Highlights from the Book of Zechariah

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Index

Source Material ...... 1

Special Note ...... 1

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

Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Zechariah ...... 3

A call to repentance, followed by eight visions and a prophecy about “Sprout” ...... 3 Question about the observance of fasts commemorating the calamities that befell Jerusalem ...... 3 Judgment upon nations, Messianic prophecies, and the restoration of God’s people ...... 3

Zechariah – Outline of Contents ...... 5

Why Beneficial ...... 5

Treasures from God’s Word ...... 7

WT Library Highlights ...... 8

Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 1- 8 “Take Firm Hold of the Robe of a Jew” ...... 7

Chapters 9-14 Stay in “the Valley of the Mountains” ...... 7

WT Library Reference

Chapters 1-8 ...... 8

Chapters 9-14 ...... 49 Highlights from the Book of Zechariah

Source Material

This material has been sourced from the updated 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.

Additional personal research is encouraged.

Special Note

Occasionally you will notice that in the Treasures from God’s Word section of our Meeting Workbook that references will appear that are not included in the Watchtower Library disk or on www.wol.jw.org when searching a particular scripture reference.

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah

An Introduction to the Book of Zechariah

Zechariah began to prophesy in Jerusalem around 520 B.C.E.,17 years after the return from Babylonian exile. He prophesied for at least two years, completing the book bearing his name around 518 B.C.E. His work overlapped that of the prophet Haggai. The rebuilding of Jehovah's temple was at a standstill. It appeared to observers that Jehovah had forsaken the city. The people there were discouraged, and focused on personal comforts. Jehovah sent Zechariah to join the prophet Haggai in encouraging the Jews to resume the temple construction despite all obstacles. Did you know? Solomon's temple was completed in just over seven years. In contrast, when Zechariah wrote his book the reconstruction had been underway for about twenty years, but without completion. The book of Zechariah contains 14 chapters. Chapters 1 to 6 set forth a series of intriguing visions that ensure divine backing of the work of rebuilding the temple, and the return to pure worship. For example, one vision features a woman named “Wickedness” who is put into a container and taken far away by two winged women. This illustrates that wickedness has no place among Jehovah's people. Chapters 7 and 8 urge God's people to turn from unjust treatment of the poor, and to deal with one another in loyal love and mercy. Chapter 10 foretells Jehovah's turning his favourable attention to his repentant people. Zechariah also recorded several significant prophecies about the Christ. He indicated that the future king of God's Kingdom would triumphantly enter Jerusalem on a donkey. Zechariah foretold God's true Shepherd would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver. Zechariah also foretold details about this Messianic Shepherd’s death. Chapter 14 states that Jehovah forms a very great valley. This valley is for the protection of his people, and results in a complete triumph of true worship. As you study the book of Zechariah notice how Jehovah makes his work succeed despite adversity; how he describes the future King of His Kingdom; and how his loyal subjects will remain safe in his valley of protection.

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah

Summary of the Highlights of the Book of Zechariah

Prophetic messages encouraging the Jews to resume temple rebuilding, also providing foregleams of the Messiah’s coming and his rule as King-Priest Written by Zechariah during the reign of Persian King Darius I, about 19 years after the first Jews arrived home from Babylon in 537 B.C.E. A call to repentance, followed by eight visions and a prophecy about “Sprout”

First vision: A rider on a red horse standing with three other horsemen among the myrtle trees; the vision concludes with an assurance that Jerusalem will be shown mercy and the temple rebuilt Second vision: The four horns that dispersed Judah are cast down by four craftsmen Third vision: A young man with a measuring rope prepares to measure Jerusalem, but an angel foretells more growth as well as Jehovah’s protection for the city Fourth vision: High Priest Joshua’s befouled garments are removed and replaced with robes of state Fifth vision: Zechariah sees a gold lampstand with seven lamps supplied with oil from two olive trees; Zerubbabel will complete the temple rebuilding with the help of God’s spirit Sixth vision: A flying scroll represents the curse going forth because of all those stealing and those swearing falsely in Jehovah’s name Seventh vision: A woman named Wickedness is transported in an ephah measure to Shinar Eighth vision: Four chariots proceed from between two copper mountains to move about in the earth The man named Sprout will build Jehovah’s temple and serve as king-priest Question about the observance of fasts commemorating the calamities that befell Jerusalem

Calamities came as punishment for disobedience; fasting in commemoration of these was not really done to Jehovah Jerusalem will enjoy divine favor; the former days of fasting will be transformed into “an exultation and a rejoicing and good festal seasons”; many from the nations will come to her to seek Jehovah’s favor Judgment upon nations, Messianic prophecies, and the restoration of God’s people

Many cities and nations will experience Jehovah’s adverse judgment Zion’s righteous, humble King will come into the city on an ass Jehovah expresses anger against the false shepherds The scattered people of God will be brought out of Egypt and Assyria Zechariah is called to be a shepherd; the people are given an opportunity to pay for his work, and they value it at 30 silver pieces Jerusalem will become a burdensome stone that severely scratches anyone tampering with it

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah

A well will be opened for cleansing from sin; the shepherd will be struck, and the sheep will be scattered Jerusalem will come under attack, but Jehovah will war against the aggressors Those remaining out of the attacking nations will celebrate the Festival of Booths each year, bowing down before Jehovah as King

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah

Zechariah – Outline of Contents

This book of the Hebrew Scriptures identifies its writer as “Zechariah the son of Berechiah the son of Iddo the prophet.” (Zec 1:1) It also provides a basis for establishing the time period covered and an approximate date for the composition. The last time indicator found in the book of Zechariah is the fourth day of Chislev in the fourth year of Darius’ reign (about December 1, 518 B.C.E.). (7:1) Accordingly, this book could not have been committed to writing before the close of 518 B.C.E. Since it was in the “eighth month in the second year of Darius” (October/November 520 B.C.E.) that “the word of Jehovah occurred to Zechariah” (1:1), the book covers a period of at least two years. From chapter 9 onward the subject matter found in the book of Zechariah appears to differ considerably from the earlier section. No further reference is made to angels and visions or to Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua. There is no mention of the temple-rebuilding work, and not even the name of Zechariah appears. In view of this and the nature of the prophecies contained in the latter chapters of the book, a number of critics maintain that this section could not have been written by Zechariah. However, it should be noted that Zechariah, like other prophets, wrote according to divine inspiration and did not receive all revelations at the same time or in the same manner. (2Pe 1:20, 21) Also, prophecies did not have to fit within a particular framework of existing circumstances and incorporate the name of the prophet or of some of his contemporaries for an entire book to be the work of the prophet. That the book of Zechariah forms one harmonious whole, instead of consisting of separate and unrelated parts recorded by different writers, is evident from the thoughts expressed therein. Throughout, the book highlights that Jerusalem would be restored and that Jehovah would come to the defense of the city.—Zec 1:13-21; 2:4, 5; 8:14-23; 9:11-17; 12:2-6; 14:3-21.

Why Beneficial

All who study and meditate on the prophecy of Zechariah will be benefited in gaining faith- strengthening knowledge. More than 50 times Zechariah draws attention to “Jehovah of armies” as the One who fights for and protects His people, filling them with power according to their need. When mountainlike opposition threatened the completion of the temple building, Zechariah declared: “This is the word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘“Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,” Jehovah of armies has said. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a level land.’” The temple was completed with the help of Jehovah’s spirit. Likewise today, obstacles will melt if tackled with faith in Jehovah. It is just as Jesus told his disciples: “If you have faith the size of a mustard grain, you will say to this mountain, ‘Transfer from here to there,’ and it will transfer, and nothing will be impossible for you.”—Zech. 4:6, 7; Matt. 17:20. In chapter 13, verses 2 to 6, Zechariah illustrates the loyalty that to this day marks Jehovah’s organization. This must transcend every human relationship, such as that of close flesh-and-blood relatives. If a close relative should prophesy falsehood in the name of Jehovah, that is, speak contrary to the Kingdom message and try wrongly to influence others in the congregation of God’s people, the family members of that one must loyally support any judicial action taken by the congregation. The same position must be held with regard to any intimate associate who prophesies falsely, so that he may become ashamed and wounded at heart because of his wrong action.

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah

As our introductory paragraphs showed, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as king, “humble, and riding upon an ass,” his betrayal for “thirty pieces of silver,” the scattering of his disciples at that time, and his being pierced on the stake by the soldier’s spear were all foretold by Zechariah in exact detail. (Zech. 9:9; 11:12; 13:7; 12:10) The prophecy also names the “Sprout” as the builder of the temple of Jehovah. A comparison of Isaiah 11:1-10; Jeremiah 23:5; and Luke 1:32, 33 shows this one to be Jesus Christ, who “will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever.” Zechariah describes the “Sprout” as “a priest upon his throne,” which ties in with the apostle Paul’s words: “Jesus . . . has become a high priest according to the manner of Melchizedek forever,” also, “He has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” (Zech. 6:12, 13; Heb. 6:20; 8:1) Thus the prophecy points to the “Sprout” as High Priest and King at God’s right hand in the heavens, while at the same time it proclaims Jehovah as Sovereign Ruler over all: “And Jehovah must become king over all the earth. In that day Jehovah will prove to be one, and his name one.”— Zech. 14:9.

Referring to that time, the prophet repeats the phrase “in that day” some 20 times, and it even concludes his prophecy. An examination of its many occurrences shows it to be the day when Jehovah cuts off the names of the idols and removes the false prophets. (13:2, 4) It is the day when Jehovah wars on the aggressor nations and spreads confusion in their ranks as he annihilates them and provides ‘the valley of his mountains’ as a refuge for his own people. (14:1-5, 13; 12:8, 9) Yes, “Jehovah their God will certainly save them in that day like the flock of his people,” and they will call one to the other from under the vine and fig tree. (Zech. 9:16; 3:10; Mic. 4:4) It is the glorious day when Jehovah of armies “will reside in the midst” of his people and when “living waters will go forth from Jerusalem.” These words of Zechariah identify events “in that day” as harbingers of “a new heaven and a new earth” of Kingdom promise.—Zech. 2:11; 14:8; Rev. 21:1-3; 22:1.

“Who has despised the day of small things?” asks Jehovah. Look! This prosperity is to embrace the entire earth: ‘Many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem, and ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”’ “In that day” even the bells of the horse will bear the words “Holiness belongs to Jehovah!” These heartwarming prophecies are most beneficial to consider, for they show that Jehovah’s name will indeed be sanctified through his Kingdom Seed!—Zech. 4:10; 8:22, 23; 14:20.

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah -WT Library References

Treasures from God’s Word

Chapters 1- 8 “Take Firm Hold of the Robe of a Jew”

Ten men out of all the languages of the nations would take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: “We want to go with you.” During these last days, people of all nations are flocking to worship Jehovah along with anointed Christians What are some ways in which the other sheep support the anointed today?

• They wholeheartedly share in the preaching work

• They wholeheartedly support the work financially

Chapters 9-14 Stay in “the Valley of the Mountains”

Jehovah formed “a very great valley” in 1914 when he established the Messianic Kingdom, a subsidiary “mountain” to his universal sovereignty. Since 1919, God’s servants have found safety in “the valley of the mountains” How do people “flee to the valley” of protection? Anyone outside the symbolic valley will be destroyed at Armageddon How do I stay in the valley of protection?

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah -WT Library References

WT Library Highlights Chapters 1-8

(Zechariah 1:1) In the eighth month in the second year of Da·riʹus, the word of Jehovah came to the prophet Zech·a·riʹah son of Ber·e·chiʹah son of Idʹdo, saying:

*** it-2 p. 1225 Zechariah, Book of *** ZECHARIAH, BOOK OF This book of the Hebrew Scriptures identifies its writer as “Zechariah the son of Berechiah the son of Iddo the prophet.” (Zec 1:1) It also provides a basis for establishing the time period covered and an approximate date for the composition. The last time indicator found in the book of Zechariah is the fourth day of Chislev in the fourth year of Darius’ reign (about December 1, 518 B.C.E.). (7:1) Accordingly, this book could not have been committed to writing before the close of 518 B.C.E. Since it was in the “eighth month in the second year of Darius” (October/November 520 B.C.E.) that “the word of Jehovah occurred to Zechariah” (1:1), the book covers a period of at least two years.

*** it-2 p. 1224 Zechariah *** 20. A postexilic prophet and writer of the book bearing his name. Zechariah calls himself “the son of Berechiah the son of Iddo” (Zec 1:1, 7), but in other references made to him, this middle linkage is omitted. (Ezr 5:1; 6:14; Ne 12:4, 16) Zechariah was probably born somewhere in Babylon, for his prophetic activity began only 17 years after the return from exile and reasonably he was at that time older than 17, though still called a “young man.”—Zec 2:4.

*** si p. 169 par. 3 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** It was in the “eighth month in the second year of Darius” (October/November 520 B.C.E.) that the temple building was resumed and Zechariah commenced prophesying. (1:1)

*** si p. 169 par. 3 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 3 Who was Zechariah? There are about 30 different persons mentioned in the Bible with the name Zechariah. However, the writer of the book that bears this name is identified as “Zechariah the son of Berechiah the son of Iddo the prophet.” (Zech. 1:1; Ezra 5:1; Neh. 12:12, 16) (Zechariah 1:3) “Say to them, ‘This is what Jehovah of armies says: “‘Return to me,’ declares Jehovah of armies, ‘and I will return to you,’ says Jehovah of armies.”’

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** 1:3—Though the Jews returned from Babylon in 537 B.C.E., they were also urged to return to God in whole-souled obedience and worship. They would give visible evidence of

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah -WT Library References

this return by engaging in rebuilding work until the temple was completed. (Zechariah 1:7) On the 24th day of the 11th month, that is, the month of Sheʹbat, in the second year of Da·riʹus, the word of Jehovah came to the prophet Zech·a·riʹah son of Ber·e·chiʹah son of Idʹdo, saying:

*** it-2 p. 1226 Zechariah, Book of *** Historical Background. About February 9, 519 B.C.E., the prophet Zechariah heard the words: “The whole earth is sitting still and having no disturbance.” (Zec 1:7, 11) At that time Jerusalem was not a disturbing factor to the nations, but it appeared to observers that Jehovah had forsaken the city. Although the temple’s foundation had been laid in 536 B.C.E., the rebuilding work made slow progress on account of enemy opposition and finally, in 522 B.C.E., came under an official ban. (Ezr 4:4, 5, 24) Additionally, plagued by droughts and crop failures because of having neglected the temple rebuilding work, the repatriated Jews found themselves in very difficult circumstances. (Hag 1:6, 10, 11) They needed encouragement to continue the construction work despite mountainous obstacles.

*** nwt p. 1711 Glossary of Bible Terms *** Shebat. After the Babylonian exile, the name of the 11th month of the Jewish sacred calendar and the 5th month of the secular calendar. It ran from mid-January to mid- February. (Zec 1:7)—See App. B15.

*** nwt p. 1796 B15 Hebrew Calendar *** SHEBAT January—February — Cold weather lessens, rain continues Almond blossoms (Zechariah 1:11) And they said to the angel of Jehovah who was standing among the myrtle trees: “We have walked about in the earth, and look! the whole earth is quiet and undisturbed.”

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah -WT Library References

*** w89 6/15 p. 30 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** One angel is troubled that the nations that caused the Jews calamity are “having no disturbance.” (Zechariah 1:12) So the angel of Jehovah said: “O Jehovah of armies, how long will you withhold your mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with whom you have been indignant these 70 years?”

*** w89 6/15 p. 30 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** One angel is troubled that the nations that caused the Jews calamity are “having no disturbance.” (Zechariah 1:19) So I asked the angel who was speaking with me: “What are these?” He replied: “These are the horns that dispersed Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.”

*** w89 6/15 p. 30 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** In the second, Jehovah determines to cast down the “four horns”—the governmental powers that dispersed his people.

(Zechariah 2:1) And I looked up and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand.

*** w07 12/1 p. 10 par. 1 Highlights From the Books of Haggai and Zechariah *** 2:1—Why was a man measuring Jerusalem with a rope? Evidently, this action suggested the building of a protective wall around the city. The angel informs the man that Jerusalem is to expand and have Jehovah’s protection.—Zechariah 2:3-5. (Zechariah 2:2) So I asked: “Where are you going?” He replied: “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is her width and what is her length.”

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** 2:1-5—Likely, the young man was measuring Jerusalem so as to build a protective wall around it. But God’s angel indicated that the city’s growth was not to be limited by a wall. No human could prevent Jerusalem’s continued growth. Jehovah would be its protection, even as he today protects the anointed remnant who will be part of the heavenly New Jerusalem.—Revelation 21:2. (Zechariah 2:4) Then he said to him: “Run over there and tell that young man, ‘“Jerusalem will be inhabited as open rural country, because of all the men and livestock within her.

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah -WT Library References

Jerusalem.—Revelation 21:2. (Zechariah 2:5) And I will become to her,” declares Jehovah, “a wall of fire all around, and I will become the glory in her midst.”’”

*** it-1 p. 867 Fortifications *** Through the prophet Zechariah, Jehovah speaks of himself as “a wall of fire all around” Jerusalem. This gives his people encouraging assurance that, while walls of stone can be broken down, Jehovah himself is really the defense of his servants.—Ps 48:3, 11-13; Zec 2:4, 5.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** 2:1-5—Likely, the young man was measuring Jerusalem so as to build a protective wall around it. But God’s angel indicated that the city’s growth was not to be limited by a wall. No human could prevent Jerusalem’s continued growth. Jehovah would be its protection, even as he today protects the anointed remnant who will be part of the heavenly New Jerusalem.—Revelation 21:2. (Zechariah 2:8) For this is what Jehovah of armies says, who after being glorified has sent me to the nations that were plundering you: ‘Whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye.

*** cl chap. 24 p. 248 par. 19 Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” *** Just how intensely he feels is illustrated by Jehovah’s own words to his servants: “He that is touching you is touching my eyeball.” (Zechariah 2:8) How painful that would be! Yes, Jehovah feels for us. When we hurt, he hurts.

*** cl chap. 24 p. 248 Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” *** Some translations here imply that the one touching God’s people is touching his own eye or Israel’s eye, not God’s eye. This error was introduced by some scribes who viewed this passage as irreverent and therefore emended it. Their misguided effort obscured the intensity of Jehovah’s personal empathy.

*** w07 8/15 p. 26 par. 18 Jehovah Is a Lover of Justice *** 18 The attack by Satan and his horde on Jehovah’s servants will be the final insult. Jehovah foretold through Zechariah: “He that is touching you is touching my eyeball.” (Zechariah 2:8) It is as if someone were thrusting a finger in Jehovah’s eyeball. He will respond immediately and eliminate the perpetrators.

*** w97 8/1 p. 15 par. 5 Let Your Brotherly Love Continue! *** Just how intensely he feels is illustrated by Jehovah’s own words to his people, recorded at Zechariah 2:8: “He that is touching you is touching my eyeball.” One commentator notes regarding this verse: “The eye is one of the most intricate and delicate structures in the

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Index Highlights from the Book of Zechariah -WT Library References

human frame; and the pupil of the eye—the opening by which the light of heaven enters for the purposes of vision—the most sensitive, as well as important, part of that structure. Nothing can more finely convey the idea of the exquisitely tender care of Jehovah for the objects of his love.”

*** w97 8/1 p. 15 Let Your Brotherly Love Continue! *** Some translations imply here that the one touching God’s people is touching, not God’s, but Israel’s eye or even his own. This error came from some medieval scribes who, in their misguided efforts to emend passages they viewed as irreverent, changed this verse. They thereby obscured the intensity of Jehovah’s personal empathy.

*** w89 4/15 p. 30 Divine Warnings That Affect You *** “HE THAT is touching you is touching my eyeball.” (Zechariah 2:8) Those ominous words stand as a message of caution to everyone: Jehovah notices how nations treat his people. What happens, though, to a nation that flies in the face of such a divine warning and harmfully touches God’s people? The shortest book in the Hebrew Scriptures, Obadiah, answers. (Zechariah 2:11) “Many nations will join themselves to Jehovah in that day, and they will become my people; and I will reside in your midst.” And you will have to know that Jehovah of armies has sent me to you.

*** w10 3/15 pp. 27-28 One Flock, One Shepherd *** “They Will Actually Become My People” 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.

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*** jd chap. 11 p. 144 par. 10 Jehovah Wants People to Gain Life—Do You? *** Today, too, people from “many nations” are becoming “joined to Jehovah.” (Zechariah 2:11) These have the prospect of surviving the approaching end of this system of things.

*** jd chap. 13 p. 176 par. 18 “Proclaim This, You People, Among the Nations” *** Today, too, in many territories, people are responding to the urgent message about the day of Jehovah. We are seeing results such as those foretold by Zechariah: “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.” (Zechariah 2:11) At present, in a literal sense, God’s people are finding a response among “many nations.” (Revelation 7:9) Zechariah predicted: “Many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem and to soften the face of Jehovah.” They are described as “ten men out of all the languages of the nations” who would take hold of the skirt of a spiritual Israelite, saying: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”— Zechariah 8:20-23. (Zechariah 3:1) And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan was standing at his right hand to resist him.

*** w88 9/1 p. 11 par. 11 Unmasking the Serpent *** The prophet Zechariah, who wrote in the late sixth century B.C.E., had a vision of the high priest Joshua with “Satan standing at his right hand in order to resist him.

*** w88 9/1 p. 11 par. 12 Unmasking the Serpent *** 12 Thus, by the time of Zechariah, holy spirit was letting Satan’s role become clearer in the Scriptures. But another five centuries would pass before this evil creature would be totally exposed in the Word of God.

(Zechariah 3:2) Then the angel of Jehovah said to Satan: “May Jehovah rebuke you, O Satan, yes, may Jehovah, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this one a burning log snatched out of the fire?”

*** w88 9/1 p. 11 par. 11 Unmasking the Serpent *** Then the angel of Jehovah said to Satan: ‘Jehovah rebuke you, O Satan, yes, Jehovah rebuke you.’” (Zechariah 3:1, 2)

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(Zechariah 3:8) “‘Hear, please, O High Priest Joshua, you and your companions who sit before you, for these men serve as a sign; look! I am bringing in my servant Sprout!

*** it-2 pp. 50-51 Jeshua *** The prophet Zechariah was given a vision in which he beheld Joshua (Jeshua) the high priest standing before the angel of Jehovah, and Satan at his right hand to resist him. “Joshua” was given a change from befouled garments to robes of state and a clean turban. Then “Joshua” was told of God’s servant Sprout.—Zec 3:1-8. At another time Jehovah told Zechariah to put a crown on Joshua’s (Jeshua’s) head and to say to him: “Here is the man whose name is Sprout. . . . And he himself will build the temple of Jehovah, . . . and he must become a priest upon his throne.” This prophecy certainly applied to someone future for, under the Law, priesthood and kingship were strictly separate, and High Priest Joshua never ruled as king over Israel.—Zec 6:11-13.

*** it-2 pp. 806-807 Riddle *** The Bible itself contains riddles involving Jehovah’s purposes. (Ps 78:2-4) They are statements that may at first perplex the reader; they may be intentionally obscure, employing meaningful comparisons that were not meant to be understood by persons at the time they were first written. For example, in Zechariah 3:8 Jehovah refers prophetically to “my servant Sprout,” but he does not there explain that this one is a sprout, or an offspring, of the royal line of David and that actually such one is God’s own Son then in the heavens who would be born to a virgin descendant of King David. (Zechariah 3:10) “‘In that day,’ declares Jehovah of armies, ‘Each of you will invite your neighbor to come under your vine and under your fig tree.’”

*** it-1 p. 831 Fig *** Figurative and Prophetic Use. The fig and the vine are mentioned jointly in many texts, and Jesus’ words at Luke 13:6 show that fig trees were often planted in vineyards. (2Ki 18:31; Joe 2:22) The expression ‘sitting under one’s own vine and fig tree’ symbolized peaceful, prosperous, secure conditions.—1Ki 4:25; Mic 4:4; Zec 3:10. (Zechariah 4:2) Then he said to me: “What do you see?” So I said: “I see, and look! a lampstand entirely of gold, with a bowl on top of it. There are seven lamps on it, yes, seven, and the lamps, which are at the top of it, have seven pipes.

*** it-2 p. 198 Lampstand *** Figurative Use. The prophet Zechariah saw in vision an unusual golden lampstand. As with the lampstand prepared for the tabernacle, it had seven lamps, but these lamps had seven pipes, which scholars understand in a distributive sense to mean a pipe to each lamp. Also, on top of the lampstand there was a bowl. Apparently a continuous supply of oil was provided for the lamps through the pipes leading to them. The oil evidently came from the two olive trees the prophet saw alongside the lampstand.—Zec 4:2, 3, 12.

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(Zechariah 4:3) And next to it are two olive trees, one on the right of the bowl and one on the left.”

*** re chap. 25 p. 164 par. 10 Reviving the Two Witnesses *** These are symbolized by the two olive trees and the two lampstands and are standing before the Lord of the earth.”—Revelation 11:3, 4.

*** re chap. 25 p. 164 pars. 13-14 Reviving the Two Witnesses *** John calls them “the two olive trees and the two lampstands,” saying that they “are standing before the Lord of the earth.” This is an evident reference to the prophecy of Zechariah, who saw a seven-branched lampstand and two olive trees. The olive trees were said to picture “the two anointed ones,” that is, Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua, “standing alongside the Lord of the whole earth.”—Zechariah 4:1-3, 14. 14 Zechariah lived in a time of rebuilding, and his vision of the two olive trees meant that Zerubbabel and Joshua would be blessed with Jehovah’s spirit in strengthening the people for the work. (Zechariah 4:6) He then said to me: “This is the word of Jehovah to Ze·rubʹba·bel: ‘“Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,” says Jehovah of armies.

*** it-2 p. 1020 Spirit *** It is not Jehovah’s “power,” for this English word more correctly translates other terms in the original languages (Heb., koʹach; Gr., dyʹna·mis). Ruʹach and pneuʹma are used in close association or even in parallel with these terms signifying “power,” which shows that there is an inherent connection between them and yet a definite distinction. (Mic 3:8; Zec 4:6; Lu 1:17, 35; Ac 10:38) “Power” is basically the ability or capacity to act or do things and it can be latent, dormant, or inactively resident in someone or something. “Force,” on the other hand, more specifically describes energy projected and exerted on persons or things, and may be defined as “an influence that produces or tends to produce motion, or change of motion.” “Power” might be likened to the energy stored in a battery, while “force” could be compared to the electric current flowing from such battery. “Force,” then, more accurately represents the sense of the Hebrew and Greek terms as relating to God’s spirit, and this is borne out by a consideration of the Scriptures.

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*** w06 4/15 p. 23 “I Am With You People” *** Jehovah Helps by Means of His Spirit 16 Haggai’s fellow prophet, Zechariah, was moved to highlight the very means by which Jehovah motivated and blessed devoted ones back then. And this shows how he will bless you too. We read: “‘Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ Jehovah of armies has said.” (Zechariah 4:6) You may often have heard this verse quoted, but what meaning did it have for the Jews in the days of Haggai and Zechariah, and thus what is its import for you? 17 Recall that the inspired words of Haggai and Zechariah had a wonderful effect back at that time. What those two prophets said reinvigorated the faithful Jews. Haggai started to prophesy in the sixth month of 520 B.C.E. Zechariah began to prophesy in the eighth month of that year. (Zechariah 1:1) As you can see from Haggai 2:18, work on the foundation resumed in earnest in the ninth month. So the Jews were stirred to action, and they obeyed Jehovah with confidence in his support. The words at Zechariah 4:6 relate to God’s backing. 18 When the Jews returned to their homeland in 537 B.C.E., they had no military force. Nonetheless, Jehovah protected them and guided them on the trip from Babylon. And his spirit was directing matters when they started the work on the temple shortly thereafter. Once they began to work wholeheartedly again, he would back them by means of his holy spirit. 19 Through a series of eight visions, Zechariah was assured that Jehovah would be with his people, who would faithfully carry the temple work to a finish. The fourth vision, recorded in chapter 3, shows that Satan was active in resisting the efforts of the Jews to complete the building of the temple. (Zechariah 3:1) Satan would certainly not be pleased to see High Priest Joshua perform services in behalf of the people at a new temple. Although the Devil was active in hindering the Jews from building the temple, Jehovah’s spirit would play a major role in removing obstacles and energizing the Jews to move ahead until the temple was completed.

*** jv chap. 24 p. 547 By Human Power? Or by God’s Spirit? *** The Bible record concerning the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem in the sixth century B.C.E. reminds us that God’s own role in the accomplishment of his will should never be overlooked. Secular commentators may search for some other explanation for what takes place. However, when explaining how his purpose would be accomplished, God caused his prophet Zechariah to declare: “‘Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ Jehovah of armies has said.” (Zech. 4:6) Jehovah’s Witnesses do not hesitate to say that this is how the preaching of the Kingdom message is being accomplished today—not by resorting to military force, nor by reason of the personal power or influence of any prominent group of men, but as a result of the operation of Jehovah’s spirit.

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*** si p. 171 par. 23 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** When mountainlike opposition threatened the completion of the temple building, Zechariah declared: “This is the word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘“Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,” Jehovah of armies has said. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a level land.’” The temple was completed with the help of Jehovah’s spirit. Likewise today, obstacles will melt if tackled with faith in Jehovah. It is just as Jesus told his disciples: “If you have faith the size of a mustard grain, you will say to this mountain, ‘Transfer from here to there,’ and it will transfer, and nothing will be impossible for you.”—Zech. 4:6, 7; Matt. 17:20.

*** si p. 170 par. 12 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 12 Fifth vision: The lampstand and olive trees (4:1-14). The angel awakens Zechariah to see a gold lampstand of seven lamps, flanked by two olive trees. He hears this word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by military force, nor by power, but by God’s spirit.’ A “great mountain” will be leveled before Zerubbabel, and the temple headstone will be brought forth to the cry: “How charming! How charming!” Zerubbabel has laid the temple foundations, and Zerubbabel will finish the work. The seven lamps are Jehovah’s eyes that “are roving about in all the earth.” (4:6, 7, 10) The two olive trees are Jehovah’s two anointed ones. (Zechariah 4:7) Who are you, O great mountain? Before Ze·rubʹba·bel you will become a level land. And he will bring out the top stone amid shouts of: “How wonderful! How wonderful!”’”

*** it-1 p. 513 Cornerstone *** Another important cornerstone was “the head of the corner” (Ps 118:22), this expression apparently referring to the topmost and hence the crowning stone of a structure. By means of it the two walls meeting at the corner would be held together at the top so that they would not fall apart and the structure collapse. Joy and the praising of Jehovah marked the laying of the temple’s foundation in Zerubbabel’s day. (Ezr 3:10, 11) Also, it was foretold that when Zerubbabel would “bring forth the headstone” there would be shoutings to it of “How charming! How charming!” (Zec 4:6, 7)

*** it-2 p. 445 Mount, Mountain *** Obstacles. At times mountains represent obstacles. For example, the obstacles that stood in the way of Israel’s returning from Babylonian exile and those that later prevented progress in the temple rebuilding work were compared to mountains. (Isa 40:1-4; Zec 4:7) Faith can move similar mountainous obstacles and, if it be God’s will, even literal mountains.—Mt 17:20; 21:21; Mr 11:23; 1Co 13:2.

*** w06 4/15 pp. 23-24 par. 20 “I Am With You People” *** 20 It appeared as if there were an insurmountable obstacle of opposition, coming from government officials who had been able to get a ban placed on the work. Yet, Jehovah

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promised that this seeming “mountain” would be removed and become “level land.” (Zechariah 4:7) And that happened! King Darius I made an investigation and discovered Cyrus’ memorandum that authorized the Jews to rebuild the temple. So Darius rescinded the ban and authorized that money from the royal treasury be given to the Jews to help pay the expenses of the work. What an astounding reversal! Did God’s spirit play a role in this? We can be sure that it did. The temple was completed in 515 B.C.E., the sixth year of the reign of Darius I.—Ezra 6:1, 15.

*** w06 4/15 pp. 25-26 pars. 5-6 Let Your Hands Be Strong *** 5 We can be sure that the preaching and teaching done by Jehovah’s obedient servants in our time will continue with his backing. At Zechariah 4:7, we read: “He will certainly bring forth the headstone. There will be shoutings to it: ‘How charming! How charming!’” To what grand accomplishment in our time does this point? 6 Zechariah 4:7 is pointing to the time when true worship of the Sovereign Lord will be brought to its perfected state in the earthly courtyards of his spiritual temple. That temple is Jehovah’s arrangement for approaching him in worship on the basis of the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Granted, the great spiritual temple has existed since the first century C.E. Yet, true worship in its earthly courtyard will yet be perfected. Millions of worshippers now serve in the earthly courtyard of the spiritual temple. These and multitudes of resurrected ones will be brought to perfection during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ. At the end of the thousand years, only true worshippers of God will be left on the cleansed earth.

*** si p. 170 par. 12 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 12 Fifth vision: The lampstand and olive trees (4:1-14). The angel awakens Zechariah to see a gold lampstand of seven lamps, flanked by two olive trees. He hears this word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by military force, nor by power, but by God’s spirit.’ A “great mountain” will be leveled before Zerubbabel, and the temple headstone will be brought forth to the cry: “How charming! How charming!” Zerubbabel has laid the temple foundations, and Zerubbabel will finish the work. The seven lamps are Jehovah’s eyes that “are roving about in all the earth.” (4:6, 7, 10) The two olive trees are Jehovah’s two anointed ones. (Zechariah 4:10) For who has despised the day of small beginnings? For they will rejoice and see the plumb line in the hand of Ze·rubʹba·bel. These seven are the eyes of Jehovah, which are roving about in all the earth.”

*** it-2 pp. 649-650 Plummet *** PLUMMET A plumb line; a cord to the end of which was fastened a metal, stone, or clay weight that kept the line straight and made it possible to build walls and other structures that were straight and perpendicular to the horizon. The weight itself is sometimes called the plumb bob, or plummet. Carpenters, masons, and other craftsmen of ancient times used the plummet. In connection with the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel is represented as

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having in hand a plummet, literally, “the stone [or, weight], the tin,” according to the Masoretic text. (Zec 4:9, 10) As foretold, not only was the temple’s foundation laid by Zerubbabel but under his supervision the work was carried to completion.—Ezr 3:8-10; 6:14, 15.

*** jd chap. 7 pp. 85-86 par. 7 Serve Jehovah According to His High Standards *** In one vision to Zechariah, Jehovah described Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, as having “the plummet in [his] hand” when he placed the headstone that gave the temple its finishing touch. The temple was built in harmony with divine standards. (Zechariah 4:10) But consider this interesting detail concerning the completed temple: “These seven are the eyes of Jehovah. They are roving about in all the earth.” God saw Zerubbabel put the headstone in place, and with all-perceiving eyes, He saw that the rebuilt temple withstood His scrutiny, met His standards! The point is that even though Jehovah has high standards, humans can meet them. With encouragement from Haggai and Zechariah, Zerubbabel and his people had done so. Like Zerubbabel, you too can live up to God’s expectations. How reassuring it is to know that!

*** re chap. 25 p. 165 Reviving the Two Witnesses *** [Pictures on page 165] The rebuilding work by Zerubbabel and Joshua indicated that in the Lord’s day small beginnings would be followed by great increase among Jehovah’s Witnesses. Facilities such as the ones shown above, which are in Brooklyn, New York, have had to be greatly expanded in order to help meet their needs

*** re chap. 25 p. 164 par. 14 Reviving the Two Witnesses *** 14 Zechariah lived in a time of rebuilding, and his vision of the two olive trees meant that Zerubbabel and Joshua would be blessed with Jehovah’s spirit in strengthening the people for the work. The vision of the lampstand reminded Zechariah not to ‘despise the day of small things’ because Jehovah’s purposes would be carried out—“‘not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ Jehovah of armies has said.” (Zechariah 4:6, 10; 8:9) The small band of Christians persistently carrying the light of truth to mankind during the first world war would similarly be used in a rebuilding work. They too would be a source of encouragement and, few as they were, would learn to rely on Jehovah’s strength, not despising the day of small beginnings. (Zechariah 4:12) I asked him a second time: “What is the meaning of the two bunches of twigs of the olive trees that are pouring out the golden liquid through the two golden tubes?”

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oil was provided for the lamps through the pipes leading to them. The oil evidently came from the two olive trees the prophet saw alongside the lampstand.—Zec 4:2, 3, 12. (Zechariah 4:14) He said: “These are the two anointed ones who are standing alongside the Lord of the whole earth.”

*** re chap. 25 p. 164 pars. 13-14 Reviving the Two Witnesses *** John calls them “the two olive trees and the two lampstands,” saying that they “are standing before the Lord of the earth.” This is an evident reference to the prophecy of Zechariah, who saw a seven-branched lampstand and two olive trees. The olive trees were said to picture “the two anointed ones,” that is, Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua, “standing alongside the Lord of the whole earth.”—Zechariah 4:1-3, 14. 14 Zechariah lived in a time of rebuilding, and his vision of the two olive trees meant that Zerubbabel and Joshua would be blessed with Jehovah’s spirit in strengthening the people for the work. (Zechariah 5:3) Then he said to me: “This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the earth, because everyone who steals, as written on its one side, has gone unpunished; and everyone who makes a sworn oath, as written on its other side, has gone unpunished.

*** 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) (Zechariah 5:9) Then I looked up and saw two women coming forward, and they were soaring in the wind. They had wings like the wings of a stork. And they lifted up the container between the earth and heaven.

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*** it-2 p. 1039 Stork *** The two women seen in Zechariah’s vision (Zec 5:6-11) carrying an ephah measure containing the woman called “Wickedness” are described as having “wings like the wings of the stork.” The reference to the ‘wind in their wings’ (vs 9) harmonizes also with the rushing sound produced by the air passing through the stork’s pinions. The primary feathers are fingered out in flight so that slots are formed at the ends of the wings, thereby controlling the airflow over the top of the wings and improving their lifting power. (Zechariah 6:1) Then I looked up again and saw four chariots coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were of copper.

*** w89 6/15 p. 30 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** Zechariah next sees four horse-drawn chariots—angelic spirit forces commissioned to protect God’s servants on earth.—5:1–6:8. (Zechariah 6:10) “Take from Helʹdai, To·biʹjah, and Je·daʹiah what they brought from the people in exile; and on that day, you must go to the house of Jo·siʹah the son of Zeph·a·niʹah along with these who have come from Babylon.

*** it-1 pp. 1087-1088 Hen, I *** HEN, I [Favor; Grace]. Son of a certain Zephaniah (not the prophet); one who returned from exile in Babylon. He is mentioned in connection with the grand crown that was to be placed on the head of Joshua the high priest and that would afterward come to belong to Hen and three others as a memorial in the temple of Jehovah.—Zec 6:11, 14. Likely Hen is to be identified with the Josiah mentioned in Zechariah 6:10. The name Hen has been variously regarded as (1) a proper name, (2) an abbreviation or corruption of the name Josiah, and (3) a common noun. In the Syriac Peshitta the name Josiah appears in both Zechariah 6:10 and 6:14, as it does in various modern translations. (Mo, La, AT) While “to Hen the son of Zephaniah” is found in the main text of Zechariah 6:14 in the American Standard Version, an alternate reading is given in a footnote, which says: “Or, for the kindness of the son [of Zephaniah].” The rendering “Hen,” as found in the New World Translation and others, is based on the Masoretic text. (Zechariah 6:11) You should take silver and gold and make a crown and put it on the head of Joshua son of Je·hozʹa·dak, the high priest.

*** w07 12/1 p. 10 par. 2 Highlights From the Books of Haggai and Zechariah *** 6:11-13—Did the crowning of High Priest Joshua make him a king-priest? No, Joshua was not from the royal line of David. His crowning, though, made him a prophetic type of the Messiah. (Hebrews 6:20) The prophecy concerning “Sprout” has its fulfillment in the heavenly King-Priest Jesus Christ. (Jeremiah 23:5) As Joshua served the returned Jews as high priest at the rebuilt temple, so Jesus is the High Priest for true worship at Jehovah’s spiritual temple.

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*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** 6:11-15—The crowning of High Priest Joshua did not make him a priest-king, for he was not in David’s kingly line. Rather, it made Joshua a prophetic figure of the Messiah, in whom the prophecy concerning “Sprout” is fully realized. (Zechariah 3:8; Jeremiah 23:5) Joshua helped to bring to completion the work of rebuilding the temple at Jerusalem. The heavenly Priest-King, Jesus Christ, brings work on the spiritual temple to a completion. (Zechariah 6:12) And say to him, “‘This is what Jehovah of armies says: “Here is the man whose name is Sprout. He will sprout from his own place, and he will build the temple of Jehovah.

*** it-1 p. 362 Branch, Sprout *** At Zechariah 6:12, 13, “the man whose name is Sprout” is described as building the temple of Jehovah and sitting as a priest upon his throne. This can apply to none other than Jesus Christ, since he alone could fill the office of King and Priest under God’s arrangement.

*** it-2 pp. 50-51 Jeshua *** At another time Jehovah told Zechariah to put a crown on Joshua’s (Jeshua’s) head and to say to him: “Here is the man whose name is Sprout. . . . And he himself will build the temple of Jehovah, . . . and he must become a priest upon his throne.” This prophecy certainly applied to someone future for, under the Law, priesthood and kingship were strictly separate, and High Priest Joshua never ruled as king over Israel.—Zec 6:11-13.

*** w06 4/15 p. 26 par. 7 Let Your Hands Be Strong *** 7 Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua were on hand to witness the temple’s completion in 515 B.C.E. Zechariah 6:12, 13 foretold Jesus’ comparable role in bringing true worship to its perfected state: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said: ‘Here is the man whose name is Sprout. And from his own place he will sprout, and he will certainly build the temple of Jehovah. And . . . he, for his part, will carry the dignity; and he must sit down and rule on his throne, and he must become a priest upon his throne.’” In view of the fact that Jesus, who is in heaven and causes the Davidic line of kings to sprout, is backing the Kingdom work at the spiritual temple, do you think that anyone can hinder its progress? Not at all! Should this not encourage us to move ahead in our ministry, not getting sidetracked by everyday concerns?

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*** si p. 172 par. 25 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** The prophecy also names the “Sprout” as the builder of the temple of Jehovah. A comparison of Isaiah 11:1-10; Jeremiah 23:5; and Luke 1:32, 33 shows this one to be Jesus Christ, who “will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever.” Zechariah describes the “Sprout” as “a priest upon his throne,” which ties in with the apostle Paul’s words: “Jesus . . . has become a high priest according to the manner of Melchizedek forever,” also, “He has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” (Zech. 6:12, 13; Heb. 6:20; 8:1) Thus the prophecy points to the “Sprout” as High Priest and King at God’s right hand in the heavens, while at the same time it proclaims Jehovah as Sovereign Ruler over all: “And Jehovah must become king over all the earth. In that day Jehovah will prove to be one, and his name one.”—Zech. 14:9.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** 6:11-15—The crowning of High Priest Joshua did not make him a priest-king, for he was not in David’s kingly line. Rather, it made Joshua a prophetic figure of the Messiah, in whom the prophecy concerning “Sprout” is fully realized. (Zechariah 3:8; Jeremiah 23:5) Joshua helped to bring to completion the work of rebuilding the temple at Jerusalem. The heavenly Priest-King, Jesus Christ, brings work on the spiritual temple to a completion. (Zechariah 6:13) He is the one who will build the temple of Jehovah, and he is the one who will assume the majesty. He will sit down on his throne and rule, and he will also be a priest on his throne, and there will be a peaceable agreement between the two.

*** it-2 p. 1098 Throne *** In harmony with Jehovah’s prophecy through Zechariah that the man named “Sprout,” the builder of the future temple for Jehovah, “must become a priest upon his throne,” Paul records concerning Jesus: “We have such a high priest as [Melchizedek, a king-priest], and he has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” (Zec 6:11-13; Heb 8:1) In addition to Christ Jesus, John saw the whole spiritual house or sanctuary of God, the faithful Christian congregation, enthroned as king-priests to rule for

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a thousand years.—Re 20:4, 6; 1Pe 2:5.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** 6:11-15—The crowning of High Priest Joshua did not make him a priest-king, for he was not in David’s kingly line. Rather, it made Joshua a prophetic figure of the Messiah, in whom the prophecy concerning “Sprout” is fully realized. (Zechariah 3:8; Jeremiah 23:5) Joshua helped to bring to completion the work of rebuilding the temple at Jerusalem. The heavenly Priest-King, Jesus Christ, brings work on the spiritual temple to a completion. (Zechariah 6:14) And the crown will serve as a memorial for Heʹlem, To·biʹjah, Je·daʹiah, and Hen the son of Zeph·a·niʹah, in the temple of Jehovah.

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*** it-1 p. 553 Crown *** The expression “grand crown” at Zechariah 6:14 is, literally, “crowns” in Hebrew, but it is accompanied by a verb in the singular number. Hence, it appears to be in the plural number of excellence or grandeur.

*** it-1 pp. 1087-1088 Hen, I *** HEN, I [Favor; Grace]. Son of a certain Zephaniah (not the prophet); one who returned from exile in Babylon. He is mentioned in connection with the grand crown that was to be placed on the head of Joshua the high priest and that would afterward come to belong to Hen and three others as a memorial in the temple of Jehovah.—Zec 6:11, 14. Likely Hen is to be identified with the Josiah mentioned in Zechariah 6:10. The name Hen has been variously regarded as (1) a proper name, (2) an abbreviation or corruption of the name Josiah, and (3) a common noun. In the Syriac Peshitta the name Josiah appears in both Zechariah 6:10 and 6:14, as it does in various modern translations. (Mo, La, AT) While “to Hen the son of Zephaniah” is found in the main text of Zechariah 6:14 in the American Standard Version, an alternate reading is given in a footnote, which says: “Or, for the kindness of the son [of Zephaniah].” The rendering “Hen,” as found in the New World Translation and others, is based on the Masoretic text. (Zechariah 7:1) And in the fourth year of King Da·riʹus, the word of Jehovah came to Zech·a·riʹah on the fourth day of the ninth month, that is, the month of Chisʹlev.

*** nwt p. 1695 Glossary of Bible Terms *** Chislev. After the Jews’ return from Babylon, the name of the ninth month of the Jewish sacred calendar and the third month of the secular calendar. It ran from mid-November to mid-December. (Ne 1:1; Zec 7:1)—See App. B15.

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*** nwt p. 1796 B15 Hebrew Calendar *** CHISLEV November—December 25 Festival of Dedication Rain increases, frost, mountain snows Flocks wintered

*** si p. 169 par. 3 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** The book also makes a reference to “the fourth day of the ninth month, that is, Chislev,” in “the fourth year of Darius” (about December 1, 518 B.C.E.). (7:1) (Zechariah 7:3) saying to the priests of the house of Jehovah of armies and to the prophets: “Should I weep in the fifth month and abstain from food, as I have done for so many years?”

*** it-1 p. 12 Ab *** During the following 70-year Babylonian exile, this fifth month was a time of fastings and wailings by the Jews in memory of the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. (Zec 7:3, 5; 8:19)

*** it-1 p. 812 Fast *** When certain Jews asked: “Shall I weep in the fifth month, practicing an abstinence, the way I have done these O how many years?” by means of Zechariah, Jehovah answered: “When you fasted . . . for seventy years, did you really fast to me, even me?” God showed that a real fast to him would have been accompanied by obedience and that what he required was truthfulness, judgment, peace, and a sincere heart. Then, instead of fasting mournfully and looking back into the past, they would be able to exult and rejoice in festal seasons with the blessings of restoration of true worship and ingathering of others to Jehovah’s service.—Zec 7:3-7; 8:16, 19, 23. (Zechariah 7:5) “Say to all the people of the land and to the priests, ‘When you fasted and wailed in the fifth month and in the seventh month for 70 years, did you really fast for me?

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required was truthfulness, judgment, peace, and a sincere heart. Then, instead of fasting mournfully and looking back into the past, they would be able to exult and rejoice in festal seasons with the blessings of restoration of true worship and ingathering of others to Jehovah’s service.—Zec 7:3-7; 8:16, 19, 23.

*** w96 11/15 p. 5 Does God Require Fasting? *** Some fasts established by the Jews met with God’s disapproval right from the outset. For example, at one time the people of Judah had four annual fasts to commemorate the calamitous events associated with Jerusalem’s siege and desolation in the seventh century B.C.E. (2 Kings 25:1-4, 8, 9, 22-26; Zechariah 8:19) After the Jews were released from captivity in Babylon, Jehovah said through the prophet Zechariah: “When you fasted . . . , and this for seventy years, did you really fast to me, even me?” God did not approve of these fasts because the Jews were fasting and mourning over judgments that had come from Jehovah himself. They were fasting because of the calamity that befell them, not because of their own wrongdoing that led to it. After they were restored to their homeland, it was time for them to rejoice instead of bemoaning the past.—Zechariah 7:5. (Zechariah 7:6) And when you would eat and drink, were you not eating for yourselves and drinking for yourselves?

*** it-1 p. 812 Fast *** When certain Jews asked: “Shall I weep in the fifth month, practicing an abstinence, the way I have done these O how many years?” by means of Zechariah, Jehovah answered: “When you fasted . . . for seventy years, did you really fast to me, even me?” God showed that a real fast to him would have been accompanied by obedience and that what he required was truthfulness, judgment, peace, and a sincere heart. Then, instead of fasting mournfully and looking back into the past, they would be able to exult and rejoice in festal seasons with the blessings of restoration of true worship and ingathering of others to Jehovah’s service.—Zec 7:3-7; 8:16, 19, 23. (Zechariah 7:7) Should you not obey the words that Jehovah proclaimed through the former prophets, while Jerusalem and her surrounding cities were inhabited and at peace, and while the Negʹeb and the She·pheʹlah were inhabited?’”

*** it-1 p. 812 Fast *** When certain Jews asked: “Shall I weep in the fifth month, practicing an abstinence, the way I have done these O how many years?” by means of Zechariah, Jehovah answered: “When you fasted . . . for seventy years, did you really fast to me, even me?” God showed that a real fast to him would have been accompanied by obedience and that what he required was truthfulness, judgment, peace, and a sincere heart. Then, instead of fasting mournfully and looking back into the past, they would be able to exult and rejoice in festal seasons with the blessings of restoration of true worship and ingathering of others to Jehovah’s service.—Zec 7:3-7; 8:16, 19, 23. (Zechariah 7:10) Do not defraud the widow or the fatherless child, the foreigner or the poor; and do not scheme evil against one another in your hearts.’

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*** jd chap. 9 pp. 113-114 pars. 6-7 Dealing With Others as God Desires *** 6 Jehovah had Zechariah mention His desire that we “scheme out nothing bad against one another in [our] hearts.” (Zechariah 7:9, 10; 8:17) This advice is pertinent when we feel that a brother has hurt us or wronged someone in our family. In such cases, it is easy to ‘scheme out bad in our hearts’ and then to reflect that in our deeds. On the other hand, God wants us to imitate his positive example. Recall that Micah wrote that Jehovah is “pardoning error and passing over transgression.” (Micah 7:18) How can we apply that in practical ways? 7 We may feel hurt over what was done to us or to our relative, but really, how serious is it? The Bible outlines steps for settling differences, even a sin against a brother. Still, it is often best just to overlook the error or the offense, to ‘pass over transgression.’ Ask yourself: ‘Might this be one of the 77 times that I should forgive him? Why not simply forget it?’ (Matthew 18:15-17, 21, 22) Even if the offense seems significant now, will it be so a thousand years from now? Draw a basic lesson from the comment at Ecclesiastes 5:20 about a worker’s enjoying food and drink: “Not often will he remember the days of his life, because the true God is preoccupying him with the rejoicing of his heart.” As that man happily focuses on his current pleasure, he tends to forget the problems of his daily life. Can we imitate that attitude? If we focus on the joys of our Christian brotherhood, we may be able to forget issues that are not lastingly important, ones that we will not recall in the new world. That is quite different from rejoicing over another’s difficulty or remembering offenses. (Zechariah 8:2) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘I will be zealous for Zion with a great zeal, and with great wrath I will be zealous for her.’”

*** nwt pp. 1719-1720 A1 Principles of Bible Translation *** However, the same Hebrew word also has a positive connotation. For example, it may be used of the “zeal,” or protective ardor, that Jehovah shows for his servants or of his “requiring exclusive devotion.” (Exodus 34:14; 2 Kings 19:31; Ezekiel 5:13; Zechariah 8:2)

*** w96 1/1 p. 10 Jehovah Gives Peace and Truth in Abundance *** “I Will Be Jealous for Zion” 6 The expression occurs first at Zechariah 8:2, where we read: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘I will be jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and with great rage I will be jealous for her.’” Jehovah’s promise to be jealous, to have great zeal, for his people meant that he would be vigilant in restoring their peace. The restoration of Israel to her land and the rebuilding of the temple were evidence of that zeal. 7 What, though, of those who had opposed Jehovah’s people? His zeal for his people would be equaled by his “great rage” upon these enemies. When faithful Jews worshiped at the rebuilt temple, they would be able to reflect on the fate of mighty Babylon, now fallen. They could also think of the utter failure of the enemies who had tried to prevent the rebuilding of the temple. (Ezra 4:1-6; 6:3) And they could thank Jehovah that he had fulfilled his promise. His zeal brought them a triumph!

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*** w96 1/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 9-13 Jehovah Gives Peace and Truth in Abundance *** 9 While these two pronouncements were meaningful to ancient Israel, they also have much meaning for us as the 20th century draws to a close. Almost 80 years ago, during the first world war, the few thousand anointed ones who then represented “the Israel of God” went into spiritual captivity, just as ancient Israel had gone into captivity in Babylon. (Galatians 6:16) Prophetically, they were described as corpses lying in the street. Still, they had a sincere desire to worship Jehovah “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) Hence, in 1919, Jehovah turned back their captivity, raising them from their spiritually dead condition. (Revelation 11:7-13) Jehovah thus answered with a resounding Yes Isaiah’s prophetic question: “Will a land be brought forth with labor pains in one day? Or will a nation be born at one time?” (Isaiah 66:8) In 1919, Jehovah’s people once again existed as a spiritual nation in their own “land,” or spiritual estate on earth. 10 Safe in that land, anointed Christians served in Jehovah’s great spiritual temple. They were designated as “the faithful and discreet slave,” accepting the responsibility of caring for Jesus’ earthly belongings, a privilege that they still enjoy as the 20th century nears its conclusion. (Matthew 24:45-47) They learned well the lesson that Jehovah is “the very God of peace.”—1 Thessalonians 5:23. 11 What, though, of the enemies of the Israel of God? Jehovah’s zeal for his people is matched by his rage against the opposers. During the first world war, the religious leaders of Christendom brought enormous pressure to bear as they tried—and failed—to stamp out this small group of truth-speaking Christians. During the second world war, Christendom’s ministers were united in only one thing: On both sides of the conflict, they urged governments to suppress Jehovah’s Witnesses. Even today, in many lands religious leaders are inciting governments to restrict or ban the Christian preaching work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 12 This has not gone unnoticed by Jehovah. After the first world war, Christendom, along with the rest of Babylon the Great, experienced a fall. (Revelation 14:8) The reality of Christendom’s fall became public knowledge when, starting in 1922, a series of symbolic plagues were poured out, publicly exposing her spiritually dead condition and warning of her coming destruction. (Revelation 8:7–9:21) As evidence that the pouring out of these plagues continues, the talk “False Religion’s End Is Near” was delivered worldwide on April 23, 1995, followed by the distribution of hundreds of millions of copies of a special issue of Kingdom News. 13 Today, Christendom is in a pitiable state. Throughout the 20th century, her members have killed one another in vicious wars blessed by her priests and ministers. In some lands her influence is virtually nil. She is destined for destruction along with the rest of Babylon the Great.—Revelation 18:21. (Zechariah 8:3) “This is what Jehovah says, ‘I will return to Zion and reside in Jerusalem; and Jerusalem will be called the city of truth, and the mountain of Jehovah of armies, the holy mountain.’”

*** w07 12/1 p. 10 par. 4 Highlights From the Books of Haggai and Zechariah *** 8:3—Why is Jerusalem called “the city of trueness”? Before its destruction in 607 B.C.E., Jerusalem was “the oppressive city,” populated by corrupt prophets and priests and unfaithful people. (Zephaniah 3:1; Jeremiah 6:13; 7:29-34) With the temple rebuilt and the people committed to worshipping Jehovah, however, the truths of pure

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worship were to be spoken there, and Jerusalem was to be called “the city of trueness.”

*** w96 1/1 p. 10 pars. 8-10 Jehovah Gives Peace and Truth in Abundance *** 8 A second time Zechariah writes: “This is what Jehovah has said.” What are Jehovah’s words on this occasion? “I will return to Zion and reside in the midst of Jerusalem; and Jerusalem will certainly be called the city of trueness, and the mountain of Jehovah of armies, the holy mountain.” (Zechariah 8:3) Before 607 B.C.E., Jerusalem was in no way a city of trueness. Her priests and prophets were corrupt, and her people were unfaithful. (Jeremiah 6:13; 7:29-34; 13:23-27) Now God’s people were rebuilding the temple, showing their commitment to pure worship. In spirit Jehovah dwelt once again in Jerusalem. The truths of pure worship were again spoken in her, so Jerusalem could be called “the city of trueness.” Her lofty location could be called “the mountain of Jehovah.” 9 While these two pronouncements were meaningful to ancient Israel, they also have much meaning for us as the 20th century draws to a close. Almost 80 years ago, during the first world war, the few thousand anointed ones who then represented “the Israel of God” went into spiritual captivity, just as ancient Israel had gone into captivity in Babylon. (Galatians 6:16) Prophetically, they were described as corpses lying in the street. Still, they had a sincere desire to worship Jehovah “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) Hence, in 1919, Jehovah turned back their captivity, raising them from their spiritually dead condition. (Revelation 11:7-13) Jehovah thus answered with a resounding Yes Isaiah’s prophetic question: “Will a land be brought forth with labor pains in one day? Or will a nation be born at one time?” (Isaiah 66:8) In 1919, Jehovah’s people once again existed as a spiritual nation in their own “land,” or spiritual estate on earth. 10 Safe in that land, anointed Christians served in Jehovah’s great spiritual temple. They were designated as “the faithful and discreet slave,” accepting the responsibility of caring for Jesus’ earthly belongings, a privilege that they still enjoy as the 20th century nears its conclusion. (Matthew 24:45-47) They learned well the lesson that Jehovah is “the very God of peace.”—1 Thessalonians 5:23. (Zechariah 8:4) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘Old men and women will again sit in the public squares of Jerusalem, each with his staff in his hand because of his great age.

*** w96 1/1 pp. 11-16 Jehovah Gives Peace and Truth in Abundance *** Peace for Jehovah’s People 14 On the other hand, in this year 1996, Jehovah’s people enjoy abundant peace in their restored land, as described in Jehovah’s third pronouncement: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘There will yet sit old men and old women in the public squares of Jerusalem, each one also with his staff in his hand because of the abundance of his days. And the public squares of the city themselves will be filled with boys and girls playing in her public squares.’”—Zechariah 8:4, 5. 15 This delightful word picture portrays something remarkable in this war-torn world—a people at peace. Since 1919, Isaiah’s prophetic words have been fulfilled: “‘Continuous peace there will be to the one that is far away and to the one that is near,’ Jehovah has said, ‘and I will heal him. But . . . there is no peace,’ my God has said, ‘for the wicked ones.’” (Isaiah 57:19-21) Of course, Jehovah’s people, while no part of the world, cannot

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avoid being affected by the tumult of the nations. (John 17:15, 16) In some lands, they endure severe difficulties, and a few have even been killed. Yet, real Christians have peace in two principal ways. First, they have “peace with God through [their] Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) Second, they have peace among themselves. They cultivate “the wisdom from above,” which is “first of all chaste, then peaceable.” (James 3:17; Galatians 5:22-24) Moreover, they look forward to enjoying peace in the most complete sense when “the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:11. 16 There are still “old men and old women” among Jehovah’s people, anointed ones who remember the early triumphs of Jehovah’s organization. Their faithfulness and endurance are greatly appreciated. Younger anointed ones took the lead during the fiery days of the 1930’s and World War II, as well as in the exciting years of growth that followed. Further, especially since 1935, the “great crowd” of “other sheep” has manifested itself. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) As anointed Christians have grown older and become fewer, the other sheep have taken up the preaching work and have extended it throughout the earth. In recent years other sheep have been flooding into the land of God’s people. Why, last year alone, 338,491 of them were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah! Such new ones are very young indeed, spiritually speaking. Their freshness and enthusiasm are treasured as they swell the ranks of those who sing grateful praises “to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.”—Revelation 7:10. (Zechariah 8:5) And the public squares of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.’”

*** w96 1/1 p. 11 Jehovah Gives Peace and Truth in Abundance *** Peace for Jehovah’s People 14 On the other hand, in this year 1996, Jehovah’s people enjoy abundant peace in their restored land, as described in Jehovah’s third pronouncement: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘There will yet sit old men and old women in the public squares of Jerusalem, each one also with his staff in his hand because of the abundance of his days. And the public squares of the city themselves will be filled with boys and girls playing in her public squares.’”—Zechariah 8:4, 5. 15 This delightful word picture portrays something remarkable in this war-torn world—a people at peace. Since 1919, Isaiah’s prophetic words have been fulfilled: “‘Continuous peace there will be to the one that is far away and to the one that is near,’ Jehovah has said, ‘and I will heal him. But . . . there is no peace,’ my God has said, ‘for the wicked ones.’” (Isaiah 57:19-21) Of course, Jehovah’s people, while no part of the world, cannot avoid being affected by the tumult of the nations. (John 17:15, 16) In some lands, they endure severe difficulties, and a few have even been killed. Yet, real Christians have peace in two principal ways. First, they have “peace with God through [their] Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) Second, they have peace among themselves. They cultivate “the wisdom from above,” which is “first of all chaste, then peaceable.” (James 3:17; Galatians 5:22-24) Moreover, they look forward to enjoying peace in the most complete sense when “the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:11.

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*** w96 1/1 p. 16 par. 17 Jehovah Gives Peace and Truth in Abundance *** 17 Today, ‘the public squares are filled with boys and girls,’ Witnesses with youthlike vigor. In the 1995 service year, reports were received from 232 lands and islands of the sea. But there is no international rivalry, no intertribal hatred, no inappropriate jealousy, between anointed and other sheep. All grow together spiritually, united in love. The worldwide brotherhood of Jehovah’s Witnesses is truly unique on the world scene.—Colossians 3:14; 1 Peter 2:17. (Zechariah 8:6) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘Although it may seem too difficult to the remaining ones of this people in those days, should it seem too difficult also to me?’ declares Jehovah of armies.”

*** w96 1/1 p. 16 Jehovah Gives Peace and Truth in Abundance *** Too Difficult for Jehovah? 18 Back in 1918 when the anointed remnant consisted of just a few thousand discouraged souls in spiritual captivity, no one could have foreseen the course that events would take. Nevertheless, Jehovah knew—as borne out by his fourth prophetic pronouncement: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Although it should seem too difficult in the eyes of the remaining ones of this people in those days, should it seem too difficult also in my eyes?’ is the utterance of Jehovah of armies.”—Zechariah 8:6. 19 In 1919, Jehovah’s spirit revived his people for the work ahead. Still, it took faith to hold fast to the small organization of Jehovah’s worshipers. They were so few, and many things were not clear. However, little by little Jehovah strengthened them organizationally and equipped them to do the Christian work of preaching the good news and making disciples. (Isaiah 60:17, 19; Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) Gradually, he helped them to discern such vital issues as neutrality and universal sovereignty. Was it too difficult for Jehovah to accomplish his will by means of that small group of Witnesses? The answer is certainly no! This is borne out on pages 12 to 15 of this magazine, which set forth the chart of activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses for the 1995 service year. (Zechariah 8:7) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘Here I am saving my people from the lands of the east and the west.

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this end, literature has been published in over 300 languages. Last year alone, 21 additional languages were added. The Watchtower magazine is now published simultaneously in 111 languages, and Awake! in 54. National and international conventions provide a public demonstration of the peace of God’s people. Weekly meetings unite us and give us the encouragement we need to stay firm. (Hebrews 10:23-25) Yes, Jehovah is educating his people “in trueness and in righteousness.” He is giving his people peace. How blessed we are to share in that abundant peace! (Zechariah 8:8) And I will bring them in, and they will reside in Jerusalem; and they will become my people, and I will become their God in truth and in righteousness.’”

*** w96 1/1 p. 17 Jehovah Gives Peace and Truth in Abundance *** “I Myself Shall Become Their God” 20 The fifth pronouncement shows further the happy condition of Jehovah’s Witnesses today: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Here I am saving my people from the land of the sunrise and from the land of the setting of the sun. And I shall certainly bring them in, and they must reside in the midst of Jerusalem; and they must become my people, and I myself shall become their God in trueness and in righteousness.’”— Zechariah 8:7, 8. 21 In 1996 we can say without hesitation that the good news has been preached around the world, from “the land of the sunrise” to “the land of the setting of the sun.” Disciples have been made of people of all nations, and they have seen the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promise: “All your sons will be persons taught by Jehovah, and the peace of your sons will be abundant.” (Isaiah 54:13) We have peace because we are educated by Jehovah. To this end, literature has been published in over 300 languages. Last year alone, 21 additional languages were added. The Watchtower magazine is now published simultaneously in 111 languages, and Awake! in 54. National and international conventions provide a public demonstration of the peace of God’s people. Weekly meetings unite us and give us the encouragement we need to stay firm. (Hebrews 10:23-25) Yes, Jehovah is educating his people “in trueness and in righteousness.” He is giving his people peace. How blessed we are to share in that abundant peace! (Zechariah 8:9) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words from the mouth of the prophets, the same words that were spoken on the day the foundation of the house of Jehovah of armies was laid for the temple to be built.

*** w96 1/1 pp. 18-19 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** ‘Let Your Hands Be Strong’ 4 For the sixth time in Zechariah chapter 8, we hear a thrilling pronouncement from Jehovah: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Let the hands of you people be strong, you who are hearing in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets, on the day on which the foundation of the house of Jehovah of armies was laid, for the temple to be built.

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*** w96 1/1 p. 19 par. 6 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** 6 Now that the temple was being rebuilt, Zechariah encouraged the Jews to “be strong,” courageously to put Jehovah’s worship first.

*** w96 1/1 p. 19 par. 5 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** 5 Zechariah spoke these words while the temple was being rebuilt in Jerusalem. Previously, the Israelites who had returned from Babylon became discouraged and ceased the work of temple building. (Zechariah 8:10) For before that time, there were no wages being paid either for man or for beast; and it was not safe to come and go because of the adversary, for I turned all men one against another.’

*** w96 1/1 p. 19 par. 5 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** Because they turned their attention to their own comfort, they had no blessing and no peace from Jehovah. Even though they cultivated their lands and cared for their vineyards, they did not prosper. (Haggai 1:3-6) It was as if they were working for “no wages.”

*** w96 1/1 p. 19 par. 4 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** For before those days there were no wages for mankind made to exist; and as for the wages of domestic animals, there was no such thing; and to the one going out and to the one coming in there was no peace because of the adversary, as I kept thrusting all mankind against one another.’”—Zechariah 8:9, 10. (Zechariah 8:12) ‘For the seed of peace will be sown; the vine will produce its fruit and the earth its yield, and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remaining ones of this people to inherit all these things.

*** w06 4/15 p. 27 pars. 9-10 Let Your Hands Be Strong *** Now consider the blessings found in God’s promise: “There will be the seed of peace; the vine itself will give its fruitage, and the earth itself will give its yield, and the heavens themselves will give their dew; and I shall certainly cause the remaining ones of this people to inherit all these things.”—Zechariah 8:9-13. 10 Just as Jehovah blessed those Jews spiritually and materially, so he will bless us as we diligently, and with a happy heart, do the work he has assigned to us. These blessings include peace among ourselves, security, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Yet, you can be certain that God’s continued blessing depends on our doing the work at the spiritual temple in the way that Jehovah wants it done.

*** w96 1/1 p. 19 par. 6 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** ‘For there will be the seed of peace; the vine itself will give its fruitage, and the earth itself will give its yield, and the heavens themselves will give their dew; and I shall certainly cause the remaining ones of this people to inherit all these things.

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*** w96 1/1 pp. 19-20 pars. 7-8 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** 7 What of today? Well, in the years before 1919, Jehovah’s people were somewhat lacking in zeal. They did not take a fully neutral stand in the first world war, and they had the tendency to follow a man rather than their King, Jesus Christ. As a result, some were discouraged by opposition from inside and outside the organization. Then, in 1919, with Jehovah’s help they let their hands be strong. (Zechariah 4:6) Jehovah gave them peace, and they prospered mightily. This is seen in their record of the last 75 years, culminating in the 1995 service year. As a people, Jehovah’s Witnesses shun nationalism, tribalism, prejudice, and all other sources of hatred. (1 John 3:14-18) They serve Jehovah with genuine zeal in his spiritual temple. (Hebrews 13:15; Revelation 7:15) Last year alone, they spent over a billion hours talking to others about their heavenly Father! Each month, they conducted 4,865,060 Bible studies. An average of 663,521 shared in pioneer service each month. When ministers in Christendom want to give an example of a people who are truly enthusiastic in their worship, they sometimes point to Jehovah’s Witnesses. 8 Because of their zeal, Jehovah gives his people “the seed of peace.” Each individual who cultivates that seed will see peace grow in his heart and in his life. Every believing Christian who pursues peace with Jehovah and with fellow Christians shares in the truth and peace of Jehovah’s name people. (1 Peter 3:11; compare James 3:18.) Is that not wonderful?

*** w96 1/1 p. 19 par. 6 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** (Zechariah 8:11-13) If Israel would act with determination, she would prosper. (Zechariah 8:13) And just as you became an object of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will become a blessing. Do not be afraid! Let your hands be strong.’

*** w96 1/1 p. 19 par. 6 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** And it must occur that just as you became a malediction among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I shall save you, and you must become a blessing. Do not be afraid. May your hands be strong.’” (Zechariah 8:11-13)

*** w96 1/1 p. 19 par. 6 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** Earlier, when the nations wished to cite an example of malediction, they could point to Israel. Now Israel would be an example of a blessing. What an excellent reason to ‘let their hands be strong’! (Zechariah 8:14) “For this is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘“Just as I had determined to bring calamity on you because your forefathers made me indignant,” says Jehovah of armies, “and I felt no regret,

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*** w96 1/1 p. 20 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** “Do Not Be Afraid” 9 Now we read a seventh pronouncement from Jehovah. What is it? “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Just as I had in mind to do what was calamitous to you people because of your forefathers’ making me indignant,’ Jehovah of armies has said, ‘and I felt no regret, so I will again have in mind in these days to deal well with Jerusalem and with the house of Judah. Do not be afraid.’”—Zechariah 8:14, 15. 10 Even though Jehovah’s people were scattered in a spiritual sense during the first world war, in their hearts they wanted to do what was right. Hence, Jehovah, after administering some discipline, changed his way of dealing with them. (Malachi 3:2-4) Today, we look back and thank him fervently for what he has done. True, we have been “objects of hatred by all the nations.” (Matthew 24:9) Many have been imprisoned, and some have even died for their faith. We often face apathy or hostility. But we are not afraid. We know that Jehovah is stronger than any opposition, visible or invisible. (Isaiah 40:15; Ephesians 6:10- 13) We will not cease to heed the words: “Hope in Jehovah; be courageous and let your heart be strong.”—Psalm 27:14. (Zechariah 8:15) so at this time I have determined to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not be afraid!”’

*** w96 1/1 p. 20 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** “Do Not Be Afraid” 9 Now we read a seventh pronouncement from Jehovah. What is it? “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Just as I had in mind to do what was calamitous to you people because of your forefathers’ making me indignant,’ Jehovah of armies has said, ‘and I felt no regret, so I will again have in mind in these days to deal well with Jerusalem and with the house of Judah. Do not be afraid.’”—Zechariah 8:14, 15. 10 Even though Jehovah’s people were scattered in a spiritual sense during the first world war, in their hearts they wanted to do what was right. Hence, Jehovah, after administering some discipline, changed his way of dealing with them. (Malachi 3:2-4) Today, we look back and thank him fervently for what he has done. True, we have been “objects of hatred by all the nations.” (Matthew 24:9) Many have been imprisoned, and some have even died for their faith. We often face apathy or hostility. But we are not afraid. We know that Jehovah is stronger than any opposition, visible or invisible. (Isaiah 40:15; Ephesians 6:10- 13) We will not cease to heed the words: “Hope in Jehovah; be courageous and let your heart be strong.”—Psalm 27:14. (Zechariah 8:16) “‘These are the things you should do: Speak the truth with one another, and the judgments in your gates must promote truth and peace.

*** jd chap. 6 pp. 78-79 pars. 18-19 “Let Justice Roll Forth”—A Key to Knowing God *** 18 Clearly, those leaders in a nation dedicated to God did not know him. If they had, they would have obeyed Zechariah 8:16: “These are the things that you people should do: Speak truthfully with one another. With truth and the judgment of peace do your judging in your gates.” Older men in Israel met at the city gate and were to handle judicial cases, not

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in accord with first impressions or personal inclination, but in accord with God’s thinking. (Deuteronomy 22:15) And Jehovah had warned against showing partiality, such as toward the wealthy or prominent. (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:16, 17) The judges were to try to restore peace between contending parties, rendering “the judgment of peace.” 19 The apostle Paul quoted part of Zechariah 8:16 when writing to Christians. (Ephesians 4:15, 25) So we can be sure that the 12 prophets’ warnings and counsel about justice have a valid application in the congregation today. Older men, or overseers, ought to be exemplary in knowing Jehovah and in reflecting his justice.

*** jd chap. 6 p. 82 par. 23 “Let Justice Roll Forth”—A Key to Knowing God *** 23 Recall Zechariah 8:16: “With truth and the judgment of peace do your judging in your gates.” What is the objective? “The judgment of peace.” Even when the apostles were alive, there were personal differences or disputes between some Christians. As Paul did with Euodia and Syntyche, elders today may need to offer assistance. (Philippians 4:2, 3) The elders should certainly strive earnestly to offer “the judgment of peace,” attempting to restore peace between contending parties. The Scriptural counsel they offer and their attitude in doing so should promote peace in the congregation and peace with God. Thus it will be evident that they truly know Jehovah and his justice.

*** jd chap. 9 pp. 116-117 par. 11 Dealing With Others as God Desires *** 11 On the positive side, God also used the prophets to make clear the good that he desires of us. Zechariah 8:16 says: “These are the things that you people should do: Speak truthfully with one another. With truth and the judgment of peace do your judging in your gates.” In Zechariah’s day the gates were public locations where older men handled judicial cases. (Ruth 4:1; Nehemiah 8:1) Nonetheless, Zechariah did not say that this was the only circumstance in which to speak honestly. We must be honest in formal situations, but we are also urged: “Speak truthfully with one another.” That includes in the privacy of our home when speaking with our marriage mate or close relatives. It also applies to our everyday conversations with spiritual brothers and sisters, whether we are speaking face- to-face, talking on the telephone, or communicating in another way. They have every reason to expect that what we are saying is the truth. Christian parents should stress to their children how vital it is to avoid falsehoods. Young ones can thus grow up aware that God expects them to avoid a tricky tongue and to be truly honest in what they say.— Zephaniah 3:13.

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12 Jehovah urges us to speak the truth. (Ephesians 4:15, 25) He does not hear the prayers of those who scheme harmful things, hide the truth for personal gain, or utter false oaths. (Proverbs 28:9) Since he hates apostasy, he wants us to cling to Bible truth. (Psalm 25:5; 2 John 9-11) Further, like the older men at the city gates in Israel, elders handling judicial cases should base their counsel and decisions on Bible truth, not on personal opinion. (John 17:17) Jehovah wants them to seek a “judgment of peace,” trying, as Christian shepherds, to restore peace between contending parties and helping repentant sinners regain peace with God. (James 5:14, 15; Jude 23) At the same time, they preserve the peace of the congregation, courageously expelling those who disturb that peace by willfully persisting in wrongdoing.—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.

*** tp chap. 10 pp. 111-113 Are You Willing to Face the Truth in Your Life? *** “Speak Truthfully With One Another” 9 Though not claiming to follow the Bible strictly, most people today do not consider themselves dishonest. But how many are there who consistently speak the truth? Many persons commonly conceal truth or speak only what they believe will further their own ends. Though this is viewed as normal in the world, that does not make it right. The world of mankind alienated from God “is lying in the power of the wicked one.” That “wicked one,” Satan the Devil, is “the father of the lie.” Lying originated with him. (1 John 5:19; John 8:44) So it should not surprise a person to find that he needs to make quite a change in the matter of truthfulness if he is going to “quit being fashioned after this system of things.” 10 There is good reason for being honest. Nothing undermines peace and security more than a failure to be honest at all times—at home, at work or business, in recreation, and in social relations. When people do not keep their word, when they deceive or cheat, no one gains. Victims of dishonesty often become bitter and angry. Aside from emotional and mental pressures, dishonesty can cause physical injury and even death. For example, poor workmanship, inferior materials, and deceptive claims have contributed to serious accidents. The person who thinks he is gaining through his own dishonesty is at the same time losing through the dishonesty of others. He, too, pays higher prices for goods and services because both employees and customers steal. Dishonesty thus creates a vicious circle. As more people take advantage of others, frustrations, violence, injuries, and even deaths multiply. 11 In view of such bad fruitage, it is not surprising that among the things “Jehovah does hate” are lying, perjury, false weights, and false scales. (Proverbs 6:16-19; 20:23) Habitual liars will not have any share in the blessings that God has in store for those loving him. (Revelation 21:8) Is this not what we would expect from a righteous God? If God were to continue tolerating those desiring to profit by deceit at their neighbor’s expense, how could anyone feel secure in His New Order? 12 The Bible is therefore not to be taken lightly when it commands: “Speak truthfully with one another.” (Zechariah 8:16; Ephesians 4:25) As to promises or agreements, our “Yes” should mean Yes, and our “No,” No. (James 5:12) If we want to represent “Jehovah the God of truth,” we must be consistent about speaking truth. (Psalm 31:5) If a person does not tell the truth, he cannot gain the respect of God or of his fellowmen. Nor can he represent God as one of His witnesses. Said the psalmist: “To the wicked one God will have to say: ‘What right do you have to enumerate my regulations, and that you may bear

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my covenant in your mouth? Your mouth you have let loose to what is bad, and your tongue you keep attached to deception.’”—Psalm 50:16, 19. (Zechariah 8:17) Do not scheme calamity against one another in your hearts, and do not love any false oath; for these are all things that I hate,’ declares Jehovah.”

*** w96 1/1 p. 20 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** “Speak Truthfully With One Another” 11 To share fully in the blessings from Jehovah, there are things we should remember. Zechariah says: “‘These are the things that you people should do: Speak truthfully with one another. With truth and the judgment of peace do your judging in your gates. And calamity to one another do not you scheme up in your hearts, and do not love any false oath; for these are all things that I have hated,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.”—Zechariah 8:16, 17. 12 Jehovah urges us to speak the truth. (Ephesians 4:15, 25) He does not hear the prayers of those who scheme harmful things, hide the truth for personal gain, or utter false oaths. (Proverbs 28:9) Since he hates apostasy, he wants us to cling to Bible truth. (Psalm 25:5; 2 John 9-11) Further, like the older men at the city gates in Israel, elders handling judicial cases should base their counsel and decisions on Bible truth, not on personal opinion. (John 17:17) Jehovah wants them to seek a “judgment of peace,” trying, as Christian shepherds, to restore peace between contending parties and helping repentant sinners regain peace with God. (James 5:14, 15; Jude 23) At the same time, they preserve the peace of the congregation, courageously expelling those who disturb that peace by willfully persisting in wrongdoing.—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10. (Zechariah 8:19) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘The fast of the fourth month, the fast of the fifth month, the fast of the seventh month, and the fast of the tenth month will be occasions for exultation and joy for the house of Judah—festivals of rejoicing. So love truth and peace.’

*** it-1 p. 765 Ethanim *** After Jerusalem’s destruction in 607 B.C.E., the killing of Governor Gedaliah and the subsequent flight to Egypt of the remaining Israelites in the month of Ethanim marked the full desolation of Judah. (2Ki 25:25, 26; Jer 41:1, 2) These events were involved in the reasons for “the fast of the seventh month” mentioned at Zechariah 8:19.

*** it-1 p. 812 Fast *** Four Annual Fasts of the Jews. The Jews established many fasts, and at one time had four annual ones, evidently to mark the calamitous events associated with Jerusalem’s

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siege and desolation in the seventh century B.C.E. (Zec 8:19) The four annual fasts were: (1) “The fast of the fourth month” apparently commemorated the breaching of Jerusalem’s walls by the Babylonians on Tammuz 9, 607 B.C.E. (2Ki 25:2-4; Jer 52:5-7) (2) It was in the fifth Jewish month Ab that the temple was destroyed, and evidently “the fast of the fifth month” was held as a reminder of this event. (2Ki 25:8, 9; Jer 52:12, 13) (3) “The fast of the seventh month” was apparently held as a sad remembrance of Gedaliah’s death or of the complete desolation of the land following Gedaliah’s assassination when the remaining Jews, out of fear of the Babylonians, went down into Egypt. (2Ki 25:22-26) (4) “The fast of the tenth month” may have been associated with the exiled Jews already in Babylon receiving the sad news that Jerusalem had fallen (compare Eze 33:21), or it may have commemorated the commencement of Nebuchadnezzar’s successful siege against Jerusalem on the tenth day of that month, in 609 B.C.E.—2Ki 25:1; Jer 39:1; 52:4.

*** it-2 p. 1065 Tammuz, II *** It was on the ninth day of this fourth month (Tammuz) that Nebuchadnezzar breached the walls of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. after an 18-month siege. (2Ki 25:3, 4; Jer 39:2; 52:6, 7) During the 70 years of exile that followed, the Jews customarily fasted on the ninth day of the fourth month in memory of this blow against Jerusalem. (Zec 8:19) However, following the second destruction of Jerusalem, in the year 70 C.E., the fast was observed on the 17th day of the fourth month, the day the walls of the temple were breached by Roman General Titus. There were no festivals appointed by Jehovah for this month.

*** it-2 p. 1074 Tebeth *** It was on the tenth day of Tebeth in 609 B.C.E. that Nebuchadnezzar began his siege against the city of Jerusalem. (2Ki 25:1; Jer 39:1; 52:4; Eze 24:1, 2) Possibly in memory of this event the Jews observed “the fast of the tenth month.”—Zec 8:19.

*** w96 1/1 pp. 20-21 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** “An Exultation and a Rejoicing” 13 Now, we hear an eighth solemn pronouncement: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth month, and the fast of the seventh month, and the fast of the tenth month will become for the house of Judah an exultation and a rejoicing and good festal seasons. So love truth and peace.’” (Zechariah 8:19) Under the Mosaic Law, the Israelites fasted on the Day of Atonement to express sorrow for their sins. (Leviticus 16:29-31) The four fasts mentioned by Zechariah were apparently observed to mourn events in connection with the conquest and destruction of Jerusalem. (2 Kings 25:1-4, 8, 9, 22-26) Now, however, the temple was being rebuilt and Jerusalem repopulated. Mourning was being changed into rejoicing, and the fasts could become festal seasons. 14 Today, we do not observe the fasts mentioned by Zechariah or the fasting prescribed in the Law. Since Jesus offered his life for our sins, we are enjoying the blessings of a greater Day of Atonement. Our sins are covered, not just in a token way, but completely. (Hebrews 9:6-14) Following the command of the heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ, we observe the Memorial of his death as the only solemn celebration on the Christian calendar. (Luke 22:19, 20) Do we not experience “an exultation and a rejoicing” as we

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gather together each year for that celebration? 15 Last year, 13,147,201 came together to celebrate the Memorial, 858,284 more than in 1994. What a multitude! Picture the rejoicing in the 78,620 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses as unusually large numbers flocked into their Kingdom Halls for the celebration. Surely, all present were moved to “love truth and peace” as they remembered the death of the One who is “the way and the truth and the life” and who now reigns as Jehovah’s great “Prince of Peace”! (John 14:6; Isaiah 9:6) That celebration had special meaning for those who observed it in lands racked by turmoil and war. Some of our brothers witnessed indescribable horrors during 1995. Still, ‘the peace of God that excels all thought guarded their hearts and their mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.’—Philippians 4:7. (Zechariah 8:20) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘It will yet come to pass that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come;

*** w96 1/1 p. 21 pars. 16-17 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** Zechariah 8:20-22. 17 People who attended the Memorial wanted to “seek Jehovah of armies.” Many of these were his dedicated, baptized servants. Millions of others in attendance had not yet reached that stage. In some lands the Memorial attendance was four or five times the number of Kingdom publishers.

*** w96 1/1 p. 21 par. 16 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** 16 Where, though, did all those millions who attended the Memorial come from? The ninth utterance of Jehovah explains: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come;

*** w86 4/15 p. 20 pars. 20-22 What Jehovah’s Times and Seasons Mean for Our Day *** It is his time to collect together those who want to learn about him, who want to submit to his will, and who will bow to the King of his choice. By doing this, they come under Jehovah’s protection: “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.”—Proverbs 18:10. 21 Today, people in great number are doing this—in fact, millions of them are. They come from every nation on earth. These are described at Zechariah chapter 8, verses 20 and 21: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come; and the inhabitants of one city will certainly go to those of another, saying: “Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah of armies.”’” Verse 23 adds: “It will be in those days [yes, in our time] that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew [anointed praisers of Jehovah], saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” 22 Therefore, worship Jehovah with his people and come to his place of security.

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(Zechariah 8:21) and the inhabitants of one city will go to those of another and say: “Let us earnestly go to beg for the favor of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah of armies. I am also going.”

*** w96 1/1 p. 21 par. 16 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** and the inhabitants of one city will certainly go to those of another, saying: “Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah of armies. I myself will go also.”

*** w96 1/1 pp. 21-22 pars. 16-17 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** Zechariah 8:20-22. 17 People who attended the Memorial wanted to “seek Jehovah of armies.” Many of these were his dedicated, baptized servants. Millions of others in attendance had not yet reached that stage. In some lands the Memorial attendance was four or five times the number of Kingdom publishers. These many interested ones need help to continue to make progress. Let us teach them to exult in the knowledge that Jesus died for our sins and is now ruling in God’s Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 5:7, 8; Revelation 11:15) And let us encourage them to dedicate themselves to Jehovah God and submit to his appointed King. In this way they will “soften the face of Jehovah.”—Psalm 116:18, 19; Philippians 2:12, 13.

*** w96 1/1 p. 21 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** ‘Let Us Soften the Face of Jehovah’

*** w86 4/15 p. 20 pars. 20-21 What Jehovah’s Times and Seasons Mean for Our Day *** It is his time to collect together those who want to learn about him, who want to submit to his will, and who will bow to the King of his choice. By doing this, they come under Jehovah’s protection: “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.”—Proverbs 18:10. 21 Today, people in great number are doing this—in fact, millions of them are. They come from every nation on earth. These are described at Zechariah chapter 8, verses 20 and 21: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come; and the inhabitants of one city will certainly go to those of another, saying: “Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah of armies.”’”

*** w86 4/15 p. 20 par. 22 What Jehovah’s Times and Seasons Mean for Our Day *** 22 Therefore, worship Jehovah with his people and come to his place of security. Have a share in the most important work that is being done on earth today—the gathering together and training of those who will survive Armageddon and who will have the wonderful prospect of cultivating a paradise on earth and living in it forever. Appreciate what time and season it is and do what Isaiah 55:6 urges: “Search for Jehovah, you people, while he may

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be found. Call to him while he proves to be near.” Yes, “seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.”—Zephaniah 2:3. (Zechariah 8:22) And many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem and to beg for the favor of Jehovah.’

