The Watchtower — January 1, 1986

The Mysterious Horsemen of the Apocalypse

YOU watch fascinated as, with mane and tail flying and nostrils flaring, the horse pounds down a rocky slope. The rugged rider seems glued to the saddle as though he were part of this moving, pulsating horseflesh.

Whether visiting a high-country Australian cattle station or, half a world away, the plains of an American ranch, the sight of a horseman who really knows his mount is indeed a fascinating one. Equally spectacular is the splendor of a parade of highly trained horses and riders.

Such horsemen and their mounts leave us impressed. However, the horses and riders witnessed by the writer of the book of Revelation (the Apocalypse) are thrilling to behold! They are mysterious as well as awesome. These horsemen have become widely known as the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Imagine that now, thundering toward you, are four skilled riders, one even brandishing a sword! Notice the color of their horses. Each one is different. One horse is white, one red, one black, and one a sickly greenish-yellow color. They are indeed a strange, mysterious sight.

Follow the fast-moving account of what the Bible writer, the apostle John, saw. He states: “Then I saw a white horse, and its rider carried a bow. He was given a crown, and he rode forth as a victor to conquer. . . . And another horse came forth, bright red, and its rider was given power to take peace away from the earth, and make men slaughter one another; he was given a great sword. . . . And there I saw a black horse, and its rider had a pair of scales in his hand, and I heard a voice . . . say, ‘Wheat at a [day’s wage for] a quart, and barley three quarts for a [day’s wage]’ . . . And there I saw a horse the color of ashes, and its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. They were given power over one quarter of the earth, to kill the people with sword, famine, death, and the wild animals of the earth.”​—Revelation 6:2-8, An American Translation.

Since this vision was first written down, its meaning has puzzled countless readers. What is represented by these mysterious horses and their riders? When did their ride begin? Does their ride have any bearing on life today? A wide variety of explanations has been offered as to what could be represented by the horses and their riders, and when their ride, in reality, takes place.

The greatest variance is found in the interpretations of the white horse and its rider. For instance, the New Catholic Encyclopedia explains that the white horse represents ‘either the victory of the gospel or imperialism.’

In the book Daniel and the Revelation, Uriah Smith gives this interpretation: “A white horse . . . is a fit emblem of the triumphs of the gospel in the first century . . . The whiteness of the horse denotes the purity of faith in that age.”

The Expositor’s Bible says: “Under the first rider the cause rather than the person of Christ is introduced to us, in the earliest stage of its victorious progress, and with the promise of its future triumph. . . . We learn that this cause is in the world, that this kingdom is in the midst of us, and that they who oppose it shall be overwhelmed with defeat.” However, Woodrow Kroll, of The Christian Jew Foundation, feels that the rider on the white horse is the Antichrist.

Some have suggested that there are five horses and riders, not just four. So how can we know which of the many interpretations is correct? How can we be sure that there is a correct understanding? Just who are these mysterious horsemen of the Apocalypse, and when did their ride begin?

Solving the Mystery of the Horsemen

WHO can solve the mystery of the horsemen of the Apocalypse? In the Bible, at Daniel 2:47, Jehovah God is called “a Revealer of secrets.” Since he is the one who inspired the Bible, including the vision about the horsemen, he can provide the answers we need. Therefore, by searching his revealed Word for information, we are able to unravel the meaning of the colored horses and their riders.​—Amos 3:7; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21.

The three opening verses of Revelation, 1:1-3 or the Apocalypse, provide a key to help unlock the mystery. They show that this series of visions had to do with future events, that is, future to the year 96 C.E. when the apostle John saw all these things and wrote them down. This harmonizes with his statement at Revelation 1:10 that the things seen in these visions were to take place only after “the Lord’s day” began.​—Compare 1 Corinthians 1:8; 5:5.

With this in mind, we shall examine the horses and their riders. At the outset, it is vital to have the correct understanding of the white horse and its rider. Then the meaning of the other horsemen will fit into place.

Interpretations Examined

In the previous article, it was noted that one interpretation of the white horse and its rider was that they represented ‘either the victory of the gospel or imperialism.’ But the world has not been converted to the gospel (good news) about Christ and God’s purposes surrounding him. And, surely, imperialism has not ridden forth in triumph. Rather, it has been breaking down, fragmenting, in this century.

What of the interpretation that the white horse represents the victory of the gospel and the purity of faith in the first century? This ignores the fact that the vision was of things to come in the future. And since John wrote the vision as a prisoner in exile on the island of Patmos in the year 96 of our Common Era, it could not possibly represent anything having to do with the first century.

Another explanation was that the white horse introduces the cause rather than the person of Christ and that his Kingdom ‘is in the midst’ of us, that is, in our hearts. But the cause of Jesus Christ and Christianity did not begin at some time future to the writing of Revelation. Rather, this cause was already in great evidence among first-century Christians before John wrote.

Also, when Jesus said that “the kingdom of God is in your midst,” he was speaking to the hypocritical religious Pharisees in answer to a question they had raised. Jesus was not speaking to his faithful followers and telling them that the Kingdom was something ‘in their midst’ in the sense of being in their hearts. Instead, he was telling the disbelieving Pharisees that he, Jesus, as the representative of the future Kingdom of God, was present among them on that occasion.​—Luke 17:21; see also The Jerusalem Bible and The New English Bible.

How about the thought that the rider on the white horse is the Antichrist? Nowhere does the Bible say that the Antichrist will make such inroads that it could be said of him that “he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest,” as was said of the rider on the white horse. (Revelation 6:2) It is clear that whoever is seated on the white horse will ride forth completely conquering. His conquest will not fail. All his enemies will be destroyed.

Bible Clues Help Identification

Unmistakable identification of the rider on the white horse is given by the “Revealer of secrets” later in the same series of visions. At Revelation 19:11-16, a white horse is again seen, this time with clear identification of the rider.

The fact that a white horse is seen twice in these prophetic visions indicates that it is the same horse and that various duties or activities of the rider are being depicted. In the latter scene, the rider is named. He is called “Faithful and True,” “The Word of God,” and “King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Those designations leave no doubt as to the identity of the rider on the white horse. It is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ himself! (Compare Revelation 17:14.) But at what time of his life? It has to be some time after the end of the first century, when the Revelation vision was given. Notice, too, that now a royal crown is given to him. So at some future time Jesus Christ was to begin a special role as King, or Ruler. And in that capacity, he is also depicted as a warrior armed with a bow, to ride forth “conquering and to complete his conquest.”

Also showing that this had to be future is this fact: By the time of the apocalyptic vision, more than 60 years had passed since Jesus finished his earthly life, was resurrected from the dead, and had ascended to heaven. When he returned to heaven, Jesus was told to wait at the right hand of God until that future time when his enemies would be made “a stool for his feet.”​—Hebrews 10:12, 13.

The Ride Begins

So the ride on the white horse was to begin at some future time when Jesus Christ would be enthroned as the heavenly King of God’s Kingdom. At that time God would send him forth with the command: “Go subduing in the midst of your enemies.” (Psalm 110:2) But when does this take place?

