2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
1
2 Chronicles 1:5
The brasen altar -- Type of the ransom sacrifice. T22
2 Chronicles 1:10
This thy people -- A lesson to those who speak of God's people as "My
people, "My flock," "My church." R3278:2
That is so great? -- Estimated at about 6,000,000. R3278:3
2 Chronicles 1:11
But hast asked -- The same Hebrew word as "borrowed," where we
read that the Israelites "borrowed of the Egyptians..." (Exod.
12:35). R2911:5
2 Chronicles 1:12
Will give thee riches -- It was just like our Heavenly Father to give Solomon the
riches and honors which he had not asked as a reward for his appreciation of
wisdom. R3278:5
Wealth, and honour -- The true Church receives spiritual riches and honors for
seeking heavenly wisdom. R3278:6
2 Chronicles
2
2 Chronicles 2:1
Build an house -- The Temple which Solomon erected was a picture of the
great Temple which God is erecting. CR359:6
"Which temple ye are."
(1 Cor. 3:17) CR359:1
2 Chronicles 2:7
To work in gold -- Symbol of the divine nature. T18
And in silver -- Symbol of the spirit nature--the Great Company. R4092:6*
And in brass -- Copper, symbol of perfect human nature. T18
And in purple -- Symbol of royalty. T34
And crimson -- Of scarlet, symbol of the blood of the ransom. T109
And blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
2 Chronicles 2:8
Cedar trees -- Symbol of everlasting human life. T109
2 Chronicles 2:17
And Solomon -- Typifying our Lord. R1237:5
All the strangers -- Foreigners (the Tyrians) and the enslaved Canaanites.
R1237:1*
God has selected most of the
Church from among those not Israelites according to the flesh. R1237:5
Typical of the fact that aliens,
strangers, foreigners and enemies of the truth have the larger share in the
work of preparing the antitypical Temple, although in their hammering,
chiseling, melting and casting they little realize the glorious interests
served. R3282:6
3,600 -- Canaanites. R3282:6
2 Chronicles
3
2 Chronicles 3:1
Mount Moriah -- Before Jerusalem became a place of residence its sacred
hill was called "Moriah." R1296:3*
2 Chronicles 3:10
Two cherubims -- New and very large, probably nearly 21
feet high. R530:2
Always connected with the
immediate presence or with the throne of God. R529:6*
"Thou that dwellest between
the cherubims." (Psa. 80:1) T124
With gold -- Symbol of the divine nature. T18
2 Chronicles 3:14
Of blue -- Symbol of faithfulness. T30
And purple -- Symbol of royalty. T34
And crimson -- Or scarlet, symbol of the blood of the ransom. T109
And fine linen -- Symbol of righteousness. T36
2 Chronicles
4
2 Chronicles 4:1
An altar of brass -- In the Tabernacle it was a type of the ransom sacrifice.
T22
2 Chronicles 4:19
The golden altar -- In the Tabernacle, a type of the Church. T120
And the tables -- In the Tabernacle, a type of the Church. T115
The shewbread -- Type of the Word of God. T115
2 Chronicles 4:20
The candlesticks -- In the Tabernacle, a type of the complete Church. T115
Of pure gold -- Symbol of the divine nature. T18
2 Chronicles
5
2 Chronicles 5:1
Was finished -- The harvest is the time for the construction of this
antitypical Temple, i.e., the bringing of all the members, fruit-bearing
branches of the Vine, into the perfect spiritual condition. R172:2
2 Chronicles 5:2
Then Solomon -- Typifying the Lord Jesus. R3283:1
Assembled -- Typifying the present harvest work. R3283:1
Elders of Israel -- Typifying the Lord's very elect. R3283:1
2 Chronicles 5:3
In the feast -- The Jewish New Year Feast held in connection with the
Great Day of Atonement. R3282:6
The seventh month -- The Atonement Day sacrifices probably having already
been made in the Tabernacle. R3282:6
2 Chronicles 5:5
They brought up -- Illustrating the bringing of the members of the Body of
Christ from the Tabernacle or earthly condition to the heavenly or Temple
condition. R3284:1
The ark -- Typifying the divine covenant with Abraham, the
fulfillment of which centers in Christ. R3282:6
2 Chronicles 5:7
Brought in the ark -- Type of The Christ. T121
Of the cherubims -- The presence or throne of God. R529:6*
2 Chronicles 5:10
Nothing in the ark -- The golden bowl of manna, typifying immortality, and the
budded rod, the blessing, fruitfulness and privilege of service of antitypical
Levites, will not be needed in the future conditions of glory represented by
the Temple. R3283:2
The two tables -- Representing the Law and teaching that Christ would meet
in full all the requirements of God's perfect Law; also that legal authority
would be vested in him as the Law-executor. T121
The Law will still be an integral
part of the divine covenant. R3283:2
2 Chronicles 5:12
The Levites -- The Levites of the future, the ancient Worthies and
others, shall chant the praises of Jehovah throughout the earth. R4297:2
Advanced justified believers.
