Zechariah’s Prophecy – Light for All Jehovah’s Witnesses
Reprint from The Witchtower, 6/2010
“As for your fathers, where are they? And as for the prophets, was it to time indefinite that they continued to live?” – Zechariah 1:5
Explorers of the Bible have always been fascinated by prophecies. Such a prophecy is the book of Zechariah, written in the sixth century BCE. It is special because it is fulfilled right before our eyes but does also foretell the near future.
Right at the beginning, it points out which group of people is its main topic. An angel says regarding the protagonists: “These are the ones whom Jehovah has sent forth to walk about in the earth.” (Zechariah 1:10) They confirm this and say: “We have walked about in the earth.” (Zechariah 1:11) Clearly they are people who “walk about in the earth” on behalf of Jehovah – Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Public Ministry
Indeed, their public ministry is the major feature of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (1998 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, page 108) Zechariah describes their proceeding: “Look! there were four chariots … In the first chariot there were red horses; and in the second chariot, black horses. And in the third chariot there were white horses; and in the fourth chariot, horses speckled, parti-colored.” (Zechariah 6:1, 2) Most Jehovah’s Witnesses drive into their territories by car; though horse chariots are no more in use, the power of car motors is still measured in “horsepower.” In former times, people rode different-colored horses; today they are driving different-colored cars.
The publishers work in different territories: “The chariot with black horses goes toward the north, the chariot with white horses goes toward the west, and the one with spotted horses goes toward the south.” (Zechariah 6:6, CEV) The prophet fittingly describes the publishers driving to their assignments after the field service meeting.
One group though distinguishes itself: “As for the parti-colored ones, they must go forth and keep seeking where to go, in order to walk about in the earth … And they began walking about in the earth.” (Zechariah 6:7) These publishers do not go into the ministry only once a week; rather they “keep seeking where to go.” Obviously they are the pioneers and missionaries, for whom public ministry is a full-time job. Usually they have little money and have to drive old, botched cars, reminding a bit of parti-colored horses.
Many people are still asleep when Jehovah’s Witnesses ring their bell. The same happened to Zechariah; he reports: “The … [person] who was speaking with me proceeded to come back and wake me up, like a man that is awakened from his sleep” (Zechariah 4:1) But not enough that he woke the homeowner up, the publisher continues: “I will awaken your sons!” (Zechariah 9:13) Indeed a fitting description of Jehovah’s Witnesses who offer the magazine “Awake!” of all things at these morning visits.
Organizational Structure
The hierarchical structure of Jehovah’s Witnesses is exactly depicted in the prophecy too. First, Zechariah mentions the lowest level: “Look! there were four horns” (Zechariah 1:18) Sheep have two horns; hence the “four horns” resemble two “other sheep.” (John 10:16) They stand for the total number of Jehovah’s Witnesses who are counted as part of the “great crowd.” – Revelation 7:9.
The other group of Jehovah’s Witnesses, which is superior to the “other sheep,” is also mentioned. Zechariah explains: “What do these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on its left side mean? … These are the two anointed ones.” (Zechariah 4:11, 14) The “anointed ones” who form the “faithful and discreet slave” stand on the right side and on the left side of “the lampstand” – the place where the “brighter light” and the other “spiritual food” emerges. – The Watchtower, March 1, 2004, page 10.
Why are the anointed likened to olive trees? The prophet Joel “used olive oil in describing … prosperity.” (The Watchtower, March 1, 1993, page 24) Though many of the “anointed” are seemingly poor, they are cherished by the “other sheep” and generously supported with donations. But “olive trees” were also a major source of fat in Israel; hence the verse indicates that many anointedare overweight.
Besides the “other sheep” and the “anointed,” there is someone else playing a role in the Watchtower organization. Zechariah reports regarding the angel who showed him the vision: “He proceeded to show me Joshua the high priest … and Satan standing at his right hand.” (Zechariah 3:1) In ancient Israel, the priest was the mediator between God and men; hence “Joshua the high priest” represents the Governing Body who claims to be the representative of the “faithful and discreet slave” and “God’s channel of communication.” In actual fact they are guided by Satan the Devil, as Zechariah’s prophecy clearly reveals.
Building of Kingdom Halls
The worldwide building activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been foretold by Zechariah too. He stated:“Furthermore, Jehovah showed me four craftsmen.” (Zechariah 1:20) Since the Watchtower organization has no regard for its followers and continues building during bad weather, Zechariah said about the construction workers: “They must become like mighty men stamping down in the mire.” – Zechariah 10:5.
