How much trouble can Edomites in Palestine give?
As we are about to find out, none. And the reasons why will not surprise the thoughtful reverent student who sinks the shaft deep into the mine of truth.
Some Davidians are considering the awkward, untenable belief according to just two phrases contained only in 12SC5:18.2 that leads them to presume that the TIME of Jacob's trouble begins BEFORE the church is purified at the commencement of Ezekiel 9 and continues for the survivors (the 144,000) AFTER Ezek. 9 has commenced. However,
Is this true? Let us find out.
To begin, let us read the only passage in the entire SRod that contains these phrases. And while we examine these very closely ever keep in mind, "safety first," keep in the middle of the road (2SC11:11.5; 3SC3,4:13.4) where the light shines the brightest.
According to the type we are studying, and also prophecy, the Jacobites are about to gather themselves and leave the Gentile nations to return
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to their homeland, Palestine. And on their way they will meet Esau and have their name changed to Israel. Since Esau, however, did not go to the Gentile nations, but it was Jacob who left and came here, there must be Esauites also in Palestine. Is that not correct? Though it is true that we are connected with Edomites in the church,—those who despise their birthright and whom God will therefore take away,—it is equally true that there are other Esauites besides, for the Esauites in the Seventh-day Adventist church are not all of them. No, they are not all of the Esauites. In addition to the Esauites that are in the Adventist church, there are Esauites in Palestine, and there are also Esauites in the other churches, too, and from them other Jacobites must be gathered. Do you not see that the Esauites are going to be enraged with God's people and give them trouble behind and a bigger trouble ahead? And besides all the trouble Jacob will suffer from Esau, he is also to have Laban running after him! Somebody typified by Laban will pursue antitypical Jacob for trouble.—12SC5:18.2
1. "…there are Esauites in Palestine…"
2. "…the Esauites are going to be enraged with God's people and give them trouble behind and a bigger trouble ahead?…"
Continuing the reading…
It is very apparent, then, that God's people will have much trouble among themselves on the way, and ahead. Trouble is what they face. But God will take care of them today as He did anciently. He has promised that He will remove the Edomites in the church and He has promised also to clear away the Edomites and all of the others that are in the land of
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promise, and give it to His people.—12SC5:19.1 [1944]
If the following reference (1TG21:16.3, 4) is true and takes place during the purification of the Church...
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Zeph. 1:2, 3—"I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the Lord. I will consume man and beast; I will consume the fowls of the heaven, and the fishes of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked; and I will cut off man from off the land, saith the Lord." {1TG21:16.3}
Here is a promise that the Lord is to thoroughly cleanse the land, and I am sure none of you will say that these prophecies have ever been fulfilled. {1TG21:16.4} [1946]
And immediately after the tares are removed the purified church receives her NEW name before entering the Promised Land like Jacob the type without taking an additional step forward where the conflict had occurred. (See: 14Tr:17, 18.)
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then
the misconstruing of 12SC5:18, 19 must be false.
There is no such teaching in the SRod as the "TIME of Isreal's Trouble."
Let's go a little deeper.
Where is the weight of evidence that the TIME of Jacob's Trouble continues for the 144,000 beyond the great deliverance (Rev. 12:16) of Ezek. 9 AFTER the purification of the SDA Church? Please take special notice of the absence of a clear "thus saith the Lord."
However, "it is written," the TIME of Jacob's trouble for the 144,000 (Jer. 30:5-9) while comingled among the tares (1An:10.2), ends exactly when they are delivered from the 1st death decree placed upon them by the King of Assyria in the Assyrian period (See: 14Tr:17-19.4; 44.1-45.1). This is the TIME of the time of trouble found in Daniel chapter 11 according to 2TG7:3.1; 10.3, 4; 2TG42:29.1, 2.
Not only are "firstfruits" delivered from this death decree (1SC9:2.6-3.3) but the tares are removed in the SDA church at the time of the deliverance from this death decree placed upon them with the agreement of the leaders (Edomites) in the SDA Church. The Assyrian yoke is THEN also broken at the deliverance from the death decree and from being relieved from the tares. Those that survive the purification of the church immediately will have the denominational church name changed just as in the type. (See: 1SR:100.2-101.1; 155.1; 163.4; 1TG44:7.4-8.1.) The house of David MUST come into existence as soon as the tares are removed and not a moment sooner.
If any object to this fact then according to 1TG44:8.1, when is the appropriate time or EVENT for the name of the church to change? Where are your supporting references?
Simultaneously God has prophesied the cleansing of the Promise Land in order to bring His clean people into a clean place (2TG42:33.4-34.2). Does the leading of the Spirit of Truth need to cause us to assert how much of the promised land is and is not cleansed without a distinct "thus saith the Lord"? Where is your book and page for this belief? Conjecture and human constructions (1SC4:1.4) are forbidden.
Moreover, whatever interpretation we may place on ANY statement in reference to ANY truth, must be in harmony with every OTHER statement on the subject.—3SC1:11.1
Let us examine the next reference closely in light of the entire SRod message.
