If you were to ask anyone of Jehovah’s Witnesses the question: “when does Jesus become king”, the answer would invariably be in the year 1914. Although the actual date is nowhere mentioned in scripture, you would be told that it is clearly taught in the Bible. This understanding is based, in part, on what the apostle John said in Revelation:
(Revelation 11:15) And the seventh angel blew his trumpet. And loud voices occurred in heaven, saying: “The kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever.”
And Daniel’s prophecy:
(Daniel 2:44) “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite;
Yet, even though these scriptures point to God’s kingdom being established, when does that event occur? And how does one get to the date of 1914? The answer is provided in an article on page 215 in the appendix of the book “What Does the Bible Really Teach?”:
1914—A Significant Year in Bible Prophecy
“Decades in advance, Bible students proclaimed that there would be significant developments in 1914. What were these, and what evidence points to 1914 as such an important year?
As recorded at Luke 21:24, Jesus said: “Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations, until the appointed times of the nations [“the times of the Gentiles,” King James Version] are fulfilled.” Jerusalem had been the capital city of the Jewish nation—the seat of rulership of the line of kings from the house of King David. (Psalm 48:1, 2) However, these kings were unique among national leaders. They sat on “Jehovah’s throne” as representatives of God himself. (1 Chronicles 29:23) Jerusalem was thus a symbol of Jehovah’s rulership.
How and when, though, did God’s rulership begin to be “trampled on by the nations”? This happened in 607 B.C.E. when Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians. “Jehovah’s throne” became vacant, and the line of kings who descended from David was interrupted. (2 Kings 25:1-26) Would this ‘trampling’ go on forever? No, for the prophecy of Ezekiel said regarding Jerusalem’s last king, Zedekiah: “Remove the turban, and lift off the crown. . . . It will certainly become no one’s until he comes who has the legal right, and I must give it to him.” (Ezekiel 21:26, 27) The one who has “the legal right” to the Davidic crown is Christ Jesus. (Luke 1:32, 33) So the ‘trampling’ would end when Jesus became King.
When would that grand event occur? Jesus showed that the Gentiles would rule for a fixed period of time. The account in Daniel chapter 4 holds the key to knowing how long that period would last. It relates a prophetic dream experienced by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. He saw an immense tree that was chopped down. Its stump could not grow because it was banded with iron and copper. An angel declared: “Let seven times pass over it.”—Daniel 4:10-16.
In the Bible, trees are sometimes used to represent rulership. (Ezekiel 17:22-24; 31:2-5) So the chopping down of the symbolic tree represents how God’s rulership, as expressed through the kings at Jerusalem, would be interrupted. However, the vision served notice that this ‘trampling of Jerusalem’ would be temporary—a period of “seven times.” How long a period is that?
Revelation 12:6, 14 indicates that three and a half times equal “a thousand two hundred and sixty days.” “Seven times” would therefore last twice as long, or 2,520 days. But the Gentile nations did not stop ‘trampling’ on God’s rulership a mere 2,520 days after Jerusalem’s fall. Evidently, then, this prophecy covers a much longer period of time. On the basis of Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6, which speak of “a day for a year,” the “seven times” would cover 2,520 years.
The 2,520 years began in October 607 B.C.E., when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians and the Davidic king was taken off his throne. The period ended in October 1914. At that time, “the appointed times of the nations” ended, and Jesus Christ was installed as God’s heavenly King.—Psalm 2:1-6; Daniel 7:13, 14.