R344:6
Only a part of the Levites
composes the singers, illustrating that only a part of the Great Company are
already arrayed in white robes. R292:5
Which were the singers -- We tarry only as mouthpieces, priests of God, to sound
the trumpet of truth until the white-robed Levites learn to sing the song of
restitution. R344:6
The altar -- The Brazen altar. R3283:2
2 Chronicles 5:13
As one -- Perfectly in harmony; the priests sounded the keynote to
the Levites but it took some time before the harmony was perfect. R292:4
The priests reach a harmony in
their trumpeting before the glory of the Lord fills the Temple. R292:5
The Little Flock (Priests) will
give the key note of their song to the Great Company (Levites) before their
glorification. R292:5
For he is good -- Showing that the character of the song to be taught and
learned is restitution. R292:5
His mercy endureth -- That during the Millennial age man will have the
privilege of returning to God and to all that was lost. R4297:2
For ever -- The Hebrew word signifies "to an end." Divine
mercy shall be exercised to its completeness. R3283:4
That then the house -- Typifying the glorified Christ. R3283:5
A cloud -- The peculiar pillar of cloud which symbolized the Lord's
presence through the wilderness journey and subsequently in connection with the
Tabernacle. R3283:3
2 Chronicles 5:14
Priests could not stand -- The glorying shows the marriage, after which fleshly
priests no longer remain in the Temple, representing that we will be no longer
under the veil of flesh. R172:5
Glory of the LORD -- Representing that the glory of the Lord will come upon
the living Temple, of which we hope to be living stones beyond the veil. CR360:5
Filled the house -- The antitypical Temple (the Church) must be completed
before the glory of the Lord fills it. R172:2
2 Chronicles
6
2 Chronicles 6:9
Out of thy loins -- Children are of the father, by the mother, which was
also true of Jesus' human birth. E99; R776:5
2 Chronicles
7
2 Chronicles 7:8
The feast seven days -- The dedication of Solomon's Temple and the descent of
the Shekinah glory upon it took place at the Feast of Tabernacles. R3509:2*
2 Chronicles 7:14
Called by my name -- Israel, signifying "The people of God." D654
2 Chronicles 7:20
Among all nations -- And the prophecy has been literally fulfilled. R2060:1
2 Chronicles
9
2 Chronicles 9:1
The queen of Sheba -- Presumed to have been a Negress. The present Emperor of
Abyssinia claims to be a descendant of Solomon by this Queen. R3043:1
2 Chronicles 9:3
Of Solomon -- Type of Christ. A79; B255
2 Chronicles 9:4
Spirit in her -- It took her breath away. R3284:6
2 Chronicles 9:6
Was not told me -- "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath
entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath in reservation for
them that love him." (1 Cor. 2:9) R3285:2
2 Chronicles 9:9
120 talents of gold -- Estimated at $3,000,000. R2067:5
2 Chronicles 9:17
Made a great throne -- Solomon laid aside his father's throne, and made a
unique and costly one for his own use. R1283:1*
2 Chronicles 9:23
To hear his wisdom -- Representatives of many nations will say, "Come,
let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and
he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." (Isa. 2:3)
R2053:1
2 Chronicles 9:30
Forty years -- Link No.26 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
Possibly typifying the harvest of
the Millennial age. R4018:2*
2 Chronicles
10
2 Chronicles 10:4
Our yoke grievous -- The best-governed people are not always the most
contented. R3384:3
2 Chronicles 10:14
With scorpions -- Whips with metal lumps on the strands. R3384:6
2 Chronicles 10:16
All Israel went -- The one house or family of Israel. The 10 tribes which
split off have been since called the "lost tribes," not a separate
house. R862:5
2 Chronicles 10:17
Rehoboam reigned over them -- Those of all Israel whose worship of the Lord centered
in Jerusalem, chiefly the tribe of Judah from whom the promised Messiah was to
come. R3385:2,4
2 Chronicles 10:19
And Israel rebelled -- The division of the typical kingdom 393 years before the
overthrow of Zedekiah corresponds to the division of Christendom into Papacy
and Protestantism in 1521 AD, when Luther was excommunicated, 393 years before
1914, the time for the overthrow of Christendom. R3574:1*
2 Chronicles
11
2 Chronicles 11:4
This thing is done of me -- The division of the kingdom worked to the advantage of
Judah and Benjamin, humbling them, drawing them nearer to the Lord, more
zealous of his worship and more faithful in resisting idolatry. R2362:3
2 Chronicles 11:13
All Israel -- Represented by the one house which stumbled at the first
advent. R862:5
2 Chronicles 11:16
Came to Jerusalem -- King Rehoboam and the people of Judah experienced a sort
of religious reformation, attracting the more religious of the two tribe
kingdom. R2362:3
2 Chronicles
12
2 Chronicles 12:1
Forsook the law -- Finding himself strong in the kingdom, Rehoboam became
lax in respect to its religious conditions. R2362:6
2 Chronicles 12:2
Against Jerusalem -- There has been discovered at Karnak, Egypt, a splendid
structure erected by the very Shishak who conquered Rehoboam, commemorating his
victories. R3467:6
2 Chronicles 12:5
Therefore have I also left -- Teaching them the important lesson that if the Lord let
go of them they would be swallowed up of their enemies. R2363:1
2 Chronicles 12:9
Shishak -- See comment on 2 Chron. 12:2.
Took away the treasures -- This was intended of the Lord to teach Israel that if
the Lord let go of them they would be swallowed up of their enemies, and that
he always made obedience profitable to them in their temporal welfare. R2363:1
2 Chronicles 12:13
Seventeen years -- Link No.27 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles 12:16
And Rehoboam slept -- Death is a condition of rest, of quiet, of peaceful
unconsciousness. R5059:6, R4794:2; HG121:6
2 Chronicles
13
2 Chronicles 13:2
Three years -- Link No.28 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles 13:5
Covenant of salt -- Covenant of faithfulness. R4907:1
2 Chronicles 13:8
Kingdom of the LORD -- In some respects typical of the Kingdom promised, when
Messiah should reign. A248
Though the earth is now given up
to the kingdom of the Gentiles, the time was when God had a kingdom on earth. HG47:3
Golden calves -- Probably because the people, while in Egypt, were
accustomed to the worship of the sacred bull, Apis, of Egyptian mythology.
R2325:5
2 Chronicles
14
2 Chronicles 14:2
Good and right -- In the midst of an unfavorable setting, Asa quickly
developed a loyalty to God and soundness of judgment beneficial to his kingdom.
R4724:2
We have seen children of evil
parentage become nauseated by evil and take right paths. R4724:2
2 Chronicles 14:3
Took away the altars -- Erected on various hilltops, at which the orgies of
heathendom were practiced. R3392:3
It would be improper now for the
people of the United States to decide what is false worship and abolish it or
interfere with absolute religious liberty because the people of the United States
are not God's Kingdom as was Israel. R2364:2
Brake down the images -- Asa did much to abolish idolatry in his kingdom and to
sway the minds of the people to the reverence and obedience of Almighty God.