In Luke 21:24 we find these words: "And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." It is at the time Zechariah's prophecy is fulfilled—when the four carpenters drive out the Gentiles—that Jerusalem shall no more be trodden by the Gentiles, for their time to occupy the Holy Land shall be brought to its end. {13SC1,2:6.2}
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Then the Jews are to return and possess the land. Isaiah, Daniel, and Nahum also bear prophetic testimony to the fact that there is to be war and trouble and deliverance of God's people at the time His Kingdom is restored on earth. Let us now consider Jeremiah's prophecy.—13SC1,2:6.2-7.1 [1943]
Did you read the order of these three chronological sequential events? Please observe, "…to the FACT that there is to be [1.] war and [2.] trouble and [3.] deliverance of God's people…"
"And they [the church] shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away [from the promised land] captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, UNTIL the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" (Luke 21:24), THE time that the Gentiles go out of Jerusalem and the Israelites go in. {5Tr:111.2}
The occupation of the Promised Land by the Gentiles today was typified by
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yesterday's Gentile occupation of it. And when ancient Israel returned from Egypt to the land of promise the times of the Gentiles in those days were fulfilled. Likewise now when antitypical Israel, the 144,000 guileless servants of God, are sealed and taken to Mt. Zion, there to stand with the Lamb, the "times of the Gentiles" in these days will be fulfilled.—5Tr:111.2, 3 [1942]
Remember the evidence presented in 14Tr against this false notion, especially as it contradicts pp. 17, 18. In contrast, where is the evidence for "Israel's TIME of trouble" after Jacob's TIME of trouble comes to an end?
When "the great and dreadful day" begins (7SC7-12:19.1-3) with the opening of the 7th Seal, which involves the 1/2 hour silence in heaven (2SC5,6:10.2), when the tares are removed, this "day" is great and stays great for the righteous while it starts dreadful and stays only dreadful for the wicked.
Nahum, Isaiah's correlative prophecy, has prophesied that "affliction shall not rise up the second time." (See: 1SR:177.3; 14Tr:3.3; 18.1; 45:2.)
In other words, there is NOT TO BE [1.] "war and [2.] trouble and [3.] deliverance of God's people…" [name changes at this point] followed by an additional [4.] Trouble again the second time and [5.] another deliverance of the 144,000 after the name was changed the second time. As we continue to examine the evidence No. 4 and 5 will prove to be conjecture and a flat-out contradiction against God's efficient deliverance at Ezek. 9 when Michael stands up producing the "firstfruits."
To reiterate and for our benefit.
Who is responsible for cleansing the Promised Land in the antitype? None other than Emmanuel. We either believe the LORD is going to cleanse "the Land" or He isn't. And if God did not reveal what amount if any He will not cleanse and where is that portion located then it is unfair to simply assert that that will be the case. Do not try to work out unrevealed details. And those details that God has seen fit to reveal we cannot diminish. Not a single one of them.
Now if you have a type for "Israel's TIME of trouble for the 144,000 after Jacob's TIME of trouble comes to an end when the yoke is broken and the name of the church is changed, I would like to see where is your type? The SRod says where there is no type there is no truth (2SR:10.2; 1TG47:15.1). So again where is your type?
Edomites in the Promised land will not do it for you. You need a clear "thus saith the Lord God."
If the references being presented herein on this subject are being abused then please indicate how. And if they are not being abused then "How long halt ye between two opinions?" (PK:147.2.)
According to the type we are studying, and also prophecy, the Jacobites are about to gather themselves and leave the Gentile nations to return
Vol. 12 Symbolic Code No. 5 18
to their homeland, Palestine. And on their way they will meet Esau and have their name changed to Israel. Since Esau, however, did not go to the Gentile nations, but it was Jacob who left and came here, there must be Esauites also in Palestine. Is that not correct? Though it is true that we are connected with Edomites in the church,—those who despise their birthright and whom God will therefore take away,—it is equally true that there are other Esauites besides, for the Esauites in the Seventh-day Adventist church are not all of them. No, they are not all of the Esauites. In addition to the Esauites that are in the Adventist church, there are Esauites in Palestine, and there are also Esauites in the other churches, too, and from them other Jacobites must be gathered. Do you not see that the Esauites are going to be enraged with God's people and give them trouble behind and a bigger trouble ahead? And besides all the trouble Jacob will suffer from Esau, he is also to have Laban running after him! Somebody typified by Laban will pursue antitypical Jacob for trouble.—12SC5:18.2
When was 12SC5 published? 1944
Is this the last time VTH speaks on any portion of what is written here? No. He does not. So what are we waiting for? When are we going to consider them?
Now, be fair as the truth. Meticulously emphasizing each line of 12SC5:18.2 while taking great care not to violate "the position of constituted authority" (3Tr:113.2) does not change the reading or the meaning of each word. So let us begin.
What is the context of 12SC5:18.2?
