16th century artist's portrayal of Zerubbabel
Published by Guillaume Rouill (Free-images.com)
By COGwriter
The word Zerubbabel occurs 25 times in the NKJV Bible.
In the 6th century BC, Zerubbabel was a governor who helped get the second temple built in Jerusalem.
Is there a future 'Zerubbabel' prophesied?
Could that be Jesus?
Could that be Herbert W. Armstrong?
What about someone else?
What about the second Philadelphian rise?
This article some prophetic and other scriptures that involve Zerubbabel as well as what the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God taught about him.
Here is a link to our related sermon video: Zerubbabel and Joshua for 21st Century? We also have a related sermon in the Spanish language: Zorobabel y la profecía.
16th century artist's portrayal of Zerubbabel
Published by Guillaume Rouill (Free-images.com)
Note: In Roman Catholic and Aramaic translations of the Bible, Zerubbabel is spelled as Zorobabel (like the picture at above shows) and his father’s name Shealtiel is also spelled Salathiel–which is also how that name is spelled in the King James Version in 1 Chronicles 3:17, Matthew 1:12, and Luke 3:27.
Here is some background on Zerubbabel from Wikipedia:
According to the Biblical narrative, Zerubbabel[a] (/zəˈrʌbəbəl/) was a governor of the Achaemenid Empire's province of Yehud[3] and the grandson of Jeconiah, penultimate king of Judah.[4] Zerubbabel led the first group of Jews, numbering 42,360, who returned from the Babylonian captivity in the first year of Cyrus the Great, the king of the Achaemenid Empire.[5] The date is generally thought to have been between 538 and 520 BC.[6] Zerubbabel also laid the foundation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem soon after. (Zerubbabel. Wikipedia, accessed 08/06/24)
Here is some information related to him in the Book of Era:
1 Now these are the people of the province who came back from the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his own city.
2 Those who came with Zerubbabel were Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: ... 64 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty, 65 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred men and women singers. ... 68 Some of the heads of the fathers' houses, when they came to the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God, to erect it in its place: 69 According to their ability, they gave to the treasury for the work ... (Ezra 2:1-2, 64-65, 68-69).
Similar information is also in the Book of Nehemiah (2:18, 6:3, 7:7, 12:1, 12:47), e.g:
18 .. Then they set their hands to this good work. (Nehemiah 2:18)
19 ... The work is great and extensive (Nehemiah 4:19)
3 ... a great work (Nehemiah 6:3)
6 These are the people of the province who came back from the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city.
7 Those who came with Zerubbabel were Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. (Nehemiah 7:6-7)
Now back to Ezra:
1 And when the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. (Ezra 3:1-2)
8 Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all those who had come out of the captivity to Jerusalem, began work and appointed the Levites from twenty years old and above to oversee the work of the house of the Lord. (Ezra 3:8)
1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the descendants of the captivity were building the temple of the Lord God of Israel, 2 they came to Zerubbabel and the heads of the fathers' houses, and said to them, "Let us build with you, for we seek your God as you do; and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here." 3 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the heads of the fathers' houses of Israel said to them, "You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God; but we alone will build to the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us." 4 Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building, 5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. (Ezra 4:1-5)
In the above, Zerubbabel did not accept assistance from those he did not trust--and he was proven correct as they took steps against him doing the work of God.
Although Zerubbabel, Jeshua/Joshua, and Nehemiah were involved in a "great work" that God wanted done (Nehemiah 4:19, 6:3) there was opposition that opposed it and falsely tried to impute wrong motives against God's leadership as you can read in Nehemiah 4:7-15, 6:1-9, 10-14. We in the Continuing Church of God (CCOG) have faced similar difficulties in the 21st century.
Continuing in the next chapter of Ezra:
1 Then the prophet Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophets, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. 2 So Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God which is in Jerusalem; and the prophets of God were with them, helping them. (Ezra 5:1-2)
There was opposition again (Ezra 5:3-5), but Zerubbabel still did the work.
Smith's Bible Dictionary has the following summary:
Zerubbabel (born at Babel , i.e. Babylon), the head of the tribe of Judah at the time of the return from the Babylonish captivity in the first year of Cyrus. The history of Zerabbabel in the Scriptures is as follows: In the first year of Cyrus he was living at Babylon, and was the recognized prince of Judah in the captivity, --what in later times was called "the prince of the captivity," or "the prince." On the issuing of Cyrus' decree he immediately availed himself of it, and placed himself at the head of those of his countrymen "whose spirit God had raised to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem." It is probable that he was in the king of Babylon's service, both from his having, like Daniel and the three children, received a Chaldee name, Sheshbazzar, and from the fact that he was appointed by the Persian king to the office of governor of Judea. On arriving at Jerusalem, Zerubbabel's great work, which he set about immediately, was the rebuilding of the temple. In the second month of the second year of the return the foundation was laid with all the pomp which could be commanded. The efforts of the Samaritans were successful in putting a stop to the work during the seven remaining years of the reign of Cyrus and through the eight years of Cambyses and Smerdis. Nor does Zerubbabel appear quite blameless for this long delay. The difficulties in the way of building the temple were not such as need have stopped the work and during this long suspension of sixteen years Zerubbabel and the rest of the people had been busy in building costly houses for themselves. But in the second year of Darius, light dawned upon the darkness of the colony from Babylon. In that year --it was the most memorable event in Zerabbabel's life --the spirit of prophecy suddenly blazed up with a most brilliant light among the returned captives. Their words fell like sparks upon tinder. In a moment Zerubbabel roused from his apathy, threw his whole strength into the work. After much opposition [see NEHEMIAH, THE BOOK OF] and many hindrances find delays, the temple was at length finished, in the sixth pear of Darius, and was dedicated with much pomp and rejoicing. [TEMPLE] The only other works of Zerubbabel of which we learn from Scripture are the restoration of the courses of priests and Levites and of the provision for their maintenance, according to the institution of David (Ezra 6:18; Nehemiah 12:47) the registering the returned captives according to their genealogies, (Nehemiah 7:5) and the keeping of a Passover in the seventh year of Darius, with which last event ends all that we know of the life of Zerubbabel, online at: https://biblehub.com/topical/z/zerubbabel.htm
Zerubbabel did the work of God. Whether or not he personally delayed doing it is not clear from scriptures. But what is clear is that once he understood what God wanted him to do, he did it.
Let’s start with something from the prophet Haggai:
1 In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, 2 “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.”‘”
3 Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” 5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!
6 “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.”
7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 8 Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord. 9 “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. 10 Therefore the heavens above you withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit. 11 For I called for a drought on the land and the mountains, on the grain and the new wine and the oil, on whatever the ground brings forth, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.” (Haggai 1:1-11)
Related to this, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
God said to those people under Zerubbabel and Joshua, they were wasting their labor, “sowing much, and bringing in little.” This was due to their selfishness, lack of zeal for the work God called them to do, and self-centered WAY OF LIFE. (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, August 29, 1974)
Yes, even in ancient times, there were many people who did not feel that the work of God needed to be done, but that the focus should be on themselves. That is similar to the issues Jesus raised related to His condemnation of most end-time Christians referred to as Laodicean in Revelation 3:14-22.
Jesus also warned:
29 "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:29-36)
Many people do not have the right priorities.
Now, unlike most end time Christians that will not heed Jesus’ warnings, Zerubbabel and others in his time did decide to listen and change their priorities:
12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him; and the people feared the presence of the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord.” 14 So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of King Darius. (Haggai 1:12-15)
So, first God told Zerubbabel He was with him, then stirred up his spirit, then later, the spirit of Joshua, then the spirit of the remnant of the people.
The late John Ogwyn taught:
In Ezra and Nehemiah, as well as in Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, we read of the time of Judah’s restoration. Zerubbabel and Joshua led a contingent of Jews back from Babylon, and God’s people had a fresh start. (Ogwyn J. Pentecost: Lessons from the Old Testament Church. LCN. May-June 2010, pp. 19-20)
While John Ogwyn tied this is with what he called the 'Sardis era' of the Old Testament, instead this can be looked at as a parallel of the remnant of Philadelphia starting again. The CCOG was a fresh start.
Haggai continued with:
1 In the seventh month, on the twenty-first of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying: 2 “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying: 3 ‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? 4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts. 5 ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’ (Haggai 2:1-5)
In modern times, we still have former Worldwide Church of God people (including myself) who saw, but did not build, the old Ambassador Auditorium when it was used for WCG church services. Most of them are now scattered and would probably have united more together if there was something as fancy as the old Ambassador Auditorium in a Church of God, etc. But now, consistent with the prophecy in Haggai, there is not.
As far as to WHY God allowed Ambassador Auditorium to no longer be COG, the late evangelist Carl McNair opined in a sermon about idolatry:
When that building became an object of worship, it had to go. And God destroyed the Temple ... it was 100 ... it was 1000 times more rich ... than Ambassador Auitorium and He detroyed that. (McNair, Carl. Idols of the Heart. Sermon videotape VTE122, 3/24/01).
Listening to the entire sermon, it is clear that Carl McNair felt that people were too attached to a building, basically some attached to the point of idolatry, and that could not remain as it was.
That said, now let's notice a prophecy from Haggai concerning Zerubbabel:
20 And again the word of the Lord came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying:
‘I will shake heaven and earth.
22 I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms;
I will destroy the strength of the Gentile kingdoms.
