10 Virgins Parable

[Dorcas]

Dear Friends,
Just to finish up on the marriage of Christ and his Bride, I offer the following research on the guests at the wedding:
<div align="center">PREPARATION FOR THE MARRIAGE</div>
Matthew 22:1-14 In further reply Jesus again spoke to them with illustrations, saying: 2 "The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king, that made a marriage feast for his son. 3 And he sent forth his slaves to call those invited to the marriage feast, but they were unwilling to come. 4 Again he sent forth other slaves, saying, &#39;Tell those invited: "Look! I have prepared my dinner, my bulls and fattened animals are slaughtered, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast."&#39; 5 But unconcerned they went off, one to his own field, another to his commercial business; 6 but the rest, laying hold of his slaves, treated them insolently and killed them.

7 "But the king grew wrathful, and sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his slaves, &#39;The marriage feast indeed is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go to the roads leading out of the city, and anyone YOU find invite to the marriage feast.&#39; 10 Accordingly those slaves went out to the roads and gathered together all they found, both wicked and good; and the room for the wedding ceremonies was filled with those reclining at the table. 11 "When the king came in to inspect the guests he caught sight there of a man not clothed with a marriage garment. 12 So he said to him, &#39;Fellow, how did you get in here not having on a marriage garment?&#39; He was rendered speechless. 13 Then the king said to his servants, &#39;Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the darkness outside. There is where [his] weeping and the gnashing of [his] teeth will be.&#39; 14 "For there are many invited, but few chosen."

Psalm 45:7-15 You have loved righteousness and you hate wickedness. hat is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your partners. 8 All your garments are myrrh and aloeswood [and] cassia; Out from the grand ivory palace stringed instruments themselves have made you rejoice. 9 The daughters of kings are among your precious women.
The queenly consort has taken her stand at your right hand in gold of O&#39;phir. 10 Listen, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear; And forget your people and your father&#39;s house. 11 And the king will long for your prettiness, For he is your lord, So bow down to him. 12 The daughter of Tyre also with a gift— The rich ones of the people will soften your own face. 13 The king&#39;s daughter is all glorious within [the house]; Her clothing is with settings of gold. 14 In woven apparel she will be brought to the king. The virgins in her train as her companions are being brought in to you. 15 They will be brought with rejoicing and joyfulness; They will enter into the palace of the king.

<div align="center">THE PARABLE OF THE 10 VIRGINS</div>
<div align="center">(Matt. 25:1-13)</div>
Matthew 25:1 Then the kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom (and the bride [Lamsa].

10 is a number signifying earthly completeness
Virgins took lamps ( Ps. 119:105) Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light to my roadway.
Matt. 25:2 Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet.

Five virgins must have had spiritual appreciation for the upcoming wedding and anticipated a possible delay…the collection of all the anointed.
Matt. 25:3 For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them,

Prov. 13:9 The very light of the righteous ones will rejoice; but the lamp of the wicked ones—it will be extinguished.
Matt. 25:4 …whereas the discreet took oil in their receptacles with their lamps.

Five brought extra oil in storage vessels
Oil pictures Jehovah&#39;s holy spirit

Matt. 25:5 While the bridegroom was delaying, they all nodded and went to sleep.

Evidently the bride was delayed, thus holding the Groom back
Luke 12:46 …the master of that slave will come on a day that he is not expecting [him] and in an hour that he does not know,
Matt. 25:6 Right in the middle of the night there arose a cry, &#39;Here is the bridegroom! Be on YOUR way out to meet him.&#39;

Bridegroom and bride arrive unexpectedly, must be met by the virgins to light their way.
Matt. 25:7 Then all those virgins rose and put their lamps in order Virgins refill their lamps from supply they carried.
Matt. 25:8 The foolish said to the discreet, &#39;Give us some of YOUR oil, because our lamps are about to go out.&#39;

5 foolish virgins had no extra oil (symbolizing holy spirit), were unprepared
Matt. 25:9 The discreet answered with the words, &#39;Perhaps there may not be quite enough for us and YOU. Be on YOUR way, instead, to those who sell it and buy for yourselves.&#39;

Discreet virgins unwilling to share oil
Matt. 25:10 While they were going off to buy, the bridegroom arrived, and the virgins that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.

