“Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”

  (Pro 27:9-16)

[Study Aired April 9, 2026]

Pro 27:9  Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Pro 27:10  Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
Pro 27:11  My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.
Pro 27:12  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Pro 27:13  Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.
Pro 27:14  He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.
Pro 27:15  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
Pro 27:16  Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

Christ is our friend,  our mighty counsellor (Isa 9:6, Joh 15:15-16) who provides hearty counsel if we are blessed to be given an hunger and thirst for it in this age (Mat 5:6, Joh 6:35).

Isa 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

That counsel when received of our Father in heaven will make our hearts burn within us, with gratefulness and joy knowing what a privilege we’ve been given to hear His voice (Mat 13:16-17, Rev 16:15, Luk 12:37, Rev 22:7). It is those who read, hear and keep the sayings of the prophecy who Christ identifies as being blessed as these verses below demonstrate (Rev 1:3).

Mat 13:16  But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Mat 13:17  For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Mat 16:17  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Rev 16:15  Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

Luk 12:37  Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Rev 22:7  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

As discussed last week, God will reward those who diligently seek him (Heb 11:6), and if we are blessed to continue in the truth, it will set us free (Joh 8:31-32) and provide us the ability to set others free with the spiritual words of life that can quicken us and in due time cause others’ hearts to burn with the joy of knowing our Lord and God’s plan of salvation (1Ti 4:16, 1Jn 4:6, Joh 6:63, Heb 4:2, 1Jn 5:4).

Joh 6:63  It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (1Ti 4:16).

Heb 4:2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (Rom 10:17).

(Eph 2:8) reminds us that we are truly at God’s mercy as we receive this gift of salvation, and the world will one day understand (Luk 17:10) that is applicable to those few who God has ordained to be a kind of first fruits who will be scarcely saved (1Pe 4:18), enduring to the end by being granted to have hearts that “… burn within us, while he talk[s] with us by the way, and while he open[s] to us the scriptures” (1Pe 4:18, Mat 24:13).

Pro 27:9  Ointment^H8081 and perfume^H7004 rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.

Christ in us is that ointment and perfume that rejoices the heart (Isa 10:27, 1Jn 2:27), as every joint supplies in love to the edifying and building up of the body of Christ (Eph 4:16). With Christ’s life in us, and via the pruning and purging of sin in our lives, a zealousness and sweetness is formed, the fruit of His righteousness that provides hearty counsel. This “friend” is our hope of glory within, Jesus Christ, who we are to each other “by hearty counsel”(Act 22:8).

Exo 31:11  And the anointing oil^H8081, and sweet incense^H7004 for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded thee shall they do.

Isa 10:27  And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

1Jn 2:27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Act 22:8  And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

Pro 27:10  Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

On a practical human level this proverb reminds us to value faithful friends and dependable neighbors, especially in times of need. Spiritually, however, it points us to Jesus Christ, our eternal Friend and our hope of glory within (Col 1:27), who never abandons us (1Ti 6:7-8, Heb 13:5-6).

1Ti 6:7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Ti 6:8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:6  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

(being prepared spiritually is typified by the lives of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who as a result of that spiritual preparedness had the boldness needed in the day of adversity to stand (Pro 24:10), having done all (Dan 6:13, Dan 3:16-18))

Pro 27:11  My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.

If we cleave unto Christ and resist the devil he will flee from us (Jas 4:7, Joh 6:44) and we will be given to wisely answer or not answer those who reproach us in this life (Pro 26:4-5, Luk 12:11-12). Satan is the ultimate accuser of the brethren, and the one who continues to reproach the body of Christ (Rev 12:10) that we can overcome through Christ, quenching every fiery dart that is thrown by the devil (Eph 6:16).

Luk 12:11  And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
Luk 12:12  For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Rev 12:10  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Lord willing, we are being prepared and overcoming that wicked one (Eph 6:13), and if God will permit (Heb 6:3) that is exactly what will happen due to the wisdom of Christ, and the faith, and strength that He can give us to make us more than conquerors through him (Rom 8:37-39).

Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Christ has prophesied that the elect will be made ready as the wise virgins, “My son, be wise, and make my heart glad”, and the unwise will be overtaken by the reproach of the devil that will corrode the love of many and cause iniquity to abound (Mat 24:48-51, Mat 24:12). This is all “according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will”, and so we are warned to not be highminded of this victory of salvation that God has promised His children at the expense of the world’s unbelief (Eph 1:11, Rom 8:28, Rom 11:18-22).