I will overthrow the chariots
And those who ride in them;
The horses and their riders shall come down,
Every one by the sword of his brother.23 ‘In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the Lord, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the Lord of hosts.” (Haggai 2:20-23)
Partially, because of the overthrowing the throne of kingdoms, "my servant," and "signet ring" comments, some have identified Jesus to be the future Zerubbabel, but for reasons provided later in this article, that identification does not make sense.
But it might, however, be inferred that the end time Zerubbabel will warn the world that God will shake the heaven and earth and overthrow Satan's throne over the kingdoms of this world. Zerubbabel being like a signet is pointing out that He has God's seal of approval.
The "In that day" statement is showing that this was not a prophecy for Haggai's time, but for the future--others, like UCG, also have concluded this:
Then in verse 23 we have the exaltation of Zerubbabel, which occurs "in that day." Clearly this did not refer to the time of Haggai's preaching. "In that day" would here signify the day of the great future shaking just indicated—the time of Jesus Christ's second coming. Moreover, the phrase "in that day" is a typical formulation in prophecy for the end-time Day of the Lord. ... Zerubbabel is seen as the predecessor of the Messiah. (e.g. UCG Commentary: "From This Day I Will Bless You" (Haggai 2:10-23) June 28-30 https://bible.ucg.org/bible-commentary/Haggai/The-uncleanness-of-the-people;-Punishment-on-disobedience-but-now-God-will-send-blessing;-Nations-to-be-shaken;-Zerubbabel-to-be-chosen-as-a-signet/).
Yes, there were aspects of Haggai's writings which were for our time, not his.
Could Zerubbabel be one of the two witnesses?
The prophet Zechariah wrote:
1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?”
So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?”
5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?”
And I said, “No, my lord.”
6 So he answered and said to me:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts.
7 ‘Who are you, O great mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone
With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”‘”8 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
9 “The hands of Zerubbabel
Have laid the foundation of this temple;
His hands shall also finish it.
Then you will know
That the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you.10 For who has despised the day of small things?
For these seven rejoice to see
The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
They are the eyes of the Lord,
Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees — at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” 12 And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?”
13 Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are?”
And I said, “No, my lord.”
14 So he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” (Zechariah 4:1-14)
After the apostasy to hit the old Worldwide Church of God and the later emergence of the Continuing Church of God, many have "despised the day of small things." They also fail to understand:
6 ... “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 14:6)
Otherwise they would believe the words of the Apostle Peter when he stated:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18)
Would not having those confirmed show that God's stamp of approval, like a signet? It is the Continuing Church of God that has those signs of God's Spirit--more than any other COG in the 21st century--for details, check out the article: Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?
Yes, many despise the idea that God is using dreams in the 21st century. However, notice something else that is prophesied in the Book of Acts:
41 'Behold, you despisers,
Marvel and perish!
For I work a work in your days,
A work which you will by no means believe,
Though one were to declare it to you.' (Acts 13:41)
In this Laodicean age, most will not support the right work when they should according to Jesus (Revelation 3:14-22).
That said, in Zechariah we read that a mountain will be made a plain because of a coming Zerubbabel -- and that did not happen in Zerubbabel's lifetime!
Now this may be an actual mountain that a future 'Zerbbabel' will eliminate/move (Mark 11:33) or it may also have a figurative role related the the government of the Beast--or perhaps both as there could be a duality. If it is an actual mountain that would be moved, that would be a massive miracle, though many would not accept it, but instead believe lies about it (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
Notice also that there will be a "plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the Lord, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth" A plumb line is used to measure or separate.
Notice another plumb line prophecy:
7 Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. 8 And the Lord said to me, "Amos, what do you see?"
And I said, "A plumb line."
Then the Lord said:
"Behold, I am setting a plumb line
In the midst of My people Israel;
I will not pass by them anymore. (Amos 7:7-8)
This, combined with Zechariah 4:10 suggests that Zerubbabel will help define who God's truly faithful are from others.
Perhaps identifying the non-Philadelphians prior to the Great Tribulation as well as the non-Christians once it starts.
Consider further that the Bible identifies the two witnesses as “two olive trees” in Revelation 11:3-4. The only other place the expression “two olive trees” is used in Zechariah 4:3 and 4:11–the old Worldwide Church of God also made that connection as has the United Church of God:
I have heard that the two witnesses of Revelation 11 are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. And that this prophecy was fulfilled in the French Revolution 170 years ago. Could this be true?
For the answer turn to Revelation 11. Read what it says with your own eyes.
But who — or what — are the two witnesses? Verse 4 of Revelation 11 reveals, "These ARE the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." These are symbols.
The prophet Zechariah had a vision of these two mysterious olive trees. But he was confused — perplexed. He asked, “What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?” The angel answered, “Knowest thou not what these be? These are the TWO ANOINTED ONES, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth” (Zech. 4:11-14).
Now let’s put these explanations together. First, these two witnesses prophesy or preach (Rev. 11:3, 6 and 10). Their prophesying lasts for three and one-half years. They are "anointed ones" — that is, they have been anointed by the Holy Spirit of God (II Cor. 1:21-22; I John 2:20, 27). Therefore, they are God’s PROPHETS — two prophets to arise and to prophesy in the streets of Jerusalem!
Notice, now, the power God will put in the hands of these two witnesses. If any man attempts to hurt or kill them, “… fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies … ” (Rev. 11:5). (The Bible Answers Short Questions From Our Readers. Plain Truth, August 1985).
The apostle, in his vision, is told now by this same angel to rise and MEASURE THE TEMPLE. But LEAVE OUT the court which is for the Gentiles, for they shall tread down the Holy City for 3 1/2 years. … Then it continues on into the message of the TWO WITNESSES–also referred to and perhaps identified in Haggai and Zechariah. And THEY SHALL PREACH A LAST WARNING TO THE WHOLE WORLD FOR 3 1/2 YEARS! (Armstrong HW. Co-worker letter, November 19, 1976)
Zerubbabel was the governor, and Jeshua was the high priest; And, they were merely types or forerunners of two men in our day that were to build the Spiritual Temple to which Christ will come the second time, that is the Church. And apparently, also to be the two witnesses that are going to preach before the whole world on television that will be transmitted over all the earth. You know what I mean. Apparently, it will be satellite television. How do I know that? Because it says the people are all around the earth are going to rejoice when they see them. (Armstrong HW. Romans 1-5, Bible Study, June 6, 1980)
Historically Joshua and Zerubbabel were the two anointed ones who led the rebuilding of the temple ... And used God’s spirit to lead the nation back to God Future: Two witness will accomplish God’s work Revelation 11:3-4 (Zechariah 4-5. UCG Bible Study. https://www.ucg.org/files/sermons/zechariah_4-5.pdf accessed 08/16/24)
Related to Zechariah 4, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
Zechariah … chapter 4, Zerubbabel enters the scene again.
In verse 2 a golden candlestick is described (compare Revelation 1:12) — signifying a stage of God’s CHURCH. And in verse 3, two olive trees. The chapter makes it evident that the two olive trees refer to Zerubbabel and Joshua, not actually those two identical men of more than 500 years before Christ, but the “Zerubbabel” and the “Joshua” of today, of which they were types. (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, August 29, 1974)
So, putting those items from the old WCG together (as well as UCG's comments), they point that Zerubbabel and Joshua may be a type of each of the two witnesses. That would also make the end time Zerubbabel and Joshua (once he is cleaned up) prophets, as the two witnesses are prophets (Revelation 11:3). They would be part of the stage of the Philadelphia remnant.
Of course, that would eliminate Jesus as well as Herbert W. Armstrong from being Zerubbabel as neither are one of the two witnesses.
As far as Zerubbabel goes, back in 1967, Herbert W. Armstrong wrote:
God used Zerubbabel as His human instrument in charge of the building of the temple at Jerusalem, in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. That temple was a TYPE of the BUILDING that is HIS CHURCH today.
God said to Zerubbabel, as He makes very plain to ME, whom—with MY Wife—He has used to build THIS BUILDING which is His CHURCH of this era—”Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the ETERNAL of hosts.” (Zech. 4:6.) Today this Work is well organized. It has reached a status of some financial and material POWER. But all this physical power is as NOTHING! The Work can go forward ONLY BY THE POWER OF GOD’S SPIRIT! That is GOD’S MESSAGE TO US. Zerubbabel is the TYPE! The message is for US!
Continue: “Who art thou, O great mountain?” (verse 7— speaking of the coming “Beast” in Europe), “before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the Headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.” That Head stone (Eph. 2:20) is CHRIST, the HEAD STONE, rejected by the builders, but HEAD of His CHURCH!
Continue: “Moreover the Word of the Eternal came unto me saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this HOUSE; his hands shall also finish it.”
Now compare that with Ephesians 2:19-21: “Now therefore ye are . . . fellow citizens with the saints, and of the Household of GOD. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief CORNER STONE; in whom all the building (CHURCH) fitly framed together groweth unto an holy TEMPLE in the Lord.”
I do not mean at all that Zerubbabel was a type of me. But this does show that it is God’s PRINCIPLE by which He works—which is His WAY—His WILL—that when a MAN was used to START that building, it was God’s will to FINISH IT by that same man. But in this case it is not a man ALONE—but a MAN-AND-WIFE TEAM TOGETHER. For that temple WAS a type of God’s CHURCH, called a TEMPLE (for the Holy Spirit) in Ephesians 2:21. (Armstrong HW. Brethren and Co-worker Letter. March 2, 1967, Radio Church of God)
While he originally did not think that Zerubbabel pointed to a specific man, Herbert Armstrong later changed his mind and claimed someone from the 20th century who would be:
“For thus says the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land [What’s He talking about? He’s not talking about the time in which Zerubbabel lived; He’s talking about our time; this was a prophecy. Haggai is not a book of history, it’s a book of prophecy]; and I will shake all nations [He hasn’t done that yet. He didn’t do that in Zerubbabel’s day. Zerubbabel lived about a little over 500 years before Christ], and the desire of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.