Here it is:
"According to the TYPE we are studying, and also prophecy, the Jacobites are about to gather themselves and leave the Gentile nations to return to their homeland, Palestine."
When is this happening? The references you claim you do not see speak for themselves and you took a picture of them. Going to list it for you out of courtesy again with corresponding support references that constitute not guesswork but the "weight of evidence."
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So, has the context been addressed? Yes, it has. We have two (a 1947 and 1953) later references that shed unambiguous light on what it means and when the "firstfruits" are returning home. It is NOW in the gathering TIME of the 144,000 one at a time.
"And on their way they will meet Esau and have their name changed to Israel."
Notice the overlooked order in which Bro. Houteff wrote under Inspiration. The following three occurrences happen in successive sequences. 1. "…on their way…" 2. "…will meet Esau…" 3. "…have their name changed to Israel." So when do the 144,000 meet Esau? It would have to be before Ezek. 9 which is in harmony with the context. Remember, what is the context of 12SC5:18.2? We are on our way home NOW. Not after Ezek. 9 as some want to assert. Everything else must follow the context. We cannot afford to take the remaining 7 sentences to contradict its context, and also contradict 1SR:54.3, or any other inspired reference.
Doesn't this chronological sequential order revealed in the second sentence of 12SC5:18.2 dovetails perfectly with what is written in 13SC1,2:7.1?
A
"…to the FACT that there is to be [1.] war and [2.] trouble and [3.] deliverance of God's people…"—12SC5:18.2
B
1. "…on their way…" 2. "…will meet Esau…" 3. "…have their name changed to Israel."—13SC1,2:7.1
The TIME of Jacob's trouble for the 144,000 (harvested) "firstfruits" must come to an end [1.] as soon as the tares are removed, [2.] the Assyrian "yoke" is broken, [3.] the denominational name of the SDA church changed (1SR:100.2-101.1; 155.1; 14Tr:18), and [4.] the land of promised cleansed (1TG21:16.3, 4; 5Tr:111.1-3). It has already been established but ignored by some that 14Tr:18 places the name change immediately after the tares are destroyed. (See: 14Tr:17-19.4; 44.1-45.1.) All this transpires in the Assyrian period (15Tr:67.2). Dan. 2:44 is fulfilled in the Assyrian period (1SR:211.2; 2SC1:8.6; 2TG7:10.4; 2TG42:29.2; 1TG29:8.1, 2; 2TG46:30.3). When do the Assyrians fear the ensign? In the Assyrian period (13SC1,2:30.3).
Furthermore, please don't be misled or misdirected by vain assertions into thinking that the denominational "name change" is a separate subject when in FACT it is not. What possible benefit can a Davidian gain from dividing what God has joined together? The subject is linked in the order revealed by the Spirit of Truth. Only the righteous will see it and teach it as is.
The following we are going to take them together because they are associated.
"Since Esau, however, did not go to the Gentile nations, but it was Jacob who left and came here, there must be Esauites also in Palestine. Is that not correct? Though it is true that we are connected with Edomites in the church,—those who despise their birthright and whom God will therefore take away,—it is equally true that there are other Esauites besides, for the Esauites in the Seventh-day Adventist church are not all of them. No, they are not all of the Esauites. In addition to the [1.] Esauites that are in the Adventist church, there are [2.] Esauites in Palestine, and there are also [3.] Esauites in the other churches, too, and from them other Jacobites must be gathered."
What is the point here concerning additional Esauites? Certainly not to contradict the established context. It could only mean addressing others that do not get to participate in the primary application of the allegory which culminates with the COMMENCEMENT of Ezek. 9—The Loud Cry period. Just as the other Jacobites will not participate in the primary application not being eligible to be sealed among the 144,000. These only can come from the SDA Church. Furthermore, additional Esauites can not be asserted in order to extend JTT beyond the crying day and night for deliverance (5T:210.1; 1SR:62.3) and their name changed for the 144,000 (14Tr:18; 12SC5:15.2).
"Do you not see that the Esauites are going to be enraged with God's people and give them trouble behind and a bigger trouble ahead?"
Again, apply the sanctified advice Bro. Houteff gives and Bro. S______ loves to repeat. "We cannot be sentence readers." So why are we doing it with this sentence? Why are some isolating this sentence and turning it into a "new" context? This should not be construed to contradict the weight of evidence and the true context of 12SC5:18.2.
Did the prophet identify which class of Esauites and when they will be enraged? Where did he? Please help us find it. I'm not seeing it in black and white. Fear God to read into His Spirit-filled interpretation. Does Bro. Houteff clearly defines what is meant by "trouble behind and a bigger trouble ahead"? If we are honest he really does not. So we should not be trying to arrange it for him.
Notice Bro. Houteff does not answer his own question in the same paragraph and we cannot answer it for him. Private interpretation is forbidden and conjecture is futile.
"And besides all the trouble Jacob will suffer from Esau, he is also to have Laban running after him! Somebody typified by Laban will pursue antitypical Jacob for trouble."
