Jehovah God's Prophet
*** Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence January 1 1908 (reprint) p.4110 "Views From the Watch Tower" ***
We are not prophesying; we are merely giving our surmises, the Scriptural
basis for which is already in the hands of our readers in the six volumes of
SCRIPTURE STUDIES. We do not even aver that there is no mistake in our
interpretation of prophesy and our calculations of chronology. We have merely
laid these before you, leaving it for each to exercise his own faith or doubt
in respect to them.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Reasoning From the Scriptures (1985, 1989) p.136 False Prophets ***
Have not Jehovah's Witnesses made errors in their teachings?
Jehovah's Witnesses do not claim to be inspired prophets.
They have made mistakes. Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, they have at
times had some wrong expectations.—Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1980 January 1 p.2 Page Two (inside front cover) ***
A WATCHTOWER enables a person to look far into the distance and announce
to others what is seen. Likewise, this magazine, published by Jehovah's
Witnesses, aids the reader to see what the future holds
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1933 April 1 p.99 ***
[Scan available: Page 99]
5 There at the base of Mount Horeb Jehovah began
the production of a great moving picture, God causing
a record thereof to be written, and later assured the
faithful followers of Christ Jesus that the same was
written for the aid and comfort of the remnant of
God and to be understood by that remnant following
the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple of Jehovah.
Faithful followers of Christ Jesus have at different
times tried to get an understanding of the 'voice of
the signs' given to Moses. In September 15, 1907,
issue of The Watchtower the matter was considered,
and some very interesting thoughts expressed. It was
not then, however, God's due time for this matter to
be understood. Man has no power to interpret prophecy.
The Lord makes it clear in his own due time, and
he usually reveals the same to his people by having
them perform something in fulfilment of the prophecy
and then discloses to his faithful the meaning thereof.
This is always a strengthener to their faith. All honor
and credit for such understanding and explanation
is due to and is gladly given to Jehovah God. This
revelation he brings' to his people through his beloved
Son, Christ Jesus, the Head of his organization.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1956 Feb 1 p.88 Cautious as Serpents Among Wolves ***
45 We dare not lie against God's Word, adding to it or taking
away from it, reading into it what it does not say and denying, passing
over or explaining away what it does truthfully say. "Every word of God is tried: . . . Add
thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
(Prov. 30:5, 6, AS) We may not tell untruths in his name, for that puts
God in the light of a liar. "Let God be found true, though every man be
found a liar." (Rom. 3:4, NW) In Jeremiah's day
the false prophets prophesied lies in Jehovah's name and lied against his
purpose, foretelling in his name what he had not foretold. Therefore
Jehovah was against them. He executed judgment against them at
Jerusalem's destruction in 607 B.C. (Jer. 23:25; 27:15)
Religious liars like them today cannot escape a
like judgment but will meet a like end at Armageddon.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1969 January 1 p.2 Page Two ***
Ever since 'The Watchtower' began to be
published in July of 1879 it has looked ahead into the future... No,
'The Watchtower' is no inspired prophet, but it follows and
explains a Book of prophecy the predictions in which have proved to be unerring and
unfailing till now. 'The Watchtower' is therefore under safe guidance. It may
be read with confidence, for its statements may be checked against
that prophetic Book.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1952 April 15 p.253 Aids for Understanding Prophecy ***
19 When may prophecies be understood? The Lord said to Daniel, "O Daniel, shut up the words, and
seal the book, even to the time of the end." (Dan. 12:4, AS) This indicates that the
further fulfillments of the prophecies are sealed until the physical facts appear that
begin to fulfill them. So the rule seems to be reasonable and certain that prophecies
cannot be understood until they are in the course of fulfillment or until they have been
fulfilled. Jehovah as the great Interpreter makes known the meaning of his revelations in
his due time, and speculation by men cannot bring to light the true meaning of prophecy
before time. Jehovah has provided a channel, the "faithful and
discreet slave" class, who are given spiritual "food at the
proper time", and this spiritual food includes among other things the understandings
of the prophecies in the course of their fulfillments. (Matt. 24:45, NW) Jehovah's
witnesses themselves are not nor can they be interpreters of prophecies. But as fast as
the "superior authorities" Jehovah and Christ Jesus reveal the interpretations
through their provided channel that fast do God's people
publish them the world over to strengthen the faith of all lovers of righteousness.
