When is a Solemn Assembly?

Joel 2:15, 16—“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.”

   In these verses, AS IN Joel 2:1, the command is given to blow the trumpet in Zion.  This second trumpet, however, is not to announce the day of God, but to sanctify both a fast and the people, to call a solemn assembly, from which not one is to be excluded from the assembly.

Joel 2:17—“Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?”

   Here we are plainly told that God’s people are to face persecution and distress, and that unless they keep close to the Lord their very existence may be at stake, God’s name dishonored, and the heathen allowed to rule over them and to challenge their faith in God.—2TG8:21.5-22.2

Under what context is the second trumpet sounded?

Joel 2:1-3—“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.  A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.”

   Here you see that a message is to be proclaimed to the church, to Zion, declaring that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is at hand; that it is to be devastating behind His people, and glorious ahead of them, — that the Lord is thoroughly to comb the field, that He is to gather every grain of “wheat,” and then burn the tares.—2TG8:17.2, 3

Conditions

   “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breast: let the bridegroom of forth of His chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?” (Joel 2:15-17.)

   Joel’s prophecy above quoted must meet its fulfillment in the time WHEN probation’s hours are fast closing, for the Word says, “Let the bridegroom go forth of His chamber, and the bride out of her closet.” The term, “let”, means to allow it to be so; and as the bridegroom is Christ at the time when He is to be crowned or married to the New Jerusalem — His bride — (Rev. 21:9), this scripture can not meet its fulfillment at any time other than when this event, to which all heaven and earth have been looking forward, is about to take place. Therefore, the Lord is urging us to “blow the trumpet in Zion” (the church), and to hasten the time of crowning Him King of kings and Lord of lords — the time in which He closes His mediatorial work, — “goes forth of His chamber” — the Most Holy place.

   The command, “Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts,” signifies a complete separation from the world of “old and young, both maids and little children, and women” “that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof” (Ezek. 9:4,6): and being prophetically made to the church (Zion), this command evidences the fact that when the trumpet shall blow in fulfillment of this scripture, it will find Zion, His church, unsanctified and commingled with the world. Therefore, comes the call for sanctification.

   The conditions further prove that this scripture meets its fulfillment now, because the church at the present time has, by her institutions, entangled herself with the institutions of the world, but we thank the Lord that years ago the “Spirit of Prophecy” predicted that “somebody was to come in the spirit and power of Elijah” (“Testimonies to Ministers,” p. 475), and that “God will have men who are true to duty. At the right time He sends His faithful messengers to do a work similar to that of Elijah.” (“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. 5, p. 254.)—2SC9:2.1-4

   Daniel’s prophecies are to be revealed “in the time of the end” (Dan. 12:4).  Yet it would be unreasonable for one to conclude that these prophecies are to be revealed after the end of the world. Rather, they are to be revealed “at the end of the world,” when “His angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from  among the just.”  (Matt. 13:49.)  God has not commissioned the church to preach the gospel of an impure church, but to “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.”  (Joel 2:15-17.)  For, “All the sinners of My people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.”  (Amos 9:10.)  “And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem.”  (Isa. 4:3.)—3SC5,6:12.9

   Of necessity, then, Mt. Carmel Center is being built as a base of operations for training and fitting workers to carry this special message to the church; for educating deserving youth; for caring for worthy poor, aged, widowed, and orphaned; and for ministering to the sick and infirm according to God’s plan.  It has heard God’s double charge to it:

   “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”  Isa. 58:1.

   “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly.  Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.”  Joel 2:15, 16.

   When it [Mt. Carmel Center] has accomplished this “closing work for the church” (Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 266), then those “who have overcome every temptation in the strength of the Mighty One,” who have sighed and cried and escaped the destruction, will “be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the Lord before them.”  Zech. 12:8.  Davidians, indeed!—”a great people and a strong” (Joel 2:2), “clad in the armor of Christ’s righteousness,…’fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners,’…to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 725.—9SC1-12:21.4-7 (3Ans:64)

Joel 2:14-18—“Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?  Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber and the bride out of her closet.  Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them; wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

   “Then will the Lord be jealous for His land, and pity His people.”

