REFORMA TION HERALD

LIBRARY

SABBATH S£DOOL LESSON

ttUARTERLY
Senior Division, Third and Fourth Quarters, 1956

THE BOOK OF
ZECHARIAH

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" ••• Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit,
saith the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6.
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It .

Foreword
The book of Zechariah could well be called the "forgotten book"
as far as the majority of professed present truth believers are con-
cerned. Yet, within its pages are contained many vital truths
which apply to the closing scenes of this earth's history. To those
Jews who returned from the Babylonian captivity, the writings of
Zechariah the prophet were messages of hope and encouragement,
drawing their attention to God's eternal purpose in the coming of
the Messiah.
The failure of the Jewish church to study the prophecies of
Daniel, particularly that of chapter 9, contributed to a great degree
to the nation's final rejection. Blinded by nationalism, the Jewish.
nation was unable to understand the meaning of the kingdom of
grace that Jesus was establishing by His crucifixion, hence they
continued to eagerly look forward to a Messiah who was to deliver
them from the Roman rule. The salvation they needed was that
from sin, yet their attainments and achievements blinded their
understanding and in a short time their doom was sealed.
So it is today. The lack of study with a desire to understand
the prophecies relating to these times will lead many to find them-
selves unprepared for the ·world's greatest event - Christ's second
coming and the final establishment of Christ's glorious kingdom.
The old philosophy that Christ will restore the kingdom in Pales-
tine and that the Jews will again figure prdminently in the millenial
age is being circulated by many evangelical churches and believed
even by some Sabbathkeepers. However, such a conclusion is
wrongly based upon a failure to differentiate between that portion
of the prophecies relating to the restoration of the Jews from the
Babylonian captivity, and the other relating to the reign of the
saints in heaven during the 1,000 years.
We commend to you the study of this quarterly on the book of
Zechariah, with the prayer that its truth·filled pages will serve
as a guard against the many prevailing delusions of these days.
THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, "The Book of Zechariah," for July -

December, 1956, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Move-
ment General Conference and printed by the Refonnation Herald Publishing
Association (a corporation of the Seventh Day Adventist Refonn Movement)
at Sacramento, California, United States of America. Mailing address:
P. O. Box 5234 Oak Park, Sacramento 17, California.
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
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Lesson No.1 - Sabbath, July 14, 1956

THE CALL OF ZECHARIAH
Questions

1. What king was ruling in Persia at the time Zechariah was

called to the prophetic office? Zechariah 1:1.
NOTE: Darius here mentioned is not the Darius of Daniel 5:31,
who was king of the Medes and ruled over Babylon after its fall
in about 530 B.C. This Darius was the king of Persia who suc-
ceeded Cyrus and came to the throne about 522 B.C.

2. With what message did Zechariah begin his mission? Where

was he found at the time of his call? Zechariah 1 :3.

NOTE: From the evidence we have, it seems· that Zechariah was

born in Babylonia, shortly before the expiration of the seventy
years of captivity. The first decree for the restoration and re-
building of Jerusalem was given in 53G B.C. by Cyrus. It was
about IG years after the first expedition of Jews had returned that
the Lord came to Zechariah while in Babylon. As he came from
the tribe of Levi, he inherited the rights of the priesthood and was
still only a young man when he began his work.

3. What testimony did the Lord give concerning the fathers of the
remnant who had returned? What lesson should they have
learned from the experience of their fathers? Zechariah 1:
2,4-6.

4. When did Zechariah receive a second vision? What is parti-

cularly significant about the calling of a true prophet? Zecha-
riah 1:7.

NOTE: The Bible gives definite signs by which we may prove

the divine calling of a prophet, one of these being the exact de-
tails, the circumstances under which the dre.am was given, also
the time. Nothing is left to memory, but every detail is recorded
immediately.
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5. What scene passed before
 6. What interPretation was given of these symbols? Zechariah
1:10.

7. What ~as the result of this world-wide mission and what mes-
sage was
brought back? Zechariah 1:11.

NOTE: The horse was the fa$test means of communication, and

here is presented first a red horse, and also other horses, speckled
and white. The color red in symbolic prophecy should be in ter-
preted in Zechariah just as it is interpreted in TIevelation G. As
the color is mentioned in the Bible, it must have some significance.
Usually red symbolizes war, bloodshed or persecution and shows
the character of the power which is described.
The messengers represented by horses in Zechariah were to
bring a report from the 'nations which ruled over the earth and
followed one another in succession. The red color of the horses
could \ apply to the suffering and cruelty through which the nation
of Ismel :passed during their years of slavery and pers,ecution.
By the change of the color from red to speckled we have symbolized
a change tor the better in the experience of the exiled people of
Gmt The white horse symbolized peace for the nation and pros-
p'erity "for the people of God as favor was extended to them by the
-heathen king.

8., What question does an angel address to the 'Lord concerning

the desolation of J'erosalem? Zechariah 1:12.

9. 'What answer was given by the Lord? Zechariah 1:13-15.

10. What comforting message did the angel give to the prophet?
Zechariah 1:16,17.

NOTE: Although the seventy years of punishment were over, and

the remnant of Judah had returned from captivity, and sixteen
years 'had talready elapsed, still the temple was unfinished and the
remnant w~re still surrounded by difficulty on every hand. The
L6rd p'tirmitted trials to come to them that they might be brought to
• repentance' and not fall again as their fathers had done. Two
prophets were raised up at this time to bring messages of courage
to the small remnant, assuring them of God's continued favor and
blessing if they would only trust Him fully.

Ii. What further rlwelation was given to the prophet? Zechariah

1:18,19.
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 Or

NotE: "Zechariah then saw the powers that had 'scattered

Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem' symbolized by fO\lr horns." - -
Prophets and Kings, p. 501.

12. What symbol was used to show the agencies God used in the
rebuilding of Jerusalem? Zechariah 1:20,21.
NOTE: "Immediately afterward he saw four carpenters, repre-
senting the agencies used by God in restoring His people and
the house of His worship." - Ibid.

Lesson No.2 - Sabbath, July 21, 1956

THE REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM
Questions

1. In continuation of the previous vision, what new symbolism

was used to-rnake clear the divine program? Zechariah 2:1.

2. What question did Zechariah ask the man, and what was the
answer? Zechariah 2:2.

3. What conversation between two angels was the prophet per-

mitted to hear? Zechariah 2:3, 4.
NOTE: "God had commanded that Jerusal.em be rebuilt; the vision
of the measuring of the city was an assurance that He would give
comfort and strength to His afflicted ones, and fulfill to them the
promises of His everlasting covenant." - Prophets and Kings,
p. 501. ' .

4. What assurance of divine protection was given to the remnant

of Israel? Zechariah 2:5.
NOTE: "His protecting care, He declared, would be like a 'wall
of fire round about;' and through them His glory would be revealed
to all the sons of men. That which He was accomplishing for
His people was to be known in all the earth. 'Cry out and shout,
thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in
the midst of thee.' " - Ibid•
•
5. What call did the Lord ordain should go forth from Jerusalem
to the Jews still scattered abroad? Zechariah 2:6,7.

NOTE: "Only a remnant had chosen to return from Babylon; and

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now, as they undertake a work seemingly beyond their strength,
their nearest neighbors come with an offer of help .•••
"'Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north,' was
the message given the scattered tribes of Israel who had become
settled in many lands far from their former home." - Id., pp. 5G8,
599.
Out of the millions who had been scattered abroad through the
dispersion, only about fifty thousand choose to return and to endure
the hardships and toil involved in such a work of pioneering.
Those who returned were mostly of the poorer class, as those who
had wealth and prosperity chose rather to remain in the lands of
the heathen.
How many there are today who hear the truth, but who are not
prepared to leave the apostatized religions to join with the poor
and afflicted remnant of God!

6. What prediction of this "calling out" had been made many

years before by the prophet Jeremiah? Jeremiah 50:5.

7. What comforting assurance was given to those who would

come out? Zechariah 2:8
8. What would be the fate of the nations which had oppre~sed
God's people? Zechariah 2:9; Jeremiah 51:8,9.

9. Above all else, what reason had the returned exiles for singing
and rejoicing? Zechariah 2:10.

10. What future promise was given at this time to the faithful
remnant? Zechariah 2:11,12.
NOTE: These verses have a double application; it was in part
fulfilled by the Jews in the time of the restoration. The words
"that day" pointed forward to the crucifixion of Christ and the
breaking down of the partition wall which had so long separated
the Jews from the Gentiles. See Jeremiah 50:20. The words
"shall choose Jerusalem again" refer primarily to the return of
His favor to His people at the close of the seventy years. See
Jeremiah 29:11-13. This prophecy could also apply to the earth
made new after the millenium, when full favor and glory will rest
upon Jerusalem forever. •

11. To what particular time could Zechariah 2:13 be applied?

NOTE: The time when the Lord is "raised up out of His holy
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habitation" is the time of "his indignation and wrath" when His
forbearance will have reached its limits, when the sanctuary in
heaven will be closed and the cry of the saints for deliverance
will be heard. Psalm 44:23-26.

Lesson No. 3 - Sabbath, July 28, 1956

THE WORK OF REBUILDING THE TEMPLE HINDERED
Questions

1. What description is given of the demolition of the temple and

the destruction of Jerusalem and its walls? 2 Chronicles
36:19.

NOTE: Thus for seventy years the city of Jerusalem lay waste,
the temple of God was in ruins, and the name of the Lord was
reproached because of the sins of His people.

2. What prediction had been made nearly two hundred" years

before by the prophet Isaiah? Isaiah 44:28.

3. How did Satan try to hinder this plan at the time of its fulfil-
ment? Who was sent to intervene in behalf of God's people?
Daniel 10:12,13.

4. In the very first year of his reign, what decree did Cyrus put
into operation? E:aa 1:1-3.

NOTE: "In a written proclamation published 'throughout all his

kingdom,' Cyrus made known his desire to provide for the return
of the Hebrews and for the rebuilding of their temple. 'The Lord
God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth,' the
king gratefu1ly acknowledged in this public proclamation; 'and
He hath charged me to build Him an house at Jerusalem, which is
in Judah." - Prophets and Kings, p. 550.

5. How many took the opportunity of returning to Jerusalem when

the first proclamation was m"ade? Ezra 2:64, 65.

NOTE: "Under the favor sh~wn them by Cyrus, nearly fifty thou-
sand of the children of the captivity had taken advantage of the
decree permitting their return. These, however, in comparison
with the hundreds of thousands scattered throughout the provinces
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of Medo-Persia, were but a mere remnant. The great majority of
the Israelites had chosen to remain in the land of their exile,
rather than undergo the hardships of the return journey and the
re-establishment of their desolated cities and homes." - Id.,
p. 59lJ.
6. Upon their return to Jerusalem, what were the very first steps
taken in reformation? Ezra 3 :3.

7. What was the next step to be taken in accordance with the

plan of God? Why was this necessary? E21'a 3:8-13.

NOTE: "This was a time of wonderful opportunity for the Jews.

The highest agencies of heaven were working on the hearts of
kings, and it was for the people of God £0 labor with the utmost
activity to carry out the decree of Cyrus. They should have spared
no effort to restore the temple and its services, and to re-establish
themselves in their Judean homes. But in the day of God's power,
many proved unwilling. The opposition of their enemies was
strong and determined, and gradually the builders lost heart. Some
could not forget the scene at the laying of the corner-stone, when
many had given expression to their lack of confidence in the
enterprise." - Id., p. 572.

8. In this time of opportunity, how did Satan seek to prevent

the completion of the task?

NOTE: "And as the Samaritans grew more bold, many of the Jews
questioned whether, after all, the time had come to rebuild. The
feeling soon became widespread. Many of the workmen, discouraged
and disheartened, returned to their homes, to take up the ordinary
pursuits of life." - Ibid. See John 9:4.
9. In spite of the decree of King Cyrus, what continual attempts
did the enemy make to hinder the work? How far did they
succeed? E21'a 4:4-12.

10. As the result of these complaints, what official decree was

made to stop the work? How long was the work of building
brought to a halt? E21'a 4:21-24•

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Lesson No.4 - Sabbath, August 4, 1956
THE DECREE OF DARIUS FOR THE REBUILDING
OF THE TEMPLE
Questions

1. What absorbed the attention of many of the reformers? How

did they justify themselves for their neglect? Haggai 1:2.

NOTE: The Jews of the restoration had been tempted to give

their first attentions to their own personal interests, hence they
neglected the building of the temple in the time of freedom. Now
the enemy succeeded in having the decree brought in that the work
be stopped. Instead of continuing the work with a determined
purpose, many excused themselves with the plea that perhaps the
time had not yet come for the building of the house of the Lord.

2. What other prophet besides Zechariab was used by the Lord

to arouse the flagging energies of the remnant? In what words
did he show them their inconsistency? Haggai 1 :3,4.

NOTE: "For over a year the temple was neglected, and well-nigh
forsaken. The people dwelt in their homes, and strove to attain
temporal prosperity; but their situation was deplorable. Work as
they might, they did not prosper. The very elements of nature
seemed to conspire against them. Because they had let the temple
lie waste, the Lord sent upon their substance a wasting drought.
God had bestowed upon them the fruits of the field and garden, the
com and the wine and the oil, as a token of His favor; but because
they had used these bountiful gifts so selfishly, the blessings
were removed." - Prophets and Kings, p. 573.

3. For how long a time was the building of the temple hindered?
Ezra 4:5.

NOTE: The above quotation from Prophets and Kings is not in-
tended to give the impression that the work was hindered only for
one year, because fourteen xears had already elapsed since the
foundation was laid; therefore, it seems to apply to the early part
of the reign of Darius.

4. In spite of every hindrance, what inspired the people to new

zeal in the building of the house of God? Ezra 5:1,2.
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NOTE: "But even this dark hour was not without hope for those
whose trust was in God. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah were
raised up to meet the crisis. In stirring testimonies these appointed
messengers revealed to the people the cause of their troubles. The
lack of temporal prosperity was the result of a neglect to put God's
interest first, the prophets declared. Had the Israelites lhonored
God, had they shown Him due respect and courtesy, by making the
building of His house their first work, they would have invited His
presence and blessing." - Ibid.
5. As the work of building again went forward, what reaction
did it have upon the local governor and what demand did he
make? Ezra 5:3, 4.

