To acquire the correct understanding of Zechariah 14:1,2 the following question is posed for the readers: Why would Jehovah "gather all the nations against Jerusalem for the war" and then punish them with a scourge for their warring? (Zech 14:12). To comprehend this scripture, it is essential to understand that "Jerusalem" includes the entire "congregation of the first born who have been enrolled in the heavens". (Heb 12:22-24). These warring nations are not spiritual "Jews", but Gentiles warring against the spiritual development of future members of heavenly "Jerusalem" while they are on earth. Wherever anointed congregation members of the first-born gathered to worship God and observe His commandments, apostate enemies also gathered. But anointed "congregation" members did not consent to these apostate enemies changing the "times and Law" of God.  (Dan 7:25.  See Pages 777 to 863B).

But how could the "spoil of you" be "apportioned out in the midst of you"? Those referred to as "you" are future members of heavenly "Jerusalem". And what is the "spoil"? The "spoil" are those who have been gathered as believers in Christ. "This is what Jehovah of armies has said, 'It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: "We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people."'" (Zech 8:23). So the "spoil" are those believers who took hold of the "skirt" (righteous teachings) of an anointed spiritual "Jew" and were as sacrifices offered to God by these underpriests substituting for Christ through truthful teachings of God. But when the "city" was "captured", this "spoil" (including the priestly authority of anointed ones) was "apportioned out" to unsealed ones by those called to be anointed ones but not chosen due to their apostasy. (Matt 22:14 RSV). Only in this way could the "spoil of you be apportioned out in the midst of you".  And this has proven to be the case.

The many tracts and books of the apostate sect of JWs since their "capture" of the "city" gives ample evidence of their new 'congregational arrangement' and the date of their 'shifting of responsibilities' from faithful anointed sons of God to unsealed ones in Christ's congregations. (Dan 11:32 & 7:25). Those apportioned a share in the "spoil" were given the title 'older man' or 'elder'. Those led into this apostasy by means of smooth words (apostate teachings) were rewarded for their "military service" against faithful anointed sons of God with promotion to 'elder' to further draw away disciples after themselves. (Zech 14:12.  Dan 11:32 & 39). In exchange for glory, they willingly complied with this changing of the "times and Law" of God. Although faithful anointed members of spiritual "Jerusalem" were removed by lawless apostates and went off into exile, these members "will not be cut off from the city." But those carrying on the "disgusting thing" of Daniel 11:31 will be cut off, for they are not written in "the Lamb's" scroll of  life.  (Rev 21:27).

THE SCOURGE.  (ZECH 14:12,13).
With reference to those who did "military service" against members of spiritual "Jerusalem" on earth, it says: "There will be a rotting away of one's flesh, while one is standing upon one's feet; and one's very eyes will rot away in their sockets, and one's very tongue will rot away in one's mouth." (Zech 14:12). Already rotten in spirit, they will rot in flesh during Jehovah's Day after He has conducted His legal case against them. Their changing of "times and Law" of God and their "schemes of hurtfulness" and "bad counsel" are now being revealed. They will rot away while standing in so-called authority.

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