Just as Jesus predicted, his “presence” as heavenly King has been marked by dramatic world developments—war, famine, earthquakes, pestilences. (Matthew 24:3-8; Luke 21:11) Such developments bear powerful testimony to the fact that 1914 indeed marked the birth of God’s heavenly Kingdom and the beginning of “the last days” of this present wicked system of things.—2 Timothy 3:1-5.” (What Does the Bible Really Teach? Pgs. 215-218)
There are a number of things wrong with this interpretation. In his words about the trampling of Jerusalem, Jesus makes no connection with Daniel’s prophecy. Just as Jerusalem would be surrounded by a fortification of pointed stakes, it is clear he spoke about a future trampling. (Luke 19:43) Furthermore, rather than a prophecy having a fulfillment more than 2,000 years in the future, Daniel explains that the vision of the chopped down tree was fulfilled in Nebuchadnezzar’s seven times of madness:
“‘The tree that you saw that grew great and became strong, whose top reached the heavens and was visible to all the earth, (Daniel 4:20)
This is the interpretation, O king; it is the decree of the Most High that must befall my lord the king. 25 You will be driven away from among men, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field, and you will be given vegetation to eat just like bulls; and you will become wet with the dew of the heavens, and seven times will pass over you, until you know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that he grants it to whomever he wants. 26 “‘But because they said to leave the stump of the tree with its roots, your kingdom will be yours again after you come to know that the heavens are ruling. 27 Therefore, O king, may my counsel be acceptable to you. Turn away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquity by showing mercy to the poor. It may be that your prosperity will be extended.’” 28 All of this befell King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar. (Daniel 4:24-28)
Whether this period of time lasted for seven literal years or seven seasons, Daniel offers no second application beyond Nebuchadnezzar. Even so, the book Insight on the Scriptures explains why it is believed to have a greater fulfillment:
Dream vision of tree in Daniel chapter 4. Again in the book of Daniel we find a close parallel to Jesus’ use of the word “times” with regard to “the nations,” or Gentile powers. And again it is Nebuchadnezzar, the dethroner of David’s descendant Zedekiah, who was given another vision interpreted by Daniel as relating to divinely appointed kingship. The symbolic vision was of an immense tree; an angel from heaven commanded that it be chopped down. Its stump was then banded with iron and copper and had to stay that way among the grass of the field until “seven times” passed over it. “Let its heart be changed from that of mankind, and let the heart of a beast be given to it, and let seven times pass over it . . . to the intent that people living may know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that to the one whom he wants to, he gives it and he sets up over it even the lowliest one of mankind.”—Da 4:10-17; see 4:16, ftn.
Related to “appointed times of the nations.” The vision definitely had a fulfillment in Nebuchadnezzar himself. (See Da 4:31-35.) Therefore, some view it as having direct prophetic application only to him and see in this vision merely the presentation of the eternal verity of ‘God’s supremacy over all other powers—human or supposedly divine.’ They acknowledge the application of that truth or principle beyond Nebuchadnezzar’s own case but do not see it as relating to any specific time period or divine schedule.
Here I would add that I do see it as relating to a specific time period, a divine schedule, but only, as the account tells us, with respects to Nebuchadnezzar.
Yet, an examination of the entire book of Daniel reveals that the element of time is everywhere prominent in the visions and prophecies it presents; and the world powers and events described in each such vision are shown, not as isolated or as occurring at random with the time element left ambiguous, but, rather, as fitting into a historical setting or time sequence. (Compare Da 2:36-45; 7:3-12, 17-26; 8:3-14, 20-25; 9:2, 24-27; 11:2-45; 12:7-13.)
However, it is worth noting that in none of these prophecies is there a type and anti-type fulfillment. All of them are straightforward prophecies with only one fulfillment. The relevant time period being specifically mentioned in the prophecy.
Additionally, the book repeatedly points toward the conclusion that forms the theme of its prophecies: the establishment of a universal and eternal Kingdom of God exercised through the rulership of the “son of man.” (Da 2:35, 44, 45; 4:17, 25, 32; 7:9-14, 18, 22, 27; 12:1) The book is also distinctive in the Hebrew Scriptures for its references to “the time of the end.”—Da 8:19; 11:35, 40; 12:4, 9.
Although this is true in the scriptures cited, there is no mention of the time of the end in Daniel chapter 4.