Virgins were guests and witnesses of the marriage much as those with an earthly hope witness the Memorial each year. Each group has the hope of benefiting from the marital union.
Matt.25:11 Afterwards the rest of the virgins also came, saying, &#39;Sir, sir, open to us!&#39;

Matt. 7:21-23 "Not everyone saying to me, &#39;Lord, Lord,&#39; will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, &#39;Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?&#39; 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness. Matt. 25:12 In answer he said, &#39;I tell YOU the truth, I do not know YOU.&#39;

Matt. 25:13 "Keep on the watch, therefore, because YOU know neither the day nor the hour.

1Thess. 5:6 So, then, let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses.
Mark 13:32-33 32 "Concerning that day or the hour nobody knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but the Father. 33 Keep looking, keep awake, for YOU do not know when the appointed time is. <div align="center">**********</div>
Friends of the bride (Faithful virgins) will reside on the earth:

Matt. 25:32-34 32 And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.34 "Then the king will say to those on his right, &#39;Come, YOU who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for YOU from the founding of the world. Matt. 25:46 And these will depart into everlasting cutting-off, but the righteous ones into everlasting l
Friends of the groom such as John the Baptist will reside on the earth:

John 3:28,29 YOU yourselves bear me witness that I [John the Baptist] said, I am not the Christ, but, I have been sent forth in advance of that one. 29 He that has the bride is the bridegroom. However, the friend of the bridegroom, when he stands and hears him, has a great deal of joy on account of the voice of the bridegroom. Therefore this joy of mine has been made full.
Matt. 11:11 Truly I say to YOU people, Among those born of women there has not been raised up a greater than John the Baptist; but a person that is a lesser one in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he is.
Revelation 19:7-9 Let us rejoice and be overjoyed, and let us give him the glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has arrived and his wife has prepared herself. 8 Yes, it has been granted to her to be arrayed in bright, clean, fine linen, for the fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the holy ones." 9 And he tells me: "Write: Happy are those invited to the evening meal of the Lamb&#39;s marriage." Also, he tells me: "These are the true sayings of God."

Hopefully this will shed additional light on the identification of the virgins. Further comments are welcome!

Love to all, Dorcas http://e-jehovahs-witnesses.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/MSN%20Vlinder.gif

[stayawake]

Durcas, I was hoping someone would put this on, it explains just who we are that have a earthly hope.
Companions of the Bride & freinds of the Bridegroom

[Molly]

Very interesting information, Dorcas

Your research really shows how well the scriptures fit together when someone makes the effort to assemble them in a meaningful manner. Thank you for your efforts.

Molly

[Anthony]

Robert/board members,

What is the current understanding from the WTS on Matt 25:10, mainly the door being shut? I know this was talked about on ewatchman, but ever since the site changed I can’t fine anything.

I would like to see a break down to the Mar 1, 2004 WT
‘The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test!
“That Evil Slave”
Discreet and Foolish Virgins
The Parable of the Talents
Inspection Time Begins!
The Inspection Continues

What was the best essay on this matter?

Thanks,

Anthony

[Jinnvisible]

Robert/board members,

What is the current understanding from the WTS on Matt 25:10, mainly the door being shut? I know this was talked about on ewatchman, but ever since the site changed I can’t fine anything.

I would like to see a break down to the Mar 1, 2004 WT

I think those essays have gone Anthony.

Most of that stuff pertains to 1914. The 1914 doctrine is at the core of that. So if you can`t find what you are looking for with regard to comment on that specific artical then you should be able to find the meat of it within the 1914 issue.

As regard Mat 25:10 the society does assert (either directly or surrepticiously with 1914) that the ten good virgins have gone off with the groom already but they still are prepared to grudgingly accept that their may be late - newly annointed one because they don`t outright state that a newly or recently annointed person is a liar or move to disfellowship. They just state the unlikelyness of it or indicate that the odds are stacked against it.