Only God’s spirit could enable Zechariah to foresee even the working conditions at Jehovah’s Witnesses’ construction sites. He said, in “those days there were no wages for mankind made to exist … there was no such thing.” (Zechariah 8:10) The workers really get no wages, though the Kingdom Halls belong to the Watchtower Society or one of its corporations when they are completed.
Since responsibility is usually delegated according to “spirit-mindedness” or gender, but not according to skills, quarrels at the construction sites are bound to occur. Thus Zechariah adds: “To the one going out and to the one coming in there was no peace.” – Zechariah 8:10.
There were no fluorescent tubes in Zechariah’s day; yet God’s spirit made him prophesy about the Kingdom Halls built by Jehovah’s Witnesses: “Its seven lamps are upon it, even seven; and the lamps that are at the top of it have seven pipes.” (Zechariah 4:2) Indeed most Kingdom Halls are equipped with fluorescent tubes which remind of “pipes.” The number seven represents the total number of lamps in the building.
Further Details
Zechariah foretold further details about the Watchtower organization’s methods. For example, he explained:“Look! the stone that I have put before Joshua! Upon the one stone there are seven eyes … These seven are the eyes of Jehovah. They are roving about in all the earth.” (Zechariah 3:9; 4:10) Eyes are symbols of observation or surveillance; hence the “seven eyes” mean that Jehovah’s professed organization monitors the whole life of its followers. Of course they put great emphasis on the commitment in public service; in this regard they collect reports from literally “all the earth.” – The Watchtower, June 15, 1990, page 29.
In present times, these reports are usually no more sent by post but submitted through the Internet. Thereby they are also transmitted through copper cables, and Zechariah foretold even that as he saw“copper mountains” near the publishers. (Zechariah 6:1) More and more, the Internet with its copper cables is also used to distribute the magazines.
“Approved association with Jehovah’s Witnesses requires accepting … beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (The Watchtower, April 1, 1986, page 31) One such teaching that is “unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses” was also predicted by Zechariah: “In that day Jehovah will prove to be one.” (Zechariah 14:9) People of former centuries considered Jehovah a triune God, but Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that he is only “one.” As they don’t want to be linked with Jehovah’s Witnesses, most Christians stopped to use the name “Jehovah.” Now, when people hear the name “Jehovah” they do no more think about the triune God of Christianity but about the non-triune God of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Exploiting followers
Zechariah tells us how members of the Governing Body and other “anointed” announce themselves when mixing with ordinary “other sheep” at conventions: “Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble.” (Zechariah 9:9) In fact, the “anointed” claim that they are “destined to ‘rule as kings over the earth.’” (The Watchtower, April 15, 1992, page 17) They also assert that, contrary to the “other sheep,” they have already been “declared righteous” and thus are quasi “saved.” (The Watchtower, January 15, 2008, page 21) Finally they pretend being “humble” by calling themselves “slave” (though they actually act like a master).
Zechariah continues to say about the “anointed” ones, they would be “riding upon an ass, even upon … the son of a she-ass.” (Zechariah 9:9) In fact, most anointed ones, especially those in executive positions, take their ease in their Bethel homes, while they have the asslike “other sheep” perform the painstaking public ministry. Many of these ‘asses’ did not become Jehovah’s Witnesses as adults; rather their parents already belonged to this organization – thus they are, so to speak, ‘sons of she-asses.’ Not for nothing, the Watchtower Society wonders: “What would we do without donkeys?” – Awake!, December 2006, page 26.
The “donkeys” or “asses” – the “other sheep” – also have financial losses. “The wealth of all the nations round about will certainly be gathered, gold and silver and garments in excessive abundance.” (Zechariah 14:14) Indeed, the asslike publishers donate money – the modern “gold and silver” – to the Watchtower Society; their publications particularly mention “the generous gifts of Jehovah’s witnesses around the world.” – 1970 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, page 48.
But Jehovah’s Witnesses have other expenses besides donations. In fact, all of Jehovah’s Witnesses have “garments in excessive abundance” in their wardrobes, so that “at all meetings” they can “be neatly and appropriately dressed.” (The Watchtower, June 1, 1989, page 20) The Australian writer Jan Groenveld said: “You are likely a Jehovah’s Witness if you earn your living by window cleaning and yet have five suits hanging in your wardrobe.” Another writer said that the demand of a female Jehovah’s Witness to express her belonging to God’s “chosen people” through her clothes can “even dwindle into stress and rivalry.” – Die Kleiderordnung der Zeugen Jehovas.