NOTE: Many, when they saw the rising opposition of the governor,
thought that after all it was a mistake to go on with the building
against the decree. They forgot that the Lord was leading them
and had sent the prophets to urge them forward.

6. With a crisis imminent before them, what opportunity did the

elders of Israel now take? What request did they make to
King Darius? Ezra 5:5-17.

7. What did the king order to be done? What was the result of
the search? Ezra 6:1-11.

8. What further opportunity was now given to the Jews who still
remained in Babylon under the rule of Persia? Zechariah 2:
6.7.
NOTE: "It was those 'whose spirit God had raised' who had re-
turned under the decree of Cyrus. But God ceased not to plead
with those who voluntarily remained in the land of their exile;
and through manifold agencies He made it possible for them also
to return. The large number, however, of those who failed to
respond to the decree of Cyrus, remained unimpressible to later
influences; and even when Zechariah warned them to flee from
Babylon without further delay, they did not heed the invitation." -
Id., p. 599.

9. What further message was extended to the people by the

prophet Haggai? Haggai Ip,8.13-15.

10. By what decree was the temple finished and full civil rights
given to the Jews in Jerusalem? Ezra 7:21-28.

NOTE: "All things work together for good to them that love God!"
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How true this was in the experience of the returned captives.
Despite apparently insurmountable difficulties, the hand of the
Lord was seen in all their experience. Even the bitterest enemies
of the work were given an imperial order to assist in the work of
God. We serve the same God and we can expect to pass through
similar experiences. The three decrees given in favor of the Jews
were human enactments and many of the Jews did not appreciate
them. We have three decrees given us by the king of the universe-
the High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary. We are called to build
again the spiritual house of the Lord. Should we obey these de-
crees upon which our eternal destiny hangs, or should we be con-
tent to still remain in the realms of Babylon? The three angels'
messages are given for the definite purpose of preparing a separate
and peculiar people for the second coming of Christ.

Lesson No.5 - Sabbath, August 11, 1956

PURIFICATION OF THE REMNANT
Questions

1. In this fourth ViSion, what particular persons were presented

before the prophet? Zechariab 3:1.
NOTE: This lesson is a continuation of the subject of Lesson 2,
this chapter being a continuation of that vision. Before the pro-
phet is presented the unseen battle against the government of God
and His remnant people. Joshua as high priest carries upon him-
self the sins of the remnant of Israel. Satan kept a correct account
of the sins committed by God's people before and during their
Babylonian captivity, and now he accuses them before God as
being unworthy of His favor.

2. With what rebuke does the Lord meet Satan's challenge?

Zechariah 3:2.
NOTE: The Jews who returned from captivity could not be said
to be a clean and holy people. The majority were born in Babylon
and brought up in heathen surroundings. Their lives were cor-
rupted by heathen practices. Yet those who responded to the call
to come out of Babylon showed their desire to serve God. There
was still a great work of reform to be done in their lives, yet
because of their willingness the Lord took them under His special
protection. Satan's charge against them was correct. He claimed
that they were guilty of the same sins for which he had been
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banished from heaven; therefore, with such a record against them
they had no right to be looked upon as the chosen of God. It was
Satan's plan that they should have remained forever in captivity.
The same charge is made by Satan against those who accept
the last call to the Supper of the Lamb. They are defiled by sin,
but they have decided to accept the gospel invitation and to be
reformed. Such are under the special protection of God from the
moment they desire to be cleansed from sin.

3. Who stood as representative of the returned exiles? How did

he appear when brought to examination? Haggai 1:12; Zecha-
riah 3:3.

NOTE: The Joshua brought to view here was the high priest who
accompanied Zerubbabel at the first return of the exiles. As
high priest he bore in figure the sins of his people, and represents
Christ who bears the sins of the repentent sinner in the heavenly
sanctuary until the investigative judgment is over.

4. As Joshua is represented as standing in the presence of God

pleading for mercy, what order is given from the sanctuary?
Zechariah 3:4, 5.

NOTE: "As the intercession of Joshua is accepted, the command

is given, 'Take away the filthy garments from him;' and to Joshua
the Angel says, 'Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from
thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.' 'So they set
a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments.' His
own sins and those of his people were pardoned. Israel was clothed
with 'change of raiment' -. - the righteousness of Christ imputed
to them. The miter placed upon Joshua's head was such as were
worn by the priests, and bore the inscription, 'Holiness to the
Lord,' signifying that notwithstanding his former transgressions,
he was now qualified to minister before God in His sanctuary." -
Id., p. 584.

5. Though he felt unworthy, what charge was Joshua given by

Christ? If obedient, what honor would be his? Zechariah
3:6,7.

NOTE: "If obedient, he should be honored as the judge, or ruler,

over the temple and all its services; he should walk among at-
tending angels, even in this life; and at last he should join the
glorified throng around the throne of God." -Id., p. 585.
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 6. What precious promise was now given to Joshua? Zechariah
3:8.

NOTE: "In the Branch, the Deliverer to come, lay the hope of
Israel. It was by faith in the coming Saviour that Joshua and
his people had received pardon. Through faith in Christ they
had been restored to God's favor. By virtue of His merits, if they
walked in His ways and kept His statutes, they would be 'men
wondered at,' honored as the chosen of Heaven among the nations
of the earth." - Ibid.

7. What fundamental truths of the plan of salvation was revealed

to Joshua? Zechariah 3:9; Isaiah 8:1ol.

NOTE: Although the stone here referred to may have a double

meaning, it must in both cases refer to Christ. He is the symbolic
"Rock of ages," "the Rock of our salvation," "the Corner Stone
which the builders rejected," and "which Stone was a stumbling
block to both houses of Israel." This is the symbolic stone to
which Joshua, the successor of Moses refers when he said, "Be-
hold this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all
the words of the Lord which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore
a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God." Joshua 24:27.
The "seven eyes" here symbolized have a definite reference to
Christ (Rev. 5:(i, last part). It could refer also to the stones in
the breastplate of the high priest by which he was divinely guided,
thus assuring righteous judgment. This Joshua, the high priest
of the restoration, did not wear the breastplate; therefore, this
symbolism must refer to Christ who knows all things. See Hosea
3:4,5.

8. What is the significance of the statement, "I will remove the

iniquity of the land in one day"? Zechariah 3:9 (last part);
Jeremiah 50:20; Zechariah 13:1.

NOTE: Primarily this "removing of the iniquity of the land" was

fulfilled when the Jewish nation was again accepted into divine
favor. The curse which for seventy years had rested upon the land
was removed and again the glory of God returned to the site chosen
for His dwelling place. In its fullest meaning, however, this
"removing of the iniquity of ~he land" was fulfilled by the death of
Christ when "the fountain was open for cleansing." At the com-
mencement of the investigative judgment the rights of the kingdom
lost to Adam were officially. given to Christ at His entrance into
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the Most Holy Place, and there the Judge of the universe accepted
the blood of Christ for the cleansing of the land, representing not
only Palestine but the whole earth when it is purified by fire
after the thousand years.

9. What promise of future happiness and rest was made to the

people of God? Zechariah 3:10.

NOTE: To the returned exiles from the Babylonian captivity was

promised rest in their native land, but more important was the
promise of rest from sin through the coming Messiah. When He
came, however, there were very few ready to receive Him. The
whole Jewish nation was responsible for the fatal choice of Ba-
rabbas instead of Christ, and therefore could not receive the ful-
filment of the promise of the rest. Those who, like Nathaniel,
were prepared to study under the fig tree were able to recognize
the Messiah when He came and by accepting Him entered into
His rest. The prophecy still remains to be fulfilled for the true
people of God during the thousand years in which they shall reign
with Christ in heaven.

Lesson No.6 - Sabbath, August 18, 1956

SATAN'S WRATH AGAINST THE REMNANT CHURCH
Questions
1. What fitting title is given to Satan by the Revelator? How
actively does he carryon his destructive mission? Revela-
tion 12:10. .
NOTE: "The controversy is repeated over every soul that is
rescued from the power of evil, and whose name is registered in
the Lamb's book of life. Never is one received from the family
of Satan into the family of God without exciting the determined
resistance of the wicked one. Satan's accusations against those
who seek the Lord are not prompted by displeasure at their sins.
He exults in their defective characters. Only through their trans-
gression of God's law can he obtain power over them. His accusa-
tions arise solely from his enmity to Christ. Through the plan of
salvation, Jesus is breaking Satan's hold upon the human family,
and rescuing souls from his power." - Testimonies, Vol. 5,
p. 470.

2. Of what does the true warfare of the Christian consist? By

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 what weapons may we resist and overcome the enemy? Ephe-
sians 6:10-12.

3. What special application has the vision of Joshua and the

Angel for God's people today? Against whom does Satan
direct his special assault? Zechariah 3:1.

NOTE: "Zechariah's vision of Joshua and the Angel applies

with peculiar force to the experience of God's people in the closing
up of the great day of atonement. The remnant church will be
brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the com-
mandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will feel the ire of the
dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects,
he has gained control of the apostate churches; but here is a
little company that are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot
them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. As he in-
fluenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel so in the near future
he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people
of God." -Id.;. pp. 472,473.,
4. What is the only hope and defense of the remnant people of
God? How only can they successfully resist the temptations
of Satan? 1 Peter 5:7-9.

NOTE: "Their only hope is in the mercy of God; their only de-
fense will be prayer. As Joshua was pleading before the Angel,
so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and earnest faith,
will plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus their Advocate.
They are fully conscious of the sinfulness of their lives, they see
their weakness and unworthiness, and as they look upon them-
selves they are ready to despair. The tempter stands by to accuse
them, as he stood by to resist Joshua. He points to their filthy
garments, their defective characters. He presents their weakness
and folly, their sins of ingratitude, their unlikeness to Christ,
which has dishonored their Redeemer. He endeavors to affright
the soul with the thought that their case is hopeless, that the stain
of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes to so
destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations, tum
from their allegiance to God, and receive the mark of the beast." -
Ibid.
•
5. What does Satan well know concerning the. 144,OOO? What
special accusation does he bring against them? 11 Corinthians
10:13.
NOTE: "Satan urges befo~e God his accusations against them,
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declaring that they have by their sins forfeited the divine protec-
tion, and claiming the right to destroy them as transgressors. He
pronounces them just as deserving as himself of exclusion from
the favor of God. 'Are these,' he says, 'the people who are to
take my place in Heaven, and the place of the angels who united
with me? While they profess to obey the law of God, have they
kept its precepts? Have they not been lovers of self more than
of God? Have they not placed their own interests above his ser-
vice? Have they not loved the things of the world? Look at the
sins which have marked their lives. Behold their selfishness,
their malice, their hatred toward one another.'" - Ibid.

6. How does the prophet Ezekiel describe the remnant during

the closing work? Ezekiel 9:4.

NOTE: "The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power.
At the time when the danger and depression of the church are
greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be
sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land.
But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church,
because its members are doing after the manner of the world." -
Id., p. 209.

7. In view of the universal apostasy, what spirit of contrition

and self-abasement will be seen in the remnant? Philippians
2:12.

NOTE: "But the anguish and humiliation of God's people is un-

mistakable evidence that they are regaining the strength and
nobility of character lost in consequence of sin. It is because
they are drawing nearer to Christ, and their eyes are fixed upon
his perfect purity, that they so clearly discern the exceeding
sinfulness of sin. Their contrition and self-abasement are in-
finitely more acceptable in the sight of God than is the self-
sufficient, haughty spirit of those who see no cause to lament,
who scorn the humility of Christ, an.d who claim perfection while
transgressing God's holy law." - Id., p. 474.

8. Who only will receive the mark of deliverance? Hebrews 12:14.

NOTE: "The mark of deliverance will be set upon the men who
keep God's commandments, who revere his law, and who refuse
the mark of the beast or of his image." - Id., p. 451.

9. What charge will be brought against the remnant by the com-

-16 -
 bined forces of evil? By what means will they overcome?
Esther 3:8,9.

NOTE: "The trying experiences that came to God's people in

the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. The
revelator, l~oking down the ages to the close of time, has de-
clared, 'The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make
war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments
of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.' Some who today
are living on the earth will see these words fulfilled. The same
spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church,
will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward
those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations
are being made for this last great conflict." - Prophets and
Kings, p. G05.

10. What order is given to those who confess and forsake their
sins and plead for pardon? 1 John 1:7-9.

NOTE: "As the people of God afflict their souls before him,
pleading for purity of heart, the command is given, 'Take away
the filthy garments from them,' and the encouraging words are
spoken, 'Behold, I have .caused thine iniquity to pass from thee,
and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.' The spotless
robe of Christ's righteousness is placed upon the tried, tempted,
yet faithful children of God. The despised remnant are clothed
in glorious apparel, never more to be defiled by the corruptions
of the world. Their names are retained in the Lamb's book of
life, enrolled among the faithful of all ages. They have resisted
the wiles of the deceiver; they have not been turned from their
loyalty by the dragon's roar. Now they are eternally secure from
the tempter's devices. Their sins are transferred to the originator
of sin. And the remnant are not only pardoned and accepted, but
honored. A 'fair mitre' is set upon their heads. They are to be
as kings and priests unto God. While Satan was urging his ac-
cusations, and seeking to destroy this company, holy angels, un-
seen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the
living God. These are they that stand upon Mount Zion with the
Lamb, having the Father's name written in their foreheads. They
sing the new song before the throne, that song which no man can
learn save the hundred and orty and four thousand, which were
redeemed from the earth." - Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 475.

-17 -
Lesson No.7 - Sabbath, August 25, 1956
THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK
Questions

1. What view was presented to Zechariah in his fifth vision?

Who conversed with the prophet? Zechariah 4:1,2.

NOTE: It would seem that after the former vision, the prophet
had fallen asleep, but now the angel awakens him. He is again
taken off in vision, and this time it is a sanctuary scene that is
presented before him.

