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(Cont. from Page
7/1/85A).
ARE ETHIOPIAN JEWS AMONG THE SURVIVORS OF JUDAH? (Zeph 2:7).
It is written that: "Ashkelon
is to be a desolate waste." (2:4). "And (the coastland) must become a
region for the remaining ones of the house of Judah." (2:7. See NEB).
But since Ashkelon has recently become the immigration point for some 20,000
Ethiopian Jews arriving via airlifts from Sudan, are they among the survivors of
Judah? No, for the reason that
"haughtily exultant"
ones still exist among them. (See:
Page
7/1/85A).
GATHERING FOR THE SACRIFICE.
Meek ones are those who are piously
humble and submissive before God, and who believe in theocracy.
(2:3). THEOCRACY: The direct intervention and authority of God
through revelation in the government of society; governed directly by God
through a sacerdotal class (priesthood). (See: Rev 5:9,10. 1 Peter
2:5,9).
But "haughtily exultant ones" are those who do not believe
in theocracy, and who flaunt their arrogance and pride over others.
(3:11 NEB). Their Godless disposition merely serves to cause division
among peoples and ultimately results in demonstrations and
terrorism.
The key
is Zephaniah 2:1: "Gather yourselves together, yes, do the gathering,
O nation not paling in shame." This self-exalted "nation" is the
scattered nation of Zionist Jews worldwide! Since
the land of Israel was given to the
ancient Israelites by God, "haughtily exultant" Jews believe their right to it
is permanent and inalienable. And so,
with financial assistance from fellow Zionists, Diaspora Jews are inspired to
gather from many nations and return to the 200-mile strip of land between the
Dead Sea and the Mediterranean. They are returning to their ancestral origins,
as prepared ones for
the sacrifice! (3:10-12. 1:17,18
NEB).
THOSE BEARING
REPROACH ON HER ACCOUNT. (3:18).
As for those grief-stricken in
absence from Zion's festal seasons because of bearing reproach on her (their)
account, they will be gathered in by Jehovah. He will win them
"praise and renown in all the world where once they were despised." (3:19
NEB).
These are faithful Gentiles anointed by Holy Spirit, their descendants, and all
humble believers in The Christ Jesus who were excluded by reason of Jehovah's
Name.
(Isaiah 66:5).
7/1/85B. |