Watchtower's Spiritual "Israel", Spiritual "Edom"

[Witness]

We are all familiar with the story of Esau and Jacob.  Esau, during a moment of hunger, impetuously sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. In that one moment, we see the inclination of Esau’s mind on the earthly, fleshly needs overpowering his faith and sustenance in God. His act of eating the bread and stew showed that Esau “despised” his birthright, or viewed it as worthless, not only when filling his stomach, but indicating faith was never fully directed toward God.  Gen 25:33,34

However, when it was time for Isaac to bestow blessings on his sons, Esau still expected to receive the birthright of the older son. Gen 27:36   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+25%3A33%2C34%3B+27%3A36&version=CSB

I have a young 7-year old grandson that can be quite headstrong.  If he refuses to complete a task asked jointly of both grandsons, it is held out to him that he will lose any reward that follows.  When the task is accomplished, and the reward offered to the other grandson, the seven-year-old immediately balks and states the verdict is “not fair”, many times through tears shed over his loss of reward.  When someone in a family shows an unreasonable stubborn streak, it is not uncommon to begin searching through the characteristics of older family members and blame it on that “gene”. 

The nation of Edom was Esau’s progeny. Edom harbored the animosity “gene” against Israel throughout Bible history.  Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, letting us see that the Bible’s later references to “Jacob”, refers to the nation of Israel.  Gen 36:1; 27:41    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+36%3A1%3B+27%3A41&version=CSB

The struggle between Jacob and Esau, which began in the womb, continued through their descendants. Even though Jacob was the younger of the two, notice the prophetic outcome of these twins, in the words of Gen.25:21-23:

Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. ²² The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.

²³ The Lord said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb,
    and two peoples from within you will be separated;
one people will be stronger than the other,
    and the older will serve the younger.”

What was Esau’s blessing? 

³⁸ Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” And Esau wept loudly.

³⁹ His father Isaac answered him,

Look, your dwelling place will be
away from the richness of the land,
away from the dew of the sky above.
⁴⁰ You will live by your sword,
and you will serve your brother.
But when you rebel,
you will break his yoke from your neck. Gen 27:38-40.

Edom (meaning red) was both a rugged, mountainous region and the location of Mount Seir, as well as desert and red sandstone cliffs where available pasture and land for farming practices was scarce. They imposed taxation on an ancient caravan route, as well as using sea trade routes as a source of livelihood.

 Jacob, as “Israel”, received both the riches of the earth and the spiritual wealth from God, whenever and as long as, they obeyed His direction.  Gen 27:28,29

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. ⁶ And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”  Exod 19:5,6 (see Deut chapter 28)

Although Esau and Jacob met amicably when Jacob was returning to Canaan with Rachel and Leah (Gen 33:1-4), several moments in Biblical history show us Edom’s bitter animosity toward Israel.  Edom’s king denied Israel passage through their country in Num 20:14-21; 21:4; Deut 2:4-6. However, at that time, God set the standard that Israel was not to hate or despise their “brother”.  Deut 23:7; Deut 2:2-6    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+33%3A1-4%3B++Num+20%3A14-21%3B+21%3A4%3B+Deut+2%3A4-6%3B+23%3A7%3B+Deut+2%3A2-6&version=CSB

Edom came against Israel during King Saul’s reign and was defeated.  1 Sam 14:47  King David “struck down eighteen thousand Edomites in “Salt Valley”, making the survivors subject to David’s rule.  2 Sam 8:13,14  The revolts continued down to the time of Nebuchadnezzar.    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Sam+14%3A47%3B2+Sam+8%3A13%2C14&version=CSB

As a result of conflict forcing the Edomites out of their own land, (in Greek, “Idumaea”) they fled into Judah close to the time period when Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar, plundered Jerusalem and destroyed its temple. Jer 25:3-12   Judah had gravely strayed from obeying God’s voice and commandments and was suffering the consequences.  The Edomites assisted Babylon’s attack on God’s people, as well as overtaking cities and land once the Judeans were sent into exile in Babylon.  Here, we find a fulfillment of Isaac’s words:  “But when you rebel, you will break his yoke from your neck”.  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jer+25%3A3-12&version=CSB

Judah’s bitter words during exile, pleading for vengeance against Edom are found in Psalm 137, with verse 7 reading:

 Remember, Lord, what the Edomites said
that day at Jerusalem:
“Destroy it! Destroy it
down to its foundations!” 