2. Where do we have the first record of the golden candlestick

with its seven lamps? Exodus 25:31-40.
NOTE: Because the sanctuary had no windows, some kind of
lighting was essential, hence the Lord commanded Moses to make
a candlestick with seven lamps for the illumination of the taber-
nacle. For long years the Levites had been responsible for the
lighting of the sanctuary, but they never could understand the
meaning of the candlestick.
3. What did the people see near the candlestick? Zechariah 4:3.

4. Did the prophet understand the vision and recognize its

importance? Zechariah 4 :4, 5.

NOTE: The angel addressed the prophet with the question,

"Knowest thou not what these mean?" Zechariah could only
answer, "No," as he could see no connection between the olive
trees and the candlestick and had no knowledge of any attachment.

5. What explanation was given of the scene he had witnessed?

To whom was the message to be given? Why? Zechariah 4:6.

NOTE: Zerubbabel was discouraged at the slow progress of the

building project. It seems that this vision came before the decree
of Darius was given. Means had failed, liberty was restricted
and opponents had risen up on every hand, the work was abandoned
because of lack of faith. Primarily this vision was given to en-
courage Zerubbabel and his co-laborers and to teach them the
lesson of simple trust in God. By the power of His Spirit, the
temple c~uld be rebuilt, and no human power or money could re-
place the Spirit of God.
-18-
 6. What message of encouragement for the builders was brought
by the prophet Haggai? How would the new temple be specially
favored? Haggai 2:8,9.

7. How did the Lord represent the perplexities and obstacles

which stood in the way of Zerubbabel? What relief was pro-
mised if he would only trust? Zechariah 4:7.

8. What definite assurance was given to him that he might

begin the work immediately? Zechariah 4:8,9.

NOTE: With this message of encouragement, Zerubbabel was now

able to see how he had failed to trust God in the time of severe
test. Now he could see clearly that it was not lack of money or
manpower that was the trouble, but the lack of spirituality and
the love of the things of God.

9. What message of encouragement does the Lord bring to the

pioneers in His work? What is God's promise to those who
pass through the valleY of humiliation in their efforts to build
up the cause of God? Zechariah 4:10; Psalm 84:5-7.

10. What part of this vision still presented a difficulty to the

prophet Zechariah? Zechariah 4:11,12.

NOTE: Many important matters are presented to the prophet of

God, which he can clearly describe, though cannot understand
their meaning. In some instances it is because the time has not
come for them to be understood. When the time is due for the
meaning to be revealed, then those who are searching the Scrip-
tures with a sincere desire to know what is truth will find it.

11. What intel1lretation was given of the Olive trees and the
candlesticks? Zechariah 4:14.

NOTE: It can be seen from this lesson how great an interest

the Lord has for his servants upon this earth, and if only they
would open their spiritual eyes, they could see the mighty hand
of God working in their beh\llf. The Lord had wonderfully over-
ruled for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and those who were leading
out in the program must follow as providence opens the way for
them to build His cause.

-19-
Lesson No.8 - Sabbath, September I, 1956
THE TWO WITNESSES AND THE CLOSING WORK
Questions

1. What relation has this vision of Zechariah 4 with the closing

work? Romans 15:4.

NOTE: While the prophecy of Zechariah 4 had a local application

for the chosen nation who had returned from captivity, it also has
a universal application throughout the whole Christian dispensa-
tion, and particularly for the closing work.

2. What other Bible writer brings to view these two witnesses?

Are they human beings or do they have a symbolic meaning?
Revelation 11:3.

NOTE: It is true that everyone who takes the name of Christ is

called to be a living witness for God, but such an application
could not be made to the prophecy of Zechariah, because here
is a question of only two witnesses, and has reference to some
important mission which no human being could fulfil although
they are presented as such.

3. What further light is thrown by John the Revelator upon the

vision of Zechariah concerning the two witnesses? Revelation
11:4.

NOTE: The two witnesses and the two olive trees are symbols
of the same thing. They both apply to the Old and New Testaments,
therefore it was impossible for Zechariah to understand their true
meaning since the New Testament was not in existence. Its appli-
cation must be in the Christian dispensation. The two olive
trees also representing the Old and New Testaments could not
apply to the Mosaic dispensation for the same reason.
4. What view of the sanctuary did John see? Where was Jesus
seen to be walking? Revelation 1:13.
NOTE: In the interpretation of prophecy it is important to keep
in mind the time and the circumstances under which it was given,
whether it was of a local application or of universal application.
In this case we can see that the candlestick seen by Zechariah
was entirely different to that seen by John. John reports seeing
-20 -
seven dIstinct candlesticks, while Zechariah saw only one candle-
stick, but with seven branches. Both have the same mission - that
of lighting the sanctuary. In the tabernacle service the priests
used the pure oil of the natural olive. In the New Testament dis-
pensation there is no longer an earthly sanctuary, but a spiritual
temple with a spiritual service. In the Old Testament days the
people supplied the oil, but in the Christian dispensation the two
olive trees supply the oil directly. In the former period there was
a reservoir called "the bowl" resting on the top of the candle-
stick connected with pipes to the seven candles; in the latter
period these were of no more use, and instead of the bowl for
oil, the Lord organized a church as a spiritual temple to hold the
gifts of the Spirit. In the old dispensation the Levites were
responsible for the cleaning of the lamps and the replenishing
of the oil supply. In the new dispensation the ministers of the
gospel also have their appointed mission. They are not lights,
but the pipes by which the spiritual oil comes from the two olive
trees. They should be the means by which this abundant oil is
to be supplied. Instead of the candlesticks with seven branches,
in the vision of John were seen seven separate candlesticks repre-
senting the seven prophetic churches covering the Christian era
from the first Christian church until the close of probation.

5. By what means will the work of God be finished on earth?

What should we understand by the words "might" and "power"?
Zechariah 4:6.

NOTE: "From a worldly point of view, money is power; but from

the Christian standpoint, love is power. Intellectual and spiritual
strength are involved in this principle. Pure love has special
efficacy to do good, and can do nothing but good. It prevents
discord and misery, and brings the truest happiness. Wealth is
often an influence to corrupt and destroy; force is strong to do
hurt; but truth and goodness are the properties of pure love." -
Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 138.

"Might" refers to money and other material resources upon

which the worldly man depends. "Power" is the possession of a
controlling influence over others and is exemplified in an army of
trained workers organized for action who could be concentrated on
any task to be done. The building of the temple in the days of
Zerubbabel did not depend upon these things, but rather on the
people's faithfulness and trust in the leading hand of God.
There is no change in the plan of God for the building of His
- 21-
spiritu<ll temple today. Any attempt to substitute the absence of
the Holy Spirit by money and human influence will prove a failure.
6. What prophecy will slU'Prise many in the closing of God's
work on earth? Romans 9:28.

7. What specific instruction is given us concerning Zechariah 4?

NOTE: "Read and study the fourth chapter of Zechariah. The

two olive trees empty the golden oil out of themselves through the
golden pipes into the golden bowl from which the lamps of the
sanctuary are fed. The golden oil represents the Holy Spirit. With
this oil God's ministers are to be constantly supplied, that they,
in turn, may impart it to the church. 'Not by might, nor by power,
but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.' God's servants can
obtain victories only by inward purity, by cleanness of heart, by
holiness. It is of the utmost imporrance that ministers set a right
example. If they follow lax, loose principles, their example is
quoted by those who are doing wrong as a vindication of their
course. The whole synagogue of Satan is watching for defects
in the lives of God's representatives, and the most is made of
every defect." - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 188.

8. What is the only hope of the remnant church? What is the

most urgent need of every believer? Matthew 16:25,26.

NOTE: "God's people will not endure the test unless there is a
revival and a reformation. The Lord will not admit into the man-
sions He is preparing for the righteous, one soul who is self-
sufficient." - Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 285.
"N otwithstanding the wide-spread declension of faith and piety,
there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the
final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth, there will be,
among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive god-
liness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The
Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children." -
Great Controversy, p. 4G4.

9. Who only will take part in the closing work? Psalm 43:3.

NOTE: "It is to the thirsting soul that the fountain of living

waters is open. God declares, 'I will pour water upon him that is
thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.' To souls that are earnestly
seeking for light, and that accept with gladness every ray of divine
illumination from his holy word, - to such alone light will be given.
- 22-
It is through these souls that God will reveal that light and power
which will lighten the whole earth with his glory." -ld., Vol. 5,
p.729.

10. What should be well understood by those who desire to have

a part tn the finishing of the work? Isaiah 60:1,2.

NOTE: "It is not numerous institutions, large buildings, or great

display that God requires, but the harmonious action of a peculiar
people, a people chosen by God and precious. Every man is to
stand in his lot and place, thinking, speaking, and acting in har-
mony with the Spirit of God. Then, and not till then, will the work
be a complete, symmetrical whole." -ld., Vol. G, p. 293.

Lesson No.9 - Sabbath, september 8, 1956

VISION OF THE FLYING ROLL
Questions

1. What scene was presented to Zechariah in his sixth vision?

Zechariah 5:1.

2. What were the dimensions of the flying roll seen by the prophet?
Zechariah 5:2.

3. What was the mission of this roll? How far reaching was its
effect? Zechariah 5:3.

4. Upon whom will the curse rest, and how thorough will be its
effect? Zechariah 5:4.
NOTE: The language of the prophet in these verses may seem
strange to the reader, but important spiritual lessons are to be
sealed in his mind by the means of these symbols. The primary
application of these symbolisms was in some important mission
that had to be performed by the Jews who had returned from cap·
tivity. If this mission were not fulfilled, undoubtedly the curse
mentioned would follow, and would have such an influence that
the whole world would be affected.
A roll contains writing, and one such roll was brought before
the prophet. Those who had returned from Babylonian captivity
had been forgiven their sins, not for their own sake, but for God's
sake. They had entered into the grace of God. If they continued
- 23-
in their transgressions, however, they would bring the curse of
God and His judgments upon them until they either repented or
were utterly consumed. The same thing is requested today of.
those who return from spiritual Babylon'. While in Babylon, the
Jews had become accustomed to the mentioned sins of stealing,
swearing and many other evils. Now as ref9rmers they must be
changed in word, thought and deed.

5. What power for evil is found in an unruly tongue? James 3:6-8.

'6. What should be always remembered by those who are engaged

in the work of God? Jeremiah 48:10.

7. What is one main reason why the blessings of God are with-
held from many of His professed people? Malachi 3:8-10.
NOTE: Upon those who have been saved from the delusion of
false religion and have been favored with the present truth of
reformation rests a special obligation to show their faithfulness
to God and their fellow mm.

8. What was shown to Zechariah in his seventh vision? Zecha-

riah 5:5-8.
NOTE: The ephah was a dry measure used anciently for measuring
of grains, one ephah consisting of about five gallons capacity.
Covering the mouth of the container was a large-size piece of
lead of a talent in weight. When this was raised, a woman was
found inside. This woman in the ephah personified backsliding
Israel which had broken her marriage covenant with God. The heavy
piece of lead was purposely place'd there to keep the woman from
coming out, and when the lid was raised she made the attempt
to come out, but the angel pressed her down and put the lead
upon her. This symbolism of the ephah and the woman represented
the iniquity and the curse which rested upon the land and upon
the people of Israel, but now the time had come for this curse to
be removed.

9. What prophecy spoke of the return of the Jews from the land
of the North (Babylon)? Jeremiah 3:12,13; Isaiah 54:7,8.

10. As the prophet continued to- keep his eyes fixed upon the
ephah, what appeared next? Where did the two women carry
the ephah? Zechariah 5:9-11.

NOTE:, These two women which mysteriously appear from the

- 24-
ephah clearly identify the two houses of Israel. A woman in
§ymbolic prophecy has reference to a religious body of people.
In the first appearance of the one woman, we have symbolized
Israel united into one nation and one church. Later we see two
instead of one woman in the picture, representing the divided
kingdom and the divided church resulting from the apostasy of Solo-
mon and the sins of the· nation. The sins of both houses of Israel
rested upon the people and upon the land, and it was the responsi-
bility of the returned captives to confess not only their own sins,
but also those of their fathers.
Now by the symbol of the ephah. being carried away to the land
of Shinar, "Babylon" (Daniel 1:2), the iniquity of the people and
the land was forgiven and was carried back to Babylon, its proper
place. (See the confession of Ezra in behalf of Israel in Ezra
chapter,9.) The two women were given wings by which they were
able to carry the ephah with iniquity to its appointed place.

Lesson No. 10 - Sabbath. September 15. 1956

THE GATHERING OF ISRAEL
Questions
1. With 'the eighth vision. what new scene was presented to Zecha-
riah? What is the meaning of the mountain of brass? Zechariah
6:1.

NOTE: The symbolism of a mountain is often used to represent

the church of God in its high standing upon the platform of eternal
truth. Micah 4: 1. It is also used to symbolize a nation. Ezekiel
6: 1-3. The metal used in connection with the history of a nation
is well explained in the dream of Nebuchadnezzar ref~rring either
to its glory or its durability. The two mountains of brass as were
presented to Zechariah represent the two powerful nations joined
together - Media and Persia - as it was by the favor of these two
great powers that the Jews were enabled to return to their own
land. Between these two mountains standing side by side, lay the
road of their return.

2. What description is given of the chariots and horses? Zecha-

riah 6:2.3.

3. What question did Zechariah ask the angel? What answer did
he receive? Zechariah 6:4.5.
- 25-
NOTE: The four chariots and the color of the horses all have a
vital significance when considered in the light of God's plan for
His people and His dealing with the nations. Having in view the
statement made concerning the means by which the work would be
brought to completion, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my
Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts," we can see in this symbolism
just how the Lord cares for His people. These four chariots are
said to be the "four spirits of heaven," and are sent directly from
God with a certain mission, each going in a specified direction.
The horse and chariot were the fastest known means of transport
and could be readily understood by the people as a symbol of
messengers or ambassadors. They give us some understanding of
how God's agencies cooperate with human agencies in the fulfil-
ment of His will.

