Ezekiel the Healing Waters and Trees

VERSE 3 And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles.

“The line of flax with which the man (Pastor Russell) measured the river symbolizes the standard of perfection of character up to which all mankind will be required to measure.

Pastor Russell has not only made used of the “line of flax” given him, but likewise has proven very proficient in the used of the “measuring rod” (i.e. the Word of God by and through which all things are to be measured), which he also received (Ezek 40:3), recall how he used it to measure the race for the prize of the High Calling marking off the race course for us at its four distinctive quarters or measures of progress.” See F369

“The measurement of 1,000 cubits suggests, Divine justice, which with Divine love manifested in the restitution blessings (the river itself, clear as crystal, Rev 22:1), pictures again, but from a different viewpoint the same picture as that shown in the decoration of the temple, i.e., by the administration of Divine love and justice restitution blessings will reach mankind.

After taking a measurement of 1,000 cubits, it was found that the water was ankle deep, picturing those who attain unto the first quarter mark (or measure) of love, duty love “Ought to love” F370 top.

Neh 5:9 tells of some who reverence (fear) Jehovah simply because of the reproach of the heathen, surly a very low standard of reverence and love. Compare the following,

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)

“Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God.” (1 Thess 4:1)

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Rom 15:1)

VERSE 4 Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the waters came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist.

“The second 1,000 cubit measurement being taken, it was found the water (love) was up to the knees, picturing the second quarter mark, a love that is more than a duty, one that has learned to hate sin. F370 par. 1, 2

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” (Prov 8:13)

“You, who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.” (Psa 97:10)

After the third 1,000 cubit measurement the water was found to be up to the waist, symbolizing the third quarter mark, a love that goes further than merely hating sin, a love that delights to serve God and the brethren. F370 par. 3

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psa 1:2)

“I will delight myself in your statutes; I will not forget your word.” (Psa 119:16)

“Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.” (Psa 119:24)

“Make me walk in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.” (Psa 119:35)

“And I will delight myself in your commandments, which I love.” (Psa 119:47)

VERSE 5 Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed.

“Then the forth 1,000 cubit measurement being taken, it was found that there were “waters to swim in” (representing the fullness of love for the “least” of the brethren of that age), beautifully typifying the fourth quarter mark of love, the depth of perfect love, which is love for even one’s enemies. F371 par. 1-3

Jehovah has this quality of love.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matt 5:44-48)

So shall it be that the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth even as the waters cover the sea. (Isa 11:9) The world must attain to this fourth quarter mark of love if they are ever to be ushered into the everlasting kingdom.

VERSE 6 He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river.

This is a very important statement to which all should take careful note, here the Father stresses the importance of understanding the vision when he questions the Prophet, Son of man, have you seen (i.e.  Have you comprehended) thus far all which you have been shown? Any who see (i.e. comprehend the significance of this prophecy) will thereby appreciate all the more the full purpose of Divine love, and whoever becomes immersed in this love shall thereby gain life.

We will continue once again in our next post.