Ezekiel 41:1–26 The Inner Temple

[Study Aired December 30, 2024]

INTRODUCTION

Today’s study continues with the vision of the temple and how we can access the temple and make our way to the inner court or temple to commune with the Lord. The past two studies focused mainly on the access to the outer court with glimpses of how we can enter the inner temple or court to worship the Lord. To the man who is not given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, he only sees the measurement of the temple in cubits as he reads Ezekiel chapter 40. However, to us, His elect, the numbers of the measurement is what the Lord is spiritually revealing to us of how the Lord makes our temple, that is, our bodies, fit for Him to live in. It is therefore imperative that we understand the spiritual significance of numbers as we go through the study today.

To help our understanding of today’s study, we need to know that we start our walk with Christ still under the domain or influence of the devil. This is what the Lord means when he told those who believed in Him that their father is the devil.

Joh 8:31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Joh 8:44  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

When we are still controlled by the devil through our flesh, we can only have access to the outer court of the temple. That is why the passageway to the outer court has measurements of mainly six, ten, thirteen and sixty cubits, which all speak of our sins or rebellion which had reached the heavens. These measurements reveal that we naturally rebel against our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our husband, as we come to serve Him as men with all our frailties.

Gen 3:16  Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

It is instructive to note that the woman’s “desire” in Genesis 3:16 in Hebrew is “el” which means “against”. The “shall be” in italics is not in the original manuscript but was added to make the statement understandable. As indicated, initially our desire is against our husband Christ before the Lord comes to us with His judgement to make us willing to obey Him. What we have just said summarizes the study about the temple where we come to the outer court full of sin until the set time that Christ comes to help cleanse our temple where our old man or beast lives, claiming to be God in the sense that we think we make our own decisions. It is in the outer court that we have the multitude who are not given to know the mind of Christ. This multitude represents many people who think they are worshipping the Lord but have not yet been given to know the truth.

2Th 2:3  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

As stated in the previous study, the story of Zachariah shows us the clear distinction between the outer court worshippers and the inner court or temple worshippers who represent the Lord’s elect and are given to know Christ.

Luk 1:8  And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
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.
Luk 1:11  And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
Luk 1:12  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Today’s study shows us the way to the inner temple or court where we meet the Lord Jesus Christ. The measurements tell us what needs to be done to enter the inner court or temple to commune with the Lord.

The Measurement of the Passageway to the Inner Temple

Eze 41:1  Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle. 

We established in the previous studies that the man who was doing the measurements of the temple is our Lord Jesus Christ. He was the one who brought Ezekiel to the holy place in the temple. In the last study, we indicated that the ‘posts’ means ‘pillars’. This is because, according to Strong’s Dictionary, the post means ‘strong support of the covered walkway’. In Ezekiel 40:49, we are told that there were pillars by the posts on each side. This is to let us know that the posts are the pillars which supports the walkway. The pillars, or posts supporting the walkway, represent the Lord’s elect as shown in the following:

Gal 2:9  When they saw the grace which was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who had the name of being pillars, gave to me and Barnabas their right hands as friends so that we might go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision;

Our walk with Christ is supported by what every joint supplies. Without this support, we cannot get to the holy of holies to commune with the Lord. The measurement of the posts were six cubits wide on one side and six cubits wide on another side. This is to highlight the fact that it is mere men that the Lord is raising up to commune with in the holy place. Those privileged to be in the holy place are the priests of the Lord and they represent the Lord’s elect.

Eze 41:2  And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits. 

The entrance to the holy place was ten cubits wide and the sidewalls of the entrance were five cubits on either side. The number ten signifies the fulness of the flesh and the number five means grace through faith. What this implies is that those who are privileged to enter the holy place of the temple are those whose recognize that they were the worse sinners but by the grace of the Lord through faith, they have been made the priests of God. This grace involves the chastening or the judgement of our old man or flesh to make us learn righteousness as we are given the faith to endure to the end.

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
Rom 5:4  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

The Lord measured the length of the holy place and it was forty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. The number forty denotes trials in our lives as He gives us an evil experience to humble us. This evil experience is His judgement of our flesh to makes us learn obedience.

Gen 7:4  For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.  

Ecc 1:13  And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all which is done under the heavens. It is a sad task (evil experience) God has given to the sons of men to be humbled by it. (MKJV)

The breadth of the holy place was measured as twenty cubits. The number twenty signifies our readiness to go to war against our flesh. The length and breadth of the holy place is therefore teaching us that through the judgement of the Lord, we are made ready to go to war against our flesh.

Num 1:3  From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

Num 1:20  And the children of Reuben, Israel’s eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Eze 41:3  Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits. 

As we have indicated, the post is the pillar and it refers to us, His elect. The measurement of two cubits implies our role as witnesses of Christ in this life. Remember that the number two means witness.

2Co 13:1  This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

The entrance to the holy place was measured as six cubits in height and seven cubits wide. As we are aware, the number six is the number of man. It shows man as being incomplete as we were created on the sixth day. Being incomplete means we were marred in the hand of our Maker. The number seven signifies completeness. The fact that the width of the entrance was seven cubits suggests that it is as we enter the holy place to commune with the Lord that we are made complete. The ‘complete’ here means that we are being made into another vessel fit for the Lord’s purpose.

Jer 18:3  Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.
Jer 18:4  And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Eze 41:4  So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me, This is the most holy place. 

The room representing the most holy place had a length of twenty cubits and a breadth of twenty cubits. This implies that the room is a square. As indicated, the number twenty refers to those who are able to war against the flesh. They are the ones who have access to the most holy place. The fact that it is a square is to remind us that those who have access to the most holy place all have the same experience. That means we all started our walk with Christ with the devil as our father before Christ comes to us with the spirit of His mouth and His brightness to makes us ready to war against our flesh. The spirit of His mouth refers to the fire of His words which is the judgement of the Lord, and His brightness is His illumination of His words so that we can understand the mysteries of the kingdom.

Num 1:3  From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

Num 1:20  And the children of Reuben, Israel’s eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Ecc 9:2  All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath.

2Th 2:7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
2Th 2:8  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Eze 41:5  After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side. 

