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The Destruction of
Jerusalem: 586BCE or 607 BCE?
Jehovah's
Witnesses teach the destruction of Jerusalem took place in 607 B.C.E. when
they believe the beginning of the end days began. What if it happened in 586
B.C.E.? What would that do to the Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs on the end
days? The following information will be dealing with the time period when
the destruction of Jerusalem took place historically with plenty of
information with facts and evidence proving the Jehovah's Witnesses have
been deceived to believe inaccurate information which shows the Watchtower
organization to be false.
According to the
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society the year 1914 C.E. (A.D.) marks the
beginning of the end of this world. The Watchtower bases their beliefs on
the date of 607 B.C.E. in reference to when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed
Jerusalem. Everything hinges on this date being accurate for what they
preach concerning the 'end days'. If 607 B.C.E. is not accurate then the
date they believe marked 'the beginning of the end' is wrong and thus their
foundation is false. What evidence do they have for 607 B.C.E. being
historically correct? This article will deal with the truth concerning that
period of time and will give scholarly sources which can be easily found.
Jehovah's
Witnesses preach the message of judgment to come and of a new world. They
have been preaching the 'end to come' since the times of the founder,
Charles Russell. Charles Russell was the founder of this Organization which
started in the late 1800's and preached 'the end is near.' Charles Russell
taught that "The Millennium of peace and blessing would be introduced by
forty years of trouble, beginning slightly in 1874 and increasing until
social chaos should prevail in 1914." (The Watchtower Reprints,
October 1890, p. 1243) Charles Russell taught that 1874 marked the
beginning of 'the times of trouble' in reference to the end to come which
would take place forty years after 1874. He taught that 1914 would mark the
end of this chaos and Armageddon would take place then.
Quotes from Charles Russell:
"The date of the close of
that 'battle' is definitely marked in Scripture as October, 1914. It is
already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874." (The
Watchtower Reprints, January 15, 1892, p.1355)
"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."
(The Watchtower Reprints, July 15, 1894, p. 1672)
"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 Time Is at Hand (SS-2), 1907 ed., p. 101)
Charles Russell,
the founder of this organization, taught that 1874 marked the beginning of
the end and that 1914 marked the end known as 'Armageddon'. He claimed
that they were dates given to him by God. Today it is obvious that 1914 did
not see the end of the world known as 'Armageddon'. Charles Russell was a
man who prophesied things to come which ended up not happening and therefore
he is defined as a false prophet.. Russell also taught that Christ's second
coming took place invisibly in 1874, "Our Lord, the appointed King, is
now present, since October 1874 A.D., according to the testimony of the
prophets, to those who have ears to hear." (The Battle of Armageddon,
1897) Charles Russell taught that Jesus' second coming took place in
1874, the 'times of the end' started in 1874, and that 1914 was the end not
the beginning. This is significantly different from what they teach now.
The founder of
the Jehovah's Witnesses Organization died in 1916 and a new leader was to
take his place. Judge Rutherford was the one to succeed Russell and
continued the false dates and predictions. In the book called "Creation"
Rutherford teaches that 1799 marks the times of the end and that 1874 is
when the second coming of Jesus was due. Here are his words:
"The campaign is briefly,
yet graphically, described in the prophecy, verses 40-44; and its
completed in 1799 marks, according to the prophet's own words, the
beginning of 'the time of the end'...When that time should arrive, what
was to be expected? Jehovah answers: "Many shall run to and fro, and
knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12:4) From shortly after 1799, the
date of the beginning of 'the time of the end'...There are two important
dates here that we must not confuse, but clearly differentiate; namely,
the beginning of 'the time of the end' and the beginning of the presence
of the Lord. ''The time of the end' embraces a period from 1799 A.D. to
the time of the complete overthrow of Satan's empire and the establishment
of the kingdom of Messiah. The time of the Lord's second presence dates
from 1874 and is during the later part of the period known as 'the time of
the end.'" (Creation, pp. 314&316&319, 1927)
Rutherford
taught Daniel 2:40-44 started in 1799 which marked the beginning of 'the
time of the end' to come. He also that the beginning of the Lord's
second presence started in 1874. Rutherford continued to teach that the date
of Jesus second coming was in 1874 but made a change in when 'the time of
the end' began. Judge Rutherford also went on to predict a date for
which God would destroy Christendom in 1918 and those who did not die would
become followers of Russell's teachings.