*** w96 1/1 p. 21 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** ‘Let Us Soften the Face of Jehovah’

*** w96 1/1 pp. 21-22 pars. 16-17 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** And many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem and to soften the face of Jehovah.’”—Zechariah 8:20-22. 17 People who attended the Memorial wanted to “seek Jehovah of armies.” Many of these were his dedicated, baptized servants. Millions of others in attendance had not yet reached that stage. In some lands the Memorial attendance was four or five times the number of Kingdom publishers. These many interested ones need help to continue to make progress. Let us teach them to exult in the knowledge that Jesus died for our sins and is now ruling in God’s Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 5:7, 8; Revelation 11:15) And let us encourage them to dedicate themselves to Jehovah God and submit to his appointed King. In this way they will “soften the face of Jehovah.”—Psalm 116:18, 19; Philippians 2:12, 13. (Zechariah 8:23) “This is what Jehovah of armies says, ‘In those days ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: “We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.”’”

*** w16 January p. 22 par. 1 “We Want to Go With You” *** SPEAKING of the time in which we are living, Jehovah foretold: “In those days ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: ‘We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zech. 8:23) Like the figurative ten men, those who have an earthly hope have taken “firm hold of the robe of a Jew.” They are proud to associate with the spirit-anointed “Israel of God,” knowing that Jehovah is blessing his anointed ones.—Gal. 6:16.

*** w16 January p. 23 par. 4 “We Want to Go With You” *** 4 If it is not possible to know with certainty the names of all spiritual Israelites on earth today, how can members of the other sheep “go with” them? Notice what the prophecy in Zechariah states concerning the figurative ten men. These ones would “take firm hold of the robe of a Jew, saying: ‘We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” Although only one Jew is mentioned here, in both instances the pronoun “you” refers to more than one person. This spiritual Jew must, then, be a composite person, not just one individual! So it is not necessary to identify every spiritual Jew and then go with him or her. Rather, we need to identify these ones as a group and then support them as such. In no way do the Scriptures encourage us to follow an individual. Jesus is our

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Leader.—Matt. 23:10.

*** w14 11/15 p. 27 pars. 14-15 “Now You Are God’s People” *** Likewise, the prophet Zechariah foretold that “many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem and to beg for the favor of Jehovah.” He depicted them as “ten men out of all the languages of the nations” who, symbolically speaking, would take hold of the robe of spiritual Israel, saying: “We want to go with you, for we have heard that God is with you people.”—Zech. 8:20-23. 15 The “other sheep” “go with” the spiritual Israelites in the work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. (Mark 13:10) They become a part of God’s people, “one flock” with the anointed, under “the fine shepherd,” Christ Jesus.—Read John 10:14-16.

*** w09 2/15 p. 27 They “Keep Following the Lamb” *** “Go With” the Anointed as They Follow the Lamb 13 The Bible book of Zechariah speaks of “ten men” who approach “a man who is a Jew” and say: “We will go with you people.” (Read Zechariah 8:23.) Since “a man who is a Jew” is spoken of as “you people,” he is a composite man. In our time, he represents the remnant of spirit-anointed Christians—part of “the Israel of God.” (Gal. 6:16) The “ten men out of all the languages of the nations” represent the great crowd of other sheep. Just as the anointed Christians follow Jesus no matter where he goes, the great crowd ‘goes with,’ or accompanies, the faithful and discreet slave. Those of the great crowd should never be ashamed to identify themselves as companions of the “partakers of the heavenly calling.” (Heb. 3:1) Jesus is not ashamed to call the anointed ones “brothers.”—Heb. 2:11.

*** jd chap. 13 pp. 176-177 pars. 18-19 “Proclaim This, You People, Among the Nations” *** Zechariah predicted: “Many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem and to soften the face of Jehovah.” They are described as “ten men out of all the languages of the nations” who would take hold of the skirt of a spiritual Israelite, saying: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”—Zechariah 8:20-23. 19 Note the reference to “all the languages of the nations.” The Bible and Bible literature are being translated into many languages, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are training ministers to teach people of “all the languages of the nations.” (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8) You may have learned another language to help people in your own area who speak that tongue. And quite a number have been willing to learn a new language or two and to move to countries where many eagerly respond to the good news. Would it be possible for you to move to such productive territories and thus ‘proclaim this among the nations’? Consider that prayerfully. If you are raising a family, make the possibility of such a move a subject of repeated family discussion, keeping that goal before your growing children.

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*** re chap. 12 p. 60 par. 12 “Keep On Holding Fast What You Have” *** “It will be in those days that ten men [non-Jews] out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zechariah 8:23)

*** re chap. 12 p. 61 par. 14 “Keep On Holding Fast What You Have” *** 14 In modern times, prophecies such as Isaiah 49:23 and Zechariah 8:23 have had a very significant fulfillment. As a result of the preaching of the John class, huge numbers of people have entered through the opened door into Kingdom service. Most of these have come out of Christendom, whose religions falsely claim to be spiritual Israel. (Compare Romans 9:6.) These, as a great crowd, wash their robes and make them white by exercising faith in Jesus’ sacrificial blood. (Revelation 7:9, 10, 14) Obeying Christ’s Kingdom rule, they hope to inherit its blessings here on earth. They come to Jesus’ anointed brothers and “bow down” to them, spiritually speaking, because ‘they have heard that God is with them.’ They minister to these anointed ones, with whom they themselves become united in a worldwide association of brothers.—Matthew 25:34-40; 1 Peter 5:9.

*** w05 7/1 p. 23 Good News for People of All Nations *** “Ten Men Out of All the Languages” 6 Another major challenge is the great diversity of languages spoken on earth. God’s Word foretold: “It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zechariah 8:23) In the modern fulfillment of this prophecy, the ten men represent the great crowd, prophesied about at Revelation 7:9. Note, however, that according to Zechariah’s prophecy, the “ten men” would come not only out of all nations but also “out of all the languages of the nations.” Have we seen a fulfillment of this important detail of the prophecy? Yes, indeed. 7 Consider some statistics. Fifty years ago our literature was published in 90 languages. Today, that number has risen to over 400. “The faithful and discreet slave” has spared no effort in providing literature even for some whose language is spoken by relatively few people. (Matthew 24:45) For example, Bible literature is now available in Greenlandic (spoken by 47,000 people), Palauan (spoken by 15,000), and Yapese (spoken by fewer than 7,000 people).

*** w05 12/1 p. 23 par. 7 People “out of All the Languages” Hear the Good News *** 7 The Bible foretold a time when people of diverse languages would hear its life-giving message. Describing how true worship would attract many, Zechariah prophesied: “It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew [spirit-anointed Christian, part of “the Israel of God”], saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zechariah 8:23; Galatians 6:16)

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*** w04 7/1 pp. 11-12 ‘Go and Make Disciples’ *** “Out of All the Languages” 12 Making disciples in all nations is a challenge not only geographically but also linguistically. Through the prophet Zechariah, Jehovah foretold: “It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zechariah 8:23) In the larger fulfillment of this prophecy, the “man who is a Jew” represents the remnant of anointed Christians, while the “ten men” represent the “great crowd.” (Revelation 7:9, 10; Galatians 6:16) This great crowd of Christ’s disciples would be found in many nations, and as Zechariah noted, they would be speaking numerous languages. Does the modern-day history of God’s people illustrate that aspect of discipleship? Yes, it does. 13 In 1950 the mother tongue of about 3 out of every 5 Witnesses of Jehovah worldwide was English. By 1980 that ratio had changed to about 2 out of 5, and today the native language of only 1 out of every 5 Witnesses is English. How has the faithful and discreet slave class responded to this linguistic shift? By providing spiritual food in ever more languages. (Matthew 24:45) For instance, in 1950 our literature was published in 90 languages, but today that number has risen to some 400. Has this increased attention to people of various language groups had results? Yes! An average of some 5,000 people ‘out of all tongues’ become disciples of Christ each week of the year! (Revelation 7:9) And the increase is continuing. In some lands the “nets” are bringing in a very good catch!— Luke 5:6; John 21:6.

*** ip-2 chap. 28 pp. 407-408 par. 11 A Light for the Nations *** 11 How, though, after the restoration in 537 B.C.E., will men of the nations who have not heard a report about Jehovah come to know him? Well, not all faithful Jews will return to Jerusalem at the end of the Babylonian captivity. Some, like Daniel, will remain in Babylon. Others will scatter to the four corners of the earth. By the fifth century B.C.E., there were Jews living throughout the Persian Empire. (Esther 1:1; 3:8) No doubt some of them told their pagan neighbors about Jehovah, for many from those nations became Jewish proselytes. Such was evidently the case with the Ethiopian eunuch, to whom the Christian disciple Philip preached in the first century. (Acts 8:26-40) All of this took place as an initial fulfillment of the words of the prophet Zechariah: “It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zechariah 8:23)

*** w96 1/1 p. 22 “Love Truth and Peace”! *** “Ten Men Out Of All the Languages of the Nations” 18 For the last time in the eighth chapter of Zechariah, we read: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said.” What is Jehovah’s final proclamation? “It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” (Zechariah 8:23) In Zechariah’s day, natural Israel was God’s chosen nation. In the first century, however, Israel rejected Jehovah’s Messiah.

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Hence, our God chose “a Jew”—a new Israel—as his special people, “the Israel of God” made up of spiritual Jews. (Galatians 6:16; John 1:11; Romans 2:28, 29) The final number of these was to be 144,000, chosen from among mankind to reign with Jesus in his heavenly Kingdom.—Revelation 14:1, 4. 19 Most of these 144,000 have already died faithful and have gone to their heavenly reward. (1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; Revelation 6:9-11) A few remain on earth and these rejoice to see that the “ten men” who choose to go along with the “Jew” are indeed “a great crowd . . . out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues.”—Revelation 7:9; Isaiah 2:2, 3; 60:4-10, 22.

*** si pp. 170-171 par. 18 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** Why, the time will come when the people of many cities will certainly invite one another to go up earnestly to seek Jehovah, and “ten men” out of all the languages will “take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew” and go along with God’s people.—8:23.

*** rs p. 224 par. 1 Jews *** Zech. 8:23, JP: “In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, shall even take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying: We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” (To what God does the [commonly translated Jehovah ,יהוה] prophecy refer? In the Hebrew language his name appears over 130 times in this one book of the Holy Scriptures. Today when someone uses that name, do people conclude that the person must be a Jew? No; for many centuries, superstition has caused the Jewish people as a whole to refrain from ever uttering God’s personal name. The upsurge of religious interest concerning natural Israel today does not fit this prophecy.)

*** w88 1/1 p. 16 par. 9 The Last Days—A Time of Harvest *** Zechariah spoke of “ten men out of all the languages of the nations” who would join themselves to God’s people. (Zechariah 8:23)

*** w88 1/1 p. 18 par. 18 The Last Days—A Time of Harvest *** In the prophecy of Zechariah, the complete number of “ten men” declare without reservation: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.” (Zechariah 8:23) They do not merely have a friendly attitude. They “take hold” of God’s people and go with them, dedicating themselves to serve the God of these ones. In our day, this includes becoming fully involved in Jehovah’s organization.

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and is given protection.”—Proverbs 18:10. 21 Today, people in great number are doing this—in fact, millions of them are. They come from every nation on earth. These are described at Zechariah chapter 8, verses 20 and 21: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come; and the inhabitants of one city will certainly go to those of another, saying: “Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah of armies.”’” Verse 23 adds: “It will be in those days [yes, in our time] that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew [anointed praisers of Jehovah], saying: ‘We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.’” 22 Therefore, worship Jehovah with his people and come to his place of security. Have a share in the most important work that is being done on earth today—the gathering together and training of those who will survive Armageddon and who will have the wonderful prospect of cultivating a paradise on earth and living in it forever. Appreciate what time and season it is and do what Isaiah 55:6 urges: “Search for Jehovah, you people, while he may be found. Call to him while he proves to be near.” Yes, “seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.”—Zephaniah 2:3.

*** ws chap. 10 pp. 87-89 pars. 15-17 What God Swore to Do for Mankind—Now at Hand! *** 15 Each member of the remnant of spirit-begotten Christians is a Jew in a spiritual sense. As the apostle Paul said: “He is not a Jew who is one on the outside, nor is circumcision that which is on the outside upon the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one on the inside, and his circumcision is that of the heart by spirit, and not by a written code.”—Romans 2:28, 29. 16 In this “conclusion of the system of things,” those spirit-begotten Christians, who are Jews on the inside with a circumcision of their hearts, make up the Jew class that is foretold at Zechariah 8:23, where it is written: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”’” 17 The “people” with whom those “ten men” want to go to the worship of Jehovah God is the present-day remnant of those who are spiritual Jews, the class that makes up “the faithful and discreet slave” of Matthew 24:45-47. Since the number ten represents completeness of an earthly kind, the “ten men out of all the languages of the nations” would stand for all the symbolic sheep foretold at Matthew 25:32-46. These are of the “other sheep” class that Jesus said he would bring into association with the sheeplike remnant to form with them “one flock” in the care of the “one shepherd,” himself. (John 10:16) In this way they get a foretaste of the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant by means of the “seed” of the Greater Abraham, Jehovah God. Certainly, then, what God swore to do for all mankind is at hand!

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Chapters 9-14

(Zechariah 9:1) A pronouncement: “The word of Jehovah is against the land of Haʹdrach, And Damascus is its target —For Jehovah’s eye is on mankind And on all the tribes of Israel—

*** it-1 p. 572 Damascus *** Still later Damascus is included in an adverse pronouncement through Jehovah’s prophet Zechariah, whose prophecy was written in 518 B.C.E. The prophecy likely found fulfillment in the time of Alexander the Great, who occupied Syria and Phoenicia following his victory at the Battle of Issus in 333 B.C.E.—Zec 9:1-4.

*** it-1 p. 1017 Hadrach *** HADRACH (Haʹdrach). A land against which Jehovah expressed a pronouncement through his prophet Zechariah. This prophecy, pronounced probably in 518 B.C.E., showed that Hadrach had incurred Jehovah’s displeasure. It is mentioned in association with a number of cities surrounding Israel, such as Damascus, Hamath, Tyre, Sidon, and the Philistine cities of Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod.—Zec 9:1-8. It may be that Hadrach was a city-state that exercised control over the area surrounding it. It is believed to be the Hatarikka of the Assyrian inscriptions, identified with the mound of Tell Afis, about 45 km (28 mi) SW of Aleppo. Assyrian King Tiglath-pileser III lists Hatarikka among the “19 districts belonging to Hamath.”—Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by J. Pritchard, 1974, pp. 282, 283. (Zechariah 9:3) Tyre built herself a rampart. She piled up silver like dust And gold like the dirt of the streets.

*** 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. 733 Rampart *** The rampart (Heb., ma·tsohrʹ) mentioned at Zechariah 9:3, 4 apparently has reference to the strong fortifications of Tyre, which consisted of high walls constructed of large blocks of stone.

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*** 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. (Zechariah 9:4) Look! Jehovah will take away her possessions, And he will strike down her army into the sea; And she will be consumed in the fire.

*** w08 6/1 p. 27 Did You Know? *** Why did Zechariah foretell the destruction of Tyre long after it had been destroyed by the Babylonians? Ancient Tyre, situated on the Mediterranean Coast, actually consisted of two parts. One was on the mainland, and the other was on an island.

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At one time, inhabitants of Tyre were friendly to the Israelites. Later, though, Tyre became prosperous and began to defy Jehovah God, to the point of stealing the gold and silver from his people and selling some of them into slavery. (Joel 3:4-6) This brought Jehovah’s adverse judgment. Through his prophets, Jehovah foretold that Tyre would fall at the hands of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, who brought his forces to Tyre after he destroyed Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E.—Isaiah 23:13, 14; Jeremiah 27:2-7; Ezekiel 28:1-19. Facing defeat, the people of Tyre escaped with their possessions to the island city. The Babylonians left the mainland city in ruins. Nearly 100 years later, Jehovah inspired his prophet Zechariah to pronounce His judgment against Tyre: “Look! Jehovah himself will dispossess her, and into the sea he will certainly strike down her military force; and in the fire she herself will be devoured.”—Zechariah 9:3, 4. In 332 B.C.E., the island city met destruction at the hands of Alexander the Great, thus fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy. To accomplish that, Alexander constructed a half-mile-long [800 m] causeway from the mainland to the island, using the wood and stones from the ruins of old Tyre. This, too, was foretold by Ezekiel.—Ezekiel 26:4, 12.

*** ip-1 chap. 19 p. 255 par. 25 Jehovah Profanes the Pride of Tyre *** 25 Despite this, Jehovah inspires a further pronouncement against Tyre. Zechariah prophesies concerning the now wealthy island-city: “Look! Jehovah himself will dispossess her, and into the sea he will certainly strike down her military force; and in the fire she herself will be devoured.” (Zechariah 9:4) This is fulfilled in July 332 B.C.E. when Alexander the Great demolishes that proud mistress of the sea.

*** si p. 169 par. 4 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** It was after a 13-year-long siege that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar ruined Tyre. This, though, did not mean the complete end for Tyre. Zechariah, many years later, foretold the total destruction of Tyre. It was the island city of Tyre that Alexander the Great overthrew at the time of his famous causeway-building feat; he ruthlessly burned her, thus fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy of some two centuries earlier.—Zech. 9:2-4. (Zechariah 9:5) Ashʹke·lon will see it and be afraid; Gazʹa will feel great anguish, Also Ekʹron, because her hope is put to shame. A king will perish from Gazʹa, And Ashʹke·lon will not be inhabited.

*** it-1 p. 901 Gaza *** Destroyed. The prophet Zephaniah, a contemporary of Jeremiah, sounded a like judgment from Jehovah for Gaza: “An abandoned city is what she will become.” (Zep 2:4) And Zechariah’s prophecy, recorded after Babylon’s fall, pointed to future calamities: “[Gaza] will also feel very severe pains.” (Zec 9:5) History confirms the fulfillment of the foretold calamities. In the latter half of the fourth century B.C.E., Alexander the Great, after a five-month siege (two months, according to Jewish Antiquities, XI, 325 [viii, 4]), took Gaza. Many of its inhabitants were slain and the survivors were sold into slavery. Over 200 years later, the Jew Alexander Jannaeus, after a year’s siege, completely devastated the city.—Jewish Antiquities, XIII, 364 (xiii, 3).

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(Zechariah 9:6) An illegitimate son will settle in Ashʹdod, And I will do away with the pride of the Phi·lisʹtine.

*** it-1 p. 190 Ashdod *** It is noteworthy that the prophecy of Zechariah pointed to the time when Ashdod would be overtaken by foreigners. Evidently because the native Philistine population and rulership would be no more, the prophetic word was: “An illegitimate son will actually seat himself in Ashdod.”—Zec 9:6.

*** w97 5/15 p. 19 par. 14 Theocratic Administration in the Christian Era *** Zechariah foretold that the non-Israelite Philistine would be “like a sheik in Judah.” (Zechariah 9:6, 7) Sheikhs were tribal chiefs, so Zechariah was saying that a former enemy of Israel would adopt true worship and come to be like a tribal chief in the Promised Land.

*** w95 7/1 pp. 22-23 Dwellers Together in a Restored “Land” *** “Like a Sheik” 10 The way the faithful and discreet slave has used other sheep in positions of responsibility was prophesied at Zechariah 9:6, 7. There we read: “I shall certainly cut off the pride of the Philistine. And I will remove his bloodstained things from his mouth and his disgusting things from between his teeth, and he himself also will certainly be left remaining for our God; and he must become like a sheik in Judah, and Ekron like the Jebusite.” The Philistines were sworn enemies of Jehovah’s people, as Satan’s world is today. (1 John 5:19) Just as the Philistines were finally annihilated as a people, so this world, with its religious, political, and commercial elements, will soon experience Jehovah’s destructive rage.—Revelation 18:21; 19:19-21. 11 However, according to the words of Zechariah, some Philistines had a change of heart, and this foreshadowed that some worldlings today would not remain at enmity with Jehovah. They would cease religious idolatry with its abominable rites and disgusting sacrifices and be cleansed in Jehovah’s eyes. In our day such reformed “Philistines” are found in the great crowd. 12 According to the prophecy, the major Philistine city of Ekron would become “like the Jebusite.” The Jebusites too were once enemies of Israel. Jerusalem was in their hands until David conquered it. Nevertheless, some of those surviving the wars with Israel evidently became proselytes. They served in the land of Israel as slaves and even had the privilege of working on the construction of the temple. (2 Samuel 5:4-9; 2 Chronicles 8:1- 18) Today, “Ekronites” who turn to worshiping Jehovah also have privileges of service in the “land” under the oversight of the faithful and discreet slave. 13 Zechariah says that the Philistine would be like a sheikh in Judah. The Hebrew word ʼal·luphʹ, when translated “sheikh,” means “leader of a thousand” (or, “chiliarch”). It was a very high position. The early nation of Edom apparently had only 13 sheikhs. (Genesis 36:15-19) The word “sheikh” is not often used when speaking of Israel, but the expression “head (or, chief) of a thousand” appears frequently. When Moses summoned representatives of the nation of Israel, he called on “the heads of the thousands of Israel.”

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There were 12 of these, evidently subordinate only to Moses. (Numbers 1:4-16) Similarly, in the organization of the army, chiefs of thousands were second only to the general or the king.—2 Samuel 18:1, 2; 2 Chronicles 25:5. 14 Zechariah did not prophesy that the repentant Philistine would actually be a sheikh in Israel. That would not be proper, since he was not a natural-born Israelite. But he would be like a sheikh, occupying a position of authority comparable to a sheikh. And so it has proved to be. As the remnant of anointed Christians decrease in number and many of those who survive are limited by age, well-trained other sheep take up the slack, as it were. They do not want to supplant their anointed brothers. But the faithful and discreet slave gives them authority as needed in the “land” so that God’s organization can continue to move ahead in an organized way. Such a progressive process is seen in yet another prophecy. (Zechariah 9:7) I will remove the bloodstained things from his mouth And the disgusting things from between his teeth, And he will be left remaining for our God; And he will become like a sheikh in Judah, And Ekʹron like the Jebʹu·site.

*** it-1 pp. 634-635 Disgusting Thing, also Loathsome Thing *** The bloodstained and disgusting things to be removed from the teeth of the Philistine (Zec 9:6, 7) likely relate to the pagan practice of eating sacrificial animals along with their blood.—Compare Eze 33:25.