To be frank i think its why alot of the societies positions on things are difficult to call directly to mind. I think if you ask alot of cong members direct doctrinal questions they would have to reffer to publications. Not because they aren`t paying attention but rather because the positions aren`t solid.

I think the societies position presently is that Christ has taken the ten bride that he approved of but he hasn`t married them ? I think the society asserts that the mariage feast takes place in heaven. My feeling is that is only the case at the begining of Great tribulation and then their is a slight interval between the sealing or approval and the fully spritised preisthood. In other words the kingdom actually is instiuted before all the spirit hiers are taken in to the spirit realm. I always take it that the feast doesn`t take place untill all the bride are in the spirit realm.

The part of Matthew 25:10 that states `went in with him` i take that to mean the assention of the entire spirit congregation at its completion.

i`m not good with timelines. Sorry if this doesn`t help.



Matthew 25:10 While they were going off to buy, the bridegroom arrived, and the virgins that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut

[Anthony]

Robert/board members,

What is the current understanding from the WTS on Matt 25:10, mainly the door being shut? I know this was talked about on ewatchman, but ever since the site changed I can’t fine anything.

I would like to see a break down to the Mar 1, 2004 WT
‘The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test!
“That Evil Slave”
Discreet and Foolish Virgins
The Parable of the Talents
Inspection Time Begins!
The Inspection Continues

What was the best essay on this matter?

Thanks,

Anthony
I’m not good at this, can I get some help? I am trying to arrange or write out the following points: 1 they show that the kingdom of the heavens here meant those within the WTS/bible students, but in the dragnet and wheat and weeds, it’s Christendom and the WTS. 2 with a tricky tongue they try to say that they pointed to the year 1914, decades in advance, as marking the start of "the conclusion of the system of things, but even thou they did point to 1914, that’s not what they understood at that time. 3 they say that since 1914 things have changed a big woe, but yet 1894 July 15 WT speaks as if there were such hard times before 1914. 4 they sayJehovah’s spiritual temple is God’s congregation; it’s not his temple when the MOL sits down. 5 they say the door was shut, but admit thatmore anointed slaves would continue to come in.


