- May 15, 2005
- 11,935
- 1,498
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- CA-Conservatives
IN 1661, just 50 years after the first publication of the King James translation of the Bible, William Lowth was born. He grew up to become an Episcopal clergyman, and wrote a widely circulated series of commentaries on the Old Testament books of prophecy. One of these, “Commentary Upon the Prophet Ezekiel,” by William Lowth, B. D., London: W. Mears, 1723, is readily available on the internet at:
https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/content/books/ebooks/commentary-upon-the-prophet-ezekiel.pdf
re: Ezekiel 11:
“Ver. 17. I will even gather them from the People.] This may be in some degree fulfilled in those that returned from Captivity, but the utmost Completion of this and the following Verses, must be expected at the general Restoration of the Jewish Nation. See the following Notes, and Compare Chap. xx. 4. xxviii. 25. xxxiv. 13. xxxvi. 24.
“Ver. 18. They shall take away all the detestable things thereof.] They shall live pure from all the Pollutions of Idolatry, wherewith the Land had been formerly defiled. See Chap, xxxvii. 23.
“Ver. 19. And I will give them one Heart.] They shall serve me with one Consent, Zeph. iii. 9. and not be distracted by the several Idolatrous Worships which were set up in opposition to God's true Worship, when the Ten Tribes separated themselves from Judah. Compare Jeremiah xxxii. 9. Hos. x. 2. Psal. lxxxvi. 11.
“Ibid. I will put a new Spirit within them.] These Promises chiefly relate to the general Conversion of the Jews: When God shall pour out upon them the Spirit of Grace, in order to their Conversion, Zech. xii. 10. Compare Chap, xxxvi. 26, 27. and see the Notes upon Jerem. xxiv. 7. xxxi. 33, 34. xxxii. 39.”
(pp. 78-79)
re: Ezekiel 16:55
“When Samaria and her Daughters shall return to their former Estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former Estate.] When the Prophets foretel the General Conversion and Restoration of the Jewish Nation, they always join Judah and Israel together, as equal Sharers in that Blessing. See Chap, xxxvii. 16—22. and the Notes there.” (p. 118)
re: Ezekiel 20:38
“I will bring them forth out of the Country where they Sojourn, and they shall not enter into the Land of Israel.] See the Note on Ver. 35. The Word Country in the Singular Number may be
equivalent to Countries in the Plural Ver. 41. The Sentence alludes as the former does, to the
Judgment denounced upon the rebellious Israelites, that their Carcasses should fall in the Wilderness, and themselves never enter into the Land of Canaan: which shall be only a Portion for the Righteous among them. This Text among many others favours the Opinion maintained by several Authors both Ancient and Modern, that the Jews upon their Conversion shall return into their own Land. Comp. Chap. xi. 14. xxviii. 25. (See the Note there) xxxiv. 13. xxxvi. 24.” (p 153)
re: Ezekiel 36:
“The Argument.
This and the following Chapter contain a Prediction of the general Restoration both of Israel and Juda, a Subjet often spoken of by this Prophet: of which the Return of the Two Tribes from Babylon may be thought an Eamest.” (p. 290)
re: Ezekiel 37:
“The Argument.
Under the Figure of a Resurrection of dry Bones is foretold the General Restoration of the Jews from their several Dispersions: and by the joining of two Sticks is represented the Uniting of Israel and Judah into One Kingdom.” (p. 300)
re: Ezekiel 37:
“Ver. 22. And I will make them one Nation.]They shall not be divided any more into separate Kingdoms : the Consequence of which was their setting up separate Way's of Worship, and espousing separate Interests: Compare Isa. xi. 13. It has been already observed, that the Prophesies which foretel of the General Restoration of the Jews, join Judah and Israel together, as equal Sharers in that Blessing.