R4724:3
Cut down the groves -- Accessories to the worship of Baal and Ashtaroth by
those who affected to be largely worshippers of nature. R3392:3
2 Chronicles 14:4
Judah -- The two-tribe kingdom. R3392:1
2 Chronicles 14:5
He took away -- Such action has been misunderstood to imply that rulers
in other countries should take similar action for the destruction of all false
religions. R3392:3
It would be entirely improper for
any king, governor, president or emperor of earth today to exercise such power,
claiming divine approval. R3392:5, R2363:5, R2364:2
2 Chronicles 14:6
Built fenced cities -- Fortress cities as a protection against attack from
Egypt on the south and west, from Syria on the north and east, and from the
ten-tribe kingdom on the immediate north. R3392:6
No war in those years -- Asa had peace for ten years, during which time he
encouraged his people and trained an army. R4724:3
2 Chronicles 14:7
Build these cities -- Fortified cities on the extremity of his kingdom for
protection against attacks of enemies. R4724:3
We should erect fortresses of
character which will be a defense against attacks of the world, the flesh and
the devil. R4725:4, R3392:6
2 Chronicles 14:8
An army of men -- These preparations for war had the divine approval, but
in no sense indicated that we should take a similar course, for we contend not
with flesh and blood. R3392:6
2 Chronicles 14:9
Came out against them -- To punish Asa for erecting fortifications, etc., to
bring away more spoil and to reduce the nation again to the condition of a
vassal. R3393:1
Zerah the Ethiopian -- Supposed to have been Osorkon II of Egypt. R3392:6
2 Chronicles 14:11
Cried unto the LORD -- A perfectly proper thing for him to do as the
representative of God's chosen people; but prayers for victory in war are
improper when made by any nation since Israel's rejection of the Lord at the
time of his crucifixion. R3393:4
Asa's faith looked up to God,
realizing that with him was the power to give or to withhold victory. R4724:3
We are to look to the Lord for
victory: "For when I am weak (in myself), then am I strong (in the
Lord)." (2 Cor. 12:10) R4725:4
We rest on thee -- Pray, trusting God's power. R5380:5*
2 Chronicles 14:12
So the LORD smote -- In the battle which followed Asa and his army were
successful. R4724:3
2 Chronicles
15
2 Chronicles 15:2
Asa -- Whose environments in youth had been unfavorable but who
quickly developed a loyalty to God and soundness of judgment beneficial to his
kingdom. R4724:2
The LORD Is with you -- They had all done well and faithfully and therefore
God's blessing was with them. R4724:5
While ye be with him -- The continuance of divine blessing would depend upon
their faithfulness to God and to the requirements of his Law. R4724:5
If ye forsake him -- The hour of victory is more dangerous than the hour of
distress; the heart is more apt to be proud and feel its own importance. The
divine warning helped Asa and his people take a firmer stand for righteousness.
R4724:5
Nor should a great victory elate
us and make us careless and self-sufficient. R4725:4
2 Chronicles 15:3
Israel -- The ten tribes. R5733:3
2 Chronicles 15:4
He was found of them -- The Lord helped Israel proportionately as they at any
time had turned to him. R5733:3
Reveals God's care over his people
when they seek him. R5733:5
2 Chronicles 15:7
Be ye strong therefore -- Asa had manifested a disposition in harmony with God and
now had this encouraging message. R5733:3
Work shall be rewarded -- God's promise to Israel was his divine blessing of peace
and earthly prosperity in proportion to their loyalty to him. R4725:1
Contrariwise, spiritual Israel is
assured of tribulation, hatred, opposition and suffering in the world, but with
the peace of God and a spiritual reward. R4725:1
2 Chronicles 15:8
Abominable idols -- No idolatry was thenceforth permitted in the kingdom
under penalty of death. R4724:6
We should put away all idolatry of
money, fame, honor of men, and do the will of the Lord from the heart. R4725:4
Renewed the altar -- Today, proportionately as creed idols and their worship
would cease, the repair of the true altar of God would progress and many would
rejoice to present their bodies living sacrifices. (Rom. 12:1, 2) R5734:1
As the Bible comes to be rightly
understood, the unscriptural follies of the creeds will be appreciated. R5734:1
2 Chronicles 15:9
Out of Israel -- Many of the ten-tribe kingdom who were piously inclined
and still respected God and his promises were glad to leave their king and ally
themselves with the tribe of Judah, where the great God was worshipped and they
were known as "Jews." R5733:3, R2380:2, R2084:6
God grants blessings to those who
humble themselves and are obedient. R2380:2
2 Chronicles 15:10
They gathered themselves -- A great convention was held--a holiness convention.
R2363:5
2 Chronicles 15:12
Entered into a covenant -- A great national awakening along religious lines. R5733:5
Such a company of consecrated
covenanters, enlightened as we are today, would be a mighty force, a mighty
power. R5734:4
2 Chronicles 15:15
Lord gave them rest -- The Lord's blessing continued with the kingdom of Judah.
R4724:6
2 Chronicles 15:17
Were not taken away -- It is not sufficient that we outwardly acknowledge the
Lord to be our God; we must also be zealous in serving his cause. R2363:3
The heart of Asa was perfect
-- Asa was not serving the Lord
because it would be the most profitable course for himself and for the nation
but from a heart that was in harmony with God. R2363:3
Perfection of heart in the Lord's
consecrated people of the Gospel age means a great deal more--a full
consecration in thought, word and deed. R2364:4
2 Chronicles
16
2 Chronicles 16:9
Eyes of the LORD -- The Lord's influence, his power of knowing, whatever the
means. R5634:2
His divine wisdom. SM623:1
Let your child feel that your eye
and God's is ever upon him, just as we feel that God's eye is upon us. R1097:5*
The whole earth -- This does not mean that God personally beholds every
individual act of every person on earth, but that he takes cognizance of
matters throughout the world by means of his power, his agencies. R5634:2
2 Chronicles 16:10
Put him in a prison -- The statement that his heart was right before God does
not signify that he was always right. R2364:3
2 Chronicles 16:12
Diseased in his feet -- His sickness was a punishment for his sin according to
the Israelitish covenant with God. R2029:2
God has not promised to keep
spiritual Israel free from sickness, pain and trouble. R2364:5
Not to the LORD -- Who had entered into covenant relationship with the Jews
to bless them physically if faithful to him. R2364:4
His heart should have repented and
turned toward God, but instead he turned to the physicians. R2029:2
To the physicians -- Enchanters, magicians, black-art doctors using Satanic
powers. R2364:5
There is no intimation here that
it would be wrong to make use of bona-fide medical skill and aid today. R2364:5
2 Chronicles 16:13
One and fortieth year -- Link No.29 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles
17
2 Chronicles 17:1
Jehoshaphat his son -- Who had the great advantage that his parents were Godly
people. R4730:1
Reigned -- While Ahab was king of Israel Jehoshaphat succeeded to
the throne of Judah. R4730:1
Against Israel -- The iniquity and idolatry of Israel reacted favorably by
driving the most saintly characters of all the tribes to Judah, including the
priests and Levites who were still loyal to God. R4730:1
2 Chronicles 17:2
Set garrisons -- He fortified its various boundaries, especially toward
the land of Israel, Judah's nearest neighbor. R4730:2
2 Chronicles 17:3
Was with Jehoshaphat -- Jehoshaphat's fidelity to the Lord was rewarded with
prosperity for his kingdom. R4730:2
Does not mean that all prosperous
persons and nations are in divine fellowship. R4730:2
Of his father David -- Copying after David's earliest course of devotion to the
Lord. R2365:1
2 Chronicles 17:5
He had riches -- Prosperity is not always a sign of divine favor, but to
Jehoshaphat and his kingdom it was because Judah still represented God's chosen
nation in a special manner. R4730:3
2 Chronicles 17:6
Heart was lifted up -- Not in pride and self-adulation, but with encouragement,
as recognizing the fulfillment of the divine promises in the blessings enjoyed.