"The people who are the
strength of Christendom shall be cut off in the brief but terribly
eventful period beginning in 1918 A.D. A third part are 'burned with fire
in the midst of the city.' Fire symbolizes destruction. One large part of
the adherents of ecclesiasticism will die from pestilence and famine.
(Deut. 32:24.)After 1918 the people supporting churchianity will cease to
be its supporters, be destroyed as adherents, by the spiritual pestilence
of errors abroad, and by the famine of the Word of God among them. The
Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17), which is the Word of God, will be wielded
in the hands of 'Present Truth' believers in such a manner as to cause
conscientious supporters of ecclesiasticism to cease to be supporters."
(The Finished Mystery (SS-7), 1917 ed., p. 398-399)
"Also, in the year 1918,
when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by
millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of
Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of 'Christianity.'"
(The Finished Mystery (SS-7), 1917 ed., p. 485)
Rutherford
predicted that God would destroy those of Christendom and that all who
remained would become followers of his teachings. This did not happen
and therefore it makes him a false prophet. Another quote from Russell:
"That the harvest began in 1878, there is ample and convincing proof. The
end of the harvest is due in the spring of 1918." (The Watchtower
Reprints, May 1, 1918, p. 6243) Just as Russell taught that after1874
there would be forty years of the harvest or "times of trouble", Rutherford
taught the same from 1878 to 1918 which would complete the period of
harvest. Again the end result the same with false dates predicted and many
people deceived.
From Then Until Now!
Now it has been
approximately eighty five years later after Russell's death so what do
Jehovah's Witnesses preach concerning the end of the world? Here are some
quotes that are currently being taught by Jehovah's Witnesses:
"The present wicked system
of things, which extends worldwide, entered its last days in 1914, and
some of the generation alive then will also be on hand to witness its
complete end in the "great tribulation."...Why do Jehovah's Witnesses say
that it was in 1914 that "the last days" began? "The year 1914 is marked
by Bible prophecy. For details regarding the chronology, see pages 95-97,
under the main heading "Dates." The correctness of the date is shown by
the fact that world conditions foretold to mark this time period have come
to pass since 1914 exactly as foretold." (Reasoning From The
Scriptures, Last Days, pp. 234&239)
The year 1914 is
now the year in which the Jehovah's Witnesses teach started the beginning of
the end. They also teach that those who were alive from the 1914 generation
will be alive to witness the complete end and tribulation. Here is what the
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society say is the evidence for 1914 being the
date marking the beginning of 'the last days.' "Two lines of evidence
point to that year: (1) Bible chronology and (2) the events since 1914 in
fulfillment of prophecy. Here we will consider the chronology..." (Reasoning,
p. 95) On page 96 the Watchtower presents the evidence for the 1914 date
going back to 607 B.C.E. which is the main date for what they teach
concerning the last days. The Watchtower says "The book of Daniel states
that it was in "the second year" of Nebuchadnezzar's kingship (probably
counting from the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E." (Insight to
the Scriptures, p.481) Does the Watchtower have evidence to back up the
foundational date of 607 B.C.E.?
If the
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society dates are wrong on the 607 B.C.E. date
then their teaching of 'the last days' from 1914 C.E. is false, and if that
is false then the message of the Watchtower is false. This is very important
to understand! What evidence is there to look into? I have went to great
lengths to find solid information regarding this issue and encourage you to
examine it for yourselves. The following information is what I have found
online, by emails, by Encyclopedia's, Dictionaries, Archaeologists,
Historians, Rabbi's, and Scholars.
The following are some e-mails
that I sent out to Jewish Rabbis and the Smithsonian Institute:
To: Peter J. Haas,
Abba Hillel Silver Chair of Jewish Studies, Director, Samuel Rosenthal
Center for Judaic Studies/Rabbi Larry Raphael, Director, Dept. of Adult
Jewish Growth, Union of American Hebrew Congregations:
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Question: "I have
been browsing around for some information for an historical account.
