01.11. Prophecy
CHAPTER XI.
PROPHECY. In the chapter on Figurative Language we have given a number of rules for the interpretation of prophecy, not because it is a figure of speech or a figure of thought, but because so large a part of this manner of divine communication is in figurative language, and so much of it has been given by the use of symbol and type.
SEC. 85. THE DUTY OF THE PROPHET.--Our word prophet is from the Greek prophetees and is compounded of pro, before, and phanai to speak. Hence it is one who speaks before another or for another. Webster says of this word:
"1. One who prophesies, or foretells events; a predicter; a foreteller.
"2. (Scripture) A person illuminated, inspired, or instructed by God to speak in His name, or announce future events, as Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, etc.
"3. One who explains or communicates sentiments; an interpreter.
"’School of the prophets (Ancient Jewish History), a school or collection in which young men were educated and qualified for public teachers. These students were called sons of the prophets.’" His definition of prophecy throws no additional light on the subject.
(1.) We are limited to the Hebrews and Christians for examples of that spiritual ecstasy that enables one to communicate the mind of the infinite respecting the things that are to come. Among the nations of antiquity we have the augurs, the diviners, and the oracles; but these were nothing more than the guesses of the men who gave the information. Sometimes the guesses were reasonably founded in the appearance of things; at other times, the prophecy was because of a personal wish in the matter, or to get the praise of the king and the people. But because of the uncertainty of the future, they usually clothed their prophetic utterances, if we should denominate them by such a term, in language that could be interpreted one way about as easily as another. If the king is told to go to battle, and succeeds, then the praise is given to the oracle; but if he fall before the enemy, they return, and find that the utterance was entirely misinterpreted. The king lost, but the oracle stood firm. But the Hebrew prophets foretold the things that they did not wish--that were disagreeable to the king and the people, and that were very little likely to occur. Their warnings were not the soothing symphonies of sycophants, but the condemnations of the invisible Jehovah issuing from the secret chambers of the thunder. He does not necessarily foretell future events, but gives God’s message to the world, whether it relates to the future or the present. Abraham was a prophet, in that he spoke for God (Gen 20:7). Aaron was to be prophet to Moses, by speaking the things that Moses would tell him (Exo 7:1; Exo 4:16). The Hebrew word nabi, generally used for prophet, means one who boiled forth, or who ran over. The cause of this strange vociferation, however, was regarded as of divine origin; they supposed that God caused the man to speak in that way. It has been supposed that when Saul was numbered with the prophets (1Sa 10:11), and afterwards, when his three companies and himself were all made to prophesy at Naioth, that the language means no more than that they were caused to act the prophet (1Sa 19:20-24); that no more is meant than that they acted like prophets sometimes did, and not that they foretold any future event, or that they delivered any message from God to men.
(2.) The prophetic office of Elijah was to convey the word of God to the court of Ahab, and to condemn the wickedness of his people. This was largely true of Jeremiah and Isaiah.
Rightfully enough they were called men of God (1Ki 13:1-2; 2Ki 4:7-8; Hos 9:7). They were thus denominated, because they came with God’s message and to attend to God’s business.
Since the fall of man, and the communion between God and man was clipped because of sin, it has been necessary that some one divinely appointed should be the teacher of the race. Hence, God has raised up for men seers, revelators, prophets, and has sent them with messages, as the world has had need.
Philips (Commentary of Rom 12:6) urges that "the New Testament idea of the prophetic office is identical with that of the Old Testament. Prophets are men who inspired by the Spirit of God, and impelled to theopneustic discourse, partly removed the veil from the future (Rev 1:3; Rev 22:7-10; John 7:52; Acts 11:27-28; Acts 21:10-11; Comp. 1Pe 1:10), partly make known concealed facts of the present, either in discovering the secret counsel and will of God (Luk 1:67; Acts 13:1; Eph 3:5), or in disclosing the hidden thoughts of man (1Co 14:24-25), and dragging into light his unknown deeds (Mat 26:68; Mark 14:65; Luk 22:64; John 4:19); partly dispense to these hearers instruction, comfort, exhortation, in animated, powerfully impassioned language, going far beyond the wonted limits of the capacity for teaching, which, although spiritual, still confines itself within the forms of reason (Mat 7:28-29; Luk 24:19; John 7:40; Acts 15:32; 1Co 14:3-4, 1Co 14:31).
(3.) It should be noticed that the prophet is of great value as a historian, and that the prophecies of the Old Testament should be read in connection with, the history of the people.--In the history we have ordinarily the hull--nothing more. We have the condemnation of God upon the people, but we do not see the justice. A great reformation has taken place, and we wonder why the condemnations of Jehovah must continue. But if we turn and read the prophets of those times, they show us that the reformation was only on the surface. While they came with their offerings to Jerusalem, and spread their hands before the Lord in prayer, God would not hear them (Isa 1:16-18). Their hands were red with innocent blood, and their hearts were hard toward the poor in the land, whom they continued to oppress. They give us the inside of history, and make us to know the causes of calamity as we never could know it in any other way.
(4.) Persons are called prophets who interpreted the Scriptures and exhorted the people to faithfulness in the service of God.--There has not always been a necessity for a revelation. We would think that to be the condition of the church in Antioch. Paul and Barnabas had been there, and had wrought a great work in that city. No doubt that they had made known to the church the whole counsel of God. And yet (Acts 13:1) Barnabas, Simeon, Manaen and Lucius are mentioned in that roll. In Acts 15:32, Judas and Silas are mentioned as prophets, and in the fulfillment of their duties as such they exhorted the people. In 1Co 14:1-40 the prophet was supposed to edify the church, and in 1Co 14:24, prophesying was regarded as that gift by which sinners would be converted. This was not a foretelling of future events, for that would not at the time convert any one. It would have to be fulfilled before it would be evident to them that God was directing the affair. It was, therefore, most probably an interpretation of Scripture truth. That gift was, therefore, more desirable than the gift of tongues.
SEC. 86. DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH PROPHECY WAS DELIVERED.
(1.) Sometimes it was like history written beforehand.--Samuel (1Sa 10:3-6) tells Saul what would occur as he would return home; whom he would meet; and what they would have; and what they would propose; where he would meet the prophets, and what would come of it all. If he had waited till it was all over, he would have found it necessary only to change the tense in order to give a correct history of the matter. In one of the efforts of Balaam to curse Israel (Num 24:14-24), he tells what Israel should do to Moab, and to Amalek. Though the language is figurative in a high degree, yet the history of those events is fairly related. Beginning with the thirteenth chapter of Isaiah, and reading to the close of the twenty-third chapter, we have the burdens of Babylon, Moab, Damascus, Egypt, the Wilderness of the Sea, and of the Valley of Vision. These denunciations are intensified with trope more than is generally found in history, but the evils were told in about as plain language as could be selected. Eze 25:1-17, Eze 26:1-21, Eze 27:1-36, Eze 28:1-26, Eze 29:1-21, Eze 30:1-26, Eze 31:1-18, Eze 32:1-32 gives the denunciations of the man of God against several nations. Amon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre: by whom slaughtered, the effect, the weeping, the bitter lamentation, the injury to commerce; Zidon, and how they should treat Israel after they should return; Egypt: the sword to visit that people, and all the calamities that were to come upon them. In narrating these things, there are many highly-wrought figures employed, but the style is that of the historian of the Oriental type. It seems to the reader that the prophet saw the events beforehand as they really occurred, and spoke of them in the language of the people. The place where the Saviour should be born (Mic 5:2), was foretold with all the certainty of a historical record. The time of His birth is clearly announced (Dan 9:24-27). Also the maltreatment that He received while on trial at Jerusalem (Isa 50:6). His resurrection, too, is stated in language susceptible of but one interpretation (Psa 16:8-10). The part that Cyrus took in behalf of the children of Israel is very clearly stated (Isa 44:28; Isa 45:1).
(2.) Many times the thoughts respecting the future are presented in figurative language, so that it is difficult to get the meaning.--When the prophet was sent to condemn the sins of the people, he used very burning words; and the interpretation of such passages is attended with some difficulty. But by the rules already agreed to, we can proceed in safety. The symbols that have been employed for the purpose of foretelling the future, are subject to the rules that govern symbolic language. When Jeremiah (Jer 27:8; Jer 28:14), made a yoke to show the rule of the king of Babylon, the meaning is so easily gathered that no one has ever been in doubt of its import. When Agabus (Acts 21:11) took Paul’s girdle, and bound his hands and feet with it, every one expected to hear of some one being bound; and when he said that it was to be the owner of that girdle, and that the Jews at Jerusalem should bind him, the brethren at once began to try to dissuade Paul from going there. The symbolism in the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and Pharaoh would seem to be easily interpreted, and so the hand-writing on the wall at Babylon. And still the meaning was hidden from the wise men of the times. Dream-books were of no value whatever. Nothing less than inspiration from the Lord would do.
(3.) The peculiarities of the prophets are maintained in their writings.--It is clear, to every attentive reader, that they differ as much in their manner of stating things as other men. We conclude, therefore, that in most instances the Lord has furnished the needed intelligence by inspiration, and trusted them with the presentation of it to the people.
Occasionally, of course, there were thoughts that a Hebrew prophet could not get into his mind. In such a case, God had to give him words (1Pe 1:11; 2Pe 1:21; Acts 2:4). While they did not know the time of the fulfillment of their own predictions, or when the Messiah should come to bless the world, they could understand enough of the history of their own people to present it with clearness and force. But a common error among all Jews, that their Messiah would establish a temporal kingdom, and reign forever without seeing death, would not enable any one of their prophets to know that Christ was to die. It would be as difficult for them to get that thought as it was for the apostles to learn the same lesson, and they could not understand it till it had occurred; and even then it had to be explained to them before they could comprehend it (Luk 24:44-49; John 20:9; John 12:34). And yet the prophets did certainly teach that the Christ should die. Hence, as this thought could not have been understood by them, the language must have been given by the Lord directly. Another thought would be about as difficult as that for any Hebrew prophet to understand--that was, that the Gentiles were to have a part in the great salvation of the Lord. This was many times foretold by them, especially by the prophet Isaiah; and I must believe that at such a time he was directed by the Lord in a way above the ordinary manner of inspiration.
(4.) Much of the language of the prophets is very literal.--This is especially true of those portions which were delivered to the people concerning the sins of the hour. When Jeremiah stood in the gate of Jerusalem, and delivered them a discourse containing a message from the Lord (Jer 7:10), he gave them the fact in a plain manner. So with John the Baptist, a man sent of God with a divine message, who came preaching in the wilderness of Judea. I suppose that there never was a plainer preacher than he. This was true with Elijah. Indeed, it was true with all the prophets of the Lord-when they came to men with a message for that people and that age, it was plainly stated. Some way it has gotten into the minds of many persons that the language of any prophet must necessarily be in symbolic form. When they told their own, or the dreams of others, and gave the meaning, it was in language very easily understood.
SEC. 87. THE CHARACTER OF THE PROPHETS.
(1.) God has used the best material for any given purpose that could be found.--The supernatural is never employed till the natural is exhausted. When Jesus fed the five thousand, or the four thousand, He used the loaves and fishes on hand, as far as they would go. And when they were done eating, the fragments were taken up, "that nothing be lost." When He healed the daughter of Jairus, He told them to give her something to eat. Of course He could have furnished the strength that she needed, but that was not His way. She was then able to take food, and that was the natural way of obtaining strength. So in all that He did, and all that the apostles did, natural resources were employed as far as they would be of service. The same law is found in nature. There is no redundancy. Everything has its place and power; it has its own work to accomplish, and has been assigned to that task. So it is with the history of the dealings of God with men. When He has had work to perform, He has selected the best men that could be found for that work. If they have lacked the qualification necessary to the task, He has sent them to school till they were prepared for the work. He had Moses in school for nearly eighty years, that be should be able to do forty years of good work. The schools of the prophets had the divine approval. They were to prepare young men, as far as they could, for the work to which the Lord might select them. The apostles were not entrusted with any work by themselves, till they had been in the school of the Master for nearly three years. And they were not then prepared for the work of the ministry under the great Commission. After the resurrection of the Saviour from the tomb, He continued with them for forty days, speaking to them concerning the kingdom of God; and even then they were in need of a new teacher to "guide" them "into all truth." With all these facts before us, and many more that might be presented, we feel certain that when God made choice of a man as a prophet, He selected the best man that could be found.
(2.) The prophets were good men.--This does not say that they were faultless. They were men, and not only so, but they lived under circumstances in which the development of character was not an easy task. It was an age of ignorance, coarseness and lust. And yet it is fair to say that they were the best men that could be found. David, with all his imperfections, was one of the grandest characters of that age. He was not perfect, but far above the average for purity, integrity and piety. When God inspired his songs, that he might tell of the coming of the Lord’s anointed, He employed the heart and the pen of the man whom we would select as the best man of the time. It will be said that Balaam, who prophesied, was not a good man, and yet the probabilities are that he had done well in most of his life before his temptation and fall; and then God simply used the man’s mouth to say the things that were to stand for a rebuke for those who opposed the children of Israel. Balaam’s ass reproved him, and was in no need of character. If Caiaphas said what he did not intend to say respecting the need of one dying instead of all the people, it was not to his praise, nor did God select him as a representative to the race. From all we can learn from the Old Testament and the New Testament prophets, they were among the best men that could be found on the earth at the time. They were not only the best men in point of goodness and firmness, but their qualifications were of the very best. There is no evidence that God has chosen unworthy men for His work. Hence, when we find men making claims to inspiration and divine communications, it is fair to examine the characters of the men. If they are not among the best men of the age in which they live, we may know at once that they are not prophets.
(3.) Women prophesied.--The woman is not as well fitted to this work as the man, but it has sometimes been the case that good men were scarce, and then the Lord has called good women to do the work that men ought to have done. Even when there were good men, very excellent and godly women have assumed this work. Miriam (Exo 15:20-21) was a prophetess in leading the women in their holy joy at the time of deliverance from their bondage in Egypt. From Jdg 4:4, we learn of Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, who judged Israel for forty years. When that people were being overrun by Jabin, king of Hazor, for a period of twenty years, purity and piety seemed to be wanting; real men became scarce, and a woman was selected to judge the people and to make known to them the word of the Lord. In 2Ki 22:14-20, we have an account of Huldah, the prophetess, the wife of Shallum, who lived in the second quarter of the city, to whom Josiah sent his chief of staff to know what would become of that nation for having so long neglected the right ways of the Lord. This, too, it should be remembered, was in the time of the prophet Jeremiah; and for a woman to rank him, in the estimation of the king, shows a wonderful confidence in her communion with God. In Isa 8:3, we have the prophetess spoken of, but the language means no more in that case than that she was the wife of the prophet Isaiah. The trouble in the time of Nehemiah (Neh 6:1-19), with Sanballat and Tobiah, needed the wisdom that cometh down from the Father of Lights. A number of the prophets seemed to have been hired by these men to fill Nehemiah with fear, and among them was the prophetess Noadiah. From this it will appear that a woman may be a prophetess, and not only so, but she may be false, just as a man. The prophet Joel looked forward to the coming of the kingdom of the Christ, when the Holy Spirit should be given to the saints, and their young men should see visions, and their old men should dream dreams, and on the servants and the handmaids of the Lord the Spirit should be poured, and they should prophesy (Acts 2:17-21). Philip, the evangelist (Acts 21:9), had four daughters that prophesied; and in 1Co 11:5-16, Paul gives directions for the attire of women when they should prophesy. From this, it is certain that God selects prophets generally from among men; but because of unusual fitness, He has sometimes selected godly women for this responsible work. Of course, in the exercise of these gifts, their speaking had to be public; for the time, they were God’s teachers of the multitude. And this would be true whether the prophecy should relate to the foretelling of future events, the condemnation of some present sin, or the explanation of some Scripture, or an exhortation founded upon anything which God had revealed.
(4.) Guilt of pretending to prophetic knowledge not possessed.--The man who would change a landmark, or in any way deceive the unsuspecting, was held a very guilty man. When the blind lead the blind, all fall into the ditch. But when one pretends to have a communication from the heavens, which he has not received, he purposes to mislead the world to a far greater extent. It is partly on this account that God has been so particular respecting the character of those whom He would send to the world as its teachers. There would be necessarily some rules by which to know the true from the false prophets. If any truth that has been clearly attested shall be contradicted by a pretended prophet, then it should be known that such an one was a false prophet. If one should say, Let us go and serve other gods, and ask a following on account of some vision or pretended revelation, it should be disregarded, and the man put to death (Deu 13:1-6). So if any should preach any other gospel than that which the apostles had preached, he should be accursed; not even an angel from heaven would be at liberty to do such a thing (Gal 1:6-10). When one should presume to speak in the name of the Lord that which the Lord had not commanded, he should not be followed nor feared, but put to death; and they were to know whether the Lord had directed him or not by the fulfillment of his prediction (Deu 18:20-22). Compare Jer 14:14-15; Jer 23:9-35)--for misleading the people in that way, they should be punished, and their houses with them (Eze 13:1-16). We have a case of the punishment of one Hananiah, who prophesied falsehood in the days of Jeremiah. See Jer 28:1-17. God has been thus careful of His word, lest men should follow false lights to their injury. It was understood by the ancients, that if a man had that communion with God which would enable him to reveal new truth to the world, he would be enabled to do wonders. They got that thought from their history, for the men who brought to them intelligence not known before, did possess that power. Though John did not work any miracle, yet it was in the mind of even Herod Antipas that he had risen from the dead; and Nicodemus regarded the Saviour as having come from God, because of the signs which He wrought (John 3:1-2). In this way pretended revelators in the time of the apostles might be detected (1Jn 4:1-6; Rev 2:2; Amo 2:11).
SEC. 88. SCRIPTURAL ACCOUNT OF THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECIES.
(1.) The seed of Abraham should be a bond people for four hundred years (Gen 15:1-14).--And after the affliction, they should be delivered with great substance. The fulfillment of this will be found by reading Exo 2:23-25, Exo 3:1-22, Exo 4:1-31, Exo 5:1-23, Exo 6:1-30, Exo 7:1-25, Exo 8:1-32, Exo 9:1-35, Exo 10:1-29, Exo 11:1-10, Exo 12:1-40.
(2.) The flood of Noah was threatened (Gen 6:9-22).--And it came (Gen 7:1-24, Gen 8:1-14).
(3.) The land of Canaan promised to the seed of Abraham by that power by which prophetic wisdom is had (Gen 12:7).--And it came true, as it may be read in the book of Joshua.
(4.) Isaac promised and given (Gen 18:10; Gen 21:1).
(5.) Esau should serve Jacob, and afterwards break the yoke from off his neck (Gen 27:39-40).--So we find that David entirely subdued Edom in his reign (2Sa 8:14); but in the time of Joram, the son of Jehoshaphat, they broke away from Israel (2Ki 8:20-22).
(6.) Jacob’s vision at Bethel (Gen 28:10-12) was made good in his preservation and return to that land in peace (Gen 32:9-12; Gen 33:1-20).
(7.) Joseph dreamed that he should have the rule over his brethren (Gen 37:5-8); which came to be true (Gen 42:6).
(8.) In Gen 49:1-33, Jacob foretells the things that were to occur in the latter times.--He gives a good outline history of each of the tribes; and we need only to study their after history to see that the patriarch said these things by the word of the Lord.
(9.) Moses foretold the utter corruption and ruin of the children of Israel (Deu 31:28-29).--No one who knows their history can deny that the statement he made came true to the letter. The Scriptures are replete with the fulfillment of this prediction.
(10.) In Jos 6:26, after the taking of Jericho, Joshua told them that any one who would attempt to rebuild the city, should do so by the loss of his first-born, and that he should set up the gates in his youngest son. This was fulfilled in one Hiel, more than four hundred years after that (1Ki 16:34).
(11.) The death of the two sons of Eli in one, day (1Sa 2:34).--This was literally kept (1Sa 4:11).
(12.) In 1Sa 10:1-13, we have the account of the prophecy of Samuel concerning Saul, and the fulfillment of the prediction.
(13.) Saul’s defeat and death made known (1Sa 28:19); and was fulfilled (1Sa 31:2-7).
(14.) David invited evil upon him and his house, in causing the death of Uriah, and in taking his wife; and for it the sword should not depart from his house, and one of his house should rebel against him and take his wives, in the presence of all the people in the daytime (2Sa 12:7-12). This is fulfilled in the defiling of Tamar by her half-brother Amnon (2Sa 13:6-22); in the killing of Amnon by the command of Absalom, two years later (2Sa 13:23-30); and in the rebellion and death of Absalom (2Sa 16:1-23, 2Sa 17:1-29, 2Sa 18:1-33).
(15.) The prophecy of Ahijah concerning the division of the ten tribes from Judah and Benjamin, by parting his new garment into twelve pieces, and giving Jeroboam ten of them (1Ki 11:26-34).--All this came true (1Ki 12:16-18), when the ten tribes revolted with their chosen leader.
(16.) Ahijah prophesies of the destruction of the house of Jeroboam (1Ki 14:10-13).--See its fulfillment in 1Ki 14:17-18.
(17.) The destruction of the house of Baasha (1Ki 16:1-12).
(18.) The three years of drought (1Ki 17:1-24, 1Ki 18:1-41).--Elijah had said that it should not rain except at his word for that time, and the statement was made true by the facts.
(19.) Elijah foretold rain, and it came (1Ki 18:44-46).
(20.) The king of Syria, after having been defeated by Ahab, and Israel made to feel safe, the prophet came and told the king to prepare for the return which would occur at the end of the year; and it was so (1Ki 20:22-26).
(21.) Death of Ahab (1Ki 21:19; 1Ki 22:38; 2Ki 9:34; 2Ki 10:11).--For his murder of Naboth, he was told by Elijah that he should perish, and his house. And so he came to his death in a strange way, and came to the place where he had done the wrong to the innocent man in robbing him of his vineyard. And when Jehu came to the throne, all the house of Ahab was destroyed.
(22.) The victory of Jehoshaphat over Moab, Ammon, and Edom (2Ch 20:14-25).-When it was told the king that these forces were at En-gedi, or between Tekoah and the Dead Sea, he was afraid; and the people came together, and, while they worshiped, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who told them that the Lord would fight for them. So they went out with the singers, and while they praised the Lord, the battle was fought for them, as the Edomites and the Moabites fought each other, and both armies were destroyed.
(23.) The Moabites delivered again to Jehoshaphat and Jehoram, by a miraculous freshet of waters, according to the word of the Lord by Elisha (2Ki 3:17-24).
(24.) Plenty supplied in Samaria, according to the word spoken by Elisha (2Ki 7:1-18).
(25.) The sons of Jehu were to sit on the throne to the fourth generation, because he had destroyed Baal-worship out of the land (2Ki 10:30); and it was fulfilled (2Ki 15:12). This was certainly a prophecy. Jehu was not the man to receive direct communications from the Lord.
(26.) The ruin of Damascus seen by Amos (Amo 1:5) in the days of Uzziah, and fulfilled in the fourth year of the reign of his grandson, Ahaz (2Ki 16:9).--This also was foretold by Isaiah, three years before its occurrence (Isa 8:4).
(27.) The destruction of the army of Sennacherib, and his murder at the hand of his own sons (2Ki 19:7-27).--This occurred in the time of Hezekiah, and was foretold by Isaiah. He had this vision in whole or in part a good many times. But in this chapter it can be read in prophecy and history. He had spoiled the land, and now loses 185,000 men by the destroying angel, and escapes with 15,000 to his home, to be killed in the temple of Nisroch.
(28.) Josiah destroys the altar of idolatry, according to the statement of the man of God that went down from Judah to Bethel, in the time of Jeroboam (1Ki 13:1-4; 2Ki 23:15-17).
(29.) The captivity in Babylon (2Ki 20:17-19; 2Ki 24:8-16; 2Ki 25:8-13).
(30.) The time of that captivity (Jer 25:1-11; Jer 29:10).--This began in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, and seventy years reaches the first year of Cyrus (2Ch 36:22; Ezr 1:1), when the edict went forth that the Jews should return.
(31.) The destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar.--It should be remembered that there were two cities by that name: the one was on the shore, and the other was built out into the sea, and away from the continent. Sometimes the prophecies. relate to the one of these, and sometimes to the other. With this fact in the mind and the knowledge of the place the city held in the commercial world; that, while it was the daughter of Sidon, it was the great maritime city of the world, trading with Egypt--valley of the Nile, Sihor--and supplying the isle of Kittim, or Cyprus, and trading even as far west as Tartessus, in Spain. It will be seen in the prophecies we refer to, that the city should not only be thrown down, but rebuilt, and sing again like a harlot, and even traffic in holy things, and that the time of her prostration should be seventy years, according to the years of a king or kingdom (Joe 3:5; Amo 1:9; Isa 23:1-18; Eze 26:7-11; Eze 27:3; Eze 29:18). The whole of Eze 26:1-21, Eze 27:1-36, Eze 28:1-26, Eze 29:1-21, can be studied with profit on this subject. It would be an easy task to show the fulfillment from history. Nebuchadnezzar was thirteen years in leveling down the walls of this mighty city; and even then he found that the spoils had been removed, when the people had flowed like a river away from the doomed place. It is certain, too, from history, that it was in desolation for a period of seventy years. The same thought can be had from reading Zec 9:1-3. It will be seen by this text that the city had been rebuilt, and by referring to Zec 1:1; Zec 7:1, we find that it was written in the fourth year of Darius Hystaspes.
(32.) The destruction of Babylon (Jer 50:17-18; Jer 51:1-63; Isa 13:19-22; Isa 44:28, Isa 45:1; Dan 5:16-31).