Three prophetic books speak of this event, condemning Edom and promising its destruction:  Isa 34:5-8; Jer 49:7-22; Obad 1:10-15   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+34%3A5-8%3B+Jer+49%3A7-22%3B+Obad+1%3A10-15+&version=CSB

Another conqueror came against the Edomites, forcing them to make a choice; either leave the cities conquered or convert to Judaism.  The grandfather of Herod the Great, who built the last temple in Jerusalem, was among those who converted. Eventually, the mention of the people of Edom phased out of historical records around 70 c.e.

As was the converted “Jew”, Herod the Great, many Edomites allied with Rome, even becoming Roman citizens. Others took part in the Zealot wars against Roman rule in Jerusalem.  They had lost their established role as the nation of Edom or “Idumaea”, and had become “still”, unnoticed, as one of the root meanings within their name, signifies.  To this day, it is not uncommon for Edomites who converted to Judaism, to be referred to as “false Jews”. 

Recent archeological evidence has found what appears to be temple remains in Idumaea.   Along with a few other gods, the Edomites worshiped an ancient god considered a competitor to YHWH; called, “Qaus”. With the help and derivation of other linked Hebrew words, it may refer to such descriptive terms as bow, cast out as an arrow, ‘gleamed forth’, lighting, colors, mightiness, and interestingly, even briers.   Historical records by Josephus show evidence of a priesthood as well.

Today, we have a spiritual nation of God, called “Israel”.  They are the priests and kings of Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; Rev 5:9,10; 7:4; 21:24   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+43%3A10%3B+1+Pet+2%3A5%2C9%2C10%3B+Rev+5%3A9%2C10%3B+7%3A4%3B+21%3A24&version=CSB

Pearl Doxsey explains this nation in her article, “TWELVE TRIBES”. She describes how the “little flock’ of physical Jews and the “other sheep” of physical Gentiles combine to become one anointed  flock of spiritual Israel under the New Covenant.  Heb 8:7; Acts13:46; Rom 2:28,29; Rev.5:9,10 

Take note of her words, JWs!

“ The doctrine that "other sheep" are NOT of the heavenly calling, to me, is error with an evil purpose....

to take away the distinction between what God has cleansed (circumcision of the chosen Priest's heart by spirit) and the common spiritual Gentile.  This deceptive doctrine is the basis for allowing the disgusting thing to enter the holy place (the MAN OF LAWLESSNESS to raise himself up above the sons of God). (Mark13:14; 2Thess.2:4; 1Cor.3:16)" 

A spiritual, rebellious “Edom” exists where the Man of Lawless (of “destruction, ruin”) reigns – The Watchtower organization/“Beast”. Rev 13:1  Its ruling “kings”/false prophets have traded their inheritance under the New Covenant with Christ, for fleshly power, glory and riches in this world; riches that do not last.  Luke 4:7;12:32-34   Their new “birthright” or blessing is given by the one who offers such gifts, Satan the Devil.  Isa 28:15; Rev 17:5; 13:11 

 ^“Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.¹⁶ And make sure that there isn’t any sexually immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. ¹⁷ For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.”  Heb 12:15-17

The governing body is not only a “root of bitterness”, (Rev 8:11) but are spiritual Harlots defiling all who buy into the belief that the idol/temple, “Jehovah’s organization” is the source of salvation.   Each anointed one under its wing are the “foolish virgins” captivated and oppressed by the Harlot’s priesthood, the elder body/Beast.  As long as they are accepting of the Harlot’s wares, they too fall under the “mother” covenant of death, Babylon the Great.  Matt 25:8-13; Rev 13:7,17          https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+8%3A11%3B+Matt.25%3A8-13%3B+Rev.13%3A7%2C17&version=CSB