“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater [more glorious] than [in] of the former [meaning greater than Solomon’s temple], says the Lord of hosts: and in this place I will give [you] peace, says the Lord of hosts.” He’s talking about the peace at the Second Coming of Christ. (Armstrong HW. Congress Of Leading Ministers Hears Defined And Reemphasized Spiritual Organization Of Church. Worldwide News, March 06, 1981)
The time had come when God needed to call a man to lead in the final LAST DAYS’ surge of 1) carrying the GREAT COMMISSION -- the true Gospel of the Kingdom of God -- to all the vastly multiplied … world, and 2) to raise up an enlargement of God’s true Church as a “BRIDE” made ready for Christ’s coming -- to be married to Christ. …
Zerubbabel, who built the second temple at Jerusalem, and a forerunning type of the one God would in these last days raise up to build up the temple to which Christ will come at His Second Coming. “This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT, saith the LORD of hosts.”
The job of building the second temple was probably only by physical strength. The Holy Spirit had not been given, except to the prophets, prior to Christ’s glorification after His resurrection (John 7:37-39). So it referred to the one God would raise up in this 20th century, of whom Zerubbabel was a type and forerunner. … The WORK today can be done ONLY by the Holy Spirit of God IN US who now compose His Church, for we of ourselves have but a LITTLE strength (Revelation 3:8). (Armstrong HW. This Is The Story Of You, Me And Those Called Into God’s Church. Worldwide News, November 12, 1979)
Revelation 3:8 I know thy works ... Now, He's either talking to a human leader or He's talking to the whole Church called "the Philadelphia Era" of the Church. ... Now there is someone of whom Zerubbabel was a type, a forerunner, who was to prepare the temple to which Christ will come the second time. ... Zerubbabel was a type of someone God is going to use to raise up the Church that will be the temple to which Christ is coming NOW. ... And, as God said to Zerubbabel, "Get busy and work!" "I AM WITH YOU," says the Lord. "It's not by your own power, but BY MY SPIRIT." (Armstrong HW. The Church in Prophecy. Sermon, March 28, 1981)
So, Herbert Armstrong also included those of the Philadelphia portion of the Church as supporting the Zerubbabel work.
Since the final Zerubbabel is some type of a prophet, the following promise from Jesus would seem to apply:
41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. (Matthew 10:41)
Herbert Armstrong also taught the following related to Zerubbabel:
Salathiel, who was the father of Zorobabel, … And Zorobabel -- or Zerubbabel -- was the man God caused … to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the House of God (Armstrong HW. THE UNITED STATES AND BRITAIN IN PROPHECY: PART FOUR. Plain Truth, February 1979)
And I'll tell you, if you studied it a little farther you'll find Zerubbabel was a type of me -- of myself. ...
End-Time Zerubbabel
Now at this time, God has set and raised up someone to prepare the way for the second coming of Christ; a voice crying out in the SPIRITUAL WILDERNESS of all this religious confusion that we have in the world today, preparing the way for a glorified Christ; ... And He's coming to His temple. ... The SPIRITUAL Christ is coming to a spiritual temple WHICH IS HIS CHURCH; (Armstrong HW. Our Children Are Sanctified. Sermon, July 28, 1979)
God ..., He has always carried out through one man. ... God chose ONE MAN, Samuel, by whom GOD would rule this people. ... 70 years after Judah's captivity, to build a second temple, replacing Solomon's temple. And even then, one man, Zerubbabel, was governor and leader. We come to the time of Jesus, the Christ. Jesus chose 12 to become His first apostles — but ONE MAN, Peter, was unquestionably the leader. ... The Philadelphia era was to take on new life, vigor and vitality, restoring truths that had been lost.
Again God raised up one man through whom the living Christ would work. ... ALWAYS God, in using MAN, has dealt through ONE MAN at a time. (Armstrong HW. The History of the Beginning and Growth of the Worldwide Church of God - Chapter 1. Good News, April 1980)
HOW HAS GOD WORKED THROUGH HUMANS? He has always worked through one man at a time as a leader. ...
In Jesus' time the Jews descended from the colony headed by Zerubbabel who built the second temple (to which Christ came the first time). The Jews were a vassal people under the Roman Empire government. ...
REMEMBER GOD'S PURPOSE WORKS IN A PROCESS of DUALITY! John the Baptist was a TYPE or forerunner, of one to prepare the way for His Second Coming. Jesus is to come to His TEMPLE (Mal. 3:1). He came to a material temple of stone, wood, gold and materials A.D. 27-31.
To what Temple will He come IN OUR TIME, SOON NOW? Hold this prophecy of Malachi 3 in mind, and turn to Haggai 2, beginning verse 3. Zerubbabel was governor of a colony of Jews sent from Babylon back to Jerusalem 70 years after destruction of Solomon's temple, to build a new temple. This also was days of prophets Ezra and Nehemiah. Zerubbabel was builder of this second temple. It was the temple to which Jesus came at His first appearing as a human.
Verse 3, the former temple of Solomon was then as nothing compared to its original physical glory. God commands Zerubbabel to be strong and work to build the temple (verse 4). Verse 6 goes into a far-future prophecy of a time just before Christ's Second Coming, when God will shake the earth and shake all nations, and the GLORY OF THIS LATTER HOUSE SHALL BE GREATER THAN OF THE FORMER" (verse 9).
The temple Zerubbabel built of stone, wood and physical materials was nowhere near as glorious as the former temple of Solomon! This is a PROPHECY speaking about the temple to which Christ shall come the second time, in supreme POWER and GLORY—a temple far more glorious than Solomon's! ... Remember God does things in DUAL stages. As Zerubbabel built the first temple of MATERIAL stone, wood and other materials, he was a forerunner or type of one through whom Christ would raise up or build the SPIRITUAL TEMPLE—His Church of our time, prior to the Day of the Lord and Christ's Second Coming. ...
Zerubbabel's temple, to which Jesus came at His first coming, was a TYPE of the SPIRITUAL TEMPLE (God's CHURCH) to which, in its resurrected GLORIFIED state, it will be the GLORIOUS TEMPLE to which Christ will come SOON NOW IN OUR TIME.
Zerubbabel, therefore, was the typical forerunner of one Christ would use to build that GLORIFIED SPIRITUAL TEMPLE—God's Church of this END TIME.
In Zechariah 4:6 and 9, God says of this former type: "This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power (humanly), but by MY SPIRIT, saith the Lord of hosts." In Revelation 3:8, Christ says ..., "I know thy works; behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength (only a little strength humanly), and has kept my word, and hast not denied my name." ...
Zerubbabel, therefore, was the typical forerunner of one Christ would use to build that GLORIFIED SPIRITUAL TEMPLE -- God's Church of this END TIME. In Zechariah 4:6 and 9, God says of this former type: "This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power (humanly), but by MY SPIRIT, saith the Lord of hosts."
In Revelation 3:8, Christ says of the leader of today's Church, "I know thy works; behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength (only a little strength humanly), and has kept my word, and hast not denied my name."
This Work in our day has not been done by human strength or power, but by FAITH and the POWER OF GOD'S SPIRIT. Further, "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house (the first temple); his hands shall also FINISH IT!" So far as I know, GOD HAS NOT RAISED UP ANYONE ELSE TO FINISH THIS WORK HE HAS USED ME IN DOING! God could take my life in the next breath—or He has power to keep me on the job as His instrument for as long as He deems necessary.
I have NEVER SAID I expect to live until Christ comes. (Armstrong HW. Co-worker Letter, March 19, 1981)
Since Herbert Armstrong died, he obviously was not Zerubbabel nor one of the two witnesses, and his reference to those two identified in Haggai and Zechariah is a reference to an end time Zerubbabel and Joshua. Thus, based upon his own writings, Herbert Armstrong was not Zerubbabel, even though he eventually thought he probably was Zerubbabel for a time.
Herbert Armstrong seemed to overlook that Zerubbabel laid the foundation for the SECOND TEMPLE, NOT THE FIRST. Herbert W. Armstrong laid the foundation for the first part of the Philadelphian work, but was not alive to be able to "rebuild" the final part of it.
But he also wrote:
THE TEMPLE CHRIST WILL RETURN TO
Everybody's wondering what temple is Christ coming to? Are the Jews going to build another temple over there? Oh, poppycock! I'll show you the temple He's coming to! YOU, BRETHREN, ARE THAT TEMPLE; ...
This is a prophecy; and duality is here again (a first and a latter; a first and a second).
Notice it now.
Haggai 2:3 Who is left among you...
This is not a history, but it's talking about the time when they were building the temple to which Christ came the first time. Zerubbabel was a governor of the colony, and he was sent there to build that temple.
Haggai 2:3-9 Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? [It's talking about Solomon's temple that was so glorious as a physical temple.] And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? (4) Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel [The second temple was like nothing compared to Solomon's. It was bigger, but it was not as fine. Now "Be strong, O Zerubbabel"], saith the [ETERNAL]; and be strong, O Joshua, son of [Well, his father; and so on.] ...and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD [That is, work in building the temple.]... (5) According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. (6) For thus saith the LORD of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I WILL shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; (7) and I will shake all nations; and the desire of all nations shall come [Meaning, peace which will come with Christ.]; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. (8). The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. (9) THE GLORY OF THIS LATTER HOUSE SHALL BE GREATER THAN OF THE FORMER...