Mat 24:48  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
Mat 24:49  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants,[Mat 24:12] and to eat and drink with the drunken;
Mat 24:50  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
Mat 24:51  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [which is “to eat and drink with the drunken”]

Rom 11:18  Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Rom 11:19  Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
Rom 11:20  Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.(1Jn 5:4) Be not highminded, but fear:
Rom 11:21  For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Pro 27:12  A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.

We’ve just discussed the evil that Christ prophesied is going to abound at the end of this age, and the solution to overcoming is to hide ourselves in Christ (Heb 10:25).  “The simple pass on” implies that the mind of Christ is not present in this person, and as a result they will forsake the body and will be punished by being saved yet so as by fire in the lake of fire (1Co 3:14-15).

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1Co 3:14  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1Co 3:15  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Pro 27:13  Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a strange woman.

If someone is taking responsibility for a stranger’s debt or getting involved with a risky person, don’t trust them blindly—make sure there’s some guarantee or security so you don’t end up losing out. That’s the practical physical meaning of this proverb.

The spiritual lesson is that we all end up ‘losing out’ at first, in Babylon, as per God’s design when we invest in her garment wholeheartedly without considering how this leaven of the pharisees is going to affect us. It is Christ alone who can become the pledge for us, as we are dragged out of Babylon and brought into remembrance of all the false doctrines that reside in her that we now have to overcome the rest of our lives.

We take her gold and silver, the words of God wrapped around the idol of our hearts, and if God is working with us in this age He will purify those words and set us free from the past harlotries that had us in bondage (Joh 17:17,Pro 7:7-12).

Joh 17:17  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Pro 7:7  And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding,
Pro 7:8  Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
Pro 7:9  In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night:
Pro 7:10  And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
Pro 7:11  (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
Pro 7:12  Now is she without, now in the streets, and lieth in wait at every corner.) [Lev 19:29 – The Glebe]

Pro 27:14  He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

The friend we bless early in the morning with a loud voice is a parable relating to our relationship with Christ who we want to be our friend early in the morning, from our first coming to know of Him in Babylon. The problem is, we are cursed because that is all we want to know, Christ crucified for us on a cross for our sins (1Co 2:2, 1Co 3:1), not yet identifying our need to be crucified with Him in these early morning stages of our walk in the Lord (Col 1:24).

1Co 2:2  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1Co 3:1  And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

Pro 27:15  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
Pro 27:16  Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.

These verses describe the church as a contentious (argumentative) woman (1Co 3:2-6) who is yet carnal and likened unto a continual dropping in a very  rainy day, which means we have many words at this time, ever searching but not mature enough to rightly divide the word and come to the knowledge of the truth (Heb 5:13-14).

1Co 3:2  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
1Co 3:3  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1Co 3:4  For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
1Co 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Heb 5:13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

We hide the truth in this immature state and “the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself.” refers to how, although we are heirs with the unction given to us (1Jn 2:20) having His holy spirit, “the ointment of his right hand”, and being sealed with the holy spirit of promise (Eph 1:13), however because we are yet carnal (Gal 4:1-7), that ointment on our right hand, “bewrayeth” or discloses our immaturity.

Gal 4:1  Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Gal 4:2  But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Gal 4:3  Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
Gal 4:4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Gal 4:5  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Gal 4:6  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 4:7  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

In conclusion, these proverbs reveal that the “ointment and perfume” which rejoices the heart is Christ in us our hope of glory (Col 1:27). Through Him, we are being fashioned as God’s workmanship, growing and maturing into stedfast, unmoveable, servants of the living God (1Co 15:58).

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Though we begin in weakness and partial understanding, God is faithful to complete His work in us through the pruning, purging, and much tribulation we must go through in order to endure unto the end, with the faith of Christ (Act 14:22, Heb 12:2-4, Mat 24:13).

Act 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Heb 12:3  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Nothing can separate us from His love (Rom 8:35-37), expressed by His giving us the power to “drink indeed of my cup” (Heb 12:6-7, Mat 20:23), and as we abide in Him and receive His hearty counsel, we are not only finding liberty (Act 5:32, Heb 5:7-8, Eph 5:30, 2Co 3:17), but are also being prepared to set the world free, as saviours that will come up on mount Zion (Oba 1:21).

