The Great Pyramid of Gizeh
*** Thy Kingdom Come (© 1891) (1904 edition — Millennial Dawn, vol 3) p.342 ***
So, then, if we measure backward down the "First Ascending Passage" to its
junction with the "Entrance Passage," we shall have a fixed date to mark upon
the downward passage. This measure is 1542 inches, and indicates the year B.C.
1542, as the date at that point. Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from
that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the
great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be
overthrown from power, we find it to be 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years from
the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1874 as marking the
beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1874 years AD.
equals 3416 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1874 was the
chronological beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a
nation -- no, nor ever shall be afterward. And thus it will be noted that this
"Witness" fully corroborates the Bible testimony on this subject...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Thy Kingdom Come (copyright 1891) (1910 edition -- Studies In The Scriptures, vol. 3) p.342 ***
So, then, if we measure backward down the "First Ascending Passage" to its
junction with the "Entrance Passage," we shall have a fixed date to mark upon
the downward passage. This measure is 1542 inches, and indicates the year B.C.
1542, as the date at that point. Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from
that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the
great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be
overthrown from power, we find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years from
the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1915 as marking the
beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1915 years AD.
equals 3457 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the
beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation -- no,
nor ever shall be afterward. And thus it will be noted that this "Witness" fully
corroborates the' Bible testimony on this subject...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Thy Kingdom Come (SIS vIII) 1891 (1903 edition), p.313 ***
"The Testimony of God's Stone Witness and Prophet, the Great Pyramid in Egypt"
...the Great Pyramid... seems in a remarkable manner to teach, in
harmony with all the prophets, an outline of the plan of God, past, present, and future...
[Emphasis Added]
*** The Divine Plan of the Ages [Studies in the Scriptures vol I] 1886 (1908 edition) p.86 ***
[Scan Available!]
[Image of top stone on pyramid]
Jesus, the perfect one, has been highly exalted, and
now we present ourselves to him that we may be formed and shaped according
to his example, and that we may be built up as a building of God. In
an ordinary building there is no chief corner-stone; but
in our building there is one chief corner-stone,
the "top-stone,"...
[Emphasis Added]
*** The Divine Plan of the Ages [Studies in the Scriptures vol I] 1886 (1908 edition), FOLD OUT CHART ***
[Scan Available!]
[Online interactive version available at
another website]
CHART OF AGES
Illustrating the Plan of God for bringing many sons to glory, and his purpose —
[Chart uses physical dimensions of Great Pyramid as basis of "the Plan of God".]
[Emphasis Added]
*** The Divine Plan of the Ages, [Studies in the Scriptures vol I] 1886 (1908 edition) end notes ***
[Scan Available!]
THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW AS CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDENTS
DO YOU KNOW THAT
- We are now living in "the Time of the End" of this
Gospel age?
- Our epoch is "the Day of God's Preparation" for
the Millennial age?
- The "Days of Waiting" are ended and the "Cleansing
of the Sanctuary" — the Church, — the separating of its Wheat and Tares,
is now in progress?
- This is the reason for the beginning of the Return
of Divine Favor to Fleshly Israel — blinded for centuries — to permit
the gathering of an elect class from among the Gentiles?
- This favor is gradually taking shape and known as
Zionism?
- Immanuel's Kingdom is now in process of
establishment?
- The Great Pyramid in
Egypt is a Witness to all these event of the ages and of our day --
testifying in symbols?
- The Pyramid's downward
passage under "A Draconis" symbolizes the course of Sin? Its First
Ascending Passage symbolizes the Jewish age? Its grand Gallery
symbolized the Gospel age? Its Upper Step symbolized the approaching
period of tribulation and anarchy, "Judgments," upon Christendom?
Its King's Chamber the Divine Nature, etc., of the Overcoming Church --
the Christ, Head and Body? Its Ante-Chamber the Correction in
Righteousness of the "Great Company" etc.? Its Queen's Chamber those
of Israel and the world who attain Restitution?
All these interesting topics
with ten Pyramid illustrations can be had in "Thy Kingdom Come"
[Studies in the Scriptures vol III]
[Emphasis Added]
*** The Finished Mystery (Studies in The Scriptures VII) 1917, p.60) ***
Morton Edger, author of Pyramid Passages, has found forsehown in the Great Pyramid of
Egypt abundant evidence of the accuracy of the Bible chronology of Pastor Russell.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1922 June 15 p.187 ***
In the passages of the Great Pyramid of Gizeh the
agreement of one or two measurements with the present-truth chronology might seem
accidental, but the correspondency of dozens of measurements proves
that the same God designed both pyramid and plan...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1925 May 15 p.148 ***
The great Pyramid of Egypt, standing as a
silent and inanimated witness of the Lord, is a messenger; and
its testimony speaks with great eloquence concerning the divine plan...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1928 November 15 p.341 ***
If the pyramid is not mentioned in the Bible, then
following its teachings is being led by vain philosophy
and false science and not following after Christ.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1928 November 15 p.344 ***
It is more reasonable to conclude that the great
pyramid of Gizeh, as well as the other pyramids thereabout, also the sphinx, were built by
the rulers of Egypt and under the directions of Satan the Devil... Then
Satan put his knowledge in dead stone, which may be called Satans' Bible, and not God's
stone witness...
