Rev 11:7-14, Part 2 – The Resurrection Of The Two Witnesses

[Study Aired Nov 8, 2024]

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.
Rev 11:13  And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Rev 11:14  The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

Today, Lord willing, we will come to see how we are first the harlot city, “the city wherein our Lord was crucified”, before we “come out of her”, and in time we become the Lord’s two witnesses who are lying dead in the streets of that great city…

6) “Where also our Lord was crucified” is also speaking of us and our rejection of the Lord and our part in His crucifixion. Our Lord is crucified by the “murderers who are in the faithful city which has become a harlot”, as explained by:

Isa 1:9  Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.
Isa 1:10  Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Isa 1:21  How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.

Both ‘Sodom’ and ‘Babylon’ signify “the city where our Lord was crucified”. They are both types of us while we are in the churches of Babylon. We first hate God’s witnesses, and in so doing we become the harlot city which is full of murderers. While God’s rebellious people are called a rebellious wife, they are also called ‘Gomorrah’ and “Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and of abominations of the earth”. It is in this city that all of God’s prophets are murdered. In other words, this all takes place within you and within me.

Rev 18:24  And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Rev 17:3  So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Rev 17:4  And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Rev 17:5  And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Rev 17:6  And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

This is but a repeat of what Christ said of Jerusalem:

Mat 23:34  Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Mat 23:35  That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Mat 23:36  Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
Mat 23:37  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

You and I are “the earth”, and it is within each of us that our Lord is crucified. It is each of us who are “chief of sinners”.

1Co 15:9  For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Gal 1:13  For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

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.

If we place the death of Christ upon the shoulders of others, then we cannot claim that He died for our sins. That self-righteous spirit of iniquity (Eze 33:13) is exemplified by “those Jews which believed on [Christ]” but wanted to kill Him.  Signifying all of us, they could not see themselves as slaves of sin, and just like every Christian who feels justified in physically fighting their fellow man to preserve God, family and country, they were not even aware that they wanted to kill Christ:

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 8:32  And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Joh 8:33  They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
Joh 8:34  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Joh 8:35  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
Joh 8:37  I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

If we first see ourselves as His persecutors and the persecutors of His church, and if we see ourselves as having our part in His crucifixion and then  also see ourselves as “chief of sinners”, then we will have no trouble seeing Christ as dying for our sins, and then we will know that we are that “great city where also our Lord was crucified” before we can “come out of her” and become Christ’s two witnesses. If ever we are given to see that spiritual Truth, then we will have no trouble understanding that all…

7) “The people, kindreds, tongues and nations” within the streets of that great city where our Lord was crucified are all of the affiliated false doctrines which are also within each of us, supporting each other and rejoicing that each and every one of all these “people, kindreds, tongues and nations” are now free from the constant scrutiny and torment of those who remain faithful to the words of our Lord. “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”. While we are still in Babylon we rejoice because we can now…

8) “…see their dead bodies”, and because we know that no one within us will now be tormented by having to hear their words. We gloat over their dead and ineffective bodies, and we do so the whole symbolic three and one half years they are “lying dead in the streets of our great city”. That time is signified as…

9) “…Three days and an half”, during which we do not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. These “three days and a half” are not the last three and one half days of one thousand two hundred and sixty days, or forty and two months or three and one half years, rather, just as Pharaoh’s two dreams of the cows and the corn “are one”, so too, ‘three and one half days’, and all of its multiples, signify the same thing as ‘one thousand two hundred and sixty days’, ‘forty and two months’, and ‘time, times and half a time’. They all signify one half of what is complete. The new man is not complete until he has both gone into and then come out of Babylon. All these symbols signify the same period of time. The first half of our experience signifies the time when we are the self-righteous, rebellious recipients of the Lord’s witness against the kingdom of our old man. The last half of our experience signifies the time we begin to bear witness concerning the words of this prophecy. It is during that first period of time that we all…

10) “…Rejoice over the death of Christ’s two witnesses, and send gifts one to another”, celebrating the fact that these witnesses of Christ, who had been tormenting us, were at that time, having no effect in the streets of our great city where also we have crucified our Lord by turning His grace and the knowledge of His sovereignty into lasciviousness.