PROPHESYING TODAY
20 Since Joel 2:28, which has its complete fulfillment after 1919, foretells that God
will pour out his spirit upon people of all kinds and "your sons and your daughters
shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions",
in what sense then do Jehovah's witnesses prophesy today? Jehovah's
people confess no powers of inspiration today. However, they do pray
continually for more of God's holy spirit to understand the many prophecies already
uttered and preserved for the final preaching work which Jehovah's witnesses are now
undertaking. They know that the inspired infallible Scriptures of prophecy will be
fulfilled toward them correctly. They diligently study the visions and dreams of God's
faithful men of old. They can quote and copy the Scriptures of God's inspired men and can
apply them according to the facts. They can observe how God interprets them by Christ
Jesus through the events and facts that he causes to appear. They are then faithful in
publishing and preaching the revealed prophecies to the
utter ends of the earth. The twentieth-century preaching prophets
of Jehovah are the ones who are running to and fro over the Bible to gain
knowledge of the divine pronouncements which is on the increase.—Dan. 12:4.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1972 April 1 p.197 'They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them' ***
People today can view the creative works. They have at hand the Bible, but it is little read or
understood. So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them,
to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come?
IDENTIFYING THE "PROPHET"
These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this
prophet? ... This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It
was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as
International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses.
... Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a "prophet" of God.
It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to
review the record.
[Emphasis Added]
*** The Time is at Hand (Studies in the Scriptures, vol. II), 1908 reprint (1889 orign.) pp.98,99 ***
True, it is expecting great things to claim, as
we do, that within the coming twenty-six years all present
governments will be overthrown and dissolved ... In view of this strong bible evidence
concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established
truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the
Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A.D. 1914...
[Emphasis Added]
*** The Finished Mystery (Studies in the Scriptures, vol. VII) 1917 (1917 edition) p.485 ***
...Also, in the year 1918,
when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions,
it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell
to learn the meaning of the downfall of "Christianity".
[Emphasis Added]
*** Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, 89, 90, 97 ***
...They are to be resurrected as perfect men
and constitute the princes or rulers in the earth ... Therefore we may confidently
expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets
of old ... 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful
worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction... based upon the
promises set forth in the divine Word...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Life Everlasting — In Freedom of the Sons of God, 1966, 29, 30 ***
... According to this trustworthy Bible
chronology six thousand years from man's creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period
of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975 C.E. ... It would not
be by mere chance or accident but would be according to the loving
purpose of Jehovah God for the reign of Jesus Chris, the "Lord of the Sabbath,"
to run parallel with the seventh millennium of man's existence.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1968 August 15 p.499 Why Are You Looking Forward to 1975? ***
30 Are we to assume from this study that the battle of Armageddon will be all
over by the autumn of 1975, and the long-looked-for thousand-year reign of Christ will
begin by then? Possibly, but we wait to see how closely the seventh
thousand-year period of man's existence coincides with the sabbathlike
thousand-year reign of Christ. If these two periods run parallel with each other as to the
calendar year, it will not be by mere chance or accident but will be according to
Jehovah's loving and timely purposes. Our chronology, however, which is reasonably
accurate (but admittedly not infallible), at the best only points to the autumn of 1975 as
the end of 6,000 years of man's existence on earth. It does not necessarily mean that 1975
marks the end of the first 6,000 years of Jehovah's seventh creative "day." Why
not? Because after his creation Adam lived some time during the "sixth day,"
which unknown amount of time would need to be subtracted from Adam's 930 years, to
determine when the sixth seven-thousand-year period or "day" ended, and how long
Adam lived into the "seventh day." And yet the end of that sixth creative
"day" could end within the same Gregorian calendar year of Adam's creation.
It may involve only a difference of weeks or months, not years.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Kingdom Ministry May 1974 p.3 How Are You Using Your Life? ***
Yes, the end of this system is so very near! Is that not reason to increase our
activity? In this regard we can learn something from a runner who
puts on a final burst of speed near the finish of a race. Look at Jesus, who
apparently stepped up his activity during his final days on earth. In fact, over 27
percent of the material in the Gospels is devoted to just the last week of Jesus' earthly
ministry!—Matt. 21:1-27:50; Mark 11:1-15:37; Luke 19:29-23:46; John 11:55-19:30.
By carefully and prayerfully examining our own circumstances, we also may find that we
can spend more time and energy in preaching during this final period
before the present system ends. Many of our brothers and sisters are doing just
that. This is evident from the rapidly increasing number of pioneers.
Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now
there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That
is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm
our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and
property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the
pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the
wicked world's end.—1 John 2:17.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1917 June 1 p.6091 ***
... Truly there lived among us in these last days a prophet of
the Lord... his works remain an enduring witness to his wisdom and faithfulness!
[Emphasis Added]
*** CHILDREN 1941, p 214 ***
John, dear, don't you think we should have The Watchtower and
study it regularly, that we might be informed of
the unfolding of Jehovah's prophecies?
[Emphasis Added]
*** Holy Spirit — The Force Behind the Coming New Order! (1976) p.148 ch.8 "Spirit of Life from God Entered into Them" ***
The facts substantiate that the remnant
of Christ's anointed disciples have been doing that prophesying
to all the nations...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1959 January 15 pp.39-41 Down with the Old—Up with the New! ***
... but, Who will be Jehovah's prophet to the nations, to speak to them
everything that He should command? Who will be the modern Jeremiah? ... So
who will prophesy with his message in this time of the end of the nations of this world?
... How was the question answered? ... The fact that decides the answer to the question
is, not, Do all the clergy of Roman Catholicism and of Protestantism agree that Jehovah's
witnesses have been and are God's prophet to the nations? but, Who discerned the divine
will for Christians in this time of the world's end and offered themselves to do it? Who
have undertaken God's foreordained work for this day of judgment of the nations? Who have
answered the call to the work and have done it down till this year 1958? Whom
has God actually used as his prophet?
14 By the historical facts of the case Christendom is beaten back in defeat.
Jehovah's witnesses are deeply grateful today that the plain facts show
that God has been pleased to use them. ... It has been because Jehovah thrust out his hand
of power and touched their lips and put his words in their mouths...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1964 June 15 pp.365-6 Jehovah, the God of Progressive Revelation ***
THE KINGDOM'S ESTABLISHMENT
22 As Jehovah revealed his truths by means of the first-century Christian congregation
so he does today by means of the present-day Christian congregation.
Through this agency he is having carried out prophesying on an intensified and
unparalleled scale. All this activity is not an accident. Jehovah
is the one behind all of it. The abundance of spiritual food and the amazing
details of Jehovah's purposes that have been revealed to Jehovah's anointed witnesses are
clear evidence that they are the ones mentioned by Jesus when he foretold a "faithful
and discreet slave" class that would be used to dispense God's progressive
revelations in these last days. […]
23 The holy spirit of Jehovah is working mightily today! How thankful we should be for
the provision God has made of this slave class, the modern spiritual remnant, as they
faithfully dispense the revealed truths of Jehovah! With
these rich truths to light the way, Christians do not grope in this dark, jungle-like
world as do the masses of people in Christendom and heathendom alike. To the
contrary, Jehovah's faithful witnesses have been progressively
brought to an understanding of Jehovah's purposes, which are
clearer now than ever before in history. Their
organization, being patterned after the first-century Christian congregation, is blessed
by Jehovah. He has prospered their work of preaching "this good news of the
kingdom" in 194 different lands to date. Each year they gather into the organization
tens of thousands of new ministers, clearly a product of
Jehovah's spirit operating through his invisible King-Son and his angelic representatives,
then through his faithful slave class on earth today.—Matt. 24:14.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1964 October 1 p.601 Pay Attention to Prophecy ***
... for God has on earth today a prophetlike organization,
... Jehovah's anointed witnesses on earth.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1972 March 15 p.189 Wanted—A Messenger ***
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF GOD'S MESSENGER
... More accurately, was there any group on whom Jehovah would be
willing to bestow the commission to speak as a "prophet" in His name,
as was done toward Ezekiel back there in 613 B.C.E.? ... It is of importance
to every individual on earth to identify the group that Jehovah has
commissioned as his "servant" or messenger. We must recognize and understand
the warning that he brings. We need to take action on the warning to
safeguard our lives, for they are in a danger as grave as that of the lives
of Jerusalem's citizens as that city neared destruction. For this reason
forthcoming issues of The Watchtower will further discuss the identity and
work of Jehovah's commissioned messenger as revealed in His vision to
Ezekiel.
[See next quote for answer to emphasized question]
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1972 April 1 p.197 'They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them' ***
This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women.
