A BOOK OF PROPHECY

The Bible contains numerous prophecies, many of which have already been fulfilled.  Consider an example. Through the prophet Isaiah, who lived in the eighth century B.C.E., Jehovah foretold that the city of Babylon would be destroyed.  (Isaiah 13:19; 14:22, 23)  Details were given to show just how this would happen.  Invading were given to show just how this would happen.  Invading armies would dry up Babylon's river and march into the city without a battle.  That is not all.  Isaiah's prophecy even named the king who would conquer Babylon-Cyrus.-Isaiah 44:27-45:2.

Some 200 years later-on the night of October 5/6 539 B.C.E.-an army encamped near Babylon. Who was  its commander?  A Persian king named Cyrus.  The stage was thus set for the fulfillment of an amazing prophecy. But would the army of Cyrus invade Babylon without a battle, as foretold?

The Babylonians were holding a festival that night and felt secure behind their massive city walls.  Meanwhile, Cyrus cleverly diverted the water of the river that flowed through the city.  Soon the water was shallow enough for his men to cross the riverbed and approach past Babylon's walls?  For some reason, on that night the doors to the city were carelessly left open!

Regarding Babylon, it was foretold:  "She will never be inhabited, nor will she reside for generation after generation.  And there the Arab will not pitch his tent, and no shepherds will let their flocks lie down there."  (Isaiah 13:20)  This prophecy did more than predict a city's fall.  It showed that Babylon would be desolated permanently.  You can see evidence of the fulfillment of these words.  the uninhabited site of ancient Babylon-about 50 miles south of Bagdad, Iraq-is proof  that what Jehovah spoke through Isaiah has been fulfilled:  "I will sweep her with the broom of annihilation." -Isaiah 14:22. 23.

Considering how the Bible is a book of reliable prophecy is faith strengthening is it not?  After all, if Jehovah God has fulfilled his past promises, we have every reason to be confident that he will also fulfill his promise of a paradise earth.  (Numbers 23:19) Indeed, we have "hope of the everlasting life which God, who cannot lie, promise before  times long lasting." -Titus 1:2.

Next time: "THE WORD OF GOD IS ALIVE"

From: What Does the Bible Really  Teach? 2005 and 2006