The wall surrounding the room of the most holy place has six cubits in length and a width of four cubits. The number six refers to man as an incomplete being and the number four means the whole of the matter under discussion. In this case, we are talking about the fact that the whole of the Lord’s elect who have access to the most holy place are all men and women with all kinds of weaknesses. However through the Lord’s judgement of our old man or flesh, we are empowered to war against our flesh to become obedient to Christ. The significance of all this is that the Lord’s elect are those who are waging war against our bodies which represent the temple of the Lord, to bring them under subjection so that Christ will take residence in our hearts and mind.

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Eze 41:6  And the side chambers were three, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which was of the house for the side chambers round about, that they might have hold, but they had not hold in the wall of the house. 
Eze 41:7  And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst.

A simpler rendition of these verses are as follows:

Eze 41:6  The rooms were arranged on three different stories. There were 30 rooms on each story. These rooms had supports all the way around the temple wall, but these supports were not fastened to the temple wall.
Eze 41:7  The side rooms grew wider all the way around as they went up, story after story. The surrounding structure went from story to story all around the temple. The structure grew wider as it went higher. A stairway went from the first story through the second story to the third story.  (GW)

The rooms or chambers represent us, His elect. This is because the Lord has told us that in His Father’s house are many mansions, signifying the Lord’s elect.

Joh 14:2  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

The fact that the rooms are arranged in three stories or levels is to show us that we grow in spiritual maturity through the Lord’s judgement. We are also told in verse 6 that there were 30 rooms on each floor. The number thirty signifies those who have started to rule over their flesh. Later, in another age, we shall rule the kingdoms of this world.

Gen 41:46  And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

2Sa 5:4  David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

Rev 11:15   And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

The three floors with thirty rooms on each level is therefore to make us aware that it is only the Lord’s elect who constitute the temple of the Lord and that as we are being judged, we grow in spiritual maturity from one level to another, and that we are perfected on the third day, or floor. Verse 6 also indicates that we are supported all the way in the building of our temple by the Lord. However, the fact that we are not fastened to the temple wall is to let us know that our support is through Christ alone.

The fact that the side rooms grow wider as they went up from story to story in verse 7 is to remind us of the growth in spiritual maturity as we progress from one level or floor to another. There is a stairway that went from the lowest floor through the middle floor to the third floor. This stairway is Christ and is the same as the ladder that Jacob saw in a dream when he ran away from his brother Esau.

Gen 28:12  And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Eze 41:8  I saw also the height of the house round about: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits.
Eze 41:9  The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side chambers that were within.
Eze 41:10  And between the chambers was the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.
Eze 41:11  And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.

In verse 8, there was a raised base all around the temple and this base was the foundation for the side rooms. The length of this foundation was a full reed of six cubits. The number six is the number of man and in this case it is the Lord Jesus, who in His life here on earth as man, laid the foundation for the building of our temple and is the one measuring our temple.

1Co 3:11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

The outer wall of the side rooms was five cubits in thickness. This means that it is by grace through faith that we become the temple of the Lord. There was an open space between the side rooms connected to the temple and the other rooms. This open space is about twenty cubits in width. As indicated, the number twenty shows us that it is those who are ready to war against the flesh who serve as a conduit to the making of our hearts and minds as temple of the Lord.

In verse 11, we are told that the doors of the side chambers opened on the free space, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south. The width of this free space was five cubits all around. This free space represent our liberty in Christ. Thus, it is by grace through faith that we have this glorious liberty as the children of God.

Gal 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Eze 41:12  Now the building that was before the separate place at the end toward the west was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick round about, and the length thereof ninety cubits. 
Eze 41:13  So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long; 
Eze 41:14  Also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, an hundred cubits. 
Eze 41:15  And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which was behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court; 

At the far end of the open area, on the west side of the temple, was a building seventy cubits wide. The number seventy (70=7×10) shows the completeness of the fulness of the flesh. The wall of this building has five cubits in thickness with the length being ninety cubits. As explained earlier, five cubits means that it is grace through faith. The number ninety (90=9×10) is the number of the Lord’s judgement as our sins have reached its fulness. All that these measurements mean is that becoming the dwelling place of the Lord or our father’s mansion involves coming to the place where we realized that we are the worse sinners as our sins had become complete or reached its fulness and that this calls for us to be judged by the Lord. This judgement is the grace that we receive through faith.

In verse 13, our Lord Jesus measured the temple to be a hundred cubits long; and the yard and the building with its walls, a hundred cubits long. Verse 14 tells us that the eastern side of the temple, including the open area, was also a hundred cubits in width. Again, the Lord also measured the length of the building facing the courtyard on the west side along with its corridors on both sides as indicated in verse 15, and had the same measurement of hundred cubits.

The fact that all these measurements were 100 (100 = 10×10) cubits is affirming that it is those whose sins have reached the heavens and are privileged to obtain the mercy of the Lord, who are the candidates for the building of the temple within them. In verses 13 and 14, the hundred cubits in both length and width means that the temple was a square. That indicates that whatever our background is, we all share the same experience in our relationship with Christ in the building of the temple within us.

Rev 18:5  For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Rev 18:8  Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

The Images of Cherubims and Palm Trees

Eze 41:16  The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows were covered;
Eze 41:17  To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure. 
Eze 41:18  And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces; 
Eze 41:19  So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about. 
Eze 41:20  From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple. 

Verse 16 shows us that the doorposts, the small windows and the corridors of all three stories were paneled with wood. The walls, from the floor up to the windows, were also paneled with wood. The wood being used for paneling in the temple implies that we must all go through the judgement of the Lord to bring out the beauty of the Lord in us as He comes to reside in our temple or hearts and minds.

Psa 83:14  As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;

Pro 26:20  Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

In verse 17 to 20, we see that in the space above the door to the most holy place and on the walls all around it, there were pictures of cherubims and palm trees. Palm trees were positioned between each of the cherubims, and each cherubim had two faces: the face of a man, which was turned toward a palm tree on one side, and the face of a lion, which was turned toward a palm tree on the other side. These images were carved all around the temple. Images of cherubims and palm trees were also carved on the walls from the floor to the space above the door. Both the cherubims and the palm trees represent the Lord’s elect. This is to show us that it is the Lord’s elect who are privileged in this age to become the temple of the Lord.