R2365:1
Ways of the LORD -- As Ahab exceeded his father Omri as an evil-doer, so
Jehoshaphat exceeded his father Asa as an upholder of the divine Law. R4730:2
The high places -- The young king began a general crusade against every
idolatrous place and custom in the kingdom. R4730:2
2 Chronicles 17:7
Teach in the cities -- Perceiving the necessity of knowledge as a basis for
faith, the king instituted a general system of instruction in the Word of the
Lord throughout his kingdom. R2365:2
In proportion as the Lord's people
are intimately acquainted with his Word, they are made free from earthly
affairs and realize their obligations to the King of kings. R2365:3
2 Chronicles 17:10
Fear of the LORD -- The world recognizes in a general way that there is some
truth in Christianity. R2365:5
2 Chronicles 17:11
Presents, and tribute -- Neighboring nations sought Judah's favor and paid
tribute until Jehoshaphat's kingdom was very prosperous. R4730:2
2 Chronicles
18
2 Chronicles 18:1
Joined affinity -- Ambitious to unite the two nations, Jehoshaphat made a
marriage alliance for his son with the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel of the
ten-tribe kingdom. R3393:3
The Lord's people should be
especially on guard against associations with the ungodly. R3394:2
"Be not unequally yoked
together with unbelievers" (2 Cor. 6:14) neither by marriage nor by
business partnerships and close friendships. R4730:5
With Ahab -- Jehoshaphat's most important mistake was in affiliating
with Ahab. R4730:5
The lesson to us is that we need to
"keep ourselves unspotted from the world." (Jas. 1:27) R3394:1
2 Chronicles 18:3
We will be with thee -- Out of courtesy and to cultivate the friendship of Ahab
Jehoshaphat yielded and accompanied him, with disastrous results. R3394:2
2 Chronicles 18:22
A lying spirit -- One of the fallen angels. R2173:4
2 Chronicles
19
2 Chronicles 19:1
Jehoshaphat -- Noted as one of the best kings in the history of Judah.
R3393:3
King of Judah -- He had been reigning 20 years at the time of the events
narrated in this lesson. R3393:3
2 Chronicles 19:2
Help the ungodly -- Indicating the Lord's disapproval of Jehoshaphat's
fellowship with Ahab. R4730:6
We should be especially on guard
against associations, fellowships, matrimonial alliances, etc., with the
ungodly. R3394:2
"Blessed is the man that
walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly." (Psa. 1:1). R2366:1
Wrath upon thee -- Indicated by his ignominious return without any evidence
of divine favor. R3394:2
2 Chronicles 19:3
Good things found in thee -- While reproving Jehoshaphat, the Lord graciously
mentioned approval of his destroying idolatrous worship and of his heart
seeking the Lord. R3394:3
Taken away the groves -- He had utterly destroyed all the groves where idolatry
had been practiced. R3393:3
2 Chronicles 19:4
Went out again -- The experience led him to still greater zeal for
righteousness. He went out amongst the people and effected a religious revival.
R3394:3
Brought them back -- To a higher appreciation of the Lord and observance of
his statutes. R3394:3
2 Chronicles 19:6
Take heed what ye do -- The king had a very high sense of justice and honor,
expressing grand sentiments worthy of a saint of this Gospel age. R3394:3
Evidence that the lesson of verse
2 was not lost upon Jehoshaphat. R2366:1
What may the world hope for when
the great King Immanuel shall rule with superhuman knowledge and wisdom. R3394:4
Judge not for man -- The Lord's people should render to no man less than is
due him; and not only be just but generous. R3394:4
2 Chronicles 19:7
No iniquity -- God is not the author of sin. He is just and right,
hating evil and condemning sin in every form. R870:6
2 Chronicles 19:10
Blood and blood -- The degree of murder, whether first, second or third.
R3395:1
2 Chronicles 19:11
The Levites -- The tribe especially consecrated to the Lord's service.
R3394:5
Deal courageously -- Justly. R5413:3
In the Kingdom we shall be
required to render righteous and courageous judgment. R5414:4
In doing unpleasant tasks which
are necessary, but in a kindly manner. R5414:5, R3395:4
Whoever has a duty to perform let
him not fear. R5414:5, R3395:4
LORD shall be with -- Applicable to the Jews because they were a typical
people of God. R5414:4
There is no partiality with the
Creator, no class distinction, neither high nor low, rich nor poor, noble nor
peasant. R5413:3
The good -- His whole dealing at this time is with the Church.
R5414:2
The Lord will be with the good
work that his faithful people will do. R5414:1
2 Chronicles
20
2 Chronicles 20:22
The LORD set ambushments -- Believed to be an illustration of the time of trouble at
the end of the Christian era. Q769:2
2 Chronicles 20:31
Twenty and five years -- Link No.30 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles 20:37
Hast joined thyself -- In a business partnership with one out of harmony with
the Lord. R2366:2
2 Chronicles
21
2 Chronicles 21:1
Jehoshaphat slept -- Death is a condition of rest, of quiet, of peaceful
unconsciousness. R5059:6, R4794:2
2 Chronicles 21:20
Eight years -- Link No.31 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
Usher gives it as a reign of four
years, while the Bible says it was eight years. B52
2 Chronicles
22
2 Chronicles 22:2
Forty and two years old -- Not 22, as in 2 Kings 8:26. HG1O5:2
One year -- Link No.32 in the
chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles 22:12
Six years -- Link No.33 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles
24
2 Chronicles 24:1
Forty years -- Link No.34 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
Usher reckons this as 39 years, while
the Bible gives it as forty years. B52
2 Chronicles 24:2
Jehoida the priest -- The Lord's High Priest, whose wife, Joash's aunt, had
secreted Joash as an infant. R2366:3
Joash's foster-father. R2366:6
2 Chronicles 24:5
Levites hastened it not -- Probably because the people of Judah had come to doubt
the priesthood. R2367:1, R3447:6
2 Chronicles 24:7
Broken up the house of God -- Stones had been taken for building the temple of Baal,
representing the damage done to the true Temple during the Dark Ages. R3448:1,2
2 Chronicles 24:9
The collection -- A tax of half a shekel on each male of 20
years old and upward (See Exod.
30:11-16). R2367:1
2 Chronicles 24:10
All the people -- The remnant of the ten tribes joined in the work. R2084:5
Rejoiced -- "The Lord loveth a cheerful (Greek, hilarious-- merry)
giver." (2 Cor. 9:7) R3448:5
Cast Into the chest -- When they once see the need of repairs and the safety of
the channel the people of God will be encouraged to do everything necessary for
the accomplishment of the work. R3448:4
2 Chronicles 24:12
Jehoiada -- Representing our High Priest, Christ. R3448:2
Repair the house -- To this end we are exhorted by the Apostle to build one
another up in the most holy faith. R2367:4
It is our duty to keep our bodies,
which are temples of the holy Spirit, pure in thought, word and act, and to
take reasonable care of our physical systems. R2367:2
2 Chronicles
25
2 Chronicles 25:1
Twenty and nine years -- Link No.35 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles 25:18
Sent to Amaziah -- Even before the captivity a fellowship had sprung up
between the people of the two divisions of Judah and Israel. R2084:5
2 Chronicles
26
2 Chronicles 26:3
Fifty and two years -- Link No.36 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles 26:9
Fortified them -- It was quite proper for the kings of Israel and Judah to
defend the land which the Almighty had specially given to their nation. R4786:2
2 Chronicles 26:16
To his destruction -- "Pride goeth before destruction." (Prov.
