This is my two hundred and twenty-fifth monthly teaching letter and continues my nineteenth year of publication. I have resolved to do a series of lessons providing clarifying criticism of Howard B. Rand’s books, tracts and articles published in his Destiny Magazine, which includes several guest writers of varying degrees in excellence. Although I rate Rand and his associates’ research only 50%, some of their articles are simply outstanding.

With this lesson, I will continue a critical review of a series entitled “The Book Of The Kingdom” found in Destiny magazines from January, 1949 until April, 1952, in 24 chapters, and oddly enough Rand does not identify an author. He may have written it all himself, or it might have been a team effort with some of his associated writers. So Rand either wrote it or if by the help of others, at least he authorized it, and is therefore responsible for it (and it will be edited by me):

“The Book Of The Kingdom”, chapter V of XXIV, Destiny, April 1949:

“The Period Of The Judges”:

“Because the generations that followed Joshua’s [i.e., Yahshua’s] day refused to heed the commandments of Yahweh, He allowed their adversaries to plunder and rob them. A time of religious corruption and anarchy was initiated in the conditions which existed in the land during this interval in Israel’s history known as the period of the judges.

“Yahweh was moved to pity by the groans of the people due to their intense suffering under the grip of tyrants and oppressors. Leaders, called judges, were raised up in Israel to deliver them from the power of those who were despoiling them. Under their leadership the people were directed to repent of their evil ways but they refused to heed the warnings given and continued their evil practices. Thus, though Israel was rescued from time to time out of the hands of their enemies, the deliverance was always only temporary. As soon as one judge died the people would lapse into disobedience, often corrupting themselves worse than before by forsaking their own Almighty to worship and make sacrifices to [heathen deities].

“‘And the anger of Yahweh was hot against Israel; and he said, Because that this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice; I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations which Joshua [i.e., Yahshua] left when he died’.” (Judges 2:20-21)

“Trying Israel

“Why had Joshua [i.e., Yahshua] failed to drive out all the nations that the Almighty had commanded should be driven out of Canaan? The account states that Yahweh refused to let Joshua [i.e., Yahshua] complete this task for He wished to try Israel to see if they would obey His commands as their fathers had done. So He left some of the inhabitants in the land to prove, or test, them. A list of the nations which were left in the land for this purpose is given. Israel violated the Almighty’s covenant by taking the daughters of the heathen nations to be their wives and by giving their daughters to the sons of the Canaanites in marriage, and by serving heathen [deities] :

“‘And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and forgat Yahweh their Almighty, and served Baalim and the groves’.” (Judges 3: 7.)

“Rejecting The Almighty

“This introduces some interesting observations to account for the fact that false prophets were allowed to arise in Israel who led the people astray. The purpose of allowing them to exist in the land was to prove the people, testing them to see whether or not they would serve Yahweh. The same purpose is back of the rise of modernism in our own day and under the testing brought about by the promulgation of evil doctrines by false religious teachers, multitudes in our churches have turned away from the Bible as the inspired Word of Yahweh. Following the lead of modernist scholarship, they have rejected the vicarious atonement of our Yahweh refusing to believe that He is the Almighty, the Son, discounted the recorded miracles and belittled the fact of the resurrection and the ultimate triumphant return of Jesus [i.e., Yahshua] Christ as [Yahweh of Adoni] and King of kings to take the throne of His father David and reign over the House of Jacob forever. Present-day ‘easy’ religious concepts, which place little or no emphasis on personal purity and obedience to Yahweh’s laws, compel everyone to choose between the worship of Yahweh and the worship of [deities] of their own fashioning.

“Why Yahweh Allows Evil

“This, then, is the answer to those who raise the question, ‘Why does Yahweh allow such evils to exist?’ The reason is that He proves; or tests, His people to see whether or not they will reject evil and accept good, keeping His Commandments and laws and serving Him alone. The present great apostasy in our midst is an indictment of our nation, for this generation has been as prone to turn from the paths of righteousness and in unbelief follow the [deities] of unrighteousness and worship at the shrine of modernist scholarship as our forefathers were when they turned away from the truth in their day and ran after other [adoni].

“The Pattern

“It is not necessary to give in detail here the activities of the many judges as little by way of comment needs to be added to the account of their leadership given in the Book of Judges. The pattern is simple: the anger of the Yahweh was kindled against His people because of their sins and, when He did not defend them, their enemies had an opportunity to lord it over them. After a period of servitude Israel cried out to Yahweh for deliverance and the Almighty raised up a man to judge them and lead them to victory against their oppressors. Israel would then have rest from war during the lifetime of that judge. But upon his death they would invariably lapse into idolatry and the cycle would repeat itself as Israel would again be delivered into the hands of their enemies.

“The Book of judges tells a complete story of this vacillation on the part of Israel and of the judges Yahweh raised up to deliver His people from their enemies. The story of Deborah, a prophetess, records a period in Israel’s history when a woman for the first time led Israel to victory. Evidently the nation had dropped to such a low spiritual state that there was no man capable of leading the people to victory. Under these conditions Yahweh raised up a woman to furnish leadership for His people.

“Victory Over Sisera

“It was under Deborah’s direction that Barak attacked the armies of Sisera (Judges 4:4-10). Sisera escaped and took refuge with Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. He instructed her to say that no man had passed that way and he retired in her tent. While he was asleep Jael slew him by driving a peg into his temple. She then went out to meet Barak and led him to the tent where he found the body of his enemy. Deborah’s prophecy was fulfilled that Sisera would be delivered into the hand of a woman. This victory over Sisera was commemorated by a song sung by Deborah in which reference was made to the fact that deliverance came ‘when the people willingly offered themselves’ (Judges 5:2). [“Kenite”, Jael’s husband was a kenite in the sense of a smith, and therefore she knew how to use that hammer. C.A.E.]

“In her song Deborah asked the question, ‘Why did Dan remain in ships?’ (Judges 5:17.) This question seems to indicate that Dan, a maritime tribe, held aloof from the conflict, but there is also a deeper prophetic significance to this question propounded by Deborah the Prophetess. Even in her time Dan was already colonizing along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, establishing outposts of the Israel people in lands far removed from Palestine. As the pioneer tribe, they set sail in their ships to the Isles of the Sea (the British Isles) and prepared the way for Israel to follow later when it became necessary for them to leave the Land of Promise.

“Perhaps one of the most interesting references in Deborah’s song is the statement concerning the stars in their courses:

“‘They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses [paths] fought against Sisera’.” (Judges 5:20.). [Note: brackets not mine.]

Mofffatt translates this: “‘The very stars in heaven were fighting – fighting Sisera from their spheres’.”

“False Astrology

“Sisera, a heathen king under the influence of his [deities], had no doubt consulted his prophets prior to his invasion of Palestine. Casting his horoscope, they had evidently predicted a successful campaign for him. In this instance, therefore, the forecast by the stars had actually lured him on to his destruction. Thus, Deborah could say in her song that the stars in their courses fought against him. This brings to mind Isaiah’s derisive statements regarding those who follow such advice:

“‘Practice all your magic arts! Perhaps you will make something of them, perhaps be able to scare off your foes! You have worn yourself out with them all; let the astrologers come forward now, let the star-gazers save you now, who calculate the future, month by month! They fare no better than the straw burned by a fire; they cannot save their own lives from the flames of war’.” (Isa. 47:12-14, Moffatt Trans.)

“As was the custom of the times, no doubt, astrologers accompanied the army of Sisera in his campaign against Israel, for he would want to have them present for immediate consultation. But they were also destroyed when Israel overwhelmed Sisera so, as later intimated by Isaiah, they were unable to save themselves though they purported to understand the future, and be able to prognosticate coming events.

“True Astrology

“There is a true astrology – in fact, it is the parent science of modern astronomy – but it is far removed from the present popular method of forecasting the horoscope of individuals as it deals with the story the Bible tells. The stars which the Almighty declared would be for signs (Gen. 1:14) testify to the eternal truths of Scripture, for upon the great vault of the heavens there is traced in graphic and grand illustrations a pictorial presentation of these truths. Pictures speak in every language, and this was evidently in the mind of the Psalmist when he said that the heavens declare a Divine meaning, in universal language, to all [Adamic] people everywhere. By this means Yahweh revealed Himself and His plans to mankind before the Bible was written. It was because of an understanding of these ancient revelations that the Wise Men recognized in the new star in the constellation of Virgo that the coming King had been born.

“Sisera was enticed to his destruction by those whom he had consulted and whose prognostications he had followed. The results of Israel’s victory over the enemy introduced a period of forty years of peace for the people. But, as before, Israel again lapsed into sin and idolatry at the end of that time and the new generations were delivered into the hand of the Midianites.[It seems that stars in Deborah’s poem have another meaning, as an allegory for the people Israel. CAE]

“Israel Impoverished

“Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel had to make dens in the mountains and strongholds in the hills in which to hide. When the people sowed their fields, the Midianites, with the Amalekites and other bands of marauders from the east, would come against them. This great army of invaders would destroy all their crops, with their sheep and oxen. The account declares that they came up upon the land like grasshoppers, so great was the multitude and so complete the destruction wrought. Israel became greatly impoverished because of these periodical invasions of their land so they cried out to Yahweh in their distress:

“Yahweh sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, ‘Thus saith Yahweh Almighty of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land; And I said unto you, I am Yahweh your Almighty; fear not the [deities] of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.’ (Judges 6: 8-10.)

“Prophets Appear

“Here we have recorded the first appearance of a prophet to Israel since the time of Moses and Joshua [i.e., Yahshua]. He brought a message from Yahweh saying, ‘Thus saith Yahweh’ and it was a message of warning. He called the people to repentance and exhorted them concerning their need to reform and abandon their sinful ways.

“Evidently his message stirred the people to the point where they were willing to turn to Yahweh for deliverance, for the Angel of Yahweh came and sat by an oak where Gideon was threshing wheat inside a wine-press. This indicates the straits the people were in. Apparently, because of the Midianites, they feared to use the regular threshing floors in the land, doing that type of work in a wine-press, or hole in the ground, to conceal the fact that they were threshing grain. The Angel of Yahweh addressed Gideon, saying, ‘Yahweh is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.’ But Gideon replied by inquiring why all the trouble had befallen his people if Yahweh was with them. Furthermore, he asked where the miracles were that their fathers had told them about. He then said that Yahweh had evidently forsaken them and delivered them into the hands of the Midianites. The Angel of Yahweh looked upon Gideon and said:

“‘... Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?’ (Judges 6:-14.)

“Angel With Gideon

“Gideon questioned his own ability to do this, declaring his family was poor, while he was the youngest member of his father’s household. But the Angel replied by declaring He would be with him and that Gideon would smite every man of the Midianites.

“Here is an interesting answer to be considered by those who question their ability to perform difficult tasks in the service of Yahweh because they lack financial means or backing, or because they do not occupy a place of prominence in their community. Actually, the requisite for accomplishment is set forth in the reply of the Angel of Yahweh to similar objections raised by Gideon: ‘I will be with you.’ Without such assurance no man, regardless of his financial backing or social standing, can prosper in any great spiritual undertaking. Often the Christian Church itself has failed to accomplish what should have been done because its constituents have tried to perform tasks relying upon their own strength and power rather than upon Yahweh. But no task is too difficult to perform, nor one’s resources inadequate, if Yahweh prospers the undertaking.

“In his uncertainty Gideon asked for a sign of some sort that it was indeed Yahweh who talked with him, for it seemed an incredible thing to him to have found favor in the eyes of the man by the oak if he was Divine. Gideon requested that he remain there until he had time to return with a present for him. The Angel of Yahweh promised he would await Gideon’s return.

“Fire of the Lord [i.e., Yahweh]

“Leaving the man, Gideon prepared an offering. He took a kid from among his goats and made unleavened cakes. He placed the meat of the dressed kid on a tray and the broth in a bowl, and brought the meat and the unleavened cakes to the man by the oak. The Angel of Yahweh instructed Gideon to take the meat and the biscuits to the top of the rock and pour out the broth. Gideon did as he was commanded and the Angel of Yahweh extended the end of the staff that was in His hand and touched the meat and the biscuits. Fire came out of the rock and consumed the offering. Then the Angel of Yahweh disappeared out of Gideon’s sight.

“The atheist, agnostic and – we are sorry to say – many ministers of the Gospel, because they have accepted the doctrines of modernism, disbelieve the account of the appearing and disappearing of such Beings as the Angel of Yahweh. Also, they discount the statements of the New Testament that [Yahshua] Christ did the same thing. His disciples handled Him and found His body to be flesh and bone. ‘How could substance become visible and invisible at will?’ ask the agnostics and those who will not accept the witness of the Scriptures.

“Invisibility

“This question was being pondered one day as an electric fan was observed revolving at high speed. It was noticed that the steel blades of the fan were invisible to the eye; in fact, it was possible to see through them to objects beyond the fan as though the fan blades did not exist. Yet, obviously, the fan blades were right there in place all the while. Here was an interesting demonstration of substance in existence but invisible to the human eye. Thus, rapidity of movement, either continuous or vibratory would have the effect of making the object which was moving invisible. On the other hand, the blades of a rapidly whirling fan can be instantly made visible to the human eye by the rhythmic flashing of light in step with the speed of the blades. To all intents and purposes, the blades would appear to be at rest though they would actually still be revolving at a high rate of speed.

“Such a simple demonstration poses the interesting question as to whether the difference in vibration between terrestrial and celestial objects and beings accounts for the fact that angels can be present yet invisible to men. Is it also possible that, either by slowing that rate of vibration or by focusing a light tuned to the rhythm of the celestial being upon him, visibility to human beings is brought about. The removal of the vibratory light, which man may not necessarily be aware exists at the time he sees the celestial being, would immediately make him invisible in the same way that the Angel of Yahweh became invisible to Gideon. These are interesting questions, for the entire universe is subject to law – even the appearing and disappearing of those beings whom men have seen and talked with from time to time.

“Consuming Fire

“Another interesting phenomenon is the fire that came out of the rock when the Angel of Yahweh extended the end of the staff in his hand to touch the meat and biscuits on the rock. Evidently this is one of a number of demonstrations given in the Scriptures of the fire of Yahweh which is of the nature of atomic fire which scientists have only recently discovered. Elijah had command of this fire of Yahweh in his trial with the prophets of Baal. On that occasion the fire consumed not only the burnt-offering, but the wood, stone and dust, and even licked up the water that was in the trench around the altar.”

[Note by Clifton A. Emahiser: Elijah’s fire burned downward while atomic fire burns upward; the rock radiated heat.] – Back to Rand:

“Having seen and talked with a Being who could demonstrate the power of Yahweh and who immediately disappeared thereafter, Gideon came to a full realization that he had been visited by the Angel of Yahweh. He was filled with consternation and exclaimed:

“‘... Alas, O Yahweh Almighty! ... because I have seen an angel of Yahweh face to face’.” (Judges 6:22.)

“Angel of the Lord [i.e., Yahweh]

“Gideon was aware of the Scriptural fact that no man could look upon Yahweh and live, so, having seen the Angel of Yahweh face to face he expected that he would die. Apparently, for the moment at least, what he did not know or recognize was that his visitor was the second person in the Godhead who talked with him and who had talked face to face with Moses on many occasions. This was none other than Christ in His Angelic form before He took a body of flesh when later He was born as Jesus the Messiah. Though the Angel of Yahweh was now invisible to him, Yahweh spoke to Gideon, who heard His voice saying:

“‘Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shall not die’.” (Judges 6:23.)

[Comment by Clifton A. Emahiser: This could not have been Christ, as Yahweh didn’t come in the flesh until He was born of Mary. Neither did Moses, “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches ...” at Hebrews 11:26, as Christ should have been rendered “the anointed”, meaning his Israelite brethren.] – Back to Rand:

“As a result of this experience Gideon erected an altar to Yahweh on the spot where he had talked to Him face to face. That same night Yahweh appeared to Gideon, evidently this time in a vision, and told him to throw down the altar of Baal which his father possessed and cut down the grove by that altar. He was then to build an altar to Yahweh in its place, using the wood of the grove to make the fire upon it. He was to offer the bullock upon this altar which he had been instructed to select for that purpose.

“Altar of Baal Destroyed

“Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as Yahweh had instructed him to do. But because he feared his father’s household and the men of the village, who most certainly would have resisted his action, he did not dare to do the work by day. He therefore went out in the night with his servants and destroyed the altar of Baal and cut down the grove, building an altar to Yahweh in its place and offering the sacrifice upon it.

“Early the next morning, when the men of the city came to the grove, they found it cut down and the altar of Baal destroyed. They also saw the altar that Gideon had built with the two bullocks burned upon it. Upon making inquiry as to who was responsible for all this, they were informed that Gideon, the son of Joash, had destroyed the altar of Baal. Immediate demands were made upon Joash that Gideon be brought out so that he might be slain for what he had done. But Joash told them to let Baal defend himself, for he said:

“‘... if he is a god, let him kill Gideon, for what he has done to his altar’.” (Judges 6:31.) [Rand does not identify this Bible version.]

“Let Baal Plead

“The men of the city recognized the justice of letting Baal plead for himself so Gideon escaped death at their hands. However, as a result of what he had done, Gideon received a new name and was called Jerubbaal, which means ‘Let Baal plead.’

“Over and over again Yahweh had warned Israel not to worship other [deities] and there in their midst was an altar to Baal. Its very presence in Israel was a testimony against the people. Gideon had said to the Angel of the Almighty that Yahweh had forsaken them, delivering the people into the hands of the Midianites. In the command to overthrow the altar of Baal, Yahweh pointed out the reason why He had forsaken their defenses. They had first forsaken Him. Gideon’s obedience to the command of Yahweh to overthrow the altar of Baal was the first act in the task of destroying the accursed thing from their midst, the primary source of Israel’s difficulties, for as long as idolatry existed among them, Yahweh could not give protection from their enemies. It was also necessary for the cleansing to begin with the household of the man whom Yahweh had selected to deliver His people from oppression.

“Enemy Attacks

“The Midianites and Amalekites, with the children of the East, gathered for an invasion of Israel’s land. They had encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. The Spirit of Yahweh came upon Gideon and he blew a trumpet, calling the people together for battle. Messengers were sent throughout Israel and men came into camp to Gideon.

“Gideon’s Test

“Before going against their enemies, however, Gideon needed to know definitely if Yahweh was to use him to bring deliverance to Israel so he asked for a test:

“‘And Gideon said unto Yahweh, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. And Gideon said unto Yahweh, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. And Yahweh did so that night; for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.’ (Judges 6:36-40.)

“Why was it necessary for Gideon to make the second test? He knew the Law of Yahweh and that one witness under that law is not sufficient to establish a final testimony. The law requires that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established. He needed the double witness and received it in the two tests made with the fleece.

“Gideon, and all the people with him, were encamped beside a well of Harod, i.e., ‘Trembling.’ The meaning of the name of the well indicated the mental state of the people that subsequent events proved to be correct. Yahweh told Gideon that there were too many people with him. He explained that if He delivered the Midianites into their hands, Israel would say that they saved themselves from their enemies. Yahweh did not intend Israel to assume the glory of victory for themselves so he instructed Gideon to announce to all those who had gathered to him that any who were at all fearful were to return to their homes. As a result of this proclamation, 22,000 left, leaving only 10, 000. But even this number, Yahweh informed Gideon, was too many.“

“Three Hundred

“Instructions were given that the men were to go down to the brook and there Yahweh informed Gideon He would indicate the ones who were to go with him. The men were to have a drink from the brook and everyone who lapped the water with his tongue as he scooped it up with his hand should be set on one side. All those who went to their knees to drink were to be placed in another group. The number who lapped the water, scooping it up with their hands, was three hundred. Yahweh now informed Gideon that by those three hundred men He would deliver Israel. The rest of the 10,000 were sent home. The significance of the ‘water test’ was that the more alert men among the 10,000 would not risk getting on their knees to drink; they scooped up the water in their hands, remaining ready to spring away from the brook in case of need. Obviously, those who did this were more fit to join Gideon’s band of fighting men than the others.

“Gideon Strengthened

“Having left Gideon only three hundred men to fight against the hordes which had invaded the land of Israel, Yahweh was not unmindful of the need of strengthening Gideon so that he might have confidence in the mission which had been assigned to him:

“‘And it came to pass the same night, that Yahweh said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand. But if thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host: And thou shalt hear what they say; and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host ...’ (Judges 7:9-11.)

“Gideon and his servant Phurah made a reconnoitering trip to the camp of the Midianites and found a very great army encamped in the valley, since the hosts of the Midianites were increased by the Amalekites and certain clans of the East who were encamped with them. It is recorded that they were ‘like grasshoppers,’ there were so many of them. No wonder there was fear among the Israelites. Gideon and his servant overheard a man in the enemy camp telling a dream to one of his comrades. He said that in his dream he had seen a cake of barley bread tumble into the midst of the camp of the Midianites. Continuing, he said it came to a tent and destroyed it. The man to whom the dream was told said:

“‘... This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath the Almighty delivered Midian, and all the host.’ (Judges 7:14.)

“Gideon’s Strategy

“When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation he worshipped Yahweh, then returned to the camp of Israel and informed the three hundred men that Yahweh had delivered the hosts of Midian into their hands. The company was then divided into three groups of one hundred each. To each man Gideon gave a trumpet and empty pitchers with torches in them. They assembled on three sides of the camp of the Midianites and, at a signal from Gideon, all three hundred blew their trumpets and at the same time broke their pitchers, exposing the burning torches and shouting,‘The sword of Yahweh, and of Gideon!’

“Ephraim Finds Fault

“Consternation and confusion filled the camp of the enemy and in the stampede that followed every man fought against his comrade as he fled away from his own camp. In response to a general call, all the men of Israel rallied their forces together with the men of Gideon’s band and pursued their enemies. The men of Ephraim took the fords of the Jordan and captured two princes of the Midianites. However, because Gideon had failed to call the men of Ephraim in the first place, the Ephraimites came to him and upbraided him. Gideon replied that regardless of that they had done better than all the rest as Yahweh had delivered the princes of Midian into their hands. The anger of Ephraim was abated in this reply of Gideon to their protest.

“Succoth and Penuel

“Gideon and his band passed over the Jordan in their pursuit of the Midianites but the three hundred men were faint for the want of food, so he asked the people of Succoth to give them food to eat. But the princes of the city asked why they should give bread to his army, reminding him of the fact that the Midianite Kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, were not yet in his hands. Thus, these princes were playing safe for fear Gideon might not be able to destroy the Midianites, having failed to recognize that Yahweh was with him. Succoth was a city in Israel in the possession of the tribe of Gad and thus it was Gideon’s own people who refused to help him in that critical hour in his pursuit of their common enemy. Gideon replied by saying that when Yahweh had delivered the two kings of the Midianites into his hands, he would return and punish the princes of Succoth, declaring he would use thorns and briars from the desert for that purpose.

