The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

"Around the throne of God are seen twenty-four thrones, on which are seated twenty-four
elders. Many opinions have been given in regard to whom these symbolize. With present
light we present the following: . . . There have been, as we count, twenty-four Prophets
that have prophesied of 'things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.' Their testimonies here
seem to be personified, exalted and enthroned."
Mr. Mann does not give the names of twenty-four prophets who prophesied of things
pertaining to the Kingdom of God, which, of course would be necessary, with many other
things, to prove this interpretation to be correct.
The view of Mr. Mann is adopted and enlarged upon by some other expositors who give
the names of twenty-four Old Testament Prophets that prophesied concerning one or more
features of the Kingdom of God. This view would require, in order to stand the test of
Scripture, that there were exactly twenty-four individuals in the Old Testament who
uttered inspired predictions of one or more features of the Kingdom of God. A careful
examination of the Scriptures will show that there are at least five who were inspired to
foretell some of the important matters pertaining to the Kingdom of God beside the
twenty-four referred to by those who hold to the above interpretation. Balaam's
remarkable prophecy concerning Christ and Israel's future glory is left out of their
enumeration. (Num. 24:1-19.) Hannah's wonderful, inspired prediction, recorded in 1 Sam.
2:1-10, is counted as Samuel's. The prophetic Psalms are all attributed to David, which, of
course, cannot be true, as some of the most important of them were given long years after
David's death. Two of the most important, prophetic Psalms (45th and 46th), are, in the
original Hebrew versions from which the Psalms are translated into English, credited to
the sons of Korah. Psalm 50 is assigned to Asaph; also the eleven Psalms from the 73rd to
the 83rd are assigned to the same author. Psalm 88 is attributed to Heman, the Ezrahite;
and Psalm 89, which is a most remarkable prophecy of the Kingdom of God, is credited to
Ethan the Ezrahite. Concerning the authorship of the Psalms, the following from an
eminent writer will be interesting in this connection:
"When we speak of the Psalms of David, we use a popular and general form of expression.
That the poet king is to be regarded as the founder of the Psalter there can be no doubt,
and that a considerable number of the Psalms are due to his authorship. The incorporation
of Psa. 18, in 2 Sam. 22, and its ascription to him--Samuel--is an important fact. In his time
poetry and music attained a high development; and the varied experiences of his life
imparted a depth of meaning to his words. But we have proof that the reigns of
Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah gave a fresh impulse to the outpouring of expressions of
devout thanksgiving. (2 Kings 18; 2 Chron. 20.) Again with the return from the captivity,
fresh hymns would need to be composed for the service of the restored temple; and we
may believe that the study of the Law under Ezra and Nehemiah further enriched the
existing collection, . . . and it is best to regard David as the Founder of the Psalter, and to
look for additions to the collection in the periods indicated above."
As further bearing upon the authorship of particular Psalms we quote from the same
authority: