’s age. He began his duties as a prophet at this time.—Eze 1:1-3.

*** w98 6/15 p. 15 par. 15 Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Organization? *** Open your Bible to Ezekiel chapter 1, the first three verses. How does the account start? Does it say, ‘Once upon a time, in a distant land . . .’? No, this is no fairy tale in a mythological time setting. Verse 1 states: “Now it came about in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, while I was in the midst of the exiled people by the river Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I began to see visions of God.” What do you notice about this verse? It gives an exact date and a precise place. These details point to the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, the year 613 B.C.E.

*** si p. 134 par. 8 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** 8 Jehovah commissions Ezekiel as watchman (1:1–3:27). In his initial vision, in 613 B.C.E., Ezekiel sees a violent wind from the north, together with a cloud mass and quivering fire.

*** si p. 133 par. 2 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** It was in the fifth year of Jehoiachin’s exile, 613 B.C.E., that Ezekiel was commissioned by Jehovah as prophet.

*** w88 9/15 p. 11 par. 4 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 4 On Tammuz 5, 613 B.C.E. (in the fifth year of Judean king Jehoiachin’s exile in Babylon), the 30-year-old priest Ezekiel was among Jewish captives by “the river Chebar,” a notable canal of the Euphrates River.

(Ezekiel 1:2) On the fifth day of the month—that is, in the fifth year of the exile of King Je·hoiʹa·chin—

Page 21

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** si p. 133 par. 2 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** It was in the fifth year of Jehoiachin’s exile, 613 B.C.E., that Ezekiel was commissioned by Jehovah as prophet.

(Ezekiel 1:3) the word of Jehovah came to Ezekiel son of Buʹzi the priest by the river Cheʹbar in the land of the Chal·deʹans. There the hand of Jehovah came upon him.

*** it-1 pp. 428-429 Chebar *** CHEBAR

(Cheʹbar) [from Babylonian, meaning “Great (Canal)”]. A “river” in “the land of the Chaldeans” near which Jews of the community of Tel-abib were exiled. (Eze 1:1-3; 3:15) When speaking of “the river Chebar,” Ezekiel used the Hebrew term na·harʹ (rendered “river”) apparently in its widest sense to include the numerous Babylonian canals that once intersected the fertile area between the lower courses of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. This usage would be consistent with the corresponding Babylonian word that also describes either a river or a canal. The precise location of the Chebar is unknown. However, most Biblical geographers connect the “river Chebar” with the Shatt en-Nil, which has been identified with the naru Kabaru (or “Grand Canal”) mentioned in cuneiform contract tablets found at the city of Nippur, about 85 km (50 mi) SE of Babylon. The Shatt en-Nil branches off the Euphrates above Babylon and runs in a SE direction, passing near Nippur, to rejoin the Euphrates S of Ur, about 240 km (150 mi) below Babylon.

*** si p. 133 par. 2 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** 2 During these critical years leading down to the destruction of Jerusalem, Jehovah did not deprive himself or the Israelites of the services of a prophet. Jeremiah was stationed in Jerusalem itself, Daniel was in the court of Babylon, and Ezekiel was the prophet to the Jewish exiles in Babylonia. Ezekiel was both priest and prophet, a distinction likewise enjoyed by Jeremiah and later by Zechariah. (Ezek. 1:3)

Page 22

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 1:5) Within it were what looked like four living creatures, and the appearance of each one was like that of a human.

*** w07 7/1 p. 12 par. 1 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 1:5-11—Who are the four living creatures? In his second vision of the chariot, Ezekiel identifies the four living creatures as cherubs. (Ezekiel 10:1-11; 11:22) In this later description, he calls the bull’s face “the face of the cherub.” (Ezekiel 10:14) This is appropriate because the bull is a symbol of power and strength, and cherubs are powerful spirit creatures.

*** w91 3/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers *** Sometimes, however, humans received visions of angels and described them. The prophet Ezekiel saw “four living creatures,” and in a later vision, he identified these as angels of the rank known as cherubs. (Ezekiel 1:5; 9:3; 10:3)

*** w88 9/15 p. 11 par. 4 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** In vision, he beheld Jehovah’s celestial chariot, attended by “four living creatures.” (Read Ezekiel 1:4-10.) Each ‘living creature,’ or winged cherub, had four faces. (Ezekiel 10:1-20; 11:22) These indicate that the cherubs possess God-given love (the man), justice (the lion), power (the bull), and wisdom (the eagle). (Ezekiel 1:10) Their faces had this appearance: Each of the four had a man’s face with a lion’s face on the right, a bull’s face on the left, and each of the four had an eagle’s face.

*** it-1 p. 375 Bull *** The four living creatures seen in vision by the prophet Ezekiel accompanying the chariotlike throne of Jehovah each had four faces, one of which was that of a bull. (Eze 1:10) In the vision of the apostle John, one of the four living creatures around the throne was like a young bull. (Re 4:6, 7) Hence, the bull would fitly represent one of Jehovah’s basic attributes, namely, unlimited power.—Ps 62:11; Isa 40:26.

*** w91 3/15 p. 9 par. 3 Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move *** Each of these four living creatures, or cherubs, had four wings and four faces. They had a lion’s face, denoting Jehovah’s justice; a bull’s face, representing God’s power; and an eagle’s face, signifying His wisdom. They also had a man’s face, designating Jehovah’s love.—Deuteronomy 32:4; Job 12:13; Isaiah 40:26; Ezekiel 1:10; 1 John 4:8.

Page 23

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w88 9/15 p. 11 par. 4 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** In vision, he beheld Jehovah’s celestial chariot, attended by “four living creatures.” (Read Ezekiel 1:4-10.) Each ‘living creature,’ or winged cherub, had four faces. (Ezekiel 10:1-20; 11:22) These indicate that the cherubs possess God-given love (the man), justice (the lion), power (the bull), and wisdom (the eagle). (Ezekiel 1:16) The wheels and their structure appeared to glow like chrysʹo·lite, and the four of them looked alike. Their appearance and structure looked as though a wheel were within a wheel.

*** it-1 p. 467 Chrysolite *** CHRYSOLITE

(chrysʹo·lite). A transparent or translucent, yellow or green semiprecious stone composed of silicates of magnesium and iron. It generally occurs in volcanic rocks (also, in dolomite and some types of limestone) in solid, crystalline, or granular form. “Chrysolite” is from the Greek word khry·soʹli·thos, meaning “gold stone,” and it seems that at least some ancients applied this name to various yellow-colored gems. Fine-quality chrysolite crystals are found in Egypt.

*** it-1 p. 467 Chrysolite *** When Ezekiel received two separate visions involving four wheels, he noted that the appearance of the wheels was “like the glow of chrysolite.” (Eze 1:15-21; 10:9)

*** it-2 p. 75 Jewels and Precious Stones *** Precious stones are sometimes used Scripturally to symbolize qualities of heavenly or spiritual things or persons. The heavens were opened for Ezekiel, and in two visions he beheld four winged living creatures accompanied by four wheels, the appearance of each wheel being likened to “the glow of chrysolite,” that is, having a hue of yellow or possibly green. (Eze 1:1-6, 15, 16; 10:9) Later, Daniel saw an angel, “a certain man clothed in linen,” whose “body was like chrysolite.”—Da 10:1, 4-6.

*** it-2 p. 1180 Wheel *** By the river Chebar in the land of the Chaldeans during the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s exile, Ezekiel envisioned Jehovah riding upon a swift-moving chariotlike celestial vehicle. Its four wheels had rims filled with eyes, and within each wheel was another wheel apparently at right angles, making it possible to go forward or to either side without changing the angle of the wheels. Beside each wheel was a cherub, the cherubic living creatures and wheels moving in unison as they were directed by the spirit. (Eze 1:1-3, 15- 21; 3:13)

Page 24

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w91 3/15 p. 9 par. 5 Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move *** 5 Suddenly, the chariot’s wheels come into view. How unusual they are! Verses 16 and 18 say: “Their appearance and their structure were just as when a wheel proved to be in the midst of a wheel. And as for their rims, they had such height that they caused fearfulness; and their rims were full of eyes all around the four of them.” A wheel alongside each cherub would result in four wheels in four related places. The wheels glowed like chrysolite, a transparent or translucent yellow or green stone. This adds light and beauty to this glorious vision. Since the rims of the wheels were “full of eyes all around,” they were not going blindly in just any direction. And the wheels were enormously high, thus being able to cover a great distance with just one revolution on their axis. They, like the four cherubs, could move as fast as lightning. (Ezekiel 1:17) When they moved, they could go in any of the four directions without turning as they went.

*** w91 3/15 pp. 9-10 Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move *** Wheels Within Wheels 6 Something else was unusual. Each wheel had a wheel inside it—one of the same diameter that fitted crosswise into the base wheel. Only in this way could the wheels be said to “go on their four respective sides.” (Verse 17) Instantly, the wheels could change direction because there was a side of the wheel facing in each direction. The wheels conformed their direction of movement to that of the four cherubs. (Ezekiel 1:18) Their rims were so high that they inspired awe, and the rims of all four were full of eyes all around.

*** w91 3/15 p. 9 par. 5 Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move *** 5 Suddenly, the chariot’s wheels come into view. How unusual they are! Verses 16 and 18 say: “Their appearance and their structure were just as when a wheel proved to be in the midst of a wheel. And as for their rims, they had such height that they caused fearfulness; and their rims were full of eyes all around the four of them.” A wheel alongside each cherub would result in four wheels in four related places. The wheels glowed like chrysolite, a transparent or translucent yellow or green stone. This adds light and beauty to this glorious vision. Since the rims of the wheels were “full of eyes all around,” they were not going blindly in just any direction. And the wheels were enormously high, thus being able to cover a great distance with just one revolution on their axis. They, like the four cherubs, could move as fast as lightning. (Ezekiel 1:20) They would go where the spirit inclined them to go, wherever the spirit went. The wheels would be lifted up together with them, for the spirit operating on the living creatures was also in the wheels.

*** w91 3/15 p. 10 par. 7 Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move *** 7 Where did the wheels get this power to conform to all the movements of the four cherubs? From the holy spirit of Almighty God. Verse 20 says: “Wherever the spirit inclined to go, they would go . . . The spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.” The same

Page 25

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

invisible active force of God that was within the cherubs was in those wheels. (Ezekiel 1:22) Over the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an expanse that sparkled like awesome ice, stretched out above their heads.

*** it-1 pp. 222-223 Awe *** Visionary representations of Jehovah’s glory had an awe-inspiring impact. The platform of the celestial chariot, above which the prophet Ezekiel saw the glory of Jehovah, sparkled like awesome ice. High above the heads of the living creatures, which were representations of cherubs, this platform was like a translucent expanse, awesome in size and appearance. Through the translucent platform, the representation of what appeared to be a throne of sapphire stone was visible. The seated form on the throne glowed with the yellow brilliance of electrum in a refiner’s fire, the whole form also being surrounded by a similar brightness. This vision of Jehovah’s glory moved Ezekiel to fall upon his face in worshipful reverence.—Eze 1:15-22, 25-28.

*** w91 3/15 p. 10 par. 9 Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move *** Verse 22 of Ezekiel chapter 1 says: “Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse like the sparkle of awesome ice, stretched out over their heads up above.” The expanse, though solid, was translucent, “like the sparkle of awesome ice.” It was sparkling like thousands of diamonds as the sun strikes them. Awe-inspiring indeed! (Ezekiel 1:26) Above the expanse that was over their heads was what looked like a sapphire stone, and it resembled a throne. Sitting on the throne up above was someone whose appearance resembled that of a human.

Page 26

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

rainbow, and the majesty of a throne. They tell us that Jehovah’s presence is one of awe- inspiring beauty, pleasantness, and serenity. These depictions of God harmonize with the words of the psalmist who wrote: “Jehovah is great and most worthy of praise. He is more awe-inspiring than all other gods. All the gods of the peoples are worthless gods, but Jehovah is the one who made the heavens. In his presence are majesty and splendor; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.”—Psalm 96:4-6.

*** wp16 No. 6 p. 4 Visions of Those in the Invisible Heavens *** “There was a brilliance all around him like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. That was how the surrounding brilliant light appeared. It was like the appearance of the glory of Jehovah.”—Ezekiel 1:27, 28. These visions, given to the apostle John and the prophet Ezekiel, depict the splendor of the Most High God, Jehovah, with things we can readily envision—dazzling gemstones, a rainbow, and the majesty of a throne. They tell us that Jehovah’s presence is one of awe- inspiring beauty, pleasantness, and serenity. These depictions of God harmonize with the words of the psalmist who wrote: “Jehovah is great and most worthy of praise. He is more awe-inspiring than all other gods. All the gods of the peoples are worthless gods, but Jehovah is the one who made the heavens. In his presence are majesty and splendor; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.”—Psalm 96:4-6.

*** it-2 pp. 730-731 Rainbow *** The glory, beauty, and peacefulness of a rainbow that appears after a storm are drawn upon in Biblical descriptions of God and his throne. In Ezekiel’s vision of God, the prophet saw “something like the appearance of the bow that occurs in a cloud mass on the day of a pouring rain.” This emphasized “the glory of Jehovah.” (Eze 1:28) (Ezekiel 2:1) He then said to me: “Son of man, stand up on your feet that I may speak with you.”

Page 27

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 792 Ezekiel *** Jehovah then spoke, addressing Ezekiel as a “son of man,” to remind the prophet that he was but an earthling man. (Eze chaps 1, 2; compare Isa 6.)

*** si p. 133 par. 2 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** Throughout his book he is addressed over 90 times as “son of man,” a point of significance when studying his prophecy because, in the Christian Greek Scriptures, Jesus is similarly referred to as “Son of man” nearly 80 times. (Ezek. 2:1; Matt. 8:20)

*** w88 9/15 p. 11 par. 6 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 6 Though reminded of his human origin and lowly estate by being called “son of man,” Ezekiel was appointed as Jehovah’s prophet. (Read Ezekiel 2:1 (Ezekiel 2:3) He went on to say to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to rebellious nations that have rebelled against me. They and their forefathers have transgressed against me down to this very day.

*** it-2 p. 1001 Son of Man *** In the Hebrew Scriptures the most frequent occurrence of the expression is in the book of Ezekiel, where over 90 times God addresses the prophet as “son of man.” (Eze 2:1, 3, 6, 8) The designation as so used apparently serves to emphasize that the prophet is simply an earthling, thus heightening the contrast between the human spokesman and the Source of his message, the Most High God. The same designation is applied to the prophet Daniel at Daniel 8:17.

*** w88 9/15 p. 11 par. 6 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** (Read Ezekiel 2:1-5.) Ezekiel would go to “rebellious nations,” the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. (Ezekiel 2:5) As for them, whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will certainly know that a prophet was among them.

*** w08 7/15 p. 11 par. 17 Meeting the Challenges of the House-to-House Ministry *** 17 Although many today disregard our preaching work, they will soon come to view it in a different light. (Matt. 24:37-39) Jehovah assured Ezekiel that when the judgments he proclaimed came true, the rebellious house of Israel would “certainly know also that a prophet himself happened to be in the midst of them.” (Ezek. 2:5) Similarly, when God carries out his judgments against the present system of things, people will be forced to recognize that the message Jehovah’s Witnesses preached in public places and from house to house actually originated with the one true God, Jehovah, and that the Witnesses really did serve as his representatives.

Page 28

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w97 5/1 p. 23 par. 18 Messengers of Godly Peace Pronounced Happy *** 18 Do people respond so readily where you live? If so, we rejoice with you. In some territories, though, it takes many, many hours of hard work before even one interested person is found. Do those serving in such territories slack their hands or lose heart? No. Jehovah’s Witnesses remember God’s words to Ezekiel when He first commissioned the young prophet to preach to his Jewish compatriots: “As for them, whether they will hear or will refrain—for they are a rebellious house—they will certainly know also that a prophet himself happened to be in the midst of them.” (Ezekiel 2:5) Like Ezekiel, we keep telling people about godly peace whether they respond or not. If they listen, we are thrilled. If they turn their backs on us, mock us, even persecute us, we persevere. We love Jehovah, and the Bible says: “Love . . . endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7) Because we preach with endurance, people know who Jehovah’s Witnesses are. They know our message. When the end comes, they will know that Jehovah’s Witnesses tried to help them to enjoy godly peace. (Ezekiel 2:6) “But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them, and do not be afraid of their words, although you are surrounded by briars and thorns and are dwelling among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words, and do not be terrified by their faces, for they are a rebellious house.

*** w07 7/1 p. 12 par. 2 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 2:6—Why is Ezekiel repeatedly referred to as “son of man”? Jehovah addresses Ezekiel in this way to remind the prophet that his makeup is that of flesh and blood, thus heightening the great contrast between the human messenger and the divine Originator of the message. The same designation is applied to Jesus Christ about 80 times in the Gospels, clearly showing that the Son of God had come as a human, not as an incarnation. (Ezekiel 2:10) When he spread it out before me, it had writing on both front and back. Dirges and mourning and wailing were written on it.

*** it-1 p. 354 Book *** The writing was usually done on one side of the scroll unless there was more information than could be put on the inside. In that case, some writing might be on the outside, or the reverse side. The visionary scrolls containing judgments that were seen by the prophets Ezekiel and Zechariah and the apostle John had writing on both sides. This indicates that the judgments were great, extensive, and weighty.—Eze 2:10; Zec 5:1-3; Re 5:1.

*** it-2 p. 880 Scroll, Roll *** Symbolic Use. There are several instances of symbolic use of the word “scroll” in the Bible. Ezekiel and Zechariah each saw a scroll with writing on both sides. Since only one side of a scroll was commonly used, writing on both sides may refer to the weightiness, extent, and seriousness of the judgments written in these scrolls. (Eze 2:9–3:3; Zec 5:1-4)

Page 29

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 3:1) Then he said to me: “Son of man, eat what is before you. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.”

*** it-1 p. 1214 Intestines *** Physical food is assimilated by the intestines. This fact was metaphorically used to represent mental or spiritual digestion when, in vision, Ezekiel was told to eat a scroll, filling his intestines (Heb., me·ʽimʹ) with it. Ezekiel was to gain spiritual strength by meditating upon and storing in his memory the words written in the scroll. He was thereby nourished spiritually and provided with a message to speak.—Eze 3:1-6; compare Re 10:8-10. (Ezekiel 3:3) He went on to say to me: “Son of man, eat this scroll that I am giving you, and fill your stomach with it.” So I began to eat it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.

*** w08 7/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 6-7 Meeting the Challenges of the House-to-House Ministry *** 6 The book of Ezekiel reveals something else that can help us to speak with boldness. In a vision, Jehovah gave Ezekiel a scroll written on both sides with “dirges and moaning and wailing” and told him to eat it, saying: “Son of man, you should cause your own belly to eat, that you may fill your very intestines with this roll that I am giving you.” What did this vision mean? Ezekiel was to absorb fully the message he was to deliver. It was to become part of him, as it were, affecting his inmost feelings. The prophet goes on to relate: “I began to eat it, and it came to be in my mouth like honey for sweetness.” Declaring God’s message in public was a delight—like tasting honey—for Ezekiel. He felt highly privileged to represent Jehovah and to fulfill this God-given assignment, even though that meant delivering a strong message to an unreceptive people.—Read Ezekiel 2:8–3:4, 7-9. 7 This vision contains a valuable lesson for God’s servants today. We too have a strong message to deliver to people who are not always appreciative of our efforts. For us to continue to view the Christian ministry as a God-given privilege, we must be well- nourished spiritually. Superficial or haphazard study habits will not be sufficient for us to absorb God’s Word fully. Could you improve the quality or regularity of your personal Bible reading and Bible study? Could you more often meditate on what you read?—Ps. 1:2, 3.

Page 30

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w07 7/1 p. 12 par. 3 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 2:9–3:3—Why did the scroll of dirges and moaning taste sweet to Ezekiel? What made the scroll sweet-tasting to Ezekiel was his attitude toward his commission. Ezekiel was grateful to serve Jehovah as a prophet.

*** w94 9/15 p. 11 pars. 6-7 Make Public Declaration to Jehovah’s Name *** And he went on to say to me: ‘Son of man, you should cause your own belly to eat, that you may fill your very intestines with this roll that I am giving you.’ And I began to eat it, and it came to be in my mouth like honey for sweetness.”—Ezekiel 3:1-3. 7 Our bodies draw nutrients from the food that we eat, and in a sense these become part of us. Similarly, the “roll” eaten by Ezekiel—Jehovah’s message that the prophet had to declare—was to become a part of him, affecting his emotions. God’s words so stirred Ezekiel’s inmost feelings that declaring them in public was a delight for him. If you are a Witness of Jehovah, do you take pleasure in making public declaration of God’s message?

*** w91 3/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 11-14 Keep Pace With Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot *** 11 Ezekiel also set a fine example by taking God’s words into his heart. On command, he ate a God-given roll, or scroll. “It came to be in my mouth like honey for sweetness,” said Ezekiel. Though the roll was filled with “dirges and moaning and wailing,” it was sweet to Ezekiel because he appreciated the honor of representing Jehovah. It was a sweet experience to the prophet to fulfill his God-given assignment. God told him: “Son of man, all my words that I shall speak to you, take into your heart and hear with your own ears.” (Ezekiel 2:9–3:3, 10) Those visions made Ezekiel acutely aware of what God allowed him to participate in and strengthened his relationship with Jehovah. 12 Ezekiel was given visions and messages for various purposes and audiences. He had to listen carefully and then speak and act as directed. New information and procedures were revealed to him progressively during some 22 years of prophetic service. Sometimes Ezekiel spoke a specially worded message. At other times, he resorted to pantomime, as in lying before a brick symbolizing Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 4:1-8) His example in personal matters, such as his reaction to his wife’s death, also carried a message. (Ezekiel 24:15- 19) He had to be current, always presenting the right message and taking the right action at the right time. Ezekiel was bound in a very close, progressive working relationship with Jehovah. 13 Similarly, to build and maintain a close relationship with Jehovah as his fellow workers, we must take God’s Word into our heart. (1 Corinthians 3:9) Keeping pace with God’s visible organization in this respect requires that we keep up with the flow of spiritual food as it is supplied at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45-47) The “pure language” is constantly expanding. (Zephaniah 3:9) Only if we are up-to-date will we really be able to respond obediently to the direction of the Chariot Rider. 14 To that end, we need a good routine of personal prayer, private study, and participation in the holy ministry of the good news. (Romans 15:16) Recall Ezekiel’s example in eating the roll containing God’s message. Ezekiel consumed the entire roll, not part of it. He did not pick and choose morsels that might have been more to his personal taste. Similarly,

Page 31

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

our personal study of the Bible and Christian publications should be regulated to keep pace with the flow of spiritual food, and we should partake of all that is put on the spiritual table, including deeper truths.

*** w88 9/15 p. 11 par. 6 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** First, by divine command he ate a scroll containing dirges, but it tasted like honey because he was grateful to be God’s prophet. Similarly, anointed Christians and their fellow servants find it sweet to be witnesses of Jehovah.

*** w88 10/15 p. 14 pars. 18-19 “This Is the Day of All Days” *** In this way, John has an experience very similar to that of Ezekiel, who was also commanded to eat a visionary scroll. In Ezekiel’s case, Jehovah himself handed the scroll to the prophet, and Ezekiel saw that “there were written in it dirges and moaning and wailing.” (Ezekiel 2:8-10) Ezekiel reports: “I began to eat it, and it came to be in my mouth like honey for sweetness.” (Ezekiel 3:3) What did the eating of the scroll imply for Ezekiel? 19 Clearly, the scroll contained inspired prophetic information. When Ezekiel ate the scroll, he accepted the commission to declare this information to such an extent that it became a part of him. (Compare Jeremiah 15:16.) (Ezekiel 3:8) Look! I have made your face exactly as hard as their faces and your forehead exactly as hard as their foreheads.

*** w88 7/15 p. 30 Questions From Readers *** ▪ What was the point of Jehovah’s telling Ezekiel that his face was to be hard, like the faces of the Jews? Ezekiel was a prophet of God, serving among the Jews who had been taken captive to Babylon. These captives evidently thought that Jehovah would somehow come quickly to their rescue because they were his chosen people. They did not accept the fact that what they had experienced came upon them because they merited his disfavor. So when Jehovah directed Ezekiel to “speak with my words to them,” it was not an easy assignment. In preparing the prophet, God warned that “they will not want to listen to you, for they are not wanting to listen to me; because all those of the house of Israel are hardheaded and hardhearted.”—Ezekiel 3:4, 7. At this point God told Ezekiel: “Look! I have made your face exactly as hard as their faces and your forehead exactly as hard as their foreheads. Like a diamond, harder than flint, I have made your forehead. You must not be afraid of them.”—Ezekiel 3:8, 9. The people were obstinate and rebellious. (Ezekiel 2:6) Would they be able to overcome or intimidate God’s messenger? No. Since he had God’s backing, Ezekiel was not going to be softer than they were. Flint is a very hard stone, harder than steel. If the stubborn, unresponsive Jews could be compared to flint, so could Ezekiel. Even more, he was to be like diamond, the hardest of minerals; it is so hard that it can scratch even flint.—Jeremiah 17:1, 2.

Page 32

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 3:9) I have made your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or be terrified by their faces, for they are a rebellious house.”

*** it-1 p. 849 Forehead *** Also, at Ezekiel 3:7-9, God told Ezekiel, who prophesied to hardheaded (literally, “strong of forehead”), hardhearted Israelites, that he had made the prophet’s forehead “like a diamond,” in that he had given him the resolution, determination, and boldness to deliver God’s message to them.

*** w91 11/1 p. 31 Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Earthly Organization? *** ‘Like a Diamond, I Have Made Your Forehead’ The diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man. The Bible refers to the use of diamonds in scratching or engraving hard materials. (Jeremiah 17:1) Notice, too, Jehovah’s words to Ezekiel: “Look! I have made your face exactly as hard as their faces and your forehead exactly as hard as their foreheads. Like a diamond, harder than flint, I have made your forehead.” (Ezekiel 3:8, 9) Jehovah gave Ezekiel a diamond-hard determination that enabled him to prophesy to an obstinate people.—Ezekiel 2:6.

Page 33

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 3:14) And the spirit carried me along and took me, and I went in bitterness and in the rage of my spirit, and the hand of Jehovah rested strongly on me.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 11-12 par. 7 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 7 Eating the scroll produced in Ezekiel ‘a rage of spirit’ appropriate to its message.

(Ezekiel 3:15) So I went to the exiled people at Tel-aʹbib, who were dwelling by the river Cheʹbar, and I stayed there where they were dwelling; and in a dazed condition, I stayed among them for seven days.

*** w07 7/1 p. 13 par. 2 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 3:15. After receiving his commission, Ezekiel dwelled at Tel-abib, ‘stunned for seven days,’ digesting the message he was to declare. Should we not take time to study diligently and meditate in order to understand deep spiritual truths?

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 7 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** At Tel-abib he dwelt ‘stunned for seven days’ digesting the message. (Ezekiel 3:12-15) We too need to meditate and study diligently to comprehend deep spiritual things. (Ezekiel 3:17) “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman to the house of Israel; and when you hear a word from my mouth, you must warn them from me.

*** w88 9/15 p. 10 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** “A watchman is what I have made you to the house of Israel, . . . and you must warn them from me.”—EZEKIEL 3:17.

JEHOVAH’S “watchman” is speaking God’s message right now. Are you listening? Your very life depends on your responding to that message with appreciation and action. Soon, ‘the nations will know Jehovah’ when he sanctifies his holy name by destroying this wicked system and preserving his people. Do you hope to be among them? (Ezekiel 36:23; 39:7; 2 Peter 3:8-13) You may be, but only if you listen when Jehovah’s “watchman” speaks.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 pars. 7-8 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Having a message to declare, Ezekiel was commissioned as God’s watchman. (Read Ezekiel 3:16-21.) The newly appointed watchman was to warn lawbreaking Israelites that they faced divine execution. 8 If Ezekiel failed as a watchman, Jehovah would hold him responsible for the deaths of victims. Although those not wanting him to administer reproof would put figurative cords

Page 34

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

upon him, he would boldly declare God’s message. (Ezekiel 3:22-27) In our day, Christendom refuses to listen and tries to impose restraints upon anointed Christians. But since 1919 these anointed ones have served as Jehovah’s “watchman,” courageously declaring his message for this system’s “time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4) Associated with them in this work is an increasing “great crowd” of Jesus’ “other sheep.” (Revelation 7:9, 10; John 10:16) Since the “watchman” class keeps speaking God’s message, surely every one of the anointed and the “great crowd” would want to declare it as a regular publisher.

(Ezekiel 3:19) But if you warn someone wicked and he does not turn back from his wickedness and from his wicked course, he will die for his error, but you will certainly save your own life.

*** w91 3/15 p. 15 pars. 9-10 Keep Pace With Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot *** 9 Ezekiel was not to be apathetic or fearful, needing to be prodded constantly to fulfill his commission. He would be free of bloodguilt only if he willingly and boldly spoke Jehovah’s words. Ezekiel was told: “In case you have warned someone wicked and he does not actually turn back from his wickedness and from his wicked way, he himself for his error will die; but as for you, you will have delivered your own soul.”—Ezekiel 3:19. 10 As in Ezekiel’s case, the anointed Ezekiel class have accepted their God-given commission and are fulfilling it. If we are Jehovah’s Witnesses, we should remember that our life and the lives of others depend upon our obedience. (1 Timothy 4:15, 16) (Ezekiel 3:25) As for you, son of man, they will put ropes on you and tie you with them so that you cannot go out among them.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 8 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Although those not wanting him to administer reproof would put figurative cords upon him, he would boldly declare God’s message. (Ezekiel 3:22-27) In our day, Christendom refuses to listen and tries to impose restraints upon anointed Christians. (Ezekiel 3:26) And I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will become mute, unable to reprove them, because they are a rebellious house.

*** w03 12/1 p. 29 Questions From Readers *** Earlier in Ezekiel’s career as a prophet and watchman, Jehovah had told him: “Your very tongue I will make stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will certainly become mute, and you will not become to them a man administering reproof, because they are a rebellious house. And when I speak with you I shall open your mouth.” (Ezekiel 3:26, 27) When Jehovah had no message for Israel, Ezekiel was to remain speechless as regards that nation. Ezekiel was to speak what Jehovah wanted him to speak at the time Jehovah wanted him to do so. Ezekiel’s muteness implied that he was speechless as far as uttering words of prophetic significance to the Israelites was concerned.

Page 35

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 4:1) “And you, son of man, take a brick and put it in front of you. Engrave on it a city—Jerusalem.

*** it-1 p. 462 Chronology *** From 997 B.C.E. to desolation of Jerusalem. A helpful guide to the overall length of this period of the kings is found at Ezekiel 4:1-7 in the mimic siege of Jerusalem that the prophet Ezekiel carried out at God’s direction. Ezekiel was to lie on his left side for 390 days to “carry the error of the house of Israel,” and on his right side for 40 days to “carry the error of the house of Judah,” and each day was shown to stand for a year. The two periods (of 390 years and of 40 years) thus symbolized evidently stood for the length of Jehovah’s forbearance with the two kingdoms in their idolatrous course. The Jewish understanding of this prophecy, as presented in the Soncino Books of the Bible (commentary on Ezekiel, pp. 20, 21) is: “The guilt of the Northern Kingdom extended over a period of 390 years ([according to the] Seder Olam [the earliest postexilic chronicle preserved in the Hebrew language], [and Rabbis] Rashi and Ibn Ezra). Abarbanel, quoted by Malbim, reckons the period of Samaria’s guilt from the time when the schism took place under Rehoboam . . . until the fall of Jerusalem. . . . The right [side, on which Ezekiel lay] indicates the south, i.e. the Kingdom of Judah which lay to the south or right. . . . Judah’s corruption lasted forty years beginning soon after Samaria’s fall. According to Malbim, the time is reckoned from the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah . . . when Jeremiah began his ministry. (Jer. i. 2).”—Edited by A. Cohen, London, 1950. From the division of the kingdom in 997 B.C.E. to the fall of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. was 390 years. While it is true that Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom, had already fallen to Assyria in 740 B.C.E., in Hezekiah’s sixth year (2Ki 18:9, 10), it is probable that some of the population fled into the southern kingdom before the Assyrians’ advance. (Note also the situation in Judah following the division of the kingdom as described at 2Ch 10:16, 17.) But, more important, the fact that Jehovah God continued to keep the Israelites of the exiled northern kingdom in view, the messages of his prophets continuing to include them long beyond the fall of Samaria, shows that their interests were still represented in the capital city of Jerusalem and that its fall in 607 B.C.E. was an expression of Jehovah’s judgment against not Judah alone but the nation of Israel as a whole. (Jer 3:11-22; 11:10- 12, 17; Eze 9:9, 10) When the city fell, the hopes of the nation as a whole (with the exception of the few who maintained true faith) suffered collapse.—Eze 37:11-14, 21, 22.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 9 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** To depict the Babylonian siege, he was to lie down facing a brick on which he had engraved a picture of Jerusalem.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 9 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Ezekiel 4:1 (Ezekiel 4:3) Take an iron griddle and place it as an iron wall between you and the city. Then set your face against it, and it will be under siege; you are to besiege it. This is a sign to the house of Israel.

Page 36

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 504 Cooking, Cooking Utensils *** The Israelites also possessed deep-fat kettles or deep pans and also griddles. Grain offerings were frequently prepared in these. (Le 2:5, 7; 7:9; 1Ch 23:29) Examples of earthenware griddles have been discovered at Gezer. These had small depressions, comparable to the waffle iron of today. Iron griddles were also in use.—Eze 4:1-3. (Ezekiel 4:5) And I will impose on you 390 days, corresponding to the years of their guilt, and you will carry the guilt of the house of Israel.

Page 37

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

bear the error of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, then on his right side for 40 days to carry the sin of two-tribe Judah. A day stood for a year. So the 390 years ran from the founding of Israel in 997 B.C.E. to the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E.

(Ezekiel 4:6) And you must complete them. “Then for a second time you will lie down, on your right side, and you will carry the guilt of the house of Judah for 40 days. A day for a year, a day for a year, is what I have given you.

*** it-1 p. 135 Appointed Times of the Nations *** That a specific number of days may be used in the Bible record to represent prophetically an equivalent number of years can be seen by reading the accounts at Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6. Only by applying the formula there expressed of “a day for a year” to the “seven times” of this prophecy can the vision of Daniel chapter 4 have significant fulfillment beyond the day of now extinct Nebuchadnezzar, as the evidence thus far presented gives reason to expect.

Page 38

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 9 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Judah’s 40 years ran from Jeremiah’s appointment as God’s prophet in 647 B.C.E. to Judah’s desolation in 607 B.C.E.—Ezekiel 4:1-8; Jeremiah 1:1-3.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Enacted Prophecies 9 Ezekiel next enacted prophetic pantomimes with humility and boldness, setting an example that should move us to carry out God-given assignments humbly and courageously. To depict the Babylonian siege, he was to lie down facing a brick on which he had engraved a picture of Jerusalem. Ezekiel was to lie on his left side for 390 days to bear the error of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, then on his right side for 40 days to carry the sin of two-tribe Judah. A day stood for a year. (Ezekiel 4:9) “And you should take wheat, barley, broad beans, lentils, millet, and spelt and put them in one container and make them into bread for yourself. For the number of the days that you are lying on your side, 390 days, you will eat it.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 10 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** His bread (an unlawful mixture of wheat, barley, broad beans, lentils, millet, and spelt baked over dung) was unclean. (Leviticus 19:19) This action showed that Jerusalem’s residents would suffer great privation. But how heartening it is to know that just as Jehovah sustained Ezekiel under difficult circumstances, God will help us to remain faithful and fulfill our preaching commission in the face of all hardships!—Ezekiel 4:9-17. (Ezekiel 4:10) You will weigh out and eat 20 shekels of food per day. You will eat it at set times.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 10 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** To denote famine, he subsisted on just over eight ounces [0.2 kg] of food and about a pint [0.5 L] of water a day. (Ezekiel 4:11) “And you will drink water by measure, a sixth of a hin. You will drink it at set times.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 10 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** To denote famine, he subsisted on just over eight ounces [0.2 kg] of food and about a pint [0.5 L] of water a day. (Ezekiel 4:12) “You will eat it as you would a round barley loaf; you will bake it before their eyes, using dried human excrement as fuel.”

Page 39

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Eze 4:12-17) This seems to indicate that it was not the normal practice in Israel.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 10 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** His bread (an unlawful mixture of wheat, barley, broad beans, lentils, millet, and spelt baked over dung) was unclean. (Leviticus 19:19) This action showed that Jerusalem’s residents would suffer great privation. But how heartening it is to know that just as Jehovah sustained Ezekiel under difficult circumstances, God will help us to remain faithful and fulfill our preaching commission in the face of all hardships!—Ezekiel 4:9-17. (Ezekiel 4:14) I then said: “Not that, Sovereign Lord Jehovah! From my youth until now, I have not been defiled by eating meat from an animal found dead or a torn animal, and no unclean meat has entered my mouth.”

*** it-1 p. 658 Dung *** Some of the nomadic peoples may have used dung as fuel. Ezekiel, enacting a scene prophetic of Jerusalem’s siege, objected when God commanded him to use human excrement for fuel in baking bread. God kindly permitted him to use cattle manure instead. (Eze 4:12-17) This seems to indicate that it was not the normal practice in Israel. (Ezekiel 4:15) So he said to me: “All right, I will allow you to use cattle manure instead of human excrement, and you will bake your bread over it.”

*** it-1 p. 875 Fuel *** To depict the severity of Jerusalem’s siege, Ezekiel was instructed to use human excrement for fuel, but when he objected, Jehovah permitted him to use cakes of cattle dung instead. (Eze 4:8, 12-15) Although dried cattle dung is today used by some persons in the Middle East because of the scarcity of wood, this does not necessarily mean that the Israelites ordinarily used it, especially since ancient Palestine was more heavily wooded than it is now.

*** w94 8/1 p. 13 par. 14 Jehovah Is Reasonable! *** 14 Jehovah has changed course on other occasions—even over relatively minor matters. For example, once when he commissioned the prophet Ezekiel to act out a prophetic drama, Jehovah’s instructions included a directive that Ezekiel cook his food on a fire fueled with human dung. This was just too much for the prophet, who cried out, “Alas, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah!” and begged that he not be made to do something so repugnant to him. Jehovah did not dismiss the prophet’s feelings as irrational; rather, He

Page 40

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

allowed Ezekiel to use cattle dung, a common source of fuel in many lands down to this day.—Ezekiel 4:12-15. (Ezekiel 5:1) “As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword for yourself to use as a barber’s razor. Shave your head and your beard, and then take scales to weigh and divide the hair into portions.

*** it-2 p. 754 Razor *** That swords could be made razor sharp is shown by God’s command to Ezekiel to use a sword as a barber’s razor to cut off his hair and beard, and then to strike one third of the hair with the sword, pictorial of the destruction by the sword to come on a portion of Jerusalem’s populace. (Eze 5:1, 2, 12) This also reveals that barbering was an early profession.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 11 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! ***

11 Using a sword, Ezekiel next shaved off his hair and beard. (Read Ezekiel 5:1-4.) (Ezekiel 5:2) You will burn a third of it in the fire inside the city when the days of the siege are completed. Then you will take another third and strike it with the sword all around the city, and the last third you will scatter to the wind, and I will draw a sword to chase after them.

*** w88 9/15 p. 12 par. 11 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** (Read Ezekiel 5:1-4.) Those dying of famine and pestilence would be like the third of the prophet’s hair that he burned in the midst of Jerusalem. The war dead would be like the third struck with the sword. Survivors would be dispersed among the nations like the third of his hair scattered to the wind. (Ezekiel 5:3) “You must also take a few strands of them and wrap them up in the folds of your garment.

*** w07 7/1 p. 12 par. 5 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 5:1-3—What is significant about Ezekiel’s taking a few hairs from the portion he was to scatter to the wind and wrapping them in his skirts? This was to show that a remnant would return to Judah and take up true worship after the 70-year desolation.— Ezekiel 11:17-20.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 12-13 par. 11 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** But some exiles would be like the few hairs taken from that scattered portion and wrapped in Ezekiel’s garment to show that they would take up true worship in Judah after the 70- year desolation. (Ezekiel 5:5-17) (Ezekiel 5:17) I will send against you famine and vicious wild beasts, and they will bereave you of children. Pestilence and bloodshed will overwhelm you, and I will bring a sword against you. I, Jehovah, have spoken.’”

Page 41

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w88 10/15 p. 11 par. 7 “This Is the Day of All Days” *** 7 Writing perhaps five years before the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., Ezekiel prophesied a terrible punishment for the Jews because of their unfaithfulness. He wrote under inspiration: “So, too, it will be when there will be my four injurious acts of judgment— sword and famine and injurious wild beast and pestilence—that I shall actually send upon Jerusalem in order to cut off from it earthling man and domestic animal.” (Ezekiel 14:21; 5:17) Was this fulfilled literally back then? Undoubtedly Jerusalem suffered from famine and warfare as its end drew near. And famine usually causes disease. (2 Chronicles 36:1- 3, 6, 13, 17-21; Jeremiah 52:4-7; Lamentations 4:9, 10) Was there also a literal plague of wild beasts at that time? Likely there were cases of humans being dragged off or perhaps even killed by animals, since Jeremiah also foretold this.—Leviticus 26:22-33; Jeremiah 15:2, 3.

Chapters 6-10 (Ezekiel 6:4) Your altars will be demolished, your incense stands will be broken, and I will throw your slain ones down before your disgusting idols.

*** it-1 p. 1172 Idol, Idolatry *** Often mention is made of “dungy idols,” this expression being a rendering of the Hebrew word gil·lu·limʹ, which is related to a word meaning “dung.” (1Ki 14:10; Zep 1:17) This term of contempt, first appearing at Leviticus 26:30, is found nearly 40 times in the book of Ezekiel alone, beginning with chapter 6, verse 4. (Ezekiel 6:9) And those who escape will remember me among the nations where they are taken captive. They will realize that I was brokenhearted over their unfaithful heart that turned away from me and at their eyes that are lusting after their disgusting idols. They will be ashamed of and loathe all the evil and detestable things they have done.

*** it-1 p. 1109 High Places *** It is noteworthy that there is no record of any worship at high places after the return from Babylonian exile. As had been foretold, the faithful Jewish remnant had profited from the bitter experience and had come to know Jehovah.—Eze 6:9, 10. (Ezekiel 6:10) They will have to know that I am Jehovah and that my threats to bring this calamity on them were not empty.”’

*** it-1 p. 1109 High Places *** It is noteworthy that there is no record of any worship at high places after the return from Babylonian exile. As had been foretold, the faithful Jewish remnant had profited from the bitter experience and had come to know Jehovah.—Eze 6:9, 10. (Ezekiel 6:11) “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Clap your hands and stamp your foot and bemoan all the evil and detestable things done by the house of Israel, for they will fall by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence.

Page 42

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 218 Attitudes and Gestures *** Clapping the hands might be a gesture merely to command attention, as at Joshua 15:18. More often it was a sign of anger (Nu 24:10), contempt or ridicule (Job 27:23; La 2:15), sorrow (Eze 6:11), or animosity, rejoicing at bad that befell a rival, a hated enemy, or an oppressor; it was sometimes accompanied by stamping of the feet.—Eze 25:6; Na 3:19.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 12 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Ezekiel 6:8-14

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 12 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** The very thought of devastation by famine, pestilence, and warfare would make one cry “Alas!” and emphasize this by clapping the hands and stamping the foot. (Ezekiel 6:14) I will stretch out my hand against them and make the land desolate, and all their dwelling places will become more desolate than the wilderness near Dibʹlah. And they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’”

*** it-1 p. 625 Diblah *** DIBLAH

(Dibʹlah). A site mentioned by Ezekiel (6:14) when recording Jehovah’s prophecy of the desolation to come upon the land of Israel as recompense for its idolatrous worship. Any ancient location by this name is unknown, and most modern scholars, therefore, hold that “Diblah” being easily mistaken for (ר) ”is a copyist’s error for “Riblah,” the initial Hebrew letter for “R If this is the case, it may be identified with the Biblical Riblah .(ד) ”the Hebrew letter for “D (ruins near modern Ribleh) at the Orontes River, “in the land of Hamath” (2Ki 23:33), and “the wilderness toward Diblah [Riblah]” could have reference to the gravelly unbroken plain of the Syrian Desert that lies to the S and SE of Riblah. Some translators, however, render Ezekiel’s words to read “from the wilderness to Riblah.” (RS) According to such rendering, the meaning might be that Jehovah’s judgment would extend from “the wilderness,” the Promised Land’s traditional southern boundary (Ex 23:31), to the region of “Hamath” (represented by Riblah) far to the north. (1Ki 8:65) Ezekiel’s use of such a phrase would then be the equivalent of the better known “from Dan down to Beer-sheba.”—Jg 20:1; see RIBLAH No. 2.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 12 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** When Christendom, antitypical Jerusalem, suffers similar destruction, she will know that her calamity is from Jehovah.—Ezekiel 6:8-14. (Ezekiel 7:2) “As for you, son of man, this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says to the land of Israel: ‘An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 13 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 13 ‘The end was coming upon the four extremities of the land,’ Judah’s unfaithful religious

Page 43

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

system. (Ezekiel 7:7) Your turn has come, you who inhabit the land. The time is coming, the day is near. There is confusion and not joyful shouting on the mountains.

*** it-1 p. 891 Garland *** The same Hebrew word appears at Ezekiel 7:7, 10. Translators, however, are uncertain as to the sense or application of the word in this case. A similar Aramaic word means “morning,” and Lamsa’s translation of the Syriac Peshitta here reads “dawn,” rather than garland, or diadem. Some translators (AS, AT, RS) link the word with a cognate Arabic noun and render it as “doom.” Still others, on the belief that the root meaning of the Hebrew word is “to go round,” translate it as “turn,” in the sense of a turn of events.—JB; JP; “circle,” Ro.

*** w07 7/1 p. 11 par. 3 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** To the inhabitant of the land, he says: “The garland [of calamity] must come to you.”— Ezekiel 7:7.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 13 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** A “garland” of calamitous things would encircle an idolater’s head when “the rod” in God’s hand—Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian hordes—acted against Jehovah’s people and his temple. (Ezekiel 7:10) “‘Look, the day! Look, it is coming! Your turn has come; the rod has blossomed and presumptuousness has sprouted.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 13 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Ezekiel 7:1-18

Page 44

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 7:12) The time will come, the day will arrive. Let the buyer not rejoice, and let the seller not mourn, for there is wrath against their whole crowd.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 13 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Those belonging to Judah’s “crowd” of buyers and sellers would be either killed or taken into exile, and the hands of any who managed to stay alive would drop from faintness.

(Ezekiel 7:13) For the seller will not return to what was sold, even if his life is spared, for the vision is against the entire multitude. No one will return, and because of his error, no one will preserve his life.

(Ezekiel 7:17) All their hands will hang limp, and all their knees will drip with water.

*** it-1 p. 516 Courage *** When rendered “drop down,” as in the phrase “May your hands not drop down,” it has the meaning “lose courage, become too weak to act.”—Zep 3:16; Isa 13:7; Eze 7:17.

(Ezekiel 7:18) They have put on sackcloth, and shuddering has seized them. Everyone will be put to shame, and every head will be bald.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 13 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** At the overthrow of their false religious system, they would, as it were, shave their heads bald in mourning.—Ezekiel 7:1-18. (Ezekiel 7:19) “‘They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will become abhorrent to them. Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them in the day of Jehovah’s fury. They will not be satisfied, nor will they fill their stomachs, for it has become a stumbling block causing their error.

*** it-1 pp. 594-595 Day of Jehovah *** This day is detailed in the Scriptures as a time of battle, a great and fear-inspiring day of darkness and burning anger, a day of fury, distress, anguish, desolation, and alarm. “What, then, will the day of Jehovah mean to you people?” God asked wayward Israel by the

Page 45

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

mouth of his prophet Amos. This: “It will be darkness, and no light, just as when a man flees because of the lion, and the bear actually meets him; and as when he went into the house and supported his hand against the wall, and the serpent bit him.” (Am 5:18-20) Isaiah was told: “Look! The day of Jehovah itself is coming, cruel both with fury and with burning anger.” (Isa 13:9) “That day is a day of fury, a day of distress and of anguish, a day of storm and of desolation, a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick gloom.” (Zep 1:15) During such a time of trouble, one’s money is absolutely worthless. “Into the streets they will throw their very silver . . . Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah’s fury.”—Eze 7:19; Zep 1:18. A sense of urgency is attached to the day of Jehovah by the prophets, who repeatedly warned of its nearness. “The great day of Jehovah is near. It is near, and there is a hurrying of it very much.” (Zep 1:14) “Alas for the day; because the day of Jehovah is near.” “Let all the inhabitants of the land get agitated; for the day of Jehovah is coming, for it is near!”—Joe 1:15; 2:1, 2. Times of Destructive Judgment. From certain features of the prophecies, and in view of subsequent events, it appears that the expression, “the day of Jehovah,” at least in a miniature way, referred to different times of destructive judgment that occurred long ago at the hands of the Most High. For example, Isaiah envisioned what would befall unfaithful Judah and Jerusalem on “the day belonging to Jehovah of armies,” which was coming “upon everyone self-exalted and lofty” among them. (Isa 2:11-17) Ezekiel addressed himself to the unfaithful prophets of Israel, warning that they would in no way serve to fortify their cities “in order to stand in the battle in the day of Jehovah.” (Eze 13:5) By the mouth of his prophet Zephaniah, Jehovah foretold how he was about to stretch out his hand against Judah and Jerusalem, giving special attention so that not even the princes or the sons of the king would escape. (Zep 1:4-8) As the facts show, that “day of Jehovah” came upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 14 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! ***

14 Jehovah and his executional forces cannot be bribed. (Read Ezekiel 7:19.) Bribery could not save the “concealed place,” the Most Holy, from being profaned as Chaldean “robbers” seized sacred utensils and left the temple in ruins. Jehovah ‘caused the pride of the strong ones to cease’ when King Zedekiah was captured and chief ones of the Levitical priesthood were killed. (2 Kings 25:4-7, 18-21) No, sinners in besieged Jerusalem could not escape adversity by bribery when God ‘judged them’ as covenant breakers. Similarly, during the imminent desecration of things Christendom holds sacred, she will not be able to bribe her way out of the execution of divine judgment upon her. (Ezekiel 7:22) “‘I will turn my face away from them, and they will profane my concealed place, and robbers will enter it and profane it.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 14 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Bribery could not save the “concealed place,” the Most Holy, from being profaned as Chaldean “robbers” seized sacred utensils and left the temple in ruins.

Page 46

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 7:24) I will bring in the worst of the nations, and they will take possession of their houses, and I will put an end to the pride of the strong ones, and their sanctuaries will be profaned.

*** it-2 p. 165 Kingdom of God *** Political nations, such as Assyria and Babylon, devastated the apostate kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Though God speaks of himself as ‘raising up’ or ‘bringing’ them against those condemned kingdoms (De 28:49; Jer 5:15; 25:8, 9; Eze 7:24; Am 6:14), this was evidently in a sense similar to God’s ‘hardening’ the heart of Pharaoh. (See FOREKNOWLEDGE, FOREORDINATION [Concerning individuals].) That is, God ‘brought’ these attacking forces by permitting them to carry out the desire already in their heart (Isa 10:7; La 2:16; Mic 4:11), removing his protective ‘hand’ from over the objects of their ambitious greed. (De 31:17, 18; compare Ezr 8:31 with Ezr 5:12; Ne 9:28-31; Jer 34:2.) The apostate Israelites, stubbornly refusing to subject themselves to Jehovah’s law and will, thus were given ‘liberty to the sword, pestilence, and famine.’ (Jer 34:17) But the attacking pagan nations did not thereby become approved of God, nor did they have ‘clean hands’ before him in their ruthless destruction of the northern and southern kingdoms, the capital city of Jerusalem, and its sacred temple. Hence, Jehovah, the Judge of all the earth, could rightly denounce them for ‘pillaging his inheritance’ and could doom them to suffer the same desolation they had wreaked on his covenant people.—Isa 10:12-14; 13:1, 17-22; 14:4-6, 12-14, 26, 27; 47:5-11; Jer 50:11, 14, 17-19, 23-29.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 14 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Ezekiel 7:20-27

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 14 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Jehovah ‘caused the pride of the strong ones to cease’ when King Zedekiah was captured and chief ones of the Levitical priesthood were killed. (2 Kings 25:4-7, 18-21) (Ezekiel 7:27) The king will go into mourning, and the chieftain will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble in terror. I will treat them according to their ways, and I will judge them as they have judged. And they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’”

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 14 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Jehovah ‘caused the pride of the strong ones to cease’ when King Zedekiah was captured and chief ones of the Levitical priesthood were killed. (2 Kings 25:4-7, 18-21) No, sinners in besieged Jerusalem could not escape adversity by bribery when God ‘judged them’ as covenant breakers. (Ezekiel 8:1) And in the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, when I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, the hand of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah took hold of me there.

Page 47

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** si p. 134 par. 12 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** 12 Ezekiel’s vision of apostate Jerusalem (8:1–11:25). It is now 612 B.C.E. In a vision Ezekiel is transported to faraway Jerusalem, where he sees the detestable things that are happening in Jehovah’s temple.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 15 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 15 When Ezekiel envisioned God in glory on Elul 5, 612 B.C.E., ‘the representation of a hand took him by a tuft of hair’ and carried him to Jerusalem by the spirit of inspiration. (Ezekiel 8:2) As I watched, I saw a form similar to the appearance of fire; there was fire below what appeared to be his waist, and from his waist upward his appearance was bright, like the glow of electrum.

(Ezekiel 8:3) Then he stretched out what appeared to be a hand and took me by a tuft of hair of my head, and a spirit carried me between the earth and the heavens and brought me to Jerusalem by means of the visions from God, to the entrance of the inner gate that faces north, where the idolatrous symbol of jealousy that incites jealousy stood.

*** it-1 p. 1185 Image *** Prior to Jerusalem’s destruction by the Babylonians, detestable religious images had been introduced into the temple area, and one such is described as a “symbol of jealousy,” evidently referring to the incitement of God’s jealousy by giving to an image the praise rightfully belonging to him.—Eze 8:3-12; Ex 20:5.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 15 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 15 When Ezekiel envisioned God in glory on Elul 5, 612 B.C.E., ‘the representation of a hand took him by a tuft of hair’ and carried him to Jerusalem by the spirit of inspiration. The celestial chariot had also moved there. What Ezekiel then beheld should make us recoil at the very thought of listening to apostates. (Proverbs 11:9) At the temple, Israelite apostates were worshiping an idolatrous symbol (perhaps a sacred pole) that provoked God to jealousy. (Exodus 20:2-6)

(Ezekiel 8:4) And look! the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the appearance that I had seen in the valley plain.

Page 48

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

celestial chariot had also moved there. (Ezekiel 8:5) He then said to me: “Son of man, please raise your eyes toward the north.” So I raised my eyes toward the north, and there, north of the gate of the altar, was this symbol of jealousy in the entryway.

*** w93 1/15 p. 27 Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort *** Christendom’s Idolatry Foreshadowed 6 While in Babylonian exile in 612 B.C.E., the prophet Ezekiel had a vision of detestable things practiced by apostate Jews at Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem. Ezekiel saw a “symbol of jealousy.” Seventy elders were observed offering incense in the temple. Women were seen weeping over a false god. And 25 men were worshiping the sun. Of what significance were these apostate acts? 7 The idolatry of Christendom was foreshadowed by the detestable things that Ezekiel saw in vision. For instance, he said: “Look! to the north of the gate of the altar there was this symbol of jealousy in the entranceway. And [Jehovah God] went on to say to me: ‘Son of man, are you seeing what great detestable things they are doing, the things that the house of Israel are doing here for me to become far off from my sanctuary?’”—Ezekiel 8:1-6. 8 The idolatrous symbol of jealousy may have been a sacred pole representing the false goddess that the Canaanites viewed as the wife of their god Baal. Whatever the symbol was, it incited Jehovah to jealousy because it divided Israel’s exclusive devotion to him in violation of his commandments: “I am Jehovah your God . . . You must not have any other gods against my face. You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or that is on the earth underneath or that is in the waters under the earth. You must not bow down to them nor be induced to serve them, because I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion.”—Exodus 20:2-5. 9 Worshiping the symbol of jealousy in God’s temple was one of the great detestable things being done by apostate Israelites. Similarly, Christendom’s churches are defiled with God-dishonoring symbols and images that divide the exclusive devotion they claim to give to the One they profess to serve. God is also provoked to jealousy because the clergy reject his Kingdom as mankind’s only hope and idolize the United Nations—“the disgusting thing . . . standing in a holy place,” where it should not stand.—Matthew 24:15, 16; Mark 13:14.

*** w88 9/15 p. 13 par. 15 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** At the temple, Israelite apostates were worshiping an idolatrous symbol (perhaps a sacred pole) that provoked God to jealousy. (Exodus 20:2-6)

(Ezekiel 8:10) So I went in and looked, and I saw all sorts of images of creeping things and loathsome beasts and all the disgusting idols of the house of Israel; they were carved on the wall all around.

*** w93 1/15 pp. 27-28 par. 10 Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort ***

Page 49

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

10 Entering the temple, Ezekiel reports: “Look! there was every representation of creeping things and loathsome beasts, and all the dungy idols of the house of Israel, the carving being upon the wall all round about. And seventy men of the elderly ones of the house of Israel . . . were standing before them, each one with his censer in his hand, and the perfume of the cloud of the incense was ascending.” Just think! Israelite elders in Jehovah’s temple, offering up incense to false gods, represented by detestable wall carvings. (Ezekiel 8:10-12) Comparably, birds and wild animals are used to symbolize Christendom’s countries, to which people give devotion. Moreover, many of the clergy are guilty of helping to mislead the masses by advocating the erroneous theory of man’s evolution from subhuman, animal life-forms instead of upholding the true Bible account of creation by Jehovah God.—Acts 17:24-28.

*** w86 4/1 p. 19 par. 14 Integrity in Serving the God of Truth *** 14 In his vision, Ezekiel saw “seventy men of the elderly ones of the house of Israel” worshiping before those representations of “creeping things and loathsome beasts.” (Ezekiel 8:10, 11) This is comparable to those modern-day clergymen who openly claim that mankind evolved from such beasts! These “elderly ones” should be leading their flocks in the way of truth. (Ezekiel 8:11) And 70 of the elders of the house of Israel were standing before them, with Ja·az·a·niʹah the son of Shaʹphan standing among them. Each one had his censer in his hand, and the perfumed cloud of incense was ascending.

*** w93 1/15 pp. 27-28 par. 10 Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort *** 10 Entering the temple, Ezekiel reports: “Look! there was every representation of creeping things and loathsome beasts, and all the dungy idols of the house of Israel, the carving being upon the wall all round about. And seventy men of the elderly ones of the house of Israel . . . were standing before them, each one with his censer in his hand, and the perfume of the cloud of the incense was ascending.” Just think! Israelite elders in Jehovah’s temple, offering up incense to false gods, represented by detestable wall carvings. (Ezekiel 8:10-12) Comparably, birds and wild animals are used to symbolize Christendom’s countries, to which people give devotion. Moreover, many of the clergy are guilty of helping to mislead the masses by advocating the erroneous theory of man’s evolution from subhuman, animal life-forms instead of upholding the true Bible account of creation by Jehovah God.—Acts 17:24-28.

*** w86 4/1 p. 19 par. 14 Integrity in Serving the God of Truth *** 14 In his vision, Ezekiel saw “seventy men of the elderly ones of the house of Israel” worshiping before those representations of “creeping things and loathsome beasts.” (Ezekiel 8:10, 11) This is comparable to those modern-day clergymen who openly claim that mankind evolved from such beasts! These “elderly ones” should be leading their flocks in the way of truth. (Ezekiel 8:12) He said to me: “Son of man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each one in the inner rooms where his idols are

Page 50

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

displayed? For they are saying, ‘Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.’”

*** si p. 134 par. 12 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** Boring through the wall, Ezekiel finds 70 of the elderly men worshiping before wall carvings of loathsome beasts and dungy idols. They excuse themselves by saying: “Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.” (8:12)

*** w86 4/1 p. 20 pars. 15-17 Integrity in Serving the God of Truth *** 15 Jehovah next asked Ezekiel: “Have you seen, O son of man, what the elderly ones of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each one in the inner rooms of his showpiece? For they are saying, ‘Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.’” (Ezekiel 8:12) Clergymen who subscribe to human philosophies give similar proof that they are part of “the man of lawlessness.” They abandon God’s law, which includes the book of Genesis. (Acts 7:53) They lead their flocks into the darkness of worldly thinking, as exemplified by the unproved and unprovable theory of evolution. They “have loved the darkness rather than the light” of truth.—John 3:19. 16 Just as those Jewish elders brought their false worship into the temple at Jerusalem, so false religious leaders today try to cling to the label “Christian.” But belief in evolution is not Christian. Acceptance of this theory has caused many to turn away from God. It has contributed in no small measure to the independence, violence, and terrorism of our 20th century, with nations and individuals espousing the evolutionary maxim of “survival of the fittest.” Evolution has taught that man has no responsibility to a Creator. (Romans 9:28) People have therefore felt free to ‘do their own thing,’ without any thought of God. 17 Religious leaders who accept evolution are saying, in effect: “Jehovah is not seeing us. Jehovah has left the land.” Because of embracing this philosophy, they feel no accountability to him. (Ezekiel 8:14) So he brought me to the entrance of the north gate of the house of Jehovah, and there I saw women sitting and weeping over the god Tamʹmuz.

*** it-2 pp. 1064-1065 Tammuz, I *** TAMMUZ, I

(Tammʹuz). A deity over whom apostate Hebrew women in Jerusalem were seen weeping in the sixth year of the prophet Ezekiel’s exile (612 B.C.E.).—Eze 8:1, 3, 14. In Sumerian texts, Tammuz is called Dumuzi and is identified as the consort or lover of the fertility goddess Inanna (Babylonian Ishtar). It has been suggested that Tammuz was originally a king who was deified after his death. Sumerian texts believed to date from the 18th century B.C.E. show that the kings of Sumer were identified with Dumuzi. Regarding the identification of Tammuz, D. Wolkstein and S. N. Kramer remarked: “There were quite a number of ‘dying gods’ in ancient Sumer, but the best known is Dumuzi, the biblical Tammuz, whom the women of Jerusalem were still mourning in the days of the prophet Ezekiel. Originally, the god Dumuzi was a mortal Sumerian ruler, whose life and

Page 51

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

death had made a profound impression on the Sumerian thinkers and mythographers.” (Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth, New York, 1983, p. 124) In addition, O. R. Gurney wrote: “Dumuzi was originally a man, a king of Erech . . . The humanity of Dumuzi is, moreover, confirmed by the mythological passage in which he says to Inanna ‘I will lead you to the house of my god’. This is not the way in which a god would speak.”—Journal of Semitic Studies, Vol. 7, 1962, pp. 150-152.

*** w93 1/15 p. 28 par. 11 Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort *** 11 At the entrance of the gate of Jehovah’s house, Ezekiel saw apostate Israelite women weeping over Tammuz. (Ezekiel 8:13, 14) Babylonians and Syrians viewed Tammuz as the god of vegetation that grows in the rainy season and dies during the dry period. Its death pictured that of Tammuz, annually bewailed by his worshipers at the time of the greatest heat. With the reappearance of vegetation during the rainy season, Tammuz supposedly returned from the underworld. He was represented by the first letter of his name, the ancient tau that was a form of the cross. This may well remind us of Christendom’s idolatrous reverence for the cross.

*** rs p. 92 par. 6 Cross *** In ancient Israel, unfaithful Jews wept over the death of the false god Tammuz. Jehovah spoke of what they were doing as being a ‘detestable thing.’ (Ezek. 8:13, 14) According to history, Tammuz was a Babylonian god, and the cross was used as his symbol. From its beginning in the days of Nimrod, Babylon was against Jehovah and an enemy of true worship. (Gen. 10:8-10; Jer. 50:29) So by cherishing the cross, a person is honoring a symbol of worship that is opposed to the true God.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 13-14 par. 16 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 16 Ezekiel’s vision shows how spiritually deadly apostasy is. Why, Israelite women had been talked into weeping over Tammuz, a Babylonian deity and lover of the fertility goddess Ishtar! (Ezekiel 8:16) So he brought me to the inner courtyard of the house of Jehovah. There at the entrance of the temple of Jehovah, between the porch and the altar, were about 25 men with their backs to the temple of Jehovah and their faces to the east; they were bowing down to the sun in the east.

*** it-1 p. 215 Attitudes and Gestures *** In vision Ezekiel saw 25 men with their backs toward the temple of Jehovah, bowing with their faces toward the E. (Eze 8:16) Temples of the sun worshipers were built in such a manner that the entrance was on the W side, making the worshipers face E on entering. But the temple of Jehovah was built with the entrance in the E so that the worshipers of Jehovah there turned their backs on the place of the rising of the sun.

Page 52

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w93 1/15 p. 28 par. 12 Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort *** 12 In the temple’s inner courtyard, Ezekiel next saw 25 apostate Israelite men worshiping the sun—a violation of Jehovah’s command against such idolatry. (Deuteronomy 4:15-19) Those idolaters also held out to God’s nose an obscene twig, perhaps representing the human male organ. No wonder God would not answer their prayers, even as Christendom will seek his help during the “great tribulation,” but in vain. (Matthew 24:21) As those apostate Israelites worshiped the light-giving sun with their backs to Jehovah’s temple, so Christendom turns her back on light from God, teaches false doctrines, idolizes worldly wisdom, and winks at immorality.—Ezekiel 8:15-18.

(Ezekiel 8:17) He said to me: “Son of man, do you see this? Is it a trivial thing for the house of Judah to do these detestable things, to fill the land with violence and keep offending me? Here they are thrusting out the branch to my nose.

*** it-2 p. 1089 Testicles *** The male genital organ was an object of sex worship by pagans in ancient times, as it is today in some countries. Reference may be made at Ezekiel 8:17 (NW, ftn) to such worship as infecting the apostate Israelites in Ezekiel’s day.

*** w93 1/15 p. 28 par. 12 Guard Against Idolatry of Every Sort *** Those idolaters also held out to God’s nose an obscene twig, perhaps representing the human male organ. No wonder God would not answer their prayers, even as Christendom will seek his help during the “great tribulation,” but in vain. (Matthew 24:21)

*** w88 9/15 p. 14 par. 16 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** To God’s nose they held out an obscene twig, perhaps representing the human male organ.

*** w88 9/15 p. 14 par. 16 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Ezekiel 8:13-18 (Ezekiel 9:2) I saw six men coming from the direction of the upper gate that faces north, each with his weapon for smashing in his hand; and there was one man among them clothed in linen, with a secretary’s inkhorn at his waist, and they came in and stood beside the copper altar.

*** it-2 pp. 885-886 Secretary’s Inkhorn *** SECRETARY’S INKHORN

Page 53

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

at least one recess for a small cake of dried ink. The scribe could prepare to write by applying the moistened end of his pen to the ink. Inscriptions show that Syrian scribes used a similar ‘scribal kit.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 14 par. 17 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 17 Next, we note seven men—one a linen-clad secretary and six others with smashing weapons. (Read Ezekiel 9:1-7.) The “six men” represented Jehovah’s heavenly executional forces, though he could use earthly agents. (Ezekiel 9:3) Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from where it had rested above the cherubs and moved to the threshold of the doorway of the house, and he began calling out to the man who was clothed in linen, at whose waist was the secretary’s inkhorn.

*** it-2 pp. 885-886 Secretary’s Inkhorn *** SECRETARY’S INKHORN

At Ezekiel 9:2, 3, 11 the man in linen responsible to mark individuals on the forehead is described as having “a secretary’s inkhorn at his hips,” such evidently being held in place by the girdle about his waist. This secretary’s inkhorn may have been similar to those used at one time in ancient Egypt. The Egyptian ‘scribe kit’ was a long, narrow case made out of wood and had a compartment or slots for reed pens. On the outer face, near the top, it had at least one recess for a small cake of dried ink. The scribe could prepare to write by applying the moistened end of his pen to the ink. Inscriptions show that Syrian scribes used a similar ‘scribal kit.’ (Ezekiel 9:4) Jehovah said to him: “Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the city.”

*** w16 June p. 16 Questions From Readers *** Although not receiving a visible mark on their foreheads, people such as Baruch (Jeremiah’s secretary), Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, and the Rechabites were saved. (Jer. 35:1-19; 39:15-18; 45:1-5) They received a symbolic mark for survival.

*** w16 June p. 16 Questions From Readers *** This man was told: “Go through the city, . . . and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the city.”

*** w16 June p. 16 Questions From Readers *** The righteous would not be destroyed along with the wicked. Jehovah lovingly made provision to save those Jews who did not agree with the detestable things happening in the city. Ezekiel was not involved in either the marking work or the destruction itself. Instead, the execution of judgment would be directed by the angels. So by means of this prophecy, we are allowed to see behind the scenes, as it were, into the heavenly realm itself. Jehovah had commissioned his angels not only to organize the destruction of the wicked but also to

Page 54

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

separate the righteous for survival.

*** w16 June p. 16 Questions From Readers *** In the past, we have explained that in the modern-day fulfillment of this vision, the man with the secretary’s inkhorn represented the anointed remnant. It was thought that those who respond favorably to the message being preached are now marked for survival.

*** w16 June p. 17 Questions From Readers *** Faithful anointed ones do not need to receive this mark for survival. Instead, they will receive their final sealing either before they die or before the outbreak of the great tribulation.—Rev. 7:1, 3.

*** w16 June p. 17 Questions From Readers *** (3) In Ezekiel’s day, no one received a literal mark on his forehead. The same is true today. What do people need to do to be symbolically marked for survival? They need to react favorably to the preaching work that is taking place, put on the Christian personality, dedicate themselves to Jehovah, and loyally support Christ’s brothers. (Matt. 25:35-40) Those who do these things will receive the mark of survival during the coming great tribulation. (4) In the modern-day fulfillment, the man with the secretary’s inkhorn represents Jesus Christ, the one behind the scenes who marks those who will survive. The great crowd will receive their mark when they are judged as sheep during the great tribulation. This will put them in line to receive everlasting life here on earth.—Matt. 25:34, 46.

*** it-1 p. 849 Forehead *** As described at Ezekiel 9:3-6, a class of persons are marked in their forehead for protection from destruction by God’s executional forces, not being marked by angels in this instance, nor with a “seal,” but by a man who has “a secretary’s inkhorn.” Pictured as “sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done,” these, when ‘marked,’ show themselves to be slaves and devotees of Jehovah; their actions, practices, and personalities evidently give evidence of this before all, as if written ‘on their foreheads.’

*** it-2 p. 320 Mark, II *** Figurative Use. The Scriptures allude to marks made on humans and refer to these in a figurative sense. In Ezekiel’s vision a man with a secretary’s inkhorn was commissioned to go through Jerusalem and to ‘put a mark [Heb., taw] on those who were sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that were being done in the midst of it.’ This action on their part showed that they were righteous persons, servants belonging to Jehovah, and therefore worthy of preservation at the time for the execution of Jehovah’s judgment. The figurative mark on their forehead testified to that fact.—Eze 9; compare Eze 9:4, ftn; 2Pe 2:6-8.

Page 55

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w08 7/15 pp. 5-6 The House-to-House Ministry—Why Important Now? *** Marking People for Survival 10 The importance of the house-to-house ministry can be seen from a vision given to the prophet Ezekiel. In that vision, Ezekiel sees six men with weapons in their hands as well as a seventh man clothed in linen with a secretary’s inkhorn at his side. The seventh man is told to “pass through the midst of the city” and “put a mark on the foreheads of the men that are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it.” Following that marking work, the six men with the slaughtering weapons are commanded to execute all those who do not have the mark.—Read Ezekiel 9:1-6. 11 We understand that in the fulfillment of this prophecy, the man “clothed in linen” represents the remnant of spirit-anointed Christians. By means of the preaching and disciple-making work, the anointed class puts a symbolic mark on those who become part of Christ’s “other sheep.” (John 10:16) What is the mark? It is the evidence, as if displayed on their uncovered foreheads, that such sheep are dedicated, baptized disciples of Jesus Christ and that they have put on the Christlike new personality. (Eph. 4:20-24) These sheeplike ones become one flock with anointed Christians and assist them in their vital work of marking still others.—Rev. 22:17. 12 Ezekiel’s vision highlights one reason why our ongoing search for people who are “sighing and groaning” is so urgent. It involves lives. Soon, Jehovah’s heavenly executional forces, represented by the six men with weapons, will destroy those who do not have the symbolic mark. Concerning that coming judgment, the apostle Paul wrote that the Lord Jesus, accompanied by “his powerful angels,” will bring “vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thess. 1:7, 8) Notice that people will be judged on the basis of their response to the good news. Hence, the proclamation of God’s message must continue unabated right to the end. (Rev. 14:6, 7) This places a heavy responsibility on all of Jehovah’s dedicated servants.—Read Ezekiel 3:17-19.

*** wt chap. 13 p. 124 par. 10 A Great Crowd Before Jehovah’s Throne *** 10 Those of the great crowd are pictured as being marked for survival. (Ezekiel 9:4-6) “The mark” is the evidence that they are dedicated to Jehovah, baptized as disciples of Jesus, and involved in cultivating a Christlike personality.

*** kl chap. 18 p. 180 par. 21 Make It Your Aim to Serve God Forever *** Bible prophecies show that God views such ones as marked to survive the execution of his judgment soon to come upon this wicked system of things. (Ezekiel 9:1-6; Malachi 3:16, 18) Are you “rightly disposed for everlasting life”? (Acts 13:48) Is it your earnest desire to be marked as one serving God? Dedication and baptism are part of that mark, and they are essential for survival.

*** jv chap. 12 p. 165 The Great Crowd to Live in Heaven? Or on Earth? ***

Page 56

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

The prophecy says that the ones marked would be “sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done” in the midst of Christendom, or antitypical Jerusalem. (Ezek. 9:4) Surely, then, they could not be deliberately sharing in those detestable things. The first volume of Vindication therefore identified those having the mark as being people who refuse to be part of the church organizations of Christendom and who in some way take their stand on the Lord’s side.

*** w88 9/15 p. 14 par. 18 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 18 The antitypical ‘man in linen’ is the class of anointed Christians. They go from house to house to put a symbolic mark on those who become part of the “great crowd” of Christ’s “other sheep.” The “mark” is the evidence that such sheep are dedicated, baptized individuals with a Christlike personality. They ‘sigh and groan over detestable things’ done in Christendom, and they have come out of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. (Revelation 18:4, 5) Their “mark” will make it plain to God’s executional forces that they should be spared during the “great tribulation.”

*** w88 9/15 p. 14 par. 17 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Those whose foreheads the ‘man in linen’ marked would experience God’s compassion because they were not in sympathy with the detestable things done at the temple.

*** w87 8/15 p. 31 Do You Remember? *** □ What does it mean to be marked for survival by the prophetic man with the secretary’s inkhorn in Ezekiel’s vision? (Ezekiel 9:2-6) It means that one has dedicated oneself to God to do his will, has been baptized as a disciple of Jesus Christ, and has put on the Christlike personality.—4/15, pages 11, 12.

*** tp chap. 8 pp. 92-93 pars. 14-16 Who Will the Survivors Be? *** 14 To survive the coming world destruction, we must be like those who were spared when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., persons described as “sighing and groaning over all the detestable things” being done in that city. (Ezekiel 9:4) Conditions were “detestable” in various ways. For example, the poor were being oppressed, some even being held in slavery illegally by their countrymen. (Jeremiah 34:13-16) The moral state of the kingdom of Judah had become even worse than that of the northern kingdom of Israel, which was earlier described by the prophet Hosea: “There are the pronouncing of curses and practicing of deception and murdering and stealing . . . and acts of bloodshed have touched other acts of bloodshed.” (Hosea 4:2; Ezekiel 16:2, 51) Only those grieved at heart by such unrighteousness and the disrespect it showed for God were ‘marked’ for survival.—Ezekiel 9:3-6. 15 Though many today would like to enjoy life on earth forever in peace, prosperity, and comfort, they do not want to make the changes in their way of life that learning and following the Bible’s pattern for right living would bring. Deep down, they really do not have a love of righteousness or a sincere concern for their fellowmen. Since God’s New Order will produce a new society in which “righteousness is to dwell,” the good news about it appeals only to those who love righteousness. Others feel condemned by it.—2 Peter

Page 57

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

3:13; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17. What You Can Do Now 16 Jehovah will preserve only those who sincerely want to live under his righteous rule. He will not force any to live then under circumstances they themselves do not want. Therefore, those preserved will have to prove their genuine acceptance of his divine rulership now. They become ‘marked’ for survival by putting on a Christian “new personality,” conforming their lives to God’s ways and giving evidence that they are disciples of God’s Son. Thereby they “choose life” and blessings, not death.

*** tp chap. 13 p. 151 par. 23 Your View of Sex—What Difference Does It Make? *** So Scriptural morality will contribute to more than your present health. (Proverbs 5:3-11) It will become part of the evidence that you truly deplore the detestable things done by people who have no regard for God and that you have been ‘marked’ for survival into God’s “new earth,” where, not immorality, but righteousness is to dwell. How vital, then, that you ‘do your utmost now to be found finally by God spotless and unblemished and in peace.’—Ezekiel 9:4-6; 2 Peter 3:11-14. (Ezekiel 9:6) Old man, young man, virgin, little child, and women you should kill off completely. But do not go near to any man on whom there is the mark. You should start from my sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were in front of the house.

*** w87 4/15 pp. 11-13 pars. 4-12 Gaining Peace With God Through Dedication and Baptism *** 4 But to benefit personally from Christ’s sacrifice, we must take certain steps. These are indicated in a dramatic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, a vision that is fulfilled during our time when God’s “day of wrath” is imminent. God’s executional forces are pictured in the vision by six armed men. Before these express God’s wrath, a seventh man, carrying a secretary’s inkhorn, is told: “‘Pass through the midst of the city, . . . and you must put a mark on the foreheads of the men that are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done in the midst of it.’ And to [the six armed men] he said in my ears: ‘Pass through the city after him and strike. . . . But to any man upon whom there is the mark do not go near.’”—Ezekiel 9:1-6. 5 These protectively ‘marked’ ones were sickened because persons claiming to worship the true God had ‘filled the land with violence’ and had engaged in sexual immorality, idolatry, and all manner of other wrong conduct. (Ezekiel 8:5-18; Jeremiah 7:9) Likewise today, those who would be ‘marked’ must first learn, through a study of the Bible, to value God’s standards and become grieved at heart, yes, to ‘sigh and groan,’ over teachings and practices that dishonor him. Perhaps because of ignorance some engaged in wrongdoing or consented to such by giving their support. Yet, now they begin to view such activities as God views them—with disgust! (Romans 1:24-32; Isaiah 2:4; Revelation 18:4; John 15:19) This increased appreciation leads to one of the first steps to gain peace with God: repentance. The apostle Peter urged: “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, that seasons of refreshing [rather than wrath] may come from the person of Jehovah.” (Acts 3:19) How refreshing such forgiveness is! Getting the “Mark”

Page 58

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

6 To be spared from God’s wrath, those who ‘sighed and groaned’ had to be marked on their forehead. (Ezekiel 9:4) In ancient times slaves were often marked on the forehead to be clearly identified. Distinctive marks on the forehead and elsewhere might also show that a person worshiped a certain deity. (Compare Isaiah 44:5.) So, in our day, what is the distinctive, lifesaving mark that clearly identifies its bearers as true worshipers and slaves of Jehovah? 7 The symbolic mark is the evidence, as if displayed on your uncovered forehead, (1) that you are a dedicated, baptized disciple of Jesus Christ and (2) that you have put on the Christlike new personality. (Ephesians 4:20-24) Since those thus ‘marked’ must first make a dedication, we need to know what this involves. Jesus explains: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and follow me continually.”—Mark 8:34. 8 The Greek word translated “disown” means “to deny utterly” or “renounce.” Therefore, to ‘disown yourself’ means more than denying yourself a certain pleasure or indulgence now and then. Rather, it means being willing to say no to yourself when it comes to letting your life be dominated by your personal desires and ambitions. We are helped to see the scope of Jesus’ words by noting how this concept is translated into different languages: “To stop doing what one’s own heart wants” (Tzeltal, Mexico), “to not belong to oneself any longer” (K’anjobal, Guatemala), and “to turn his back on himself” (Javanese, Indonesia). Yes, this means an exclusive dedication, not just a commitment that could be made to a number of things. 9 A Christian named Susan, who formerly was quite independent, explains what dedication meant to her: “I was surrendering my whole self to someone else. Jehovah now determines my course, tells me what to do, and sets my priorities.” Are you willing to make the same exclusive dedication to Jehovah God? Remember, the symbolic mark identifies you as ‘belonging’ to God, as a happy slave to his Master.—Compare Exodus 21:5, 6; Romans 14:8. 10 “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?” asked Jesus. (Luke 14:28) So are you willing to: Attend Christian meetings regularly? (Hebrews 10:25) Maintain the high moral standard set by God for his servants? (1 Thessalonians 4:3, 4, 7) Have as full a share in the Kingdom preaching work as you can? Put God’s will first when choosing a career or setting goals in life? (Matthew 6:33; Ecclesiastes 12:1) Care for your family obligations? (Ephesians 5:22–6:4; 1 Timothy 5:8) Once you have made a personal dedication in prayer, a further step lets others know this officially. Baptism—For Whom? 11 Jesus commanded that his followers be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20) They were to be totally immersed in water and raised out of it. Like a burial and a resurrection, this well pictures a person’s dying to a self-centered way of life and being made alive to do God’s will. By baptism you identify yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s worldwide congregation. Baptism validates a solemn agreement made with God. (Compare Exodus 19:3-8.) Your life must be in harmony with his laws. (Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Baptism, which ordains you as a minister of God, reflects also a “request made to God for a good conscience” because you know that you are at peace with God.—1 Peter 3:21.

Page 59

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

12 Should even youths consider baptism? Well, recall that Jehovah told the six armed men in the vision: “Old man, young man and virgin and little child and women you should kill off—to a ruination. But to any man upon whom there is the mark do not go near.” (Ezekiel 9:6) Of course, children too young to make a dedication would be protected by a parent’s “mark” if that parent is striving to bring the children up to love Jehovah and if they are obediently responding. (1 Corinthians 7:14) Yet, if a child is intelligent enough to make a personal decision and has reached the point where he “knows how to do what is right,” do not presume that he will continue indefinitely under the merit of his parent’s “mark.”— James 4:17. (Ezekiel 9:9) So he said to me: “The error of the house of Israel and Judah is very, very great. The land is filled with bloodshed, and the city is full of corruption. For they say, ‘Jehovah has left the land, and Jehovah is not seeing.’

*** it-1 p. 462 Chronology *** But, more important, the fact that Jehovah God continued to keep the Israelites of the exiled northern kingdom in view, the messages of his prophets continuing to include them long beyond the fall of Samaria, shows that their interests were still represented in the capital city of Jerusalem and that its fall in 607 B.C.E. was an expression of Jehovah’s judgment against not Judah alone but the nation of Israel as a whole. (Jer 3:11-22; 11:10- 12, 17; Eze 9:9, 10) When the city fell, the hopes of the nation as a whole (with the exception of the few who maintained true faith) suffered collapse.—Eze 37:11-14, 21, 22. (Ezekiel 9:11) Then I saw the man clothed in linen with the inkhorn at his waist bringing back word, saying: “I have done just as you have commanded me.”

*** it-2 pp. 885-886 Secretary’s Inkhorn *** SECRETARY’S INKHORN

*** w88 1/1 p. 29 pars. 15-18 Keep On Preaching the Kingdom *** 15 The preaching work today is prophetically described in Ezekiel chapter 9. Here, Jehovah’s punishment was determined for the city of Jerusalem. Prior to the execution of that judgment, a man clothed with linen and with a secretary’s inkhorn at his hips is told to go through the city and put a mark on the foreheads of all those who are sighing over the detestable things being done there. When this marking work is completed, all in the city except those marked for survival would be executed. At the successful completion of his marking work, the man reported: “I have done just as you have commanded me.” (Ezekiel

Page 60

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

9:11) He faithfully carried out his assignment to the finish. 16 The man clothed with linen pictures the anointed remnant of Christ’s followers, and they are joined by the “great crowd” of “other sheep.” The big issue today, as in Ezekiel’s time, is the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty. Concerning the end of this present wicked system of things at the war of the great day of God the Almighty, Jehovah says: “And the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16; Ezekiel 39:7) For the nations to know this, it is imperative that Jehovah’s servants on earth continue preaching his name and purpose as a witness to all nations. 17 By keeping on preaching the good news of the Kingdom, we maintain our own vigilance. We keep aware of the importance of Jehovah’s name and purpose. If we slack off, our Kingdom hope could weaken, and we could be carried away by the “anxieties and riches and pleasures of this life . . . and bring nothing to perfection.” (Luke 8:14) By zealously persevering in declaring “the good news,” we faithfully follow the commands of our Master, Jesus Christ: “Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is. But what I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch.”—Mark 13:10, 33, 37. 18 Let all of us, then, persist in seeking out ‘those who are sighing’ as long as Jehovah allows the time for it. May all of us, whether of the anointed remnant or of the “other sheep,” be faithful in carrying out our assignment to preach the good news of the Kingdom in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations. (Matthew 24:14) When Jehovah himself brings this work to its end by beginning “the great tribulation,” may each of us be able to say to Jehovah, ‘We have done just as you have commanded.’ (Ezekiel 10:2) Then he said to the man clothed in linen: “Enter between the wheelwork, under the cherubs, and fill both your hands with burning coals from between the cherubs and toss them over the city.” So he entered as I watched.

*** w07 7/1 p. 11 par. 4 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** First, though, “coals of fire”—God’s fiery message of destruction—must be tossed over the city. (Ezekiel 10:2)

*** w88 9/15 pp. 14-15 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Fiery Destruction Ahead! 19 The linen-clad man went between the wheels of the celestial chariot to obtain fiery coals. These were tossed over Jerusalem, giving advance notice that its destruction would be an expression of God’s fiery wrath. (Ezekiel 10:1-8; Lamentations 2:2-4; 4:11) In Ezekiel’s day, Jehovah’s anger was poured out by means of the Babylonians. (2 Chronicles 36:15-21; Jeremiah 25:9-11) But what about our day? The antitypical ‘man in linen’ scatters God’s fiery message throughout Christendom as notification that divine anger will soon be vented upon her and the rest of Babylon the Great. Of course, those refusing to listen to Jehovah’s “watchman” have no hope of survival.—Isaiah 61:1, 2; Revelation 18:8-10, 20. (Ezekiel 10:9) As I was watching, I saw four wheels beside the cherubs, one wheel beside each cherub, and the wheels appeared to glow like chrysʹo·lite stone.

Page 61

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w91 3/15 p. 10 par. 8 Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot on the Move *** 8 The wheels are referred to by the term “wheelwork.” (Ezekiel 10:13) This was evidently occasioned by what each wheel does. It rolls along or whirls. Designating this part of the celestial chariot in such a way calls attention to the speed with which the celestial chariot moves. Although its wheels whirled so speedily, they could always see their way because of their fullness of eyes. (Ezekiel 10:14) Each one had four faces. The first face was the face of the cherub, the second face was the face of a man, the third was the face of a lion, and the fourth was the face of an eagle.

*** it-2 p. 257 Lion *** Jehovah likens himself to a lion in executing judgment on his unfaithful people. (Ho 5:14; 11:10; 13:7-9) And God’s foremost judicial officer, Jesus Christ, is “the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah.” (Re 5:5) Appropriately, therefore, the lion, as a symbol of courageous justice, is associated with Jehovah’s presence and throne.—Eze 1:10; 10:14; Re 4:7. (Ezekiel 10:16) and when the cherubs moved, the wheels would move alongside them; and when the cherubs lifted up their wings to be high above the earth, the wheels would not turn or move from their side.

*** w88 9/15 p. 15 par. 20 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** Noting the harmony between the chariot’s wheels and the cherubs, we should be moved to cooperate fully with God’s earthly organization. Out of loyalty, we should also protect it from treacherous men. (Ezekiel 10:9-22)

Chapters 11-14

Page 62

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 11:1) And a spirit lifted me up and brought me to the eastern gate of the house of Jehovah, the gate that faces east. There at the entrance of the gate I saw 25 men, and among them were Ja·az·a·niʹah the son of Azʹzur and Pel·a·tiʹah the son of Be·naiʹah, princes of the people.

*** w88 9/15 p. 15 par. 20 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** There were such men in Ezekiel’s day, for he saw 25 governmental princes plotting revolt against God’s executional forces with Egyptian help. (Ezekiel 11:2) Then He said to me: “Son of man, these are the men who are scheming evil and giving wicked advice in this city.

*** w97 5/1 p. 8 par. 3 Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger *** Ezekiel 11:2, 3 answers: “Son of man, these are the men that are scheming hurtfulness and advising bad counsel against this city; that are saying, ‘Is not the building of houses close at hand?’” These presumptuous peace messengers were saying, ‘There is no danger to Jerusalem. Why, soon we are going to build more houses in her!’

*** w88 9/15 p. 15 par. 20 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** There were such men in Ezekiel’s day, for he saw 25 governmental princes plotting revolt against God’s executional forces with Egyptian help. (Ezekiel 11:3) They are saying, ‘Is it not the time for building houses? The city is the cooking pot, and we are the flesh.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 15 par. 20 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** They likened Jerusalem to a caldron, and themselves to flesh safe inside. (Ezekiel 11:9) ‘I will bring you out of her and give you into the hand of foreigners and execute judgment on you.

*** w88 9/15 p. 15 par. 20 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** The “sword” of Babylonian “strangers” was to kill some of the schemers, whereas others were to become captives. This was to occur as God held the Jews accountable for breaking his covenant. (Ezekiel 11:1-13;

(Ezekiel 11:13) As soon as I prophesied, Pel·a·tiʹah the son of Be·naiʹah died, and I fell facedown and cried with a loud voice: “Alas, O Sovereign Lord Jehovah! Are you going to

Page 63

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

exterminate the remaining ones of Israel?”

*** w97 5/1 p. 8 pars. 3-4 Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger *** In verse 13 of chapter 11, Ezekiel tells us what happened to one of them: “It came about that as soon as I prophesied Pelatiah the son of Benaiah himself died.” This probably happened because Pelatiah was the most prominent and influential prince and the foremost idolater. His sudden death proved that he was a false prophet! 4 Jehovah’s execution of Pelatiah did not stop the other false prophets from lying in God’s name. (Ezekiel 11:16) Therefore say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Although I have removed them far away among the nations and I have scattered them among the lands, for a little while I will become a sanctuary for them in the lands to which they have gone.”’

*** it-2 p. 860 Sanctuary *** When they were removed from the Promised Land into exile, they no longer had a material sanctuary. But Jehovah promised that he himself would, as it were, become “a sanctuary” for them.—Eze 11:16.

*** w88 9/15 p. 15 par. 21 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** 21 Though Israelites had been ‘scattered among the lands,’ as in 617 B.C.E., God was “a sanctuary,” or refuge, for repentant exiles. (Ezekiel 11:14-16) (Ezekiel 11:17) “Therefore say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “I will also collect you from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.

*** it-1 p. 1234 Israel *** After the northern kingdom’s fall the name of Israel was, in effect, kept alive by Judah, the only kingdom remaining of Israel’s (Jacob’s) descendants. Therefore, it is primarily with reference to the land of the Judean kingdom and its capital Jerusalem that the expression “soil of Israel” is used by the prophet Ezekiel. (Eze 12:19, 22; 18:2; 21:2, 3) This was the geographic area that was completely desolated for 70 years from and after 607 B.C.E. (Eze 25:3) but to which a faithful remnant would be regathered.—Eze 11:17; 20:42; 37:12.

*** w97 5/1 pp. 19-20 pars. 6-7 Messengers of Godly Peace Pronounced Happy *** 6 During the dark days of World War I, Jehovah’s modern-day people, the remnant of the anointed “Israel of God,” went into a captivity similar to that of Israel in Babylon. (Galatians 6:16) They suffered spiritual exile in Babylon the Great, the world conglomerate of false religions, of which Christendom is the most prominent and reprehensible. Nevertheless, Jehovah’s words to Ezekiel showed that they were not abandoned. He said: “I will also collect you from the peoples and gather you from the lands among which you have been scattered, and I will give you the soil of Israel.” (Ezekiel 11:17) In order to fulfill that

Page 64

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

promise for ancient Israel, Jehovah raised up the Persian Cyrus, who overthrew the Babylonian World Power and opened the way for a remnant of Israel to return to their land. But what of today? 7 Earlier in this century, there was powerful evidence that a Greater Cyrus was at work. Who was he? None other than Jesus Christ, enthroned since 1914 in the heavenly Kingdom. This great King showed goodwill toward his anointed brothers on earth when, in the year 1919, anointed Christians were freed from spiritual captivity and returned to their “land,” their spiritual estate. (Isaiah 66:8; Revelation 18:4) Thus Ezekiel 11:17 had a modern-day fulfillment. In ancient times it took the fall of Babylon to open the way for Israelites to return to their land. In modern times the restoration of the Israel of God was evidence that Babylon the Great had experienced a fall at the hands of the Greater Cyrus. This fall was announced by the second angel of Revelation chapter 14, when he cried out: “Babylon the Great has fallen, she who made all the nations drink of the wine of the anger of her fornication!” (Revelation 14:8) What a reversal for Babylon the Great, especially for Christendom! And what a blessing for true Christians!

*** w88 9/15 p. 15 par. 21 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks! *** (Read Ezekiel 11:17-21.) After Judah’s 70-year desolation, a remnant was restored to the cleansed “soil of Israel.” Comparably, after a Babylonish captivity, the anointed remnant was delivered in 1919, and under the guidance of God’s spirit, the once desolate “soil” of spiritual Israel has been cleansed. (Ezekiel 11:18) And they will return there and remove from it all its disgusting things and detestable practices.

*** w97 5/1 p. 20 par. 8 Messengers of Godly Peace Pronounced Happy *** 8 At Ezekiel 11:18-20, we read the prophet’s description of the happiness of God’s people after their restoration. The first fulfillment of his words meant the cleansing of Israel in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. The modern-day fulfillment meant something similar. Let us see how. Jehovah says: “They will certainly come [to their land] and remove all its disgusting things and all its detestable things out of it.” Just as prophesied, starting in 1919, Jehovah cleansed his people and reinvigorated them to serve him. They began to remove from their spiritual environment all the Babylonish practices and doctrines that polluted them in his eyes. (Ezekiel 11:19) And I will give them a unified heart, and I will put a new spirit in them; and I will remove the heart of stone from their bodies and give them a heart of flesh,

*** w97 5/1 p. 20 par. 9 Messengers of Godly Peace Pronounced Happy *** 9 Then, according to verse 19, Jehovah goes on to say: “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I shall put inside them; and I shall certainly remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.” In harmony with these words, in 1919, Jehovah united his anointed servants, gave them “one heart,” so to speak, in order that they would serve him “shoulder to shoulder.” (Zephaniah 3:9) Further, Jehovah gave his people holy spirit to invigorate them in the witness work and to produce in them the fine fruitage described at Galatians 5:22, 23. And rather than an unresponsive, stonelike heart,

Page 65

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Jehovah gave them a soft, pliable, obedient heart, a heart that would respond to his will. (Ezekiel 11:20) in order that they may walk in my statutes and observe my judgments and obey them. Then they will be my people, and I will be their God.”’

*** w97 5/1 p. 20 par. 10 Messengers of Godly Peace Pronounced Happy *** 10 Why did he do this? Jehovah himself explains. We read at Ezekiel 11:20: “In order that they may walk in my own statutes and keep my own judicial decisions and actually carry them out; and they may really become my people and I myself may become their God.” The Israel of God learned to obey Jehovah’s law rather than follow their own ideas. They learned to do God’s will without fear of man. Thus, they stood out as different from the imitation Christians of Christendom. They were Jehovah’s people. As such, Jehovah was ready to use them as his messenger, his “faithful and discreet slave.”—Matthew 24:45-47. (Ezekiel 11:23) Then the glory of Jehovah ascended from the city and stopped over the mountain to the east of the city.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 16-17 par. 3 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 3 Jehovah’s chariot moved again, and Ezekiel’s location also changed. It was as if God’s chariotlike heavenly organization moved to an observation post above the Mount of Olives. From there Jesus foretold the destruction that came upon Jerusalem in 70 C.E., a devastation prophetic of Christendom’s end. (Mark 13:1-20) (Ezekiel 11:24) A spirit then lifted me up—through a vision by the spirit of God—and brought me to the exiled people in Chal·deʹa. Then the vision that I had seen left me.

(Ezekiel 11:25) And I began to tell the exiled people all the things that Jehovah had shown me.

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 3 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** In vision, Ezekiel himself had been taken from the river Chebar, but by God’s spirit he was now brought back to his house of exile in Babylonia. There he told other exiles ‘all that Jehovah had caused him to see.’ Similarly, God’s anointed “watchman” and associated witnesses today declare all that has been revealed to them by the Rider of the celestial chariot.—Ezekiel 11:22-25. (Ezekiel 12:3) As for you, son of man, prepare for yourself luggage for going into exile. Then, during the day while they are watching, you must go into exile. Go into exile from your home to another place while they are watching. Perhaps they will take notice, even

Page 66

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

though they are a rebellious house.

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 4 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 4 By symbolic acts, Ezekiel showed Jewish exiles that national disaster was imminent. (Read Ezekiel 12:1-7.) The prophet carried “luggage for exile” to denote the few items that captives could manage to carry on their shoulders. (Ezekiel 12:5) “While they are watching, bore a hole in the wall, and carry your belongings out through it.

*** it-2 p. 655 Portent *** when Ezekiel made a hole in the wall (likely the wall of his residence) and took out his luggage through it as a portent of the exile facing Judah.—Eze 12:5-11; (Ezekiel 12:13) I will cast my net over him, and he will be caught in my hunting net. Then I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chal·deʹans, but he will not see it; and there he will die.

*** it-2 p. 1228 Zedekiah *** Zedekiah’s sons were slaughtered before his eyes. As Zedekiah was only about 32 years of age at the time, the boys could not have been very old. After witnessing the death of his sons, Zedekiah was blinded, bound with copper fetters, and taken to Babylon, where he died in the house of custody.—2Ki 25:2-7; Jer 39:2-7; 44:30; 52:6-11; compare Jer 24:8- 10; Eze 12:11-16; 21:25-27. (Ezekiel 12:27) “Son of man, this is what the people of Israel are saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for a long time from now, and he is prophesying about the distant future.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 4 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Though many did not take such warnings seriously, Ezekiel was to tell the people: “There will be no postponement anymore.” Today too there is contempt for divine warnings and prophecies, but we can do much to help truth-seekers to place confidence in their fulfillment.—Ezekiel 12:8-28.

(Ezekiel 12:28) Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “‘None of my words will be delayed; whatever I say will be done,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”’”

Page 67

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 13:3) This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Woe to the stupid prophets, who follow their own spirit, when they have seen nothing!

*** w99 10/1 pp. 13-14 “A Time for Peace” Is at Hand! *** Those Who Speak “Peace, When There Is No Peace” 14 During the seventh century B.C.E., God’s prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel delivered divine messages of judgment against Jerusalem for its wayward course in disobedience to God. The destruction they foretold took place in 607 B.C.E., even though God’s messengers had been contradicted by prominent and influential religious leaders. These latter ones proved to be “stupid prophets [who] . . . led [God’s] people astray, saying, ‘There is peace!’ when there is no peace.”—Ezekiel 13:1-16; Jeremiah 6:14, 15; 8:8-12. 15 Like the “stupid prophets” of that time, most religious leaders today also fail to warn people of God’s coming day of judgment. Instead, they paint an optimistic picture that political groups will ultimately achieve peace and security. More anxious to please humans than God, they tell their parishioners what they want to hear instead of explaining that God’s Kingdom is established and that the Messianic King is soon to complete his conquest. (Daniel 2:44; 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Revelation 6:2) As false prophets, they too speak of “peace, when there is no peace.” But their conviction will soon turn into sudden horror when they must face the fury of the One they have misrepresented and upon whose name they have brought untold reproach. The leaders of the world empire of false religion, described in the Bible as an immoral woman, will choke on their own misleading cries of peace.—Revelation 18:7, 8.

*** w97 5/1 pp. 8-9 par. 4 Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger *** 4 Jehovah’s execution of Pelatiah did not stop the other false prophets from lying in God’s name. These deceivers continued in their mad course of predicting things against God’s will. So Jehovah God told Ezekiel: “Woe to the stupid prophets, who are walking after their own spirit, when there is nothing that they have seen!” Like Pelatiah, they would be “no more” for defiantly visioning for Jerusalem “a vision of peace, when there is no peace.”— Ezekiel 13:3, 15, 16.

(Ezekiel 13:5) You will not go to the broken places in the stone walls to rebuild them for the house of Israel, so that Israel may keep standing in the battle in the day of Jehovah.”

*** it-1 pp. 594-595 Day of Jehovah *** Times of Destructive Judgment. From certain features of the prophecies, and in view of subsequent events, it appears that the expression, “the day of Jehovah,” at least in a miniature way, referred to different times of destructive judgment that occurred long ago at the hands of the Most High. For example, Isaiah envisioned what would befall unfaithful Judah and Jerusalem on “the day belonging to Jehovah of armies,” which was coming “upon everyone self-exalted and lofty” among them. (Isa 2:11-17) Ezekiel addressed himself to the unfaithful prophets of Israel, warning that they would in no way serve to

Page 68

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

fortify their cities “in order to stand in the battle in the day of Jehovah.” (Eze 13:5) By the mouth of his prophet Zephaniah, Jehovah foretold how he was about to stretch out his hand against Judah and Jerusalem, giving special attention so that not even the princes or the sons of the king would escape. (Zep 1:4-8) As the facts show, that “day of Jehovah” came upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. (Ezekiel 13:10) All of this is because they have led my people astray by saying, “There is peace!” when there is no peace. When a flimsy partition wall is built, they are plastering it with whitewash.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 5 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** False prophets were compared to destructive foxes, and it was shown that liars were whitewashing the tottering walls, or vain projects, of the people. (Ezekiel 13:11) “Tell those plastering with whitewash that it will fall. A torrential downpour will come, hailstones will fall, and powerful windstorms will break it down.

*** it-2 p. 434 Mortar, II *** Mud bricks were not lastingly resistant to wet weather. Therefore, in order to protect a new wall or to save and strengthen a damaged wall, a coat of mortar, or plaster, was sometimes applied. However, if only whitewash or bad mortar containing little or no lime was daubed on such a wall, it could not be expected to withstand severe storms.— Compare Eze 13:11-16. (Ezekiel 13:15) “‘When I fully unleash my wrath upon the wall and upon those who plastered it with whitewash, I will say to you: “The wall is no more, and those plastering it are no more.

Page 69

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-2 p. 698 Prophetess *** Jehovah spoke to Ezekiel of Israelite women who were “acting as prophetesses out of their own heart.” This implies that these prophetesses had no divine commission from God but were merely imitations, self-made prophetesses. (Eze 13:17-19) By their ensnaring and hoodwinking practices and propaganda they were ‘hunting souls,’ condemning the righteous and condoning the wicked, but Jehovah would deliver his people out of their hand.—Eze 13:20-23. (Ezekiel 14:5) For I will cause terror in the hearts of the house of Israel because they have all withdrawn from me and have gone after their disgusting idols.”’