“The same request was made at Penuel as had been made at Succoth, but the leaders of that city answered Gideon as the princes of Succoth had done. Gideon informed them that when he returned, he would break down their strong tower ....”

Because I have run out of space on the present lesson by Howard Rand, “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, April 1949, chapter V of XXIV “The Period Of The Judges”, it will be continued in the next lesson, WTL #226. In the middle of 226, I will commence with chapter VI. It is now the responsibility of each reader to research and critique this evidence and come to their own conclusions!

This is my two hundred and twenty-sixth monthly teaching letter and continues my nineteenth year of publication. I have resolved to do a series of lessons providing clarifying criticism of Howard B. Rand’s books, tracts and articles published in his Destiny Magazine, which includes several guest writers of varying degrees in excellence. Although I rate Rand and his associate writers only 50%, some of their articles are simply outstanding.

With this lesson, I will continue a critical review of a series entitled “The Book Of The Kingdom” found in Destiny magazines from January, 1949 until April, 1952, in 24 chapters, and oddly enough Rand does not identify an author. He may have written it all himself, or it might have been a team effort by him and some of his associated writers. So Rand either wrote it, or if by the help of others, at least he approved of it and is responsible for it (with revision where needed):

Continuing from WTL #225 and “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, April 1949: chapter V of XXIV, “The Period Of The Judges”, and before we continue with chapter V, I would like to repeat a paragraph cited in WTL #225 thusly:

“Victory Over Sisera

“It was under Deborah’s direction that Barak attacked the armies of Sisera (Judges 4:4-10). Sisera escaped and took refuge with Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. He instructed her to say that no man had passed that way and he retired in her tent. While he was asleep Jael slew him by driving a peg into his temple. She then went out to meet Barak and led him to the tent where he found the body of his enemy. Deborah’s prophecy was fulfilled that Sisera would be delivered into the hand of a woman. This victory over Sisera was commemorated by a song sung by Deborah in which reference was made to the fact that deliverance came ‘when the people willingly offered themselves’ (Judges 5:2)”. [“Kenite”, (smith) most likely by occupation only. C.A.E.]

AtPsalm 83:1-18 (a song or Psalm of Asaph), gives us a list of the enemies that hate us:

“¹ Keep not thou silence, O Yahweh: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O Yahweh. ² For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. ³ They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. ⁴ They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. ⁵ For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: ⁶ The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; ⁷ Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; ⁸ Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen [i.e., helped] the children of Lot. ⁹Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison: ¹⁰Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth. ¹¹ Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna: ¹² Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of Yahweh in possession. ¹³ O my Almighty, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind. ¹⁴ As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; ¹⁵ So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. ¹⁶ Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Yahweh. ¹⁷ Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: ¹⁸ That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Yahweh, art the most high over all the earth.”

“SISERA: Latin form of Hebrew Ciycera, meaning ‘field of battle.” Biblically, it is the name of a Canaanite general and enemy of the Israelites.” [These we White Israelites were to entirely exterminate, as they utterly hate us, and we have been at war with them for approximately 7,500 years, C.A.E.] – Back to Rand for the rest of chapter V:

“Kings Taken Prisoners

“The two kings of the Midianites were in Karkor with fifteen thousand men, all who were left of those who had come against Israel. One hundred and twenty thousand had perished of the great army which had gathered to overrun the land of Israel. Gideon fell upon the camp by night while they were resting in a false security. In his surprise attack he completely discomfitted the enemy and took the two kings prisoners. Returning to Succoth, he caught two young men of the city who described the princes to him. Coming into the city, he showed the two kings of the Midianites to them and then took the elders of the city and punished them as he had promised by whipping them with thorns from the wilderness. After this he came to Penuel, beat down its strong tower and slew the men of the city. Having punished the two cities for their insolence, he inquired of the Midianite kings what type of men were those whom they slew at Tabor. They described his own brothers so Gideon said if they had spared their lives he would have spared them but, because they showed no mercy, the kings were slain.

“Gideon Refuses Kingship

“The men of Israel asked Gideon to be their king but Gideon replied that neither he nor his son would reign over any of them. As the reason for his refusal, he said, ‘Yahweh shall reign over you.’ As the result of subduing the Midianites, Israel had rest from war for forty years. Gideon had asked Israel for their gold ornaments and rings and from these he made an ephod of gold as an instrument of divination. This became a source of idolatry in Israel for the people came to worship it.

“Upon Gideon’s death Israel again turned to the worship of Baal, forgetting that Yahweh had delivered them out of the hand of their enemies and they had enjoyed the fruits of peace for forty years. Neither did the people continue to show kindness to Gideon’s house for all that had been done for them.

“Abimelech Made King

“Gideon had seventy sons, for he had many wives [Judges 8:30]. One of his wives had a son by the name of Abimelech who conspired to rule over Israel. Few people realize that a king was appointed to rule for a short period in Israel long before the days of Saul and David. The men of Shechem elected Abimelech king over them, after he had slain all his brothers, the sons of Gideon. Jotham, the youngest son of Gideon, escaped by hiding.

“When Jotham heard that the men of Shechem had made Abimelech king, he delivered an address before them. He recited a parable likening Abimelech to a bramble bush that sought to reign over the trees of the forest. He then reminded them of all that his father Gideon had done in delivering Israel from their enemies. He then said that if they had dealt with Gideon according to all the good Gideon had done for them, then it would be proper to let Abimelech reign over them. But, he continued, if they had not done right, then let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the men of Shechem, and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and devour Abimelech. After making that speech Jotham fled for his life.

“Fulfillment of Jotham’s Curse

“Abimelech reigned three years over Israel. A bad spirit developed between him and the men of Shechem and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech. Abimelech destroyed their city and afterward attacked Theobez. The people of the city fled to a strong tower and a woman cast a millstone down upon Abimelech as he besieged the tower. As he lay dying, he asked his armour bearer to slay him so that it might not be said that a woman had killed him:

“‘Thus the Almighty rendered the wickedness of Abimelech, which he did unto his father, in slaying his seventy brethren: And all the evil of the men of Shechem did the Almighty render upon their heads: and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal[i.e., Gideon].’ (Judges 9:56-57.)

“Tola and Jair

“Following the death of Abimelech, Tola arose to defend Israel against their enemies and he judged the people for twenty-three years. After his death Jair judged Israel for twenty-two years. When Jair died the record states that Israel again did evil in the sight of Yahweh and, in addition to worshipping Baal, they added the worship of the gods of other nations around them. Yahweh was very angry with them and sold them into the hands of the Philistines and into the hands of the Amorites. These enemies of Israel vexed them for eighteen years and, not only did the children of Ammon harass Israel on the east side of the Jordan, but they passed over the Jordan and attacked Judah, Benjamin and Ephraim on the other side. The record states that Israel was sorely distressed on all sides. The people then cried out to Yahweh saying:

“‘... We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our Almighty, and also served Baalim.’ (Judges 10:10.)

“Yahweh reminded the people how He had delivered them from Egypt and from their enemies around them, yet they had forsaken him. He declared He would not be called upon to continually deliver them from their enemies and He counselled them in derision:

“‘Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.’ (Judges 10:14)

“Revival in Israel

“The whole history of Israel during the period of the Judges was one of unfaithlessness toward the Almighty. The time came when the Almighty left them completely to the troubles of their own making because they had forsaken Him. The oppression became so severe that the children of Israel awakened to the fact that they had sinned against the Almighty and could hope for no deliverance unless they repented and turned from their evil ways:

“‘And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served Yahweh: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.’ (Judges 10:16.)

“Here we have recorded evidence of a great revival sweeping over the land. Nothing is said of the preaching and exhortation which must have preceded that spiritual awakening, but evidently men of Yahweh went about the land pointing out the reason for the misery which Israel was suffering. It was those men who brought the word of Yahweh to the people. Israel’s history abounds with evidence that every spiritual awakening is preceded by the preaching of repentance, for without spiritual leadership the people would not know what to do.

“In every period of great apostasy Yahweh has not been without witnesses to proclaim the truth – men and women who come forward and speak with the authority of the ‘thus saith Yahweh.’ In the midst of the present-day apostasy, with modernist preachers belittling the Written Word of Yahweh and denying the power of His Son, the need for repentance is being proclaimed by the few who know and understand the truth. They are proclaiming a message which is far from popular at the present time, but which must be heeded if we are to be delivered from our troubles. It will not be until modern Israel puts away the strange gods which they are serving today and willingly observes and obeys all His commandments, statutes and judgments that deliverance will come and prosperity be restored. The story of Israel during the period of the Judges has its parallel today. When Israel finally repents Yahweh will again intervene to turn evil away from them and pour out a blessing instead.

“Thus, on that former occasion, when Israel definitely turned from their evil practices, Yahweh was grieved for the misery of His people and moved to once more deliver them from their troubles.”

This is the end of chapter V of XXIV of “The Period Of The Judges” from the “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, April 1949.

“The Book Of The Kingdom”, Chapter VI of XXIV, Destiny, June 1949:

“Jephthah The Gileadite”:

“Jephthah, a Gileadite, was a mighty man of valor but his mother was a foreigner, or ‘strange woman,’ according to the Record. His father, Gilead, had sons by his Israelitish wife and when these sons grew up they expelled Jephthah from their household, telling him that he could not inherit anything in his father’s house because he was the son of another woman. These Gileadites were a branch of the tribe of Manasseh:

“‘The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim. Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites’, (Num. 26:28-29.)

“Because of the opposition of the Gileadites, sons of his father, Jephthah fled from the presence of his brethren and went to live in the country of Tob, a land east of Syria. There he gathered around him a group of unemployed or bankrupt men whom he led on raiding parties.

[Note: According to the Hebrew and Greek, Jephthah was the son of another woman (KJV: strange) who was a harlot, but that does not mean that she was not an Israelite. She would only have been strange to Jephthah’s brothers who were by another mother. C.A.E.]

“Ammon Invades the Land

“A time came when the Ammonites were at war with Israel and the leaders of Gilead went to see Jephthah in the land of Tob, asking him to return and be their chief in the conflict with the Ammonites. While Israel was at peace Jephthah’s brethren dispossessed him, but when they became involved in a war and needed leadership by one who was courageous and willing to fight, they sought out Jephthah because of his valor. Jephthah said to them:

“‘... Did not ye hate me and expel me out of my father’s house? And why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress?’ (Judges 11:7.)

“But his brethren replied that because they were in distress they had come to him for help and they were willing to make him their chief and head of all the inhabitants of Gilead if he would only return and fight against the Ammonites. Jephthah, who was well aware of the fickleness of human nature, asked whether, if he did return and Yahweh used him to deliver Israel, they would still make him their chief. He recognized the need of having a very definite agreement, or covenant, with the men who before had driven him from his father’s house. He wanted to make sure they would not do it over again after they were delivered from their enemies. But the elders of Gilead confirmed their intention of making Jephthah their chief, taking an oath before Yahweh at Mizpeh. This satisfied Jephthah and he consented and returned with his brethren.

“Jephthah’s Message

“A message was sent to the King of Ammon by Jephthah, asking him why he had come into the land to fight against Israel. The King replied by saying that Israel had taken away the land belonging to Ammon when they came out of Egypt and now he demanded that the land be restored to his people again.

“Jephthah answered by reciting the history of Israel’s journey from Egypt. He reminded the King of Ammon that Israel had sent messengers to the various kings along the way, asking passage through their land. Yahweh, he said, had forbidden them to molest Edom or Moab and they had complied with Yahweh’s command. Messages were also sent to Sihon, King of the Amorites, asking passage through his land also but he refused to grant it and came out in aggressive warfare against Israel. Israel, compelled to fight, overcame Sihon and Yahweh delivered his people into Israel’s hands and thus Israel came into possession of the land. Jephthah therefore declared:

“‘So now Yahweh the Almighty of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it? Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever Yahweh our Almighty shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.’ (Judges 11:23-24.)

“The King of Ammon was reminded about Balak, King of Moab, who never strove with Israel or fought against them and he retained his land. So Jephthah declared that Israel had committed no sin and the King of Ammon was wrongly making war against them. He then called upon Yahweh to judge between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon in this controversy. But the King of Ammon would not listen to Jephthah.

“Referring to this incident in an article in The National Message in April 1934, Rev. W. Pascoe Goard clearly showed that Ammon had no ancestral right to the territory being claimed. He stated: ‘The recitation by Jephthah of the events of that then far-off time is so circumstantial as to lead us to see that Jephthah had the Mosaic record before him. The question arises: How did such a harum-scarum as Jephthah possess such specific information as to the diplomatic communications which passed three hundred years before, between Moses and (a) the King of Edom, (b) the King of Moab and (c) the King of the Amorites? The answer is, of course, at hand. The priests, dwelling in the priestly cities of Gilead, and the Levites, who also dwelt and ministered there, would, and in all probability did, furnish to Jephthah the necessary references extracted from the Books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. [Quote from The National Message]:

“‘Jephthah, over a thousand years before Christ, quoted from the Bible to the King of Ammon to show that the latter’s claim to the land was a false one. Firstly, there was the positive record of the fact that the land was possessed by the Ammorites when Moses came to the territory. Therefore, Ammon had no claim to it. Secondly, Bible history was quoted to show that Moses had conquered the land from the Ammoriites, and therefore held it by right of conquest. Thirdly, when Moses was on his march to Canaan as directed by Yahweh, Ammon was not on his line of march. Ammon lay north-eastward of the boundary of Moab and eastward of the Israelites’ route; therefore, with Ammon Moses needed neither correspondence nor contact in that day.

“‘The Bible from which Jephthah quoted was limited in that day to the Pentateuch and the Book of Joshua; perhaps also the Book of Job. There were, in addition, a series of books dealing with the history of the Almighty’s acts in Israel – such books as ‘The Book of the Wars of Yahweh,’ etc., whose names only have been preserved.

“‘This correspondence of Jephthah’s brings us into contact with the period of Biblical and secular literature which was centuries old in 1100 B.C. The passages which contain the information to which Jephthah referred are part of the Mosaic record of Moses’ invasion of the Amorites and of Bashan, three hundred years before Jephthah’s day. The first of these passages will be found in Numbers 21. This is a clear statement of the facts and sets forth the basis of Israel’s title to possess these very lands. Note how clearly the boundaries are indicated: ‘from Arnon to Jabbok,’ each boundary rivers. Verses 21-25 are a straight piece of Israel history, newly enacted and newly written in Moses’ day:

“‘And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king’s high way, until we be past thy borders. And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel. And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong. And Israel took all these cities: and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the villages thereof.’ (Num. 21:21-25.)

“‘Verse 26 is of a different nature. It is a piece of still more ancient history, recorded in the Mosaic record to show from whom the Amorites originally took the land:

“‘For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.’

“‘Who ‘the former king of Moab’ might have been we do not know. This may have referred to a former king of the existing Moabite dynasty; or it may have referred to an earlier time of the patriarchs. In the latter case the name ‘Moab’ would be used as a known name instead of the pre-Moab name of that part of the land. At all events, it was not an Ammonite king but a ‘former king of Moab,’ from whom the Amorites took the land. So we know that neither the Amorites nor the Israelites took the land from the Ammonites.

“‘We have next a most interesting piece of ‘fossil’ literature:

“‘Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared: For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of Arnon. Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites. We have shot at them; Heshbon is perished even unto Dibon, and we have laid them waste even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba.’ (Num. 21:27-30.)

“‘These verses are a gem of Amorite literature originally produced in honor of the conquest of the territory in question by the king of the Amorites, so far back in history that three hundred years had passed since they lost it again to Moses. This Amorite ballad was many hundred years old in Jephthah’s day. It was probably hundreds of years old when Moses included it in the Numbers record. So Jephthah called upon both the Bible and upon secular history to prove his case. The value of this piece of Amorite literature was, and is, to demonstrate that Israel kept the command of the Almighty given to Moses not to interfere with either Edom, Moab, or Ammon, notwithstanding they took the land from the Amorites.

“‘From an expository standpoint we are given to see a period of 300 years stretching between the time of Jephthah and the Pentateuch record. Neither does this instance stand alone. By many marks we see contributions to the Bible records appearing here and there over centuries of time; the Amorite ‘proverb’ or historical ballad, a ‘classic’ in Moses’ day; the Mosaic record three hundred years old in Jephthah’s day; the Jephthah correspondence with the King of Ammon a century old in David’s writings, a thousand years old in [Yahshus’] day.

“‘We cannot refrain from adding the quotation in which Moses recites the facts of the case to Israel before his death. The history so recited had only just been enacted by the people who heard it recited by the lips of Moses in 1400 B.C.:

“‘And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying, Let me pass through thy land: I will go along by the high way, I will neither turn unto the right hand nor to the left. Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet; (As the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Ar, did unto me;) until I shall pass over Jordan into the land which Yahweh our Almighty giveth us. But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for Yahweh thy Almighty hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day. And Yahweh said unto me, Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land before thee: begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his land. Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz. And Yahweh our Almighty delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people. And we took all his cities at that time, and utterly destroyed the men, and the women, and the little ones, of every city, we left none to remain: Only the cattle we took for a prey unto ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took. From Aroer which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: Yahweh our Almighty delivered all unto us: Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, nor unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever Yahweh our Almighty forbad us.’ (Deut. 2:26-37.)”

Continuing with Rand:“Jephthah’s Vow

“The Spirit of Yahweh came upon Jephthah and he went out against Ammon. As he prepared for battle he vowed a vow to Yahweh saying: “‘... If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be Yahweh’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.’ (Judges 11:30-31.)

“The Daughter of Jephthah

“Jephthah fought against the Ammonites and Yahweh delivered them into his hands. He destroyed twenty of their cities and killed many of them. After his victory he returned home and as he went toward his house his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and dancing with joy. She was his only child and when Jephthah saw his daughter approaching he rent his clothes saying:

“‘... Alas, my daughter! Thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto Yahweh, and I cannot go back.’ (Judges 11:35.)

“Moffatt translates this: ‘Alas, my daughter, you have struck me down! Low, low have you laid me! For I have made my promise to the Eternal, and I cannot go back upon my word!’

“She replied that if he had made a promise to Yahweh, he must do what he had vowed. Thereupon, he told her what his vow was and she made one request that he would grant her two months grace to wander upon the mountains with her companions and bewail her maidenhood among the hills. Jephthah told her to go. When the two months were ended she returned home and he carried out his vow, doing as he had promised Yahweh.

“Human Sacrifice Unacceptable

“An erroneous idea as to how this vow was carried out had led to the suggestion that Jephthah actually offered up his daughter as a burnt offering to Yahweh. This is contrary to the facts and is definitely against scriptural teaching. Actually, Jephthah vowed: 1st) that whatever came forth from the door of his house to meet him should be Yahweh’s; 2nd) that he would offer it up for a burnt offering. Obviously, since it was Jephthah’s daughter who came out first to greet her victorious father, to carry out the second clause of the vow would violate the first clause since no human sacrifice was acceptable to Yahweh. Yahweh did nevertheless accept the sacrifice of a life dedicated to His service. What actually happened was that Jephthah was compelled to dedicate his daughter to the service of Yahweh in accord with the first declaration of his vow. The statement ‘and she knew no man’ clearly indicates she did not suffer death as a sacrifice but rather that her life was dedicated to Yahweh. She herself consented to that service and was never married. [While we agree that this is so, the Hebrew word ‘olah (#5930) is only interpreted to mean a burnt offering. But literally it is a going up or an ascent, so it also describes something being offered up.– C.A.E.]

“A Life of Service

“The account declares that the daughters of Israel went to lament the daughter of Jephthah once a year for four days. The Hebrew word translated ‘to lament’ means also ‘to talk with.’ Having taken the vow of a virgin, once a year the daughters of Israel paid a four day’s visit to Jephthah’s daughter and communed with her. Such a vow as this is provided for in Leviticus 27. Paul refers to the faith of Jephthah (Heb, 11:32) who willingly kept his vow even though the dedication of his only child to the service of Yahweh meant the discontinuation of his family line. Vows are important for in the sight of Yahweh it is a serious matter to make a vow. They must be kept even though a man has ‘sworn to his own hurt.’ No man can be considered righteous in the Almighty’s sight who treats his promises lightly either to Yahweh or to his fellowmen.

“The Jealousy of Ephraim

“The men of Ephraim gathered together against Jephthah and asked him why he had passed over to fight against the Ammonites without calling them to assist him. They declared that, because he had done this and had failed to call upon them, they were now going to burn his house down. In reply Jephthah told the men of Ephraim that he and his people were in great trouble because of the Ammonites. When they called the men of Ephraim to help in the time of distress, they were unable to deliver them from the Ammonites. He then said that when he saw that Ephraim had not delivered his people, he took his life in his hands and went out against the children of Ammon. This should have been very clear and Jephthah wanted to know why Ephraim had come out to fight with him.

“The men of Ephraim had raised a similar objection when Gideon had failed to call them in the battle against the Midianites, and now that Jephthah had won a great victory, they were incensed against him. Prior to that victory they had failed to engage in war against the Ammonites but they were roused to jealousy over Jephthah’s success:

“‘Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites.’(Judges 12:4.)

“Shibboleth

“After defeating the Ephraimites, the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan. As each man of Ephraim who had escaped from the battle sought to pass over the Jordan to the west side, he was asked if he was an Ephraimite. If he answered, ‘No,’ he was asked to say, ‘Shibboleth.’ If he said ‘Sibboleth’ (for the Ephraimites could not pronounce it rightly), he was taken prisoner and slain. Forty-two thousand men of Ephraim perished at that time.

“This was a needless slaughter, brought about by the fact that the tribe of Ephraim feared an encroachment upon its authority as head tribe among the Israel tribes. The incident also brings out an interesting fact that there were, then as now, variations in the dialects among sections of the Israelites. The characteristic of speech which has difficulty with the letter ‘h’ still exists today among some of the Ephraimites of Great Britain.

“Jephthah judged Israel for six years. After his death Ibzan judged Israel for seven years and after he died Elon judged Israel for ten years. Then came Abdon who judged Israel for eight years. Following the death of Abdon, the account states:

“‘And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of Yahweh; and Yahweh delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.’ (Judges 13:1.)

“Thus, a whole generation was delivered up to their enemies because Israel departed from serving Yahweh. The price Israel paid in tribulation and trouble for their refusal to keep the commandments, statutes and judgments of Yahweh was high indeed. Nevertheless, generation after generation would depart from the way of Yahweh in spite of the example furnished by the suffering of previous generations who had turned aside from the ways of righteousness.” End of chapter VI.