The crowning of Jesus Christ as heavenly King is described at Psalm 45:3-7. Then in Hebrews 1:8, 9 the apostle Paul quotes from this psalm and applies verses 6 and 7 to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Detailed information and Scriptural proofs published by Jehovah’s Witnesses show that the coronation of Jesus Christ in heaven took place at the close of the Gentile Times, “the appointed times of the nations,” in the year 1914.​—Luke 21:24.a

Hence, any interpretation that puts the horsemen’s ride earlier than the year 1914 could not be correct. Also, since the rider of the white horse was in the lead, the other horses and riders following would represent events that would take place along with, or some time after, his ride begins. The ride of these four horsemen, therefore, must occur from and after the beginning of “the time of the end” in 1914. It has been since then that “the last days” have been seen to be in evidence.​—Daniel 12:4; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13.

The Other Horses and Riders

The second horse is “bright red,” or “fiery-colored.” (Revelation 6:3, 4, An American Translation) Its rider “was granted to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another.” He was given “a great sword.” This proved true when 1914 saw the beginning of the worst war in all human history, the first global war. Back then it was called the Great War. Just 21 years later World War II began, and it was even more devastating than World War I. Since then there have been constant wars. Altogether, since 1914, wars have taken some one hundred million lives.

The third horse is a black one, and its rider has a pair of scales in his hand. (Revelation 6:5, 6) A voice calls out that it would require an entire day’s wage just to buy one quart (1.1 L) of wheat or three quarts of the cheaper grain barley. This fittingly describes food shortages on a scale greater than ever before. That has proved to be true since 1914. Right from the outbreak of World War I, food prices soared. Millions died from hunger. Since then, food shortages have continued without letup. It is estimated that now some 450 million people are hungry to the point of starvation, and up to one billion do not have enough to eat. From time to time the gloomy picture is emphasized by such famines and extreme loss of life as reported from Ethiopia in recent years.

As for the fourth horse, we notice that it is “pale,” sickly looking. The rider’s name is “Death.” (Revelation 6:7, 8) It well symbolizes the vast number of deaths since 1914 by unnatural causes, such as food shortages and famines, wars and violence, plagues and diseases. The Spanish influenza that broke out worldwide at the close of World War I caused over 20 million deaths. Now heart disease, cancer, and many other sicknesses take their toll of millions in untimely deaths.

The events symbolized by these horses and riders are also noted in a parallel prophecy Jesus gave about our time. He said that in “the conclusion of the system of things,” where we now live, there would be global war as ‘nation would rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.’ He foretold “the increasing of lawlessness” and “in one place after another pestilences and food shortages.”​—Matthew 24:3-12; Luke 21:10, 11.

Was There a Fifth Horse?

Revelation 6:8 reads: “And I saw, and, look! a pale horse; and the one seated upon it had the name Death. And Hades was closely following him.” On the basis of this, some have suggested that since the first four characters mentioned are riding horses, would not the fifth also be mounted on a horse?

The Bible does not say that. In the Greek text the word for “horse” does not appear at Revelation 6:8 in connection with Hades. Hence, most Bible translations do not include the word “horse” with reference to this fifth character. So it is sufficient to note that Hades, the common grave of mankind, was following the previous three horses and riders, gathering up all their victims.

How Does the Vision Affect You?

To be living at the time when this vision of the ride of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse is having its dramatic fulfillment is certainly a thrilling experience. But it is also a time of great seriousness, calling for self-examination. Why is this so? Because every person on earth is affected by this symbolic ride. Yes, you and your loved ones are all involved. How?

This question raises a serious aspect of the matter that will be answered in the next issue of The Watchtower: “How Their Ride Affects You.” Do not miss the absorbing answer.

[Footnotes]

[Picture on page 5]

1914​—The “King of kings” rides forth on his white horse

[Picture on page 7]

Since 1914, Hades has reaped a grim harvest in the wake of the horsemen of War, Famine, and Pestilence

Jesus’ Life and Ministry

Teaching a Samaritan Woman

ON THEIR way from Judea to Galilee, Jesus and his disciples travel through the district of Samaria. Tired from the journey, about noon they stop to rest by a well near the city of Sychar. This well was dug centuries before by Jacob, and it remains even down until today, near the modern-day city of Nablus.

While Jesus rests here, his disciples go into the city to buy some food. When a Samaritan woman comes to draw water, he requests: “Give me a drink.”

Jews and Samaritans generally have no dealings with one another because of deep-seated prejudices. So, in astonishment, the woman asks: “How is it that you, despite being a Jew, ask me for a drink, when I am a Samaritan woman?”

Jesus answers that if she knew who he was, she would ask him for “living water.” This water, he says, will become “a fountain of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.”

“Sir, give me this water,” the woman responds.

Jesus now says: “Go, call your husband.”

“I do not have a husband,” she answers.

Jesus verifies her statement. “You said well, ‘A husband I do not have.’ For you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.”

“Sir, I perceive you are a prophet,” the woman says in amazement. Revealing her spiritual interests, she notes that the Samaritans worshiped at Mount Gerizim, but the Jews in Jerusalem.

Yet the place of worship is not the important thing, Jesus points out. “God is a Spirit,” he explains, “and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.”

The woman is deeply impressed. “I know that Messiah is coming, who is called Christ,” she says. “Whenever that one arrives, he will declare all things to us openly.”

“I who am speaking to you am he,” Jesus declares. Think of it! This woman who comes at midday to draw water, perhaps in order to avoid contact with townswomen who despise her for her way of life, is favored in a wonderful way by Jesus. Point-blank he tells her what he has not confessed openly to anyone else. With what consequences? The article in our next issue will explain. John 4:3-26.

◆ Why was the Samaritan woman surprised that Jesus spoke to her?

◆ What does Jesus teach her about living water and where to worship?

◆ How does Jesus reveal to her who he is, and why is this disclosure so amazing?

[Full-page picture on page 9]

Days Like “the Days of Noah”

“The earth became filled with violence . . . it was ruined, because all flesh had ruined its way on the earth.”​—GENESIS 6:11, 12.

1, 2. (a) With what kinds of violence do Jehovah’s Witnesses have to contend today? (b) In what circumstances have God’s people been comforted by the resurrection hope?

VIOLENCE! As in Noah’s day, so today, violence has become a household word. Even those who walk with the true God, as did Noah, are not immune to violence. This was forcefully drawn to the world’s attention when, on July 21 of last year, a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sydney, Australia, was demolished by a bomb during a public Bible talk about loyalty to God and family. One Witness was killed. More than 40 were hospitalized. All of these have recovered, though some carry heavy scars as a result of this criminal outrage. A police detective commented: “There were 110 people inside and it is simply a miracle that we don’t have 110 dead.”

² In other parts of the earth​—such as Northern Ireland, Lebanon, and El Salvador—​Jehovah’s Witnesses proclaim the “good news” in a continuing environment of violence. A few have been killed, some while engaging in the ministry. In many lands “unforeseen occurrence,” such as accidents and earthquakes, has also claimed precious lives, on which occasions Jehovah’s people have been comforted by the resurrection hope.​—Ecclesiastes 9:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14.

3. (a) What may happen to some of Jehovah’s people, as indicated by recent events and Luke 21:16? (b) What assurance do we have of God’s protection during the “great tribulation”?

