Does Bible Prophecy Show Earth's Rulers Will Serve Jehovah? (Revelation 21:24)
Have you ever wondered about the expression "Kings of the earth" found in Revelation 21:24 ? We recall Revelation 21:24-26 states:
(Revelation 21:24-26) 24 And the nations will walk by means of its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 And its gates will not be closed at all by day, for night will not exist there. 26 And they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. ( New World Translation )
As we know, the common accepted viewpoint among Jehovah's witnesses today (as taught by the WTS) is these "kings of the earth" true identity are to be found in the 144,000 who are promised to "bring their glory into" God's Glorious Heavenly Temple Arrangement. In other words, all of this is to occur in heaven itself.
However, if we go strictly by what the bible teaches itself, and we examine the context of these verses (Rev. 21:24-26) and compare them to where they are originally quoted (Isaiah 60th chapter) we notice something very different about these "kings of the earth" itself, that "bring their glory into" God's Righteous Temple Arrangement.
We notice in the original quote, namely Isaiah 60th chapter itself describes these "kings of the earth" as being EARTHLY "KINGS" THEMSELVES, who finally accept God's Pure Worship on earth. (Please compare Revelation 21:25 to Isaiah 60:11 , which is a direct quote from the words of the prophet.)
WHO ARE THESE "KINGS OF THE EARTH" SPECIFICALLY? -- Revelation 21:24-26; Isaiah 60
Actually, in these particular verses (Rev. 21:24-26) we see these "kings of the earth" apparently represent a LARGE PORTION of earth's political rulers (but not all, of course), who before the battle of Armageddon, turn to Jehovah in pure worship and accept EARTHLY New Jerusalem, God's Seat of Government upon the earth. (Rev. 5:9, 10)
(For more information on God's Kingdom being an EARTHLY Kingdom Arrangement, please see the following article: Earthly Jerusalem First Disciplined, Then Praised!)
When we make a close comparison of Isaiah 60:11 , we can see the prophet Isaiah is quoted as the original source of this outstanding prophetic event, with the specific reference that God's Temple "gates" would never be closed "day or night." Appropriately, we also find this exact same statement within the verses of Revelation 21:24-26 too, showing this to be the same "Temple" being discussed...God's Earthly New Jerusalem Arrangement. This shows us the "prophets" and their message are interwoven within the vital message of Revelation itself, to help us better understand the future. (Revelation 22:6)
Additionally, Isaiah 49:6 shows one day, these "kings of the earth" will finally look to the "light" that God provides thru His Earthly Kingdom Arrangement, via New Jerusalem. (Matt. 6:10) This explains bible prophecy referring to the "nations" and even the "kings of the earth" becoming "caretakers" to God's Earthly Kingdom Arrangement, as they obediently accept God's Rule upon earth, in the end. (Isaiah 49:22, 23) Thus the bible makes this notable reference within the 60th chapter of Isaiah, showing that many "nations" (though not ALL nations) and even their "kings" themselves (but not all "kings") will one day be obedient to God's Earthly Kingdom, in the end before Armageddon. God's Prophetic Word makes such assurances for us today. (Isaiah 52:15; Zechariah 8:20-22; Jeremiah 33:9)
Actually, we believe Isaiah 60th chapter sheds much light on this most fantastic situation, where even "kings" or political figures of this world will one day, support true worship on earth.
Isaiah 60:14 shows what can occur (with respect to peoples prevailing attitudes) when Almighty Jehovah God intervenes in this matter. After Jehovah intervenes and earthly Jerusalem's prescribed disciplined has passed, a drastic change in attitude on the part of world-wide onlookers will occur. This all occurs when earthly Jerusalem's wretched condition and formerly "hated" state has finally passed at the order of Jehovah Himself. The prophecy states:
"And to you the sons of those afflicting you must go, BOWING DOWN; and all those treating you disrespectfully must BEND DOWN AT THE VERY SOLES OF YOUR FEET, and they will have to call you the city of Jehovah, Zion of the Holy One of Israel." -- Isaiah 60:14
This prophecy reveals a sudden, drastic change in attitude toward earthly Jerusalem. In fact, it says the very people who formerly persecuted them and treated them with total disrespect, will PROSTRATE THEMSELVES to God's Earthly Representatives, in obedience and respect. What a change in attitude!
Obviously, Jehovah gets the credit for causing such a change in attitudes in the peoples of the world toward disciplined earthly Jerusalem. This occurs when Jehovah "renders all the goodness" He wants toward His Name People after they are disciplined, and they now possess a "name of exultation, praise and beauty" toward all the nations of the earth who are willing to acknowledge God's Hand in this matter. Of course, not all of this world will be willing to acknowledge this, because the prophecy point blank says, some "will be AGITATED" and will be "IN DREAD" on account of the "all the goodness" that Jehovah brings upon His formerly disciplined people (repentant Jehovah's witnesses) at that time. However, bible prophecy does show, many people of the nations will voluntarily accept God's amazing reversal of things at this time. These people of the nations will at that time, be willing to humbly "soften the face of Jehovah." -- Zechariah 8:20-22; Jeremiah 33:9; Isaiah 60:14-16
Jehovah now demonstrates just how far this great respect will go, around the world, in behalf of His Disciplined People. Jehovah shows us, that even political figures or "kings" of this world, will began to be obedient to Him and willingly serve Him, in His New Cleansed Earthly Temple Arrangement. (Of course, this is something the Watchtower Society does not believe or teach, as we all know.)
Isaiah 60:15, 16 shows us this situation by saying:
"Instead of your proving to be one LEFT ENTIRELY AND HATED, with nobody passing through, I will even set you as a thing of pride to time indefinite, and exultation for generation after generation. And you will actually suck the milk of nations, and the breast of kings you will suck; and you will be certain to know that I, Jehovah, am your Savior, and the Powerful One of Jacob is your Repurchaser." -- Isaiah 60:15, 16
Earthly Jerusalem is granted this blessed state by Jehovah God Himself, who as it were, raises them from the "ashes" of despair and humiliation. This becomes disciplined Jerusalem's PERMANENT EARTHLY STATE, forevermore, according to the prophecy. This becomes a complete reversal of their former wretched earthly condition, they occupy an earthly REGAL POSITION now, before Jehovah and the entire earth. And of course, this is all God's doing.
Also you notice in this prophecy, disciplined Jerusalem can now "suck" or enjoy the "resources of the nations" and of their "kings" it says. These "kings" are said to be...the NATION'S KINGS...or those who are "LEADING THE NATIONS." So then these "kings" are not the royal representatives of God's Government themselves, but they are political figures who represent many of these nations, who suddenly after God's direct intervention...REPENT along with their constituents and willing acknowledge God's New Cleansed Earthly Government. Amazingly, they are even willing to share their "resources" or "milk" with God's Royal Family, modern-day earthly Jerusalem, to help get them back on their feet. Again as amazing as this all seems, we have to remember, this is all Jehovah God's Almighty intervention, and only that, which makes such a thing possible. And it is all foretold in prophecy, for our benefit. -- Isaiah 60:11; Isaiah 60:16
WHAT IS THE PRIMARY MEANS JEHOVAH USES TO REACH THESE "KINGS OF THE EARTH" AND WHICH PARTICULAR "KINGS" WILL BE CONVERTED?
God's Word does not say specifically which political rulers will be swayed by the force of God's Visible Earthly Kingdom Arrangement itself and finally wish to serve Jehovah while in political office. It only states a SIZEABLE NUMBER of them will do this, to fulfill bible prophecy.
The bible prophecy at Ezekiel 47:12 (also Revelation 22:1, 2 ) shows God raises up many "trees of life," which are being sustained by "living waters" of God, and giving forth wholesome "fruit" on a "monthly" basis, and remarkably even having "leaves" for the "curing" or "healing of the nations." These phenomenal spiritual "Trees of Life" of God's making, are used as the primary tools to get the "good news" of God's Kingdom preached to the "nations" earthwide, in fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 ...before Armageddon. They are the primary tools Almighty God uses to "heal" the "nations" and many of its political rulers or "kings of the Earth" during this grand time of God's making, just before Armageddon. The remarkable raising up of these miraculous spiritual "Trees of Life" of God's making is referred to as being a "sign" of God, that will never be "cut off" or ever forgotten by mankind, due to the great benefit they bring everlastingly. -- See Isaiah 55:13 . ***
Article taken from LivingWatersForum.com & contributed by YORWW Congregation.