This is my two hundred and twenty-seventh monthly teaching letter and continues my nineteenth year of publication. I have resolved to do a series of lessons providing clarifying criticism of Howard B. Rand’s books, tracts and articles published in his Destiny Magazine, which includes several guest writers of varying degrees in excellence. Although I rate Rand and his associate writers only 50%, some of their articles are simply outstanding.

With this lesson, I will continue a critical review of a series entitled “The Book Of The Kingdom” found in Destiny magazines from January, 1949 until April, 1952 in 24 chapters, and oddly enough Rand does not identify an author. He may have written it all himself, or it might have been a team effort by him and some of his associated writers. So Rand either wrote it, or if by the help of others at least he approved of it and is responsible for it (and it will be edited by me):

With WTL #226 I had completed “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, June 1949: chapter VI of XXIV. With this lesson, I will reviewchapter VII of XXIV thusly,

“Samson The Nazarite

“Therewasaman of Zorah, of the tribe of Dan, whose name was Manoah and he and his wife were childless. However, the Angel of Yahweh appeared to his wife one day and said to her:

“‘... Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.’ (Judges 13:3.)

“The Angel of Yahweh then proceeded to give her specific instructions. She was told to take great care and see to it that she did not drink any wine, nor liquors of any kind. She was to refrain from eating any unclean thing for she was with child. When her son was born, no razor was to be used upon his head, for he was to be a Nazarite and consecrated to Yahweh from the day of his birth. Yahweh declared that through her son He would deliver Israel from the Philistines.

“A Nazarite

“The root meaning of the term ‘Nazarite’ in Hebrew, as well as in the Greek, indicates a ‘consecrated one’ or a ‘devotee.’ Under ordinary vows men consecrated some material possession, but the Nazarite consecrated himself or herself, taking a vow of separation, thus dedicating themselves wholly to the service of Yahweh.

“Following the conversation with the Angel of Yahweh, the woman went to her husband and told him what had happened:

“‘... A man of the Almighty came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of the Almighty, very terrible ...’ (Judges 13:6.)

“She related to her husband the conversation she had with the Angel with the result that Manoah entreated Yahweh to send the man to them again so that they might be properly instructed as to how they should bring up this child. Yahweh listened to his plea and the Angel of Yahweh appeared again to the woman when she was alone. She went in haste to get her husband who asked the man if he was the one who had previously spoken to the woman. He replied that He was. Manoah then asked, ‘When the child is born and the words of the Angel have come true, how are we to train the child?’ The Angel replied that the woman must do all that He had commanded her and refrain from wine and strong drink or any unclean food.

“Secret or Wonderful

“Manoah did not realize that he was talking with the Angel of Yahweh so he pressed him to stay, saying that he would prepare food for him. But He replied that though His host detained Him, He would not eat any of his food. However, He instructed Manoah to make a burnt offering unto Yahweh instead. Not knowing to whom he was speaking, Manoah asked for His name, saying he wanted to honor him when his message came true:

“‘And the Angel of Yahweh said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?’ (Judges 13:18.)

“The Hebrew word translated ‘secret’ should have been rendered ‘Wonderful.’ Ferrar Fenton translates this passage as follows:

“‘Why do you ask my name, – when it is Wonderful?’

“Immediately our thoughts go to the use of this name as one which is applied to the Child of whom Isaiah was speaking when he said:

“‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Almighty, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ (Isa. 9:6.)

“Here we have the clue which identifies the Angel of Yahweh who appeared to Manoah and his wife and also to Gideon. His name being ‘Wonderful,’ this immediately associates Him with the coming One who was later to be born of a virgin. Thus, we have confirmation of the fact that the Angel of Yahweh is none other than our Yahweh and Saviour before He took upon Himself the form of man and was born as Jesus the Christ.” [Note: Howard B. Rand is absolutely correct on this occasion by identifying both the Father and the Son as being one and the same, therefore, exploding the myth of a “pagan trinity”! C.A.E] – Back to Rand:

“Manoah followed the instructions given to him and offered up a burnt offering to Yahweh. As the flames ascended the Angel of Yahweh ascended up in the flames and disappeared from their sight. Manoah recognized that he had indeed seen the Angel of Yahweh and he exclaimed:

“... ‘We shall surely die, because we have seen the Almighty.’ (Judges 13:22.)

“But his wife said that if Yahweh had intended to kill them He would not have accepted a burnt offering from them; He would not have let them see all they had seen, nor would He have given them instructions regarding the child.

“Birth of Samson

“Afterward the woman gave birth to a son and she called his name Samson, which in Hebrew means ‘the Brilliant.’ The child grew to manhood under the blessing of Yahweh and when he was fully grown the Spirit of Yahweh began to stir him. At the time he was living in the camp of Dan which lay between Zorah and Eshtaol.

“Samson went down to Timnath, a city on the border of Dan, which was at times in the possession of the Philistines. There he saw a young Philistine woman with whom he fell in love and he returned home to ask his father and mother to get her for him for a wife. They asked him:

“‘... Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines?...’ (Judges 14:3.)

“But Samson was insistent with his father and mother, urging that they get her for him for he liked her or, as the Bible states, ‘She pleaseth me well.’ His parents were grieved for they were not aware that circumstances would come about for Samson to seek a wife among the Philistines with the approval of Yahweh since He intended to use the results of those circumstances to discomfit the Philistines who ruled over Israel at that time.

“At Timnath

“Then Samson, with his parents, went down to Timnath. Evidently, prior to this trip, Samson had gone down toTimnath and while there had wandered about in the vineyards of the place whereupon a young lion there had roared at him. The Spirit of Yahweh came upon him and he tore the lion in two as easily as one might destroy a kid, though he had no weapon in his hand. This might have been the first revelation to Samson of the tremendous strength he possessed; however, regardless of that, he told the incident to no one, not even to his father and mother.

“Arriving in Timnath, Samson’s parents spoke to the Philistine maiden and stayed there in anticipation of the coming marriage. One day Samson went to look at the carcass of the lion he had slain and observed a swarm of bees in the skeleton, and honey there. He took some of the honey to eat, giving some to his father and mother. He did not disclose to them, however, where he had got the honey.

“The Wedding Feast

“Later Samson prepared a feast and thirty young Philistines were invited to be his companions to celebrate his approaching marriage with him. This was the custom as the bridegroom celebrated his coming marriage in a wedding feast at which his friends, but not the bride, were present. At the close of the celebration the friends of the bridegroom would accompany him to the home of the bride where he would claim his wife.

“Because Bible students fail to recognize this custom of those earlier times, they have failed to comprehend the full significance of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, which is an event to precede the triumphant return of Yahshua when He will take His bride, the Kingdom, and, sitting upon the throne of David, will rule over the House of Jacob forever. At the Marriage Supper of the Lamb only the friends of the Bridegroom will be present. An understanding of these facts is essential in order to truly comprehend the full meaning of the events that are to precede and follow this Supper.”

[Critical note by Clifton A. Emahiser: If the doctrine of a “trinity” is true, then the Son will marry His Father’s wife!] – Back to Rand:

“The Riddle

“At his marriage supper. Samson propounded a riddle to the thirty young Philistines dining with him. He told them that if they could answer the riddle during the seven days of the feast, he would give them thirty shirts and thirty suits of clothes. But, he said, if they could not tell the meaning of his riddle, they were to give him thirty shirts and thirty suits of clothes. The young men agreed and told Samson to tell them the riddle and they would listen to it. Samson said:

“‘... Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness ...’ (Judges 14:14.)

“At the end of three days the young men had not been able to guess the meaning of the riddle so they went to Samson’s wife. (She is called his wife although he had not as yet married her. But an engagement to marry, or, as the Bible states, when they were betrothed, the woman became his wife although the consummation of the marriage was not completed until later.) The young men sought her out privately and said to her:

“‘Entice thy husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, lest we burn thee and thy father’s house.’ (Judges 14:15.)

“Threat of the Philistines

“Furthermore, they wanted to know if she had invited them to her wedding only to make beggars of them. Frightened by their taunts and threats, she went to Samson and wept before him, begging him to tell her the riddle. Instead, she should have told him the cause of her sorrow. But, fearful for her life and the life of her father, she resorted to the pressure a young woman has applied from time immemorial to a lover when endeavoring to have her way. She said to Samson that he must hate her, for if he truly loved her he would explain the riddle to her. But Samson replied that he had not even told it to his father or mother so why should he tell it to her. Samson certainly had a great deal to learn if he expected such an excuse to satisfy her. It did not for she wept the more and day by day she appeared to him, weeping bitterly and imploring him to tell her the riddle. Finally, even Samson, strong man that he was, could not resist the tears of the girl he loved, for, as the account states according to Ferrar Fenton’s translation, ‘She wore him out’, with the result that on the seventh day he told her the riddle. She immediately told it to her countrymen, who said to Samson just as he was about to enter the bridal chamber before sunset of the seventh day of the feast:

“‘What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?’ (Judges 14:18.)

Samson retorted:

“‘If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.’

“Debt Paid

“Samson evidently left immediately, for the Spirit of Yahweh came upon him. He went down to the Philistine city of Ashkelon and slew thirty Philistine young men of that city and took their garments, giving them to the young men who had found out his riddle. But Samson was still furious and returned to his father’s house without taking his bride.

“It should be remembered that Samson was endowed with super-human strength to punish the lawless wrongs to which his people were subjected at the hand of the Philistines. In going down to Ashkelon he had selected a city the men of whom were robbers and murderers, and in fulfilling his obligation he destroyed these destroyers of his people.

“Samson Returns for Wife

“After a while Samson’s anger cooled and, taking a kid as a present, he returned to Timnath to take his wife. Arriving there, he found that her father had given her in marriage to another, stating that he thought Samson hated her and had rejected her. However, he offered to substitute her younger sister, whom he declared was better looking, but Samson refused to accept her for his wife. He declared he would be avenged this time upon the Philistines for the wrong they had done to him. Moffatt translates Samson’s reply as follows:

“‘I shall be quits with the Philistines this time; I shall do them a mischief.’ (Judges 15:3.)

“Samson’s Revenge

“Samson caught three hundred foxes, or, as the Hebrew word signifies, jackals and proceeded to tie them together in pairs by their tails with a fire brand or torch fixed between the two tails. He then let loose these one hundred and fifty pairs of foxes among the cornfields, vineyards and olive groves of the Philistines. This resulted in the destruction of the harvests in these fields as well as the orchards. No doubt Samson watched the results from the top of Zorah, for in the dry and sunny climate of Palestine such a fire, once started, would spread rapidly and burn fiercely.

“Some have raised an objection to Samson’s ability to secure that number of jackals. With the assistance of friends he could have secured that number very quickly, or by himself it would not have taken very long, for the jackal existed in the gardens and among the ruins and tombs in great numbers in Palestine.

“Reaction of Philistines

“This loss of their harvests stirred up the Philistines and upon inquiry they learned that Samson was responsible for the destruction of their crops, having done this because his wife had been given to another. Thereupon, the Philistines went up and destroyed the woman and her family, together with their house and possessions, with fire. Thus, Samson’s wife suffered the fate she tried to escape when she betrayed his confidence and told the riddle to the Philistine young men. In fact, her betrayal of Samson’s secret brought about conditions which led directly to the very type of death she had sought to avoid. Had she told Samson of the threat against her, the affair would have had a far different ending, for the young men who had threatened her life would have been slain by Samson. Samson’s strength and bravery would have been sufficient to protect his relatives against the vengeance of those who threatened them.

“Slaughter of Philistines

“Samson told the Philistines that because they had slain his wife he would take vengeance upon them and he routed them headlong with a heavy slaughter. The Bible states:

“‘And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter ...’ (Judges 15:8.)

“It is evident that when he attacked them in the fury of his strength there was great confusion among his foes. He smote them hip and thigh, i.e., those who fled and those who fought, for he cut down the brave who stood their ground and pursued, overtook and destroyed those who fled. After this conquest Samson went to the rock of Elam and encamped in a cavern in the top of that rock.

“Israel Fearful

“Because Samson had attacked and killed many Philistines, the lords of the Philistines were aroused against him and gathered a great army for battle. This army encamped in Judah and advanced against the city of Lehi. The men of Judah asked the Philistines why they had come against them and the Philistines replied that they had come to seize Samson so that they might do to him what he had done to them. The people were in fear of the Philistines and of their rulers, so three thousand men of Judah went to Samson to the top of the rock where he was dwelling and said to him:

“‘Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us?’ (Judges 15:11.)

“Here we have a most interesting situation in the land of Israel at that time. The people were dominated by the Philistines and had been under their power and control for so many years that the Almighty had to raise up a man who in his own strength could be used of Him to defeat Israel’s enemies. Samson himself was actuated by revenge for wrongs done to him personally but Yahweh purposely allowed him to be thwarted in his love so that He might use him single-handed to defeat the Philistines. But, rather than oppose their oppressors, his own people would have delivered Samson into the hands of the Philistines.

“Apropos of this is the following editorial from DESTINY for September 1938:

“‘History demonstrates that men of business, with a few splendid exceptions, are so engrossed with their individual occupations that they have no time for the greater issues, especially so if they might interfere with their profits. It was a poor tentmaker who plied his trade only to earn enough for traveling purposes and who left an enviable record of accomplishments.

“‘Who has not heard of Paul, read his letters and marveled at his spiritual endurance? But who can name a single businessman of his day or tell of his accomplishments? The only businessman mentioned is Alexander the coppersmith, named by Paul as doing him much evil. This evidently was the Alexander who had at one time been faithful (1 Tim. 1:20), but had turned against Paul, whose message no doubt was affecting his profits.

“‘There were many businessmen in Israel at the time of Gideon. The nation was under bondage to her enemies, but who brought deliverance to the people? The businessmen? No. That deliverance came through a young man of a poor family in Manasseh. When Gideon began his task of cleansing the land of evil the businessmen of the city gathered together to stop him, even to the point of desiring to take his life. He was interfering with their business operations.

“‘At another time Israel was being ruled over by the Philistines. A young man of the tribe of Dan destroyed their corn because of what they had done to a young woman with whom he had fallen in love. Three thousand businessmen of Judah came to him and said, ‘Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this that thou hast done unto us?’ What had he done to them? He had given the Philistines an excuse to lay tribute upon them; therefore, he was interfering with their business profits. They proposed to bind Samson and deliver him over to the Philistines in order to save the business situation. This was more important to them than ultimate deliverance from these rulers.

“‘Such instances of compromise by men of business for the sake of continued profits could be multiplied over and over again. However, we do not have to dwell upon records of ancient history for such examples. We have before us concrete illustrations in modern times of the timidity of businessmen to meet current issues. A correspondent, head of an organization dealing with serious current developments writes, ‘The businessmen and the intelligentsia, we waste no time on – believing that history will repeat itself and they will do nothing but talk and compromise – being wiped out when the going is tough.’

“‘Some day the story of the present fight against the forces of evil will be told in all of its details. That record will carry very few of the names of those who could have contributed to the accomplishment of the seemingly unaccomplishable.

“‘Ezekiel condemned those who failed to stand in the breach in Israel’s time of trouble. He says: ‘They shall not come to the Council of My People, nor be recorded in the records of the House of Israel’ (Ezekiel 13:9, Ferrar Fenton Trans.). [Actually, Ezekiel was condemning false prophets and lying diviners. C.A.E.] – Back to Rand:

“Destruction of Philistines

“Samson’s reply to the businessmen of his day who were disturbed over his actions was that what he had done to the Philistines was in retaliation for what they had done to him. But the men of Judah told Samson they had come to bind him and hand him over to the Philistines. Samson asked them to promise him they would not murder him themselves if he allowed them to bind him. They replied that they would not kill him but simply turn him over to the Philistines. So he allowed the men of Judah to tie him up and they did so with new ropes and brought him to Lehi where the army of the Philistines was in camp. When the Philistines saw Samson bound and being delivered to them, they shouted aloud and made a great clamor in their triumph over him. But they had not counted on the next happening:

“‘... and the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed [melted] off his hands. And he found a new [moist] jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.’ (Judges 15:14-15.)

“‘And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.’ (Judges 15:16.)

Ferrar Fenton renders this verse:

“‘With the jaw-bone of an ass, I have made them asses! – With the jaw-bone of an ass, I’ve slain a thousand men!”

“Avenger of Blood

“Very likely this is the origin of the expression that makes the ass the emblem of obstinacy and stupidity, for the Philistines certainly were stupid to arouse Samson after he had informed them that after avenging the murder of his wife he would stop harassing them. Actually, as the avenger of blood under the Israel law, it was well within Samson’s rights to execute judgment upon those responsible for the murder of his wife and father-in-law. However, the Philistines did not recognize justice in behalf of an Israelite when involved in difficulties with the Philistines since Israel was under their domination. Following the slaughter of his enemies, Samson was terribly exhausted and thirsty and he cried out to Yahweh:

“‘... Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?’ (Judges 15:18.)

“Water at Lehi

“The King James version of the Bible makes it appear that water came forth from the jawbone used by Samson to slay his enemies. Actually, water came forth from a hollow or well at Lehi and not a hollow in the jawbone. The well from which Samson quenched his thirst was still there at Lehi when this account of Samson’s exploits was being written. As translated by Moffatt, the account reads:

“‘Then God split the hollow at Lehi, and water poured from it; when he drank, his spirits rose, and he revived. Hence the spot was named Caller-spring (Enhakkore); it is at Lehi to this day.’ (Judges 15:19.)

“For twenty years Samson judged Israel and no doubt the fear of him during those years of his judgeship kept the Philistines subdued. The narrative then moves on to give the details of the events which culminated in the death of Samson.

“Samson at Gaza

“We are informed that on one occasion Samson went to Gaza, a Philistine city, where he visited a harlot. Having learned of his presence in their city, the men of Gaza made an ambush for him, declaring that they would kill him in the morning when he tried to leave. But Samson left at midnight and pulled up the doors of the city gate with the two posts and the cross bar. Placing them on his shoulders, he carried them to the top of the hill opposite Hebron.

“Life of Samson

“The life and experiences of Samson have been a conundrum to many students of the Scriptures. Here was a man possessed of prodigious strength, upon whom the Spirit of Yahweh would come from time to time so that he could perform great feats of prowess. In the incident just recounted, immediately after he left the harlot’s house, the tremendous strength of which he was capable surged through his being and he carried away the doors of the city gates single-handed. It has been difficult for Bible students to reconcile Samson’s conduct at times with the inescapable fact that Yahweh used him to carry out His will and gave Samson mighty strength when His Spirit came upon him. It is only when the life of Samson is considered as a whole that it is possible to resolve some of the difficulties. The Almighty purposely thwarted Samson in all of his desires to have a home life in order to arouse in him a hatred of the Philistine. In this way alone could He use Samson to overcome Israel’s enemies. Samson’s frustrations led him to prey upon the Philistines, not only in his own right, but also because they were the oppressors of Israel. His very strength and passion was used of the Almighty to bring defeat to those who were oppressing His people. Samson’s weakness lay in his lack of discernment when it came to women. Though physically the strongest man who ever lived, he became weak when contending with the wiles of women who used his love for them to overcome him. This is very clear in this final account of his love for a Philistine woman who betrayed him.

“Delilah

“Samson fell in love with a woman in the valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. The lords of the Philistines came to her and said:

“‘... Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.’ (Judges 16:5.)

“There were five lords of the Philistines – Gaza, Ashdod, Ekron, Ashkelon and Gath – so the bribe offered to Delilah was a handsome sum of money. It proved to be true that though Samson loved her truly, she was willing to betray him for a price. Coveting the money she was to receive, Delilah began to seek from Samson the source of his strength. She asked him why he was so strong and how he could be tied up so as to be tortured. Samson replied that if he were bound with seven fresh bowstrings that had never been dried, he would be as weak as other men.

“Subtle Wiles

“The Philistines brought the seven fresh bowstrings to Delilah who tied Samson with them. Meantime, men were concealed in her apartment awaiting the results. Delilah exclaimed:

“‘... The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.’ (Judges 16:9.)

“Delilah then accused Samson of deceiving her, so he told her that if he were bound with new ropes his strength would be gone. They proved to be as ineffective as the bowstrings, however, when Delilah bound him with ropes. Accusing him of still lying to her, Delilah demanded to know the truth. She probably restrained her vexation, remembering that the Philistines would make it worth her while to hold her patience. Continuing to play the ‘game,’ Samson said that if she wove the seven locks of his hair with the web of the loom and twisted them in with the pin, his strength would fail. While Samson slept Delilah did this but when she woke Samson, declaring that the Philistines were upon him (for they were hiding in the chamber), he went away with the pin, beam and web.

“This was too much for the patience of Delilah who then reverted to a woman’s supreme strategy, using the one weapon most likely to overcome a man in love with her. She complained petulantly:

“‘How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you do not trust me? Three times already you have cheated me; you have never told me why you are so strong. At last, as she pressed him every day and urged him [Ferrar Fenton translates this, ‘So when she had worn him out by talking every day’], he got tired to death and told her all the secret.’ (Judges 16:15-17, Moffatt Trans.)

“Blind to Reason

“Just why Samson should recognize the Philistine men as ene- mies, yet assume their womenfolk could be trusted is a mystery except that love had completely blinded his eyes to the truth. It would also seem that after Samson’s earlier experience with the woman he was to marry, who betrayed the secret of his riddle, that he would have learned his lesson. But evidently his strong love prevented him from reasoning correctly, or else he would have refused to divulge his secret to Delilah. There is no doubt but that she played the part of an expert actress and led him on to the conclusion that he could trust her. So Samson finally explained truthfully:

“‘... There hath not come a razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto the Almighty from my mother’s womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.’ (Judges 16:17.)

“Philistines Take Samson

“Delilah made her report to the Philistine lords, stating that Samson had at last told her his heart’s secret. They came, then, to her apartment, bringing the bribe money with them. Evidently she was shrewd enough to get her pay before revealing the secret of Samson’s strength to his enemies. Since this early record of the enemy using a woman to beguile a man into telling secrets which would enable the foes to overcome him or his people, nations have resorted to this method of sabotage with profitable results. This was much in evidence in the spy activities during both World Wars I and II.”

This would be a timely place to pause at “Samson The Nazarite”,chapter VII of XXIV of “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, August 1949, which will be continued in WTL #228.

This is my two hundred and twenty-eighth monthly teaching letter and ends my nineteenth year of publication. I have resolved to do a series of lessons providing clarifying criticism of Howard B. Rand’s books, tracts and articles published in his Destiny Magazine, which includes several guest writers of varying degrees in excellence. Although I rate Rand and his associate writers only 50%, some of their articles are simply outstanding.

