them.”l Thus in a very literal way abominable idols stood in the Jews’ holy place.

29. What remarkable parallel of events is there between 607 B.C. and A.D. 70?

²⁹ There is a remarkable parallel of certain events occurring both in 607 B.C. and A.D. 70. It is fittingly so, since both those periods foreshadowed happenings now befalling this present generation. Preliminary to the disasters of both 607 B.C. and A.D. 70 the people claiming to be in covenant with Jehovah and posing as a faithful “wife” were guilty of many sins. Because of their religious straying and political meddling they were spiritually adulterous, and were repeatedly warned that Jehovah would destroy them if they did not reform, and that to do this he would use nations they had made alliances with but from whom they were now alienated. They could expect a visitation from Jehovah, and a desolating from him through their former political paramours. In both instances the desolating forces came to destroy, yet thereafter withdrew for a time, allowing an opportune period for flight to safety. The rebellious ones delayed to flee and branded as seditious any who did try to flee. The opportunity for flight slipped by, the destroyers returned, and desolation fell with a vengeance. As foretold, however, the powers used to bring this vengeance were themselves later destroyed. Babylon fell after it was used in 607 B.C. The Roman Empire disintegrated and collapsed after it was used A.D. 70. Revelation 17:10 showed that that sixth world power would not endure but would be succeeded by a seventh world power. How all of these momentous happenings of the past are pictorial of events befalling the present generation will be shown in the succeeding article.

This Generation’s Disgusting Alliance

1. How was Israel perpetuated after both of her desolations?

JEHOVAH gave the nation of Israel a good start, but it refused to hold to the divinely marked path of true worship: “I planted you a choice vine, all true seed; how, then, are you changed to a rank vine, a wild plant? Though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, your guilt stands ingrained in my sight.” (Jer. 2:21, 22, AT) Israel’s sins brought on her desolation in 607 B.C. But long before that Isaiah had foretold that a remnant of Israel would return to Jerusalem to reestablish true worship, which in time did happen. (Ezra 1:3, 4; 2:64, 65; Isa. 10:22) Centuries later when Christ came Israel had again backslidden and he foretold the desolation that came A.D. 70; yet again a faithful remnant was delivered and spread true worship, becoming the first members of the Christian organization. Showing how parallel these two periods of Israel’s history were, Isaiah’s prophecy was applied as also having fulfillment in this second deliverance of a remnant.—Rom. 9:27; 11:5.

2. Who now compose the “Israel of God,” and why is Christendom well pictured by rebellious Israel?

² To this Israelite remnant persons from other nations were added, till in time the complete ordained number of the “Israel of God” was attained. Thus those from many nations became Israelites, spiritually