TEACHING BOX 9D
Prophecies of Captivity and Restoration
Many prophecies about the captivity of the Jewish people in ancient Babylon saw a second, greater fulfillment in the much later captivity of the Christian congregation in Babylon the Great. Note some examples.
|
1. WARNINGS |
2. CAPTIVITY |
3. RESTORATION |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
FIRST FULFILLMENT |
Before 607 B.C.E.—Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel warn Jehovah’s people; yet, apostasy still flourishes |
607 B.C.E.—Jerusalem destroyed; God’s people taken captive to Babylon |
537 B.C.E. and on—A faithful remnant returns to Jerusalem, rebuilds the temple, and resumes pure worship |
|
GREATER FULFILLMENT |
First Century C.E.—Jesus, Paul, and John warn the congregation, but apostasy still flourishes |
Starting in Second Century C.E.—True Christians are taken captive within Babylon the Great |
1919 C.E. and on—Under Jesus’ kingship, the faithful anointed saw the end of their spiritual exile and the restoration of pure worship |