The glory of the house he was building was NOT ANYWHERE NEAR as glorious as the former temple of Solomon. But he's talking about a time when the thrones of nations will be destroyed; when God is going to shake the earth, and shake nations. He's talking about our time, now. He's talking about the Second Coming of Christ.
Can you see that? He's not... It's a prophecy. It's not a history.
Malachi 2:9 ...and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.
He hasn't given that yet; but He will, at the time He's talking about. Now, He's talking of a time of building the temple for Christ to come to. That temple is a spiritual temple. Zerubbabel was a TYPE. He built the physical temple to which Christ came the first time. Someone has got to be, not in the physical wilderness of the Jordan River, but amidst the spiritual wilderness and Babylon of religious confusion of our twentieth century, who is paving the way for the Second Coming of Christ to HIS GLORIOUS TEMPLE, a spiritual temple; and not to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God, but TO SET UP THE KINGDOM OF GOD and to rule it right then and there. ...
Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the[ETERNAL].
And, anyway, it says that... (Armstrong HW. Building the Temple. Sermon: February 14, 1981)Each individual is a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will come in each one of us and our bodies become a temple of the Holy Spirit. But on the other hand we speak collectively as a church. The whole church of many members becomes a temple to which Christ is going to come in His second coming. He’s not coming to one single body but the collective temple. I will dwell in them. (Armstrong HW. Bible Study on 2 Corinthians. 1981)
Zerubbabel revived the work of building the temple, but the end time Zerubbabel was to do that for the spiritual temple, the church until Jesus returned.
The late WCG evangelist Dean Blackwell taught that the work would need to be revived and cited the following scripture:
2 O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2)
Here is some of what he wrote:
Why do you think in Habakkuk, God said that He’d “revive His work in the midst of the years”? Would this be said if they were doing the work in all the time of the New Testament Church? ...
Habakkuk ... said that God would make known what is happening and what's going to happen in man's last years, in the day of His wrath. He requested that God remember mercy and hide His people in a place of safety. Notice that he mentions this will be in the last years -- in the midst of the last years. (Blackwell D. A HANDBOOK OF CHURCH HISTORY. A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the Ambassador College Graduate School of Theology, April 1973, p. 17)
We in the CCOG have revived the Philadelphia remnant.
PCG published:
Herbert W. Armstrong fulfilled the role of Zerubbabel in this end time, and God said He would make that man a signet. ...
The Work of God today revolves around an end-time Zerubbabel. If you understand Zerubbabel and his work, you will know what God is doing today. This is why Haggai 2:23 is such an important prophecy. If we understand about that man, his work and the physical house he helped build, then we will see God’s signature written all over them.
God’s remnant today must have that signet. We are not even authentic—we are a fraud—if we don’t have the Zerubbabel signet! (Flurry G. Zechariah—The Sign of Christ’s Imminent Return, Chapter 3 The Two Joshuas. Copyright © 2010, 2012, 2015 Philadelphia Church of God)
No, Herbert W. Armstrong (who died in 1986) did not fulfill the role of Zerubbabel in this end time as he wrote that Zerubbabel would be on the earth until about the time of Jesus' second coming. Furthermore, according to the Hebrew that Haggai 2:23 was written in, it does NOT say God would make the Zerubbabel a signet, but to be like/as a signet. Perhaps, being like a signet could be related to God's Spirit intervening with the end time Zerubbabel and the church he is part of. According to scripture and Herbert W. Armstrong the end time Philadelphia work would have Zerubbabel.
Furthermore, it could not be PCG to have that signet because it many doctrinal and other errors, including prophetic ones (e.g. see Despite being repeatedly wrong about Donald Trump, PCG claims Gerald Flurry was right). PCG is also a fraud in the sense that it DOES NOT represent the Philadelphian portion of the Church of God in the 21st century (nor was it in the 20th century)-- for documented proof, check out the article: PCG: Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God.
Haggai wrote of:
1 ... Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest (Haggai 1:1).
The name Jehozadak looks like it means "God has justified" or "Yahweh is righteous." It is derived from Hebrew, combining "Yahweh" (the name of God) and "sadeq" (to be just or righteous). The name suggests that although some would be against his father, that God would justify him.
Now, Joshua became the high priest, and he was listed as being with Zerubbabel several times in scriptures previously mentioned.
Additionally, while Zechariah 4 mentions the two olive trees and Zerubbabel, chapter 3 specifically is devoted to this Joshua.
It states:
1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?"
3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.
4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, "Take away the filthy garments from him." And to him He said, "See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes."
5 And I said, "Let them put a clean turban on his head."
So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.
6 Then the Angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying, 7 "Thus says the Lord of hosts:
'If you will walk in My ways,
And if you will keep My command,
Then you shall also judge My house,
And likewise have charge of My courts;
I will give you places to walk
Among these who stand here.8 'Hear, O Joshua, the high priest,
You and your companions who sit before you,
For they are a wondrous sign;
For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.
9 For behold, the stone
That I have laid before Joshua:
Upon the stone are seven eyes.
Behold, I will engrave its inscription,'
Says the Lord of hosts,
'And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
10 In that day,' says the Lord of hosts,
'Everyone will invite his neighbor
Under his vine and under his fig tree.'" (Zechariah 3:1-10)
Who could be the person that would be the 'Joshua' who is around just before the BRANCH--Jesus--returns?
I have tended to think it is a person who stayed in a Laodicean church for a long time, but then changes to support the Philadelpian portion of the Church of God. The "clean turban" put on his head suggesting that he finally accepts true church governance, which the Laodiceans do not (see also The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government). The "seven eyes" could have to do with better understanding about the seven churches of Revelation 1-3.
It should be noted that in the August 29, 1974 HWA Co-worker letter, the identity of the end time Joshua was not mentioned though he was claimed to be alive then. And as shown earlier from that letter, HWA hinted that he was Zerubbabel. Herbert W. Armstrong thought that the end time Zerubbabel and Joshua were a father and son.
Notice that Herbert Armstrong, for a time, specifically thought his son Garner Ted was Joshua:
Garner Ted Armstrong, ... I thought, in 1972 when he was out of the Church and Work in Colorado, that Zechariah 3 might be prophetically speaking of him as Joshua the high priest, and wrote him a long letter expounding this. Could it be possible that is a correct application after all? (Armstrong HW. Reports About Garner Ted False. Worldwide News, March 06, 1981)
Yes, Herbert Armstrong once thought that the end time Joshua was his son. But, of course, since both are dead, neither are Zerubbabel or Joshua.
PCG's Gerald Flurry identified himself as the "lawful Joshua." Gerald Flurry identifies one he calls "The unlawful Joshua" as "Joseph Tkach Sr.", and insists that Herbert Armstrong was Zerubbabel (Flurry G. Zechariah—The Sign of Christ’s Imminent Return, Chapter 3 The Two Joshuas. Copyright © 2010, 2012, 2015 Philadelphia Church of God).
Yet, Gerald Flurry is not the end time Joshua nor was Herbert Armstrong the end time Zerubbabel.
Now consider that his wife, Loma D. Armstrong had a dream back in 1917. Related to it, Herbert Armstrong wrote:
One night my wife had a dream so vivid and impressive it overwhelmed and shook her tremendously. It was so realistic it seemed more like a vision. For two or three days afterward everything else seemed unreal -- as if in a daze -- and only this extraordinary dream seemed real.
In her dream she and I were crossing the wide intersection, only a block or two from our apartment, where Broadway diagonally crosses Sheridan Road. Suddenly there appeared an awesome sight in the sky above. It was a dazzling spectacle -- the sky filled with a gigantic solid mass of brilliant stars, shaped like a huge banner. The stars began to quiver and separate, finally vanishing. She called my attention to the vanishing stars, when another huge grouping of flashing stars appeared, then quivering, separating, and vanishing like the first.
As she and I, in her dream, looked upward at the vanishing stars, three large white birds suddenly appeared in the sky between us and the vanishing stars. These great white birds flew directly toward us. As they descended nearer, she perceived that they were angels. (The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, 1973, pp. 187,193-194).
I'm usually pretty skeptical about God speaking to anyone today in visions or dreams. God speaks to us thru His Son, Jesus Christ — the WORD of God — and the Bible is the written Word. I didn't really believe it then, 38 years ago, but subsequent events have verified that God did speak to my wife at that time, shortly after we were married, revealing thru an angel in a vision that He was calling us to the mission of WARNING the world of the fast- approaching END OF THIS WORLD, the coming of Jesus Christ, and the world-ruling Kingdom of God. At that time I was unconverted, not bothering to attend church, interested only in business and making money. I was embarrassed — a little awed — but immediately tried to put it out of my mind. But at age 30 God took away my business, struck me down, took away my idol of money-making and business prestige. (Armstrong HW. Co-worker letter, February 21, 1956)
Notice that the dream was to go until the end of the world and the coming of Jesus. Since Herbert Armstrong has been dead since January 16, 1986, if the dream was from God, then does it not make sense that the second half of the dream would be fulfilled by another in the 21st century? We in the Continuing Church of God are fulfilling that second part of stars in that dream (see also The Final Phase of the Work).