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 5 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** “The day of Jehovah” was imminent, and his face was set against those ‘withdrawing from him,’ that is, ‘dedicating themselves away from following God.’ If we are dedicated to Jehovah, surely we would never want to withdraw from his sacred service.—Ezekiel 13:1– 14:11.

(Ezekiel 14:14) “‘Even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were within it, they would be able to save only themselves because of their righteousness,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”

Page 70

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w16 May p. 26 par. 13 Benefit Fully From Jehovah’s Provisions *** ‘Even if these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were within it, they would be able to save only themselves because of their righteousness,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” By doing some research, we learn that this portion of Ezekiel was written in about the year 612 B.C.E. By that time, Noah and Job had been dead for centuries, and their record of faithfulness was in God’s memory. But Daniel was still alive. In fact, he may have been in his late teens or early 20’s when Jehovah said that he was just as righteous as Noah and Job. The lesson? Jehovah notices and values the integrity of all his faithful worshippers, including those who are relatively young.—Ps. 148:12-14.

*** w16 May p. 26 par. 13 Benefit Fully From Jehovah’s Provisions *** 13 For example, consider Ezekiel 14:13, 14, where we read:

*** g 4/09 p. 26 How Can I Make Bible Reading Enjoyable? *** Example: Read Ezekiel 14:14. About what age may Daniel have been when Jehovah mentioned him as a good example alongside Noah and Job? Clue: Ezekiel chapter 14 was recorded just five years after Daniel was exiled to Babylon—likely as a teenager. The hidden gem: Was Daniel too young for Jehovah to notice his faithfulness? What good decisions led to blessings for him? (Daniel 1:8-17) How can Daniel’s example help you to make good decisions?

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 6 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 6 Who could save the wayward people of Judah? Not even righteous Noah, Daniel, and Job could deliver them when God brought his judgments upon the land. If we are to experience salvation, then, we must shoulder our personal responsibility before God and do his will.—Ezekiel 14:12-23; (Ezekiel 14:20) even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as surely as I am alive,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘they would save neither their sons nor their daughters; they would save only themselves because of their righteousness.’”

(Ezekiel 14:21) “For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘So it will be when I send my four punishments—sword, famine, vicious wild animal, and pestilence—against Jerusalem to cut off man and animal from it.

Page 71

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Chapters 15-17 (Ezekiel 15:2) “Son of man, how does the wood of the vine compare with that of any other tree or branch from the trees of the forest?

*** it-2 p. 1155 Vine *** A fruitful vine with proper care and good pruning may reach unusual age and size. For example, it is reported that one such vine in Jericho was over 300 years old and had a trunk diameter of nearly 46 cm (18 in.). Sometimes these old vines reached a height of more than 9 m (30 ft) and were veritable ‘vine trees.’ But in spite of such stature among the trees of the forest, such vine wood is not serviceable either as “a pole with which to do some work” or “a peg on which to hang any kind of utensil,” for it is too soft; and it is not straight enough for lumber. Indeed, vine wood served as a fitting illustration of the unfaithful inhabitants of Jerusalem, good only as fuel for the fire, the eventual destiny, Jesus said, of unfruitful vines.—Eze 15:2-7; Joh 15:6. (Ezekiel 15:3) Can a pole from it be used to do work? Or do people make a peg from it to hang utensils on?

*** it-2 p. 1155 Vine *** A fruitful vine with proper care and good pruning may reach unusual age and size. For example, it is reported that one such vine in Jericho was over 300 years old and had a trunk diameter of nearly 46 cm (18 in.). Sometimes these old vines reached a height of more than 9 m (30 ft) and were veritable ‘vine trees.’ But in spite of such stature among the trees of the forest, such vine wood is not serviceable either as “a pole with which to do some work” or “a peg on which to hang any kind of utensil,” for it is too soft; and it is not straight enough for lumber. Indeed, vine wood served as a fitting illustration of the unfaithful inhabitants of Jerusalem, good only as fuel for the fire, the eventual destiny, Jesus said, of unfruitful vines.—Eze 15:2-7; Joh 15:6. (Ezekiel 15:6) “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Just like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given as fuel for the fire, so I will deal with the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Page 72

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 7 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 7 Because of her unfaithful inhabitants, Judah was likened to a wild vine without good fruit and fit only for the fire. (Ezekiel 15:1-8) (Ezekiel 16:3) You must say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says to Jerusalem: “Your origin and your birth were in the land of the Caʹnaan·ite. Your father was an Amʹor·ite, and your mother was a Hitʹtite.

*** it-1 p. 1124 Hittites *** Figurative Use. Jehovah, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, used the term “Hittite” in a figurative sense in speaking to Jerusalem. He said: “Your origin and your birth were from the land of the Canaanite. Your father was the Amorite, and your mother was a Hittite.” (Eze 16:3) Jerusalem, the capital of the nation, upon which Jehovah placed his name was, when Israel entered the land, a city occupied by the Jebusites. But since the most prominent tribes were the Amorites and the Hittites, these are apparently used as representative of the nations of Canaan, including the Jebusites. (Ezekiel 16:4) As for your birth, on the day you were born, your umbilical cord was not cut, you were not washed in water to make you clean, you were not rubbed with salt, and you were not wrapped in cloths.

*** it-1 p. 318 Birth *** Postnatal procedures, most often performed by midwives, are mentioned at Ezekiel 16:4, though in a figurative sense. The umbilical cord was cut and the baby was washed, rubbed with salt, and then wrapped in swaddling bands. The use of salt may have been to dry the skin and make it firm and tight. Wrapping the baby in swaddling bands from head to foot, as was done with Jesus (Lu 2:7), gave the infant an almost mummylike appearance and served to keep the body warm and straight; by passing the bands under the chin and around the top of the head, it is said, the child was trained to breathe through its nostrils. Caring for newborn infants in this way dates far back into antiquity, for Job was familiar with swaddling bands.—Job 38:9.

*** it-1 p. 434 Child, Children *** Anciently, at birth the infant was first washed with water, then rubbed with salt. (Eze 16:4)

Page 73

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

This was done to make the skin dry, tight, and firm. (Ezekiel 16:8) “‘When I was passing by and saw you, I noticed that you were old enough for expressions of love. So I spread my garment over you and covered your nakedness and made an oath and entered into a covenant with you,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘and you became mine.

*** w12 10/15 p. 25 par. 10 Obey God and Benefit From His Sworn Promises *** 10 Then, after Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, Jehovah made another sworn promise to them: “If you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples, because the whole earth belongs to me. And you yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Ex. 19:5, 6) What a privileged position God thus offered Israel! It meant that if obedient, individuals from that nation could have the hope of being used by God as a kingdom of priests for the blessing of the rest of mankind. Later, in describing what he had done for Israel on that occasion, Jehovah stated: “I proceeded . . . to make a sworn statement to you and enter into a covenant with you.”—Ezek. 16:8. (Ezekiel 16:9) Furthermore, I washed you with water and rinsed away your blood and put oil on you.

*** it-1 p. 263 Bathing *** Appropriately, then, washing is used figuratively to denote a clean standing before Jehovah. (Ps 26:6; 73:13; Isa 1:16; Eze 16:9) (Ezekiel 16:10) I then clothed you with an embroidered garment and gave you fine leather sandals and wrapped you in fine linen, and I clothed you with costly garments.

*** it-1 p. 51 Adornment *** Jehovah speaks to Jerusalem, figuratively describing her as a girl whom he decked with fine, costly clothing and jewelry but who used her beauty and adornment unfaithfully as a prostitute. (Eze 16:10-19)

*** it-2 p. 943 Silk *** Some Bible translations use “silk” for the Hebrew word meʹshi at Ezekiel 16:10, 13. (AS, AT, KJ, JP, Le, Mo, Ro, RS) According to rabbinic tradition, meʹshi denotes silk; however, there is uncertainty. Accordingly, the New World Translation, with the support of modern lexicographers, renders it “costly material.” (Ezekiel 16:11) I adorned you with ornaments and put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck.

*** it-1 p. 1028 Hand *** HAND

The terminal part of the arm. The “hand,” as used in the Scriptures, at times includes the

Page 74

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

wrist, as at Genesis 24:22, 30, 47 and Ezekiel 16:11, where bracelets are said to be worn on the “hands,” and at Judges 15:14, where mention is made of the fetters on Samson’s “hands.” (Ezekiel 16:13) You kept adorning yourself with gold and silver, and your clothing was fine linen, costly material, and an embroidered garment. Fine flour, honey, and oil were what you ate, and you grew to be extremely beautiful, and you became fit to be a queen.’”

*** si p. 135 par. 16 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** How faithless and worthless has Jerusalem become! Born from the land of the Canaanites, she was picked up by Jehovah as an abandoned infant. He reared her and entered into a marriage covenant with her. He made her beautiful, “fit for royal position.” (16:13) (Ezekiel 16:14) “‘Your fame began to spread among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect because my own splendor I placed upon you,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”

*** it-1 p. 180 Art *** Artwork under the monarchy. While the ancient nation of Israel is not renowned today for its works of art, yet the evidence indicates that, when occasion arose, they were able to produce work of artistic quality that gained wide attention and admiration. The prophet Ezekiel depicts the manner in which Jehovah adorned and beautified Jerusalem so that “‘a name began to go forth among the nations because of your prettiness, for it was perfect because of my splendor that I placed upon you,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” (Eze 16:8-14)

*** it-1 p. 1124 Hittites *** Therefore the city had a lowly heritage, but Jehovah had caused it to be beautified. Through King David, sitting on “Jehovah’s throne” (1Ch 29:23), with the ark of the covenant on Mount Zion, and finally, the glorious temple built by David’s son Solomon, the fame of Jerusalem came to be spread about among the nations. But Jerusalem became like the Canaanite nations around her, corrupt and immoral, for which Jehovah finally brought desolation upon her.—Eze 16:14, 15.

*** it-2 p. 602 Perfection *** The city of Jerusalem with its hill of Zion was called “the perfection of prettiness.” (La 2:15; Ps 50:2) This does not mean that every minute aspect of the city’s physical appearance was supremely attractive, but rather, it relates to its use by God, the city’s beauty resulting

Page 75

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

from the splendor that he conferred upon it, making it the capital of his anointed kings and the site of his temple. (Eze 16:14) (Ezekiel 16:15) “‘But you began to trust in your beauty, and you became a prostitute because of your fame. You lavished your acts of prostitution on everyone passing by, and your beauty became his.

*** it-1 p. 864 Fornication *** Symbolic Use. Jehovah God spoke of the nation of Israel in covenant relationship to him as “a wife.” (Isa 54:5, 6) When the nation became unfaithful to him, ignoring him and turning to other nations such as Egypt and Assyria for help and entering into alliances with them, Israel was like an unfaithful wife, an adulteress, a prostitute, one carrying on fornication promiscuously. (Eze 16:15, 25-29) (Ezekiel 16:16) You took some of your garments and made colorful high places where you prostituted yourself—such things should not take place, nor should they ever happen.

*** it-1 p. 1107 High Places *** There were also houses, or sanctuaries, of the high places where priests officiated and where the images of the deities were kept. (1Ki 12:31; 13:32; 2Ki 17:29, 32; 23:19, 20; Isa 16:12) Thus, the designation “high place” may at times refer to such a sanctuary rather than to an elevated site for worship. This is suggested by Ezekiel’s reference to high places of varied colors. (Eze 16:16) Perhaps these high places were tentlike sanctuaries. (Ezekiel 16:17) You also took your beautiful jewelry made from the gold and silver that I had given to you and you made for yourself male images and prostituted yourself with them.

*** g89 1/22 p. 6 Why Jehovah Evicted Both Canaanites and Israelites *** Women made images of sex organs and had relations with them, as we read: “Didst make thee images of the male, and didst act unchastely with them.” (Ezekiel 16:17, Rotherham) Or as An American Translation says: “With which you played the harlot.” (Ezekiel 16:27) Now I will bring my hand against you and diminish your food allowance and give you over to the will of the women who hate you, the daughters of the Phi·lisʹtines, who were appalled because of your obscene conduct.

*** it-2 p. 634 Philistia *** At Ezekiel 16:27, “the daughters of the Philistines” are depicted as being humiliated on account of Jerusalem’s loose conduct. (Eze 16:2) The reason for this appears to be that Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness to her God Jehovah was without parallel, for the Philistines and other peoples had held fast to the worship of their false gods.—Compare Jer 2:10, 11.

(Ezekiel 16:38) “‘And I will punish you with the judgments that adulteresses and women shedding blood deserve, and your blood will be shed in rage and jealousy.

Page 76

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 1259 Jealous, Jealousy *** God told the apostate, idol-worshiping, immoral city of Jerusalem that he would judge her and give her “the blood of rage and jealousy.” (Eze 16:38; 23:25) This occurred when the Babylonians destroyed the city and the temple upon which Jehovah’s name had been placed, but which name they had grossly defamed. Nevertheless, his jealousy did not overshadow or flood out his purposes and his mercy, for Jehovah spared a remnant to return and rebuild the temple. (Ezekiel 16:46) “‘Your older sister is Sa·marʹi·a, who is dwelling to the north of you with her daughters, and your younger sister, who is dwelling to the south of you, is Sodʹom with her daughters.

*** it-1 p. 240 Babylon the Great *** (The term “daughters” at times is employed in the Bible to refer to the suburbs or surrounding towns of a city or metropolis, as the “dependent towns” [literally, “daughters” in Hebrew] of Samaria and Sodom; see Eze 16:46-48.) (Ezekiel 16:48) As surely as I am alive,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘Sodʹom your sister and her daughters have not done what you and your daughters have done.

*** it-1 p. 240 Babylon the Great *** (The term “daughters” at times is employed in the Bible to refer to the suburbs or surrounding towns of a city or metropolis, as the “dependent towns” [literally, “daughters” in Hebrew] of Samaria and Sodom; see Eze 16:46-48.) (Ezekiel 16:53) “‘And I will gather their captives, the captives of Sodʹom and her daughters and the captives of Sa·marʹi·a and her daughters; I will also gather your captives along with them,

*** w88 6/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers *** At Ezekiel 16:53-55, “Sodom and her dependent towns” are mentioned, not in connection with the resurrection, but figuratively with regard to Jerusalem and her daughters. (Compare Revelation 11:8.) See also The Watchtower, June 1, 1952, page 337. Compare “Questions From Readers” in The Watchtower of August 1, 1979. (Ezekiel 16:60) But I myself will remember the covenant that I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish with you a permanent covenant.

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 7 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Yet, with faithful ones God would ‘establish an indefinitely lasting covenant’—the new covenant with spiritual Israel.—Ezekiel 16:1-63;

(Ezekiel 17:3) You must say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “The great eagle, with great wings, long pinions, and full, colorful plumage, came to Lebʹa·non and

Page 77

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

took the top of the cedar.

*** it-1 p. 424 Cedar *** The cedar figures dramatically in Ezekiel’s riddle (chap 17), wherein the king and princes of Judah are likened to the treetop of a cedar of Lebanon carried off to Babylon. (Eze 17:1- 4, 12, 13)

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 8 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 8 Next, the rulers of Babylon and Egypt were likened to great eagles. One broke off the top of a cedar tree by removing King Jehoiachin and replacing him with Zedekiah. (Ezekiel 17:4) He plucked off its topmost shoot and brought it to the land of traders and set it down in a city of traders.

*** it-1 p. 405 Canaan *** Commercial and Geopolitical Importance. Canaan formed a land bridge connecting Egypt with Asia and, more particularly, Mesopotamia. Though the economy of the country was basically agricultural, commercial trade was also engaged in, and the seaport cities of Tyre and Sidon became major trade centers with fleets of ships that were renowned throughout the then-known world. (Compare Eze 27.) Thus, as far back as Job’s time, the word “Canaanite” had become synonymous with ‘tradesman’ and is so translated. (Job 41:6; Zep 1:11; note also the reference to Babylon as “the land of Canaan,” Eze 17:4, 12.)

*** w07 7/1 p. 12 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 17:1-24—Who are the two great eagles, how are the young shoots of a cedar plucked off, and who is the “tender one” transplanted by Jehovah? The two eagles represent the rulers of Babylon and Egypt. The first eagle comes to the treetop of the cedar, that is, to the ruler of the government in the royal line of David. This eagle plucks off the top of the young shoots by replacing King Jehoiachin of Judah with Zedekiah.

(Ezekiel 17:5) He then took some of the seed of the land and put it in a fertile field. He planted it like a willow by abundant waters.

Page 78

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-2 p. 1186 Willow *** The Hebrew word occurs only once, at Ezekiel 17:5, where the symbolic “seed of the land,” evidently referring to Zedekiah, is figuratively planted by the king of Babylon as “a willow by vast waters.” The willow trees are found along the banks of rivers and shallow streams and in other moist places, where they sprout quickly from cuttings or slips and grow rapidly. They never attain the height of poplar trees but grow as shrubs or small trees and often form thickets along the watercourses. Their beauty is in their slender long leaves, hanging gracefully from the slender twigs and branches.

(Ezekiel 17:7) “‘“And there came another great eagle, with great wings and large pinions. This vine then stretched its roots eagerly toward him, away from the garden beds where it was planted, and it sent out its foliage toward him so that he would irrigate it.

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 8 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Although Zedekiah took a loyalty oath to Nebuchadnezzar, he broke it, seeking the military help of Egypt’s ruler, the other great eagle.

(Ezekiel 17:10) Although it is transplanted, will it prosper? Will it not dry up completely when the east wind blows on it? It will dry up in the garden bed where it sprouted.”’”

*** it-2 p. 1185 Wilderness *** Figurative Uses. The wilderness regions to the E and SE of Palestine were also the source of fierce hot winds now called siroccos, from the Arabic word (sharquiyyeh) for “east wind.” These winds blowing in from the desert have a tremendous parching effect, absorbing all the moisture in the air and often carrying with them fine, yellowish dust. (Jer 4:11) The siroccos occur principally in the spring and fall, and those in the spring can be very destructive to vegetation and crops. (Eze 17:10) Speaking of Ephraim, as the tribe representing the apostate northern kingdom of Israel, Jehovah foretold that though Ephraim “should show fruitfulness, an east wind . . . will come. From a wilderness it is coming up, and it will dry up his well and drain his spring. That one will pillage the treasure of all desirable articles.” This devastating east wind out of the wilderness symbolized the attack on Israel by Assyria out of the E, plundering and carrying the Israelites captive.—Ho 13:12-16. (Ezekiel 17:12) “Please tell the rebellious house, ‘Do you not realize what these things mean?’ Say, ‘Look! The king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and took its king and its princes and brought them back with him to Babylon.

*** it-1 p. 424 Cedar ***

Page 79

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

The cedar figures dramatically in Ezekiel’s riddle (chap 17), wherein the king and princes of Judah are likened to the treetop of a cedar of Lebanon carried off to Babylon. (Eze 17:1- 4, 12, 13) (Ezekiel 17:13) Furthermore, he took one of the royal offspring and made a covenant with him and put him under an oath. Then he took away the prominent men of the land,

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 8 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Although Zedekiah took a loyalty oath to Nebuchadnezzar, he broke it, seeking the military help of Egypt’s ruler, the other great eagle. If Zedekiah invoked God’s name in taking his oath, breaking it brought reproach on Jehovah.

(Ezekiel 17:19) “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “As surely as I am alive, I will bring upon his head the consequences of despising my oath and breaking my covenant.

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 8 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** If Zedekiah invoked God’s name in taking his oath, breaking it brought reproach on Jehovah.

*** w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 8 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Ezekiel 17:1-21 (Ezekiel 17:22) “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “I will take a shoot from the top of the lofty cedar and plant it, from the top of its twigs I will pluck a tender shoot, and I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

*** it-1 p. 424 Cedar *** Thereafter the Messiah is prophetically pictured as a twig from the very top of the cedar, which Jehovah then plants on a lofty mountain.—Eze 17:22-24; compare Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5; 33:15; Ps 2:6; Re 14:1; Da 4:17.

*** w07 7/1 p. 12 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** Jehovah also plucks off “a tender one,” the Messianic King. This One is transplanted upon “a high and lofty mountain,” upon heavenly Mount Zion, where he will become “a majestic cedar,” a source of real blessings for the earth.—Revelation 14:1.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 17-18 par. 9 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! ***

9 Heartening Messianic prophecy comes next. (Read Ezekiel 17:22-24.) Here, “a tender one” is the Messianic King, Jesus Christ. Planted by Jehovah on heavenly Mount Zion, he would become “a majestic cedar,” a source of protection and blessing as he ruled over the

Page 80

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

earth. (Revelation 14:1) In this we can indeed take heart. (Ezekiel 17:23) On a high mountain of Israel I will plant it; and its branches will grow, and it will produce fruit and become a majestic cedar. And every kind of bird will live beneath it and reside in the shadow of its foliage.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 17-18 par. 9 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! ***

Chapters 18-20 (Ezekiel 18:2) “What does this proverb that you quote in the land of Israel mean, ‘Fathers have eaten sour grapes, but the teeth of the sons are set on edge’?

*** it-2 p. 1074 Teeth *** In the days before Jerusalem’s destruction, a common saying of the people was: “The fathers were the ones that ate the unripe grape, but it was the teeth of the sons that got set on edge.” (Jer 31:29; Eze 18:2-4) By this means they tried to excuse themselves of the blame for the adverse conditions brought upon the nation because of its wickedness, saying that what they were experiencing was as a result of what their fathers had done.

*** w88 9/15 p. 18 par. 10 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Ezekiel’s fellow exiles apparently thought that they had a fine standing with God and blamed their forebears for their sufferings. But the prophet pointed out that each person is responsible for the consequences of his own conduct. (Ezekiel 18:1-29; compare Jeremiah 31:28-30.) (Ezekiel 18:4) Look! All the souls—to me they belong. As the soul of the father so also the soul of the son—to me they belong. The soul who sins is the one who will die.

*** it-1 p. 344 Blood ***

Page 81

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Taking Life. With Jehovah is the source of life. (Ps 36:9) Man cannot give back a life that he takes. “All the souls—to me they belong,” says Jehovah. (Eze 18:4) Therefore, to take life is to take Jehovah’s property. Every living thing has a purpose and a place in God’s creation. No man has the right to take life except when God permits and in the way that he instructs.

*** w97 10/1 p. 19 par. 12 Loyally Upholding God’s Inspired Word *** In such texts as Ezekiel 18:4, 20, they refer to “the person” or “the individual” (rather than “the soul”) as dying.

*** rs p. 382 par. 5 Spirit *** Ezek. 18:4: “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.” (RS, NE, KJ, and Dy all render the Hebrew word neʹphesh in this verse as “soul,” thus saying that it is the soul that dies. Some translations that render neʹphesh as “soul” in other passages use the expression “the man” or “the one” in this verse. So, the neʹphesh, the soul, is the person, not an immaterial part of him that survives when his body dies.) (See the main heading “Soul” for further details.)

*** w88 9/15 p. 18 par. 10 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** But the prophet pointed out that each person is responsible for the consequences of his own conduct. (Ezekiel 18:1-29; compare Jeremiah 31:28-30.) (Ezekiel 18:6) He does not eat idolatrous sacrifices on the mountains; he does not look up to the disgusting idols of the house of Israel; he does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have relations with a woman who is menstruating;

*** it-1 p. 1172 Idol, Idolatry *** With reference to a practicer of righteousness, Jehovah said through the prophet Ezekiel, “His eyes he did not raise to the dungy idols of the house of Israel,” that is, to offer supplication to them or in expectation of help from them.—Eze 18:5, 6. (Ezekiel 18:20) The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will bear no guilt because of the error of his father, and a father will bear no guilt because of the error of his son. The righteousness of the righteous one will be accounted to him alone, and the wickedness of the wicked one will be accounted to him alone.

*** w10 3/15 pp. 28-29 Questions From Readers *** Does Ezekiel 18:20, which says that “a son himself will bear nothing because of the error of the father,” contradict Exodus 20:5, which says that Jehovah brings “punishment for the error of fathers upon sons”? There is no contradiction. One statement focuses on the individual’s accountability, and the other acknowledges the reality that a person’s error may have consequences affecting his descendants.

Page 82

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

The context of Ezekiel chapter 18 shows that personal accountability is being stressed. “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die,” states verse 4. What about a man who is “righteous and he has executed justice and righteousness”? “He will positively keep living.” (Ezek. 18:5, 9) Thus, after reaching an age of accountability, each individual is judged “according to his ways.”—Ezek. 18:30. This principle is illustrated in the case of a Levite named Korah. During Israel’s wilderness journey, Korah became dissatisfied with his service privileges. In an effort to secure priestly duties for himself, Korah and some others rebelled against Jehovah’s representatives, Moses and Aaron. For presumptuously reaching out for this office—a privilege they were not entitled to—Jehovah put Korah and his rebel forces to death. (Num. 16:8-11, 31-33) Korah’s sons, however, did not join in the rebellion. God did not hold them accountable for their father’s sin. Their loyalty to Jehovah resulted in their own lives being spared.—Num. 26:10, 11.

*** w97 10/1 p. 19 par. 12 Loyally Upholding God’s Inspired Word *** In such texts as Ezekiel 18:4, 20, they refer to “the person” or “the individual” (rather than “the soul”) as dying.

*** w88 2/1 p. 6 Does the Bible Contradict Itself? *** Another seeming contradiction is found by comparing Exodus 34:7 with Ezekiel 18:20. The first text states that God would bring “punishment for the error of fathers upon sons and upon grandsons,” while the latter states that “a son himself will bear nothing because of the error of the father.” Why do these texts appear to be contradictory? Because they are taken out of context. Examine the surrounding material and setting. It then becomes obvious that when God mentioned punishment as coming upon not only fathers but also sons and grandsons, he was speaking of what would result to Israelites as a nation if they sinned against him and were taken into captivity. On the other hand, when mentioning that a son would not be liable for the error of his father, he was speaking of personal accountability.

*** w86 3/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers *** Similarly, Ezekiel 18:20 observes: “A son himself will bear nothing because of the error of the father, and a father himself will bear nothing because of the error of the son. Upon his own self the very righteousness of the righteous one will come to be, and upon his own self the very wickedness of a wicked one will come to be.” This was primarily referring to adults. The context speaks of a son who witnessed his father’s wickedness but refused to share in it; instead, the son carried out Jehovah’s judicial decisions and walked in His statutes. Such a son would be preserved when his father died.—Ezekiel 18:14-17. (Ezekiel 18:21) “‘Now if someone wicked turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps my statutes and does what is just and righteous, he will surely keep living. He will not die.

*** w12 7/1 p. 18 par. 3 When God Forgives, Does He Forget? *** What, then, if someone changed from doing bad to doing good? Jehovah said: “As regards someone wicked, in case he should turn back from all his sins that he has committed and

Page 83

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

he should actually keep all my statutes and execute justice and righteousness, he will positively keep living. He will not die.” (Verse 21) Yes, Jehovah was “ready to forgive” a sinner who turned back from his wayward course, manifesting true repentance.—Psalm 86:5. (Ezekiel 18:22) None of the transgressions that he has committed will be held against him. He will keep living for doing what is righteous.’

*** w12 7/1 p. 18 pars. 4-6 When God Forgives, Does He Forget? *** What about the sins he had committed? “All his transgressions that he has committed— they will not be remembered against him,” Jehovah explained. (Verse 22) Notice that the repentant one’s sins would “not be remembered against him.” Why is this significant? In the Bible, the Hebrew word translated “remember” can mean more than just to recall the past. Regarding this word, one reference work says: “Quite often, in fact, [it] implies an action or appears in combination with verbs of action.” Thus, “to remember” can mean “to act.” Hence, when Jehovah says of a repentant sinner that his sins “will not be remembered against him,” He is saying that He will not thereafter act against the individual because of those sins, such as by accusing or punishing him. The words of Ezekiel 18:21, 22 paint a touching picture of the extent of God’s forgiveness. When Jehovah forgives our sins, he will never hold those sins against us in the future. Instead, he puts the sins of repentant ones behind him. (Isaiah 38:17) It is as if he wipes out the record of those sins.—Acts 3:19.

*** g95 6/8 p. 10 Forgive and Forget—How Possible? *** Through the prophet Ezekiel, Jehovah explained the sense in which he forgives and forgets: “Now as regards someone wicked, in case he should turn back from all his sins that he has committed and he should actually keep all my statutes and execute justice and righteousness, he will positively keep living. He will not die. All his transgressions that he has committed—they will not be remembered against him. For his righteousness that he has done he will keep living.” (Ezekiel 18:21, 22; 33:14-16) Yes, when Jehovah forgives a repentant sinner, he wipes the slate clean and forgets in the sense that he will not take action against that one for those sins at some future time.—Romans 4:7, 8. (Ezekiel 18:25) “‘But you will say: “The way of Jehovah is unjust.” Please listen, O house of Israel! Is it my way that is unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust?

*** w10 10/15 pp. 3-4 pars. 5-6 “Who Has Come to Know the Mind of Jehovah?” *** 5 We need to be careful not to shape our concept of Jehovah so as to conform it to our own standards and desires. Why is this important? Well, as we study the Scriptures, some of Jehovah’s actions may seem to be not quite right from our limited, imperfect viewpoint. The ancient Israelites fell into that way of thinking and drew a wrong conclusion concerning Jehovah’s dealings with them. Notice what Jehovah said to them: “You people will certainly say: ‘The way of Jehovah is not adjusted right.’ Hear, please, O house of Israel. Is not my own way adjusted right? Are not the ways of you people not adjusted right?”—Ezek. 18:25. 6 A key to avoiding the trap of judging Jehovah by our own standards is to recognize that

Page 84

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

our viewpoint is limited and at times seriously flawed. (Ezekiel 18:29) “‘But the house of Israel will say: “The way of Jehovah is unjust.” Is it really my ways that are unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?’

*** it-2 p. 140 Justice *** Jehovah’s wisdom is far superior to that of imperfect humans, and man, not God, must learn the path of justice. (Isa 40:14) Thus man is in no position to judge God’s acts as just or unjust, but must learn to conform his thinking to the standard of justice that Jehovah has revealed in his Word. Said God to the Israelites: “As for my ways, are they not adjusted right, O house of Israel? Are not the ways of you people the ones that are not adjusted right?” (Eze 18:29) Also, Jehovah’s creatorship rules out all basis for questioning the rightness of his activities.—Ro 9:20, 21; see also Job 40:8–41:34.

*** w13 8/15 pp. 11-12 par. 9 Never Become “Enraged Against Jehovah” *** 9 We do not know all the facts. Because of not having all the facts, the Israelites in Ezekiel’s day felt that Jehovah’s way was “not adjusted right.” (Ezek. 18:29) It was as if they had set themselves up as judges of God, putting their own standards of justice above Jehovah’s and judging him based on their own limited understanding of events. If we at times do not fully understand a Bible account or the way events develop in our own life, could we perhaps feel in our heart that the way of Jehovah is unfair, “not adjusted right”?— Job 35:2. (Ezekiel 18:31) Rid yourselves of all the transgressions you have committed and acquire a new heart and a new spirit, for why should you die, O house of Israel?’

*** it-2 p. 774 Repentance *** This calls for “a new heart and a new spirit” (Eze 18:31); one’s changed thinking, motivation, and aim in life produce a new frame of mind, disposition, and moral force. For the one whose life course changes, the result is a “new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty” (Eph 4:17-24), free from immorality, covetousness, as well as violent speech and conduct. (Col 3:5-10; contrast Ho 5:4-6.) For such ones God causes the spirit of wisdom to “bubble forth,” making his words known to them.—Pr 1:23; compare 2Ti 2:25.

(Ezekiel 19:9) With hooks they put him in a cage and brought him to the king of Babylon. There they confined him, so that his voice would no more be heard on the mountains of Israel.

*** it-1 p. 385 Cage *** The prophet Ezekiel evidently alluded to King Zedekiah of Judah under the figure of a lion

Page 85

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

that was put in a cage (Heb., su·gharʹ) and transported to the king of Babylon.—Eze 19:9; compare Eze 12:13; 17:20; 2Ki 25:5-7. (Ezekiel 19:10) Your mother was like a vine in your blood, planted by waters. It bore fruit and was full of branches because of the abundant water.

*** w88 9/15 p. 18 par. 11 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** In keeping with the prophetic dirge, in 607 B.C.E., Judah became a ruined vine, “and there proved to be in her no strong rod, no scepter for ruling.” She had been struck by Jehovah’s “sword”!—Ezekiel 19:1-14 (Ezekiel 20:1) Now in the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, some of the elders of Israel came and sat down before me to inquire of Jehovah.

*** si p. 135 par. 19 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** 19 Denunciations against Jerusalem (20:1–23:49). Time has moved on to 611 B.C.E. Again the elders among the exiles come to Ezekiel to inquire of Jehovah. (Ezekiel 20:5) Tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “In the day I chose Israel, I also swore to the offspring of the house of Jacob, and I made myself known to them in the land of Egypt. Yes, I swore to them and said, ‘I am Jehovah your God.’

*** w12 10/15 p. 24 par. 9 Obey God and Benefit From His Sworn Promises *** 9 Centuries later, Jehovah again swore with respect to the above-mentioned promises when he sent Moses to speak to Abraham’s descendants, who were then in slavery to the Egyptians. (Ex. 6:6-8) Referring to that occasion, God said: “In the day of my choosing Israel, . . . I lifted up my hand in an oath to them to bring them forth from the land of Egypt to a land that I had spied out for them, one flowing with milk and honey.”—Ezek. 20:5, 6. (Ezekiel 20:6) In that day I swore that I would bring them out of the land of Egypt to a land that I had searched out for them, one flowing with milk and honey. It was the most beautiful of all the lands.

*** w12 10/15 p. 24 par. 9 Obey God and Benefit From His Sworn Promises *** 9 Centuries later, Jehovah again swore with respect to the above-mentioned promises when he sent Moses to speak to Abraham’s descendants, who were then in slavery to the Egyptians. (Ex. 6:6-8) Referring to that occasion, God said: “In the day of my choosing Israel, . . . I lifted up my hand in an oath to them to bring them forth from the land of Egypt to a land that I had spied out for them, one flowing with milk and honey.”—Ezek. 20:5, 6. (Ezekiel 20:37) ‘I will make you pass under the shepherd’s staff and bring you under obligation to the covenant.

*** it-1 p. 352 Bond *** In a favorable sense, Ezekiel speaks of “the bond of the covenant” because of a covenant’s binding force. (Eze 20:37)

Page 86

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 20:42) “‘And you will have to know that I am Jehovah when I bring you to the land of Israel, into the land that I swore to give to your forefathers.

*** w07 7/1 p. 14 par. 3 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 20:1, 49. The response of the older men of Israel shows that they were skeptical about what Ezekiel had said. May we never develop a doubting attitude toward divine warnings.

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 12 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 12 Approached by “men from the elderly ones of Israel,” Ezekiel spoke God’s message. He pointed out that although Jehovah delivered the Israelites from Egypt and gave them His Law, they rejected it and practiced idolatry. Since Ezekiel’s contemporaries were guilty of similar wrongdoing, God would put himself on judgment against them. Apparently with skepticism and not because they did not understand what Ezekiel meant, the people asked: “Is he not composing proverbial sayings?” They would soon learn that there was nothing merely proverbial about the prophet’s message. This should warn us never to adopt a skeptical attitude toward the fulfillment of Scriptural warnings.—Ezekiel 20:1-49.

Chapters 21-23 (Ezekiel 21:2) “Son of man, turn your face toward Jerusalem, and make a proclamation against the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel.

(Ezekiel 21:3) Say to the land of Israel, ‘This is what Jehovah says: “Here I am against you, and I will bring my sword out of its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.

*** it-1 p. 1234 Israel ***

Page 87

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

After the northern kingdom’s fall the name of Israel was, in effect, kept alive by Judah, the only kingdom remaining of Israel’s (Jacob’s) descendants. Therefore, it is primarily with reference to the land of the Judean kingdom and its capital Jerusalem that the expression “soil of Israel” is used by the prophet Ezekiel. (Eze 12:19, 22; 18:2; 21:2, 3)

*** w07 7/1 p. 14 par. 1 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 21:3—What is the “sword” that Jehovah brings forth out of its sheath? The “sword” that Jehovah uses to execute his judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah proves to be Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar and his army. It could also include the heavenly part of God’s organization consisting of mighty spirit creatures.

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 pars. 13-14 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Ezekiel 21:1-5.) God’s “sword” signifies the earthly agency he would use, but it can include his heavenly, chariotlike organization. “Righteous” and “wicked” inhabitants of Judah and Israel, as well as nations having ill will toward God’s people, would fall by the edge of God’s “sword.” Indeed, “all those of flesh” would be made to know that Jehovah was warring against them. 14 Like Ezekiel, Jehovah’s anointed witnesses today call attention to the “sword” that God will brandish against adherents of Christendom, the realm of which is the antitypical “soil of Israel.” Soon that “sword” will be felt by “all flesh from south to north,” by all practicers of false religion. (Ezekiel 21:4) Because I will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked, my sword will be drawn from its sheath against all flesh, from south to north.

(Ezekiel 21:5) All people will have to know that I myself, Jehovah, have drawn my sword from its sheath. It will not go back again.”’

*** w88 9/15 p. 16 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword!

“All those of flesh will have to know that I myself, Jehovah, have brought forth my

Page 88

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

sword from its sheath.”—EZEKIEL 21:5.

JEHOVAH’S sword rightly inspires terror in his foes. But when he wielded it against wrongdoers in the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, did they really know what was happening? Yes, they were made to know that Jehovah had brought his symbolic sword from its sheath.—Ezra 9:6-9; Nehemiah 1:8; 9:26-30. 2 Through his prophet and watchman Ezekiel, God said: “All those of flesh will have to know that I myself, Jehovah, have brought forth my sword from its sheath.” (Ezekiel 21:5)

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 pars. 13-14 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** (Read Ezekiel 21:1-5.) God’s “sword” signifies the earthly agency he would use, but it can include his heavenly, chariotlike organization. “Righteous” and “wicked” inhabitants of Judah and Israel, as well as nations having ill will toward God’s people, would fall by the edge of God’s “sword.” Indeed, “all those of flesh” would be made to know that Jehovah was warring against them. 14 Like Ezekiel, Jehovah’s anointed witnesses today call attention to the “sword” that God will brandish against adherents of Christendom, the realm of which is the antitypical “soil of Israel.” Soon that “sword” will be felt by “all flesh from south to north,” by all practicers of false religion. Self-assured ones of Ezekiel’s day had no reason to exult, concluding that Jehovah’s “sword” would not ‘organize a slaughter’ against them. That “sword” rejected the royal scepter of the kingdom of Judah, even as it rejected every other “tree,” or scepter. Surely, then, Christendom’s rulers will not be spared by God’s executional agency.— Ezekiel 21:6-17. (Ezekiel 21:7) And if they say to you, ‘Why are you sighing?’ you will say, ‘Because of a report.’ For it will certainly come, and every heart will melt with fear and every hand will hang limp and every spirit will become dejected and every knee will drip with water. ‘Look! It will certainly come—it will take place,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”

*** w97 5/1 p. 22 par. 15 Messengers of Godly Peace Pronounced Happy *** In Ezekiel’s day Jehovah vividly described the terror inspired by the approaching destruction of Jerusalem. But his words will have far more meaning when people discern the imminent destruction of this world. Jehovah said to Ezekiel: “As for you, O son of man, sigh with shaking hips. Even with bitterness you should sigh before their eyes. And it must occur that, in case they say to you, ‘On account of what are you sighing?’ you must say, ‘At a report.’ For it will certainly come, and every heart must melt and all hands must drop down and every spirit must become dejected and all knees themselves will drip with water. ‘Look! It will certainly come and be brought to occur,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” (Ezekiel 21:6, 7; Matthew 24:30) Fear-inspiring events lie just ahead. Our deep concern for fellow humans moves us to sound the warning, to tell the “report” of Jehovah’s coming wrath.

(Ezekiel 21:9) “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what Jehovah says: “Say, ‘A sword! A sword is sharpened, and it is polished.

Page 89

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-2 p. 875 Scepter *** Jacob’s prophetic words that ‘the scepter would not turn aside from Judah’ indicated that the kingship would come to be the possession of the tribe of Judah and would remain such until Shiloh came. (Ge 49:10; see COMMANDER’S STAFF.) Centuries later the Babylonians, acting as Jehovah’s executional “sword,” destroyed the kingdom of Judah and took its king captive. This is alluded to by Jehovah’s words through Ezekiel: “A sword, a sword! It has been sharpened, and it is also polished. . . . Is it rejecting the scepter of my own son, as it does every tree? . . . For an extermination has been made, and what of it if it is rejecting also the scepter?” (Eze 21:9, 10, 13) Thus the “sword” treated the Judean “scepter” of the Davidic dynasty like every tree (to be chopped down) or like other kings or kingdoms that it brought to ruin. (Ezekiel 21:10) It is sharpened to inflict a great slaughter; it is polished to flash like lightning.’”’” “Should we not rejoice?” “‘Will it reject the scepter of my own son, as it does every tree?

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 14 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Self-assured ones of Ezekiel’s day had no reason to exult, concluding that Jehovah’s “sword” would not ‘organize a slaughter’ against them. That “sword” rejected the royal scepter of the kingdom of Judah, even as it rejected every other “tree,” or scepter. Surely, then, Christendom’s rulers will not be spared by God’s executional agency.—Ezekiel 21:6- 17. (Ezekiel 21:12) “‘Cry out and wail, son of man, for it has come against my people; it is against all the chieftains of Israel. These will be victims of the sword along with my people. So strike your thigh in grief.

*** it-1 p. 218 Attitudes and Gestures *** Under the feeling of unusual grief or contrition one might beat the breast in grief (Mt 11:17; Lu 23:27), or slap the thigh for regret, shame, and humiliation or mourning.—Jer 31:19; Eze 21:12. (Ezekiel 21:13) For an examination has been made, and what will happen if the sword rejects the scepter? It will cease to exist,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

Page 90

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-2 p. 875 Scepter *** Jacob’s prophetic words that ‘the scepter would not turn aside from Judah’ indicated that the kingship would come to be the possession of the tribe of Judah and would remain such until Shiloh came. (Ge 49:10; see COMMANDER’S STAFF.) Centuries later the Babylonians, acting as Jehovah’s executional “sword,” destroyed the kingdom of Judah and took its king captive. This is alluded to by Jehovah’s words through Ezekiel: “A sword, a sword! It has been sharpened, and it is also polished. . . . Is it rejecting the scepter of my own son, as it does every tree? . . . For an extermination has been made, and what of it if it is rejecting also the scepter?” (Eze 21:9, 10, 13) Thus the “sword” treated the Judean “scepter” of the Davidic dynasty like every tree (to be chopped down) or like other kings or kingdoms that it brought to ruin. (Ezekiel 21:20) You should mark out one way for the sword to come against Rabʹbah of the Amʹmon·ites, and the other way against fortified Jerusalem in Judah.

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 15 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 15 Ezekiel’s prophecy goes on to show that nobody, including the demons, can turn Jehovah’s “sword” aside. (Read Ezekiel 21:18-22.) Although King Nebuchadnezzar would employ demonistic divination, Jehovah would see to it that the Babylonian ruler marched against Jerusalem, not against the weaker Ammonite capital of Rabbah. (Ezekiel 21:21) For the king of Babylon stops to use divination at the fork in the road, where the two roads branch off. He shakes the arrows. He consults his idols; he examines the liver.

*** it-1 p. 207 Astrologers *** Liver Divination and Astrology. The practice of ‘looking into the liver’ appears to have been a special aspect of astrology. (Eze 21:21) A clay model of a liver was found in a temple school in Babylon dating back to the time of Hammurabi. One side of it was divided into areas representing “day” and “night.” The edge was divided into 16 parts, and corresponding names of the deities of the heavens were given to each section. So, as this brand of divination divided up the heavens in a purely imaginary way, similarly they divided up the liver of their sacrificial victims. When offering these sacrifices they looked at the liver, considering it a miniature reflection of the heavens, in order to see what omens the gods were revealing to them.—See DIVINATION.

*** it-1 p. 637 Divination *** Origin. The birthplace of divination was Babylonia, the land of the Chaldeans, and from there these occult practices spread around the earth with the migration of mankind. (Ge 11:8, 9) Of the portion of Ashurbanipal’s library that has been unearthed, one fourth, it is said, contains omen tablets that purport to interpret all the peculiarities observed in the heavens and on earth, as well as all the incidental and accidental occurrences of everyday life. King Nebuchadnezzar’s decision to attack Jerusalem was made only after resorting to divination, concerning which it is written: “He has shaken the arrows. He has asked by means of the teraphim; he has looked into the liver. In his right hand the divination proved to be for Jerusalem.”—Eze 21:21, 22.

Page 91

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Looking into the liver in quest of omens was based on the belief that all vitality, emotion, and affection were centered in this organ. One sixth of man’s blood is in the liver. The variations in its lobes, ducts, appendages, veins, ridges, and markings were interpreted as signs, or omens, from the gods. (See ASTROLOGERS.) A large number of clay models of livers have been found, the oldest being from Babylon, containing omens and texts in cuneiform used by diviners. (PICTURE, Vol. 2, p. 324) Ancient Assyrian priests were called baru, meaning “inspector” or “he who sees,” because of the prominent part liver inspecting played in their fortune-telling religion.

*** it-2 p. 324 Babylonian Empire *** [Picture on page 324] Clay model of a sheep’s liver, inscribed with omens and magical formulas; used in Babylon for divination (Compare Eze 21:20-22)

*** g 1/11 p. 11 A Book You Can Trust—Part 3 *** History also shows that ancient Babylon was an extremely religious city, rife with astrology and divination. For example, at Ezekiel 21:21, we read that the king of Babylon resorted to divination in order to determine whether to attack Jerusalem. The king “looked into the liver,” the Bible says. Why the liver? The Babylonians used this organ in quest of omens. The book Mesopotamian Astrology tells us that at just one site in ancient Babylon, archaeologists found “32 [clay] liver models, all inscribed” with omens.

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 15 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** (Read Ezekiel 21:18-22.) Although King Nebuchadnezzar would employ demonistic divination, Jehovah would see to it that the Babylonian ruler marched against Jerusalem, not against the weaker Ammonite capital of Rabbah. From a container Nebuchadnezzar would choose an arrow marked for Jerusalem. He would use teraphim (likely, small idols in human form) and would look for indications in the liver of a slain animal. (Ezekiel 21:22) The divination in his right hand is pointed toward Jerusalem, to set up battering rams, to give the word for slaughter, to sound the battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to throw up a siege rampart, to build a siege wall.

*** w07 7/1 p. 14 par. 4 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 21:18-22. Even though Nebuchadnezzar used divination, it was Jehovah who made certain that the pagan ruler would come against Jerusalem. This shows that even demons cannot turn aside Jehovah’s executional agents from accomplishing his purpose.

Page 92

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

however, he would take the road to the Judean capital and besiege it. (Ezekiel 21:23) But it will seem like false divination in the eyes of those who had sworn oaths to them. But he remembers their guilt and will capture them.

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 15 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** True, Nebuchadnezzar had concluded a covenant with King Zedekiah. But because of their oath-breaking, Zedekiah and other Jews would be “seized even by the hand” and led captive to Babylon.—Ezekiel 21:23 (Ezekiel 21:24) “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘You have caused your own guilt to be remembered by exposing your transgressions and causing your sins to be seen in all your actions. Now that you have been remembered, you will be taken by force.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 15 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** True, Nebuchadnezzar had concluded a covenant with King Zedekiah. But because of their oath-breaking, Zedekiah and other Jews would be “seized even by the hand” and led captive to Babylon.—Ezekiel 21:23, 24. (Ezekiel 21:25) “But your day has come, O fatally wounded, wicked chieftain of Israel, the time of your final punishment.

*** it-1 p. 133 Appointed Times of the Nations *** Beginning of ‘trampling.’ The ‘trampling’ on that kingdom of the dynasty of Davidic rulers did not begin with the Roman devastation of the city of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. It began centuries earlier with the Babylonian overthrow of that dynasty in 607 B.C.E. when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and took captive the dethroned king Zedekiah and the land was left desolate. (2Ki 25:1-26; see CHRONOLOGY.) This accorded with the prophetic words directed to Zedekiah at Ezekiel 21:25-27, namely: “Remove the turban, and lift off the crown. This will not be the same. . . . A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I shall make it. As for this also, it will certainly become no one’s until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give it to him.” The one who has “the legal right” to the Davidic crown lost by Zedekiah is demonstrated in the Christian Greek Scriptures to be Christ Jesus, of whom the angel, announcing his future birth, said: “Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of his kingdom.”—Lu 1:32, 33. With Jerusalem’s fall in 607 B.C.E. the Gentile powers exercised domination over the entire earth. The Davidic dynasty and rule suffered interruption, and so Jerusalem, or what it stood for, would continue to be “trampled on” as long as God’s kingdom, as functioning through David’s house, was kept in a low, inoperative condition under the Gentile powers. Observing this connection with rulership Unger’s Bible Dictionary (1965, p. 398) comments: “Consequently Gentiles move on as ‘the nations’ to the end of their stewardship as earth rulers. The termination of this period will be the end of the ‘times of the Gentiles’ (Luke 21:24; Dan. 2:36-44).”—Compare Eze 17:12-21; also the description of Medo-Persia’s fall at Da 8:7, 20.

Page 93

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w88 9/15 p. 19 par. 16 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! ***

16 By rebelling, Zedekiah wounded himself in a deadly way. (Read Ezekiel 21:25-27.)

*** ws chap. 3 p. 25 par. 10 The Rule of the “Prince of Peace” Amid Enemies *** 10 To the king of ancient Jerusalem, shortly before its first destruction, Jehovah caused his prophet Ezekiel to direct these words: “As for you, O deadly wounded, wicked chieftain of Israel, whose day has come in the time of the error of the end, (Ezekiel 21:26) This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. This will not remain the same. Raise up the low one, and bring low the high one.

*** it-1 p. 553 Crown *** Concerning unfaithful Zedekiah, the last of Judah’s kings, Jehovah decreed: “Remove the turban, and lift off the crown.” This may relate to a kingly turban, over which a golden crown was worn. (Compare Ps 21:3; Isa 62:3.) Both of these symbols of active royal power were removed, and God’s decree indicated that active rulership on “Jehovah’s throne” (1Ch 29:23) would be held in abeyance until the coming of God’s Messianic King.—Eze

Page 94

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

21:25-27; Ge 49:10.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 19-20 par. 16 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** (Read Ezekiel 21:25-27.) When Judah’s king was deposed, the royal turban and the crown were removed. (2 Kings 25:1-7) The “high” kingdom of Judah was ‘brought low’ by being destroyed in 607 B.C.E. Thus the “low” Gentile kingdoms were “put on high,” leaving them in control of the earth without interference by a typical kingdom of God. (Deuteronomy 28:13, 15, 36, 43, 44) So began “the appointed times of the nations”—the Gentile Times— that ended in 1914 when God conferred kingship upon Jesus Christ, ‘the one having the legal right’ to it. (Luke 21:20-24; Psalm 110:1, 2; Daniel 4:15-28; 7:13, 14)

*** ws chap. 3 p. 25 par. 10 The Rule of the “Prince of Peace” Amid Enemies *** —Ezekiel 21:25-27.

*** ws chap. 3 pp. 24-25 par. 9 The Rule of the “Prince of Peace” Amid Enemies *** 9 At the first destruction of Jerusalem, by the Babylonians, the Kingdom of Jehovah God over the nation of Israel, as represented by the royal line of King David, came to an end. Since then, the natural Jews have not had a king over them in the line of the royal house of David.