“Ibid. And one King shall be King to them all.] The Messias, who is that one Shepherd and Prince that shall rule over them all, as one Nation: See Chapter xxxiv. 23,24. compared with Luke i. 32, 33. The Messias is described as King of the Jews in most of the Prophesies of the Old Testament, beginning with that of Gen. xlix. 10. concerning Shiloh. From David’sTime he is commonly spoken of as the Person in whom the promises relating to the Perpetuity of David’s Kingdom were to be accomplished. This was a Truth unanimously owned by the Jews; See Job. i. 49. to which our Saviour bore Testimony before Pontius Pilate, when the Question being put to him, Art thou a King? he made Answer, Thou sayest [the Truth] for I am a King:” (pp. 304-305)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“The Argument
The Prophecy in this and the following Chapter concerning Israel’s Victory over Gog and Magog without question relates to the latter Ages of the World when the whole House of Israel shall return unto their own land, Chap. xxxix. 25,26. And the Expressions we meet in this Chapter, Ver. 8 and 16. that this should come to pass in the latter Days, and after many Days, or a considerable number of Years, and that God had of old Prophesied concerning this transaction: These and other Circumstances of this Prophecy are a Proof that the Event was to happen a great while after the several Predictions of the Prophets concerning it. So that this must be lookt upon as one of those Obscure Prophecies of Scripture, the fulfilling whereof will best explain their meaning.” (p. 308)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“Ver. 2. SET thy Face, (fee Chapter vi. 2.) against Gog, the Land of Magog.] Or, of the land of Magog. Magog was the Son of Japhet, Gen. x. 2. from whence the Scythians are generally supposed to be derived. The Mogul Tartars, a People of the Scythian Race, are still called so by the Arabian Writers, as Dr. Hyde informs us, in his Epistle De Mensuris Sinensibus. By Gog and Magog may most probably here be meant the Turks, who were originally Natives of Tartary, called Turcheftan by the Eastern Writers: and whose Language is derived from that of the Tartars. The Land of Canaan hath been for several Years in the Possession of the Turks; several Texts in Ezekiel foretel the Jews Settlement in that Country again; and some of the Expressions in this and the following Chapter intimate, that the People called here by the Name of Gog and their Allies, will attempt to recover it again out of the Hands of the Jews, its rightful Owners: This may probably occasion the War and Victory here spoken of. But this is what cannot be positively affirmed; only thus much one may venture to say, That since the whole Strength of Europe was so unsuccessful in their Attempts to recover that Land out of the Hands of the Infidels in the Holy War, it looks as if God had reserved that Work to some further time of his own Appointment, when that Country should be the Scene of some extraordinary Event of Providence.” We may further observe, that the Second Woe, mentioned Revel. ix. 12. xl 14. is by many Learned Men understood of the Turkish Empire ; and in Consequence of that Interpretation, the putting an End to that Tyranny will be an Introduction to some extraordinary Changes in the Christian part of the World.
“Ibid. The chief Prince of Meshech and Tubal.] The King or Head of all those Northern Nations which lie upon the Euxin Sea. See the Notes upon Chap, xxvii. 13. The Turk is called the King of the North in Daniel, Chap. xi. 40. as several Commentators interpret that Place. The LXX Interpreters take the Word Rosh, commonly translated Chief, for a proper Name, so they render the Sentence thus, The Prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. Rosh taken as a Proper Name, signifies those Inhabitants of Scythia, from whence the Russians derive their Name and Original. (pp.309-310)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“Ver. 8. After many Days thou fhalt be visited, &c.] This Judgment shall be inflicted by God upon thee, (Compare Isa. xxix. 6.) after a Succersion of many Generations: in the latter Years, or Days, as it follows here and Ver. 16. i. e. toward the end of the World, Compare Dan. viii. 26. Particularly the Expression of Latter Days, or Years is used to denote the Times of the General Restoration of the Jewish Nation. See Deut. iv. 30. Jerem.xxx. 24. Hos. iii. 5.
“Ibid. Thou shalt come into the Land that is brought back from the Sword.] The Land is put for the People of the Land, who are said to be brought back from the Sword, as they are elsewhere styled a Remnant, i. e. those that should survive after the Hardships they had suffered in their several Dispersions, and the Judgments that should fall upon the Disobedient in their Return Home: See the Notes upon Chap. xx. 54—38. and upon Isa. iv. 2. And perhaps those Words of Jeremiah, Chap. xxxi. 2. may be best explained to this Sense, The People that were left of the Sword, found Grace in the Wilderness. The whole Chapter relates to the General Conversion and Restoration of the Jews, and the Prophet speaks in that Verse of the Favours God would shew to those that should escape the severe Judgments that should destroy the Disobedient in their Passage home to their own Country, called the Desert or Wilderness by Isaiah, Chap. xl. J. and by Ezekiel the Wilderness of the People, or Nations, Chap. xx. 35. See the Notes upon that Place.
“Ibid. And gathered out of many People.] See the Note upon Chap, xxxiv. 15.
“Ibid. Against the Mountains of Israel.] See Chap, xxxvi. 1, 4.] which have been always waste.] Or rather, altogether waste, as the LXX rightly translate it.
“Ibid. But it is brought forth out of the Nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.] Or, And they have dwelt safely all of them; the future Tense being often put for the Preter perfect. The Sense is, that after the Return of the People of Israel into their own Country, and their having lived there for some time in Peace and Safety, this Enemy will think to take Advantage of their Security, and fall upon them unexpectedly. Compare Ver. 11. (pp. 312-313)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“Ver. 14. In that Day.] At that remarkable time, when God shall bring again the Captivity of Israel and Judah, so often spoken of by the Prophets. See the Note upon Isa. iv. 2.
“Ibid. When my People Israel dwelleth safely, shalt not thou know it? &c.] As soon as the News of their being settled in their own Country comes to thy Knowledge, thou wilt certainlymake Prepartions to Invade them. (p. 315)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“Ver. 16. As a Cloud to cover the Land.] See Ver. 9.
“Ibid. That the Heathen may know me, &c.] This signal Victory over Gog and his Associates, shall be a Means of bringing Infidels to give Glory unto me. Compare Chap, xxxix. 21. and see the Note upon Chap, xxxvi. 23.
“Ver. 17. Art thou he?] The Words would be more significant, if they were translated, Art thou not he? a Sense which He the Particle of Interrogation often imports. See the Note upon Chap. xx. 4.
“Ibid. Of whom I have spoken in old Time by my Servants the Prophets, who have prophesied in those Days, many Years?] Or, And Years. The Prophet is speaking here of some terrible Enemy to God's People, who shall be subdued by the immediate Hand of Heaven, which Victory should make way for glorious Times of Peace and Prosperity. This Enemy is said to be foretold of old by the Prophets, and is therefore probably described under the Names of such Nations as were the chief Enemies to the Jews in the particular Times of each Prophet. Such we may suppose the Assyrian to be, spoken of by Isaiah, Chap. xiv. 24, 25. and by Micah, Chap. V. 5. The same Enemy may probably be intended under the Figure of Tyre, See the Note on Chap, xxviii. 24. of Egypt, See the Note upon Chap. xxix. 21. and compare Isa. xi. 15. with Zech. x. 11. of Moab, See Isa, xxv. 10. of Edom, See Isa. xxxiv. 6. lxiii. i. Joel iii. 20. Obad. Ver. 18,19. and under the Name of Leviathan, Isa, xxvii. 1. To these we may add those Prophecies which speak of some great and general Destruction of God's Enemies before the Day of Judgment, or Consummation of all things. Such are Psalm cx. 5,6. Isa. xxvi. 20, 21. xxxiv. I, &c. lxvi. 16. Jerem. xxx. 7, 10. Joel iii. 9, 14. Obad. Ver. 1 5, &c. Zech. xii. 1. xiv. 1, &c. Zechariah lived indeed after Ezekile’s Time, but a great while before the fulfilling of this Prophecy. The Expressions here used, of old time, and which prophesied in those Days [and] Years, plainly imply that there was to be a Succession of many Ages between the publishing thole Prophecies and this Event foretold by them: and therefore seem to look beyond the Times of Antiochus Epiphanes, to which some Expositors apply this Place of Ezekiel. See the Note upon Chap, xxxix. 9. (pp. 316-317)
re: Ezekiel 39:
“Ver. 9. And they that dwell in the Cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on Fire and burn the Weapons, &c.] In token of an entire Conquest, and that such a lasting Peace should ensue, that there should be no more need of warlike Preparations. Compare Psal. xlvi. 9.
“Ibid. Seven Years.] The burning the Weapons of War must be the Consequent of a complete Victory: So that the Seven Years here mentioned cannot be meant, as some would understand them, of those terrible Conflicts which the Jews had with Antiochus Epiphanes, from the 143d or 145th Year of the Æra Seleucidarum, according to the different Computation of the Beginning of that Persecution. See 1 Maceab. i. 20, 29.) to the 151st Year of the fame Æra, when Nicanor was slain: ibid. c. vii. 1, 43. Nor is that true which this Opinion supposes, viz. that Nicanor’s Death put an End to the Troubles of the Jews: for after that there was great Affliclion in Israel, the like whereof had not been since the time that a Prophet had not been seen among them, as the same Writer informs us, 1 Maccab. ix. 27. So that this Passage of Ezekiel’s Prophecy must necessarily be expounded of some other Event. (pp. 322-323)
re: Ezekiel 39:
“Ver. 29. Neither will I hide my Face any more from them.] I will never withdraw my Favour or Protection from them. See Isa. liv. 8.
“Ibid. For I have poured out my Spirit upon the House of Israel.] There will be a new Effusion of God's Spirit upon the Jews in order to their Conversion: See Isa. lix. 20, 21. a place applied by St. Paul to this very Purpose, Rom. xi. 26, 27. Compare likewise Zech. xii. 10. and Chap. xi. 19. xxxvi. 27. of this Prophecy. (p. 326)
These very many quotations are presented to conclusively prove that this was not just a casual mention of the doctrine, but something that William Lowth systematically taught and insisted upon.
It is critical to realize that this was published 8 years before the 1731 birth of Manuel Lacunza. who is wrongly claimed to be the source of this doctrine.
https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/content/books/ebooks/commentary-upon-the-prophet-ezekiel.pdf
re: Ezekiel 11:
“Ver. 17. I will even gather them from the People.] This may be in some degree fulfilled in those that returned from Captivity, but the utmost Completion of this and the following Verses, must be expected at the general Restoration of the Jewish Nation. See the following Notes, and Compare Chap. xx. 4. xxviii. 25. xxxiv. 13. xxxvi. 24.
“Ver. 18. They shall take away all the detestable things thereof.] They shall live pure from all the Pollutions of Idolatry, wherewith the Land had been formerly defiled. See Chap, xxxvii. 23.
“Ver. 19. And I will give them one Heart.] They shall serve me with one Consent, Zeph. iii. 9. and not be distracted by the several Idolatrous Worships which were set up in opposition to God's true Worship, when the Ten Tribes separated themselves from Judah. Compare Jeremiah xxxii. 9. Hos. x. 2. Psal. lxxxvi. 11.
“Ibid. I will put a new Spirit within them.] These Promises chiefly relate to the general Conversion of the Jews: When God shall pour out upon them the Spirit of Grace, in order to their Conversion, Zech. xii. 10. Compare Chap, xxxvi. 26, 27. and see the Notes upon Jerem. xxiv. 7. xxxi. 33, 34. xxxii. 39.”
(pp. 78-79)
re: Ezekiel 16:55
“When Samaria and her Daughters shall return to their former Estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former Estate.] When the Prophets foretel the General Conversion and Restoration of the Jewish Nation, they always join Judah and Israel together, as equal Sharers in that Blessing. See Chap, xxxvii. 16—22. and the Notes there.” (p. 118)
re: Ezekiel 20:38
“I will bring them forth out of the Country where they Sojourn, and they shall not enter into the Land of Israel.] See the Note on Ver. 35. The Word Country in the Singular Number may be
equivalent to Countries in the Plural Ver. 41. The Sentence alludes as the former does, to the
Judgment denounced upon the rebellious Israelites, that their Carcasses should fall in the Wilderness, and themselves never enter into the Land of Canaan: which shall be only a Portion for the Righteous among them. This Text among many others favours the Opinion maintained by several Authors both Ancient and Modern, that the Jews upon their Conversion shall return into their own Land. Comp. Chap. xi. 14. xxviii. 25. (See the Note there) xxxiv. 13. xxxvi. 24.” (p 153)
re: Ezekiel 36:
“The Argument.
This and the following Chapter contain a Prediction of the general Restoration both of Israel and Juda, a Subjet often spoken of by this Prophet: of which the Return of the Two Tribes from Babylon may be thought an Eamest.” (p. 290)
re: Ezekiel 37:
“The Argument.
Under the Figure of a Resurrection of dry Bones is foretold the General Restoration of the Jews from their several Dispersions: and by the joining of two Sticks is represented the Uniting of Israel and Judah into One Kingdom.” (p. 300)
re: Ezekiel 37:
“Ver. 22. And I will make them one Nation.]They shall not be divided any more into separate Kingdoms : the Consequence of which was their setting up separate Way's of Worship, and espousing separate Interests: Compare Isa. xi. 13. It has been already observed, that the Prophesies which foretel of the General Restoration of the Jews, join Judah and Israel together, as equal Sharers in that Blessing.
“Ibid. And one King shall be King to them all.] The Messias, who is that one Shepherd and Prince that shall rule over them all, as one Nation: See Chapter xxxiv. 23,24. compared with Luke i. 32, 33. The Messias is described as King of the Jews in most of the Prophesies of the Old Testament, beginning with that of Gen. xlix. 10. concerning Shiloh. From David’sTime he is commonly spoken of as the Person in whom the promises relating to the Perpetuity of David’s Kingdom were to be accomplished. This was a Truth unanimously owned by the Jews; See Job. i. 49. to which our Saviour bore Testimony before Pontius Pilate, when the Question being put to him, Art thou a King? he made Answer, Thou sayest [the Truth] for I am a King:” (pp. 304-305)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“The Argument
The Prophecy in this and the following Chapter concerning Israel’s Victory over Gog and Magog without question relates to the latter Ages of the World when the whole House of Israel shall return unto their own land, Chap. xxxix. 25,26. And the Expressions we meet in this Chapter, Ver. 8 and 16. that this should come to pass in the latter Days, and after many Days, or a considerable number of Years, and that God had of old Prophesied concerning this transaction: These and other Circumstances of this Prophecy are a Proof that the Event was to happen a great while after the several Predictions of the Prophets concerning it. So that this must be lookt upon as one of those Obscure Prophecies of Scripture, the fulfilling whereof will best explain their meaning.” (p. 308)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“Ver. 2. SET thy Face, (fee Chapter vi. 2.) against Gog, the Land of Magog.] Or, of the land of Magog. Magog was the Son of Japhet, Gen. x. 2. from whence the Scythians are generally supposed to be derived. The Mogul Tartars, a People of the Scythian Race, are still called so by the Arabian Writers, as Dr. Hyde informs us, in his Epistle De Mensuris Sinensibus. By Gog and Magog may most probably here be meant the Turks, who were originally Natives of Tartary, called Turcheftan by the Eastern Writers: and whose Language is derived from that of the Tartars. The Land of Canaan hath been for several Years in the Possession of the Turks; several Texts in Ezekiel foretel the Jews Settlement in that Country again; and some of the Expressions in this and the following Chapter intimate, that the People called here by the Name of Gog and their Allies, will attempt to recover it again out of the Hands of the Jews, its rightful Owners: This may probably occasion the War and Victory here spoken of. But this is what cannot be positively affirmed; only thus much one may venture to say, That since the whole Strength of Europe was so unsuccessful in their Attempts to recover that Land out of the Hands of the Infidels in the Holy War, it looks as if God had reserved that Work to some further time of his own Appointment, when that Country should be the Scene of some extraordinary Event of Providence.” We may further observe, that the Second Woe, mentioned Revel. ix. 12. xl 14. is by many Learned Men understood of the Turkish Empire ; and in Consequence of that Interpretation, the putting an End to that Tyranny will be an Introduction to some extraordinary Changes in the Christian part of the World.
“Ibid. The chief Prince of Meshech and Tubal.] The King or Head of all those Northern Nations which lie upon the Euxin Sea. See the Notes upon Chap, xxvii. 13. The Turk is called the King of the North in Daniel, Chap. xi. 40. as several Commentators interpret that Place. The LXX Interpreters take the Word Rosh, commonly translated Chief, for a proper Name, so they render the Sentence thus, The Prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. Rosh taken as a Proper Name, signifies those Inhabitants of Scythia, from whence the Russians derive their Name and Original. (pp.309-310)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“Ver. 8. After many Days thou fhalt be visited, &c.] This Judgment shall be inflicted by God upon thee, (Compare Isa. xxix. 6.) after a Succersion of many Generations: in the latter Years, or Days, as it follows here and Ver. 16. i. e. toward the end of the World, Compare Dan. viii. 26. Particularly the Expression of Latter Days, or Years is used to denote the Times of the General Restoration of the Jewish Nation. See Deut. iv. 30. Jerem.xxx. 24. Hos. iii. 5.
“Ibid. Thou shalt come into the Land that is brought back from the Sword.] The Land is put for the People of the Land, who are said to be brought back from the Sword, as they are elsewhere styled a Remnant, i. e. those that should survive after the Hardships they had suffered in their several Dispersions, and the Judgments that should fall upon the Disobedient in their Return Home: See the Notes upon Chap. xx. 54—38. and upon Isa. iv. 2. And perhaps those Words of Jeremiah, Chap. xxxi. 2. may be best explained to this Sense, The People that were left of the Sword, found Grace in the Wilderness. The whole Chapter relates to the General Conversion and Restoration of the Jews, and the Prophet speaks in that Verse of the Favours God would shew to those that should escape the severe Judgments that should destroy the Disobedient in their Passage home to their own Country, called the Desert or Wilderness by Isaiah, Chap. xl. J. and by Ezekiel the Wilderness of the People, or Nations, Chap. xx. 35. See the Notes upon that Place.
“Ibid. And gathered out of many People.] See the Note upon Chap, xxxiv. 15.
“Ibid. Against the Mountains of Israel.] See Chap, xxxvi. 1, 4.] which have been always waste.] Or rather, altogether waste, as the LXX rightly translate it.
“Ibid. But it is brought forth out of the Nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them.] Or, And they have dwelt safely all of them; the future Tense being often put for the Preter perfect. The Sense is, that after the Return of the People of Israel into their own Country, and their having lived there for some time in Peace and Safety, this Enemy will think to take Advantage of their Security, and fall upon them unexpectedly. Compare Ver. 11. (pp. 312-313)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“Ver. 14. In that Day.] At that remarkable time, when God shall bring again the Captivity of Israel and Judah, so often spoken of by the Prophets. See the Note upon Isa. iv. 2.
“Ibid. When my People Israel dwelleth safely, shalt not thou know it? &c.] As soon as the News of their being settled in their own Country comes to thy Knowledge, thou wilt certainlymake Prepartions to Invade them. (p. 315)
re: Ezekiel 38:
“Ver. 16. As a Cloud to cover the Land.] See Ver. 9.
“Ibid. That the Heathen may know me, &c.] This signal Victory over Gog and his Associates, shall be a Means of bringing Infidels to give Glory unto me. Compare Chap, xxxix. 21. and see the Note upon Chap, xxxvi. 23.
“Ver. 17. Art thou he?] The Words would be more significant, if they were translated, Art thou not he? a Sense which He the Particle of Interrogation often imports. See the Note upon Chap. xx. 4.
“Ibid. Of whom I have spoken in old Time by my Servants the Prophets, who have prophesied in those Days, many Years?] Or, And Years. The Prophet is speaking here of some terrible Enemy to God's People, who shall be subdued by the immediate Hand of Heaven, which Victory should make way for glorious Times of Peace and Prosperity. This Enemy is said to be foretold of old by the Prophets, and is therefore probably described under the Names of such Nations as were the chief Enemies to the Jews in the particular Times of each Prophet. Such we may suppose the Assyrian to be, spoken of by Isaiah, Chap. xiv. 24, 25. and by Micah, Chap. V. 5. The same Enemy may probably be intended under the Figure of Tyre, See the Note on Chap, xxviii. 24. of Egypt, See the Note upon Chap. xxix. 21. and compare Isa. xi. 15. with Zech. x. 11. of Moab, See Isa, xxv. 10. of Edom, See Isa. xxxiv. 6. lxiii. i. Joel iii. 20. Obad. Ver. 18,19. and under the Name of Leviathan, Isa, xxvii. 1. To these we may add those Prophecies which speak of some great and general Destruction of God's Enemies before the Day of Judgment, or Consummation of all things. Such are Psalm cx. 5,6. Isa. xxvi. 20, 21. xxxiv. I, &c. lxvi. 16. Jerem. xxx. 7, 10. Joel iii. 9, 14. Obad. Ver. 1 5, &c. Zech. xii. 1. xiv. 1, &c. Zechariah lived indeed after Ezekile’s Time, but a great while before the fulfilling of this Prophecy. The Expressions here used, of old time, and which prophesied in those Days [and] Years, plainly imply that there was to be a Succession of many Ages between the publishing thole Prophecies and this Event foretold by them: and therefore seem to look beyond the Times of Antiochus Epiphanes, to which some Expositors apply this Place of Ezekiel. See the Note upon Chap, xxxix. 9. (pp. 316-317)
re: Ezekiel 39:
“Ver. 9. And they that dwell in the Cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on Fire and burn the Weapons, &c.] In token of an entire Conquest, and that such a lasting Peace should ensue, that there should be no more need of warlike Preparations. Compare Psal. xlvi. 9.
“Ibid. Seven Years.] The burning the Weapons of War must be the Consequent of a complete Victory: So that the Seven Years here mentioned cannot be meant, as some would understand them, of those terrible Conflicts which the Jews had with Antiochus Epiphanes, from the 143d or 145th Year of the Æra Seleucidarum, according to the different Computation of the Beginning of that Persecution. See 1 Maceab. i. 20, 29.) to the 151st Year of the fame Æra, when Nicanor was slain: ibid. c. vii. 1, 43. Nor is that true which this Opinion supposes, viz. that Nicanor’s Death put an End to the Troubles of the Jews: for after that there was great Affliclion in Israel, the like whereof had not been since the time that a Prophet had not been seen among them, as the same Writer informs us, 1 Maccab. ix. 27. So that this Passage of Ezekiel’s Prophecy must necessarily be expounded of some other Event. (pp. 322-323)
re: Ezekiel 39:
“Ver. 29. Neither will I hide my Face any more from them.] I will never withdraw my Favour or Protection from them. See Isa. liv. 8.
“Ibid. For I have poured out my Spirit upon the House of Israel.] There will be a new Effusion of God's Spirit upon the Jews in order to their Conversion: See Isa. lix. 20, 21. a place applied by St. Paul to this very Purpose, Rom. xi. 26, 27. Compare likewise Zech. xii. 10. and Chap. xi. 19. xxxvi. 27. of this Prophecy. (p. 326)
These very many quotations are presented to conclusively prove that this was not just a casual mention of the doctrine, but something that William Lowth systematically taught and insisted upon.
It is critical to realize that this was published 8 years before the 1731 birth of Manuel Lacunza. who is wrongly claimed to be the source of this doctrine.
Last edited:
