The Day of the Lord

Author: Wesley E. Smith Jr.

February 20, 2014
BULLET THOUGHTS:
To my dear brothers in Christ whom I love, this is the first time that I have had to write a paper of
this nature; where I am to convey thoughts and ideas that most are already familiar with. I am greatly
challenged as to how to condense nine months of in-depth study into an abbreviated statement of beliefs
on the verses of Joel, but what follows is an honest attempt.
For the sake of efficiency, I will attempt to keep my focus throughout this study primarily upon
chapter two of Joel, even though I have thoughts concerning chapters one and three.
Please be aware that I have written this in a format and/or style that will allow me to share it later if
it be the Lord‘s will, so don‘t think that my comments throughout are stated in a way intended to belittle
your spiritual discernment in any way.
I believe that the intentional and primary focus of the book of Joel is to warn Adventism of the
impending “Day of the Lord” that “is nigh at hand” or immanent!
I believe that Joel and Zephaniah are two of many witnesses testifying to the day of the Lord and
that by combining their testimonies we may reach an accurate conclusion concerning the ―day of the
Lord‖ as well as who the army is in chapter two verses 2-11.
Some have said that they do not see a break in description between chapters one and two and thereby
conclude that it‘s the same army in chapters one and two. I feel that it‘s an easy distinction to see and
will attempt to show why.
I see the army of chapter one, which comes up upon ―His land‖, as Rome at the Sunday law,
marking the time when the new wine is cut off from the mouth of the drunkards within Adventism.
However, I see a different army portrayed in verses 2-11 of chapter two. I see them, as I‘ve already
stated publicly, as the 144,000.
A VERY CRUCIAL POINT
I see that a very crucial point needs to be recognized and seriously considered by all of us who
would venture to investigate the book of Joel and draw conclusions. As we formulate our ideas
concerning the book of Joel, it is paramount that we understand that the time frame within the story of
Joel is paralleling the time frame within the last six verses of Daniel eleven. What that means is that
when we are drawing our conclusions within the book of Joel, we have to ask ourselves ―Is this view
contradicting what we teach concerning Daniels testimony on this same time period‖? Because these
two books are speaking about events that occur within the same timeframe, if we do not have a correct
interpretation of Joel it will unavoidably reflect on and contradict our current understanding of Daniel
11:41-45; and the result will be confusion; not to mention that we‘ll leave ourselves wide-open to
ridicule and attacks from without.
I believe in the Lord‘s providence. I believe fully that He has permitted the circumstances
surrounding the study of Joel to develop in the way that they have in order to bring about a shaking,
refining process within this movement at every level. Do we think that we are above being shaken out?
Are we willing to see and accept the eternal consequences if we are wrong?
Dear brother, may we fall upon the Rock, in this probationary time, and plead for the greatest
measure of wisdom from above. And as well may we open our hearts to His powerful love that it may
guide our decisions and keep our hearts as we approach what may be the most defining moment in our
Christian experience. Let us truly and completely rest in His sustaining grace; recognizing that ―there is
a way that seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.‖!
 -Children of Light-

IS IT THE SAME ARMY?

In chapter one, Joel points the ―old men‖ or ―ancient men‖ [h2205] of Adventism to the thing that
has never been before. I understand that to be “the day of the Lord” based not only on the obvious and
compelling testimony of Joel and Zephaniah, but the bible as a whole; which is pointing to “that day”
that has not yet come.
As he relates to them the events to come; and it‘s worth noting that it only pertains to the drunkards
within Adventism, his description extends all the way down to the time when the seven last plagues
begin to fall (GC 628.1), ending with a description of the condition of the land in the seven plague time
period; revealing what would appear to be a finality and conclusion to his thought process.
I see a distinct and intentional contrasting of the 144k in chapter two with the ―drunkards‖ of chapter
one; because for them it‘s a day “as the morning” in contrast to those who deem it “a day of darkness”.
Please note also that there is not the slightest hint as to the destiny of the faithful during the description
in chapter one. I believe that‘s because he takes up that detailed task in chapter two of Joel.
Also, it‘s worth noting that the translators also recognized enough of a break in thought to warrant a
chapter division after verse twenty in chapter one.
MOTIVATION
It was stated by one that nowhere in the bible were they aware of God employing a description of the
144k to motivate to repentance. That may or may not be, but that‘s not what I see transpiring amid the
verses of Joel. I see instead a warning that escalates and builds in each chapter and verse with pauses
along the way calling to repentance, while simultaneously defining, very distinctly, the two classes that
will emerge at the Sunday law/Day of the Lord; and I understand that to be “the day of the Lord”. He is
simply contrasting the two choices that Adventism is confronted with as that “day” approaches.
Also, for me, the theme of the 144k, similar to the theme of Rome, is a theme that has been made
very prominent; within the bible and the SOP, in that we are to be aware of the intents of Rome and as
well we are to strive to be among that number. And it‘s for this reason that I believe that while we are to
be aware of the role and intents of Rome, we are NOT to make them the focus of our Christian
experience. They are not given as our standard, the character of the 144k is. Becoming part of that
company has been set before us as a benchmark of achievement that we are constantly to aim for. And
as we are also clearly taught that by beholding we become changed, it seems only natural that Christ
would set the theme of the 144k before His people more prominently; to be an encouragement and
standard (ensign) as the day of the Lord approaches. Consider how Joel‘s encouragement is aimed at
Adventism and warns of the battle to be waged between the two armies he portrays:

―Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night
in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden
from the house of your God. Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all
the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas
for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it
come.‖-- Joel 1:13-15

―Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with
fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and
turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great
kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a
blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? Blow
the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the
congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts:
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let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the
ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy
people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them:
wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then will the LORD be
jealous for his land, and pity his people.‖-- Joel 2:12-17

VERSE 1
BLOW YE THE TRUMPET!
―Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the
inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;‖ -- Joel
2:1

Blow ―ye‖ the trumpet. Who is ―ye‖? Contextually, it would have to still be the ―old men‖ and ―all
ye inhabitants of the land‖ that he‘s been addressing up to now; the ‗ancient men‖ (h2205 same as
Ezekiel 9:6) or leaders within Adventism as well as the people of Adventism.
Therefore, I see the trumpet and alarm intentionally and specifically directed at Adventism; due
primarily to the fact that the close of probation for Adventism is about to be accomplished when the
“Day of the Lord” arrives. A trumpet and alarm denote the tools used to express an impending danger
(Jer. 4:19-20; GC 310.1; Ezek. 33:1-4) and should be the logical and primary applications to the
symbols; not denying any secondary applications as long as they fit contextually (i.e. the 7th trumpet).

―Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their
transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.‖-- Isaiah 58:1

―Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of
thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take
a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the
land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the
trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon
his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon
him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come,
and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any
person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the
watchman's hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel;
therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.‖-- Ezekiel 33:1-7

Within the sacred volumes of the bible, it is discovered that the trumpet has been employed for many
different purposes. Aside from being used as a musical instrument, it was also used to assemble the
people for worship, to give the sound of alarm and to call the people to battle; just to name a few. In
fact, there was a special time during the year that the trumpet played a very special role; and that was
during the ―Feast of Trumpets‖. They were blown ten days prior to the typical Day of Atonement and
were to be a warning of the soon coming close of judgment which resulted from the investigative
judgment.
Concerning the role of the trumpet in sacred history, Brother S.N. Haskell offers the following
valuable and insightful commentary found in his book entitled “The Cross and Its Shadow”:

―In obedience to the command of God, Moses made two silver trumpets to be used in calling
their assemblies and in regulating the journeyings of the children of Israel [Numbers 10:2].
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When the priests blew both the trumpets, all the people were to assemble at the door of the
tabernacle; if one trumpet sounded, only the princes responded [Numbers 10:2-8].
―The call for summoning to the religious assemblies was different from the sound of an
alarm, which was blown to gather the army for war. God promised that when they blew the
alarm for war, they should ‗be remembered before the Lord,‘ and should be saved from their
enemies [Numbers 10:9]…
―God designed that every blast of the trumpet blown by His people, whether for joy or for
sorrow, for worship or for war, should be a memorial, or reminder, of the power of God to
comfort, sustain, and protect His people; ‗that they may be to you,‘ He said, ‗for a memorial
before your God: I am the Lord your God.‘ [Numbers 10:10]. -- The Cross and Its Shadow, 201
by: Stephen N. Haskell, 1914

What is evident so far is that the trumpets were blown in a way as to express a condition that existed
at that time. If there was a need for a solemn assembly, then the trumpet tones would express that. And
likewise, if there was a need for alarm in connection with the threat of war or any other danger, the tones
of the trumpet blast would express that as well. The trumpet blast was to be a ―reminder of the power of
God to comfort, sustain, and protect His people‖. It was intended to be a comfort and encouragement in
a time of crisis. In fact they were assured that if they blew the trumpet, they would be delivered from
their enemy.
Now notice Haskell‘s closing remarks about the role of the trumpet:

―The prophet Joel evidently connected the closing work of the gospel on earth with the
blowing of the trumpets, for he writes as follows:-‗Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an
alarm in My holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord
cometh, for it is nigh at hand.‘‖ [Joel 2:1]. –Ibid.

So in Joel 2:1, we can now begin to better understand why, at the end of the world just before the
Sunday Law, we are commanded to blow the trumpet in Zion. We are facing a time just before us that is
to reveal the wise and foolish virgins within Adventism.
We also, as I understand it, are about to take the field of battle against Satan and the whole host of
hell, as the ―army‖ of God in defense of the Truth. And we need, therefore, the assurance that we will
prevail which is only enjoined upon those that will blow the trumpet and sound an alarm within
Adventism; giving it that certain sound that is to awaken God‘s people to the crisis just ahead—the Day
of the Lord!
Joel reveals plainly that he is very aware that the trumpet is to give a ―certain sound‖ that calls the
congregation together for a solemn assembly and that the trumpet is also to give a ―certain sound‖ that is
to be the alarm of war and gathers the army of God together:

―Gird yourselves, and lament, ye priests: howl, ye ministers of the altar: come, lie all night in
sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: for the meat offering and the drink offering is withholden
from the house of your God. (14) Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the
LORD, (15) Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the
Almighty shall it come.‖ -- Joel 1:13-15

―Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: (16) Gather the people,
sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the
breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.

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 -Children of Light-

(17) Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and
let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the
heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their
God?‖ -- Joel 2:15-17

The people of God that will comprise the 144k will comprehend and understand the dire necessity to
call for a solemn assembly as they see that day approaching and will heed Joel‘s command to ―blow‖
―the trumpet in Zion‖, and in so doing they will give that trumpet a certain sound—the sound to
assemble and ―cry unto the Lord‖ as they see the Day of the Lord approaching.
However, the trumpet was also blown as an alarm of danger and when there was a threat of war. And
in order to receive the promise of deliverance from their enemies [Numbers 10:9], they must be faithful
to give that trumpet a certain sound-a sound that awakens Adventism to their impending danger!

―Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and
wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among
the heathen: (20) But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him
into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the
utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done
great things. (21) Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.‖ --
Joel 2:19-21

Because I believe that the army described in verses two through eleven of chapter two are the 144k,
and that the ―Day of the Lord‖ will arrive at the Sunday law in the United States where the door of
probation closes on Adventism, this alone would warrant the need for the watchmen upon the walls of
Zion to blow the trumpet in Zion and sound the alarm! As God‘s faithful watchmen today within
Adventism recognize that the armies of Rome are rapidly approaching; as revealed in the image of the
beast being formed before our very eyes today, they will give that trumpet a ―certain‖ sound.

In summary: Joel‘s command to you and I to ―Blow ye the trumpet in Zion‖ is a reminder to ―…turn
ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend
your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.‖ Joel 2:12-13.
―Sound an alarm in my holy mountain‖ is expressing an awareness that the army of God is soon to
begin the work of ridding God‘s land of His enemies and therefore they must seek the promised blessing
of deliverance associated with the blowing of the trumpet and preparing their hearts for the work ahead.

VERSE 2
As I consider the second verse of Joel, I recognize that the “Day of the Lord” is two different things
to two different classes of people. To one class it‘s “a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of
clouds and of thick darkness” while a totally different class sees it “as the morning spread upon the
mountains”.
In the quote below you will see two classes portrayed; one are those who cry ―My God, we know
thee‖ when in reality they do not, and the other class are inferred; they are those who see the day of the
Lord exactly opposite, as you will see. In this quote, Sister White is identifying a condition that existed
within the church that was becoming saturated with Miller‘s teachings. But that history is prefiguring
ours as it is to repeat here at the end of the world.

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HERALDS OF THE MORNING

―It was needful that men should be awakened to their danger; that they should be roused to
prepare for the solemn events connected with the close of probation. The prophet of God
declares: ‗The day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?‘ Who shall stand
when He appeareth who is ‗of purer eyes than to behold evil,‘ and cannot ‗look on iniquity‘? Joel
2:11; Habakkuk 1:13.
To them that cry, ‗My God, we know Thee,‘ yet have transgressed His covenant, and
hastened after another god, hiding iniquity in their hearts, and loving the paths of
unrighteousness-- to these the day of the Lord is ‗darkness, and not light, even very dark, and
no brightness in it.‘ Hosea 8:2, 1; Psalm 16:4; Amos 5:20. ‗It shall come to pass at that time,‘
saith the Lord, ‗that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on
their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil.‘ Zephaniah
1:12. {GC 310.1}

While undoubtedly referencing the same “day of the Lord”, the Pen of Inspiration also makes a
powerful and extremely important distinction. By referencing the day of the Lord and showing that for
“these” it is a day of “darkness”, then without the slightest doubt there has to be another class who see
the day of the Lord as something completely different—maybe as “the morning spread upon the
mountains‖? I believe so!
AS THE MORNING
―Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and
terrible as an army with banners?‖-- Song of Solomon 6:10

This army of God that ―appears as the morning‖ will logically begin their work of fulfilling
the role of the 144k when the Sunday law begins. I say that in connection with Isaiah 60:1-5:

―Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For,
behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall
arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light,
and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather
themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be
nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be
enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the
Gentiles shall come unto thee.‖-- Isaiah 60:1-5

The abundance of the sea cannot begin to be converted unto the 144k until the Sunday law arrives.
So when we compare Joel‘s, Solomon‘s and Sister White‘s testimony above, it becomes clear that they
are all teaching the same thing and speaking about the very same event; the ―day of the Lord‖.
This is also in harmony with the testimony of Daniel 11:40-45 where we see the emergence of the
144k begin when the KON enters the Glorious land--at the Sunday law, and the 144k begin to give the
loud cry message that diverts the waters flowing into Babylon unto the mountain of the Lord (Isaiah 2:2-
3). This diverting is symbolizing the conversion of the ―abundance of the sea‖.
The light that “is come” in Isaiah sixty at the Sunday law began to come in a progressive manner on
9-11 as the angel of Rev. 18 descended. But that light/glory being progressive in its nature, doesn‘t
arrive in full until the Sunday law; when the loud cry begins and the latter rain is poured out ―without
measure‖. Here‘s why I say that.

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The ―Glorious manifestation of the power of God‖ extended from 1840-44 and these dates
correspond to 9-11 and Michael standing up. Now notice something very important-- the first test in
connection with the empowerment of the first angel‘s message didn‘t occur until June of 1842, which
aligns itself with the Sunday law. The first angel‘s message is empowered in 1840 and a testing process
begins. But the first actual test in connection with that empowerment will not be seen until June of 1842
when a specific date/time is set before the people prompting a decision.
Likewise, when the angel began to descend on 9-11 ―the light for that time‖ was given and the 1st
angel‘s message was empowered. Why do I say that? I understand that the third angel‘s message is a
blending of all three messages. That would mean that on 9/11 the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd angel‘s messages were
empowered when this fourth angel joined it.
But that ―light‖, which began on 9/11 as the angel of Revelation 18 began to descend, is also
progressive in nature and its first purpose is to prepare a people within Adventism for the arrival of the
first test to follow 9/11; the national Sunday Law. And the arrival of this test parallels the test of June,
1842; for it was the first test to follow August of 1840.