The implication of this sentence is very clear and reveals the correct timing. Did Jacob have trouble after his name was changed to Israel? No. He did not. Did Jacob have trouble with Laban after his name was changed? No. He did not. So it should become self-evident. Any alleged trouble Jacob must suffer was always before he wrestled with the Lord and the Lord changed his name. Thus while he was in his sin-denoting name trouble was his lot and so it shall be for us. Jacobites in the antitype will have their trouble likewise in that order.
Again, Bro. Houteff does not fill in the juicy details some are salivating to know. Resist the temptation to go beyond inspiration. But know of a certainty that the moment any Davidian claims any kind of "extension" or "continuation" for the TIME of trouble for Jacobites that he could only be referring to that period of time while the tares and the wheat are comingled and that they are in their sin-denoting name. Because once the church is purified Jehovah changes the name of the 144,000 having been freed from tares, placing their troubles behind them. According to Tract No. 1, God is NOW in possession of the 144,000 and pours out the Holy Spirit upon them in power (1Tr:39.1-40.1) in the wilderness at the threshold of the house (1Tr:21.2, 3).
Now the answers, the keys you are looking for are right there on page 19.1 in connection with page 15 which unlocks page 18.2.
Please read prayerfully and with reverence 12SC5:19.1.
It is very apparent, then, that God's people will have much trouble among themselves on the way, and ahead. Trouble is what they face. But God will take care of them today as He did anciently. He has promised that He will remove the Edomites in the church and He has promised also to clear away the Edomites and all of the others that are in the land of
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promise, and give it to His people.—12SC5:19.1
Has the context been established? Yes, it was if we care to respect it and are willing to forgo our cherished ideas and opinions.
Let's take it one sentence at a time. Again emphasis does not change the meaning of what's written.
"It is very apparent, then, that God's people will have much trouble among themselves on the way, and ahead."
First "…trouble behind…" If we are going to fit it anywhere it would have to be in light of this type of "…trouble among themselves on the way…"
"…God's people will have [1.] much trouble among themselves on the way, and [2.] ahead." Unfortunately, the brethren who decided to complete the rift they created with a split are missing this fundamental truth about what it means to have "trouble among themselves on the way." That could only be now while the 144,000 are in their sin-denoting name and are "on the way." The 144,000 can not and will not have "trouble among themselves" after their name is changed and when they are being transported, taken (by Chariot) to MT. Zion by the Lamb. If we are searching to assign what trouble lies behind then why should it not look like what Bro. Houteff assigns here on page 19.1?
Second "…and a bigger trouble ahead."
And the trouble ahead would have to represent "a time of trouble" (Dan. 11:45) before the separation. A trouble so great that it causes them to "cry day and night for deliverance." It couldn't represent among the 144,000 after their TIME / EVENT of Jacob's trouble comes to an end. If you want to take the phrase as "God's people" to be inclusive regardless of time period then you still must respect the parameters Bro. Houteff established in context. The 144,000 will receive a new name (12SC5:15) after the slaughter (Rev. 7:2) before they take an additional step forward into anything or anywhere just as in the Type. Their previous SDA name must be left for a curse THEN and the house of David must emerge out of the deliverance at the commencement of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
It is imperative therefore that every honest Davidian respect the inspired context and go by the "weight of evidence." That "the time of the time of trouble" found in Daniel chapter 11 culminates and climaxes at the commencement of Ezek. 9—the purification of the SDA church.
"Trouble is what they face."
Who is being referred to in the "they" in this sentence? Again, follow the inspired context. In regards to the primary application of the TIME of Jacob's trouble which has a beginning and a definite end, it would have to speak of the 144,000 while they are commingled with the tares in the SDA church before the harvest begins before the name change.
"But God will take care of them today as He did anciently."
This hearkens back to where there is no type there is no truth (1TG47:15.1).
"He has promised that He will remove the Edomites in the church and He has promised also to clear away the Edomites and all of the others that are in the land of promise, and give it to His people."
And finally, the sentence that deserves to receive the most attention is getting very little from those that want to exalt their favorite cherished pet view. Yet to the honest at heart, those washing their robes in the blood of the Lamb, to them it speaks volumes. "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Matt. 11:15) setting at naught all private interpretations, and conjectures hearkening back to the context in 12SC5:18.2.
Now, Who is the "He" in this sentence? Isn't it the LORD of hosts? It reads "He [the Lord] has promised"…"He [the Lord] will remove"…"He [the Lord] has promised", What do you read? "…How readest thou?"
It has been established that God will do four things at the same time at the commencement of "the great and dreadful day of the Lord."
1. Deliver the 144,000 from Assyria's death decree while they are commingled with the tares.
2. Remove the tares from the SDA Church.
3. Beat Assyria in the promised land and
4. cleanse the land according to previous references already provided.
Rev. 11:2. "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months." {5Tr:110.2}
But why leave out the court? Why not measure it also? For since it is a part of the building, it, too, must be symbolical of saints. Obviously because it represents the "great multitude, which no man could number [measure], of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" (Rev. 7:9)—the last who come from among the Gentiles. The "court," in other words, is symbolical of the immeasurable (innumberable) harvest of second fruits brought in after the measurable (numerable) harvest of first fruits—the 144,000. It is not measured (investigated), because it represents those among whom there are no "bad" to be cast out; for they are gathered in after the cleansing of the heavenly temple (Dan. 8:14)—after the judgment of the dead—after the separation of "the bad" from among "the good" in the church, as illustrated by the parable of the net (Matt. 13:47, 48). They are those who by name, "My people" (Rev. 18:4), are called to come out of Babylon, and who, with no unclean among them (Isa. 52:1), come into the already purified and living church of God. (For more extensive treatment of the subject of the investigative judgment, see our Tract No. 3, The Harvest, third edition.) {5Tr:110.3}
The "forty and two months" (allowing thirty days to a month, and reckoning a day for a year—Ezek. 4:6), represent the 1260-year prophetic period; 538 A.D. to 1798 A.D. (See The Shepherd's Rod, Vol. 2, pp. 142, 261.) "The Gentiles" here mentioned are those who tread "under foot" the "holy city" (the church),—an act which calls our attention to the Master's prediction concerning the fate of the saints during this forty and two months period: {5Tr:111.1}
"And they [the church] shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away [from the promised land] captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" (Luke 21:24), the time that the Gentiles go out of Jerusalem and the Israelites go in. {5Tr:111.2}
The occupation of the Promised Land by the Gentiles today was typified by
5 Tract 111
yesterday's Gentile occupation of it. And when ancient Israel returned from Egypt to the land of promise the times of the Gentiles in those days were fulfilled. Likewise now when antitypical Israel, the 144,000 guileless servants of God, are sealed and taken to Mt. Zion, there to stand with the Lamb, the "times of the Gentiles" in these days will be fulfilled.—5Tr:110.2-111.3
Notice that the Prophet gives no special distinction as to what does and what does not constitute "the promised land" when it is cleansed. But certainly, a specific TIME is given when it is cleansed (past tense). To observe an idea that does not respect the limitation to a specific time period revealed by Inspiration could only be false. Some in their desperation against the weight of evidence skillfully ask questions in order to make room for their sparkling ideas of their own kindling. They manufacture distinctions not given by the Prophet, mind you, as to the details about which are the Promised Land's borders, where it begins, and where it ends in 12SC5:18.2 in order to give the appearance that the Edomites in Palestine will be in the land after the 42 months has expired. You might even be invited to be "broad-minded" as if what God has revealed is too narrow, or too specific. The question should be returned to them is, what are they trying to make room for beyond "42 months", private interpretation?
Thus, inspiration testifies and certifies that "The lesson can not be in two churches."—1SR:54.3. Which lesson? The TIME of Jacob's trouble for the 144,000. It has been fixed in time and limited by the prophecy of Jer. 30:5-9 in the Assyrian period under Assyria's yoke and it comes to a definite end for the 144,000 at the end of the "42 months."
It will be noticed that the close of probation for the church and the one for the world are two different events. The former is a miniature representation of the latter.—2SR:186.1
Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace! that says, O Judah, keep your solemn feasts, perform your vows, for the wicked shall no more pass through you, he is utterly cut off. For now will the Lord break the Assyrian yoke from off your neck, burst your bonds in sunder, and set you free.—14Tr:3.2
1. "the wicked shall NO MORE pass through you," (Ezek. 9) 2. "…now will the Lord break the Assyrian yoke from off your neck," 3. "burst your bonds in sunder," 4. "and set you free." Is that so hard to believe without adding to or subtracting from a "thus saith the Lord, God"?
Finally, who are the "Edomites" according to the SRod?