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12 According to the prophecy, the major Philistine city of Ekron would become “like the Jebusite.” The Jebusites too were once enemies of Israel. Jerusalem was in their hands until David conquered it. Nevertheless, some of those surviving the wars with Israel evidently became proselytes. They served in the land of Israel as slaves and even had the privilege of working on the construction of the temple. (2 Samuel 5:4-9; 2 Chronicles 8:1- 18) Today, “Ekronites” who turn to worshiping Jehovah also have privileges of service in the “land” under the oversight of the faithful and discreet slave. 13 Zechariah says that the Philistine would be like a sheikh in Judah. The Hebrew word ʼal·luphʹ, when translated “sheikh,” means “leader of a thousand” (or, “chiliarch”). It was a very high position. The early nation of Edom apparently had only 13 sheikhs. (Genesis 36:15-19) The word “sheikh” is not often used when speaking of Israel, but the expression “head (or, chief) of a thousand” appears frequently. When Moses summoned representatives of the nation of Israel, he called on “the heads of the thousands of Israel.” There were 12 of these, evidently subordinate only to Moses. (Numbers 1:4-16) Similarly, in the organization of the army, chiefs of thousands were second only to the general or the king.—2 Samuel 18:1, 2; 2 Chronicles 25:5. 14 Zechariah did not prophesy that the repentant Philistine would actually be a sheikh in Israel. That would not be proper, since he was not a natural-born Israelite. But he would be like a sheikh, occupying a position of authority comparable to a sheikh. And so it has proved to be. As the remnant of anointed Christians decrease in number and many of those who survive are limited by age, well-trained other sheep take up the slack, as it were. They do not want to supplant their anointed brothers. But the faithful and discreet slave gives them authority as needed in the “land” so that God’s organization can continue to move ahead in an organized way. Such a progressive process is seen in yet another prophecy. (Zechariah 9:9) Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king is coming to you. He is righteous, bringing salvation, Humble and riding on a donkey, On a colt, the foal of a female donkey.

*** it-1 p. 196 Ass *** Solomon, the son of David, rode to his anointing to office on his father’s she-mule, a hybrid offspring of a male ass. (1Ki 1:33-40) It was therefore most appropriate that Jesus, the one greater than Solomon, fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 by riding, not a horse, but an ass’ colt “on which none of mankind ever sat.”—Lu 19:30, 35.

*** jy chap. 102 p. 238 pars. 1-4 The King Enters Jerusalem on a Colt *** As they approach Bethphage, on the Mount of Olives, Jesus tells two of his disciples: “Go into the village that is within sight, and you will at once find a donkey tied and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If someone says anything to you, you must say, ‘The Lord needs them.’ At that he will immediately send them.”—Matthew 21:2, 3. The disciples fail to see that Jesus’ instructions involve Bible prophecy. Later, however, they grasp the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy. He foretold that God’s promised King would come into Jerusalem “humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a female donkey.”—Zechariah 9:9.

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When the disciples come to Bethphage and take the male colt and its mother, people standing nearby ask: “What are you doing untying the colt?” (Mark 11:5) But when they hear that the animals are for the Lord, they let the disciples bring them to Jesus. The disciples place their outer garments on the donkey and on its offspring, but Jesus mounts the colt.

*** w12 11/15 p. 12 par. 9 Jesus Set the Pattern of Humility *** 9 Regarding the Messiah, Zechariah prophetically wrote: “Be very joyful, O daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass, even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass.” (Zech. 9:9) This was fulfilled when Jesus entered Jerusalem before the Passover in the year 33 C.E. The crowd spread their outer garments as well as tree branches on the road. Indeed, the whole city was set in commotion at his entry. Even when he received public acclaim as King, Jesus was humble.—Matt. 21:4-11.

*** w11 8/15 p. 12 par. 3 They Found the Messiah! *** 3 The Messiah would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Zechariah’s prophecy stated: “Be very joyful, O daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass, even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass.” (Zech. 9:9) The psalmist wrote: “Blessed be the One coming in the name of Jehovah.” (Ps. 118:26) Jesus could not have manipulated the crowd’s actions. However, in fulfillment of prophecy, that throng spontaneously cried out with boundless joy. As you read the account, visualize the scene and hear the happy voices.—Read Matthew 21:4-9.

*** cf chap. 3 p. 25 “I Am . . . Lowly in Heart” *** In discussing this event, one reference work says that these animals “are lowly creatures,” adding: “They are slow, stubborn, the perennial work animals of the poor, and not too handsome.”

*** cf chap. 3 pp. 25-26 “I Am . . . Lowly in Heart” *** CHAPTER THREE “I Am . . . Lowly in Heart” JERUSALEM is buzzing with excitement. A great man is coming! Outside the city, people gather along the road. They are eager to welcome this man, for some are saying that he is an heir of King David and the rightful Ruler of Israel. A number bring palm fronds to wave in greeting; others spread out garments and tree branches on the road to smooth the way before him. (Matthew 21:7, 8; John 12:12, 13) Many likely wonder what kind of entry he will make. 2 Some may be expecting a display of magnificence. They surely know of important men who made grand entrances. For example, David’s son Absalom proclaimed himself a king; he had 50 men running ahead of his chariot. (2 Samuel 15:1, 10) The Roman ruler Julius Caesar demanded even more fanfare; he once led a triumphal procession up to the

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Roman capitol, flanked by 40 elephants bearing lamps! Now, however, the people of Jerusalem await a far greater man. Whether the crowds fully understand that or not, this is the Messiah, the greatest man ever to live. When this future King comes into view, though, some may be surprised. 3 They see no chariot, no runners, no horses—and certainly no elephants. No, Jesus is riding on a lowly beast of burden, an ass. No elaborate finery bedecks this rider or his mount. Instead of an expensive saddle, there are some garments that Jesus’ close followers have spread over the animal’s back. Why does Jesus choose to enter Jerusalem in such a lowly manner, when far lesser men have insisted on far greater pomp and ceremony? 4 Jesus is fulfilling a prophecy: “Be very joyful . . . Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass.” (Zechariah 9:9) This prophecy showed that God’s Anointed One, the Messiah, would one day reveal himself to the people of Jerusalem as the divinely appointed King. Further, his very manner of doing so, including his choice of a mount, would reveal a beautiful quality of his heart—humility.

*** w99 8/1 pp. 14-15 pars. 19-20 “Gird Yourselves With Lowliness of Mind” *** 19 Jesus was the finest example of one who was lowly in mind. He was God’s only- begotten Son, the future King of God’s heavenly Kingdom. When he presented himself to the people as such, he did not do as the conquering generals of Roman times did. They were given huge parades—processions—and rode in chariots decorated with gold and ivory, drawn by white horses, or even by elephants, lions, or tigers. In the processions were musicians singing victory songs, along with carts loaded with booty and huge floats illustrating battle scenes. There were also captive kings, princes, and generals, with their families, often stripped naked to humiliate them. The events reeked of pride, haughtiness. 20 Contrast that with the way Jesus offered himself. He was willing to submit humbly to fulfilling the prophecy about him, which foretold: “Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass.” He humbly rode on a beast of burden, not in a chariot pulled by magnificent parade animals. (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4, 5) How happy humble people are that Jesus will be Jehovah’s appointed King over the entire earth in the new world, one who is truly lowly in mind, humble, loving, compassionate, merciful!—Isaiah 9:6, 7; Philippians 2:5-8.

*** w97 3/1 p. 30 Jesus Is Hailed as Messiah and King! *** An Ancient Prophecy Fulfilled In 518 B.C.E., Zechariah foretold Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He wrote: “Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass, even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass. . . . And he will actually speak peace to the nations; and his rulership will be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”—Zechariah 9:9, 10. So Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Nisan 9 fulfilled Bible prophecy. It was no random event but was carefully planned. Earlier, while just outside Jerusalem, Jesus had instructed two of his disciples: “Be on your way into the village that is within sight of you, and you will at once find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. And if

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someone says anything to you, you must say, ‘The Lord needs them.’ At that he will immediately send them forth.” (Matthew 21:1-3) But why did Jesus want to ride into Jerusalem on an ass, and what was the significance of the crowd’s reaction?

*** g91 6/22 pp. 10-11 Jews, Christians, and the Messianic Hope *** Messiah’s resurrection would also resolve the seeming contradiction between Daniel 7:13, which predicted that the Messiah would triumphantly come on the clouds of heaven, and Zechariah 9:9, which said that he would humbly arrive on an ass. The Talmud tried to explain this paradox by asserting: “If they are meritorious, he will come with the clouds of heaven; if not, lowly and riding upon an ass.” (Sanhedrin 98a)8 This would mean that the prophecy at either Daniel 7:13 or Zechariah 9:9 would remain unfulfilled. Yet, Messiah’s resurrection would allow him to fulfill both prophecies. Initially, he would come humbly to suffer and die. After his resurrection, he would return in glory and usher in the heavenly Messianic rule.

*** si p. 169 par. 5 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 5 The most convincing proof of the book’s divine inspiration, however, is to be found in the fulfillment of its prophecies concerning the Messiah, Christ Jesus, as can be seen by comparing Zechariah 9:9 with Matthew 21:4, 5 and John 12:14-16; Zechariah 12:10 with John 19:34-37; and Zechariah 13:7 with Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.

*** w89 11/1 p. 8 Christ’s Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem *** Jesus instructs two of his disciples: “Be on your way into the village that is within sight of you, and you will at once find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. And if someone says anything to you, you must say, ‘The Lord needs them.’ At that he will immediately send them forth.” Although at first the disciples fail to discern that these instructions have anything to do with the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, later they realize that they do. The prophet Zechariah foretold that God’s promised King would ride into Jerusalem on an ass, yes, “even upon a full-grown animal the son of a she-ass.” King Solomon had similarly ridden to his anointing on the offspring of an ass. When the disciples enter Bethphage and take the colt and its mother, some of those standing by say: “What are you doing?” But when told that the animals are for the Lord, the men let the disciples take them to Jesus. The disciples place their outer garments on the mother ass and on her offspring, but Jesus mounts the colt.

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*** ws chap. 11 pp. 92-93 Earthly Jerusalem in Contrast With Celestial Jerusalem *** The Daughter of “Jerusalem Above” 5 More than a quarter of a century after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman legions in 70 C.E., the apostle John was given the marvelous visions in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 21:1, 2, John speaks of a “New Jerusalem.” It is those who make up this “New Jerusalem” who joyfully welcome the newly installed King who comes in Jehovah’s name, just as they are called upon to do in Zechariah 9:9, 10, in these words: 6 “Be very joyful, O daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass . . . And I shall certainly cut off the war chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. And the battle bow must be cut off. And he will actually speak peace to the nations; and his rulership will be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” 7 This prophecy had partial fulfillment in the triumphal ride of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem in 33 C.E. Since 1919 it has had its final fulfillment upon the remnant of spiritual Israel. There is no division between the members of that anointed remnant, such as broke out between the tribes of ancient Ephraim and Jerusalem, the capital of the two-tribe kingdom of Judah. By serving in oneness the interests of the Messianic Kingdom for the purpose of carrying out Jesus’ prophecy at Matthew 24:14 and Mark 13:10, they continue hailing the triumphant King, Jesus Christ. In unbreakable unity they loyally submit to his kingly rule during this “conclusion of the system of things.”—Matthew 24:3. 8 To their shame, along with Jerusalem of the Republic of Israel, the reputedly Christian nations that make up Christendom do not welcome the victorious King who comes in Jehovah’s name. All the same, there are those who are witnesses of the One in whose name he comes, jubilantly serving Him in His temple. (Isaiah 43:10-12) Their spiritual eyes have been opened to see that the Republic of Israel and all the other nations inside and outside the UN are now far along on the march to “the place that is called in Hebrew Har– Magedon.” (Revelation 16:16) The war of the Almighty God is near at hand! 9 The outlook for earthly Jerusalem is tragic, but that of the New Jerusalem is brilliant. (Zechariah 9:10) I will take away the war chariot from Eʹphra·im And the horse from Jerusalem. The battle bow will be taken away. And he will proclaim peace to the nations; His rulership will be from sea to sea And from the River to the ends of the earth.

*** it-1 p. 1146 Horse *** Also, the cutting off of war chariot and horse denotes a restoration of peace.—Zec 9:10.

*** it-2 p. 882 Sea *** Illustrative Use. While the Promised Land was to extend “from the Red Sea to the sea of the Philistines [the Mediterranean Sea] and from the wilderness to the River [Euphrates],” the description of the dominion of the coming Messianic King as being “from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth” would apparently refer to the entire globe. (Ex 23:31; Zec 9:9, 10; compare Da 2:34, 35, 44, 45.) This is indicated by Matthew and John in their application of the prophecy of Zechariah, in which prophecy Zechariah quotes Psalm 72:8.—Mt 21:4-9; Joh 12:12-16.

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*** it-2 p. 993 Solomon *** Zechariah’s prophecy (Zec 9:9, 10) quotes Psalm 72:8, and Matthew applies Zechariah’s prophecy to Jesus Christ.—Mt 21:4, 5.

*** ws chap. 11 pp. 92-93 Earthly Jerusalem in Contrast With Celestial Jerusalem *** The Daughter of “Jerusalem Above” 5 More than a quarter of a century after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman legions in 70 C.E., the apostle John was given the marvelous visions in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 21:1, 2, John speaks of a “New Jerusalem.” It is those who make up this “New Jerusalem” who joyfully welcome the newly installed King who comes in Jehovah’s name, just as they are called upon to do in Zechariah 9:9, 10, in these words: 6 “Be very joyful, O daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass . . . And I shall certainly cut off the war chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. And the battle bow must be cut off. And he will actually speak peace to the nations; and his rulership will be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” 7 This prophecy had partial fulfillment in the triumphal ride of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem in 33 C.E. Since 1919 it has had its final fulfillment upon the remnant of spiritual Israel. There is no division between the members of that anointed remnant, such as broke out between the tribes of ancient Ephraim and Jerusalem, the capital of the two-tribe kingdom of Judah. By serving in oneness the interests of the Messianic Kingdom for the purpose of carrying out Jesus’ prophecy at Matthew 24:14 and Mark 13:10, they continue hailing the triumphant King, Jesus Christ. In unbreakable unity they loyally submit to his kingly rule during this “conclusion of the system of things.”—Matthew 24:3. 8 To their shame, along with Jerusalem of the Republic of Israel, the reputedly Christian nations that make up Christendom do not welcome the victorious King who comes in Jehovah’s name. All the same, there are those who are witnesses of the One in whose name he comes, jubilantly serving Him in His temple. (Isaiah 43:10-12) Their spiritual eyes have been opened to see that the Republic of Israel and all the other nations inside and outside the UN are now far along on the march to “the place that is called in Hebrew Har– Magedon.” (Revelation 16:16) The war of the Almighty God is near at hand! 9 The outlook for earthly Jerusalem is tragic, but that of the New Jerusalem is brilliant. (Zechariah 9:13) For I will bend Judah as my bow. The bow I will fill with Eʹphra·im, And I will awaken your sons, O Zion, Against your sons, O Greece, And I will make you like a warrior’s sword.’

*** it-1 p. 1258 Javan *** So, likewise, Zechariah’s prophecy (520-518 B.C.E.), foretelling the successful warfare of the ‘sons of Zion’ against Javan (Greece).—Zec 9:13.

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(Zechariah 10:3) Against the shepherds my anger burns, And against the oppressive leaders I will hold an accounting; For Jehovah of armies has turned his attention to his flock, to the house of Judah, And he has made them like his majestic horse in the battle.

*** it-1 p. 1145 Horse *** The special attention and ornamentation lavished on a royal steed is the figure used to represent Jehovah’s turning his favorable attention to his repentant people, making them like a victorious war horse.—Zec 10:3-6. (Zechariah 10:10) I will bring them back from the land of Egypt And gather them from As·syrʹi·a; I will bring them to the land of Gilʹe·ad and Lebʹa·non, And there will be no more room for them.

*** it-2 p. 232 Lebanon *** Zechariah’s prophecy (10:10) pointed to the time when Jehovah would bring his people back to the land of Gilead and Lebanon. In this case Lebanon may refer to the territory W of the Jordan, as Gilead designates the land E of the Jordan. (Zechariah 11:1) “Open your doors, O Lebʹa·non, So that a fire may consume your cedars.

*** it-1 p. 260 Bashan *** The plains of Bashan appear to have been, in the main, treeless, but the mountain ridges were well wooded and contained massive trees, probably oaks (which are still to be found in that area today). In prophecy, these trees are used as symbols of great loftiness. (Isa 2:13; Zec 11:1, 2) (Zechariah 11:2) Wail, you juniper, for the cedar has fallen; The majestic trees have been destroyed! Wail, you oaks of Baʹshan, For the dense forest has come down!

*** 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) Yet, even such ‘massive trees of Bashan, the impenetrable forest,’ could not stand against God’s expressed wrath. (Zechariah 11:2; Isaiah 2:13)

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(Zechariah 11:4) “This is what Jehovah my God says, ‘Shepherd the flock meant for the slaughter,

*** si p. 171 par. 20 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 20 Zechariah is now assigned to shepherd the flock, which has been sold into slaughter by compassionless shepherds who say: “May Jehovah be blessed, while I shall gain riches.” (11:5) The prophet takes two staffs and names them “Pleasantness” and “Union.” (11:7) Breaking “Pleasantness,” he symbolizes a covenant broken. Then he calls for his wages, and they weigh him out 30 pieces of silver. Jehovah orders Zechariah to throw it into the treasury and, with superlative sarcasm, says, “the majestic value with which I have been valued.” (11:13) Now staff “Union” is cut up, breaking the brotherhood of Judah and Israel. A sword will come upon the false shepherds who have neglected Jehovah’s sheep.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** 11:4-11—Sheeplike people were “the flock meant for the killing” in that governmental shepherds were exploiting them. With one staff called “Pleasantness” and the other “Union,” Zechariah acted like a shepherd carrying a staff to guide the flock and a rod to ward off beasts. (Psalm 23:4) He foreshadowed Jesus, who was sent to be a spiritual shepherd but was rejected by the Jews. As Zechariah broke the staff Pleasantness, God quit dealing pleasantly with the Jews, breaking his covenant with them. And as Zechariah broke the staff Union, God’s canceling of the Law covenant with Israel left the Jews without a theocratic bond of union. Their religious disunity worked out disastrously for them with the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 C.E.

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(Zechariah 11:12) Then I said to them: “If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, withhold them.” And they paid my wages, 30 pieces of silver.

*** it-1 pp. 68-69 Akeldama *** Why does Matthew attribute the prophecy of Zechariah 11:12, 13 to Jeremiah? The fulfillment of prophecy recorded by Matthew is based on “what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.” Jeremiah was at times listed as first of the “Latter Prophets,” and this section of prophecies therefore included not only Jeremiah’s writings but also those of Zechariah. (Compare Lu 24:44.) The quotation made by Matthew appears to be drawn principally from Zechariah 11:12, 13, but paraphrased by Matthew and applied to the circumstances fulfilling it, this under inspiration by God’s spirit. As a potter’s field the land would be considered as worn out and of little value, worth only the price of a slave.

*** it-2 p. 130 Judas *** Why did the Jewish religious leaders offer just 30 pieces of silver for the betrayal of Jesus? Thirty pieces of silver ($66, if shekels) was the price offered. (Mt 26:14, 15) The sum fixed by the religious leaders appears designed to show their contempt of Jesus, viewing him as of little value. According to Exodus 21:32, the price of a slave was 30 shekels. Carrying this forward, for his work as a shepherd of the people, Zechariah was paid “thirty pieces of silver.” Jehovah scorned this as a very meager amount, regarding the wages given to Zechariah as an estimation of how the faithless people viewed God himself. (Zec 11:12, 13) Consequently, in offering just 30 pieces of silver for Jesus, the religious leaders made him out to be of little value. At the same time, though, they were fulfilling Zechariah 11:12, treating Jehovah as of low value by doing this to the representative he had sent to shepherd Israel.

*** nwt p. 15 par. 3 Question 6: What did the Bible foretell about the Messiah? *** PROPHECY “They paid my wages, 30 pieces of silver.” Zechariah 11:12, 13 [Page 1296] FULFILLMENT “Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said: ‘What will you give me to betray him to you?’ They stipulated to him 30 silver pieces.” Matthew 26:14, 15; 27:5 [Pages 1342, 1345]

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included Zechariah. (Compare Luke 24:44.) Judas never spent his ill-gotten sum, for he threw the money into the temple and went off and committed suicide.—Matt. 26:14-16; 27:3-10.

*** w10 12/1 p. 10 Did You Know? *** Why did Matthew attribute words from the book of Zechariah to the prophet Jeremiah? ▪ The passage in question is found at Matthew 27:9, 10, where the Gospel writer commented on the money given to Judas Iscariot for the betrayal of Jesus. The verses read: “Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying: ‘And they took the thirty silver pieces, the price upon the man that was priced, . . . and they gave them for the potter’s field.’” The source of the prophecy concerning the 30 pieces of silver is Zechariah, not Jeremiah.—Zechariah 11:12, 13. It appears that Jeremiah, rather than Isaiah, was sometimes placed first in the collection of books called “the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:40) Hence, when Matthew here spoke of “Jeremiah,” he was referring to an entire section of Scripture called by the name of its first book. This section of Scripture included Zechariah. In a similar way, Jesus designated as “Psalms” several Bible books also known as the Writings. Thus, when he said that all things written about him “in the law of Moses and in the Prophets and Psalms” had to be fulfilled, he was referring to the prophecies contained in the entire Hebrew Scriptures.—Luke 24:44.

*** si p. 169 par. 6 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** Some have queried why it is that Matthew quotes Zechariah but attributes his words to Jeremiah. (Matt. 27:9; Zech. 11:12) It appears that Jeremiah was at times reckoned as first of the Later Prophets (instead of Isaiah, as in our present Bibles); hence Matthew, in referring to Zechariah as “Jeremiah,” could have been following the Jewish practice of including a whole section of Scripture under the name of the first book of the section. Jesus himself used the designation “Psalms” to include all the books known as the Writings.—Luke 24:44.