An outward demonstration of what we all are guilty of within, at our own appointed time, is watching two multi-millionaire television ministers literally donate 10,000 dollars to each other’s ministries, while condemning and belittling what they refer to as ‘heresy hunters who are more concerned with doctrine then they are with love, and the spreading of the gospel’. We are all guilty of justifying our own sins and rejoicing over our ability to stifle the witness of God’s word with our self-righteous false doctrines.

11) But if the Lord has predestined us to be His firstfruit elect, after three and one half days, just as it seemed that the flesh had won the battle, an event which was parenthetically prophesied back in chapter ten begins to take place… “In the days of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God” begins to be completed, and the Lord’s own will begins to fulfill His own purpose in our lives as the apostle Paul tells us:

Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Rom 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

This is referred to as being “raised with Him to newness of life” within the lives of God’s witnesses who are dying daily to their old man while simultaneously being raised from their state of spiritual death.  Let’s put these two verses side by side and observe how they are to be understood as one and the same event.

Rev 10:7  But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

“The voice of the seventh angel” is the seventh trumpet which signifies the beginning of the pouring out of the seven last plagues of the wrath of God upon the kingdom of our old man and upon all of our self-righteous false doctrines of the great harlot, Babylon, in our lives. “In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should… [signifying that the mystery of God begins to] be finished”. In other words, the second half of our completion begins, and Christ begins to live His life within us as our old man begins to die because, “the mystery of God is Christ in you the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).

Rev 11:11  And after three days and an half [the first half of our complete experience] 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.
Rev 11:13  And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Rev 11:14  The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
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.

While “the [outward] kingdoms of this world” will indeed become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ (vs 15), we will not have a part in that momentous event unless an inward “seven [Not three and one half, but ‘seven’] thousand men begin to die in our inward earthquake, signifying the appearing of Christ into our life which begins the destruction of “that man of sin” within us and the kingdoms of our own old man begin to be “destroyed by the brightness of His coming”:

2Th 2:8  And then [“when the seventh angel shall begin to sound”] 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:

The destruction of all of “the people, kindreds, tongues and nations” within “the streets of that great city where also our Lord was crucified”  causes…

12) “…Great fear to fall on those who see them”. “Them which saw them” and “their enemies” signify all the self-supporting lies and false doctrines which support ‘Babylon the great’ and empower her to kill the witnesses of God’s Word within us. The loss of the dominance of all those “idols of our hearts” (Eze 14: 1-9) over our lives and minds brings great fear within us. The physical battles fought by Israel against her enemies in the Old Testament signify all the inward struggles we endure in our heavens. Here are examples of the outward Old Testament battle contrasted with the inward heavenly warfare we endure in the New Testament:

Psa 47:3  He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.

Psa 106:34  They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:

2Co 10:4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
2Co 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenlies.

“Principalities and powers… the rulers of the darkness of this age”, are “the people, kindreds, tongues and nations” within “the streets of that great city where also our Lord was crucified” within each of us.

13) At this point the two witnesses hear a voice from heaven telling them to “Come up here”. This is how that happens to those who are given to witness to the truth of these words:

Eph 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
Eph 2:6 and raised us up together, and seated us together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus,
Eph 2:7 that in the coming ages He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Our warfare is spiritual and inward if we are in Christ. But as self-righteous Babylonians we are all signified by Saul of Tarsus who is still living in the first half of our uncompleted experience, and in that position we hate the True Christ and His doctrines:

Act 9:1  And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

It was “when we were dead in transgressions”, while we were still in the process of persecuting the disciples of the Lord, that we were struck down on our own ‘road to Damascus’. Only then does “the seventh angel begin to sound and the mystery of God begins to be finished” within us, so that we, as God’s two witnesses, are both buried with Christ, and raised in newness of life to witness to the very people who we ourselves were only yesterday.