It would be easy to continue to notice these prophecies and the fulfillment, as they relate to Egypt, Damascus, Arabia, Philistia, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Assyria, Ethiopia, etc., etc. But we have aimed rather at a sample of these predictions, that we might discover the clearness and force with which they are presented. These men were not telling the things which they wished to have come to pass-not the things which, judged according to human wisdom, were likely to occur. These countries and cities were never in better condition than when their destruction was foretold. These fulfillments can be verified by history, as well as by the statements of the Scriptures.
SEC. 89. NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECIES, AND THEIR FULFILLMENT.--We have seen already that there were New Testament prophets; that the Spirit of the Lord would not only enable men to dream dreams and see visions, and to prophesy, but that women should have the same enduement. In the giving of the new law, some time would necessarily pass before it would be possible for the whole will of God to be put to record. During the time there was a partial revelation within the reach of the churches, but they would need something to take the place of a revelation; hence the promise that the Spirit of the Lord would give this wisdom, to the extent of their need.
"So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are budded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit" (Eph 2:19-22).
Also the following chapter, Eph 3:5-6 :
"Which in other generations was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." The gospel could not all be given at once in all its bearings nor could it be written fast enough to supply the demand of the newly-organized churches. But these prophetic gifts supplied the need for the time. We want to notice a few of these prophetic teachings and warnings, to see in what manner the Lord directed His people.
(1.) The well-known Agabus (Acts 11:27-28), went down from Jerusalem to Antioch, and warned them of the great dearth that was to come upon the whole land, which came in the time of Claudius Cæsar.
(2.) The imprisonment of Paul (Acts 21:10-11).--This was foretold by the same Agabus, who met the apostle at Cæsarea, at the house of Philip. He first fastened his own feet and hands with Paul’s girdle, and in that way illustrated what was about to befall its owner.
(3.) The persecution that should come upon the disciples (Mark 13:9-11; Luk 21:12-15; Acts 4:3; Acts 16:23; Acts 12:1-4; Acts 6:1-15, Acts 7:1-60, Acts 8:1-3).
(4.) Many shall stumble (Mat 24:10).--See the fulfillment 1Ti 1:6; 1Ti 6:10; 2Co 11:13; 2Ti 2:17-18.
(5.) Mat 9:11 : "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There be some here of them that stand by, which shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power." This kingdom has been expected by the apostles for some time, and now they are glad to know that it is soon to come. They did not know the nature of it, nor the sorrows that would sweep over them before it should be established. Just before the Master ascended into the heavens, He came and told the disciples that all authority in heaven and in earth had been given into His hands (Mat 28:18). Still the kingdom had not come. But on the Pentecost, the prophecy was fulfilled (Acts 2:1-47). Then they were at liberty to announce that He had risen, to occupy the throne of His father David, and that the world must now submit to Him, in order to be saved.
(6.) The Holy Spirit would be given to the disciples in a manner not yet enjoyed (John 7:37-38; Luk 24:46-49; Acts 1:4; Acts 2:1-5).
(7.) Jesus foretold His death (John 2:19; Mat 16:21). See Mat 27:1-66 and Mat 28:1-20. Nothing could have been taught more plainly than the death, burial and resurrection of the Saviour.
(8.) Acts 2:16-21
"But this is that which hath been spoken by the prophet Joel;
And it shall be in the last days, saith God,
I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
And your young men shall see visions,
And your old men shall dream dreams
Yea and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days
Will I pour forth of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.
And I will shew wonders in the heaven above,
And signs on the earth beneath;
Blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke
The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before that day of the Lord come,
That great and notable day
And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." This is not a prophecy made in the New Testament, but a prophecy applied in the New Testament. It is found in Joel ii. We quote it here that we may have an application of it, and from it get a rule for the interpretation of prophecies that are confessedly difficult. So far as we have gone, in both Testaments, the interpretation has been easy. Indeed, they have been but little else than history written beforehand. They have been susceptible of but one meaning. But in the one just quoted we have room for much speculation. And the manner of exegesis adopted by many is little likely to give any assurance of the meaning of the passage.
Peter says: "This is that which hath been spoken." Hence there is a question of veracity involved, to begin with. If we take the language, and apply it to something in the future, or remove it from that day and the things then occurring, we set aside Peter as an exegete.
Some way it is in the mind of most commentators that this prophecy demands such a wonder for its fulfillment as the world has never seen. But this is a great mistake. This language is highly figurative, and must have applied to it the rules which such language would have if found in other compositions. Now let us turn back to the first verse of the chapter, and see now much of this language had its certain fulfillment on that day:
1. I will pour forth of my Spirit.--That had occurred.
2. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.--And that also was being fulfilled. While we do not know if the daughters were then engaged in that work, we do know that they were afterwards, and that, too, because of the coming of this gift.
3. The Spirit given to the servants and the handmaidens.--That is answered.
4. I will show wonders in heaven.--The Spirit had come from heaven that morning, and the rushing sound of the mighty wind did not move horizontally, but came down, and that sound pointed out the place of meeting to the multitude. No greater sign had been exhibited since the world began.
5. And signs on the earth.--And there was the sign of all the signs that had ever been seen-a few unpretending and unlearned men speaking in nine or ten different languages and dialects.
6. Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke.--These were all present that day. That was Pentecost; it was nine o’clock in the morning, and therefore the time at which the great sacrifices were to be offered. They were largely free-will, and the number of people present assures us that it was unusually well attended, and therefore that the sacrifices were many. The blood is running, the fire is burning, the smoke is rising; nay, more-the vapor of smoke, for it comes from the burning of flesh.
7. The sun darkened, and the moon given the appearance of blood.--This was certainly the appearance of things that morning. Hence there is no need of going into some far-fetched and imaginary interpretation of the prophecy. It was then being fulfilled, or Peter over-talked the facts in the case.
If we are not at liberty to differ from the conclusions of an inspired man, the question is settled, and the passage is interpreted. This is by far the safer plan--indeed, it is the only one in which there is any safety. The conclusion: "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved," gave hope to the crowd that, though they had crucified the Lord’s Anointed, still they could be saved; therefore they ask, "What shall we do?" In the predictions of the Saviour, and in the symbolic prophecy of the Apocalypse, there is work for a large book. But these should be interpreted in the light of history--those that have been fulfilled, and the rest without such advantage. It is not possible for us now to enter so large a field. We will notice one more prediction, or promise, of the Saviour.
8. Mat 16:13-20 :
"Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is? And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God, And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he the disciples that they should tell no man that he was the Christ." From this language, a few things are evident to every careful reader:
(1.) Christ was going to establish a kingdom.
(2.) The words kingdom and church are used in this passage as synonyms.
(3.) Peter was to have the keys, or serve as gate-keeper.
(4.) He could not be the rock on which this kingdom should be built, and be the gate-keeper at the same time.
(5.) From many other Scriptures, we know that Christ was that rock (Psa 118:22; Isa 28:16; Mat 21:42; Acts 4:11; Eph 2:19-21).
(6.) The authority of Peter in that kingdom was just that which belonged to the other apostles (Luk 24:46-49; John 20:21-23).
(7.), After the kingdom had been established, Peter never claimed any superiority over the other apostles, and they never hinted that he had any position above the others.
Hence the meaning of the promise, or prophecy, of the Saviour is clear, that, in the near future, He would build his church, or organize his kingdom; that in the establishment of that institution Peter would serve as spokesman, and hence it would be his place to announce the terms of admission. This was fulfilled on the first Pentecost after the ascension of the Saviour. The value of these predictions of the Saviour to the apostles was very great. They are of supreme importance to us; as they are fulfilled before us, we have a continued line of evidence of the clearest and strongest character (John 13:19; John 13:29; John 16:4).
SEC. 90. PROPHECIES CONCERNING CHRIST.--These prophecies, as we would expect, are the most complete of all the subjects treated by the prophets of the Lord. And yet the men that gave them never fully understood their meaning. Hence it is very evident that many times they told more than they knew. They have seen the character of the Christ in the distance, with all they did to Him, and have told what they saw and felt and heard. Sometimes it would seem that they must have been directed to say the things which God put into their mouths. They tell of the cross, and yet not one of them ever saw any such an instrument of torture and death.
(1.) He was to be the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15; Gen 4:2; Mat 1:18).
(2.) He would be the Son of God (Psa 2:7; Luk 1:32-35).
(3.) He would overcome the serpent (Gen 3:15; Heb 2:14).
(4.) The seed of Abraham (Gen 12:1-3; Gen 17:7; Gen 22:18; Gal 3:16).
(5.) The seed of Isaac (Gen 21:12; Heb 11:18).
(6.) The seed of Judah (Gen 49:10; Heb 7:14).
(7.) The seed of David (Psa 132:11; Jer 23:5; Acts 13:23; Rom 1:3).
(8.) The time of His coming and death (Dan 9:24-27; Luk 2:1).
(9.) Born of a virgin (Isa 7:14; Mat 1:18; Luk 2:7).
(10.) He was called Immanuel (Isa 7:14; Mat 1:22-23).
(11.) Born in Bethlehem of Judea (Mic 5:2; Mat 2:1; Luk 2:4-6).
(12.) Great men shall come and bow down to Him (Psa 72:10-15; Mat 2:1-11).
(13.) Children slaughtered, that he might be killed (Jer 31:15; Mat 2:16-18).
(14.) Introduced by John the Baptist (Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1; Mat 3:1-3; Luk 1:17).
(15.) Was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Psa 45:7; Isa 11:2; Isa 61:1; Mat 3:16-17; John 3:34; Acts 10:38).
(16.) He was a prophet like unto Moses (Deu 18:15-18; Acts 3:20-22).
(17.) Was sent as a deliverer to the people (Isa 61:1-3; Luk 4:16-21, Luk 4:43.
(18.) He is the light to Zebulun and Naphtali (Isa 9:1-3; Mat 4:12-16).
(19.) He comes to the temple and cleanses it (Hag 2:7-9; Mal 3:1; Luk 19:45; John 2:13-16).
(20.) His poverty (Isa 53:2; Mark 6:3; Luk 9:58).
(21.) He was meek, and without ostentation (Isa 42:1-2; Php 2:7-9).
(22.) His compassion (Isa 40:11; Isa 42:3; Mat 12:15-20; Heb 4:15).
(23.) Was without guile (Isa 53:9; 1Pe 2:22).