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1956 May 15 pp.297-8 The Great Pyramid of Giza ***
The Great Pyramid of Giza
Product of the true worship or the false?
THE Great Pyramid of Giza is one of "the seven wonders of the ancient world." It is the
largest of nine pyramids found in Giza, in the valley of the Nile. The Great Pyramid is 486
feet high, or about the height of a modern 40-story building, and each of its four sides is
764 feet long; its base covers thirteen acres. The ratio of its height to the perimeter of
its base is the same as that of the radius of a circle to its circumference, a most remarkable
feature according to some mathematicians and astronomers. Its four sides line up perfectly with
the four directions of the compass.
[...]
There has been much speculation as to the reason why these pyramids of Giza were built, and in
particular why the Great Pyramid was built. [...]
Because none of these theories fully and satisfactorily explain the purpose of building the
Great Pyramid, others have developed the hypothesis that it was built under divine inspiration;
that perhaps Melchizedek was its builder and that God provided it as a witness in stone to corroborate
the Bible. Such men as John Taylor of London, Professor Smyth and Dr. Edgar of Scotland advocated the
theory* that the measurements of the Great Pyramid and particularly the measurements
of its internal passageways and chambers, were full of Scriptural meaning.
What are the facts? Is the Great Pyramid truly a witness to Jehovah? Was it built by
his true worshipers to corroborate the Bible, or was it built by the devotees of pagan religions?
NOT OF DIVINE ORIGIN
[...]
Jehovah God used some forty writers over a period of sixteen centuries to provide us with his Word.
Is it reasonable to conclude that even before Moses began to write the Pentateuch God caused a
massive structure to be built that was to corroborate his Word? Rather, is it not an
insult to God to hold that he felt it necessary to corroborate his inspired Word by some
mute edifice? And that its meaning should be hidden from man for several thousand years
and revealed only at a time when the structure had been robbed of all its external beauty?
Further, is it reasonable to hold that God would direct the construction of a building
covering thirteen acres of ground, consisting of 90 million cubic feet of quarried stone,
with stones as much as thirty feet long and estimated to weigh as much as 880 tons each,
when all such work had to be done by slave labor? The very fact that the memory of the
invading Shepherd kings who constructed these pyramids was so detested by the Egyptians
for generations afterward would certainly put the building of the pyramids in the class
of Pharaoh's building program rather than that of King Solomon.
Besides, if the Great Pyramid were built at God's command should we not expect to find
some reference to its construction in God's Word, the Bible? The Bible tells us of the
building of Solomon's temple and that built under the direction of Governor Zerubbabel;
also of the building of a water aqueduct by King Hezekiah, yes and also of the building
of the tower of Babel, but not a word about any of the pyramids. Relevant to this argument
also is the fact that none of the structures described in God's Word employ the design of a pyramid.
The fact also cannot be gainsaid that none of the measurements given in the Great Pyramid
throw light on the all-important issue of universal sovereignty or why God has permitted evil.
Remarkable as some of its measurements seem to appear, it also cannot be denied that these
have led to false hopes resulting in disappointments and none of them serve any purpose in
magnifying the name of Jehovah and preaching "this good news of the kingdom," nor are those
who put so much store by the Great Pyramid sharing in such preaching work. If there are
facts about the Great Pyramid that cannot be explained solely on the basis of human wisdom,
then in view of all the foregoing we have no alternative but to conclude that it must have
been accomplished by means of demon power rather than by the active force of Jehovah God.
THE ALTAR TO JEHOVAH
[...]
Regardless of how interesting, fascinating or intriguing the mathematical, chronological and
astronomical implications of the Great Pyramid of Egypt might be, they fade into insignificance
when compared with the great work Jehovah is having done today by his altar in the midst of
Egypt and his pillar at the border. What the people need today is not just an implied corroboration
of Bible chronology but the truth regarding the great issue to be settled, Who rules supreme,
Jehovah God or Satan the Devil? They need to see the clear line of demarcation that exists
between God's organization and that of the Devil, and they must be shown the urgency of
seeking Jehovah, righteousness and meekness before it is too late.—Zeph. 2:1-3.
Since all the evidence points to the fact that the Great Pyramid was not constructed
at God's direction, for Christians to take it seriously would be tantamount to going
down to Egypt for help. (Isa. 31:1) Not by means of a pagan slave-labor-built pile of
stone but by means of his Word, his organization and his active force, his holy spirit,
Jehovah God is training his dedicated servants for the ministry.
THE LIKELY MOTIVE
There remains but one question. Since it is clear that the Great Pyramid was not built at the
direction of Jehovah, and since it appears that it was not built solely to serve as a tomb nor
as a storehouse for treasure nor as a temple for pagan worship, can any satisfactory explanation
be given of Cheops' motive for having it built?