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

The fact that each cherubim had two faces means that we serve as the Lord’s witnesses. This also implies that we are the two witnesses in Revelation 11, whom the Lord has given us power to speak His words. Being clothed in sackcloth signifies that we are mourning as we go through the Lord’s judgement.

Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

It is also significant to note that here in verse 19, we see the cherubims having the face of a man and that of a lion. In the beginning of the Book of Ezekiel, we also observe that each of the cherubims or the four living creatures which represent the whole of the Lord’s elect, had four faces, of a lion, ox, man and an eagle.

Eze 1:10  As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

Later in the Book of Revelation, each of the four living creatures has a specific face of either a lion, calf, man, or an eagle.

Rev 4:7  And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

What we need to note is that Ezekiel was shown these cherubims to know the end result of the Lord’s judgement of our old man. In other words, the result of the Lord’s judgement is for us, His elect, to become like Christ. The four faces of the cherubims show us who the Lord was when He was here on earth and is now working in us to become like Him. In the spirit, it does not matter whether each of the cherubims had four faces or one, as we must all bear the four faces of Christ in the final analysis.

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

The number four means the whole of the matter under discussion and therefore the four faces show us the whole of Christ while He was here on earth. However, the fact that we are shown only two faces of Christ here in Ezekiel 41:19 is to emphasize our role as witnesses of Christ in the building of the Lord’s temple within us. The face of a lion shows us the Lord as the lion of the tribe of Judah. The Gospel of Matthew describes the Lord as a lion of the tribe of Judah. Like a lion, the Lord did not turn back from all the trials and tribulations that He encountered in this life. He will not rest until He makes our enemies (our flesh) a footstool, that is, defeat our enemies. What He starts, He is able to bring to completion!!

Rev 5:5  And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Pro 30:30  the lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any;

The Gospel according to Luke shows us Jesus as a man. That is why at the beginning of the Book of Luke, Luke traced the genealogy of Christ to Adam, the son of God. The Lord Jesus was a man in every way. That is why He represents us as our High Priest since He went through all that we are going through. As a result, we are able to come boldly before Him to receive mercy and grace at our point of need.

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The Holy and the Most Holy Place

Eze 41:21  The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other. 
Eze 41:22  The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD. 

As stated earlier, the square nature of the doorposts of the temple signifies that we all have the same experience as the Lord prepares our bodies or temple for His habitation. In front of the holy place was something resembling an altar of wood, having three cubits high and two cubits in length. This altar of wood represents our hearts and minds. As indicated earlier, the altar being made of wood implies that we must all go through the judgement of the Lord to bring out the beauty of the Lord in us as He comes to reside in our temple or hearts and minds. We are also the table before the Lord.

Psa 83:14  As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;

Pro 26:20  Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Eze 41:23  And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors. 
Eze 41:24  And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door. 
Eze 41:25  And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without. 
Eze 41:26  And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch, and upon the side chambers of the house, and thick planks.

The holy place and the most holy place had two doors and each of the doors were double doors that swung open. Again, here we are being reminded that our entry into the presence of the Lord to commune with Him is for the purpose of making us His witnesses.

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Images of cherubims and palm trees were carved on the doors of the holy place as well as on the walls. There was a wooden roof hanging over the outer entrance hall. There were small windows and palm trees on both sides of the entrance hall, on the side rooms of the temple, and on the roofs. The cherubims and the palm trees being carved on the doors of the holy place is to signify that it is through the Lord’s elect that we have access to Christ as we are all building our temple upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus as the chief corner stone. Later, in an age to come, we shall also be the gateway for all humanity to be in the presence of the Lord.

Eph 2:19  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Eph 2:20  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22  In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

May the Lord’s name be praised for counting us worthy of being a habitation of God through His Spirit. Amen!!

[Study Aired October 21, 2021]

2Co 10:12  For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Gal 6:14  But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Gal 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Gal 2:21  I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

In (Gal 6:11-13) Paul explains the bondage self-righteousness brings to our lives and how there is always some physical action we unwisely use to try to have others measure up to what we think is what God would have us do in our flesh. We are blessed to know now that “in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.”

The new creature we become through Christ is completely new (2Co 5:17), and the old creature has to die daily until our last breath [“The world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” Gal 6:14, Gal 2:20], and we must endure until the end through Christ, the new creation within us, our hope of glory or obedience (Col 1:27), in order to be saved in this life (Mat 24:13).

2Co 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

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

This section of the book of Kings uses the  symbolism of Cherubims among many other details that describe the temple which we are (1Co 3:16) in order to paint a clear picture for us of how we can go from being the first man Adam, who is a figure or type of the second Adam, Christ, that is being formed within us (Rom 5:14-15, 1Co 15:45).

1Co 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Rom 5:14  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come [1Co 10:11, 1Pe 1:12, 1Jn 4:17].
Rom 5:15  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. (Eph 2:8) For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

1Co 15:45  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

How Christ is formed in His people, and ultimately through all of God’s creation, is revealed to us in God’s word and made very bright through detailed work in the temple of God that helps us see through the dark glass through which we currently are looking in this flesh (1Co 13:12-13).

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.
1Co 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The function of God’s elect who come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau (Oba 1:21) will be the focus of this study as we consider how and why God dwells among us today as His people in order to finish His workmanship which we are that is being created for the purpose of bringing the rest of God’s creation into a loving relationship with our Father and Christ and one another, so that God can be all in all (Joh 17:3, 1Co 15:28).

Joh 17:3  And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

1Co 15:28  And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

1Ki 6:23  And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high.

The two cherubims and the two witnesses of Revelation chapter 11 are both types of God’s elect who, while in our flesh, represented by “ten cubits high” of the cherubim, are able to fulfill the will of God by being blessed to be raised in heavenly places (Eph 2:6) which is symbolized by the area “within the oracle” or holy of holies where we are given God’s power through Christ to come boldly before His presence. We are to present ourselves a living sacrifice, made possible through His spirit which is the spiritual wind beneath the wings of the symbolic cherubim who can soar into the heavenlies (Rev 11:3).