'I. What representation was given the prophet Ezekiel of the

work of God on earth? . How did this work of restoratio n of
Israel appear to Ezekiel, as well as to many today? Ezekiel
1:19-21.

NOTE: "In Ezekiel's vision, God had his hand beneath the wings
of the cherubim. This is to teach his servants that it is divine
power that gives them success. He will work with them. if they
will put away iniquity and become pure in heart and life.
"The bright ligh.t going among the living creatures with the
swiftness of lightning represents the speed with which this work
will finally go forward to completion. He who slumbers not, who
is continually at work for the accomplishment of his designs, can
catTy forward his great work harmoniously. That which appears to
finite minds entangled and complicated, the Lord's hand can keep
in perfect order. He can devise ways and means to thwart the
purposes of wicked men; and he will bring to confusion the coun-
sels of them that plot mischief against his people." - Testimonies,
Vol. 5, p. 754.

5. What is the significance of the direction in which the black

and the white horses travel? Zechariah 6:6 (first part).

NOTE: The Lord has given clear specifications about the colors
of the horses for a definite reason. In Revelation G:5, we under-
stand the black horse to be symbolic of the experience of the
church of God during the dark ages, the color representing the
sadness ·and grief for the dead. In this instance, however, the
agency· symbolized by the black horse comes directly from the
- 26-
throne of God, and this vision is given in the time of Zechariah
after the return from captivity. The going forth of the black horse
into .the north indicates that the evil time of death and perse-
cution associated with the captivity was over, and the sentence of
doom upon Chaldea had already corne to pass. Daniel 5:30,31.
The white horse represents the messenger of peace and victory.
The darkness is over and a new and bright horizon is opened before
the people of God. The decree of Cyrus had opened the way be-
tween the mountains of brass so that the "chariots" could bring
the captives back to their homeland.

6. In which direction did thegrisled horses travel? Zechariah

6:6 (last part).

7. What commission was given the bay horses? What was the ex-
tent of their mission? Zechariah 6:7.

NOTE: From the first view given to the prophet, all the four
chariots carne from between the two mountains, and apparently
arrived at the same time symbolizing the coordinating of cir-
cumstances which paved the way for the return of the Jews from
captivity, but in the second order from the throne of God it would
seem that all but the red horses are given a commission. The
red horses represent persecution, war and bloodshed. The grisled
horses have no definite color, thus signifying the uncertain and
unsettled condition of the Jews who had returned from exile. The
work of God was in danger. The enemy was at work to hinder the
rebuilding of the temple. The bay horses signify moral courage
in time of danger. They were commissioned to go "to and fro
throughout all t~e earth" to check every hindrance to the plan of
God. Through the messages of encouragement brought by the
prophets, the people of God began again to work.

8. What report was brought to the prophet about the mission

of the two chariots which went to the north? Zechariah 6:8.
NOTE: The success of the black and white horses was now fully
revealed to the prophet. The north country must still refer to the
country of Babylon, now under the dominion of Persia. By the
issuance of a new decree by Darius, those who were seeking to
hinder the building of the city and temple were defeated. Now it
could be truly said "have quieted my spirit in the north country"
which meant rest for the remnant so long afflicted. The "spirit of
God" inspired the prophets to call the leaders and people tb the
work that had been neglected. It was this renewed effort which
-27 -
inspired the elders not to give up the work but to draw the atten-
tion of Darius to the former decree of Cyrus under which the work
began.

9. What provision had the Lord made that the work may proceed?
In connection with this, what special commission was given
the prophet? Zechariah 6:9-11.

NOTE: The temple was not completed as the remn~nt were in

great need of means. The Lord moved upon the hearts of some
who were still in Babylon to give of their wealth for the completion
of the temple. The three men here named were sent to Jerusalem
on this special mission as representatives of those Jews still in
Babylon. From these treasures of gold and silver, the prophet was
ordered to prepare a crown for the high priest to be ready for the
day when the temple service would be reinstituted.

10. In connection with the plans for the coronation of the high
priest, what wonderful revelation was given the prophet?
Zechariah 6:12,13.

NOTE: Here is the announcement of the coming Messiah, our

true High Priest, of whom J~shua was but a type. The name
"Branch" is a symbolism wliich refers to Christ. He is also
called the "Root of David." He was a Branch of the olive -tree,
a symbol of the church of God. It was Christ who was to build
the true temple. See John 2: 19-21.

11. In connection with the coronation of Joshua as high priest,

what names were to be held in sacred memory? What assurance
was given that the temple would be completed? Who would
have a part in the work? Zechariah 6:14,15.

NOTE: The prophet understood these words as directly applying

to the building project in which they were engaged and that the
words "they that are far off" applied to many Jews still scattered
in heathen lands who would help in the building. But we under-
stand today that this prophecy has a perfect spiritual application
in the gospel age. The temple to be built up is the spiritual
temple, not a material one. Those who "are far off" represents
the Gentiles who, by accepting the provision of the gospel, become
helpers in the building of God's spiritual temple.

-28 -
Lesson No. 11 - Sabbath, September 22, 1956
A LESSON IN OBEDIENCE AND REFORMATION
Questions

1. What further communication is recorded as coming to the

prophet? At what time was this message brought to Zecha-
riab? Zech ariilh 7: 1.

NOTE: This communication carne to Zechariah two years after

his first calling as a prophet. The temple was then far advanced
in the building and it seems from this chapter under consideration
that worship was already being c'onducted in it. The Lord con-
tinued to bless His people with message after message of en-
couragement, and in this chapter another such message is brought
forth. We serve the same God today and we thank Him for the'
revelation given through the Spirit of Prophecy, and if we benefit
from the light already given, surely He will give us further messages
until the arm of God will be fully revealed ,in blessing His faithful
remnant.

2. What delegation is recorded as visiting the temple? What

questions were asked of the priests and prophets in reference
to the ordinance of fasting and separation? Zechariah 7:2, 3.

NOTE: The men here mentioned may have been some Chaldeans
who had occupied an important position during the time of Nebuchad.
nezzar, and being mixed with the Jews had gained a knowledge of
the true God. The question of fasting and separation for purifica-
tion was what they were inquiring about as they wanted to know
if this law had to be still obeyed.
3. What message came directly from the Lord on this occasion?
What had been the object of their fasts and of their feasts?
Zechariah 7:4-6.
NOTE: The people were reminded that during the seventy years
their fasts and their feasts were not celebrated in honor of God,
but for themselves; therefore, it was of no value to bring them to
God.
•
4. What did the prophet seek to impress upon the minds of the
remnant as to the cause of Jerusalem's ruin? Zechariah 7:7.

5. What aspects of moral 'righteousness neglected by their fore-

- 29-
 fathers were enjoined upon the Jews of the restoration?
Zechariah 7:8-10.
NOTE: "The Lord holds out His hand to take the hand of Israel,
and to help them to the narrow path of self-denial and self-sacrifice,
to share with Him the heirship as sons of God. Will they be en-
treated? Will they discern their only hope?" - Prophets and
Kings, pp. 706-707.

6. What had been the response of their fathers to the messages

brought by the former prophets? Zechariah 7:11,12.

7. For what reason did the Lord turn. His ear from hearing the
prayers of apostate Israel? Why does He not hear the prayer
of many of His professed people today? Zechariah 7 :13.

8. What was the final result of disobedience? Zechariah 7:14.

9. What great responsibility rests upon those who believe in the

work ofreformation? Isaiah 58:1.

NOTE: "Will you not seek God most humbly, that you may give
the Laodicean message, with clear, distinct utterance? Where
are God's watchmen who will see the peril, and give the warning?
Be assured that there are messages to come from human lips,
under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. 'Cry aloud, spare not,
••• show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob
their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, .•• as a nation that did right-
eousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God.''' - Testi-
monies to Ministers, p. 296.

10. What is the true fast that God calls for? Should we under-
stand by this that we have no need to fast and pray? Isaiah
58:5-11.

NOTE: It is true that the Lord has no need of our prayers or our
sacrifices. We should never think that in praying and fasting we
are doing God a favor, but rather it is all for our benefit and raises
us into a higher and holier atmosphere where the rich current of
God's love may flow in and through us. Fasting and praying is
recommended throughout the whole Bible, but any blessing is
dependent upon fulfiling the conditions. Everything that separates
us from God must be put away, and when this is done our humiliation
~ill bring blessing. The true Biblical fast is an absolute necessity
in the overcoming of self and sin, and in the understanding of God's
will. .
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Lesson No. 12 - Sabbath, September 29, 1956
THE RESTORATION OF JERUSALEM
Questions

1. How did God manifest His deep regard for His chosen people?
Zechariah 8:1,2.

2. How did the prophet describe tlte gathering time? Zephaniah

3:18-20; Isaiah 11:11.

NOTE: By the word "jealous" is implied the deep regard and

pity of God for rebellious Israel. The word "fury" depicts the
consequence of disobedience and the suffering it was necessary
to inflict on the people to bring them to repentance. This is not
to be compared ;'ith the fury of man which comes from his own
sinful propensity to retaliate, but rather to the righteous indignation
of God.

3. What message of assmance did God give the prophet of the

return of His glory to tlte temple and tlte city? What promise
does the True Witness give to those who return from spiritual
captivity? Zechariah 8:3; Revelation 3:20.
NOTE: "Some,. I saw, ·would gladly return. Others will not let
this message to the Laodicean church have its weight upon them.
They will glide along, much after the same manner as before, and
will be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Those only who
zealously repent will have favor with God." - Testimonies,
Vol. I, p. 144.

4. What .picture of future happiness and prosperity was given

with the ushering of the Messianic Age? Zechariah 8:4,5.

NOTE: These verses should not be "wrested" by taking them

out of their proper setting and applying them to any present-day
movement in Palestine. They directly referred to the new oppor-
tunity extended to the Jews aft<er their seventy years of captivity
and the renewed hope in the coming Messiah •
•
5. What prophecy had been given by tlte prophet Isaiah nearly
200 years before the destruction of JerusliIem? How did
Ezekiel prophesy of its restoration? Isaiah 64:10,11; Ezekiel
36:9-11,33-36.
-31-
 6. What did the Lord promise He would do to the scattered flock
of Israel? What close relationship would be re-established?
Zechariah 8:6-8.

7. What double application did Isaiah give to this prophecy?

Isaiah 65:17-23.
NOTE: The Lord knew that Jerusalem would be again defeated,
but His purpose was to maintain the line of Judah until the pro-
mised One, the TIedeemer of the world would come. The promises
above quoted from Isaiah identify the new earth and the New J eru-
salem which is to come down from heaven. Although in this
description there are expressions which had direct reference to
earthly Jerusalem after the return from captivity, its future appli-
cation can be readily seen in the description of the new earth
state and the everlasting dominion which cannot take place until
after the millennium.
8. What special message came from the Lord to the builders
of the temple? Zechariah 8:9.

9. What condition prevailed in the desolated Jerusalem during

the seventy years of captivity? Zechariah 8:10.

10. What promise of prosperity was now made to the remnant?

Zechariah 8:11.12.

Lesson No. 13 -.Sabbath, October 6. 1956

THE TEMPLE COMPLETED - ITS DEDICATION
Questions
1. What terms in the decree of Darius assured the protection
of the Jews? E2l'a 6:11,12.

2. Whom did the Lord use to prepare the way for the third decree
and what were his qualifications? Ezra 7 :6,7.

3. Upon his return to Babylon after a very important mission to

Jerusalem. what did E2l'a purpose in his heart to do? Ezra
7:8,10.

4. Who issued the third decree in favor of the Jews? What

rights and privileges were by it restored to the Jews? E2l'a
7:12-28.
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NOTE: It appears from a reading of this decree that Ezra had
something to do in its preparation. The angels of God were very
near to him and to the elders associated with him. This decree
empowered Ezra to organize all the remaining Jews in Babylon
who would of'their own free will go to Jerusalem. He was given
the rights to solicit any gold and silver necessary, besides that
which the king and his counsellors had freely offered. The official
treasury was at the disposal of the Jewish patriots and they had
free acces~ to·hfo(;d, ~iL or-any animals needed for the sacrificial
service. The decree also provided for independent government of
the Jewish nation, empowering them to maintain justice and en-
force the law, even to the death sentence.

5. When was the temple completed? On what authority was this

work brought to completion? E:l1'a 6:14, 15.

6. What description is given. of the dedicatory service? Ezra

6:16-22.

7. Although this temple was inferior to the temple of'Solomon,

what special favor was to be upon it? Haggai 2:9.
NOTE: The Jews did not comprehend the meaning of this promise
and through the years they continued to lavish more and more gold
and precious stones to the temple, thinking that by this they were
adding to its glory. They failed to comprehend the meaning of
other pointed prophecies which made it clear what constituted the
real glory.

8. What was missing from the second temple?

NOTE: "The second temple did not equal the first in magnificence,
nor was it hallowed by those visible tokens of the divine presence
which pertained to the first temple. There was no manifestation of
supernatural power to mark its dedication. No cloud of glory was
seen to fill the newly erected sanctuary. No fire from heaven de-
scended to consume the sacrifice upon its altar. The shekinah no
longer abode between the cherubim in the most holy place; the ark,
the mercy-seat, and the table~ of testimony were not found there.
No sign from heaven made known to the inquiring priest the will
of Jehovah." - Prophets ~nd Kings, pp. 596-597.

9. What was the true glory of the second temple? Malachi 3:1.

10•. What did God intend the Jews should understand concerning

,
-33-
 the earthlY temple? What does the Lord expect of those who
worship Him? Isaiah 66:1,2; Jeremiah 7:1-7.

11. What is one definite sign of the apostasY in the professed

church of God today? What lesson should be learned by those
who are today called to a work of restoration? Hebrews 12:14.