It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as
International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's
Christian witnesses... Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a
"prophet" of God. It is another thing to prove it. The
only way that this can be done is to review the record.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1976 May 15 p.297 Preaching Christ—Through Envy or Goodwill? ***
They do not claim infallibility or perfection. Neither are they inspired
prophets.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1982 October 1 p.27 Be as Men Who Are Facing Har-Magedon Unafraid ***
8 In behalf of such individuals who at heart seek God's rule instead of man's rule,
the "prophet" whom Jehovah has raised up has been, not an
individual man as in the case of Jeremiah, but a class. The members of this
class are, like the prophet-priest Jeremiah, wholly dedicated to Jehovah God through
Christ and, by the begettal of Jehovah's holy spirit,
they have been made part of "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, a people for special possession."
[Emphasis Added]
*** Awake! 1993 March 22 pp.3-4 Why So Many False Alarms? ***
[Footnotes]
Jehovah's Witnesses, in their
eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out
to be incorrect. Because of this, some have
called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they
presume to originate predictions 'in the name of Jehovah.' Never did they
say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.' The Watchtower, the
official journal of Jehovah's Witnesses, has said: "We have not the gift
of prophecy." (January 1883, page 425) "Nor would we have our writings
reverenced or regarded as infallible." (December 15, 1896, page 306) The
Watchtower has also said that the fact that some have Jehovah's spirit
"does not mean those now serving as Jehovah's witnesses are inspired.
It does not mean that the writings in this
magazine The Watchtower are inspired and infallible and without mistakes."
(May 15, 1947, page 157) "The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in
its utterances, nor is it dogmatic." (August 15, 1950, page 263)
"The brothers preparing these publications are
not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and
the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has
been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov.
4:18)"—February 15, 1981, page 19.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Awake! 1986 June 8 p.7-9 "Would That All Were Prophets!" ***
"Would That All Were Prophets!"
[…]
All True Christians ARE Prophets
The New American Bible correctly states: "Prophet means 'one who speaks for another,'
especially for God. It does not necessarily mean that he predicts the future!" Pope John
Paul II said: "The 'prophetic office' of the People of God must be consciously exercised
as a true service of the Word." But as we have seen, it is impossible for a Catholic to
be a true prophet, or witness, for God's Word, the Bible, without betraying the doctrine
of the Catholic Church, based mainly on tradition.
In its final declaration, the World Catholic Federation for the Biblical Apostolate
expressed the need for Bible education, particularly among the young and the poor, for
inexpensive Bibles and Bible education literature, for Bible translations and Bible
translators, and for full-time workers. It further stated that all Christians should
preach and teach, live by the Bible, and "discern the signs of the times."
You will be interested to learn that God has on earth a people, all of whom are
prophets, or witnesses for God. In fact, they are known throughout the world as
Jehovah's Witnesses. Out of love for God and his Word, they are carrying on a
universal Bible educational work among old and young, rich and poor. They have
hundreds of thousands of full-time voluntary workers, some of whom translate and
print Bibles and Bible educational literature that is distributed inexpensively,
or even free of charge. They are assisted by millions of part-time workers. Any
of these will be happy to help you "discern the signs of the times" and embrace
the wonderful hope contained in God's Word, the Bible.
[…]
[Picture on page 9]
True Christians are prophets in that they teach others God's Word
[Emphasis Added]
*** Insight Volume 2 pp.696-7 Prophet ***
Prophet
Distinguishing the True From the False. In
some cases, such as that of Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus, God's prophets performed
miraculous works that attested to the genuineness of their message and office. Not all,
however, are recorded as performing such powerful works. The three essentials for
establishing the credentials of a true prophet, as given through Moses, were:
The true prophet would speak in Jehovah's name; the things foretold would
come to pass (De 18:20-22); and his prophesying must promote true worship, being in
harmony with God's revealed word and commandments (De 13:1-4). The last
requirement was probably the most vital and decisive, for an individual might
hypocritically use God's name, and by coincidence, his prediction might see fulfillment.
But the true prophet was not solely or even primarily a prognosticator, as has been shown.
Rather, he was an advocate of righteousness, and his message dealt primarily with moral
standards and their application. He expressed God's mind on matters. (Isa 1:10-20; Mic
6:1-12) Hence, it was not necessary to wait perhaps for years or generations to determine
whether the prophet was true or false by fulfillment of a prediction. If
his message contradicted God's revealed will and standards, he was false. Thus,
a prophet who foretold peace for Israel or Judah, at a time when the people were engaging
in disobedience to God's Word and Law, of necessity was false.—Jer 6:13, 14; 14:11-16.
Jesus' later warning concerning false prophets paralleled that of Moses. Though using
his name, and giving "signs and wonders to lead astray," their fruits would
prove them "workers of lawlessness."—Mt 7:15-23; Mr 13:21-23; compare 2Pe 2:1-3;
1Jo 4:1-3.