Herbert Armstrong had more information about what I am referring to as the first set of stars (the first part) in the dream. He wrote:
It was a dazzling spectacle ... People by the hundreds came running into this broad intersection looking up to see the strange phenomena ... A vast multitude of eyes were upon us ... I have only come to believe that this dream was a bonafide call from God in the light of subsequent events. (Armstrong HW. The Autobiography of Herbert W. Armstrong, 9th installment. Plain Truth, August 1958, p. 18).
Eyes of a vast multitude suggest that the dream was saying that the work to be done was to have a witness to many. This happened with the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God under Herbert Armstrong's leadership in the 20th century. The second set of stars in the dream, which he did not mention in the August 1958 Plain Truth article, but did in his published Autobiography, seems to pertain to what I have called, for years, The Final Phase of the Work as well as the 'Short Work.' But even if it had applicability to the ministry of Herbert Armstrong only, the dream, which he also shortly before his death confirmed he believed was from God (per Aaron Dean, who I discussed this with on October 30, 2015), shows that one dream did precede the COG work he was involved in.
Yes, Herbert W. Armstrong considered that his wife Loma's dream was from God. He also believed the first part of it had to do with the start of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God via the Radio Church Church of God. He did not discuss the fulfillment of the second part of the dream directly, however he taught another work would be done.
The late Dale Schurter, a former WCG minister, reported that Herbert W. Armstrong stated the following in 1984/1985 (shortly before he died in January 1986). Here are two accounts of this:
“A few months before Mr. Armstrong’s death, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend several hours with Mr. Armstrong in his home in Pasadena. He spoke freely of the mighty work God had commissioned him to accomplish, and related certain heartfelt comments: ‘I can say that I have finished the work God has given me to do, and am at peace about it. I have preached and taken the Gospel of the Kingdom of God into all the world as a witness to all nations.’
“Mr. Armstrong went on to say, ‘I have come to realize there will be an even greater work to follow—to go again, to “prophesy again” to all nations tongues and peoples (Rev. 10:11) before the work of the two witnesses -- but with more power and with a stronger warning message. But that will be for others to do.’ He continued, ‘It will be a short work (Rom. 9:27-29), compared with the longer time to complete the work I was given, and it will be cut short. That’s when the Great Tribulation will begin, as will the work of the two witnesses. These will last for three and one-half years, at the end of which Christ will return in glory.’” (“The Greatest Work Lies JUST Ahead…” as stated in RCG letter of May 31, 2013)
Herbert Armstrong's part of the work lasted over 50 years, and he seemingly felt that the "short work" would be much shorter than his work. And that is correct.
His long-time aide, Aaron Dean confirmed with me on August 15, 2017 that it was not until the last year or so of his life that Herbert Armstrong realized that he would NOT be around until Jesus returned. Therefore, if his wife's dream was from God, as he claimed it was, there was still to be fulfillment of the second part of it.
The Bible shows that Zerubbabel laid the foundation for the second temple, and was prophesied--in type--to finish the work. While Herbert Armstrong finished the work he was given to do, God's work was not done.
Yet, it is in the Continuing Church of God where we have focused on the preparation for the short work of Romans 9:28--and we started on that BEFORE we ever heard of Dale Schurter's report. See also: Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word.
As far as names go, Zerubbabel means descendant of, or born of, Babylon (OT:2216; Zerubbabel. Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary) or “stranger at Babylon.” Thus, it could be that the prophesied Zerubbabel may have been born into a family that was part of the religion that will support the final Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17:5 (like one based out of the city of seven hills–Revelation 17:18). Because of the meaning of the name ‘Zerubbabel,’ it would seem that it is not a direct reference to Jesus, as some have suggested, since He was not born of Babylon and His human parents were not Babylonians.
Zerubbabel's father's name, Shealtiel (spelled Salathiel in the King James Version in 1 Chronicles 3:17, Matthew 1:12, and Luke 3:27) is defined by "Hitchcock's New and Complete Analysis of the Holy Bible Dictionary published in 1870, as follows:
Salathiel, asked or lent of God
The Hebrew word "sheal" (or "sala") means "asked of," so Zerubbabel's father's name could also be translated as "asked of thiel/tiel." On the other hand, we also see one called Pedaiah listed as Zerubbabel's father in 1 Chronicles 3:19. BibleSoft says that means "Jah has ransomed."
Zerubbabel may also be the one called Sheshbazzar in Ezra 1:8 and 5:14. If one of the two witnesses is a type of Zerubbabel, he would bring a certain joy during the Great Tribulation to God's people as a great multitude will respond (cf. Revelation 7:9-14).
"The name Sheshbazzar occurs only in two passages ... both related to official Persian actions. On the other hand, the name Zerubbabel is used in passages related to Jewish activity ... It is possible that Sheshbazzar was a name by which Zerubbabel was known in Persian circles" (Nelson Study Bible, note on verse 8).
That name Sheshbazzar may mean, according to one source, "Joy in tribulation" or "Joy in vintage" (Sheshbazzar. https://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/sheshbazzar/ accessed 08/15/24). If that is also Zerubbabel, then it would seem he would be one proclaiming the good news, the gospel of the Kingdom of God, during the Great Tribulation, as that sounds consistent with the meaning of "Joy in tribulation."
Perhaps the names Zerubbabel and Joshua indicate that one of them was born into a Roman Catholic family (and later was called and converted to be part of the Church of God) while the other was born into a Church of God family, became Laodicean, and but then became part of the Philadelphian portion of the Church of God. Since Joshua was a high priest, he would have had to be born in a family keeping the biblical faith.
The end time Zerubbabel and Joshua look to be the two witnesses according to Church of God writings this century and the last.
Interestingly regarding a different type of name, there are Roman Catholic writings that suggest that the returning Jesus is the Antichrist and that God's two witnesses are on Antichrist's side. The old Radio Church of God was aware of this as its reports included the following:
Satan knows God's general plan. He has been at work in the minds of evil and deluded men throughout the ages to lay the groundwork of the GREAT DELUSION! ...
Here now, for the professed prophecies in the Catholic Church's recently published book, "Prophecy for Today."
"Towards the end of the world Antichrist will overthrow the Pope and usurp his See"! ("prophecy" of Abbott "Merlin" Joachim, died 1202; see also "Catholic Encyclopedia," article "Antichrist.")
Because they will not admit the truth the Church believes the Antichrist will be the one to unseat the Pope, while every Bible prophecy commissions the true Christ with that job.
"Antichrist will fight a successful battle at Mageddo [Armageddon] in Palestine after which... he will hereafter become lord of the world" (Ibid; Anna Catarina Emmerick, d. 1824).
It is almost impossible to see how they could believe this! But there it is! And here is more!
"The Kings will send armies to the Holy Land, but the Antichrist will slay them all"! (Ibid.; "Venerable Maria of Agreda." d. 1665).
Compare this with Revelation 19:19. But to continue.
"Antichrist and his army will conquer Rome, kill the Pope and take the throne... The Jews will come from everywhere, and accept Antichrist as the Messiah." (Ibid.; from a "prophecy" by Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser, d. 1658).
Just one more quote to illustrate their satanic definition: "After the destruction of Rome, Antichrist will appear and exalt himself above pagan deities and the Trinity... Coming to Jerusalem, he will succeed through false preaching, miracles, gifts, terror, aided throughout by the devil. An evil spirit will come out of the air and descend upon his followers. HE SHALL FEIGN A RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, cause rain to fall... and perform other wonders, all through the power of the devil... The Jews will welcome him." (Ibid.; Richard Rolle of Hampole, d. 1349).
(Hill DJ. Christ or Antichrist? Good News magazine, April 1961)
Listen to this satanic delusion: “Antichrist will be an iconoclast [against idols). Most of the world will adore him. He will teach that the Christian religion is false, confiscation of Christian property is legal, Saturday is to be observed instead of Sunday, and he will change the Ten Commandments [that is, restore them in their ORIGINAL FORM, including the declaration against idols). All his wonders could not be written in a book. They will be more wonderful than the Old and New Testaments! . . . he will read people’s minds, raise the dead, REWARD HIS FOLLOWERS AND PUNISH THE REST”! (Prophecy For Today; from Dionysius of Luxemburg, d. 1682.) AND, “. . . He will begin by affecting RESPECT FOR THE LAW OF MOSES’(’Ibid.; from Frederick William Faber, d. 1863).
The Pope’s Prophecy
Here we see in full the prophecies this endtime false prophet will preach. He will attribute Jesus Christ’s intervention in world affairs to the person and the workings of Antichrist!
Christ is the One who is AGAINST IDOLS! Christ is the One who will show how perverted this world’s “Christianity” has become-that it is a FALSE RELIGION! Christ is the Lord of the Old Testament whose day of worship is the seventh day, INSTEAD OF SUNDAY! CHRIST is the One who gave the Ten Commandments in their ORIGINAL FORM, and will restore them. CHRIST IS THE ONE WHO WILL RAISE THE DEAD AND REWARD HIS FOLLOWERS. . . HE IS GOD, AND THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM!
(Hill DJ. Will you be deceived by Antichrist? Good News magazine, October 1964)
Jesus, the two witnesses, and the rest of the faithful will be against the Trinity and idols!