16:18). R4786:2
Went into the temple -- Uzziah evidently felt that God was proud of him and
would be pleased to have him enter the Temple after the manner of the priests.
R4786:2
Many successful people fall into
the same error in their approach to God. R4786:2
2 Chronicles 26:17
Valiant men -- Courageous men. King Uzziah was likely to resent any
interference. R4786:6
2 Chronicles 26:18
Not unto thee -- The great King Eternal has rules and regulations
governing all attempts to approach him. R4786:3
But to the priests -- Recognizing Jesus as the great antitypical Priest none
should intrude into the divine presence in prayer other than through him.
R4786:5
Thou hast trespassed -- If the king had good intentions they should have guided
him to a study of the divine arrangements. Ignorance of the Law is no excuse.
R4786:6
Honour from the LORD -- True honor cannot be found in opposition to the divine
arrangements. R4786:6
2 Chronicles 26:19
Leprosy -- Typifying sin. R4786:5
2 Chronicles 26:20
LORD had smitten him -- Signifying typically that whoever with knowledge would
approach God aside from his ordained priest would come under divine sentence as
a wilful sinner. R4786:5
2 Chronicles
27
2 Chronicles 27:1
Sixteen years -- Link No.37 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles
28
2 Chronicles 28:1
Sixteen years - Link No.38 in the
chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
Usher incorrectly reckons this as
15 years. B52
2 Chronicles 28:27
Hezekiah his son -- King Hezekiah has a wonderful record as a man of God;
yet he was the son of a bad father who was the son of a good father who was the
son of a bad father. This alternation illustrates that heredity has
counterbalances in nature. R4812:1
It is not necessary that we should
inherit all the evil traits of our ancestors. R2379:2
2 Chronicles
29
2 Chronicles 29:1
Hezeklah -- Signifying "strength of Jehovah." R3462:3
Reckoned in the Lord's sight as
one of the three most acceptable kings of Judah. R3462:3
Nine and twenty years -- Link No. 39 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50;
R1980:4
2 Chronicles 29:2
That which was right -- His entire reign was one of reformation. R3462:3
He was not double-minded but with
his whole heart he sought to do right, to do the Lord's will. R4812:2, R3462:3
It is supposed that Isaiah, who
was related to the royal family, was Hezekiah's tutor and helped guide him into
right ways. R2379:2
Teaches the necessity for having a
positive or strong will, rightly directed. R4812:2
2 Chronicles 29:3
In the first month -- He was already well instructed and thoroughly
consecrated to the Lord at the time of his entrance to kingship. R2379:3
2 Chronicles 29:4
Priests -- Typical of God's saintly or sanctified people. R4812:4
Levites -- Typical of the household of faith. R4812:4
2 Chronicles 29:5
Sanctify now yourselves -- Before the cleansing of the Temple began the king
directed the priests and Levites first to sanctify themselves. R4812:3
No one is properly ready to serve
God in any form or work until he has come to a sanctified condition of heart.
R4812:4
"Be ye clean that bear the
vessels of the Lord's house." (Isa. 52:11) R4812:4
House of the LORD -- The great King commands his consecrated people to purify
the Temple of God, which is the Church. R4812:4
2 Chronicles 29:7
The God of Israel -- Jehovah, to whom the price was to be paid. E449
2 Chronicles 29:16
Uncleanness -- Typical of the idols and traditions of men in the form
of venerable creeds of the past defiling the Temple of God. R4813:4, R3463:4
2 Chronicles 29:18
We have cleansed -- If any have fallen into worldliness, sin, worship of
Mammon, etc., there should be first a cleansing, a reformation. R3463:2
A great reformation came in the
days of Luther, Melancthon and others. R3463:4
"Let us cleanse ourselves
from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit." (2 Cor. 7:1) F409
All the vessels -- The vessels of the Lord's house must be cleansed of all
defilements--their human traditions, heathen philosophies and superstitions.
R4813:4
2 Chronicles 29:19
All the vessels -- Probably including certain brass plates and borders
which King Asa had removed from the altar and tables for use in other places.
R3462:6
2 Chronicles 29:21
Seven -- A symbol of perfection or completeness, thus intensifying
the matter. R3463:1
A sin offering -- Shadows and types of the true sacrifices for sins by
which the Lamb of God taketh away the sin of the world. R685:4
Altar of the LORD -- Jehovah, to whom the price was paid. E449; R685:4
2 Chronicles 29:24
An atonement -- Not the regular atonement day sacrifice, because the proper
day had passed; the sacrifices offered were effective merely for the remainder
of the year. R3463:1
The Lord's people, after a
reformation, should appeal to God for at-one-ment with him, for forgiveness of
sins. R3463:2
For all Israel -- Exhibiting Hezekiah's generous spirit. R3463:2
The whole nation seems to have
come to a realization of its low condition and need of an uplift. R3463:1
Hezekiah recognized that the
divine promises were made to all the seed of Abraham. R2379:5
2 Chronicles 29:30
Sang praises with gladness -- The work of reestablishing the true religion was not to
be accomplished in a doleful manner. R3463:5
2 Chronicles 29:31
Thank offerings -- The Lord's truly consecrated today rejoice to be free
from the sins of the past and worship the Lord with thank-offerings and praise.
R3463:5
2 Chronicles
30
2 Chronicles 30:1
Sent to all Israel -- Isaiah's prophecy respecting the carrying away of Israel
into captivity was already in progress and this invitation served to incite
"Israelites indeed" to return to the Lord's worship. R2380:1
2 Chronicles 30:5
Throughout all Israel -- Not only to his own kingdom of Judah, but also to the
ten tribes. R4812:5
Such a message of true fellowship
to the true Israel is made alike to all, ignoring all creeds and parties.
R2380:6
2 Chronicles 30:10
They laughed -- In the northern kingdom, where idolatry had a stronger
hold, the invitation was derided by many. R4812:5
Them to scorn -- Now, as then, the proud will stand up for sectarianism
and for its honors and dignities, and will fail to get the divine blessing.