Rom 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Why does our natural man want to place all of this prophecy at the end of the age of Adam’s domination over the kingdoms of this world? It is because the words of Christ “are spiritually discerned”, and our old man “cannot see the things of the spirit for they are foolishness to him” (1Co 2:13-14).

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.

Nevertheless, for the man who is granted to discern “the things of the spirit”, Rom 6:3-4 is the fulfillment in down payment form of Rev 11:12.

Rom 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

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.

It is in Christ that we are “made to sit together with Him in the heavens”. That cloud is Christ’s Christ, His witnesses, His body. It is at this point that all who know us, within and without, become aware that we are not who we once were, and in that sense they become witnesses to the fact that we…

14) “…Ascend up to heaven in a cloud”, and as our enemies see that we have done so and we are not the self-righteous Pharisee we once were. That “cloud” in which we ascend is the same as the words in the mouths of the Lord’s witnesses.   That cloud is God’s own “cloud of witnesses”, who are now beginning to be able to spiritually discern how “the holy spirit teaches comparing spiritual things with spiritual”. It is the same cloud which has always witnessed to the truth of the words 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.

Heb 11:37  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Heb 11:38  (Of whom the world was not worthy they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It is at this point, having been “made to sit with Christ in the heavens” (Eph 2:6), that there is…

15) “…A great earthquake”, which occurs in our lives, and this entire event begins to be repeated again as the persecution of the risen Christ within us requires a new “Saul of Tarsus” to persecute the new “Paul the apostle” who is now a witness of “the exceeding riches of His grace”, the grace of Christ “in the ages to come”.

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Here is Eph 2:7 in the Analytical Literal Version of the New Testament.

Eph 2:7 so that He should show in the ages, the ones coming, the surpassing riches [fig., abundance] of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus! (ALT)

Here is how this verse is translated in the Concordant Literal Version.

Eph 2:7 that, in the oncoming eons, He should be displaying the transcendent riches of His grace in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (CLV)

Remember Christ has declared that we, just like He is, “are the light of the world”. He also declared that “as He is so are we in this world”, and remember also that it was only five verses earlier, in this same second chapter of Ephesians, that we were told that every sinful life of mankind is an age, or an “eon of this world”.

Eph 2:1  Also you– being dead in the trespasses and the sins,
Eph 2:2  in which once ye did walk according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience, (YLT)

So it is that as our old man is destroyed by this great earthquake, our new man increases and is renewed day by day, and it is the renewal of our new man which continues to destroy our old man and cause him to decrease.

Joh 3:30  He [Christ in me] must increase, but I must decrease.

That is described as…

16) “…a tenth part of the city falls and seven thousand men are killed in that earthquake, and the rest are frightened, and give glory to the God of heaven”. The number ‘ten’ in all of its forms, is the maturing and perfecting of this flesh, and ‘seven’ is the completion of the destruction of this mature old man. At this point we are indeed “giving glory to the God of heaven… for His wonderful works to the children of men”.

Psa 107:23  They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
Psa 107:24  These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
Psa 107:25  For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
Psa 107:26  They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
Psa 107:27  They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.
Psa 107:28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
Psa 107:29  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Psa 107:30  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Psa 107:31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Now we have been prepared to become the recipients of all the fury of the old man who this great earthquake begins to kill and to crucify on a daily basis.

Summary

Let’s reread the verses we have covered today.

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.
Rev 11:13  And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Rev 11:14  The second woe is past; [and], behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

Now let’s briefly summarize the meaning of the symbols of these verses. They are…

1) The two witnesses finishing their testimony, we saw, signifies the end product of the revelation of Jesus Christ, who is “the end of our faith… the salvation of our soul” (1Pe 1:9).

2) The beast ascending out of the bottomless pit making war against God’s two witnesses is the beginning of this revelation, where we are not yet aware that we are that beast and all we are interested in at this point in our walk is the…

3) … Killing [of] Christ’s two witnesses, by rejecting their fiery words, and persecuting and belittling their testimony before this world.