*** si p. 172 par. 25 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 25 As our introductory paragraphs showed, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as king, “humble, and riding upon an ass,” his betrayal for “thirty pieces of silver,” the scattering of his disciples at that time, and his being pierced on the stake by the soldier’s spear were all foretold by Zechariah in exact detail. (Zech. 9:9; 11:12; 13:7; 12:10) (Zechariah 11:13) Then Jehovah said to me: “Throw it into the treasury—the magnificent value with which they valued me.” So I took the 30 pieces of silver and threw it into the treasury at the house of Jehovah.

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*** it-2 pp. 130-131 Judas *** Also related to his death is the question of who bought the burial field with the 30 pieces of silver. According to Matthew 27:6, 7, the chief priests decided they could not put the money in the sacred treasury so they used it to buy the field. The account in Acts 1:18, 19, speaking about Judas, says: “This very man, therefore, purchased a field with the wages for unrighteousness.” The answer seems to be that the priests purchased the field, but since Judas provided the money, it could be credited to him. Dr. A. Edersheim pointed out: “It was not lawful to take into the Temple-treasury, for the purchase of sacred things, money that had been unlawfully gained. In such cases the Jewish Law provided that the money was to be restored to the donor, and, if he insisted on giving it, that he should be induced to spend it for something for the public weal [well-being]. . . . By a fiction of law the money was still considered to be Judas’, and to have been applied by him in the purchase of the well-known ‘potter’s field.’” (The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 1906, Vol. II, p. 575) This purchase worked to fulfill the prophecy at Zechariah 11:13.

*** nwt p. 15 par. 3 Question 6: What did the Bible foretell about the Messiah? ***

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PROPHECY “They paid my wages, 30 pieces of silver.” Zechariah 11:12, 13 [Page 1296] FULFILLMENT “Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said: ‘What will you give me to betray him to you?’ They stipulated to him 30 silver pieces.” Matthew 26:14, 15; 27:5 [Pages 1342, 1345]

*** w11 8/15 p. 13 par. 6 They Found the Messiah! *** 6 The Messiah’s betrayer would receive 30 pieces of silver—the price of a slave! Drawing on Zechariah 11:12, 13, Matthew showed that Jesus was betrayed for such a paltry sum. But why did Matthew say that this had been foretold “through Jeremiah the prophet”? In Matthew’s day, Jeremiah may have been placed first in a group of Bible books that included Zechariah. (Compare Luke 24:44.) Judas never spent his ill-gotten sum, for he threw the money into the temple and went off and committed suicide.—Matt. 26:14-16; 27:3-10. (Zechariah 11:14) Then I cut up my second staff, the Union, breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

*** w07 12/15 pp. 22-23 No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed *** Jerusalem—“A Burdensome Stone” 9 Zechariah’s prophecy sheds light on the reason why the nations take their stand against true Christians. Note what Zechariah 12:3 says: “It must occur in that day that I shall make Jerusalem a burdensome stone to all the peoples.” To which Jerusalem does this prophecy point? Zechariah’s prophecy concerning Jerusalem applies to “heavenly Jerusalem,” the heavenly Kingdom to which anointed Christians have been called. (Hebrews 12:22) A small remnant of these heirs of the Messianic Kingdom are still on earth. Along with their companions, the “other sheep,” they urge people to turn to God’s

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Kingdom while there is yet time. (John 10:16; Revelation 11:15) How have the nations reacted to this invitation? And what kind of support does Jehovah give to true worshippers today? Let us find out as we further examine the meaning of Zechariah chapter 12. Doing so, we can gain the assurance that ‘no weapon will succeed’ against God’s anointed ones and their dedicated associates. 10 Zechariah 12:3 indicates that the nations receive “severe scratches.” How does this happen? God has decreed that the good news of the Kingdom must be preached. Jehovah’s Witnesses take seriously the obligation to preach. However, the heralding of the Kingdom as mankind’s only hope has become “a burdensome stone” to the nations. They try to lift it out of the way by interfering with the Kingdom preachers. In so doing, the meddling nations have received “severe scratches for themselves,” getting all cut up. Even their reputations have been hurt as they meet with humiliating failure. They cannot silence true worshippers, who cherish the privilege of proclaiming the “everlasting good news” of God’s Messianic Kingdom before the end of this system of things. (Revelation 14:6) When seeing the violence done to Jehovah’s servants, a prison guard in one African land said, in effect: ‘You are wasting your efforts in persecuting these people. They will never compromise. They just increase.’ (Zechariah 12:4) In that day,” declares Jehovah, “I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness. I will keep my eyes on the house of Judah, but I will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.

*** w07 12/15 pp. 23-24 par. 11 No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed *** 11 Read Zechariah 12:4. Jehovah makes the promise that he will figuratively blind and throw into “bewilderment” those who fight against his courageous Kingdom messengers. He has kept his word. For example, in one land where true worship was under ban, opposers were unable to keep spiritual food out of the hands of God’s people. A newspaper even claimed that Jehovah’s Witnesses were using balloons to get Bible literature into the country! God’s promise to his loyal servants proved true: “I shall open my eyes, and every horse of the peoples I shall strike with loss of sight.” Blind with fury, enemies of the Kingdom do not know which direction to take. Yet, we are convinced that Jehovah will preserve his people as a group and look out for their welfare.—2 Kings 6:15- 19. (Zechariah 12:5) And the sheikhs of Judah will say in their heart, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are a strength to me by means of Jehovah of armies their God.’

*** w07 12/15 pp. 24-25 par. 12 No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed *** 12 Read Zechariah 12:5, 6. “The sheiks of Judah” refer to those having oversight among God’s people. Jehovah fills these with a fiery zeal in behalf of the earthly interests of his Kingdom. On one occasion, Jesus told his disciples: “I came to start a fire on the earth.” (Luke 12:49) Truly, he did ignite a fire. By his zealous preaching activity, Jesus made God’s Kingdom the paramount issue before the people. This sparked heated controversy throughout that Jewish nation. (Matthew 4:17, 25; 10:5-7, 17-20) Similarly, “like a firepot among trees and like a fiery torch in a row of newly cut grain,” footstep followers of Christ in our day set things aflame in a spiritual way. The 1917 book The Finished Mystery roundly exposed the hypocrisy of Christendom. That brought forth a bitter reaction from the clergy. In more recent times, Kingdom News No. 37, “The End of False Religion Is

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Near!” has moved many people to take their stand either for or against God’s Kingdom.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** But “the sheiks of Judah”—those having oversight among God’s chosen people—must be “like a fiery torch,” outstandingly zealous.—9:12–12:14. (Zechariah 12:6) In that day I will make the sheikhs of Judah like a fiery pot among wood and like a fiery torch in a row of cut grain, and they will consume all the surrounding peoples on the right and on the left; and Jerusalem will again be inhabited in her place, in Jerusalem.

*** w07 12/1 p. 11 par. 5 Highlights From the Books of Haggai and Zechariah *** 12:6. Those in positions of oversight among Jehovah’s people should be “like a fiery torch”—outstandingly zealous.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** But “the sheiks of Judah”—those having oversight among God’s chosen people—must be “like a fiery torch,” outstandingly zealous.—9:12–12:14. (Zechariah 12:7) “And Jehovah will save the tents of Judah first, so that the beauty of the house of David and the beauty of the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be too great over Judah.

*** it-2 p. 1084 Tent *** Zechariah 12:7 likely refers to such ones, as they would be the first to be affected and in need of protection if an enemy nation came against the land to attack the city of Jerusalem. Also, tents were used by military commanders and armies when on distant expeditions.—1Sa 17:54; 2Ki 7:7; compare Da 11:45.

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*** w07 12/15 p. 25 No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed *** “The Tents of Judah” Saved 13 Read Zechariah 12:7, 8. In ancient Israel, tents were a distinctive feature in the land, at times being used by shepherds and agricultural workers. Such people would be the first affected and would be in need of protection if an enemy nation came to attack the city of Jerusalem. The expression “the tents of Judah” indicates that the anointed remnant in our time are out in the open field, so to speak, not in fortified cities. There they fearlessly defend the interests of the Messianic Kingdom. Jehovah of armies will save “the tents of Judah first” because these are in the direct line of Satan’s attack. 14 Indeed, the historical record proves that Jehovah is defending these anointed ambassadors of the Kingdom in their “tents” out in the field. (Zechariah 12:8) In that day Jehovah will be a defense around the inhabitants of Jerusalem; in that day the one who stumbles among them will be like David, and the house of David like God, like Jehovah’s angel who goes before them.

*** w07 12/15 p. 25 par. 14 No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed *** He keeps them from “stumbling” in that he makes them strong and courageous like David, the warrior king.

(Zechariah 12:9) And in that day I will be certain to annihilate all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

*** w07 12/15 p. 25 par. 15 No Weapon Formed Against You Will Succeed *** 15 Read Zechariah 12:9. Why does Jehovah “seek to annihilate all the nations”? Because they persistently oppose the Messianic Kingdom. For harassing and persecuting God’s people, they stand condemned. Soon Satan’s earthly agents will undertake a final attack on God’s true worshippers, which will lead to the world situation described in the Bible as Har–Magedon. (Revelation 16:13-16) Responding to that assault, the Supreme Judge will defend his servants and sanctify his name among the nations.—Ezekiel 38:14-18, 22, 23. (Zechariah 12:10) “I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of favor and supplication, and they will look to the one whom they pierced, and they will wail over him as they would wail over an only son; and they will grieve bitterly over him as they would grieve over a firstborn son.

*** jy chap. 133 p. 302 par. 4 Jesus’ Body Is Prepared and Buried *** To remove any doubt that Jesus is truly dead, a soldier jabs a spear into his side, piercing the region of his heart. ‘Immediately blood and water come out.’ (John 19:34) This fulfills another scripture: “They will look to the one whom they pierced.”—Zechariah 12:10.

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*** w11 8/15 p. 16 par. 17 They Found the Messiah! *** Confirming these points, the apostle John wrote: “One of the soldiers jabbed his [Jesus’] side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he that has seen it [John] has borne witness, and his witness is true . . . These things took place in order for the scripture to be fulfilled: ‘Not a bone of his will be crushed.’ And, again, a different scripture says: ‘They will look to the One whom they pierced.’”—John 19:33-37.

*** w11 8/15 p. 16 par. 17 They Found the Messiah! *** 17 The Messiah would be pierced, but his bones would not be broken. Inhabitants of Jerusalem would “look to the One whom they pierced through.” (Zech. 12:10)

*** si p. 172 par. 25 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 25 As our introductory paragraphs showed, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as king, “humble, and riding upon an ass,” his betrayal for “thirty pieces of silver,” the scattering of his disciples at that time, and his being pierced on the stake by the soldier’s spear were all foretold by Zechariah in exact detail. (Zech. 9:9; 11:12; 13:7; 12:10) (Zechariah 12:11) In that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be great, like the wailing at Ha·dad·rimʹmon in the Plain of Me·gidʹdo.

*** it-1 p. 1015 Hadadrimmon *** HADADRIMMON (Ha·dad·rimʹmon). Evidently a location in the valley plain of Megiddo. (Zec 12:11) Hadadrimmon is often identified with Rummana, a site about 7 km (4.5 mi) SSE of Megiddo. The ‘great wailing’ at Hadadrimmon mentioned in Zechariah’s prophecy perhaps alludes to the lamentation over King Josiah, killed in battle at Megiddo. (2Ki 23:29; 2Ch 35:24, 25) But some associate this lamentation with ritualistic mourning ceremonies like those for the false god Tammuz (compare Eze 8:14) and consider “Hadadrimmon” to be the composite name of a god. This is unlikely, especially since Jehovah’s words, through Zechariah, are part of a prophecy concerning the Messiah. Hardly could idolatrous weeping ceremonies serve as a prophetic illustration; but the mourning for a faithful Judean king could well do so.—Compare Joh 19:37 and Re 1:7 with Zec 12:10-14.

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*** it-2 p. 366 Megiddo *** Zechariah’s prophecy (12:11) speaks of a ‘great wailing’ that occurred “in the valley plain of Megiddo,” which may be a reference to the lamentation over King Josiah, who was killed there in battle. (2Ki 23:29, 30) There is a slight difference in the Hebrew spelling of Megiddo here in the book of Zechariah. Instead of the conventional Hebrew spelling Meghid·dohʹ, it is Meghid·dohnʹ, a prolonged form similar to that found at Revelation 16:16.—See HAR–MAGEDON.

*** it-2 p. 365 Megiddo *** Strategic. Situated in this strategic spot overlooking and dominating the fertile western section of the Jezreel Valley (Plain of Esdraelon, also known as “the valley plain of Megiddo”; 2Ch 35:22; Zec 12:11), it easily controlled the major trade and military routes that intersected there.

*** w07 12/1 p. 10 par. 6 Highlights From the Books of Haggai and Zechariah *** 12:11—What is “the wailing of Hadadrimmon in the valley plain of Megiddo”? King Josiah of Judah was killed in a battle with Pharaoh Necho of Egypt in “the valley plain of Megiddo,” and his death was bemoaned ‘in dirges’ over the years. (2 Chronicles 35:25) Therefore, “the wailing of Hadadrimmon” may refer to the mourning over Josiah’s death.

*** w89 1/1 p. 17 Nations Gather at Megiddo *** In the decisive battle near Megiddo, Josiah was mortally wounded, and he died on the way back to Jerusalem. (2 Kings 23:28-30) This may have been the cause of ‘the wailing in the valley plain of Megiddo’ mentioned at Zechariah 12:11.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** 12:11—“The wailing of Hadadrimmon” may refer to mourning over the death of King Josiah of Judah. Hadadrimmon evidently was a site in the valley of Megiddo, where he was killed in battle with Pharaoh Necho. Josiah’s death was bemoaned, Jeremiah chanting and singers mentioning the king in dirges.—2 Chronicles 35:20-25. (Zechariah 12:12) And the land will wail, each family by itself; the family of David’s house by itself, and their women by themselves; the family of Nathan’s house by itself, and their women by themselves;

*** it-2 p. 471 Nathan *** Concerning the time when ‘they will look on the One whom they pierced,’ the prophecy of Zechariah says there will be a bitter lamentation and wailing throughout the whole land, family by family, and especially for the families of David, Levi, the Shimeites, and “the family of the house of Nathan.” (Zec 12:10-14) If the family of Nathan’s house here referred to sprang from David’s son, this would make it one of the families of David. Therefore the lamentation would affect families within families. (Zechariah 13:3) And if a man should prophesy again, his father and his mother who

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caused his birth will say to him, ‘You will not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of Jehovah.’ And his father and his mother who caused his birth will pierce him through because of his prophesying.

*** w07 12/1 p. 11 par. 6 Highlights From the Books of Haggai and Zechariah *** 13:3. Our loyalty to the true God and his organization should surpass loyalty to any human, no matter how close.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** Jehovah hates counterfeits. In God’s congregation, any who persist in ‘speaking falsehood’ are ‘pierced through,’ being rejected as apostates. (Zechariah 13:4) “In that day each of the prophets will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies; and they will not wear an official garment of hair in order to deceive.

*** it-2 p. 545 Official Garment *** False prophets, it appears, sometimes wore similar garments of hair to deceive the people into accepting them as reputable prophets of Jehovah, thus making their messages seem more credible.—Zec 13:4. (Zechariah 13:5) And he will say, ‘I am no prophet. I am a man cultivating the soil, because a man bought me when I was young.’

*** w15 7/15 pp. 15-16 par. 5 “Your Deliverance Is Getting Near”! *** 5 Should we conclude, though, that the destruction of the religions of Babylon the Great results in the death of all the former members of those religions? Apparently not. The prophet Zechariah was inspired to write about that time. Speaking of someone who was previously part of false religion, the account states: “He will say, ‘I am no prophet. I am a man cultivating the soil, because a man bought me when I was young.’ And if someone asks him, ‘What are these wounds between your shoulders?’ he will answer, ‘Wounds I received in the house of my friends.’” (Zech. 13:4-6) So, apparently, even some of the clergy will abandon their religious course and deny that they were ever part of those false religions. (Zechariah 13:6) And if someone asks him, ‘What are these wounds between your shoulders?’ he will answer, ‘Wounds I received in the house of my friends.’”

*** si pp. 171-172 par. 24 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 24 In chapter 13, verses 2 to 6, Zechariah illustrates the loyalty that to this day marks Jehovah’s organization. This must transcend every human relationship, such as that of close flesh-and-blood relatives. If a close relative should prophesy falsehood in the name of Jehovah, that is, speak contrary to the Kingdom message and try wrongly to influence others in the congregation of God’s people, the family members of that one must loyally support any judicial action taken by the congregation. The same position must be held with regard to any intimate associate who prophesies falsely, so that he may become ashamed

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and wounded at heart because of his wrong action. (Zechariah 13:7) “O sword, awake against my shepherd, Against the man who is my companion,” declares Jehovah of armies. “Strike the shepherd, and let the flock be scattered; And I will turn my hand against those who are insignificant.”

*** w11 8/15 p. 13 par. 7 They Found the Messiah! *** 7 Even the Messiah’s disciples would scatter. “Strike the shepherd,” wrote Zechariah, “and let those of the flock be scattered.” (Zech. 13:7) On Nisan 14, 33 C.E., Jesus told his disciples: “All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered about.’” And that is exactly what happened, for Matthew reported that “all the disciples abandoned [Jesus] and fled.”—Matt. 26:31, 56.

*** si p. 172 par. 25 Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah *** 25 As our introductory paragraphs showed, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as king, “humble, and riding upon an ass,” his betrayal for “thirty pieces of silver,” the scattering of his disciples at that time, and his being pierced on the stake by the soldier’s spear were all foretold by Zechariah in exact detail. (Zech. 9:9; 11:12; 13:7; 12:10) (Zechariah 13:8) “And in all the land,” declares Jehovah, “Two parts in it will be cut off and perish; And the third part will be left remaining in it.

*** w07 12/1 p. 11 par. 7 Highlights From the Books of Haggai and Zechariah *** 13:8, 9. Those apostates whom Jehovah rejected were a large number, two parts of the land. Only a third part underwent refinement as through fire. In our day Christendom, constituting the majority of those who claim to be Christian, has been rejected by Jehovah. Only a small number, the anointed Christians, ‘have called upon Jehovah’s name’ and submitted themselves to the refining process. They and their fellow believers prove to be much more than Witnesses of Jehovah in name only.

*** w89 6/15 p. 31 Jehovah Stirs Up the Spirit of His People *** “Two parts” in the land will be cut off, while the third part will be refined through fire. Parallel to this, the great majority of those claiming to be Christian—those of Christendom—have been cut off by Jehovah. From 1919 onward, only a small minority of faithful, anointed Christians have called upon Jehovah’s name and submitted to his refining process.—13:1-9.

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(Zechariah 13:9) And I will bring the third part through the fire; And I will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people,’ And they will say, ‘Jehovah is our God.’”

*** it-1 p. 595 Day of Jehovah *** However, the Scriptures point forward to yet another “day of Jehovah.” After the restoration of the Jews to Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile, Jehovah caused his prophet Zechariah (14:1-3) to foretell “a day . . . belonging to Jehovah” when he would gather not merely one nation but “all the nations against Jerusalem,” at the climax of which day “Jehovah will certainly go forth and war against those nations,” bringing them to their end. The apostle Paul, under inspiration, associated the coming “day of Jehovah” with the presence of Christ. (2Th 2:1, 2) And Peter spoke of it in connection with the establishment of ‘new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness is to dwell.’—2Pe 3:10-13.

*** w13 2/15 p. 18 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** ‘A DAY BELONGING TO JEHOVAH’ BEGINS 4 The 14th chapter of Zechariah opens with a reference to ‘a day belonging to Jehovah.’ (Read Zechariah 14:1, 2.) What is this day? It is “the Lord’s day,” which began when “the kingdom of the world” became “the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.” (Rev. 1:10; 11:15) That day started in 1914 with the birth of the Messianic Kingdom in the heavens. (Zechariah 14:2) I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem for the war; and the city will be captured and the houses plundered and the women raped. And half of the city will go into exile, but the remaining ones of the people will not be cut off from the city.

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*** w13 2/15 pp. 18-19 pars. 4-7 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** Decades before 1914, Jehovah’s worshippers declared to the nations that the end of “the appointed times of the nations” would come in that year and that the world would enter into an unequaled period of trouble. (Luke 21:24) How did the nations respond? Instead of paying heed to that timely warning, political and religious leaders scorned and persecuted those zealous anointed evangelizers. In doing so, these world leaders mocked Almighty God himself, for anointed Kingdom ambassadors represent “heavenly Jerusalem”—the Messianic Kingdom—of which they are a part.—Heb. 12:22, 28. 5 Zechariah foretold what action the nations would take, saying: “The city [Jerusalem] will actually be captured.” “The city” is symbolic of God’s Messianic Kingdom. It is represented on earth by its ‘citizens,’ the remnant of anointed Christians. (Phil. 3:20) During World War I, prominent members within the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization were “captured,” or arrested, and sent off to a prison in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. ‘The houses were pillaged’ in that injustices and brutality were heaped upon these and other innocent integrity keepers. The attackers plundered the wealth of influence that the remnant exercised by banning their literature and restricting their activities as Kingdom proclaimers. 6 Although God’s people were outnumbered, misrepresented, opposed, and persecuted at the hands of the attackers, true worship could not be crushed out of existence. There were “the remaining ones of the people,” that is, the anointed remnant who loyally refused to be “cut off from the city.” 7 Was this prophecy completely fulfilled by the end of World War I? No. More attacks by the nations were to come against the anointed remnant and their loyal companions with an earthly hope. (Rev. 12:17) World War II is a proof of that. The integrity-keeping course of God’s faithful anointed Witnesses spurs on God’s servants today to endure whatever trials come their way, including opposition from unbelieving relatives, workmates, or schoolmates who ridicule them for their faith. (1 Pet. 1:6, 7) No matter where they live, true worshippers are more determined than ever to ‘stand firm in one spirit,’ not being ‘frightened by their opponents.’ (Phil. 1:27, 28)

*** w96 7/1 pp. 19-20 par. 1 The Triumph of True Worship Draws Near *** DURING the first world war, anointed Christians suffered many hardships and imprisonments at the hands of the warring nations. Their sacrifices of praise to Jehovah were severely restricted, and they fell into a spiritually captive state. All of this was foretold at Zechariah 14:2, which describes an international attack on Jerusalem. The city of this prophecy is “heavenly Jerusalem,” God’s heavenly Kingdom and the location of “the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Hebrews 12:22, 28; 13:14; Revelation 22:3) God’s anointed ones on earth represented that city. The faithful ones among them survived the attack, refusing to allow themselves to be exiled “from the city.”

