Page:Hope-of-a-tree-1934.djvu/10

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The WATCHTOWER

Brooklyn, N. Y.

there have been some men in the earth, pictured by the roots, that have scented the truth and reached out for it and have clung to Jehovah and his precious promises, and these have promise and hope of being brought into the new tree.

³¹ This part of the prophetic tree proves that Jehovah would not utterly destroy man, but that in his due time he would bring back into his organization the reconciled ones who would maintain their integrity toward him. The original tree trunk or stock must he for ever cut off from the stump and can never be replaced thereon. Had not God created man on the earth there would have existed no reason for a superhuman overlordship. That overlordship was given to Lucifer, and had Lucifer remained faithful there would have been no occasion for the vindication of Jehovah's name. Because of Lucifer's rebellion and wickedness his organization must now be for ever destroyed, but the hope of obedient man is in another tree, that is to say, the righteous organization which Jehovah God has provided for those who love and obey him. The prophetic words of Job constitute a promise from Jehovah that he will provide for the redemption and deliverance of man and that he will give to all of his obedient ones life through another.

³² A cedar tree is seen growing near the water's edge, Its trunk is cut off and severed from the earth; the stump is left in the earth and dies, but some of the tender roots survive and reach out for the water, and these are revived and an entirely new tree grows up and takes in obedient man, and it is more beautiful than the original or first tree. This is exactly in harmony with the facts and the prophecy as they are now observed. A tree is symbolic of a living creation or organization, the stump of which particularly pictures the earthly or visible part of that organization. The human race, by reason of sin and alienation from God, has wasted away and died, and yet through the centuries past there have been some of mankind who have exercised faith in God and in his precious promises and these have been sustained by his waters of truth and have maintained their integrity toward him. From these great truths is there a reason to expect

that Jehovah will bring forth a new tree by and through which the people of the nations of the earth may have the hope of life? If so, what constitutes that new tree? What is the chief purpose of its creation and growth? Is it a tree of hope? (To be continued)

QUESTIONS FOR STUDY

1 Point out the great importance of knowledge of Jehovah and of his beloved Son.

2, 3 What was the purpose of the words of this text, and to what do they refer? What doubtless was Job’s observation which Jehovah here used to provide expression prophetic of his purpose concerning mankind?

4-6 Relate another prophecy pertaining to the same thing about which Job here writes, and the circumstances under which that prophecy was spoken.

7-10 By whom, and when, was the proclamation made which is recorded at Daniel 4:17 What was therein foretold and foreshadowed? The vision discloses what facts? Apply that proclamation as a prophecy.

11 To whom and for what purpose does Jehovah give an understanding of this prophecy, and other prophecies, at this time?

12-14 Point out in particular the application of verse 2 as a prophecy.

15, 16 What purpose is served by the words of verse 4? Referring to verses 4-6: Point out here the prophetic position of Nebuchadnezzar, and the application of the statements made.

17 When and how is verse 7 fulfilled? Compare this with what is foretold in Isaiah 29: 11.

18 Account for Nebuchadnezzar’s referring to Daniel as Belteshazzar and as having the favor of the "holy gods". What purpose is served by this part of the record?

19, 20 "At the last Daniel came in before me": when, where, how, and for what purpose, in the fulfilment of this prophecy?

21-23 Explain what is prophetically referred to in verse 10. Apply verse 11. How is this supported by Ezekiel's prophecy and that recorded in Daniel 2?

24, 25 What important facts as to the application of this prophecy are shown in the statements appearing in verse 12?

26 Prove the identity of the "watcher" seen in the vision. Apply the statement that he 'came down from heaven'.

27, 28 Explain the decree declared by the "watcher". How and when is that decree executed? Account for Jehovah's so long deferring execution thereof.

29 Apply the expression: (a) "Leave the stump of his roots in the earth." (b) "With a band of iron and brass." (c) "In the tender grass of the field... wet with the dew of heaven." (d) "Let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth."

30-32 What, then, is the application of the prophetic picture presented in Job 14: 7-9?

PURPOSE OF THE COVENANT BY SACRIFICE

HLATSOEVER Jehovah docs is right. All life and all authority proceed from him. The sacrifices which he required in the law given to his typical people Israel were shadows of things to come. In Psalm 50:5 it is written: ‘‘Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.’? Even though the covenant by sacrifice is abnormal, it is fully in keeping with exact justice and is an expression of complete unselfishness. God’s creature, the perfect man Adam, had sinned and thereby made forcfeiture of his right to life. He must die and for ever remain dead unless another, perfect as he was, should take Adam’s place in death. Justice required the forfeiture of the life of Adam. Love provided tor the corresponding one for sacrifice. Jehovah arranged a covenant to accomplish that pur- pose. No creature of heaven or earth could originate that covenant of sacrifice, but Jehovah only, ‘‘the purpose of him [Jehovah] who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.’? (ph. 1:11) ‘“‘For who