With this lesson, I will continue a critical review of a series entitled “The Book Of The Kingdom” found in Destiny magazines from January, 1949 until April, 1952 in 24 chapters, and oddly enough Rand does not identify an author. He may have written it all himself, or it might have been a team effort by him and some of his associated writers. So Rand either wrote it, or if by the help of others, at least he approved of it, and is responsible for it (and it will be edited by me):

With WTL #227 on “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, June 1949: chapter VII of XXIV, “Samson The Nazarite”, I was unable to finish in its entirety, which I will do here by starting with Delilah and Samson’s death:

“Delilah waited until Samson had fallen asleep with his head in her lap. She called for a man [probably a barber, C.A.E] to shave off his hair, then, awakening him, she told him that the Philistines were upon him. He arose, expecting to do what he had done before, not knowing that the Spirit of Yahweh had left him. The Philistines seized him and, putting out his eyes, they took him down to Gaza where they bound him in chains and set him to grinding corn in the prison with the slaves. Thus, Samson’s love of a woman who was willing to trade his devotion to her for financial reward brought about his ultimate downfall. Samson himself betrayed Yahweh by disclosing to a daughter of the enemies of his people the source of his strength.

“Samson’s Death

“A day came when the Philistines were giving a great feast to honor Dagon their god. It was to celebrate the fact that Dagon had delivered Samson into their hands. At the height of the merriment they called for Samson to be brought before them so that they might make sport of him. When the people saw him they shouted:

“‘... Our god has now put the foe in our hands, who wasted our lands and slew us in bands!’ (Judges 16:24 Moffatt Trans.)

“Into their midst came Samson, his long hair flowing about his shoulders, stumbling a little perhaps as he was led before the clamorous throng. Did he hear the name of Delilah in the cheers of the riotous crowds? Did his ears detect the words of the toasts to her there in the temple for the part she had played in bringing about Samson’s degradation? We are not given these details in the Biblical account but Samson said to the boy who led him:

“‘... Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.’ (Judges 16:26.)

“The building was filled with men and women and all the Philistine lords were present, while on the roof there were three thousand men and women watching Samson. If Delilah was present, the revenge Samson was about to have upon those who were tormenting him also destroyed her, so the betrayal money did her little good:

“‘And Samson called unto Yahweh, and said, O Yahweh Almighty, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O Almighty, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.’ (Judges 16:28.)

“And Samson grasped the two middle pillars that supported the house; he braced himself with his right hand on one and his left hand on the other. Then he said: ‘Let me die with the Philistines.’ He pulled with all his might and down came the temple, killing the lords and all the people gathered there to celebrate his capture:

“‘... So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life.’ (Judges 16:30.)

“The Philistines had failed to take note that Samson’s hair had begun to grow again. Though in disclosing his secret to Delilah he broke his vow as a Nazarite, yet, when in his heart he truly repented and prayed to Yahweh, his strength returned to him. Though he died with the Philistines, he took vengeance upon them for himself and for his people. After his death his brethren came, took his body away and buried it in the burying place of his father.” End of “The Book Of The Kingdom”, ch. VII of XXIV, Destiny July 1949:, “Samson The Nazarite”.

Now for “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, August 1949: chapter VIII of XXIV, which I will edit thusly:

“The Cleansing Of Benjamin

“The Bookof Judges closes with the record of a state of anarchy existing in Israel. This rebellion against law and order extended to rebellion against the Almighty. The account states:

“‘In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.’ (Judges 17:6.)

“Under such conditions a state of lawlessness, accompanied by violence and bloodshed, developed in Israel. Idolatry became an established practice among many and the standards of morality declined to a very low ebb.

“It was during this period of Israel’s history that the tribe of Dan found their possessions too small for them so they began to enlarge their bordersthrough conquest. It is of interest to note that this tribe named the new territories and cities taken by them after their father Dan. Thus, the name of Dan is to be found in many localities where members of this Tribe established colonies in those early times.

“A Levite and His Wife

“A Levite had taken a wife from Beth-lehem-judah who, after becoming unfaithful to him, returned to her father’s house. Four months later the Levite went to Beth-lehem-judah to claim her as his wife again. He spent a few days at the home of his father-in-law after which he and his wife took up their journey from Beth-lehem-judah to return to their own city again. Because they left in the afternoon, night overtook them before they reached their destination and they turned aside to spend the night in Gilead in the land of Benjamin. But no man invited them in to lodge in his house so they prepared to camp in the street.

“After a time an old man who was returning from the field saw them lodging in the street and he invited them to his home. That night men of Benjamin surrounded the house and seized the wife of the Levite, abusing her so that she died. The Levite divided the body of his wife into twelve parts, sending each part to a tribe in Israel as a witness against the tribe of Benjamin for the evil thing they had done. All Israel was incensed when they heard of the crime that had been committed. The men of Israel gathered to go up against Benjamin to battle, for Benjamin refused to deliver the guilty individuals over to be punished by death.

“Six Hundred Escape

“The Benjamite forces were defeated and of the thousands who fought against Israel only six hundred men escaped. These six hundred took refuge at the Rock Rimmon and there they established themselves for four months for fear of Israel.

“The cities of Benjamin had all been destroyed and their inhabitants slain, yet the Almighy’s hand was in it all, for through this method He was moving to cleanse the tribe of the evil men among them. Men of Benjamin were later to become the lightbearers of the glad tidings of the Gospel and it was essential in the plan of the Almighty that the tribe be cleansed of the gross evil prevalent among the men. Later our Yahshua chose all but one of His disciples from this tribe and the Galileans who accepted Christianity were all Benjamites to whom was entrusted the task of carrying the Gospel beyond the confines of Palestine. The following survey taken from Documentary Studies summarizes Benjamin’s role in the Divine plan:

“When Ahijah told Jeroboam that one tribe of Israel would be given to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, in conformity with the Word of Yahweh to Solomon, and that all the Kingdom would not be taken away, a tribe of Israel apart from Judah must necessarily remain loyal to the House of David. That tribe was the tribe of Benjamin.

“Benjamin was thus selected by the Almighty for a specific mission; this tribe was to remain with Judah and be loyal to the House of David so that they might be ready to receive the light when it came. The use of the word ‘light’ implies, as set forth in The Companion Bible, the continued existence of the Divine purpose.

“From the beginning Benjamin was chosen for this task. In anticipation of Benjamin’s coming mission, Moses exclaimed:

“‘And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of Yahweh shall dwell in safety by him; and Yahweh shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.’ (Deut. 33:12.)

“‘Moffatt renders this passage: ‘He is the Eternal’s darling, he lives ever in security; the Most High encircles him, seated upon his slopes.’

“‘Ferrar Fenton translates: ‘The Beloved of the Lord[sic Yahweh] rests secure, Relying on Him all the day, And borne safe up in His arms.’

“So Benjamin, the coming bearer of light, carrying the glad tidings of the Kingdom – the story of the redemption of Israel and the blessings of salvation for all who believe – was under special care, with the certainty of Divine security and protection in the performance of the assigned mission. Five hundred years before the division in the Kingdom, the Almighty moved to cleanse Benjamin of all evil in preparing this tribe for the purpose for which they had been selected. The record of that cleansing is in the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first chapters of Judges ... The method used was drastic, yet the sin committed required drastic action to cleanse the tribe.

“When the time came for Yahshua to begin His work and select disciples, he walked by the Sea of Galilee and called fishermen, men of Galilee, who were of the tribe of Benjamin, to follow Him. The one exception seems to be [definitely was C.A.E.] Judas Iscariot.

“Judas is the Greek form of the Hebrew, Judah. His second name, Iscariot, indicates he was a native of Kerioth, a city identified with the ruins of elKarjetein to the south of Judaea and therefore Judas was not from Galilee or a Galilean; that is, a Benjamite. Judas carried the money bag and was a thief, though by his craftiness he concealed his true nature from the rest of the disciples. While pretending to be loyal to Yahshua and numbered among His disciples, Judas seemed to be an informer of the High Priest, apparently providing information desired. He finally betrayed our Redeemer.

“Yahshua knew the purpose for which Benjamin had been left with Judah so He said to His disciples,‘Ye are the light of the world’ (Matt. 5:14.). Following His selection of them, they were to begin the task assigned to Benjamin so long ago and for which purpose the Almighty originally selected them to remain with Judah. That mission was to learn all that Yahshua could teach them and then to carry the glad tidings of the Gospel to Israel in the Isles when finally the Edomite-jews completed their part by rejecting Him and bringing about the crucifixion of the Son of Yahweh [in the flesh of Adam-man C.A.E.].

“When the [Edomite]-jews sought to kill Yahshua He walked no more in Jewry but went into Galilee, for there, while He remained among the men of the tribe of Benjamin, He was safe from the subtle planning of the [Edomite]-jews. One needs only to read the four Gospels to recognize that Yahshua’s ministry was as successful in gaining followers in Galilee as it was [mostly] unproductive in Judaea. The multitudes followed Him in Galilee and after His resurrection the Angel at the Tomb said:

“‘He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where Yahshua lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him ...’ (Matt. 28:6-7.)

“As they went to tell His disciples Jahshua met them and said: ‘Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.’ (Matt. 28:10.)

“In the light of the record, why do Christian men persist in claiming that the [Edomite]-jews gave us Christianity? Yahshua could not walk in Judaea because the [Edomite]-jews sought to kill Him (John 7:1). It was in Galilee that He performed most of His miracles; there also He preached and secured a following. From Galilee He chose all but one of His disciples and there, after His resurrection, He met His disciples again. On that day of ascension the disciples stood on the Mount of Olives looking steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, and suddenly two men stood by them in white apparel:

“‘Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Yahshua, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.’ (Acts 1:11.)

“His disciples were not addressed as ‘Ye men of Judaea’ but rather ‘of Galilee’ and therefore Benjamites. Even Paul, who declared himself to be a Jew [sic a citizen of Judaea] (Acts 22:3), ... stated that by tribal descent he was a Benjamite (Rom. 11:1). Thus, he could not [have been an Edomite]-jew racially and was only one by religious faith, [which the Edomite]-jews corrupted into the Talmud, i.e., “the tradition of the elders”, C.A.E.]. Again, why do ecclesiastical and religious leaders of our day fail to see what is so obvious from a study of the text and the context of Scripture, persisting in calling Paul ‘that little Jew’? Even in Esther’s day many of the Persians became Jews for fear of the Jews: “‘... And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.’ (Esther 8:17.) [Note: The book of Esther is not historically compatible with Scripture, C.A.E.]

[Critical note by Clifton A. Emahiser: In my flyer Steven M. Collins’ Pretzel Factory #6, I countered Collins on his assertion that the Book of Esther proved Yahweh’s approval of non-Israel “assimilation.” I showed how the prophet Daniel knew the difference between a Canaanite pretending to be of the Tribe of Judah and a true Judahite at Susanna 56-57! To show you how appalling Collins’ mentality is, I shall now continue to quote from his deranged diatribe (which I will not post here). Today, Esther is a known novel, yet George Washington in his Maxims, published by D. Appleton & Co. 1894, used Haman to exemplify his own Edomite-jewish problem.] – Back to Rand.

“These people not change their racial characteristics or nationality, but they did accept the Judahite faith and thus became Judahites religiously. It was in this sense only that Paul and the disciples of our Yahshua were citizens of Judaea; save Judas, who was a [bad-fig] Jew racially.

[Critical note by Clifton A. Emahiser: Evidently, Rand was unaware that he could have documented that the Edomites were converted to what we now refer to as “Judaism” somewhere about 105 B.C., recorded in Josephus’ Antiquities, 13,9,1 thusly:

“... Hyrcanus took also Dora and Marissa, cities of Idumea, and subdued all the Idumeans; and permitted them to stay in that country, if they would circumcise their genitals, and make use of the laws of the Jews; and they were so desirous of living in the country of their forefathers, that they submitted to the use of circumcision,* and the rest of the Jewish ways of living; at which time therefore this befell them, that they were hereafter no other than Jews.”

------------------------------------------

* Bottom page note: “This account of the Idumeans admitting circumcision, and the entire Jewish law, from this time, or from the days of Hyrcanus, is confirmed by their entire history afterwards. This, in the opinion’ of Josephus, made them proselytes of justice, or entire Jews; However, Antigonus, the enemy of Herod, though Herod were derived from such a proselyte of justice for several generations, will allow him to be no more than a half Jew. Ammonius, a grammarian, says:– ‘The Jews are such by nature, and from the beginning, whilst the Idumeans were not Jews from the beginning, but Phoenicians and Syrians; but being afterwards subdued by the Jews and compelled to be circumcised, and to unite into one nation, and be subject to the same laws, they were called Jews.” Dio also says:– “That country is also called Judea, and the people Jews; and this name is given also to as many as embrace their religion, though of other nations.

“The use of the name “Idumeans” above is the Greek pronunciation for “Edom” or “Edomite”, the descendants of Esau, brother of Jacob. It wasn’t just a temporary conversion, as it is still in effect at our present time, thus I call them “Edomite-jews”, and Christ WAS NOT an Edomite.Further, the “Phoenicians” and “Syrians” spoken of above are from names of geographic areas which were not originally names for any particular tribe.” End of my critical note.] – Back to Rand.

“The Ekklesia was born at Pentecost and, with the birth of the Ekklesia, [Edomite]-jewry began its persecution of Christians and has been in opposition to Christianity from that day to this. Just why men will teach that the [Edomite]-jews of Judaea accepted Christianity, and yet are unable to explain why the [Edomite]-jews as such have throughout the centuries been consistently opposed to all that Yahshua taught, is a mystery. Nowhere is there any evidence whatever that the [Edomite]-jews racially did other than persecute the early Christians and in every way since have tried to hinder the spread of the Gospel. Because of this persecution, the former friendship existing between the [Edomite]-jews and Galileans was broken, fulfilling the prophecy of breaking the brotherhood between Judah and Israel, for the Galileans, or Benjamites, were a tribe in Israel and were representatives of the Kingdom in Palestine.”

[Critical note by Clifton A. Emahiser: Here Rand confuses Edomites with Judahites, between whom there can be no brotherhood or friendship, as Edomites are Esau-Hittite bastards!] – Back to Rand.

“Zechariah prophesied of the price paid to Judas for the betrayal, the thirty pieces of silver being used to purchase the potter’s field:

“‘Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.’ (Zech. 11:14.)

“That broken bond has never been healed and will not be until Jewry acknowledges that Yahshua is the Christ, for the Jews today are as much opposed to Christianity as were their forefathers who fought the early Church. Between Christianity and Judaism there is an impassable gulf which can only be bridged through Yahshua Christ.”

[Critical note by Clifton A. Emahiser: Here, it is quite evident that Howard B. Rand doesn’t fully understand that the Edomite-jews are not racially pure Israelites of the tribe of Judah. Actually, Rand is contradicting himself where he said above: “Nowhere is there any evidence whatever that the Jews racially did other than persecute the early Christians and in every way since have tried to hinder the spread of the Gospel.” It is clear that Rand grasps a racial problem, but he is unable to put his finger on the racial issue. And, as for Zech. 11:14, Rand has taken it completely out-of-context! It’s not speaking of breaking the band of brotherhood between Israel and Judaeans, for most of true Judah were also in captivity. The LXX has possession rather than brotherhood.] – Back to Rand:

“Yahshua warned His disciples:

“‘And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.’ (Luke 21:20-22.)

“Jeremiah prophesied that Benjamin was to take warning when these conditions came to pass:

“‘O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Beth-haccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.’ (Jer. 6:1.)

“Both Tekoa and Beth-haccerem were suitable places for setting up beacons as they are near Bethlehem and these beacons could be seen from Jerusalem. This message of the Prophet addressed to Benjamin and the warning given by Yahshua to His disciples are further proof in the chain of evidence that the Galileans and early Christians were Benjamites.

“When Peter, a Galilean, was at the judgment hall where Yahshua was being tried he was accused by a damsel of being one of our Redeemer’s disciples. She said unto him: ‘Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee’ (Matt. 26:73). Moffatt translates this, ‘Your accent betrays you.’ And well it might, for Peter was not an [Edomite]-jew but a Benjamite of Galilee.

“Prior to commissioning His disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature’ (Mark 16:15) ...

[Critical note by Clifton A. Emahiser: Evidently, Rand was unaware that Mark 16, vv. 9 through 20 are not in the older manuscripts, so his citing Mark 16:15 is invalid.] – Back to Rand.

“... Yahshua instructed them to go to the lost sheep of the House of Israel (Matt. 10:6). The Prophet Ezekiel has much to say about the sheep of His pasture and informs us they are the House of Israel (Ez. 34:30-31). It is therefore significant that it was to Israel in the Isles that the early Ekklesia, immediately after the crucifixion, carried the knowledge of the Gospel. Men of the tribe of Benjamin, true to their mission and the purpose for which they were lent to the House of David – so that ‘... David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.’ (1 Kings 11:36) – carried the light of the knowledge of redemption to Israel and to the House of David in the Isles. The Son of the Almighty had been born of the seed of David and He who would finally take over the Throne and establish [enduring] peace had triumphed over all His enemies. Thus, the House of David and the people of His Kingdom could look forward to the coming day of triumph when the knowledge of Yahweh will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.

“‘Yahweh sent a word [through Yahshua] into Jacob [in Judaea], and it hath lighted upon Israel ’ (Isa. 9:8.) [for Christianity took root downward and grew upward in the Isles of the sea.] (Isa. 37:31.) [Note: Errantly Rand connects Isa. 9:8 with Isa 37:31, C.A.E.]

“Thus Isaiah could prophesy: ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Almighty, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will perform this.’ (Isa. 9:6-7.)

“The disciples performed their mission, completing Jeremiah’s prophecy of fishing for Israel, and now we are in the hunting season as the identity and responsibility is being declared in the Israel lands today:

“‘Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith Yahweh, and they shall fish them: and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.’ (Jer. 16:16.)

“All of Benjamin did not return to Palestine after the Babylonian captivity. Only a remnant went back from this tribe, which remnant – Christianized – fled before the destruction of Jerusalem. The balance of the tribe of Benjamin, leaving Babylon, settled temporarily in Asia Minor where in the third century A.D. we find them, and to which locality many of the early Christian Galileans fled.

“Herbert Bruce Hannay in his book, European and Other Race Origins, traces the migrations of peoples westward and into this stream of migration Benjamin also moved from Asia Minor, eventually settling in the province of Normandy in France. From there, under William the Conqueror, they went to England: the final tribe of the House of Israel to enter the Appointed Place (2 Sam. 7:10), the Isles of the sea. [This is a British Israel heresy which attempts to limit the predestined home of the 12 tribes to Great Britain, when in fact the word isles is coastlands, and most of the 12 tribes never crossed into Britain.] – Back to Rand:

“Jacob prophesied of the activities of Benjamin as this tribe entered the land of their brethren, a prophecy which was fulfilled in the Norman conquest::

“‘Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.’ (Gen. 49:27.)

“Benjamin’s task as lightbearer is about completed, for the hunting season is on and the identity and responsibility of Israel are being revealed to His people. The day is fast approaching when the fulfillment of the statement made to the men of Galilee as they stood gazing upward will take place, for an age is now coming to a close.

“‘... this same Yahshua, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.’ (Acts 1:11.)

“Let our Christian leaders re-examine the record, not in the superficial and careless way their present findings have indicated it was done by them in the past, but let them study to know the truth. Once that truth is acquired, it will set them free from the bondage and from the prejudices which have been engendered through the promulgation of the traditional doctrines of men. Then, too, there will come a full recognition that the Almighty is still selecting and rejecting men according to their works, so that those who qualify for service may be used in the furtherance of His Divine purposes.

“When men teach that the Almighty has not chosen or selected individuals or groups, and even a race, to carry out special assignments, they but publicly declare their ignorance of the meaning and scope of the story the Bible tells.’ (Documentary Studies,^* pages 257-264.)

“Israel’s Concern

“The six hundred men of Benjamin’s tribe, who were residing at the Rock Rimmon in the wilderness where they had fled, were the very pick of the men of Benjamin, for in the conflict the evil men who had committed the crime against the Levite had all perished. But Israel had sworn before Yahweh that they would not give their daughters to any Benjamite for a wife. Because of this oath, all Israel gathered before Yahweh and wept, complaining that one tribe was now missing in Israel.

“The children of Israel then made inquiry to see if there was any tribe among them that had not warred against Benjamin, for Israel had sworn that if any man failed to heed the call to fight against Benjamin, he would be put to death. Because the people of Israel were now sorry for Benjamin, they were seeking a way to secure wives for the six hundred without violating their oath, for no women of Benjamin had survived the destruction of their cities. Every Israelite had taken an oath saying, ‘Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.’

“Securing Wives for Benjamin

“Upon further inquiry it was found that the men of Jabesh-gilead had failed to go up to fight against Benjamin, so the inhabitants of that city were slain with the exception of four hundred virgins. These young women were brought into the camp and a delegation was sent to the men of Benjamin who were residing at the Rock Rimmon. They called to them peaceably to explain their purpose in contacting them and gave them the four hundred young women for wives. The question next arose as to where they could find wives for the remaining two hundred men of Benjamin who still lacked wives.

“‘Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin? And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel. Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin ...’ (Judges 21:16-18.)

“Feast at Shiloh

“The Elders and people then remembered that there was to be a feast of Yahweh in Shiloh. Instructions were given to the Benjamites who had no wives to conceal themselves and, as the daughters of Shiloh came out to dance, they were to come out of the vineyard where they were hiding and each man was to catch a wife from the daughters of Shiloh, taking her back to the land of Benjamin with him. The men of Benjamin were informed that when the fathers and brothers of the daughters whom they had taken complained, they would speak in their behalf and the parents of the girls would be told they were not under the curse of the oath because they had not given their daughters to Benjamites. Since their daughters had been stolen, they were free from guilt.

“The men of Benjamin did as they were commanded and took wives from among the maidens who came out to dance at Shiloh until the number needed had been caught. Then they left the rock in the wilderness and returned to their own land to rebuild their cities and re-establish their residence there.

“From that day forward we find that the men of the tribe of Benjamin manifested a higher spiritual conception of things than was in evidence among the rest of the tribes of Israel. The pollution in the blood stream of this tribe had been cleansed and, though severe, their punishment had been permitted by the Almighty in order that Benjamin might later be used of Him as the lightbearers to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.” End of “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, August 1949: chapter VIII of XXIV,

Here’s a sample of Rand’s mind-set in the early 1940s from his Destiny’s Forecast Of The News, with which occasionally I disagree:

“DESTINY, for May 1940:

“The League of Nations became impotent primarily because God was completely ignored and His plans left out of their calculations. Can the nations, who today still refuse to recognize a Supreme Being and His control over the affairs of men, have greater success in the formation of a federation of nations than was possible through the League? There is only one basis for a lasting peace. This is in the recognition of certain principles of righteousness and justice which are fundamental to perfection in administration. These are found only in the laws given to Israel at Mount Sinai. It is hopeless to expect other than strife and war until these facts are recognized. [Treaties with devils are forbidden! C.A.E.]

