When Did God's Kingdom Begin Ruling? -Part 2

The following is a typical conversation that one of Jehovah's Witnesses might have with a neighbor. Let us imagine that a Witness name Cameron has returned to the home of a man named Jon.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S DREAM-A BRIEF REVIEW

Cameron:  Its good to see you again, Jon. I always enjoy our weekly Bible study sessions."  How have you been?  

Jon: I've been fine, thanks.

Cameron:  I'm glad you're doing well.  The last time I was here, we talked about why Jehovah's Witnesses say that God's Kingdom began ruling in 1914. As we discussed, we find a key piece of evidence   in a prophecy in chapter 4 of the Bible book of Daniel. Do you recall what is recorded there? 

Jon: It was King Nebuchadnezzar's dream about a big tree.

Cameron: Yes, exactly. In his dream, Nebuchadnezzar saw an immense tree that reached clear to heaven. He heard a messenger of God command that the tree be cut down, but its stump and roots were to left in the ground. After a period of "seven times," the tree would grow again. We also discussed why the prophecy has two fulfillments. Do you remember what the initial fulfillment was?  

Jon: It was something that happened to Nebuchadnezzar himself, right? He lost his sanity for seven years. 

Cameron; Precisely. Nebuchadnezzar temporarily lost his sanity, so his rulership was interrupted. But in the larger fulfillment of the prophecy, God's rulership would in a way be interrupted  for a period of  seven times. As we saw, the seven times began when Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 B.C.E. From then on, there were no more kings on earth who represented Jehovah God in ruling his people. However, at the end of the seven times, God would appoint a new Ruler over his people-someone in heaven. In other words, the end of the seven times would mark the start of the rulership of God's heavenly Kingdom. Now, we already discussed when the seven times started. So if we can determine how long they lasted, then we will know when God's Kingdom began ruling. Are you with me so far? 

Jon: Yes, this review has helped me to refresh my memory. 

Cameron: Great. Let's dig in, then, and consider the length of they seven times. I've just finished reading up on this subject to remind myself of the key points. I'll try to explain them as well as I can. 

Jon: OK. 

Next time: Continue with When Did God's Kingdom Begin Ruling? -Part 2

From the Watchtower magazine, 2014