4) “Their dead bodies lying unburied” as we rejoice over our rejection of their testimony and their witness to the words of God. This signifies our time of deception by the false doctrines of Babylon.

5) “In the streets of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt”, is in the ways of this world within us which has rejected the ways and streets of the true Jerusalem, which will become our new mother when we are finally granted to see our own self-righteous, rebellion against the words of Christ and repent of our sinful walk in the streets of Babylon the great where we have rejected and killed our Lord and His disciples and witnesses.

6) “Where also our Lord was crucified” is again within us. It is we who have so despised our Lord and have crucified Him. That is “where also our Lord was crucified”.

7) The people, kindreds, tongues and nations are all within the city where our Lord was crucified, As such they are the symbols of all the supporting lies and self-righteous false doctrines with which we have withstood the fiery testimony of our Lord’s two witnesses.

8) We see the Lord’s witnesses as dead bodies, because we are in rebellion to our Lord’s commandments to love and forgive our enemies, and we certainly consider these two men to be our enemies, so we are gloating over their dead bodies and their inability to save us from ourselves.

9) “Three days and an half, and do not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.” Again, whether it is days or years or months, the time we spend rejecting the testimony of the two witnesses and the time we spend as the two witnesses are both “three and a half” which are both required to birth and to complete our new man. Whether it is expressed as three and one half days or one thousand two hundred and sixty days, both are in the same chapter, speaking of the same experience, and as Joseph told the Pharaoh, concerning Pharaoh’s two separate dreams concerning the cows and the corn, “the dream is one”. In this case ‘the time is one’, and that one time is the same time in which we kill the Lord’s witnesses before we are considered to be dead by those whom we witness to, in that city where our Lord was crucified. The two ‘three and a halves” sum up the time that is required to complete our new man.

10) “They… shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another” all because of the death of Christ’s two witnesses. This is us as we celebrate the fact that these witnesses of Christ, who have been tormenting us with the words of God, are now having no effect in the streets of our great city where also we are unwittingly crucifying our Lord.

1Co 2:8  Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

11) But after three and one half days, God’s witnesses are raised from their state of death. Only after we have given ourselves over to the desires of our flesh and have denied our Lord with an oath, and have done so three times, are we granted repentance, and we go out and weep bitterly. Just as the flesh seems to have won it all and the voice within us has been silenced, we are raised up from among the walking dead…

12) … Causing great fear to fall on those who see us. Yes, we have been “crucified with Christ, nevertheless we are now alive, and living by the faith of Christ”. Our new life causes all who know us to fear, just as all the “people and kindreds and tongues and nations” within us, fear the day of their demise and the waning of their influence in our hearts and minds.

13) At this point the two witnesses hear a voice from heaven telling them to “Come up here”, and so they…

14) …”ascend up to heaven in a cloud”, and their enemies see that they have done so.

15) It is at this point, when we are “seated with [Christ] in our heavens” (Eph 2:6) that there is a great earthquake, and the kingdoms of this world are shaken, as we are delivered from the dominion of sin in our lives (Rom 6:14) and as this entire event begins to be repeated again “in the oncoming ages” (Eph 2:6).

16) “A tenth part of the city falls” signifies the death of all that appeals to our flesh, signified by the number ‘10’. The fall of that great city is within us “where also our Lord was crucified” by our own hands.

17) Seven thousand men are killed in that earthquake, and the rest are frightened, and give glory to the God of heaven. ‘Seven’ is the completion of the process of the destruction of the great city within where our Lord and all saints are killed and crucified. The remnant give glory to the God of heaven because the fall of this city is the birth of “Christ in you… and having this treasure in earthen vessels”. “Our Lord and His Christ” are signified by “the remnant [who] give glory to the God of heaven”.

In our next study, if the Lord wills, we will be informed of the days when the seventh angel shall begin to sound, and we will see that this seventh angel is simply the filling up of the wrath of God that has been being displayed by all the evil angels which have already been sent to us through the seals and trumpets that have been the subject of this book to this point.

