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(Cont. from Page
7/1/85A).
ARE ETHIOPIAN JEWS AMONG THE SURVIVORS OF
JUDAH?
It is written
that: "Ashkelon
is to be a desolate waste"
(Zephaniah 2:4), and that "the coastland shall belong to the survivors of
Judah."
(2:7
NEB). But since
Ashkelon has recently become the immigration point for some 20,000 Ethiopian
Jews arriving via airlifts from Sudan, are they 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 devoutly humble and submissive to God and who believe in
theocracy. (2:3). Theocracy is the direct intervention and authority of
God through revelation in the governing of society, being 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, who flaunt their arrogance and pride over others. (3:11 NWT & NEB).
Their Godless disposition merely serves to cause division among the people, and
ultimately leads to demonstration and terrorism.
The
key
is Zephaniah 2:1, which says: "Gather yourselves together,
yes, do the gathering, O nation not paling in shame." This
self-exalted "O nation" is the scattered nation of Zionist Jews
worldwide! Since the land was
given to ancient Israel by God, "haughtily exultant ones" among
the Jews believe their right to it is permanent and inalienable. And so,
with financial assistance from
fellow Zionists, Diaspora Jews gather from many nations to 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! (1:7,8 &
3:11B
NEB).
THOSE BEARING REPROACH ON HER ACCOUNT.
As for those
grief-stricken in absence from festal seasons of Zion because of bearing
reproach on account of "haughtily exultant ones" (3:18),
they will be gathered by Jehovah. He will win them "praise and renown in
all the world where once they were despised." (3:19 NEB).
They are faithful Gentiles anointed by Holy Spirit from God, their descendants,
and all humble believers in The Christ Jesus who were spurned because they
revere the Word of God and faithfully bear His Name. (Isaiah
66:5).
7/1/85B.
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