“Eight years later we see that the failure of the United Nations is as great, if not greater, than that of the League of Nations. –Ed.

This is my two hundred and twenty-ninth monthly teaching letter and begins my twentieth year of publication. I have resolved to do a series of lessons providing clarifying criticism of Howard B. Rand’s books, tracts and articles published in his Destiny Magazine, which includes several guest writers of varying degrees in excellence. Although I rate Rand and his associate writers only 50%, some of their articles are simply outstanding.

With this lesson, I will continue this critical review of a series entitled “The Book Of The Kingdom” found in Destiny magazines from January, 1949 until April, 1952, in 24 chapters.

With WTL #228, I completed chapters VI & VII of “The Book Of The Kingdom”, Destiny, June 1949: With this lesson, I will cite chapters IX & X of XXIV, entitled “Boaz And Ruth”, plus “Birth And Dedication of Samuel”, (edited to improve clarity):

“Boaz And Ruth:

“The Bookof Ruth opens with the statement that at one time during the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in Israel’s land. Because of its severity, a certain man of Bethlehem Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to sojourn in the land of Moab, for the famine did not extend into that country. The man’s name was Elimelech and his wife was Naomi. Naomi’s husband died and her two sons married two women of Moab. Finally the two sons also died, leaving Naomi with her two daughters-in-law.

“Ruth’s Decision

“When Naomi found out that the famine conditions had been relieved in her homeland, she made preparations to return with her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. As they commenced their journey down the road, Naomi advised the two girls to return to their former homes in Moab. They had probably talked this over many times and this was her final insistence that the young widows find other husbands in Moab instead of remaining with her. Orpah returned but Ruth refused to leave her, saying:

“‘... Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy Almighty my Almighty. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.’ (Ruth 1:16-17.)

“Therefore, the two, Naomi and Ruth, went on together to Bethlehem where Naomi received a warm welcome. However, she told her relatives not to call her Naomi, which means pleasant, but rather to call her Mara, meaning bitter, for she said, ‘The Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.’ She had left her native land with a husband and two sons; now she was returning empty handed.

“Gleaning in the Field

“Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. In the vicinity lived Boaz, a kinsman of Naomi’s husband, who was a man of wealth. Naomi and her daughter-in-law had no means to provide for themselves so Ruth asked permission of her mother-in-law to go and glean in the field after the reapers. Naomi told her to go and it so happened that she went into the field belonging to Boaz:

“Under the Israel law the corners of the field, with the gleanings of the harvest, were to be left for the poor. If a sheave fell from the load, the owner of the field was not to return for it; it was to be left for the poor to gather. Following this custom, Ruth was in the field gleaning with the others so that she might gather grain for Naomi and herself. While Ruth was working there Boaz arrived from Bethlehem to see how the reapers progressed. He asked the man who had charge of the reapers about Ruth, wanting to know whose damsel she was. His servant informed him she was a Moabitish damsel who had returned from Moab with Naomi. He told Boaz that Ruth had requested the privilege of gleaning after the reapers and he had granted her request.

“Boaz’ Counsel

“At the close of the day Ruth tarried awhile in the house. Boaz spoke to her and told her not to go into any other field to glean. She was to remain among his maidens and follow them wherever they reaped. Boaz also told her he had informed the young men not to molest her. When she was thirsty she was to drink from the buckets of water which had been provided for his servants. Ruth wanted to know why he paid so much attention to her since she was a stranger. Boaz replied that he was doing so because he had heard about all that she had done for Naomi. Also, he said, he knew she had left her father and mother and the land of her birth and had come to live among a people she did not know. If he had another reason, he did not mention it then. Boaz concluded his remarks:

“‘Yahweh recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of Yahweh Almighy of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.’ (Ruth 2:12.)

“Ruth Favored

“Ruth admitted to Boaz that his words were a comfort to her and Boaz invited her to eat at the table and partake of the food and drink provided for his workers. After that Boaz ordered his men to let a sheave drop in front of Ruth as she gleaned and they were to find no fault with her in whatever part of the field she might decide to glean. When evening came Ruth had gathered an ephah, or a little over a bushel, of barley. She brought the grain to her mother-in-law who asked her where she had been gleaning and if anyone had taken notice of her.

“Ruth told her about Boaz and his kindness and Naomi explained to Ruth that Boaz was a near relative. As one of their next kinsmen, he had the power to redeem their possessions. Naomi advised Ruth it would be a good thing for her to stay with the maidens of Boaz, so Ruth gleaned in the field until the end of the harvest.

“Naomi’s Advice

“Ruth’s future was a matter of concern to Naomi and she later told her daughter-in-law that her one desire was for her comfort and happiness. The two women were handicapped in providing for their future because they did not have a man in their immediate household to look out for their interests. Naomi knew that Boaz was winnowing barley that night in the threshingfloor so she discussed a plan with Ruth that was according to custom in Israel. Ruth was to bathe and tidy up, putting on her best garments. Then she was to go to the place where Boaz winnowed grain, but she was not to make her presence known until he was through eating and drinking. She was to take notice of the place where Boaz lay down to sleep and later she was to go and lay down at his feet.

“Ruth followed the instructions and at midnight Boaz awoke and asked who was there. Ruth replied that she was his servant and that he was a near kinsman. Under the law this signified that, as the next of kin to her husband, it was his obligation to marry her. If her late husband’s estate had been mortgaged, which was evidently the case, then it also became his obligation to redeem it for her.

“Boaz’ Assurance

“Boaz praised Ruth for not going after the young men, whether poor or rich, and he declared that all the city of his people knew that she was a virtuous woman. He said it was true that he was a kinsman but there was another closer than he. Boaz declared that if this man would not fulfill the requirements to redeem her and her husband’s estate, then he would do what was required of a kinsman. Ruth was then told to leave quietly so that it would not be known that she had been present. When Ruth reported to Naomi what had taken place she was satisfied, for she said Boaz would not rest until he had finished the matter.

“Witness of Redemption

“Boaz took his position at the gate of the city in accordance with the requirements of the law, waiting for the kinsman of whom he had spoken to come along. When the man appeared Boaz called to him to sit down and talk over the situation. Ten men, elders of the city, were summoned as witnesses to the conversation. Boaz informed the kinsman about the land that had belonged to Naomi’s husband, Elimelech, that had been sold, and that it was his place to redeem this inheritance. If he was willing to do so, he was to indicate it in the presence of the witnesses. If he was unwilling to do so, then Boaz, as next in order of kinsmen, must redeem the land. The next of kin then said that he would redeem the land. But Boaz informed him that at the same time he redeemed the land, he must also marry Ruth and raise up children to her husband as was the custom. This caused the kinsman to change his mind:

“‘And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it. Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.’ (Ruth 4:6-8.)

“The Prophecy of the Elders

“Boaz turned to the elders and said that they were witnesses that day that he had bought all that was Elimelech’s and he had also purchased the right to take Ruth the Moabitess as his wife. All the people who were there at the gate said that they were witnesses. Then they said:

“‘... Yahweh make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which Yahweh shall give thee of this young woman.’ (Ruth 4:11-12.)

“Boaz Redeems Inheritance

“Boaz promptly redeemed the inheritance and married Ruth. The prophecy of the elders concerning the greatness that was to come to Boaz and Ruth was later fulfilled in their posterity. Ruth bore a son who was named Obed and Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. Thus, Ruth’s son was the grandfather of King David in Israel. The Almighty established the House of David forever, declaring through Jeremiah the Prophet that David would never lack a man to sit upon the Throne of the House of Israel. Through the descendants of this House there has come a long line of royalty.

“A Great Posterity

“Thus, the Book of Ruth contains one of the Bible’s best loved romances, and while it is not specifically stated, none can deny that the hand of Yahweh guided the affairs of all those mentioned in the account. For by her marriage to Boaz, Ruth married into the line of Judah and became not only an ancestor of King David but of our Redeemer as well. Yahshua Christ is a descendant of the House of David and He is also referred to by Isaiah as a rod out of the stem of Jesse (Ruth’s grandson) and a branch out of his roots (Isa. 11:1). Ruth’s loyalty to Naomi was amply rewarded and a name and place was made for her in the land of Israel, as well as a glorious inheritance through her royal posterity.”

[Critical note by Clifton A. Emahiser: Before leaving the story of Ruth, it would be well to demonstrate how Ruth was an Israelite rather than a Moabite, as she was only a Moabite by geographic area! Here are a couple of quotations from my own writings:

“It’s the same type of mistake we make today with Ruth being called a Moabite, during the judges period, because she came from a land once known as Moab before Moab was conquered and absorbed by the Amorites, and in turn, the Amorites were conquered and destroyed by the Israelites and then Moab was resettled by them during the Joshua period. It is recorded at Joshua 18:7 that half of the tribe of Manasseh, along with the tribes of Gad and Reuben, moved into the former land of Moab east of the Jordan. Therefore, Ruth was an Israelite lady living in a former geographic area known as Moab. To state it another way:

“To understand the chronological order of events, one must fathom that: firstly, Sihon, king of the Amorites, had conquered and occupied the kingdom of Moab. Secondly, that after Sihon had absorbed the Moabites, Israel destroyed both the Amorites as well as the Moabites whom Sihon had conquered and brought under his rule. Upon driving the Amorites (+ absorbed Moabites) out of the promised land, it is recorded at Joshua 18:7 that half of the tribe of Manasseh, along with the tribes of Gad and Reuben, moved into the former land of Moab east of the Jordan. It was later, during the Judges period, that an Israelite lady from the conquered land of Moab by the name of Ruth journeyed with her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem.”

Furthermore, Boaz would have been under no obligation whatsoever to redeem a racial Moabite! Deut. 23:3, Neh. 13:1. He could not be expected to break the law in order to fulfill the custom, and make himself a fornicator.

Next, I will cite the “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, October 1949: chapter X of XXIV, entitled:

“Birth And Dedication of Samuel:

“Therewas a man in Israel whose name was Elkanah. He had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, and Peninnah had children while Hannah was childless. Elkanah went up yearly from his village to worship and sacrifice to Yahweh of Hosts in the Temple at Shiloh where Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of Yahweh.

“At the annual feast in Shiloh Elkanah gave to Peninnah and all her sons and daughters shares of the sacrifice meat but, though he loved Hannah, he gave her only a single share because she was without children. Evidently Peninnah taunted Hannah because she was childless and year after year, as they went up to Shiloh, Hannah had to endure vexation and anguish because she had not been blessed with a family.

“Hannah’s Vow

“On one of the occasions when Elkanah and his family were at Shiloh presenting their sacrifices, Hannah wept and refused to eat. Her husband inquired about the cause of her trouble asking, ‘Am I not better to thee than ten sons?’ But Hannah refused to be comforted and after the family had eaten she went and stood before Yahweh while Eli, the priest, was sitting by the doorposts of the Temple. Weeping bitterly, Hannah made a solemn vow:

“‘... O Yahweh of Hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto Yahweh all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.’ (1 Sam. 1:11.)

“Eli saw Hannah’s lips moving, but he heard no sound for she was speaking softly. Thinking that she was in an intoxicated condition, he commanded her to leave. But Hannah replied that she had not drunk too much wine but that she was depressed in spirit and under great stress. In her grief she had been speaking before Yahweh. Eli then told her:

“‘... Go in peace: and the Almighty of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.’ (1 Sam. 1:17.)

“Prayer Answered

“Hannah, no longer sad, went her way and was at peace. Eli had given her assurance that her prayers would be answered and she accepted that assurance by faith, believing it would become an accomplished fact as promised. Thereafter, in due course of time, Hannah bore a son and she named him Samuel. Hannah refused to go with Elkanah to offer the yearly sacrifice then, stating that when the child was weaned she would go to Shiloh and fulfill her vow....”

“Samuel Presented to Yahweh

“When finally Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to Shiloh with a sacrifice and present for Yahweh. There she presented her son to Eli, telling him of the answer to her prayer:

“‘Therefore also I have lent him to Yahweh [returned him, whom I have obtained by petition, to Yahweh]; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to Yahweh ...’ (1 Sam. 1:28.)

“Hannah offered a prayer of rejoicing over her foes and for the great goodness of Yahweh. Then she left Samuel to serve always before Yahweh in the Temple at Shiloh where he ministered to Eli, the Priest.

“Eli’s Sons

“The sons of Eli were very wicked. They violated the sanctity of the priestly office by taking all that was best for themselves from the offerings of the people, using violence when necessary to accomplish their purposes. They were also known to have corrupted women who came to worship and the report of their evil doings brought forth the statement:

“‘Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before Yahweh ...’ (1 Sam. 2:17.)

“Samuel Comforts Eli

“Samuel continued to minister before Yahweh and his mother came up each year to Shiloh for the customary sacrifice, bringing with her a robe made each year for her son. Eli was evidently well pleased with Samuel’s service, evidenced by his blessing upon Elkanah and his wife, for he said:

“‘... Yahweh give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the Yahweh ...’ (1 Sam. 2:20.)

“Yahweh favored Hannah and she bore three sons and two daughters but Samuel grew up serving in the presence of Yahweh at Shiloh.

“Rebellious Sons of Eli

“Eli grew very old and when he was told of the evil doings of his sons he informed them of the evil reports he had heard. Eli cautioned them that when a man sins against another, the judge will judge between them, but when a man sins against the Almighty, there is no judge for him. But the arrogant sons of Eli refused to pay attention to counsel and did not follow their father’s advice:

“‘However, they would not listen to what their father said, for the Eternal was resolved to slay them.’ (1 Sam. 2:25, Moffatt Trans.)

“As a parent who had been too lenient in restraining his sons in their youth, Eli now found it impossible to control them after they had reached maturity. Any parent who fails to discipline his children is responsible to that extent for the evil they may do later, just as the Almighty held Eli responsible for the evil acts of his two sons.

“A Man Of The Almighty

“A man of the Almighty came to Eli with a special message from Yahweh. Eli was reprimanded for having failed to discipline his sons and because he allowed them to run wild and commit crimes against Yahweh. Parents have a definite responsibility to properly bring up their children and, because Eli had not done so with his sons, judgment was pronounced upon Eli’s house. He was told that many of his household would die by the sword of men. Specific judgment was then passed upon his two sons as an omen of the fulfillment of the judgment to come upon his entire household. Both of his sons were to die in one day. Though Eli remonstrated with his sons because of their evil-doing, he did nothing to prevent them from continuing in their wickedness. Moreover, because he did try to warn them about the consequences of their evil conduct, his sons had also become presumptuous sinners and there is no forgiveness for those who, knowing the law, despise that law and deliberately break its requirements. Those who do so hold Yahweh in contempt and there is nothing else facing them but the stern realities of judgment to come.

“The Anointed King

“A promise was made by Yahweh that He would raise up a faithful priest who would walk before Him and before the anointed king whose House Yahweh would establish forever. Thus, the priest would no longer be judge, but he would become subordinate to the king.

“Eli’s House

“Of Eli’s house Yahweh declared that He would not cut it off entirely from His altar, but those who survived of his household would bow to the anointed king and beg him to give them a priestly position so that they might have food to eat. Eli’s sons had appropriated to themselves the best of foods by unrighteous means so now Eli’s household was to have difficulty in securing bread to eat.

“Yahweh Speaks to Samuel

“Samuel continued to minister to Eli at Shiloh. It was a time when messages from Yahweh were very rare and visions were not common. One day after Eli had retired to his bed (his eyes had begun to grow dim so that he was nearly blind) and the lamp of the Almighty (the seven-branched candlestick) was still burning but growing dim, Samuel had retired in the Temple, lying down near the Ark of the Almighty. Yahweh called to Samuel and he answered, ‘Here am I.’ Then he ran to see what Eli wanted. But Eli told Samuel to go back to bed for he had not called him. Samuel was called a second time and went to Eli, who again said that he had not called him.

“Samuel did not know Yahweh in a personal way; neither had He yet communicated with the young priest. The third time the call came Samuel went to Eli and said, ‘Here am I; for thou didst call me.’ Eli then realized that Yahweh was calling Samuel so he gave him instructions:

“‘... Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Yahweh; for thy servant heareth ...’ (1 Sam. 3:9.)

“The Message of Yahweh

“Yahweh called as at other times and Samuel answered, ‘Speak; for thy servant heareth.’ Samuel was then told by Yahweh that he was about to do a deed in Israel that would make the ears of all who heard it ring:

“‘In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.’ (1 Sam. 3:12-14.)

“Here we have an indictment of a godly parent because he did not restrain his sons. He could have at least demoted them from the priestly office and refused them access to the temple because of their evil ways, but he did not even do that. Parents are charged with the responsibility of restraining their children, and if they will not be subject to discipline and refuse to walk in the paths of righteousness, then the parents must do everything in their power to prevent them from being placed in positions of responsibility where they can do harm. Eli failed to act in this manner to prevent his two sons from pursuing their ways of wickedness, so the Almighty passed judgment upon his household.

“Samuel Tells Eli

After Yahweh had spoken, Samuel lay down until morning and then arose and opened the doors of the House of Yahweh. He feared to disclose to Eli what Yahweh had said, but Eli asked him:

“‘... What is the thing that the Almighty hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: Yahweh do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.’ (1 Sam. 3:17.)

“Samuel thereupon told Eli all there was to tell, withholding nothing of all that Yahweh had said to him. Eli replied, ‘It is Yahweh: let him do what seemeth him good.’

“Samuel grew up and Yahweh was with him so that none of his counsel proved a failure. All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was a true teacher and an accredited prophet of Yahweh. Samuel was the first of the prophets and the last of the judges before a change came in the government when Israel came under the rule of kings.” End of the “The Book Of The Kingdom”,Destiny, October 1949: chapter X of XXIV, entitled “Birth And Dedication of Samuel”.

To give the reader a sample of Howard B. Rand’s mind-set in the late 1930s and early 1940s, I will quote some of his Destiny’s Forecast Of The News, which I don’t entirely agree with, as follows:

“DESTINY for January 1941:‘Now the secret of atomic power is near solution. It is significant that 1821-2 A.D. began the period of discovery. Sixty years later (1881-2 A.D.) began the period of application and use. Sixty years later is 1941-2 A.D., which will begin a sixty-year period destined to see the third and final stage in this process of the discovery and use of God’s great bounties reserved for man’s comfort and happiness. With the opening of this new year of 1941 A.D. the probability has now become a possibility amounting almost to a certainty that the greatest of all the discoveries of the age is about to be given to man. The very fact that God is now opening His storehouse of power and energy for man’s unlimited use is in itself prima facie evidence that we are rapidly approaching the terminal period of this present world order of chaos and trouble.’ (June, 1948)

“The world knows now that in 1941 the progress of atomic research had reached the point where it was possible to develop the atomic bomb and on August 6, 1945 it was shocked to its very foundations by the dropping of the first atom bomb on Hiroshima. Subsequent events leave no doubt that we have indeed entered the third stage mentioned above. Can any doubt linger but that the final statement of this forecast will also have an exact fulfillment? –Ed.”

“DESTINY for November 1939:‘The very tactics for which both France and Great Britain Condemn Hitler are now being practiced by Stalin. Chamberlain demands, as a requisite to peace, that Germany restore Poland. Does he think for one moment that Stalin will give up that which he has seized? Both France and England failed to move against Hitler until too late to stop him in his ruthless acts. Are they not now making the same tactical error in their dealings with Russia? It was impossible to placate Hitler. Is there any reason to think such methods will be more successful with Stalin? ‘The march of events has answered these questions.’ –Ed.”

“DESTINY for January 1940: ‘Russia is on the move. For many years keen prophetic students have been watching for the day when a great army directed from Moscow would move in unprovoked warfare against neighboring states. The Russian Bear is now aroused and marching. At present the attack is toward the West, but the main drive is to develop later and will be toward the South and East. – ‘It is becoming increasingly clear now that the Middle East is a major Russian objective’. –Ed.”

“DESTINY for December 1940: ‘We have repeatedly stated in DESTINY that the war would not be settled in the so-called ‘Battle of England’ but that the final phase of the present conflict for world domination would be in the Near East. – ‘Who today can deny this statement?’ –Ed.”

“DESTINY for December 1940: ‘The strategic value of Palestine – which in the wars between the Empires of the past was recognized as being of tremendous importance – once again looms up before the eyes of the world. It is because of this, as well as the potential wealth of this comparatively small country, that from the ordinary, material point of view this land will be the scene of the final struggle in this war which will yet engulf all nations.’ – ‘See Subtle and Dangerous Propaganda, page 197 of this issue, which confirms the accuracy of this forecast. –Ed.”

“DESTINY for January 1941: ‘Before Anglo-Saxon supremacy will be assured the sacrifice of wealth in labor, services and goods, as well as the lives of many, will be great. It cannot be otherwise with a people who are refusing to awaken to spiritual values – an awakening which would preserve the principles of equity, justice and peace inherent in Anglo-Saxon economy without the tremendous sacrifices we are about to be called upon to make.’ – ‘Watch the progress and results of ECA and United State’s commitments by UN deliberations.’ –Ed.”

“DESTINY for July 1941: ‘Let us recall that the Anglo-Saxon nations assisted Hitler financially and otherwise in his rise to power, with the hope that he would stem Soviet aggression. Hitler turned on them! Now that Hitler is moving against Russia, will our leaders make a further mistake and go to the assistance of Russia against Germany? If they do, it will be to place at the disposal of Russia weapons and means which will later be turned against us after Germany and Russia have settled their differences. This is only the first phase of the war which will later result in central Europe and all the Russians moving against Anglo-Saxon-Israel, and will likely witness great internal upheavals which may bring America to the verge of despair as subversive forces, now under cover, are let loose in this country. Will the present attack upon Russia by Germany bring a later agreement, giving Russia a commanding position; will German technical and military leadership be used to lead the Russian hordes against a common enemy? Is this new turn but a trap on the part of the evil forces – a trap to draw the United States and Great Britain into assisting a godless, Communistic organization to the later discomfiture of Anglo-Saxondom? If ever it was imperative for America to refuse to assist a nation, this is certainly true in regard to Russia in the light of her future, definite moves as outlined. If American and British leaders become so foolish as to furnish Russia with military information and assistance, they will have only themselves to blame when, at a later date, it is used against them! – ‘In the light of present Russian tactics, this needs no further elucidation.’ –Ed.