³ Recently in Mexico, altogether 23 Witnesses and associates were among the more than 5,000 killed by a disastrous earthquake. In Puerto Rico, seven others were numbered among the 300 who lost their lives in floods and landslides. Does this mean that Jehovah failed to provide protection for some of his servants? Not at all. We are not immune to accidents and disasters. And as to persecution, Jesus forewarned his disciples, saying: “They will put some of you to death.” Hundreds of our brothers died at the violent hands of Nazi Hitler. Jehovah will remember all of such in the resurrection. However, when the foretold “great tribulation” sweeps the earth, Jehovah will show that he is able to save those who call upon his name, even as he did in the days of Noah.​—Luke 21:16-19; Matthew 24:14, 21, 22, 37-39; Isaiah 26:20, 21; Joel 2:32; Romans 10:13.

4. How do present-day conditions compare with those described in Genesis 6:11, 12?

⁴ Since 1914 violence has been on a global rampage. A hundred million humans have been killed in the wars and holocausts of this century. Mankind has been scourged by air and sea hijackings, terrorist bombings, mass murders, and interracial hatreds, and has been menaced by the proliferation of nuclear arms. Truly, these are “critical times” with “anguish of nations, not knowing the way out.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13; Luke 21:25) However, Jehovah’s people today live in the midst of a scourge that presents a far greater danger than violence, though it is often linked with violence. It dates back more than 4,300 years to Noah’s day. What is that?

Noah’s Faith Amid Depravity

5, 6. (a) How did Satan proceed to contaminate mankind? (b) In what ways did Noah and his family stand out as being no part of that world?

⁵ From the rebellion in Eden onward, Satan the Devil has been bent on “misleading the entire inhabited earth.” (Revelation 12:9) Jehovah had commanded man and woman to use their God-given sexual powers honorably within the marriage arrangement, in order to “fill the earth” with their kind. (Genesis 1:28; Hebrews 13:4) But the Devil turned to contaminating humanity with unnatural sex. How? Spirit sons of God joined Satan in his rebellion. These became “demons,” with Satan as their “ruler.” (Luke 11:15) And of what did the demons’ activity then consist? They came down to earth, materialized human bodies, and cohabited with the good-looking daughters of men. The outcome was appalling!

⁶ Hybrid offspring were thus produced, fleshly giants that were half demon, half human. These were the Nephilim, murderous “Fellers” of mankind, as the record shows: “And the earth came to be ruined in the sight of the true God and the earth became filled with violence. So God saw the earth and, look! it was ruined, because all flesh had ruined its way on the earth.” Violence and sexual depravity became so widespread that only of Noah could it be said: “He proved himself faultless among his generations. Noah walked with the true God.” His wife, his sons, and their wives​—alone of all mankind—​showed faith and godly fear. Apparently, Noah’s family line was not contaminated by the sexual depravity of his day.​—Genesis 6:4, 9-12, Ref. Bi., footnote.

7. As demonstrated in Noah’s day, how does Jehovah judge the bad and the righteous? (Compare Matthew 25:40, 45, 46.)

⁷ Jehovah obliterated that violent, sex-crazed, demonistic world. Sending the great Deluge, he flushed out everything that was bad. Hybrid Nephilim and corrupted humans were swept into oblivion, while the demonistic former sons of God made their escape back to the spirit realm​—to await God’s judgment of them. But there were survivors! Noah and his immediate family were spared. And why? Because of their faith, backed up by works in building the ark and preaching righteousness to that condemned world.​—2 Peter 2:4, 5.

Moderns, Beware!

8. In what respects did Noah’s day prefigure our day?

⁸ Noah’s day prefigured our day. How do we know this? Well, Jesus foretold a similar time of violence, lawlessness, and lovelessness as part of “the sign” that we stand at the brink of a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” He also said: “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, . . . only the Father.” Then he added: “Just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.”​—Matthew 24:3-21, 36-39.

9. How do we avoid the destiny of those who ‘take no note’?

⁹ Yes, “they took no note.” But you do not have to be like them. You can escape when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven, executing God’s vengeance by everlastingly destroying “those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8) You do not have to be like worldly people whose main interest in life is pleasing self, pursuing a prestigious career or material wealth, with no thought of God. Truly, “their god is their belly.”​—Philippians 3:19.

“Hate What Is Bad”

10, 11. (a) To gain God’s approval, what vices must be avoided? (b) What armor must we put on, and why?

¹⁰ In these final days, the lives of so many people revolve around sex, with or without the benefit of marriage. And for many of those who are married, divorce or annulment has become a norm. Disregarding clear-cut warnings by Jesus’ disciples, many in Christendom indulge in homosexuality. Already, some of these are “receiving in themselves the full recompense” in the form of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, there could be hope of salvation even for such persons. Remember, Jesus spoke favorably of prostitutes who cleaned up their lives and believed in him, in contrast with the proud, unrepentant religious leaders of his day.​—Romans 1:26, 27; 2 Peter 2:9, 10; Jude 6, 7; Matthew 21:31, 32.

¹¹ Any of Jehovah’s people who may have become tainted with, or who are tempted to indulge in, immoral practices must awaken and put on the full armor that God provides! (Ephesians 6:11-18) These days are truly “just as the days of Noah were.” That “roaring lion,” the Devil, and his depraved demons are working around the clock to isolate and entrap God’s servants. We must take our stand against those enemies, solid in the faith.​—1 Peter 5:8, 9.

12. Why is it important to follow the counsel of Psalm 97:10?

¹² Shocking as it is, even some who have been prominent in Jehovah’s organization have succumbed to immoral practices, including homosexuality, wife swapping, and child molesting. It is to be noted, also, that during the past year, 36,638 individuals had to be disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation, the greater number of them for practicing immorality. Jehovah’s organization must be kept clean! (1 Corinthians 5:9-13) This is a time for congregation elders, ministerial servants, and indeed all our brothers and sisters to avoid any circumstances that could lead to immorality. Loyalty to Jehovah’s standards will be rewarded, as Psalm 97:10 states: “O you lovers of Jehovah, hate what is bad. He is guarding the souls of his loyal ones; out of the hand of the wicked ones he delivers them.”

13. What sound advice is given by the apostles Paul and Peter?

¹³ At the latest, the “great tribulation” will clear out all those “who are disgusting in their filth.” How concerned we must be to hate, yes, abhor, and avoid worldly depravity! We must “flee from fornication”! (Revelation 21:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10, 18) The apostle Peter, after warning against doubt-sowing apostates and about the reality of “Jehovah’s day,” exhorts us to “holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion.” He adds: “But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell. Hence, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace.” What a joy thus to attain to the “new earth,” where God will ‘make all things new’ and clean!​—2 Peter 3:3-7, 10-14; Revelation 21:1, 4, 5.

Heed Further ‘Warning Examples’

14. Why was the cleansing by the Flood only temporary?

¹⁴ After the great Deluge had cleansed the earth of all demonic and human filth, Jehovah repeated the mandate originally given to Adam, by saying to Noah and his sons: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.” (Genesis 9:1) In a token way they did this, 70 “families”​—a figuratively perfect number—​being listed in Genesis chapter 10. But mankind was still suffering the effects of sin inherited from Adam. And apparently demonic influence again led humans to sink into sexual depravity.