Edomites: Those who sold their birthright to gratify appetite. They make their stomachs their god; violators of health reform.—1SR:99.8 [1930]
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The prophet saw Christ himself returning from the slaughter of the Edomites—the class who were deceiving God's people in the church, the tares, or adversaries who had trodden down His
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sanctuary. "Bozrah" means "sheepfold"—the church. He saw His garments stained with the blood of the tares, in delivering His people from THEIR hands. The prophet asked: "Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth the winefat?" The purification of the church makes it necessary for Christ to leave the place of judgment and descend to deliver His redeemed (the 144,000), and this is what causes the judgment to cease, and the voices to be silenced for about half an hour—seven days. The Spirit of Prophecy bears witness of the same. "The Lord Jesus shall rise up from His mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary, and shall clothe himself with the garments of vengeance, and surprise them at their unholy feast; and they will find themselves unprepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb."—"Testimonies for the Church," vol. 5, p. 690. Peter, looking forward to the purification of God's church, and the commencement of the judgment for the living, says: "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17.)—2SR:217.4 [1932]
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Now, the change of Esau's name shows that the Esauites are some day, and not far hence, no longer to be thought of and idolized as Esauites as the ones who finish, but rather dreaded as Edomites, as ones who perish. And the change of Jacob's name shows that the Jacobites are THEN no longer to be driven out and feared as Jacobites, as supplanters, carnal, but rather welcomed as Israelites, holy princes, co-rulers standing
1 Shepherd's Rod Tract 64
with the Lamb on Mount Zion (Rev. 14:1), in the palace of the Great King.—1Srp:64.4 [1945]
* * *
Since God's people of today are not in the land of Edom, south of Palestine, but are scattered throughout the earth, and since the Lord is to slay their enemies in order to free them, the truth is obvious: These are antitypical Edom and Bozrah. {1TG43:16.3}
After Esau of old sold his birthright for a mess of
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pottage he was called Edom; and the name Bozrah means "sheepfold." Plainly, then, the Edomites of Isaiah 63:1 are those who in our day have sold their birthright, and who at the same time are persecuting (as did Esau persecute Jacob) those who have bought it, so to speak. Thus it is that as God's people had to be delivered from the Sanhedrin in Christ's day, they must now be delivered from the General Conference, the antitypical Edomite brethren, in order to be led into all Truth, and into their fathers' land. {1TG43:16.4}
The words, "the year of My redeemed is come," and "the day of vengeance is in Mine heart," clearly says that the Lord's strange work in Edom and Bozrah is the day of vengeance and a sign of antitypical Israel's (the church purified) returning to the home land.—1TG43:16.3-17.1 [1947]
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Those that are left in the land, therefore, when Christ takes His scepter to reign, are those who live on the butter and honey which only the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy can supply. All others are to perish with the modern Edomites and Moabites.—2TG20:24.4 [1947]
Did you notice that at least two classes of Edomites from 12SC5:18.2 are acknowledged in the "Edomites" five references above? We have those who are not blood relatives of ancient Esau but are participants in the antitypical allegory that apply to the descendants of the 12 tribes in the SDA Church and those who are ancient blood descendants located in Palestine? The SRod makes clear that both of these classes will be dealt with at the expiration of the "42 months."
All who refuse and reject the antitypical Jonah message (14Tr:16.1) contained in Tract 14 and would dare to interfere with God's program will perish in the SDA Church and off the Promised Land (2TG41:18.1).
Just in case the above miraculously is insufficient evidence we are going to examine again these two controverted phrases numbered above
1. "…there are Esauites in Palestine…"
2. "…the Esauites are going to be enraged with God's people and give them trouble behind and a bigger trouble ahead?…"
from yet another prophetic vantage point. This time from Revelation chapter 12. Claim once again the John 16:13 promise.
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Concerning when and who are "the remnant."
This development will signalize that the four angels have let loose the winds, and that the 144,000 Israelites are sealed (Rev. 7:3-8). Such a combination of circumstances will result in a replication of the national church-and-state rule of the Middle Ages, and will relegate to the scrap heap the world's finest instrument of human liberty—the divinely inspired Constitution of the United States of America
12 Tract (1st Ed.) 65
And what is more, such a system will, on pain of death for non-conformity, exact a form of worship in violation of the conscience. By this enforcement, it will bring into being an order of truckling subjects, rather than of voluntary disciples.—12Tr41:65.2
This only appears in the 1st Edition of Tract 12. Meaning that the enforcement of the Sunday Law comes AFTER the church is purified and is already standing on Mt. Zion with the Lamb. Sealed here in context is after tares have been separated from the wheat in the SDA church. It is not referring to when the 144,000 receive the mark of deliverance.
Brother Houteff, however, made a stronger statement. This is published in 1944. Watch this.
The fact that there is a remnant (that which is left) of the seed of the woman, shows that her seed is divided into two parts, and that consequently the symbolism represents three groups of people: (1) the woman; (2) the first part of her seed—those who in this instance ARE NOT THE REMNANT; (3) the second part of her seed—those who are the remnant. {2An:15.1}
In the light of this symbolical representation, the woman, herself, is seen to symbolize the mother part of the church—God's appointed and Spirit-filled ministers who bring in the born-again (John 3:3) converts. The first part of her seed must, accordingly, be the first fruits, the 144,000, who, separated from the sinners that were among them, are taken to Mount Sion, there to stand with the Lamb (Rev. 14:1). Hence, "the remnant of her seed" are in this instance those who are yet in the world when Babylon rides the beast (Rev. 17). Thus they are the second and last fruits which are to be taken to the purified church, the Kingdom, where there is neither sin nor fear of Babylon's plagues falling upon them (Rev. 18:4). {2An:15.2}
And now, since in her progression of time, the woman represents each successive ministry, therefore at the time that the dragon is wroth with her, she necessarily must represent the last ordained ministry, the 144,000, those who bring all their brethren from all nations to God's "holy mountain Jerusalem." Isa. 66:20. {2An:15.3}
2 Answerer 15
With this light shining on the subject, the truth is clearly seen that after the earth swallows the flood, after the angels separate the wicked ("the tares," the "bad" "fish") from the righteous (the "wheat," the "good" "fish") in the church, and take the righteous to Mount Sion ("the barn," "the vessels" Matt. 13:30, 48), the dragon will then be angry with the woman (the servants of God), and as a result will war against the remnant (the second fruits, those who are then to be called out of Babylon—Rev. 18:4).—2An:15.1-16.1
It is the prophet making an update and in the fulness of the subject, this point would be viewed in the last light made available. "Are not the remnant" is not a compromising position it is a 180-degree correction. The dragon never makes war with the Woman after the church is purified. That is what this reading brings out.
