who are his enemies. But when would the enthronement of the royal Son of David be? The heavenly King of Eternity had set the time. He foretold it and had it recorded in his inspired Word. He would certainly enforce it. The next issue of The Watchtower will consider the length of the “times of the Gentiles.”—Gen. 49:10; Luke 21:24; Ezek. 21:25-27; Ps. 110:1-6.

In their days the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel had seen many former prophecies of Jehovah come true, and they had complete confidence in the ability of Jehovah to foretell events and to enforce his words of prophecy. Therefore the prophecies, many of which these very men were inspired to write, concerning the One who had the legal right and concerning his coming to exercise kingship upon Jehovah’s throne, were even more sure for the apostles and early Christians, for they had a record of and even witnessed the fulfillment of many of the prophecies of these prophets. Peter expressed this confidence: “Consequently we have the prophetic word made more sure; and you are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place.”—2 Pet. 1:19.

Since the days of the apostles, nineteen centuries have passed and we can be yet more sure than the first-century Christians, for multitudinous prophecies have since been fulfilled. The One whose legal right it is will take world domination completely out of the hands of the nations and hold it permanently for the blessing of all families of the earth. For we must remember, as Peter went on to say: “No prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit.” The all-wise Giver of prophecy is also the all-powerful Enforcer of it.—2 Pet. 1:20, 21.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Keeping filled with the spirit of God requires that we continually avail ourselves of the means that God has provided by which we can receive his spirit. Throughout December Jehovah’s witnesses will seek to aid persons everywhere to do this by offering them the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures along with the book “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” on a contribution of $2.

ARE YOU DISCOURAGED AT TIMES?

Many sincere persons who seriously consider present world conditions become discouraged at the prospects of any relief. Yet they continue to pray to God: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Are you one of such persons? Are you discouraged or are you truly “living in hope of a righteous new world”? Read the Bible regularly. Find the hope and encouragement it contains. A modern-language version, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, can be yours for a contribution of just $1. Send today and receive free the faith-inspiring booklet Living in Hope of a Righteous New World.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

December 27: Passing Over from Death to Life. Page 712.

January 3: Out of the Tombs to a “Resurrection of Life,” ¶1-37. Page 717.

January 10: Out of the Tombs to a “Resurrection of Life,” ¶38-45, and Out of the Tombs to a “Resurrection of Judgment.” Page 725.