My point: When that test comes at the Sunday law, the firstfruits of the kingdom of ―glory‖ begin to
be manifested or ―lifted up‖ (They “arise” Isa.60:1); beginning first within America. Thus, the ―glory‖
of the Lord ―is risen‖ upon them and it‘s here that we see the beginning of the transition of God‘s
people into the ―Glorious Holy Mountain‖.
It is here at this point also that we will see the Gentiles begin to come ―to thy light‖ (Isa. 60:3). And
we‘re told that that light is the ―glory‖ of the Lord that has risen upon them. Here, at the Sunday law,
the Gentile world will begin to flow together unto ―the mountain of the Lord‘s house‖ (Isaiah 2:2)
because ―out of Zion shall go forth the law‖ (v.3).

―Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the
morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.‖--
Hosea 6:3

I understand that Christ, the same angel of Revelation 10, begins to go forth at 9-11 as the morning;
meaning that His light/glory progressively increases beginning at 9-11 and that it is not “risen upon
thee” until the SL/DOL where it is to be revealed in the personage of His saints and the sharp, fiery
message they proclaim.
Also, as a side note, I suspect that when Jesus says that He will send both the ―former‖ and the
―latter‖ rain, that what He really intends to convey by those words is that it is to mark the ―full‖
outpouring; because if you have both the former and latter, you have the rain in its ―fullness‖.
That light would then end when Michael stands up. And I understand that light/glory to represent
both a message and character. But notice the two classes in the following quote and how the description
dovetails with Joel:

―But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For
yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when
they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a
woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day
should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we
are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch
and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in
the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love;
and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.‖-- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8

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When comparing the inspired language that Joel employs to describe the DOL, with that that Paul
employs when describing the same day in the verses above, it should be easy for us to see that they both
are clearly speaking about the same DOL. However Paul brings confirmation that there are two classes
manifested when the Day of the Lord arrives. The SOP acknowledges that fact as well by demarcating
one class, at that point in time, which sees that day as a day of darkness.
So then logically speaking, if there are only two classes in the world, then the other class, contrasted
with those that see it as a day of darkness, would then naturally see that day as a day of light—or as the
―morning‖.
To me the verses above do a great work in bringing many themes of thought together and
substantiating them. For example: (1) The ―drunkards‖ of Joel are associated with those that see that day
as darkness while the ―sober‖ would naturally be associated with those that see that day as the morning.
(2) Clearly the drunkards are those drinking the wine of Babylon and will be lost, while the sober are
living by a ―thus sayeth the Lord‖ and will join the ranks of God‘s great army at the SL; if we hold that
all of the prophets are speaking about the end of the world.
UPON THE MOUNTAINS
I understand these mountains to be the other religious entities that comprise Babylon that will, in the
Day of the Lord, be esteemed lesser in spiritual status because of the loud cry testing message that is
going forth and diverting her waters. ―Out of Zion shall go forth the law‖ [Isa.2:3] is speaking of the
Loud Cry message of Revelation 18 combined with the messages of Revelation 14 concerning the
Sabbath test.
In the verses describing God‘s army in chapter two of Joel, I see the identical language of the story
of Joshua and the overthrow of Jericho; which is prefiguring the overthrow of Babylon at the end of the
world. Therefore, when we are considering the conquest of the enemy within the borders of Canaan here
at the end of the world, we can see that the nations comprising Babylon that are to be conquered are to
be represented as ―mountains‖:

―And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron,
from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of
Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities. There was none of the Anakims left in the
land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. So Joshua
took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an
inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from
war.‖-- Joshua 11:21-23

The bible gives us a second testimony to the fact that in the ―Day of the Lord‖, Christ will send His
army to overthrow spiritual Canaan and rid the land of His enemies; and it is found in Zephaniah—a
companion study to the Book of Joel which teaches the same principles:

―Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the
LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that
there shall be no inhabitant.‖-- Zephaniah 2:5
A GREAT PEOPLE
I have made this point many times before but it bears repeating here again. When the day of the
Lord—the Sunday law, arrives, there will be two armies to take the field—not just one. Unfortunately
for me, all too often I see a stronger emphasis placed upon Rome, to the gross neglect of the army of
God; that is mightier than the armies of Rome and who will overcome that army according to John‘s
testimony in Revelation 17:14.
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We see these two armies portrayed also in Daniel 11:40-45 when we see a company giving the
―tidings out of the east and out of the north‖ and again in Ezekiel 37 where there is an ―exceeding great
army‖ that stands up upon their feet after receiving a prophetic message.

―The two armies will stand distinct and separate, and this distinction will be so marked
that many who shall be convinced of truth will come on the side of God's commandment-keeping
people. When this grand work is to take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict,
many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be
martyrs for Christ's sake in standing in defense of the truth. They will be brought before kings
and rulers, and before councils to meet the false, absurd, and lying accusations brought against
them, but they must stand firm as a rock to principle, and the promise is, ‗As thy days so shall
thy strength be.‘‖ (Deuteronomy 33:25). -- {1888 Materials, 484.1}

―And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that
cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.‖-- 1 Kings 3:8

It‘s my belief that the correct understanding of the description: “a great people and a strong”, is
substantiated in the verses that follow it and likewise in the companion book of Zephaniah. I believe that
the bible teaches that the reason they are deemed mighty and strong is not because of their size or
numbers but solely because Jesus is in the midst of His people- His army!

“In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be
slack. The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee
with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.‖-- Zephaniah 3:16-17

―In that day‖ would point us to the day of the Lord which begins at the Sunday law and it‘s there that
the 144k emerge perfectly reflecting His character- He is “in the midst of” them!

―The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens
and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the
children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy
mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.‖-
- Joel 3:16-17

While I recognize that that term ―great‖ can also apply to numbers, the words ―and a strong‖ that are
connected with it, point us to and support an understanding that I believe not only Joel but all of the
prophets are upholding- that God‘s people are ―mighty‖ and ―strong‖ ONLY because of Christ being in
the midst of them: ―If God be for us, who can be against us‖? [Rom. 8:31]. The Old Testament is littered
with accounts of victories gained when they recognized who their true strength was and stopped trying
to do it in their own strength.
―And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me‖-- 2 Corinth. 12:9

We can see this theme all throughout scripture. This theme IS the everlasting gospel. It IS the
mystery of Godliness that is to be accomplished in His saints! And at the risk of seeming to labor this
point:

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―These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall
make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King
of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.‖-- Revelation 17:13-14

Here we see the 144k represented as the Lamb. Why? Why not the Lion of the tribe of Judah; a
warring beast? I believe it‘s because Jesus is trying to make an intentional and specific statement as to
the character of those that will comprise the 144k and finish the work.
Remember the theme of Joel: The immanent coming of Christ at the SL for Adventism- for the
drunkards and the sober in 1 Thess. 5. And Jesus‘ character will have to have been perfectly reproduced
within them until they, like Christ, can say: ―If you‘ve seen me you‘ve seen Jesus‖ or like Paul: ―It‘s not
I that live but Christ in me‖.
This is the sentiment that I firmly believe Christ is trying to convey through the prophet Joel and
likewise through all of the prophets as he begins to describe in detail His “army” that will “executeth
his word” Joel 2:11.
“NOT BEEN EVER THE LIKE”
Maybe there is evidence beyond what I see at this point to change my thoughts concerning this
statement, and I‘m open to that, but I find it interesting that when we consider all of the armies described
in the bible from Genesis to Revelation, there is only one army that I know of that has never been before
and that army cannot be revealed until the day of the Lord arrives! It was future to Joel and I believe it is
future to us today. It‘s the army of Ezekiel 37—the 144k! We‘ve seen the armies of Rome and Islam.
“EVEN TO THE YEARS OF MANY GENERATIONS”
You may find it interesting to discover that the term “many generations”, as found in the bible, is
ALWAYS employed in reference to God‘s people ONLY.

VERSE 3
“A FIRE DEVOURETH”:
Before I address what I understand the fire to actually be, I would like to make what I feel is a very
important point concerning the fire in chapter one. I first believe that this fire in chapter one is the same
fire of chapter two.
As I stated earlier, in chapter one Joel is setting forth a sequence of events that begin when the
armies of Rome come up upon God‘s glorious land at the Sunday law. And these events extend all the
way down to the seven last plague time period as evidenced by Sister White in The Great Controversy,
p628.1 In fact she references from verse ten, all the way to the end of the chapter, excepting verses
thirteen to sixteen where we see a call to repent before it‘s too late.

Because I believe that chapter two is a repeat and enlarge but with a different focus—that being
upon the ―sober‖ that emerge from within the ranks of Adventism, I can see that this fire is the very
same fire. And the effects of that fire are identical to those found in chapter two. I do not believe that
they are two separate fires, nor do I believe that it‘s the false messages of Rome.
My reasoning for this is based in part on the account of Nadab and Abihu. They prefigure a people
here at the end of the world that will choose to employ a ―strange‖ fire in their work; a false message.
They will chose this strange fire because, like Nadab and Abihu, they will have been made drunk on the
wine of Babylon. Consider as well that Nadab and Abihu; having chosen to use the ―strange‖ fire, were
consumed by a fire of God‘s own kindling; a ―holy‖ fire, and not by the ―strange‖ fire they chose to
employ.

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When Christ was to ―consume‖ these wicked men for their sinful act, He did NOT use ―strange fire‖.
The fire of Joel, when compared with Zephaniah‘s second witness, is to destroy ALL of God‘s enemies
including Babylon; and she will not be ―devoured‖ by her own false messages. I don‘t see any
justification for concluding that the fire of Rome suddenly switches to some other fire that then
consumes them.
THE FIRE
Concerning what the fire is, I believe and will attempt to show that that fire is the ―loud cry‖
message—the word of God, attended by the power of the Holy Spirit and that at the Sunday law it is to
go forth to every green thing and nothing shall escape; and I am assuming here that we all understand
that grass and trees etc. represent people in the bible. Every soul will encounter the message and either
align themselves with Christ and help swell the loud cry or Satan and be consumed by that fiery
message. The following quotes are employed to show the extent to which this fiery ―loud cry‖ message
is given.

―The Lord has shown me clearly that the image of the beast will be formed before probation
closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be
decided.‖ {2SM 80.4}

―The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially
controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction
will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not.‖ GC 605.2

―The Sabbath question is a test that will come to the whole world…
―We have now the most solemn, important test given to us from the Word of God for this
special period of time. This test is for the whole world… There are storms before us, conflicts of
which few dream. Nothing should come in to divert our minds from the grand test which is to
decide the eternal destiny of a world,--the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.‖
{GCB, January 1, 1900 par. 9}

I believe that the day of the Lord is also when the ―glory‖ of the Lord “is risen” upon His army and
therefore we should expect to see glory associated with this fire: ―And Moses went up into the mount,
and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud
covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the
sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the
children of Israel.‖ Exodus 24:15-17. Take note that this ―glory‖ is manifested in connection with
Christ as he is entering into covenant with his people because when the SL arrives, Christ begins to enter
into covenant with His people. Therefore we should expect to see His glory begin to be revealed at that
same time.

―When Moses came down from the mount where he had been given a view of the glory of
God, his face was so lighted up that Aaron and all the children of Israel ‗were afraid to come
nigh him.‘ ‗And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation
returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. . . . And till Moses had done speaking with
them, he put a veil on his face.‘ They could not bear even the reflection of the glory of God.‖
{Youth Instructor, August 20, 1896 par. 3}

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Not only is the glory of Christ; as revealed in His people at the Sunday law, represented as a flame,
but also their loud cry message that is derived from the ―Word‖ of God. ―For the LORD thy God is a
consuming fire, even a jealous God.‖ ―But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand
when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap.‖ Deuteronomy 4:24, Malachi
3:2.
Understanding that the ―Lord‖ is Christ and Christ is the Word, we can now understand the harmony
of this verse: ―Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock
in pieces?‖ Jeremiah 23:29. We can justifiably begin to apply the symbol of this fire to the ―message‖
that the 144k are to proclaim to the world. But what is to be the effect of that message? ―Wherefore thus
saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth
fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.‖ Jeremiah 5:14.
So when the day of the Lord arrives and the word of God begins to be proclaimed as the ―Loud
Cry‖, it will behave as a fire; a fire that will “devour” the wicked who reject it! That‘s exactly what Joel
2:3 tells us. And I believe that this is a spiritual consuming because I firmly believe that the wicked are
only literally consumed AFTER Michael stands up.
“BEFORE THEM”
―Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and
mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, A people great and tall, the children
of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before
the children of Anak! Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth
over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down
before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said
unto thee.‖-- Deuteronomy 9:1-3

There is a principle set forth and testified to in both Joel and Zephaniah. That principle is that it‘s
Jesus who is “in the midst of” His people and that it is He that goes “before” His people and conquers
the enemy as a fiery and shaking message. ―A fire devoureth before them‖ ―The earth shall quake before
them…And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army‖ ―for the Lord dwelleth in Zion‖ ―The Lord
thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save‖ ―…the king of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst
of thee‖ ―The just Lord is in the midst thereof‖ (Joel 2:3, 10-11; 3:21; Zephaniah 3:17, 15, 5)
In Deuteronomy 9:1-3 he is a consuming fire. And it‘s important to note that this assertion is made
in connection with the overthrow of the enemies of God within Canaan; prefiguring the fall of Babylon
at the end of the world. And because all of the prophets are writing about the same day of the Lord, this
to me can be seen as a clear connection to Joel 2:7-9 and is evidenced by the language employed there. I
will share more on this point as we consider verses 7-9.

PENTECOST
I would assume that we all agree that Pentecost is pre-figuring the day of the Lord—the Sunday law
testing time when the loud cry is given. When we look back to that history we can see the very same
characteristics that I‘m setting before you today. There was fire connected with the early rain message:
―And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they
were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak…‖ (Acts 2:3-4) And if one tries to apply the
symbol of fire in these verses to the Holy Spirit alone, please consider that you will never find the Spirit
of God separate or apart from the Word of God, because this is the specific tool that the Spirit employs
to accomplish his work; both of separation from sin and of leading us into all truth. As a testimony to
this, we all recognize that the disciples could not have converted a total of eight thousand people without
the word they preached being attended by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Prior to Pentecost, there were two who had a totally different experience and testimony in connection
with the fiery words of Christ: ―And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he
talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke 24:32) The loud cry
message will be as a fire from the mouths of the righteous, and it will consume!
“BEHIND”
―A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.‖-- Psalms 97:3

―Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God shall come, and shall not
keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about
him.‖-- Psalms 50:2-3
AS THE GARDEN OF EDEN
In respect to it appearing as the garden of Eden, consider what makes up that garden. Trees, grass,
etc.

―And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit
on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought. And he looked up, and
said, I see men as trees, walking.‖-- Mark 8:23-24

―Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded;
they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as
corn blasted before it be grown up.‖-- 2 Kings 19:26

―The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it:
surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall
stand for ever.‖-- Isaiah 40:7-8

―And the bramble said unto the trees, If in truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and
put your trust in my shadow: and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars
of Lebanon.‖-- Judges 9:15

―For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon
every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: And upon all the cedars of Lebanon,
that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan.‖-- Isaiah 2:12-13

We can see that the green things of this earth are also representative of people; oaks, cedars, grass,
tender herb, corn, etc.. In fact, the olive tree is used to represent the whole nation of Jews as exampled in
the cursing of the fig tree. You also have the parable of the vineyard that describes as well how God
relates greenery to a people. So for the prophet to state that it was ―as the garden of Eden before them,
and behind them a desolate wilderness‖ is teaching us that every soul will encounter the loud cry
message and either be destroyed by the fiery message (spiritually) or join the ranks of God‘s army.
That‘s why there is nothing behind them. The converts are keeping step with the army who is issuing the
fiery and consuming message.
When I consider verse three, I see a parallel to chapter one. The ―word of God‖, as a fire, consumes
everything green, ―as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness‖, just as
the four insects do in chapter one. But, in chapter one it‘s not the ―word of God‖ but the ―word of man‖
that is consuming and destroying and it is not represented by fire but rather as wine!