“DESTINY for May 1940: ‘The international sky is taking on the hue of a setting sun as nation rises against nation. Yet in the lengthening shadows is written the coming end of oppression for those who now groan with heavy burdens, as with aching hearts and longing eyes they press on with unfaltering faith. Though it is eventide, there is light –for soon, very soon, will come the dawn of a bright and glorious tomorrow. In that day, ‘They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.’ – ‘The Purpose of DESTINY is to point out this hope.’ - Ed.” [Resume The Book of the Kingdom in WTL #230]

This is my two hundred and thirtieth monthly teaching letter and continues my twentieth year of publication. I have resolved to do a series of lessons providing clarifying criticism of Howard B. Rand’s books, tracts and articles published in his Destiny Magazine. I will continue # XI “The Ark Captured And Restored” & # XII, “Israel Demands A King”, for November & December, 1949 (and editing will be necessary):

“The Ark Captured And Restored:

“Israel’s Fighting Men went out to meet the Philistines who had come against them to battle at Aphek, and the hosts of Israel were routed before their enemies. Four thousand Israelites fell in one day upon the field of battle. When the army returned to their fortified camp, the elders of Israel sought the reason why Yahweh had allowed His people to be smitten before their enemies.

“Ark Brought Into Camp

“It was decided to send to Shiloh and have the Ark of the Covenant brought into the camp of Israel so that its presence might rescue them from the Philistines and assure victory over their enemies. With the Ark came Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were very wicked in the sight of Yahweh. Actually, the people themselves had turned away from Yahweh and were worshipping idols, refusing to obey the Almighty’s commandments and keep His statutes. Herein lay the real reason why they had been defeated, for they had lost full contact with Yahweh their Almighty by their failure to walk in the paths of righteousness. Now they were seeking to compel Yahweh to protect them by bringing the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh into the midst of the battle. They could not conceive of Yahweh allowing the uncircumcised Philistines to gain possession of their most sacred thing, the Ark of the Covenant with its Mercy Seat, where the Almighty’s people met with Yahweh.

“Condition for Victory

“What the elders in Israel and the people were failing to recognize was that Yahweh could protect the Ark, even though it might be necessary to allow it to be captured by the Philistines because of sin in the camp of Israel. Subsequent events clearly demonstrate the accuracy of this assertion. Even the presence of the Ark of the Covenant could not assure victory to a sinful nation. Yahweh had declared Israel must keep His Sabbaths and reverence His sanctuary, and then He said:

“‘If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them ... ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.’ (Lev. 26:3-8.)

“But if Israel persisted in despising His statutes and abhorring His judgments, refusing to obey all His commandments, and so breaking His [marriage] Covenant, among the things to be visited upon them was the following:

“‘... I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant ...’ (Lev. 26:25.)

“It is certain that the two sons of Eli were far from righteous, yet the Ark of the Covenant in the camp of Israel was in their charge. Not only had these two young men refused to revere the statutes of Yahweh and keep His commandments, but the spiritual life of all Israel at that time was at such a low ebb that they were also under judgment for their sins and unable to stand before their enemies. This was to be expected, for Moses taught that as a result of their refusal to hearken to the voice of Yahweh, the punitive clauses of the [marriage] Covenant would operate against them:

“‘Yahweh shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them.’ (Deut. 28:25.)

[Critical note by Clifton A Emahiser: It is paramount to grasp that only Israel was under the Law, and no one else, and without the Law, there can be no sin “imputed”, such as:

Rom. 5:13:“For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law ...”

Psalm 147:19-20: “¹⁹ He showeth his word to Jacob, his statutes and his judgments to Israel. ²⁰ He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them.”]– Back to Rand.

“Philistines Afraid

“Israel was failing to take this into consideration, so they were relying upon the presence of the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh to save them even though they were an unrighteous people. When the Ark of Yahweh arrived in the camp of Israel there was such a mighty shout that the earth resounded with it and the Philistines heard the noise of the cheering. When they learned the cause they were afraid, for they felt they knew what the outcome would be:

“‘God is come into the camp. And they said ... Woe unto us! ... who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.’ (1 Sam. 4: 7-8.)

“The Philistines were acquainted with the history of the terrible and total defeat of the Egyptians at the Red Sea and the part that the Ark of the Covenant of Yahweh played in the crossing of the Jordan. So they were understandably upset upon hearing that the Ark of the Covenant had come into the camp of Israel. The leaders of the Philistines sternly counseled their army to be strong and quit themselves like men. The alternative was that they surely would become the servants of Israel in the same way that Israel was then serving them. Thus strengthened for the battle, the Philistines fought against Israel and there was a great slaughter, for thirty thousand footmen in Israel’s army fell in the conflict.

“The Ark Captured

“The Ark of Yahweh was taken and the two sons of Eli were slain. Thus was fulfilled a previous pronouncement that the death of Eli’s two sons in one day would be a sign of the certainty of the judgment that was to come upon the house of Eli because of his refusal to discipline and restrain his sons.

“Eli’s Death

“A man of Benjamin’s tribe fled from the field of battle and came to Shiloh with the news of the great catastrophe. When he arrived in the city Eli was sitting on a seat beside the gate of the Temple watching the road, for he was greatly troubled for the safety of the Ark of Yahweh. It is very likely that he was unable to keep his sons from taking the Ark into battle for, because of his leniency with them through the years, his authority to compel obedience had dwindled, while their power over their father had grown stronger. Eventually he could not prevent them from doing anything they decided to do. As he trembled in fear for the Ark he heard the noise of the outcry as the Benjamite told the people what had happened. Eli demanded to know the meaning of the uproar and the man came to report to him. Eli was ninety-eight years old when this occurred and he was nearly blind:

“‘And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son? And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of Yahweh is taken.’ (1 Sam. 4:16-17.)

“When the messenger mentioned the fate of the Ark of Yahweh, the shock of the news was so great that Eli fell backward off his seat, his neck was broken and he died. He had judged Israel for forty years. His daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, was soon to give birth to a child and when the news of her husband’s death and the death of her father-in-law was told to her, it brought about the immediate birth of a son. As she was dying she named her child Ichabod, i.e., ‘Where is the Glory?’ The explanation given for the choice of name was:

“‘... The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of Yahweh was taken, and because of her father-in-law and her husband.’ (1 Sam. 4:21.)

“Trouble for Dagon

“The Philistines took the captured Ark of Yahweh and carried it into the house of their god Dagon at Ashdod where they placed it beside the image of Dagon. When the men of Ashdod arose the next morning and went into the temple, they found their god flat on his face on the ground in front of the Ark of Yahweh. They lifted Dagon up and put him back in his place, but the next morning they found their god flat on his face again in front of the Ark. This time, however, the head and both of the hands were severed from the body of the idol and these lay on the threshold of the temple. Because of this, always after that the priests of Dagon and all who entered the temple did not step on the threshold but jumped over it.

“Emerods or Tumors

“Yahweh laid a heavy hand upon the inhabitants of Ashdod because the Ark was in their possession:

“‘But the hand of Yahweh was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.’ (1 Sam. 5:6.)

“According to one authority the following definition of what ensued is given: ‘Emerods: An old English spelling of modern Haemorrhoids, or piles. Written ‘posteriors’ in Hebrew text, but read tumours.] (Companion Bible, footnote, page 276.)”

“Some scholars state, however, that ‘emerods was a species of epidemic accompanied with ulcers, the precise nature of which is not described.’ Whatever the exact form of the affliction was, its severity caused the men of Ashdod to refuse to allow the Ark of Yahweh to remain any longer in their city, for they began to realize that there was a connection between their physical troubles and the fact that the Ark of Yahweh was among them. All the lords of the Philistines assembled to decide what was to be done with the Ark of Yahweh of Israel. Because of the objection of the citizenry of Ashdod to its remaining in their city, it was taken to Gath. But great confusion arose in Gath and the city was in a panic, for Yahweh struck the men, both young and old, with the disease. The Ark was next sent to Ekron but the people of Ekron protested, exclaiming:

“‘Why do you send the Ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people?’ (1 Sam. 5:10, F. F. Trans.)

“Philistines Sorely Afflicted

“Because of all these objections, the lords of the Philistines again assembled to devise ways and means of getting the Ark of Yahweh of Israel back to its own place again, for there was deadly suffering among the Philistines. Even the people who were not killed were terribly afflicted with the disease and the wailing and shrieking of the people ascended to heaven. The disease increased in virulence apparently as it advanced and evidently became a destructive fever in the nature of a plague.

“Men have questioned why this type of affliction was visited upon the Philistines because the Ark of Yahweh was present in their land. But it must be remembered that the rituals and worship of heathen deities were accompanied by licentious practices beyond description. The afflicted people could not carry out the required rituals; in fact, to undertake to do so evidently increased their suffering and contributed to fatalities among them. Therefore, the people knew that the hand of Yahweh rested heavily upon them and upon their gods.

“Ark Returned

“For seven months the Ark of Yahweh had been with the Philistines. Then the lords of the Philistines summoned their priests and magicians to enquire of them how they could return the Ark to its original resting place. In giving this instruction these heathen [profane] leaders wisely counseled the Philistine lords not to harden their hearts as the Egyptians had done, making fools of themselves, but they were to return the Ark forthwith. Neither were they to send it back empty, for they must present to Yahweh, the Almighty of Israel, a trespass offering. Images of the emerods were made out of gold and five gold images of mice, representing the five lords of the Philistines, were also included with the trespass offering to the Almighty of Israel. A new cart was made upon which the Ark was placed. Two young calves that had not yet been weaned were hitched to the cart. The Philistines reasoned that if the cart did go up to the land of Israel, they would then know that Yahweh had brought the evil upon them. But if the two calves refused to depart and returned instead to their mothers, then they would know what had occurred was merely a happenstance and their troubles had nothing to do with the presence of the Ark of Yahweh in their midst.

“Trespass Against Ark

“Humanly speaking, the unweaned calves would never have left their mothers and gone along the road toward the land of Israel. The test made by the Philistines could not have been more appropriate for such a demonstration. Nevertheless, the two calves went along the highway toward the land of Israel, lowing as they went. The Philistines followed to see what would happen but the calves turned neither to the right hand nor to the left hand as they went toward Beth-shemesh. This was one of the cities of the Priests (Jos. 21:16) and it was on the way to Shiloh. The men of this city were reaping in the field when they looked up and saw the Ark of Yahweh coming toward them on the cart. They dropped their implements and went joyfully out to meet it. The calves brought the cart with the Ark into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite. When the lords of the Philistines saw all this they returned to Ekron. Some of the Beth-shemites looked into the Ark and they died as a result of this trespass. Israel was forbidden to touch the Ark, as the priests alone were allowed to handle it, and they were required to carefully follow certain instructions in doing so.

“Upon the restoration of the Ark to Israel, the Levites took the Ark from the cart and, building an altar, they slew the calves to offer them up as a sacrifice, using the wood of the cart for fuel. The inhabitants of Beth-shemesh were afraid to have the Ark remain with them, so they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, telling them to come and get it. Because of the men of Bethshemesh who had been slain for looking into the Ark, they said:

“‘Who is able to stand before this sacred Yahweh Almighty?’ (1 Sam. 6:20.)

“The men of Kirjath-jearim came and took the Ark into the house of Abinadab where it remained for twenty years. Eleazar, the son of Abinadab, was set apart, i.e., sanctified, to become the custodian of the Ark.”

“Revival in Israel

“Samuel then spoke to all the House of Israel, saying that if they would repent and return to Yahweh, and put away the foreign gods from their midst, Yahweh would deliver them from the Philistines. This was a call for a revival of true worship and reverence in Israel. Evidently the knowledge of what had happened to the Philistines and their gods because of the presence of the Ark of Yahweh in their cities made a profound impression upon all Israel. Samuel used these facts to impress upon the people the powerlessness of heathen gods and their impotency before the Almighty of Israel.

“As a result of the call to righteousness, the children of Israel put away Baal and Ashtaroth and served Yahweh only. Samuel then called upon Israel to gather at Mizpeh where he said he would pray for them. The people gathered as requested and there they fasted and made their confession, ‘We have sinned against Yahweh.’

“When the Philistines heard that Israel had gathered at Mizpeh, their lords gathered their fighting forces together and went up against Israel to battle. Evidently such a gathering of people was considered by the Philistines to be a challenge to their authority over them. When the people with Samuel heard that the Philistines were coming they were greatly afraid and pleaded with Samuel to intercede for them with Yahweh so that they might be saved from their enemies.

“Yahweh Intervenes

“Samuel offered a burnt offering to Yahweh and he cried out to Yahweh in behalf of His people. Yahweh answered him, for when the Philistines approached to fight against Israel, just as Samuel was offering up the burnt-offering, ‘Yahweh thundered with a great thunder upon the Philistines,’ defeating and routing them before Israel. Here we have a reference to a terrific electrical storm used by Yahweh to discomfit Israel’s enemies. The lightning evidently killed many in the army of the Philistines and this destruction can be easily understood since the warriors of that time were dressed in armor, carrying swords and shields, all of which were excellent conductors of electricity. Every man thus equipped would become a target for a stroke of lightning to hit and many were killed in this manner. Israel pursued the Philistines, defeating them and chasing them until they came to Beth-car.

“Samuel then took a stone and set it up between Mizpeh and Shen and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Hitherto hath Yahweh helped us.’

“Philistines Subdued

“The Philistines were fully subdued and did not invade the land of Israel again while Samuel lived. The cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored and peace was also established between Israel and the Amorites during this period of Samuel’s judgeship.

“Reviewing this period in Israel’s history, we note a most interesting contrast between the people who went out to battle when the Ark was captured and the same people who gathered with Samuel to fast and confess their sins. Israel thought to defeat the Philistines by bringing the Ark of Yahweh into the battle, but they found out to their sorrow that the mere presence of the Ark in their midst was no protection for a sinful people, for the Philistines were even able to capture the Ark. Only by turning from their evil ways and returning to Yahweh could they expect to have the fulfillment of the promise of Divine protection. When they finally did turn to Yahweh with all their hearts, He brought forth from His arsenal weapons of His indignation and, through thunder and lightning, He routed the Philistines. Thus, it was fully demonstrated that only in righteousness could Israel be established and her enemies defeated.

“Samuel judged Israel during his whole lifetime. He traveled continually year after year in a circuit, holding court in Beth-el, Gilgal and Mizpeh, administering justice in all these districts. After completing each circuit he would return to Ramah where he had established his home, and where also he had built an altar to Yahweh. This is the end of chapter ^#XI “The Ark Captured And Restored”. Now “The Book Of The Kingdom”, chapter XII, Destiny, December, 1949:

“Israel Demands A King:

“When Samuel Became Old he appointed his sons as judges in Israel. His eldest son was Joel, the name of his second son was Abiah and they both ruled at Beer-sheba. But his sons did not follow in Samuel’s footsteps; they were greedy and turned aside for money. They took bribes, which perverted justice, and because of this the Elders of Israel assembled together and went to Ramah to see Samuel. There they made a demand:

“‘... Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.’ (1 Sam. 8:5.)

“Rejecting Yahweh

“The proposal was displeasing to Samuel because they demanded a king to rule over them, so he prayed to Yahweh. Yahweh’s response was:

“‘... Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.’ (1 Sam. 8:7.)

“In the providence of Yahweh it was destined that a king would ultimately be given to Israel. This fact is made clear in the blessing given to Judah by his father Jacob who said to him:

“‘The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come ...’ (Gen. 49:10.)

“The People’s Sin

“What, then, was the sin of the people in asking for a king, and how was it a rejection of Yahweh? The promise had been made that a king was to be given of the line of Judah and that promise was well known to the people. But they were impatient and unwilling to await the time when Yahweh would make arrangements for them to have a king. On His part Yahweh was compelled to wait until a certain generation was reached before He could choose a man from the line of Judah to reign over His people. It must not be forgotten that Yahweh is obedient to His own laws and Judah’s two sons by Tamar, Pharez and Zarah, were both born out of wedlock (see Gen. 38). Under the Law of Yahweh the descendants of one born out of wedlock cannot enter the congregation of Yahweh until the tenth generation.”

“The Tenth Generation

“All Israel was aware of this law and of the circumstances surrounding the birth of Judah’s two sons. They also realized that the tenth generation had not yet come, but even while knowing all this, they were, nevertheless, demanding a king.”

[Note: Judah’s two sons by Tamar, Pharez and Zarah, were NOT born out of wedlock. The modern concept of marriage is novel. Tamar’s marriages with Er and Onan were not consummated, and she was entitled to receive seed from Judah, who had withheld Shelah. The tenth generation has nothing to do with this subject, causing only confusion. C.A.E.] – Back to Rand.

“Yahweh could not yet give them a king in accordance with His plans, so the people, by their unwillingness to wait any longer, manifested their rejection of Yahweh and His purposes concerning them. If they had waited just one more generation, a king would have been given to them without all the difficulties and trouble that followed their demanding a king before the time had come for that form of government to be established in Israel. David was of the next generation and he was also the tenth in generation* from Pharez. Before David’s generation no man of the line of Judah could exercise authority over His people or stand before Yahweh. (*see note above)

“The People Warned

“Yahweh reminded Samuel that, just as the people had rejected Him and served other gods, so now they were rejecting Samuel. Nevertheless, Yahweh told Samuel to listen to the demands of the people, although he was to warn them of the consequences by solemnly protesting and at the same time explaining to them the methods used by the king ruling over them.

“Samuel related to the people all that Yahweh had told him and then informed the Elders and people concerning what a king would demand of them. In the first place he would be a military ruler, taking their sons for his chariots and horsemen to run before him. He would also appoint colonels and captains and would take men to be mechanics in his workshops to make weapons for his soldiers and to reap his harvests. Their daughters, Samuel declared, he would take for confectioners, cooks and bakers. He would also take their animals and other possessions and give them to his ministers and he would collect tithes of all their possessions. Samuel then warned them:

“‘Then you will cry out on account of the king whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the Eternal will not answer you then.’ (1 Sam. 8:18, Moffatt Trans.)

“People Demand a King

“The Elders and the people refused to listen to Samuel’s advice but declared they wanted a king who would only be a leader over them to organize them and fight their battles. Samuel reported their specific request to Yahweh who instructed him:

“‘... Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king ...’ (1 Sam. 8:22.)

“Samuel then ordered the men who had assembled to demand a king to return to their own cities. Evidently this was for the purpose of giving Samuel the time and the opportunity to anoint the one whom Yahweh would select to rule over Israel.

“Saul, the Son of Kish

“The Record goes on to state that there was a man of the tribe of Benjamin whose name was Kish, a man of wealth and power. He had a son named Saul, in the prime of life and a stalwart young man. There was not a man in Israel as fine looking, for he was a head taller than any of the people.

“Kish had lost some asses from among his livestock so he sent Saul with a servant to hunt for them. Saul and his servant covered a great deal of territory without finding the animals, but their search brought them into the vicinity of the city where Samuel was about to offer a sacrifice. Saul questioned the advisability of continuing the hunt, saying that his father would cease to worry about the animals and become concerned over him and the servant. But the servant informed Saul that there was a man of Yahweh in that town, one who was highly respected. His counsel was sure to be wise, so the servant suggested that they go to him, for he could tell them the way to go. Saul questioned the wisdom of such a conference since they had nothing to give the man, for even their stock of bread was exhausted. But his servant said he had a fourth part of a shekel of silver which he would give the Prophet to tell them the way to go.

“Saul Meets Samuel

“This was not paying for advice, but rather was in the nature of an offering, for no man in eastern countries ever approaches a superior without a present. So Saul and his servant went into the city where Samuel was at the time. As they were climbing the ascent into the town they met some young girls coming out to draw water and they asked if the Seer was in the city. The girls said that he was for he had come there to sacrifice for the people. In fact, the girls added, if they would go straight into the village immediately, they would meet him going to the place of sacrifice. Saul and his servant made their way to the center of the village and saw Samuel coming toward them.

“The day before Yahweh had told Samuel:

“‘To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines ...’ (1 Sam. 9:16.)

“When Samuel saw Saul Yahweh made it clear to him that this was the man of whom He had spoken who was to wield authority over His people. Saul asked Samuel to direct him to the Seer’s house but Samuel replied that he was the Seer. He invited Saul to precede him to the sacrifice where he would eat with him that day. He said that in the morning he would tell Saul all that was in his mind. As for his father’s asses, Samuel told Saul not to worry about them for they had already been found.

“Samuel’s Message

“By informing Saul of his thoughts and allaying his anxiety about the straying animals by revealing that they had been found, Samuel convinced Saul of his right as a prophet, to whom it would be well for him to listen. Samuel went right to the point in his conversation with Saul: ‘... And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father’s house?’ (1 Sam. 9:20.)

“The import of Samuel’s words came as a surprise to Saul who countered:

“‘Am I not a Benjaminite, – of the smallest tribe in Israel? And of a clan less distinguished than any of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? So why do you speak to me of such an honour?’ (1 Sam. 9:21, F. F. Trans.)

“This was true for Benjamin had been reduced to only 360men as a result of a terrible sin committed. Now the tribe was small compared with the other Israel tribes. Saul also pointed out that his father’s house was one of the least important in Benjamin.

“Saul Anointed King

“Samuel invited Saul and his servant to the feast and gave them the chief seats among the thirty who had gathered there as guests of Samuel. Saul spent that night in the house with Samuel, who awakened him early the next morning and went with him and his servant to the outskirts of the city. The servant was then sent on ahead so that Samuel could talk privately with Saul and show him Yahweh’s command. Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it on Saul’s head. Then he kissed him saying:

“‘... Yahweh hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance.’ (1 Sam. 10:1.)

“Samuel Instructs Saul

“Before leaving Saul, Samuel gave him instructions concerning experiences he would have on his journey home. He told him he would meet two men by Rachel’s sepulchre. They would inform him that the asses that had strayed away had been found but that his father was now worried about him. After this he would meet three men going up to the House of Yahweh at Bethel, taking sacrifices with them. One would be carrying three kids, another three loaves of bread and the third man a bottle of wine. They would salute him and give him two loaves of bread which Saul was to take. Later, Samuel said, Saul would come to the hill of Yahweh where a garrison of the Philistines was encamped. There he would meet a company of prophets coming down from the top of the hill and, advancing before them, minstrels would be playing music while they prophesied. Yahweh would then inspire Saul and he would prophesy along with the prophets. Thereafter Saul would be a different man; that is, the heart of the peasant would be changed into the heart of a king. Samuel’s concluding bit of advice was also in a sense a warning to Saul:

“‘And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for Yahweh is with thee.’ (1 Sam. 10:7.)” [Chapter XII continued in the next lesson, WTL #231.]