Discreet and Foolish Virgins
6 After speaking of “that evil slave,” Jesus gave two parables to show why some anointed Christians would prove to be faithful and discreet while others would not. To illustrate discretion, he said: “The kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them, whereas the discreet took oil in their receptacles with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:1-4) The ten virgins remind us of anointed Christians before 1914. They had calculated that the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, was about to make an appearance. Hence, they “went out” to meet him, boldly preaching that “the appointed times of the nations” would end in 1914.—Luke 21:24. "True, it is expecting great things to claim, as we do, that within the coming twenty-six years all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved. In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A. D. 1914…. Be not surprised, then, when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God is already begun, that it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A.D. 1878, and that the "battle of the great day of God Almighty" (Rev. 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced. The gathering of the armies is plainly visible from the standpoint of God's Word." Studies In the Scriptures Series II - The Time Is At Hand (1889) pp.99, 101
7 They were correct. The appointed times of the nations did end in 1914, and God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus went into operation. But that was in the invisible heavens. On earth, mankind began to suffer foretold “woe.” (Revelation 12:10, 12) "Now, in view of recent labor troubles and threatened anarchy, our readers are writing to know if there may not be a mistake in the 1914 date. They do not see how present conditions can hold out so long under the strain. We see no reason for changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." Zions Watch Tower 1894 July 15 p.226A time of testing ensued. Not understanding things clearly, anointed Christians thought that “the bridegroom was delaying.” Confused and facing hostility from the world, generally they slowed down and virtually stopped the organized public preaching work. Like the virgins in the parable, spiritually speaking they “nodded and went to sleep,” even as unfaithful professed Christians did after Jesus’ apostles died.—Matthew 25:5; Revelation 11:7, 8; 12:17.
8 Then in 1919 something unexpected happened. We read: “Right in the middle of the night there arose a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Be on your way out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and put their lamps in order.” (Matthew 25:6, 7) Just when things seemed darkest, there was a call to get active! In 1918, Jesus, “the messenger of the covenant,” had come to Jehovah’s spiritual temple to inspect and cleanse God’s congregation. (Malachi 3:1) Now, anointed Christians needed to go out and meet him in the earthly courtyards of that temple. 11 And a reed like a rod was given me as he said: “Get up and measure the temple [sanctuary] of God and the altar and those worshiping in it. 2 But as for the courtyard that is outside the temple [sanctuary], cast it clear out and do not measure it, because it has been given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city underfoot for forty-two months… He is set in opposition and lifts himself up over everyone who is called “god” or an object of reverence, so that he sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god. It was time for them to “shed forth light.”—Isaiah 60:1; Philippians 2:14, 15.
9 But wait! In the parable, some of the young women had a problem. Jesus continued: “The foolish said to the discreet, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are about to go out.’” (Matthew 25:8) Without oil, the lamps would not give light. Lamp oil thus reminds us of God’s Word of truth and his holy spirit, which empower true worshipers to be light bearers. (Psalm 119:130; Daniel 5:14) Before 1919, discreet anointed Christians had diligently sought to discern God’s will for them, despite their temporary weakened state. Hence, when the call came to give forth light, they were ready.—2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 10:24, 25.
10 Certain anointed ones, however, were unprepared to make sacrifices or expend personal effort—although they earnestly desired to be with the Bridegroom. So when it was time to get active in preaching the good news, they were not ready. (Matthew 24:14) They even tried to slow down their zealous companions, asking, in effect, for some of their oil supply. In Jesus’ parable, how did the discreet virgins respond? They said: “Perhaps there may not be quite enough for us and you. Be on your way, instead, to those who sell it and buy for yourselves.” (Matthew 25:9) Similarly, loyal anointed Christians in 1919 refused to do anything that would diminish their own capacity to bear light. Thus, they passed inspection.
11 Jesus concludes: “While [the foolish virgins] were going off to buy, the bridegroom arrived, and the virgins that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Of course, the majority of those who were to become Christ’s anointed slaves during the time of the end were not yet serving Jehovah when Jesus began his inspection in 1918. Did they miss out on the inspection? Not at all. The inspection process only began in 1918/19 when the faithful and discreet slave as a class passed the test. Individual anointed Christians continue under inspection until their sealing is made permanent. Afterwards the rest of the virgins also came, saying, ‘Sir, sir, open to us!’ In answer he said, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you.’” (Matthew 25:10-12) Yes, some were unprepared for the Bridegroom’s arrival. Thus, they failed inspection and lost the opportunity to attend the heavenly marriage feast. How tragic!


"The Watchtower has consistently presented evidence…that Jesus' presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914. Events since that year testify to Jesus' presence. … Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently shown from the Scriptures that the year 1914 marked the beginning of this world's time of the end and that "the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men" has drawn near." Watchtower 1993 January 15 pp.5,9

"From the mid-1870's, Jehovah's people had been anticipating that catastrophic events would start in 1914 and would mark the end of the Gentile Times." Revelation - Its Grand Climax at Hand! (1988) p.105

Of all men used by God to prophesy, Jesus is outstanding. Based on what he said, along with the words of Daniel and John, Jehovah's witnesses pointed to the year 1914, decades in advance, as marking the start of "the conclusion of the system of things." Awake! 1973 January 22 p.8

[Londoner]

Psalm 45:7-15 You have loved righteousness and you hate wickedness. hat is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your partners. 8 All your garments are myrrh and aloeswood [and] cassia; Out from the grand ivory palace stringed instruments themselves have made you rejoice. 9 The daughters of kings are among your precious women.
The queenly consort has taken her stand at your right hand in gold of O'phir. 10 Listen, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear; And forget your people and your father's house. 11 And the king will long for your prettiness, For he is your lord, So bow down to him. 12 The daughter of Tyre also with a gift— The rich ones of the people will soften your own face. 13 The king's daughter is all glorious within [the house]; Her clothing is with settings of gold. 14 In woven apparel she will be brought to the king. The virgins in her train as her companions are being brought in to you. 15 They will be brought with rejoicing and joyfulness; They will enter into the palace of the king.