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In other words, just as the ―word of man‖ is symbolized by insects that ―consume‖; leaving nothing
behind, in like manner the ―word of God‖ is symbolized by a fire that likewise will ―consume‖ and
―nothing shall escape them‖.
Consider this perspective:
CHAPTER 1: 4 INSECTS (WORD OF MAN)
Consume all green foliage.
Leave nothing behind.
No green - no life.
Teachings of men (Doctrines of Rome)
CHAPTER 2: FIRE (WORD OF GOD)
Consumes all green things. (Joel 2:3- ―as the garden of Eden before them‖)
Leaves nothing behind. (Joel 2:3- ―Nothing shall escape‖)
No green - no life.
Word of God. (Jer. 23:29; 4:23-24)

A DESOLATE WILDERNESS
In order to understand the use of the word ―wilderness‖, let us consider how Isaiah employs it in
describing a time when the Spirit/rains are to be poured down:

(9) ―Rise up, ye women that are at ease; hear my voice, ye careless daughters; give ear unto
my speech.
[Here Jerusalem is being addressed, as portrayed by the ―careless daughters‖, and we can see
that they are to hear the latter rain message that‘s deemed His ―voice‖.]
(10) Many days and years shall ye be troubled, ye careless women: for the vintage shall fail,
the gathering shall not come. (11) Tremble, ye women that are at ease; be troubled, ye careless
ones: strip you, and make you bare, and gird sackcloth upon your loins. (12) They shall lament
for the teats, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine. (13) Upon the land of my people shall
come up thorns and briers; yea, upon all the houses of joy in the joyous city: (14) Because the
palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for
dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks; (15) Until the spirit be poured upon us
from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a
forest.‖ -- Isaiah 32:9-15

The ―wilderness‖, at one level, is pointing us to a condition that results from those who encounter
the latter rain but reject it. They will have rejected the Holy Spirit. So when the 144k begin to give the
loud cry message; a call to come out of Babylon, two classes will be manifested and those that receive
the latter rain will join the ranks of the army that is giving this fiery message. Therefore, whoever rejects
the rain becomes a desolate wilderness.
A HURDLE
When I consider Joel 2:3 and the possibility that this army is Rome, I‘m confronted with a
discrepancy that I cannot rectify, and it‘s this: If in Daniel 11:41 we understand that there are those that
escape out of the papacy‘s hand: ―but these shall escape out of his hand‖, then how can we apply this
verse in Joel which states that ―nothing shall escape them‖? Maybe there‘s a simple answer. If so, praise
the Lord.
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However, I apply ―and nothing shall escape them‖ in this way: There are none that will escape the
fiery, loud cry warning message. And as a result they will either join the ranks of those proclaiming the
loud cry message and help to swell that cry or be consumed by the fire as stubble.

FIRE’S OBJECTIVE
TO PURGE THE LAND
The objective of the fire is to purge the “land” (the earth) of all the wicked in order that the people
of God can take possession of it; in the same manner that Joshua was to purge the land of Canaan prior
to, and in order that, the people of God could ―possess‖ it fully: ―for within three days ye shall pass over
this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.‖ Joshua
1:11.
But they fell short of their commission of ridding the land of the enemy; even though they took
possession of most of the land: ―Thou (Joshua) art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet
very much land to be possessed.‖ Joshua 13:1.
But that will not be the case with the 144k; because as Jesus succeeded where Adam failed, so too
the 144k—a type of Christ, will succeed where Joshua failed:
―Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my
determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine
indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.‖
Zephaniah 3:8. The land is an integral part of the covenant that He is about to enter into with His final
covenant people; that‘s why there is such a tremendous emphasis placed upon ridding the land of the
enemy by a majority of the prophets. The land is that one-third part that will comprise the kingdom
Jesus is soon to return and take possession of.
I do not believe that ―all the earth shall be devoured‖ means that all are to be lost, but rather that all
will encounter the fiery loud cry message and ―nothing shall escape them‖—and this message is
described as His indignation! ―Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger,
and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a devouring fire:‖
Isaiah 30:27. To the wicked, the life saving message He sends is as a flame that ―consumes‖ them
(Zephaniah 1:2-3). The same is said of the stone when it breaks Babylon into pieces; it ―consumes‖ the
kingdoms of Babylon (Daniel 2:44). And in the language of Joshua, ―and they utterly destroyed all that
was in the city‖. Nothing escaped alive except those in Rahab‘s house who separated themselves from
the ones marked for destruction.
The objective of the army in Joel is the same as that of the army of Joshua and the stone of Daniel 2.
The stone of Daniel two and the army of Joel two are both representing the 144k who will overthrow
and conquer Babylon at the end of the world—finally ridding His land of the enemy; something Joshua
fell short of accomplishing! It would seem only right that Jeremiah 51 would employ the language of
Joshua, Daniel and Joel when describing what the ―army‖ or ―stone‖ or the 144k are to destroy. And
notice that when Jeremiah is speaking about what will be destroyed in Babylon, he points to the same
things found in Joel‘s account of the DOL:
‗The portion of Jacob is not like them; for he is the former of all things: and Israel is the rod
of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts is his name. Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war:
for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms; And with
thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the
chariot and his rider; With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will
I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the
maid; I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I
break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces
captains and rulers.
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And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they
have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD. Behold, I am against thee, O destroying
mountain, saith the LORD, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon
thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.‖-- Jeremiah
51:19-25

By combining the language of Joshua, Daniel and Joel we can see that Jeremiah is employing their
very language to describe what is to be broken in pieces and consumed.
―And nothing shall escape them‖ Joel 2:2. When the army of God goes forth with the fiery loud cry
―message‖, none shall be exempt and the result will be that: ―the whole land shall be devoured by the
fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land‖ and he
―will utterly consume all things from off the land.‖ Zephaniah 1:2, 18. The land, that one-third part that
makes up the kingdom that Christ is to receive upon His return, has to be secured before His return—
spiritually; by the subjects that are employed as His army—the 144,000.
TO CONSUME THE PALACES
Amos sheds even more light as to the role of the fire discussed in Joel. After quoting Joel 3:16 in
Amos 1:2, Amos reveals that a fire is sent after the fourth transgression of each different and successive
nation described in Amos 1:3-2:5 totaling seven nations in all; not including the eighth which is Israel.
Now, it‘s worth noting that the fire always devours the ―palaces‖; representative of the civil powers
or state. Now then, do we see where a message is employed to bring down the civil powers—the armies
of Rome at the end of the world? ―These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome
them‖ Revelation 17:14. The 144k overcome and conquer the civil powers, the armies of Rome as
represented by the ten kings, and they accomplish this through ―tidings‖ out of the east and the north
according to Daniel 11; the loud cry ―message‖.
In the language of Daniel two, the army of the 144k ―break in pieces‖ Babylon, as personified in the
armies of Rome, as the loud cry message goes forth: ―Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and
like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?‖ Jeremiah 23:29. The result of that message is
expressed as: ―he shall come to his end, and none shall help him‖.
In the language of Joshua: ―So the people shouted (Loud cry) when the priests blew with the
trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted
with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man
straight before him, and they took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man
and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.‖ Joshua 6:20-21.
CLOSING THOUGHT ON THE “FIRE”
As I suggested earlier in this document, I strongly believe that the accumulative evidences reveal
that the ―fire‖ referenced at the close of chapter one in Joel is the very same fire in chapter two—a holy
message, and it‘s simply describing the results of the loud cry message that goes forth as a consuming
fire.
One might suggest that it is representing the destructive work of an unholy message; the teachings of
men, but I‘ve noticed that the term ―fire‖ within the book of Joel has only been employed in connection
with God‘s army in chapter two and the message they give. It comes forth from them. The teachings of
men are represented as the wine that intoxicates Adventism in chapter one; not fire.

As you consider the wording of Joel 1:19-20; where he is describing the after effects of the fire, it is
apparent that he is describing the condition of things after the fire has done its work. Factoring in that
the SOP places these verses as fulfilling in the seven plague time period (GC 628.1),

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then this fire would have to have burned prior to Michael standing up and that is in complete harmony
with the collective testimony of the bible; that the fire begins at the Sunday law/DOL when a fiery
message began to go forth into the whole world. And ―nothing‖ escaped that fiery message; resulting in
a condition as described by Joel in verses 19-20.
THE APPEARANCE OF HORSES
Zechariah 10:1 establishes the context of the verses that follow and establishes that in the latter rain
time period there is a condition that develops within Judah; his church: ―For the idols have spoken vanity,
and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their
way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd.‖ In consequence to their condition, He
then visits them in judgment at the SL and those that remain are made His goodly horse in the battle: ―Mine
anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his
flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.‖ Zechariah 10:2-3
Christ visits the house of Judah (Adventism) at the Sunday law or day of the Lord. This is in
harmony with Zephaniah 1:12 ―And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with
candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do
good, neither will he do evil.‖
As a result of visiting the house of Judah, verse five tells us that ― they shall be as mighty men, which
tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD
is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

An observation: In Joel 2:2, 5, 7, 11; Zephaniah 1:14, 3:16-17 and Zechariah 10:5, we discover that
it‘s only after the Sunday law or Day of the Lord arrives, that we see the people of God being labeled a
“mighty” and “strong” people.

―A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning
spread upon the mountains: a great (mighty-h7227) people and a strong; there hath not been
ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.‖ (5) Like
the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that
devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.(7) They shall run like mighty men; they
shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall
not break their ranks: (11) And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is
very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very
terrible; and who can abide it?‖-- Joel 2:2, 5, 7, 11.

Zephaniah 1:14 The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the
voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

Zechariah 10:5 ―And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the
mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the
riders on horses shall be confounded.‖

These labels are applied only after Christ ―hath visited his flock the house of Judah‖ or Adventism at
the Sunday law. Why are they deemed at that time to be ―mighty‖ and ―strong‖? That question, I
believe, is answered most fully only as we begin to understand the deeper implications of Zephaniah
3:17.

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It is only when Christ is perfectly formed within that we become mighty and strong! Amen? Because
He ONLY is mighty and strong. And this will occur when the day of the Lord arrives and the church is
purified. I believe that this theme is not often allowed to weigh in to the overall interpretation as it was
intended.

―Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me

for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from
generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is
the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of
glory:‖-- Colossians 1:25-27

I believe that this ―mystery‖ that He desires to ―make known‖ today is ―Christ in you, the hope of
glory‖! And it‘s this theme that is being emphasized so strongly within the pages of Joel. He‘s speaking
to the ―old men‖ or ―ancient men‖ of Adventism and warning them of the nearness of the day of the
Lord and that they need to prepare a character beforehand that reflects the character of the One they
profess in order to meet with Him in peace and escape the punishment to be executed upon the
drunkards.
HORSEMEN, SO SHALL THEY RUN:
―And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king. And
he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and
appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before
his chariots.‖-- 1 Samuel 8:10-11

In addition to manning chariots, horsemen were also those who ran before the king of Israel‘s
chariot. And I‘m fairly certain we are all familiar with the account of Elijah who, after the ―seven times‖
test, in the time when the rain began falling without measure, ran before the chariot of the king of Israel.

―And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of
rain. So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast
himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up
now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said,
Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth
a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy
chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the mean while, that
the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to
Jezreel. And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to
the entrance of Jezreel.‖-- 1 Kings 18:41-46

The 144k are typified in and prefigured by the prophet Elijah and the Carmel experience. Because of
this, I understand that the circumstances surrounding the Mount Carmel experience of his day are more
accurately applied to us here at the end of the world. So when I read: ―as horsemen so shall they run‖, I
naturally conclude that this is to occur when the latter rain, or “great rain”, begins to fall without
measure; when the day of the Lord arrives, and that the Elijah‘s in that day (144k) will begin to run
before the true King of Israel‘s (Christ‘s) chariot. I understand this to be the time of the perfect
fulfillment of the Carmel experience, understanding that that history was to reach its complete or perfect
fulfillment here at the end of the world (1 Corinth. 10:11; 1 Peter 1:12; 3SM, 338.1).

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“LIKE THE NOISE OF CHARIOTS ON THE TOPS OF MOUNTAINS SHALL THEY LEAP,”
I will now begin to show why I have concluded that these chariots are to represent God‘s people, but
first I would like to qualify the ―mountains‖ that they are leaping on top of as ―a flame of fire that
devoureth the stubble‖.
In Jeremiah 51:19, we read that the ―rod of his inheritance‖ is Israel (144k) and the verses that
follow tell of a work of destruction that is to be accomplished by this ―rod‖ against Babylon. ―And I will
render unto Babylon and to all of the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in
your sight, saith the Lord‖ (verse 24).
We then discover that in verse 25 Babylon is represented as a mountain that is burnt. Notice then,
that the bible parallels the work of the 144k as the ―rod of his inheritance‖ and their ―breaking in
pieces‖, to the destructive work of ―fire‖. In this we see a parallel connection to Daniel 2 where the
stone, the 144k, are to ―break in pieces‖ the false system of worship as represented by the image through
a loud cry message.
So then, the work of the 144k in Jeremiah 51:19-25, can be seen as paralleling the work of fire and
resulting in the burnt mountain of Babylon. However, this mountain is said to be comprised of ―nations‖
in the plural. Babylon therefore is not representative of a single mountain or nation, but is comprised of
nations or mountains in the plural. Just as Babylon is not a singular religion but is a confederacy of
every apostate religion, she will not consist of a single mountain but rather a confederacy of many
mountains or hills. This, in my opinion, is a very important fact to retain.
FIERY CHARIOTS
As we now begin to consider how the 144k are to be represented by the fiery chariots in Joel 2:5, we
turn to the book of Nahum; specifically chapter‘s two and three.
It is here that we see the destruction of Nineveh/Babylon vividly described. However, as an
introduction or prelude to this description, we hear a woeful pronouncement in chapter one; verses nine
to fourteen, upon Nineveh/Babylon, as Christ is clearly speaking directly to them. Then Nineveh hears
Christ say: ―Behold‖!
As chapter two approaches there is a call to Nineveh to ―behold upon the mountains‖ a particular
people. They are to consider ―the feet of him that bringeth good tidings‖; and these “tidings” are being
given upon the “mountains” (plural) that make up Nineveh/Babylon; because Nineveh is symbolic of
Babylon and Babylon is comprised of mountains in the plural (Isaiah 2:1-3).
I understand these people upon the mountain to be the very same as found in Daniel 11:44 who are
giving the loud cry message described as ―tidings‖ because all of the prophets are writing about the end
of the world.
Remembering that Joel 2:5 says: ―Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains‖ (plural), I see
this as a parallel description pointing to those who are giving a message called ―tidings‖ in Nahum 1:15.
First notice that there is a message to be given, or ―tidings‖, and that it is to be accomplished by
Judah. Please take notice also that this proclamation in verse fifteen comes directly on the heels of, and
in direct connection with, a declaration by Christ in the preceding verses concerning the immanent fate
of Nineveh; that He “will make thy grave; for thou art vile”; pointing us to the immanent destruction to
be accomplished in the following verses by those whose feet are bringing a ―fiery‖ message or ―tidings‖
that Jeremiah 51 states will render them a ―burnt mountain‖.
―He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy
loins strong, fortify thy power mightily. For the LORD hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the
excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.‖

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In these two verses, I see that the language, considered in its context, is unmistakably pointing us to
Nineveh as the one who is to ―fortify thy power mightily‖ because he that ―dasheth‖ or ―breaketh in
pieces‖, the 144k, is ―come up‖ before Nineveh‘s face-- in a time when the ―good tidings‖ are being
proclaimed by Judah. This is who Jesus had called to Nineveh to ―behold‖ in the verse just before.
―Dashesth in pieces‖ (H6327), is also translated ―breaketh in pieces‖ and is the identical language
employed by Jeremiah in Jeremiah 51:20-23 and Daniel 2:44, when describing the work of the 144k as
they are to bring down Babylon at the end of the world.
Consider this: For one class the messages are ―good tidings‖ while for another class they ―break in
pieces‖.
Nineveh is counseled to ―fortify their power mightily‖ and ―keep the munitions‖ because Jesus has
sent His ―mighty men‖ and ―valiant men‖ whose ―chariots shall be with flaming torches‖.
In chapter two verse one; the 144k are those ―mighty‖ and ―valiant‖ men who are poised to ―break in
pieces‖ the city of Nineveh (spiritually) at the end of the world through the proclamation of a ―fiery‖
loud cry message or ―good tidings‖.
In the first part of verse three there is an emphasis upon the shield and garments being red: ―The
shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet:‖ Now consider Isaiah 63:1-6:

―Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah (h1224: sheepfold)?
this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?‖ (Notice the
answer) ―I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.‖

Now, if we correctly apply this at the end of the world, we will admit that this could not be referring
to Christ personally but rather to those who are perfectly reflecting His character and are the
ambassadors of heaven; as Christ remains in the most Holy place until probation closes. Therefore this
would have to be the 144k that Isaiah is writing about.

―Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the
winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will
tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon
my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.‖

I understand that this work is accomplished spiritually not physically. This language speaks of the
battle between Truth and error, Light and darkness as the 144k begin to proclaim a life saving message;
making the 144k saviors symbolically. And during this battle, where darkness is trying to counteract
light, two classes are clearly being revealed and the wicked are ―broken in pieces‖ spiritually and their
blood is symbolically staining the garments of the righteous as they are trodden under foot. You see,
they failed to fall on the Rock Christ Jesus and now comes the time when He, through the personage of
His saints, falls upon them and grinds them to a powder!

―For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I
looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore
mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury [His word-Jeremiah 25:15], it upheld me.
And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury [His word-
Jeremiah 25:15], and I will bring down their strength to the earth.‖ -- Isaiah 63:1-6

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The shield and garments being red is pointing to a people that perfectly reflect the character of the
one ―mighty to save‖ and as well points us to the day of the Lord when He will tread the people in His
anger and trample them in His fury in the personage of His saints—the 144k!; not physically or literally
but spiritually: ―and their blood shall be sprinkled upon‖ His ―garments‖ and all of His raiment will be
stained.
This is symbolically accomplished through the 144k and the voice of Christ as heard in the Loud Cry
message.
As a second witness to the staining of the garments of the 144k during the loud cry time period due
to the treading down of the grapes, notice Jeremiah‘s parallel testimony:

―For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be
utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the
inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore prophesy thou against them all these
words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy
habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread
the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. A noise shall come even to the ends of the
earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give
them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.‖-- Jeremiah 25:29-31

And what about the shield? In forty-four verses the word ―shield‖ is found predominantly naming
Christ as a shield. For God to tread the people in His anger and trample them in His fury in the ―day‖ of
His vengeance parallels the same work as the flames that are to consume all of the wicked.
FLAMING TORCHES
“The chariots shall be with flaming torches” (verse 3) is a term that would therefore be associated
with God‘s army- the ‗mighty‖ and ―valiant‖ men, the 144k.

―The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see. Lift ye up a banner upon the
high mountain, exalt the voice unto them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the
nobles. I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine
anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as
of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the LORD of
hosts mustereth the host of the battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven,
even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. Howl ye; for the
day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.‖-- Isaiah 13:1-6

Here is my reasoning: The book of Nahum is detailing the overthrow of Nineveh in 612 BC, but
Nineveh (KON) typifies and prefigures, as I understand it, the final overthrow of Babylon (KON) at the
end of the world; where God will ―make an utter end‖ and Nineveh/Babylon ―shall not rise up the
second time‖ (Nahum 1:9).
Generally speaking, if we hold that the party responsible for the overthrow of Nineveh in the book of
Nahum is Babylon, then we are effectually saying that it will be Babylon that overthrows Babylon at the
end of the world-spiritually or literally, and that does not harmonize with the testimony of the bible.
But this overthrow will be accomplished spiritually by one of the armies typified in Nahum. And
that army is to prefigure the 144k; who through the ―loud cry‖ ―good tidings‖ message, that as a fire,
will burn the mountain of Babylon and make her a ―burnt mountain‖ and she ―shall not rise up the
second time‖ (Nahum 1:9).

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So we need to become acquainted with those who were literally responsible for the overthrow of
Nineveh. However, let‘s first consider the overthrow of Babylon (KON) in the time of Belshazzar and
notice something interesting about that history that has a bearing on the history of Nineveh.
When Babylon was conquered under the direction of Cyrus of Persia, both the armies of the Medes
and Persians were involved.

―Even while he (Belshazzar) and his nobles were drinking from the sacred vessels of
Jehovah, and praising their gods of silver and of gold, the Medes and the Persians, having
turned the Euphrates out of its channel, were marching into the heart of the unguarded city. The
army of Cyrus now stood under the walls of the palace; the city was filled with the soldiers of the
enemy, ‗as with caterpillars‘ (verse 14); and their triumphant shouts could be heard above the
despairing cries of the astonished revelers.‖ {PK 531.2}

Notice what the bible says concerning Cyrus; ―Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose
right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open
before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut‖ and that he is the “shepherd” of
Jerusalem/Israel (Isaiah 44:28-45:4)
So Cyrus is a type of Christ. He is prefiguring Christ at the end of the world when, yet again, He will
direct His army against Babylon and accomplish its spiritual, and then after Michael stands up, its literal
overthrow—never to rise again. He will yet again come as a thief in the night to all of the drunkards as
in the time of Belshazzar.
The armies that Cyrus directed were comprised of two armies that formed a coalition in an effort to
dethrone the king of Babylon. That army was comprised of Medes and Persians.
PARALLEL
Here is the parallel. In both the account in Nahum and that given by the historians, it was likewise a
coalition of forces that came together to overthrow Nineveh (KON). In that coalition the Medes were
clearly the prominent force and were aided by the Persians, the Scythians, Cimmerians, Chaldeans and
Babylonians. And this battle occurred approximately 73 years prior to the overthrow of Belshazzar by
Darius and his nephew Cyrus. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Nineveh).
But what fascinates me about this account and points heavily toward the Medes and Persians as the
ones to prefigure the 144k, is that in this history portraying the overthrow of Babylon at the end of the
world, the gates are again left open: ―the gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be
dissolved‖ (Nahum 2:6).
Realistically however, could we really point to any of the other warring parties involved in the
account describing Nineveh‘s fall and find their counterpart at the end of the world and say that they will
be involved in the overthrow of Babylon spiritually? I answer no.
So when we are reading the account in the book of Nahum concerning the events describing the
overthrow of Nineveh, we can know that 1.) It‘s a description of the final overthrow of
Nineveh/Babylon at the end of the world beginning with the day of the Lord. And 2.) Therefore, their
overthrow will be accomplished by the 144k who are the anti-type of Medes/Persia.
“ALL FACES SHALL GATHER BLACKNESS”
―She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and
much pain is in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.‖-- Nahum 2:10

This occurs in the faces of those in Nineveh who are being conquered by God‘s army. But notice
also what occurs among the people of Babylon when again, His ―mighty ones‖, begin to fulfill His will
in the day of the Lord:
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―Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the
Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: And they shall be
afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that
travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.‖-- Isaiah 13:6-8

I have concluded that when it states that their faces ―gather blackness‖, that it‘s indicative of their
probation (in a broad or narrow sense) having closed; and they suddenly are aware of it:

―Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of them that dwell in a far
country: Is not the LORD in Zion? is not her king in her? Why have they provoked me to anger
with their graven images, and with strange vanities? The harvest is past, the summer is ended,
and we are not saved. For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black;
astonishment hath taken hold on me.‖-- Jeremiah 8:19-21

VERSE 7
THEY SHALL RUN LIKE “MIGHTY MEN”!
Who are the ―mighty men‖ when ―the day of the Lord‖ arrives? Our first witness is found in
Zephaniah:

―The great day of the LORD is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day
of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.‖-- Zephaniah 1:14-15

According to Zephaniah‘s testimony, the ―day of the Lord‖ has a voice connected with it. And
according to verse fourteen, the voice of the day of the Lord is represented as a ―bitter cry‖ that comes
from a ―mighty man‖. In order to understand this bitter cry that comes from a mighty man better, we go
to Isaiah for his testimony:

―Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands. The LORD shall
go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar [Joel
3:15]; he shall prevail against his enemies. I have long time holden my peace; I have been still,
and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once‖
[Zephaniah 1:18]. -- Isaiah 42:12-14

In these verses we are shown several important things. First we are told that Christ is the ―mighty
man‖; therefore He is the same ―mighty man‖ in Zephaniah 1:14. But we also know that Jesus is to
prefigure the 144k at the end of the world; who in the day of the Lord will perfectly reflect His character
and fulfill His will. So when we read about the accomplishments of Jesus in these verses, we are to
understand that it is representative of the accomplishments of the 144k in the day of the Lord. As a
second witness to that principle, notice John‘s testimony:

―These (ten kings) shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he
is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and
faithful.‖-- Revelation 17:14

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Just as in Isaiah‘s testimony, it is not Christ the Lamb that personally or literally wages war against
the ten kings, but rather it is through the 144k who perfectly reflect His character and fulfill His will that
He will overcome these kings. Besides, do we think that Christ will leave the most holy place where He
is interceding on our behalf and come to earth to wage a literal physical war BEFORE probation closes?
Therefore they; the 144k, are the ―mighty man‖ that cries bitterly in Zephaniah 1:14. We‘ll discuss
the cry in just a moment, but first notice that the 144k are also portrayed as behaving like ―a man of
war‖. This to me is very significant because Joel 2:7, when referring to the army under discussion, states
that: ―They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war.‖ I believe that Isaiah is
teaching the same principles that Joel is.
Notice that when the 144k cry, it‘s also described as a ―roar‖. That‘s interesting to me as well
because Joel, still speaking about the army described in chapter two of Joel, has this to say: ―The LORD
also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall
shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel‖ [Joel
3:16].
I believe that the combined testimonies of Joel and Isaiah here are teaching us that the ―cry‖ is in
fact the ―loud cry‖. And so that we understand the nature of that cry, we are told that it is also a “roar”.
In Revelation ten we see another example of Christ roaring and it occurs in the history that we are
repeating to the very letter. Notice:

―And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a
rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot
on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven
thunders uttered their voices.‖-- Revelation 10:1-3

In this instance, the ―loud cry‖ is also the ―roar‖. But what is the ―loud cry‖ or ―roar‖ to accomplish?
Notice John‘s testimony in chapter five:

―And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither
to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of
Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.‖--
Revelation 5:4-5

When we see Christ roaring, based on the testimony of God‘s word, we are to understand that it is to
represent a message coming forth from God‘s word that is given by Christ/144k as an increase of
knowledge in that history. This is what happened in the Millerite history. And the ―loud cry‖ will again
be the opening of God‘s word; specifically centering on the Sabbath commandment, to those in the
darkness and confusion of Babylon. And it will also be when Christ ―roars‖.
We are also told that ―he shall prevail against his enemies‖ [Isaiah 42:13] as a result of the ―roar‖ of
the 144k; the loud cry! The loud cry/roar conquers the enemy!
A BITTER CRY
Now let‘s understand the ―bitter cry‖ from scripture. Christ states through Isaiah: ―I have long time
holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will
destroy and devour at once.‖
In this we begin to gain an insight as to why it‘s a ―bitter‖ cry. Jesus says: ―I have long time holden
my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself.‖ Here is portrayed the conclusion of a long wait for
the great controversy to be over. But the time comes when He must do that which He has loathed to do;
destroy His creation.
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Those whom He gave His Son for who, until now, have been esteemed worthy of His every effort
and deemed precious in His sight yet have spurned every invitation to open the door of their hearts to
Jesus are now left to receive their due wages. Jeremiah, speaking of the identical point in time, expresses
it in this way:

―Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock:
for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a
pleasant vessel.‖-- Jeremiah 25:34

When I read this passage my mind‘s eye pictures a priceless irreplaceable vase from some far away
dynasty that is beautifully adorned with priceless stones and beautiful colors; the pride of an ancient
Artisan. And as He‘s holding it, it slips, in slow motion, from His grasp and falls irretrievably to the
floor; shattering into countless pieces never to be recovered.
I believe that this is what Jesus is trying to convey in His warning: ―and ye shall fall like a pleasant
vessel.‖ He also expresses it this way in Matthew 23:37: ―how often would I have gathered thy children
together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is
left unto you desolate.‖
When Jesus says that He will ―cry like a travailing woman‖, as expressed by Isaiah in chapter forty-
two, He is intending to convey the deepest heartfelt anguish and regret as He is forced to let go of that
priceless vase, stop upholding it with His righteous right hand and permit it to fall to the earth—lost for
eternity.
I WILL DESTROY AND DEVOUR AT ONCE
In keeping with the theme of Zephaniah, Isaiah also teaches that Jesus ―will destroy and devour at
once.‖ Not by coincidence, Christ in Zephaniah proclaims: ―for he shall make even a speedy riddance
of all them that dwell in the land.‖ Both Zephaniah and Isaiah are giving witness to the swift and rapid
destruction, spiritually, that is to come to ―all them that dwell in the land.‖

VERSES 7-9
THEY SHALL…
Having qualified who I believe the ―mighty men‖ to be according to God‘s word in verse seven, let‘s
now consider verses seven through nine and the things that the ―mighty men‖ are to accomplish in the
―day of the Lord‖.
Allow me to begin by first saying that I see in Joel chapter two, the depiction of an army that will
conquer Babylon at a spiritual level at the end of the world. This conquering begins with ―the Sunday
law‖ or the ―Day of the Lord‖, and continues until Michael stands up. This overthrow will be
accomplished through the giving of the Loud Cry message that is represented as a ―fire‖.
{NOTE: I understand that the ―day of the Lord‖ is not a point in time but a period of time that
begins when the Sunday Law arrives and extends to the executive judgment.}
Selected Messages, book 3, p.338 teaches us that ―each of the ancient prophets spoke less for their
own time than for ours.‖ So if my conclusion is accurate, when we are considering another passage in
the bible where a description of the overthrow of Babylon is being given, we should expect to find a
corroborating testimony that upholds and supports the same understanding I just mentioned; even if only
in part.
As I begin to substantiate my conclusion concerning the army of Joel two mentioned above, let me
say that I have found within verses seven through nine, the very same language and theme that Joshua
chapter six sets forth as it describes the conquering of Jericho through God‘s army; which prefigures the
conquering of Babylon at the end of the world through the 144k.
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BACKGROUND
Most of us are already acquainted with the story of Joshua and how he conquered Jericho so I will
only address the key connecting points; though you may see others beyond what I mention.
What is revealed in this story and I feel is extremely important for us all to recognize, is the role and
purpose of the ―land‖. It is an inseparable component of the covenant that was established between God
and His people from the beginning. This land is forever to be connected with the covenant people as it
typifies or prefigures the heavenly Canaan which is to be their eternal home.