*** ws chap. 3 p. 25 par. 10 The Rule of the “Prince of Peace” Amid Enemies *** this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘Remove the turban, and lift off the crown. This will not be the same. Put on high even what is low, and bring low even the high one. (Ezekiel 21:27) A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I will make it. And it will not belong to anyone until the one who has the legal right comes, and I will give it to him.’

Page 95

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

entire earth. The Davidic dynasty and rule suffered interruption, and so Jerusalem, or what it stood for, would continue to be “trampled on” as long as God’s kingdom, as functioning through David’s house, was kept in a low, inoperative condition under the Gentile powers. Observing this connection with rulership Unger’s Bible Dictionary (1965, p. 398) comments: “Consequently Gentiles move on as ‘the nations’ to the end of their stewardship as earth rulers. The termination of this period will be the end of the ‘times of the Gentiles’ (Luke 21:24; Dan. 2:36-44).”—Compare Eze 17:12-21; also the description of Medo-Persia’s fall at Da 8:7, 20.

*** it-2 pp. 127-128 Judah *** After the Exile. In 537 B.C.E., when Cyrus’ decree permitting the Israelites to return to the land of Judah and there rebuild the temple went into effect, apparently representatives from the various tribes came back to their homeland. (Ezr 1:1-4; Isa 11:11, 12) In fulfillment of Ezekiel 21:27, never did a king of the Davidic line administer the affairs of the repatriated people.

*** it-2 p. 127 Judah *** Rulership Not Lost. This calamitous end for the kingdom of Judah, however, did not mean that the scepter and commander’s staff had departed from the tribe for all time. According to Jacob’s deathbed prophecy, the tribe of Judah was to produce the permanent royal heir, Shiloh (meaning “He Whose It Is; He To Whom It Belongs”). (Ge 49:10) Appropriately, therefore, before the overthrow of the kingdom of Judah, Jehovah, through Ezekiel, directed these words to Zedekiah: “Remove the turban, and lift off the crown. This will not be the same. Put on high even what is low, and bring low even the high one. A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I shall make it. As for this also, it will certainly become no one’s until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give it to him.” (Eze 21:26, 27) The one having the legal right, as indicated by the angel Gabriel’s announcement to the virgin Jewess Mary some 600 years later, is none other than Jesus, the Son of God. (Lu 1:31-33) It is, therefore, fitting that Jesus Christ bears the title “the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah.”—Re 5:5.

*** it-2 p. 512 Number, Numeral *** Before taking the last earthly king of the line of David off the throne, Jehovah said: “A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I shall make it. As for this also, it will certainly become no one’s until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give it to him.” Here he emphatically showed there would be no Davidic kings sitting upon the throne at Jerusalem in his name—the throne would be absolutely vacant—until God’s time to establish his Messiah in Kingdom power. (Eze 21:27)

*** it-2 p. 928 Shiloh *** Similarly, before the overthrow of the kingdom of Judah, Jehovah indicated to the last Judean king, Zedekiah, that rulership would be given to one having the legal right. (Eze 21:26, 27) This would evidently be Shiloh, as the name “Shiloh” is understood to signify “He Whose It Is; He to Whom It Belongs.”

Page 96

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w07 8/1 p. 11 par. 7 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** After the removal of the last king of David’s line, the true God allowed a long period of time to elapse before the coming of the One “who has the legal right” to the kingship. However, God did not forsake his covenant with David. (Ezekiel 21:27; 2 Samuel 7:11-16) Ezekiel’s prophecy speaks of “my servant David,” who would become a “shepherd” and a “king.” (Ezekiel 34:23, 24; 37:22, 24, 25) This one is none other than Jesus Christ in Kingdom power. (Revelation 11:15)

*** re chap. 12 pp. 59-60 pars. 5-8 “Keep On Holding Fast What You Have” *** 5 It was with King David of Israel that Jehovah made a covenant for an everlasting kingdom. (Psalm 89:1-4, 34-37) David’s house ruled from Jehovah’s throne in Jerusalem from 1070 to 607 B.C.E., but then God’s judgment was executed upon that kingdom because it turned to wickedness. Thus Jehovah began to fulfill his prophecy at Ezekiel 21:27: “A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I shall make it [earthly Jerusalem]. As for this also, it [the scepter of kingship in David’s line] will certainly become no one’s until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give it to him.” 6 When and how would this one with “the legal right” appear? How would the scepter of David’s kingdom be given to him? 7 About 600 years later, a descendant of King David, the Jewish maiden Mary, became pregnant by holy spirit. God sent the angel Gabriel to inform Mary that she would have a son, to be named Jesus. Gabriel added: “This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever, and there will be no end of his kingdom.”— Luke 1:31-33. 8 When, in 29 C.E., Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River and anointed with holy spirit, he became King-Designate in the line of David. He showed exemplary zeal in preaching the good news of the Kingdom and commissioned his disciples likewise to preach. (Matthew 4:23; 10:7, 11) Jesus humbled himself, even to death on a torture stake, thus proving himself fully qualified to inherit the Davidic kingship. Jehovah resurrected Jesus as an immortal spirit and exalted him to His own right hand in the heavens. There he inherited all the rights of the Davidic kingdom. In due time Jesus would exercise his right to “go subduing in the midst of [his] enemies.”—Psalm 110:1, 2; Philippians 2:8, 9; Hebrews 10:13, 14.

*** ws chap. 3 pp. 25-26 pars. 10-13 The Rule of the “Prince of Peace” Amid Enemies

Page 97

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I shall make it. As for this also, it will certainly become no one’s until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give it to him.’”—Ezekiel 21:25-27. 11 The one with “the legal right” came in the person of Jesus Christ, and his line of descent from David is recorded at Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-31. He was generally addressed as “the Son of David.” On the day of his triumphal ride into Jerusalem, mounted on an ass in fulfillment of prophecy, the exulting crowd of Jews that accompanied him and his apostles cried out jubilantly: “Save, we pray, the Son of David! Blessed is he that comes in Jehovah’s name! Save him, we pray, in the heights above!”—Matthew 21:9. “The Son of David” Is Enthroned in Heaven 12 The 2,520 years for the Gentiles to be treading underfoot the Kingdom of God in the hands of the house of David ended in 1914. Then came the time for Jesus Christ, “the Son of David,” to be enthroned, not down here on an earthly throne, but in the highest heavens at the right hand of Jehovah God!—Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14. 13 That momentous date had been pointed forward to since 1876 by those who became associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. But the nations of the earth, even those of Christendom, refused to recognize it as the time for them to turn over their earthly sovereignties to the newly enthroned “Son of David.” They did not acknowledge that he held the God-given right to sovereignty over the whole earth, which is Jehovah God’s footstool. (Matthew 5:35) They signalized their flagrant rejection of the rightful King by engaging in the first world war. (Ezekiel 21:28) “And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says about the Amʹmon·ites and about their insults.’ Say, ‘A sword! A sword is drawn for a slaughter; it is polished to devour and to flash like lightning.

*** w88 9/15 p. 20 par. 17 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 17 Ammonite prophets were saying that Ammon’s capital, Rabbah, would escape destruction by Nebuchadnezzar’s sword. But this was “a lie,” for the entire land of Ammon would be devastated. In our day, God has decreed that the destruction of the nations will follow that of Christendom, even as Rabbah was destroyed after Jerusalem.—Ezekiel 21:28-32; Revelation 16:14-16. (Ezekiel 21:29) Despite the false visions and lying divination about you, you will be piled up on the slain, the wicked men whose day has come, the time of their final punishment.

*** w88 9/15 p. 20 par. 17 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 17 Ammonite prophets were saying that Ammon’s capital, Rabbah, would escape destruction by Nebuchadnezzar’s sword. But this was “a lie,” for the entire land of Ammon would be devastated. In our day, God has decreed that the destruction of the nations will follow that of Christendom, even as Rabbah was destroyed after Jerusalem.—Ezekiel 21:28-32; Revelation 16:14-16. (Ezekiel 22:6) Look! Each of the chieftains of Israel among you uses his authority to shed blood.

Page 98

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w12 8/1 p. 27 pars. 2-3 Jehovah Hates Injustice *** In his Law to Israel, Jehovah made it clear that those in positions of authority must never misuse their power. He would bless the nation only if the leaders treated the lowly and the poor with kindness and consideration. (Deuteronomy 27:19; 28:15, 45) In Ezekiel’s day, however, chieftains in Jerusalem and Judah were abusing their power in heinous ways. What was happening? The chieftains were using their “arm for the purpose of shedding blood.” (Verse 6) The term “arm” represents power or authority. Another translation thus says: “The princes of Israel . . . have used their power to shed blood.” How can there be justice when leaders who should preserve and promote lawfulness abuse their power and snuff out innocent lives?

(Ezekiel 22:7) Within you they treat their father and mother with contempt. They defraud the foreign resident, and they mistreat the fatherless child and the widow.”’”

*** w12 8/1 p. 27 pars. 4-6 Jehovah Hates Injustice *** Following this, Ezekiel evidently indicts not just the leaders but also those who followed them in disobeying Jehovah’s Law. “Father and mother they have treated with contempt,” says Ezekiel. (Verse 7) By disregarding the rightful place of parents, the people tore apart the basic fabric of the nation—the family.—Exodus 20:12. The corrupt people exploited the vulnerable among them. Each unlawful act showed a disregard for the loving spirit behind God’s Law to Israel. For example, God’s Law directed the Israelites to show special consideration for the non-Israelites dwelling among them. (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 19:33, 34) But the people “acted with defrauding” toward the alien resident.—Verse 7. The people also maltreated those who were defenseless—the “fatherless boy and widow.” (Verse 7) Jehovah is especially sensitive to the needs of those who lose a parent or a spouse in death. God promised that he himself would execute judgment on those who afflicted a helpless child or widow.—Exodus 22:22-24. (Ezekiel 22:20) Just as silver and copper and iron and lead and tin are collected inside a furnace in order to blow fire upon them and melt them, so I will collect you together in my anger and in my rage, and I will blow upon you and make you melt.

*** it-1 p. 282 Bellows *** BELLOWS

Page 99

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

useful for small forges; but for large high-temperature furnaces, dual foot-powered bellows were employed, one under each foot of the operator, who pumped down alternately, first one foot and then the other, each time pulling a cord to refill the compressed one. To give these big furnaces a constant draft, two men worked two pairs of bellows. The Hebrew word for bellows is map·puʹach, which comes from the root na·phachʹ, meaning “blow.” (Ge 2:7) This instrument is specifically mentioned only once in the Scriptures (Jer 6:29), though perhaps alluded to at Isaiah 54:16 and Ezekiel 22:20, 21. In these texts the references are figurative, and the illustrations are drawn from the methods used for refining metals.—See REFINE, REFINER.

*** w88 9/15 p. 20 par. 19 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 19 Jehovah would also smelt the people of Judah in a furnace. This was not to purify them in a refining process but was to liquefy them in his fiery rage. (Ezekiel 22:17-22) This judgment was well deserved by the conspiring prophets, lawless priests, greedy princes, and unjust people. All were denounced. (Ezekiel 22:21) I will bring you together and blow upon you with the fire of my fury, and you will be melted inside of her.

*** it-1 p. 282 Bellows *** BELLOWS

A device that can be alternately expanded and contracted, first drawing in air through a valve, then forcibly expelling it out an exit tube. For giving furnaces a forced draft, the bellows are more efficient than mere fanning, or the antiquated lung-powered hollow reeds and blowtubes also used for this purpose. The construction of bellows was simple: A bag mounted on a frame or base was attached to a tube leading to the furnace, which tube may have been of iron, or reed tipped with fire-resistant clay. Hand-operated bellows were useful for small forges; but for large high-temperature furnaces, dual foot-powered bellows were employed, one under each foot of the operator, who pumped down alternately, first one foot and then the other, each time pulling a cord to refill the compressed one. To give these big furnaces a constant draft, two men worked two pairs of bellows. The Hebrew word for bellows is map·puʹach, which comes from the root na·phachʹ, meaning “blow.” (Ge 2:7) This instrument is specifically mentioned only once in the Scriptures (Jer 6:29), though perhaps alluded to at Isaiah 54:16 and Ezekiel 22:20, 21. In these texts the references are figurative, and the illustrations are drawn from the methods used for refining metals.—See REFINE, REFINER.

(Ezekiel 22:30) “‘I was looking for a man from among them who would repair the stone wall or stand before me in the breach in behalf of the land, so that it would not be destroyed, but I found no one.

*** w88 9/15 p. 20 par. 19 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Since not a man among them stood for righteousness, God would exterminate them with the fire of his fury.—Ezekiel 22:23-31. (Ezekiel 23:3) They became prostitutes in Egypt; from their youth they engaged in

Page 100

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

prostitution. Their breasts were squeezed there, and their virgin bosoms were fondled.

*** it-1 p. 364 Breast, Bosom *** sexual intercourse (“between her breasts” [Ho 2:2]; “breasts were squeezed,” ‘bosoms pressed’ [Eze 23:3, 21]); (Ezekiel 23:4) Their names were O·hoʹlah, the older one, and her sister O·holʹi·bah. They became mine and gave birth to sons and daughters. As for their names, O·hoʹlah is Sa·marʹi·a, and O·holʹi·bah is Jerusalem.

*** it-2 p. 545 Oholah *** OHOLAH

(O·hoʹlah) [Her Tent [of Worship]]. Ezekiel chapter 23 depicts Samaria (representing the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel) as the prostitute Oholah, the older sister of Oholibah, representing Jerusalem (the kingdom of Judah). The fact that the ten-tribe kingdom established its own centers of worship may be alluded to by the name Oholah, “Her Tent [of Worship].” Her spiritual prostitution began in Egypt and continued in the Promised Land. In later times it involved her currying the favor of the Assyrians and engaging in degrading idolatrous practices, including child sacrifice. For her unfaithfulness to him, Jehovah delivered Oholah (the northern kingdom) into the hands of the Assyrians, her lovers.

*** it-2 p. 546 Oholibah *** OHOLIBAH

(O·holʹi·bah) [My Tent [of Worship] Is in Her]. In Ezekiel chapter 23, Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness to Jehovah is portrayed under the allegory of the prostitute Oholibah. The meaning of the name Oholibah seems to allude to the fact that Jehovah’s tent, or sanctuary, was in her territory. (Compare OHOLAH.) However, instead of appreciating this and taking to heart the punishment that came upon her sister Oholah (Samaria) for unfaithfulness, Oholibah not only continued the record of infidelity begun in Egypt but conducted herself even worse than her sister. She practiced idolatry on a large scale and became politically involved with the Assyrians and the Babylonians. Consequently her former lovers, the Babylonians, were foretold to come against her and make her “a frightful object.”

*** w88 9/15 p. 20 par. 20 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 20 The outpouring of God’s anger was next represented as judgment executed upon two symbolic women guilty of spiritual adultery. One was Oholah, the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel with Samaria as her capital. She was “the older one” because of being composed of most of the tribes of Israel, including those that descended from Jacob’s eldest sons, Reuben and Simeon. Her sister was Oholibah, two-tribe Judah with Jerusalem as her capital. Oholah means “Her Tent.” Oholibah means “My Tent Is in Her,” which is apropos since God’s tent, or temple, was in Judah.—Ezekiel 23:1-4. (Ezekiel 23:5) “O·hoʹlah began to prostitute herself while she belonged to me. She lusted

Page 101

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

after her passionate lovers, her neighbors the As·syrʹi·ans.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 20-21 par. 21 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 21 Oholah (Israel) ceased to exist when she was overthrown by the Assyrians in 740 B.C.E. What had she done? (Read Ezekiel 23:5-7.) Oholah had faithlessly sought security in political alliances, but this led to her adopting the false worship of her allies, so that ‘she defiled herself with their dungy idols.’ Taking a warning from Oholah’s spiritual adultery, we should guard against worldly ties that can destroy our faith.—James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17. (Ezekiel 23:6) They were governors clothed in blue and deputy rulers—all desirable young men mounted on their horses.

*** it-1 p. 615 Deputy *** “Deputy rulers” (Heb., segha·nimʹ, always used in the plural) occurs 17 times in the Bible, as, for example, at Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 2:16; Isaiah 41:25; Jeremiah 51:23; and Ezekiel 23:6. It meant subordinate rulers or petty officials, as distinguished from nobles, princes, and governors. Some translators render it “deputies.”—Mo, Ro. (Ezekiel 23:7) She continued to prostitute herself with all the choicest sons of As·syrʹi·a, and she defiled herself with the disgusting idols of those she lusted after.

(Ezekiel 23:11) “When her sister O·holʹi·bah saw it, her lust became even more depraved, and her prostitution was worse than that of her sister.

*** w89 4/1 p. 30 Questions From Readers *** Questions From Readers ▪ Why did The Watchtower of September 15, 1988, indicate that Protestantism has defiled herself even more than Roman Catholicism? This was said because it fits the prophecy and the facts. In the book of Ezekiel chapter 23, the figurative Oholah and Oholibah were described as immoral sisters. The ten-tribe

Page 102

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

kingdom of Israel was represented by Oholah, whereas Oholibah denoted the two-tribe kingdom of Judah. In discussing these symbolic women, The Watchtower of September 15, 1988, said on page 21: “For pursuing a more sinful course than her sister [Oholah, or Israel], Oholibah (Judah) suffered national calamity at Babylonian hands in 607 B.C.E. Her children fell by the sword or were led away captive, and she was disgraced among the nations. Like Oholah and Oholibah, Christendom commits spiritual adultery, a sin in the sight of the God she claims to worship. Protestantism, with her many denominations, has defiled herself with the commercial and political powers of the world even more than her elder sister, Roman Catholicism. Thus, Jehovah will see to it that all of Christendom is destroyed.” Beginning with the Council of Nicaea in 325 C.E., Emperor Constantine fused the pagan Roman state cult with apostate Christianity and became the head of the new Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church thus can trace its existence to the fourth century of our Common Era. Protestantism had its start in the Reformation of the 16th century. Hence, as Oholah (Israel) was older than Oholibah (Judah), The Watchtower appropriately called Roman Catholicism the elder sister of Protestantism. Yet, why can it be said that “Protestantism . . . has defiled herself with the commercial and political powers of the world even more than her elder sister, Roman Catholicism”? Because the facts match the prophecy, which states: “When her sister Oholibah got to see it, then she exercised her sensual desire more ruinously than she, and her prostitution more than the fornication of her sister.”—Ezekiel 23:11. As parts of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, both Catholicism and Protestantism have been deeply involved with the commercial and political elements of this world. (Revelation 17:1-6; 18:1-19) True, an individual Protestant denomination may have less influence than the powerful Roman Catholic Church. But the many Protestant churches combined outstrip the one Catholic Church in power and influence. For instance, Protestantism exerts great influence in certain prominent industrial countries, with some Protestant clergymen seeking high political office. So this is one way in which Protestantism, with its many denominations, has defiled herself even more than Catholicism. In yet another way, however, Protestantism has “exercised her sensual desire more ruinously” and is more reprehensible than Catholicism. How so? Well, the Reformation gave Protestantism at least the hope and prospect of greater spiritual enlightenment. In fact, some reformers made sincere and notable moves in this regard. But when everything was said and done, such unscriptural doctrines as the Trinity, immortality of the human soul, and hellfire continued unchanged among the Protestants. Like the Catholics, they have also been guilty of engaging in creature worship and of putting the traditions of men in place of Biblical truth.—Matthew 15:1-9; 23:9, 10. Of interest in this regard is what was stated in Vindication, Book One, back in the year 1931. On page 309, this Watch Tower publication (now out of stock) said concerning Ezekiel 23:11-13: “Protestant ‘organized religion’ saw how Roman Catholicism had defiled herself with the commercial and political powers of this world, and said much against the Catholics for that reason; but then Protestantism went and straightway did likewise, and even worse. . . . Both have taken the same course; but Protestantism had had more enlightenment than Romanism, and therefore is the more reprehensible.” [Picture on page 30]

Page 103

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Constantine fused apostate Christianity with the pagan Roman state cult, thus becoming head of the new Catholic Church [Credit Line] The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bequest of Mrs. F. F. Thompson, 1926. (26.229) (Ezekiel 23:15) wearing belts around their waist, with flowing turbans on their heads, having the appearance of warriors, all of them depicting Babylonians, born in the land of the Chal·deʹans.

*** it-1 p. 1053 Headdress *** The “pendant turbans” (Heb., tevu·limʹ) described by Ezekiel as being on the heads of Chaldean warriors may have been highly colored and decorated.—Eze 23:14, 15. (Ezekiel 23:21) You yearned for the obscene conduct of your youth in Egypt when they fondled your bosom, the breasts of your youth.

*** it-1 p. 364 Breast, Bosom *** sexual intercourse (“between her breasts” [Ho 2:2]; “breasts were squeezed,” ‘bosoms pressed’ [Eze 23:3, 21]); (Ezekiel 23:23) the sons of Babylon and all the Chal·deʹans, the men of Peʹkod and Shoʹa and Koʹa, along with all the sons of As·syrʹi·a. All of them are desirable young men, governors and deputy rulers, warriors and handpicked, all mounted on horses.

*** it-2 p. 183 Koa *** KOA

(Koʹa). A people or region mentioned with Pekod and Shoa at Ezekiel 23:23 and foretold by Jehovah to supply part of the enemy forces that would assault unfaithful Jerusalem and Judah. Koa was probably located E of Babylonia and has been generally linked with the Qutu, a people who resided E of the Tigris on the steppes between the upper ʽAdhaim and Diyala rivers. The Qutu are frequently coupled with the Sutu (perhaps the Shoa of Eze 23:23) in Assyrian inscriptions, such records showing them as fighting against Assyria.

(Ezekiel 23:34) You will have to drink it and drain it dry and gnaw on its earthenware fragments And then tear out your breasts. “For I myself have spoken,” declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.’

*** it-2 p. 657 Potsherd *** Oholibah (Jerusalem) was warned by Jehovah that she would be filled with drunkenness and grief, drinking the cup her sister Oholah (Samaria) had drunk. Judah would drink this figurative cup to the limit, God’s judgments being fully executed upon her. Thus, through Ezekiel, God said: “You will have to drink it and drain it out, and its earthenware fragments you will gnaw.”—Eze 23:4, 32-34.

Page 104

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 23:40) They even sent a messenger for men to come from far away. When they were coming, you washed yourself and painted your eyes and adorned yourself with ornaments.

*** it-1 p. 515 Cosmetics *** When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel, in addition to attending to her coiffure or doing her head up beautifully, “proceeded to paint her eyes with black paint.” (2Ki 9:30) At least some women in Israel, like those in other Middle Eastern lands of antiquity, used eye paint. (Eze 23:40) Eye paint was often black, which color would contrast with the white of the eye and tend to make the eyes look larger. (Jer 4:30) Scriptural references to eye painting do not associate the practice with faithful women of Israel in general, though one of Job’s daughters was named Keren-happuch, which possibly means “Horn of the Black (Eye) Paint [that is, a receptacle for makeup].”—Job 42:14. (Ezekiel 23:42) The sound of a carefree crowd of men was heard there, among whom were drunkards brought in from the wilderness. They put bracelets on the hands of the women and beautiful crowns on their heads.

*** it-1 p. 553 Crown *** Jehovah spoke of men putting bracelets upon the hands of Oholah and Oholibah and “beautiful crowns” on their heads. (Eze 23:36, 42) In recent centuries, Arab women of distinction and wealth have worn (around dome-shaped caps) crowns that were jeweled gold circlets. A similar type of headdress may have been worn by certain women of antiquity.

*** it-2 p. 834 Sabeans *** Certain translations read “Sabeans” at Ezekiel 23:42 (KJ, Yg, Da), so interpreting the marginal reading in the Hebrew Bible. However, the main text reads “drunkards,” and that is how modern translations frequently render the verse.—Ro, NW, AS, RS.

Chapters 24-27 (Ezekiel 24:1) The word of Jehovah again came to me in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, saying:

*** si p. 135 par. 20 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** 20 The final siege of Jerusalem commences (24:1-27). It is 609 B.C.E. Jehovah announces to Ezekiel that the king of Babylon has besieged Jerusalem on this tenth day of the tenth month.

*** w88 9/15 p. 21 par. 23 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! ***

Page 105

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

23 On the very day in late December that Nebuchadnezzar began his 18-month siege of Jerusalem (Tebeth 10, 609 B.C.E.), God gave Ezekiel another graphic message. (Ezekiel 24:2) “Son of man, record this date, this very day. The king of Babylon has begun his attack against Jerusalem on this very day.

*** w88 9/15 p. 21 par. 23 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** 23 On the very day in late December that Nebuchadnezzar began his 18-month siege of Jerusalem (Tebeth 10, 609 B.C.E.), God gave Ezekiel another graphic message. (Ezekiel 24:6) “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Woe to the city of bloodshed, the rusty cooking pot, whose rust has not been removed! Empty it piece by piece; do not cast lots for them.

*** it-2 p. 828 Rust *** RUST

The reddish, porous, brittle coating formed on iron especially when chemically attacked by moist air; by extension, the coating produced on any of various other metals by corrosion. Iron rusts, copper and silver are said to corrode, even gold can be attacked by certain acids or elements. The Hebrew word chel·ʼahʹ, translated “rust” (NW; RS) or “scum” (KJ), is drawn from a word meaning “develop an ailment” (2Ch 16:12); hence with reference to metal, it denotes rust. (Eze 24:6, 11, 12) The Greek word broʹsis means “an eating” (Mt 6:19, 20), while i·osʹ means both “poison” (Ro 3:13; Jas 3:8) and “rust.”—Jas 5:3. Ezekiel compared Jerusalem to a widemouthed copper cooking pot “the rust of which is in it.” This rust represented the uncleanness, loose conduct, and bloodshed for which Jerusalem was responsible. The command was given, after cooking flesh in the pot, to “stand it empty upon its coals in order that it may get hot; and its copper must become heated up, and its uncleanness must be liquefied in the midst of it. Let its rust get consumed [and its copper may burn, that its filthiness may be melted in it, its rust consumed; RS].”—Eze 24:3-12.

*** w07 7/1 p. 14 par. 2 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** 24:6-14—What does the rust of the cooking pot represent? Jerusalem under siege is likened to a widemouthed cooking pot. Its rust represents the moral filth of the city—the uncleanness, loose conduct, and bloodshed for which she is responsible. So great is her uncleanness that even standing the pot empty upon its coals and making it very hot fails to remove the rust.

*** w88 9/15 p. 21 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Hypocrites Stunned 23 On the very day in late December that Nebuchadnezzar began his 18-month siege of Jerusalem (Tebeth 10, 609 B.C.E.), God gave Ezekiel another graphic message. In it, besieged Jerusalem was represented as a cooking pot in which the city’s residents would be ‘boiled.’ Moral filth had caused “rust” in that symbolic cooking pot. “Piece by piece,” the

Page 106

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

wrongdoers would be brought out of Jerusalem, and her woe would not end until she suffered destruction. Jehovah had judged Jerusalem according to her wicked dealings, and she had to be destroyed, even as Christendom must be.—Ezekiel 24:1-14. (Ezekiel 24:16) “Son of man, in a single blow I am about to take away your dear one from you. You should not mourn; nor should you weep or shed tears.

*** it-1 p. 792 Ezekiel *** Then Jehovah told him: “Son of man, here I am taking away from you the thing desirable to your eyes by a blow.” (Eze 24:16) His wife may have been unfaithful to him or to Jehovah, but whatever the reason for her death, Ezekiel was commanded not to weep, but to sigh without words. Ezekiel was told to wear his headdress and not to adopt any signs or evidences of mourning. This was all really for the purpose of a sign to the Israelites there in Babylonian captivity that Jehovah would profane his sanctuary in which the Israelites took such pride, and that, contrary to their hopes, Jerusalem would be destroyed.—Eze 24:17-27.

*** w88 9/15 p. 21 par. 24 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** (Read Ezekiel 24:15-18.) Why was the prophet to display no grief when his wife died? To show how stunned the Jews would be at the destruction of Jerusalem, her inhabitants, and the temple. Ezekiel had already said enough about such matters and would not speak God’s message again until Jerusalem’s downfall was reported to him. Similarly, Christendom and her hypocritical religionists will be stunned at the time of their destruction.

(Ezekiel 24:17) Groan in silence, and do not observe mourning rites for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put on your sandals. You should not cover over the mustache, and do not eat the bread brought to you by others.”

*** it-1 p. 218 Attitudes and Gestures *** covering the mustache (Eze 24:17; Mic 3:7), and laying one’s hands on his own head denoted grief or shame, even to the point of being stunned.

(Ezekiel 24:18) And I spoke to the people in the morning, and my wife died in the evening. So I did in the morning just as I had been commanded.

Page 107

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

am about to profane my sanctuary, the source of your great pride, the thing dear to you and the desire of your heart. Your own sons and daughters whom you left behind will fall by the sword.

*** it-1 p. 792 Ezekiel *** This was all really for the purpose of a sign to the Israelites there in Babylonian captivity that Jehovah would profane his sanctuary in which the Israelites took such pride, and that, contrary to their hopes, Jerusalem would be destroyed.—Eze 24:17-27. (Ezekiel 24:27) In that day you will open your mouth and speak to the one who escaped, and you will no longer be mute. You will become a sign to them, and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.”

*** w07 7/1 p. 14 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—I *** When the city finally falls, the Jews will be too stunned to express their grief. Ezekiel must not speak God’s message to the exiles until he receives a report of the destruction of the city from “the escaped one.”—Ezekiel 24:26, 27.

*** w03 12/1 p. 29 Questions From Readers *** Questions From Readers In what sense did Ezekiel become “speechless,” or “mute,” during the time of Jerusalem’s siege and destruction? Basically, in the sense that he did not have anything to add to Jehovah’s prophetic message that he had already delivered.

The prophet Ezekiel started his service as a faithful watchman for the Israelite exiles in Babylon in “the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin,” that is, in 613 B.C.E. (Ezekiel 1:2, 3) On the tenth day of the tenth lunar month of 609 B.C.E., he was notified by divine inspiration of the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. (Ezekiel 24:1, 2) What would be the outcome of the siege? Would Jerusalem and its faithless inhabitants escape? As the watchman, Ezekiel had already delivered Jehovah’s unmistakable message of doom, and there was no need for Ezekiel to add anything, as if to make that message any more convincing. Ezekiel became speechless as regards anything further on the siege of Jerusalem.—Ezekiel 24:25-27. Some six months after the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., an escapee brought news of the desolation of the holy city to Ezekiel in Babylon. The evening before the escapee arrived, Jehovah “proceeded to open [Ezekiel’s] mouth . . . , and [he] proved to be speechless no longer.” (Ezekiel 33:22) That ended Ezekiel’s muteness. Was Ezekiel literally mute during that time? Obviously not, for even after this “muteness” overtook him, he uttered prophecies directed mainly to the surrounding countries that rejoiced over the downfall of Jerusalem. (Ezekiel, chapters 25-32) Earlier in Ezekiel’s career as a prophet and watchman, Jehovah had told him: “Your very tongue I will make stick to the roof of your mouth, and you will certainly become mute, and you will not become to them a man administering reproof, because they are a rebellious house. And

Page 108

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

when I speak with you I shall open your mouth.” (Ezekiel 3:26, 27) When Jehovah had no message for Israel, Ezekiel was to remain speechless as regards that nation. Ezekiel was to speak what Jehovah wanted him to speak at the time Jehovah wanted him to do so. Ezekiel’s muteness implied that he was speechless as far as uttering words of prophetic significance to the Israelites was concerned. The modern-day watchman class, anointed Christians, have been warning about the doom of Christendom, antitypical Jerusalem. When the “great tribulation” strikes and devastates “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion, the anointed Ezekiel class will need to say nothing more about the demise of Christendom, which constitutes a major part of that empire.—Matthew 24:21; Revelation 17:1, 2, 5. Yes, the day will come when the anointed remnant and their companions will become mute, not having anything further to convey to Christendom. That will be when “the ten horns” and “the wild beast” make Babylon the Great devastated and naked. (Revelation 17:16) Of course, this does not mean that Christians will be speechless in a literal sense. Even as they do now, they will praise Jehovah and make mention of him every day and “throughout all generations to come.”—Psalm 45:17; 145:2.

*** w88 9/15 p. 21 par. 24 Jehovah Unsheathes His Sword! *** Ezekiel had already said enough about such matters and would not speak God’s message again until Jerusalem’s downfall was reported to him. Similarly, Christendom and her hypocritical religionists will be stunned at the time of their destruction. And after the “great tribulation” begins, what the anointed watchman class had already said about her end will be enough. (Matthew 24:21) But when God’s “sword” descends upon Christendom, such stunned religionists and others ‘will have to know that he is Jehovah.’—Ezekiel 24:19-27.

(Ezekiel 25:3) You must say concerning the Amʹmon·ites, ‘Hear the word of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Because you said ‘Aha!’ against my sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was laid desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into exile, *** it-1 p. 1234 Israel *** After the northern kingdom’s fall the name of Israel was, in effect, kept alive by Judah, the only kingdom remaining of Israel’s (Jacob’s) descendants. Therefore, it is primarily with reference to the land of the Judean kingdom and its capital Jerusalem that the expression “soil of Israel” is used by the prophet Ezekiel. (Eze 12:19, 22; 18:2; 21:2, 3) This was the geographic area that was completely desolated for 70 years from and after 607 B.C.E. (Eze 25:3) (Ezekiel 25:4) therefore I am giving you to the people of the East as a possession. They will set up their encampments within you and pitch their tents among you. They will eat your fruitage, and they will drink your milk.

Page 109

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

historian Josephus records that, in the fifth year after desolating Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar returned to war against Coele-Syria, Ammon, and Moab. (Jewish Antiquities, X, 181 [ix, 7]) As foretold, Ammon would become “a resting-place of a flock” and Rabbah “a pasture ground of camels.” (Eze 25:5) The camel-riding Orientals were to possess the land and tent therein.—Eze 25:4. (Ezekiel 25:5) I will make Rabʹbah a pasture ground for camels, and the land of the Amʹmon·ites a resting-place for the flock; and you will have to know that I am Jehovah.”’”

*** it-1 p. 95 Ammonites *** That Ammon did not willingly submit to the Babylonian yoke is indicated by Ezekiel’s description of the king of Babylon (Nebuchadnezzar) standing at the crossways and using divination to decide whether to go against Rabbah of Ammon or against Judah. (Eze 21:19-23, 28-32) Though the choice came out for attack first upon Jerusalem, Jewish historian Josephus records that, in the fifth year after desolating Jerusalem, Nebuchadnezzar returned to war against Coele-Syria, Ammon, and Moab. (Jewish Antiquities, X, 181 [ix, 7]) As foretold, Ammon would become “a resting-place of a flock” and Rabbah “a pasture ground of camels.” (Eze 25:5) The camel-riding Orientals were to possess the land and tent therein.—Eze 25:4. (Ezekiel 25:6) “For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Because you clapped your hands and stamped your feet and you rejoiced over the land of Israel with such utter scorn,

*** it-2 p. 421 Moab *** Apparently when Judah experienced the execution of Jehovah’s judgment by means of the Babylonians, the Moabites said: “Look! The house of Judah is like all the other nations.” For thus failing to recognize that the judgment was really God’s and that the inhabitants of Judah were his people, the Moabites were to experience disaster and thereby ‘come to know Jehovah.’—Eze 25:8-11; compare Eze 24:1, 2. (Ezekiel 25:9) I am exposing Moʹab’s flank at his frontier cities, the beauty of his land, Beth-jeshʹi·moth, Baʹal-meʹon, and clear to Kir·i·a·thaʹim.

Page 110

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

in the Arabian Desert. (Compare Jg 6:3, ftn; 8:10.) If not earlier, Moab likely took over Beth-jeshimoth and other cities of Reuben following the deportation of that tribe to Assyria.—1Ch 5:26. (Ezekiel 25:10) I will give it along with the Amʹmon·ites as a possession to the people of the East, so that the Amʹmon·ites will not be remembered among the nations.

*** it-1 p. 299 Beth-jeshimoth *** In the time of the prophet Ezekiel, it is included with certain cities of Moab located on the slope of his frontier and described as “the decoration of the land.” (Eze 25:8-10) The prophecy indicates that Jehovah would cause these frontier cities to be opened up, exposing Moab to attack by the “Orientals,” or “sons of the East,” the nomadic tribes living in the Arabian Desert. (Compare Jg 6:3, ftn; 8:10.) If not earlier, Moab likely took over Beth-jeshimoth and other cities of Reuben following the deportation of that tribe to Assyria.—1Ch 5:26. (Ezekiel 25:13) therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “I will also stretch out my hand against Eʹdom and cut off from it both man and livestock, and I will make it desolate. From Teʹman clear to Deʹdan, they will fall by the sword.

*** si p. 133 par. 4 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** On the other side of the Promised Land, the treacherous Edomites were also annihilated, in fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy. (25:12, 13; 35:2-9) (Ezekiel 25:14) ‘I will take vengeance on Eʹdom by the hand of my people Israel. They will bring my anger and my wrath on Eʹdom, so that they experience my own vengeance,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”’

*** it-1 p. 682 Edom *** Later History and Disappearance. The king of Edom was warned by means of Jehovah’s prophet Jeremiah to bring his neck under the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. (Jer 27:1-7) What the Edomites actually did in this regard is not recorded. However, after the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., some Judean exiles found temporary refuge in Edom. Then, after the departure of the Babylonian armies, these refugees returned to their land and finally fled down to Egypt. (Jer 40:11, 12; 43:5-7) Soon the time for Edom to drink deeply from the cup of Jehovah’s wrath arrived. (Jer 25:15- 17, 21) This occurred about the middle of the sixth century B.C.E., under the Babylonian king Nabonidus. According to C. J. Gadd, a scholar of Babylonian history and literature, the troops of Nabonidus that conquered Edom and Tema included Jewish soldiers. Commenting on this, John Lindsay wrote: “Thus, in part at least, the words of the prophet found a fulfilment when he wrote of Yahweh saying ‘I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel’ (Ezek. 25.14). We have also a partial fulfilment of the words of Obadiah who said that Edom’s ‘allies’, ‘confederates’, ‘trusted friends’ would ‘deceive’, ‘prevail against’ and ‘set a trap under’ them. Here we may see a reference to the Babylonians who, although in the days of Nebuchadrezzar were willing to allow them a share in Judah’s loss, under Nabonidus curbed once and for all the commercial and mercantile ambitions of Edom (cf. Obad. 1 and 7).”—Palestine Exploration Quarterly, London, 1976, p. 39.

Page 111

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 25:16) Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Here I am stretching out my hand against the Phi·lisʹtines, and I will cut off the Cherʹe·thites and will destroy the remaining inhabitants of the seacoast.

*** it-1 p. 431 Cherethites *** CHERETHITES (Cherʹe·thites). The name of a people connected with the Philistines. (Eze 25:16; Zep 2:5) Some Cherethites served with the military forces of Jehovah’s chosen nation.—2Sa 8:18; 20:23; 1Ch 18:17. Certain Hebrew lexicographers believe that kere·thimʹ comes from the root word ka·rathʹ (meaning “cut off”) and should be rendered “executioners.” The majority of Bible commentators, however, consider the Hebrew term for “Cherethites” (kere·thimʹ) to refer to nationality. But they do acknowledge that ka·rathʹ may be the correct root of kere·thimʹ and that Jehovah, at Ezekiel 25:16, may be making an alliterative play on words when pledging, “I will cut off [hikh·rat·tiʹ] the Cherethites [kere·thimʹ],” or, in effect, ‘I will slay the slayers.’ An affinity between the Cherethites and the Philistines seems indicated by their mention together at Ezekiel 25:15-17 and Zephaniah 2:5-7. The Greek Septuagint rendering of these verses substitutes the term “Cretans” for “Cherethites,” perhaps attempting thereby to link them with the Philistines who came “out of Crete [Caphtor].” (Am 9:7) Because of this and the apparent connection of the Cherethites with “the land of the Philistines” at 1 Samuel 30:14, 16, most scholars conclude that the Cherethites and Philistines were either the same people or two closely associated peoples. Others reason that the Cherethites may have been a principal Philistine tribe. One suggestion advanced is that, though originally two peoples, the Philistines were either the more powerful of the two or were the earlier arrivals in Canaan and so eventually predominated, giving their name to the section of land called Philistia, although the name Cherethites did not entirely fade out. According to this view, the meaning of the above- cited prophecies of Ezekiel and Zephaniah would be that Jehovah was going to bring vengeance and woe upon all the inhabitants of the cities of Philistia, both the Philistines and the Cherethites, prophecies apparently brought to fulfillment by the Babylonians.

(Ezekiel 26:3) therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Here I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, just as the sea brings up its waves.

Page 112

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

all fulfilled more than 250 years later when Alexander the Great moved against the island city of Tyre. Alexander’s soldiers scraped up all the debris of the ruined mainland city and threw it into the sea, making a half-mile [800 m] causeway out to the island city. Then, with an intricate siegework, they scaled the 150-foot-high [46 m] walls to take the city in 332 B.C.E. Thousands were killed, and many more were sold into slavery. As Ezekiel had also predicted, Tyre became the ‘bare surface of a crag and a drying yard for dragnets.’ (26:14)

*** gm chap. 9 pp. 120-122 Prophecies That Came True *** The Fate of Tyre 8 Ezekiel was another ancient writer who recorded divinely inspired prophecies. He prophesied from the end of the seventh century B.C.E. on into the sixth—that is, during the years leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem and then during the first decades of the Jews’ exile in Babylon. Even some modern critics agree that the book was written at approximately this time. 9 Ezekiel recorded a striking prophecy about the destruction of Israel’s northern neighbor Tyre, which had gone from a position of friendship with God’s people to one of enmity. (1 Kings 5:1-9; Psalm 83:2-8) He wrote: “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘Here I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up against you many nations, just as the sea brings up its waves. And they will certainly bring the walls of Tyre to ruin and tear down her towers, and I will scrape her dust away from her and make her a shining, bare surface of a crag. . . . And your stones and your woodwork and your dust they will place in the very midst of the water.’”—Ezekiel 26:3, 4, 12. 10 Did this really happen? Well, a few years after Ezekiel uttered the prophecy, the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, laid siege to Tyre. (Ezekiel 29:17, 18) It was not, however, an easy siege. Tyre was partially situated on the mainland (the part called Old Tyre). But part of the city was on an island about half a mile [800 m] offshore. Nebuchadnezzar besieged the island for 13 years before it finally submitted to him. 11 It was, however, in 332 B.C.E. that Ezekiel’s prophecy was finally fulfilled in all its details. At that time, Alexander the Great, the conqueror from Macedonia, was invading Asia. Tyre, secure on its island location, held out against him. Alexander did not want to leave a potential enemy at his rear, but he did not want to spend years in a siege of Tyre, as Nebuchadnezzar had done. 12 How did he solve this military problem? He built a land bridge, or mole, across to the island, so that his soldiers could march across and attack the island city. Notice, though, what he used to build the mole. The Encyclopedia Americana reports: “With the debris of the mainland portion of the city, which he had demolished, he built a huge mole in 332 to join the island to the mainland.” After a relatively short siege, the island city was destroyed. Moreover, Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled in all its details. Even the ‘stones and woodwork and dust’ of Old Tyre were ‘placed in the very midst of the water.’ 13 A 19th-century traveler commented on what was left of ancient Tyre in his day, saying: “Of the original Tyre known to Solomon and the prophets of Israel, not a vestige remains except in its rock-cut sepulchres on the mountain sides, and in foundation walls . . . Even the island, which Alexander the Great, in his siege of the city, converted into a cape by

Page 113

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

filling up the water between it and the mainland, contains no distinguishable relics of an earlier period than that of the Crusades. The modern town, all of which is comparatively new, occupies the northern half of what was once the island, while nearly all the remainder of the surface is covered with undistinguishable ruins.”3 (Ezekiel 26:4) They will destroy the walls of Tyre and tear down her towers, and I will scrape away soil and make her a shining, bare rock.

*** it-1 p. 70 Alexander *** Instead of pursuing the fleeing Persians after two decisive victories in Asia Minor (the first at the Granicus River; the second on the Plain of Issus, where a great Persian army estimated at half a million met utter defeat), Alexander turned his attention to the island city of Tyre. Centuries earlier it had been foretold that the walls, towers, houses, and the very dust of Tyre would be pitched into the sea. (Eze 26:4, 12) It is, therefore, quite significant that Alexander took the rubble of the mainland city destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar some years before and built with it an 800-m (0.5 mi) causeway out to the island city. The pounding by his navy and engines of war destroyed that proud mistress of the sea in July 332 B.C.E.

*** it-2 p. 1136 Tyre *** Tyre’s conflict with Nebuchadnezzar, though great, was not to be the complete end for Tyre. A later prophetic pronouncement indicated that, though Tyre would build a rampart and pile up silver and gold, Jehovah himself would destroy her completely.—Zec 9:3, 4. Nearly 200 years after Zechariah’s prophecy was given, it was fulfilled. In 332 B.C.E. Alexander the Great marched his army across Asia Minor and, in his sweep southward, paused long enough to give his attention to Tyre. When the city refused to open its gates, Alexander in his rage had his army scrape up the ruins of the mainland city and throw it into the sea, thus building a causeway out to the island city, all of this in fulfillment of prophecy. (Eze 26:4, 12; DIAGRAM, Vol 2, p. 531) With his naval forces holding the Tyrian ships bottled up in their harbor, Alexander set about constructing the highest siege towers ever used in ancient wars. Finally, after seven months the 46-m-high (150 ft) walls were breached. In addition to the 8,000 military men killed in battle, 2,000 prominent leaders were killed as a reprisal, and 30,000 inhabitants were sold into slavery.

*** wi p. 7 The Bible—Inspired by God? *** The fate of Tyre: “Thus said the Lord GOD: I am going to deal with you, O Tyre! I will hurl many nations against you, as the sea hurls its waves. . . . And I will scrape her soil off her and leave her a naked rock. . . . And they shall cast into the water your stones and timber and soil.”—Ezekiel 26:3, 4, 12, prophesied c. 613 B.C.E. Fulfillment—332 B.C.E.: Alexander the Great built a land bridge, or mole, from the mainland to the island portion of Tyre (half a mile [0.8 km] offshore) so that his soldiers could march across and attack the island city. The Encyclopedia Americana reports: “With the debris of the mainland portion of the city, which he had demolished, he built a huge mole in 332 to join the island to the mainland.” After a relatively short siege, the island city was destroyed, and Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled in all its details. Even the ‘stones and

Page 114

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

woodwork and dust’ of old Tyre (the mainland part of the city) were ‘placed in the very midst of the water.’

*** si p. 133 par. 4 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** For example, Ezekiel prophesied that Tyre would be devastated, and this was partly fulfilled when Nebuchadnezzar took the city after a siege of 13 years. (Ezek. 26:2-21) This conflict did not mean the complete end for Tyre. However, Jehovah’s judgment was that it should be totally destroyed. He had foretold through Ezekiel: “I will scrape her dust away from her and make her a shining, bare surface of a crag. . . . Your stones and your woodwork and your dust they will place in the very midst of the water.” (26:4, 12) This was all fulfilled more than 250 years later when Alexander the Great moved against the island city of Tyre. Alexander’s soldiers scraped up all the debris of the ruined mainland city and threw it into the sea, making a half-mile [800 m] causeway out to the island city. Then, with an intricate siegework, they scaled the 150-foot-high [46 m] walls to take the city in 332 B.C.E. Thousands were killed, and many more were sold into slavery. As Ezekiel had also predicted, Tyre became the ‘bare surface of a crag and a drying yard for dragnets.’ (26:14)

Page 115

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

island, so that his soldiers could march across and attack the island city. Notice, though, what he used to build the mole. The Encyclopedia Americana reports: “With the debris of the mainland portion of the city, which he had demolished, he built a huge mole in 332 to join the island to the mainland.” After a relatively short siege, the island city was destroyed. Moreover, Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled in all its details. Even the ‘stones and woodwork and dust’ of Old Tyre were ‘placed in the very midst of the water.’ 13 A 19th-century traveler commented on what was left of ancient Tyre in his day, saying: “Of the original Tyre known to Solomon and the prophets of Israel, not a vestige remains except in its rock-cut sepulchres on the mountain sides, and in foundation walls . . . Even the island, which Alexander the Great, in his siege of the city, converted into a cape by filling up the water between it and the mainland, contains no distinguishable relics of an earlier period than that of the Crusades. The modern town, all of which is comparatively new, occupies the northern half of what was once the island, while nearly all the remainder of the surface is covered with undistinguishable ruins.”3 (Ezekiel 26:7) “For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘Here I am bringing King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar of Babylon against Tyre from the north; he is a king of kings, with horses, war chariots, cavalrymen, and an army of many soldiers.

*** it-2 p. 509 North *** NORTH

In addition to the usual term tsa·phohnʹ, north was also indicated by the direction “left,” since the orientation was facing toward the rising sun in the east. (Ge 14:15, ftn) In Scriptural usage, “north” may denote a section of the earth (Ps 107:3; Isa 43:6; Lu 13:29), a northerly direction (Ex 26:20; 1Ki 7:25; Re 21:13), the northern sky (Job 26:7), and various lands or kingdoms (including Assyria [Zep 2:13] and Babylon [Jer 46:10]) that were situated somewhat N and E of the land inhabited by the Israelites. Though Babylon on the Euphrates River actually lay E of Tyre, Ezekiel 26:7 speaks of the king of Babylon as coming against Tyre from the north. Likewise, the calamity that Judah and Jerusalem were to experience from the Babylonians is referred to as coming “out of the north.” (Jer 1:14, 15) The reason for this appears to be that, when marching westward, the Babylonian armies took a northerly route and thus avoided passing through the desert. This was, in fact, the customary way, as Babylonian records show.

*** it-2 p. 531 Tyre *** Nebuchadnezzar II besieged the city. From a military standpoint, after many years it might have seemed futile to continue. But he persevered until Tyre fell at the end of 13 years, thus fulfilling the Bible prophecy that had named him as its conqueror.—Eze 26:7-12.

*** w88 9/15 p. 22 par. 3 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** For exulting over Jerusalem’s calamity, the city of Tyre would fall to Nebuchadnezzar, or Nebuchadrezzar (a spelling nearer the Babylonian). (Ezekiel 26:1-21) (Ezekiel 26:12) They will loot your resources, plunder your merchandise, tear down your walls, and pull down your fine houses; then they will throw your stones and your woodwork

Page 116

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

and your soil into the water.’

*** it-2 p. 531 Tyre *** Later, Zechariah again foretold ruin for Tyre, but this time it was for the island city. To reach it, Alexander the Great scraped up the ruins of the mainland city to construct a causeway; he built huge siege towers. Though Tyre had built its walls 46 m high (150 ft), the prophecy was fulfilled.—Zec 9:3, 4; Eze 26:4, 12.

*** it-2 p. 1136 Tyre *** Destruction of City. In the course of Nebuchadnezzar’s long siege against Tyre, the heads of his soldiers were “made bald” from the chafing of their helmets, and their shoulders were “rubbed bare” from carrying materials used in the construction of siegeworks. Since Nebuchadnezzar received no “wages” for serving as His instrument in executing judgment upon Tyre, Jehovah promised to compensate him with the wealth of Egypt. (Eze 29:17-20) According to the Jewish historian Josephus, the siege lasted 13 years (Against Apion, I, 156 [21]), and it cost the Babylonians a great deal. Secular history does not record exactly how thorough or effective Nebuchadnezzar’s efforts were. But the loss in lives and property to the Tyrians must have been great.—Eze 26:7-12.

*** w08 1/1 p. 23 What Jehovah Foretells Comes to Be *** Similarly, in foretelling the downfall of Tyre, the book of Ezekiel said that its stones, woodwork, and dust would be placed “in the very midst of the water.” (Ezekiel 26:4, 5, 12) This prophecy was fulfilled in 332 B.C.E. when Alexander the Great had his army use the ruins of the vanquished mainland part of the city to build a causeway to the island part of Tyre, which was then conquered as well.