Rev 10:7  But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

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.
Rev 11:16  And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
Rev 11:17  Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
Rev 11:18  And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
Rev 11:19  And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

“Whirlwind” in the Bible

[Study Aired Oct 15, 2024]

The term “whirlwind” in the physical world typically refers to a tornado, associated with storm clouds. The Hebrew word “suphah” (סוּפָה) is primarily used, which can be translated as whirlwind, storm, or tempest. This natural phenomenon is employed in Scripture to convey various spiritual truths and godly actions. The concept of the whirlwind appears numerous times in the Old Testament, often in contexts related to God’s power, presence, or judgment. Notable occurrences include God speaking to Job out of the whirlwind (Job 38:1, 40:6), Elijah being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11), the nature of God’s judgment against the wicked in (Proverbs 1:27) and (Proverbs 10:25), as an instrument of God’s judgment (Jeremiah 23:19, 30:23), and judgement against Israel in (Hosea 8:7).

While the exact term “whirlwind” doesn’t appear in the King James Version of the New Testament, there are related concepts expressed through two key Greek words. “Thyella” (θύελλα) appears once in the New Testament (Hebrews 12:18) and is translated as “tempest,” referring to a violent storm or whirlwind. “Elaunō” (ἐλαύνω), meaning “to drive” or “to carry away,” is used in various contexts, often relating to the concept of being driven or carried. In (Mark 6:48) and (John 6:19), it describes disciples struggling against the wind while rowing, which can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual struggles. (Luke 8:29) uses elaunō to describe a man being driven by an unclean spirit, (James 3:4) includes being driven by the wind and (2 Peter 2:17) has clouds carried by a tempest. These terms and concepts in both the Old and New Testaments provide a foundation for understanding the spiritual significance of the whirlwind throughout Scripture.

As we dive deeper into this study, we will explore how the whirlwind and its related concepts serve as powerful spiritual metaphors throughout the scriptures. We’ll examine how these physical phenomena reveal spiritual truths about God’s nature, His interactions with mankind, and the spiritual realities that shape our lives.

In the book of Job, we see the whirlwind as a medium through which God reveals Himself. After Job’s intense suffering, lengthy dialogues with his friends, and Elihu’s speeches, God finally speaks to Job out of the whirlwind (Job 38:1, 40:6).

Job 38:1-2 “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?”

Job 40:6-9 “Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?”

In God’s speech from the whirlwind, He challenges Job with a series of questions and statements that underscore the immense gap between God’s and mankind’s knowledge. God asks Job about the foundations of the earth, the boundaries of the sea, the origins of light and darkness, and the scattering of the east wind in (Job 38). He then questions Job about his knowledge and control over various animals, from the lion and raven to the ostrich and horse (Job 38 and 39). God’s inquiries extend to mighty creatures like the Behemoth and Leviathan. These impressive beasts serve as examples of God’s creative power and His sovereignty over all creation, from the smallest to the most formidable. By presenting these creatures that are beyond human control or full understanding, God further emphasizes the vast gulf between His knowledge and capability and that of man’s. Throughout this discourse, God’s questions serve to humble Job and to remind him of the vastness of God’s wisdom and the limitations of man’s understanding. This powerful revelation from the whirlwind ultimately leads Job to a place of humility and renewed trust in God’s sovereignty, illustrating how encounters with the Almighty’s power can transform our perspective on life’s trials and deepen our faith.

Proverbs uses the whirlwind to symbolize the swift and overwhelming nature of God’s judgment against the wicked.

(Proverbs 1:27) “When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.”

It also emphasizes the temporary nature of wickedness in contrast to the enduring quality of righteousness:

(Proverbs 10:25) “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.”

Jeremiah employs the whirlwind as a metaphor for God’s furious judgment against wickedness.

(Jeremiah 23:19) “Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.”

He reiterates this imagery in Jeremiah 30:23, conveying the intensity and continuation of divine retribution.

(Jer 30:23) “Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.”

Ezekiel’s vision presents the whirlwind as part of an appearance of the Lord:

(Ezekiel 1:3-4) ” 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. 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.”