15. What do we learn from God’s judgment of Sodom?

¹⁵ In time, Jehovah’s “friend,” Abraham, and Abraham’s nephew Lot moved to the area of Canaan. Lot chose to transfer to the District of the Jordan, which was “like the garden of Jehovah.” But was it that way morally? Far from it! The city of Sodom, where Lot took up residence, and neighboring Gomorrah were steeped in homosexuality. Not even ten righteous men could be found there. For this reason, Jehovah brought upon those cities “the judicial punishment of everlasting fire.” Never will those depraved cities be restored! Jesus cited God’s judgment on Sodom, along with what occurred “in the days of Noah,” in underlining the need for us to be on guard!​—Genesis 13:10; 18:32; Jude 7; Luke 17:26-30.

16. What demon activity calls for us to put up a hard fight for the faith?

¹⁶ Make no mistake! Satan and his demons are still on the rampage! Though thrown into figurative “pits of dense darkness” and restricted from taking on fleshly bodies, those depraved spirits are intent upon corrupting humans, and especially Jehovah’s servants. (2 Peter 2:4-6) No doubt the demons influenced Canaan to commit his immoral act toward his grandfather Noah. (Genesis 9:22-25) Certainly they must have spawned the perversions that became ‘the way of the land of Canaan,’ so that it finally vomited out its inhabitants. (Leviticus 18:3-25) Likewise, the demons foster the unnatural sex practices that afflict so many communities today. In putting up a hard fight for the faith, we must resist any attacks by those fallen angels that impel humans to ‘commit fornication excessively and to go out after flesh for unnatural use.’​—Jude 3, 6, 7.

Build for Preservation

17. Like Noah and his family, how may we show ourselves to be no part of the world?

¹⁷ In view of the seriousness of our times, how can we find the way of deliverance? Well, how did Noah and his family survive? “By faith Noah . . . condemned the world.” (Hebrews 11:7) Likewise today, Jehovah’s Witnesses are “no part” of the wicked world. Moreover, we have demonstrated our faith by dedicating our lives to Jehovah and undergoing baptism in water in order to become disciples of Jesus Christ.​—John 17:14, 16; Matthew 28:19.

18. What is typified by the building of the ark?

¹⁸ Further, we share in Jehovah’s work for this day, a spiritual building work directed by the Greater Noah, Jesus Christ. As a place of security and survival, the ark represents the spiritual paradise that Jehovah has been building up among his worshipers since 1919. It is the condition of a restored peaceful relationship with God. It is His arrangement for preservation of the Greater Noah’s antitypical family through the “great tribulation.”​—Matthew 24:21; 1 Corinthians 3:9, 11; 2 Corinthians 12:3, 4; Revelation 7:13, 14.

19. Noah, his family members, and their work foreshadow what?

¹⁹ “Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah.” How well he pictures Jesus Christ, who walked humbly with God here on earth, doing nothing of his own initiative! (Genesis 6:8; Matthew 17:1, 5; John 8:28) Both were preachers of righteousness​—a fine example for all witnesses of Jehovah. And we can be sure that Noah’s wife, foreshadowing the remaining anointed ones on earth today, was a model of submissiveness. (2 Peter 2:5; Luke 4:14-19; Ephesians 5:21-24) When we consider how gigantic the task of building the ark of preservation was, we can imagine how happy the aging Noah must have been in having as his assistants three energetic sons and their wives! Aptly these picture the present-day “great crowd” who are shouldering the bulk of the spiritual building work during the final countdown to the antitypical Flood.​—Revelation 7:9, 15.

20, 21. (a) What bright prospects await Jehovah’s worshipers in the cleansed earth? (b) What joy is to be experienced even now?

²⁰ When this earth has been washed clean, ready to be transformed into a literal paradise, those pictured by Noah’s sons and daughters-in-law may for a time have children born to them in righteousness. Then the miracle of the resurrection will bring to completion the filling of the earth with humans. All who accept the privilege of becoming Jesus’ “other sheep” will be restored to perfection, and on surviving the final test after Christ hands over the Kingdom to his Father, these will be declared righteous for life eternal.​—John 5:28, 29; 10:16; 1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Psalm 37:29; Revelation 20:7, 8.

²¹ What joys lie ahead for Jehovah’s faithful worshipers! But great joy is to be found even now by wholeheartedly sharing in the building of the modern-day ark for survival. How is that work prospering? Our next study will provide the answer.

HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

◻ How should pre-Flood events forewarn us?

◻ What lessons should we draw from Matthew 24:37-39?

◻ Why is it so important to “hate what is bad”?

◻ How may we share in building the antitypical ark?

[Box on page 11]

LIKE ‘NOAH’S DAY’—

“Only 40 percent of college religion teachers . . . believe it is immoral for an unmarried man and woman to have sex.”​—Saturday Oklahoman & Times, December 29, 1984

[Box on page 12]

Do Bible Principles Count?

An Episcopalian priest listened to a funeral service conducted by one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Afterward, at the priest’s invitation, two ministers from the Watch Tower Society attended a discussion with several clergymen in Brooklyn Heights, New York City.

The question of homosexuality came up. The Witnesses made it plain that the Bible forbids this and that the Witnesses disfellowship persons who practice any kind of immorality. (Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Jude 7) The Witnesses asked the clergymen about their stand on this matter and received the following replies:

A Congregational minister: “I think we have the excommunication rule somewhere in the bylaws of our church, but for the life of me, I can’t remember when we ever invoked that law!”

The Episcopalian priest: “If we invoked that law, we wouldn’t have any parishioners [left].”

A Catholic monsignor: “If we invoked that law, we wouldn’t have any priests [left].”

Though these clergymen’s comments may exaggerate matters, Jehovah’s Witnesses are happy about their own firm stand in keeping the congregation clean. They are “no part of the world.”​—John 15:19.

[Box on page 13]

LIKE ‘NOAH’S DAY’—

“A New York City public school for homosexual high school students has opened in Manhattan.” Its teacher said: “We wanted an environment where gay and lesbian kids would not be subject to immature teen-agers.”​—The New York Times, June 6, 1985

[Box on page 14]

LIKE ‘NOAH’S DAY’—

“Members of the Riverside Church yesterday approved a pro-gay policy that accepts homosexual relationships as part of the concept of Christian family life.”​—New York Post, June 3, 1985

Building for an Eternal Future

“Every house has a builder, the Builder of all things being God.”​—HEBREWS 3:4, Weymouth.

1, 2. (a) Who designed the ark, and how detailed were the instructions that were given? (b) Why is it vital that we obey, as Noah did?

SOME 4,400 years ago Jehovah commanded Noah to build the ark for preservation of life. But God did not leave it to Noah to build just any kind of structure that might float. Rather, he gave specific instructions as to materials, layout, length, width, height, ventilation, and interior and exterior finishing. “And Noah proceeded to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so.”​—Genesis 6:13-16, 22.