Act 5:32  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Heb 5:8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;(1Jn 4:17)

Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

2Co 3:17  Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Oba 1:21  And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD’S.

Exo 37:1-29  The Making of the Ark, the Table, the Lampstand and the Altar of Incense

[Study Aired February 13, 2023]

Exo 37:1  And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:
Exo 37:2  And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.
Exo 37:3  And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it. 
Exo 37:4  And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 
Exo 37:5  And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark. 
Exo 37:6  And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof. 
Exo 37:7  And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat; 
Exo 37:8  One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 
Exo 37:9  And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims. 
Exo 37:10  And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof: 
Exo 37:11  And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about. 
Exo 37:12  Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about. 
Exo 37:13  And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof. 
Exo 37:14  Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table. 
Exo 37:15  And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table. 
Exo 37:16  And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold. 
Exo 37:17  And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: 
Exo 37:18  And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof: 
Exo 37:19  Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick. 
Exo 37:20  And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers: 
Exo 37:21  And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it. 
Exo 37:22  Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold. 
Exo 37:23  And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold. 
Exo 37:24  Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof. 
Exo 37:25  And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same. 
Exo 37:26  And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about. 
Exo 37:27  And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.
Exo 37:28  And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 
Exo 37:29  And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

Today’s study focuses on the construction of the Ark, the Table, the Candlestick and the Altar of incense.  A closer look of the making of these items will give us insight into how to become like our Lord Jesus Christ who is our standard of measurement. As indicated in previous studies, Bezaleel represents our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through Him that all the items to be constructed within us are made.  

Exo 37:1  And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it: 

The ark represents our Lord Jesus Christ. When we are in Him, we are delivered from the flood waters of false doctrines, carnality, traditions, human wisdom, etc. The ark was to be made of shittim wood from shittah tree, probably from acacia. They were found growing wild in the Sinai desert and the Jordan River valley. Growing wild means that it is not planted and taken care of by man. In other words, it is not the work of man. If we are to become like Christ, then we need to know that from the beginning to our maturity is all the work of Jesus Christ – not man. Even our sins are all part of the work of God. All we do to become like Christ is to believe in Him.

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 
Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

The ark had the following dimensions: Two and half cubits in length and a cubit and half in breadth and height. What is significant about the measurements is that they are all in halves. This means that we cannot obtain the stature of Christ in this life. It is in resurrection that we become perfected like Jesus Christ.

1Co 13:9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 
1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 
1Co 13:11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 
1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Another significant point to note in verse 1 is that to become like Christ means we are constantly being measured to see if we have obtained the standards of Christ. This means that we are constantly being judged to conform to the standard of Christ. All those who are not measured are not part of the commonwealth of Israel or His elect. They belong to the Gentiles!!

Rev 11:1  And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev 11:2  But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Exo 37:2  And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.

Overlaying the ark with gold means that to become like Christ, we must be refined just like gold refined in the fire. This is the judgment of our old man which brings us to learn righteousness.

Job 23:10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Exo 37:3  And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it. 
Exo 37:4  And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 
Exo 37:5  And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

In Ezekiel chapter 1, the living creatures who represent the elect have wheels, which are rings full of eyes. These living creatures represent the elect. The four cast rings of gold are therefore the elect who are placed in every corner of the earth even as the Lord fills the earth. The number four means the whole of all the elect scattered over the four corners of the earth. The fact that two are placed on one side and two on another is to let us know that we serve as witnesses of Christ on this earth.

Eze 1:15  Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.
Eze 1:16  The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. 
Eze 1:17  When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. 
Eze 1:18  As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.

Rev 7:1  And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

The staves are long rods of wood which pass through the rings to make it easier to carry the ark so that the ark is not touched. The function of the staves suggests that spiritually, they represent the spirit of the Lord which helps us bear Christ wherever we go. These staves are made from shittim wood and therefore are not of man’s origin, but by the Lord. In verse 5, the staves being in the rings means the promise of the comforter being within us to lead us into all truth so we can have the mind of Christ and therefore “carry” Christ wherever we go.