Sometimes this situation leads to bizarre sights. Zechariah prophesied about a Jehovah’s Witness: “He happened to be clothed in befouled garments.” (Zechariah 3:3) Indeed, in many congregations some publishers formally observe the dress code – that is, men wear ties, women skirts or dresses – but they do not notice that their garments are dirty or damaged, don’t fit or don’t match in terms of color. The elders add to this behavior by accepting every brother as long as he wears a tie (regardless of how dirty or messy his clothing is otherwise), but trouncing every sister wearing a pantsuit (regardless of how neat it is).
Not all followers of the Watchtower Society may donate money, but the dress code and related expenses have effect on “all Witnesses of Jehovah.” (The Watchtower, November 15, 1989, page 14) Zechariah calls the abnormal striving after “well-arranged dress” a “scourge” and states: “The scourge of the horse, the mule, the camel, and the male ass … will prove to be, like this scourge.” (Zechariah 14:15)It really befalls all publishers who can be called ‘horses, mules, camels, and asses’ according to their character.
Water of Life?
Now Zechariah explains the impact of the Watchtower Society’s scribblings on the people: “It will not be day, neither will it be night; and it must occur that at evening time it will become light. And it must occur in that day that living waters will go forth from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. In summer and in winter it will occur.” – Zechariah 14:7, 8.
Here Zechariah likens the so-called “water of life” which is distributed by Jehovah’s Witnesses with the literal ‘living water’ or “water of life.” This term is usually applied to Vodka, and “in summer and in winter” large amounts of Vodka are exported from Russia “to the eastern sea … and to the western sea,” that is, in all directions. A part of Russia is north of the Arctic Circle where it “will not be day” in winter, but in summer it will not be “night” but “at evening time it will become light.”
In a transferred sense, spiritual Vodka is exported from Brooklyn, the antitypical “Jerusalem,” to the entire world. The publications of the Watchtower Society make their readers spiritually drunk; this spiritual alcohol “deadens the senses so that one’s judgment is impaired, and one loses control of one’s mind.” (The Watchtower, August 1, 1975, page 468) Whoever consumes too much of it might eventually accept a “Bible Study” with Jehovah’s Witnesses and hence be befallen by the “scourge.” – Zechariah 14:15.
Zechariah confirms this idea; he sees “a flying scroll” and explains: “This is the curse that is going forth over the surface of all the earth.” (Zechariah 5:3) Like ‘flying scrolls,’ new Watchtower issues spread with lightning speed “over the surface of all the earth” and become a “curse” for everyone believing in their content.
Wickedness
In another vision Zechariah saw an additional feature of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He reports: “It is a basket … the heavy lead cover was lifted off the basket, and there was a woman sitting inside it.” (Zechariah 5:6, 7, NLT) Who is this mysterious woman in the basket? An angel explained: “This is their aspect in all the earth … This is Wickedness.” – Zechariah 5:6, 8.
Why is “wickedness” depicted as a “woman?” Throughout history, God’s worshippers considered women to be the source of evil. The Apocrypha say: “From garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness. Better is the churlishness of a man than a courteous woman.” (Ecclesiasticus 42:13, 14, KJV) Centuries later Pope Pius II wrote: “When you see a woman, consider it the devil! She is a kind of hell!”
Jehovah’s Witnesses also hold the view that wickedness basically emanates from women. For example, they wrote: “The congregation in Thyatira was tolerating idolatry, false teaching, and sexual immorality. In their midst was ‘that woman Jezebel’ – perhaps a group of women with traits like those of wicked Queen Jezebel … Let no self-appointed prophetess seek to manipulate others in the present-day Christian congregation!” (The Watchtower, May 15, 2003, page 18) On another occasion they advised women: “Godly women avoid being like Jezebel or any of her kind.” – The Watchtower, September 15, 1997, page 18.