The following is one of few places in Roman Catholic prophecies that it seems that there is an objection to two specific individuals towards the time of the end that I believe is most likely a reference to the two witnesses (it also refers to two others) (any bolding mine):
Anne Catherine Emmerich (October 1, 1822) "The Church," she groaned, "is in great danger. I must ask every one who comes to see me to say an Our Father for that intention. We must pray that the Pope may not leave Rome, for unheard-of evils would result from such a step. We must pray the Holy Ghost to enlighten him, for they are even now trying to exact something of him. The Protestant doctrine, as also that of the Greeks, is spreading everywhere. Two men live at this time who long to ruin the Church, but they have lost one who used to help them with his pen. He was killed by a young man about a year ago, and one of the two men of whom I speak left Germany at the same time. They have their employees everywhere. The little black man in Rome, whom I see so often, has many working for him without their clearly knowing for what end. He has his agents in the new black church also. If the Pope leaves Rome, the enemies of the Church will get the upper hand. I see the little black man in his own country committing many thefts and falsifying things generally. Religion is there so skillfully undermined and stifled that there are scarcely one hundred faithful priests. I cannot say how it is, but I see fog and darkness increasing. There are however, three churches that they cannot seize: St. Peter's, St. Mary-Major's and St. Michael's. Although they are constantly trying to undermine them, they will not succeed. I help not. All must be rebuilt soon for every one, even ecclesiastics are laboring to destroy--ruin is at hand. The two enemies of the Church who have lost their accomplice are firmly resolved to destroy the pious and learned men that stand in their way." (Schmöger, The Life and Revelations of Anne Catherine Emmerich, Volume II, Approbation: Bishop of Limbourg Peter Joseph. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1976, p.298)
I am not convinced that the one identified as the "little black man in Rome" (which is not "his own country") is actually Negroid in race (nor were the two or three Roman Catholic commentators I have read who discussed this matter--they indicated some type of Caucasian; and another wrote “‘black’ here does not mean skin color, per se, but ‘sinister’” e.g. http://www.markmallett.com/blog/2009/03/the-pope-thermometer-of-apostasy/).
This is partially because a dark/black church is spoken about there and in other places (i.e. Schmöger, pp.279-280,283-284,292) and the term black in some Roman Catholic writings (i.e. Hildegard of Bingen. Scivias. Paulist Press, Mahwah (NJ), pp. 173-174,299) appears to mean one contrary to or outside of the Roman Church. Furthermore since the two witnesses seem to wear some black cloth (cf. Revelation 11:3 with 6:12) and certain Greco-Roman Catholic "prophecies" warn against biblical events (e.g. Do Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies Warn Against Jesus or Antichrist?) it appears that the above is a warning against God's two witnesses.
But irrespective of why "black" is mentioned, notice that there are two enemies of the Church that are being warned about.
The term "little" could suggest relationship to the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God (as it has "a little strength", per Revelation 3:8), but more likely, this suggests someone who is not portly in girth nor tall in height. Therefore, at least one that Nun Emmerich warns about is possibly short of stature (in contrast to "little" another Roman Catholic prophecy indicates that those who are "taller" are defenders of the Roman Catholic Church and the successors of the apostles; see Hildegard, p. 457).
As far as having their "employees everywhere" and having "agents," I suspect that these may include some people recently converted into the Church of God and/or some COG people who did not flee to protection with the Philadelphians (some of this is discussed in more detail in the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra). The term "the new black church" would possibly be some version of either the remnant of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God and/or the combination of those COG members who did not flee and those individuals newly converted. It also should be noted that, because they ignore our history (which can be found in the free online book: Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?), Greco-Roman Catholics tend to falsely consider that the Church of God is a new group that sprang from the Protestants in either the 19th or 20th century, or in the case of the Continuing Church of God, the 21st century.
Of course, private Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies cannot be completely trusted (even the Church of Rome officially teaches that they generally do not have to be accepted by faithful Roman Catholics), so perhaps no writer gets killed as the above passage from Nun Emmerich states, and perhaps other details will not be fulfilled as written. However, it does seem that this is a warning against those who will be the actual two witnesses, as well as perhaps those who may assist them. Since the Bible records that various prophets may have made statements that are not in the scriptures themselves, any potentially accurate predictions that "Greco-Roman Catholic private prophecies" may contain probably come from a demonic spirit entity with knowledge of those statements.
Furthermore, there are Roman Catholic writings that suggest that one of the of the two witnesses will be "an apostate Catholic" and/or a heretic (only baptized Greco-Roman Catholics can be considered officially as heretics):
Br. Thomas Mary Sennott, M.I.C.M. (21st century): Cornelius a Lapide ... Commentary on Holy Scripture , Book 21, On the Apocalypse ... In his work cited above, Cornelius a Lapide relates that Saint Ambrose, Tertullian and others say that, just as Our Lord had His precursor, Saint John the Baptist, who pointed to Him and told the people that this was the Messias, “Behold the Lamb of God . . .”, so also will Antichrist have his false prophet who will make the people worship him. He also says the phrase, “like a lamb,” indicates that he will be an apostate Catholic ... (Sennott TM. The False Prophets. August 1, 2005. http://catholicism.org/false-prophets.html viewed 12/12/08)
Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (died 1658): ... "When everything has been ruined by war; when Catholics are hard pressed by traitorous co-religionists and heretics ... There will rise a valiant monarch anointed by God. (Connor E. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.35)
Hildegard of Bingen (died 1179): A great enemy of the Church, a precursor to Antichrist, will take the title of Saviour. Heretics will join this precursor of Antichrist and persecute the true Church of Christ. Their cunning will be great, so great in fact that they will be able to draw many righteous men to their side. (Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, Reprint TAN Books, Rockford, IL, 1974, p. 128).
Elizabeth Canori-Mora (died 1825): "All men shall rise one against the other, and they shall kill one another without pity. During this sanguinary conflict the avenging arm of God will strike the wicked, and in His mighty power He will punish their pride and presumption. God will employ the powers of {Hades} for the extermination of these impious and heretical persons who desire to overthrow the Church and destroy it to its very foundation ... God will allow the demons to strike with death those impious men because they gave themselves up to the infernal powers and had formed with them a compact against the Catholic Church. (Connor, pp.22-23)
So, Roman Catholic writings warn of someone who will rise up against their church, just before Jesus (which some of the their writings point to as the Antichrist--see Do Certain Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus and the Church of God?)
It is possible that at least one of the individual witnesses would have been Roman Catholic or the son of a former Roman Catholic as both of those types of people can be considered as "apostates."
But to be a "heretic" officially according to the Vatican, "A person must be baptized to commit heresy" (The Great Heresies. NIHIL OBSTAT: I have concluded that the materials presented in this work are free of doctrinal or moral errors. Bernadeane Carr, STL, Censor Librorum, August 10, 2004 IMPRIMATUR: In accord with 1983 CIC 827 permission to publish this work is hereby granted. +Robert H. Brom, Bishop of San Diego, August 10, 2004 http://www.catholic.com/library/Great_Heresies.asp 01/19/07; from Catholic Answers).
So, if certain Roman Catholic prophecies may be partially correct, one who was baptized as a Roman Catholic (Zerubbabel?) and was the son of a Roman Catholic (Salathiel?) will be one of the two witnesses.
In the Continuing Church of God, we have added more to expose the truth about early church history (e.g. Continuing History of the Church of God, Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism, and Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?), and how private prophecies tie in, than any other COG this century. We teach much about how two witnesses will work against Satan's Plan for the end times (see Do Certain Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus and the Church of God?).
Herbert W. Armstrong taught there were dualities and parallels connecting Zerubbabel and the end time work:
Zerubbabel was the governor; and he was sent there to build the temple (the second temple) to which Christ was going to come the first time.
John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for Christ's first coming. Here was Zerubbabel, the one to prepare the temple to which Christ was coming the first time. I want you to get the similarity (the duality) of this whole thing. (Armstrong HW. We Are The Temple. Sermon, August 22, 1981)
Haggai the second chapter beginning with verse three. Now, I want you to notice the time he's talking about. This is a prophecy; and duality is here again (a first and a latter; a first and a second). Notice it now. Haggai 2:3 Who is left among you... This is not a history, but it's talking about the time when they were building the temple to which Christ came the first time. Zerubbabel was a governor of the colony, and he was sent there to build that temple. ... The glory of the house he was building was NOT ANYWHERE NEAR as glorious as the former temple of Solomon. ...
Zerubbabel was a TYPE. He built the physical temple to which Christ came the first time. Someone has got to be, not in the physical wilderness of the Jordan River, but amidst the spiritual wilderness and Babylon of religious confusion of our twentieth century, who is paving the way for the Second Coming of Christ to HIS GLORIOUS TEMPLE, a spiritual temple; and not to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom of God, but TO SET UP THE KINGDOM OF GOD and to rule it right then and there. ... HAS ALL OF THIS BEEN DONE? IF IT HAS BEEN DONE, YOU KNOW! YOU ARE THAT TEMPLE. GOD HAS BEEN USING ME TO BUILD THIS TEMPLE. I've said I hope that I am the one of which Zerubbabel was a type, (Armstrong HW. Building The Temple. Sermon, February 14, 1981)
Haggai 2:14-18 …and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean. [And we better take heed.] (15) And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone, in the Temple of the [Eternal]. [Or, the beginning of today's Church of God in the Philadelphia Era of the Church today.] ...
Haggai 2:20-21 And again the word of the [Eternal] came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying, (21) Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, 'I will ... Now he doesn't mention Joshua, the high priest now. But "speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah." He was the one who was sent to build this Temple.