Virgins were guests and witnesses of the marriage much as those with an earthly hope witness the Memorial each year. Each group has the hope of benefiting from the marital union. http://e-jehovahs-witnesses.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/MSN%20Vlinder.gif

Hi Dorcas

This is great work and research. But I believe the above quoted Psalm is discussing the Bride (anointed) and the Bridegroom (Jesus) alone, and not the Great Growd. Verse 15 says regarding the virgins in her train:

They will be brought with rejoicing and joyfulness; They will enter into the palace of the king.

The "palace of the king (Jesus), must be in heaven, and the "virgins in her train" enter into the palace. Therefore, these virgins cannot be those with the earthly hope, as the palace is in heaven.

I believe the "virgins in her train" represent anointed Christians as individuals, and the bride as the whole group. Much like the "domestics" are anointed individuals in Matt 24, and the "faithful and discreet slave" are the same as a group.

Londoner

[uglyandthin]

Hi Dorcas

This is great work and research. But I believe the above quoted Psalm is discussing the Bride (anointed) and the Bridegroom (Jesus) alone, and not the Great Growd. Verse 15 says regarding the virgins in her train:

They will be brought with rejoicing and joyfulness; They will enter into the palace of the king.

The "palace of the king (Jesus), must be in heaven, and the "virgins in her train" enter into the palace. Therefore, these virgins cannot be those with the earthly hope, as the palace is in heaven.

I believe the "virgins in her train" represent anointed Christians as individuals, and the bride as the whole group. Much like the "domestics" are anointed individuals in Matt 24, and the "faithful and discreet slave" are the same as a group.

Londoner

Hi Londoner:

Or, another solution is that there are more who are spirit begotten than are in the Bride of Christ. Do you have to be a part of the Bride of Christ to be spirit begotten? According to the WT the answer is Yes, but do they have everything right? I doubt it.

uglyandthin

[Londoner]

Hi Londoner:

Or, another solution is that there are more who are spirit begotten than are in the Bride of Christ. Do you have to be a part of the Bride of Christ to be spirit begotten? According to the WT the answer is Yes, but do they have everything right? I doubt it.

uglyandthin

Hi uglyandthin :)

The scripture does say that the virgins in her train "enter the palace of the king". If we accept that the "palace" is in heaven, then the "virgins" cannot be the other sheep or Great Crowd.

In the 1930's, the WT did believe the Great Crowd was in heaven, as a sort of 2nd class citizens, because they were "a self righteous group that had a knowledge of the truth but did little about preaching it." Revelation Climax, page 120.

They've dropped that teaching of course. When Jesus talked about spirit begotten, or being born again, he linked it to the "kingdom of the heavens".

Londoner

[uglyandthin]

Hi uglyandthin :)

The scripture does say that the virgins in her train "enter the palace of the king". If we accept that the "palace" is in heaven, then the "virgins" cannot be the other sheep or Great Crowd.

In the 1930's, the WT did believe the Great Crowd was in heaven, as a sort of 2nd class citizens, because they were "a self righteous group that had a knowledge of the truth but did little about preaching it." Revelation Climax, page 120.

They've dropped that teaching of course. When Jesus talked about spirit begotten, or being born again, he linked it to the "kingdom of the heavens".

Londoner

Hi Londoner:

I don't necessarily think that the "great crowd" per se are a spirit begotten group, but I also don't think that being spirit begotten necessarily is restricted to just Christ's bride and since the wedding feast of Christ's bride will be in the heavens those that attend will need to be spirit begotten to attend.