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and scattered the Jewish nation a long
time ago. I have found most information stating that took place in 586
B.C.E., but some say 607 B.C.E.. Do you have any information that can
help, websites, books, etc."
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Reply: "If you
want just basic information on Nebuchadnezzar, you can turn to any good
Bible encyclopedia or dictionary. The Anchor Bible Dictionary is a very
good source and I would recommend you start there...As far as I know, the
scholarly consensus is that the Exile began in 586B.C.E."
To: Ask the Rabbi,
Jews for Judaism, Toronto, Canada:
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Question: "I
have been browsing around for some information for an historical account.
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and scattered the Jewish nation a long
time ago. I have found most information stating that took place in 586
B.C.E., but some say 607 B.C.E.. Do you have any information that can
help, websites, books, etc."
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Reply: "Most
historians date the destruction of the first Temple to approximately 586
B.C.E. Traditional Jewish sources date it to about 423 B.C.E. I've not
heard of other dates proposed."
To: The Smithsonian
Institution:
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Question: "I have
been browsing around for some information for an historical account.
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and scattered the Jewish nation a long
time ago. I have found most information stating that took place in 586
B.C.E., but some say 607 B.C.E. Do you have any information that can help,
websites, books, etc."
-
Reply: "The
accepted date for Nebuchadnezzar's destruction of Jerusalem is generally
587/586 BC. Our Curator of Middle East Archaeology recommends reading
David Noel Freedman's chapter entitled "The Chronology of Israel and the
Ancient Near East," in E. Ernest Wright's (edited) The Bible and the
Ancient Near East ,A Doubleday Anchor Book, 1965. This book provides both
biblical chronology and the chronologies of other contemporary countries,
some of the arguments, and a chart of the Near East."
The following is information from
some online archaeologists.
From: The Temple Mount in
Jerusalem
Website:
http://www.templemount.org/destruct1.html
By: Lambert Dolphin
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Quote from the website:
"The Lamentations of Jeremiah are read every year, to this day, by
devout Jews gathering at the Western Wall of the Temple Mount on the 9th
day of the month of Av. It was on the 9th of Av, 586 B.C.E. that the
magnificent temple of Solomon was destroyed. It was on the 9th of Av in
the year 70 C.E. that the Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans."
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His reply to me: "Dear
Mr. Powers, All main stream Christian and Jewish Bible scholars take the
9th of Av, 586 BC as the date for the destruction of Jerusalem by
Nebuchadnezzar."
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His suggestions for further
research:
The following is information from
Online Encyclopedias and Reference Material:
"There was a fortified city
on the site of old Jerusalem at the beginning of history. It was destroyed
and rebuilt under the rule of Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, and Rome. David,
king of the Israelites, captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites in about
1000 BC. King Solomon, his son, extended the city and built the great
temple that stood until 586 BC when it was destroyed by King
Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. In the 50 years of their Babylonian
captivity the Israelites remembered Jerusalem and sang the songs of Zion:
"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning."
(Compton's Encyclopedia Online)
"Babylonian Captivity, term
applied to the period between the deportation of the Jews from Palestine
to Babylon by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II and their release in
538BC by the Persian king Cyrus. Two main deportations are recorded: one
in 597BC, when Israelite nobles, warriors, and artisans were transported;
and one in 586BC when Nebuchadnezzar's army destroyed Jerusalem, and the
major part of the remaining Israelite community was taken to Babylon. At
the time of the second deportation an important group of Israelites fled
to Egypt; thereafter, only the poorest peasants were allowed to remain in
Palestine, and the political dissolution of independent Israel was an
accomplished fact. The majority of the Jews living in Babylon did not
return to Palestine at the end of the exile period, but became a part of
the Diaspora, or body of Jews dispersed among nations outside Palestine."
(Encarta Encyclopedia MSN Online)
"The fall of Jerusalem in
586BC was pretty much the end of everything. For most nations, this would
be the end of the story. But, obviously God had a plan. Judah was
reorganized into a province of the Babylonian empire. After the puppet
Babylonian king was killed by the neighboring king of Ammon (your remember
the Ammonites), many remaining Jews fled to Egypt taking Jeremiah with
them against his will. They joined some of the other refugees of Judea
there. Meanwhile, the Babylonian deportees were conscripted into various
public works, like draining the land, building dams, and other slave
labor. They kept their Hebrew names and preserved their religious and
national identification. The dispersion of the Jews, know as the Diaspora
began during this time. The Jews spread along the Mediterranean coastline
and in nearby countries. The Edomites meanwhile taking advantage of the
situation moved in to S. Judah. This was about the time of Obadiah. The
Babylonians had become complacent, and had neglected the security of their
empire. Cyrus, head of the Persian confederation subsequently conquered
Babylon in 539 BC, and in 538 issued an edict allowing the return of the
Jews, who were clearly unhappy, to Judah. He also authorized the
rebuilding of the temple (see Ezra). Cambyses II succeeded Cyrus, and
spread Persian rule to Egypt in 525BC. When he died, an imposter who
claimed to be Cyrus's son took the throne. His name was Darius I and after
much struggle took control of the army. He continued Cyrus's edicts to
Judah, and the temple was dedicated in 515 BC with much rejoicing by the
Jerusalem Jews." (Reference Desk Online: refdesk.com)
"A weakened and divided
country could not sustain its independence indefinitely; consequently,
Israel fell to Assyria in about 722BC and the Babylonians conquered Judah
in 586BC. This defeat resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem and the
exile of most of the Jews to Babylon -- the so-called Babylonian
captivity." (Arab website: arab.net)
"Babylonian captivity in the
history of Israel, the period from the fall of Jerusalem (586 B.C.) to the
reconstruction in Palestine of a new Jewish state (after 538 B.C.). After
the capture of the city by the Babylonians some thousands, probably
selected for their prosperity and importance, were deported to
Mesopotamia. The number of those who remained is disputed by scholars.
Such deportations were commonplace in Assyrian and Babylonian policy. The
exiles maintained close links with their kinsmen at home, as is clear from
Ezekiel, the prophet of the early years of the Exile. In 538 B.C., Cyrus
the Great, the new master of the empire, initiated a new attitude toward
the nations and decreed the restoration of worship at Jerusalem." (The
Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition/online)
The following are from online
Bible dictionaries:
"A third time he came
against it, and deposed Jehoiachin, whom he carried into Babylon, with a
large portion of the population of the city, and the sacred vessels of the
temple, placing Zedekiah on the throne of Judah in his stead. He also,
heedless of the warnings of the prophet, entered into an alliance with
Egypt, and rebelled against Babylon. This brought about the final siege of
the city, which was at length taken and utterly destroyed (B.C. 586).
Zedekiah was taken captive, and had his eyes put out by order of the king
of Babylon, who made him a prisoner for the remainder of his life." (Easton's
Bible Dictionary)
"Ere this happened,
Jerusalem had been totally destroyed. Nebuchadnezzar had commenced the
final siege of Jerusalem in the ninth year of Zedekiah --his own
seventeenth year (B.C. 588)--and took it two years later, B.C. 586." (Smith's
Bible Dictionary)
Historically,
the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has nothing Scholarly to back up
their alleged date of 607 B.C.E. when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem.
Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Historians, Scholars, Jewish Rabbis, and
Archaeologists agree on the date being 586 B.C.E. and not 607 B.C.E.! Only
the Watchtower claims that 607 B.C.E. is when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed
Jerusalem, but the evidence proves it is not historically correct. The
foundational date for the Watchtower's teachings is false, thus showing once
again they have set wrong dates in reference to "the time of the end" to
come. They said at first it started in 1874 A.D. and 1914 A.D. was the end
to come. Then it was changed to 1799 A.D. with 1878 A.D. starting 'the
harvest for the beginning of the end', and 1918 A.D. was 'the end to come.'
Now the date is 1914 A.D. that starts 'the beginning of the end', and 'there
will be some of that generation who will remain alive until the end is
come.' The Jehovah's Witness Organization was built upon false dates and
continues to build upon sand for evidence.
Share this with
your Jehovah's Witness friends, family, whoever that the dates which the
Watchtower base their 'end days' message are today false too. Lead them to
the truth, Jesus the Christ.
May God bless
you and this information to share with those of the Jehovah's Witness
Organization, and lead them to Jesus Christ.
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