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

The “olive tree” also represents the the elect of God who are symbolized by the two witnesses who were “cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature [first Adam], and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree [second Adam].” God tells the Israel of God, the elect, to not be ignorant of this fact lest we become conceited in our abundance of revelation forgetting “how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?” The honour of being a kind of first fruits or royal priesthood (Jas 1:18, 1Pe 2:9) is something that we should rejoice in (Php 4:4) knowing that the bride will be made ready, having been granted to be arrayed with fine linen which is the righteousness of the saints. This is another way of saying we are granted to be “graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree” which is what our being dragged to Christ accomplishes (Joh 6:44).

Rom 11:24  For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

Joh 6:44  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

1Ki 6:24  And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits. 

This verse describes the goodness of God that is shown in His plan from the very start until the finishing of it. We continue to learn and have reinforced in our heavens God’s goodness that is expressed through the longsuffering spirit of God (Rom 2:4). God’s favour or goodness is expressed through the witness of two cherubs whose wing span is “five cubits” – five representing the grace of God. That grace and faith is shown first to God’s elect who are represented by the cherub, and their having four wings in total tells us that the whole (4) of God’s creation is going to be saved through God’s elect (Oba 1:21). All “ten cubits” remind us that as in Adam all die (all 10 cubits) so in Christ the second Adam will be made alive as “from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.“

1Ki 6:25  And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size.

This statement, “And the other cherub  was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size“, reveals to us that Christ is not divided in doctrine, and it is only a true witness when “both the cherubims were of one measure and one size“. The “one measure and one size” is what fulfills our joy in one another as we come to see that we are many members in Christ but one body that is not divided in doctrine (Php 2:2).

Php 2:2  Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

God gives us the ability to maintain that unity through the power of His holy spirit which makes these following verses possible to fulfill in Christ (Php 2:3-8).

Php 2:3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Php 2:4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Php 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God [1Jn 4:17]:
Php 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Php 2:8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

1Ki 6:26  The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.

Again two cherubs are mentioned as a witness to the truth that Christ and his Christ identify with flesh, represented by the “ten cubits” (Heb 4:14-16).

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The two cherubim represent God’s elect who, after we have suffered awhile having been stablished, strengthened, and settled (1Pe 5:10-11), can now extend comfort and mercy toward others as God has done unto us through our many trials (Act 14:22, 2Co 1:4-5). It is an ongoing process that shows God’s longsuffering spirit and purpose for God’s elect which is to become more and more like our Lord so we can be used to save humanity by the same process of judgment by which we are being saved (1Pe 4:17-19, 1Jn 4:17), if God grants us to endure until the end (Rom 11:26, Rom 11:31-32).

1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1Pe 5:11  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

2Co 1:4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2Co 1:5  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

Rom 11:26  And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

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.

1Ki 6:27  And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.

We can say with all assuredness that no one in our life can more deeply and continually affect or touch us like the body of  Christ can because it is our body, and no man ever hated his own flesh and bones which we are (Eph 5:29-31). “And their wings touched one another in the midst of the house” is what this closeness and intimacy we have in Christ is telling us. These following verses explain the way we ought to conduct ourselves in the house of God that is the foundation and pillar of truth where we pray love will continue to abound (1Pe 3:8-10, 1Ti 5:1-4, 1Ti 3:15).

Eph 5:29  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
Eph 5:30  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Eph 5:31  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

1Pe 3:8  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be  courteous:
1Pe 3:9  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1Pe 3:10  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

1Ti 5:1  Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
1Ti 5:2  The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
1Ti 5:3  Honour widows that are widows indeed.
1Ti 5:4  But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

1Ti 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

God has ordained that it is by this way of life mentioned in these words of life above, that the body would get closer and more intimately aware of all of the details that the bride will need to know as we come to the end of each of our own ages and ultimately when the first resurrection occurs. The world will witness to that unity that He can and has and will be forging in all the saints. We long for that day when our fellow brothers who are now in Adam will partake of this same intimate relationship in our Lord and be freed from the bondage of corruption that is flesh by coming under the wing of Christ (Rom 8:21-23, Luk 13:34).

Rom 8:21  Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Rom 8:22  For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

This verse (1Ki 6:27) speaks to the intimacy that we have in Christ starting with the position of where the cherubim are in the house of God: “he set the cherubims within the inner house.” God is the one who sets every member in the body where we belong so that we can all come to the fullness of the unity of faith in time (1Co 12:18, Eph 4:13).

1Co 12:18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

Eph 4:13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

God’s elect are being stretched and suffer in this life (1Co 9:27, 2Ti 2:12, Luk 2:34-35) so we can touch the walls of humanity’s heart that will one day be covered by the blood of Christ extending mercy to them as it was first extended to us, symbolized by those stretched-out wings (Luk 13:34).

Luk 2:34  And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Luk 2:35  (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. [We are stretched for this reason.]

Luk 13:34  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, [“the cherubim which represent the elect“] and ye would not!

These words demonstrate the truth that God’s elect are blessed to have this intimate and close relationship that allows us to come to know our Father and Christ which is what eternal life is: “And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.“

As we keep learning, we don’t come to know our Father and Christ for our sakes only but also for the rest of humanity who cannot at this present time be gathered to him, which is the same as being dragged to him (Joh 6:44), because God has given them a heart that says they “would not!” We can rejoice always in knowing that there is a depth of mercy and love and compassion that God will show to the rest of the world one day and is showing to us now as we are cleansed in this life, justified and glorified in this life, glorified now in earnest and one day in a moment and in a twinkling of an eye in the fullness (1Co 6:11, Rom 8:30-36, 1Co 15:52).

1Co 6:11  And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Rom 8:30  Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Rom 8:31  What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:32  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Rom 8:33  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
Rom 8:34  Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Rom 8:35  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Rom 8:36  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

1Ki 6:28  And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.

Our last verse simply says “And he overlaid the cherubims with gold” which tells us that we are going through a process now of proving all things and holding fast to that gold leaf that God’s word is (1Th 5:21).

1Th 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

God will finish this work in the lives of His saints and He and He alone will be glorified in that process of overlaying “the cherubims with gold” and it will be made possible because he has promised to “dwell among the children of Israel” whom He will not forsake.

Audio Links

Awesome Hands – part 90

“Watchmen”

October 28, 2015

Exodus 25 is the first chapter in scripture that gives commandments to the children of Israel to build a sanctuary for the Lord to dwell in. This is also the first chapter that goes into great detail about the design and creation of all the objects that will go into and be a part of the sanctuary.
All of these descriptive items are physical symbols of what we know to be spiritual items. If this is doubtful to you, then we can see that the sanctuary itself is spiritual as described in the New Testament.

Exo 25:8  And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

2Co 5:1  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
2Co 5:2  For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
2Co 5:3  If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Rom 8:10  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Mar 14:58  We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

Heb 9:8  The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
Heb 9:9  Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
Heb 9:10  Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Heb 9:11  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

Act 7:48  Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
Act 7:49  Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
Act 7:50  Hath not my hand made all these things?

Act 17:23  For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Act 17:24  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
Act 17:25  Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

I mention all of these familiar verses because they lay the foundation for all of the scripture we are going to cover in Exodus moving forward while also allowing us to connect the Lord’s working of His awesome hands in our lives.

The last few studies we covered who it is that gives a willing offering and what that means, so now we are going to connect how the Lord Himself views those whom He is at present working with in His temple.

If Jesus Christ can and is described as the lamb of God and the lion of the tribe of Judah, then His body and church can also be referred to as the “pillars of the temple of God”, “the temple of God” and yes, they can and are referred to spiritually with the items that make up the temple.

Symbols

All throughout human history, we associate things with symbols. We have symbols for everything. This symbol means this or that and by identifying the symbol and what it means, we are able to communicate the idea of thought behind the symbol.

Even today, we use company logos to identify one company from another so that we know what brand is being represented. We have country flags, organizational flags, medical symbols, street signs, restroom signs, on and on and on. We as humans NEED symbols to be able to communicate and our creator knows this VERY WELL. However, just having a symbol isn’t enough. We must know what that symbol represents.

The entire book of the revelation of Jesus Christ, the most important person to ever walk this earth, is told to us in signs and symbols.

Therefore, when we are told by Jesus that Moses, the prophets and Psalms all speak of Him, then what is He really telling us?

Luk 24:44  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Luk 24:45  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

“All things must be fulfilled,” are written in the law of Moses, the prophets and the psalms are all concerning Christ. So, adding line upon line, precept upon precept we can also conclude that anything in the temple concerns Christ, and Christ Jesus is a head and body.

Someone human recorded all the writings we have today concerning all of scripture. Someone sinful, lustful, and full of pride was used by God to eventually be brought to the point of being a vessel of God’s message, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to pin down the scriptures we have today.

I say this to connect this thought with the idea of who we are to God and how our verses in Exodus today connect to that temple we are to God.

Exo 25:8  And let THEM make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Exo 25:9  According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
Exo 25:10  And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
Exo 25:11  And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.
Exo 25:12  And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it.
Exo 25:13  And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
Exo 25:14  And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
Exo 25:15  The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.

The pattern that we are going to see all of these items made out of is the SAME pattern the Jesus Christ IS!

“After the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it,” is told to us to be:

Heb 8:3  For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
Heb 8:4  For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
Heb 8:5  Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Heb 8:6  But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Heb 8:7  For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

1Ti 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

So, we have just been told that the tabernacle that was about to be made by Moses, the patterns being shown to Moses in the mount, are an example and SHADOW of the heavenly things, and those shadows now lead us to a MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY / SERVICE.

How do those things shadowed, of which we just read a few of in Exodus 25:8-15, and will continue to read as we move through Exodus, lead us to a more excellent ministry?

Well, sometimes words are used to hide the meaning of what they are saying. In this case, there is a particular word connected OVER and OVER with a very precious metal in scripture, gold.

Mike is fond of saying, and I’ve found it to be very applicable to scripture, that words in the bible “mean what they mean” J

Gold is used all through the sanctuary because it is by far the most precious metal physically speaking. It is very rare and very valuable. Spiritually speaking this is no different for our spiritual understanding of the symbols we are being shown in Exodus 25.

Mike has written a great series on “Metals in scripture” and I encourage you all to review that study if you have not listened to it before.

What I noticed for the first time ever while preparing for the sanctuary and its items as described in Exodus is that everything is covered with gold.

You might be thinking, “well duh”, but what I am referring to is that everything is COVERED with gold.

Immediately my mind thought of Christ being our covering but most of the time I think of His blood and being washed in it as well as being white as snow such as a garment would cover our naked body, among other things.

The connecting thought that came to me is that we are OVERLAYED with gold, but my mind always wants to know why the Lord repeats a word or phrase to us.

After all, He is speaking to us via His Holy Spirit when we sup with Him via the Word.

Being inspired to search, I honed in on the English word “overlay” and looked at it in its Hebrew origin.

H6823

צָפָה
tsâphâh
tsaw-faw’
A primitive root (probably rather identical with H6822 through the idea of expansion in outlook transformed to act); to sheet over (especially with metal): – cover, overlay.
Total KJV occurrences: 46

H6823
צפה
tsâphâh
BDB Definition:
1) to lay out, lay over, overlay, cover
1a) (Piel) to overlay, plate, stud
1b) (Pual) to be laid over
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root [probably identical with H6822 through the idea of expansion in outlook, transferring to action]
Same Word by TWOT Number: 1951

H6823
צפה
tsâphâh
Total KJV Occurrences: 46
overlaid, 28
Exo_26:32, Exo_36:34 (2), Exo_36:36, Exo_36:38, Exo_37:2, Exo_37:4, Exo_37:11, Exo_37:15, Exo_37:26, Exo_37:28, Exo_38:2, Exo_38:6, Exo_38:28, 1Ki_6:20-22 (5), 1Ki_6:28, 1Ki_6:30, 1Ki_6:32, 1Ki_10:18, 2Ki_18:16, 2Ch_3:4, 2Ch_3:10, 2Ch_4:9, 2Ch_9:17
overlay, 12
Exo_25:11 (2), Exo_25:13, Exo_25:24, Exo_26:28-29 (3), Exo_26:37, Exo_27:2, Exo_27:6, Exo_30:3, Exo_30:5
covered, 5
1Ki_6:15 (2), 1Ki_6:20, 1Ki_6:35, Pro_26:23
garnished, 1
2Ch_3:6

So, H6823 means essentially what it sounds like and that is to sheet over “especially with metal”. However, what does it mean to be sheeted over “especially with Spirit” since this gold is a symbol of something?