The true prophet never foretold simply to satisfy human curiosity. Every prediction
related to God's will, purpose, standards, or judgment. (1Ki 11:29-39; Isa 7:3-9) Often
the future events foretold were the consequence of existing conditions; as the people
sowed, so they would reap. The false prophets lulled the people and their leaders with
soothing assurances that, despite their unrighteous course, God was still with them to
protect and prosper them. (Jer 23:16-20; 28:1-14; Eze 13:1-16; compare Lu 6:26.) They
imitated the true prophets, employing symbolic language and actions. (1Ki 22:11; Jer
28:10-14) While some were outright frauds, many were evidently
prophets who became delinquent or apostate. (Compare 1Ki 18:19; 22:5-7; Isa
28:7; Jer 23:11-15.) Some were women, false prophetesses. (Eze 13:17-23; compare Re 2:20.)
A "spirit of uncleanness" replaced God's spirit. All such false prophets were to
be put to death.—Zec 13:2, 3; De 13:5.
As to those measuring up to the divine standards, the fulfillment
of certain "short-range" prophecies, some being accomplished in just a day or a
year, gave basis for confidence that their prophecies relating to a more distant future
would also see fulfillment.—1Ki 13:1-5; 14:12, 17; 2Ki 4:16, 17;
7:1, 2, 16-20.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Insight Volume 2 p.682 Pride ***
Pride
Pride Is Deceptive and Destructive. The proud person may not
recognize that he is proud and may attribute his actions to other causes
in order to avoid facing the fact of his pride. Each
person should examine himself and his motives thoroughly to determine whether he has this
bad trait. The apostle Paul shows the need for the right motive, and the knowledge a
person should have of himself in this respect, when he says: "If I give all my
belongings to feed others, and if I hand over my body, that I may boast
[kau·khe'so·mai], but do not have love, I am not profited at all."—1Co 13:3.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Reference Bible 1 Chronicles 13:7-10 ***
8 And David and all Israel were celebrating before the [true]
God with full power and with songs and with harps and with
stringed instruments and with tambourines and with cymbals and with trumpets.
9 And they came gradually as far as the threshing floor of Chi'don, and Uz'zah now thrust his hand
out to grab hold of the Ark, for the bulls nearly caused an upset. 10 At that Jehovah's
anger blazed against Uz'zah, so that he struck him down because he had thrust his hand out
upon the Ark, and he died there before God.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Reference Bible 2 Samuel 6:4-7 ***
4 So they carried it from A·bin'a·dab's
house, which was on the hill—with the ark of the [true] God; and A·hi'o was walking ahead
of the Ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before Jehovah with
all sorts of instruments of juniper wood and with harps and with stringed instruments and
with tambourines and with sistrums and with cymbals. 6 And they came gradually as far as
the threshing floor of Na'con, and Uz'zah now thrust [his hand] out to the ark of the
[true] God and grabbed hold of it, for the cattle nearly caused an upset. 7 At that
Jehovah's anger blazed against Uz'zah and the [true] God struck him down there for the
irreverent act, so that he died there close by the ark of the [true] God.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Reference Bible Numbers 4:15 ***
15 "And Aaron and his sons must finish
covering the holy place and all the utensils of the holy place when the camp is departing,
and after that the sons of Ko'hath will come in to carry them, but they must not touch the
holy place so that they have to die. These things are the load of the sons of Ko'hath in
the tent of meeting.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Insight Volume 2 pp.680-1 Presumptuousness ***
Presumptuousness
[…]
To Be Carefully Guarded Against. King David, who was
granted many favors and great authority by God, realized that,
nonetheless, he could be guilty of presumptuousness. He prayed: "Mistakes—who can
discern? From concealed sins pronounce me innocent. Also from presumptuous acts hold your
servant back; do not let them dominate me. In that case I shall be complete, and I shall
have remained innocent from much transgression." (Ps 19:12, 13) The
danger is great, therefore, and something to be closely guarded against. A presumptuous
act is a much more serious sin than a mistake. Whether one is in a high position or a low
one, the taking of liberties is a detestable thing in God's sight. Uzziah,
though a mighty king who had experienced God's blessings, was struck with leprosy for
presumptuously taking priestly duties into his own hands. (2Ch 26:16-21) Presumptuousness
prompted King Saul into rebellion against Jehovah. Not willing to wait for Samuel's
arrival, Saul took it upon himself to offer sacrifice. (1Sa 13:8-14) He also used his own
judgment in sparing Amalekite King Agag and the best of the spoil, when Jehovah's command
had been to devote the Amalekites to destruction. For his presumptuous course Saul was
rejected as king.—1Sa 15:8, 9, 11, 18, 19.