   Not the heathen, but God is to rule over His people.  Nevertheless, in order to obtain this blessing it will require the most earnest supplication and effort on the part of His people.—12SC3:11.7-12.2

Brethren, the natural arrangement of these scripture verses with Bro. Houteff’s corresponding interpretations are self-explanatory and should not require any effort on my part to clarify. But, Who is Elijah’s targeted audience? Is it not Laodicea? We need to be mindful of Elijah’s audience at all times. Elijah’s message is to his (SDA) people and his focus has been the events that lead up to Mal. 4:5. The “…more abundant supply…” (1Srp:84.4) can not be obtained now.

If you are doubtful of VTH’s audience let me quote from his writings to remind us all: 1SR:54, 63, 67, 75.2, 77.1, 236.1; 2SR:92.4-93.1; LD:2; 2Tr:61.4-62.1; and 1SR:5. Undoubtedly Elijah’s audience is the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Every other succeeding comment which follows will be to support or further clarify areas in VTH’s writings that are misconstrued.

Zeph. 3:18 has a valid voice in this conversation because it contains and it is the only verse that refers to this gathering as “the” solemn assembly.

Note: the first appearance from the writings of Zephaniah abbreviated in the interpretative writings of Elijah is not Zeph. chapter one but Zeph. 3:13 (1SR:101.1). What is the subject that Elijah is discussing that brings up this entry from not the first but the third chapter of the book of Zephaniah? “New Name Given To Church.” Is this a coincidence? [This is in harmony with everywhere else Bro. Houteff discusses the name change of the SDA Ministry.] He went on to inexorably tie together Isa. 52:1; Isaiah 4; and Zeph. 3:13. VTH’s interpretation is very telling and conclusive. (See: 1SR:101.2.)

Also the first mention of the unabbreviated name of the book of Zephaniah comes first to us 25 pages later in 1SR:126.3. The subject is: Sec. V. “The Prophecy of Ezekiel Four”; subsection: “Seven—Perfect Number”.

The first treating of the book of Zephaniah as a whole is found not by mistake in 1TG21 [Zeph. 1], 22 [Zeph. 2], 23 [Zeph. 3]. And what think ye is the subject of 1TG23? Is it not “THE FATE OF ASSYRIA”?  None of the previous two titles chosen to discuss the Book of Zephaniah place our understanding for JTT after Ezek. 9. Encyclopedia Britannica (online) has the following entry for the book of Zephaniah: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Book-of-Zephaniah

Book of Zephaniah, also called Sophonias, the ninth of 12 Old Testament books that bear the names of the Minor Prophets, collected in one book, The Twelve, in the Jewish canon. The book consists of a series of independent sayings, many of which are rightly attributed to Zephaniah, written probably about 640–630 BC. The actual compilation and the expansion of the sayings is the work of a later editor.

The dominant theme of the book is the “day of the Lord,” which the prophet sees approaching as a consequence of the sins of Judah. A remnant will be saved (the “humble and lowly”) through purification by judgment. It is not clear whether the day of judgment is conceived of as historical or eschatological.

WRITTEN BY: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Fact: Zephaniah is explained first in the SRod before Joel but Joel was written first historically. The first time the book of Joel as a whole is treated in Elijah’s writings is in 2TG8. But the 2^nd and the 3^rd chapter and not the 1^st chapter is dealt with. The next time Joel 2 is discussed is in 12SC3. Finally we must confess that the Rod is silent on Joel chapter 1 except for verse 15. Although the book of Zephaniah and the key verse (Zeph. 3:18) in question is quoted first by Bro. Houteff in 1TG23, Joel’s writings (prophecy) precede Zephaniah’s by way of historical development and they are addressed later in his writings.

However, for our purposes, we will leave “Zeph 3:18” (1TG23:8.8) out momentarily and return to it.