This vivid description associates the whirlwind with the north, and other elements like fire and brightness, creating a powerful picture of God’s glory and serving as a vehicle for divine revelation. The north is also associated with judgement.

The prophet Hosea uses the whirlwind to illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping:

(Hosea 8:7) “For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.”

This imagery suggests that small actions can lead to disproportionately large consequences, emphasizing the serious outcomes of Israel’s unfaithfulness.

Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Finally, Nahum portrays the whirlwind as an element under God’s control, emphasizing His sovereignty:

(Nahum 1:3) “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.”

This passage illustrates how God’s power extends over all creation.

These Old Testament depictions of the whirlwind provide a foundation for understanding its spiritual significance, revealing it as a symbol of God’s presence, power, and judgment.

In (Hebrews 12:18-24), we see a stark contrast between the Old Covenant experience at Mount Sinai and the New Covenant in Christ, with the concept of judgment playing a central role. The passage begins by describing Mount Sinai, associated with the giving of the Law, as a place of fearsome forces of nature, including a “tempest” (thyella in Greek, reminiscent of the Old Testament whirlwind). This mountain was unapproachable, symbolizing the distance between sinful man and a holy God under the Old Covenant. The scene was so terrifying that even Moses, the mediator of the Old Covenant, trembled with fear.

Hebrews 12:18-24 “For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”

In contrast, we as believers under the New Covenant are said to come to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem. Here, instead of fear and trembling, there is joyful assembly. Notably, God is still presented as “the Judge of all,” but the context is radically different. As believers we approach not in terror, but as part of the “church of the firstborn”, with our names written in heaven. We come to Jesus, “the mediator of the new covenant,” whose sprinkled blood “speaks better things than that of Abel”.

This comparison highlights a transformation in how judgment is perceived. Under the Old Covenant, judgment was associated with fear and the impossibility of approaching God. Under the New Covenant, while God remains the Judge, His people can approach Him freely through Christ. The terrifying tempest of Sinai gives way to the welcoming assembly of Zion, illustrating how the New Covenant changes our relationship to divine judgment without negating God’s role as Judge.

The Greek word “elaunō” is used in various contexts, often relating to the concept of being driven or carried. In (Mark 6:45-48) and (John 6:16-21), it describes disciples struggling against the wind while rowing, which can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual struggles.

Mark 6:45-51 “And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.”

In Mark 6:45-51, we see a sequence of events that illustrates the disciples’ struggle in Jesus’ physical absence, followed by His intervention. After feeding the five thousand, Jesus sends His disciples ahead by boat while He retreats to a mountain to pray. The disciples find themselves in the midst of the sea, struggling against a contrary wind. The Greek word “elaunō” is used here to describe their toilsome rowing.

This scenario can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual struggles we face when we feel distant from Christ. Just as Jesus had departed to the mountain, leaving the disciples to face the storm alone, there may be times when we feel isolated in our spiritual battles.

However, the passage doesn’t end with the disciples’ struggle. Jesus, seeing their difficulty, comes to them, walking on the water. Initially, His appearance terrifies them, but He immediately reassures them: “Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.” Upon joining them in the boat, the wind ceases.

This narrative illustrates that even when Christ seems distant, He is aware of our struggles. It demonstrates His commitment to come to His followers in their time of need. The disciples’ amazement at the end underscores the renewing power of Christ’s presence in the midst of life’s storms.

This account serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual struggles, though real and often intense, are temporary. Christ’s presence and power ultimately overcome these challenges, often in ways that exceed our expectations and leave us in awe of His majesty.

The passage in (Luke 8:26-33) provides a vivid illustration of spiritual warfare and the power of unclean spirits over an individual. The use of “elaunō” in this context emphasizes the forceful control these spirits had over the man.

Luke 8:26-33 “And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven (elaunō) of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.”

The man’s condition is described in stark terms: he had been possessed by devils for a long time, wore no clothes, and lived in tombs rather than in a house. These details highlight the complete devastation of his life by the unclean spirits, stripping him of dignity, social connection, and normalcy.