² What a fine example for modern-day witnesses of Jehovah! Like Noah, we are entrusted with a lifesaving work but this time looking to the salvation of ‘millions now living who may never die.’ How important that we be obedient, as was Noah! How urgent that we follow the pattern of the One greater than Noah, Jesus Christ, in serving as ‘preachers of righteousness’!​—2 Peter 2:5.

A Spiritual Building Work

3. (a) What will result from building on Jesus’ sayings? (b) Why was Jesus’ preaching faith building?

³ It has now been 1,956 years since Jesus startled the Galilean countryside with his declaration: “Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” He likened everyone who obeyed his sayings and built upon them to “a discreet man, who built his house upon the rock-mass.” That man’s faith is firm, unshakable, immovable. It will not cave in under pressure. Jesus’ preaching was faith building. It reached people’s hearts, being so different from the sanctimonious mouthings of the Jewish religious leaders. The common people were astounded at Jesus’ way of teaching. Even soldiers that were sent to arrest him returned empty-handed, declaring: “Never has another man spoken like this.”​—Matthew 4:17; 7:24, 25, 28; John 7:46.

4. (a) How did Jesus build for the future? (b) What major building development took place at Pentecost of 33 C.E.?

⁴ Jesus was building for the future. He gathered fellow workers, such as Peter, who was also called Cephas, meaning “a stone.” To this disciple, Jesus said: “You are Peter, and on this rock-mass I will build my congregation.” In time Peter became one of many “living stones” built upon Jesus, the congregation’s “foundation cornerstone.” That congregation was established at Pentecost of 33 C.E. when the resurrected Jesus, at God’s right hand in heaven, poured out holy spirit upon the waiting disciples.​—Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 2:4-6; Acts 2:2-4, 32, 33.

5. What modern-day developments deeply involve the Christian congregation?

⁵ Today, the Christian congregation is deeply involved in the outworking of Jehovah’s purposes. It is the time of “apocalypse,” or “disclosure,” when “things that must shortly take place” are being revealed to God’s “slaves” on earth. (Revelation 1:1-3, Ref. Bi., footnote) It is the time when these slaves must ‘preach the good news of God’s Kingdom in all the earth for a witness,’ before he executes judgment on Satan’s wicked system. It is the time for the King, Jesus Christ, now enthroned in the heavens, to separate meek, sheeplike people from obstinate, goatish people who do not want that Kingdom, and to gather these “sheep” to his congregation of spiritual “brothers” before the “great tribulation” strikes.​—Matthew 24:14, 21; 25:31-40.

6. What today is the “ark,” and how may we survive?

⁶ What is the modern-day ark of survival? It is the spiritual situation in which Jehovah’s Witnesses have found themselves since 1919, a spiritual paradise. Like Noah’s family members, the remnant of anointed Christians and their companions must keep within its confines, working obediently, wholeheartedly, in completing the great spiritual project that Jehovah has purposed. This project is “to gather all things together again in the Christ, the things in the heavens [starting from 33 C.E. with heaven-bound anointed ones] and the things on the earth [beginning notably from 1935 with the international “great crowd” destined for everlasting life on earth].”​—Ephesians 1:10; Revelation 7:9, 14.

‘Building and Planting’

7. What twofold work is now in progress, and how may we share in happiness as did Noah and Jeremiah?

⁷ Jehovah has commissioned the remaining anointed Christians on earth, just as he did the prophet Jeremiah, “to be over the nations and over the kingdoms, in order to uproot and to pull down and to destroy and to tear down, to build and to plant.” So a twofold work is now in progress: (1) announcing Jehovah’s judgment against Satan’s wicked world system and (2) building and establishing a society of God’s own people for preservation. (Jeremiah 1:10; 24:6, 7; Isaiah 26:20, 21) How happy the remnant of anointed ones and the growing throng of their companions are as they share in this work today! It is the kind of happiness that industrious Noah and his family must have experienced in their day.

8. (a) What publisher increase over the past 22 years is to be noted? (b) Referring to pages 20-3, what are some countries that enjoyed outstanding increase during 1985?

⁸ Will millions survive the day of Jehovah’s anger? There is fine prospect for that, as the 1985 Service Year Report of Jehovah’s Witnesses indicates. Details of this report appear herein on pages 20-3. It is most thrilling to note the splendid increase in the peak number of field workers. This has now grown to a total of 3,024,131 Kingdom preachers. The 1,000,000 mark was first reached in 1963, 2,000,000 in 1974, and now more than 3,000,000 in 1985. In those 22 years, there has been a 200-percent increase. How grateful we are to Jehovah who, by his spirit, makes things grow!​—Zechariah 4:6; 1 Corinthians 3:6.

9. (a) Why is the pioneer increase even more remarkable? (b) What is recommended to all who can make room for it, and why?

⁹ Even more outstanding during those years has been the increase in full-time Kingdom proclaimers. Despite worsening economic conditions worldwide, the number of this valiant group of “pioneers” has shot up from a monthly average of 38,573 in 1963 to 322,821 in 1985​—a 737-percent increase! What does this indicate? It shows that a splendid spirit of self-sacrifice exists among God’s people, in line with Jesus’ words at Luke 9:23. Usually, careful planning and self-denial are needed to make a success of pioneer service. But the rewards are great.​—Romans 12:1, 2; Malachi 3:10.

10. (a) Congregation publishers are to be commended for what? (b) What three new peaks of activity are here observed, and what do they indicate?

¹⁰ The millions of congregation publishers also have to battle against the pressures brought upon them by Satan and his world. But they, too, are offering to God their “sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15; Romans 10:9, 10) Those hours, whether many or few, that you faithful publishers reported each month became part of the new peak of 590,540,205 hours of field service for 1985. This is a 16.8-percent increase over 1984! New peaks of 224,725,918 return visits and of 2,379,146 home Bible studies with interested persons indicate that Kingdom proclaimers everywhere are striving to be good teachers as well as zealous preachers.​—Matthew 28:19, 20.

Building for True Peace and Security

11. How is the true hope for peace and security being advertised, and to what extent?

¹¹ Late in 1985, the United Nations proclaimed 1986 as the International Year of Peace. In recent times, the UN has been saying much about peace and security. But a more important proclamation, that of the Scriptural hope for peace and security, gained great momentum during 1985 as Jehovah’s Witnesses placed in the world field 38,805,561 Bibles, books, and booklets, as well as 300,545,609 magazines, and obtained 1,719,930 subscriptions for The Watchtower and Awake! By printed page and by word of mouth, the established Kingdom of the real “Prince of Peace” has received its grandest witness to date. Truly, “of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”​—Isaiah 9:6, 7, King James Version.

12. Expansion has resulted in what great need, and how have Jehovah’s people united in trying to meet that need?

¹² The tremendous growth in the field has called for growth in support organization. During 1985 the number of congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide grew from 47,869 to 49,716. This has called for hundreds of new meeting places. How fine it is that, in many lands, the Witnesses have been blessed in their efforts to finance Kingdom Halls! Where there has been a need, individuals and congregations have unselfishly supported one another’s building programs, so that an “equalizing” has taken place among the worldwide brotherhood.​—2 Corinthians 8:14, 15.