Joh 14:16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Joh 14:17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Joh 14:18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Exo 37:6  And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
Exo 37:7  And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;

One of the significant aspects of the ark is the mercy seat. This is to make us aware that the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ is to show mercy to humanity.

Psa 145:8  The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Psa 147:11  The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Mat 9:13  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

If we are to be like Christ (the ark), then the mercy we have received from the Lord should translate into us being merciful in all our dealings. This is what the Lord requires of us.

Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 
Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 
Rom 11:32  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 
Rom 11:33  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 
Rom 11:34  For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

The scriptures above show us that we have a significant role to play in showing mercy to humanity during the lake of fire age. The measurement of the mercy seat is to let us know that as His elect, we are being measured regarding our mercy attribute. What this means is that as we fall short of this measure, we are being disciplined to conform to our Lord’s mercy attribute. The fact that the measurement of the length and breadth of the mercy seat are given as two and half cubits and a cubit and half are to remind us that we cannot grasp the fullness of our Lord’s mercy in this age until we are perfected.

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

We need to know what the Cherubims represent in order to understand what is being said here. The Cherubims are living creatures and it is in the midst of these Cherubims that the Lord dwells and speaks to His people.

Eze 10:20  This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.

1Sa 4:4  So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

2Sa 6:2  And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

This is what we know of where the dwelling place of God is – among His people. This means that the cherubims represent His people or His elect.

Exo 29:46  And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.

Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 

2Co 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

What verse 7 is therefore telling us is that in order to become like Christ, we  must be like the beaten work of gold. Gold can be beaten to assume any shape only when it is melted through heat. It is through our fiery trials (heat) that the Lord can make us become like Him.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 
1Pe 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

The fact that Moses was required to make two Cherubims suggests that, through the beaten work of gold, we become witnesses of Christ.

Exo 37:8  One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 
Exo 37:9  And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims. 

What these verses tell us is that the mercy seat is between the two Cherubims who cover it with their wings as they behold each other. The mercy seat is where the Lord dwells. Wings in the scriptures serve as a hiding place and also a place of protection.  

Psa 17:8  Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Psa 57:1  To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

The wings of the Cherubims hide the mercy seat where the Lord dwells. This means that the Lord is hidden in the elect in this age. As we are aware, Christ is the word of God. The mercy seat sandwiched between the two Cherubims means that the two Cherubims protect the mercy seat. This means that the role of the elect is to protect the truth of the word of the Lord in this age. This role was made clear to us when the Lord was laying the foundations of the earth. We are the ones who are keeping the way of the tree of life, which is Christ and His words, through a flaming sword which turns in every way.

Gen 3:24  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Exo 37:10  And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof: 
Exo 37:11  And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.
Exo 37:12  Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

A Table is used often in the Bible to indicate where people gather to eat as shown by the following verses: 

2Sa 9:11  Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

1Ki 2:7  But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

The Table of the Showbread is not different – it is where the priests eat the Showbread in the presence of the Lord. Aaron and his sons, representing the priesthood, were only those privileged to eat the bread in the presence of the Lord in a holy place every Sabbath day. Aaron and his sons symbolize the elect who are privileged to eat the bread of heaven, that is, the words of the Lord in the presence of the Lord. So, the making of the Table for Showbread is to show us how the Lord prepares us to be given eyes to see and ears to hear. 

Mat 13:16  But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 
Mat 13:17  For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

The Lord dining with His disciples (called the Lord’s supper) when He was about to die, is a foreshadow of our being fed with the word of the Lord in His presence. The measurement given of the Table is to make us aware that to be given eyes to see and ears to hear entails being constantly measured to see if we have obtained the standards of Christ. This means that we are constantly being judged to conform to the standard of Christ. All those who are not measured are not part of the commonwealth of Israel or His elect. They belong to the Gentiles!!

Rev 11:1  And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev 11:2  But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Overlaying the Table with gold means that to be privileged to eat at the Lord’s Table requires us to be refined just like gold refined in the fire. This is the judgment of our old man which brings us to learn righteousness. 

Job 23:10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Isa 26:8  Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
Isa 26:9  With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

The molding of gold together with the rim round about the table was to support it so that nothing that is placed on the table would fall down. What was placed on the Table were the showbread and the vessels for frankincense and offering, which spiritually represent the word of the Lord and the elect. As our understanding is being enlightened and our eyes are seeing, we are kept by the word of His power through our fiery trials which are represented here by the gold molding and the rim roundabout the table.