It is interesting that Watchman has said many times (if I remember correctly) that the term parousia means to "stand beside" or "stand alongside" or something very similar to that. When Jesus comes, I don't think it is necessarily him or just him who that is referring to. You see, we all understand that constructively Jesus bride, his wife is his flesh and therefore him. So, Jesus coming could be describing the coming of the 144,000 heavenly kings who come (are present) and stand alongside thier earthly counterparts in the Kingdom.

I don't think that God's Kingdom is going to speak to each and every person on the planet when it wants things done but will work through "the princes in all the earth", who I think will be made up of born again ones who will correspond on a 1:1 basis with the heavenly Kings. Also, why be called a King if you do not have your own Kingdom. I think the earth will be a collection of 144,000 autonomous yet closely related Kingdoms each managed by a heavenly King and a corresponding earthly King. Obviously the earthly King is subservient to the Heavenly King.

The great crowd that comes out of the great tribulation are the citizens of this Kingdom arrangement. Jesus is the reflection of his Father. The earthly Kingdom (s) will be a reflection of the heavenly.

uglyandthin

[Londoner]

Hi Londoner:

I don't necessarily think that the "great crowd" per se are a spirit begotten group, but I also don't think that being spirit begotten necessarily is restricted to just Christ's bride and since the wedding feast of Christ's bride will be in the heavens those that attend will need to be spirit begotten to attend.

It is interesting that Watchman has said many times (if I remember correctly) that the term parousia means to "stand beside" or "stand alongside" or something very similar to that. When Jesus comes, I don't think it is necessarily him or just him who that is referring to. You see, we all understand that constructively Jesus bride, his wife is his flesh and therefore him. So, Jesus coming could be describing the coming of the 144,000 heavenly kings who come (are present) and stand alongside thier earthly counterparts in the Kingdom.

I don't think that God's Kingdom is going to speak to each and every person on the planet when it wants things done but will work through "the princes in all the earth", who I think will be made up of born again ones who will correspond on a 1:1 basis with the heavenly Kings. Also, why be called a King if you do not have your own Kingdom. I think the earth will be a collection of 144,000 autonomous yet closely related Kingdoms each managed by a heavenly King and a corresponding earthly King. Obviously the earthly King is subservient to the Heavenly King.

The great crowd that comes out of the great tribulation are the citizens of this Kingdom arrangement. Jesus is the reflection of his Father. The earthly Kingdom (s) will be a reflection of the heavenly.

uglyandthin

Hi :)

I agree in some points. The "princes" in the earth are obviously humans with godly authority. But a prince is always lower than a king, so they would be subservient to the heavenly arrangement as you say. The earth will have human rulership that the world can see, probably similar to earthly Israel during Solomon's faithful reign.

I believe that there will be an earthly "priesthood" arrangement, which I think were prefigured by the Non priestly Levites. These worked in the temple, but were not allowed in the Holy or Most Holy, or either to touch the Ark and other holy utensils that only the priests in Aaron's line were permitted.

They were not anointed with the anointing oil as were the Aaronic priesthood, so I believe they are symbolic of a priestly group on the earth.

Londoner

[uglyandthin]

Hi :)

I agree in some points. The "princes" in the earth are obviously humans with godly authority. But a prince is always lower than a king, so they would be subservient to the heavenly arrangement as you say. The earth will have human rulership that the world can see, probably similar to earthly Israel during Solomon's faithful reign.

I believe that there will be an earthly "priesthood" arrangement, which I think were prefigured by the Non priestly Levites. These worked in the temple, but were not allowed in the Holy or Most Holy, or either to touch the Ark and other holy utensils that only the priests in Aaron's line were permitted.

They were not anointed with the anointing oil as were the Aaronic priesthood, so I believe they are symbolic of a priestly group on the earth.

Londoner

Hi Londoner:

I think a good example of how the structure of the kingdom could be is found in 1 Chronicles from say...Chapters 25-28. It describes David's mighty men which were composed of 288,000 mighty men divided into 12 groups of 24,000 men each which would protect David during times of "Peace". These are interesting numbers. Of course 24,000 is twice 12,000 which is the number of Kings in each tribe in the Kingdom of the heavens.