In Leviticus 25:23, Moses makes it clear that the land is God‘s land and that He extends it only to
those who faithfully keep the covenant. And in Leviticus 26:33-34 we discover that the tenants are
evicted from off of His land for breaking the Holy Covenant. The land of the covenant that they were to
possess was Canaan. This is the very same land that Joshua is instructed to enter and take possession of
beginning with Jericho. And their victory is assured because Jesus has promised to accomplish the
victory on their behalf.
The city of Jericho is a symbol of Babylon at the end of the world, with the harlot Rahab and those
within her house representing those within Babylon that will choose to separate from the fallen churches
and follow Christ as they encounter the loud cry message. They survive the fiery message that consumes
the wicked and become part of the true church. In Joel, the Loud Cry message is represented as a fire,
but here in the account of Jericho it is a ―sword‖.
Jericho was to be the first of many cities that Joshua would overthrow under the direction of the
Lord in order to rid His land; that prefigured the heavenly Canaan, of the enemy in order for God‘s
people to possess it.
Please be aware also that the land of Canaan was occupied by many different tribes and thus
territories of people, beyond Jericho, with each having their respective city to overthrow. This truth will
have a bearing on our subject later in the study.
But the work of the removal of the enemy out of Canaan; God‘s land, was first to begin with Jericho.
―To reduce Jericho was seen by Joshua to be the first step in the conquest of Canaan.‖--
{Patriarchs and Prophets, 487.3}
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
Because Christ intentionally gave specific instructions to Joshua that were to detail both how they
were to assemble themselves and what their behavior would be once assembled; in order to conquer
Jericho, we are to see them as a pattern that is to foreshadow the method that He will employ in the final
and parallel overthrow of spiritual Babylon at the end of the world by God‘s army—the 144k. So notice:

First, they were to place their ―men of war‖ in the front of the procession:

―And he said unto the people, Pass on, and compass the city, and let him that is armed pass
on before the ark of the LORD.‖-- Joshua 6:7

Second, they were to place the seven priests before the ―ark‖ with ―rams‘ horns‖:
―And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken unto the people, that the seven priests bearing
the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and
the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.‖-- Joshua 6:8

What is so extremely important to see within this description, is that the verse states: they ―passed on
before the Lord.‖ It is crucial to see and understand that they considered walking before the ―ark‖ to be
walking before ―Jesus‖, or the presence of the ―ark‖ was considered the presence of ―Christ‖.

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In other words we see Joshua clearly representing Christ as being in the midst of His people as they
went forth to purge His land and conquer the enemy or Babylon! And this will be repeated again as the
final overthrow of Babylon is accomplished. This is where their strength lies and this will be where our
strength lies. Zephaniah confirms this principle and gives a second testimony to Joel in chapter three:

―The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee
with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.‖-- Zephaniah 3:17

Notice a description of the same conquest as given by Moses:

―Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and
mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, A people great and tall, the children
of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before
the children of Anak! Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which goeth
over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them down
before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD hath said
unto thee.‖-- Deuteronomy 9:1-3

This theme, to me, is the very heart of the everlasting Gospel; Christ “in you” the hope of glory!
Amen? It‘s about you and me inviting our merciful Savior into our hearts in order to accomplish a work
that we ourselves are powerless to do… before it‘s too late.
When we consider all of the stories and accounts within the bible, constantly we see Christ ever
trying to insert Himself in the midst of His people; literally or spiritually. When we look at the
wilderness tabernacle service we can see this clearly; Christ desired an intimacy with His people. As an
example of this, the high priest was given two stones to place upon his ephod in order that Jesus could
answer their questions directly; either by the Urim or the Thummim—a yes or no.
Also, Jesus would go before them as a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of smoke by day. Elsewhere
we read that He wanted to be the King of His people but instead they wanted a man to rule over them.
We see this also in the gospels; ―Immanuel‖—―God with us‖.
John likewise emphasizes this desire in chapter seventeen in the prayer of unity. This principle is all
throughout the bible and God‘s faithful, here at the end of the world, will understand and recognize it…
and reciprocate.
It is in the divinely inspired account, given through the prophet Joel, that this principle is most
vividly and forcefully set before us in order that we might be encouraged and provoked to a deeper level
of surrender; so that it may become our personal experience—Christ in us the hope of glory!

―The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens
and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the
children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy
mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any
more.‖-- Joel 3:16-17

―And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be
delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and
in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.‖-- Joel 2:32

There will be deliverance ―in the remnant‖ because Christ will have been formed within! Christ is
the deliverer:
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―The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I
will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.‖-- Psalms 18:2

Thirdly, the Ark of the Covenant is to follow the priests with trumpets, and then
Fourthly, the rest of the people, the rereward, came after the ark. They are following ―the Lamb
whithersoever He goeth‖!

My intention in detailing the way in which Christ had them arrange themselves for battle was to
reveal that Christ was actually ―in the midst‖ of them as they marched against Babylon; as symbolized
by Jericho. He had a specific purpose for arranging them in that way. Remembering therefore that He
shows the end from the beginning; at the end of the world, there will be a united emphasis upon this
same fact by the prophets and that‘s exactly what I see Joel doing in verses seven thru nine. It‘s the
identical language.

―They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war;‖

Compare this to:

―And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when
ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the
city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.‖--
Joshua 6:5

―So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when
the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the
wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and
they took the city.‖-- Joshua 6:20
We can reason from these verses in Joshua that when the walls fell, the people of God had to ascend
them. More than that, there were houses that remained on the tops of the walls that had not fallen when
the shout was given, that Gods people had to enter in order to destroy every living thing that breathed
within the city.

―And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old,
and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.‖-- Joshua 6:21

―The utter destruction of the people of Jericho was but a fulfillment of the commands
previously given through Moses concerning the inhabitants of Canaan: ‗Thou shalt smite them,
and utterly destroy them.‘ Deuteronomy 7:2. ‗Of the cities of these people, . . . thou shalt save
alive nothing that breatheth.‘ Deuteronomy 20:16.‖

It has been suggested that all of the walls fell flat; every one of them. I have not been able to find the
evidence that supports that conclusion; either in the Spirit of Prophecy or the bible. In fact the bible
states that ―the wall‖ singular ―fell down flat‖. And the SOP states:

―The walls of solid stone, with their massive towers and battlements, tottered and heaved
from their foundations, and with a crash fell in ruin to the earth. The inhabitants of Jericho were
paralyzed with terror, and the hosts of Israel marched in and took possession of the city.‖ --
Patriarchs and Prophets, 491.1

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Yes, in this statement there is clearly more than one wall represented as falling down contrasted with
the bible account in Joshua. However, there are not any quotes or further evidence to suggest; much less
support, the theory that ALL of the walls were thrown down. In fact, the bible describes the
circumstances surrounding the house of Rahab; that was poised atop the wall of Jericho, in a way that
rejects that theory. After the walls were cast down and the army of God climbed the walls and entered
through the windows and destroyed every living creature except those in Rahab‘s house, notice what
Joshua says to the two who made the covenant with Rahab:

―But Joshua had said unto the two men that had spied out the country, Go into the harlot's house,
and bring out thence the woman, and all that she hath, as ye sware unto her. And the young men that
were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all
that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.‖-- Joshua
6:22-23

If Rahab‘s house, being poised atop the wall of Jericho, came down with ALL of the walls, and yet
everyone survived without injury and the house remained intact, then that at the very least would have
been a miracle worthy of even the slightest mention in either the SOP or the bible. But they are both
silent.
The men of Joshua are told to enter the house; therefore it was still intact, and bring out those who
were in the house; revealing that everyone in the house was alive and well and could walk; and bring
them out of the city to a safe place.
I believe that the much more plausible and reasonable conclusion, based on the evidence in scripture
and the SOP, is that enough of the walls fell to render them defenseless and exposed them to the armies
of God but that certain portions remained intact. Specifically, but not limited to, that portion that
Rahab‘s house rested upon. And it is highly probable that there were other homes next to hers on the
wall still intact.
The house of Rahab was to be delivered from the general destruction because of her faithfulness and
this alone would have warranted God leaving that portion of the wall intact if not other sections as well.
―I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.‖ [Isaiah 41:10]
But beyond that is the fact that the city was not so utterly decimated structurally that attempts to
rebuild it were not made; even in the face of the curse pronounced upon it. In fact, not only was it rebuilt
but the waters also were restored by God:

―Five centuries passed. The spot lay desolate, accursed of God. Even the springs that had made
residence in this portion of the valley so desirable suffered the blighting effects of the curse. But in the
days of Ahab's apostasy, when through Jezebel's influence the worship of Ashtoreth was revived,
Jericho, the ancient seat of this worship, was rebuilt, though at a fearful cost to the builder. Hiel the
Bethelite ‗laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his first-born, and set up the gates thereof in his
youngest son Segub, according to the word of the Lord.‘ 1 Kings 16:34.‖
―Not far from Jericho, in the midst of fruitful groves, was one of the schools of the prophets, and
thither, after the ascension of Elijah, Elisha went. During his sojourn among them the men of the city
came to the prophet and said, ‗Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth:
but the water is nought, and the ground barren.‘ The spring that in former years had been pure and life-
giving, and had contributed largely to the water supply of the city and the surrounding district, was now
unfit for use.
―In response to the plea of the men of Jericho, Elisha said, ‗Bring me a new cruse, and put salt
therein.‘ Having received this, ‗he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and
said, Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death
or barren land.‘ 2 Kings 2:19-21.
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―The healing of the waters of Jericho was accomplished, not by any wisdom of man, but by the
miraculous interposition of God. Those who had rebuilt the city were undeserving of the favor of
Heaven; yet He who ‗maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just
and on the unjust,‘ saw fit in this instance to reveal, through this token of compassion, His willingness to
heal Israel of their spiritual maladies. Matthew 5:45.‖ -- Prophets and Kings, 230.1

―…and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:‖
Consider what becomes of God‘s people at the Sunday law or ―day of the Lord as described in Early
Writings, 270:

―Said the angel, ‗Look ye!‘ My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were
mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit.
The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor
from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their
countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had
passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and
glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and
holy, sacred joy…
―I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power (Loud Cry). It had
effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The
honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their
relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for
truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel
answered, ‗It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third
angel.‘‖ -- {EW 270.4}
WOUNDED BY THE SWORD?
―Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall
upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.‖ (Verse 8)

What is the ―sword‖ to symbolize? We must answer this question correctly in order to gain a clear
insight as to who this army really is. And this cannot be interpreted to mean a literal sword or we break
the rules established by our pioneers which were endorsed by heaven.
This sword is to be recognized as a symbol of something else. We have to find a bible definition of a
sword that fits, as close as possible, the context of the story found in Joel. The bible reveals three
prominent definitions. One is the ―king of the North‖ who were employed to scatter God‘s people for
breaking the Holy covenant. A second is a military power or plague, in general, sent to destroy. And
lastly, it is God‘s word.
If we employ the definition where a sword is the ―king of the North‖, then we are saying that Rome
will fall upon Rome at the end of the world and not be wounded. That does not make sense or fit the
context. If we employ that symbol as another army or plague, that too doesn‘t make sense given the
context of the story. But if we allow the sword to be a symbol of God‘s word, then things begin to come
into focus.
You and I are wounded when we fall upon the sword as a sinner and are separated from the sin in
our lives. The sword ―wounds‖ because it divides and separates the sinner from sin.

―And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:‖--
Ephesians 6:17

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―For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.‖-- Hebrews 4:12

―Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.‖--
Matthew 10:34

Because the ―sword‖ is symbolic of the ―Word,‖ we therefore have license to replace the word
―sword‖ with the word ―Rock‖; because they are referring to the same Person—Jesus. Doing this, it
would read: ―and when they fall upon the Rock, they shall not be wounded (or broken).‖ So one of the
telling characteristics about this army is that they are not ―broken‖ or ―wounded‖ when they fall upon
the ―Rock‖ Christ Jesus; who is most assuredly that ―sword‖ or—the Word of God! And because Rome
has not been separated from their sins, they WOULD be wounded if they fell upon the sword.
Why aren‘t the 144k wounded? Because at the Sunday law they were eternally separated from their
sins as a result of falling upon the Sword prior to the NSL; that‘s the work of the sword or ―word‖ of
God when wielded by the Spirit of God. Sister White informs us that ―When the decree goes forth and
the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.‖-- {5T 216.1}
But how is the ―sword‖ to impact the ―king of the north‖ in ―the day of the Lord‖?

―For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which
your own hands have made unto you for a sin (Pagan, Babylonian worship ceases). Then shall
the Assyrian fall with the sword, not of a mighty man; and the sword, not of a mean man, shall
devour him: but he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be discomfited. And he
shall pass over to his strong hold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the ensign, saith the
LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and his furnace in Jerusalem.‖-- Isaiah 31:7-9
The ―sword‖ and the ―fire‖ are one in the same. It‘s the word of God—the Loud Cry message. Both
are described as consuming the wicked; or in this instance, the king of the north—Assyria:

―For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD
shall be many.‖-- Isaiah 66:16

―Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her [Babylon’s] chariots
in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the
earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.‖-- Nahum 2:13

―There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the
cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts.‖-
Nahum 3:15

In ―that day‖; the Day of the Lord, when the 144k are lifted up as an ensign, the ―sword‖, not of a
mean man, shall devour the Assyrian or king of the north. ―Not of a mean man‖ points us to the people
of God that have ―no guile‖ in their mouths and are that ―ensign‖ that is lifted up at the Sunday law or
―day of the Lord‖. As the Assyrian is confronted with the loud cry message, or the ―sword‖, and refuses
to stand on the side of Christ, it will ―devour him‖ spiritually. Isaiah is teaching us the same thing that
Joel and all of the other prophets are.

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We have already dealt with the fire earlier in this study, so notice what the prophet Isaiah has to say
in harmony with Joel‘s testimony in chapter two. This passage states that the “ensign” is both Zion and
Jerusalem and that there is a “fire” within both. That to me is fascinating because Joel also teaches that
Jesus is in the midst of both Zion and Jerusalem. And Christ is the ―Word‖ or refiners “fire” in
Malachi chapter three. So when Jesus as a ―fire‖ is in the midst of Jerusalem and Zion, it is a
harmonious description of the same condition as described in Isaiah.
THEY SHALL RUN…
―They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon
the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.‖-- Joel 2:7-9

The people of God were told ―…the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend
up every man straight before him‖ (Joshua 6:5) or: ―they shall march every one on his ways‖ (Joel 2:7)
or: ―they shall walk everyone in his path‖ (Joel 2:8).
After the walls of Jericho fell, as we learned from Joshua 6:21, the army of God ―utterly destroyed
ALL that was in the city‖. This was the command given them by Christ. Because all of the walls had not
been cast down, and there still remained those who sought refuge in their houses upon the tops of the
wall from the invaders, this army had also, out of necessity, to ascend these walls in order to fulfill their
commission—to destroy every breathing thing; except Rahab‘s house.
WHY THE SCARLET THREAD
Another vital clue, that strengthens the logical conclusion that there were indeed other houses upon
the other remaining walls, was that in order to ensure that the armies of God did not destroy those within
Rahab‘s house in the onslaught; they were to bind a ―line of scarlet thread in the window‖. Are we to
conclude that this was done in order to help them locate Rahab‘s house as they were sorting through the
rubble in the aftermath of ALL the walls falling down? Or can we see that this thread would be visible to
the armies of God that would be running upon the tops of the walls, going from rooftop to rooftop and
entering ―in at the windows like a thief‖ to destroy every living thing?
―Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which
thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy
father's household, home unto thee. And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy
house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be
with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.‖-- Joshua 2:18-19

And when they reached the tops of the walls and climbed ―up upon the houses‖, they would have to
enter in by the windows in order for it to be ―as a thief‖. The only ones to be spared were those who
knew to put the scarlet chord—not upon their door, but upon the window; as this was to be the avenue
that God‘s army would be commissioned to employ in order to enter ―like a thief‖.
There are some that point to the description: ―like a thief‖ and conclude that it‘s Rome because they
are clearly marked as a ―robber‖ in Daniel 11, and if a ―robber‖ then by default a ―thief‖. But that‘s only
one approach to the word ―thief‖.
Are we so quick to forget that Jesus comes for the wicked ―as a thief in the night‖? And if the 144k
are representatives of Christ at the end of the world, bringing a life or death message, then while they are
climbing in the window, where they are best able to surprise the occupants, bringing destruction upon
those inside, they too are coming in as a ―thief‖! The destruction they bring is accomplished by the
sword or ―word of God‖ in the form of the Loud Cry message! In Joel, Zephaniah and many other
books, it is portrayed as a ―fire‖ as well. Also, in Daniel two it is represented as a stone striking the
image and breaking in pieces.