Everyone who spent some time with Jehovah’s Witnesses knows that “wickedness” is abounding in their congregations. Of course this is not only due to women – but the Watchtower literature is written or at least checked by men. That is why their magazines continue to picture women as the origin of evil: “Christian women were to be in subjection to their husbands … They were also to respect the elders appointed within the congregation, all of whom were men … Christian women were to leave public teaching in the congregation to such appointed ‘older men’ and refrain from publicly contradicting such teachers … Any improper feminine influence within a congregation would incur Christ’s unfavorable judgment.” – The Watchtower, September 1, 1986, page 16.
Zechariah prophesied regarding the “king,” the “anointed” managerial elite of Jehovah’s Witnesses: “He will actually speak peace to the nations; and his rulership will be from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9:10) Granted, Jehovah’s Witnesses “speak peace to the nations” – they keep talking of a “peaceful new world.” (Life in a Peaceful New World, cover page) But in actual fact they are ruling “from sea to sea,” and “the wicked are … the sea.” (Isaiah 57:20) Hence they are ruling over “the wicked” in their congregations.
The “rulership” of the Governing Body is also “from the River to the ends of the earth” – what does that mean? The “River” is without doubt the Euphrates in Babylonia, which proves that the Watchtower Society is part of “Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 14:8) Joseph F. Rutherford, a famous judge, pointed out who is behind this “River” when he said: “Satan the Devil, represented by the great Dragon … said: ‘My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.’” – Light, volume I, page 291.
The Watchtower Society’s rule reaches “to the ends of the earth,” and the Bible says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Hence the “faithful and discreet slave” himself is “the wicked one,” collaborating with Satan and ruling over a nation of wicked ones.
Would there ever be an end to wickedness in the congregation? Zechariah “saw two women flying … gliding on the wind … They picked up the basket and flew into the sky. ‘Where are they taking the basket?’ … ‘To the land of Babylonia, where they will build a temple for the basket. And when the temple is ready, they will set the basket there on its pedestal.’” (Zechariah 5:9-11, NLT) Hence “wickedness” would not cease, but even an own temple for it would be established in “Babylonia” – the dwelling place of “Babylon the Great.” Indeed, all false religions – including Jehovah’s Witnesses – would excel in yielding wickedness.
The Condition Exposed
The Watchtower organization’s poor spiritual condition does not remain concealed. God says: “I will send your prisoners out of the pit in which there is no water … you prisoners of the hope.” (Zechariah 9:11, 12) Jehovah’s Witnesses are indeed “prisoners of the hope” for a new world that never comes. But since so far all of the Watchtower Society’s predictions have failed to fulfill, some Jehovah’s Witnesses become “disillusioned or tired of waiting for Armageddon.” (The Watchtower, January 1, 1998, page 9) They realize that the “other sheep” (which they belong to) are a “flock meant for the killing,” that is, they will die before Armageddon “although they are not held guilty.” – Zechariah 11:4, 5.
Individuals understand that in a spiritual sense “there is no water” in the Watchtower but Vodka, making its readers drunk. (Zechariah 14:7) Through Zechariah God tells them: “Run! … Hey there! Hey there! Flee, then, you people! … Make your escape, you who are dwelling with the daughter of Babylon! … Keep silence.” (Zechariah 2:4, 6, 7, 13) By their unbiblical doctrines as well as their collaboration with the United Nations and other political organizations, Jehovah’s Witnesses made themselves a part of “Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 14:8) Everyone who grasped that should no longer be “dwelling with the daughter of Babylon” by remaining in the Watchtower organization but rather ‘run, flee and escape.’ He should ‘keep silence’ instead of preaching the “Good News” of an upcoming annihilation.
Zechariah then encourages such persons: “The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth month, and the fast of the seventh month, and the fast of the tenth month will become … an exultation and a rejoicing and good festal seasons.” (Zechariah 8:18) Of course this statement does not refer to literal fasting; it rather encourages people to stop reading the Watchtowerand listening to the boring speeches at meetings and conventions. Whoever starts spiritual fasting will soon ‘rejoice’ and realize what a burden is gone from him!
Forefathers
Among those realizing the truth about the “truth” are many children of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Zechariah addresses them: “Jehovah grew indignant at your fathers – very much so … Do not become like your fathers to whom the former prophets called, saying: ‘This is what Jehovah of armies has said …’” (Zechariah 1:2, 4) Their fathers listened to “the former prophets” – the Watchtower Society’s writers who foretold Armageddon for 1914 and 1975 as well as the resurrection of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for 1925. God “grew indignant” at them because they allowed such lying prophets to delude them and didn’t notice at all that it was not “Jehovah of armies” who “has said” what the Watchtower printed.