The Man of Lawlessness is this priesthood, and the false “Jews” and “briers” ruling over the true Temple dwelling of God, within the hearts of the anointed ones.  2 Thess 2:3,4; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Rev 9:1-6;11:1-3  The Body of Elders presently assists “Babylon’s” kings/false prophets in captivating spiritual “Israel” with, “blasphemies against God: TO BLASPHEME HIS NAME AND HIS DWELLING —those who dwell in heaven.”  Rev 13:6  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thess+2%3A3%2C4%3B+1+Cor+3%3A16%2C17%3B+Rev+9%3A1-6%3B11%3A1-3++&version=CSB

This priesthood/elder body has been given the authority to judge and “kill” God’s spiritual “Israel”. (Gen 27:41)  We have a repeat of Ps 137:7.  The anointed living “stones” of God’s Temple are effectively facing a threatening destruction under the  Man of Lawlessness. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+27%3A41%3B+Ps+137%3A7&version=CSB

1 Cor 3:16,17: “Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?  IF ANYONE DESTROYS GOD’S TEMPLE, GOD WILL DESTROY HIM; for God’s temple is holy, and that is what you are.”

 In the same nature as the Edomite god, Quas, the Watchtower god uses deceitful, powerful displays as if originating from the true God, YHWH. 

From Pearl’s article, “FIRE FROM HEAVEN”:

"When we read that the False Prophet has the ability to "cause fire to come down from heaven" (Rev.13:11,13), do you think GOD ("heaven") is giving that false prophet power to judge others by truth and in righteousness?;
OR, do you think that Satan is empowering the "TWO-horned" false prophet (counterfeit "two witnesses") with the ability to render a  false CONDEMNATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS?  (Rev.11:7-10; 13:15; 6:9,10,11)   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+13%3A11-13%3B+Rev.11%3A7-10%3B+13%3A15%3B+6%3A9%2C10%2C11&version=CSB

This "fire" comes "from heaven", because the point at which the false prophet receives this power; Satan has not yet been completely removed, and is still "waging war" with the "woman's" seed (Rev.12:3,4,8,13,17). He is not cast down (loses his heavenly authority) until this counterfeit fire is fully used against those righteous ones "killed" by it (Rev.11:7; 6:9,11; John 16:2; Mark 8:35), by which faithful deaths and testimony, he is cast down (Rev.12:10,11; 13:13,15,4)."  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.12%3A3%2C4%2C8%2C13%2C17%3B11%3A7%3B+6%3A9%2C11%3B+John+16%3A2%3B+Mark+8%3A35%3BRev.12%3A10%2C11%3B+13%3A13%2C15%2C4&version=CSB   

So as is clear, yes, "fire from heaven" can be falsified, when it condemns the righteous to "death" (Eze.13:19; Jer.23:17,14; Rev.11:8). This is what the false prophet is enabled to do (Rev.9:1; 13:13,15; 6:9,10,11; 11:7-10) by means of Satan's ability (Job 1:12,16; Rev.13:2; 11:7; 9:11,1) to falsely condemn the righteous, causing counterfeit, symbolic "fire from heaven".    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eze.13%3A19%3B+Jer.23%3A17%2C14%3B+Rev.11%3A8%3BRev.9%3A1%3B+13%3A13%2C15%3B+6%3A9%2C10%2C11%3B+11%3A7-10%3BJob+1%3A12%2C16%3B+Rev.13%3A2%3B+11%3A7%3B+9%3A11%2C1&version=CSB

JWs, the Watchtower is a hateful act of rebellion against “Israel”.  All within, have fallen for this great end time deception of Satan’s. 2 Thess 2:9-12 Soon, the Man of Lawlessness will also turn on “Israel’s” Harlot/false prophet, stripping her bare and exposing her sins that even they can’t tolerate.   A combined alliance of sell-out anointed “kings” and non-anointed elders will receive authority over all of unrepentant “Israel” and those with them, “for one hour.” Rev.17:7,12,13,16,17; Gen.25:30-33  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.17%3A7%2C12%2C13%2C16%2C17%3B+Gen.25%3A30-33&version=CSB