Yes, there is one theory that has much to recommend it and that is based on the
prominence that the Great Pyramid gives to the sciences of mathematics and astronomy.
It is known that in ancient times astronomy and astrology were considered as one.
And from Scriptural and secular history it is apparent that the Chaldeans
excelled in both. And it further appears that Cheops and those with him, who
conquered Egypt with apparently so little effort, came from Chaldea.
Therefore, in view of "the mysterious influence which astrologers ascribe to
special numbers, figures, positions, and so forth, the care with which the
Great Pyramid was so proportioned as to indicate particular astronomical and
mathematical relations is at once explained."
[...] we can find a
justification for the building of the Great Pyramid, as a monument erected
to astrology with the hope of discovering the fundamental secrets of life
and all matter.—The Great Pyramid, R. A. Proctor.
Thus, this most logical explanation of all as to the reasons underlying the
construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza would indicate that it certainly was
not built by those engaging in the true worship of Jehovah God but by those
devoted to astrology, a manifestation of Devil religion, and was built in
furtherance of such religion.
[Footnotes]
Bible Students also held to this thought prior to 1928.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower 1957 May 15 p.316 Appreciating Basic Christian Publications ***
17 At a home Bible study you meet a person who has been told that the measurements
of the Great Pyramid of Giza harmonize with Bible prophecy and that we should study
it to learn God's purposes. You do not know what to say about this, but know that
long ago it was discussed in the Society's publications. So you search back year
by year through the volumes of The Watchtower until you come to the November 15 and
December 1, 1928, issues. There you learn what is wrong with this idea and decide to
present these points to your questioner: First, Egypt was a Devil-ruled pagan country,
not a place for divine revelation; second, God does not accomplish his work through the
type of slave labor that built the pyramids; third, Christians are told that they must
live by faith, not by sight; and fourth, if the Christian congregation was to be taught
by the measurements of this ancient pile of stone either Jesus or some of the apostles
would have said something about it; and they did not. A briefer account of this is found
in the May 15, 1956, issue of The Watchtower.
[Emphasis Added]
*** Jehovah's Witnesses -- Proclaimers of God's Kingdom chap. 14 p. 200 "They Are No Part of the World" ***
[Box/Pictures on page 200, 201]
Practices That Have Been Abandoned
This Christmas celebration at Brooklyn Bethel in 1926 was their last. The Bible Students gradually came to appreciate that neither the origin of this holiday nor the practices associated with it honored God
For years, Bible Students wore a cross and crown as a badge of identification, and this symbol was on the front cover of the "Watch Tower" from 1891 to 1931. But in 1928 it was emphasized that not a decorative symbol but one's activity as a witness showed he was a Christian. In 1936 it was pointed out that the evidence indicates that Christ died on a stake, not a two-beamed cross
In their "Daily Manna" book, Bible Students kept a list of birthdays. But after they quit celebrating Christmas and when they realized that birthday celebrations were giving undue honor to creatures (one reason that early Christians never celebrated birthdays), the Bible Students quit this practice too
For some 35 years, Pastor Russell thought that the Great Pyramid of Gizeh was God's stone witness, corroborating Biblical time periods. (Isa. 19:19) But Jehovah's Witnesses have abandoned the idea that an Egyptian pyramid has anything to do with true worship. (See "Watchtower" issues of November 15 and December 1, 1928)
[Emphasis Added]
*** Watchtower April 15, 2002 "Two Pastors Who Appreciated Russell's Writings" ***
In 1891, Charles Taze Russell, who did outstanding work
among true Christian worshipers of Jehovah, visited Europe for the first
time. According to some reports, during a stopover in Pinerolo, Italy,
Russell met Professor Daniele Rivoire, a former pastor of a religious
group called the Waldenses...In 1903, Rivoire translated Russell's book
The Divine Plan of the Ages
into Italian and had it printed at his own expense...In the book's
forward, Rivoire wrote: "We place this first Italian edition under the
Lord's protection. May he bless it so that, in spite of its imperfections,
it may contribute to magnify his most holy name and encourage his
Italian-speaking children to greater devotion.
May the hearts of all those who, by reading this
book, appreciate the depth of riches, wisdom, and knowledge of God's plan
and love, be grateful to God himself, by whose grace publication of this
work has been made possible.
...Another Waldensian pastor who esteemed Russell's
publications was Giuseppe Banchetti...The authorized Italian edition of
Russell's Divine Plan of the Ages
was published in 1905. Bachetti wrote an enthusiastic review of the
book..."For us", wrote Banchetti, Russell's book "is the most
illuminated and sure guide that any Christian
may find to undertake a profitable and blessed study of Holy Scripture...As
soon as I read it, it seemed as though scales fell from my eyes, that the
way to God was straighter and easier. Even apparent contradictions for the
most part disappeared. Doctrines once difficult appeared simple and
perfectly acceptable. Things hitherto incomprehensible became clear. The
admirable plan of the world's salvation in Christ appeared before me with
such awesome simplicity as to induce me to exclaim with the Apostle: O the
depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
[Emphasis Added]
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