Then the prophet hits the nail right on the head, asking:“As for your fathers, where are they? And as for the prophets, was it to time indefinite that they continued to live?” (Zechariah 1:5) Indeed, where are the earlier Bible Students and Jehovah’s Witnesses now? In the paradise that was established on earth in 1914, 1925, the 1940s, 1975, before 1995, the 20 th century? And “as for the prophets” – Charles Taze Russell, Joseph F. Rutherford, Nathan H. Knorr (and his ghostwriter F. W. Franz) – where are they today? Are they ruling over mankind from heaven? Do people at least still read and cherish their books?
God urges children of Jehovah’s Witnesses: “Don’t be like your parents! … Leave!” (Zechariah 1:3, MSG)“Paul himself had changed his religion … when he found that the ‘traditions of his forefathers’ were not in harmony with the Scriptures.” (The Watchtower, October 1, 1970, page 581) Everyone who has been raised as a Jehovah’s Witness should do the same.
At another occasion, Zechariah reminds again of the numerous false forecasts by the Watchtower prophets:“The practicers of divination, for their part, have visioned falsehood, and valueless dreams are what they keep speaking, and in vain they try to comfort … Against the goatlike leaders I shall hold an accounting.” – Zechariah 10:2, 3.
Indeed, all the prophecies in the countless publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses – “falsehood and valueless dreams” they have proved to be. “In vain” the elders “try to comfort” those who are disappointed for that reason. But Zechariah predicted regarding these: “They will certainly depart.” (Zechariah 10:2) Many are unsatisfied with the flimsy excuses and leave the organization.
Discussing with Elders
Some realize immediately that the Watchtower organization is based on lies and leave right away. Others though are only bothered about individual issues and try to talk to the elders about their doubts. Some of them read old Watchtower publications, such as the books by Charles Taze Russell and Joseph F. Rutherford or the Golden Age. They are appalled by the doctrine about the Great Pyramid, the attitude towards war, the expectations for 1925, or the medical advice that God’s channel of communication propagated at that time, and say to the elders: “Don’t you know the message which Jehovah proclaimed through the former prophets?” – Zechariah 7:7, Luther.
Zechariah also predicted how the elders would react to such questions: “The prophets will become ashamed, each one of his vision when he prophesies … for the purpose of deceiving. And he will certainly say, ‘I am no prophet.’” (Zechariah 13:4, 5) The same excuse, which is surely cited by the elders in such a situation, is used by the faithful and discreet slave: “Today, Jehovah does not inspire prophets as in the past; instead, he has commissioned a faithful slave class … How important, therefore, that we have an obedient attitude toward that ‘slave!’” – The Watchtower, October 1, 2002, page 17.
God jibes at the elders and instructs them through Zechariah: “Take yet for yourself the implements of a useless shepherd.” (Zechariah 11:15) As many elders do not have a strong inner conviction but are merely good heelers, they are usually lacking arguments when discussing with doubters. Then they consult “the implements of a useless shepherd,” likely their books and the Watchtower Society’s letters which contain detailed instructions for all possible situations.
It could be though that the “implements of a useless shepherd” refer to the threat which many elders utter during such discussions. They threaten the doubter with the spiritual (and later literal) death by disfellowshipping if he dares to talk to anyone about his doubts. Indeed a “useless” sanction – which loving shepherd would kill one of his sheep or ban it from the flock?
Now at the latest, many Jehovah’s Witnesses grasp that the Watchtower Society is a false prophet and that they have wasted their previous life to a lie. God foretold through Zechariah: “In that day … I shall strike every horse with bewilderment and its rider with madness.” (Zechariah 12:4) Indeed some are ‘bewildered’ when they become aware of the truth about the “truth.” They don’t really know what to do now. Others go ‘mad’ when they realize that they squandered their whole life to a group of senile liars.
The End is near
Zechariah foretold: “There will no more prove to be a Canaanite in the house of Jehovah.” (Zechariah 14:21) The name “Canaan” means “Merchant Land” or “Land of the Tradesman;” hence the ‘Canaanites’ are merchants, tradesmen, and other educated people.(Insight on the Scriptures, volume I, page 399) Soon they all will no more be “in the house of Jehovah,” that is, the Kingdom Hall, but they will have left the Watchtower organization.