Heb 1:3  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Exo 37:13  And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof. 
Exo 37:14  Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table. 
Exo 37:15  And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table. 
Exo 37:16  And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold. 

The four cast rings of gold represent the elect which are placed in every corner of the earth even as the Lord fills the earth. The number four means the whole of all the elect scattered over the four corners of the earth. 

Eze 1:18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.

Rev 7:1  And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

The staves are long rods of wood which pass through the rings to make it easier to carry the table so that it is preserved. The function of the staves suggests that spiritually, they represent the spirit of the Lord which helps us bear Christ wherever we go. These staves are made from shittim wood and therefore are not of man’s origin but the Lord. The staves placed in the rings means the promise of the comforter being within us to lead us into all truth so that we, His elect, can have the mind of Christ (showbread) and therefore continue the feasting wherever we go.

As indicated earlier, the dishes, spoons, covers, and bowls all represent the elect.

2Ti 2:20  Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
2Ti 2:21  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

The utensils were to be made of gold which means that they have to be refined as gold through the fire. This is the judgment of our old man.

Rev 3:18  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

Isa 48:10  Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.

These utensils are used for holding frankincense and for offering. As we are aware, we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord. The prayers of the elect are signified by the frankincense. 

Rev 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne,
Rev 8:4  and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 

Rom 12:1  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

Exo 37:17  And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: 
Exo 37:18  And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof: 
Exo 37:19  Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.

The candlestick must be made of pure gold and of beaten work. What this is telling us is that the church of Christ consists of those who are like gold beaten to assume any shape through the process of melting through heat. This means that it is through our fiery trials (heat) that the Lord can make us become part of the church of the firstborn like Him.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

The shaft represents Christ, and the branches symbolize the elect, and they are all beaten works of gold. There are three branches on each side of the shaft, and for each branch there are three decorative almond blossoms (bowls). Where each pair of branches come out from the shaft or stem, there must also be a decorative almond blossom. 

The fact that there must be three decorative almond blossoms on each branch is to make us aware that it is through judgment that we blossom or mature to produce fruits (almond). In other words, being given to partake of the Lord’s words (showbread) is through our fiery trials, which cause us to produce fruits (almond). That is when our light will shine before men so that they see our good works and therefore glorify our Father in Heaven.  

Num 17:8  And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. 

Mat 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Exo 37:20  And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:
Exo 37:21  And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it. 
Exo 37:22  Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold.

As we have indicated, the shaft or the stem is Christ who has four of the decorative almond blossoms. This is to demonstrate that it is through Christ that the whole (the meaning of the number four) of the elect becomes mature. The pairing of the branches together with a blossom on each pair is to show us that we become witnesses of Christ as we mature. The lampstand, its branches and the decorative flowers being all made from one beaten work of pure gold is to bring to our attention that even as our Jesus Christ matured through the things He suffered, we are also to mature through our fiery trials in order to become the light of the world.

Heb 5:5  So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee.
Heb 5:6  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 
Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 
Heb 5:8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 
Heb 5:9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 
Heb 5:10  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Exo 37:23  And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold. 
Exo 37:24  Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof.

The seven lamps refer to the complete number of the elect from every generation. The candlestick is to give light to the space in front of it in the Holy place. What is insightful to note is the fact that the light given by the candlestick is not seen outside the Holy place. It is to give light for the priest to perform his duty. In this dispensation, although we are the light of the world, we are not seen that way by many (the world). It is only the elect who see our light and use it to perform their duty – that is, live a life worthy of the Lord. This light is the word of the Lord, which is the light for our path. Paul sums up our being beaten like the work of gold in order to give light as follows:

2Co 4:7  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 
2Co 4:8  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 
2Co 4:9  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 
2Co 4:10  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies (providing light for the priest to function).
2Co 4:11  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Exo 37:25  And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same. 

The altar of incense then, can be seen as a symbol of the prayers of God’s people. Our prayers ascend to God as the smoke of the incense ascends to God in the sanctuary.