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*** w96 7/1 p. 22 par. 10 The Triumph of True Worship Draws Near *** In the near future, the bad attitude of the majority of the people on earth will reach a climax as they gather for the last time to wage war against Jerusalem—the representatives on earth of the heavenly Jerusalem. Then Jehovah will act. As a Warrior-God, he “will certainly go forth and war against those nations” who dare to make this attack.—Zechariah 14:2, 3.

*** jv chap. 10 p. 140 Growing in Accurate Knowledge of the Truth *** The Watch Tower of July 15, 1925, drew attention to Zechariah 14:1-3 and said: “By this we would understand that all the nations of earth, under Satan’s direction, would be gathered to battle against the Jerusalem class, viz., those who take their stand on the Lord’s side . . . Revelation 16:14, 16.”

*** w90 7/1 p. 21 par. 17 The Coming Finale of “the Book of the Wars of Jehovah” *** In the last chapter of the second-to-last book of the Hebrew Scriptures, an international attack against Jerusalem is foretold. (Zechariah 14:2)

*** w90 7/1 pp. 21-22 pars. 18-20 The Coming Finale of “the Book of the Wars of Jehovah” *** 18 This is a prospect yet ahead of us. But which Jerusalem will suffer such an all-out attack? The prophecy was not fulfilled upon the Jerusalem of Zechariah’s day. That city was destroyed by the armies of Rome in 70 C.E. Jerusalem was rebuilt, however, and today is viewed as sacred by Christendom as well as by the fleshly nation of Israel. In the six-day war of 1967, fleshly Israel took possession of all rebuilt earthly Jerusalem. However, there is not a shred of evidence that Jehovah God took any part in the fighting then. His enthroned King, Jesus Christ, does not reign in earthly Jerusalem, and it is no longer “the city of the great King,” that is, of Jehovah.—Matthew 5:35. 19 No, this official capital city of the Jewish member of the United Nations is not the Jerusalem mentioned in Zechariah’s prophecy. Rather, Zechariah is referring to the Jerusalem that we read about in the book of Hebrews. There, Paul addresses anointed Christians and says: “You have approached a Mount Zion and a city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and myriads of angels.” (Hebrews 12:22) This heavenly Jerusalem is none other than God’s Messianic Kingdom, represented on earth today by a small band of anointed Christians who cherish the hope of being fellow rulers with Jesus Christ in that Kingdom. These will be the object of the prophesied attack. 20 Neither these, however, nor the great crowd of Christians with an earthly hope who have come out of all the nations to join them in pure worship need fear the outcome of this attack. When the fright-inspiring armies of Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, came against Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah, the endangered Israelites were given a calming view of the situation when King Hezekiah said to them: “With him there is an arm of flesh, but with us there is Jehovah our God to help us and to fight our battles.” The result was that “the people began to brace themselves upon the words of Hezekiah the king of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 32:8) Jehovah’s Witnesses of today, when threatened by the national forces of this world system, can brace themselves upon similar words from a king

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greater than Hezekiah, Jesus Christ. (Zechariah 14:3) “Jehovah will go out and war against those nations as when he fights in the day of a battle.

*** w13 2/15 p. 20 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** ‘THE DAY OF WARRING’ ARRIVES 14 As the end of this system of things draws closer, Satan will intensify his attacks upon Jehovah’s servants. Then will come “the day of [God’s] warring” against his enemies. Jehovah will make sure that one of Satan’s attacks will prove to be his last. On that day, the Sovereign of the universe will distinguish himself as a Warrior more gloriously than he has during any previous “day of fight.”—Zech. 14:3.

*** w90 7/1 p. 21 par. 17 The Coming Finale of “the Book of the Wars of Jehovah” *** Then, according to verse 3, “Jehovah will certainly go forth and war against those nations as in the day of his warring, in the day of fight.” In this way the God of the Bible will show all the modern nations that he is still the warrior God he was in the days of ancient Israel.

*** w90 7/1 p. 22 par. 21 The Coming Finale of “the Book of the Wars of Jehovah” *** Yes, throughout that dangerous time, Jehovah will be with his people. Their safety and preservation will depend upon his fighting for them. And fight he will, by means of his warrior King, Jesus Christ! The result? The total annihilation of the Devil’s visible organization on earth.—Revelation 19:11-21.

*** ws chap. 19 pp. 153-154 par. 4 The Impending “War of the Great Day of God the Almighty” *** When Gog uses his atheistic hordes to attack Jehovah’s people, to plunder and destroy them, Jehovah will step in and fight for his people, as foretold at Ezekiel 38:2, 12, 18-20. Jehovah’s response is also foretold at Zechariah 14:3: “Jehovah will certainly go forth and war against those nations as in the day of his warring, in the day of fight.” In this way the God of the Bible will give a witness to all the modern nations that he still is a Warrior God, just as he was in the days of ancient Israel, when, as recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures, he was described as “Jehovah of armies” 260 times.—Psalm 24:10; 84:12.

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(Zechariah 14:4) In that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in half, from east to west, forming a very great valley; and half of the mountain will move to the north, and half of it to the south.

*** it-2 p. 552 Olive *** The mountain ridge to the E of Jerusalem about “a sabbath day’s journey” distant was noted for its olives in King David’s day and, by Zechariah’s time, was already called “the mountain of the olive trees.” (2Sa 15:30; Zec 14:4; Lu 19:29; 22:39; Ac 1:12)

*** w13 2/15 p. 19 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** JEHOVAH FORMS “A VERY GREAT VALLEY” 8 Since Jerusalem—“the city”—is symbolic of heavenly Jerusalem, “the mountain of the olive trees, which is in front of Jerusalem,” must also be taken symbolically. What does that mountain represent? How will it be “split at its middle” and become two mountains? Why does Jehovah refer to them as “my mountains”? (Read Zechariah 14:3-5.) In the Bible, mountains can represent kingdoms, or governments. Also, blessings and protection are associated with God’s mountain. (Ps. 72:3; Isa. 25:6, 7) Thus, the mountain of the olive trees on which God stands to the east of earthly Jerusalem represents Jehovah’s universal sovereignty, his supreme rulership. 9 What is indicated by the division of the mountain of the olive trees? The mountain, which is to the east of Jerusalem, splits in the sense that Jehovah establishes another rulership, a subsidiary one. This secondary rulership is the Messianic Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. That is why Jehovah speaks of the two mountains that result from the splitting of “the Mount of Olives” as being “my mountains.” (Zech. 14:4, ftn.) Both of them are his. 10 When the symbolic mountain splits, half to the north and half to the south, Jehovah’s feet remain set upon both mountains. “A very great valley” comes into existence beneath Jehovah’s feet. This symbolic valley represents divine protection, by which Jehovah’s servants find safety under his universal sovereignty and his Son’s Messianic Kingdom. Jehovah will make sure that pure worship will never be snuffed out. When did this division of the mountain of the olive trees take place? It occurred when the Messianic Kingdom was established at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914. (Zechariah 14:5) You will flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains will extend all the way to Aʹzel. You will have to flee, just as you fled because of the earthquake in the days of King Uz·ziʹah of Judah. And Jehovah my God will come, and all the holy ones will be with him.

*** it-1 p. 99 Amos *** Amos began his career as a prophet two years before the great earthquake that occurred during the reign of Uzziah, king of Judah. At the same time Jeroboam II, son of Joash, was king of Israel. (Am 1:1) Amos’ prophecy is, therefore, placed sometime within the 26-year period from 829 to about 804 B.C.E., when the reigns of these two kings of Judah and Israel overlapped. The great earthquake that occurred two years after Amos was commissioned to be a prophet was of such magnitude that nearly 300 years later

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Zechariah made particular mention of it.—Zec 14:5.

*** it-1 pp. 226-227 Azel *** 2. A place mentioned in Zechariah 14:5 as the point to which the valley would reach as a result of the prophesied cleavage of the Mount of Olives. It must, therefore, refer to a site near Jerusalem, and there may be an echoing of the name in that of the Wadi Yasul (Nahal Azal), which is an afflux to the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives.

*** w13 2/15 pp. 19-20 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** THE FLIGHT TO THE VALLEY BEGINS! 11 Jesus warned his followers: “You will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name.” (Matt. 24:9) During the last days of this system of things, since 1914, that hatred has become especially intense. In spite of the vicious attack launched against the anointed remnant by their enemies during World War I, those of this faithful group were not killed off. In 1919 they were liberated from the clutches of Babylon the Great—the world empire of false religion. (Rev. 11:11, 12) That is when the flight to the valley of Jehovah’s mountains began. 12 Since 1919 the valley of divine protection continues to protect true worshippers earth wide. Over the decades, in many parts of the world, there have been bans and restrictions on the field ministry and the Bible literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Such restrictions still exist in certain lands. Try as the nations may, however, they will never succeed in stamping out true worship! Jehovah’s powerful arm will prove to be with his people.—Deut. 11:2. 13 If we stick to Jehovah and stand firm in the truth, he and his Son, Jesus Christ, will do their part, and God will not allow anyone or anything to ‘snatch us out of His hand.’ (John 10:28, 29) Jehovah is ready to extend whatever help is needed so that we may obey him as the Universal Sovereign and remain loyal subjects of the Messianic Kingdom. It is imperative that we remain in the valley of protection, for that valley will take on even greater meaning for true worshippers during the fast-approaching great tribulation. (Zechariah 14:6) “In that day there will be no precious light—things will be congealed.

*** w13 2/15 p. 20 par. 15 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** 15 On the day of God’s warring, what will be the situation of those outside the “great valley” of protection? They will have “no precious light” of divine favor shining upon them. In that coming day of fight, “the horse, the mule, the camel, and the male ass, and every sort of domestic animal”—symbols of the nations’ military equipment—will be affected. Such equipment will be “congealed,” put out of operation as if stiffened by cold.

*** ws chap. 19 p. 158 par. 12 The Impending “War of the Great Day of God the Almighty” *** Indicating how useless their military equipment will be are the words of Zechariah 14:6: “It must occur in that day that there will prove to be no precious light—things will be

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congealed.” No heavenly light of divine favor will shine upon them. Artificial lights of modern science will not remove the darkness of divine disfavor. Operational things will be immobilized, as if stiffened by cold—congealed. (Zechariah 14:7) And it will become one day that is known as belonging to Jehovah. It will not be day, nor will it be night; and at evening time there will be light.

*** w06 4/15 p. 29 par. 18 Let Your Hands Be Strong *** 18 Zechariah referred to the destruction of Babylon the Great followed by the war of Armageddon. We read: “It must become one day that is known as belonging to Jehovah. It will not be day, neither will it be night; and it must occur that at evening time it will become light.” Yes, Jehovah’s day will truly be a dark, cold day for his enemies on earth! But it will mean continuous light and favor for Jehovah’s faithful worshippers.

*** w06 4/15 p. 29 par. 18 Let Your Hands Be Strong *** (Zechariah 14:7, (Zechariah 14:8) In that day living waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea. It will happen in summer and in winter.

*** it-1 p. 997 Great Sea *** From the location of Jerusalem it was viewed as “the western sea” in contrast with “the eastern sea,” that is, the Dead Sea. (Joe 2:20; Zec 14:8)

*** w13 2/15 p. 21 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** “LIVING WATERS WILL GO FORTH” 17 Following Armageddon, “living waters” will flow continuously from the seat of the Messianic Kingdom. These “living waters” are Jehovah’s provisions for life. “The eastern sea” refers to the Dead Sea, and “the western sea” to the Mediterranean Sea. Both are used with reference to people. The Dead Sea would well represent those who are in the common grave of all mankind. Since the Mediterranean Sea teems with life, it would aptly depict the “great crowd” of Armageddon survivors. (Read Zechariah 14:8, 9; Rev. 7:9-15) Thus, both groups will benefit by being released from the condemnation of Adamic death as they keep quenching their thirst with the symbolic living waters, or “river of water of life.”—Rev. 22:1, 2.

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western sea. In summer and in winter it will occur. And Jehovah must become king over all the earth. In that day Jehovah will prove to be one, and his name one.” 20 “Living waters,” or “a river of water of life,” picturing Jehovah’s provisions for life, will continuously flow from the seat of the Messianic Kingdom. (Revelation 22:1, 2) A great crowd of Jehovah’s worshippers, having survived Armageddon, will benefit by being released from the condemnation of Adamic death. Even those who are already dead will benefit by means of a resurrection. Thus will begin a new phase of Jehovah’s rulership over the earth. Humans earth wide will recognize Jehovah as the Universal Sovereign, the only one to be worshipped. (Zechariah 14:9) And Jehovah will be King over all the earth. In that day Jehovah will be one, and his name one.

*** w06 4/15 p. 29 Let Your Hands Be Strong *** Permanent Blessings 19 Following that stupendous accomplishment, Satan and his demons will be confined to an abyss of inactivity. (Revelation 20:1-3, 7) Then blessings will flow during Christ’s Thousand Year Reign. Zechariah 14:8, 9 says: “It must occur in that day that living waters will go forth from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. In summer and in winter it will occur. And Jehovah must become king over all the earth. In that day Jehovah will prove to be one, and his name one.” 20 “Living waters,” or “a river of water of life,” picturing Jehovah’s provisions for life, will continuously flow from the seat of the Messianic Kingdom. (Revelation 22:1, 2) A great crowd of Jehovah’s worshippers, having survived Armageddon, will benefit by being released from the condemnation of Adamic death. Even those who are already dead will benefit by means of a resurrection. Thus will begin a new phase of Jehovah’s rulership over the earth. Humans earth wide will recognize Jehovah as the Universal Sovereign, the only one to be worshipped.

*** w96 7/1 p. 22 par. 12 The Triumph of True Worship Draws Near *** At last, all nations will have been forced to recognize Jehovah’s universal sovereignty. The prophecy will be fulfilled: “Jehovah must become king over all the earth.” (Zechariah 14:9)

*** ws chap. 21 p. 176 par. 12 The Garden of Eden Restored—Earth Wide *** 12 Fulfilled then will be the words of Zechariah 14:9: “In that day Jehovah will prove to be one, and his name one.” Jehovah alone will be worshiped as the one true God. In “that day” of Jehovah’s Kingdom by the “Prince of Peace,” God will reveal the exact pronunciation of his name. Then there will be just one pronunciation of that holy name by everybody on earth. His name will be one.

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(Zechariah 14:10) “The whole land will become like the Arʹa·bah, from Geʹba to Rimʹmon south of Jerusalem; and she will rise and be inhabited in her place, from the Gate of Benjamin all the way to the site of the First Gate, all the way to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Ha·nanʹel all the way to the winepresses of the king.

*** it-1 p. 902 Geba *** Alluding to the exaltation of rebuilt Jerusalem, the prophet Zechariah spoke of the hilly and mountainous land that lies between Geba and Rimmon as becoming low like the Arabah.—Zec 14:10; see GIBEAH No. 2. (Zechariah 14:12) “And this is the scourge with which Jehovah will scourge all the peoples who wage war against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot away while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot away in their sockets, and their tongues will rot away in their mouths.

*** w13 2/15 p. 20 par. 15 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** Jehovah will also use pestilence and “the scourge.” Whether literal or not, the scourge will silence terrifying threats. On that day, “one’s very eyes . . . and tongue will rot away” in that the attackers will be able to strike out only blindly and their defiant speech will be silenced. (Zech. 14:6, 7, 12, 15)

*** jd chap. 3 p. 32 par. 7 The Day of Jehovah—A Vital Theme *** 7 Imagine what a scourge will come upon those fighting against God! “There will be a rotting away of one’s flesh, while one is standing upon one’s feet; and one’s very eyes will rot away in their sockets, and one’s very tongue will rot away in one’s mouth.” (Zechariah 14:12) Whether this vision will be fulfilled literally or not, you can tell that it portends tragedy for many. At the very least, the tongues of God’s enemies will rot in the sense that their defiant speech will be silenced. And any vision of taking unified action against God’s people will be blurred.

*** w96 7/1 p. 22 pars. 11-12 The Triumph of True Worship Draws Near *** 11 “This is what will prove to be the scourge with which Jehovah will scourge all the peoples that will actually do military service against Jerusalem: There will be a rotting away of one’s flesh, while one is standing upon one’s feet; and one’s very eyes will rot away in their sockets, and one’s very tongue will rot away in one’s mouth. And it must occur in that day that confusion from Jehovah will become widespread among them; and they will actually grab hold, each one of the hand of his companion, and his hand will actually come up against the hand of his companion.”—Zechariah 14:12, 13. 12 Whether this scourge is literal or figurative, we will have to wait and see. However, one thing is certain. While God’s enemies are moving to make their global attack on Jehovah’s servants, they will be stopped by awesome demonstrations of God’s almighty power. Their mouths will be silenced. It will be as if their tongues of defiance had rotted away. Their united goal will become blurred to their vision, as if their eyes had rotted away. Their physical powers, which emboldened them to make the attack, will waste away. In confusion, they will turn upon one another with a great slaughter. Thus all the earthly

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enemies of God’s worship will be wiped out.

*** ws chap. 19 pp. 157-158 pars. 10-11 The Impending “War of the Great Day of God the Almighty” *** 10 In the coming “day of fight,” Jehovah will also use pestilence and “the scourge.” The prophet Zechariah wrote about this: “This is what will prove to be the scourge with which Jehovah will scourge all the peoples that will actually do military service against Jerusalem: There will be a rotting away of one’s flesh, while one is standing upon one’s feet; and one’s very eyes will rot away in their sockets, and one’s very tongue will rot away in one’s mouth.”—Zechariah 14:12. 11 Whether “the scourge” will be literal or not, it will silence the mouths that are opened to let out terrifying threats! Tongues rotted away! Powers of vision will cease, so that the fierce-eyed attackers can only strike out blindly. Eyes rotted away! Muscles of mighty warriors will lose strength while they stand on their feet—not while they are lying on the ground as corpses. Flesh that clothes their skeletal structures rotted away!—Compare Habakkuk 3:5. (Zechariah 14:13) “In that day confusion from Jehovah will be widespread among them; and each one will grab hold of the hand of his companion, and his hand will come against the hand of his companion.

*** ws chap. 19 pp. 158-159 par. 13 The Impending “War of the Great Day of God the Almighty” *** But adding to the terror is the confusion that God will stir up among the attackers. Their unitedness of action against Jehovah’s Witnesses will be broken up. Like gladiators with a blinding helmet over their heads in a Roman arena, they will strike at one another sightlessly. The death-dealing confusion will become widespread as they engage in mutual slaughter.—Zechariah 14:13.

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(Zechariah 14:15) “And a scourge like that scourge will also come against the horses, the mules, the camels, the donkeys, and all the livestock that are in those camps.

*** w13 2/15 p. 20 par. 15 Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection *** In that coming day of fight, “the horse, the mule, the camel, and the male ass, and every sort of domestic animal”—symbols of the nations’ military equipment—will be affected. Such equipment will be “congealed,” put out of operation as if stiffened by cold.

*** ws chap. 19 p. 158 par. 12 The Impending “War of the Great Day of God the Almighty” *** 12 “The scourge” hits suddenly at their military camps. Mobile equipment for the attack is helplessly immobilized! (Zechariah 14:15; compare Exodus 14:24, 25.) (Zechariah 14:16) “Everyone who is left remaining out of all the nations that come against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to bow down to the King, Jehovah of armies, and to celebrate the Festival of Booths.

*** w96 7/1 pp. 22-23 The Triumph of True Worship Draws Near *** The Earthly Resurrection 13 Zechariah’s prophecy continues at chapter 14, verse 16: “It must occur that, as regards everyone who is left remaining out of all the nations that are coming against Jerusalem, they must also go up from year to year to bow down to the King, Jehovah of armies, and to celebrate the festival of the booths.” According to the Bible, all people alive today who continue living to the end of this wicked system and who are judged to be enemies of true worship will undergo the “judicial punishment of everlasting destruction.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; see also Matthew 25:31-33, 46.) They will not have a resurrection. Likely, then, the ones “left remaining” include the members of the nations who died before God’s final war and for whom there is a Bible-based hope of a resurrection. “The hour is coming,” Jesus promised, “in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.”—John 5:28, 29. 14 All these resurrected ones must do something in order for their resurrection to turn out to be one of life and not one of adverse judgment. They must come to the earthly courtyards of Jehovah’s temple and bow down in dedication to God through Jesus Christ. Any resurrected ones who refuse to do this will suffer the same scourge that befalls the present-day nations. (Zechariah 14:18) Who knows how many resurrected ones will gladly join the great crowd in celebrating the antitypical Festival of Booths? Doubtless, there will be many, and Jehovah’s great spiritual temple will become even more glorious as a result! (Zechariah 14:20) “In that day the words ‘Holiness belongs to Jehovah!’ will be written on the bells of the horses. And the cooking pots in the house of Jehovah will be like the bowls before the altar.

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*** it-1 p. 282 Bell *** In Zechariah 14:20 the Hebrew word metsil·lahʹ is used to denote the bells attached to the harnesses of horses. It comes from a root meaning “tingle.” (1Sa 3:11) The fact that horse bells were to be engraved with the words “Holiness belongs to Jehovah,” the same words as found on “the shining plate” attached to the turban of the high priest of Israel, would indicate that everything would be pervaded with an awareness of Jehovah’s holiness.—Ex 39:30, 31; compare Zec 14:21.

*** it-1 pp. 1145-1146 Horse *** Zechariah’s prophecy about those doing military service against Jerusalem indicated that Jehovah would come to the rescue of his people and bring destruction upon the enemy and their horses. (Zec 14:12-15; see also Eze 38 and 39.) As one of the blessed results of that action, no more would the horse be used in warfare. Rather, it would be employed as an instrument of service to God’s glory, as implied by the words: “There will prove to be upon the bells of the horse ‘Holiness belongs to Jehovah!’” (Zec 14:20; compare Ex 28:36, 37.)

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