Before long, the Kingdom Halls will look like prophesied by Zechariah: “Very old people with walking sticks will … sit around.” (Zechariah 8:4, CEV) All young and smart people will have disassociated themselves. The remaining elderly ones too may have realized that they have been misled, but they don’t want to start a new life. They prefer to be lulled by the latest Armageddon forecasts week after week until they pass away peacefully.
Last Try
The Governing Body will get worried about this development. The old geezers will refuse to believe that their writing is on the wall, but rather they will comfort each other: “It will yet be that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come … saying: ‘Let us earnestly go to soften the face of Jehovah and to seek Jehovah.’” (Zechariah 8:20, 21) They will still believe in a large increase.
They will wonder what they did wrong, so that the increase fails to appear. Finally they will come across the following Bible verse: “It will be in those days that ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold, yes, they will actually take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew.” (Zechariah 8:23) They have always applied this prophecy to themselves: “[This] man who is a Jew … represents the remnant of spirit-anointed Christians” –The Watchtower, February 15, 2009, page 27.
In one of their meetings, the scales will fall from their eyes: How should the people “take hold of the skirt of a man” who is a Jehovah’s Witness while we forbid men to wear skirts? Immediately they will commission a Watchtowerarticle that introduces a new dress code based on Zechariah 8:23. All brothers will have to wear skirts in public service, so that the homeowners have an occasion to fulfill the prophecy.
“Then the end will come”
God foretold through Zechariah: “I shall certainly gather all the nations against Jerusalem for the war; and the city will actually be captured and the houses be pillaged, and the women themselves will be raped.” (Zechariah 14:2) Indeed, “all nations” will take action against the cult leaders from Brooklyn, the antitypical “Jerusalem,” and their followers in the different countries. They will ban this organization; their “houses” – the Bethel homes, Kingdom Halls and other facilities – will be “pillaged” and made available for charitable purposes.
How will “the women … be raped?” Not literally. But “since the Bible puts abstaining from blood on the same moral level as avoiding fornication, to force blood on a Christian would be … rape.” (How Can Blood Save Your Life?, page 20) Zechariah’s statement means that no one will have to fear reprisals for accepting a blood transfusion.
The printing plants of Jehovah’s Witnesses will cease their activities, too. “On that day there will be no light.” (Zechariah 14:6, NIV) There won’t be a writing department making up “brighter light” anymore. Zechariah also prophesied regarding God’s executioner: “The hoofs of the sheep he will tear off.” (Zechariah 11:16) The “hoofs of the sheep” represent the shoes worn by the “other sheep” in public service. But then, public service will be no more.
Jehovah instructs his executioner: “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (Zechariah 13:7, NIV) Punishment will come only over the “shepherd,” the leaders of the Watchtower Society. The “[other] sheep will be scattered” and take control of their own lives. “In that day there will come to be a well opened … to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for an abhorrent thing.” (Zechariah 13:1) The former cult victims are now free to organize their life by their own standards. They even can do things that Jehovah’s Witnesses called “sin” or “an abhorrent thing,” such as celebrating birthdays, reading Lord of the Rings, or buying a ticket from a charity lottery.
What will become of “the spiritual estate inhabited by God’s [professed] people” after the Watchtower organization’s destruction? Zechariah foretold: “The whole land will be changed like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon.” (Zechariah 14:10) Mistakenly, the words in this verse have been translated as personal names; the correct rendering would be: “The whole land will be changed into a desert plain, from the hill to the pomegranate tree.” (see Insight on the Scriptures) The fertile “land” that had sustained the Watchtower leaders with donations and conveniences for more than hundred years will become “a desert plain” with nothing for them.
Mourning
These remaining cult leaders will remember the profit that they are missing now, “and they’ll weep – oh, how they’ll weep! Deep mourning as of a parent grieving the loss of the firstborn child. The lamentation in Jerusalem that day will be massive.” (Zechariah 12:10, MSG) Now they have to earn their living by themselves, something they had not done for decades.
The annihilation of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be permanent. Zechariah prophesied: “They will no more be remembered; and also the prophets … I shall cause to pass out of the land. And it must occur that in case a man should prophesy anymore, his father and his mother … must also say to him, ‘You will not live, because … you have spoken in the name of Jehovah.’ And his father and his mother … must pierce him through because of his prophesying.” – Zechariah 13:2, 3.
Indeed, whoever may try to revive the Watchtower religion will be put to death immediately. What splendid prospects!