"Thus, it is easily seen that at the point of her purification the 144,000 are together or rather make up the woman, the church, and then if so then her seed must be others, the great multitude."
Precisely!
And now, since in her progression of time, the woman represents each successive ministry, therefore at the time that the dragon is wroth with her, she necessarily must represent the last ordained ministry, the 144,000, those who bring all their brethren from all nations to God's "holy mountain Jerusalem." Isa. 66:20.—7SC7-12:9.10 [1941]
And now, since in her progression of time, THE WOMAN represents each SUCCESSIVE ministry, therefore AT the time that the dragon is wroth with her, she [[ the woman or Rev. 12 ]] necessarily MUST represent the last ordained ministry, the 144,000, those who bring all their brethren from all nations to God's "holy mountain Jerusalem." Isa. 66:20.—2An:15.3 [1944]
Who authored these passages? The Spirit of Truth.
Matters not if we are reading the same words twice. We should fear to blaspheme against them and any others. It represents two testimonies printed on two separate occasions adding to the weight of evidence on the Truth of the matter.
Besides, Bro. Houteff refers to the Woman as the "everliving church." And when do you suppose the Spirit of Truth began to direct His mouth piece to use this phrase to describe God's church after 1941 when he received additional light in 7SC7-12? It was published in Tract 15, 1947. That phrase appears 7 times. And that was not the last time he used it to describe the Woman.
There are two other times. One in 2TG16:18.2 [1947] and the last other is in 2TG24:24.4 [1948]
Taking all these points into one common whole, they positively show that the woman is symbolical of God's everliving Church for ALL times, and that she is His saving Truth, His true wife, the Truth that gave birth to Christ and that gives birth to all His "brethren" (His followers), "the remnant of her seed." Rev. 12:17.—2TG16:18.2
Therefore there is no period of time when she does not exist. Especially after the earth swallows up the flood and their expedited arrival in the Promised Land, where the 144,000 reach Mt. Zion, transported (1TG11:13.2) by the Lamb Himself to "take their high and exalted post" (1TG5:5.2).
This time period described above between the earth swallowing up the flood (Rev. 12:16), having their former name changed, and the 144,000 spirit-filled ministry standing on Mt. Zion (Rev. 14:1) with the Lamb [who transported them there by Chariot] is so short that Assyria has enough time to lose and fall in the Zech. 14:2 war "against Jerusalem" and retreats to her stronghold (Isa. 31:9). However what prevents her according to the prophecy to make a comeback? Her fear of the "ensign" in the Promised Land. When plan A for the King of the North fails then they move on to Plan B. This is when now the two-horn beast returns humiliated to implement the MOB system with the aid of the false prophet internationally to interfere with the gathering of the second fruits.
This phrase appears 7 times in the SRod "he [[ the Assyrian ]] shall pass over to his strong hold for fear."
1. 14Tr:25.1-26.1 [1943]
2. 9SC1-12:8.6-8 [1943]
3. 13SC1,2:30.2-31.1 [1943]
4. 12SC6,7:17.5-18.1 [1943]
5. 1TG15:15.2-16.2 [1946]
6. 1TG24:15.2-16.6 [1947]
7. 1TG33:4.5, 6 [1947]
However, the 13SC1,2 sermon was published once more by voice in 1945 for a final result of 8 times.