13. How may individuals contribute to Kingdom Hall building projects?

¹³ In countries where circumstances are favorable, branch offices of the Watch Tower Society have also given backing to Kingdom Hall projects. In the United States and in Canada, many individuals are contributing to a special Kingdom Hall Fund, which has made possible loans for increased Kingdom Hall construction. Others have contributed their energies and skills, so that even quickly built Kingdom Halls are erected during just one weekend. By working at such projects “whole-souled as to Jehovah,” his Witnesses can accomplish what worldly men consider impossible.​—Colossians 3:23.

14. How have Assembly Hall needs been met?

¹⁴ In a number of countries, a lack of facilities suitable for semiannual circuit assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses has presented a major problem. Again, the Witnesses have joyfully met the challenge through construction programs, in the same spirit as shown by God’s servants in ancient times. For example, when it became necessary to find materials for the construction of the tabernacle, the assembly of Israel unitedly heeded God’s command: “From among yourselves take up a contribution for Jehovah. Let every willing-hearted one bring it as Jehovah’s contribution.” That assembly provided far more than was needed, and the work was accomplished quickly.​—Exodus 35:5-19; 36:7.

15. (a) What expansion has been taking place in Watch Tower Society branches? (b) How has the work been accomplished?

¹⁵ As the need for Bibles and Bible-based publications increases, many of the 94 Watch Tower branches throughout the world have had to expand their facilities. The Brooklyn and Watchtower Farms printing operation is still by far the largest, but 36 branches of the Society are now taking care of their own magazine printing, and 6 branches are also equipped to print and bind books. Of these, Germany, Italy, and Japan are manufacturing Bibles. The new factory at Selters, Germany, is working to capacity. At Ebina, Japan, construction is under way on a six-story factory addition and an eight-story Bethel Home annex to accommodate another 280 workers. Just as Jehovah’s people supported the construction of Solomon’s temple “with a complete heart,” so today God’s people in various lands make “voluntary offerings to Jehovah,” and he adds his blessing so that the work is accomplished.​—1 Chronicles 22:14, 15; 29:7, 9; see Ref. Bi., footnotes.

16. Why has this additional building and organizing been necessary?

¹⁶ Is all this construction and organizing really necessary? It is, if “the faithful and discreet slave” is to continue providing spiritual “food at the proper time.” Such food is vitally necessary for the growth of “the household of God” and for global preaching in upwards of 200 languages. (Matthew 24:45; Ephesians 2:19; 4:15, 16) Jehovah’s people themselves have contributed their skills in developing a multilanguage electronic phototypesetting system (MEPS), now supplied to 26 Watch Tower branches. This has made possible a unified global offset-printing operation and has helped toward publishing the Kingdom message simultaneously in many parts of the earth.​—Compare Isaiah 52:7-9.

17. What need exists at Brooklyn headquarters, and how is this being handled?

¹⁷ There appears to be no end to the modern-day expansion of Jehovah’s organization. Even now, the Bethel family at the Brooklyn, New York, headquarters of the Society has grown to the extent of filling all available accommodations. If it should be Jehovah’s will, a high-rise building to accommodate a thousand additional Bethel workers may be erected on the Society’s property on Columbia Heights. But if this does not eventuate, we will look for Jehovah’s further direction in the matter. The prayers and loyal support of the worldwide brotherhood in connection with all this expansion are indeed appreciated.​—Compare Acts 21:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:1.

18. Why are there so many building projects today, despite the nearness of Armageddon?

¹⁸ ‘But why,’ someone may ask, ‘are there so many expansion projects when we stand face-to-face with Armageddon?’ The answer is that Jehovah’s organization does not ‘close up shop’ with the approach of Armageddon. That is ‘closing time’ only for Satan’s organization. Jehovah’s organization is building for an eternal future. Whether or not man-made structures weather the storm of Armageddon, we know that God’s organization will survive as a going concern and that Jehovah will use it and those who loyally support it, establishing eternal peace and security in the glorious earthly Paradise of God’s promise.​—Revelation 7:9, 14-17; 21:1, 4, 5.

Building With a Purpose

19. What challenge is to be seen in the Memorial report for 1985?

¹⁹ Noah built with a purpose in view, and so must we. One feature of the 1985 Service Year Report provides much food for thought. It is that very wonderful attendance of 7,792,109 at the Memorial of Jesus’ death on April 4, 1985​—an increase of 375,135 over the 1984 total. Marvelous indeed! But that figure contains a challenge. With a peak of 3,024,131 publishers sharing in Kingdom service, there are well over 4,000,000 others associating with us, at least to some extent, who have yet to build for the future by sharing in the Christian ministry. How can we help them?

20. What urgent need is there to meet the challenge, and how may we go about it in a practical way?

²⁰ Most of these interested persons are known to us personally. They may be family members, people with whom we conduct Bible studies, subscribers to our magazines, or others. Some may even have become interested since the last Memorial. Can we now make special efforts to nurture these, building them up through Bible study, so that they may find refuge in Jehovah’s arrangement “until the adversities pass over”? (Psalm 57:1) The “great tribulation” will be Jehovah’s act of vindication, even more meaningful and conclusive than the Noachian Flood. We want to build up these interested ones with life-giving truths, so that they will “call upon the name of Jehovah” and not be swept away. (Matthew 24:21, 22, 39; Zephaniah 2:3; 3:8, 9) Let us study God’s Word with them, using the textbook You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth or other faith-building Bible literature.

21. How can we build faith like Noah’s in ourselves and in others?

²¹ Jehovah God is the Master Builder and Grand Provider for mankind. (Psalm 127:1; 145:16; Ecclesiastes 3:10-13) He it was who directed Noah as to the design and building of the ark. By the willing cooperation of the Greater Noah, Jesus Christ, he has arranged to ransom obedient humans from sin and death. Through this Son he has also built up the modern-day “ark,” the flourishing spiritual paradise wherein men and women of faith may find preservation, with everlasting life in view. (Matthew 20:26-28; John 3:16; 17:3) May we help many others to build faith and forge a bond of intimacy with Jehovah and his Son. May we help them to love righteousness and hate wickedness. (Hebrews 1:9) Thus, with faith like Noah’s, we can keep on building together for an eternal future.​—1 Timothy 4:15, 16.

SOME QUESTIONS FOR REVIEW—

◻ How did Jesus build for the future?

◻ What did you find outstanding in the 1985 report?

◻ Why are theocratic building programs needed?

◻ How may all of us build with a purpose?

[Box on page 24]

A congregation in an African country where Jehovah’s work is banned has 95 publishers, all of whom share in service each month. They average 130 at their meetings but 160 at their public talks. They have three regular pioneers and recently eight auxiliary pioneers. In just six months, 21 new publishers started in field service.

[Box/​Pictures on page 16, 17]

GLOBAL BUILDING BY JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Worldwide, 322,821 pioneers were reporting each month (increase of 24.7 percent)

Publishers worldwide grew to a peak of 3,024,131 (increase of 6.4 percent)

Return visits on interested ones totaled 224,725,918 for the year (increase of 14.8 percent)

Home Bible studies conducted each month were 2,379,146 (increase of 16.2 percent)

[Pictures]

Pioneers depart for the house-to-house ministry, Brooklyn, New York

Fourteen-language convention, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Witnessing, Castle Comb, Wiltshire, England

Study group in Yap, Micronesia

Some buildings used in support of the global spiritual building activity.