In view of the above, it does not seem logical to evaluate the vision of the symbolic “tree” and its reference to “seven times” as having no other application than to the seven years of madness and subsequent recovery and return to power experienced by one Babylonian ruler, particularly so in the light of Jesus’ own prophetic reference to “the appointed times of the nations.” The time at which the vision was given: at the critical point in history when God, the Universal Sovereign, had allowed the very kingdom that he had established among his covenant people to be overthrown; the person to whom the vision was revealed: the very ruler who served as the divine instrument in such overthrow and who thereby became the recipient of world domination by divine permission, that is, without interference by any representative kingdom of Jehovah God; and the whole theme of the vision, namely: “that people living may know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind and that to the one whom he wants to, he gives it and he sets up over it even the lowliest one of mankind” (Da 4:17)—all of this gives strong reason for believing that the lengthy vision and its interpretation were included in the book of Daniel because of their revealing the duration of “the appointed times of the nations” and the time for the establishment of God’s Kingdom by his Christ. (Insight vol.1 pages 132-135)
Daniel 4:17 specifically says that the dream and its fulfillment was for the benefit of people then living. For them to know that the Most High is ruler in the kingdom of mankind.
It must be admitted that it calls for one to stretch far beyond what is written in order to say that Nebuchadnezzar pictures Jehovah and that the chopping down of the tree pictures the limiting of the expression of his rulership toward the earth. None of these things are so stated. Daniel simply says:
This is the interpretation, O king; it is the decree of the Most High that must befall my lord the king. (Daniel 4:24)
All of this befell King Neb·u·chad·nezʹzar. (Daniel 4:28)
As supreme ruler over mankind, Jehovah is able to set up kings and remove kings. (Dan. 2:21) Furthermore, Jehovah went on to demonstrate that he was still very much in control of Earth’s affairs on the night that Babylon fell to the Medes and Persians. (Dan. 5:17-31)
Rather than showing Jehovah’s rulership would be restricted in any way, the account shows quite the opposite. As sovereign Lord, he did not need an earthly representative sitting on his throne to release his people from captivity to Babylon.
To my knowledge, Daniel chapter 4 is the only Bible account that forms the basis for the chronology leading to 1914. It seems strange that, if God wanted his servants to know that seven times, or 2,520 years, would elapse from the removal of the last Judean king until messiah’s enthronement, he would do so in such a cryptic way. Why was this dream not given to Zedekiah? Why is it not stated, along with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the immense, image that seven times would elapse between the head of gold and the stone being cut out of the mountain sent to topple the image? Who could deny that the kingdom would be set up in 1914 if this would have been added to Ezekiel’s prophecy?
A ruin, a ruin, a ruin I will make it. And it will not belong to anyone until (seven times passes and) the one who has the legal right comes, and I will give it to him.’ (Ezekiel 21:27)
Daniel was able to ascertain that the time for the Jews to return to their homeland was getting near because of what Jeremiah’s prophecy said. Not on a complicated interpretation of types and antitypes in Jeremiah’s message.
in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, discerned by the books the number of years mentioned in the word of Jehovah to Jeremiah the prophet to fulfill the desolation of Jerusalem, namely, 70 years. (Daniel 9:2)
In Daniel 9:24-27 the prophecy of the 70 weeks is given. The language is clear. No type anti-type parallels are given in order to arrive at the conclusion that from the going forth of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem there will be 69 weeks of years until the coming of the Messiah. Why then, should it be necessary for men to use deductive reasoning to arrive at the conclusion from Nebuchadnezzar’s tree dream that there would be 2,520 years until the Messiah is set up in his Kingdom?
I believe it was not stated so clearly because it was not God’s time for his servants to know when the kingdom would be established. Daniel was told that it was not for him to know when it would be.
“As for you, Daniel, keep the words secret, and seal up the book until the time of the end. Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant.” (Daniel 12:4)
Now as for me, I heard, but I could not understand; so I said: “O my lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” 9 Then he said: “Go, Daniel, because the words are to be kept secret and sealed up until the time of the end. (Daniel 12:8, 9)
Jesus Installed as King in 33 CE
On the other hand, many statements in the Bible clearly indicate that Jesus received authority from his Father long before the 1914 date. For example:
(Matthew 28:17, 18) . . .. 18 And Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth.