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Nothing living was to be spared EXCEPT those that placed the scarlet thread upon their window. In
this, God is showing us that He knew in advance that it was His people who were going to be entering in
through the window; He had them bind a scarlet chord in the window so that when His armies came
through they would not enter in through the wrong window of Rahab‘s house and destroy every living
thing.
This work of placing the ―scarlet‖ thread in the window is, in many ways, similar in purpose to the
time when the Israelites were to place—not a ―crimson‖ thread, but the ―crimson‖ blood upon the door
post in order to be spared when the angel of death passed by. The sign being placed upon the door post
verses the window signifies that they were all given an advance notice; the day and the hour, and given
the opportunity to be spared. But the people of Jericho were not told in advance the day or the hour; they
could only witness the fast fulfilling signs around them, and seeing that destruction was imminent, find
their way to Rahab‘s house. But the majority did not enter into the safety of Rahab‘s home.
This account in Joshua is pregnant with parallels to the story of Joel primarily because they are both
speaking about the identical time period; the day of the Lord, beginning at the Sunday law. When I read
verses 7-9 in Joel chapter two, I can‘t help but see the clear parallels, language and circumstances that
are found in Joshua chapter six. God‘s army, the 144k, are simply carrying out His orders in both
accounts. And likewise, they are ―strong that executeth his word‖ (Joel 2:11).
Notice how the work of Christ in the overthrow of Jericho is prefiguring the work that those who are
perfectly reflecting His character at the end of the world will accomplish:

―Victory will attend the third angel's message. As the Captain of the Lord's host tore down the walls
of Jericho, so will the Lord's commandment-keeping people triumph, and all opposing elements be
defeated.‖—Testimonies to Ministers, 410.1

In summary:
1. The overthrow of Jericho is prefiguring the overthrow of Babylon at the end of the world.
2. Jericho is one of many cities that Joshua encountered in his quest to rid God‘s Canaan land of His
enemies, and the army of the 144k will, in the language of Zephaniah, have to also meet and overcome
many ―high towers‖ and ―fenced cities,‖ like Jericho, in their quest to finally rid God‘s Canaan land; the
earth, of the enemies of God. That process will end when Michael stands up and probation has closed for
all mankind. Then their physical destruction begins—Ezekiel 9!
3. It was an army, small in number, that Christ employed to overthrow Jericho and rid the ―land‖ of
His enemies. Their victory was only accomplished because they were made ―mighty‖ as Christ
manifested His power, through them, in the Loud Cry message.
And it will yet again be God‘s army, comparatively small in number, who will overthrow the anti-
type of Jericho here at the end of the world; Babylon, because of Christ manifesting His power through
them in the Loud Cry warning message.

―In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he
will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.‖-- Zephaniah 3:16-17

THE EARTH SHALL QUAKE BEFORE THEM…

In Joel 2:10-11 we begin to see a closing description concerning this army. And I believe that it is
here in these two verses; when combined with chapter three verses fifteen through seventeen, that the
prophet Joel identifies beyond any reasonable doubt who this army truly is.

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We read in verse ten that ―the earth shall quake before them‖. I have continually maintained a
position that the “message” of the 144k is what is doing all of the damage; either as a ―fire‖ or as a
―stone‖ in Daniel two or as a ―sword‖. So when we come to verse ten and discover that there is a
quaking that occurs before them, I easily reason that this is the ―shaking‖ that the message creates as the
―loud cry‖ that goes forth from them—thus ―before‖ them.
But in order for us to fully understand verses ten and eleven, we have to also include their
companion verses found in Joel 3:15-16, because they are a repeat and enlargement of verses ten and
eleven.

―The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The
LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the
earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children
of Israel.‖-- Joel 3:15-16
CHRIST UTTERS HIS VOICE
When we combine these verses with Joel 2:10-11, we can see that Jesus will clearly utter His voice.
However, He utters His voice twice. Let‘s understand how:

―See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on
earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose
voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth
only, but also heaven.‖-- Hebrews 12:25-26

―But when the wrath of God comes upon the persecutors who are found enforcing the sign or mark
of the beast [After Michael stands up], then they will realize the importance of the Sabbath,—the seal of
the living God. They who turn away from that which the Lord spoke when his voice shook the earth
[Prior to Michael standing up-Loud Cry], will confess their fatal error when his voice shall shake the
heavens and the earth [Day and the hour given-7th plague]. Hebrews 12:25, 26; Joel 3:9-16, and others.
See also pages 639, 640 of this book.‖ – {GC88 691.3}

First Jesus will speak through His people beginning with the Sunday law or ―day of the Lord‖.
When His voice is heard it will be through the Loud Cry warning message being directed at those in
Babylon. His voice is not literal, as He is in the Most Holy place until the work of the Angel with the
writer‘s inkhorn is completed. That voice is unmistakably that of Christ given through the 144k as He is
pleading with all nations [Joel 3:1-2].

―And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my
voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.‖-- John 10:16

This is why ―the earth shall quake before them‖; because they give a ―shaking‖ message. And what
causes the first shaking within Adventism also causes the shaking among those in Babylon; it‘s the
straight testimony of the True Witness—Christ or the Word of God.

―I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the
straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its
effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight
truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause
a shaking among God's people.‖ {Christian Experience and Teachings, 176.1}

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Secondly,
―When He [Jesus] shall come to the earth again, He will shake ‗not the earth only, but also heaven.‘
‗The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage.‘ ‗The heavens shall
be rolled together as a scroll;‘ ‗the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works
that are therein shall be burned up.‘ But ‗the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the
children of Israel.‘ Hebrews 12:26; Isaiah 24:20; 34:4; 2 Peter 3:10; Joel 3:16. {Desire of Ages, 780.1}

When Christ shakes the earth the second time it will be a literal shaking and will occur only after
Michael has stood up in Daniel 12:1.
BEFORE HIS ARMY
The words: ―And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army‖ is the repeating of the words found
in the verse before it: ―the earth shall quake before them‖. It‘s the same people in both verses—it‘s the
army that‘s under discussion.
What causes the earth to quake before them in verse ten is understood only as you combine it with
verse eleven. And it‘s then that we discover that it‘s only because ―the Lord shall utter his voice‖ before
them or before His army, that a quaking or shaking will occur.
WHO IS THE ARMY OF JOEL 2:2-11?
Only by combining Joel 2:10-11 with 3:15-17; written by the same author and speaking on the same
topic, will we see that Joel tells us specifically who this army is.
In 2:11 we can see that the army referenced is the very same army that has been under discussion
leading up to these verses (10-11). In verse eleven we are told that the Lord shall utter his voice ―before‖
His army. This verse, when compared to the verses in 3:15-17 again state that He will utter His voice,
but in these verses we are told where He is when He utters His voice—and this is a crucial clue to see:
―The Lord also shall roar out of Zion and utter his voice from Jerusalem‖ Joel 3:16.
It would seem easy to see that you cannot roar “out of” Zion unless you are “in Zion”, and also that
you could not utter your voice ―from‖ Jerusalem unless you were ―in‖ Jerusalem. So when we combine
these verses with those in chapter two, we now can discover where Jesus is when He utters His voice
―before‖ His army.

―In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be
slack. The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over
thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.‖-- Zephaniah 3:16-17

One of the points that I attempted to make prominent in the beginning of this study was that the
strong emphasis that I see Joel making in describing the army in chapter two, is that these people were
seen as ―a great‖ ―and a strong‖ people (verse 2), as a ―strong people‖ in verse 5, and they are ―mighty
men‖ in verse 7.
So, clearly the emphasis is upon their strength or might and NOT their numbers. And now we can
see if we choose, why that is. It‘s because Christ is their strength and their might; and it is His power
and presence alone that makes them mighty!
This is, at the very least, one of the main objectives of Christ in writing this way in Joel 2, in my
opinion. It is to emphasize the dire need to put away ALL sin and behold Christ that He might be
perfectly formed within and we become part of that army that we are told to ―strive with all the power
that God has given us‖ to be among.

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―We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion.
We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and
holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern man. His experience is the
measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our
minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by beholding
we may be changed into His likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely
look to Him; for He is all-wise. As we look to Him and think of Him, He will be formed within,
the hope of glory.
―Let us strive with all the power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-
four thousand (RH March 9, 1905).‖-- {7BC 970.9}

Most all of us understand the bible principle that by beholding we become changed into the same
image. We are not counseled to look to Rome, but to ―look to the man Christ Jesus‖ and in so doing ―we
may be changed into His likeness‖. While I want to be very aware of the work and plans of Rome in
opposing God‘s people, I want to be much more aware of the work that Christ is attempting to
accomplish in His people in order to prepare them to be among the 144k—the army of God! My keeping
abreast of the Jesuits plans and intents moment by moment will never save me. Keeping up with the
latest conspiracy theories will never bind my heart to Christ‘s with chords of love. We are counseled to
keep our attention and eyes focused on Christ. I do not however, by this statement, want you to conclude
that I feel that we do not need to be aware of the role of the enemy as revealed in Rome‘s final attack. I
simply think that more energy should be spent in beholding Christ in order to be prepared to meet with
Him in peace!
It is my personal conviction that Joel is intentionally detailing the work of this army in order that we
may see, in contrast to the drunkards of chapter one, what we may become and accomplish through the
―mighty‖ power of Christ formed within; and be encouraged!!
Sure we must be aware of the work of Rome in opposing God‘s people, but fear has never brought
true conversion; only conformity. By beholding Christ we may become changed. In Daniel 11:40-45 we
aren‘t just given a view of the armies of Rome, we are shown as well the army of God that will
―overcome them‖ (Rev. 17:14). This to me is significant because Truth will prevail friends and Christ
wants us to realize and remember that and believe that.
Joel wants to warn Zion of the shortness of time and the need to promptly put away sin before the
Sunday law/Day of the Lord arrives.
Notice that the ―army‖ of Joel 2:11 are strong only because they ―executeth his word‖. This is where
their power comes from: ―For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
salvation‖ (Romans 1:16). We have to allow the ―Word‖ of God to be the Lord of our hearts and minds
if we expect to be an overcomer.
ROARS?
―The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem;‖—Joel 3:16

What is the bible teaching us when it says that Jesus ―roars‖? The bible teaches us that when we see
Christ roaring He is unsealing the word of God to His people and sending an increase of knowledge; just
as He did in the Millerite history.

―And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a
rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot
on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven
thunders uttered their voices.‖-- Revelation 10:1-3
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―The mighty Angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting
His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part that He is acting in the
closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan.‖-- {19MR 319.3}

In order to understand why Christ roared, we have to back up to chapter five in Revelation where we
see Him described as ―the Lion‖ in verse five. We‘ll notice that He is unsealing the seven seals that have
the word of God sealed up to His people. So when we see Him roar, we are to understand that He is in
the process of opening up the word of God to His people. And that truth was to be formulated into a life
and death message.

It is also important to understand that when Christ roared as a lion in the Millerite history and
unsealed the bible that had been sealed up due to the ―teachings, traditions and maxims of man‖, it was
not Christ personally; it was the people of God giving a life or death warning message. So too, when
Christ again roars in the ―Day of the Lord‖, it again will not be Christ personally but again the people of
God, the 144k, giving a life or death warning message. And it is described as Christ roaring ―out of
Zion‖ and uttering His voice ―from Jerusalem‖ in the book of Joel.
Also notice in Joel 2:11 that, in reference to the ―day of the Lord‖, a question is posed: ―who can
abide it‖? We understand that the ―day of the Lord‖ is the point in time where Christ begins to pour out
His “wrath” upon those whose cup of iniquity is full. So wrath is a characteristic associated with the
day of the Lord. Now take notice that this same question is posed in Revelation 6:17: ―For the great day
of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?‖
The answer that comes in the next three verses answers both questions:

―And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding
the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any
tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he
cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,
Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our
God in their foreheads.‖-- Revelation 7:1-3

The sealing of the ―servants‖ in Revelation chapter seven begins officially when the test arrives at
the Sunday law. And it‘s at the SL that the ―Day of the Lord‖ and His ―wrath‖ commences; and
remember that they too are progressive. Therefore, the answer to the question ―who can abide it‖? is the
144k!
ROARING FIRE
The prophet Amos, under inspiration, also wrote concerning Christ roaring out of Zion and uttering
His voice from Jerusalem (Amos 1:2); just as Joel had. But when Amos writes concerning the ―roar‖ of
Christ, he makes us to understand that it‘s not a good thing. In fact he says that as a result of the ―roar‖;
or the uttering of Christ‘s voice, that ―the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of
Carmel shall wither‖ (ibid.)
Amos then begins to systematically teach us, through eleven consecutive descriptions, of the effects
of that roar within the different tribes depicted in chapters one and two—that a ―fire‖ is started or
created by that ―roar‖. ―But I will send a fire…‖ is connected with each account.
We have already detailed earlier in this study that that fire is the Loud Cry warning message. So
Amos is simply teaching a message that is in harmony with and supports the testimony of Joel and many
other prophets as it has been presented in this study.

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To say that Christ ―roars‖ from Zion and ―utters‖ His voice from Jerusalem, is a parallel description
of the Loud Cry warning message that goes forth to Babylon. It again will be an increase of knowledge
because of the Lion of the tribe of Judah unsealing God‘s word and it is proclaimed to those in Babylon
and is again a testing message. In both Joel and Amos, this fire behaves and impacts the people as a fire
would.
So then, when Christ ―roars‖, a fire is sent forth as a result. Not only that, but the fire also
―consumes‖ in each and every account—just as in Joel, Zephaniah and many other books of the bible.
SUMMARY OF JOEL
I understand that Joel, in chapter one, is addressing the leadership if Adventism, the ―ancient men‖,
and ―all the inhabitants of the land‖ of Adventism. In his address, he is openly warning the drunkards of
the church that the Sunday law/DOL is ―nigh at hand‖. I firmly believe that the ―nation‖ that is come up
upon His land, the Glorious land of America, is Rome as it fits perfectly with every other connected
truth we teach, and that they enter through the Sunday law in America—Daniel 11:41.
Therefore it is they who accomplish Joel 1:7 upon the drunkards of Adventism, while the ―sober‖ of
Adventism; ―Edom, Moab and the chief of the children of Ammon‖, escape out of his hand. But Joel‘s
method of writing, in chapter one, reveals to us that he is intentionally and singly addressing the
circumstances connected with the outcome of the drunkards; and not the sober. There is neither an
acknowledgement of, nor inference to, the ―sober‖ in that description of destruction, gloom and doom
that I can find. I personally believe that the reason for this is because as he begins to repeat and enlarge
upon chapter one in chapter two. He begins by describing the manifestation of the two classes; and from
there he sets out to detail the work to be accomplished by Christ within His army.
When Joel writes chapter one, his account extends from just prior to the SL/DOL to the time when
the plagues are being poured out after Michael stands up. This, I feel, should be considered a complete
and comprehensive view detailing the outcome of the ―drunkards‖. But when he gets to chapter two, he
begins to repeat his description of the DOL and begins to detail what becomes of those who were found
to be ―sober‖ when the DOL arrived.
When that day arrives there will be two classes that are revealed; for one class it will be ―a day of
darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness‖, while at the very same time, it will
be seen entirely different by the ―sober‖. To them it will be a day ―as the morning spread upon the
mountains‖; because for them, their ―light has come‖ and ―the glory of the Lord is risen‖ upon them.
[Joel 2:2; Isaiah 60:1-5]
I believe this people that are ―mighty‖ and ―strong‖ and ―great‖ are deemed as such by inspiration
only because ―The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save‖ [Zephaniah 3:17].
I believe that the fire of Joel one is the very same fire referenced in chapter two. We can see that
when Joel is concluding his warning to the drunkards and referencing the fire in Joel 1:19-20, that they
are represented as having already accomplished their intended purposes. In support of this
understanding, Sister White places the fulfillment of those specific verses within the seven plagues time
period. So with this evidence in hand, I deduce that Joel is simply pointing us to the after effects of the
identical fire in Joel two that is to represent the Loud cry message that began to go forth at the very same
point in time that the drunkards were being cut off. When we understand that Joel is repeating and
enlarging upon the day of the Lord in chapter two and thereby detailing the different outcomes within
Adventism; the ―drunkards‖ in chapter one and the ―sober‖ in chapter two, then this interpretation
becomes much more plausible.
I believe that the fire is in fact the ―Loud Cry‖ that goes forth from the only true army of God, at a
time when there are two armies on the battlefield; the armies of Rome and the army of the 144k as
described in Ezekiel 37; or in the language of Daniel 11:40-45: ―the king of the north‖ vs. those who
give the ―tidings out of the east and out of the north‖.