At Brooklyn, the shipping of Bibles and Bible literature is handled from this 1,000,000-square-foot structure at 360 Furman Street

This Kingdom Hall (Downpatrick, Northern Ireland) was built in 31 hours

This Assembly Hall in Rome is one of scores of such halls in use around the earth

This addition to Japan’s Bethel Home is now under construction

[Chart on pages 20-23]

1985 SERVICE YEAR REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLDWIDE

(See bound volume)

[Chart on page 25]

Eight countries reported a peak of more than 100,000 publishers in 1985

U.S.A. 723,220

Brazil 177,904

Mexico 173,037

Italy 127,526

Nigeria 121,729

Germany 115,604

Britain 103,522

Japan 103,117

Kingdom Proclaimers Report

“They Will Not Prevail Against You”

IN A Central American country, 15 armed men took two of Jehovah’s Witnesses from their home by force and brought them to a group of 75 men armed with clubs and machetes. They insulted the Witnesses with obscenities and turned them over to another group of about 350 similarly armed men. They expected that the two brothers would become fearful and would compromise their Christian neutrality by joining their patrol. (Isaiah 2:4) But the Witnesses stood fast and refused to join the military operation. So they were thrown into prison, while members of many of the churches compromised and went off to the hills with the patrol.

The next day the brothers were taken to the main town for another hearing. As they walked along, the guards told them they were brainwashed. The brothers replied: “It is certainly true that we have been brainwashed! Now we do not do harm to anyone; we are not thieves, drunkards, adulterers.” When the official gave them a hearing, he showed kindness and congratulated them, saying, “If everyone was like you, things would be different . . . and may your God Jehovah protect you.” They were then released.

Why the persecution of harmless, peaceful Christians who are upholding God’s standards of righteousness? It is because they are “no part of the world” and its political activities. (John 17:16) What a comfort to know that although Satan and his world will fight against servants of Jehovah, they will not prevail! (Jeremiah 1:19) This was proved true in this country, and the official in charge is to be commended for understanding the neutral position of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

◻ The words of Jeremiah also proved true in an experience from an African land where the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses is restricted. After describing the hardships the brothers undergo in trying to help people learn more about Jehovah’s wonderful purposes, the report says: “Due to the neutral position of Jehovah’s people, scores of our brothers are imprisoned, frequently for successive terms. They are severely beaten, whipped, and pressured in every way to violate their Christian consciences. In one case, after brutal beatings failed to break a brother’s integrity, some soldiers conspired to murder him. When a superior officer learned of their plot, he personally intervened and secretly had him transferred to another city, thus saving his life.”

This persecution has not stopped Jehovah’s Witnesses from preaching the good news as God has commanded. (Matthew 24:14) Jehovah sustains them by his spirit and blesses their faithful stand. The report from this country also states: “In spite of extreme physical hardships, hunger, disease, a fierce civil war, and persecution, there has been a 17-percent increase in the average number of publishers.” Memorial attendance increased 21 percent, and 21 percent of all publishers served as pioneers during April 1984.

So our brothers are happy even though they are persecuted. They trust in Jehovah and are reminded of the words of Jeremiah: “They will be certain to fight against you, but they will not prevail against you, for ‘I am with you,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘to deliver you.’”​—Jeremiah 1:19.

[Picture on page 27]

Jehovah sustains his persecuted Witnesses

Jehovah​—Simply Grand!

MAJESTIC, dignified, elevated, noble, illustrious, and awe-inspiring. These are but a few of the many synonyms for the word “grand” that are listed in a popular thesaurus. And, of a truth, any of them could be used to describe the “Grand Creator,” as Jehovah God is called at Ecclesiastes 12:1.

‘But just a minute,’ you may say, ‘my translation of the Bible does not use this descriptive word “grand.”’ Is the New World Translation correct in doing so?

In no way is this an example of adding to God’s Word​—something it expressly condemns. (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18) Rather, it is an attempt to convey in modern English the exact and complete meaning of the original Hebrew text. The rendering “Creator,” while basically correct, does not go far enough. A footnote to this text in the 1984 Reference Edition of the New World Translation explains: “‘Your Grand Creator.’ Heb[rew], Boh·re’eyʹkha. The participle of the Heb[rew] verb ‘create’ is pl[ural] to denote grandeur or excellence.”

Thus Bible writers, under divine inspiration, sometimes used plural verb forms or nouns to describe God. This does not mean, however, that they believed in a plural, or perhaps triune, God. On the contrary. “There is actually to us one God the Father,” wrote the apostle Paul, adding, “and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 8:6) Their use of the plural was simply to point up Jehovah’s incomparable position. He is majestic, dignified, elevated, noble, illustrious, and awe-inspiring​—all of this and more. Yes, simply stated, he is grand!

God, a Creator and an Instructor Par Excellence

“For who in the skies can be compared to Jehovah?” asked the psalmist. “Who can resemble Jehovah among the sons of God?” (Psalm 89:6) Not even the firstborn Son who served at creation as His “master worker” can measure up to Jehovah’s degree of greatness. He himself admitted this, saying when on earth as the man Jesus Christ: “The Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28) And despite being his Father’s “master worker,” he never laid claim to the title of co-Creator. He glorified God as being the one and only Creator.​—Compare Genesis 1:26, 27; Proverbs 8:30; and Matthew 19:4.a

Jehovah is not just a mighty one, or god, of which there are many, but he is the Almighty God, of which there is only one. (Psalm 82:6; Revelation 11:17) In view of his unique position, it is most appropriate to refer to him as “the grand God.” That is what the prophet Daniel called him when he was asked to interpret a dream that King Nebuchadnezzar had. He said: “The grand God himself has made known to the king what is to occur after this. And the dream is reliable, and the interpretation of it is trustworthy.” To which the king replied: “Truly the God of you men is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a Revealer of secrets.”​—Daniel 2:45, 47.

A Grand God with the ability to foreknow the future and to reveal secrets is obviously capable of guiding his people properly, instructing them on how to avoid dangers. He is an Instructor without equal, the “Grand Instructor,” as Isaiah 30:20, 21 calls him. This is true, first of all, because of the ultimate wisdom embodied in what he teaches. For example, God issued warnings that alerted his people to the dangers inherent in tobacco, drug abuse, blood transfusions, and sexual immorality long before these were fully recognized by scientists and doctors.b

Second, he is without equal in his method of teaching. It is always positive, offered in a loving way with patience and a perfect grasp of the student’s individual needs and capabilities. It is therefore most effective. No wonder an ancient servant of God once asked, for reasons of comparison, the question: “Look! God himself acts exaltedly with his power; who is an instructor like him?”​—Job 36:22.