NOTE: "The Jewish leaders looked with pride upon their magnifi-
cent temple, and the imposing rites of their religious service; but
justice, mercy, and the love of God were lacking. The glory of the
temple, the splendor of their service, could not recommend them to
God; for that which alone is of value in His sight they did not
offer. They did not bring Him the sacrifice of a humble and con-
trite spirit. It is when the vital principles of the kingdom of God
are lost that ceremonies become multitudinous and extravagent.
It is when the character-building is neglected, when the adornment
of the soul is lacking, when the simplicity of godliness is lost
sight of, that pride and love of display demand magnificent church
edifices, splendid adornings, and imposing ceremonials. In all
this God is not honored. A fashionable religion that consists of
ceremonies, pretense, and display. is not acceptable to Him. Its
services call forth no response from the heavenly messengers.
"The church is very precious in God's sight. He values it,
not for its external advantages, but for the sincere piety which
distinguishes it from the world. He estimates it according to the
growth of the members in the knowledge of Christ, according to
their progress in spiritual experience." - Christ's Object Lessons,
pp. 297-290.
"Human power and human might did not establish the church of
. God, and neither can they destroy it. Not on the rock of human
strength, but on Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages, was the church
founded, 'and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.''' -
Prophets and Kings, pp. 595-596.

Lesson No. 14 - Sabbath, October 13, 1956

JERUSALEM RESTORED AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP
Questions

1. When Israel was rejected of God, what inOuence did they

exert among the Gentiles? How was this sad situation to be
reversed? Zechariah 8:13.
-34 -
NOTE: The history of Israel's failure which we are studying will
be of no value to us unless we firstly apply it to ourselves. When
it is necessary for us to point out the mistakes and failures of
others we must ourselves set a better example. True reformation
is not in words only, but also in deeds. The above text would
indicate that the exiles who returned to Jerusalem to help in the
restoration were from both houses of Israel.

2. How does God show His love and mercy to those who truly
repent. Zechariah 8:14,15.

3. What evil had satan managed to introduce among the returned

captives to hinder the progress of the work? Zechariah
8:16,17.

NOTE: A situation had arisen among the returned captives which

was indeed deplorable. As though it were not enough that the
returned captives should be oppressed from the enemy without,
worse evils arose within - that of murmuring, evil surmising,
evil speaking and the bearing of false witness one against another.
This resulted not only in the defeat of the plans for the progress
of the work, but brought the displeasure of God upon them. This
same evil has proved to be one of the greatest hindrances to
reform' at the present time, as well as to the loss of souls. Should
not the servants of God rise up at once and shut this door against
evil speaking?

4. Instead of the set days of fasting, what was to replace the

sorrowful remembrances of the past? Zechariah 8:18,19.
NOTE: Undoubtedly the fasting had been done for the honor of
God and to obtain mercy, although it was not a direct ordinance.
Now the time of humiliation and captivity was over and it was no
longer to the honor of God to dwell on the sad experiences of the
past.

5. What proclamation was made by Ezra when he refused the

safe conduct of the king? Ezra 8:21-23.

6. What was God's chief purpose in re-establishing Jerusalem

as a centre of worshiP? Zechariah 8:20-22.
NOTE: With ~he re-establishment of the temple in Jerusalem,
it was the Lord's purpose that this city should be an educational
centre, and a light for the Gentiles. Knowing as they now did the
languages, customs and habits of the heathen nations, they could
- 35-
direct men from every country to come and worship God at Jeru-
salem. There were many among the heathen who were desirous of
going to Jerusalem to worship and all that was needed was someone
to give the invitation. The prophet had already seen this work
going forward among the Gentiles, but he could not locate just
where it was to begin.

7. What promise would have been fulfilled if the returned exiles

had been faithful to God and followed His leading? Zechariah
8:23.

NOTE: The symbolism here given of u ten men taking hold of the
skirt of one man that is a Jew" represents the Jews as leading
the rest of the world in the religion of Jehovah. It should be noted
that in God's order of organization introduced during the Exodus
movement, in the first grouping there was a leader for ten. See
Exodus U):21. In their position among the nations, the children
of Israel were called to be the "head," not the. "tail." The
tragedy of it all was that they by their own actions defeated God's
plan for them. Their religious service degenerated into a form,
the temple courts becoming a place of speculation and merchandise.
Instead of this favored nation being a light and a blessing to the
Gentiles, they "robbed and spoiled them" and thus misrepresented
the character of God.
8. Is not this same evil seen today among God's people? What
seems to be the prime objective of Sabbath gatherings, camp
meetings, conferences, etc.? Matthew 23:14,15,23,24.

NOTE: "Never was there a time when the Lord would manifest
His great grace unto His chosen ones more fully than in these
last. days when His law is made void. 'The Lord is well pleased
for His righteousness' sake; He will magnify the law, and make
it honorable.' What does God say in regard to His people? - 'But
this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in
holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and
none delivereth; for a spoil, and none saith, nestore.' (See also
Isaiah 43.) These are prophecies that will be fulfilled." - Testi-
monies to Ministers, p. CJG.
9. What lesson from the history of ancient Jerusalem, if heeded,
could have averted the disaster which overtook the Seventh-
day Adventist Church in Battle Creek in 1903?

NOTE: "Jerusalem is a representation of what the church will be

if it refuses to receive and walk in the light that God has given.
-36 -
Jerusalem was favored of God as the depositary of sacred trusts.
But her people perverted the truth, and despised all entreaties and
warnings. They would not respect His counsels. The temple
courts were polluted with merchandise and robbery. Selfishness
and love of mammon, envy and strife, were cherished. Everyone
sought for gain from his quarter••••
"So Christ sorrows and weeps over our churches, over our
institutions of learning, that have failed to meet the demand of
God. He comes to investigate in Battle Creek, which has been
moving in the same track as Jerusalem. The publishing house
has been turned into desecrated shrines, into a place of unholy
merchandise and traffic. It has become a place where injustice
and fraud have been carried on, where selfishness, malice, envy,
and passion have borne sway ••.•
"When Christ looked down from the crest of Olivet, He saw
this state of things existing in every church. The warnings come
down to all that are following in the tread of the people of J eru-
salem, who had such great light. This people is before us as a
warning. By rejecting God's warnings in this our day, men are
repeating the sin of Jerusalem." - Testimonies, Vol. 0, pp. 67,60.

Lesson No. 15 - Sabbath, October 20, 1956

PROPHECY CONCERNING NATIONS
SURROUNDING ISRAEL
Questions

1. What message did the prophet Zechariah bring to the land of

Hadrach and to Damascus? What was the duty of Israel toward
the surrounding nations now that Jerusalem was restored?
Zechariah 9:1,2.
NOTE: The prophecy of Zechariah given in the previous chapter
must be fulfilled, that "many strong nations shall come to seek
the Lord at Jerusalem. Although some of the neighboring nations
had done them harm in the past, it would not be for their best
interests to provoke them further, but rather to leave them in the
hands of the Lord knowing that they would receive their punish-
ment in due time. It was the mission of Israel to represent the
character of God in all their relationships, demonstrating His
justice and mercy.

2. What would be the fate of Tyros if it failed to repent and

-37 -
 recognize the God of Israel? Zechariah 9:3,4.

3. Why was Tyrus to meet the retribution of God? By which

nation would this be carried through? Ezekiel 26:1-4,21.

NOTE: One of the "strong nations" which would seek God at

Jerusalem was Greece, which did so under Alexander the Great.
It was this same strong nation that God used to punish and utterly
destroy the city of Tyre.

4. What other nations were on the list for punishment if theY

would not repent of their evil ways? Zechariah 9:5,6; Zeph-
aniah 2:3-5; Jeremiah 25:14-20.

NaTE: There are other nations also on the list of Jeremiah 25

which had filled up the cup of their iniquity. All these nations
had rejoiced at the discomfiture of Jerusalem at the time of her
humiliation and destruction and now they still refused to acknowl-
edge God and repent of their sins. The Lord keeps an account of
nations as well as individuals, and here the Lord foretells the
doom of the Philistines, well known as a permanent enemy of
God's people.

5. What lesson was still open to be learned by those nations

which had not yet received the retribution of God? Zechariah
9:7.
NOTE: The expression "take away his blood out of his mouth"
comes from the heathen practise of drinking the blood of animals
and even of men. They will receive their punishment in due time.
Read Genesis 9:5. Some nations had been tolerated longer than
others and the doom of those who had already suffered the stroke
of divine wrath should be a warning to them and lead them to
repentance.

6. What assurance of protection from their enemies was given

to Israel? Zechariah 9:8.

NOTE: "While nations have rejected God's principles, and in

this rejection have wrought their own ruin, yet a divine, overruling
purpose has manifestly been at work throughout the ages. It was
this that the prophet Ezekiel saw in the wonderful representation
given him during his exile in the land of the Chaldeans, when
before his astonished gaze were portrayed the symbols that re-
vealed an overruling Power that has to do with the affairs of
earthly rulers." - Prophets and Kings, p. 535.
-38 -
 7. What object lesson was given the prophet Jeremiah to illus-
trate God's intention in regard to Israel? Jeremiah 18:1-6.

8. How does the Lord reveal His mercy and patience in dealing
with ungodly nations against whom He has pronounced doom?
Jeremiah 18:7,8.

9. What is God's purPose in permitting any nation to prosper?

What will be the result, however, if this nation fails to obey
God? Jeremiah 18:9,10:

NOTE: "Every nation that has come upon the stage of action has
been permitted to occupy its place on the earth, that the fact
might be determined whether it would fulfill the purposes of the
Watcher and the Holy One. Prophecy has traced the rise and pro-
gress of the world's great empires, - Babylon, Medo-Persia,
Greece, and Rome. With each of these, as with the nations of
less power, history has repeated itself. Each has had its period
of test; each has failed, its glory faded, its power departed." -
Ibid.

Lesson No. 16 - Sabbath, October 27, 1956

ISRAEL CALLED TO BE LEADER OF THE NATIONS
Questions
1. What wonderful promise was given Israel many years before
the captivity and restoration? Although the temple of Solomon
was to be destroYed because of apostasY, what exalted posi-
tion would the second temple have? Isaiah 2:2; 1:7.

2. To what other prophet was this same vision revealed? Micah

4:1-4.
NOTE: The description given in the above references has been
a perplexity to many Bibie students, but as we have before stated,
the key to the understanding of all these prophecies is the book
of Zechariah, and by a diligent study of this book we' will get a
better understanding of their meaning. Various interpretations
have been given: _
a. that it refers to a temporal millenium where there will be peace
on earth, where the Jews will be restored to the land of Palestine
to be again God's chosen people and to rule the earth and accomp-
lish the conversion of the world;
-39 -
b. that it describes th~ elllii'J.terfeit religious reviviHs 6£ the last
days sponsored by apostate Christendom;
c. that it describes God's ori'gU\Ql lltan for Israel which was never
fulfilled because of her failure to meet the conditions prescribed,
but that this prediction will be fulfilled by the church in giving the
last message to the world.

3. If Israel had aCcepted and carried tbrough God's tlIlln, Wliilt

movement would have taken place among tll@ ftl1ii6H§~ i§iiiail2:3.

NOTE: Those who are nt'lt 11irniHar with the promises 6f Odd to
Israel may misunderstftIHI this prophecy. It was God's iriterition
that this nation should stand .out in contrast to the other nations
and be an example iii righteousness aRa 1l.8Hness, so much so
that these other nations w6uld be in£luenced to seek the true God
at Jerusalem. Inl'ltead of fulfilling this purpose, the Jews became
greedy and grasping, using every contact with the Gentiles for
their own selfish interests.. Thus they misrepresented the God
of heaven, and as a result, a partition wall of jealousy and hatred
was built, and God's purpose that Israel should be the light of the
world was defeated.
4. What would the Lord have done through l§ril@1 if they had been
true ambassadors of Christ? Isaiah 2l4,

NOTE: God could have used this nation as an ambassador of

peace among the other nations, also to judge, r~lluke ana intervene
for justice until war among nations w€lUhi \3@as@. fliey f~jected
this holy commission, however; and pr·eferred to be like the atlter
nations.

5. What is symbolized by the words, "the Lord's house shall be

established in the top of the mountains?" Isaiah 2:2.

NOTE: In harmony with 2 Chronicles alh Solomon's temple wa§

built on Mount Moriah, so the prophet borrows this expression to
describe the glorious future that awaited Israel after the restora-
tion. It was God's purpose to humbIe the heathen nations and to
exalt His people above them all.

6. What promise was given through Moses of future glory and

dominion over the other nations? Deuteronomy 28:9, 10.

7. What position would Israel have OCcupied among the nations

if they had remained true to God? Deuteronomy 28:13.
- <10-
 8. What was God's prime purpose in selecting Jerusalem, situated
as it was in such a strategic position at the focal point of the
highways of travel? Isaiah 2:3 (last part).

NOTE: Located as it was "in the midst of the earth," the Lord
designed that this city should be the centre from which the knowl-
edge of the true God and His law of righteousness should be scat-
tered to all the nations, and it could then be truly said, "For out of
Zion shall go forth the law, arid the word of the Lord from Jeru-
salem."

9. What explanation is given of this lesson by the Spirit of

Prophecy?

NOTE: "From a race of slaves the Israelites had been exalted

above all peoples, to be the peculiar treasure of the King of kings.
God had separated them from the world, that he might commit to
them a sacred trust. He had made them the depositaries of his
law, and He purposed, through them, to preserve among men the
knowledge of himself. Thus the light of heaven was to shine out
to a world enshrouded in darkness, and a voice was to be heard
appealing to all peoples t.o turn from their idolatry to serve the
living God. If the Israelites would be true to their trust, they
would become a power in the world. God would be t4eir defense,
and he would exalt them above all other .mati()lls. His light and
truth would be revealed through them, and they would stand forth
under his wise and holy rule as an example of the superiority of
his worship over every form of idolatry." - Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 314.

Lesson No. 17 - Sabbath, November 3, 1956

THE COMING KING OF ISRAEL
Questions

1. After their return from Babylonian captivity, what was to be

..
the state of the nation of Israel for many years? Hosea 3:4.

2. What was the hope of the faithful of Israel during these years?
Hosea 3:5.
3. How was the coming of the Messiah described by the prophet
Isaiah? Isaiah 11:1,2; 9,:6,7.
-41-
4. What further description is given of Christ's reign? Isaiah
11:3-5.