I think this is telling us something about the make up of the kingdom. Jesus is the greater David and he will have 288,000 "men", which in this case will be men and women. 144,000 of them will be serving in the heavens (as his wife) and 144,000 will be serving on the earth, and when Jesus "comes" these ones will stand alongside (parousia) their respective counterparts on earth. Symbolically 24,000 each month times 12 months per year. These are the trees of Revelation that will be for the healing of the nations.

These arrangements will be a symbolic marriage between the heavenly King and the earthly King (Prince). The heavenly king who is actually Christ's symbolic "bride" will be the head (like the husband) of the arrangement and the earthly king will be like the submissive wife carrying out the wishes of her head. Although the earthly Kings will have Jehovah's authority on earth, it will be a relative authority in that they will only be doing the will of the heavenly Kings.

But Jesus is not only a King of Kings, he is also a Lord of Lords and no doubt there will be a similar arrangement between the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth with respect to Lords. Each King could have under his or her authority so many Lords who will aid them in carrying out these necessary tasks to God and Christs glory. Each Lord will no doubt have subordinates that will perhaps make up the priesthood of the Kingdom. Much like Israel was at the time of Moses when his father in law Jethro recommended that Moses handle the heavy issues of the nation but to allow others to handle the less weighty matters. There were those who were chiefs over 100, those who were chiefs over 1000 etc, etc. I think this is how the Kingdom will be structured. Of course it is only my opinion, but isn't that how it works right now? 1 King over 100 Lords, 100 Lords over 1000 priests, priests (Elders and Elderettes) over the citizens of the Kingdom.

This brings me back to the 10 Virgins. I think the 10 Virgins describes the calling and choosing of the Kings and Lords of the Kingdom. Those that have been chosen as Kings are likened to the wise virgins who have kept their lamps supplied with oil and therefore are not overtaken by nightfall and/or darkness and they are spiritually more awake when the Kingdom arrives. The foolish virgins forget to keep thier lamps supplied with oil and are delayed in responding to the arrival of the King because they are busy out procuring oil for thier lamps and when they return the door to Kingdom Kingship has closed, but they are virgins none the less. They clammer Lord, Lord which I think is a hint to us that they will answer the call to be Lords in the Kingdom.

Jesus says that he does not know them, not because they are unrighteous, but because they are not under his "direct" command. Like David, Jesus commands the 288,000 mighty men and leaves the command of the subordinates to his mighty men.

When the Kingdom comes to take power over the earth the first 10 months are key (a month for a virgin). The first 5 months (a month for a virgin) will direct the earthly Kings of the Kingdom to the Mountain of God, followed by the second period of 5 months which will collect the Lords of the Kingdom to that mountain. This will be followed by priests and finally the great crowd which no man can number which will flood to the mountain of God under his direction through the Kingdom arrangement, all to his and his Sons glory forever.

I also think that you have to be spirit begotten to be a part of the Kingdom of God whether you are in heaven or on earth. If I am correct, this would stand to reason as a heavenly, angelic one could not be yoked together (even if it is only symbolically) with an earthly one who was also not a Son of God as that would be likened to bestiality or like the relationship between the angels and humans in Noah's time. But if both were born again sons of the true God, there would be nothing wrong with such a symbolic union or "standing alongside".

uglyandthin

[truthseeker]

Hi Londoner:

I think a good example of how the structure of the kingdom could be is found in 1 Chronicles from say...Chapters 25-28. It describes David's mighty men which were composed of 288,000 mighty men divided into 12 groups of 24,000 men each which would protect David during times of "Peace". These are interesting numbers. Of course 24,000 is twice 12,000 which is the number of Kings in each tribe in the Kingdom of the heavens.

I think this is telling us something about the make up of the kingdom. Jesus is the greater David and he will have 288,000 "men", which in this case will be men and women. 144,000 of them will be serving in the heavens (as his wife) and 144,000 will be serving on the earth, and when Jesus "comes" these ones will stand alongside (parousia) their respective counterparts on earth. Symbolically 24,000 each month times 12 months per year. These are the trees of Revelation that will be for the healing of the nations.