R2381:1
2 Chronicles 30:11
Divers of Asher and -- The true, faithful Israelites were gathered out of the
ten-tribe kingdom into the two-tribe kingdom at that early day. R2380:3
All are to be esteemed and treated
as Israelites indeed who trust in the precious blood of Christ and are
consecrated to the service of the Lord. R2380:6
Humbled themselves -- A few humble ones from almost all sects, parties and
creeds will be attracted. R2381:1
2 Chronicles 30:18
Not cleansed themselves -- Similarly, in the Church of Christ, we find some who but
imperfectly comprehend the sanctification of life necessary to a proper
participation in the Lord's "feast of fat things." R4813:1
Prayed for them -- Let us not denounce as hypocrites those who imperfectly
comprehend sanctification of life, but pray for them and assist them in the
more excellent way. R4813:1
2 Chronicles 30:23
With gladness -- There is no other peace or joy so soul-satisfying as
that which comes from fellowship with the Creator through Christ in the
antitypical passover. R4812:6
2 Chronicles 30:25
Came out of Israel -- The true faithful Israelites were gathered out of the
ten-tribe kingdom into the two-tribe kingdom. R2380:3
It was the remnant of Israel and not
merely of Judah that was gathered into the Gospel age, while the remainder were
"blinded." R2380:3
All "Israelites indeed,"
trusting in the precious blood of Christ, are one in Christ Jesus and are to be
esteemed as brethren. R2380:6
2 Chronicles 30:26
Great joy -- Many seek pleasure and joy but few find it. Real
pleasure is in finding the Lord and coming into heart-harmony with him. R4812:6
2 Chronicles
31
2 Chronicles 31:1
Brake the images -- One of these idols is sectarianism; another is money;
another is lust; another, selfish ambition. They are legion with one family
name, selfishness. R2381:4
2 Chronicles 31:6
Israel and Judah -- The more religious in Ephraim removed to Judah and
identified themselves therewith. Thus Judah eventually represented the cream of
the nation. R3464:2
God's dealings with nominal
spiritual Israel are gradually separating to the Lord an overcoming class.
R3464:5
2 Chronicles 31:21
With all his heart -- Hezekiah claimed, as all should be able to, that he
walked before the Lord with a perfect heart, with a perfect will, with
thoroughly good intentions. R3588:4
2 Chronicles
32
2 Chronicles 32:2
Against Jerusalem -- The march of Sennacherib's army meant destruction and
captivity to many small cities and towns on his route toward Jerusalem. R3581:6
2 Chronicles 32:9
Send his servants -- Although tribute was sent, he sent three chief generals
to Jerusalem to accomplish its captivity while he remained with his army
besieging Lachish. R3582:2
We cannot purchase peace with
things consecrated to the Lord--compromise the truth. So surely as the Lord's consecrated
people do this, the Lord will permit to come upon them the very difficulties
which they seek to avert. R2381:6
2 Chronicles 32:18
In the Jews' speech -- The Hebrew language was used, in order that the people
might understand their hopeless situation; yet they remained calm. R3582:3
That were on the wall -- Some of them soldiers with bows and arrows, spears,
etc., to defend the walls. R3582:2
2 Chronicles 32:20
Prayed -- Hezekiah had undoubtedly come to deprecate his course in
ignoring the advice of Isaiah in respect to the tribute. He was thoroughly
humbled now. R3582:4
When our proudest, strongest foes
seem triumphing the most, we should lay hold on the Lord's promises with the
greatest confidence. R3582:6
Cried to heaven -- Their faith grew stronger the more the false gods were
brought into contrast with the true. R3582:4
Those most rooted and grounded are
those who have been attested trying experiences and have had occasion to call mightily
on the Lord for help. R3582:6
2 Chronicles 32:21
Sent an angel -- Probably a simoon (sandstorm) or pestilence. R2382:1
Not necessarily a member of the
angelic order of beings, but simply a "messenger." R2382:2
The Lord could use as his angel or
messenger a flame of fire, a stroke of lightning or a breath of pestilence.
R3582:5
The extremity of Hezekiah and his
people became God's opportunity. R3582:4
Which cut off -- In answer to faith and prayer, yet in full accord with
his foreknown plans. R3582:4
2 Chronicles 32:23
Presents -- In consequence of this marked deliverance of Judah from
the superior power of Assyria. R2382:5
He was magnified -- Honored, because the Lord's victory doubtless became
known as that of Hezekiah. R3582:6
2 Chronicles 32:24
In those days -- 731 BC, 125 years before the overthrow of Zedekiah,
corresponding to the date of the French Revolution, 1789 AD, when Christendom
seemed sick unto death, 125 years before 1914. R3574:2*
Hezeklah was sick -- Evidently the sickness had somewhat to do with his
prosperity and consequent pride and with his failure to render unto the Lord.
R2382:6
He gave him a sign -- The Lord's people of the New Creation are advised not to
request signs of the Lord or to make tests. "We walk by faith, not by sight."
(2 Cor. 5:7) R3589:1
2 Chronicles 32:25
His heart was lifted up -- Prosperity is often a severer test of character than
adversity. R2382:6
2 Chronicles 32:30
To the west side -- Typifying the founding of the various Bible societies at
the beginning of the nineteenth century. R3574:3*
2 Chronicles
33
2 Chronicles 33:1
Was twelve years old -- If properly trained he should have had by this time a
fairly well-developed character for righteousness. R3598:3
When he began -- Isaiah, his supposed grandfather, having died
previously. R2386:3
To reign -- The brightest children the most precocious, are in
greatest danger if placed in positions of responsibility and influence early in
life, without experienced advisors. R2386:6
Fifty and five years -- Link No.40 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles 33:2
That which was evil -- Hezekiah, though a good man, was evidently a poor
father. R3598:2, R4839:2
2 Chronicles 33:3
He built again -- Probably within 10 years of his accession to power.
R2386:6
2 Chronicles 33:6
Children to pass -- Children were sometimes offered in sacrifice to the
false deities on the outstretched arms of a great, hollow brass image, heated
by fires built underneath. R4840:1
Son of Hinnom -- In Greek, Ge-Hinnom or Gehenna, illustrating the Second
Death. R4840:4
Used witchcraft -- It is sufficient that God warns us not to have anything
to do with occult powers. R5800:1, R265:4
A familiar spirit -- A wicked spirit, who pretended to be able to give him
superhuman wisdom and advice. R2387:2
2 Chronicles 33:9
To do worse -- More evil. Sin is constitutional derangement. Through
the fall the whole human family is prone to sin so that it requires continual
effort under the guidance of the Lord not to go backward into sin. R3598:6
Than the heathen -- The nations. The Amalekites, the Perizzites, the
Hittites, and all those nations whom the Lord drove out of Canaan to make room
for Israel. R3598:6
A lesson for spiritual Israel:
there is a continual warfare between the flesh and the spirit and we must be
continually on guard. R3599:1
2 Chronicles 33:10
The LORD spake -- Probably through the prophets Micah and Nahum. R2387:3
2 Chronicles 33:11
To Babylon -- The very story of the Chronicles has been found written
on clay tables. R2101:5*
2 Chronicles 33:12
Was in affliction -- The judgment of the Lord as a punishment for sin which
came upon Manasseh eventuated in a blessing for the evil-doer, illustrating the
principle that will go into effect in the Millennial age. R3599:1
2 Chronicles 33:13
Was intreated of him -- Illustrating the mercy of God to the truly repentant.
