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Some of the following was taken from the book "Insight in the Scriptures": 1- There is no reason to feel doubt about the accuracy of the Biblical chronology simply because certain secular records are at variance with it. On the contrary, it is only when the secular chronology harmonizes with the Biblical record that a person may rightly feel a measure of confidence in such ancient secular dating. There is, however, considerable evidence of definite carelessness and inaccuracy or even of deliberate falsification on the part of the pagan historians and chronologers. 2- Even though Ptolemy may have calculated accurately or recorded the dates of certain eclipses in the past (a modern astronomer found three fifths of Ptolemy’s dates correct), this does not prove that his transmission of historical data is correct, that is, that his correlation of eclipses with the reigns of certain kings is consistently based on true historical fact. To illustrate, an ancient astronomer (or a scribe) might state that a certain celestial event took place in the year that, according to our calendar, would be 465 B.C.E., and his statement may prove correct when accurate computations are made to verify it. But he may also state that the year in which the celestial event took place (465 B.C.E.) was the 21st year of King Xerxes and be entirely wrong. Simply stated, accuracy in astronomy does not prove accuracy in history. 3- Observations made in Babylon may have contained errors. The Babylonian astronomers showed greatest concern for celestial events or phenomena occurring close to the horizon, at the rising or setting of the moon or of the sun. However, the horizon as viewed from Babylon is frequently obscured by sandstorms. Commenting on these factors, Professor O. Neugebauer states that Ptolemy complained about “the lack of reliable planetary observations [from ancient Babylon]. He [Ptolemy] remarks that the old observations were made with little competence, because they were concerned with appearances and disappearances and with stationary points, phenomena which by their very nature are very difficult to observe.”—The Exact Sciences in Antiquity, 1957, p. 98. 4- The Bible prophecy does not allow for the application of the 70-year period to any time other than that between the desolation of Judah, accompanying Jerusalem’s destruction, and the return of the Jewish exiles to their homeland as a result of Cyrus’ decree. It clearly specifies that the 70 years would be years of devastation of the land of Judah. The prophet Daniel so understood the prophecy, for he states: “I myself, Daniel, discerned by the books the number of the years concerning which the word of Jehovah had occurred to Jeremiah the prophet, for fulfilling the devastations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.” (Da 9:2) After describing the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, 2 Chronicles 36:20, 21 states: “Furthermore, he carried off those remaining from the sword captive to Babylon, and they came to be servants to him and his sons until the royalty of Persia began to reign; to fulfill Jehovah’s word by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had paid off its sabbaths. All the days of lying desolated it kept sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.” 5- Even then, if, at the time, we do not fully understand, are we willing to go on with God’s congregation and accept Jehovah’s leading, with the assurance that he will enlighten us in his due time? - *** w72 8/15 504-5 God Readjusts the Thinking of His People *** 6- “While the pattern for carrying on true worship is contained in the Scriptures and today we have elders and a Governing Body taking the lead, these do not claim infallibility or to be directly inspired by God.” Letter from Bethel to Mr. XXXX 7- Finally, I'd like to share my personal view: Although I think the reasons stated above are the ones that best explain this matter, one possibility still remains: What if Satan himself deceived some of those ancient astronomers? Could he have done it, if he wanted to? *** Rbi8 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 *** 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. 15 *** gt 7 7 Jesus and the Astrologers *** Who do you think provided the star that moved in the sky to guide the astrologers? Remember, the star did not guide them directly to Jesus in Bethlehem. Rather, they were led to Jerusalem where they came in touch with King Herod, who wanted to kill Jesus. And he would have done so if God had not stepped in and warned the astrologers not to tell Herod where Jesus was. It was God’s enemy, Satan the Devil, who wanted Jesus killed, and he used that star to try to accomplish his purpose. Matthew 2:1-12; Micah 5:2. *** Rbi8 John 8:44 *** When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of [the lie]. *** Rbi8 Ephesians 6:12-13 *** 12 because we have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places. Deceit: 2 a dishonest action or trick, fraud or lie. – Webster’s Dictionary Isn’t it one of Satan’s tactics in this ongoing battle? *** w84 10/15 15 Beware of Your Adversary, the Devil! *** 22 In view of Satan’s success in estranging the vast majority of humankind from Jehovah God, what must we do? As valiant witnesses of Jehovah, we must “stand firm against the machinations of the Devil,” against his devices, his strategems and his tactics. (Ephesians 6:11) Thereby we can prove him to be the base, boasting liar that he really is.

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Great Site