Psa 141:2  Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 

Rev 5:8  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 

Rev 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Luk 1:9  According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
Luk 1:10  And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

So, the making of an altar of incense is basically to show us how we can communicate with the Lord. The altar of incense is required to be made of shittim wood, which comes from acacia. What this means is that to be effective in communicating with the Lord, we must know that it is all the work of the Lord and that we do not contribute anything to this. Since we do not bring anything to the table, our prayers before the Lord must be accompanied with a heart that is humble and grateful for being counted worthy to come before His presence. That is what the story of the two gentlemen who went to pray teaches us.

Luk 18:9  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Luk 18:10  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 
Luk 18:11  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 
Luk 18:12  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbled himself shall be exalted.

The shape of the altar of incense is to be a square. This implies that from whatever situation we find ourselves as priests of the Lord, we must offer prayers to the Lord. That is another way of saying that men must always pray and not faint.

Luk 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

There is a horn at each of the four corners of the square-shaped altar of incense. Horns symbolize strength. This is to let us know that our strength to resist the devil is through prayers. As He is, so are we. Jesus was strengthened when He prayed. In the same way, we are also strengthened to overcome temptation when we pray.

Luk 22:40  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
Luk 22:41  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Luk 22:42  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Luk 22:43  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Mat 26:41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Eph 3:14  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 
Eph 3:16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Exo 37:26  And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about. 
Exo 37:27  And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.
Exo 37:28  And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 
Exo 37:29  And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

The fact that the altar of incense must be overlaid means that to become a house of prayer, we must be refined just like gold refined in the fire. As we are aware, if we are to become a house of prayer, then Jesus has to come into our temple to drive away all that offends with a scourge of small cords. The scourging signifies our fiery trials or the refining process of gold which cleanses us to become a house of prayer. 

Mat 21:12  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Mat 21:13  And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Job 23:10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Rings of gold were attached to the altar so that it could be carried about with acacia wood poles which were slipped through the rings. The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. As indicated earlier, the two rings of gold are the elect who serve as witness of Christ. The staves being in the rings means the promise of the comforter being within us to lead us into all truth so that we can have the mind of Christ and therefore “carry” Christ wherever we go.  The anointing oil also represents the Holy Spirit. The work of the apothecary is the work of Christ in sending us the Holy Spirit and to make us become the sweet fragrance of Him. Amen!!

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Awesome Hands – Part 110

The Brazen Basin

February 3, 2017

In our previous study we learned that the Lord consecrates us as priests of God by “filling our hands”, and this filling of the hands directly corresponds to the work the Lord does through us.

In our study today, we are going to look at the next mentioning of “yad” and find out that the Lord requires that our work be clean.

The verses for consideration today are found in Exodus 30:17-21:

Exo 30:17  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Exo 30:18  Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
Exo 30:19  For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:
Exo 30:20  When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD:
Exo 30:21  So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

That they die not

It should be apparent that the Lord required that His priests have clean hands and feet when they come into the tabernacle, come near the altar to minister or when they burn an offering.

It should also be apparent that this is something that also applies to His spiritual priests today, and it would be neglectful not to teach this spiritual concept to “up and coming priests”.

What, then, is the spiritual significance of washing hands and feet? Additionally, what is the significance of where the priests are to perform this act?

The brazen altar, or laver, sits between the tabernacle and the altar where the offerings were made. The next requirement for going into the tabernacle was that the priests were required to wash in this laver so that they did not die.

Exodus 30 is the first time that this laver is mentioned, but it is also spoken about in other parts of scripture, and we’re going to take the sum of these other verses to find out what the spiritual significance of this laver is.

Mike did include this topic in his Revelation 15 study, so some of this will be review, while some of it will be adding line upon line and applying spiritual principles to the underlying message in washing hands and feet for the priesthood.

The anointing of Aaron and his sons to be priests was not only upon Aaron and his sons but was also done to the instruments and tools they would use as priests. This is very significant because it is with the hands that the tools would be used. Therefore, the hands needed to be clean before touching the anointed items again and again during the normal workflow of the ministering of the priesthood.

Lev 8:4  And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Lev 8:5  And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.
Lev 8:6  And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.
Lev 8:7  And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.
Lev 8:8  And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.
Lev 8:9  And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Lev 8:10  And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.
Lev 8:11  And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify them.
Lev 8:12  And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.

The brass laver is in the court and not in the tabernacle, but it must be “passed through”, it must be used in order to go into the tabernacle.

