Terry
In the Bible, the SIGN of something comes BEFORE the event itself, but using Watchtower style reverse-definition
we find in REASONING FROM THE SCRIPTURES
“Following Christ’s return, some persons show faith; they recognize the
Sign of his presence. Others reject the evidence, but when Christ goes
into action as God’s executioner of the wicked, even they will discern
From the manifestation of his power that the destruction is not from men
but from heaven. They will know what is happening because they were
Warned in advance. Because of what is overtaking them, they will ‘beat
their selves in grief.’”
I think it depends on the meaning of the word sign. In Isaiah 11:10 the word signal is used and the greek word used in the Septuagint can be translated sign or ensign or standard. i believe the way it is used here and in Matthew 2:30-31 with the gathering suggests this.
(Things In Which It Is Impossible For God To Lie, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society 1965 pg.339. Man's Salvation Out of World Distress At Hand, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society 1975 pg197-200)
An example of I found of how a standard was used was in the Cambridge encyclopedia under Stuart page 1062 " He landed with seven followers at Eriskay in the Hebrides (July 1745) and raised his fathers standard (sign) The clans men flocked to him, Edinburgh surrendered and he kept court at Holyrood" Seems a similar sort of thing.
The apostle paul quoted from Isaiah 11:10 at Romans 15:12 regarding the gentiles becoming believes and joining the congregation. The book Man's Salvation Out of World Distress At Hand on page 198 says regarding the prophecy
'However, the prophecy applies more particularly "in that day." We have been in that day since the birth of God's Messianic kingdom in the heavens in 1914. Then the glorified Jesus Christ, 2the root of Jesse," stood up in Kingdom authority to deal with all the nations of the earth.'
I believe the sign of Matthew 24:30 was thought to be the act of God's Son in recieving authority from his father (The Watchtower January 15 1966 pg 38) I also believe this has changed now.
but this may be how the reasoning from the scriptures book that you quote from means that he returns arrives and raises his standard and the sign being after his arrival?