These arrangements will be a symbolic marriage between the heavenly King and the earthly King (Prince). The heavenly king who is actually Christ's symbolic "bride" will be the head (like the husband) of the arrangement and the earthly king will be like the submissive wife carrying out the wishes of her head. Although the earthly Kings will have Jehovah's authority on earth, it will be a relative authority in that they will only be doing the will of the heavenly Kings.

But Jesus is not only a King of Kings, he is also a Lord of Lords and no doubt there will be a similar arrangement between the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth with respect to Lords. Each King could have under his or her authority so many Lords who will aid them in carrying out these necessary tasks to God and Christs glory. Each Lord will no doubt have subordinates that will perhaps make up the priesthood of the Kingdom. Much like Israel was at the time of Moses when his father in law Jethro recommended that Moses handle the heavy issues of the nation but to allow others to handle the less weighty matters. There were those who were chiefs over 100, those who were chiefs over 1000 etc, etc. I think this is how the Kingdom will be structured. Of course it is only my opinion, but isn't that how it works right now? 1 King over 100 Lords, 100 Lords over 1000 priests, priests (Elders and Elderettes) over the citizens of the Kingdom.

This brings me back to the 10 Virgins. I think the 10 Virgins describes the calling and choosing of the Kings and Lords of the Kingdom. Those that have been chosen as Kings are likened to the wise virgins who have kept their lamps supplied with oil and therefore are not overtaken by nightfall and/or darkness and they are spiritually more awake when the Kingdom arrives. The foolish virgins forget to keep thier lamps supplied with oil and are delayed in responding to the arrival of the King because they are busy out procuring oil for thier lamps and when they return the door to Kingdom Kingship has closed, but they are virgins none the less. They clammer Lord, Lord which I think is a hint to us that they will answer the call to be Lords in the Kingdom.

Jesus says that he does not know them, not because they are unrighteous, but because they are not under his "direct" command. Like David, Jesus commands the 288,000 mighty men and leaves the command of the subordinates to his mighty men.

When the Kingdom comes to take power over the earth the first 10 months are key (a month for a virgin). The first 5 months (a month for a virgin) will direct the earthly Kings of the Kingdom to the Mountain of God, followed by the second period of 5 months which will collect the Lords of the Kingdom to that mountain. This will be followed by priests and finally the great crowd which no man can number which will flood to the mountain of God under his direction through the Kingdom arrangement, all to his and his Sons glory forever.

I also think that you have to be spirit begotten to be a part of the Kingdom of God whether you are in heaven or on earth. If I am correct, this would stand to reason as a heavenly, angelic one could not be yoked together (even if it is only symbolically) with an earthly one who was also not a Son of God as that would be likened to bestiality or like the relationship between the angels and humans in Noah's time. But if both were born again sons of the true God, there would be nothing wrong with such a symbolic union or "standing alongside".

uglyandthin

Hi ya Ugly&Thin

Yea the scriptures at 1 Chronicles coupled with the numerical totals have always intrigued me. I see you have taken it a little further than my wee curiosity.
But the facts are fixed in scriptural/scientific stone; structure exists with all of Jehovah’s ways. Particularly concerning imperfect man, bible history indicates a visceral need on mans part to see things with there physical eye’s before they put faith.
Hence your theory may have leg’s on some level.

[truthseeker]

Just a side note: The last eight chapters of Ezekiel describing the Temple vision have baffled bible scholars for centuries. Russell’s attempt at interpreting the vision concluded a secondary heavenly class. But with a deeper understanding of the whole picture, we can be certain to conclude there will be a definite visible structure or conduit between God’s spiritual arrangement and the physical visible arrangement on earth.
After the holy ones are imbued with a measure of Jehovah’s essence, they will be like him, it will not be likely that mere mortal man would be able to approach these mighty spirit creatures.