R3599:4
Then Manasseh knew -- The clear intimation is that previously he did not know;
that his sins were largely of ignorance. R2388:1
2 Chronicles 33:15
And he took away -- 674 BC, corresponding to the antitypical cleansing of
the sanctuary in 1846. R3574:4*
2 Chronicles 33:17
In the high places -- The evil effects of Manasseh's reign were never
thoroughly effaced before his death. R3599:4
Many of the Lord's jewels are
today suffering for sins that are past and forgiven. R3599:5
The degradations coming to the
world through sin will survive the forgiveness of their sins. R3599:5
2 Chronicles 33:19
They are written -- Showing that the prophets did not confine themselves to
oral teachings. R1145:3
2 Chronicles 33:21
Two years -- Link No.41 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles
34
2 Chronicles 34:1
One and thirty years -- Link No. 42 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50;
R1980:4
2 Chronicles 34:3
In the eighth year -- 651 BC, parallel to 1869 AD, when the editor of Zion's
Watch Tower first began to search the Scriptures for the true plan of God.
R3574:4*
While he was yet young -- An example of the proper course for every young person
in that the heart should be given to the Lord in the days of youth before evil
experiences have come. R4838:5
He began to seek -- It is one thing to be well disposed and another thing
entirely to consecrate the heart to the Lord. R2390:3
In the twelfth year -- By the time he was twenty, Josiah's religious
convictions were so deep and fixed that he dared to begin the work of
reformation. R4837:3, R3607:2
It is a great mistake to assume
that children must first "sow wild oats" before they can appreciate
righteousness. R4837:6
He began to purge -- Under the Law every king of Israel had a responsibility
to oppose idolatry with violence because the kingdom typically represented God
and his reign of righteousness. But when fleshly Israel was cast off, all such laws
were made null and void. R3607:3
With spiritual Israel each heart
has its own dominion to conquer, to clear of idols. R3607:5
2 Chronicles 34:4
Brake down the altars -- As it was with Josiah's work, so it should be with all
who present themselves to the Lord. They should begin by breaking off their
sins, destroying the fleshly idols of the heart. R2390:5
2 Chronicles 34:5
Burnt the bones -- This work of reform had been prophesied for him years
before (1 Kings 13:1-3; 2 Kings 23:15-17). R3607:3
2 Chronicles 34:8
In the eighteenth year -- 641 BC, parallel to 1879 AD, the date of the founding of
Zion's Watch Tower. R3574:4*
2 Chronicles 34:14
Found -- In the process of the cleaning up and restoring of the
Temple services commanded by King Josiah. R3608:2
A book -- Possibly including the five books of Moses and the book
of Judges, including the original copy of Deuteronomy written by Moses' own
hand. R4850:3, R3608:3, R2390:6
Now, in due time, the Word of God
is being found, shining with wonderful brilliancy upon the path of the just.
R4851:5
Law of the LORD -- The Word of the Lord was lost during the Dark Ages,
resulting in confusion and deterioration of spiritual vitality. His Word is
found now in the sense of being easily accessible. R3609:3
2 Chronicles 34:15
Shaphan the scribe -- His position corresponded somewhat to the Secretary of
State at the present time. R3608:2
In the house of the LORD -- King Ahaz had caused the manuscripts to be burned, but
in God's providence one copy of the Law was buried under a pile of stone and
rubbish in one of the rooms surrounding the Court of the Temple. R3608:2
In one sense, the Word of the Lord
is still hidden, covered with a thick coating of false teaching and human
tradition. R3609:4
2 Chronicles 34:19
The king had heard -- Due to the long period of idolatry preceding Josiah's
work of reformation, the king may have never heard of the divine Law up to this
time. R4850:3
To the masses of the people today,
God's Book is lost. R4851:1
Words of the law -- He realized that the nation of Israel had committed the
very sins recorded in Deuteronomy 28, and that therefore they were subject to
the very penalties therein specified. R3608:3
Rent his clothes -- The tearing of the loose outer garment in olden times
was a symbol of distress, perplexity or fear. R3608:3
So it is with the Christian who at
last discovers the true meaning of the great law of love, and feels his
shortcomings. R2391:3
2 Chronicles 34:21
Wrath of the LORD -- Deuteronomy 28 is a statement of the penalty due
Josiah's kingdom because of idolatry preceding his day. R4851:1
2 Chronicles 34:22
Went to Huldah -- Instead of Jeremiah or Zephaniah, perhaps to ascertain
whether she would confirm their public prophecies of coming judgment upon the
nation. R2391:1
The prophetess -- God requires faithfulness on the part of female as well
as male stewards in the use of all their talents. R1549:4
2 Chronicles 34:24
Evil upon this place -- It was too late for any national reformation, as it is
now too late for the reformation of Christendom. R2391:4
Curses -- Evils. R3608:5
2 Chronicles 34:27
Thine heart was tender -- Words of comfort and consolation for the king himself.
R2391:4
The Lord's promise is comforting
to all those who mourn in Zion, who are out of sympathy with evil and
unrighteousness. R2391:6
2 Chronicles 34:28
To thy grave -- Qeber, tomb, place of interment. E348
In peace -- The king, and presumably others who manifested a similar
spirit, would be preserved from the trouble. It would not come at a time and
manner as to involve them. R4851:1, R3608:5
2 Chronicles 34:33
All the abominations -- The purging from idolatry was still more thoroughly
carried out and the work of reformation made more deep. R4851:1
They departed not -- The majority of the Israelites were swayed by the
example of the king, without any clear moral and religious sentiments of their
own. R3608:6
2 Chronicles
35
2 Chronicles 35:1
The fourteenth day -- The full of the moon, symbol of the Law covenant and the
people under that covenant. Christ's crucifixion at the full of the moon, and
the fact that it immediately began to wane, foreshadowed Israel's national decline.