In other words, there must be a washing that takes places when the priests entered the tabernacle. For the priests in the old testament the washing was a physical act, but for the spiritual priests it is much more indeed.

The first thing that comes to my mind is what water and washing are told to us as being in the new testament.

Notice where “washing of water by the Word” is nestled in scripture.

Eph 5:25  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Eph 5:28  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

The relationship between a husband and wife is meant to be an extremely intimate one. When we are told what “washing of water by the Word” is, it is directly connected to Love and “the order of things”, and we’ll continue to discuss this point as we move throughout this study.

One another’s feet – that you die not

So far we have mentioned that hands are washed here, but feet are also washed in this laver.

Again, immediately I have two distinct washings come to mind when thinking of water and feet.

I know these stories are not new to us, but I am hoping you will be able to see the connection between the old and new treasures and how they connect directly together. This is the Modern King James Version.

Joh 13:2  And when supper had ended, the Devil now having put into the heart of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon to betray Him,
Joh 13:3  Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and went to God,
Joh 13:4  He rose up from supper and laid aside His garments. And He took a towel and girded Himself.
Joh 13:5  After that He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.
Joh 13:6  Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, Lord, do You wash my feet?
Joh 13:7  Jesus answered and said to him, You do not know what I do now, but you shall know hereafter.
Joh 13:8  Peter said to Him, You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.
Joh 13:9  Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and head.

Oh, how I have felt like Peter so many times! Lord, just clean and purge all of me! Listen to Jesus’ answer for YOU today. He is speaking to you right now.

Joh 13:10  Jesus said to him, He who is bathed has no need except to wash his feet, but is clean every whit. And you are clean, but not all.
Joh 13:11  For He knew who would betray Him. Therefore He said, You are not all clean.
Joh 13:12  So after He had washed their feet and had taken His garments and had reclined again, He said to them, Do you know what I have done to you?
Joh 13:13  You call Me the Teacher, and Lord, and you say well, for I AM.
Joh 13:14  If then I, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
Joh 13:15  For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Joh 13:16  Truly, truly, I say to you, A servant is not greater than his master, neither is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
Joh 13:17  If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Joh 13:18  I do not speak of you all; I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.”

When one is washed by the Lamb of God, what are they washed with?

Rev 1:5  And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Rev 7:14  And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

We are washed with the blood of the Lamb which baths our bodies, but we are always in need of the washing of our walks!

However, not everyone’s walks are cleaned with water! Let us examine ourselves.

What is Jesus really focused on with this story? Didn’t He just wash all the disciples’ feet? Yes, He did. However, it goes on to tell us “you are not all clean”. He knew Judas was going to betray Him, and by way of the sum of thy Word, we know that all the disciples betrayed Christ.

Jesus is speaking DIRECTLY to the “heart of the matter”. It is our HEARTS AND MIND, from which our WORKS and WALKS proceed, as planted by God the Father, which need to be cleansed!

Notice how many times the priests had to wash their hands and their feet: every time they go into the tabernacle! How often do our hands – our work – and our feet – our walk – need to be cleaned and washed?

Here is another story that directly connects this spiritual concept:

Luk 7:37  And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
Luk 7:38  And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Luk 7:39  Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
Luk 7:40  And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
Luk 7:41  There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
Luk 7:42  And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Luk 7:43  Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
Luk 7:44  And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Luk 7:45  Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luk 7:46  My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Luk 7:47  Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
Luk 7:48  And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
Luk 7:49  And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
Luk 7:50  And he said to the woman, THY FAITH HAS SAVED THEE; go in peace.

“Thy faith has saved thee”. Wow! Where do we get faith? It is a gift of God. Therefore, it is always all of Christ and nothing of us; yet, we are included in this whole process.

“For she loved much” is nestled again right in the middle of this story which happens to be centered on the washing of the feet of Christ.

What then, does water, feet, hands, love, faith, “the order of things”, blood and sacrifice have to do with the brass laver sitting OUTSIDE the tabernacle but WITHIN THE COURT?

There was once a very wise king named Solomon. Since we are talking about priests and their role in washing their hands and feet that they die not, what did Solomon do with this laver when he built the temple after the model of the tabernacle and the court?