Page 117

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

the debris of the mainland portion of the city, which he had demolished, he built a huge mole in 332 to join the island to the mainland.” After a relatively short siege, the island city was destroyed, and Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled in all its details. Even the ‘stones and woodwork and dust’ of old Tyre (the mainland part of the city) were ‘placed in the very midst of the water.’

*** si p. 133 par. 4 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** However, Jehovah’s judgment was that it should be totally destroyed. He had foretold through Ezekiel: “I will scrape her dust away from her and make her a shining, bare surface of a crag. . . . Your stones and your woodwork and your dust they will place in the very midst of the water.” (26:4, 12) This was all fulfilled more than 250 years later when Alexander the Great moved against the island city of Tyre. Alexander’s soldiers scraped up all the debris of the ruined mainland city and threw it into the sea, making a half-mile [800 m] causeway out to the island city. Then, with an intricate siegework, they scaled the 150-foot-high [46 m] walls to take the city in 332 B.C.E. Thousands were killed, and many more were sold into slavery.

Page 118

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

what he used to build the mole. The Encyclopedia Americana reports: “With the debris of the mainland portion of the city, which he had demolished, he built a huge mole in 332 to join the island to the mainland.” After a relatively short siege, the island city was destroyed. Moreover, Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled in all its details. Even the ‘stones and woodwork and dust’ of Old Tyre were ‘placed in the very midst of the water.’ 13 A 19th-century traveler commented on what was left of ancient Tyre in his day, saying: “Of the original Tyre known to Solomon and the prophets of Israel, not a vestige remains except in its rock-cut sepulchres on the mountain sides, and in foundation walls . . . Even the island, which Alexander the Great, in his siege of the city, converted into a cape by filling up the water between it and the mainland, contains no distinguishable relics of an earlier period than that of the Crusades. The modern town, all of which is comparatively new, occupies the northern half of what was once the island, while nearly all the remainder of the surface is covered with undistinguishable ruins.”3

*** w88 4/15 p. 23 Part 5—Greece—The Fifth Great World Power *** Rather than pursuing the fleeing Persians, Alexander marched southward along the Mediterranean coast, conquering the bases used by the powerful Persian fleet. The island city of Tyre resisted for seven months. Finally, using the rubble of the old mainland city that Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed, Alexander built a causeway out to the island city. Remains of that causeway are visible today, bearing out the fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy that the dust of Tyre would be pitched into the sea.—Ezekiel 26:4, 12.

(Ezekiel 26:14) And I will make you a shining, bare rock, and you will become a drying yard for dragnets. You will never be rebuilt, for I myself, Jehovah, have spoken,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

*** si p. 133 par. 4 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** This was all fulfilled more than 250 years later when Alexander the Great moved against the island city of Tyre. Alexander’s soldiers scraped up all the debris of the ruined mainland city and threw it into the sea, making a half-mile [800 m] causeway out to the island city. Then, with an intricate siegework, they scaled the 150-foot-high [46 m] walls to take the city in 332 B.C.E. Thousands were killed, and many more were sold into slavery. As Ezekiel had also predicted, Tyre became the ‘bare surface of a crag and a drying yard for dragnets.’ (26:14) (Ezekiel 27:4) Your territories are in the heart of the sea, And your builders have perfected your beauty.

*** it-2 p. 602 Perfection *** The wealthy commercial city of Tyre is portrayed as a ship whose builders, those working in behalf of the city’s material interests, had ‘perfected its prettiness,’ filling it with luxury products of many lands.—Eze 27:3-25. (Ezekiel 27:6) They made your oars from oaks of Baʹshan, And your prow was of cypress inlaid with ivory from the islands of Kitʹtim.

Page 119

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 564 Cypress *** At Ezekiel 27:6, the expression “in cypress wood” is in agreement with the Targums. However, the Hebrew is bath-ʼashu·rimʹ and means “the daughter of the Ashurites.” A number of scholars have concluded that these two Hebrew words should read as one word, bith·ʼash·shu·rimʹ, meaning “in cypress wood.”

*** w89 5/1 p. 17 Bashan—A Fertile Source *** Finally, recall that ancient Bashan had areas of thick forest, many of the trees being massive oaks, such as shown to the left. The Phoenicians made oars out of sturdy oak wood from Bashan. (Ezekiel 27:6) (Ezekiel 27:7) Colorful linen from Egypt served as cloth for your sail, And your deck awnings were of blue thread and purple wool from the islands of E·liʹshah.

*** it-1 p. 662 Dyes, Dyeing *** Ancient Tyre became famous for a purple or deep-crimson dye known as Tyrian or Imperial purple. Though the Tyrians are said to have employed a method of double-dyeing, the exact formula used to obtain this color is unknown. The coloring matter was evidently obtained from the Murex and Purpura mollusks, piles of emptied shells of the Murex trunculus having been found along the shore of Tyre and in the vicinity of Sidon. The Phoenician city of Tyre is depicted by Jehovah as having wool dyed reddish purple and other colorful materials, as well as carrying on trading in such articles.—Eze 27:2, 7, 24; see COLORS.

*** it-1 p. 718 Elishah *** The only other Biblical mention of Elishah is in the dirge pronounced against Tyre, where the name appears as that of a land or region trading with Tyre. Tyre is represented as a figurative ship, outfitted by many nations, with “the islands of Elishah” providing the “blue thread and wool dyed reddish purple” for the ship’s deck covering (perhaps a type of awning to protect from sun and rain).—Eze 27:1-7. First-century Jewish historian Josephus applied the name of Halisas (Elishah) to the Halisaens (Aeolians), one of the parent branches of the Greek peoples. (Jewish Antiquities, I, 127 [vi, 1]) By Ezekiel’s time the name Aeolis had come to designate only a portion of the W coast of Asia Minor. A similarity to the name of Elishah is noted in the district of Elis on the NW coast of the Peloponnesus (the southern peninsula of Greece). The Greeks are also known to have established colonies in southern Italy and on the island of Sicily, and the Aramaic Targum in commenting on Ezekiel 27:7 identifies Elishah as “the province of Italy.” Any of these locations would fit the account in Ezekiel in the sense of being regions productive of the purple dye so highly prized, but nothing conclusive can be stated as to their definite connection with Elishah, except that the weight of evidence points in the direction of Greece rather than North Africa or Cyprus.

*** it-2 p. 636 Phoenicia *** Other artisans specialized in carving wood and ivory, fashioning glassware, weaving wool

Page 120

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

and linen, and dyeing cloth. Phoenicia was especially noted for her purple-dye industry. Royal or Tyrian purple robes commanded the highest prices, for many thousands of murex, shellfish, each yielding but a single drop of dye, were needed for a few yards of cloth. The dye varied in hue, depending on where along the shores of the Mediterranean the shellfish were found, and this fact, plus the special skills of the Phoenician dye masters who often used a double- or triple-dyeing process, resulted in many varieties of costly fabrics that were sought after by those of rank and nobility.—Eze 27:2, 7, 24.

*** it-2 pp. 932-933 Ship *** Phoenician. In picturing the city of Tyre as a pretty ship, the prophet Ezekiel (27:3-7) gave details that evidently provide a description of a Phoenician ship. It had planks of durable juniper, a single mast of cedar from Lebanon, and oars of “massive trees” from Bashan, probably oak. The prow, likely high and curved, was made of cypress wood inlaid with ivory. The sail was of colored Egyptian linen, and the deck covering (perhaps an awning above the deck to provide shade) was of dyed wool. (Ezekiel 27:8) The inhabitants of Siʹdon and of Arʹvad were your rowers. Your own skilled men, O Tyre, were your sailors.

*** it-1 p. 183 Arvad *** ARVAD

(Arʹvad). In Ezekiel’s prophetic dirge concerning Tyre reference is made to men from Arvad who served as skilled rowers in Tyre’s navy and as valorous warriors in her army. (Eze 27:8, 11) Arvad is identified with the small rocky island today known as Arwad, lying about 3 km (2 mi) off the coast of northern Syria, about 186 km (116 mi) NNE of Tyre. The inhabitants were descendants of Canaan.—Ge 10:15, 18.

*** it-2 p. 1229 Zemarite *** ZEMARITE

(Zemʹa·rite). A family or tribe that descended from Ham’s son Canaan. (Ge 10:15, 18; 1Ch 1:13, 16) Mention of this Canaanite people between “Arvadite” (linked with Arvad off the Phoenician coast) and “Hamathite” (likely associated with Hamath in Syria) indicates that the Zemarites settled along the N Phoenician coast. According to an emendation, Ezekiel 27:8 mentions “skilled [wise] men of Zemer” (RS; BE), suggested by some as the city of the Zemarites and tentatively identified with Tell Kazel, about 35 km (22 mi) NE of Tripoli. However, here the Hebrew text reads: “Your skilled ones [men], O Tyre.” (AT; RS, ftn) Pointing to another location, others would link the Zemarites with Sumra, a seacoast town between Tripoli and Arvad. (Ezekiel 27:13) Jaʹvan, Tuʹbal, and Meʹshech traded with you, exchanging slaves and articles of copper for your merchandise.

Page 121

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 1258 Javan *** Slaves and copper articles were listed in the late seventh or early sixth century B.C.E. as items being supplied by “Javan, Tubal and Meshech [these latter places evidently being located in eastern Asia Minor or to the N thereof]” to the wealthy commercial center of Tyre. (Eze 27:13) (Ezekiel 27:15) The people of Deʹdan traded with you; you employed merchants on many islands; they gave ivory tusks and ebony as your tribute.

*** it-1 pp. 140-141 Arabia *** Since the SW corner of Arabia is separated from Africa by a narrow strait of water only about 32 km (20 mi) across, products from Ethiopia (2Ch 21:16), such as ivory and ebony, could also have been included in the wares of these traveling merchants.—Eze 27:15.

*** it-1 p. 673 Ebony *** Ebony is mentioned only once in the Bible, at Ezekiel 27:15, where it is presented as an item of commerce. It is suggested that the ebony and ivory there mentioned were brought out of India or Sri Lanka, perhaps across the Arabian Sea and up the Red Sea and then overland, or else from Nubia in NE Africa. It was highly appreciated by the ancient Egyptians, and products of it have been found in Egyptian tombs.

*** it-1 p. 1144 Horn *** “Horn” may also be used to describe an article shaped like a horn. At Ezekiel 27:15, the “horns of ivory” probably refer to elephant tusks. (Ezekiel 27:16) Eʹdom did business with you because of the abundance of your products. They gave turquoise, purple wool, colorful embroidery, fine fabric, corals, and rubies in exchange for your goods.

*** it-1 p. 506 Coral *** Tyre at one time was noted for her trade in coral, which was harvested from the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Indian Ocean. (Eze 27:16)

(Ezekiel 27:17) “‘“Judah and the land of Israel traded with you, giving the wheat of Minʹnith, choice foods, honey, oil, and balsam in exchange for your goods.

*** it-1 p. 1135 Honey, Honeycomb *** A Land of Milk and Honey. The description of Palestine as “a land flowing with milk and honey,” often repeated in the Scriptures, is apt, for not only was the land well supplied with the product of bees but also with the syrup of fruits. (Ex 3:8; Le 20:24; De 11:9; Jos 5:6) The latter is apparently referred to as being an item of trade exchanged for Tyre’s merchandise.—Eze 27:2, 17; see BEE. (Ezekiel 27:18) “‘“Damascus did business with you because of the abundance of your products and all your wealth, trading the wine of Helʹbon and wool of Zaʹhar.

Page 122

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 571 Damascus *** Damascus is called a “merchant” of Tyre by the prophet Ezekiel, evidently trading wine from the neighboring city of Helbon and reddish-gray wool in exchange for Tyre’s exports of manufactured articles. (Eze 27:18)

*** it-1 p. 1085 Helbon *** HELBON

(Helʹbon). A place noted for its fine wine, which was highly valued by the city of Tyre. (Eze 27:18) Helbon is generally identified with the modern village of Halbun, about 20 km (12 mi) NNW of Damascus. The village lies in a narrow valley with terraced vineyards located far up the mountain slopes. In ancient times, not only Tyre but also Assyria, Babylonia, and Persia obtained the wine of Helbon.

(Ezekiel 27:19) Veʹdan and Jaʹvan from Uʹzal gave wrought iron, cassia, and cane in exchange for your goods.

*** it-1 p. 388 Calamus, Cane *** Jeremiah (6:20) refers to cane received from a “land far away,” while Ezekiel (27:3, 19) includes cane among the products for which wealthy Tyre traded.

*** it-1 p. 1258 Javan *** Verse 19 of the same prophecy again mentions Javan, but the fact that the other places mentioned in the context are in Syria, Palestine, and Arabia has led some to view the appearance of the name there to be the result of a scribal error. Rather than reading “and Javan from Uzal,” the Greek Septuagint renders Javan as “wine,” thus reading, “and with wine. From Asel [Uzal].” (LXX, Thomson) The Revised Standard Version reads “and wine from Uzal.” Others, however, suggest that Javan may here refer to a Greek colony located in Arabia or that it may perhaps be the name of an Arabian tribe or town.

(Ezekiel 27:23) Haʹran, Canʹneh, Eʹden, the merchants of Sheʹba, Asʹshur, and Chilʹmad traded with you.

*** it-1 p. 199 Asshur *** ASSHUR

(Asʹshur). 1. A son of Shem, named second at Genesis 10:22 and 1 Chronicles 1:17. He was the forefather of the Assyrians, and the same Hebrew word is rendered “Asshur” as well as “Assyria(n).” Either their nation or one of its main cities, Asshur (modern Qalʽat Sherqat), is meant at Ezekiel 27:23.

Page 123

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 677 Eden *** 2. A place mentioned along with Haran and Canneh as a principal trading center with Tyre, specializing in fine garments, carpets, and rope. (Eze 27:23, 24) It is suggested to be an abbreviated form of the name Beth-eden referred to at Amos 1:5. “The sons of Eden” are included among other inhabitants of places that were vanquished by the Assyrian forces (2Ki 19:12; Isa 37:12), and some consider this Eden (Beth-eden) to be the small district of Bit-adini along the middle course of the Euphrates River.—See BETH-EDEN. (Ezekiel 27:24) In your marketplace they traded beautiful garments, cloaks made of blue material and colorful embroidery, and multicolored carpets, all bound and secured with ropes.

*** it-2 p. 636 Phoenicia *** Other artisans specialized in carving wood and ivory, fashioning glassware, weaving wool and linen, and dyeing cloth. Phoenicia was especially noted for her purple-dye industry. Royal or Tyrian purple robes commanded the highest prices, for many thousands of murex, shellfish, each yielding but a single drop of dye, were needed for a few yards of cloth. The dye varied in hue, depending on where along the shores of the Mediterranean the shellfish were found, and this fact, plus the special skills of the Phoenician dye masters who often used a double- or triple-dyeing process, resulted in many varieties of costly fabrics that were sought after by those of rank and nobility.—Eze 27:2, 7, 24. (Ezekiel 27:28) When your sailors cry out, the coastlands will shudder.

*** it-2 p. 584 Pasture Grounds *** The Hebrew word translated “pasture ground” in the above instances also appears at Ezekiel 27:28, where it is used in connection with Tyre, the city situated on the coast and

Page 124

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

on an island. In this instance the word has been rendered “coast(s)” (Mo, JB), “countryside” (RS), “open country” (NW), and “rural districts” (Le), the prophecy thus perhaps indicating that those along the coast near Tyre would lament at her overthrow.

Chapters 28-31 (Ezekiel 28:2) “Son of man, tell the leader of Tyre, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Because your heart has become haughty, you keep saying, ‘I am a god. I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the sea.’ But you are only a man, not a god, Though in your heart you feel that you are a god.

*** it-2 p. 1136 Tyre *** Also through Ezekiel, a contemporary of Jeremiah, Jehovah pointed to calamity for Tyre at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. (Eze 26:1–28:19) Though Tyre had been compared to a pretty ship with multicolored sails and deck coverings and a prow inlaid with ivory, she would sink in the open sea. (Eze 27:3-36) Tyre’s ‘king’ (apparently the line of Tyrian rulers) haughtily boasted: “I am a god. In the seat of god I have seated myself.” But he was to be removed as profane and destroyed by fire.—Eze 28:2-19. (Ezekiel 28:12) “Son of man, sing a dirge concerning the king of Tyre, and tell him, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “You were the model of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

*** it-2 p. 604 Perfection *** The first sinner and the king of Tyre. Human sin and imperfection were, of course, preceded by sin and imperfection in the spirit realm, as Jesus’ words at John 8:44 and the account in chapter 3 of Genesis reveal. The dirge recorded at Ezekiel 28:12-19, though directed to the human “king of Tyre,” evidently parallels the course taken by the spirit son of God who first sinned. The pride of “the king of Tyre,” his making himself ‘a god,’ his being called a “cherub,” and the reference to “Eden, the garden of God,” certainly correspond to Biblical information concerning Satan the Devil, who became puffed up with pride, is linked to the serpent in Eden, and is called “the god of this system of things.”—1Ti 3:6; Ge 3:1-5, 14, 15; Re 12:9; 2Co 4:4. The anonymous king of Tyre, residing in the city claiming to be “perfect in prettiness,” was himself “full of wisdom and perfect [adjective related to Heb. ka·lalʹ] in beauty,” and “faultless [Heb., ta·mimʹ]” in his ways from his creation onward until unrighteousness was found in him. (Eze 27:3; 28:12, 15) The first or direct application of the dirge in Ezekiel may be to the line of Tyrian rulers rather than to any one specific king. (Compare the prophecy directed against the anonymous “king of Babylon” at Isa 14:4-20.) In that case, the reference may be to the early course of friendship and cooperation followed by the Tyrian rulership during the reigns of Kings David and Solomon, when Tyre even contributed toward the building of Jehovah’s temple on Mount Moriah. At first, therefore, there was no fault to be found in the official Tyrian attitude toward Jehovah’s people Israel. (1Ki 5:1-18; 9:10, 11, 14; 2Ch 2:3-16) Later kings, however, departed from this “faultless” course, and Tyre came in for condemnation by God’s prophets Joel and Amos, as well as Ezekiel. (Joe 3:4-8; Am 1:9, 10) Aside from the evident similarity of the course of “the king of Tyre” with that of God’s principal Adversary, the prophecy illustrates again how

Page 125

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

“perfection” and “faultlessness” can be used in limited senses.

*** it-2 p. 866 Satan *** So, from a righteous, perfect start, this spirit person deviated into sin and degradation. The process bringing this about is described by James when he writes: “Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.” (Jas 1:14, 15) In the course that Satan took, there seems to be, in some respects, a parallel with that of the king of Tyre as described in Ezekiel 28:11-19.—See PERFECTION (The first sinner and the king of Tyre).

*** w05 10/15 pp. 23-24 Beware of Developing a Haughty Heart *** “Your Heart Became Haughty” 10 Jehovah inspired his prophet Ezekiel to expose and condemn Tyre’s dynasty of kings. That message addressed to “the king of Tyre” contains expressions that fit both the Tyrian dynasty and the original traitor, Satan, who “did not stand fast in the truth.” (Ezekiel 28:12; John 8:44) Satan was once a loyal spirit creature in Jehovah’s organization of heavenly sons. Jehovah God gave indication through Ezekiel of the basic cause of the defection of both the Tyrian dynasty and Satan: 11 “In Eden, the garden of God, you proved to be. Every precious stone was your covering . . . You are the anointed cherub that is covering . . . You were faultless in your ways from the day of your being created until unrighteousness was found in you. Because of the abundance of your sales goods they filled the midst of you with violence, and you began to sin. And I shall . . . destroy you, O cherub that is covering . . . Your heart became haughty because of your beauty. You brought your wisdom to ruin on account of your beaming splendor.” (Ezekiel 28:13-17) Yes, haughtiness moved Tyre’s kings to violence against Jehovah’s people. Tyre became exceedingly wealthy as a commercial center and famous for its beautiful products. (Isaiah 23:8, 9) Tyre’s kings came to think too much of themselves, and they began to oppress God’s people. 12 Similarly, the spirit creature who became Satan once had the wisdom needed to fulfill any assignment God gave him. Instead of being thankful, he became “puffed up with pride” and began to despise God’s way of ruling. (1 Timothy 3:6) He thought so much of himself that he began to crave the worship of Adam and Eve. This wicked desire became fertile and gave birth to sin. (James 1:14, 15) Satan seduced Eve into eating the fruit of the only tree that God had ruled out. Then, Satan used her to get Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:1-6) Thus the first human pair rejected God’s right to rule over them and, in effect, became worshippers of Satan. His haughtiness knows no bounds. He has tried to seduce all intelligent creatures in heaven and on earth, including Jesus Christ, into worshipping him in rejection of Jehovah’s sovereignty.—Matthew 4:8-10; Revelation 12:3, 4, 9. 13 You can thus see that haughtiness originates with Satan; it is the basic cause of sin, suffering, and corruption in the world today. As “god of this system of things,” Satan continues to promote improper feelings of pride and haughtiness. (2 Corinthians 4:4) He knows that his time is short, so he wages war against true Christians. His goal is to turn

Page 126

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

them away from God, to become lovers of themselves, self-assuming, and haughty. The Bible foretold that such selfish traits would be common in these “last days.”—2 Timothy 3:1, 2, footnote; Revelation 12:12, 17.

*** w88 9/15 p. 22 par. 3 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** Tyre’s “king” (apparently her line of rulers) was removed for having a proud spirit like that of Satan. (Ezekiel 28:1-26) (Ezekiel 28:13) You were in Eʹden, the garden of God. You were adorned with every precious stone —Ruby, topaz, and jasper; chrysʹo·lite, onyx, and jade; sapphire, turquoise, and emerald; And their settings and mountings were made of gold. They were prepared on the day you were created.

*** it-1 p. 891 Garden *** At Ezekiel 28:12-14 “the king of Tyre” is spoken of as having been in the garden of Eden and on “the holy mountain of God.” By the slopes of Mount Lebanon with its famous cedars, the king, decked in gorgeous robes and royal splendor, had been as in a garden of Eden and on a mountain of God. (Ezekiel 28:14) I assigned you as the anointed covering cherub. You were on the holy mountain of God, and you walked about among fiery stones.

(Ezekiel 28:15) You were faultless in your ways from the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you.

Page 127

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

3:6; Ge 3:1-5, 14, 15; Re 12:9; 2Co 4:4. The anonymous king of Tyre, residing in the city claiming to be “perfect in prettiness,” was himself “full of wisdom and perfect [adjective related to Heb. ka·lalʹ] in beauty,” and “faultless [Heb., ta·mimʹ]” in his ways from his creation onward until unrighteousness was found in him. (Eze 27:3; 28:12, 15) The first or direct application of the dirge in Ezekiel may be to the line of Tyrian rulers rather than to any one specific king. (Compare the prophecy directed against the anonymous “king of Babylon” at Isa 14:4-20.) In that case, the reference may be to the early course of friendship and cooperation followed by the Tyrian rulership during the reigns of Kings David and Solomon, when Tyre even contributed toward the building of Jehovah’s temple on Mount Moriah. At first, therefore, there was no fault to be found in the official Tyrian attitude toward Jehovah’s people Israel. (1Ki 5:1-18; 9:10, 11, 14; 2Ch 2:3-16) Later kings, however, departed from this “faultless” course, and Tyre came in for condemnation by God’s prophets Joel and Amos, as well as Ezekiel. (Joe 3:4-8; Am 1:9, 10) Aside from the evident similarity of the course of “the king of Tyre” with that of God’s principal Adversary, the prophecy illustrates again how “perfection” and “faultlessness” can be used in limited senses. (Ezekiel 28:18) Because of your great guilt and your dishonest trading, you have profaned your sanctuaries. I will cause a fire to break out in your midst, and it will consume you. I will reduce you to ashes on the earth before all those looking at you.

*** it-2 p. 1136 Tyre *** Also through Ezekiel, a contemporary of Jeremiah, Jehovah pointed to calamity for Tyre at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. (Eze 26:1–28:19) Though Tyre had been compared to a pretty ship with multicolored sails and deck coverings and a prow inlaid with ivory, she would sink in the open sea. (Eze 27:3-36) Tyre’s ‘king’ (apparently the line of Tyrian rulers) haughtily boasted: “I am a god. In the seat of god I have seated myself.” But he was to be removed as profane and destroyed by fire.—Eze 28:2-19. (Ezekiel 28:25) “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “When I regather the house of Israel from among the peoples where they were scattered, I will be sanctified among them in the eyes of the nations. And they will dwell on their land that I gave to my servant Jacob.

*** si p. 137 par. 29 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** Unlike other nations taken into captivity, they preserved their national identity, and Jehovah restored a remnant, as he foretold, in 537 B.C.E. (Ezek. 28:25, 26; 39:21-28; Ezra 2:1; 3:1) (Ezekiel 29:3) Speak these words: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Here I am against you, Pharʹaoh king of Egypt, The great sea monster lying among the streams of his Nile, Who has said, ‘My Nile River belongs to me. I made it for myself.’

*** it-2 p. 502 Nile *** The symbol of a “great sea monster lying stretched out in the midst of [the] Nile canals,” applied to Pharaoh in the book of Ezekiel, is thought to be drawn from the crocodiles that have inhabited the Nile from ancient times. (Eze 29:3-5)

Page 128

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 29:4) But I will put hooks in your jaws and cause the fish of your Nile to cling to your scales. I will bring you up out of your Nile along with all the fish of the Nile that cling to your scales.

*** it-1 pp. 1136-1137 Hook *** Jehovah figuratively spoke to Pharaoh of Egypt, in whom Israel had foolishly trusted for support against Babylon: “I will put hooks in your jaws . . . And I will bring you up out of the midst of your Nile canals . . . And I will abandon you to the wilderness . . . And all the inhabitants of Egypt will have to know that I am Jehovah, for the reason that they proved to be, as a support, a reed to the house of Israel.” (Eze 29:1-7) The language was fitting; the historian Herodotus (II, 70) stated that the Egyptians used a hook to capture the crocodile and draw it out of the water.

*** it-2 p. 874 Scales *** The same Hebrew word is used in Ezekiel 29:4, where the Egyptian Pharaoh is symbolically described as what seems to be a crocodile. The entire body of a crocodile is covered with strong plates of horn set in its leathery skin. (Ezekiel 29:7) When they grasped your hand, you were crushed, And you caused them to tear their shoulder. When they supported themselves on you, you were broken, And you caused their legs to wobble.”

*** it-1 p. 1121 Hips *** Conversely, those who have been reduced to a weakened condition by fear, distress, or defeat are said to have wobbling, or shaking, hips. (Ps 69:23; Eze 21:6; 29:7) (Ezekiel 29:10) So I am against you and against your Nile, and I will make the land of Egypt devastated and dry, a desolate wasteland, from Migʹdol to Sy·eʹne to the boundary of E·thi·oʹpi·a.

*** it-1 p. 559 Cush *** Though Cushites were to be found in Arabia, the name Cush as used in the Bible in most cases clearly refers to a region in Africa, and where the relationship is obvious, translators simply render “Cush” as “Ethiopia.” It is regularly associated with Egypt (Isa 20:3-5; 43:3; Jer 46:7-9) and also with Libya. (2Ch 12:2, 3; Da 11:43; Na 3:9) Isaiah 11:11 presents the ancient geographic designations for the regional divisions running southward from the Nile Delta: “Egypt” (or “Mizraim,” here, Lower Egypt), “Pathros” (Upper Egypt), and “Cush” (Nubia-Ethiopia). Ezekiel 29:10 speaks of the devastation of Egypt “from Migdol to Syene and to the boundary of Ethiopia [Cush].” Thus, Cush or ancient Ethiopia appears to have been beyond Syene (modern Aswan) and, according to archaeological evidence, continued S perhaps as far as modern Khartoum. Cush thus embraced primarily the northern half of the present Sudan and the southernmost part of modern Egypt.

Page 129

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 686 Egypt, Egyptian *** Beyond the first cataract lay ancient Ethiopia, so that Egypt is said to have reached “from Migdol [a site evidently in NE Egypt] to Syene and to the boundary of Ethiopia.” (Eze 29:10)

*** it-2 p. 398 Migdol *** The prophet Ezekiel foretold a devastation due to come upon Egypt, evidently from Babylon, striking it “from Migdol to Syene and to the boundary of Ethiopia.” (Eze 29:10; 30:6) Since Syene is in the extreme S of ancient Egypt, it appears that this Migdol was in the extreme N, thus giving rise to a description similar to the familiar phrase “from Dan down to Beer-sheba” used with reference to Palestine. (Jg 20:1) After Jerusalem’s fall in 607 B.C.E., Jewish refugees settled in Migdol, Tahpanhes, Noph (Memphis), and in the land of Pathros. But Migdol and other places were to witness the ‘devouring sword’ of Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar.—Jer 44:1; 46:13, 14. This Migdol is usually identified with a fortress described in Egyptian hieroglyphic texts as guarding the NE approaches of the country. The Antonine Itinerary (Itinerarium Provinciarum Antonini Augusti) from the third century C.E. refers to a site called Magdolo near Pelusium, which latter place lay on the Mediterranean Coast at what might be called the entrance into Egypt for those coming from Philistia. Though there is no certainty, some scholars tentatively identify this frontier-fortress called Migdol with Tell el-Heir, about 10 km (6 mi) SSW of Pelusium (Tell el Farame). (Ezekiel 29:11) Neither man nor livestock will pass through it on foot, and it will not be inhabited for 40 years.

*** it-1 p. 698 Egypt, Egyptian *** At Ezekiel 29:1-16 a desolation of Egypt is foretold, due to last 40 years. This may have come after Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Egypt. While some commentaries refer to the reign of Amasis (Ahmose) II, the successor of Hophra, as exceedingly prosperous during more than 40 years, they do so primarily on the testimony of Herodotus, who visited Egypt over a hundred years later. But as the Encyclopædia Britannica (1959, Vol. 8, p. 62) comments on Herodotus’ history of this period (the “Saitic Period”): “His statements prove not entirely reliable when they can be checked by the scanty native evidence.” The Bible Commentary by F. C. Cook, after noting that Herodotus even fails to mention Nebuchadnezzar’s attack on Egypt, says: “It is notorious that Herodotus, while he faithfully recorded all that he heard and saw in Egypt, was indebted for his information on past history to the Egyptian priests, whose tales he adopted with blind credulity. . . . The whole story [by Herodotus] of Apries [Hophra] and Amasis is mixed with so much that is inconsistent and legendary that we may very well hesitate to adopt it as authentic history. It is by no means strange that the priests should endeavour to disguise the national dishonour of having been subjected to a foreign yoke.” (Note B., p. 132) Hence, while secular history provides no clear evidence of the prophecy’s fulfillment, we may be confident of the accuracy of the Bible record.

*** w07 8/1 p. 8 par. 5 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 29:8-12—When was Egypt desolated for 40 years? After the destruction of Jerusalem in

Page 130

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

607 B.C.E., the remnant of Judah fled to Egypt despite the prophet Jeremiah’s warning. (Jeremiah 24:1, 8-10; 42:7-22) That did not prove to be an escape for them because Nebuchadnezzar came up against Egypt and conquered it. The 40-year desolation of Egypt may have followed that conquest. While secular history provides no evidence of this desolation, we can be confident that it took place because Jehovah is the Fulfiller of prophecy.—Isaiah 55:11. (Ezekiel 29:12) I will make the land of Egypt the most desolate of lands, and its cities will be the most desolate of cities for 40 years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them among the lands.”

*** w07 8/1 p. 8 par. 5 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 29:8-12—When was Egypt desolated for 40 years? After the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., the remnant of Judah fled to Egypt despite the prophet Jeremiah’s warning. (Jeremiah 24:1, 8-10; 42:7-22) That did not prove to be an escape for them because Nebuchadnezzar came up against Egypt and conquered it. The 40-year desolation of Egypt may have followed that conquest. While secular history provides no evidence of this desolation, we can be confident that it took place because Jehovah is the Fulfiller of prophecy.—Isaiah 55:11.

(Ezekiel 29:13) “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “After 40 years I will gather back the Egyptians from the peoples where they were scattered;

Page 131

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

more than 40 years, they do so primarily on the testimony of Herodotus, who visited Egypt over a hundred years later. But as the Encyclopædia Britannica (1959, Vol. 8, p. 62) comments on Herodotus’ history of this period (the “Saitic Period”): “His statements prove not entirely reliable when they can be checked by the scanty native evidence.” The Bible Commentary by F. C. Cook, after noting that Herodotus even fails to mention Nebuchadnezzar’s attack on Egypt, says: “It is notorious that Herodotus, while he faithfully recorded all that he heard and saw in Egypt, was indebted for his information on past history to the Egyptian priests, whose tales he adopted with blind credulity. . . . The whole story [by Herodotus] of Apries [Hophra] and Amasis is mixed with so much that is inconsistent and legendary that we may very well hesitate to adopt it as authentic history. It is by no means strange that the priests should endeavour to disguise the national dishonour of having been subjected to a foreign yoke.” (Note B., p. 132) Hence, while secular history provides no clear evidence of the prophecy’s fulfillment, we may be confident of the accuracy of the Bible record. (Ezekiel 29:14) I will bring the Egyptian captives back to the land of Pathʹros, to the land of their origin, and there they will become an insignificant kingdom.

*** it-1 p. 699 Egypt, Egyptian *** Under Greek and Roman rule. Egypt continued under Persian rule until the conquest by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.E., supposedly liberating Egypt from the Persian yoke but ending for all time the rule by native Pharaohs. Mighty Egypt had indeed become “a lowly kingdom.”—Eze 29:14, 15.

*** it-2 p. 585 Pathros *** Ezekiel 29:14 calls Pathros “the land of their [the Egyptians’] origin.” The traditional Egyptian view, as recounted by Herodotus (II, 4, 15, 99), apparently corroborates this, as it makes Upper Egypt, and particularly the region of Thebes, the seat of the first Egyptian

Page 132

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

kingdom, under a king whom Herodotus calls Menes, a name not found in Egyptian records. Diodorus Siculus (first century B.C.E.) records a similar view. (Diodorus of Sicily, I, 45, 1) The Egyptian tradition set forth by these Greek historians may be a feeble echo of the true history presented in the Bible regarding Mizraim (whose name came to stand for Egypt) and his descendants, including Pathrusim.—Ge 10:13, 14. (Ezekiel 29:15) Egypt will become lower than the other kingdoms and will no longer dominate the other nations, and I will make them so small that they will not be able to subdue other nations.

*** it-1 p. 793 Ezekiel, Book of *** The four verses of chapter 29:17-20 are placed out of their chronological order (compare Eze 29:1; 30:20), but topically they belong here with the prophecy against Egypt. (Ezekiel 29:18) “Son of man, King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar of Babylon made his army labor greatly against Tyre. Every head became bald, and every shoulder was rubbed bare. But he and his army received no wages for the labor he expended on Tyre.

*** it-1 p. 246 Baldness *** Nebuchadnezzar’s troops experienced temporary baldness during the strenuous and difficult siege of the land city of Tyre. Jehovah said to Ezekiel that “every head was one made bald, and every shoulder was one rubbed bare” as Nebuchadnezzar’s military force performed “a great service” in rendering judgment on Tyre. Their heads were made bald by the chafing of helmets and their shoulders from the rubbing of materials (for the construction of towers and fortifications).—Eze 26:7-12; 29:17, 18.

Page 133

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

fragmentary Babylonian text, dated to Nebuchadnezzar’s 37th year (588 B.C.E.), does, in fact, mention a campaign against Egypt. (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by J. Pritchard, 1974, p. 308) But it cannot be established whether it relates to the original conquest or a later military action.

*** w07 8/1 p. 8 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 29:18—How was ‘every head made bald and every shoulder rubbed bare’? The siege of the inland city of Tyre was so intense and strenuous that the heads of Nebuchadnezzar’s troops were made bald by the chafing of their helmets and their shoulders were rubbed bare from carrying building materials for towers and fortifications.— Ezekiel 26:7-12.

*** g86 11/8 p. 27 Must All Taxes Be Paid? *** Could certain conduct on the part of governments nullify this obligation? To answer this, we might draw a parallel with the conduct of the Creator himself in paying a debt to a secular government for services rendered. Righteous indignation prompted Jehovah to decree the destruction of the ancient city of Tyre. In the accomplishment of this deed, God used the military might of Babylon under their emperor Nebuchadnezzar. Although Babylon was victorious, the engagement was costly. Jehovah thus felt that they should be paid for services rendered. His words appear at Ezekiel 29:18, 19: “Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar himself, the king of Babylon, made his military force perform a great service against Tyre. . . . But as for wages, there proved to be none for him and his military force from Tyre for the service that he had performed against her. Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘Here I am giving to Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon the land of Egypt, and he must carry off its wealth and make a big spoil of it and do a great deal of plundering of it; and it must become wages for his military force.’” Bible students know that Nebuchadnezzar was a haughty, self-centered, pagan monarch. Babylon and its armies were known for their harsh treatment of captives. Jehovah did not approve of such conduct, yet to him a debt was a debt, and he paid in full. (Ezekiel 29:19) “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says, ‘Here I am giving the land of Egypt to King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar of Babylon, and he will carry off its wealth and take much spoil and plunder from it; and it will become wages for his army.’

*** it-1 p. 238 Babylon ***

Page 134

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

One cuneiform tablet has been found referring to a campaign against Egypt in Nebuchadnezzar’s 37th year (588 B.C.E.). This may be the occasion when mighty Egypt was brought under Babylonian control, as foretold by the prophet Ezekiel evidently in the year 591 B.C.E. (Eze 29:17-19)

*** it-1 p. 698 Egypt, Egyptian *** Defeat by Nebuchadnezzar. But Egypt’s bid to reestablish Egyptian control in Syria and Palestine was short-lived; Egypt was doomed to drink the bitter cup of defeat, according to Jehovah’s prophecy already pronounced by Jeremiah (25:17-19). Egypt’s downfall began with its decisive defeat at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar as crown prince in 625 B.C.E., an event described at Jeremiah 46:2-10 as well as in a Babylonian chronicle. Nebuchadnezzar, now king of Babylon, next took over Syria and Palestine, and Judah became a vassal state of Babylon. (2Ki 24:1) Egypt made one last attempt to remain a power in Asia. A military force of Pharaoh (his name is not mentioned in the Bible) came out of Egypt in answer to King Zedekiah’s request for military support in his revolt against Babylon in 609-607 B.C.E. Producing only a temporary lifting of the Babylonian siege, Egypt’s troops were forced to withdraw, and Jerusalem was left to destruction.—Jer 37:5- 7; Eze 17:15-18. Despite vigorous warning by Jeremiah (Jer 42:7-22), the remnant of Judah’s population fled to Egypt as a sanctuary, evidently joining Jews already in that land. (Jer 24:1, 8-10) Places specifically mentioned where they took up dwelling are Tahpanhes, apparently a fortress city in the Delta region (Jer 43:7-9); Migdol; and Noph, considered to be the same as Memphis, an early capital in Lower Egypt (Jer 44:1; Eze 30:13). Thus, “the language of Canaan” (evidently Hebrew) was now being spoken in Egypt by these refugees. (Isa 19:18) Foolishly they renewed in Egypt the very idolatrous practices that had brought Jehovah’s judgment against Judah. (Jer 44:2-25) But the fulfillment of Jehovah’s prophecies caught up with the Israelite refugees when Nebuchadnezzar marched against Egypt and conquered the land.—Jer 43:8-13; 46:13-26. One Babylonian text, dated to Nebuchadnezzar’s 37th year (588 B.C.E.), has been found that mentions a campaign against Egypt. Whether it relates to the original conquest or merely to a subsequent military action cannot be said. At any rate, Nebuchadnezzar received Egypt’s wealth as his pay for military service rendered in Jehovah’s execution of judgment against Tyre, an opposer of God’s people.—Eze 29:18-20; 30:10-12.

Page 135

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

He promised to give him the wealth of Egypt. (Eze 26:7-11; 29:17-20; see TYRE.) One fragmentary Babylonian text, dated to Nebuchadnezzar’s 37th year (588 B.C.E.), does, in fact, mention a campaign against Egypt. (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by J. Pritchard, 1974, p. 308) But it cannot be established whether it relates to the original conquest or a later military action.

*** w07 8/1 p. 9 par. 1 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 29:19, 20. Since the Tyrians escaped to their island-city with much of their wealth, King Nebuchadnezzar received very little spoil from Tyre. Even though Nebuchadnezzar was a proud, self-centered pagan ruler, Jehovah compensated him for his service by giving him Egypt as “wages for his military force.” Should we not imitate the true God by paying taxes to the governments for the services they perform in our behalf? Neither the conduct of secular authorities nor the way the taxes are put to use cancels this obligation.—Romans 13:4-7.

*** g86 11/8 p. 27 Must All Taxes Be Paid? *** Could certain conduct on the part of governments nullify this obligation? To answer this, we might draw a parallel with the conduct of the Creator himself in paying a debt to a secular government for services rendered. Righteous indignation prompted Jehovah to decree the destruction of the ancient city of Tyre. In the accomplishment of this deed, God used the military might of Babylon under their emperor Nebuchadnezzar. Although Babylon was victorious, the engagement was costly. Jehovah thus felt that they should be paid for services rendered. His words appear at Ezekiel 29:18, 19: “Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar himself, the king of Babylon, made his military force perform a great service against Tyre. . . . But as for wages, there proved to be none for him and his military force from Tyre for the service that he had performed against her. Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘Here I am giving to Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon the land of Egypt, and he must carry off its wealth and make a big spoil of it and do a great deal of plundering of it; and it must become wages for his military force.’” Bible students know that Nebuchadnezzar was a haughty, self-centered, pagan monarch. Babylon and its armies were known for their harsh treatment of captives. Jehovah did not approve of such conduct, yet to him a debt was a debt, and he paid in full. (Ezekiel 29:20) “‘As compensation for his labor against her, I will give him the land of Egypt because they acted for me,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

Page 136

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

out of Egypt in answer to King Zedekiah’s request for military support in his revolt against Babylon in 609-607 B.C.E. Producing only a temporary lifting of the Babylonian siege, Egypt’s troops were forced to withdraw, and Jerusalem was left to destruction.—Jer 37:5- 7; Eze 17:15-18. Despite vigorous warning by Jeremiah (Jer 42:7-22), the remnant of Judah’s population fled to Egypt as a sanctuary, evidently joining Jews already in that land. (Jer 24:1, 8-10) Places specifically mentioned where they took up dwelling are Tahpanhes, apparently a fortress city in the Delta region (Jer 43:7-9); Migdol; and Noph, considered to be the same as Memphis, an early capital in Lower Egypt (Jer 44:1; Eze 30:13). Thus, “the language of Canaan” (evidently Hebrew) was now being spoken in Egypt by these refugees. (Isa 19:18) Foolishly they renewed in Egypt the very idolatrous practices that had brought Jehovah’s judgment against Judah. (Jer 44:2-25) But the fulfillment of Jehovah’s prophecies caught up with the Israelite refugees when Nebuchadnezzar marched against Egypt and conquered the land.—Jer 43:8-13; 46:13-26. One Babylonian text, dated to Nebuchadnezzar’s 37th year (588 B.C.E.), has been found that mentions a campaign against Egypt. Whether it relates to the original conquest or merely to a subsequent military action cannot be said. At any rate, Nebuchadnezzar received Egypt’s wealth as his pay for military service rendered in Jehovah’s execution of judgment against Tyre, an opposer of God’s people.—Eze 29:18-20; 30:10-12.

*** it-2 p. 481 Nebuchadnezzar *** Takes Tyre. It was also sometime after the fall of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. that Nebuchadnezzar began the siege against Tyre. During this siege the heads of his soldiers were “made bald” from the chafing of the helmets and their shoulders were “rubbed bare” from carrying materials used in the construction of siegeworks. As Nebuchadnezzar received no “wages” for serving as Jehovah’s instrument in executing judgment upon Tyre, He promised to give him the wealth of Egypt. (Eze 26:7-11; 29:17-20; see TYRE.) One fragmentary Babylonian text, dated to Nebuchadnezzar’s 37th year (588 B.C.E.), does, in fact, mention a campaign against Egypt. (Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by J. Pritchard, 1974, p. 308) But it cannot be established whether it relates to the original conquest or a later military action.

Page 137

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

the sons of the land of the covenant, By the sword they will all fall.”’

*** it-1 p. 468 Chub *** CHUB

An unidentified people included among those allied with Egypt. Chub is listed with Ethiopia, Put, Lud, and “the sons of the land of the covenant” (which may refer to Israelites who fled to Egypt after the murder of Gedaliah in 607 B.C.E.), all of whom are destined to “fall by the very sword.” (Eze 30:4, 5) Some think that Chub refers to Libya, and it is so rendered by some translations.—LXX; RS. (Ezekiel 30:6) This is what Jehovah says: ‘The supporters of Egypt will also fall, And its arrogant power will be brought down.’ “‘From Migʹdol to Sy·eʹne they will fall by the sword in the land,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

*** it-2 p. 398 Migdol *** The prophet Ezekiel foretold a devastation due to come upon Egypt, evidently from Babylon, striking it “from Migdol to Syene and to the boundary of Ethiopia.” (Eze 29:10; 30:6) Since Syene is in the extreme S of ancient Egypt, it appears that this Migdol was in the extreme N, thus giving rise to a description similar to the familiar phrase “from Dan down to Beer-sheba” used with reference to Palestine. (Jg 20:1) After Jerusalem’s fall in 607 B.C.E., Jewish refugees settled in Migdol, Tahpanhes, Noph (Memphis), and in the land of Pathros. But Migdol and other places were to witness the ‘devouring sword’ of Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar.—Jer 44:1; 46:13, 14. This Migdol is usually identified with a fortress described in Egyptian hieroglyphic texts as guarding the NE approaches of the country. The Antonine Itinerary (Itinerarium Provinciarum Antonini Augusti) from the third century C.E. refers to a site called Magdolo near Pelusium, which latter place lay on the Mediterranean Coast at what might be called the entrance into Egypt for those coming from Philistia. Though there is no certainty, some scholars tentatively identify this frontier-fortress called Migdol with Tell el-Heir, about 10 km (6 mi) SSW of Pelusium (Tell el Farame). (Ezekiel 30:9) In that day I will send messengers in ships to make self-confident E·thi·oʹpi·a tremble; panic will seize them in the day that is coming upon Egypt, for it will surely come.’

*** it-1 p. 560 Cushan *** CUSHAN

(Cuʹshan). Cushan appears at Habakkuk 3:7 as paralleling “the land of Midian” and hence evidently is another name for Midian or relates to a neighboring country. As shown in the article CUSH (No. 2), some descendants of Cush appear to have settled on the Arabian Peninsula; (Ezekiel 30:10) “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘I will bring an end to Egypt’s hordes by the hand of King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar of Babylon.

*** it-1 p. 698 Egypt, Egyptian ***

Page 138

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Defeat by Nebuchadnezzar. But Egypt’s bid to reestablish Egyptian control in Syria and Palestine was short-lived; Egypt was doomed to drink the bitter cup of defeat, according to Jehovah’s prophecy already pronounced by Jeremiah (25:17-19). Egypt’s downfall began with its decisive defeat at Carchemish on the Euphrates River by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar as crown prince in 625 B.C.E., an event described at Jeremiah 46:2-10 as well as in a Babylonian chronicle. Nebuchadnezzar, now king of Babylon, next took over Syria and Palestine, and Judah became a vassal state of Babylon. (2Ki 24:1) Egypt made one last attempt to remain a power in Asia. A military force of Pharaoh (his name is not mentioned in the Bible) came out of Egypt in answer to King Zedekiah’s request for military support in his revolt against Babylon in 609-607 B.C.E. Producing only a temporary lifting of the Babylonian siege, Egypt’s troops were forced to withdraw, and Jerusalem was left to destruction.—Jer 37:5- 7; Eze 17:15-18. Despite vigorous warning by Jeremiah (Jer 42:7-22), the remnant of Judah’s population fled to Egypt as a sanctuary, evidently joining Jews already in that land. (Jer 24:1, 8-10) Places specifically mentioned where they took up dwelling are Tahpanhes, apparently a fortress city in the Delta region (Jer 43:7-9); Migdol; and Noph, considered to be the same as Memphis, an early capital in Lower Egypt (Jer 44:1; Eze 30:13). Thus, “the language of Canaan” (evidently Hebrew) was now being spoken in Egypt by these refugees. (Isa 19:18) Foolishly they renewed in Egypt the very idolatrous practices that had brought Jehovah’s judgment against Judah. (Jer 44:2-25) But the fulfillment of Jehovah’s prophecies caught up with the Israelite refugees when Nebuchadnezzar marched against Egypt and conquered the land.—Jer 43:8-13; 46:13-26. One Babylonian text, dated to Nebuchadnezzar’s 37th year (588 B.C.E.), has been found that mentions a campaign against Egypt. Whether it relates to the original conquest or merely to a subsequent military action cannot be said. At any rate, Nebuchadnezzar received Egypt’s wealth as his pay for military service rendered in Jehovah’s execution of judgment against Tyre, an opposer of God’s people.—Eze 29:18-20; 30:10-12.

(Ezekiel 30:14) I will desolate Pathʹros and set a fire in Zoʹan and execute judgment on No.

*** w03 7/1 p. 32 What Happened to Them? *** Judgment was pronounced against Egypt’s Pharaoh and its gods, especially the chief god, “Amon from No.” (Jeremiah 46:25, 26) The crowd of worshipers who flocked there would be “cut off.” (Ezekiel 30:14, 15) And so it turned out. All that is left of Amon’s worship are temple ruins. The modern town of Luxor is situated on part of the site of ancient Thebes, and other small villages exist among its ruins. (Ezekiel 30:15) I will pour out my rage on Sin, the stronghold of Egypt, and destroy the population of No.

*** it-2 p. 971 Sin, II *** 2. Sin was among the cities of Egypt due to feel the sword brought on that land by the

Page 139

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

hand of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. (Eze 30:6, 10, 15, 16) It is called the “fortress of Egypt.” Some authorities today accept the identification Pelusium found in the Latin Vulgate. Pelusium was an ancient fortress city situated in a key defense position against invasion from the Asiatic continent. Its location is generally accepted to coincide with present-day Tell el Farame, a site about 32 km (20 mi) SE of Port Said on the Mediterranean seacoast. Caravans or armies coming down the Philistine coast thus found this fortress guarding the entrance to Egypt. Assyrian King Ashurbanipal refers to it in his annals. Today the ancient site is surrounded by sand and marshes.

*** w03 7/1 p. 32 What Happened to Them? *** Judgment was pronounced against Egypt’s Pharaoh and its gods, especially the chief god, “Amon from No.” (Jeremiah 46:25, 26) The crowd of worshipers who flocked there would be “cut off.” (Ezekiel 30:14, 15) And so it turned out. All that is left of Amon’s worship are temple ruins. The modern town of Luxor is situated on part of the site of ancient Thebes, and other small villages exist among its ruins. (Ezekiel 30:17) The young men of On and Pi·beʹseth will fall by the sword, and the cities will go into captivity.

*** it-1 p. 221 Aven *** 1. Aven appears in the Hebrew Masoretic text at Ezekiel 30:17 and is so rendered in the King James Version. Many modern translations here read “On,” the city in Egypt called Heliopolis by the Greeks. The Hebrew consonants for Aven are the same as for On, but the vowel pointing differs. Some commentaries suggest that the change in the vowel pointing was a deliberate play on words in order to express contempt for the idolatrous city of On, the center of Egyptian sun worship.—See ON No. 2.

*** it-2 p. 555 On *** Ezekiel’s prophecy contains a similar warning. (Eze 30:10, 17) Here the Hebrew vowel pointing of the name varies from that of Genesis so that the name literally is Aven (Heb., ʼaʹwen). Some scholars suggest that this was done as a play on words, since Aven means “Hurtfulness; Something Hurtful,” and On was a center of idolatry.