This is my two hundred and thirty-first monthly teaching letter and continues my twentieth year of publication. I have resolved to do a series of lessons providing clarifying criticism of Howard B. Rand’s books, tracts and articles published in his Destiny Magazine.With this lesson I will continue a critical review of a series entitled “The Book Of The Kingdom” found in Destiny magazines from January, 1949 until April, 1952, in 24 chapters, by Howard B. Rand and I will continue with chapter XII, Destiny 1949, plus chapter XIII, “The Reign Of Saul”, Destiny, January 1950 (and I will edit it out of necessity):

“The Ark Captured And Restored:

... “Samuel Instructs Saul

“Before leaving Saul, Samuel gave him instructions concerning experiences he would have on his journey home. He told him he would meet two men by Rachel’s sepulchre. They would inform him that the asses that had strayed away had been found but that his father was now worried about him. After this he would meet three men going up to the House of Yahweh at Bethel, taking sacrifices with them. One would be carrying three kids, another three loaves of bread and the third man a bottle of wine. They would salute him and give him two loaves of bread which Saul was to take. Later, Samuel said, Saul would come to the hill of Yahweh where a garrison of the Philistines was encamped. There he would meet a company of prophets coming down from the top of the hill and, advancing before them, minstrels would be playing music while they prophesied. Yahweh would then inspire Saul and he would prophesy along with the prophets. Thereafter Saul would be a different man; that is, the heart of the peasant would be changed into the heart of a king. Samuel’s concluding bit of advice was also in a sense a warning to Saul:

“‘And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for Yahweh is with thee.’ (1 Sam. 10:7.)

“After that Saul was to go to Gilgal and wait there until Samuel came and offer a burnt offering and a sacrifice. At that time he would receive specific instructions as to what he should do.

“All that Samuel had said came to pass and when the people saw Saul prophesying among the prophets they wondered about it and asked if Saul was also a prophet. After that it became a proverb in Israel, ‘Is Saul also among the prophets?’

“Saul Returns Home

“Upon returning home Saul’s uncle asked him where he had been. Saul replied that he had hunted for his father’s stray asses and when he could not find them he went to see Samuel. His uncle then asked him what Samuel had said to him and Saul informed him only of Samuel’s statement to him that the asses had been found. Evidently Saul was content to let time answer concerning his other conversations with Samuel so he wisely held his own counsel on this occasion.

“Official Choice of Saul

“Samuel called all Israel together at Mizpeh and recited in their presence the history of Yahweh’s dealings with them, beginning with their deliverance from Egypt. He reminded them that Yahweh had also delivered them from the nations around them and had overthrown their oppressors. But he also pointed out that they had rejected Yahweh Almighty who had saved them from their enemies many times, finally demanding a king to rule over them.

“The people were then told to present themselves before him according to their tribes. When all the tribes had passed before Samuel, the tribe of Benjamin was selected. Then this tribe passed before him according to their families and the family of Kish was selected. Out of his family Saul was chosen. But when they looked for Saul, he could not be found.

“Shout of a King

“Inquiry was made of Yahweh to make sure Saul was the one to be selected to become king and Yahweh responded by disclosing the fact that Saul was hiding among the goods, or luggage. The men of Israel ran and brought Saul out from his hiding place and set him before the people. He was a head taller than anyone else among them. It is evident that Saul became suddenly frightened at the prospect of becoming king, so he hid to escape the honors he was to receive. But Yahweh had selected him for the place and when he finally stood in the midst of the people, all of them shouted, ‘Yahweh save the King!’ From that day to this the shout of a king has been in the midst of Israel as prophesied by Balaam:

“‘He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: Yahweh his Almighty is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.’ (Num. 23:21.) [We should not accept this as a prophecy of Israel having an earthly king, as the subject of Num. 23:21 is Yahweh Himself, and He is being referred to as the king in the context of the passage.]

“The people were then sent away and Saul also went home, accompanied by a band of men whose hearts Yahweh had touched and who became his bodyguard. There were at the time some men of low character in Israel who were not impressed with Saul and they complained:

“‘... How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.’ (1 Sam. 10:27.)

“Nahash, the Ammonite

“Nahash, the Ammonite, came against the city of Jabesh in Gilead to engage its men in war. The men at Jabesh said that they were willing to make a covenant with Nahash and serve him but Nahash answered that a covenant could be made with him on one condition only. That condition required that the people of Jabesh should come out to him and he would put out all their right eyes. This humiliation, he said, would be a reproach against all Israel.

“Jabesh Sends for Help

“The elders of Jabesh asked seven days grace before giving their answer and during that time they sent messengers throughout all Israel to see if there was anyone who could deliver them out of the hand of Nahash. If no one could, then they would have to submit to the terms laid down. It is evident that Nahash was sure in his own mind of complete victory over any force Israel could send against him, so he readily consented to the seven-day truce. The messengers came to Gilead where Saul was at the time. The evil tidings were told to the people and when Saul came in from the field he inquired:

“‘... What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.’ (1 Sam. 11:5.)

“It should be remembered that the Benjaminites were closely related to the people of Jabesh-gilead. A large portion of the tribe must have been descendants of the four hundred maidens who became wives for the men of Benjamin at the time this tribe was nearly exterminated. This no doubt accounts for the grief of the people of Gilead and Saul’s indignation.

“Saul Very Angry

“The Spirit of Yahweh came upon Saul when he heard the tidings and he was very angry. He took a yoke of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces throughout all the land of Israel by messengers who proclaimed:

“‘... Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. And the fear of Yahweh fell on the people, and they came out with one consent [i.e., as one man].’ (1 Sam. 11:7.), [brackets not mine.]

“Israel and Judah

“It is stated that there were three hundred thousand Israelites and thirty thousand men of Judah. Here again is concrete evidence of the recognition of the distinction between Israel and Judah – a distinction that every student must recognize before he can even begin to understand the ABC’s of Bible exegesis. This distinction between Israel and Judah prevails throughout the Scriptures, and unless this is recognized, not only are the historical facts of the Bible misunderstood, but the utterances of the prophets become – a hopeless tangle. [However none of this pertains to modern Jews.]

“Ammonites Defeated

“A messenger was sent to the men of Jabesh, telling them help would come about noon the next day. The men of Jabesh were very glad and sent word to Nahash, the Ammonite, that they would come out to him the following day.

“Saul divided the people into three companies. In the early morning they attacked the Ammonites and slew them until noontime. The rest were scattered abroad. The people then demanded that those who had refused to have Saul reign over them be brought out and slain. Saul, however, forbade them to do this, saying:

“‘... There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day Yahweh hath wrought salvation in Israel.’ (1 Sam. 11:13.)

“Samuel commanded the people to go to Gilgal and renew the national covenant with their King and acknowledge his appointment. There Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced together greatly in their new relationship which Yahweh had blessed.” [Although we cannot forget what Yahweh had said to Ephraim in Hosea 13:11 “I gave thee a king in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.”]

This is the end of chapter XII, “Israel Demands A King”, Destiny 1949 “The Ark Captured And Restored”. I will now proceed with chapter XIII, “The Reign Of Saul”, Destiny, January 1950:

“The Reign Of Saul

“Following The Festival during which the kingship of Saul was confirmed as a result of his victory over the Ammonites, Samuel addressed the people of Israel. In the course of his remarks he pointed out that he had hearkened to their voice and a king had been chosen to rule over them. Referring to himself, Samuel said that he was old and gray-headed and had served them long. He also mentioned his sons; no doubt the occasion reminded him of their misconduct. Because of their evil ways, the account indicates that Samuel had deprived them of holding any official position in Israel, reducing them to the common rank of the rest of the people.

“Eli’s sin had been in allowing his sons to continue in public office after he became aware of their misconduct in public affairs. When Samuel was informed that his sons were taking bribes and misbehaving in office, he immediately removed them from their positions in the Israel commonwealth.

“Samuel's Challenge

“Continuing his address, Samuel declared that from childhood he had faithfully carried out all commitments placed in his charge. As a judge who had fulfilled the duties assigned to him, he was officially retiring from administering the affairs of state. He issued a challenge for anyone to speak up if at any time during his long tenure of office he had been dishonest in his dealings:

“‘Behold, here I am: witness against me before Yahweh, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? Or whose ass have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.’ (1 Sam. 12:3.)

“The people replied by giving a splendid testimony to Samuel’s devotion to duty and honesty in all his dealings during the years of his judgeship. With one voice they declared he had never defrauded nor oppressed them, for he had not extorted anything whatever from anyone. Samuel then said that Yahweh was a witness, as well as Saul, their King, that no fault could be found with his administration. The people declared the witness to be true. Thereupon, Samuel legally relinquished the office of judge, leaving behind him an untarnished record of righteous performance as one of Israel’s great statesmen. Saul was now to assume the office Samuel had relinquished and, as head of the Kingdom, would henceforth be charged with the administration of its affairs.

“Sound Counsel

“Following the ceremony of turning over to Saul the handling of the affairs of state, Samuel recited the history of Israel. He spoke of Yahweh’s choosing of Moses and Aaron, declaring that they were raised up for the purpose of delivering the people from Egyptian bondage. He then reminded Israel that when they forgot Yahweh, they were sold into the hands of the nations around them. They became subject to those nations during the years of disobedience and deliverance came only when they turned from their sinful ways and gave up their idolatrous practices.

“After giving a list of the names of men whom Yahweh had raised up from time to time to deliver His people from their oppressors, Samuel accused Israel of desiring a king to reign over them when the Yahweh, their Almighty, was their King. Nevertheless, they had the king they had desired. Israel’s sin was in the refusal to obey Yahweh their Almighty, at the same time declaring a willingness to obey the voice of a man whom they would serve as their king. Samuel then counselled:

“‘If ye will fear Yahweh, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following Yahweh your Almighty: But if ye will not obey the voice of Yahweh, but rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, then shall the hand of Yahweh be against you, as it was against your fathers.’ (1 Sam. 12:14-15.) (1 Sam. 12:14-15.) [Once again, note Hosea 13:11.]

“Throne of Yahweh

“Yahweh never relinquished His Kingship over His people. Later David was anointed King, but the throne itself in Israel was declared to be the throne of Yahweh, a fact which becomes clear as we study the history of His Kingdom people. When Solomon became King the statement is made:

“‘Then Solomon sat on the throne of Yahweh as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.’ (1 Chron. 29:23.)

“At the time Saul was assuming office and Samuel was relinquishing his position as judge in Israel, it was the season of the wheat harvest. Electric storms were very rare at that time of the year, but Samuel declared that such a storm would come as a sign that the people had been evil in the sight of Yahweh. So Samuel called upon Yahweh and He sent thunder, lightning and rain. The people were in great fear and they asked Samuel to pray for them. He told them not to fear for, though they had acted wickedly, yet, if they would serve Yahweh and not follow after vain things which cannot profit, Yahweh would not forsake them for His great Name’s sake.

“Samuel declared he would continue to pray for the people. He also promised to continue to instruct them in righteousness so that they might know the good and right way. But if they persisted in sin, Samuel warned them that they and their King would be destroyed.

“Standing Army

“After a reign of two years Saul chose three thousand men to serve as a standing army. This is the first historical record of a standing army as distinct from general military service. Two thousand men of this standing army remained in Bethel with Saul and one thousand were with Jonathan, the son of Saul, in Gibeah of Benjamin.

“Philistines Stirred Up

“Jonathan attacked a Philistine garrison in Geba with the result that, when the principal forces of the Philistines heard of it, they gathered for battle against Israel. Saul summoned the people to prepare to meet the threat of war, for the Philistines held Israel in contempt. The Philistines came up against Israel with a great army of fighting men besides thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen.

“The men of Israel were fearful and the people hid in holes and caves, on the cliffs and in the bushes to escape from their enemies. Some even crossed over the Jordan to the country of Gad and Gilead in their flight from the Philistines. But Saul continued on to Gilgal and all his army trembled as they followed him. It was hardly a prepossessing state of affairs for Saul as he moved to meet the enemy.

“Saul’s Impatience

“Apparently aware of the precarious situation, Saul had sent for Samuel to come to him. Samuel had evidently sent word that he would come in seven days. Saul waited but the Prophet failed to appear on the seventh day. Because of the odds against them, many men in Saul’s army began to desert the King and Saul’s forces were materially depleted. In his desperation Saul issued instructions that the burnt offering and the peace offering were to be brought to him and he thereupon made the offering in place of Samuel. As soon as Saul had finished making the offering, Samuel arrived and he asked Saul what he had done. The King confessed that he had made the offering, declaring that because Samuel had delayed in coming to him, many of his army were deserting. The Philistines had gathered at Michmash and would soon be upon him at Gilgal and he had not entreated Yahweh. He told Samuel, ‘I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt-offering.’

“Judgment Passed

“Saul had waited until the seventh day, but he did not wait seven full days. Samuel came at the end of seven days as promised, but Saul was impatient and when the seventh day arrived and Samuel was not there he had proceeded to make the offering himself. It was a test of Saul’s character and his impatience lost him a great inheritance. Samuel informed the King:

“‘... Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of Yahweh thy Almighty, which he commanded thee [Note: only a priest was qualified to officiate at the altar, H.B. Rand.]: for now would Yahweh have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: Yahweh hath sought him a man after his own heart, and Yahweh hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which Yahweh commanded thee.’ (1 Sam. 13:13-14.)

“Samuel left Saul and went from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.

“Desertions

“Saul numbered the forces that remained with him and they comprised about six hundred men. The rest of Israel had deserted the King. It is very likely that Samuel’s denunciation of Saul’s conduct contributed to increase the desertions, for many would be doubly apprehensive of the outcome of a conflict with the Philistines after Samuel had turned away from the King. Saul and his son Jonathan, with the six hundred men still loyal to them, retreated to Gibeah. Meantime, the Philistines, who were encamped at Michmash, sent out three different bands to harass and plunder the land of Israel.

 

“Israel Disarmed

“The result of unpreparedness was clearly in evidence in Israel’s state of disarmament, for the Philistines had previously succeeded in disarming Israel. No smith was allowed to carry on his trade within the land. Israel’s enemies reasoned, ‘Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears’ (1 Sam. 13:19). Every man in Israel consequently had to go to the land of the Philistines to repair his axe, chisel or ploughshare. Now, with the coming of war, Israel was totally unprepared for armed conflict. Even the men with Saul had no swords or spears. Saul and Jonathan alone had possession of these weapons of war. The very fact that Saul, with his son Jonathan, possessed such weapons made them outlaws in the eyes of the Philistines.

“To disarm a people and prevent the citizens of a nation from possessing arms invites disaster. Israel was easily invaded by the Philistines because not only the army of the nation but the citizens themselves were without means of defense. The bands of plunderers were free to go throughout the land, robbing and stealing because the people could not successfully resist their enemies. Under such conditions Israel was in complete subjection to the Philistines whom they served. Here was an example that disarmament did not bring peace but meant misery and suffering for the nation.

“Preparedness Essential

“When people are unable to defend themselves against an aggressor, they cannot maintain their liberty or secure their freedom and exploiters soon gain control over them. History has continually repeated itself throughout the ages as men of good will, desiring peace, forget to be vigilant and prepare to repel any evil aggressor who may come against them. Whenever a people, for whatever reason, become so careless about their future well-being that they neglect or discard their means of defense, it is only a matter of time when they fall prey to an aggressor.

“Because Yahweh recognized this to be true, He commanded that every man in Israel 20 years old and upward was to be numbered for war. National preparedness to meet and repel an invader is Yahweh’s kingdom law of security for His people when they are faithfully serving Him.

“But national preparedness alone would not be sufficient, for in order to be assured of victory over the enemy, Israel needs Yahweh’s blessing upon her armies. Essential to the defeat of an aggressive foe is spiritual as well as physical preparation. Israel’s history is a marked demonstration of this. Only when obedient to Yahweh was Israel courageous and assured of victory over all her enemies.

“Israel had departed from observing the Law of Yahweh. Because of their sins, and through intrigue and treachery, they had become helpless and were timid and fearful before the invading enemy. When the nation was confronted with this crisis only six hundred men were loyal enough to the King to remain with him to meet the invading foes; all the rest had deserted Saul.

“Jonathan’s Courage

“Jonathan, Saul’s son, was a man of courage and, evidently wearying of the situation and becoming tired of hiding from the Philistines who were plundering the land, he said to his armor-bearer:

“‘Come on, let us cross over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.’ (1 Sam. 14:1, Moffatt Trans.)

“However, he did not tell Saul of his plan, for the King was back behind the hills among the caverns, hiding there with his six hundred men. Neither Saul nor his army knew that Jonathan had left the camp to go to the other side of Luz. The pass through which Jonathan must go was walled by high rocks on both sides. Beyond this pass, on the heights, was the Philistine garrison. Jonathan reasoned:

“‘... it may be that Yahweh will work for us: for there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few.’ (1 Sam. 14:6.)

“Jonathan not only displayed his courage, but he also manifested remarkable faith in the Almighty of Israel to deliver His people in time of need. He realized that if Yahweh was with him and selected him for service, he could be used to defeat the foes of his people. However, Jonathan proposed a test to his armor-bearer to guide him so that he might know Yahweh’s will. He said that if, after they showed themselves to the Philistines, the men of the garrison challenged them to wait and they would come down to them, then he and his armorbearer would not attack but would retreat. If instead, however, the Philistines invited them to come up, then they would ascend, for Yahweh would deliver the spoilers into their hands. Following their agreement about the proposed test, Jonathan and his armor-bearer disclosed their presence to the Philistine garrison. Immediately the Philistines scoffed derisively: ‘Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.’ Then they shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer:

“‘... Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing ...’ (1 Sam. 14:12.)

“Garrison Defeated

“Jonathan and his armor-bearer began to ascend the pass and, pouncing upon the Philistines, they slew the entire garrison of twenty men. The account tells us that as each Philistine fell before Jonathan, his armor-bearer slew him while Jonathan engaged the next Philistine in battle.

“At first thought it might seem as though Yahweh had led Jonathan on to certain defeat to indicate to him that the two men should attempt to climb the pass in the very face of the enemy. But the secret of the strategy lay in the fact that the Philistines held all the Israelites in contempt because of the past actions of King Saul’s feeble army. Thus, they apparently paid little attention to the two who were climbing up toward their garrison. No doubt there was much carousing and a complete lack of preparedness on their part. On the other hand, if they had decided to go down to engage Jonathan and his armor-bearer, they would have donned their armor and come forth in full battle array. The death of the two Israelites would have been a certainty if this had happened. Jonathan had trusted in Yahweh and the Almighty kept His promise:

“‘And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.’ (Lev. 26:7-8.)

“Because Jonathan had trusted in Yahweh, the Almighty now intervened in behalf of Israel for, following the slaughter of this Philistine garrison:

“‘A panic spread in the camp, over the open country and among all the troops, till both the garrison and the raiders were panic-stricken." (1 Sam. 14:15, Moffatt Trans.)

“A Great Earthquake

“Following Jonathan’s personal victory, there was a great earthquake in the land. It was so great that both the armies of the Philistines and of Israel staggered as though they were in a dream. Accompanying the earthquake was a great roar and rumbling. Because Jonathan had exercised his faith in Yahweh, the Almighty was moving to deliver His people from the Philistines.

“Again and again Yahweh has used natural forces to assist Him in His defense of His people. This has not only been true in the past history of His people, but prophetically Yahweh has declared that the titanic forces of nature in the earth below and from the heavens above are yet to be used to bring overwhelming defeat in the battle of the coming great day of Yahweh’s wrath when He will deliver His Kingdom people from destruction.

“Saul recognized in the earthquake that Yahweh was moving to defend His people. Evidently aware that someone among his forces had moved against the enemy, he immediately numbered his army to ascertain if any were absent. Jonathan and his armor-bearer were found to be missing. Instructions were given to the priest who was in the camp with Saul to go near to the Ark and make inquiry of Yahweh. While Saul was speaking to the priest a great uproar was heard coming from the camp of the Philistines. Saul and his troops advanced toward their camp, for Yahweh had used the earthquake to bring about great consternation among them, causing a disastrous panic. This had resulted in the Philistines becoming so confused that they were fighting one another, while the Hebrews who were serving among them as soldiers mutinied and rejoined the forces of Israel under Saul and Jonathan. When the men that had hidden on Mount Ephraim heard of the rout of the Philistines, they also advanced to battle and Yahweh delivered Israel, saving them from their enemies that day.

“But King Saul prevented a complete victory over the Philistines by foolishly binding his army by a hasty oath, saying:

“‘... Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies ...’ (1 Sam. 14:24.)

“Though Saul’s army was in distress from lack of food as they pursued the Philistines, yet none dared violate the King’s oath. This is a good example of the leader of the nation failing to use good judgment and carefully consider the effects of restrictions imposed upon his army as they fought against the foe. Saul had acted in haste and thus he defeated his own objective – the complete defeat of the Philistines.

“As the men of Israel pursued the retreating Philistines they passed through a wooded area where there was honey in abundance, but no man ate of the honey for fear of the curse. Jonathan, however, had not been informed of the oath sworn by his father, so he ate some of the honey and, as stated in the account, ‘his eyes were enlightened.’ It is clear that, along with the rest of the men of Israel, Jonathan was near exhaustion, but the honey revived him. Actually, because he was faint, his eyes had grown dim and he was having a hard time struggling along, but when he began to revive from the fainting condition his sight improved.

“After Jonathan had partaken of the honey a man informed him of the oath his father had taken, but Jonathan denounced the lack of wisdom on the part of his father in doing so. He said the army was exhausted for lack of food and, had they been allowed to eat of the food left behind by the Philistines in their flight, Israel would have completely defeated their enemies.

“When evening came the time limit set for the curse expired and the hungry army seized portions of the spoil, killing oxen and sheep and eating the raw flesh with the blood. Saul’s oath had caused so much physical distress among his fighting men that it led to a direct violation of the Law of Yahweh which specifically instructs Israel in the eating of meat:

“‘Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh.’ (Deut. 12:23)

“Saul was informed of what the people were doing and he immediately issued a command that they cease violating the law. Then he gave instructions that all the cattle to be prepared for food were to be brought to him and prepared according to the requirements of the law. After this the King offered a sacrifice to Yahweh and the people satisfied their hunger.

“Results of a Rash Oath

“Saul then issued orders that the army was to pursue the Philistines all that night, assail them at dawn and leave not a man alive. The captains of his hosts, as well as the men themselves, assented, but the priest with Saul informed him it would be better for him to make inquiry of Yahweh before carrying out this order. The King did as suggested and inquired of Yahweh if he was to pursue the enemy that night, but he received no answer to his question. Saul immediately recognized that there was sin in his camp because Yahweh refused to be inquired of concerning his campaign.” [Continued in WTL #232]

This is my two hundred and thirty-second monthly teaching letter and continues my twentieth year of publication. I have resolved to do a series of lessons providing clarifying criticism of Howard B. Rand’s books, tracts and articles published in his Destiny Magazine.With this lesson I will continue where I left off with the “The Book Of The Kingdom”, chapter XIII of XXIV, “The Reign Of Saul”, Destiny, for part #2 of chapter XIII, February 1950, (and I will edit it out of necessity):

“.... Saul was informed of what the people were doing and he immediately issued a command that they cease violating the law. Then he gave instructions that all the cattle to be prepared for food were to be brought to him and prepared according to the requirements of the law. After this the King offered a sacrifice to Yahweh and the people satisfied their hunger.

“Results of a Rash Oath

“Saul then issued orders that the army was to pursue the Philistines all that night, assail them at dawn and leave not a man alive. The captains of his hosts, as well as the men themselves, assented, but the priest with Saul informed him it would be better for him to make inquiry of Yahweh before carrying out this order. The King did as suggested and inquired of Yahweh if he was to pursue the enemy that night, but he received no answer to his question. Saul immediately recognized that there was sin in his camp because Yahweh refused to be inquired of concerning his campaign.

“The King gathered the captains and all the people together to make inquiry to find out who had sinned. Saul declared that if it proved to be his own son Jonathan, he would surely die. Thus, again, he passed hasty judgment before the facts were known. Lots were cast and Saul and his son Jonathan were taken. Again the lots were cast and Jonathan was selected as the offender. His father thereupon asked him what he had done. Jonathan confessed that he ate some honey as they passed through some woods when they were pursuing the Philistines. He wanted to know if he must die because he ate the honey when he was hungry.

“Saul’s impetuousness and his failure to think things through before speaking, and the added failure to limit the curse of the violation of his oath to those only who were aware that such an oath had been taken, brought him face to face with the necessity of executing an innocent man – his own son.

“In reply to Jonathan’s question Saul declared that he must die because he had violated the oath of the King. Thus, the results of a rash oath were far-reaching indeed.

“But the army of Israel recognized that, had it not been for Jonathan’s attack upon the Philistine garrison, Israel would still be subject to the Philistines. They demanded, therefore, that Saul spare the life of his son, declaring that Jonathan had won the great victory for Israel that day. In so doing the army rescued Jonathan from the sentence and his life was spared. But Israel was unable to pursue the Philistines that night because of the King’s oath and the army’s refusal to allow Jonathan to be slain for having violated it. The Philistines returned to their own stronghold and the failure to destroy them – all because of Saul’s foolish oath – ultimately ended in the defeat and death of Saul himself when, years later, they attacked and slew him and his son Jonathan in battle.

“Yahweh’s blessing would not have been upon Israel had they pursued the Philistines that night because of the oath and its violation. The Bible demonstrates again and again that Yahweh requires his people to keep their word even though they swear to their own hurt. Saul had foolishly sworn an oath to his own hurt and to the detriment of all Israel. Yahweh would not prosper him or fulfill the second clause of that oath; that is, vengeance upon his enemies, while the first clause had been violated. Yahweh could have brought complete defeat upon the enemy but the price for keeping the oath was too great, so Israel’s foes were not destroyed.

“However, Israel did gain a temporary victory over the Philistines. As a result Saul’s leadership was established over all Israel. He then fought against the enemies of Israel on every hand, delivering the people from all those who had been oppressing them and spoiling their land.

“The Amalekites

“Israel thereafter enjoyed a period of rest from their enemies and the time arrived for them to remember the instructions Moses had given them concerning the Amalekites. They were the people who had made an unprovoked attack upon Israel when they came out of Egypt. Moses had said:

“‘Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not Yahweh. Therefore it shall be, when Yahweh thy Almighty hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which Yahweh thy Almighty giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.’ (Deut. 25:17-19.)

“In conformity with Moses' instructions Samuel went to Saul at the request of Yahweh and told him that the Almighty expected him to destroy the Amalekites. Yahweh remembered what Amalek had done to Israel and they were not to forget it. So Samuel told Saul:

“‘Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.’ (1 Sam. 15:3.)

“This command may seem harsh but it must not be forgotten that because of unrighteousness, disease and filth, the Amalekites were a source of pollution, both physical and moral, to all those who came in contact with them. Then, too, Yahweh recognized that His people would never be free from evil aggression, or His Kingdom safe from attack, so long as the Amalekites were allowed to live and scheme in their plotting against Israel. Today their descendants are planning an all-out attack upon modern Israel with the expectation of annihilating Yahweh’s people so that they may cease to be a nation on the earth.”

(At this point Rand suggests that Germans are Israel’s enemy, see War Against God, Documentary Studies, Volume 1, page 186).

[Critical notes by Clifton A. Emahiser: At this point Rand suggests that the Germans are Israel’s enemy, see War Against God, Documentary Studies, Volume 1, page 186. So while Howard B. Rand does quite well in many areas, he makes some real serious blunders in his 3-volume series, and especially here in volume #1!

On page 394, Rand states in part: “... So with the beginning of the Third Woe, when the heathen will be raging the resurrection will occur. (By their opposition to God and through their declaration of the lack of faith in the God of the Bible, Germany, Russia, and Japan are truly heathen nations insofar as their governments are concerned.) ....”

Note that Rand failed to note that the pure White Germans as well as many pure White Russians are Covenant Israelites.

Ibid: p. 333: “Again let it be noted that it is one people – His Israel people – not the Germans, Italians, Japanese, or even Russia, with whom God is to make the covenant of peace; neither is it a league of nations.”

Ibid: p. 169: “... Here at Rome, Fascism came to power long before Hitler and Nazism were supreme in Germany, or Spain and his dictatorial authority had been fully established in Russia ....”

Ibid: p. 200: Here Rand includes Germany as one of the nations “confederated” against Israel at Psalm 83:1-5, stating in part: “Then follows the list of nations involved, giving their ancient names. Some have already been identified as Turkey, Arabia, Mongolia, China Japan, Russia, France, Germany, Persia, Afghanistan, Tibet, Armenia and many others ....”

Ibid: p. 235: “... We know from prophesy that as a result of the present conflict between Russia and Germany there will emerge a powerful combination of nations which will attack the Anglo-Saxon world. These armed forces from without will be augmented by enemy activities within. The final phase of that conflict will center in Palestine ....”

Ibid: p. 139: Rand states in part: “... Now this Stone Kingdom began to strike the feet of the Image when our forces invaded Italy ... and, with the collapse of Germany, the smashing and grinding process was completed, for in the unconditional surrender of the Nazis the Babylonian Succession of Empires ended ....” Actually, it is quite the opposite, as the German tribes were “... the stone that was cut out of the mountain without hands ...” (Dan. 2:45), and they systematically brought the Roman Empire to an end! Many other passages could be cited where Rand debases the several Teutonic Israel tribes who sprang from the Cimbri.

Rand’s error was adopted from British Israel, which arrogantly and quite foolishly saw the British alone as descendants of the twelve tribes, and imagined that the British were somehow not related to the rest of the White people of Europe.] – Back to Rand:

“The Kenites

“Saul gathered his army, mustering the men into service at Telaim, there being two hundred thousand footmen and ten thousand men of Judah. When he reached a city of Amalek he made contact with the Kenites, who lived among the Amalekites, and told them to leave, lest they also perish, for they had acted kindly when Israel came out of Egypt.

“The Kenites were a nomadic people whose original home was in the region south of Palestine. Moses’ father-in-law, a Midianite, is also described as a Kenite (see Judges 1:16 and 4:11). The Kenites threw in their lot with Israel on the march from Mount Sinai to Palestine and later joined Judah when that tribe undertook to conquer their part of Palestine. Then they settled in a district south of Palestine and became closely identified with the Amalekites.”

[Critical note by Clifton A. Emahiser: It is quite certain that the father-in-law of Moses was a Midianite, and not of the tribe of the Kenites. Heber, another of his descendants, was called a Kenite only in the Book of Judges. But the word Kenite also means “smith”, which would describe Heber quite well, where the King James and other versions do not always properly discern between the two meanings. Jael, the wife of Heber, was as handy with a hammer as a smith’s wife could be and she used one to kill Sisera, the Canaanite general.] – Back to Rand:

“Saul Spares Agag

“The Kenites withdrew from among the Amalekites whom Saul conquered, massacring all the people, giving no quarter, but taking Agag, their King, alive. Saul and his troops spared Agag and saved the best and fattest of the flocks and herds, for they were not willing to destroy them, though they did destroy the common and worthless stock.

“A message came from Yahweh to Samuel saying:

“‘It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto Yahweh all night.’ (1 Sam. 15:11.)

“Samuel had done much for Saul and now that Yahweh had rejected him, Samuel was disappointed and hurt. But as a prophet of Yahweh Samuel went to meet Saul upon his return from the conquest of the Amalekites. Saul had been chosen of Yahweh to punish a sinful nation but he had disobeyed His commands. He had failed to destroy Agag, the King, and had reserved the best of the spoils taken from the Amalekites. Therefore, Yahweh rejected him as King in Israel. When Samuel met Saul, the King told him that he had carried out the commands of Yahweh. But Samuel inquired:

“‘... What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?’ (1 Sam. 15:14.)

“Saul’s Excuse

“Saul explained that they had been taken from the Amalekites, the troops sparing the best of the sheep and oxen for a sacrifice to Yahweh. The rest they destroyed. Samuel then said, ‘I will tell thee what Yahweh hath said to me this night.’ Saul told him to speak and Samuel went on:

“‘... When thou wast little in thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and Yahweh anointed thee king over Israel? And Yahweh sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then didst thou not obey the voice of Yahweh, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of Yahweh?’ (1 Sam. 15:17-19.)

“Saul insisted that he had fulfilled the mission, had taken Agag prisoner and slain the Amalekites. His troops, he said, took the best of the oxen and sheep to sacrifice to Yahweh. To this Samuel replied:

“‘... Hath Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of Yahweh, he hath also rejected thee from being king.’ (1 Sam. 15:22-23.)

“The Results of Disobedience

“Saul then admitted that he had sinned by refusing to completely follow out the command of Yahweh and the instructions of Samuel. He gave as his reason for allowing the oxen and sheep to be saved that he was afraid of his troops, so he did what they had demanded. He begged Samuel to pardon his sin and go back with him so that he might worship Yahweh. Samuel refused, saying that Saul had set aside the word of Yahweh and Yahweh had set him aside from being king.

“This is a most interesting commentary on the attitude of Yahweh toward those who despise and reject His Word. That word was orally given to Saul by a prophet of Yahweh, but today the prophets of Yahweh, through their writings, have delivered the Word of Yahweh to all His people. If Saul was rejected as King for rejecting the spoken word of Yahweh, what, then, will be the punishment of all those who today reject the Written Word? After all, is not the critic and modernist in the same position that Saul occupied when Samuel said of his refusal to believe that obedience was more acceptable than sacrifice and being self-willed was as bad as the iniquity of idols.

“As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught at the skirt of his robe and it was torn. Then Samuel said:

“‘... Yahweh hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.’ (1 Sam. 15:28.)

“As a result of his all-night pleading with Yahweh in Saul’s behalf, Samuel knew by personal experience the unchangeable purposes of Yahweh, so he said to Saul:

“‘The Splendour of Israel [He who presides over Israel], he will never lie nor change his mind; he is not a man, to change his mind.’ (1 Sam. 15:29, Moffatt Trans.)

“Saul pleaded with Samuel to show him respect before his officers and army, as well as before all Israel, by coming along with him while he worshipped Yahweh. Samuel went with Saul while he worshipped, after which he told Saul to bring Agag, King of the Amalekites, to him. Agag came to Samuel with tottering steps:

“‘... And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past. And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before Yahweh in Gilgal.’ (1 Sam. 15:32:33.)

“After that Samuel went to Ramah and Saul went home to his native town of Gibeah. Samuel never saw Saul again, for he refused to visit Saul to the day of his death. In reading this account of Saul’s rejection of the word of Yahweh and Samuel’s refusal to associate with him from that time on, we are reminded of the admonition of John concerning our attitude toward those who reject the Living Word – Yahshua Christ our Redeemer:

“‘Many misleaders have gone out into the world, some not acknowledging Jesus Christ to have come bodily. This is the misleader and the antagonist of Christ. Take care of yourselves, so that you may not lose what we are working out, but may receive a perfect reward. Whoever assumes the lead among you, and continues not in the teaching of the Messiah, possesses not God. Whoever continues in that teaching, he possesses both the Father and the Son. If any one comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, neither admit him to your house nor wish him success; for whoever wishes him success, himself participates in his wicked doings.’ (2 John 7-11, Ferrar Fenton Trans.)

“This is a tremendous indictment of all those who, through financial support and by other means, are contributing to the continuation of the preaching of subversive doctrines in our churches by modernists. They are saying Godspeed to them and are participating in their wicked doings.

Samuel grieved over Saul, but Yahweh was sorry He had made him king over Israel.” End of chapter XIII of, “The Reign Of Saul.”

I will now begin “The Book Of The Kingdom”, chapter XIV of XXIV, “David Anointed King”, Destiny, for March of 1950, (and I will edit it out of necessity):

“David Anointed King:

“Samuel continued to grieve over Saul’s failure as King until Yahweh spoke to him and told him not to mourn any more for Saul. He was instructed to go to Jesse, the Bethlehemite, for Yahweh said He had provided a king from among Jesse’s sons to succeed Saul. The fact that Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to choose a man to be King – whom Yahweh later declared was a man after His own heart – is of interest because Bethlehem became the city of the nativity of Yahshua Christ who is ‘the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star’ (Rev. 22:16).

“Samuel said, however, that if he went to Bethlehem for such a purpose, and Saul heard of it, he would kill him. But Yahweh told Samuel to take a heifer and go there to conduct a service of worship and call Jesse to the sacrifice. Samuel was informed that Yahweh would then tell him what he was to do and that he was to anoint the man whom Yahweh would point out to him.

“Samuel Goes To Bethlehem

“Following these instructions, Samuel went to Bethlehem, taking the heifer for the sacrifice with him. When the elders of the city met Samuel they were greatly troubled and asked him if his visit was a peaceful one. They were aware of the severance of relations between Samuel and Saul their King and they were disturbed lest the prophet’s presence in their city might cause them trouble with Saul. But Samuel assured them he had come in peace and for the purpose of sacrificing to Yahweh. He instructed the elders to prepare for the sacrifice and, after consecrating them, he sent a special invitation to Jesse and his sons to attend the sacrifice. When Jesse and his sons arrived Samuel saw Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son, and thought to himself that surely this was Yahweh’s anointed. However, Yahweh said to Samuel:

“‘... Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for Yahweh seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Yahweh looketh on the heart.’ (1 Sam. 16:7.)

“This is a clear illustration of the inability of men to know the thoughts and intents of the hearts of others. Because this is so, men are in no position to sit in judgment, for they are guided only by outward appearances. The Almighty knows the intents of the heart and He accurately judges every man according to his thoughts.

“David Anointed

“Seven of the sons of Jesse passed before Samuel but he said that Yahweh had not chosen any of these. He asked Jesse if there were any other sons and was informed that the youngest son was tending the sheep. Samuel instructed him to send for David, saying that they must not sit down to the feast until he arrived. When David came to join his father and brethren Samuel saw a fine-looking young man, fair and well formed. The Almighty instructed the Prophet to anoint him and Samuel anointed David in the presence of his brethren. From that time forward the Spirit of Yahweh came upon David. Having completed his mission, Samuel departed at the close of the service.

“Saul Troubled

“When Saul refused to keep the Almighty’s commands Yahweh left him and he became a man without the assurance and comfort of the presence of Yahweh with him. His spirit was troubled and he had no peace of mind. Many times he was terrified and miserably depressed. His ministers informed him that, because of the departure of the Spirit of Yahweh, an evil spirit was now troubling him. Because of his condition, they advised him to secure the services of a skilled musician to play the harp before him, for they said that when he was despondent the music would comfort him.

“This was an interesting ‘cure’ offered to Saul by men who knew that music can ease a guilty conscience by inducing forgetfulness, diverting a man from dwelling upon his troubles. Music plays an important part in revelry and riotous living, but there are types of music and song which help to increase the feeling of reverence for the Almighty. Thus, we have music that stirs the baser passions of men and women, music that contributes to enhance the religious life of the people, music that arouses all that is noble and fine in human nature and music that excites the martial spirit as soldiers march to battle.

“Saul needed the soothing effects of music and song to relieve the mental torture of the guilty conscience of a man who had turned away from the Almighty. How the playing of music could even temporarily bring about the expulsion of an evil spirit we do not fully understand, unless certain strains of music are unendurable to them. Perhaps music that appeals to the nobler instincts of men and women is correspondingly irritating to evil spirits. But be that as it may, the fact remains that Saul’s ministers recognized the need for a skillful musician whose music would bring mental relief to the King.

“David Sent To Saul

“Following the advice of his counselors, Saul gave orders for a man proficient in music to be found and brought to him. One of his ministers replied that he had seen a son of Jesse who was a skillful musician and a fine dancer. He also added that he was a gentleman, could recite well and was good looking. Moreover, he declared, the Almighty was with him. The King immediately sent to Jesse and asked that David his son be sent to him.

“David had already been anointed by Samuel and now the Almighty was using David’s musical accomplishments to give him the needed training at the court of the King for the duties he was to later assume. Such things do not just happen; there is always a Divine plan operating in behalf of those whom Yahweh has chosen for His service. Back of that plan is a definite program being carried out in the lives of all those thus chosen. All this is clearly in evidence in the history of the Almighty’s people and in the lives of individuals who in every age have been selected by the Almighty for specific undertakings. This is not fatalism in the popularly-accepted meaning of this word, but it is a demonstration that the Almighty guides the righteous, training and preparing them for the place they are to occupy in His plans and the responsibilities which are to be laid upon them, sometimes many years in advance of the actual task assigned.

“Jesse sent David to Saul and he was presented to the King who was well pleased with him. David thereupon became one of his servants. When Saul became despondent in spirit David would play upon his harp, no doubt accompanying his playing with singing. Then the spirit of despondency would leave the King. That a melancholy despondency may be evidence of the presence of an evil spirit is made clear from this account of Saul’s troubles, especially so when the despondency is only manifested in remorse for sin but without repentance.

“The Philistines Declare War

“The Philistines assembled to fight against Israel and for their leader they chose Goliath of Gath. He was a giant and the weight of the armor he wore and the size of his weapons were in proportion to his great height. The account indicates that he was approximately eleven feet tall and his armor weighed between 150 and 200 pounds. His spear is estimated to have been approximately twenty-five feet long, the iron point, or head weighing around eighteen pounds.

“Goliath’s Challenge

“The armies of Israel had gathered to oppose the Philistines and Goliath demanded that Israel furnish a man to fight him. He bargained that if the man they sent killed him, then all the Philistines would become Israel’s servants. On the other hand, if he killed the Israelite, then all Israel must become their servants. This challenge disheartened the men of Israel, for they felt sure they could not meet it.

“Jesse's three sons were with the army of Israel and David had evidently returned home since the King was at the front with his army. David was looking after his father’s sheep during the forty days Goliath had been challenging the army of Israel to send out a champion to fight against him. One day Jesse sent David to the army to take provisions to his sons and to report back concerning their welfare and health.

“David's Query

“David arrived at the camp and, putting his luggage in care of the luggage tender, he sought out his brothers and talked with them. As they visited together Goliath came out and challenged Israel as he had been doing for the past forty days. The men of Israel fled from Goliath, for they were afraid of him. David made inquiry about the meaning of this challenge and was told what was happening. He asked what would be done by the King for the man who delivered Israel from their enemy. He was informed that the King would make him wealthy and would also give him his daughter for a wife, while his family will be free from paying any more taxes in Israel. David now said:

“‘... who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living Almighty?’ (1 Sam. 17:26.)

“When David’s brothers saw him speaking to the soldier about Goliath, Eliab was very angry with him and scolded David:

“‘... Why camest thou down hither? And with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.’ (1 Sam. 17:28.)

“Eliab, the eldest son of Jesse, was the one whom Samuel at first felt Yahweh should select as King and it was of this son that Yahweh was speaking when He said that he knew the thoughts of his heart and therefore He had rejected him. In this instance of Eliab’s angry accusation of David we have a glimpse of his character and it displayed a type of man wholly unfit to rule in Israel. David replied to his brother’s accusation by asking what had he done that was so amiss.

“David turned away from his brother and again asked the soldiers what the King would do for the man who would slay Goliath. The words that David spoke were told to Saul, for in asking them David indicated a willingness to meet Goliath. Saul, therefore, sent for him.

“David and Goliath

“David was brought before Saul and he said to the King:

“‘... Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.’ (1 Sam. 17:32.)

“Saul remonstrated with David, saying that he was but a boy and Goliath had been a man of war from his youth. He would not be able to win a conflict against such a warrior. However, David told Saul he was not afraid to meet Goliath and he related to the King two encounters he had had, one with a lion and the other with a bear while he was tending his father's sheep:

“‘Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living Almighty.’ (1 Sam. 17: 36.)

“David declared, moreover, that it was Yahweh who had delivered him from the paws of the lion and the bear and He would deliver him from this Philistine also. The King, perhaps in desperation, knowing no other course to take, consented to allow David to go out against the champion of the Philistine cause who had challenged the armies of Israel. Saul put his own armor upon David, including a helmet of brass, a coat of mail and a sword from his armory. But because David was not used to such armor, he found himself cumbered and his freedom of movement gone. He told Saul it was impossible for him to go out to battle wearing the armor. So he stripped it off and, taking just his sling, went out to meet Goliath. Selecting five smooth stones from a brook, he put them into his bag and, with his sling and his staff in his hand, he approached the mighty Philistine.

“When Goliath saw David coming toward him he stormed:

“‘... Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods ... And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.’ (1 Sam. 17^: 43^--44.)

“David made his reply to Goliath’s taunts:

“‘... Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of Yahweh of hosts, the Almighty of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.’ (1 Sam. 17:45.)

“All this was spoken in the hearing of both armies and David continued:

“‘This day will Yahweh deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is an Almighty in Israel.’ (1 Sam. 17:46.)

“The contest was thus stated to be between the gods of the Philistines and the Almighty of Israel. David was unafraid for he knew that the Almighty saves not with the sword and spear but by His Might, for the battle is Yahweh’s. Wherever Bible stories are told, this account of David’s conflict with Goliath is retold as a demonstration of the presence of the Almighty with His people. David’s challenge included a prophecy that has been fulfilled throughout the ages in the hearing of every generation, ‘That all the earth may know that there is an Almighty in Israel.”

“The Book Of The Kingdom”, chapter XIV of XXIV, “David Anointed King” will be continued in WTL #233.