Insight on the Scriptures says of this statement of Jesus:
“By his resurrection and ascension to God’s right hand, Christ Jesus became “higher than the heavens” (Heb 7:26) in that he was thereby placed “far above every government and authority and power and lordship . . . not only in this system of things, but also in that to come.” (Insight on the Scriptures vol. 1 pg. 1061)
This is confirmed by other Biblical statements:
(Ephesians 1:17-23) 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give YOU a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the accurate knowledge of him; 18 the eyes of YOUR heart having been enlightened, that YOU may know what is the hope to which he called YOU, what the glorious riches are which he holds as an inheritance for the holy ones, 19 and what the surpassing greatness of his power is toward us believers. It is according to the operation of the mightiness of his strength, 20 with which he has operated in the case of the Christ when he raised him up from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above every government and authority and power and lordship and every name named, not only in this system of things, but also in that to come. 22 He also subjected all things under his feet, and made him head over all things to the congregation, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills up all things in all.
(Philippians 2:5-11) 5 Keep this mental attitude in YOU that was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. 7 No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. 8 More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake. 9 For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every [other] name, 10 so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, 11 and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Let me proclaim the decree of Jehovah; He said to me: “You are my son; Today I have become your father. (Psalm 2:7)
The Apostle Paul applied this Psalm to Jesus:
“So we are declaring to you the good news about the promise made to the forefathers. 33 God has completely fulfilled it to us, their children, by resurrecting Jesus; just as it is written in the second psalm: ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’ (Acts 13:32, 33)
Long ago God spoke to our forefathers by means of the prophets on many occasions and in many ways. 2 Now at the end of these days he has spoken to us by means of a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the systems of things. 3 He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact representation of his very being, and he sustains all things by the word of his power. And after he had made a purification for our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So he has become better than the angels to the extent that he has inherited a name more excellent than theirs. 5 For example, to which one of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; today I have become your father”? And again: “I will become his father, and he will become my son”? 6 But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all of God’s angels do obeisance to him.” 7 Also, he says about the angels: “He makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But about the Son, he says: “God is your throne forever and ever, and the scepter of your Kingdom is the scepter of uprightness. 9 You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness. That is why God, your God, anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your companions.” (Hebrews 1:1-9) - See also Heb. 5:5 where it mentions Jesus becoming high priest as well.
This language of becoming God’s son at the time of being installed as king was used of ancient kings as well as acknowledged by Insight on the Scriptures:
Individual Israelite ‘sons.’ God also designated certain individuals within Israel as his ‘sons,’ in a special sense. Psalm 2, attributed to David at Acts 4:24-26, evidently applies to him initially when speaking of God’s “son.” (Ps 2:1, 2, 7-12) The psalm was later fulfilled in Christ Jesus, as the context in Acts shows. Since the context in the psalm shows that God is speaking, not to a baby, but to a grown man, in saying, “You are my son; I, today, I have become your father,” it follows that David’s entry into such sonship resulted from God’s special selection of him for the kingship and from God’s fatherly dealings with him. (Compare Ps 89:3, 19-27.) In a similar way Jehovah said of David’s son Solomon, “I myself shall become his father, and he himself will become my son.”—2Sa 7:12-14; 1Ch 22:10; 28:6. (Insight on the Scriptures vol. 2 pg. 998)
(Psalm 110:1) The utterance of Jehovah to my Lord is: “Sit at my right hand Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”
(1 Peter 3:22) He is at God’s right hand, for he went his way to heaven and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him.
Hence, a number of questions can be raised, such as: What did Jesus mean when he said, shortly after his resurrection, all authority had been given him? Did this include kingly authority or was his statement not as broad as it appears? What, shortly after his resurrection, was the superior position kindly given him? Did this involve rulership of some kind? If not, why would every knee bend in open acknowledgement of him? Just what did Jesus lordship encompass? These will be addressed in a future article.