*** it-2 p. 637 Pibeseth *** PIBESETH

(Pi·beʹseth) [from Egyptian, meaning “House of [the goddess] Bastet”]. A city mentioned along with On (Heliopolis) at Ezekiel 30:17 in a prophecy directed against Egypt. The Septuagint rendering of the text identifies Pibeseth with Bubastis, an ancient city of the Delta region, the remains of which are at Tell Basta, about 70 km (43 mi) NNE of Cairo, near the modern city of Zagazig. The name of the ancient city as it appears on Egyptian inscriptions shows a clear similarity to the Hebrew Pibeseth. Pibeseth, or Bubastis, was the seat of the worship of the goddess Bastet, or Bast, a feline goddess often represented with the head of a cat. The presence of a large burial ground for cats near the city testifies to the prominence of her worship there. An annual festival was held in honor of Bastet, drawing thousands of adherents from all parts of the land.

Page 140

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

While Pibeseth was the capital of the 18th nome (district) of Lower Egypt, it reached its greatest political prominence with the line of Libyan rulers over Egypt begun by Pharaoh Shishak, a contemporary of Solomon and Rehoboam. (1Ki 11:40; 14:25, 26) Pibeseth was a royal city of Shishak. Ezekiel’s prophecy relates to the Babylonian conquest of Egypt when Pibeseth would be overrun. The Persians later destroyed the city, and today only ruins remain on the ancient site.

Chapters 32-34 (Ezekiel 32:7) ‘And when you are extinguished I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. I will cover the sun with clouds, And the moon will not give its light.

*** w88 10/15 p. 17 pars. 9-11 What Will the Lord’s Day Mean for You? *** 9 Ezekiel, warning of the coming fall of Israel’s large southern neighbor, Egypt, said: “‘And when you [Pharaoh] get extinguished I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. As for the sun, with clouds I shall cover it, and the moon itself will not let its light shine. All the luminaries of light in the heavens—I shall darken them on your account, and I will put darkness upon your land,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”—Ezekiel 32:7, 8. 10 When Pharaoh and his armies fell, the literal heavens did not darken. But Egypt’s future became very dark. As Bible scholar C. F. Keil notes, “the darkness consequent [upon Pharaoh’s fall] is a figurative representation of utterly hopeless circumstances.” Forever finished as an independent world power, Egypt was dominated by one world power after another! Today, most of the territory of the ancient Pharaonic world power is ruled by an Arab nation. 11 But Keil saw a further meaning in Ezekiel’s prophecy. He writes: “The overthrow of this world-power [Egypt] is an omen and prelude of the overthrow of every ungodly world- power on the day of the last judgment.” This is, in substance, true. As Revelation shows, at the great tribulation ungodly mankind’s prospects will be as black as were those of Egypt. It will be as if the sun gave no light by day and the night sky were devoid of any warm light from the moon and without any friendly, twinkling stars. Those who refuse to honor Jehovah’s King will perish without even an honorable burial as the Rider on the white horse completes his conquest. (Revelation 19:11, 17-21; Ezekiel 39:4, 17-19) No wonder ungodly men will cry out “to the mountains and to the rock-masses: ‘Fall over us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’”—Revelation 6:16, 17; Matthew 24:30. (Ezekiel 32:8) I will darken all the shining luminaries in the heavens because of you, And I will cover your land with darkness,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

Page 141

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

luminaries of light in the heavens—I shall darken them on your account, and I will put darkness upon your land,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.”—Ezekiel 32:7, 8. 10 When Pharaoh and his armies fell, the literal heavens did not darken. But Egypt’s future became very dark. As Bible scholar C. F. Keil notes, “the darkness consequent [upon Pharaoh’s fall] is a figurative representation of utterly hopeless circumstances.” Forever finished as an independent world power, Egypt was dominated by one world power after another! Today, most of the territory of the ancient Pharaonic world power is ruled by an Arab nation. 11 But Keil saw a further meaning in Ezekiel’s prophecy. He writes: “The overthrow of this world-power [Egypt] is an omen and prelude of the overthrow of every ungodly world- power on the day of the last judgment.” This is, in substance, true. As Revelation shows, at the great tribulation ungodly mankind’s prospects will be as black as were those of Egypt. It will be as if the sun gave no light by day and the night sky were devoid of any warm light from the moon and without any friendly, twinkling stars. Those who refuse to honor Jehovah’s King will perish without even an honorable burial as the Rider on the white horse completes his conquest. (Revelation 19:11, 17-21; Ezekiel 39:4, 17-19) No wonder ungodly men will cry out “to the mountains and to the rock-masses: ‘Fall over us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’”—Revelation 6:16, 17; Matthew 24:30. (Ezekiel 32:27) Will they not lie with mighty uncircumcised warriors who have fallen, who went down to the Grave with their weapons of war? And they will put their swords under their heads and their sins on their bones, because these mighty warriors terrorized the land of the living.

*** it-1 p. 1051 Head *** Exaltation, Humiliation, and Contempt. Among some of the nations, soldiers were buried with their swords under their heads, that is, with military honors. (Eze 32:27) (Ezekiel 33:6) “‘But if the watchman sees the sword coming and he does not blow the horn and the people receive no warning and a sword comes and takes the life of one of them, that person will die for his own error, but I will ask his blood back from the watchman.’

*** si p. 137 par. 30 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** God’s servants must be faithful watchmen like Ezekiel, even in difficult assignments and under ridicule and reproach. We must not let the wicked die unwarned, with their blood upon our heads. (3:17; 33:1-9) (Ezekiel 33:7) “As for you, son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman to the house of Israel; and when you hear a word from my mouth you must warn them from me.

*** w88 1/1 p. 28 Keep On Preaching the Kingdom *** Avoiding Bloodguilt

Page 142

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

13 The responsibility of Jehovah’s dedicated Witnesses to warn people of God’s coming judgment can be compared to that of Ezekiel in his time. He was designated a watchman to the house of Israel. His assignment was to warn the Israelites that execution was coming upon them if they did not turn away from their bad ways. If he as a watchman failed to sound the warning, execution would still come upon the wicked people, but their blood would be upon the head of the negligent watchman. In this Jehovah shows his attitude toward executing judgment: “I take delight, not in the death of the wicked one, but in that someone wicked turns back from his way and actually keeps living. Turn back, turn back from your bad ways, for why is it that you should die, O house of Israel?”—Ezekiel 33:1-11. 14 The apostle Paul acknowledged his responsibility as a watchman, stating to the elders from Ephesus: “Hence I call you to witness this very day that I am clean from the blood of all men.” Why could he say that? He continues: “For I have not held back from telling you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:26, 27) So it is with the watchman class today, the remnant of anointed followers of Jesus Christ. (Ezekiel 33:15) and the wicked one returns what was taken in pledge and pays back what was taken by robbery, and he walks in the statutes of life by not doing what is wrong, he will surely keep living. He will not die.

*** w88 9/15 p. 23 par. 5 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** Since God takes no delight in the death of wicked ones, he will not hold their past record against them if they heed warnings and ‘walk in the very statutes of life.’ In Ezekiel’s day, walking in those statutes meant keeping the Law, but it now means accepting Christ’s ransom and being his follower. (1 Peter 2:21) There is nothing maladjusted about the way God punishes or rewards people, and preservation through the “great tribulation” depends on compliance with his statutes.—Ezekiel 33:10-20; Matthew 24:21. (Ezekiel 33:21) At length in the 12th year, in the tenth month, on the fifth day of the month of our exile, a man who had escaped from Jerusalem came to me and said: “The city has been struck down!”

*** si p. 136 par. 24 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** But now it is 607 B.C.E., the fifth day of the tenth month. An escapee arrives from Jerusalem to tell the prophet: “The city has been struck down!” (33:21) (Ezekiel 33:32) Look! You are to them like a romantic love song, sung with a beautiful voice and skillfully played on a stringed instrument. They will hear your words, but no one will act on them.

*** w88 9/15 p. 23 par. 6 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** (Read Ezekiel 33:30-33.) Today, many are like the Jewish exiles to whom Ezekiel was a singer of ‘a sensuous love song.’ When the anointed ones and their associates call from house to house, these people enjoy the sound of the Kingdom message but do not embrace it. To them, it is like a pleasant love song, but they do not make a dedication to Jehovah, and they will not survive the “great tribulation.” (Ezekiel 33:33) And when it comes true—and it will come true—they will have to know that

Page 143

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

a prophet has been among them.”

*** w91 3/15 p. 17 par. 17 Keep Pace With Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot *** Verse 33 adds: “And when it comes true—look! it must come true—they will also have to know that a prophet himself had proved to be in the midst of them.” Those words reveal that Ezekiel did not give up because of lack of response. The apathy of others did not make him apathetic. Whether people listened or not, he obeyed God and fulfilled his commission. (Ezekiel 34:2) “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy, and say to the shepherds, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who have been feeding themselves! Is it not the flock that the shepherds should feed?

*** w88 9/15 p. 23 par. 7 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 7 In a message to Ezekiel after Jerusalem’s fall, Jehovah condemned profaners of His holy name, the governmental “shepherds of Israel.” How well those words fit the rulers of Christendom! (Read Ezekiel 34:1-6.) Unlike the Fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ, Christendom’s political rulers fatten themselves materially off the “sheep.” (John 10:9-15) But as God delivered his sheep by stripping selfish shepherds of rulership when Judah was desolated, so he will again deliver his sheep by depriving Christendom’s rulers of their authority during the “great tribulation.” (Revelation 16:14-16; 19:11-21) (Ezekiel 34:10) This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘I am against the shepherds, and I will demand an accounting of them for my sheep, and I will dismiss them from feeding my sheep, and the shepherds will no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouth, and they will no longer be food for them.’”

*** w88 9/15 pp. 23-24 par. 7 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** Unlike the Fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ, Christendom’s political rulers fatten themselves materially off the “sheep.” (John 10:9-15) But as God delivered his sheep by stripping selfish shepherds of rulership when Judah was desolated, so he will again deliver his sheep by depriving Christendom’s rulers of their authority during the “great tribulation.” (Revelation 16:14-16; 19:11-21) Jehovah showed love for his sheeplike people when he delivered them from Babylon in 537 B.C.E., even as he displayed that quality when he used the Greater Cyrus, Jesus Christ, to free the remnant of spiritual Israel from bondage to Babylon the Great in 1919 C.E.—Ezekiel 34:7-14. (Ezekiel 34:11) “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Here I am, and I myself will search for my sheep, and I will care for them.

*** rj part 1 p. 4 “The Lost One I Will Search For” *** The sheep is bewildered. Somehow, while nibbling grass in the pasture, it got separated from the other sheep. Now, it can see neither the flock nor the shepherd. Darkness approaches. Lost in a valley where predators roam, the sheep is

Page 144

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

defenseless. Finally, it hears a familiar voice—that of the shepherd, who runs toward the sheep, picks it up, wraps it in the folds of his garment, and carries it home.

JEHOVAH repeatedly likens himself to just such a shepherd. In his Word, he assures us: “I myself will search for my sheep, and I will care for them.”—Ezekiel 34:11, 12. “The Sheep That I Care For” Who are Jehovah’s sheep? Simply put, Jehovah’s sheep are the people who love and worship him. The Bible says: “Let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep in his care.” (Psalm 95:6, 7) Like literal sheep following a shepherd, Jehovah’s worshippers are eager to follow their Shepherd. Are they flawless? No. God’s servants have, at times, become “scattered sheep,” “lost sheep,” and “like sheep going astray.” (Ezekiel 34:12; Matthew 15:24; 1 Peter 2:25) Even so, when a person drifts away, Jehovah does not abandon him as being beyond hope. (Ezekiel 34:14) In a good pasture I will feed them, and the land where they graze will be on Israel’s high mountains. They will lie down there in a good grazing land, and they will feed on choice pastures on the mountains of Israel.”

*** rj part 1 p. 5 “The Lost One I Will Search For” *** He feeds us spiritually. “In a good pasture I will feed them,” Jehovah says. “They will lie down there in a good grazing land, and they will feed on choice pastures.” (Ezekiel 34:14) Jehovah has never failed to give us a refreshing variety of timely spiritual food. Can you think of an article, a talk, or a video that answered your prayer for help? Did it not convince you that Jehovah cares about you personally? (Ezekiel 34:16) “The lost one I will search for, the stray I will bring back, the injured I will bandage, and the weak I will strengthen; but the fat one and the strong one I will annihilate. I will feed that one with judgment.”

*** rj part 1 p. 5 “The Lost One I Will Search For” *** He protects and supports us. Jehovah promises: “The stray I will bring back, the injured I will bandage, and the weak I will strengthen.” (Ezekiel 34:16) Jehovah strengthens those weakened or overwhelmed by anxiety. He bandages his sheep, helping them to heal if they have been hurt—perhaps even by fellow believers. And he brings back those who have strayed and who may struggle with negative feelings. He feels responsible for us. “I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered,” Jehovah says. “The lost one I will search for.” (Ezekiel 34:12, 16) To Jehovah, a lost sheep is not a lost cause. He knows when a sheep is missing, he searches for that sheep, and he rejoices when he finds it. (Matthew 18:12-14)

*** w96 3/15 p. 25 How Christian Shepherds Serve You *** Christian shepherds will undoubtedly take special care of any who are like those described in these words: “The lost one I [Jehovah] shall search for, and the dispersed one I shall bring back, and the broken one I shall bandage and the ailing one I shall strengthen.” (Ezekiel 34:16) Yes, sheep may need to be sought after, brought back, bandaged, or

Page 145

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

strengthened. Israel’s shepherds neglected these responsibilities. Performing such work requires that a shepherd come close to a certain sheep and attend to its needs. Basically, this should be a distinguishing feature of each shepherding call today.

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 8 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” ***

8 God gives his sheep tender care. (Read Ezekiel 34:15, 16.) If a ‘fat sheep’ was to oppress God’s flock today, Jehovah would “feed” him with disfellowshipping now and annihilation in the “great tribulation.” (Ezekiel 34:17) “‘As for you, my sheep, this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “I am about to judge between one sheep and another sheep, between the rams and the male goats.

*** it-2 p. 916 Sheep *** “Rams” sometimes represent persons, particularly oppressive leaders of a nation who are destined for destruction. (Jer 51:40; Eze 39:18) At Ezekiel 34:17-22, the rams, the he- goats, and the plump sheep stand for the unfaithful leaders of Israel who appropriated the best for themselves and then befouled what was left for the lean and sick sheep, that is, the people who were oppressed, exploited, and shoved about. (Ezekiel 34:18) Is it not enough for you to feed on the very best pastures? Must you also trample the rest of your pastures with your feet? And after drinking the clearest water, must you foul the water by stamping with your feet?

*** it-2 p. 916 Sheep *** “Rams” sometimes represent persons, particularly oppressive leaders of a nation who are destined for destruction. (Jer 51:40; Eze 39:18) At Ezekiel 34:17-22, the rams, the he- goats, and the plump sheep stand for the unfaithful leaders of Israel who appropriated the best for themselves and then befouled what was left for the lean and sick sheep, that is, the people who were oppressed, exploited, and shoved about. (Ezekiel 34:20) “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says to them: “Here I am, and I myself will judge between a fat sheep and a lean sheep,

*** it-2 p. 916 Sheep *** “Rams” sometimes represent persons, particularly oppressive leaders of a nation who are destined for destruction. (Jer 51:40; Eze 39:18) At Ezekiel 34:17-22, the rams, the he- goats, and the plump sheep stand for the unfaithful leaders of Israel who appropriated the best for themselves and then befouled what was left for the lean and sick sheep, that is, the people who were oppressed, exploited, and shoved about. (Ezekiel 34:21) for with your flank and shoulder you kept pushing, and with your horns you kept shoving all the sick ones until you had scattered them abroad.

Page 146

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

goats, and the plump sheep stand for the unfaithful leaders of Israel who appropriated the best for themselves and then befouled what was left for the lean and sick sheep, that is, the people who were oppressed, exploited, and shoved about. (Ezekiel 34:23) I will raise up one shepherd over them, my servant David, and he will feed them. He himself will feed them and become their shepherd.

*** w07 4/1 pp. 26-27 par. 3 Humbly Submitting to Loving Shepherds *** Both Jehovah and Jesus deplored the ruthlessness of the shepherds, or leaders, of Israel, who shamelessly neglected and exploited their flocks. (Ezekiel 34:2-10; Matthew 23:3, 4, 15) Jehovah promised: “I will save my sheep, and they will no longer become something for plunder; and I will judge between a sheep and a sheep. And I will raise up over them one shepherd, and he must feed them, even my servant David. He himself will feed them, and he himself will become their shepherd.” (Ezekiel 34:22, 23) In this time of the end, Jesus Christ, the Greater David, is the “one shepherd” whom Jehovah has appointed over all His servants on earth, both the spirit-anointed Christians and the “other sheep.”—John 10:16.

*** w93 1/1 p. 19 Shepherding With Our Grand Creator *** Jehovah’s Associate Shepherd 4 Serving at the right hand of his Father in heaven, “the fine shepherd,” Jesus Christ, also gives compassionate attention to the “sheep.” He surrendered his life to benefit first the “little flock” of anointed ones and then, today, the great crowd of his “other sheep.” (Luke 12:32; John 10:14, 16) The Great Shepherd, Jehovah God, addresses all these sheep, saying: “Here I am, I myself, and I shall certainly judge . . . between a sheep and a sheep. And I will raise up over them one shepherd, and he must feed them, even my servant David. He himself will feed them, and he himself will become their shepherd. And I myself, Jehovah, will become their God, and my servant David a chieftain in the midst of them. I myself, Jehovah, have spoken.”—Ezekiel 34:20-24. 5 The designation “my servant David” points prophetically to Christ Jesus, the “seed” who inherits David’s throne. (Psalm 89:35, 36) In this day of judgment of the nations, Jehovah’s associate Shepherd and King, Christ Jesus, the Son of David, continues to separate the “sheep” of mankind from those who may claim to be “sheep” but are actually “goats.” (Matthew 25:31-33) This “one shepherd” is raised up also to feed the sheep. What a glorious fulfillment of this prophecy we see today! While politicians talk of uniting mankind through a new world order, the one Shepherd is actually uniting the sheep of all nations through a multilanguage witnessing campaign such as only God’s organization on earth could ever begin to undertake.

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 8 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** In 1914 Jehovah placed over the anointed remnant “one shepherd,” Jesus Christ. Since 1935 he has directed the gathering of a “great crowd” of “other sheep,” who now serve with anointed ‘sheep of Jehovah’s pasturing.’ Like God and Christ, Christian undershepherds must treat all these sheep with tenderness.—Ezekiel 34:17-31; Revelation 7:9; John 10:16; Psalm 23:1-4; Acts 20:28-30.

Page 147

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 34:25) “‘“And I will make a covenant of peace with them, and I will rid the land of vicious wild beasts, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forests.

*** it-2 p. 593 Peace *** Peace Between Man and Animals. Jehovah God promised to the Israelites, if obedient: “I will put peace in the land, and you will indeed lie down, with no one making you tremble; and I will make the injurious wild beast cease out of the land.” (Le 26:6) This meant that the wild animals would stay within the confines of their habitat and not bring harm to the Israelites and their domestic animals. On the other hand, if the Israelites proved to be disobedient, Jehovah would allow their land to be invaded and devastated by foreign armies. As this would result in reducing the population, wild animals would multiply, penetrate formerly inhabited areas, and do injury to the survivors and their domestic animals.—Compare Ex 23:29; Le 26:22; 2Ki 17:5, 6, 24-26. The peace promised to the Israelites in connection with the wild animals differed from that enjoyed by the first man and woman in the garden of Eden, for Adam and Eve enjoyed full dominion over the animal creation. (Ge 1:28) By contrast, in prophecy, like dominion is attributed only to Christ Jesus. (Ps 8:4-8; Heb 2:5-9) Therefore, it is under the government of Jesus Christ, “a twig out of the stump of Jesse,” or God’s “servant David,” that peace will again prevail between men and the animals. (Isa 11:1, 6-9; 65:25; Eze 34:23-25) These last cited texts have a figurative application, for it is obvious that the peace between animals, such as the wolf and the lamb, there described did not find literal fulfillment in ancient Israel. It was thus foretold that persons of harmful, beastlike disposition would cease their vicious ways and live in peace with their more docile neighbors. However, the prophetic use of the animals figuratively to portray the peaceful conditions to prevail among God’s people implies that there will also be peace among literal animals under the rule of Christ Jesus, even as there evidently was in Eden.

*** g91 4/8 p. 11 What About the Future? *** None of the wild animals will then disturb mankind’s peace, for God’s prophetic word says: “I will conclude with them a covenant of peace, and I shall certainly cause the injurious wild beast to cease out of the land, and they will actually dwell in the wilderness in security and sleep in the forests. (Ezekiel 34:27) The trees of the field will yield their fruit, and the soil will give its produce, and they will dwell securely on the land. And they will have to know that I am Jehovah when I break their yoke bars and rescue them from those who enslaved them.

*** w93 1/1 p. 20 pars. 8-9 Shepherding With Our Grand Creator *** As Ezekiel 34:25-28 goes on to describe, Jehovah shepherds his sheep into a spiritual paradise, a delightful condition of security, refreshing prosperity, and fruitfulness. This loving Shepherd says of his sheep: “They will have to know that I am Jehovah when I break the bars of their yoke and I have delivered them out of the hand of those who had been using them as slaves. And they will no longer become something to plunder for the nations; . . . and they will actually dwell in security, with no one to make them tremble.”

Page 148

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

9 Already, in recent years, Jehovah’s Witnesses in many countries have experienced the breaking of “the bars of their yoke.” They are free to preach as never before. And may all of us, in every land, make good use of the security that Jehovah provides as we press on to get the work accomplished.

Chapters 35-38 (Ezekiel 35:3) Say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Here I am against you, O mountainous region of Seʹir, and I will stretch out my hand against you and make you a desolate wasteland.

*** si p. 133 par. 4 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** On the other side of the Promised Land, the treacherous Edomites were also annihilated, in fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy. (25:12, 13; 35:2-9) (Ezekiel 35:9) I will make you a perpetual desolation, and your cities will not be inhabited; and you will have to know that I am Jehovah.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 9 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 9 Consider again the desolated land of Judah and Israel. Since God had determined that it should keep a sabbath by remaining unoccupied for 70 years, he acted to prevent Edom and other nations from occupying that territory. (2 Chronicles 36:19-21; Daniel 9:2) In fact, Edom and its mountainous region of Seir were also desolated, as foretold, being subjugated by the Babylonians in 602-601 B.C.E.—Ezekiel 35:1–36:5; Jeremiah 25:15-26. (Ezekiel 35:10) “Because you said, ‘These two nations and these two lands will become mine, and we will take possession of both,’ even though Jehovah himself was there,

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 9 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 9 Consider again the desolated land of Judah and Israel. Since God had determined that it should keep a sabbath by remaining unoccupied for 70 years, he acted to prevent Edom and other nations from occupying that territory. (2 Chronicles 36:19-21; Daniel 9:2) In fact, Edom and its mountainous region of Seir were also desolated, as foretold, being subjugated by the Babylonians in 602-601 B.C.E.—Ezekiel 35:1–36:5; Jeremiah 25:15-26. (Ezekiel 36:8) But you, O mountains of Israel, will produce branches and bear your fruitage for my people Israel, for they will soon return.

Page 149

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 36:10) I will multiply your people—the whole house of Israel, all of it—and the cities will be inhabited and the ruins will be rebuilt.

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 10 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 10 The restoration of a remnant to Judah in 537 B.C.E. pointed to thrilling developments in our day. In 1919 “the mountains of Israel,” or the spiritual estate of Jehovah’s anointed witnesses, began to be repopulated with a spiritually revived remnant. (Ezekiel 36:6-15) God cleansed them of religious uncleanness and put in them “a new spirit” enabling them to produce the fruitage of his holy spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23) (Ezekiel 36:17) “Son of man, when the house of Israel was dwelling in their land, they made it unclean by their ways and their dealings. Their ways were like the uncleanness of menstruation to me.

*** it-1 p. 17 Abhorrent Thing *** Prior to Jerusalem’s destruction by Babylon, Jehovah said of the people of Israel through his prophet Ezekiel: “The house of Israel were dwelling upon their soil, and they kept making it unclean with their way and with their dealings. Like the uncleanness of menstruation [nid·dahʹ] their way has become before me.” (Eze 36:17) Due to idolatrous practices, Israel was spiritually impure and would thus be avoided by her husbandly owner, Jehovah God, and would be reunited with him spiritually only after cleansing. (Ezekiel 36:20) But when they came to those nations, people profaned my holy name by saying about them, ‘These are the people of Jehovah, but they had to leave his land.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 10 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** And so that Jehovah’s name might not be profaned by worldlings because he had disciplined his people, he has blessed the remnant abundantly.—Ezekiel 36:16-32. (Ezekiel 36:23) ‘I will certainly sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the nations, which you profaned among them; and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘when I am sanctified among you before their eyes.

*** w07 8/1 p. 11 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** “I Shall Certainly Sanctify My Great Name” After the removal of the last king of David’s line, the true God allowed a long period of time to elapse before the coming of the One “who has the legal right” to the kingship. However, God did not forsake his covenant with David. (Ezekiel 21:27; 2 Samuel 7:11-16) Ezekiel’s prophecy speaks of “my servant David,” who would become a “shepherd” and a “king.” (Ezekiel 34:23, 24; 37:22, 24, 25) This one is none other than Jesus Christ in Kingdom power. (Revelation 11:15) Jehovah will “sanctify [his] great name” by means of the Messianic Kingdom.—Ezekiel 36:23.

Page 150

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** si p. 137 par. 33 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** 33 The book of Ezekiel emphasizes that Jehovah is holy. It makes known that the sanctification of Jehovah’s name is more important than anything else. “‘I shall certainly sanctify my great name, . . . and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” As the prophecy shows, he will sanctify his name by destroying all profaners of that name, including Gog of Magog. Wise are all those who now sanctify Jehovah in their lives by meeting his requirements for acceptable worship. These will find healing and eternal life by the river that flows from his temple. Transcendent in glory and exquisite in beauty is the city that is called “Jehovah Himself Is There”!—Ezek. 36:23; 38:16; 48:35. (Ezekiel 36:25) I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will become clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your disgusting idols.

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 10 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** God cleansed them of religious uncleanness and put in them “a new spirit” enabling them to produce the fruitage of his holy spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23) (Ezekiel 36:26) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you. I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh.

(Ezekiel 36:30) I will make the fruitage of the tree and the produce of the field abound, so that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations.

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 10 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** And so that Jehovah’s name might not be profaned by worldlings because he had disciplined his people, he has blessed the remnant abundantly.—Ezekiel 36:16-32. (Ezekiel 36:35) And people will say: “The desolate land has become like the garden of Eʹden, and the cities that were in ruins and desolate and torn down are now fortified and inhabited.”

*** it-2 p. 576 Paradise *** A Spiritual Paradise. Throughout many of the prophetic books of the Bible, divine promises are found regarding the restoration of Israel from the lands of its exile to its desolated homeland. God would cause that abandoned land to be tilled and sown, to produce richly, and to abound with humankind and animalkind; the cities would be rebuilt and inhabited, and people would say: “That land yonder which was laid desolate has become like the garden of Eden.” (Eze 36:6-11, 29, 30, 33-35; compare Isa 51:3; Jer

Page 151

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

31:10-12; Eze 34:25-27.) However, these prophecies also show that paradise conditions related to the people themselves, who, by faithfulness to God, could now “sprout” and flourish as “trees of righteousness,” enjoying beautiful spiritual prosperity like a “well- watered garden,” showered by bounteous blessings from God because of having his favor. (Isa 58:11; 61:3, 11; Jer 31:12; 32:41; compare Ps 1:3; 72:3, 6-8, 16; 85:10-13; Isa 44:3, 4.) The people of Israel had been God’s vineyard, his planting, but their badness and apostasy from true worship had caused a figurative ‘withering away’ of their spiritual field, even before the literal desolation of their land took place.—Compare Ex 15:17; Isa 5:1-8; Jer 2:21.

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 11 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 11 After a remnant returned to Judah, that desolated land was transformed into a fruitful “garden of Eden.” (Read Ezekiel 36:33-36.) Similarly, since 1919 Jehovah has transformed the once desolate estate of the anointed remnant into a fruitful spiritual paradise, now shared with the “great crowd.” Since this spiritual paradise has been populated with holy people, let each dedicated Christian work to keep it clean.—Ezekiel 36:37, 38.

*** tp chap. 9 p. 97 par. 11 Peace and Security Earth Wide—A Reliable Hope *** Many centuries ago, when the nation of Israel came out of exile in Babylon, Jehovah God restored them to their homeland, which was then a desolate waste. Yet, because of God’s blessing on them and their work, the land soon became so beautiful that neighboring peoples could exclaim: ‘It has become like the garden of Eden!’ It also became very productive, removing any threat of hunger and famine. (Ezekiel 36:29, 30, 35; Isaiah 35:1, 2; 55:13) What God did back then illustrated on a small scale what he will yet do on a global scale to fulfill his promises. All persons counted worthy to live then will enjoy the divinely provided pleasures of life in Paradise.—Psalm 67:6, 7; Isaiah 25:6.

(Ezekiel 37:9) He then said to me: “Prophesy to the wind. Prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “From the four winds come in, O wind, and blow upon these people who were killed, so that they may come to life.”’”

*** it-2 p. 691 Prophecy *** Illustrating the sense of the original words are these examples: When Ezekiel in a vision was told to “prophesy to the wind,” he simply expressed God’s command to the wind. (Eze 37:9, 10)

Page 152

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

“breath,” which is also air in motion. Thus, the rendering of ruʹach as “breath” at this point of the account (vs 10) is also more appropriate than “spirit” or “life-force.” Ezekiel also would be able to see the bodies begin to breathe, even though he could not see the life- force, or spirit, energizing their bodies. As verses 11-14 show, this vision was symbolic of a spiritual (not physical) revivification of the people of Israel who were for a time in a spiritually dead state due to their Babylonian exile. Since they were already physically alive and breathing, it is logical to render ruʹach as “spirit” in verse 14, where God states that he will put ‘his spirit’ in his people so that they would become alive, spiritually speaking. (Ezekiel 37:10) So I prophesied just as he commanded me, and breath came into them, and they began to live and to stand on their feet, an extremely large army.

*** it-2 pp. 1024-1025 Spirit *** Thus at Ezekiel 37:1-10 the symbolic vision of the valley of dry bones is presented, the bones coming together, becoming covered with sinews, flesh, and skin, but “as regards breath [weruʹach], there was none in them.” Ezekiel was told to prophesy to “the wind [ha·ruʹach],” saying, “From the four winds [form of ruʹach] come in, O wind, and blow upon these killed people, that they may come to life.” The reference to the four winds shows that wind is the appropriate rendering for ruʹach in this case. However, when such “wind,” which is simply air in motion, entered the nostrils of the dead persons of the vision, it became “breath,” which is also air in motion. Thus, the rendering of ruʹach as “breath” at this point of the account (vs 10) is also more appropriate than “spirit” or “life-force.” Ezekiel also would be able to see the bodies begin to breathe, even though he could not see the life- force, or spirit, energizing their bodies. As verses 11-14 show, this vision was symbolic of a spiritual (not physical) revivification of the people of Israel who were for a time in a spiritually dead state due to their Babylonian exile. Since they were already physically alive and breathing, it is logical to render ruʹach as “spirit” in verse 14, where God states that he will put ‘his spirit’ in his people so that they would become alive, spiritually speaking.

(Ezekiel 37:11) Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Here they are saying, ‘Our bones are dry, and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 12 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 12 In Babylonian captivity, the Jews were almost a dead nation, like mere bones in a field. (Ezekiel 37:1-4) But what did Ezekiel next see? (Read Ezekiel 37:5-10.) Those bones were reclothed with sinews, flesh, and skin, and they were reactivated with the breath of life. (Ezekiel 37:11-14) God resurrected the Jewish nation when 42,360 people of all tribes of Israel and some 7,500 non-Israelites seized their opportunity to repopulate Judah, rebuild Jerusalem and its temple, and restore true worship in their homeland. (Ezra 1:1-4; 2:64, 65) Similarly, in 1918 the persecuted remnant of spiritual Israel became like those dry bones—killed as regards their public witnessing work. But in 1919 Jehovah revived them as Kingdom proclaimers. (Revelation 11:7-12) (Ezekiel 37:12) So prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “I will open your graves and raise you up from your graves, my people, and bring you to the land of Israel.

Page 153

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w88 9/15 p. 24 par. 12 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 12 In Babylonian captivity, the Jews were almost a dead nation, like mere bones in a field. (Ezekiel 37:1-4) But what did Ezekiel next see? (Read Ezekiel 37:5-10.) Those bones were reclothed with sinews, flesh, and skin, and they were reactivated with the breath of life. (Ezekiel 37:11-14) God resurrected the Jewish nation when 42,360 people of all tribes of Israel and some 7,500 non-Israelites seized their opportunity to repopulate Judah, rebuild Jerusalem and its temple, and restore true worship in their homeland. (Ezra 1:1-4; 2:64, 65) Similarly, in 1918 the persecuted remnant of spiritual Israel became like those dry bones—killed as regards their public witnessing work. But in 1919 Jehovah revived them as Kingdom proclaimers. (Revelation 11:7-12) (Ezekiel 37:14) ‘I will put my spirit in you and you will come to life, and I will settle you on your land; and you will have to know that I myself, Jehovah, have spoken and I have done it,’ declares Jehovah.”

*** it-2 p. 1025 Spirit *** Ezekiel also would be able to see the bodies begin to breathe, even though he could not see the life-force, or spirit, energizing their bodies. As verses 11-14 show, this vision was symbolic of a spiritual (not physical) revivification of the people of Israel who were for a time in a spiritually dead state due to their Babylonian exile. Since they were already physically alive and breathing, it is logical to render ruʹach as “spirit” in verse 14, where God states that he will put ‘his spirit’ in his people so that they would become alive, spiritually speaking.

*** jv chap. 7 p. 77 Advertise the King and the Kingdom! (1919-1941) *** Truly, that Cedar Point convention stirred the Bible Students to action. They were ready to get on with the work of proclaiming the good news. It was as though they had come back to life from the dead.—Compare Ezekiel 37:1-14; Revelation 11:11, 12. (Ezekiel 37:16) “And you, son of man, take a stick and write on it, ‘For Judah and for the people of Israel who are with him.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Eʹphra·im, and all the house of Israel who are with him.’

*** w16 July p. 31 Questions From Readers *** [Box on page 31] THE JOINING OF THE TWO STICKS ANCIENT TIMES

Page 154

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Two-tribe kingdom of Judah Joined in 537 B.C.E. when representatives of both kingdoms returned to rebuild the temple Ten-tribe kingdom of Israel The stick for Judah The stick of Ephraim

MODERN TIMES The anointed From 1919, God’s people were gradually reorganized and reunited to serve as “one flock” The other sheep

*** w16 July Questions From Readers *** Questions From Readers What is the meaning of the joining together of the two sticks described in Ezekiel chapter 37? ▪ Jehovah gave Ezekiel a message of hope promising the unification of the nation of Israel after its being restored to the Promised Land. That message also foretells the unification of God’s people that started to take place during the last days. Jehovah told his prophet Ezekiel to write on two sticks. He was to write on one stick, “For Judah and for the people of Israel who are with him,” and on the other one, “For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and all the house of Israel who are with him.” The two sticks were to become “just one stick” in Ezekiel’s hand.—Ezek. 37:15-17. What is represented by the term “Ephraim”? The first king of the northern ten-tribe kingdom, Jeroboam, was from the tribe of Ephraim, which had become the dominant tribe. (Deut. 33:13, 17; 1 Ki. 11:26) This tribe came from Joseph’s son Ephraim. (Num. 1:32, 33) Joseph had received a special blessing from his father, Jacob. Therefore, it was appropriate that the stick representing the ten-tribe kingdom be called “the stick of Ephraim.” By the time Ezekiel recorded the prophecy about the two sticks, the northern kingdom of Israel had long since been taken captive by the Assyrians in 740 B.C.E. (2 Ki. 17:6) Thus, the majority of those Israelites were by that time scattered throughout the Babylonian Empire, which had supplanted the Assyrian Empire. In 607 B.C.E., the southern two-tribe kingdom and perhaps any remaining ones from the northern kingdom were taken into exile in Babylon. The kings in the line of Judah had ruled these two tribes, and the priesthood was associated with them, for the priests served at the temple in Jerusalem. (2 Chron. 11:13, 14; 34:30) So it was fitting that the two-tribe kingdom would be represented by the stick that was “for Judah.” When were these two symbolic sticks joined together? It was when the Israelites returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple in 537 B.C.E. Representatives of both the two-tribe kingdom and the ten-tribe kingdom returned together from exile. No longer was there a division between the sons of Israel. (Ezek. 37:21, 22) Once again, the Israelites worshipped Jehovah unitedly. This reconciliation had also been foretold by the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah.—Isa. 11:12, 13; Jer. 31:1, 6, 31. What important truth about pure worship is highlighted by this prophecy? This: Jehovah will cause his worshippers to “become one.” (Ezek. 37:18, 19) Has this promise of unity

Page 155

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

come true in our time? Yes. Initially, the prophecy began to be fulfilled in 1919 when God’s people were gradually reorganized and reunited. Satan’s attempts to divide them permanently had been thwarted. At that time, the majority of those reunited had the hope of becoming kings and priests in heaven with Jesus. (Rev. 20:6) Symbolically, they were like the stick for Judah. However, as time progressed, more and more of those with an earthly hope started to join themselves to these spiritual Jews. (Zech. 8:23) They were like the stick for Joseph, and they did not have the hope of ruling with Christ. Unitedly, both groups serve together today as Jehovah’s people under one King, Jesus Christ, who is spoken of prophetically as “my servant David.” (Ezek. 37:24, 25) Jesus prayed that all his followers would ‘be one, just as his Father is in union with him and he is in union with his Father.’ (John 17:20, 21) Jesus also foretold that his little flock of anointed followers would “become one flock” with his “other sheep.” All of them would be under “one shepherd.” (John 10:16) How well Jesus’ words describe the spiritual unity of Jehovah’s people today no matter what hope they have for the future! [Footnote] It is interesting to note the progression that Jesus used when he told the illustrations that became part of the sign of his presence. First, he referred to “the faithful and discreet slave,” the small group of anointed brothers who would take the lead. (Matt. 24:45-47) Then, he gave illustrations that applied primarily to all those with a heavenly hope. (Matt. 25:1-30) Finally, he spoke of those with an earthly hope who would support Christ’s brothers. (Matt. 25:31-46) Similarly, the modern-day fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy points first to what would happen to those with a heavenly hope. Although the ten-tribe kingdom does not usually picture those with the earthly hope, the unification described in this prophecy does remind us of the unity that exists between those with an earthly hope and those with a heavenly hope.

*** it-1 p. 417 Captivity *** Such reunification after the captivity was indicated in prophecy. For example, Jehovah promised to “bring Israel back.” (Jer 50:19) Furthermore, Jehovah said: “I will bring back the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel, and I will build them just as at the start.” (Jer 33:7) Ezekiel’s illustration of the two sticks that were made one (37:15-28) indicated that the two kingdoms would again become one nation.

*** w88 9/15 p. 25 par. 13 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 13 How was the restoration of organizational unity among Jehovah’s ancient people illustrated? (Read Ezekiel 37:15-20.) There is a modern parallel for the joining of the two sticks (one marked for the two-tribe kingdom of Judah, the other for ten-tribe Israel). During World War I, ambitious men tried to break up the unity of God’s servants, but in 1919 faithful anointed ones were unified under Christ, their “one king” and “one shepherd.” Moreover, like the more than 7,500 non-Israelites who returned to Judah, those of the “great crowd” are now united with the anointed remnant. What joy to be in the spiritual paradise, serving Jehovah in unity under our “one king”!—Ezekiel 37:21-28.

Page 156

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 37:17) Then bring them close to each other so that they become just one stick in your hand.

Page 157

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Unitedly, both groups serve together today as Jehovah’s people under one King, Jesus Christ, who is spoken of prophetically as “my servant David.” (Ezek. 37:24, 25) Jesus prayed that all his followers would ‘be one, just as his Father is in union with him and he is in union with his Father.’ (John 17:20, 21) Jesus also foretold that his little flock of anointed followers would “become one flock” with his “other sheep.” All of them would be under “one shepherd.” (John 10:16) How well Jesus’ words describe the spiritual unity of Jehovah’s people today no matter what hope they have for the future! [Footnote] It is interesting to note the progression that Jesus used when he told the illustrations that became part of the sign of his presence. First, he referred to “the faithful and discreet slave,” the small group of anointed brothers who would take the lead. (Matt. 24:45-47) Then, he gave illustrations that applied primarily to all those with a heavenly hope. (Matt. 25:1-30) Finally, he spoke of those with an earthly hope who would support Christ’s brothers. (Matt. 25:31-46) Similarly, the modern-day fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy points first to what would happen to those with a heavenly hope. Although the ten-tribe kingdom does not usually picture those with the earthly hope, the unification described in this prophecy does remind us of the unity that exists between those with an earthly hope and those with a heavenly hope.

*** w16 July p. 31 Questions From Readers *** [Box on page 31] THE JOINING OF THE TWO STICKS ANCIENT TIMES Two-tribe kingdom of Judah Joined in 537 B.C.E. when representatives of both kingdoms returned to rebuild the temple Ten-tribe kingdom of Israel The stick for Judah The stick of Ephraim MODERN TIMES The anointed From 1919, God’s people were gradually reorganized and reunited to serve as “one flock” The other sheep

Page 158

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

During World War I, ambitious men tried to break up the unity of God’s servants, but in 1919 faithful anointed ones were unified under Christ, their “one king” and “one shepherd.” Moreover, like the more than 7,500 non-Israelites who returned to Judah, those of the “great crowd” are now united with the anointed remnant. What joy to be in the spiritual paradise, serving Jehovah in unity under our “one king”!—Ezekiel 37:21-28. (Ezekiel 37:19) tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Eʹphra·im, and the tribes of Israel who are with him, and I will join them to the stick of Judah; and I will make them one stick, and they will become one in my hand.”’

*** it-1 p. 634 Disgusting Thing, also Loathsome Thing *** In a similar prophecy, the references to David as being the king of this cleansed people and their “one shepherd” and “chieftain to time indefinite” clearly point to a greater fulfillment on the nation of spiritual Israel, the Christian congregation, under the anointed Heir to David’s throne, Christ Jesus.—Eze 37:21-25; compare Lu 1:32; Joh 10:16.

*** w88 9/15 p. 25 par. 13 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** During World War I, ambitious men tried to break up the unity of God’s servants, but in 1919 faithful anointed ones were unified under Christ, their “one king” and “one shepherd.” Moreover, like the more than 7,500 non-Israelites who returned to Judah, those of the “great crowd” are now united with the anointed remnant. What joy to be in the spiritual paradise, serving Jehovah in unity under our “one king”!—Ezekiel 37:21-28. (Ezekiel 37:25) They will dwell on the land that I gave to my servant, to Jacob, where your forefathers lived, and they will dwell on it forever, they and their children and their children’s children; and David my servant will be their chieftain forever.

Page 159

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 37:26) “‘“And I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an eternal covenant with them. I will establish them and make them many and place my sanctuary among them forever.

*** w10 3/15 pp. 27-28 pars. 17-20 One Flock, One Shepherd *** 17 Jehovah foretold the unity of his people in these words: “I will conclude with them a covenant of peace; an indefinitely lasting covenant is what there will come to be with them. And I will place them and multiply them and place my sanctuary in the midst of them to time indefinite. And my tabernacle will actually prove to be over them, and I shall certainly become their God, and they themselves will become my people.”—Ezek. 37:26, 27. 18 All of God’s people are privileged to benefit from the fulfillment of this marvelous promise, this covenant for Christian peace. Yes, Jehovah has guaranteed peace for all of his obedient servants. The fruitage of his spirit is evident among them. His sanctuary, here picturing pure Christian worship, is among them. They have truly become his people, for they have abandoned all forms of idolatry and have made Jehovah the only God whom they worship. 19 How thrilling it has been to witness this unifying of two groups in our time! Although the ever-growing great crowd do not have the heavenly hope, they are proud to be associated with those who do. They have attached themselves to the Israel of God. By doing this, they are included among those whom Jehovah calls “my people.” In them we find the fulfillment of this prophecy: “Many nations will certainly become joined to Jehovah in that day, and they will actually become my people; and I will reside in the midst of you.”—Zech. 2:11; 8:21; read Isaiah 65:22; Revelation 21:3, 4. 20 By means of the new covenant, Jehovah has made all of this possible. Millions of spiritual foreigners have become part of Jehovah’s favored nation. (Mic. 4:1-5) They are determined to continue to lay hold of that covenant by accepting its provisions and obeying its requirements. (Isa. 56:6, 7) In so doing, along with the Israel of God, they enjoy the rich blessings of continued peace. May that be your blessed lot—now and for all time to come!

*** w91 3/1 pp. 18-19 Let “the Peace of God” Guard Your Heart *** A Covenant of Peace 17 Can such peace be found today? Yes, it can. Since the establishment of God’s Kingdom under the glorified Jesus Christ in 1914, Jehovah has gathered the remaining ones of the Israel of God out of this world and made a covenant of peace with them. He thus fulfilled his promise made through the prophet Ezekiel: “I will conclude with them a covenant of peace; an indefinitely lasting covenant is what there will come to be with them. And I will place them and multiply them and place my sanctuary in the midst of them to time indefinite.” (Ezekiel 37:26) Jehovah made this covenant with anointed Christians who, like their brothers in the first century, exercise faith in Jesus’ sacrifice. Cleansed of spiritual pollution, they have dedicated themselves to their heavenly Father and strive to follow his commandments, most notably by spearheading the worldwide preaching of the good news of God’s established Kingdom.—Matthew 24:14.

Page 160

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

18 The prophecy continues: “And my tabernacle will actually prove to be over them, and I shall certainly become their God, and they themselves will become my people. And the nations will have to know that I, Jehovah, am sanctifying Israel.” (Ezekiel 37:27, 28) In harmony with this, hundreds of thousands, yes, millions, from “the nations” have recognized that Jehovah’s name is on the Israel of God. (Zechariah 8:23) Out of all nations, they have flocked to serve Jehovah with that spiritual nation, forming the “great crowd” foreseen in Revelation. Having “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” they will survive the great tribulation into a peaceful new world.— Revelation 7:9, 14. 19 Together, the Israel of God and the great crowd enjoy spiritual peace comparable to the peace enjoyed by Israel under King Solomon. Regarding them, Micah prophesied: “They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.” (Micah 4:3, 4; Isaiah 2:2-4) In harmony with this, they have turned their back on war and strife, symbolically beating their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Thus, they enjoy a peaceful brotherhood throughout their international community, no matter what their nationality, language, race, or social background. And they delight in the certainty of Jehovah’s protective watchcare over them. ‘No one makes them tremble.’ Truly, ‘Jehovah himself has given strength indeed to his people. Jehovah himself has blessed his people with peace.’—Psalm 29:11.

(Ezekiel 37:28) And the nations will have to know that I, Jehovah, am sanctifying Israel when my sanctuary is in their midst forever.”’”

*** w91 3/1 p. 19 par. 18 Let “the Peace of God” Guard Your Heart *** And the nations will have to know that I, Jehovah, am sanctifying Israel.” (Ezekiel 37:27, 28) In harmony with this, hundreds of thousands, yes, millions, from “the nations” have recognized that Jehovah’s name is on the Israel of God. (Zechariah 8:23) Out of all nations, they have flocked to serve Jehovah with that spiritual nation, forming the “great crowd” foreseen in Revelation.

(Ezekiel 38:2) “Son of man, set your face against Gog of the land of Maʹgog, the head chieftain of Meʹshech and Tuʹbal, and prophesy against him.

*** it-1 p. 980 Gog *** Gog is “of the land of Magog,” situated in “the remotest parts of the north.” (Eze 38:2, 15) He is the “head chieftain [“great prince,” AT; “chief prince,” KJ, RS] of Meshech and Tubal.” (Eze 38:2, 3) Some translations here read “the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal” (AS, JB), thus making “Rosh [Heb. for “head”]” refer to a country or people. No such land or

Page 161

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

people is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, however. Meshech and Tubal, like Magog, are names given to sons of Japheth (Ge 10:2), and the three lands bearing these names lay to the N of Israel. (See MAGOG No. 2; MESHECH No. 1; TUBAL.)

*** it-1 pp. 980-981 Gog *** Identification of Gog. The lands and peoples mentioned in the prophecy relating to Gog are known from the Bible and to some extent from secular history. But efforts to identify Gog with some historically known earthly ruler have not been successful. Most frequently suggested is Gyges, king of Lydia in western Asia Minor, called Guggu in the records of Assyrian monarch Ashurbanipal. (Ancient Records of Assyria and Babylonia, by D. Luckenbill, 1927, Vol. II, pp. 297, 351, 352) Gyges, however, had died decades before the writing of Ezekiel’s prophecy. Hence, such identification is unacceptable. Additionally, the prophecy itself places Gog’s attack in “the final part of the years,” “in the final part of the days.” (Eze 38:8, 16; compare Isa 2:2; Jer 30:24; 2Ti 3:1.) For these reasons, the name Gog is evidently cryptic or symbolic, not being that of any known human king or leader. The evidence points to a fulfillment in what is elsewhere called “the time of the end.” (Da 11:35; 12:9; compare Re 12:12.) Bible scholars and commentators generally recognize the prophecy as relating to the time of the Messianic Kingdom. As an example, The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge comments: “Gog appears as the leader of the last hostile attack of the world-powers upon the kingdom of God.” (Edited by S. Jackson, 1956, Vol. V, p. 14) No fulfillment on natural Israel is known. The fulfillment in “the final part of the days” logically is with regard to spiritual Israel, the Christian congregation (Ro 2:28, 29; Ga 6:16), described by the apostle Paul as children of, and directed by, the “Jerusalem above.” (Ga 4:26) These points aid in arriving at the identification of Gog. Further aid is found in the book of Revelation. Prophetic visions there foretold a great increase in persecution against the Christian congregation on the part of the symbolic dragon, Satan the Devil. This was to follow his being cast down, with his demons, from the heavens to the region of the earth, an act accomplished by the Kingdom of God through Christ at the time of Jesus’ beginning to exercise kingly authority. (Re 12:5-10, 13-17) The massing of earthly nations against God, his Son, and God’s faithful servants on earth figures prominently in these visions, as does also the total defeat and desolation of such enemy forces. (Re 16:13-16; 17:12-14; 19:11-21) The feasting by birds on the corpses of such enemies of Christ’s Kingdom rule likewise finds a correspondency here.—Compare Eze 39:4, 17-20 with Re 19:21. The prophecy in Ezekiel concerning Gog points to a vicious, earth-wide assault on God’s people. Although Gog evidently represents a coalition of nations making the assault, it will be engineered and led behind the scenes by Satan the Devil. This attack is what triggers the complete wiping out of such Satanic forces by means of God’s awesome power.—Eze 38:18-22.