F481
2 Chronicles 35:19
In the eighteenth year -- 641 BC, parallel to 1879 AD, the date of the founding of
Zion's Watch Tower. R3574:4*
This passover kept -- Typifying the great passover, the resurrection of the
dead in Christ in the year 1878 AD and the passing over of the feet members of
the Body since that date at the moment of death. R3574:4*
2 Chronicles 35:20
Josiah went out -- Acting contrary to the Lord's will. Q765:2
What a lesson to all--to mind
their own business and not to meddle in the affairs of others. Q765:2
2 Chronicles 35:22
Valley of Megiddo -- These battles were, in a sense, typical. Di; OV268:2
2 Chronicles 35:24
And he died -- Despite the promise of 2 Kings 22:20 that he would die
in peace; indicating that the promise was conditioned on Josiah's continued
faith and obedience to the Lord. Q765:2
2 Chronicles
36
2 Chronicles 36:5
Eleven years -- Link No.43 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
2 Chronicles 36:9
Was eight years old -- An error of a copyist, should be 18
years. B53
2 Kings 24:8 says 18 years old.
HG1O5:2
2 Chronicles 36:11
Reigned -- Until the overthrow of the dynasty. R3623:2
Eleven years -- Link No.44 in the chain of Bible chronology. B50; R1980:4
This reign was actually ten years,
four months and nine days, but is stated in round numbers. B48
2 Chronicles 36:13
Made him swear by God -- The taking of that oath was the immediate cause of his
downfall. R3623:2
Stiffened his neck -- A figure drawn from the stiffness of neck of a yoke of
unruly bullocks, unmanageable, self-willed, resenting every effort to turn them
in the right way. R3464:1
Representing those who break the
oath of their covenant with the Lord, thus suffering loss in every respect.
R3623:3
Let us be faithful to our vow and,
for the present, be submissive to the powers that be. R3624:5
2 Chronicles 36:16
Mocked the messengers -- Referred to by Jesus in the parable of the Wicked
Husbandmen (Mark 12:3-5). R1796:1
2 Chronicles 36:17
The king -- Nebuchadnezzar. B191
Of the Chaldees -- Of Babylon. B191
He gave them all -- God foresaw the calamities which then came upon his
chosen people; he foretold them and permitted them. R3623:5
The final overthrow of the typical
kingdom is parallel to the final overthrow of nominal Christendom. R3575:2*
2 Chronicles 36:20
Away to Babylon -- Corresponding to the captivity of the true Church in
mystic Babylon. B246; R1483:6
2 Chronicles 36:21
By the mouth of Jeremiah -- Who specifically told, not only of the destruction of
the city, but also that it would be 70
years before the return of its
inhabitants. (Jer. 25:12; Jer. 29:10) R4893:1
Land had enjoyed -- The land did not enjoy her sabbaths while they dwelt
upon it. (Lev. 26:34,43) HG59:2
During this time the 70 years of
rest were accomplished for the land, but the return feature of the Jubilee was
neglected until the antitype in 1874. R4779:5*
The Jews were not forced to keep
their sabbaths while in Babylon, but the land was forced to keep these sabbaths
while the Jews were in Babylon. R4933:1; Q381:5
Her sabbaths -- The sabbath system (the seventh day and fiftieth day,
the seventh year and fiftieth year) was a connected whole. R2534:3
Lay desolate -- "Without an inhabitant." (Jer. 44:2) HG47:2
Not 70 years captivity, but 70
years desolation. R3624:1, R1372:5, R1976:4
The time of the 70 years
desolation of the land began in 606
BC with the carrying away of
Zedekiah, not with his father's captivity 11 years previous. R5721:2, R3624:1
The date 606 BC marks the date of
the beginning of the "Times of the Gentiles," the final conclusive
punishment of "seven times" visited upon the Jewish people. A literal
"time," or year, is 12 months of 30 days each; seven
"times" would be 2520 days, representing 2520 actual years, ending in
1914. B89; R5721:2; Q356:2
We cannot make 70 years of
desolation of the land into 51
years desolation for the sake of
harmony with Ptolemy. We reject all of Ptolemy's Canon back of the first year
of Cyrus, 536 BC. R3437:3
She kept sabbath -- There is no record of Israel's keeping the Jubilees and
the Lord here declares that they were neglected. R3624:1
God declared that their observance
of the year sabbaths and jubilees was unsatisfactory to him, and he gave them
all their jubilees at once. OVI00:T
To fulfil -- The 70 years desolation of the land of Israel, accomplished
by Nebuchadnezzar, fulfilled the entire number of typical jubilee years
divinely foreordained. R4779:1*, R3624:2; OV100:1; PD48/59
Marking: (1) The beginning of the Great
Jubilee cycle; (2) the close of God's typical kingdom; and (3) the beginning of
the Times of the Gentiles. R1372:6
Threescore and ten -- A period long enough to allow nearly all of them to die
in exile, a period in which those who loved idolatry might go their way. R3623:5
The number 70 was put here to show
us when the time should come for the Lord to bless Israel and the whole world. Q382:T
These 70 years represent 19
Jubilees imperfectly observed in the period of 950 years from the time the Jews
entered Canaan until 19 years previous to the desolation of the land, and 51
additional Jubilees of 49 years each, 2499 years from the observance of the
last Jubilee to earth's Great Jubilee, the Times of Restitution of all things,
October 1874. B192, B195; R1493:2, R3624:4; OV88:1
2 Chronicles 36:22
First year of Cyrus -- The year 536 BC, a date well established in secular
history. The 70 years of desolation of which this is the end is therefore link
No.45 in the chain of Bible chronology. The Bible chronology does not go beyond
this point at which secular history becomes reliable. B51; R1980:5; B80; HG46:5
The year 536 BC corresponds to
1309 AD, the year when the Papal residence was transferred from Rome to
Avignon, marking the first favorable condition for the liberation of the truth
from bondage to Papacy (typified by Babylon). R3577:2*
Like every other feature of God's
plan, the deliverance of Israel from Babylon was promptly on time. R1483:3
He made a proclamation -- The prophet had said that Cyrus would let Israel go, and
God had to bend his will until he was in harmony with that prophecy. HG62:2
2 Chronicles 36:23
Thus saith Cyrus -- Signifying "sun" or "brightness" and
representing the deliverance of spiritual Israel out of Babylon the Great by
the bright shining of the Sun of Righteousness. R1483:6
God had marked him out by the
prophet Isaiah for this very purpose, calling him by name and specifying the
work he was to do (Isa. 44:24, 28; Isa. 45:1-6). R1483:3
Who is there -- Only a few, about 50,000, learned the lessons which
their fathers refused to learn and accepted the offer to return. R3623:6
The remainder of the nation had
become so comfortably settled in Babylon, socially and financially, that their
interests in these things outweighed their faith in the Abrahamic promise.
R3648:3
Let him go up -- Not as masters of the land, but as servants of Cyrus and
his successors. R1483:5