Haggai 2:22-23 And I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, everyone by the sword of his brother. (23) In that day, saith the [Eternal] of hosts, I will take thee O Zerubbabel, my servant... [And it's talking about today, and not that day. Zerubbabel was only, as I say, a type.] saith the [Eternal], and will make thee as a SIGNET; for I have chosen thee, says the [Eternal] of hosts.(Armstrong HW. Zerubbabel's Temple. Bible Study, July 21, 1978)
All the way through Haggai and Zechariah, the local TYPE, of Zerubbabel and Joshua building God's House, is in reality a prophecy which actually refers to OUR TIME NOW, and the soon coming of CHRIST to RULE all nations and bring WORLD PEACE! ... "In that day..." meaning our day, now, at this TIME OF THE END, "saith the ETERNAL of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, ... saith the Eternal, and will make thee as a signet [as a seal, or stamp of official approval]: for I have chosen thee, saith the ETERNAL of hosts" (Haggai 2:23). There will have to be a Zerubbabel of today — the time actually here referred to.
... there is the parallel of the ancient Zerubbabel, Governor over the Jews sent back to build the second great Temple at Jerusalem, around 515 B.C., seventy years after the destruction of Solomon's Temple. This Work goes out, NOT by human might nor power, but, as God said to Zerubbabel, "Not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT, saith the ETERNAL of hosts" (Zech. 4:6). This is GOD'S Work, and it goes by the supernatural POWER of God's Holy Spirit! ...
There is also a parallel here which might be compared with the building of our House of God at God's present (temporary) Headquarters for His Work, in Pasadena, California. ...
So I want to ask you to continue to PRAY, very specially and fervently for me personally, that God will grant me these additional years of vigorous, youthful life, that, as a parallel to His servant Zerubbabel of some 2,400 years ago, since my hands began this Work, my hands may FINISH IT! (Armstrong HW, Co-worker Letter, August 29, 1974)
So, it would appear that HWA felt that Zerubbabel had a greater role in preparing that phase of the work than Joshua, and that analogy is applicable to the church in the end times. But he seems to have overlooked that Zerubbabel was involved with the second temple, not the first--the remnant of Philadelphia living into the Laodicean era. Herbert Armstrong was involved in the first portion of the Philadelphia era and did make a fancy building, which is analagous to the first temple.
Now, we in the CCOG do NOT have the same type of fancy buildings of the old WCG either--and I knew that would be the case, which is why for example, the building shown on the front cover of our songbook, The Bible Hymnal, is a picture of what is believed to have been the first church building--which was also made of stone and mud, and not Ambassador Auditorium that was shown on WCG's songbook. There are parallels here!
In that same CO-worker letter, Herbert Armstrong stated:
Then the angel says to the prophet Zechariah, "This is the word of the Eternal unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT, saith the Eternal of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace unto it. Moreover, the word of the Eternal came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Eternal of hosts hath sent me unto you" (verses 6-9).
Brethren and Co-Workers, although building that second Temple in Jerusalem was very important in God's eyes, the great Work He is doing through us TODAY, is FAR MORE IMPORTANT — IN HIS EYES!!! May God give you UNDERSTANDING to see it as God sees it.
The GREATEST PART of THIS WORK is yet to be done. (Armstrong HW, Co-worker Letter, August 29, 1974)
Zerubbabel was involved with the SECOND Temple and that Herbert W. Armstrong was involved in the FIRST part of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God which was effectively ended by the Tkach Administration, but not the SECOND! But all who support the CCOG now are involved in the second, the final, phase of the Philadelphian work!
Notice the following passage:
1 Let brotherly love continue. (Hebrews 13:1)
The Greek word translated as "brotherly love" is the word Philadelphia. So the following would be an accurate rendering:
1 Let Philadelphia continue. (Hebrews 13:1)
The above supports the view that Philadelphia would start, but also that it would be continued. It would seem that the end time Zerubbabel may have been part of the first phase of Philadelphia as well as the end phase of Philadelphia.
Dale Schurter, a former WCG minister, reported that Herbert W. Armstrong stated the following in 1984/1985 (shortly before he died in January 1986). Here are two accounts of this:
"A few months before Mr. Armstrong's death, my wife and I had the opportunity to spend several hours with Mr. Armstrong in his home in Pasadena. He spoke freely of the mighty work God had commissioned him to accomplish, and related certain heartfelt comments: 'I can say that I have finished the work God has given me to do, and am at peace about it. I have preached and taken the Gospel of the Kingdom of God into all the world as a witness to all nations.
"Mr. Armstrong went on to say, 'I have come to realize there will be an even greater work to follow--to go again, to "prophesy again" to all nations tongues and peoples (Rev. 10:11) before the work of the two witnesses--but with more power and with a stronger warning message. But that will be for others to do.' He continued, 'It will be a short work (Rom. 9:27-29), compared with the longer time to complete the work I was given, and it will be cut short. That's when the Great Tribulation will begin, as will the work of the two witnesses. These will last for three and one-half years, at the end of which Christ will return in glory. '" ("The Greatest Work Lies JUST Ahead . . ." as stated in RCG letter of May 31, 2013)
We in the CCOG are preparing for that short work (see also Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word). Dale Schurter is actually showing Herbert Armstrong pointing to a work that would finish what he started.
Consider that the old WCG also published the following:
Remember God's admonition to Zerubbabel: "... not by might, nor by [human) power, but BY MY SPIRIT, saith the Lord of hosts" (Zech. 4:6). This Work which we are called to do can only be completed and accomplished through the agency of that Spirit. (Knowles B. Use the Power of God! Good News, May-June 1972)
Is not the Continuing Church of God the COG that God's Spirit has been working through the most if we base that on the signs of Acts 2:17-18 (see also Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?)?
Daniel wrote a great deal about future events. Yet he did not really understand just how his own prophecies would work out! "I heard this, but I did not understand it. So I asked, '0 my lord, what is to be the last phase before the end?' But he said, 'Ask no more, Daniel, for the revelation is to be kept secret and close, TILL THE CRISIS AT THE CLOSE'" (Daniel 12:8-9, Moffatt). He was speaking of the close of man's age -- the time of the end! Then he said, " ... the WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND" (verse 10, KJV). In the opening verse of the book of Revelation we find these words: "The Revelation [not concealing -- but revealing] of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, TO SHEW [not 'hide from'] HIS SERVANTS [not the whole world] things which must shortly [with speed — i.e., Matt. 24:34] come to pass." (Knowles B. Tomorrow's World, January 1972)
Also, in the late 1970s the "last phase" was again taught in his magazine to happen just before God intervenes and His Kingdom comes (Hill DJ. What's the Word for Today? Plain Truth, April 1978, p, 28).
Also note that Matthew 24:34 was referenced. Notice what it says:
34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. (Matthew 24:34)
Yes, we, the generation that has experienced the start of the "beginning of sorrows" are the generation to be involved in the last phase of the work.
Herbert W. Armstrong also wrote about:
the Philadelphia succession or generation of the true Church of God. ... The "Philadelphia era" or succession of God's Church will be taken on the "two wings of a great eagle"--whatever that symbolizes--to a place of protection where we are to be "fed"--provided for. We need now to begin to be ALERT, for this "flight" may happen suddenly. DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE NEGATIVE SNEERING OF EXCOMMUNICATED MINISTERS: Both Revelation 12:13 and 3:10 warn us. (Armstrong HW. Great Significance of Summit Conference. Pastor General's Report, Vol. 2, No. 26, June 27, 1980).
The last generation will have Philadelphian succession within it. We in the CCOG do.
The "last phase" the old WCG referred to from Daniel 12 did not happen in the 20th century--but is for the 21st! Yet, many people today will not support the CCOG because we do NOT have the fancy buildings, etc., despite some of us seeing the old fancy building at its prime. That is another parallel to Zerubbabel.
Herbert Armstrong, probably in 1985, said something to the effect that God used him to lay the Philadelphia foundation and that the details would be filled in. A month after he became Pastor General, Joe Tkach referred to his administration as "this final phase of His work" (Tkach J. Pastor General's Report, WCG. February 21, 1986, p. 1)--presumingly that was what Herbert Armstrong expected Joe Tkach would lead. Yet, his administration did not lead the final phase of the work. Instead of adding the details and preparing which is what Herbert Armstrong had previously indicated, the Tkach Administration worked to destroy the foundation.
Furthermore it should be noted the two groups I was part of after WCG did not restore the details nor get ready for the final phase of the work, even though for many years I was led to believe that the last one was interested in doing that. However, despite making a promise to do so by the end of January 2012, its top leaders rejected listing all of the 18 truths that Herbert W. Armstrong said God had him restore to the Philadelphia era in its offficial statement of beliefs as they were concerned that could hurt them in the eyes of some television station owners--they also refused to make corrections and other additions that they agreed to in December 2012 (see also December 2011 Proposed changes to LCG's Official Statement of Fundamental Beliefs). And those, as well as some other prophetic and doctrinal truths that they agreed to but never formally taught, are part of the foundation of the church that leads the final phase of the work (see Statement of Beliefs of the Continuing Church of God).
Remember that the Bible teaches that knowledge is to be increased (Daniel 12:4) and all things are to be restored (Mark 9:12; Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things)--wouldn't that be something that the end-time Philadelphian remnant would do?
The end time Zerubbabel was to prepare the church with more spiritual knowledge according to Herbert W. Armstrong (also consistent with a prophecy in Daniel 12:4 supports) and that has been happening in the Continuing Church of God. Notice also:
In Haggai and Zechariah, Zerubbabel was governor and BUILDER of the second temple in Jerusalem to which Christ came at His first coming. But read again in chapters 2 and 3 of Haggai and the first four chapters of Zechariah! The real MESSAGE is about our TIME, NOW — the LAST DAYS! The time when God will "shake all nations," Haggai 2:7 and verse 9,
"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former" (Solomon's temple). The physical temple built by Zerubbabel was nowhere near as glorious as Solomon's temple. It is speaking of the TEMPLE to which Christ shall come at His SECOND COMING — soon now — the SPIRITUAL Temple, the CHURCH, which Christ shall marry at His coming, when the Church shall be made SPIRIT and IMMORTAL in GLORY!