Well, it happens that H6822 is mentioned as “probably rather identical with” H6822 overlay or “tsaw-faw”.

H6822

צָפָה
tsâphâh
tsaw-faw’
A primitive root; properly to lean forward, that is, to peer into the distance; by implication to observe, await: – behold, espy, look up (well), wait for, (keep the) watch (-man).
Total KJV occurrences: 36

It’s hard to tell, but if you look at the Hebrew writing used in Strong’s, it is identical. The BDB writes it the same as well for both H6822 and H6823 though BDB and Strong’s write them different than one another between the versions. For example, Strong’s writes both words the same and BDB write them the same but the way that BDB and Strong’s writes them is slightly different, but they are consistent within their own individual standards.

H6822
צפה
tsâphâh
BDB Definition:
1) to look out or about, spy, keep watch, observe, watch
1a) (Qal) to keep watch, spy
1b) (Piel) to watch, watch closely
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root
Same Word by TWOT Number: 1950

H6822
צפה
tsâphâh
Total KJV Occurrences: 38
watchman, 14
2Sa_18:24-27 (5), 2Ki_9:17-18 (2), 2Ki_9:20, Isa_21:6, Eze_3:17, Eze_33:2, Hos_9:6-8 (3)
watch, 5
Gen_31:49, 2Sa_13:34, Isa_21:5, Hab_2:1 (2)
watchmen, 5
1Sa_14:16, Isa_52:8, Isa_56:10, Jer_6:17, Mic_7:4
look, 2
Psa_5:3, Mic_7:7
looketh, 2
Pro_31:27, Son_7:4
watching, 2
1Sa_4:13, Lam_4:17
behold, 1
Psa_66:7
beholding, 1
Pro_15:3
espy, 1
Jer_48:19
waited, 1
Job_15:22
watched, 1
Lam_4:17
watcheth, 1
Psa_37:32
watchman’s, 1
Eze_33:6
well, 1
Pro_31:27

What does “overlaying” with gold and “watchmen” have in common? Rather, what is identical about these words? Here is why the BDB concludes these words are the same, “probably identical with H6822 through the idea of expansion in outlook, transferring to action”.

That itself can be a little hard to understand, so thinking about what overlaying does, it COVERS whatever is being overlayed.

A watchmen COVERS the thing he is watching with the concept of “I am covering your back” or I am “looking out for the city”. The watchmen covers the city with his ability and the safety net of covering the city with a watchful attendance to said safety.

I could spend another hour giving examples of how gold and being a watchmen have very similar qualities, but we should be getting the idea that our Lord wants us to understand that we are COVERED with His gold and the COVERING itself is ….. wait for it ….. Jesus the Christ.

Jesus Christ is Head and body.

If this all seems like a bit of a stretch, no pun intended, then let us consider what overlaying represents in the context of the next verses in Exodus.

Exo 25:16  And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
Exo 25:17  And thou shalt make a mercy seat of PURE GOLD: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
Exo 25:18  And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
Exo 25:19  And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
Exo 25:20  And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Exo 25:21  And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
Exo 25:22  And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Isn’t that something! We have items which are overlaid with gold, but then the items mentioned here are made out of pure gold and not just covered with it.

The mercy seat and cherubim are made of gold, but the cherubim are specifically mentioned in these verses as being BEATEN into shape.

When I see two cherubim being mentioned I immediately think of the two witnesses fallen in that great city. As I read these verses, focus your spiritual discernment on what it is these witness’ witness and prophecy about.

Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Rev 11:4  These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Rev 11:7  And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
Rev 11:8  And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Rev 11:9  And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
Rev 11:10  And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
Rev 11:11  And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
Rev 11:12  And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Connecting these witnesses to their actions with the cherubim in Exodus, let us focus on the power they have been given.

The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev 19:10) and Jesus Christ is the Word of God (John 1:1).

The cherubim stare at each other and have their wings extended over the mercy seat. Where is the mercy seat at? Is it not the throne of God?

Num 7:89  And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

We are spoken to from where God dwells. We are spoken to from within heaven and the kingdom of God is within us.

The cherubim cover the mercy seat and have God commune BETWEEN and ABOVE THEM.

Jesus told us, as Christians, that He has given us all things. We have the power of God residing in us.

Luk 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Behold, we have the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy.

What then does this power look like in our lives? After all, I am NOTHING. I have no strength of my own, no power of my own to resist the false prophet and the devil, I have no power to make myself an inch taller or to keep the hair on my head. I cannot change my spots nor can I change the color of my skin.  Lord knows I would love to be able to stay in the sun longer than a few hours without getting totally and utterly burned to the point of skin and sun poisoning.

So with all of this being true, what power DO I HAVE?

I have the Word of God. I have the power to “do greater things than these”. I have power to do WONDERFUL miracles in the lives of those who are the walking dead, always naked, always hungry, never full no matter how much they eat, ever wondering, never given peace.

But with this power comes the witness of it. Jesus Christ gave instant miracles when He walked this earth. He fed people instantly for their physical bellies.

He healed them of their physical health problems and diseases.

However, He left the spiritual healing up to His BODY whom He DWELLS in. We, as cherubim having the THRONE OF GOD in our CENTER, must WITNESS the work of God as he sits on His throne.

We often times wait very long periods of time to see the manifestation of God’s will in our lives. Sometimes, we see it instantly as well as miracles that happen instantly.

However, if we are really looking toward the cherubim in our midst than we would see none stop miracles. Lord gives us eyes that see and ears that hear.

In the next study, we are going to continue to build upon who we are as the cherubim, and how all the other items in the sanctuary represent an aspect of who we are to and for God’s will.

We have His mind SITTING upon us, ABOVE us and IN us, so we will continue to dig in the field to see what that beauty of our pearl of great price really is.

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Revelation 4:6-7 The Four Beasts – Part 1

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 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

Introduction

Revelation is incremental and “line upon line, and precept upon precept.”

We have demonstrated repeatedly that the revelation of the things of the heavens is a very gradual revelation throughout scripture. In the end we come to see that the heavens in which Christ dwells, and for which He died, are the heavens of the hearts and minds of those in whom He dwells. It was through His death that He was able to cleanse those heavens.