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I recognize the 144k as representing the horse in Joel 2:4; based in part on the supporting evidence
given in Zechariah 10:1-7.
I see Joel 2:7-9 as a parallel to Joshua 6 and the overthrow of Jericho due to the parallel subject
matter, language and activities.
I see clearly that Joel, by combining the verses in Joel 2:10-11 with Joel 3:15-17, is telling us plainly
that the army of Joel 2:2-11 is ―Zion‖ and ―Jerusalem‖ at the end of the world.

I then see Joel, as he concludes his description of the two classes that are manifested when the
Sunday Law arrives, pleading with the people yet again to ―turn ye‖. In the verses that follow, Christ
continues this call to repentance and also pledges, if they do turn, to give them a full outpouring of the
rain.
In verse twenty Christ promises those who are found sober when He comes, at the SL, that He ―will
remove far off from‖ them ―the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with
his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up‖.
This, I see, parallels Daniel 11:45 ―And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in
the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.‖
I personally do not believe that there is any grammatical justification, in verse twenty, for
concluding that this ―northern army‖ has to be the army described in verses 2-11. Instead, I see that this
is simply a promise that Christ will drive far off from them, the ―sober‖ that is, ―the northern army‖ or
the ―nation‖ that came up upon ―his land‖ in chapter one and is, in the language of Daniel, seeking to
―go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many‖ at a time when the Loud Cry is
going forth.
It is my conviction that Joel is writing in harmony with the account that Daniel gives in Daniel
11:40-45. Daniel portrays two armies on the field after the Sunday law arrives; the army of the 144k
along with the armies of Rome. And when you compare the language of Joel to Daniel, they are seen
accomplishing the very same work. It should not be a hard thing to see that the events in Joel parallel
those in Daniel 11.
A SECOND WITNESS?
I understand that the theme of Zephaniah centers on the ―Day of the Lord‖. If that understanding is
accurate then we should expect that he and Joel will confirm each other; though not necessarily upon
every point.
When Zephaniah finishes his genealogy in verse one, he immediately dives into the heart of his
warning message: ―I will utterly consume all things from off the land, saith the LORD.‖ I see that, in
contrast to Joel, Zephaniah is really emphasizing the particulars associated with the wrath of God as
revealed in the ―Day of the Lord‖. He often employs the word ―consume‖ in connection with the
destruction of the wicked upon His land. This word is likewise employed by Joel but in connection with
the fiery message of the loud cry. In fact, if we go to the last verse of this first chapter, we discover that
―fire‖ is also the very same tool that Zephaniah states He will employ to rid the land of His enemies:
―…but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy
riddance of all them that dwell in the land‖.
As one reads the account of Zephaniah, they can‘t help but notice a strong emphasis being placed
upon the ―land‖. Why is that? What is the purpose? Jesus, in order to possess His kingdom in its
fullness, has to rid the land—the world, of His enemies; all of the prophets teach us this. This world is a
type of Canaan; where the new city Jerusalem will eventually reside; our eternal home. In fact this
planet, as I understand it, will become the center of the whole universe. The new city will reside upon
this tiny atom of a planet; wherein Christ will be the temple and all will gather from one new moon to
another to worship our Father and Jesus.

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Each of the bible writers are emphasizing the same theme of thought, and that is that the enemy has
to be utterly destroyed from off His land! Joel teaches this, Zephaniah teaches this; it‘s a theme woven
throughout the pages of our bibles.
One of the clearest portrayals of this work to be accomplished was recorded in the book of Joshua;
wherein is detailed the overthrow of Jericho. I see in the book of Zephaniah many parallels to that record
which I will not place in this document.
THE SACRIFICE PREPARED?
Verses two through six detail the extent of the work of Christ in consuming the enemy from off the
land; both in and out of the church. Then we come to verse seven. I understand that the DOL begins at
the SL. It is at the SL that character is revealed and we either receive the mark or the seal. I have heard
some conclude that the sacrifice that is prepared for the DOL is Christ. I believe the bible teaches
differently, but before we come to that let me address what the sword is.

The DOL is unmistakably the point in time when Jesus begins to pour out His wrath as a result of
the cup of iniquity being filled by the fourth generation; and the wicked are to be destroyed thereby. The
first to feel this wrath will be His people because Paul teaches us plainly that whether it be curses or
blessings, God always rewards the Jew first; THEN the Gentile:
―For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to
every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.‖-- Romans 1:16
―Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also
of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first,
and also to the Gentile:‖-- Romans 2:9-10

I have stated earlier that the sword in Joel 2:8 is symbolic of the ―Word‖ or more specifically the
Loud Cry message. This I believe the bible teaches is His ―wrath‖.
Some may struggle with this position as they remember that in the bible, God has employed the
armies of Babylon, the Assyrians and others to be His ―sword‖ that would bring destruction upon God‘s
people. But what I have noticed that the bible also teaches, is that in the end, there will be a reversal. It
will not be the armies of Babylon until the end doing the work of destruction, because at some point they
themselves will be destroyed by the ―sword‖ of the Lord and it will not be accomplished by themselves
but instead, God‘s true army.
An example of this is set forth in the book of Nahum. In the account of Nahum we are shown the
overthrow of Babylon—the king of the north at the end of the world as typified in the overthrow of
Nineveh. Because the overthrow of Nineveh was accomplished by a confederacy of forces and not by
only one; with the Medes being the main power, the term ―sword‖ could not be accurately applied to the
king of the north alone. In Nahum, he tells us that a sword shall devour in addition to being burned.

―Behold, I am against thee, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the
smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions: and I will cut off thy prey from the earth,
and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard.‖-- Nahum 2:13

Certainly we do not suppose that Babylon will bring down Babylon at the end of the world. The
perfect fulfillment of the sword that God will use in the DOL will be His faithful army—the 144k;
specifically the Loud cry message. It is during the DOL time period that Rome comes to an end and
none shall help! So the sword could not represent Rome in that time period. In the end, Babylon will be
destroyed by a sword. Jeremiah teaches this plainly. After a portrayal of how Jesus will employ Babylon
as a tool of punishment against His people in Jeremiah 25:9-11 for seventy years, he then gives us a
description of the inevitable fate of Babylon herself:
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―And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king
of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans,
and will make it perpetual desolations. And I will bring upon that land all my words which I
have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah hath prophesied
against all the nations.‖-- Jeremiah 25:12-13
We are told that all that Jeremiah has prophesied against the other nations will also be pronounced
against Babylon at the end of the seventy-year prophecy. We are then told that Jesus will cause all
nations to drink something. It‘s ―the wine cup‖! What is wine? Well, if it‘s fermented we call it false
doctrine—the teachings of men. But if it is unfermented, then it‘s pure doctrine—the word of God. In
the verses that follow we discover that the cup that they will all drink from is; in the language of Christ,
His ―sword‖ that he will ―send among them‖!

―For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand,
and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it. And they shall drink, and be moved,
and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them. Then took I the cup at the
LORD'S hand, and made all the nations to drink, unto whom the LORD had sent me:‖--
Jeremiah 25:15-17

I‘m not sure if you caught it, but there are two extremely powerful points that Jeremiah just made:
1. The wine, or the word of God, IS His fury! [―…the wine cup of this fury‖]
2. The cup filled with the word of God; His fury, is also called His SWORD!

So what does that mean? From this we should see that when Jesus ―pours out‖ His wrath when the
DOL arrives, He is simply pouring out His word upon a wicked people and it is coming from the 144k.
The result will be that the wicked will ―drink, and be moved, and be mad‖ [Jeremiah 25:16]. On top of
that, they will HAVE to drink it; they will have no choice: ―And they shall drink‖!
The cup of the wine of His fury; or wrath, is the sword that all of the earth, without exception, will
encounter when the DOL arrives; “and nothing shall escape them”:

―Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink
ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will
send among you.‖-- Jeremiah 25:27

―And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink, then shalt thou say unto
them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ye shall certainly drink. For, lo, I begin to bring evil on
the city which is called by my name [Judgment begins at the house of the Lord], and should ye
be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the
inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore prophesy thou against them all
these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from
his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that
tread the grapes [Garments of red- Nahum 2:3; Isaiah 63:1-6], against all the inhabitants of the
earth. A noise [Loud cry] shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a
controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh [Joel 3:1-2]; he will give them that are
wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.‖-- Jeremiah 25:28-31

Friends, this passage is stuffed full of parallels to the themes I have already set forth. Jeremiah
confirms:
1. That all nations will be forced to drink this ―wine cup‖ of Christ‘s ―fury‖.
2. His fury first begins to be poured out on Adventism [Zephaniah 1:12-13].
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3. That wine cup of fury is referred to as the ―sword‖ that will come to all nations.
4. The shouting and roaring is unmistakably pointing us to the ―Loud Cry‖; when the ―shout‖
paralleling the shout at Jericho is given.
5. To be given ―to the sword‖ is when we ―fall like a pleasant vessel‖; by our choice we decide our
own fate.

We had to cover these points first in order to lay the right foundation for who the sacrifice is in
connection with the DOL. Now let‘s consider the DOL in Jeremiah 46:10:

―For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him
of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their
blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
―Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use
many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.‖-- Jeremiah 46:1-10

In this passage concerning the DOL, Christ has a sacrifice; but it‘s not Himself. According to the
verses that precede it, that sacrifice is actually Egypt; a symbol of the world. What I personally see is
that the ―sacrifice‖ that has been prepared are all of ―the wicked‖ who have rejected the truth. And their
lives are offered up in exchange for the righteous.

―But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel,
Fear not: for I have redeemed thee [SL], I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine [sealed].
When thou passest through the waters [The world-Babylon; Jeremiah 46:8], I will be with thee;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire [Loud
Cry message?], thou shalt not be burned [thou shall not be “wounded”]; neither shall the flame
kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt
for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been
honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.‖--
Isaiah 43:1-4 [emphasis supplied]

Another testimony to this theory is found in Ezekiel. Beginning in chapter 38, Ezekiel is issuing a
warning to Gog; the chief prince of Meshech, and Magog. I understand these to be symbolic of all the
wicked during the DOL [Revelation 20:8]. We take up the story in Ezekiel 39:1-:

―Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD;
Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee
back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts,
and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand,
and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of
Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the
ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall
upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD.‖-- Ezekiel 39:1-5

As the wicked come against the glorious ―holy mountain‖ to destroy, they will find that it is they
who are destroyed. They comprise the sacrifice that is given for the lives of the righteous. They also
represent Egypt.

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―And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and
they shall know that I am the LORD. So will I make my holy name known in the midst of my
people Israel; and I will not let them pollute my holy name any more: and the heathen shall know
that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel.‖-- Ezekiel 39:6-7

But Ezekiel is much more specific and detailed than that. Notice:

―And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to
every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my
sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye
may eat flesh, and drink blood. Ye shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the
princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bullocks, all of them fatlings of Bashan.
And ye shall eat fat till ye be full, and drink blood till ye be drunken, of my sacrifice which I
have sacrificed for you. Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with
mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.‖-- Ezekiel 39:17-20

The language and focus of Ezekiel should be obvious. The description given includes the very things
that are detailed in Joel and Zephaniah as well as many other books concerning the DOL. So, with this
before you, can you begin to see why I feel that the sacrifice in Zephaniah is not Christ; but instead, the
wicked who rise up to resist the Loud Cry warning message? They are given as a sacrifice for the lives
of the righteous. But there is yet another testimony:

―And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the
fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of
the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of
mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men,
both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and
their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his
army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him,
with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped
his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.‖-- Revelation
19:17-20

Finally, in Zephaniah 1:7 we discover that at the time when the sacrifice is prepared, ―he hath bid his
guests‖. This word ―bid‖ is worth noticing:

‫קדׁש‬
qâdash
kaw-dash'
A primitive root; to be (causatively make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or
morally): - appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep,
prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self), X wholly.

God‘s people become all of the above only when the Sunday law/DOL arrives. And all of those who
comprise the ―sacrifice‖ were ―prepared‖ beforehand in the sense that Jesus knows the end from the
beginning.
I‘m not excluding the theory that the ―sacrifice‖ is Jesus; I just haven‘t seen that as a scenario that
fits the context—but I‘m willing to.

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THE PUNISHMENT
―And it shall come to pass in the day
of the LORD'S sacrifice, that I will
punish the princes, and the king's
children, and all such as are clothed
with strange apparel. In the same day
also will I punish all those that leap on
the threshold, which fill their masters'
houses with violence and deceit.‖--
Zephaniah 1:8-9

In these verses I see that those who are

punished are the professed people of God;
the “king’s children,” the “princes”. “All
such as are clothed with strange apparel”
would be those within Adventism that,
according to John 10, have climbed up some
other way into the sheep fold. They have
clothed themselves with their own
righteousness. But it also mentions a class
that leap “on the threshold” which I would
conclude are those within Adventism that
Ezekiel was shown in chapter eight who
were involved in pagan worship as this term
to ―leap upon the threshold‖ points us to the
false prophets of Baal that on Mt. Carmel
were leaping and cutting themselves upon
the altar.
A NOISE
―And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that there shall be the noise of a cry
from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.‖--
Zephaniah 1:10

In the past it was stated that this verse claims that there is a ―cry from the hills‖ or ―mountain‖. But
in looking closer at this verse, we are told plainly that there is ―the noise of a cry from the fish gate‖ in
the DOL or at the SL. And in connection with that cry there is also ―an howling from the second‖ gate.
I believe that there is something intentional that Jesus intended to convey in that language. After
doing some research on these two gates, this is what I discovered. In the map of Jerusalem to the right, I
discovered what was meant by ―the fish gate‖ and ―the second‖ gate. When we look at the map of
Jerusalem, you will see that there are only two gates on the northern side of the city; the ―fish gate‖ and
the ―sheep gate‖; or the ―second‖.
I believe these two gates are symbolic. Jesus called us to be ―fisher‘s of men‖, but he also asked that
His disciples ―feed His sheep‖ [John 2:15-17]. However, we have stopped fishing for souls and no
longer are able to feed the sheep.
In fact, not only are the shepherds incapable of feeding the sheep, but the bible also teaches us that
our shepherds here at the end of the world are eating the very sheep they are supposed to be feeding!