A notable example of presumption on the part of a nonroyal Israelite is that of Uzzah.
The ark of the covenant was being transported to Jerusalem in a cattle-drawn cart,
contrary to the divinely outlined procedure. When the cattle nearly caused an upset, Uzzah
reached out and grabbed hold of the Ark to steady it. For this irreverent presumption
Jehovah struck him, and he died.—2Sa 6:6, 7.
A person not sure of what action he should take on a matter, or not certain if it is
within his authority to do a certain thing, should by all means first consult others who
have knowledge and discernment. The Scriptures counsel: "By presumptuousness one only
causes a struggle, but with those consulting together there is wisdom." (Pr 13:10)
Presumptuousness leads to disastrous results; modesty will
save a person. The wise man says: "Has presumptuousness come? Then dishonor will
come; but wisdom is with the modest ones."—Pr 11:2.
Disrespect for God's Sovereignty. When a person acts
presumptuously toward God he is showing disrespect for Jehovah's sovereignty and Godship.
Those claiming to be his servants and misrepresenting him are most reprehensible.
Of the false prophets, Jehovah said: "The prophet who presumes to
speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak . . . that prophet must
die. . . . When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or
come true, . . . with presumptuousness the prophet spoke it."—De 18:20-22.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Reference Bible Deuteronomy 18:20-22 ***
20 "'However, the prophet who
presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks
in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. 21 And in case you should say in your
heart: "How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?"
22 when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur
or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the
prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.'
[Emphasis Added]
*** Reference Bible 2 Chronicles 26:16-21 ***
16 However, as soon as he was strong, his heart
became haughty even to the point of causing ruin, so that
he acted unfaithfully against Jehovah his God and came into the temple of
Jehovah to burn incense upon the altar of incense. 17 Immediately Az·a·ri'ah the priest
and with him priests of Jehovah, eighty valiant men, came in after him. 18 Then they stood
up against Uz·zi'ah the king and said to him: "It is not your business, O Uz·zi'ah,
to burn incense to Jehovah, but it is the business of the priests the sons of Aaron, the
ones sanctified, to burn incense. Go out from the sanctuary; for you have acted
unfaithfully, and it is not for any glory to you on the part of Jehovah God."
19 But Uz·zi'ah became enraged while in his hand there was a censer for burning
incense, and, during his rage against the priests, leprosy itself flashed up in his
forehead before the priests in the house of Jehovah beside the altar of incense. 20 When
Az·a·ri'ah the chief priest and all the priests turned toward him, why, there he was
stricken with leprosy in his forehead! So they excitedly began to remove him from there,
and he himself also hastened to go out, because Jehovah had smitten him.
21 And Uz·zi'ah the king continued to be a leper until the day of his death, and he
kept dwelling in a house exempt from duties, as a leper; for he had been severed from the
house of Jehovah, while Jo'tham his son was over the king's house, judging
the people of the land.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Reference Bible Matthew 7:15-16 ***
15 "Be on the watch for the false
prophets that come to YOU in sheep's covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By
their fruits YOU will recognize them...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Reference Bible Zechariah 13:2-6 ***
2 "And it must occur in that day," is the
utterance of Jehovah of armies, "[that] I shall cut off the names
of the idols out of the land, and they will no more be remembered; and also the prophets
and the spirit of uncleanness I shall cause to pass out of the land.
3 And it must occur [that] in case a man should prophesy anymore, his father and his mother, the
ones who caused his birth, must also say to him, 'You will not live, because falsehood is
what you have spoken in the name of Jehovah.' And his father and his mother, the ones who
caused his birth, must pierce him through because of his prophesying.
4 "And it must occur in that day [that] the prophets will
become ashamed, each one of his vision when he prophesies; and they will not
wear an official garment of hair for the purpose of deceiving. 5 And
he will certainly say, 'I am no prophet. I am a man cultivating [the] soil, because an
earthling man himself acquired me from my youth on.' 6 And one
must say to him, 'What are these wounds [on your person] between your
hands?' And he will have to say, 'Those with which I was struck in the house
of my intense lovers.'"
[Emphasis Added]
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