Heb 9:23 [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

We have gone to great lengths to demonstrate that the pattern of “the things in the heavens” has been an incremental and progressive revelation. The pattern of the tabernacle given Moses in Exodus was a tent with two rooms, “a laver of brass” and “a brasen altar.” The pattern of “the tabernacle of Moses” was not nearly as complex as the pattern for the temple which God revealed to King David.

There was no mention in Exodus of “the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof.” It was just a two-chambered tent. There was no mention in Exodus of “the courses of the priesthood.” There was only Aaron and his four sons, who soon were reduced to two sons when the two eldest sons offered strange fire to God. Here are verses which bring out these differences.

1Ch 28:11  Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,
1Ch 28:12  And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:
1Ch 28:13  Also for the courses of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and for all the vessels of service in the house of the LORD.

While there was a pattern given Moses of “a laver of brass… between the tabernacle and the altar,” the phrase “brasen sea” is not to be found in the book of Exodus. That phrase first appears in 1 Chronicles, along with all the other additions to the pattern of the things in the heavens which were given to King David for the building of a permanent temple.

1Ch 18:8 Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.

None of these additions were part of “the pattern of things of the heavens” which was given to Moses for the construction of the temporary tent tabernacle.

This is all to say that the revelation of “the heavenly things themselves” requires the “open door in heaven” through which we are given this greatly expanded understanding of “the heavenly things themselves” which “heavenly things themselves” we are told are the dwelling place of God and the location of His throne within His temple, which is within His people.

1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

The spirit has expanded our knowledge of the brasen sea from a “laver of brass” to a “brasen sea” and here in Revelation 4 to a “sea of glass.”  Then in Revelation 15 we are told the final detail about this sea of glass where we learn that it is a sea of glass “mingled with fire.”

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.

The revelation of the sea of glass is now complete. The sea of glass is that part of our walk which is located between the altar and the tabernacle. It is the baptism with which Christ was baptized. It is the “baptism of fire” which Christ came to bring us. It is the life we come to know if we truly desire “to know the fellowship of His sufferings and the power of His resurrection.” It is now called a ‘sea’ and not just a laver, because it will eventually encompass ‘the sea’ from whence come all men.

Luk 3:16 John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Luk 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?

Mat 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
Mat 20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but [it shall be given to them] for whom it is prepared of my Father.

That is the progressive, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little revelation of what is the “sea of glass… between the altar and the tabernacle.” Now we are about to see that the revelation of “the four beasts round about the throne and in the middle of the throne, full of eyes before and behind” is given in the same incremental fashion.

What Are These Four Beasts?

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.

We have already seen in our previous studies that these four beasts, along with the four and twenty elders, tell us plainly who they symbolize and why they are said to be “round about the throne and in the middle of the throne.” Here is that revelation in straightforward and plain words:

Rev 5:8 And when he [Christ] 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.

Going back to what we have already covered in Revelation 1:5-6 and 2:26-27 we can bookend this question of who these beasts represent:

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 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Let’s begin at the beginning and see what the scriptures reveal about these beasts before we are told who they are here in Revelation. As we view these various verses, we should be struck by the same incremental, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little fashion of progression of the revelation of Jesus Christ which is these four beasts. When we first see them around the throne, we are not shown at first that they are four in number. In fact their numbers are not even mentioned. All we are told is that they are called cherubims who “guard the way of the tree of life.” Here is our first introduction to the concept of “the pattern of the things of the heavens.”

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.

We are told a lot about the function of the cherubims in this verse. We learn here that they are seen in conjunction with “a flaming sword”, and we are told that their function in conjunction with this flaming sword is to “keep the way of the tree of life.” Let me repeat that statement. These are those who “keep the way of the tree of life.” Those with spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear have just seen an open door in heaven here in Genesis 3:24. This “open door in heaven” is a door which reveals to us “the heavenly things themselves”, and they have heard what the ears of man cannot hear.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The spirit does not reveal the deep things of God to the natural man. The natural man uses human reasoning and human logic instead of the mind of the spirit. “Neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

True spiritual discernment knows what is the true “love of the brothers” and what is the true love of God.

1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1Jn 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Those who “keep the way of the tree of life” are those who know “the way of the tree of life.” What is that way? It is the way which obeys God’s commandments. It is the way of Christ.

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Christ is the way. If the cherubims “keep the way of the tree of life”, then we are being told in Genesis 3 who these cherubims are who are “round about and in the middle of the throne of God.” It is those in whom Christ lives and who obey His Father’s commandments. These cherubims are Christ in His christ. This was not revealed to our father Adam, nor was it revealed to Moses, who is used by the Lord to add to our knowledge of the things of “the heavens themselves.” Here is what we learn about these cherubims the next time we hear of them in the book of Exodus.

Exo 25:16  And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.
Exo 25:17  And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
Exo 25:18  And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
Exo 25:19  And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.
Exo 25:20  And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces [shall look] one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Exo 25:21  And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
Exo 25:22  And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Everything God has to say to His people He says from “the mercy seat… from between the two cherubims, symbolizing the “two witnesses” (Rev 11:3), which are upon the ark of the testimony.”

Now our knowledge of the cherubims is expanded, and we now know that there are two of them and that they are at the very mercy seat of God. We now know that it is “from between the cherubims” that God speaks forth all of His instructions to His people. Here it is revealed to us that the cherubims have wings, and their wings cover the mercy seat of God. There is much more to be learned as the “pattern of the things in the heavens” is given to Moses.

As it turns out, these cherubims are to be found all over the walls of the tabernacle, woven into the fabric of the walls and into the fabric of the door of the holy of  holies.

Exo 26:1  Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

Exo 26:31  And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
Exo 26:32  And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.
Exo 26:33  And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.

When King David gives his son Solomon the pattern for the building of the temple, we see these cherubims as even more omnipresent on the walls of the temple, on “the door to the oracle” meaning the door of the holy of holies and on the door of the temple.

1Ki 6:31  And for the entering of the oracle he made doors [of] olive tree: the lintel [and] side posts [were] a fifth part [of the wall].
1Ki 6:32  The two doors also [were of] olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid [them] with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.
1Ki 6:33 So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall.
1Ki 6:34  And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.
1Ki 6:35  And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

2Ch 3:7  He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

Now we know that the “pillars in the tabernacle, and the doors of the temple of God” are covered with these cherubims, and the doors of the holy of holies and the door of the temple have these cherubims carved into them. We should understand now what John saw when he said: “… and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.”