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―Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their
hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any
more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. For thus saith
the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I,
will both search my sheep, and seek
them out. As a shepherd seeketh out
his flock in the day that he is
among his sheep that are scattered;
so will I seek out my sheep, and
will deliver them out of all places
where they have been scattered in
the cloudy and dark day.‖--
Ezekiel 34:10-12

But why the ―cry‖ that goes up

from one gate and a ―howl‖ from
the second when the DOL arrives.
We have only to include the next
sentence: ―and a great crashing
from the hills‖.
I apply this ―great crashing
from the hills‖ to the ―northern
armies‖ that are seen approaching
Jerusalem from the north by those
who are either at the fish gate or the
sheep gate. This is symbolic of the
verses in Joel 1:6-7 where the
―nation‖ of Rome comes up upon
His land—the USA at the SL, and
the drunkards are told to ―awake‖
―weep‖ and ―howl‖.
The ―cry‖ or “shriek” [h6818] that goes up from the fish gate occurs because they realize, too late,
that they have not fulfilled their commission to be fishers of men; and being on the north side of
Jerusalem, they are able to see the northern armies approaching. The ―howling‖ at the sheep gate is
pointing our attention to the false shepherds and false sheep—the wolves in sheep‘s clothing within
Adventism who ―howl‖ as they too see the enemy approach and realize they too are lost:

―Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock:
for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are accomplished; and ye shall fall like a
pleasant vessel. And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to
escape. A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be
heard: for the LORD hath spoiled their pasture. And the peaceable habitations are cut down
because of the fierce anger of the LORD. He hath forsaken his covert, as the lion: for their land
is desolate because of the fierceness of the oppressor, and because of his fierce anger.‖--
Jeremiah 25:34-38

The cry and the howl arise because they are lamenting that they have not a strong High Tower any
longer to seek shelter in as the king of the north approaches. They, in the language of Joel, are drunk and
are about to be cut off and so they ―weep and howl‖ [Joel 1:5].
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MAKTESH AND SILVER

―Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear
silver are cut off.‖-- Zephaniah 1:11

Maktesh was located in the central valley of the city of Jerusalem (see map) and is symbolic of
Adventism at the end of the world who have been drinking of the wine of Babylon. They too will howl
when ―all the merchant people are cut down.‖ But why will they howl when ―they that bear silver are cut
off‖?
―Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the
punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes.‖-- Amos
2:6
The selling of ―the righteous for silver‖ is an expression used to reveal that the righteous were
betrayed by the unrighteous. Joseph was sold into slavery for twenty pieces of silver: ―Then there passed
by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the
Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt‖ [Genesis 37:28].
Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver: ―Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto
the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they
covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him‖
[Matthew 26:14-16]
Those who are represented as selling ―the righteous for silver‖ are those who, within Adventism,
betray God‘s faithful messengers are to bear the last warning message, into slavery; meaning they
stripped them of their freedoms or rights and citizenship within Jerusalem/Adventism
[disfellowshipped]; and they thus became the outcast of Israel.
I WILL SEARCH JERUSALEM
―And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish
the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither
will he do evil. Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they
shall also build houses, but not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the
wine thereof.‖-- Zephaniah 1:12-13

In these verses I see the judgment falling upon those within Adventism as, in a moment, he judges
and passes sentence upon the chaff of Adventism. It is worth noticing what He searches them with; it‘s
the word of God. Jesus— the word of God, is the ―sword‖, He‘s the ―fire‖ and it‘s also He that is the
―wine cup of His fury‖, but in this instance, and accomplishing the same work, He‘s that ―candle‖.

―For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:‖-- John 5:22

―He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that
I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.‖-- John 12:48

―Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by
that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath
raised him from the dead.‖-- Acts 17:31
A DAY OF WRATH
Zephaniah 1:14-15 are verses that I have addressed earlier in the study. The DOL is the context.

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HIGH TOWERS
―A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.‖--
Zephaniah 1:16

As I have stated earlier, the account of the overthrow of Jericho is a parallel to the overthrow of
Babylon at the end of the world. Therefore, when Zephaniah is describing the conquest of Babylon at
the end of the world, it should not come as a surprise to see him borrowing the same language as Joel in
connection with Jericho. But as a confirmation of that theory, notice what he says in 2:5:

―Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the
LORD is against you; O Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that
there shall be no inhabitant.‖-- Zephaniah 2:5

Here, Zephaniah is telling us; just as Joshua did, that Canaan is to be destroyed and ―there shall be
no inhabitant‖. He is clearly repeating the story as told by Joshua and he is confirming that the language
of chapter one verse sixteen is describing the identical work—ridding Canaan of the enemies of God!
But before I explain how I understand this verse, I want to first reacquaint us with the correct
method of bible interpretation. This is where I feel we are getting off track; but maybe it‘s me that‘s off
track.

Miller‘s Rules state:

RULE IV- To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to
know, then let every word have its proper influence, and if you can form your theory without a
contradiction, you cannot be in an error. PROOF: Isaiah 28:7–29; 35:8; Proverbs 19:27; Luke 24:27, 44–
45; Romans 16:26; James 5:19; 2 Peter 1:19, 29.

If I understand this rule correctly, and I may not so I remain open for correction, in order for me to
correctly understand a symbol I first have to recognize that it is in fact to be seen as a symbol. Once I
concede to that then I am obligated to go into the bible and become acquainted with all of the bible
definitions associated with that symbol. Then I am to bring those different definitions back to the verse
in question and determine which one of the definitions most accurately applies; allowing the context of
the surrounding verses to govern my choice.
When you select a definition for that symbol and seek to apply it, according to Brother Miller, you
have to ALSO be able to ―form your theory without a contradiction‖ in order to correctly employ the
proof-text method. Many seem to feel that if you are able to employ a verse from the bible to defend
your theory—whether it fits the context accurately or not, then you have successfully employed the
proof-text method; but that is simply not true. You have only employed it in part.
As an example, in order to determine what the ―towers‖ are in verse 16, we have to go to the bible
and allow the bible to define what a tower is. We do this by gathering all of the texts together that
employ the word ―tower‖. Then, in order to apply the Twin Towers to the symbol of ―towers‖ found in
verse 16, you would have to be able to produce an example in the bible where ―tower‖ or ―towers‖ is
employed representing say, ―a symbol of financial strength‖ or something that you can connect to the
towers in NYC. But none of them fit.
Zephaniah 1:16 is given in direct connection with the ―day of the Lord‖. When the day of the Lord
arrives at the SL, he states plainly that ―That day is a day of wrath‖. And this is the consistent testimony
that all of the prophets give.

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When we begin to consider these symbols we have to factor in that they are occurring or present in
the Day of the Lord because that‘s the context as established by the preceding verses. So, ―A day of the
trumpet‖ [v.16] is connecting the Sunday law and a ―trumpet‖, not 9-11 and a ―trumpet‖.
And I say this of course because the Day of the Lord begins at the Sunday law when the cup of
Adventism‘s iniquity; the fourth generation, is filled up and they are the first to be judged and
consequently His wrath begins to be poured out there; remembering of course that it is progressive.
Not only is the ―trumpet‖ associated with the SL, but the whole verse is couched in the theme of the
SL crisis or—the arrival of the Day of the Lord! It is at the SL that the ―trumpet‖ is blown and the army
of God, in the context of Joshua 6, begins to take up the work of ridding ―His land‖ of His enemies;
repeating the overthrow of Jericho/Babylon and the entire conquest of Canaan/the earth in chronological
order. So what did Joshua do first? They blew the ―trumpets‖ correct? Then what? They gave a ―shout‖
or ―Loud cry‖ right? Well notice the definition of the next word ―alarm‖ as employed in verse sixteen:
terû‛âh (ter-oo-aw') From H7321; clamor, that is, acclamation of joy or a battle cry; especially
clangor of trumpets, as an alarum: - alarm, blow (-ing) (of, the) (trumpets), joy, jubile, loud noise,
rejoicing, shout (-ing), (high, joyful) sound (-ing).

The ―alarm‖ against the fenced cities can be correctly understood as the ―loud cry‖ or ―shout‖
against the ―fenced cities‖! Verse sixteen is emphasizing that the overthrow of Jericho and Canaan at the
end of the world is under way. And what about ―the fenced cities‖?
Like Jericho, the many cities that comprise Babylon at the end of the world are symbolized as also
having ―walls‖ and ―high towers‖ to cast down. But Christ has pledged Himself to do just that! Listen to
the words of Christ that apply to us here at the end of the world:

―Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater
and mightier than thyself, cities great and ―fenced up‖ to heaven, A people great and tall, the
children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand
before the children of Anak! Understand therefore this day, that the LORD thy God is he which
goeth over before thee; as a consuming fire he shall destroy them, and he shall bring them
down before thy face: so shalt thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as the LORD
hath said unto thee.‖-- Deuteronomy 9:1-3

The quote above is brought forth to emphasize the repeat of the overthrow of the enemy in Canaan
that is represented in Zephaniah 1:16 and 2:5 as well as Joel 2:7-9. I find it to be quite a testimony that
that quote would also include the very same language found just two verses later in the very same
chapter: ―for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land‖ is the same
language as ―and destroy them quickly‖. It‘s the same testimony!
Concerning the symbolism of the ―walls‖ or ―fenced cities‖ and the ―towers‖ of these cities that are
overthrown by the shout or Loud Cry message, they are trusting in their own strength and power instead
of trusting in the only True Tower and rock: ―The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my
deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my
high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine
enemies.‖—[Psalms 18:2-3]. Both Jew and Gentile will be swept into the ranks of the wicked and they
will seek shelter behind the ―fenced cities‖ and ―high towers‖ of theier own devising, but they will
discover too late the consequences of trusting in flesh.
Christ is the true ―Rock‖ and ―High Tower‖ (Thus saith the Lord-word of God) just as He is the true
Christ. But just as there is a false Christ, there will also be a false ―rock‖ and ―high tower‖ (Thus saith
man-teachings of men) that men will seek shelter in when the DOL arrives.
Man is not to place his confidence in the ―fenced cities‖ or ―high towers‖ that man has built, but are
to trust in the true ―Rock‖ and ―High Tower‖ Christ Jesus:
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―The faith of Asa was put to a severe test when ‗Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a
thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots,‘ invaded his kingdom. Verse 9. In this crisis Asa
did not put his trust in the ‗fenced cities in Judah‘ that he had built, with ‗walls, and towers,
gates, and bars,‘ nor in the ‗mighty men of valor‘ in his carefully trained army. Verses 6-8. The
king's trust was in Jehovah of hosts, in whose name marvelous deliverances had been wrought in
behalf of Israel of old. Setting his forces in battle array, he sought the help of God.‖--{PK 110.2}

In summary: I see that the ―fenced cities‖ and ‗high towers‖ primarily symbolize the efforts of man
to defend or fortify himself against the Truth; mans righteousness, when they need to seek shelter in the
true ―Rock‖ and ―High Tower‖ Christ Jesus whose righteousness ―will not cover one spot or stain of
sin.‖ If they fall upon the Rock they will never have to be ground to a powder! But those who take
refuge behind the walls of the ―fenced cities‖ will witness the pulling down of the strongholds of men‘s
teachings by the Word of God!
BEFORE THE DECREE
In Zeph. 2:1-3 is a call to repentance before the SL arrives and the DOL begins. This is the same
method by which Joel wrote. The ―nation not desired I understand to be spiritual Israel.
KEY POINTS
In verses 4-15 we see a pronouncement against the wicked cities who will incur His wrath beginning
in the DOL. However there are some interesting points to see that I just want to highlight:

CANAAN: In verse five we see that when the DOL arrives, He promises to destroy Canaan
―that there shall be no inhabitants‖ left. And he says that he will accomplish this by the ―word of
the Lord‖ that ―is against‖ them. Clearly this is affirming my position that Zeph. 1:16 and Joel
2:7-9 are pointing us to the anti-type of Joshua‘s overthrow of Jericho and the enemies of God
within the borders of Canaan at the end of the world beginning at the SL.
MOAB, CHILDREN OF AMMON: Zephaniah 2:9 is giving a second testimony to the theme
that Joel sets forth quite vividly; that when the Day of the Lord arrives, the army of God, who
give the Loud Cry warning message, will succeed in removing His enemies from off His land:
―Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom,
and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah [Both destroyed by fire], even the breeding of nettles,
and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the
remnant of my people shall possess them.‖-- Zephaniah 2:9
NINEVEH: Earlier in this study we were in Nahum considering the parallels of the
destruction of Nineveh; a type of Babylon, being repeated upon Babylon at the end of the world.
Here in Zeph. 1:13, he draws the exact same connection and parallel giving a second
testimony: ―And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will
make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like a wilderness.‖
―Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my
determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour [wine cup of
his fury] upon them mine indignation [Isa. 30:27], even all my fierce anger: for all the earth
shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.‖

Here in Zeph. 3:8 we receive yet another testimony and confirmation that God‘s ―fire‖; not
an unholy fire, but a ―holy‖ fire—His word, is to be used to rid His land of ALL His enemies and
it is this same holy ―fire‖ that will also remove the ―northern armies‖. Christ will not employ an
unholy ―fire‖; and certainly not to destroy Rome and Babylon.
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Concerning the ―fire‖ that God sends in order to purify the earth when the DOL arrives, notice how
it comes and from where:

―And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth:
and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.‖-- Revelation 8:5

This fire, representative of the investigative judgment that is to purify the earth and precipitate the
close of probation, was Holy fire from the altar; not an unholy fire. Nadab and Abihu discovered the
hard way that God makes it clear that only and always His fire is to be used by His priests—the 144k
[Revelation 1:6]. But notice what the ―fire‖ of the 144k is connected with:

―In the temple service the Lord gave special directions that the priests were to use on their
censers only the sacred fire of God's own kindling, which was kept burning day and night. But
Nadab and Abihu perverted their senses by the use of wine [wine of Babylon], so that they could
not distinguish between the sacred and the common. They ‗took either of them his censer, and
put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He
commanded them not.‘ {ST, March 31, 1898 par. 10}
―Those who ignore the Lord's Sabbath to keep holy the first day of the week, offer strange
fire to God. It is a strange sabbath, which He has commanded them not… As did Nadab and
Abihu, they offer the common in place of the sacred.‖-- {ST, March 31, 1898 par. 11}
The fire that is directly connected with this army in Joel is the ―Loud Cry‖ warning against receiving
the mark of the beast. Their message therefore is the sacred ―fire‖ of the Sabbath. The ―fire‖ that God
will use to rid His land of ALL the enemies of God, will likewise eliminate the northern armies of Rome
as well. Christ cannot use a sacred and a common fire to rid the land of His enemies, because Jesus will
neither use nor allow to be used; as Nadab and Abihu found out, unholy or common fire in the work of
purifying the earth or ridding the land of His enemies.
We‘re told where this fire will originate: ―Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning
with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue as a
devouring fire:‖ [Isaiah 30:27]. The fire is the word of God and it is His indignation or wrath or fury
that He will pour out beginning at the SL or DOL.
After describing the 144k in Zeph.3:12-13, he emphasizes the same critical point that Joel did; that
Christ in the midst of His people is mighty and will be their strength and salvation in the Day of the
Lord:
―Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter
of Jerusalem. The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king
of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. In that day it
shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. The LORD
thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will
rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:14-20

At this point in my journey through Joel and related books, these are my humble conclusions. But I
trust that there will be many more things to see and include as time moves us closer to that ―Day‖. I am
certain that my understanding of these subjects will have increased before we are able to meet together
so please be patient with me as I desire to know and do His will. A rich abundance of His grace to you
all, your brother in Christ, Wesley

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