Let’s return to our foundation. In the Bible, there are 9 references with 9 occurrences: Lev. 23:36; Num. 29:35; Deu. 16:8; 2Ki. 10:20; 2Ch. 7:9; Neh. 8:18; Joe. 1:14; Joe. 2:15; and Zep. 3:18. If you care for distinction then you may divide all nine into two categories. The first six verses are past, historical events, and the last three are speaking of the same singular prophetic future event.

These are all of the references that qualify for “solemn assembly” in the Bible and in the SRod message. However, the reference that is outside of this scope that lends details to a different context will not be addressed, i.e. 15Tr:9.4 (Heavenly Sanctuary).

Forgive the digression and let me be clear crystal clear to disarm my dissenters, bring courage to cowards and to neutralize scorners’ contempt against my ministerial bible work that do launch public and/or private attacks but never come forward honorably to show in a loving Christ like manner the written errors contained therein. And those who succumb to the temp­tation of backbiting are also placed on notice that the Spirit of God is not pleased with this behavior amongst those who are striving to be amongst the 144,000. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” (Ro 12:9, 10.) I appeal not to any superiority, rank or any special authority that you do not ALL already possess equally with thy servant. (See: Mat. 23:8.)

The Bible, the SOP and the Rod authorizes us as a believer to first:

1.    Am. 3:1-3, 7; Isa. 1:16-20; 2Ti. 2:14, 15; 1Pe. 3:12-15; Ac. 17:11; 1Th. 5:18-21. Then follows

2.    Ctr:180.4-6; DA:234.3; GC:324.1; Ed:231.2-232.3; PaM:190.1; 1SM:162.2-4; RH, May 29, 1888   par. 11; CEv:20.1, 2; 5T:333.2-334.2

3.    1SC8:2.7, 8; 4SC4-9:3.11, 12 11SC5:1, 2; FB:33.1; 1SC4:1; 2SR:288.1-3; 11Tr:12.1; 3Tr:101.1,   2; 6Tr:23.3; 1SR:13.2, 131.1; 8SC1-12:4.4.

At any rate let us now closely examine each relevant passage of interpretation for the greatest understanding and harmony. At a quick glance there is already too many conditions that could only be met during probationary time before the bodily separation of Ezek. 9. As we proceed this will become clearer and still clearer.

In 2TG8:21.5 “AS IN” is pointing to the same probationary time and conditions in the SDA Church in apostasy when “the trumpet” (figurative of a literal prophetic announcement) was first “proclaimed.” The signs of the times are precipitating the nearness for the outbreak of the “the day of the Lord.” (Joel 2:1.) Finally, After the winds are let loose is also indicative of the formed Assyrian Confederacy which is a sign that the time to prepare for the sealing is over and that the 144,000 candidates are made up, are settled “into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved.” (4BC:1161.6.) Those who believe the sealing message will be moved upon by the Spirit of Truth to know that “the command is given” has come to protest the actions of the church sending their men to war and the actions of our nation for not taking God into partnership. (See: 14Tr:44.1, 2; 2TG41:19-20.) What parallels with Joel 2:15 is perfectly seen and correlates with the interpretation of Isa. 8:13 found in 2TG41:20. Isa. 8:13 is equivalent to Joel 2:15. The comparison, the timing, the pattern and the purpose for the call to “Sanctify the Lord” and to stand on the Lord’s side is unmistakable. (See: 13SC3,4:8; 2TG41:13.1, 2; 20.2-5.)

Those worthy will receive “a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done” in the church. The same place where the “trumpet” was first heard which is figurative language for the announcement of Mal. 4:5. When the “trumpet” is heard again for the last time it too is figurative. It will be heard in Zion. What is the urgent need? Because “the day” is about to commence and the separation will soon happen.

The phrase “…from which not one is to be excluded from THE assembly” is indicative of the church’s condition before Ezek. 9. It speaks to our divided state as were the disciples right before they entered the upper room. It is neither sound reasoning nor logical thinking to believe that this phrase could fit a people who are left after the separation and experienced the “great” part of “the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” The purified church free from sin and sinners are now characterized as Isa. 52:1, 8 describes. There is no possibility, nor justification, no desiring to practice exclusion for they all have the mind of Christ. After the separation, God promised that we shall see eye to eye. It appears that the likelihood that this exclusion could be practiced would be before Ezek. 9 while “no one sees eye to eye!” (2TG41:7.4.)