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus' first coming. He was the messenger in the PHYSICAL wilderness of the Jordan River, preparing for the HUMAN Jesus coming to the MATERIAL temple of stone and to the PHYSICAL people of Judah, ANNOUNCING that some 100 time cycles later, He would establish the immortal KINGDOM OF GOD on earth. But read, in Malachi 3, not only verse 1, referring to John the Baptist typically, but verses 1-5, speaking of His SECOND COMING. WHO is to be the messenger in the SPIRITUAL wilderness of the 20th century religious confusion — spiritual confusion — who was to prepare the SPIRITUAL temple, the Church, for the coming of the glorified SPIRITUAL Christ of all POWER AND GLORY — coming to His SPIRITUAL Temple — the Church of God — and not to announce, but to actually ESTABLISH on earth the spiritual KINGDOM OF GOD?
All these things shout a message to God's Church today! (Armstrong HW. The History of the Beginning and Growth of the Worldwide Church of God - Chapter 2. Good News, May 1980)
Notice also the following explanation from the Pulpit Commentary related to parts of Zechariah 4:
Verse 7. - Who art thou, O great mountain? The "mountain" is a figurative expression to denote the various difficulties that stood in Zerubbabel's way and impeded the carrying out of his great design. Before Zerubbabel. The Vulgate affixes these words to the former part of the clause, but the accent is in favour of the Authorized Version. Thou Shall become a plain; literally, into a plain! A command. All obstacles shall be removed (comp. Isaiah 40:4; Isaiah 49:11; Matthew 17:20; Luke 3:4, 5). Septuagint, τοῦ κατορθῶσαι (intrans.), "that thou shouldst prosper;" "ut corrigas" (Jerome). He shall bring forth the headstone thereof. "He" is evidently Zerubbabel. He shall commence and put the finishing stroke to the work of rebuilding the temple. Many commentators take this stone to be the one that completes the building, "the topstone."...
Verse 9.-... Shall finish it ... The completion of the material temple was a pledge of the establishment of the spiritual temple, the Church of God. (http://biblehub.com/zechariah/4-7.htm viewed 09/18/13)
The work is being done now and the final phase will be finished.
The CCOG is leading the Final Phase of the Work.
The old WCG also published the following:
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel. Joshua (the High Priest), Ezra and Nehemiah, the Jewish people once more began to observe God's Sabbath day. (Knowles B. The Sabbath Was Made for Man. Good News, October 1974)
One of the areas we have taught on in the CCOG is that, while eating out in restaurants when traveling is fine, that eating out on the regular Sabbath each week is not something that should be done. That is not the same as what happened under those leaders, though it is similar to what happened under Nehemiah (cf. Nehemiah 13:5-22).
Herbert W. Armstrong sometimes speculated on what position biblical figures, like Abraham, Job, and Joseph to cite three examples, would have in the millennial Kingdom of God. He also speculated about Zerubbabel.
Related to Zerubbabel, Herbert Armstrong wrote:
All in government service will then be divine Spirit beings, in the kingdom of God — the God family. ... governments will be in the hands of the spiritual family of God, and partially administered by those human leaders directly under that great ruling family ... At least one other man seems indicated as a top assistant in this vast administration. That is Zerubbabel (Haggai, and Zech. 4). (Armstrong HW. Mystery of the Ages, Chapter 7, 1985)
At least one man seems indicated as a top assistant in this vast administration. That is Zerubbabel (Book of Haggai, and Zechariah 4). (Armstrong HW and GT. The Wonderful World Tomorrow - What It Will Be Like. Booklet, 1973
Now, one that that is of interest in the above is if Herbert W. Armstrong only thought the ancient Zerubbabel would have that role, or if Herbert W. Armstrong also thought that the future Zerubbabel (which he thought was probably himself for a time) would also have that role.
That said, perhaps the original Zerubbabel and the prophesied one will have a role consistent with that.
What we do know is that Jesus promised the following:
2 ... I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; (John 14:2-3)
Yes, Jesus will prepare a place for each of us.
Interestingly, Job said:
14 If a man dies, shall he live again?
All the days of my hard service I will wait,
Till my change comes.
15 You shall call, and I will answer You;
You shall desire the work of Your hands. (Job 14:14-15)
So, the above is consistent with the view that God has specific roles in mind for those who He will have in the first resurrection.
That said, the fact that Zerubbabel is called a signet ring, also suggests a close relationship to the God Family after the resurrection. Consider the following from a Protestant source:
Zerubbabel was to become a “signet ring.” The “Signet ring” was engraved with the owner’s name or a design to identify his authority. It was used to attest to the authority of royal messages who carried papers stamped by the image on the ring (see 1 Kings 21:8). It was also used to mark precious articles. It proved ownership. The signet ring was always carried by its owner and worn on the right hand (see Jeremiah 22:24). It was an inseparable and valuable possession. This is what God declared Zerubbabel to be. ...
The signet ring is not a secret possession. It’s the outward sign of the authority of its owner. Through the presence of his Kingdom, God seals His work and testimony upon the world. God is the owner. (Lessons in the Book of Haggai. Lesson 6: A Signet Ring of God Haggai 2:20-23 by Bob Burridge ©2013, 2016. Geneva Institute for Reformed Studies. https://genevaninstitute.org/articles/studies-in-haggai/a-signet-ring-of-god-2/#:~:text=Zerubbabel%20was%20to%20become%20a,used%20to%20mark%20precious%20articles. accessed 08/16/24)
A signet ring was used as a seal--Christians receive the seal of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).
A signet ring was essentially a signature. So, Zerubbabel becoming like a signet ring for God is a prophecy for some important position in His kingdom. Consider also that Jesus promised Philadelphians who endured, "I will write on him the name of My God" (Revelation 3:12), hence apparently that is done symbolically for a leader in the final Philadelphia remnant. As far as the signet not being a private, but instead public, matter, in the CCOG we have been quite public about God's confirming signs of Acts 2:17-18 in our church (see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).
Furthermore, presuming that the end time Zerubbabel is one of the two olive trees, note that the olive trees were on each side of the lampstand in Zechariah 4:2-3, 11-12. Thus, that Zerubbabel would be one to "stand beside the Lord of the whole earth” (Zechariah 4:14). Consider that all Philadelphian Christians are promised to be pillars in the coming temple of God (Revelation 3:12) and that would also support the idea that Zerubbabel is a Philadelphian.
Therefore, it is logical to conclude God has something specific in mind for the original Zerubbabel and the prophesied one--probably in some role consistent with what Herbert W. Armstrong speculated.
God also has something specific in mind for each and all others who have been called in this age (see also The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?).
Zerubbabel lived about 2500 years ago.
He apparently had administrative talents as some who did not serve the true God gave him some type of rulership.
In his day, like our own, most people who claimed to serve the true God were preoccupied and not focused on God's work.
Jesus warned against that (Luke 21:29-36; Revelation 3:14-22).
Zerubbabel also face opposition to do the work of God.
Herbert W. Armstrong saw dualities and various parallels between the work of ancient Zerubbabel and the end time Philadelphian work.
And while he sometimes thought he was the end time type of Zerubbabel, because of his death, as well as because he basically oversaw the first part of the Philadelphian work, he was not the final type of Zerubbabel. Nor was his now deceased son Garner Ted Armstrong the end time type of Joshua. Zerubbabel and Joshua would be alive now in the 21st century.
According to scripture and Herbert W. Armstrong, the end time Philadelphia work would have a Zerubbabel.
According to scripture, the end time Joshua will later be part of the end time Philadelphia work which already has a Zerubbabel.
Zerubbabel, and some of his contemporaries, had seen the original temple. The revived work of the second temple did not result in a building as magnificent and people were disappointed.
In this century, those who saw the size and quality of buildings of the old Worldwide Church of God have been disappointed that no x-WCG group has the same splendor that WCG had under Herbert W. Armstrong.
The CCOG realized from the beginning that it would NOT have the type of buildings that WCG had. That is why it used a photo of the old, and probably original church building, which it does not even own on its songbook The Bible Hymnal.
It would seem that the end time Zerubbabel may have been part of the first phase of Philadelphia as well as working on the end phase of Philadelphia.
Herbert W. Armstrong believed that his wife Loma had a dream from God, which was confirmed through his ministry for the first part of it. He also believed that there would be a future, last phase of the work, that would come after him. That work would logically be fulfilling the second part of Loma Armstrong's 1917 dream. The CCOG is doing that (see also Dreams, the Bible, the Radio Church of God, and the Continuing Church of God).
Since the end time Zerubbabel appears to also be one of the two witnesses, it would make sense that he would be part of the CCOG. And ultimately, the end time Joshua too.
That said, as Herbert Armstrong pointed out, God intended to bless not only the end time Zerubbabel, but also those that support the work that he is involved in.
Here is a link to our related sermon video: Zerubbabel and Joshua for 21st Century? We also have a related sermon in the Spanish language: Zorobabel y la profecía.
Thiel B. Zerubbabel and Prophecy. (c) 2024 COGwriter. https://www.cogwriter.com/zerubbabel.htm 2024 1213