"Turn ye unto Him from Whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. For in that day [in the day Assyria falls] every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made unto you for a sin. Then shall the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited. And he shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the Lord, Whose fire is in Zion, and His furnace in Jerusalem." Isa. 31:6-9. {1TG15:16.1}
The purification (Judgment), here you see, is conducted from Zion and Jerusalem.—1TG15:16.1, 2 [1946]
As we have seen, the silence divides the two pre-millennial Judicial sessions, the one for the dead and the other for the living, and the FIRE from the heavenly altar, the voices, lightnings, and thunderings, descend to earth. These facts, along with a number of scriptures on the subject, besides the remainder of The Revelation, the chapters after the breaking of the seventh seal, prove that the Judgment of the living, the cleansing of the earthly temple, is something which takes place on earth, not in heaven ONLY! {15Tr:65.2}
"Behold," declares the Lord, "I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me: and the Lord, Whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple,…But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap." Mal. 3:1, 2. {15Tr:65.3}
Yes, the work of the second Judicial session includes the earthly sanctuary, the church. At that TIME the Lord's "fire" is "in Zion, and His furnace in Jerusalem." Isa. 31:9.… {15Tr:65.4}
All these things definitely indicate the time in which "every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold," the very thing that causes the fall of "the Assyrian," the power which rules Jerusalem at the TIME God delivers His people (Isa. 31:7, 8). {15Tr:67.2}
The truth therefore is trouble-free: Between the Judgment of the dead and the Judgment of the living stands the half-hour silence, the time absorbed in bringing the first Judicial session to a close and in preparing for the second session.—15Tr:65.2-4; 67.2, 3 [1947]
In light of these revealed facts presented without demonstrating favoritism within the references transparently harmonized, how can any experienced Davidian invite us to be broadminded to the point to misconstrue 12SC5:18.2 in order to humanly manufacture a sort of extension or a contrived continuation of the TIME of Jacob's trouble beyond "42 months"? After the purification when both Edomites in the SDA Church and simultaneously also in Palestine perish? After God "burst your bonds in sunder"? After the SDA name is left for a curse and the mouth of the Lord at the threshold of the house pronounces a new name?
It just doesn't hold water.
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Now it is left for you decide, "…how readest thou?" God bless.
"The efforts made to retard the progress of truth will serve to extend it. The excellence of truth is more clearly seen from EVERY successive point from which it may be viewed. Error REQUIRES disguise and concealment. It clothes itself in angel robes, and every manifestation of its real character lessens its chance of success....—1SC7:5.8
P.S.
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel, "Look ye!" My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion, was on every side. I saw measures taken against the company who had the light and power of God. Darkness thickened around them; yet they stood firm, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed; next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Day and night their cry ceased not: "Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen around about us. They have appointed us unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation." These are all the words which I can bring to mind. All seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness and manifested entire submission to the will of God; yet, like Jacob, every one, without an exception, was earnestly pleading and wrestling FOR DELIVERANCE. {EW 272.1}
Soon after they had commenced their earnest cry, the angels, in sympathy, desired to go to their deliverance. But a tall, commanding angel suffered them not. He said, "The will of God is not yet fulfilled. They must drink of the cup. They must be baptized with the baptism." {EW 272.2}
Soon I heard the voice of God, which shook the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down on every side. I then heard a triumphant shout of victory, loud, musical, and clear. I looked upon the company, who, a short time before, were in such distress and bondage. Their captivity was turned. A glorious light shone upon them. How beautiful they then looked! All marks of care and weariness were gone, and health and beauty were seen in every countenance. Their
273
enemies, the heathen around them, fell like dead men; they could not endure the light that shone upon the delivered, holy ones. This light and glory remained upon them, until Jesus was seen in the clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company were changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory. And the graves were opened, and the saints came forth, clothed with immortality, crying, "Victory over death and the grave"; and together with the living saints they were caught up to meet their Lord in the air, while rich, musical shouts of glory and victory were upon every immortal tongue.—EW:272.1-3
From the threshold of the house (1Tr:17.4-21.2) where the marking and slaying (3Tr:86.1) command (1Tr:17.4; 21.2) was given after the wheat was relieved from the evil abominable worldly influence of the tares and the Assyrian death decree and "yoke" a light began to shine "upon the delivered, holy ones." The light described in EW:272.1 came at the completion of the shaking—the commencement of Ezek. 9, a.k.a "the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Then followed the command at the same threshold of the house, in the wilderness, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in power (1Tr:21.3; 1Tr:38.2-40.1) was given to the saints.
From the threshold of the house (1Tr:17.4-21.2) where the marking and slaying (3Tr:86.1) command (1Tr:17.4; 21.2) was given after the wheat was relieved from the evil abominable worldly influence of the tares and the Assyrian death decree and "yoke" a light began to shine "upon the delivered, holy ones." The light described in EW:272.1 came at the completion of the shaking—the commencement of Ezek. 9, a.k.a "the great and dreadful day of the Lord." Then followed the command at the same threshold of the house, in the wilderness, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in power (1Tr:21.3; 1Tr:38.2-40.1) was given to the saints.
…Their captivity was turned [1TG48:20]. A glorious light shone upon them. How beautiful they then looked! All marks of care and weariness WERE GONE, and health and beauty were seen in every countenance. Their enemies, the heathen around them, fell like dead men; they could not endure the light that shone upon the delivered, holy ones. This light and glory REMAINED upon them, until Jesus was seen in the clouds of heaven,…—EW:272.3
This conflict between God and Satan BRINGS IN the TIME of trouble such as never was, at the beginning of which Michael stands to deliver "every one that shall be found written in the book." Dan. 12:1. It is "the great and dreadful day of the Lord"—"great" for the righteous, "dreadful" for the wicked. Once it begins, it continues, as the Spirit of Prophecy says, without respite to the end—Christ's second appearing. (See Testimonies to Ministers, p. 182.)—7SC7-12:19.3
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