So we know that these creatures, which are called cherubims, are everywhere around the mercy seat and in the very midst of the mercy seat. We still have not been told exactly what a cherubim is or what cherubim look like. That revelation is left to the prophets. It is left to the prophet Ezekiel to add a few more details to our knowledge and understanding of who and what are these cherubims.

Before we go to Ezekiel, we need to take note that these cherubims are mentioned again in 1 Kings in connection with brass lions, brass oxen and the brasen wheels of a chariot. All of this will become much more prominent as the revelation of the things of the heavens themselves continues to unfold before our eyes in the writings of the prophet Ezekiel. Here is more about this progressive revelation of the pattern of the things of the heavens as given to King David and as constructed by King Solomon:

1Ki 7:27  And he made ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.
1Ki 7:28  And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:
1Ki 7:29  And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.
1Ki 7:30  And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.
1Ki 7:31  And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above was a cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the work of the base, a cubit and an half: and also upon the mouth of it were gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round.
1Ki 7:32  And under the borders were four wheels; and the axletrees of the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit.
1Ki 7:33  And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, were all molten.

Now we know that these cherubims are not only “round about the throne and before the throne” of God, but they are also to be found on the brass bases which were used by the priests to carry the lavers in which to wash the flesh of the sacrifices.

1Ki 7:43 And the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases;

The fact that these cherubims are found in the base metal part of the court of the temple as brass, and the fact that they are also found as figures of gold “round about and in the middle of the very throne of God” makes their song here in the book of Revelation much more meaningful:

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.

These creatures symbolize that which has been taken from the dust of the ground as marred base metals, and has been transformed into the pure gold that is in the midst of and about the throne of God. “Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”

However, there is more to learn about “the things of the heavens themselves” in the book of Ezekiel. It is in the book of Ezekiel we learn that all of this talk of cherubims and wheels of a chariot are actually a description of the very throne of God in heaven. It is all to be found in two separate chapters. First, chapter one and then chapter 10. We will look at what is revealed in chapter one first, and then we will go to chapter ten.

Eze 1:1  Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, as I [was] among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
Eze 1:2  In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity,
Eze 1:3  The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.
Eze 1:4  And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness [was] about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
Eze 1:5  Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
Eze 1:6  And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Eze 1:7  And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.
Eze 1:8  And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.
Eze 1:9  Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.
Eze 1:10  As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Eze 1:11 Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.
Eze 1:12  And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
Eze 1:13  As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
Eze 1:14  And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.
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. [“Christ in you the hope of glory” (Col 1:27)]
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.
Eze 1:19  And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.
Eze 1:20  Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was [their] spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
Eze 1:21  When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
Eze 1:22  And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
Eze 1:23  And under the firmament [were] their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
Eze 1:24  And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
Eze 1:25  And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
Eze 1:26  And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Eze 1:27  And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
Eze 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

“The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.” What an “open heaven” this chapter is! Our understanding of “the things of the heavens themselves” has just been expanded exponentially. The cherubims are now revealed to be four in number. We have learned that “they are like burning coals of fire.” This was hinted at with the fiery sword of Genesis 3, but here the cherubs become the fire. The fire “like lamps of fire goes up and down among the living creatures and is a bright fire which produces lightning.”

To this point in scripture we have not one word which tells us what the likeness of the face of a cherub is, but now we are told that they each have four wings, and they each have four faces. They are the faces of a man, an ox, a lion and an eagle. We are now told they have “the likeness of a man, with a man’s hands under their four wings.” None of this was revealed to Adam or Moses or King David. In this chapter we learn that there are four wheels associated with these four living creatures, that they appear as a wheel within a wheel. These wheels are “full of eyes” and “the spirit of living creatures” is in the wheels. The patterns of the things of the heavens themselves is becoming much clearer, and there is yet much to be revealed.

Conclusion

We will have to stop here for today, but let’s review what we have been shown in God’s Word concerning the pattern of the things of the heavens themselves. Don’t forget what all of this is. It is all a pattern of the heavenly things themselves, and the heavenly things themselves are the hearts and minds of the people of God. All of this is symbols of the things of the heavens themselves.

We have seen that this revelation of these symbolic cherubims begins in Genesis 3 with the simple statement that God placed cherubims at the east of the garden of Eden “to keep the way of the tree of life.” We have seen that “keeping the way of the tree of life” is actually keeping the way of Christ, and we are being told that these cherubims do just that; they “keep the way of the Tree of Life” just as they also “keep the things written therein.”

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.

“The way of the tree of life” is “the things that are written therein.”

Rev 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

We saw these cherubims again in Exodus in connection with the mercy seat, which we discover in Ezekiel 1 is a type of the throne of God in heaven. We are not told that fact in Exodus. In Exodus they appear to be two in number, and they have only two wings with which they cover the mercy seat. All we are told in Exodus is that God speaks to His people “from between the cherubims.” What a revelation is that for those with eyes that see the pattern of “the heavenly things themselves.” We are told in Exodus that the cherubims are also woven into the fabric of the walls and doors of the tabernacle of Moses, and we saw in Kings and Chronicles that they were also carved into the walls and doors of the temple of Solomon, which pattern was given to King David to give to His son Solomon to build.

It is in 1Kings 7 that we learn these cherubims are not only to be found in gold all over the tabernacle of Moses and all over the temple of Solomon, but they are also to be found in the base metal brass outside of the temple and in the courtyard of the temple on the sides of the bases which carried the lavers for the service of the tabernacle. This tells us that the cherubims are base metal in the court of the temple before they become gold in the temple itself.

Next, “the heavens were opened”, and we were given a much clearer view of the pattern of the things of the heavens themselves in Ezekiel 1. It is here we learn that there are actually four cherubims, that they are like fire, that they are like men and that they have the faces of a man, a lion, an eagle and an ox.

Finally, we saw that they are closely associated with four wheels which appear to be a wheel within a wheel, and that these wheels are full of eyes, and “the spirit of the living creatures is in the wheels.”

Next week, Lord willing, we will go to our next appearance of these four living creatures, and we will see what Ezekiel 10 reveals about these “four cherubims round about and in the midst of the throne of God.”