*** it-2 p. 295 Magog *** 2. A name that occurs in Ezekiel’s prophecy concerning the stormlike attack by “Gog of the land of Magog” against Jehovah’s regathered people. It appears to be used by the prophet to indicate a land or region in “the remotest parts of the north,” out of which Gog’s host

Page 162

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

comes forth, his plundering forces described as “riding on horses, a great congregation, even a numerous military force” employing sword and bow.—Eze 38:2-4, 8, 9, 13-16; 39:1- 3, 6. From the time of the Jewish historian Josephus, it has been suggested that “the land of Magog” related to the Scythian tribes found in NE Europe and Central Asia. (Jewish Antiquities, I, 123 [vi, 1]) Classical writers of Greek and Roman times described the Scythians as northern barbarians, rapacious and warlike, equipped with large cavalry forces, well armored, and skilled with the bow. While the name Scythian may originally have been derived from “Ashkenaz,” another descendant of Japheth (Ge 10:2, 3), the 1959 edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica (Vol. 20, p. 235) states that “throughout classical literature Scythia generally meant all regions to the north and northeast of the Black sea, and a Scythian (Skuthes) any barbarian coming from those parts.” Other reference works likewise show that the term “Scythian” was used rather flexibly to embrace generally the nomadic tribes N of the Caucasus (the region between the Black and Caspian Seas), similar to the modern use of the term “Tartar.” Hence The New Schaff- Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge comments: “The name ‘Scythians’ was among the ancients an elastic appellation, and so was the Hebrew ‘Magog.’”—Edited by S. Jackson, 1956, Vol. V, p. 14. Symbolic Use. The fact that the definite location of “the land of Magog” is left uncertain and indeterminate to us in the Bible (as well as in secular history), along with the prophet’s reference to “the final part of the years” (Eze 38:8), and the fact that the described invasion is not known to have taken place literally upon Israel, provide the basis for viewing the prophecy concerning Magog as relating to a future time in the Biblical ‘time of the end.’ Because of this, many commentators see in it a forecast of the final attack of the world powers upon the Kingdom of God, and they see the land of Magog as representing “the world as hostile to God’s people and kingdom.”—Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Bible Dictionary, 1936, p. 307. Thus, the land of Magog clearly has a symbolic significance. The fact that the term “Scythian,” with which Magog is usually associated, came to be used as a synonym for that which is brutal and degraded would logically seem to point to a fallen state or position of debasement, analogous to the position assigned to Satan and his angels following the war in heaven and from which debased position he wrathfully wages “war with the remaining ones of [the woman’s] seed,” as described at Revelation 12:7-17.—See GOG No. 2.

*** it-2 p. 825 Rosh *** 2. A name found in some translations of Ezekiel 38:2 and 39:1 (AS, JB, Le, LXX, Mo, Yg, Ro), viewed by some scholars as designating a northern people called Rus (Russian), who are said to have lived along the Volga River. In view of the meaning of the term and its application to Gog, however, it is appropriately translated as part of a title rather than the name of a people or a place: thus, “head chieftain” (NW); “chief prince” (KJ, Dy, Fn, JP, RS); “great prince” (AT); “prince of the head” and “head prince” (Vg); “leader and head” (Sy); “head great one” (Targums).

*** w07 8/1 p. 9 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II ***

Page 163

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

38:1-23. How reassuring it is to know that Jehovah will rescue his people from the attack of Gog of the land of Magog! Gog is the name given to “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil, after his ouster from heaven. The land of Magog refers to the vicinity of the earth, to which Satan and his demons are confined.—John 12:31; Revelation 12:7-12.

*** w97 3/1 p. 14 par. 2 Happy Are Those Who Stay Awake! *** Then Gog of Magog, Satan the Devil debased to the vicinity of the earth, will marshal his hordes and make an all-out attack on Jehovah’s peaceful, seemingly defenseless people. (Ezekiel 38:1-12)

*** wi p. 18 par. 24 What Is God’s Purpose for Mankind? *** The prophet Ezekiel foresaw the final battle of God against man’s governments. In chapters 38 and 39 of his book, he describes God’s war against “Gog of the land of Magog.” (Ezekiel 38:2) This is widely recognized as a prophecy of the last days. A careful study of the Scriptures reveals that here “Gog” is a symbolic name for that same spirit rebel, Satan, who led Adam and Eve in a course of disobedience to God. The defeat of that spirit along with his forces, longtime enemies of God, is actually the initial part of the fulfillment of the original promise that the “seed” would, symbolically speaking, fatally bruise the “serpent,” Satan, in the head.—Genesis 3:15, JP.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 25-26 par. 14 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** Gog is “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil. He received the name Gog after his ouster from heaven, following the Kingdom’s birth in 1914. (John 12:31) “The land of Magog” is the location to which Gog and his demons are confined in the vicinity of the earth.

(Ezekiel 38:4) I will turn you around and put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in splendor, a vast assembly with large shields and bucklers, all of them wielding swords;

*** it-1 p. 980 Gog *** 2. The name is found in chapters 38 and 39 of Ezekiel and is there applied to the leader of a stormlike, multinational assault against God’s people. The attack comes after Jehovah has gathered his people out of the nations and restored them to the previously devastated “mountains of Israel.” Because they dwell in security, with no visible signs of protection, and because they enjoy abundant prosperity, Gog is drawn into waging a vicious, all-out attack upon them. He congregates a vast army from many nations for this purpose. But his assault sets off Jehovah’s rage and brings terrible defeat and destruction upon Gog and his entire crowd. Their carcasses become food for birds and beasts, and their bones are buried in the valley that thereafter is called the Valley of Gog’s Crowd (literally, Valley of Hamon-Gog). The Assault’s Source and Intent. The assault has a source far distant from the land of Israel. Gog is “of the land of Magog,” situated in “the remotest parts of the north.” (Eze 38:2, 15) He is the “head chieftain [“great prince,” AT; “chief prince,” KJ, RS] of Meshech and Tubal.” (Eze 38:2, 3) Some translations here read “the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and

Page 164

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Tubal” (AS, JB), thus making “Rosh [Heb. for “head”]” refer to a country or people. No such land or people is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, however. Meshech and Tubal, like Magog, are names given to sons of Japheth (Ge 10:2), and the three lands bearing these names lay to the N of Israel. (See MAGOG No. 2; MESHECH No. 1; TUBAL.) Other northern members of the attacking forces, also Japhetic, were Gomer and Togarmah (thought to be the progenitors of the ancient Cimmerians and Armenians, respectively). Japhetic Persia lay to the NE. But the conspiracy embraced southern Hamitic members also—Ethiopia and Put down in Africa. (Eze 38:4-6, 15) Gog’s role, therefore, is as commander of a massive assault force that applies tremendous pressures designed to crush Jehovah’s people as though they were in a vise. Israel is described as “dwelling in the center of the earth.” (Eze 38:12) Ancient Israel not only was located at a central point as regards the Eurasian and African continents but also was the center of pure worship of the true God and was counted by him as “the pupil of his eye.”—De 32:9, 10; Zec 2:8. Jehovah states that he will ‘put hooks in Gog’s jaws’ and lead him to this attack. (Eze 38:4; compare 2Ki 19:20, 21, 28.) The prophecy clearly shows, however, that this is already Gog’s desire, the scheme being a product of his own heart. (Eze 38:10, 11) Jehovah draws Gog out, nonetheless, by restoring and prospering his own name people. This incites Gog to manifest his malevolence toward God’s people and he willingly advances into a course that brings swift destruction upon himself and all his associates. By the defeat and annihilation of Gog and his forces, Jehovah magnifies and sanctifies his own name before all observers.—Eze 38:12-23; 39:5-13, 21, 22; compare Joe 3:9-17.

*** dp chap. 16 p. 283 par. 26 The Contending Kings Near Their End *** 26 Ezekiel, a contemporary of Daniel, also prophesied an attack on God’s people “in the final part of the days.” He said that the hostilities would be initiated by Gog of Magog, that is, by Satan the Devil. (Ezekiel 38:14, 16) Symbolically, from which direction does Gog come? “From the remotest parts of the north,” says Jehovah, through Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 38:15) However vicious this assault, it will not destroy Jehovah’s people. This dramatic encounter will result from a strategic move on Jehovah’s part to annihilate Gog’s forces. Thus, Jehovah says to Satan: “I shall certainly . . . put hooks in your jaws and bring you forth.” “I will . . . cause you to come up from the remotest parts of the north and bring you in upon the mountains of Israel.” (Ezekiel 38:4; 39:2) The news “out of the north” that enrages the king of the north, therefore, must originate with Jehovah. But just what the reports “out of the sunrising and out of the north” will finally contain, only God will determine and time will tell.

*** w97 6/1 pp. 15-17 A Secret Christians Dare Not Keep! *** Putting Hooks in Satan’s Jaws 14 In many places Jehovah’s Witnesses are becoming more and more the center of media attention. Similar to what happened to the early Christians, they are often misrepresented and placed in the same category as questionable religious cults and secret organizations. (Acts 28:22) Might our openness in preaching make us more subject to attack? It certainly would be unwise, and not in keeping with Jesus’ counsel, to thrust ourselves into the midst of controversy unnecessarily. (Proverbs 26:17; Matthew 10:16) However, the beneficial

Page 165

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

work of Kingdom preaching and helping people to improve their lives is not to be hidden. It glorifies Jehovah, lifting him on high, directing attention to him and to his established Kingdom. The recent gratifying response to Bible truth in Eastern Europe and parts of Africa has partially been because of the increased openness with which the truth can now be preached there. 15 It is true that the openness with which Jehovah’s Witnesses preach, the spiritual paradise they enjoy, and their prosperity—both in human resources and material assets— do not go unnoticed. While attracting honesthearted ones, these factors may repel opposers. (2 Corinthians 2:14-17) In fact, this may eventually serve to lure Satan’s forces into attacking God’s people. 16 Should this be a cause for concern? Not according to Jehovah’s prophecy found in Ezekiel chapter 38. It foretells that Gog of Magog, descriptive of Satan the Devil since his debasement to the vicinity of the earth after the Kingdom’s establishment in 1914, will lead an attack on God’s people. (Revelation 12:7-9) Jehovah tells Gog: “You must say: ‘I shall go up against the land of open rural country. I shall come in upon those having no disturbance, dwelling in security, all of them dwelling without wall, and they do not have even bar and doors.’ It will be to get a big spoil and to do much plundering, in order to turn your hand back upon devastated places reinhabited and upon a people gathered together out of the nations, one that is accumulating wealth and property, those who are dwelling in the center of the earth.” (Ezekiel 38:11, 12) Verse 4 shows that God’s people need not fear this attack, however, because it is of Jehovah’s doing. But why would God allow—yes, even provoke—an all-out attack on his people? In verse 23 we read Jehovah’s answer: “I shall certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.” 17 Thus, rather than living in dread of Gog’s attack, Jehovah’s people look forward with anticipation to this further fulfillment of Bible prophecy. How thrilling to know that by prospering and blessing his visible organization, Jehovah inserts hooks into Satan’s jaws and draws him and his military force on to their defeat!—Ezekiel 38:4. (Ezekiel 38:5) Persia, E·thi·oʹpi·a, and Put are with them, all of them with buckler and helmet;

*** it-1 p. 980 Gog *** Japhetic Persia lay to the NE. But the conspiracy embraced southern Hamitic members also—Ethiopia and Put down in Africa. (Eze 38:4-6, 15)

(Ezekiel 38:6) Goʹmer and all its troops, the house of To·garʹmah from the remotest parts of the north, along with all its troops—many peoples are with you.

*** it-1 p. 980 Gog *** Other northern members of the attacking forces, also Japhetic, were Gomer and Togarmah (thought to be the progenitors of the ancient Cimmerians and Armenians, respectively).

*** it-1 p. 985 Gomer ***

Page 166

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

The nation that descended from Gomer is historically associated with the ancient Cimmerians, an Aryan race who evidently settled in the region N of the Black Sea. In the eighth century B.C.E., during the reign of Assyrian King Sargon, they apparently were driven by the Scythians across the Caucasus (the mountainous region between the Black and Caspian Seas). The Cimmerians swept through Asia Minor, attacking the kingdom of Urartu (Ararat) and penetrating eastern Asia Minor, where the Armenian name for Cappadocia, Gamirkʽ, doubtless reflects their invasion. Faced with a strong Assyrian Empire to the E, the Cimmerians pushed westward and warred against the Phrygians and the Lydians. They were finally expelled from Lydia by Lydian King Alyattes (predecessor of Croesus). Ezekiel’s prophecy (the writing of which was evidently completed by about 591 B.C.E.) concerning the assault by “Gog of the land of Magog” against the regathered people of Jehovah lists “Gomer and all its bands” among Gog’s forces along with Togarmah “of the remotest parts of the north, and all its bands.”—Eze 38:2-8; see GOG No. 2; MAGOG No. 2; TOGARMAH. (Ezekiel 38:8) “‘“You will be given attention after many days. In the final part of the years you will invade the land whose people have been restored from the ravages of the sword, collected together out of many peoples onto the mountains of Israel, which had long been lying devastated. The inhabitants of this land were restored from the peoples, and all of them dwell in security.

*** it-1 pp. 980-981 Gog *** Additionally, the prophecy itself places Gog’s attack in “the final part of the years,” “in the final part of the days.” (Eze 38:8, 16; compare Isa 2:2; Jer 30:24; 2Ti 3:1.) For these reasons, the name Gog is evidently cryptic or symbolic, not being that of any known human king or leader. The evidence points to a fulfillment in what is elsewhere called “the time of the end.” (Da 11:35; 12:9; compare Re 12:12.) Bible scholars and commentators generally recognize the prophecy as relating to the time of the Messianic Kingdom. As an example, The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge comments: “Gog appears as the leader of the last hostile attack of the world-powers upon the kingdom of God.” (Edited by S. Jackson, 1956, Vol. V, p. 14) No fulfillment on natural Israel is known. The fulfillment in “the final part of the days” logically is with regard to spiritual Israel, the Christian congregation (Ro 2:28, 29; Ga 6:16), described by the apostle Paul as children of, and directed by, the “Jerusalem above.” (Ga 4:26)

*** it-2 p. 295 Magog *** Symbolic Use. The fact that the definite location of “the land of Magog” is left uncertain and indeterminate to us in the Bible (as well as in secular history), along with the prophet’s reference to “the final part of the years” (Eze 38:8), and the fact that the described invasion is not known to have taken place literally upon Israel, provide the basis for viewing the prophecy concerning Magog as relating to a future time in the Biblical ‘time of the end.’ Because of this, many commentators see in it a forecast of the final attack of the world powers upon the Kingdom of God, and they see the land of Magog as representing “the world as hostile to God’s people and kingdom.”—Funk and Wagnalls New Standard Bible Dictionary, 1936, p. 307.

Page 167

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w91 8/15 p. 27 Jehovah—“A Manly Person of War” *** These ancient events provided foregleams of Jehovah’s greatest victory yet to come. Looming on the horizon is a battle that will take place “in the final part of the years.” According to Ezekiel’s prophecy, Gog, a symbol of “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil, will mobilize an international attack force. He will direct his troops to invade the figurative “mountains of Israel,” that is, the elevated spiritual estate of the Christian “Israel of God.”— Ezekiel 38:1-9; John 12:31; Galatians 6:16. (Ezekiel 38:11) You will say: “I will invade the land of unprotected settlements. I will come against those living in security, without disturbance, all of them living in settlements unprotected by walls, bars, or gates.”

*** w15 5/15 p. 29 par. 4 Questions From Readers *** The Bible speaks not only of the attack by ‘Gog of Magog’ but also of the attack by “the king of the north” and of the attack by “the kings of the earth.” (Ezek. 38:2, 10-13; Dan. 11:40, 44, 45; Rev. 17:14; 19:19) Do these represent separate attacks? Not likely. The Bible is no doubt referring to the same attack under different names. Why can we draw that conclusion? Because the Scriptures tell us that all the nations of the earth will be involved in this final attack that prompts the war of Armageddon.—Rev. 16:14, 16.

*** kr chap. 21 p. 227 par. 12 God’s Kingdom Removes Its Enemies *** 12 An all-out attack. Gog of Magog will attack the remaining anointed ones and their other sheep companions. (Read Ezekiel 38:2, 11.) This attack against established Kingdom rule will be Satan’s last battle in a war that he has been waging against the anointed remnant since his expulsion from heaven. (Rev. 12:7-9, 17) Especially since the anointed ones began to be gathered into the restored Christian congregation, Satan has tried to destroy their spiritual prosperity—but to no avail. (Matt. 13:30) However, at the time when all false religious organizations are gone and God’s people are seemingly living “unprotected by walls, bars, or gates,” Satan will see a golden opportunity. He will incite his wicked enforcers to move in for an all-out attack on those who are Kingdom supporters.

*** w95 7/1 p. 25 par. 18 Dwellers Together in a Restored “Land” *** 18 When Gog of Magog makes his final assault on God’s people, other sheep will stand firm with the anointed remnant in “the land of open rural country.” Other sheep will still be in that “land” when they survive the destruction of the nations and enter into God’s new world. (Ezekiel 38:11; 39:12, 13; Daniel 12:1; Revelation 7:9, 14) Continuing faithful, they will never have to leave that delightful location.—Isaiah 11:9.

*** w88 9/15 p. 26 par. 14 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** After antireligious forces destroy Christendom and the rest of Babylon the Great, Jehovah will bring Gog against the seemingly defenseless remnant of spiritual Israel and their dedicated associates.—Ezekiel 38:1-17; Revelation 17:12-14. (Ezekiel 38:12) It will be to take much spoil and plunder, to attack the devastated places that are now inhabited and a people regathered from the nations, who are accumulating

Page 168

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

wealth and property, those who are living in the center of the earth.

*** it-1 p. 405 Canaan *** Canaan thus occupied a very strategic place in the Fertile Crescent and was the target of the great empires of Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, and Africa that were seeking to control military passage and commercial traffic through Canaan’s confines. God’s placing of his chosen people in this land, therefore, was certain to draw the attention of the nations and have far-reaching effects; in a geographic sense, though more importantly in a religious sense, the Israelites could be said to dwell “in the center of the earth.”—Eze 38:12.

*** it-1 p. 980 Gog *** Israel is described as “dwelling in the center of the earth.” (Eze 38:12) Ancient Israel not only was located at a central point as regards the Eurasian and African continents but also was the center of pure worship of the true God and was counted by him as “the pupil of his eye.”—De 32:9, 10; Zec 2:8.

*** dp chap. 16 pp. 283-285 par. 27 The Contending Kings Near Their End *** 27 As for Gog, he organizes his all-out assault because of the prosperity of “the Israel of God,” who, along with the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” are no longer part of his world. (Galatians 6:16; Revelation 7:9; John 10:16; 17:15, 16; 1 John 5:19) Gog looks askance upon “a people gathered together out of the nations, one that is accumulating [spiritual] wealth and property.” (Ezekiel 38:12) Viewing the Christian spiritual estate as “open rural country” ripe for the taking, Gog makes a supreme effort to wipe out this obstacle to his total control of mankind. But he fails. (Ezekiel 38:11, 18; 39:4) When the kings of the earth, including the king of the north, attack Jehovah’s people, they will ‘come all the way to their end.’

*** w93 11/1 pp. 22-23 par. 20 The Final Victory of Michael, the Great Prince *** 20 Gog organizes this all-out assault because of the prosperity of “the Israel of God,” who, with the great crowd of other sheep, are no longer part of his world. (Galatians 6:16; John 10:16; 17:15, 16; 1 John 5:19) Gog looks askance upon “a people gathered together out of the nations, one that is accumulating [spiritual] wealth and property.” (Ezekiel 38:12; Revelation 5:9; 7:9) In fulfillment of these words, Jehovah’s people are prospering today as never before. In many lands in Europe, Africa, and Asia where they were once banned, they now worship freely. Between 1987 and 1992, well over one million “desirable things” came out of the nations to Jehovah’s house of true worship. Spiritually, they are wealthy and peaceful.—Haggai 2:7; Isaiah 2:2-4; 2 Corinthians 8:9.

*** w91 8/15 p. 27 Jehovah—“A Manly Person of War” *** What tempts Gog to make this all-out attack on God’s people? The prophecy points to their peaceful, spiritually prosperous condition. Says Gog: “‘I shall go up against the land of open rural country. I shall come in upon those having no disturbance, dwelling in security, all of them dwelling without wall, and they do not have even bar and doors.’ It will

Page 169

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

be to get a big spoil and to do much plundering . . . [of] a people . . . that is accumulating wealth and property.”—Ezekiel 38:10-12. In general, Jehovah’s people are not wealthy in a material way. However, they have produced abundant spiritual wealth as a result of their worldwide preaching work. “A great crowd . . . out of all nations” has been gathered, now numbering over four million. (Revelation 7:9, 10) Wealth indeed! Satan—furious over this spiritual prosperity—attempts to exterminate God’s people.

(Ezekiel 38:15) You will come from your place, from the remotest parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great assembly, a vast army.

*** w87 7/1 pp. 15-16 pars. 2-3 Michael the Great Prince Stands Up *** Ezekiel, too, was inspired to speak about “the final part of the days,” and he warned of a coming attack of ‘Gog of Magog’ against the land of God’s people. (Ezekiel 38:2, 14-16; Daniel 10:14) In that prophecy, Gog pictured Satan, and his armies pictured all of Satan’s earthly agents who would make a last, desperate attempt to wipe out God’s people. Since this attack, like that of the king of the north, takes place in the final part of the days, it is reasonable to conclude that the king of the north’s ‘planting of his palatial tents between the grand sea and the holy mountain of Decoration’ is in support of Gog’s attack. (Daniel 11:40, 45) Will the attack succeed? 3 Ezekiel prophesied: “‘It must occur in that day, in the day when Gog comes in upon the soil of Israel,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘that my rage will come up into my nose. And I will bring myself into judgment with him, with pestilence and with blood; and a flooding downpour and hailstones, fire and sulphur I shall rain down upon him and upon his bands and upon the many peoples that will be with him.’” (Ezekiel 38:18, 22) No, the attack will not succeed. True Christians will be rescued, and Gog’s crowd will be destroyed.—Ezekiel 39:11.

Chapters 39-41 (Ezekiel 38:16) Like clouds covering the land, you will come against my people Israel. In the final part of the days I will bring you against my land so that the nations may know me when I sanctify myself through you before their eyes, O Gog.”’

*** w15 7/15 p. 19 pars. 16-17 “Your Deliverance Is Getting Near”! *** Remember, shortly before the remaining ones of the 144,000 are taken to heaven, Gog will attack God’s people. (Ezek. 38:16) What reaction does this provoke? On earth, God’s people will appear to be defenseless. They will obey the instructions given in the days of King Jehoshaphat: “You will not need to fight this battle. Take your position, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah in your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid or be terrified.” (2 Chron. 20:17) In heaven, however, there is a different reaction. Referring to the time when all the anointed are in heaven, Revelation 17:14 tells us this about the enemies of God’s people: “These will battle with the Lamb, but because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those with him who are called and

Page 170

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

chosen and faithful will do so.” Together with his 144,000 corulers in heaven, Jesus will come to the rescue of God’s people here on earth. 17 The resulting war of Armageddon will lead to the magnifying of Jehovah’s holy name. (Rev. 16:16)

*** w12 9/15 pp. 5-6 How This World Will Come to an End *** AN ATTACK ON GOD’S PEOPLE 8 After false religion has been destroyed, God’s servants will still be found “dwelling in security” and “without wall.” (Ezek. 38:11, 14) What will happen to this seemingly defenseless group of people who continue to worship Jehovah? It appears that they will become the object of an all-out assault by “many peoples.” God’s Word describes that development as the attack by “Gog of the land of Magog.” (Read Ezekiel 38:2, 15, 16.) How should we view that attack? 9 Knowing in advance about this attack on God’s people does not make us overly anxious. Rather, our main concern is, not our own salvation, but the sanctification of Jehovah’s name and the vindication of his sovereignty. In fact, Jehovah declared more than 60 times: “You will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (Ezek. 6:7; see footnote.) Hence, we look forward with intense interest to the fulfillment of that outstanding aspect of Ezekiel’s prophecy, trusting that “Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial.” (2 Pet. 2:9) Meanwhile, we want to use every opportunity to strengthen our faith so that we will be able to keep our integrity to Jehovah no matter what tests we may face. What should we do? We should pray, study God’s Word and meditate on it, and share the Kingdom message with others. By doing so, we keep our hope of everlasting life firm, like “an anchor.”—Heb. 6:19; Ps. 25:21.

*** w09 3/15 pp. 18-19 par. 14 “Be Vigilant” *** 14 We understand that some time after false religion has been destroyed, there will be an attack on Jehovah’s servants, who have been proclaiming his judgment messages. (Ezek.

Page 171

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

38:14-16) When that attack begins, the attackers will have to confront Jehovah, who promises to protect his faithful people. Jehovah declares: “In my ardor, in the fire of my fury, I shall have to speak. . . . And they will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (Read Ezekiel 38:18-23.) God states in his Word: “He that is touching you [his faithful servants] is touching my eyeball.” (Zech. 2:8) So when his enemies begin their global assault on his servants, Jehovah will respond. He will move into action, which will lead to the final phase of the great tribulation—its Armageddon climax. Under Christ’s command, powerful angelic forces will execute Jehovah’s judgments against Satan’s world.

*** w88 9/15 pp. 25-26 par. 14 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 14 Next, a dramatic event was foretold. Hoping to profane God’s name and destroy His people, Gog of Magog will attack the remnant of spiritual Israel, who represent Jehovah’s “woman,” or heavenly organization. (Revelation 12:1-17) Gog is “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil. He received the name Gog after his ouster from heaven, following the Kingdom’s birth in 1914. (John 12:31) “The land of Magog” is the location to which Gog and his demons are confined in the vicinity of the earth. After antireligious forces destroy Christendom and the rest of Babylon the Great, Jehovah will bring Gog against the seemingly defenseless remnant of spiritual Israel and their dedicated associates.—Ezekiel 38:1-17; Revelation 17:12-14.

*** kr chap. 21 p. 227 par. 13 God’s Kingdom Removes Its Enemies *** What will be Jehovah’s response to this seemingly unstoppable invasion? “My great rage will flare up,” declares Jehovah. “I will call for a sword.” (Ezek. 38:18, 21; read Zechariah 2:8.) Jehovah will intervene in behalf of his servants on earth. That intervention is the war of Armageddon.

Page 172

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 38:19) In my zeal, in the fire of my fury, I will speak; and in that day there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.

*** w88 10/15 p. 17 par. 8 What Will the Lord’s Day Mean for You? *** Speaking of that time, Revelation says: “A great earthquake occurred; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the entire moon became as blood, and the stars of heaven fell to the earth.” (Revelation 6:12, 13) This great earthquake is the “great quaking” in “the soil of Israel” that Ezekiel prophesied. (Ezekiel 38:18, 19; Joel 3:14-16) It is the final destruction of this wicked system of things. (Ezekiel 38:21) “‘I will call for a sword against him on all my mountains,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. ‘Every man’s sword will be against his own brother.

*** w88 9/15 p. 26 par. 15 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” ***

15 What will happen when Gog attacks Jehovah’s Witnesses? (Read Ezekiel 38:18-23.) Jehovah will rescue his people! His weapons will be flooding cloudbursts, huge hailstones, streaking fire, raging pestilence. In confusion, Gog’s forces will turn their swords against one another. But before God wipes them out of existence, ‘they will be made to know that he is Jehovah.’ (Ezekiel 38:22) I will bring my judgment against him with pestilence and bloodshed; and I will rain down a torrential downpour and hailstones and fire and sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many peoples with him.

*** w88 9/15 p. 26 par. 15 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” ***

*** w87 7/1 p. 16 par. 3 Michael the Great Prince Stands Up *** And I will bring myself into judgment with him, with pestilence and with blood; and a flooding downpour and hailstones, fire and sulphur I shall rain down upon him and upon his bands and upon the many peoples that will be with him.’” (Ezekiel 38:18, 22) No, the attack will not succeed. True Christians will be rescued, and Gog’s crowd will be destroyed.—Ezekiel 39:11.

*** ws chap. 19 p. 155 par. 8 The Impending “War of the Great Day of God the

Page 173

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Almighty” *** And I will bring myself into judgment with him, with pestilence and with blood; and a flooding downpour and hailstones, fire and sulphur I shall rain down upon him and upon his bands and upon the many peoples that will be with him.

*** ws chap. 19 p. 156 pars. 8-9 The Impending “War of the Great Day of God the Almighty” *** Ezekiel 38:21-23. Divine Weapons Used Against the Enemy 9 As weapons of warfare, Jehovah will wield the forces of creation: flooding cloudbursts of rain, hailstones of death-dealing size, downpours of streaking fire and sulphur, (Ezekiel 38:23) And I will certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’

*** w88 9/15 p. 26 par. 15 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” ***

15 What will happen when Gog attacks Jehovah’s Witnesses? (Read Ezekiel 38:18-23.) Jehovah will rescue his people! His weapons will be flooding cloudbursts, huge hailstones, streaking fire, raging pestilence. In confusion, Gog’s forces will turn their swords against one another. But before God wipes them out of existence, ‘they will be made to know that he is Jehovah.’ (Ezekiel 39:1) “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and tell him, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “I am against you, Gog, head chieftain of Meʹshech and Tuʹbal.

Page 174

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Thus, Jehovah says to Satan: “I shall certainly . . . put hooks in your jaws and bring you forth.” “I will . . . cause you to come up from the remotest parts of the north and bring you in upon the mountains of Israel.” (Ezekiel 38:4; 39:2) The news “out of the north” that enrages the king of the north, therefore, must originate with Jehovah. But just what the reports “out of the sunrising and out of the north” will finally contain, only God will determine and time will tell. (Ezekiel 39:7) I will make my holy name known among my people Israel, and I will not allow my holy name to be profaned any longer; and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah, the Holy One in Israel.’

*** w12 9/1 p. 21 “The Nations Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** “The Nations Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” HOW would you feel if you were accused of a crime you did not commit? And what if that crime caused much suffering to others, including many innocent people? Surely you would want to clear your name! Are you aware that Jehovah faces a similar challenge? Today many wrongly blame God for the injustice and suffering in this world. Is Jehovah concerned about clearing his name? Indeed, he is! Consider what is said in the book of Ezekiel.—Read Ezekiel 39:7. “I shall no more let my holy name be profaned,” Jehovah says. When humans blame him for injustice, they are profaning his name. How so? In the Bible, “name” often denotes reputation. One reference work says that God’s name refers to “what is known of him—his revelation of himself; it also represents his fame, and then his honour.” Jehovah’s name embraces his reputation. What is known of Jehovah when it comes to injustice? He hates it! He also has compassion for its victims. (Exodus 22:22-24) When humans claim that God is responsible for the very things he abhors, they are sullying his reputation. They are thus “treating [his] name with disrespect.”—Psalm 74:10. Notice that Jehovah twice uses the expression “my holy name.” (Verse 7) In the Bible, Jehovah’s name is associated with the terms “holy” and “holiness” numerous times. The word “holy” conveys the idea of separateness; it also denotes cleanness and purity. Jehovah’s name is holy because the God who bears it is holy—completely separated from anything that is sinful and unclean. Can you see why those who blame Jehovah for wickedness are heaping the greatest possible reproach upon his “holy name”? Jehovah’s purpose to clear his name by means of his Kingdom is the main theme of the Bible. That theme is emphasized in the book of Ezekiel, which repeatedly states that “the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (Ezekiel 36:23; 37:28; 38:23; 39:7) Notice that the nations will not choose whether to know that he is Jehovah or not. Rather, they “will have to know.” In other words, Jehovah purposes to take action that will compel the nations on earth to recognize that he is who he says he is—Jehovah, the Sovereign Lord, whose name stands for all that is holy, pure, and clean. The oft repeated promise “the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah” is good news for those who long to see the end of injustice and suffering. Jehovah will soon fulfill that promise and clear his name of all reproach. He will eliminate wickedness and those who promote it but will preserve alive those who recognize and respect his name and what it stands for. (Proverbs 18:10) (Ezekiel 39:9) The inhabitants of the cities of Israel will go out and make fires with the

Page 175

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

weapons—the bucklers and shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and lances. And they will use them to light fires for seven years.

*** it-1 p. 170 Arms, Armor *** Shields used in ancient times were often made of wood covered with leather, and such shields could be burned. (Eze 39:9)

*** w89 8/15 p. 14 pars. 19-20 Opening Up the Way Back to Paradise *** Any and all scars left on the face of the earth from the globe-encircling conflict between Jehovah’s heavenly armies and the marshaled forces of evil will be removed. No trace will be left. 20 But what of all the war equipment that the nations will leave behind? In view of the symbolic indication of the length of time it will take to dispose of the combustible parts of them, the quantity will be enormous. (Ezekiel 39:8-10) Armageddon survivors may be able to adapt the materials of any remaining war relics of the nations to useful purposes.— Isaiah 2:2-4. (Ezekiel 39:11) “‘On that day I will give Gog a burial place there in Israel, in the valley of those who travel east of the sea, and it will block the path of those passing through. That is where they will bury Gog and all his hordes, and they will call it the Valley of Hamon-Gog.

*** it-1 p. 981 Gog *** Burial of Gog’s Crowd. The burial of “Gog and all his crowd” is in “the valley of those passing through on the east of the sea.” (Eze 39:11) An American Translation here reads, “the valley of Abarim, east of the Dead Sea.” The name Abarim is used at Numbers 33:47, 48 with reference to the mountains E of the Dead Sea. (See ABARIM.) There are two deep valleys, or gorges, in this region, the Arnon and the Zered. The Arnon is some 3 km (2 mi) wide at the top and is about 520 m (1,700 ft) deep. The Zered is an even more formidable canyon, its steep cliffs dropping some 1,190 m (3,900 ft). Either of these valleys may be used to represent this prophetic burial place, the Arnon being due E of the sea, while the Zered, at the SE, was the more traveled of the two. Or, since the picture presented is symbolic, no specific valley may be intended. This burial in a deep place by the Dead Sea likewise finds some parallel in Revelation’s description of the disposal of the opposers of God’s Kingdom by their being cast into the symbolic lake of fire, and by the abyssing of Satan.—Re 19:20; 20:1-3. (Ezekiel 39:16) And there will also be a city there named Ha·moʹnah. And they will cleanse the land.’

*** it-1 p. 1026 Hamonah *** HAMONAH

(Ha·moʹnah) [meaning “Crowd (Multitude)”]. A symbolic city in the vicinity of the valley in which Gog and his crowd are to be buried, after their combined attack on God’s people ends in defeat and mass slaughter. The city derives its name from that circumstance and is a memorial of Jehovah’s victory over these

Page 176

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

foes. (Eze 39:16) A city implies an organized body of persons, here apparently relating to the organization for bone disposal described in Ezekiel 39:11-15.—See GOG No. 2. (Ezekiel 39:18) You will eat the flesh of mighty ones and drink the blood of the chieftains of the earth—the rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Baʹshan.

*** it-1 p. 260 Bashan *** The great fertility of this plain made the area a rich granary and provided fine pasture lands. This, in turn, contributed to the production of splendid strains of cattle and sheep. The bulls of Bashan and its male sheep were the subjects of song and poetry and were symbols of richness, strength, and prosperity.—De 32:14; Eze 39:18; Ps 22:12. (Ezekiel 39:25) “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘I will restore the captives of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will zealously defend my holy name.

*** si p. 137 par. 29 Bible Book Number 26—Ezekiel *** Unlike other nations taken into captivity, they preserved their national identity, and Jehovah restored a remnant, as he foretold, in 537 B.C.E. (Ezek. 28:25, 26; 39:21-28; Ezra 2:1; 3:1) (Ezekiel 40:2) By means of visions from God, he brought me to the land of Israel and set me down on a very high mountain, on which there was a structure like a city to the south.

*** w99 3/1 p. 9 par. 4 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** 4 First, Ezekiel is brought to “a very high mountain.” On the mountain to the south is a huge temple, like a walled city.

*** w99 3/1 p. 9 par. 4 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** (Ezekiel 40:2,

*** w99 3/1 pp. 11-12 par. 16 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** 16 For an answer, let us go back to the vision itself. Ezekiel wrote: “In the visions of God he brought me to the land of Israel and gradually set me down upon a very high mountain, on which there was something like the structure of a city to the south.” (Ezekiel 40:2) The setting for this vision, the “very high mountain,” reminds us of Micah 4:1: “It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains, and it will certainly be lifted up above the hills; and to it peoples must stream.” When does this prophecy come into fulfillment? Micah 4:5 shows that this commences while the nations still worship false gods. In fact, it has been in our own time, “the final part of the days,” that pure worship has been lifted up, restored to its proper place in the lives of God’s servants.

*** w88 9/15 p. 25 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** [Map/Picture on page 25] (For fully formatted text, see publication)

Page 177

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

The holy contribution and tribal assignments THE GREAT SEA ENTERING IN TO HAMATH DAN ASHER NAPHTALI MANASSEH EPHRAIM REUBEN JUDAH THE CHIEFTAIN Holy Contribution En-Eglaim BENJAMIN SIMEON En-gedi ISSACHAR ZEBULUN Tamar GAD Meribath-Kadesh Salt Sea Jordan River Sea of Galilee

*** w88 9/15 p. 26 par. 17 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 17 In 593 B.C.E., the 14th year after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, Ezekiel was granted a vision of a new sanctuary for Jehovah’s worship. Measured by the prophet’s angelic guide, it was of gigantic proportions. (Ezekiel 40:1–48:35)

*** w88 9/15 p. 25 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** Picture on page 25 (Ezekiel 40:3) When he brought me there, I saw a man whose appearance was like that of copper. He had a flax cord and a measuring reed in his hand, and he was standing in the gateway.

*** nwt p. 1704 Glossary of Bible Terms *** Measuring reed. A measuring reed was six cubits long. Based on the common cubit, it measured 2.67 m (8.75 ft); based on the long cubit, it measured 3.11 m (10.2 ft). (Eze 40:3, 5; Re 11:1)—See App. B14.

*** nwt p. 1793 B14-A Trade and Commerce *** Long reed (6 long cubits) 3.11 m / 10.2 ft

Page 178

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Reed (6 cubits) 2.67 m / 8.75 ft

*** w07 8/1 p. 10 par. 2 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 40:3–43:17—What is significant about the measuring of the temple? The measuring of the temple is a sign that Jehovah’s purpose concerning pure worship is sure to be fulfilled.

*** w99 3/1 p. 9 par. 4 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** An angel, whose “appearance was like the appearance of copper,” takes the prophet on a thorough tour of the premises. (Ezekiel 40:2, 3)

*** w99 3/1 p. 14 par. 7 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 7 Ezekiel watches as an angel measures this visionary temple. (Ezekiel 40:3) Similarly, the apostle John was told: “Get up and measure the temple sanctuary of God and the altar and those worshiping in it.” (Revelation 11:1) What does this measuring mean? In both cases this evidently served as a guarantee, a sign that nothing can stop Jehovah from fulfilling his purposes regarding pure worship. Likewise today, we may be assured that nothing—not even fierce opposition from powerful governments—can stop the restoration of pure worship. (Ezekiel 40:5) I saw a wall surrounding the outside of the temple. In the man’s hand was a measuring reed six cubits long (to each cubit, a handbreadth was added). He began to measure the wall, and its thickness was one reed and its height was one reed.

*** it-1 p. 554 Cubit *** Evidently the Israelites also used a larger cubit that was one handbreadth (7.4 cm; 2.9 in.) longer than the “common” cubit. This larger cubit of about 51.8 cm (20.4 in.) figured in the measurements of Ezekiel’s visionary temple. (Eze 40:5) (Ezekiel 40:14) Then he measured the side pillars, which were 60 cubits tall, as well as the side pillars in the gates all around the courtyard.

*** w99 3/1 p. 13 par. 3 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** Inside this entryway, we look up in awe. Its ceiling is over 100 feet [30 m] above us! We are thus reminded that standards for entering Jehovah’s arrangement for worship are lofty. Shafts of light from the windows illuminate wall carvings of palm trees, used in the Scriptures to picture uprightness. (Psalm 92:12; Ezekiel 40:14, 16, 22) This sacred place is for those who are morally and spiritually upright. In harmony with that, we want to remain upright so that our worship is acceptable to Jehovah.—Psalm 11:7. (Ezekiel 40:16) There were windows with narrowing frames for the guard chambers and for their side pillars inside the gate on each side. The interior of the porches also had windows on each side, and there were palm-tree figures on the side pillars.

Page 179

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w07 8/1 p. 11 par. 4 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 40:14, 16, 22, 26. The wall carvings of palm trees in the entryways of the temple show that only those who are morally upright are allowed to enter. (Psalm 92:12) This teaches us that our worship is acceptable to Jehovah only if we are upright.

*** w99 3/1 p. 13 par. 3 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** Shafts of light from the windows illuminate wall carvings of palm trees, used in the Scriptures to picture uprightness. (Psalm 92:12; Ezekiel 40:14, 16, 22) This sacred place is for those who are morally and spiritually upright.

*** w99 3/1 p. 14 par. 5 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** Palm trees figure in both visions. In Ezekiel’s vision they decorate the entryway walls. In John’s vision the worshipers have palm branches in their hands, symbolizing their joy in praising Jehovah and in welcoming Jesus as their King. (Revelation 7:9-15) (Ezekiel 40:17) He then brought me into the outer courtyard, and I saw dining rooms and a pavement around the courtyard. There were 30 dining rooms on the pavement.

*** it-2 p. 1082 Temple *** Thirty dining rooms, likely places for the people to eat their communion sacrifices, were located there. (Eze 40:17)

*** w99 3/1 p. 14 par. 6 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 6 As we tour the outer courtyard, we see the 30 dining rooms where the people partake of their voluntary offerings. (Ezekiel 40:17) Today, those of the other sheep do not offer animal sacrifices, but they do not come empty-handed to the spiritual temple. (Compare Exodus 23:15.) The apostle Paul wrote: “Through [Jesus] let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name. Moreover, do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15, 16; Hosea 14:2) It is a great privilege to offer Jehovah such sacrifices.—Proverbs 3:9, 27.

*** w88 9/15 p. 26 par. 18 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** Thirty dining rooms (likely for people to eat communion sacrifices) were in the outer courtyard. (40:17) (Ezekiel 40:23) There was a gate in the inner courtyard opposite the north gate and one opposite the east gate. He measured the distance from gate to gate, and it was 100 cubits.

*** it-2 p. 1082 Temple *** Providing access to the temple’s outer and inner courtyards were six huge gateways, three

Page 180

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

for the outer courtyard and three for the inner courtyard. These faced N, E, and S, each inner gate being directly behind (in line with) its corresponding outer gate. (Eze 40:6, 20, 23, 24, 27)

*** it-2 p. 1082 Temple *** The remainder of the outer courtyard between the lower pavement and the gates to the inner courtyard was apparently 100 cubits in width.—Eze 40:19, 23, 27.

(Ezekiel 40:27) The inner courtyard had a gate facing south; he measured southward from gate to gate, and the distance was 100 cubits.

*** it-2 p. 1082 Temple *** Providing access to the temple’s outer and inner courtyards were six huge gateways, three for the outer courtyard and three for the inner courtyard. These faced N, E, and S, each inner gate being directly behind (in line with) its corresponding outer gate. (Eze 40:6, 20, 23, 24, 27)

*** it-2 p. 1082 Temple *** The remainder of the outer courtyard between the lower pavement and the gates to the inner courtyard was apparently 100 cubits in width.—Eze 40:19, 23, 27. (Ezekiel 40:47) Then he measured the inner courtyard. It was 100 cubits long and 100 cubits wide, foursquare. The altar was in front of the temple.

*** it-2 p. 1082 Temple *** (Ezekiel 40:47 says the inner courtyard was 100 cubits square. This evidently refers to just the area in front of the temple and into which the inner gateways led.) (Ezekiel 40:48) Then he brought me into the porch of the temple, and he measured the side pillar of the porch, and it was five cubits on one side and five cubits on the other side. The width of the gate was three cubits on one side and three cubits on the other side.

*** it-2 p. 655 Porch *** Ezekiel’s Temple Vision. Quite a number of porches are mentioned in the vision Ezekiel had of a temple sanctuary. The temple building itself had a porch in front (toward the E), as did Solomon’s temple. However, this porch was 20 cubits (10.4 m; 34 ft) in length and 11 cubits (5.7 m; 18.7 ft) in width; the height is not stated. (These measurements are based on the long cubit of about 51.8 cm [20.4 in.]; see Eze 40:5, ftn.) This porch had pillars as well as side pillars, and there was a wood canopy, probably near the top. (Eze 40:48, 49; (Ezekiel 40:49) The porch was 20 cubits long and 11 cubits wide. People would reach it by climbing the steps. There were pillars by the side posts, one on each side.

Page 181

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-2 p. 655 Porch *** Ezekiel’s Temple Vision. Quite a number of porches are mentioned in the vision Ezekiel had of a temple sanctuary. The temple building itself had a porch in front (toward the E), as did Solomon’s temple. However, this porch was 20 cubits (10.4 m; 34 ft) in length and 11 cubits (5.7 m; 18.7 ft) in width; the height is not stated. (These measurements are based on the long cubit of about 51.8 cm [20.4 in.]; see Eze 40:5, ftn.) This porch had pillars as well as side pillars, and there was a wood canopy, probably near the top. (Eze 40:48, 49; (Ezekiel 41:7) On both sides of the temple was a winding passage that widened as it ascended to the upper chambers. The width increased from story to story as one ascended from the lowest story to the uppermost story by passing through the middle story.

*** it-2 p. 1082 Temple *** To ascend the three stories, winding passages, seemingly circular staircases, were provided on the N and S. (Eze 41:7) (Ezekiel 41:12) The building that was on the west facing the open area was 70 cubits wide and 90 cubits long; the wall of the building was five cubits thick all around.

*** it-2 pp. 1082-1083 Temple *** To the rear, or W, of the temple, lying apparently lengthwise N to S, was a structure called bin·yanʹ, a ‘building to the west.’ (Eze 41:12) Although some scholars have attempted to identify this building with the temple or sanctuary itself, there appears no basis for such an identification in the book of Ezekiel; the ‘building to the west,’ for one thing, was of different shape and dimensions from those of the sanctuary. This structure doubtless served some function in connection with the services carried on at the sanctuary. There may have been a similar building or buildings W of Solomon’s temple.—Compare 2Ki 23:11 and 1Ch 26:18. (Ezekiel 41:22) a wooden altar that was three cubits high and two cubits long. It had corner posts, and its base and its sides were made of wood. He then said to me: “This is the table that is before Jehovah.”

*** it-1 p. 84 Altar *** The altar of incense is not mentioned by name in the vision. However, the description of “the wooden altar” at Ezekiel 41:22, particularly the reference to it as “the table that is before Jehovah,” indicates that this corresponded to the altar of incense rather than to the table of showbread. (Compare Ex 30:6, 8; 40:5; Re 8:3.) This altar was three cubits (c. 155 cm; 61 in.) high and evidently two cubits (c. 104 cm; 41 in.) square.

*** w88 9/15 p. 26 par. 18 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** A wooden altar, apparently for burning incense, was in the temple’s first room. (41:21, 22)

Chapters 42-45 (Ezekiel 42:20) He measured it on the four sides. It had a wall all around it that was 500

Page 182

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

reeds long and 500 reeds wide, to make a division between what is holy and what is for common use.

*** it-2 p. 1083 Temple *** Ezekiel describes a wall 500 reeds (1,555 m; 5,100 ft) on each side, around the temple. This has been understood by some scholars to be a wall at a distance of about 600 m (2,000 ft) from the courtyard, a space surrounded by the wall “to make a division between what is holy and what is profane.”—Eze 42:16-20.

*** w88 9/15 p. 27 par. 18 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** the wall around the temple was 500 reeds (5,100 feet [1,600 m]) on each side. What a grand house filled with God’s glory!—Ezekiel 41:4; 42:16-20; (Ezekiel 43:7) He said to me: “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet, where I will dwell among the people of Israel forever. The house of Israel will no longer defile my holy name, they and their kings, by their spiritual prostitution and by the carcasses of their kings at their death.

*** it-1 pp. 379-380 Burial, Burial Places *** “The Carcasses of Their Kings.” At Ezekiel 43:7-9 Jehovah condemned the house of Israel and their kings for defiling his holy name by “their fornication and by the carcasses of their kings at their death” and said, “Now let them remove their fornication and the carcasses of their kings far from me, and I shall certainly reside in the midst of them to time indefinite.” Some commentators have taken this to indicate that the Jews were guilty of having made the burial places of certain kings near the temple area. In verse 7, about 20 Hebrew manuscripts and editions and the Targums contain the phrase “at their death,” while the Masoretic text reads, instead, “their high places,” and the Greek Septuagint says “in the midst of them.” Even if the phrase “at their death” is the correct reading here, this seems to be no solid basis for believing that any of the kings of Judah were buried near the temple grounds. Since the dead body of a person was unclean according to the Law, to bury anyone near the temple would be an open affront to God, and such an obvious and gross violation of the temple’s sanctity is not even hinted at in the histories of the kings. Those kings not accorded a burial in “the burial places of the kings” or “of the sons of David” are not likely to have been given a more exalted place of burial, such as near the temple but, rather, a less prominent and less honorable place. A closer consideration of Ezekiel 43:7-9 indicates that the discussion involved idolatry and that, even as the “fornication” is primarily figurative, so too “the carcasses of their kings” represent the dead idols that the house of Israel and their rulers had worshiped. Thus, at Leviticus 26:30 Jehovah warned the Israelites that their disobedience would cause him to “annihilate your sacred high places and cut off your incense stands and lay your own carcasses upon the carcasses of your dungy idols.” (Compare Jer 16:18; Eze 6:4-6.) The record shows that such idols were introduced into the temple area. (Eze 8:5-17) It may also be noted that some of these idol gods were designated as kings, the word for “king” being included within the names Molech (1Ki 11:7), Milcom (1Ki 11:5), and Malcam (Jer

Page 183

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

49:1). Concerning the idol gods of the northern kingdom, the prophet Amos (5:26) wrote: “And you will certainly carry Sakkuth your king and Kaiwan, your images, the star of your god, whom you made for yourselves.” So, there seems to be greater weight for viewing the text as being a condemnation of idolatry rather than of a desecration of the dedicated ground by improper burial of literal rulers.

*** w07 8/1 p. 10 par. 3 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 43:2-4, 7, 9—What were “the carcasses of their kings” that had to be removed from the temple? The carcasses evidently referred to idols. Jerusalem’s rulers and her people had polluted God’s temple with idols—in effect, making them their kings.

*** ip-2 chap. 27 p. 397 Jehovah Blesses Pure Worship *** The expression “the carcasses of their kings,” used at Ezekiel 43:7, 9, refers to idols. Jerusalem’s rebellious leaders and people had polluted God’s temple with idols and, in effect, had made kings of them. (Ezekiel 43:9) Now let them put their spiritual prostitution and the carcasses of their kings far away from me, and I will dwell among them forever.

Page 184

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w99 3/1 p. 9 par. 5 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** But He calls for a cleansing of His house, saying: “Now let them remove their fornication and the carcasses of their kings far from me, and I shall certainly reside in the midst of them to time indefinite.” (Ezekiel 43:2-4, 7, 9) These “carcasses of their kings” evidently referred to idols. Jerusalem’s rebellious rulers and people had polluted God’s temple with idols and, in effect, had made kings of them. (Compare Amos 5:26.) Far from being living gods or kings, these were dead, dirty things in Jehovah’s eyes. They must be removed.— Leviticus 26:30; Jeremiah 16:18.

*** w99 3/1 p. 12 par. 19 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** 19 Ezekiel saw a temple that needed to be cleansed of idolatry and spiritual fornication. (Ezekiel 43:7-9) This surely could not apply to the worship of Jehovah in Paradise. (Ezekiel 43:10) “As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the house of Israel, so that they will feel ashamed because of their errors, and they should study its plan.

*** re chap. 25 p. 162 par. 5 Reviving the Two Witnesses *** Likewise, the extensive and detailed measuring of the visionary temple witnessed by Ezekiel was a guarantee to the Jewish exiles in Babylon that true worship would be restored in their homeland. It was also a reminder that, in view of their errors, Israel henceforth had to measure up to God’s holy standards.—Ezekiel 40:3, 4; 43:10. (Ezekiel 43:11) If they feel ashamed of all they have done, you should make known to them the ground plan of the temple, its arrangement, its exits, and its entrances. Show them all its ground plans and its statutes, its ground plans and its laws, and write them down before their eyes, so that they may observe all its ground plan and carry out its statutes.