 FLEE now! Join those of “Jacob” who have left “Babylon’s” confusion; who are repentant and eager to serve the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Deut 28:20; Jer 51:6; Zech 8:22,23; Matt 24:16; Rev 18:4-8   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut+28%3A20%3B+Jer+51%3A6%3B+Zech+8%3A22%2C23%3B+Matt+24%3A16%3B+Rev+18%3A4-8+&version=CSB

“‘This is what the Lord God says: Because Edom acted vengefully against the house of Judah and incurred grievous guilt by taking revenge on them, ¹³ therefore this is what the Lord God says: I will stretch out my hand against Edom and cut off both man and animal from it. I will make it a wasteland; they will fall by the sword from Teman to Dedan. ¹⁴ I will take my vengeance on Edom through my people Israel, and they will deal with Edom according to my anger and wrath. So they will know my vengeance. This is the declaration of the Lord God.”  Ezek 25:12-14

“For the day of the Lord is near,
against all the nations.
As you have done, it will be done to you;
what you deserve will return on your own head.
¹⁶ As you have drunk on my holy mountain,
so all the nations will drink continually.
They will drink and gulp down
and be as though they had never been.
¹⁷ But there will be a deliverance on Mount Zion,
and it will be holy;
the house of Jacob will dispossess
those who dispossessed them.
¹⁸ Then the house of Jacob will be a blazing FIRE,
and the house of Joseph, a burning flame,
but the house of Esau will be stubble;
Jacob will set them on fire and consume Edom.
Therefore no survivor will remain
of the house of Esau,
for the Lord has spoken.”  Obadiah 1:15-18

“Is not my WORD like FIRE”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“and like a hammer that pulverizes rock?”  Jer 23:29

JWs, if you choose to listen to the linked chapter in Lamentation below, which is Jeremiah’s mournful dirge over Judah’s captivity, consider how you are admonished to respect the authority of, obey, and praise the elder body. At the same time, you are taught to scrutinize the validity of the anointed ones.  Remember that the anointed Temple “stones”/ priests and “kings of the earth” are counseled by your governing body, and enforced by your elders, not to seek each other out, or gather together to study the Bible; as it THREATENS the unity and worship to be given to your god, the organization.  Prov 6:16-19; Ezek 44:23  This is “trampling”, oppression and captivity. Rev.12:4; 9:10,19; 11:2; 13:7,10; Matt 26:52; (Gen 27:40)  Your “Edom” is a spiritual desert as a result; fulfilling the promised blessing given to Esau by Isaac.  Jer 14:15; Lam 5:10; Amos 8:11;Rev 18:8   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov+6%3A16-19%3B+Ezek+44%3A23%3B+Rev.12%3A4%3B+9%3A10%2C19%3B+11%3A2%3B+13%3A7%2C10%3B+Matt+26%3A52%3B+Gen+27%3A40%3B+Jer+14%3A15%3B+Lam+5%3A10%3B+Amos+8%3A11%3BRev+18%3A8+&version=CSB

The inherited promise bestowed on a faithful “Israel”, cleansed of all defilement, is fulfilled when the Kingdom of God arrives. Rev 6:9-11; Isa 61:7  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+6%3A9-11%3B+Isa+61%3A7++&version=CSB

I know your works. Look, I have placed before you an open door that no one can close because you have but little power; yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ⁹ Note this: I will make those from the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews and are not, but are lying—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I have loved you. ¹⁰ Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. ¹¹ I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown. Rev 3:8-11

Lamentations 1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/suchet/nivuk/Lam.1

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+1&version=CSB

Pearl Doxsey - 4womaninthewilderness

"Who Inherit the Earth"?

"Discerning the Ten Virgins/Called, Chosen and Faithful"