(24.) Great zeal for the house of God (Psa 69:9; John 2:17).
(25.) He taught by the use of parables (Psa 78:2; Mat 13:34-35).
(26.) He wrought miracles (Isa 35:5-6; Luk 7:18-23).
(27.) Rejected by His brethren (Psa 69:8; Isa 53:3; John 1:11; John 7:5).
(28.) Hated by the Jews (Psa 69:4; Isa 49:7; John 15:24-25).
(29.) Rejected by their rulers (Psa 118:22; John 7:48; Mat 21:42).
(30.) A stone of stumbling and rock of offense (Isa 8:14; Rom 9:32; 1Pe 2:8).
(31.) Betrayed by a friend (Psa 41:9; Isa 55:12-14; John 13:18-21).
(32.) Forsaken by His disciples (Zec 13:7; Mat 26:31-56).
(33.) Was sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zec 11:12; Mat 26:15).
(34.) This money was given to buy the potter’s field (Zec 11:13; Mat 27:7).
(35.) He was patient and silent in all His sufferings (Isa 53:7; Mat 26:63; Mat 27:12-14).
(36.) Smitten on the cheek (Mic 5:1; Mat 27:30).
(37.) His sufferings were intense (Psa 22:14-15; Luk 22:42-44).
(38.) Was scourged and spit upon (Psa 35:15; Isa 50:6; Mark 14:65; John 19:1).
(39.) His visage was greatly marred (Isa 52:14; Isa 53:3; John 19:1-5).
(40.) He suffered, that he might bear away our sins (Isa 53:4-6; Dan 9:26; Mat 20:28; Mat 26:28).
(41.) The rulers, Jews and Gentiles, combine against Him to put Him to death (Psa 2:1-4; Luk 23:12; Acts 4:27-28).
(42.) He was extended upon the cross, and His hands and His feet were nailed to the wood (Isa 25:10-11; Psa 22:16; John 19:18; John 20:25).
(43.) This agony was increased by being numbered among thieves (Isa 53:12; Mat 15:28).
(44.) They gave him gall and vinegar (Psa 69:21; Mat 27:34).
(45.) He was cruelly mocked (Psa 22:7--8; Psa 35:15-21; Mat 27:39-44).
(46.) He suffered alone; even the Father’s presence was withdrawn (Isa 63:1-3; Psa 22:1; Mat 27:46).
(47.) They parted his garments among them, and cast lots for his vesture (Psa 22:18; Mat 27:35).
(48.) He thus became a curse for us, and bore our reproach (Psa 22:6; Psa 79:7; Psa 9:20; Rom 15:3; Heb 13:13; Gal 3:13).
(49.) He made intercession for the murderers (Isa 53:12; Luk 23:34).
(50.) After his death they pierced him (Zec 12:10; John 19:34-37).
(51.) But did not break a bone of his body (Exo 12:46; Psa 34:20; John 19:33-36).
(52.) He was buried with the rich (Isa 53:9; Mat 27:57-60).
(53.) His flesh did not see corruption (Psa 16:8-10; Acts 2:31)
(54.) He rose from death the third day, according to the Scriptures (Psa 16:8-10; Psa 30:3; Luk 24:6, Luk 24:31, Luk 24:34).
(55.) He ascended into the heavens (Psa 68:18; Psa 24:7-9; Luk 24:51; Acts 1:9).
(56.) He became a priest after the order of Melchizedek, who was king and priest at the same time (Psa 110:4; Heb 5:5-6; Zec 6:12-13).
(57.) He received for Himself a kingdom that embraces the whole world (Psa 2:6; Luk 1:32; Dan 2:44; Dan 7:13-14; John 18:33-37; Mat 28:18-19; Php 2:9-10).
(58.) His law went forth from Zion and his word from Jerusalem (Isa 2:1-3; Mic 4:12; Luk 24:46-49; Acts 2:1-40).
(59.) The Gentiles should be admitted into his service, (Isa 11:10; Isa 42:1; Psa 2:8; John 10:16; Acts 10:44-48; Rom 15:9-12).
(60.) The righteousness of His reign (Isa 9:6-7; Psa 45:6-7; John 5:30; Rev 19:11).
We have sketched through these prophecies, not thinking of furnishing all that might be said of them, or of giving all of them. What we have given is to show what a large portion of the prophecies refer to the coming Saviour. When salvation is proposed for the Gentiles, we may be sure that the statements were from the Lord.
Jewish prophets were incompetent to understand any promise made to any other people than those who were of the seed of Abraham. Because they had been the peculiarly favored of the Lord, they looked for all excellence in Judah, and all blessings and favors to be extended to that people. But God had a different view of the matter, and when he gave promises to the race, they were upon the basis of character. We greatly misunderstand the Bible if we suppose that the Hebrews were the only people that received the revelations of God. Because they were more cultured than those about them, they were put in charge of holy things, and used as a vessel for the preservation of the divine records. God must necessarily bring the Saviour into the world through some line, and it would be as well to select that line as any other, and better, for they were the best prepared to furnish the world with the evidences of God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises.
We have now seen that all truth centers in the Christ; that He is our prophet, priest, and king; that all the types and ceremonies and symbols that were before the crucifixion looked forward to that event; and that since that time, all ordinances and teachings and promises, look to Him for meaning and fulfillment.