Page 185

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w88 10/15 p. 13 pars. 15-16 “This Is the Day of All Days” *** The measuring of the temple implied a test for Ezekiel’s people. If they would humble themselves, repent of their errors, and measure up to Jehovah’s laws, they would be told the measurements of the temple. This would evidently encourage them in the hope that one day Jehovah’s people would be freed from Babylon and once again worship Jehovah in his literal temple.—Ezekiel 43:10, 11. 16 Similarly, if those discouraged Christians back in 1918 would humble themselves and repent of any errors that they had committed, they would be freed to have Jehovah’s blessing and play a full part in his temple arrangement. And this is what happened. According to Revelation 11:11, they ‘stood up,’ or figuratively were resurrected.

(Ezekiel 43:13) “These are the measurements of the altar in cubits (to each cubit a handbreadth was added). Its base is a cubit, and it is a cubit wide. It has a border all around the edge that is one span in width. This is the base of the altar.

*** it-1 pp. 83-84 Altar *** Altar of Ezekiel’s Temple. In the visionary temple seen by Ezekiel, the altar for burnt offerings was similarly positioned before the temple (Eze 40:47), but it had a different design from that of the previous altars. The altar consisted of several sections successively indented or recessed. Its dimensions are given in measurements of the long cubit (51.8 cm; 20.4 in.). The base of the altar was one cubit thick and had a “lip” of one span (perhaps 26 cm; 10 in.) as a border around the top, thus forming a sort of gutter or channel, perhaps for receiving blood poured out. (Eze 43:13, 14)

(Ezekiel 43:14) From the base on the floor to the lower surrounding ledge is two cubits, and its width is one cubit. From the small surrounding ledge to the big surrounding ledge is four cubits, and its width is a cubit.

*** it-1 p. 84 Altar *** Resting on the base itself, but set in one cubit from its outer edge, was another section, and it measured two cubits (c. 104 cm; 41 in.) in height. A third section was stepped in one cubit and was four cubits (c. 207 cm; 82 in.) in height.

(Ezekiel 43:15) The altar hearth is four cubits high, and projecting up from the altar hearth are the four horns.

*** it-1 p. 84 Altar *** Finally, the altar hearth extended up yet another four cubits and was also stepped in one cubit from the preceding section; out from it extended four “horns.” (Ezekiel 43:17) The four sides of the surrounding ledge are 14 cubits long and 14 cubits wide; and the surrounding border is half a cubit, and its base is a cubit on all sides. “And its steps are facing east.”

Page 186

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 84 Altar *** It also had a border surrounding it of a half cubit (c. 26 cm; 10 in.), perhaps forming a second channel or a protective ledge.

*** it-1 p. 84 Altar *** Stairs from the E provided approach to the altar hearth. (Eze 43:14-17)

(Ezekiel 43:18) He then said to me, “Son of man, this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘These are the directions to follow when the altar is made, so that whole burnt offerings may be offered and blood may be sprinkled on it.’

*** w99 3/1 pp. 19-20 pars. 6-7 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** The altar is in the very center of the visionary temple. Jehovah meticulously describes it to Ezekiel and orders that the blood of a sacrifice be sprinkled upon it. (Ezekiel 43:13-18, 20) That altar had great meaning for all Israelites. Their covenant with Jehovah had been validated long before when Moses sprinkled blood upon an altar at the foot of Mount Sinai. (Exodus 24:4-8) The sprinkling of blood upon the visionary altar should have reminded them that once they returned to their restored land, Jehovah’s blessings would flow forth as long as they honored their covenant with him.—Deuteronomy 28:1-14. 7 Similarly, God’s people today are blessed through a covenant—a better one, the new covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) It too was long ago validated by blood, that of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:15-20) Today, whether we are among the anointed, who are parties to that covenant, or are among the “other sheep,” who are beneficiaries of it, we find great meaning in the symbolic altar. It symbolizes God’s will in connection with Christ’s sacrifice. (John 10:16; Hebrews 10:10) Just as the symbolic altar is in the very center of the spiritual temple, Christ’s ransom sacrifice is central to pure worship. It is the basis for the forgiveness of our sins and hence for all our hopes for the future. (1 John 2:2) We thus strive to live by the law associated with the new covenant, “the law of the Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) As long as we do that, we will benefit from Jehovah’s provisions for life.

(Ezekiel 44:3) However, the chieftain will sit in it to eat bread before Jehovah, for he is a chieftain. He will come in through the porch of the gate, and he will go out through it.”

*** w99 3/1 p. 16 par. 14 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 14 Clearly, the chieftain has some responsibility among God’s people. In the outer courtyard, he sits in the porch of the East Gate. (Ezekiel 44:2, 3) This would indicate a position of oversight, similar to that of the older men in Israel who sat at the gate of the city and rendered judgment. (Ruth 4:1-12; Proverbs 22:22) Who among the other sheep hold offices of oversight today? Elders with an earthly hope who have been appointed by holy spirit. (Acts 20:28) So the chieftain class is now being groomed with the prospect of later serving in an administrative capacity in the new world. (Ezekiel 44:9) “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “No foreigner living in

Page 187

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Israel who is uncircumcised in heart and in flesh may enter my sanctuary.”’

*** kr chap. 11 p. 114 par. 18 Moral Refinements—Reflecting God’s Holiness *** Within each entryway, there were guard chambers. Guards would protect the temple, evidently to prevent those who were “uncircumcised in heart” from entering. (Ezek. 44:9) That is a clear reminder that pure worship is a privilege accorded only to those who endeavor to live by Jehovah’s pure standards of conduct. In a similar way, the privilege of associating with fellow Christians in worship is not open to everyone today.

*** w99 3/1 pp. 13-14 par. 4 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 4 Along each side of the passageway, there are three guard chambers. Will the guards allow us inside the temple? Jehovah tells Ezekiel that no foreigner who is “uncircumcised in heart” may enter. (Ezekiel 40:10; 44:9) What does that mean? God accepts as worshipers only those who love his laws and live by them. (Jeremiah 4:4; Romans 2:29) He welcomes such ones into his spiritual tent, his house of worship. (Psalm 15:1-5) Ever since pure worship was restored in 1919, Jehovah’s earthly organization has upheld and progressively clarified his moral laws. Those who willfully refuse to obey are no longer welcomed into association with his people. Today, the Bible-based practice of disfellowshipping unrepentant wrongdoers has served to keep our worship clean and pure.—1 Corinthians 5:13. (Ezekiel 44:10) “‘But the Levites who strayed far from me when Israel strayed from me to follow their disgusting idols will bear the consequences of their error.

*** w99 3/1 p. 9 par. 7 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** The Levites were to be rebuked for succumbing to idolatry, (Ezekiel 44:15) “‘As for the Levitical priests, the sons of Zaʹdok, who took care of the responsibilities of my sanctuary when the Israelites strayed from me, they will approach me to minister to me, and they will stand before me to offer me the fat and the blood,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.

*** w99 3/1 p. 9 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** This may have touched Ezekiel personally, for it is said that he himself was of the priestly family of Zadok.

*** w99 3/1 p. 9 par. 7 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** while the priestly sons of Zadok were to be commended and rewarded for remaining clean. (Ezekiel 44:17) “‘When they come into the gates of the inner courtyard, they should wear linen garments. They should not wear any wool when they minister in the gates of the inner courtyard or inside it.

*** it-2 p. 1047 Sweat ***

Page 188

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

During Ezekiel’s temple vision, Jehovah stated that the priests ministering there were to wear linen garments and that “no wool should come up on them.” They were not to gird themselves with wool or anything ‘causing sweat.’ Perhaps this was to avoid any uncleanness that sweat would produce, or because perspiration would make their service unpleasant rather than joyful, sweat being suggestive of toil or drudgery, as in Adam’s case.—Eze 44:15-18.

(Ezekiel 44:18) They should wear linen turbans on their head, and linen shorts should cover their hips. They should not wear anything that makes them perspire.

*** it-2 p. 1047 Sweat *** During Ezekiel’s temple vision, Jehovah stated that the priests ministering there were to wear linen garments and that “no wool should come up on them.” They were not to gird themselves with wool or anything ‘causing sweat.’ Perhaps this was to avoid any uncleanness that sweat would produce, or because perspiration would make their service unpleasant rather than joyful, sweat being suggestive of toil or drudgery, as in Adam’s case.—Eze 44:15-18. (Ezekiel 44:23) “‘They should instruct my people about the difference between what is holy and what is common; and they will teach them the difference between what is unclean and what is clean.

*** w07 8/1 p. 11 par. 5 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 44:23. How grateful we can be for the services provided by the modern-day priestly class! “The faithful and discreet slave” takes the lead in providing timely spiritual food that helps us to discern the difference between what is unclean and what is clean in Jehovah’s eyes.—Matthew 24:45.

*** w99 3/1 pp. 14-15 pars. 9-10 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** But they had other important work. Jehovah commanded regarding the priests: “My people they should instruct in the difference between a holy thing and a profane thing; and the difference between what is unclean and what is clean they should cause them to know.”— Ezekiel 44:23; Malachi 2:7. 10 Do you appreciate the hard work and humble service that the anointed as a body, “a royal priesthood,” has done in behalf of pure worship? (1 Peter 2:9) Like the Levitical priesthood of old, they have taken the lead in giving spiritual instruction, helping people to understand what is clean and acceptable in God’s eyes and what is not. (Matthew 24:45) Such instruction, coming through Bible-based publications and Christian meetings and conventions, has helped millions to become reconciled to God.—2 Corinthians 5:20.

*** w88 9/15 p. 27 par. 19 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** Those ministering at the temple had to meet God’s high standards, and they were to teach people ‘the difference between holy things and profane things.’ (Ezekiel 44:15, 16, 23) This should move us to maintain holiness as Jehovah’s people.—Ephesians 1:3, 4.

Page 189

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 44:28) “‘And this will be their inheritance: I am their inheritance. You should not give them any possession in Israel, for I am their possession.

*** w99 3/1 p. 15 par. 12 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 12 Each of us might ask, ‘Do I appreciate the example set by the anointed over their many years of faithful service? Do I imitate their faith?’ It is good for those of the great crowd to remember that they will not always have the anointed with them here on earth. Of the priests in Ezekiel’s vision, Jehovah said: “No possession [of land] should you people give them in Israel: I am their possession.” (Ezekiel 44:28) Similarly, the anointed have no everlasting place on earth. They have a heavenly inheritance, and those of the great crowd view it as a privilege to support and encourage them while they are still here on earth.—Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Peter 1:3, 4. (Ezekiel 45:1) “‘When you allot the land as an inheritance, you should offer as a contribution to Jehovah a holy portion out of the land. Its length should be 25,000 cubits, and its width, 10,000 cubits. Its entire area will be a holy portion.

*** w99 3/1 p. 10 par. 9 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** The vision showed that the chieftain’s allotment of land would be located on either side of a special area called the holy contribution. This was a square piece of land divided into three strips—the top for the repentant Levites, the middle for the priests, and the bottom for the city and its productive land. Jehovah’s temple would be located in the priests’ strip of land, in the center of the square contribution.—Ezekiel 45:1-7.

*** w99 3/1 p. 17 par. 20 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 20 What about the portion of land called “the holy contribution”? This was the people’s contribution for the support of the priesthood and the city. Similarly, “all the people of the land” were to contribute a portion of land for the chieftain. What does this mean today? Not, of course, that God’s people should be burdened with a salaried clergy class. (2 Thessalonians 3:8) Rather, the support given to the elders is primarily spiritual. It includes assisting in the work at hand and showing a cooperative, submissive spirit. Yet, as in Ezekiel’s day, this contribution is made “to Jehovah,” not to any man.—Ezekiel 45:1, 7, 16. (Ezekiel 45:7) “‘And for the chieftain there will be land on both sides of the holy contribution and of the area allotted to the city. It will be next to the holy contribution and the possession of the city. It will be on the west side and on the east side. Its length from the western boundary to the eastern boundary will correspond to one of the tribal portions.

*** w07 8/1 p. 10 par. 7 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 45:7, 16—What is portrayed by the people’s contribution for the priesthood and the chieftain? In the spiritual temple, this primarily refers to spiritual support—offering assistance and manifesting a cooperative spirit.

*** w99 3/1 p. 10 par. 9 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! ***

Page 190

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

The vision showed that the chieftain’s allotment of land would be located on either side of a special area called the holy contribution. This was a square piece of land divided into three strips—the top for the repentant Levites, the middle for the priests, and the bottom for the city and its productive land. Jehovah’s temple would be located in the priests’ strip of land, in the center of the square contribution.—Ezekiel 45:1-7.

*** w99 3/1 p. 17 par. 20 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 20 What about the portion of land called “the holy contribution”? This was the people’s contribution for the support of the priesthood and the city. Similarly, “all the people of the land” were to contribute a portion of land for the chieftain. What does this mean today? Not, of course, that God’s people should be burdened with a salaried clergy class. (2 Thessalonians 3:8) Rather, the support given to the elders is primarily spiritual. It includes assisting in the work at hand and showing a cooperative, submissive spirit. Yet, as in Ezekiel’s day, this contribution is made “to Jehovah,” not to any man.—Ezekiel 45:1, 7, 16. (Ezekiel 45:11) There should be a fixed measurement for the eʹphah measure and the bath measure. The bath measure should hold a tenth of a hoʹmer, and the eʹphah measure should hold a tenth of a hoʹmer. The hoʹmer will be the standard for measuring.

*** it-1 p. 381 Cab *** CAB

A measure that, according to rabbinic sources, was 1⁄18 ephah (2Ki 6:25), and hence also 1⁄18 bath measure. (Eze 45:11) If the bath measure is to be viewed as having a capacity of 22 L (5.81 gal; 4.99 dry gal), as archaeological evidence seems to indicate, then the cab measure would have a capacity of 1.22 L (2.58 liquid pt; 2.2 dry pt). (Ezekiel 45:16) “‘All the people of the land will make this contribution to the chieftain in Israel.

*** w10 3/15 p. 26 par. 9 One Flock, One Shepherd *** 9 Consider another example. The prophet Ezekiel was given an extensive vision of Jehovah’s temple. (Ezek., chaps. 40-48) In that visionary setting, the priests worked in the temple, providing instruction and receiving Jehovah’s counsel and correction. (Ezek. 44:23-31) In the same setting, members of the various tribes came to worship and offer sacrifices. (Ezek. 45:16, 17) In this context, then, the priests picture the anointed, while Israelites from the nonpriestly tribes picture those with an earthly hope. The vision emphasizes that the two groups work together harmoniously, with the priestly class taking the lead in pure worship.

*** w99 3/1 p. 10 par. 10 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** And notice in Ezekiel’s vision that the chieftain, like the priests, would live on land contributed by the people. (Ezekiel 45:16) So in the restored land, the people were to contribute to the work of those whom Jehovah appointed to take the lead, supporting them by cooperating with their direction. In all, this land was a picture of organization, cooperation, and security.

Page 191

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

(Ezekiel 45:17) But the chieftain will be responsible for the whole burnt offerings, the grain offering, and the drink offering during the festivals, the new moons, the Sabbaths, and all the designated festivals of the house of Israel. He will be the one to provide the sin offering, the grain offering, the whole burnt offering, and the communion sacrifices, in order to make atonement in behalf of the house of Israel.’

Chapters 46-48 (Ezekiel 46:10) As for the chieftain who is among them, he should come in when they come in, and he should go out when they go out.

*** w99 3/1 p. 16 par. 13 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** Further, Ezekiel 46:10 says: “As regards the chieftain in their midst, when they [the nonpriestly tribes] come in [to the temple’s outer courtyard], he should come in; and when they go out, he should go out.” He does not enter the inner courtyard but worships in the outer courtyard, entering and exiting the temple with the people. These factors decidedly place the chieftain among the great crowd of the other sheep. (Ezekiel 47:1) Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and there I saw water flowing eastward from under the threshold of the temple, for the front of the temple was facing east. The water was flowing down from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar.

*** w07 8/1 p. 11 par. 1 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 47:1-5—What is pictured by the water of Ezekiel’s visionary river? The water pictures Jehovah’s spiritual provisions for life, including the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus and the knowledge of God found in the Bible. (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:7-26; Ephesians 5:25-27) The river progressively deepens to accommodate the influx of new ones who take up true

Page 192

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

worship. (Isaiah 60:22) The river will be flowing with the most potent water of life during the Millennium, and its waters will include further understanding obtained from the “scrolls” that will then be opened.—Revelation 20:12; 22:1, 2.

*** w99 3/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 11-13 “Set Your Heart Upon” God’s Temple! *** 11 Would Jehovah bless their land? The prophecy answers this question with a heartwarming picture. A stream flows from the temple, widening as it goes, becoming a torrent by the time it enters the Dead Sea. There it revives lifeless waters, and a fishing industry flourishes on a stretch of the shoreline. Along the riverbanks are many trees that bear fruit year-round, giving nourishment and healing.—Ezekiel 47:1-12. 12 To the exiles, this promise echoed and confirmed earlier restoration prophecies that they held very dear. More than once, Jehovah’s inspired prophets had described a restored, repopulated Israel in paradisaic terms. Dead regions coming to life had been a recurring prophetic theme. (Isaiah 35:1, 6, 7; 51:3; Ezekiel 36:35; 37:1-14) So the people could expect that Jehovah’s life-giving blessings would flow forth like a river from the restored temple. Consequently, a spiritually dead nation would revive. The restored people would be blessed with outstanding spiritual men—men as righteous and firm as the trees along those visionary riverbanks, men who would take the lead in rebuilding a ruined land. Isaiah too had written of “big trees of righteousness” who would “rebuild the long-standing devastated places.”—Isaiah 61:3, 4. When Is the Vision Fulfilled? 13 Were the returning exiles disappointed? Far from it! A restored remnant returned to their beloved homeland in 537 B.C.E. In time, under the guidance of these “big trees of righteousness”—such as the scribe Ezra, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, and the High Priest Joshua—the long-devastated places were rebuilt. Chieftains, for example Nehemiah and Zerubbabel, ruled in the land fairly and justly. Jehovah’s temple was restored, and his provisions for life—the blessings of living by his covenant—again flowed forth. (Deuteronomy 30:19; Isaiah 48:17-20) One blessing was knowledge. The priesthood was restored to duty, and the priests instructed the people in the Law. (Malachi 2:7) As a result, the people revived spiritually and again became fruitful servants of Jehovah, as pictured by the Dead Sea being healed and generating a productive fishing industry.

*** w99 3/1 pp. 18-20 pars. 1-9 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** WATER is a remarkable fluid. All physical life depends on it. Not one of us can survive long without it. We also depend on it for cleansing, since water can dissolve and wash away impurities. So we wash our bodies, our clothes, even our food in it. Doing so may save our lives. 2 The Bible uses water to picture Jehovah’s spiritual provisions for life. (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:7-15) These provisions include the cleansing of his people through Christ’s ransom sacrifice and the knowledge of God found in his Word. (Ephesians 5:25-27) In Ezekiel’s temple vision, the miraculous river that flows from the temple symbolizes such life-giving blessings. But when does that river flow, and what does it mean for us today? A River Flows in a Restored Land

Page 193

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

3 As captives in Babylon, Ezekiel’s people sorely needed Jehovah’s provisions. How encouraging, then, for Ezekiel to see a trickle of water emerge from the sanctuary and flow out of the visionary temple! An angel measures the stream at 1,000-cubit intervals. Its depth increases from ankle-deep to knee-deep to hip-deep to a torrent that calls for swimming. The river brings life and fertility. (Ezekiel 47:2-11) Ezekiel is told: “Alongside the torrent there will come up, along its bank on this side and on that side, all sorts of trees for food.” (Ezekiel 47:12a) As the torrent enters the Dead Sea—a lifeless body of water—life springs up! Fish swarm. A fishing industry thrives. 4 This beautiful prophecy may have reminded the Jewish exiles of another prophecy recorded more than two centuries earlier: “Out of the house of Jehovah there will go forth a spring, and it must irrigate the torrent valley of the Acacia Trees.” (Joel 3:18) Joel’s prophecy, like Ezekiel’s, foretells that a river would flow from God’s house, the temple, and bring life to an arid region.

5 The Watchtower has long held that Joel’s prophecy is being fulfilled in our time. Surely, then, the same holds true for Ezekiel’s similar vision. In the restored land of God’s people today, just as in ancient Israel, Jehovah’s blessings have indeed flowed forth. A Mighty Flow of Blessings 6 What is the source of the blessings upon God’s restored people? Well, notice that the water flows from God’s temple. Likewise today, the blessings come from Jehovah through his great spiritual temple—the arrangement for pure worship. Ezekiel’s vision adds an important detail. In the inner courtyard, the stream flows past the altar, just south of it. (Ezekiel 47:1) The altar is in the very center of the visionary temple. Jehovah meticulously describes it to Ezekiel and orders that the blood of a sacrifice be sprinkled upon it. (Ezekiel 43:13-18, 20) That altar had great meaning for all Israelites. Their covenant with Jehovah had been validated long before when Moses sprinkled blood upon an altar at the foot of Mount Sinai. (Exodus 24:4-8) The sprinkling of blood upon the visionary altar should have reminded them that once they returned to their restored land, Jehovah’s blessings would flow forth as long as they honored their covenant with him.—Deuteronomy 28:1-14. 7 Similarly, God’s people today are blessed through a covenant—a better one, the new covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31-34) It too was long ago validated by blood, that of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:15-20) Today, whether we are among the anointed, who are parties to that covenant, or are among the “other sheep,” who are beneficiaries of it, we find great meaning in the symbolic altar. It symbolizes God’s will in connection with Christ’s sacrifice. (John 10:16; Hebrews 10:10) Just as the symbolic altar is in the very center of the spiritual temple, Christ’s ransom sacrifice is central to pure worship. It is the basis for the forgiveness of our sins and hence for all our hopes for the future. (1 John 2:2) We thus strive to live by the law associated with the new covenant, “the law of the Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) As long as we do that, we will benefit from Jehovah’s provisions for life. 8 One such benefit is a clean standing before Jehovah. In the visionary temple, the inner courtyard is missing something that was quite prominent in the courtyard of the tabernacle and in Solomon’s temple—a great basin, later called a sea, for the priests to wash in. (Exodus 30:18-21; 2 Chronicles 4:2-6) What could the priests in Ezekiel’s visionary temple use for cleansing? Why, that miraculous stream flowing through the inner courtyard! Yes, Jehovah would bless them with the means to enjoy a clean, or holy, standing.

Page 194

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

9 Likewise today, the anointed have been blessed with a clean standing before Jehovah. Jehovah views them as holy, declaring them righteous. (Romans 5:1, 2) What about the “great crowd,” pictured by the nonpriestly tribes? They worship in the outer courtyard, and the same stream runs through that part of the visionary temple. How appropriate, then, that the apostle John saw the great crowd wearing clean white robes as they worship in the courtyard of the spiritual temple! (Revelation 7:9-14) No matter how they have been treated in this degraded world, they may be assured that as long as they exercise faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice, Jehovah views them as clean and pure. How do they exercise faith? By following in the footsteps of Jesus, having full confidence in the ransom sacrifice.—1 Peter 2:21.

(Ezekiel 47:7) When I returned, I saw that on the bank of the stream were very many trees on both sides.

Page 195

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

When Is the Vision Fulfilled? 13 Were the returning exiles disappointed? Far from it! A restored remnant returned to their beloved homeland in 537 B.C.E. In time, under the guidance of these “big trees of righteousness”—such as the scribe Ezra, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, and the High Priest Joshua—the long-devastated places were rebuilt. Chieftains, for example Nehemiah and Zerubbabel, ruled in the land fairly and justly. Jehovah’s temple was restored, and his provisions for life—the blessings of living by his covenant—again flowed forth. (Deuteronomy 30:19; Isaiah 48:17-20) One blessing was knowledge. The priesthood was restored to duty, and the priests instructed the people in the Law. (Malachi 2:7) As a result, the people revived spiritually and again became fruitful servants of Jehovah, as pictured by the Dead Sea being healed and generating a productive fishing industry.

*** w89 11/1 p. 17 Wilderness of Judah—Barren but Fascinating *** That the barren wilderness of Judah can become so verdant adds richness to our understanding of Ezekiel’s vision of water flowing from the temple in Jerusalem. The flow increased until it was a torrent running eastward down through the Judean wilderness. With what effect? Ezekiel wrote: “Why, look! on the bank of the torrent there were very many trees . . . And their fruitage must prove to be for food and their leafage for healing.” The water flowed into the Dead Sea, healing even its lifeless waters.—Ezekiel 47:1-12; (Ezekiel 47:8) Then he said to me: “This water flows toward the eastern region and continues down through the Arʹa·bah and enters the sea. When it enters the sea, the water there will be healed.

*** it-2 p. 844 Salt Sea *** Water. The water of the sea is unique in that it is about nine times as salty as the oceans. The Salt Sea has no outlet, so most of the water coming into it evaporates in the intense heat, leaving behind more mineral salts. The salt concentration is such that no fish, even saltwater varieties, are able to live; the few fish in the brackish water where fresh water mixes with the salt water are killed if they are swept into the sea proper. This adds meaning to Ezekiel’s description of a torrent flowing from Jehovah’s temple into “the eastern sea” and healing the upper portion so that it abounded in fish like the Mediterranean Sea and could support a flourishing fishing industry. (Eze 47:8-10, 18) The high density of the water causes objects to float easily, and it contributes to a smooth surface because the water is not ruffled by light breezes.

Page 196

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w88 9/15 p. 27 par. 20 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 20 From the temple flowed a stream that healed, or sweetened, the salty waters of the Dead Sea, so that they came to teem with fish. (Ezekiel 47:1-11) This water symbolizes God’s provision for life eternal, including Jesus’ sacrifice, which is ample for survivors of Gog’s attack and others, including those resurrected. (John 5:28, 29; 1 John 2:2; Revelation 22:1, 2) The Dead Sea represents the element in which mankind has existed— condemnation to inherited sin and death as well as Satan’s rulership. Like the plentiful fish in the sweetened waters of the Dead Sea, redeemed mankind will flourish under the healed circumstances of Messianic rule. (Ezekiel 47:9) Swarms of living creatures will be able to live wherever the waters flow. There will be an abundance of fish, because this water will flow there. The seawater will be healed, and everything will live wherever the stream goes.

*** w07 8/1 p. 11 par. 6 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 47:9, 11. Knowledge—a vital feature of the symbolic water—has been accomplishing a wonderful healing in our time. Wherever it is taken in, it brings people to life spiritually. (John 17:3) On the other hand, those who do not accept the life-giving water will be ‘given to salt’—destroyed permanently. How vital it is that ‘we do our utmost to handle the word of the truth aright’!—2 Timothy 2:15.

Page 197

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

would be blessed with outstanding spiritual men—men as righteous and firm as the trees along those visionary riverbanks, men who would take the lead in rebuilding a ruined land. Isaiah too had written of “big trees of righteousness” who would “rebuild the long-standing devastated places.”—Isaiah 61:3, 4. When Is the Vision Fulfilled? 13 Were the returning exiles disappointed? Far from it! A restored remnant returned to their beloved homeland in 537 B.C.E. In time, under the guidance of these “big trees of righteousness”—such as the scribe Ezra, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, and the High Priest Joshua—the long-devastated places were rebuilt. Chieftains, for example Nehemiah and Zerubbabel, ruled in the land fairly and justly. Jehovah’s temple was restored, and his provisions for life—the blessings of living by his covenant—again flowed forth. (Deuteronomy 30:19; Isaiah 48:17-20) One blessing was knowledge. The priesthood was restored to duty, and the priests instructed the people in the Law. (Malachi 2:7) As a result, the people revived spiritually and again became fruitful servants of Jehovah, as pictured by the Dead Sea being healed and generating a productive fishing industry.

*** w99 3/1 pp. 18-19 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** “Everything will be alive where the torrent comes.”—EZEKIEL 47:9.

WATER is a remarkable fluid. All physical life depends on it. Not one of us can survive long without it. We also depend on it for cleansing, since water can dissolve and wash away impurities. So we wash our bodies, our clothes, even our food in it. Doing so may save our lives. 2 The Bible uses water to picture Jehovah’s spiritual provisions for life. (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:7-15) These provisions include the cleansing of his people through Christ’s ransom sacrifice and the knowledge of God found in his Word. (Ephesians 5:25-27) In Ezekiel’s temple vision, the miraculous river that flows from the temple symbolizes such life-giving blessings. But when does that river flow, and what does it mean for us today? A River Flows in a Restored Land 3 As captives in Babylon, Ezekiel’s people sorely needed Jehovah’s provisions. How encouraging, then, for Ezekiel to see a trickle of water emerge from the sanctuary and flow out of the visionary temple! An angel measures the stream at 1,000-cubit intervals. Its depth increases from ankle-deep to knee-deep to hip-deep to a torrent that calls for swimming. The river brings life and fertility. (Ezekiel 47:2-11) Ezekiel is told: “Alongside the torrent there will come up, along its bank on this side and on that side, all sorts of trees for food.” (Ezekiel 47:12a) As the torrent enters the Dead Sea—a lifeless body of water—life springs up! Fish swarm. A fishing industry thrives. 4 This beautiful prophecy may have reminded the Jewish exiles of another prophecy recorded more than two centuries earlier: “Out of the house of Jehovah there will go forth a spring, and it must irrigate the torrent valley of the Acacia Trees.” (Joel 3:18) Joel’s prophecy, like Ezekiel’s, foretells that a river would flow from God’s house, the temple, and bring life to an arid region.

*** w99 3/1 p. 21 par. 13 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” ***

Page 198

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

13 The visionary river runs into the lifeless Dead Sea and heals all that it reaches. This sea pictures a spiritually dead environment. But life swarms “in every place to which the double-size torrent comes.” (Ezekiel 47:9) Similarly, in the last days, people have been coming to life spiritually wherever the water of life has penetrated. The first ones so revitalized were the anointed remnant in 1919. They sprang back to life spiritually from a deathlike, inactive state. (Ezekiel 37:1-14; Revelation 11:3, 7-12) Those vital waters have since reached other spiritually dead ones, and these have come to life and formed an ever-increasing great crowd of other sheep, who love and serve Jehovah. Soon, this provision will extend to the multitudes of resurrected ones.

*** w99 3/1 p. 22 par. 18 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** The visionary river healed the Dead Sea, bringing life to wherever its waters flowed. In Paradise, men and women will come to life in the fullest sense, being healed of inherited Adamic death if they exercise faith in the ransom benefits extended to them.

(Ezekiel 47:10) “Fishermen will stand beside it from En-gedʹi clear to En-egʹla·im, where there will be a drying yard for dragnets. There will be an abundance of many kinds of fish, like the fish of the Great Sea.

*** it-1 p. 725 En-eglaim *** EN-EGLAIM

(En-egʹla·im) [Fountain (Spring) of Two Calves]. In a symbolic vision given to Ezekiel the salt-laden waters of the Dead Sea were to be “healed” and fishers were to stand on its shores from En-gedi up to En-eglaim. (Eze 47:8- 10) The name itself indicates a place by a spring. Most scholars connect En-eglaim with ʽAin Feshka, near the NW end of the Dead Sea. ʽAin Feshka and, some 29 km (18 mi) to the S, ʽAin Jidi (which perpetuates the name of En-gedi) constitute the two major oases on the Dead Sea’s western shore. On the other hand, others suggest a site on the SE shore of the Dead Sea, near Zoar. On the basis of ancient written documents, which refer to the district of ʽAgaltain, Y. Yadin concludes that “it is clear that ‘the district of ʽAgaltain’ is the south-eastern sector of the Dead Sea . . . If there is a connection between ʽAgaltain and En-eglaim in Ezekiel’s prophecy on the Dead Sea (Ezek. 47:10: ‘and it shall come to pass that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim’)—the interpretation

Page 199

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

of this passage should be that the Sea will be healed from coast to coast—a very vivid and clear picture. There is no need to look for En-eglaim on the west coast (it was recently suggested to identify it with Ain-Feshkha), an identification that narrows the prophetic vision to the western shore alone.”—Israel Exploration Journal, Jerusalem, 1962, Vol. 12, pp. 250, 251.

*** it-1 p. 997 Great Sea *** Ezekiel’s prophecy speaks of “very many” fish in the Great Sea. (Eze 47:10) Fine coral and an abundance of sponge are found in these waters, in addition to more than 400 varieties of fish.

*** w99 3/1 p. 21 par. 14 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** 14 Spiritual vitality results in productivity. This is illustrated by the fishing industry that flourishes on the shores of the sea that was formerly dead. Jesus told his followers: “I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) In the last days, the fishing work began with the gathering of the remaining ones of the anointed, but it has not stopped there. The life- giving water from Jehovah’s spiritual temple, including the blessing of accurate knowledge, affects people of all nations. Wherever that torrent has reached, spiritual life has resulted. (Ezekiel 47:11) “It will have swampy places and marshy places, and these will not be healed. They will be abandoned to salt.

*** w99 3/1 p. 21 par. 15 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** 15 Of course, not all respond favorably now to the message of life; nor will all those who are resurrected during the Millennial Reign of Christ do so. (Isaiah 65:20; Revelation 21:8)

Page 200

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

The angel declares that parts of the sea are not healed. These marshy, lifeless places are ‘given to salt.’ (Ezekiel 47:11) As to the people of our day, not all who are offered Jehovah’s life-giving water accept it. (Isaiah 6:10) At Armageddon, all of those who have chosen to remain in a spiritually lifeless and sick condition will be given to salt, that is, destroyed forever. (Revelation 19:11-21) However, those who have been faithfully drinking these waters can hope to survive and see the final fulfillment of this prophecy.

*** w99 3/1 p. 22 par. 18 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** Sadly, some will refuse to be healed, even in Paradise. These rebels are the ones ‘given to the salt’ of everlasting destruction.—Revelation 20:15. (Ezekiel 47:12) “All sorts of trees for food will grow on both banks of the stream. Their leaves will not wither; nor will their fruitage fail. Each month they will bear new fruit, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruitage will serve as food and their leaves for healing.”

*** w07 8/1 p. 11 par. 2 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 47:12—What do the fruitful trees represent? The symbolic trees picture God’s spiritual provisions for restoring mankind to perfection.

*** w99 3/1 pp. 20-21 par. 12 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** When Ezekiel learns of the trees that would grow alongside the river, he is told: “Their leafage will not wither, nor will their fruitage be consumed. . . . And their fruitage must prove to be for food and their leafage for healing.” Why do these trees produce in this amazing manner? “Because the water for them—it is coming forth from the very sanctuary.” (Ezekiel 47:12b) These symbolic trees foreshadow all of God’s provisions for restoring mankind to perfection on the basis of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. On earth at this time, the anointed remnant takes the lead in providing spiritual nourishment and healing. After the 144,000 have all received their heavenly reward, the benefits stemming from their priestly service as corulers with Christ will extend into the future, ultimately leading to the complete conquest of Adamic death.—Revelation 5:9, 10; 21:2-4.

*** w99 3/1 p. 22 pars. 17-18 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** 17 In effect, the river seen by Ezekiel will then flow with the most potent water of life. This is the primary time of application for the prophecy recorded at Revelation 22:1, 2: “He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of its broad way. And on this side of the river and on that side there were trees of life producing twelve crops of fruit, yielding their fruits each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the nations.” 18 During the Millennium, all illnesses—physical, mental, and emotional—will be healed. This is well pictured by “the curing of the nations” by means of the symbolic trees. Thanks to the provisions administered by Christ and the 144,000, “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” (Isaiah 33:24)

*** w88 9/15 p. 27 par. 21 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” ***

Page 201

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

21 Healing is also associated with trees growing alongside the visionary stream. (Read Ezekiel 47:12.) In the new world, obedient mankind will enjoy perfect physical and spiritual health. And why not? Leafage of the envisioned fruit trees has continuous healing properties. What blessings for those who know and serve Jehovah! (Ezekiel 47:13) This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “This is the territory that you will assign as the land inheritance of the 12 tribes of Israel, and Joseph will have two portions.

*** w99 3/1 p. 18 par. 21 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 21 It is not only the chieftain and the priesthood who have assigned places in this restored land. The dividing of the land shows that each one of the 12 tribes has a secure inheritance. (Ezekiel 47:13, 22, 23) So those of the great crowd not only have a place in the spiritual paradise today but will also receive an assignment of land when they inherit a place in the earthly realm of God’s Kingdom.

*** w99 3/1 p. 22 par. 19 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** 19 Also at that time, the apportioning of the land in Ezekiel’s vision will find its final fulfillment. Ezekiel saw the land properly allotted; likewise, each faithful Christian can be sure that he will have a place, an inheritance, in Paradise. Likely, the desire to have one’s own house to live in and care for will be fulfilled in an orderly way. (Isaiah 65:21; 1 Corinthians 14:33)

*** w88 9/15 p. 25 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** [Map/Picture on page 25] (For fully formatted text, see publication) The holy contribution and tribal assignments THE GREAT SEA ENTERING IN TO HAMATH DAN ASHER NAPHTALI MANASSEH EPHRAIM REUBEN JUDAH THE CHIEFTAIN Holy Contribution En-Eglaim BENJAMIN SIMEON En-gedi ISSACHAR ZEBULUN Tamar GAD

Page 202

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

Meribath-Kadesh Salt Sea Jordan River Sea of Galilee

*** w88 9/15 p. 27 par. 22 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** 22 By cooperating with Jehovah’s organization now, we can develop qualities that will make us cooperative when God places people where he chooses in the earthly Paradise. That there will be such placement of people is suggested by the fact that tribal assignments were made north and south of an administrative strip seen by Ezekiel in vision. That three-part “contribution” of land included a section for the nonpriestly Levites and a priestly portion containing the visionary temple. In the center of the southern section was a city with an intertribal work force under a collective “chieftain,” the Messiah’s princely representatives in the “new earth.”—Ezekiel 47:13

(Ezekiel 47:16) Haʹmath, Be·roʹthah, and Sibʹra·im, which is between the territory of Damascus and the territory of Haʹmath, to Haʹzer-hatʹti·con, which is by the boundary of Ha·u·ranʹ.

*** it-1 p. 291 Berothah *** BEROTHAH

(Be·roʹthah), Berothai (Be·roʹthai) [Wells]. In Ezekiel’s vision concerning the territorial inheritance of Israel, Berothah is listed as on the northern boundary in the area between Hamath and Damascus. (Eze 47:16) It appears to be the same as Berothai of 2 Samuel 8:8, a city belonging to Hadadezer king of Zobah, from which David carried away “copper in very great quantity.” In the parallel record at 1 Chronicles 18:8 the name Cun appears in its place. Berothah (or Berothai) is generally identified with present-day Britel (Bereitan), about 10 km (6 mi) SW of Baalbek in the valley known as the Beqaʽ, lying between the Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon mountains.

*** it-1 p. 1045 Hauran *** HAURAN

(Ha·u·ranʹ) [Grown Pale]. A boundary site in Ezekiel’s vision of Israel’s inheritance. (Eze 47:13, 15, 16, 18) According

Page 203

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

to some scholars it embraced approximately the same area earlier covered by the term “Bashan.” (See BASHAN.) Hauran is apparently the district referred to in ancient Egyptian texts (Huruna) and Assyrian documents of Shalmaneser III (Hauranu). It also appears to correspond to the smaller region called Auranitis in Greco-Roman times. The name Hauran is applied today to the rolling prairie of rich, red soil between Damascus and the Yarmuk. (Ezekiel 47:18) “The eastern side runs between Ha·u·ranʹ and Damascus and along the Jordan between Gilʹe·ad and the land of Israel. You should measure from the boundary to the eastern sea. This is the eastern border.

*** it-1 p. 1045 Hauran *** HAURAN

(Ha·u·ranʹ) [Grown Pale]. A boundary site in Ezekiel’s vision of Israel’s inheritance. (Eze 47:13, 15, 16, 18) According to some scholars it embraced approximately the same area earlier covered by the term “Bashan.” (See BASHAN.) Hauran is apparently the district referred to in ancient Egyptian texts (Huruna) and Assyrian documents of Shalmaneser III (Hauranu). It also appears to correspond to the smaller region called Auranitis in Greco-Roman times. The name Hauran is applied today to the rolling prairie of rich, red soil between Damascus and the Yarmuk.

*** it-2 p. 881 Sea *** the Salt (Dead) Sea, the Sea of the Arabah, or “the eastern sea” (De 3:17; Eze 47:18); (Ezekiel 47:19) “The southern border will be from Taʹmar to the waters of Merʹi·bath- kaʹdesh, then to the Wadi and to the Great Sea. This is the southern border.

*** it-1 pp. 699-700 Egypt, Torrent Valley of *** EGYPT, TORRENT VALLEY OF

Page 204

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

A long wadi (or ravine) marking the God-ordained SW boundary of the Promised Land, that is, “the land of Canaan.” (Nu 34:2, 5; 1Ki 8:65; Isa 27:12) While this torrent valley was not actually in Egypt, that nation’s domain apparently extended, at least in certain periods, up to that point. (2Ki 24:7) The abbreviated expression “the torrent valley,” used in defining the borders of the land of Israel in Ezekiel’s vision, apparently refers to this same ravine.— Eze 47:19; 48:28. (Ezekiel 47:22) You should distribute it for inheritance among yourselves and to the foreigners residing with you who have had children while living among you; and they will be like native-born Israelites to you. They will receive an inheritance among the tribes of Israel along with you.

*** it-1 pp. 73-74 Alien Resident *** The prophet Ezekiel foretold a time when the alien resident would receive an inheritance in the land like a native among the sons of Israel. (Eze 47:21-23) After the coming of Jesus Christ the good news of the Kingdom was preached to Jews and proselytes, and these could equally become members of the Christian congregation. Then, in the time of Cornelius (36 C.E.), an uncircumcised Gentile and his household were accepted by Jehovah, receiving gifts of the spirit. (Ac 10) From that time on, uncircumcised Gentiles, upon accepting Christ, were admitted into the Christian congregation, “where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all things and in all.” (Col 3:11; Ga 3:28)

(Ezekiel 48:8) On the boundary of Judah, from the eastern border to the western border, the contribution that you are to set apart should be 25,000 cubits wide and correspond to the length of the other tribal portions from the eastern border to the western border. The sanctuary will be in the middle of it.

*** it-1 p. 1131 Holy Contribution *** Each of the 12 tribes, with the exception of Levi (Ephraim and Manasseh standing for Joseph, thus making up the 12), was given an allotment running E and W across the land. South of the portion for Judah, which was the seventh allotment from the northern extremity, was an administrative strip of land. (Eze 48:1-8) The northern border of this strip ran along the southern border of Judah’s allotment; it was bounded on the S by Benjamin’s portion, which was the fifth allotment from the southern extremity. (Eze 48:23-28) This administrative strip was 25,000 cubits (13 km; 8 mi) wide from N to S. It was to be given by the people for governmental use.—Eze 48:8. (Ezekiel 48:10) This will be the holy contribution for the priests. It will be 25,000 cubits on the north side, 10,000 on the west, 10,000 on the east, and 25,000 on the south. The sanctuary of Jehovah will be in the middle of it.

*** it-1 p. 1131 Holy Contribution *** Bordering the Levite portion on the S was a 10,000-cubit strip, a “holy contribution for the

Page 205

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

priests.” This priestly section contained Jehovah’s sanctuary, or temple. (Eze 48:9-12) (Ezekiel 48:13) “Right next to the territory of the priests, the Levites will have a portion 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 wide. (The whole length will be 25,000 long and 10,000 wide.)

*** it-1 p. 1131 Holy Contribution *** The square “contribution” was divided as follows: a strip along the northern boundary, 10,000 cubits (5.2 km; 3.2 mi) wide, for the nonpriestly Levites. None of this assignment of land was to be sold or exchanged, “for it is something holy to Jehovah.” (Eze 48:13, 14) (Ezekiel 48:15) “The remaining area that is 5,000 cubits wide alongside the 25,000 cubit border will be for common use of the city, for housing and pasture ground. The city will be in the middle of it.

*** it-1 pp. 1131-1132 Holy Contribution *** This left a strip 5,000 cubits (2.6 km; 1.6 mi) wide on the south. This section was “something profane for the city, for a dwelling place and for pasture ground.” (Eze 48:15) In the center of this section was to be the city called “Jehovah Himself Is There.”

*** w07 8/1 p. 11 par. 3 Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—II *** 48:15-19, 30-35, footnote—What does the city in Ezekiel’s vision represent? “Jehovah-Shammah” is situated in “profane” land, indicating that it must represent something earthly. The city seems to represent the earthly administration that benefits those who will make up the righteous “new earth.” (2 Peter 3:13) Having gates on each side illustrates its openness. The overseers among God’s people are to be approachable.

*** w99 3/1 p. 18 par. 22 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** 22 Finally, what does the city in the vision represent? It is no heavenly city, for it lies in the midst of “profane” (nonsacred) land. (Ezekiel 48:15-17) So it must be something earthly. Well, what is a city? Does it not convey the idea of people coming together as a group and forming something structured and organized? Yes. Hence, the city appears to picture the earthly administration that benefits all who will make up the righteous earthly society. It will operate in its fullness in the coming “new earth.” (2 Peter 3:13)

*** w99 3/1 p. 22 par. 19 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** The city that Ezekiel saw fittingly pictures the administrative arrangement that Jehovah purposes for the new earth. The anointed priestly class will no longer be physically present among mankind. The vision suggests as much by portraying the city in “profane” land at some distance from the temple. (Ezekiel 48:15) (Ezekiel 48:18) “The length of the remaining portion will correspond to the holy

Page 206

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

contribution, 10,000 cubits to the east and 10,000 to the west. It will correspond to the holy contribution, and its produce will provide food for those serving the city.

*** it-1 p. 1132 Holy Contribution *** The remaining portion of the 25,000-cubit square, namely 10,000 cubits to the E of the city and 10,000 cubits to the W (5,000 cubits wide), was also considered profane and was to be cultivated by the tribes of Israel to provide food for the city.—Eze 48:15-19, 30-35. (Ezekiel 48:19) Those who are serving the city from all the tribes of Israel will cultivate it.

*** w99 3/1 p. 18 par. 22 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** The fact that people from all tribes cultivate the land that supports the city reminds us that the other sheep support, even in a material way, the administrative arrangements made for God’s people worldwide.—Ezekiel 48:19, 30-34.

(Ezekiel 48:20) “The whole contribution is 25,000 cubits square. You should set it aside as the holy contribution along with the possession of the city.

*** it-1 p. 1131 Holy Contribution *** The sanctuary of Jehovah was located in the midst of a 25,000-cubit-square “contribution” within the administrative strip. The remainder of the strip to the E and W of this “contribution” consisted of two portions for the chieftain. (Eze 48:20-22; see CHIEFTAIN.)

*** it-1 p. 1132 Holy Contribution *** Thus, “the holy contribution” was actually 25,000 cubits E to W and 20,000 cubits N to S. It consisted of two 10,000-cubit-wide strips, one assigned to the priests and the other to the Levites. The remainder of the 25,000-cubit-square contribution was “something profane,” being used “for the city, for a dwelling place and for pasture ground.”—Eze 48:10, 13-15, 18, 20, 21. (Ezekiel 48:21) “What remains on both sides of the holy contribution and of the possession of the city will belong to the chieftain. It will be alongside the 25,000 cubit borders that are east and west of the contribution. It will correspond to those adjoining portions, and it will be for the chieftain. The holy contribution and the sanctuary of the temple will be in the middle of it.

*** w88 9/15 p. 27 par. 22 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** In the center of the southern section was a city with an intertribal work force under a collective “chieftain,” the Messiah’s princely representatives in the “new earth.”—Ezekiel 47:13–48:34; 2 Peter 3:13; Psalm 45:16. (Ezekiel 48:22) “The possession of the Levites and the possession of the city will be between what belongs to the chieftain. The chieftain’s territory will be between the boundary of Judah and the boundary of Benjamin.

Page 207

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** it-1 p. 289 Benjamin *** Following the exile in Babylon, the tribes of Benjamin and Judah were most prominent among the restored Israelites in Palestine. (Ezr 4:1; 10:9) Benjamin’s loyal association with Judah and Jerusalem doubtless contributed to its position in Ezekiel’s vision of the division of the land under the promised kingdom, in which vision the tribe of Benjamin is pictured as located right on the southern border of “the holy contribution,” while the tribe of Judah is placed on the northern border.—Eze 48:8, 21-23. (Ezekiel 48:28) The southern border by the boundary of Gad will run from Taʹmar to the waters of Merʹi·bath-kaʹdesh, to the Wadi and on to the Great Sea.

*** it-1 pp. 699-700 Egypt, Torrent Valley of *** EGYPT, TORRENT VALLEY OF

A long wadi (or ravine) marking the God-ordained SW boundary of the Promised Land, that is, “the land of Canaan.” (Nu 34:2, 5; 1Ki 8:65; Isa 27:12) While this torrent valley was not actually in Egypt, that nation’s domain apparently extended, at least in certain periods, up to that point. (2Ki 24:7) The abbreviated expression “the torrent valley,” used in defining the borders of the land of Israel in Ezekiel’s vision, apparently refers to this same ravine.— Eze 47:19; 48:28. (Ezekiel 48:31) “The gates of the city will be named according to the tribes of Israel. Of the three gates on the north, there is one gate for Reuʹben, one gate for Judah, and one gate for Leʹvi.

*** w99 3/1 p. 18 par. 22 “The Temple” and “the Chieftain” Today *** The city’s gates on all sides, one for each tribe, well illustrate openness. Today, God’s people are not under some secretive, clandestine administration. Responsible brothers are to be approachable; the principles that guide them are well-known to all.

(Ezekiel 48:35) “The perimeter will be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that day on will be Jehovah Is There.”

*** it-2 pp. 20-21 Jehovah Himself Is There *** JEHOVAH HIMSELF IS THERE

This expression translates Yehwahʹ Shamʹmah, applied to the city seen by the prophet Ezekiel in his vision recorded in chapters 40 through 48. (Eze 48:35) The visionary city is depicted as foursquare (4,500 long cubits to a side [2,331 m; 7,650 ft]) and as having 12 gates, each bearing the name of one of the tribes of Israel. (Eze 48:15, 16, 31-34) The visionary city of Ezekiel’s prophecy is to belong to “all the house of Israel.” (Eze 45:6) The name Jehovah-Shammah, or “Jehovah Himself Is There,” would signify a representational presence of God like that expressed in other texts, such as Psalm 46:5; 132:13, 14; Isaiah 24:23; Joel 3:21; and Zechariah 2:10, 11, where Jehovah, whom ‘the heaven of the heavens cannot contain,’ is spoken of as though residing in an earthly city or place.—1Ki 8:27; see also CHIEFTAIN.

Page 208

Index Ezekiel Highlights from the Book of Ezekiel -WT Library References

*** w99 3/1 p. 23 par. 20 Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” *** 20 Note the final words of Ezekiel’s prophecy: “The name of the city from that day on will be Jehovah Himself Is There.” (Ezekiel 48:35) This city will not exist to give men power or influence; nor will it be there to enforce any human’s will. It is Jehovah’s city, ever reflecting his mind and his loving, reasonable ways. (James 3:17) This gives us heartwarming assurance that Jehovah will bless his structured “new earth” society of mankind on into an indefinitely lasting future.—2 Peter 3:13.

*** w88 9/15 p. 27 pars. 22-23 “They Will Have to Know That I Am Jehovah” *** In the center of the southern section was a city with an intertribal work force under a collective “chieftain,” the Messiah’s princely representatives in the “new earth.”—Ezekiel 47:13–48:34; 2 Peter 3:13; Psalm 45:16. 23 Enthroned in his heavenly sanctuary, God will bless the symbolic city beheld by Ezekiel. (Read Ezekiel 48:35.) That earthly seat of administration will be named Jehovah- Shammah, or “Jehovah Himself Is There.”

Page 209

Index Ezekiel