5. If Israel had accepted the Messiah, what great transformation

wpuld have taken place in the earth? Isaiah 11:6-9.
NOTE: Not only would the nations have acknowledged the true
God of Israel and Jerusalem as the centre of worship, but even the
animal kingdom would have returned to its Edenic harmlessness,
the wild animals of the forest becoming 6S tame as our present-day
domestic animals, so that even the children could play with them.
These verses are often interpreted to refer to the new earth
state, but this could not be the case. In the new earth no provision
is made for marriage and the birth of children. See Matthew 22:
27-30.
"There are men to-day who express their belief that there will
be marriages and births in the new earth, but those who believe
the Scriptures cannot accept such doctrines. The doctrine that
children will be born in the new earth is not a part of the 'sure
word of prophecy.' The words of Christ are too plain to be mis-
understood. They should forever settle the question of marriages
and births in the new earth. Neither those who shall be raised
from the dead, nor those who shall be translated without seeing
death, will marry or be given in marriage. They will be as the
angels of God, members of the royal family." - Medical Ministry,
pp. 99-100.

6. How long would Jerusalem have remained if Israel had accepted

the Messiah as the promised king? Psalm 122:1-8.
NOTE: "Had Israel as a nation preserved her allegiance to Heaven,
Jerusalem would have stood forever, the elect of God." - Great
Controversy, p. 19.
"If Jerusalem had known what it was her privilege to know, and
had heeded the light which Heaven had sent her, she might have
stood forth in the pride of prosperity, the queen of kingdoms, free
in the strength of her God-given power. There would have been
no armed soldiers standing at her gates, no Roman banners waving
from her walls. The glorious destiny that might have blessed
Jerusalem had she accepted her Rf,deemer, rose before the Son of
God. He saw that she might through Him have been healed of
her grievious malady, liberated from bondage, and established as
the mighty metropolis of the earth. From her walls the dove of
peace would have gone forth' to all nations. She would have been
the world's diadem of glory." - Desire of Ages, p. 577.
-42 -
 "nestored to the tree of life in the long-lost Eden, the redeemed
will 'grow up' to the full stature of the race in its primeval glory.
The last lingering traces of the curse of sin will be removed, and
Christ's faithful ones will appear 'in the beauty of the Lord our
God,' in mind and soul and body reflecting the perfect image of
their Lord." - Great Controversy, p. G45.

7. What was to be the extent of the Messiah's dominion? What

extended grace would be given to the dispersed of Israel?
Isaiah 11:10,11.
NOTE: This prophecy refers directly to the restoration and the
490 years of grace given to the Jews. After permitting 70 years
of oppression and humiliation to come upon them, the Lord gave
Israel another chance of rising to the height of exaltation that He
had planned for the chosen nation.

8. Despite all these promises of future glorY, what was the

actual state of the nation and its leaders when Christ the
Promised One came? Isaiah 9:13-16; 10:17.

9. When the leadership of Israel turned their backs upon the

Messiah, whom did the Lord choose? Isaiah 10:20,21; 11:12.

Lesson No. 18 - Sabbath, November 10,1956

GOD'S PURPOSE FULFILLED THROUGH THE REMNANT
Questions
1. With what prophetic utterance did Zechariah describe Christ's
royal entry into Jerusalem? Zechariah 9:9.

NOTE: "Five hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet
Zechariah thus foretold the coming of the King to Israel. This
prophecy is now to be fulfilled. He who has so long refused royal
honors, now comes to Jerusalem as the promised heir to David's
throne." - Desire of Ages, p. 5G9.

2. What forecast was made of the ultimate abolition of war?

Zechariah 9:10.
•
NOTE: If God's professed people could really understand this
prophecy and its application to His church today, they would never
. have compromised with the ,prince of darkness by participating in
-43 -
politics and war. It was when the Christian church in the Second
Century began to court the favor of worldly rulers that it placed its
sanction upon the military regime and the spirit of patriotism began
to be fostered.

3. What great work of reform was to precede the first Advent of

Christ? Isaiah 40:3-5.

4. What do we understand by the "mountains" and "valleys" in

this prophecy? Ezekiel 6:2,3; Jeremiah 51:24,25.

NOTE: Our students should keep in ·mind the reference in the

previous lesson to the building of "the house of the Lord above
the mountains." This is clearly a symbolic representation of
what God's purpose is for the church to be, m·eaning that it was
to be morally elevated above the entanglement and corruption of
the world.

5. If Christ had been accepted as the Prince of Peace, what

example would Jerusalem have been to the other nations?
Micah 4:3-5.
NOTE: This prophecy was never fulfilled as far as literal Israel
was concerned, and we have no grounds for supposing it will be
fulfilled in relation to present-day Palestine. All the glory of
literal Israel as a nation has long since gone. Any future promise
of glory can be fulfilled only through the faithful remnant during
the millennial reign in heaven and in the earth made new.

6. What was to be the fate of the second temple and the city of
Jerusalem? Micah 3:12.

7. With what shameful reception did the Jewish leaders meet

Christ? Luke 19:37-44.

8. With w~at fateful pronouncement did the day of opportunity

close for the Jews? Matthew 21:43.

9. How was Isaiah's prophecy concerning "the remnant" literally

fulfilled? Isaiah 8:14,15; 10:22,23; Luke 12:32.

NOTE: "Notwithstanding Israel s failure as a nation, there re-

mained among them a goodly remnant of such as should be saved.
At the time of the Saviour's advent, there were faithful men and
women who had received with gladness the message of John the
Baptist, and had thus been led to study anew the prophecies con-
-44 -
cerning the Messiah. When the early Christian church was founded,
it was composed Of these faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of
Nazareth as tqe one for whose advent they had been longing. It
is to this remnant that Paul refers when he writes, 'If the first-
fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are
the branches.''' - Acts of the Apostles, pp. 376-377.

10. How was the promise to exalt Israel "above the mountains"
fulfill,ed through the first Christian church? What keY is given
us for the interPretation of these Old Testament prophecies?
Acts 2:4, 36-41,47; 4:32,33; Amos 9:11; Acts 15:14-17.

NOTE: Israel as a nation failed, but God's purpose still remained.

Twelve simple men of Galilee were instrumental in putting into
motion a force which all the powers of the world could not conquer.
What God would have done with the chosen race in a national sense,
He now accomplished through spiritual Israel.

11. In carrying out its worldwide mission, what principle was the
church to maintain among the nations of the world? John 18:36.

NOTE: Christ tears away the wall of partition, the self-love, the
dividing prejudice of nationality, and teaches a love for all the
human family. He lifts men from the narrow circle that their selfish-
ness prescribes; He abolishes all territorial lines and artificial
distinctions of society. He makes no difference between neighbors
and strangers, friends and enemies. He teaches us to look upon
every needy soul as our neighbor, and the world as our field." -
Mount of Blessing, p. 68.

Lesson No. 19 - Sabbath, November 17,1956

THE GATHERING OF ISRAEL AND THE LATTER RAIN
Questions'
1. What was revealed to Zechariah concerning the plan of salva-
tion? Zechariah 9:11.
NOTE: This covenant refers to the sacrificial Elervice which pre-
figured the blood sacrifice of Christ. The expression, "thy prison-
ers out of the pit" applies firstly to those who were resurrected at
Christ's resurrection. See Matthew 27:52,53; Ephesians 4:8. It
also has application to the returned captives from the land of the
heathen.
-45-
 2. What was the duty of those who had returned from Babylonian
captivity and who had faith in the atoning blood of Christ?
Zechariah 9:12-14.

NOTE: The "arrow" symbolizes the Word of God (Psalm l!l: 14).
The trumpet is a symbol of the Christian warfare. A great mission
must yet be done for those Jews still among the heathen nations,
far from Jerusalem.

3. What assurance of protection and care did the Lord give to

those engaged in His mission? Zechariah 9:15-17.

4. What promise made by Moses was alluded to by later prophets?

Deuteronomy 11:14; Zechariah 10:1.

5. What plediction made by the prophet Zechariah can be expected

to reach its fulfilment in our day?
NOTE: "But near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal
of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming
of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is liRened to the
falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Chris-
tians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest 'in the
time of the latter rain.' In response, 'the Lord shall make bright
clouds, and give them showers of rain.' 'He will cause to come
down ••• the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain.''' - Acts
of the Apostles, p. 55.

6. What provision has God made for the finishing of His work
on earth? Joel 2:23; Revelation 12:17; 19:10.
NOTE: "The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the
spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son
of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no
life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers
have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to per-
fection ••••
"Only those who are living up to the light they have, will re-
ceive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exempli-
fication of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the
manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be
falling on hearts all around us, btt we shall not disceru or receive
it." - Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 50G,507.
7. What work must be done for God's people during the time of
the judgment of the living? Acts 3:19-21.
-46-
NOTE: "The work of the investigative judgment and the blotting-
out of sins is to be accomplished -before" the second advent of the
Lord. Since the dead are to be judged out of the things written
in the books, it is impossible that the sins of men should be blotted
out until after the judgment at which their cases are to be investi-
gated. But the apostle Peter distinctly states that the sins of
believers will be blotted out 'when the times of refreshing shall
corne from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus
Christ,' When the investigative judgment closes, Christ will come
and His reward will be with Him to give to every man as his work
shall be." - Great Controversy, p. 405.

8. Who were most responsible for" leading Israel astray prior to

Christ's first advent? What danger confronts the people of
God today? Zechariah 10:2; Isaiah 9:16.

9. What position did the Lord take when the shepherds were un-
faithful to their trust? Zechariah 10:3-5; Ezekiel 34:1-3,
14-16,22-25.

10. What care did the Lord have over both houses of Israel until
the coming of the Promised One? Zechariah 10:6-9.

11. What hope was still extended to the Jews still in the lands of
the heathen and assimilated among the various nations? What
retribution would come to those nations which persecuted the
people of God? Zechariah 10:10-12.

NOTE: "The pride of Assyria and its fall are to serve as an object
lesson to the end of time. Of the nations of earth today who in
arrogance and pride array themselves against Him, God inquires:
'To whom art thou thus like in glory and in greatness among the
trees of Eden? yet shalt thou be brought down with the trees of
Eden unto the nether parts of the earth.'
"'The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He
knoweth them that trust in Him. But with an overrunning flood
He will make an utter end' of all who endeavor to exalt themselves
above the Most High.
"'The pride of Assyria- shall be brought down, and the scepter
of Egypt shall depart away,' This is true not only of the nations
that arrayed themselves against God in ancient times, but also of
nations today who fail of fulfilling the divine purpose." - Prophets
and Kings, p. 366.
-47 -
12. What sad experience was repeated again and again in the
history of ancient Israel and is being repeated today? Ecclesi-
astes 3:15.
NOTE: "But the Israelites fixed their hopes upon worldly great-
ness. From the time of their entrance to the land of Canaan, they
departed from the commandments of God, and followed the ways of
the heathen. It was in vain that God sent them warning by His
prophets. In vain they suffered the chastisement of heathen op-
pression. Every reformation was followed by deeper apostasy." -
Desire of Ages, pp. 27-20.

Lesson No. 20 - Sabbath, November 24. 1956

FALSE SHEPHERDS - A CURSE TO THE FLOCK OF GOD
Questions

1. With what symbolism does the prophet describe certain neigh-

boring nations? Zechariah 11:1,2.
NOTE: As Zechariah was a prophet of the restoration, it is evident
that he must be referring to some period after the reformation under
Ezra and Nehemiah. The figurative use of the "cedar" and "oak"
and the "forest of vintage" has reference to surrounding nations
which for some reason the prophet prefers not to mention by name
but whose meaning could well be understood by the Israelites. In
these verses the doom of these specific nations was foretold.

2. How did the prophet describe the fate of the false shepherds?
Zechariah 11:3-5.
NOTE: These false shepherds could have been the heathen kings
who ruled the Israelites during the years they had no shepherd.
It also could apply to apostate leaders of Israel, the princes of
these heathen powers and also to unfaithful priests and rulers of
Israel '- priests and rulers whom God held most accountable for
the great suffering and woe that had come upon them. Although
the Jews had been granted freedom in their own land, still with
the changing of governments they were many times subjected to
oppression. This was often the case not because of their faith-
fulness to God, but because of political intrigue and the spirit
of rebellion against the lawful authority of the reigning empire.

3. What punishment was permitted to come upon those nations

which had filled up the cup of their iniquib'? Zechariah 11:6.
-48-
'J. What intervention dId the tord make for His chosen people
when the shepherds had provelt unfaithful? Zechariah 11:7.
NOTE;: These two liltaves represented the sceptre or pOW~1' of the
two houses of Israel, See Zechariah lO:G. Ephraim in this case
repre:sents the ten tribes, while Judah stands for the tribes of Judah
,ind Benjamin which were left in Jerusalem at the time of the cap-
tivity. This same symbolism was presented to Ezekiel in vision.
After the restoration there were to be no more two houses of Israel,
but both were to be united and have one king ruling them. Ezekiel
37: IG-22.

5. Under the new covenant promise, who was to be the king over
the Whole house of Israel? Ezekiel 37 :24-26.

6. What three oppressive powers were eradicated in one month

an!l why? Zechariah 11:8.

NOTE: It may have been that these three shepherds were chief
leaders of Israel, but it is also quite possible that they were leaders
of heathen nations which ruled over Israel. Nevertheiess, the Lord
recognized them as His shepherds whom He could tolerate no
longer, and so rid Himself of them and fed the flock Himself.

7. How did the prophet Zechariah symbolize Christ taking the

reins of the government in His own hands and the breaking of
the covenant made with Israel? Zechariah 11:9-11.

8. How did Zechariah describe the betrayal of Christ? Zechariah

11:12,13.