A King, a Maker, and a Master

Jerusalem, seat of government for Jehovah’s typical theocracy, was called “the town of the grand King.” (Psalm 48:1, 2) Psalm 135:21 identifies this “grand King” as being “Jehovah, who is residing in Jerusalem.” (See also Psalm 47:8; Matthew 5:35.) Of course, as universal Sovereign upon a heavenly throne, the Grand King never did literally reside in Jerusalem, but the human kings who ruled as his representatives did.​—Psalm 10:16; 29:10; Jeremiah 10:10; Daniel 4:34.

Now, since 1914, Jehovah is once again ruling through a representative King, this time his Son, Christ Jesus, who is installed in the “heavenly Jerusalem.” (Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 11:15; 12:10) His Messianic Kingdom will permanently establish the rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty and rid the universe of all challengers to the rule of the Grand King.

According to Job 35:10, Psalm 149:2, and Isaiah 54:5, Jehovah is also the “Grand Maker.” The latter two texts refer to Jehovah’s making Israel into a nation to serve his interests. Thus, besides being able to create, Jehovah is also able to cause his creations to become whatever he desires them to be in order for his purposes to see fulfillment. This is in harmony with the very meaning of the divine name: “He Causes to Become.”

Such a Grand King and Grand Maker is worthy of our trust and confidence. More than that, he is worthy of our love, devotion, and​—above all—​our worship. He is entitled to be called our “grand Master.” (Hosea 12:14) We should avoid acting like unfaithful Israel, who foreshadowed modern-day Christendom. Of such apostates Malachi wrote: “‘A son, for his part, honors a father; and a servant, his grand master. So if I am a father, where is the honor to me? And if I am a grand master, where is the fear of me?’ Jehovah of armies has said to you, O priests who are despising my name.” (Malachi 1:6) We should honor our Grand Master with a godly fear, not despising his name by trying to hide it​—as some modern translators have done—​or eradicate it from the Bible as though it is shameful to mention it. On the contrary, we should be proud to bear it in identifying ourselves as His witnesses.

Fully Recognizing Jehovah’s Grandness

God is the personification of love, as well as of every other good and positive quality. (1 John 4:8) So it does not surprise us that Isaiah describes this “true God, Jehovah, . . . the Creator of the heavens” simply as “the Grand One.” He is the very personification of grandness.​—Isaiah 42:5.

If we fully recognize him as being a Grand King now ruling since 1914 in a very special sense, we will maintain strict Christian neutrality in political affairs. We will avoid taking sides, even in a passive way. And in a positive way we will support God’s rule by “seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness,” actively preaching “this good news of the kingdom” to others.​—Matthew 6:33; 24:14.

If we fully recognize him as being a Grand Master, we will refrain from contradicting in speech or action his approved way of doing things. We will be quick to obey him. In view of his unique position as the Grand God, the Grand Creator, and the Grand Maker, we will appreciate his right to exclusive devotion. We will not balk at his requirements, even those that may appear to us to be overly restrictive. We will readily accept his arrangements for maintaining peace and unity in the congregation and within our own families.​—See Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 6:1-3.

If we fully recognize him as being a Grand Instructor, we will not doubt or criticize the methods of instruction Jehovah’s “faithful and discreet slave” class is using today. Rather, we will support disciplinary actions that are sometimes necessary in instructing, and at the same time attempt to derive as much benefit as possible from the fine teaching aids God’s visible organization provides.​—Matthew 24:45-47.

Yes, in summary, if we fully recognize Jehovah as being the Grand One, we will be eager to grasp every opportunity to serve him. Positions of power, fame, and wealth, as enjoyed by politicians, entertainment personalities, or financiers, are as nothing when compared to the privilege of being in the service of the Grand One.

Many people might be willing to accept Jehovah as their Creator and Maker. But when it comes to accepting him as their God, their Instructor, their King, and their Master​—at this they rebel. Let us never make that mistake. Remember, whether as Creator, Maker, God, Instructor, King, or Master, Jehovah is majestic, dignified, elevated, noble, illustrious, and awe-inspiring​—all of this and more. Yes, Jehovah is simply grand!

[Footnotes]

Questions From Readers

◼ Since Psalm 37:29 has been translated “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever,” does it refer simply to Israel’s permanently occupying the Promised Land?

No, that interpretation would be an unfounded limitation of this inspired promise. Psalm 37 holds before righteous ones the prospect of living forever on our earth.

The above rendering of Psalm 37:29 is from the King James Version. As is true of many other versions, it renders the Hebrew ‘eʹrets as “land.” ‘Eʹrets can refer to a distinct region or to the territory of a nation, such as “the land of Shinar” or “the land of Egypt.”​—Genesis 10:10, 11; 21:21; Psalm 78:12; Jeremiah 25:20.

So Psalm 37:11, 29 might indicate that the Israelites could have been and should have been permanent occupants of the Promised Land. In accord with God’s covenant with Abraham, they could have remained in that territory that God gave them, with generation after generation enjoying his blessings there. However, it did not work out that way, for the Israelites became unfaithful to God.​—Genesis 15:18-21; 17:8; Deuteronomy 7:12-16, 22; 28:7-14; 31:7; Joshua 21:43-45.

However, there is no Scriptural reason to limit ‘eʹrets at Psalm 37:11, 29 to just the land given to the Israelites.

According to A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament (Gesenius, Brown, Driver, and Briggs; 1951) ‘eʹrets means: “1. a. earth, whole earth ([as opposed] to a part) . . . b. earth, [as opposed] to heaven, sky . . . c. earth=inhabitants of earth . . . 2. land=a. country, territory . . . b. district, region . . . 3. a. ground, surface of ground . . . b. soil, as productive.” Old Testament Word Studies by William Wilson says of ‘eʹrets: “The earth in the largest sense, both the habitable and uninhabitable parts; with some accompanying word of limitation, it is used of some portion of the earth’s surface, a land or country.” So the first and primary meaning of the Hebrew word is our planet, or globe, the earth.

Significantly, when Psalm 37:11, 29 was translated into Greek in the Septuagint, the Hebrew ‘eʹrets was rendered by the Greek ge, which “denotes earth as arable land or soil.” Ge is the word that is used in Jesus’ significant prophecy at Matthew 5:5: “Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.”

Surely Jesus, in quoting the promise of Psalm 37:11, was not speaking merely of the Promised Land. His anointed followers will become heavenly king-priests with him to share a rulership over the entire earthly globe. (Revelation 5:10) Similarly, mild-tempered ones gaining everlasting life as humans will help to restore Paradise conditions over the entire earth. (Revelation 21:4; Genesis 1:28) Thus, all of us can look to the marvelous future fulfillment of the promise: “For the good will inherit the earth, and upon it for ever will dwell.”​—Psalm 37:29, Fenton.

Bearing Up Under Superhuman Pressure

Do you feel that this is what you are doing? Many people do. And they are helped by knowing how others cope. A woman from Bettendorf, Iowa, writes that she relates experiences from the Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses to persons with whom she studies the Bible, “helping them to see that ‘the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world.’”​—1 Peter 5:9.

Read the 1986 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It can help you to be firm for righteousness and happy about doing what is right. It contains detailed reports about the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Bolivia, the Netherlands, and Nigeria. It also gives an up-to-date picture of their work worldwide.

Please send, postpaid, the 256-page, hardbound 1986 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I enclose $1 (U.S.).