We will know when the unfulfilled death decree of the 5^th Trumpet is about to be executed. This is also in keeping with the purpose and concealed truth revealed in 14 Tract. (See: 14Tr:47-50.) Those who did not take heed when the first trumpet blew will not have “ears to hear” when the second trumpet is blown. It was Esau’s job to blow that trumpet. (See: 1TG42:16.1.)

The verse, Joel 2:17, and the interpretation that follows is telling; “…their very existence may be at stake, God’s name dishonored, and the heathen allowed to rule over them and to challenge their faith in God.” This makes more sense before Ezek. 9 rather than after. The death decree of the 5^th trumpet will be looming over the sealed saints because of their active protest and public stand on the Lord’s side almost appearing unpatriotic and defiant against this great protestant nation. This “Jacob’s time of trouble” qualifies and justifies the heathen to question “…Where is their God?” because they exercise civil authority over the sealed saints. The heathen witnessed when the saints declared boldly that God is not with them He is with “us.” (See: 14Tr:44.1, 2; 1TG35:19-22.3)

God gathers all nations to battle in Jerusalem meanwhile the context of this “blowing” is in liew of “the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand.” Therefore, no longer is it an announcement of some future time as this, but an actual “solemn assembly” is called because of what is about to take place in Zion. This time, however, what use to be an announcement ONLY now is radically about to become the main event, brace yourself. What followed?

Joel 2:18 “Then will the Lord be jealous for His land, and pity His people.” In order for this to come to pass he must display Himself and show the heathen exactly where is the God of those whose “very existence may be at stake.”

Let’s discuss and affirm GCS:20.1-21.4:

   The conclusion of Joel's prophecy in chapter 2 and also in chapter 3, definitely reveals that "the great and dreadful day of the Lord" is the time of God's delivering His people from the Gentile nations, and of His cleansing their blood.  But do you say, We never heard of such a thing? Well, if it is in God's Word, we should hear it.  And that is exactly why Elijah is sent.  Concerning the cleansing, the Scriptures say:

   "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.... But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.  For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion." Joel 2:32; 3:20, 21.

   And should we still ask when this will be, Joel gives us even further light:

   "For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for My people and for My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted My land." Joel 3:1, 2.

   Joel lays even greater emphasis on the dreadfulness of the day, than Malachi does, for he says:

   "...the day of the Lord is great and very terrible and who can abide it?" Joel 2:11.

   The prophet's greatest emphasis, you see, is on the dreadfulness of the day rather than on the greatness of it.  Again he warns:

   "Alas for the day!  for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come." Joel 1:15.

Bro. Houteff binds Joel 1:15; 2:15 and Zeph. 3:18 with events leading up to, but precedes the slaughter of Ezek. 9 and does not place them after Ezek. 9. Now armed with the writer’s point of view let us examine carefully Zeph. 3:18.

Although Bro. Houteff does not discuss Zeph. 3:18 by itself the context of Zeph. 3 is noted in the title of the TG when he is dealing with “THE FATE OF ASSYRIA.” Again this prophecy is dealing with the SDA Church during “…the time WHEN probation’s hours are fast closing…” upon her.

“…this scripture [Joel 2:15-17] can not meet its fulfillment at any time other than when this event, to which all heaven and earth have been looking forward, is about to take place.…” meaning before Ezek. 9 is about to be fulfilled.

In closing, the last noteworthy thought for our consideration in all of these Bible Study analysis that are being generated to clear up misconceptions is the consistent use of the term “delivered” to always be referring to the sealed righteous in the co-mingled state with the tares and their lives are threatened to be extinguished by all human appearances.

May God bless you as you continue to “strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the 144,000” (1Srp:7.5) is thy servant’s prayer for you all. “…The truth is, though, that if there ever was a need for inspired interpreters of the Scriptures, it is today while many winds of doctrines are blowing from all directions, bringing in confusion, dissension, and disaster everywhere.…”