1Ki 7:22  And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.
1Ki 7:23  And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
1Ki 7:24  And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast.
1Ki 7:25  It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.
1Ki 7:26  And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

We can confirm that this “molten sea” is definitely the same example of WATER in the laver sitting outside the tabernacle, but in the court, we can read 2 Chronicles.

2Ch 4:2  Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
2Ch 4:3  And under it was the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast.
2Ch 4:4  It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.
2Ch 4:5  And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.
2Ch 4:6  He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.

So, this “molten sea” is the “brass laver” from which only the priests could wash in. Only, this molten sea was constructed on a much more grander scale than the humble tabernacle we rea about in Exodus 30.

Why is it important that we connect this “molten sea” to the brass laver that only the priest can wash in? I’m glad you asked!

Rev 4:6  And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

Rev 15:2  And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

I dare say that the only priests capable of going into the tabernacle are those who has been called, chosen and faithful to go PAST the brass laver INTO the tabernacle where the HIGH priest has already gone. Jesus Christ is the Way which has already been laid for us.

The molten sea that Solomon built was a symbol of the sea of glass which is ONLY for those who are caused to sit around the throne of God.

This paints a very keen word picture because “don’t you know that the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU?

Your flesh is OUTSIDE the kingdom of God, but in the center of all of this is the KINGDOM of God. The connecting functions of the FLESH being used to be BURNT up, but being the CHANNEL from which God is working all things after the counsel of His own will, allows us to see WHY the brass laver is in the COURT, but LEADS to and MUST be used in order to ENTER the tabernacle.

Where do we come from if not from the sea of humanity? However, coming from the sea of humanity connects us to each other to be able to know where we have been so that we can then sing “the song of the Lord”.

Exo 15:1  Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Exo 15:2  The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Exo 15:3  The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Exo 15:4  Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

See? the “sea” is used to cast all that is the flesh into it so that it cannot enter into the tabernacle of God, His habitation.

We are His temple now, and when we wash our hands and our feet, we are able to stand on the sea of glass, the molten sea being a type and shadow of it, so that we can sing with our mouths the praises of the Lord while harping on our harps.

Rev 5:8  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Rev 5:9  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev 5:10  And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

The kings and priests shall REIGN on the EARTH! Oh earth, earth, earth do you hear the Word of the Lord telling you who you are to Him?

Rev 14:2  And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
Rev 14:3  And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and NO MAN could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
Rev 14:4  These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
Rev 14:5  And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Why is it these “many voices” can sing with their harps a new song? They are redeemed from the EARTH. The priests in the old testament washed their hands and feed, their works and walk, with the Word, but the thing they did not do was WASH ONE ANOTHER’S works and walks!

What am I saying? Is that blasphemy? Remember, washing of water BY THE WORD is telling us that we WASH Christ by WASHING the feet of others. How do we do this? We supply the water (tears in type) which comes from within us (our Head) and give it to others. We supply the Word and inspiration which comes from our Lord and is imparted to us.

What is the result of this as it pertains to the brass laver?

Rev 15:1  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
Rev 15:2  And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
Rev 15:3  And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Rev 15:4  Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

“Thy judgments are made manifest” and they come via those whom God has made His kings and priests. They come via those, because they have been redeemed from the earth to pour out the seven plagues upon the earth.

They do this to themselves and to OTHERS when the Word of God is preached and shared!

Notice in verses 15:2 that the sea of glass is mentioned first and then “the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened”.

Rev 15:5  And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
Rev 15:6  And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
Rev 15:7  And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
Rev 15:8  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

The seven plagues must be fulfilled in the lives of priests and kings. Once this happens, the priests can continuously do the work of the tabernacle “in the court”, but the kings and priests must continuously re-wash their hands and feet in the brass laver so that they do not die.

Starting with the priesthood, being added to by King Solomon and finalized in the four beasts and elders around the throne of God, we can see the progression of the need to wash our walks and works on a daily basis so that we remain faithful to the work the Lord has called us to. Judgment must begin at the house of God, and when it does, we will truly be singing the Song of Moses and of the Lamb for ourselves and with one another.

It takes a lot of faith to do what God says to do and to desire that judgment comes to us. It’s a good thing we do not need to worry whether we have faith or not of our ownselves since it is the Lord alone who can give us faith to face His judgments. However, we can and should ask for more faith when we know that we need it. The Lord will answer us in His own way and timing.