Dates
This is the year Babylon fell to Cyrus, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.
What is 539 B.C.E.?
Jehovah called Cyrus this special title despite him being a pagan king.
What is “his anointed one”?
The fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy strengthens Christians’ confidence in this.
What is the reliability of Bible prophecy?
These two Babylonian gods are described as bending down and stooping.
Who are Bel and Nebo?
According to Isaiah 46:9, what key truth are we reminded of about Jehovah?
"9 Remember the former things of long ago, That I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there is no one like me."
What is there is no one like Jehovah—the Divine One?
Isaiah recorded the prophecy about Cyrus approximately this many years before its fulfillment.
What is about 200 years?
Jehovah promised to go before Cyrus and do this to obstacles.
What is straighten them out (level the land/remove obstacles)?
The fall of ancient Babylon foreshadows the fall of this modern entity.
What is Babylon the Great?
These idols had to be carried like this by animals.
What is a burden (luggage)?
According to Isaiah 46:10, 11, what do these verses teach about Jehovah’s purpose?
10 From the beginning I foretell the outcome, And from long ago the things that have not yet been done. I say, ‘My decision will stand, And I will do whatever I please.’ 11 I am calling a bird of prey from the sunrise, From a distant land the man to carry out my decision. I have spoken, and I will bring it about. I have purposed it, and I will also carry it out.
What is nothing can prevent Jehovah from accomplishing His will?
This specific night in October marks when Babylon was conquered.
What is October 5/6, 539 B.C.E.?
These valuable items hidden in darkness would be given to Cyrus.
What are treasures (hidden treasures in concealment places)?
This year marks the fall of Babylon the Great in a spiritual sense.
What is 1919?
Idol worshipers trust in objects made of these materials.
What are gold and silver?
According to Isaiah 46:6, 7, what happens to those who rely on idols?
6 There are those who lavish gold from their purse; They weigh out the silver on the scale. They hire a metalworker, and he makes it into a god. Then they prostrate themselves, yes, they worship it. 7 They lift it to their shoulders; They carry it and put it in its place, and it just stands there. It does not move from its place. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; It cannot rescue anyone from distress.
What is those who trust in false gods will be disappointed because they cannot save?
This is the year when “Babylon the Great” is understood to have fallen in a spiritual sense.
What is 1919 C.E.?
Jehovah ensured these city features would not be shut when Cyrus attacked Babylon.
What are the gates (two-leaved doors)?
Jehovah is described as “telling from the beginning” this.
What is the finale (the end)?
According to Psalm 115, idols cannot do this basic human function.
What is speak (or see, hear, walk)?
In Isaiah 45:22, Jehovah invites all people at the ends of the earth to do this and be saved.
22 Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth, For I am God, and there is no one else.
What is turn to him?
The Jews were to serve Babylon for this number of years before being delivered.
What is 70 years?
Cyrus’ conquest directly led to the release of these people.
Who are the Jews (Israel, God’s chosen people)?
Jehovah’s counsel will always do this.
What is stand (be fulfilled)?
Modern idols include wealth, power, and this strong desire.
What is pleasure (or materialism/covetousness)?
In the analogy of the potter and the clay in Isaiah 45, what were some of the 'sons of Israel' specifically objecting to?
What is the idea of being liberated by a king of a heathen nation (Cyrus) rather than a descendant of David.