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Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of ProtectionThe Watchtower—2013 | February 15
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8. (a) What can mountains symbolize in the Bible? (b) What does “the mountain of the olive trees” represent?
8 Since Jerusalem—“the city”—is symbolic of heavenly Jerusalem, “the mountain of the olive trees, which is in front of Jerusalem,” must also be taken symbolically. What does that mountain represent? How will it be “split at its middle” and become two mountains? Why does Jehovah refer to them as “my mountains”? (Read Zechariah 14:3-5.) In the Bible, mountains can represent kingdoms, or governments. Also, blessings and protection are associated with God’s mountain. (Ps. 72:3; Isa. 25:6, 7) Thus, the mountain of the olive trees on which God stands to the east of earthly Jerusalem represents Jehovah’s universal sovereignty, his supreme rulership.
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Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of ProtectionThe Watchtower—2013 | February 15
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THE FLIGHT TO THE VALLEY BEGINS!
11, 12. (a) When did the flight to the symbolic valley begin? (b) What proves that Jehovah’s strong arm is with his people?
11 Jesus warned his followers: “You will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name.” (Matt. 24:9) During the last days of this system of things, since 1914, that hatred has become especially intense. In spite of the vicious attack launched against the anointed remnant by their enemies during World War I, those of this faithful group were not killed off. In 1919 they were liberated from the clutches of Babylon the Great—the world empire of false religion. (Rev. 11:11, 12)a That is when the flight to the valley of Jehovah’s mountains began.
12 Since 1919 the valley of divine protection continues to protect true worshippers earth wide. Over the decades, in many parts of the world, there have been bans and restrictions on the field ministry and the Bible literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Such restrictions still exist in certain lands. Try as the nations may, however, they will never succeed in stamping out true worship! Jehovah’s powerful arm will prove to be with his people.—Deut. 11:2.
13. How do we stay in Jehovah’s protective valley, and why is it now more important than ever to do so?
13 If we stick to Jehovah and stand firm in the truth, he and his Son, Jesus Christ, will do their part, and God will not allow anyone or anything to ‘snatch us out of His hand.’ (John 10:28, 29) Jehovah is ready to extend whatever help is needed so that we may obey him as the Universal Sovereign and remain loyal subjects of the Messianic Kingdom. It is imperative that we remain in the valley of protection, for that valley will take on even greater meaning for true worshippers during the fast-approaching great tribulation.
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