292
June 1929
T h e
K i n g ' s
B u s i n e s s
Another 1,000 cubits were measured down the stream, at which the prophet crossed. Here the waters were knee-deep. The man measured again another 1,000 cubits down the stream and Ezekiel passed over, finding that the water came up to his loins. 1,000 cubits farther down the stream it was found that the water was too deep for him to cross. From these facts it is quite evident that this stream is a mighty volume of water which is caused tó flow from some subterranean source which will be .opened up when the great physical changes take place in Pal estine at the coming of our Lord. There are various references to such changes in the topography of the land mentioned at various places by the prophets. III. The Life-giving Stream. Vs. 6-12. This mighty volume of water develops into a great river. Again the prophet is brought by his comrade to its banks. He sees trees growing on either side thereof. The presence of these trees reminds one of those mentioned in the 22nd chapter of the Book of Revelation, which are on either side of the river of life and whose leaves are for the health of the nations. .These two streams evidently are dif ferent ones. The one seen by Ezekiel is that which will flow out of Jerusalem during the millennial age. The one which is seen by John is upon the new earth which is created after the destruction of the present earth (the present heavens and earth are destroyed at the setting up of the Great White Throne, Rev. 20:11- 15). . It is quite likely that these trees grow ing upon the banks of this millennial stream are likewise for the health and blessing of the ancient people who will be at that time restored to their own land. The accompanying angel informs Eze kiel that these waters which are issuing forth toward the eastern region go down to the Arabah and thence to the sea and are for the healing of the waters. It is quite likely“that the entire Arabian desert shall be irrigated by this life-giving strealm and shall be caused to rejoice and ttf blossom as a rose (Isa. 35). ' 'It' shall be for the healing of the wa ters. If the eastern sea refers to the Dead Sea, it is very easy for one to understand the significance of this statement. It is a well-known fact that no life is found in the Dead Sea at the present time, be cause of the many mineral deposits found therein. It receives tons of water hourly but has no outlet. These mineral deposits have been deposited there through the centuries and the specific gravity of the water is becoming greater all the time. During the millennial age, however, this condition shall be changed and it shall become a fresh-water lake or sea and there shall be fisheries there such as are found at the Sea of Galilee. There shall likewise be an abundance of fishes such as are found in the Great Sea. The two local places, namely, En-gedi and En-eglaim, indicate quite clearly that the sea here in the immediate foreground is the Dead Sea. The former of these places is well known, which is on the western bank of the Dead Sea, but the latter one has not been located. It is also possible that the eastern sea may, as some scholars think, refer to the Persian Gulf. If this supposition is cor rect, , the life-giving stream from this river of God will flow out into the sea and into the great ocean and will heal the
waters of the ocean. Why should they need any healing? In the book of Reve lation (8:10, 11) John saw a great star which, burning as a torch, fell upon the third part of the rivers and the foun tains of the waters, and the name of which was Wormwood. It made a third part of the waters of the earth become bitter, or poison. It is quite likely that the life-giving properties of this pure crys tal water of the river of God will flow out into the great oceans of the world and heal their waters. What this river does for the millennial earth the river upon the new earth will probably do, with this difference. The millennial river counteracts the evil and the poison that is in the world, caused during this present age and during the Tribulation period, whereas the river of life of the new earth is for the continued health of the nations which shall live up on that glorious world wherein dwelleth righteousness. July 28, 1929 The Story of Daniel Daniel 1:1-21; 2:13-19; 4:19; 7:28; 8 :15- 18; 9:20-23; 10:1-19; 12:9. Golden Text: " And they that are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firma ment; and they that turn many to right eousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Dan. 12:3)., ■■L e ss e n in O u t l in e I. Daniel and his Comrades. 1:1-21. II. Daniel, the Revealer of Secrets. 2: 13-19; 4:19. III. Daniel, the Seei;. 7 :28; 8 :15-18. IV. Daniel Visited by Angels. 9 :20-23 ; 10:1-19. V. Daniel’s Messages Especially for “the End Time.” 12:9. — to — I. Daniel and his Comrades. 1 :1-21. TN the third year of the reign of Jehoi- -*■ akim, king of Judah, Daniel and his comrades were taken captive to Babylon. At that time part of the sacred vessels of eunuchs, whowas commanded to take certain youths of the children of Israel, that is, of the seed royal and of the nobles, to whom they should give the very best that Babylon could afford in the way of foods, dainties, and training. They were placed in the university of Babylon for special training in order that they might enter the diplomatic and probably the religious service of the crown. Ashpenaz was commanded to feed these Hebrews upon the dainties of the king, but Daniel and his comrades purposed in their hearts not to eat such food, because it in all probability involved recognition of the idolatrous worship of Babylon. Ashpenaz granted the request of the young Hebrews and permitted them to eat a very simple, plain diet. At the expira tion of the given time, a comparison of their physical and mental condition with the temple w e r e carried thither by Nebuchadnezzar. Upon the arrival at Babylon of Dan iel and his friends,, they were turned over to Ashpenaz, the master of the
FRED S. SHEPARD ’S BLACKBOARD OUTLINE
P U R I T Y U R P O S E R O G R E S S Give diligence to show thyself approved unto God.—2 Tim. 2:15.
that of the other students, revealed the fact that they were far superior in every way to their colleagues. God was providentially preparing them for service in His cause. Whenever any difficult situation arose, they, and espe cially Daniel, showed a great superiority over the rest of their comrades. Because of this superior wisdom and faithfulness of Daniel he was used of God in high places throughout the captivity.- II. Daniel, the Revealer of Secrets. 2: 13-19; 4:19. In the second year of the reign of Neb uchadnezzar, King of Babylon, God made a revelation to him through the medium of dreams. His spirit was troubled be cause of them and he could no longer sleep. Immediately he called in the ma gicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and Chal deans and demanded of them that they should- recall the dream, which by this time had fled from him, and also should show him its interpretation. The king’s demand was considered by the magicians as a most unreasonable one; hence, they insisted that he tell the dream and that they would give the interpretation. The king, still having faith in these magicians, demanded that they reproduce the vision, threatening them that if they did not they would, be executed. To these threats they replied that no king upon the earth had been so very unreasonable as to make such drastic demands of magicians at any time. Nevertheless, the decree went forth that all the magicians and enchanters should be slain. Those excepting the king’s orders sought fpr Daniel and his comrades in order to Slay them. Daniel replied to the captain of the king’s guard, Arioch, “Wherefore is' the decree so ur gent from the king?” Then Arioch told him the entire situation. Daniel then was permitted to go into the presence of the king and requested that a time should be appointed him at which he would show the interpretation of the dream. Going forth from the king’s presence he imme diately called his rcomrades to engage in an earnest prayer-meeting, imploring God that He would grant to them the ability to interpret the dream. God honored their faith and granted their petition. When God answered their prayer they, through gratitude and praise, magnified and glori fied His holy name. Again God made a revelation to Nebu chadnezzar concerning his kingdom and its downfall. This revelation is found in the fourth chapter under the symbolism of a tree which was cut down and whose stump was left in the ground. God made known to Nebuchadnezzar the fate which was awaiting him because of his arro- gancy and pride. Nebuchadnezzar immediately called for Daniel, since the rest of the wise men of Babylon could not interpret the dream. At first, Daniel was stricken dumb, which hesitancy caused Nebuchadnezzar to be
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