9. With the rejection of the Messiah, what divisions came in the

nation itself? Zechariah 11:14.
NOTE: Many commentators refer this Bible text to the division of
the kingdom of Israel after the death of Solomon, but when we have
in mind that Zechariah was the prophet of restoration, we realize
that he is describing events future to his time. This description
is closely connected with the betrayal of Christ, hence must refer
to the disbanding of the nation of Israel after their final rejection•
•
10. After the true Shepherd was rejected, what kind of shepherd
would rule over the nation? Zechariah 11:15-17.
NOTE: As a result of rejecting Christ as king, God allowed other
rulers to oppress and persecute the Jewish people until they
-49-
were scattered among all nations. The shepherd ~·i1l.e Lord said
He would raise up could quite readily refer to thel tltuel power of
Rome which broke the Jewish nation to pieces and,?3cattered them
upon the face of the earth. 1.
"'.
3:?
Lesson No. 21 - Sabbath, December 1, 1956 .~iO

JERUSALEM AND THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Questions

1. With the opening of this new chapter, how libes the Lord ad-
dress Himself to Israel? Zechariah 12:1. IOn '

NOTE: Chapters 12 to 14 of this book portray tBe:u!timate triumph

of God's program for Israel which has its parallef\n the history of
the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3. ,
.1 '?
I r,
2. What future prediction was made concerning' Jerusalem? To
what time does this prophecy have refer-Mice? Zechariah
12:2,3. f t
NOTE: It is certain that this prophecy does iI~t refer to the de-
struction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar as thi~ was in the past,
and now the temple of God and the city itselLhad been restored.
Could it then refer to the destruction of JeruE\¥!em by Titus, the
Roman general in 70 A.D.? The answer is no! In the overthrow of
Jerusalem by Titus, the city was indeed desQlPyed, but in these
verses in Zechariah it is the attackers - those who come against
Jerusalem - who are destroyed. We can come to no other con-
clusion than that these verses would have be~!,,-literally fulfilled,
and Jerusalem would have remained unto this qay as the city of
God if Israel had proved faithful. This was not the case, however,
and so it is left for us to determine the time of RW fulfilment.
8';

3. Who will fight against those who come'':;~ainst Jerusalem?

Zechariah 12:~. ,HI"
~-,t_!
NOTE: From this verse we must arrive at the conclusion that the
Jerusalem here mentioned is the New Jerus~iem which is to come
to this earth at the close of the 1,000 years, l<;J;!).d that those gathered
against Jerusalem are the wicked dead of lJIdl ages who have been
brought to life at the second resurrection.. Only then could it be
said that "all the people of the earth" ~m be gathered against
Jerusalem. on.
- 50-
 4. Do the, inhabitants of Jerusalem have any fear of the great
throngLwho attempt to take the city? By what means will the
wicked! attackers be destroyed? Zechariah 12:5,6; Revelation
20:8,9.

NOTE: "Bire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is
broken up.t.- The weapo~s concealed in its depths are drawn forth.
Devouring ,flames burst from every yawning chasm. The very rocks
are on fire.~ The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The
elements ]melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works
that are. therein are burned up. Th.e earth's surface seems one
molten mass, - a vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time of
judgment and perdition of ungodly men, - 'the day of the Lord's
vengeance~' and the year of recompenses for the controversy of
Zion.' ... - ..Great Controversy, pp. G72-673.
"
5. What spirit of unity was manifested in all who were converted
to the. gospel message? Zechariah 12:7,8.
NOTE: "Then the glad tidings of a risen Saviour were carried
to the uttermost bounds of the inhabited world. The church beheld
converts fiocking to her from all directions. Believers were re-
converted. Sinners united with Christians in seeking the pearl of
great price. The prophecy was fulfilled, The weak shall be 'as
David,' and the house of David 'as the angel of the Lord.' . Every
Christian saw in his brother the divine similitude of benevolence
and love.' One interest prevailed. One subject swallowed up all
others. All hearts beat in harmony. The only ambition of the be-
lievers was to reveal the likeness of Christ's character, and to
labor for the enlargement of His kingdom," - Christ's Object
Lessons, pp. 120-121.

6. What testimony was given by the enemies of the gospel con-

cerning the effect of the apostle's preaching? Acts 5:28.

7. What reference is again made to the future destruction of the

wicked? Zechariah 12:9.

8. On the day of Pentecost, what burning conviction came to

those Jews who had conSented to the crucifixion of Christ?
Zechariah 12:10; Acts 2:37-41.

9. What scene of mourning and lamentation was also presented

before the prophet? Zechariah 12:11; Revelation 1:7.

NOTE: "'They also which pierced Him,' Rev. 1:7, those that
- 51-
mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent
opposers of His truth and His people,- are raised to behold Him in
His glory, and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient."
- Great Controversy, p. G37.

The "mourning," referred in this chapter as elsewhere in the

Scriptures, is of two kinds. One is prompted by the Holy Spirit,
being an appeal of grace to the sinner, leading to repentance and
confession of sin. It is a true sorrow for sin itself. The other
kind 'of "mourning," however, is not because of any real sorrow
for sin, but rather for consequences of transgression. It is in-
spired by remorse and self pity and fear of punishment.
In this chapter is pictured the experience of some who in their
blindness and ignorance rejected Christ and consented to llis
death, but later repented and were pardoned. There was another
class, however, who missed this opportunity of pardon and salvation
freely offered. They also will "mourn because of Him" when
some at the partial resurrection will be raised to see Christ coming
in glory, and others at the close of the 1,000 years will see "Him
whom they have pierced" and in bitterness and despair will "mourn
because of Him."
10. With the conversion of the Gentiles, what prophecy was signally
fulfilled? Amos 8:9; Acts 15:16,17.
11. What will be the experience of many who rejected Christ when
they realize too late the full import of His message? Zechariah
12:11-14.
NOTE: "In pr.ophetic vision Ze'd'lll1'inh was shown that day of
final triumph; and he beh~ld also the doom of those who at the
first advent had rejected Christ: 'They shall look upon Me whom
they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth
for his only son, and shall be in bitterrl'ess for Him, as one that is
in bitterness for his first-born." Zech 12:10. This scene Christ
foresaw when He beheld the city Ilfid wept over it. In the temporal
ruin of Jerusalem He saW the final destruction of that people who
were guilty of the blood of the Son of God." - Desire of Ages,
p.500.

12. What promise of divine comfort is extended to those who mourn

because of their sins? What account is given of the great
sorrow of David? Matthew 5:4.

NOTE: "Our heavenly Father is never unmindful of those whom

sorrow "has touched. When David went up the Mount Olivet, 'and
-52-
wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went bare-
foot,' 2 Sam. 15:30, the Lord was looking pityingly upon him.
David was clothed in sackcloth, and his conscience was scourging
him. The outward signs of humiliation testified of his contrition.
In tearful, heart-broken utterances, he presented his case to God,
and the Lord did not forsake His servant. Never was David dearer
to the heart of invinite Love than when, conscience-smitten, he
fled for his life from his enemies, who had been stirred to rebellion
by his own son. The Lord says, 'As many as I love, I rebuke and
chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent.' Rev. 3: 19. Christ
lifts up the contrite heart, and refines the mourning soul, until it
becomes His abode." - The Mount of Blessing, pp. 24,25.
These last three chapters of the book of Zechariah are very
important, yet are most difficult of understanding, being written
in highly figurative language, and cover subjects little mentioned
by other writers. It can be also said that there is very little
reference to this part of the book in the Spirit of prophecy. To
understand it, we must remain within the framework of the text
itself and locate the events from the terminology of the writer.

13, What graphic description does the prophet Isaiah give of the
destruction of the wicked at Christ's second coming? Isaiah
2:9-21.

Lesson No. 22 - Sabbath, December 8, 1956

THE FOUNTAIN OF CLEANSING FOR JERUSALEM
Questions

1. What was to be the main purpose of the Messiah's mission?

Zechariah 13:1.

NOTE: "Thus, through patriarchs and prophets, as well as through

types and symbols, God spoke to the world concerning the coming
of a Deliverer from sin. A long line of inspired prophecy pointed
to the advent of 'the Desire o,f all nations.' Haggai 2:7. Even the
very place of His birth, and the time of His appearance, were
minutely specified." - Prophets and Kings, p. G97.
"The precious blood of Jesus is the fountain ·prepared to cleanse
the soul from the defilement of sin. When you determine to take
him as your friend, a new and enduring light will shine from the
cross of Christ." - Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. G25.
- 53-
 2. In what figurative language did the prophets of the Bible
describe the coming of Christ?

NOTE: "The same beautiful and expressive figures are carried

throughout the Bible. Centuries before the advent of Christ, Moses
pointed to him as the rock of Israel's salvation, Deut. 32: 15, the
psalmist sung of him as 'my Redeemer,' 'the rock of my strength,'
'the rock that is higher than I,' 'a rock of habitation,' 'rock of my
heart,' 'rock of my refuge.' In David's song his grace is pictured
also as the cool, 'still waters,' amid green pastures, beside which
the heavenly Shepherd leads his flock. Again, 'Thou shalt make
them,' he says, 'drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee
is the fountain of life.' Ps. 19:14; G2:7; Gl:2; 71:3 (margin); 73:2G;
94:22; 23:2; 3G:fl,9. And the wise man declares, 'The wellspring
of wisdom is as a flowing brook." Provo W:4. To Jeremiah, Christ
is 'the fountain of living waters;' to Zechariah, "a fountain opened
••• for sin and for uncleanness.' Jer. 2:13; Zech. 13:1." - Patri-
archs and Prophets, p. 413.

3. What was the great problem of the universe? Isaiah 59:16, 17.

4. What had been the consistent testimony of all the Bible writers?
In what part of the world could the Redeemer be expected to
appear? Acts 10:43.

5. What hope does the Lord hold out to the sinner? Isaiah 59:20.

6. What had separated man from God? Isaiah 59:1, 2.

7. With what graphic picture did the prophet Isaiah portray the
mission of Christ? Isaiah 61:1-3.

8. What wonderful invitation is extended to every one born into

world? Matthew 11:28,29.

9. What is the cry of the penitent sinner? Psalm 51:5-10.

10. What is our assurance of acceptance with God today? Hebrews

4:16.
Lesson No. 23 - Sabbath, December 15, 1956
WARNING AGAINST FALSE PROPHETS-
THE FAITHFUL REMNANT
Questions

1. If Israel had accepted Christ as the Messiah, what would have

become of the false prophets? Zechariah 13:2.

NOTE: The false prophets belong to the synagogue of Satan and

they have been specially inspired and trained to distort the true
meaning of the Scriptures. When brought face to face with indis-
putable evidence, they prefer to die than to confess their sins,
just as did :{Corah, Dathan and Abiram. Before the actual appear-
ance of Christ, there were many false Messiahs who had created
disturbance and revolution and had deceived many. It was Satan's
designed plan that when Christ should come, the people would look
upon Him in the same light. Acts 5:36,37.

2. How far-reaching would have been the efforts to eliminate

the false prophets, if God's proposed plan had been accepted?
Zechariah 13:3.

NOTE: In the new economy that God had planned, it was to be of

special importance that all false religious teachers be removed and
their misleading declarations silenced.

3. In what dilemma did the false prophets find themselves when

the true Messiah aPpeared? Zechariah 13:4.

4. What humble position would be taken by the true prophets of

God? Zechariah 13:5.

NOTE: Those who are truly called of God make no boastful claims
for themselves. They are not concerned about the title, but are
burdened to faithfully discharge their duty. John the Baptist when
asked as to his title made no claim to be a prophet, but declared
himself to be the messenger of God. The same is true concerning
Sister White. •

5. What prediction was made concerning the wounds and scourging

Christ would receive at the hands of those who should have
been his friends? Zechariah 13:6.
- 55-
NOTE: "Even the manner of His death had been shadowed forth.
As the brazen serpent had been uplifted in the wilderness, so was
the coming Redeemer to be lifted up, 'that whosoever believeth
in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' John 3:16.
"'One shall say unto Him, What are these wounds in Thine
hands? Then He shall answer, Those with which I was wounded
in the house of My friends.' Zech. 13:6." - Acts of the Apostles,
p.226.

6. What was Christ, as the True Shepherd, to suffer? Zechariah

13:7.

NOTE: "Christ was now standing in a different attitude from

that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best
be described in the words of the prophet, 'Awake, a sword, against
My shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the
Lord of hosts.' Zech. 13:7.- As the substitute and surety for
sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what
justice meant. Hitherto He had been as a intercessor for others;
now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself." - Desire of
Ages, pp. 686-687.
The scattering of the sheep refers to the company which had
followed Christ until the crucifixion, but at His death were scat-
tered as sheep without a shepherd. "The little ones" here referred
to would no doubt indicate those who were "babes in the faith."
Matthew 11:25.
7. What purification was predicted would take place in Israel
witli the advent of the Messiah? Zechariah 13:8.

8. How did the apostle witness to the fulfilment of this prophecy?

Romans 9:27, 29.

9. Through what experience rr:ust the remnant pass? Zechariah

13:9; Malachi 3:1-5.

NOTE: These last two verses of Zechariah were literally ful-

filled at the first advent of Christ. The three parts represented
here symbolize God's people in a divided state. Two parts, it is
stated, "shall be cut off and die,'" while the "third part" remains.
This is not intended to be an exact measurement, but reveals that
the majority of Israel would select the wrong side. If we tried to
estimate the little remnant constituting the first Christian church
compared with the millions of Jews scattered throughout the Roman
- 56-
Empire, they would represent far less than this fraction. The pro-
cess of purification is well described by Malachi. The material
still· left in the hanos of the Lord is estimated of sufficient value
to put it through this purifying process that it may come forth per-
fected. It is not quantity, but quality, which the Lord values.

Lesson No. 24 - Sabbath, December 22, 19116

THE EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY JERUSALEM
Questions

1. How did the prophet Zechariah describe the destruction of

Jerusalem? Zechariah 14:1,2.

NOTE: Many conclude that this description still has a future ful-
filment. Others maintain that this spectacul~r event would have
come about if the Israelites who returned from captivity had ful-
filled their destiny. The Bible must be left to interpret itself,
however, and so we must compare Scripture with Scripture. It is
true that many promises of God were not fulfilled to Israel ac-
cording to the flesh, as they were given under certain conditions,
however, God's Word is faithful and will be fulfilled in His own
time and way. "We have also a more sure Word of prophecy where-
unto we do well that we take heed," If the prophecies of the Bible
did not come to pass, who could believe them? In Habakkuk 2:3
we read: "For the vision is for an appointed time, therefore if it
tarry, wait for it," Here we have the full assurance of the fulfil-
ment of the Word of God. Amos 3:7.

2. With the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, what words of

doom were pronounced against Jerusalem and its inhabitants?
Luke 19:42-44.

3. How did this pronouncement meet its literal fulfilment? Matthew

24:111.
NOTE: "After the destruction of the temple, the whole city soon
fell into the hands of the Romans. The leaders of the Jews for-
sook their impregnable towers, and Titus found them solitary. He
gazed upon them with amazement, and declared that God had
given them into his hands; for no engines, however powerful, could
have prevailed against those stupendous battlements. Both the
city and the temple were razed to their foundations, and the ground
- 117-
upon which the holy house had stood was 'plowed like a field.'
J er. 2u: 10. In the siege and the slaughter that followed, more than
a million of people perished; the survivors were carried away as
captives, sold as slaves, dragged to Rome to grace the conters,
or scattered as homeless wanderers throughout the earth." - Great
Controversy, p. 35.

4. In the destruction of Jerusalem, what warning lesson is there

, for our time? Zephaniah 1:14-18.

NOTE: "The Saviour's prophecy concerning the visitation of

judgments upon Jerusalem is to have another fulfilment, of which
that terrible desolation was but a faint shadow. In the fate of the
chosen city we may behold the doom of a world that has rejected
God's mercy and trampled upon His law." - ld., p. 3u.
According to this prophecy it is stated that the "Lord will
gather the nations." In Ezekiel 3D, it is stated that the Lord will
bring "Gog and Magog against Jerusalem." Just so surely the
ordained that the Romans should come and destroy the city of
Jerusalem. The city was certainly "taken" and it could be said
that each of the other specifications were literally fulfilled with
the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus. With this great calamity,
earthly Jerusalem ceases to figure as having any sacred significance
for God's people. No order was ever given for its rebuilding. The
curse of God still rests upon this city for the murder of the Son,
of God.
5. Will old Jerusalem ever again be restored upon this earth? In
what category did Paul place those who still clung with hope'
to Jerusale'm? Galatians 4:25.
NOTE: Dean Stanley notes only three other events of equal magni-
tude with the fall of Jerusalem: the fall of Babylon, which ended
primeval history; the fall of Rome, which ended classical history;
and the fall of Constantinople, which ended medieval history. But
the fall of Jerusalem has the peculiar interest of involving the dis-
solution of a religious dispensation with the agony of an expiring
nation. "Clews to Holy Writ," M. L. G. Petrie.
"But God's cause and work will not be advanced by making pil-
grimages to Jerusalem. The curse of God is upon Jerusalem for'
the rejection and cruficixion of .his only begotten Son. But God-'
will cleanse away the vile blot," - Review and Herald, June 9-,
109(;.

6. What direct promise was made by Jesus concerning the inheri-

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 tance of the saints? What city was promised to the believers
of the new covenant? John 14:1-3; Galatians 4:26.

7. In the closing verses of the book of Zechariah, what glorious

future for Jerusalem was portrayed to the prophet? Zechariah
14:16,17.

NOTE: We have to admit that these closing verses of the book of

Zechariah present many difficulties for the Bible student, and
therefore different explanations have been given. It is upon these
verses that many exponents of the futuristic interpretation of
prophecy base their conclusions for an earthly millenniel reign of
Christ, and the contention that the nations will still live upon the
earth after the second coming of Christ. To understand this subject
correctly it is necessary to study it in the light of certain cardinal
doctrines taught in the Scriptures.

8. What encouraging message was given through the prophet

Isaiah to the returned exiles? , What glorious future was within
their reach? Isaiah 66:12-21.

NOTE: This passage of Scripture is often used in an attempt to

prove that the Jews will again be restored as a nation recognized
by God. However, they passed by this opportunity 2,000 years
ago. Undoubtedly a special work has to be done for the Jews, and
God will use some of them mightily in the closing work. Let it
not be forgotten, however, that the curse of God still rests on
Palestine, and here will be the final slaughter in the great battle
of Armageddon.

9. With the Bible as our only authority, we ask: After the second
coming of Christ, will there still be nations, and tongues, and
peoples living upon the earth? 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Isaiah
14:18-20; Jeremiah 4:23-26; 25:32,33; Isaiah 66:16.

10. How long was the feast of tabernacles an obligatory ceremony

among the Jews? When can we expect this feast to be re-
introduced? Colossians 2:14,16.17; Hebrews 8:5.
NOTE: All the ceremonial sacrifices, feasts and sabbaths were
brought to an end by the c1'ucifixion of Christ. The great anti-
typical day of atonement for the human race has been in session
since 1844 and will end with the close of probation. From the
type, the feast of tabernacles could not be celebrated until after
the day of atonement was' over, therefore it could not be again
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enforced on this earth until after the millennium. Any attempt to
introduce the feast of tabernacles as a religious obligation before
this time would be directly contrary to the. teaching ofthe Scriptures.
"The Feast of Tabernacles was not only commemorative, but
typical. It not only pointed back to the wilderness sojourn, but,
as the feast of harvest, it celebrated the ingathering of the fruits
of the earth, and pointed forward to the great day of final ingathering,
when the Lord of the harvest ·shall send forth his reapers to gather
the tares together in bundles for the fire, and to gather the wheat
into his garner. At that time the wicked will all be destroyed.
They will become 'as though they had not been.' Obad. 16." -
Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 541.

11. When was it originally intended that all nations should come to
Jerusalem to worship the Lord at the Feast of Tabernacles?
When can we expect this to be a reality? Zechariah 14:18-19.

NOTE: As we have before stated, the prophecy of Zechariah was

written at the time of the restoration and at the commencement of
the Messianic Age. The opportunity was then given for the Jews
to fulfil their true mission of being a light to the Gentiles and to
invite them to worship God at Jerusalem and to come to the Feast
of Tabernacles. We remember again the promise of God's eternal
favor to Jerusalem. Now a wonderful new opportunity was given
to fulfil God's designed purpose during the 490 years of grace ex-
tended them. The Lord promised that those nations who would
rise against the Jews, or would refuse the appointed gatherings
at Jerusalem in acknowledgment of the true God, would be destroyed.
Instead of fulfilling this mission, the Jews erected a partition wall
between themselves and the other nations. So far did they go in
pride and bigotry that they made a law to prohibit any Gentile
entering the temple. Acts 21:28-31.
Sad to say, these promises of God's favor were never fulfilled
to the Jews of the restoration. In verses 16 and 17, it was shown
that the King himself will be present. At Christ's first advent,
He personally came "to His temple" as the King of Israel, but was
refused and rejected. This prophecy could not truly be said to be
fulfilled until the throne is again set up on this earth with Christ
as King. The only occasion when the whole family of mankind,
good and bad, past and presen , will be together on the earth will
be at the close of the millennium when the wicked dead are raised
and will live for a time, before being finally destroyed. There is
no indication, however, that at that time the wicked will be invited
to unite in celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles or that this will
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be made obligatory to them. There is no doubt that the curse of
God will rest upon the resurrected wicked who in their day of pro-
bation rejected the plea of mercy and grace.

12. What is stated by Isaiah concerning the re-establishment of

the feasts of worship upon the new earth? Isaiah 66:22,23.

13. What state of consecration should have characterized the Jews

and all the temple worshippers after the restoration? Zecha-
riah 14:20,21.

NOTE: The inscription "Holiness to the Lord," formerly borne

on the miter of the high priest (Exodus 20:3G,37) was intended
to be the motto of all the temple worshippers. Three times each
year the Jews came together from every part of Palestine for special
gatherings appointed by God, and the "bells of the horses" in-
dicate the transport used to convey the worshippers and identifies
the sacredness of the service in which they were engaged, bringing
the worshippers to these occasions of divine. appointment. This
state of "Holiness to the Lord" will be universal in the New
Jerusalem when the redeemed of all ages will meet together before
the King "from one new moon to another and from one Sabbath to
another." Let those who are preparing for a place with the ransomed
throng learn today to "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his
name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Psalm 29:2.

Lesson No. 25 - Sabbath, December 29, 1956

THE METROPOLIS OF THE NEW EARTH
Questions

1. What prophetic announcement is made of God's final inter-

vention in the affairs of the nations of this present age?
Zechariah 14:3.

NOTE: There are certain limits set by God beyond which He will
no longer allow the rebellious nations to go unpunished. The
Lord intervened to deliver His people from Egyptian slavery, and
again he intervened when 31 Canaanite kings united together to
obliterate Israel. He intervened in the destruction of the Assyrian
army and in the deliverance of the captives from Babylon. Now
again the promise is given that He will intervene for the deliver-
ance of His people.
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 2. What amazing event was disclosed to the prophet John to take
place at the close of the millennium? Revelation 21:1-3.

NOTE: "Then, in terrible, fearful majesty, Jesus called forth

the wicked dead; and they came up with the same feeble, sickly
bodies that went into the grave. What a spectacle! what a scene!
At the first resurrection all came forth in immortal bloom; but at
the second the marks of the curse are visible on all. The kings
and noblemen of the earth, the !rean and low, the learned and un-
learned, came forth together. All behold the Son of man; and
those very men who despised and mocked Him, who put the crown
of thorns upon His sacred brow, and smote Him with the reed,
behold Him in all His kingly majesty. Those who spit upon Him
in the hour of His trial now turn from His piercing gaze and from
the glory of His countenance. Those who drove the nails through
His hands and feet now look upon the marks of His crucifixion.
Those who thrust the spear into His side behold the marks of
their cruelty on His body. And they know that He is the very one
whom they crucified and derided in His expiring agony. And then
there ariseS one long protracted wail of agony, as they flee to
hide from the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords." -
Early Writings, p. 292.
"Then Jesus and all the retinue of holy angels, and all the
redeemed saints, left the city. The angels surrounded their Com-
mander ani:! escorted Him on His way, and the train of redeemed
saints followed." - I bid.

3. What future scene is now presented before the prophet's en-

raptured vision? Zechariah 1<1:4,9.

NOTE: "Christ descends upon the Mount of Olives, whence,

after His resurrection, He ascended, and where angels repeated
the promise of His return. Says the prophet: 'The Lord my God
shall come, and all the saints with Thee.' 'And His feet shall
stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jeru-
salem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall cleave in the
midst thereof, ••• and there shall be a very great valley.' 'And
the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there
be one Lord, and His name one.' Zech.14:5,4,9. As the New
Jerusalem, in its dazzling splendor, comes down out of heaven,
it rests upon the place purified and made ready to receive it, and
Christ, with His people and the angels, enters the holy city." -
Great Controversy, pp. GG2-6G3.
"With Jesus at our head we all descended from the city down
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to this earth, on a great and mighty mountain, which could not
bear Jesus up, and it parted asunder, and there was a mighty plain.
Then we looked up and saw the great city, with twelve foundations,
and twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate.
We all cried out, 'The city, the great city, it's coming, it's coming
down from God out of heaven,' and it came and settled on the place
where we stood." -Early Writings, p. 17.

4. When the holy city descends and the great valley is formed,
what event must have already taken place? Zechariah 14:5";
Revelation 20:5,8,9.

5. What climatic change can be expected in the earth made new? "
How will the New Jerusalem be illuminated? Zechariah 14:6,7~
Isaiah 60:19,20.
NOTE: From the original rendering of Zechariah 14:(i, it seems
that absence of cold is the point of emphasis.

6. How did the prophet Isaiah describe the New Jerusalem fully
established in the new earth? Isaiah 33:20,21; 35:10.

7. What healing waters were to go forth from Jerusalem? Zecha-

riah 14:8; John 7:37,38.
NOTE: "Wonderful is the work which the Lord designs to accomp-
lish through His church, that His name may be glorified. A picture
of this work is given in Ezekiel's vision of the river of healing:
'These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into
the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the
sea, the waters shall be h"ealed. And it shall come to pass, that
everything that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers
shall come, shall live: ••• and by the river upon the bank thereof,
on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose
leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed:
it shall bring forth new fruit according to his' months, because
their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof
shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.' Eze. 47:8-12."
- A cts of Apostle s, p. 13.
That which could be said to have reached its fulfilment in a
spiritual sense through the church of God will be finally and glori-
ously fulfilled in reality in the new earth as the waters of life
will flow forth from the throne of God,
8. What topographical change di rop-Ffet'
roundings of Jerusalem? Zecharlalh 4:1,0
. ~; ""
p",,: .
~ til '.
,r:i1
REFORMATION HERALD
UBRARY
NOTE: The places here indicated by name represent the northern
and southern extremity of Judah. It is well known that no such
changes in the terrain of the country as described here have yet
taken place; therefore, this prophecy cannot be applied to earthly
Jerusalem, but to the New Jerusalem which is to come.

9. What further details given by the prophet identifY the time of

its fulfilment? Zechariah 14:12,13.

NOTE: Taking this account into consideration, we are forced to

the conclusion that this vision will be fulfilled either at the falling
of the seven last plagues, or at the close of the millenium when
the wicked are resurrected. But according to the prophecy, those
who receive the plagues fight against Jerusalem, therefore they
can be no other than the wicked raised up at the close of the 1,000
years. From the time of their resurrection until their final annihila-
tion, the curse of God rests upon them as a plague.

10. What do we understand by Judah fighting at Jerusalem? What

effect will the plague have upon the animals? Zechariah
14:14,15.
NOTE: The reference here made to Judah, the ruling tribf;l of
Israel, could be taken in this passage as designating leadership.
At the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, the tribe of
Judah was left alone to defend the city. The prophet, however,
is referring to some event still in the distant future.
When Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans, no special mention
was made of Judah, as all tribes were there represented. When
at the close of the millennium the wicked will attempt an attack
on the city of God, it will not be Judah that will fight against
then, but the Lord Himself will destroy them. It seems that "Judah"
is used as a symbol of all apostatized leadership enrolled in the
great rebel army when "all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly
shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up,
saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor
branch." Malachi 4: 1.

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