The phrase “was driven (elaunō) of the devil into the wilderness” is particularly significant. It suggests that the unclean spirits not only inhabited the man but actively controlled his movements, forcing him into isolated and desolate places. This “driving” parallels the whirlwind imagery we’ve seen elsewhere, depicting an overwhelming force that the man was powerless to resist.

The severity of the possession is further emphasized by the spirits’ self-identification as “Legion,” indicating a vast number of demons inhabiting one individual. Their plea not to be sent “into the deep” (referring to the abyss, a place of confinement for evil spirits) reveals their fear of judgment and their desperate attempt to remain active in the world.

Jesus’ authority over these spirits is absolute. With a command, He drives them out of the man and permits them to enter a herd of swine. The violent reaction of the swine, running down a steep place and drowning, graphically illustrates the destructive nature of these spirits.

This passage serves as a powerful example of Christ’s authority over spiritual forces and His power to liberate those oppressed by evil. It also provides a sobering picture of the reality and intensity of spiritual warfare, showing how unclean spirits can “drive” or compel individuals, much like a whirlwind in the physical realm can drive objects before it.

In (2 Peter 2:17), the imagery of clouds carried by a tempest is used to describe false teachers:

“These (false prophets 2 Peter 2:1) are wells without water, clouds that are carried (elaunō) with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.”

To understand the phrase “clouds that are carried (elaunō) with a tempest,” let’s examine its context and related scriptures:

This verse uses clouds that are carried (elaunō) with a tempest as a metaphor to describe false teachers. To interpret this, we can look at other scriptures that use similar imagery:

Jude 1:12-13 provides a parallel description:

“These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.”

Ephesians 4:14 uses similar imagery to warn against instability in faith:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”

Proverbs 25:14 also uses cloud imagery:

“Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.”

These passages suggest that “clouds carried with a tempest” represent instability, lack of substance, and unfulfilled promises. Just as clouds driven by a storm bring no rain and provide no benefit, false teachers may appear impressive but offer no spiritual nourishment. The use of “elaunō” (carried or driven) emphasizes their lack of control and submission to external forces rather than to God’s truth.

Interestingly, elaunō is used positively in Revelation 7:17 to describe Christ leading His people:

“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead (elaunō) them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

This usage contrasts with the negative “driving” in other contexts.

These New Testament uses, while not directly employing the term “whirlwind,” carry forward similar themes of God’s power, judgment, and guidance. They demonstrate how the spiritual concepts associated with the whirlwind in the Old Testament find new expression in the New Testament, fulfilling the principle that “the law having a shadow of good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1).

The whirlwind serves as a powerful metaphor across both Testaments, illustrating various aspects of God’s nature and His interactions with mankind. In the Old Testament, revelations of the Lord often feature the whirlwind, as seen in Job 38:1 and Ezekiel 1:4, where it accompanies God’s direct communication or revelation. The New Testament, while not using the exact term “whirlwind,” presents similar powerful manifestations of God’s presence, such as the rushing wind at Pentecost (Acts 2:2):

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”

This parallel suggests a continuity in how God reveals His presence, moving from the physical whirlwind to the spiritual wind of the holy spirit.

The whirlwind often represents God’s judgment in the Old Testament, as seen in Jeremiah 23:19 and 30:23. While the New Testament doesn’t use whirlwind imagery directly for judgment, it continues the theme of God’s overwhelming power in judgment, as in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8:

“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Both Testaments use storm imagery to represent life’s trials and spiritual battles. Isaiah 17:13 describes the whirlwind as transient troubles:

“The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.”

Similarly, James 3:4 speaks of being driven by contrary forces:

“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.”

The concept of scattering also evolves across the Testaments. In the Old Testament, scattering by whirlwind often represents judgment, as in Zechariah 7:14:

“But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not.”

The New Testament transforms this concept, showing how God uses scattering to spread the gospel, as seen in Acts 8:4:

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.”

This harmonization demonstrates how the spiritual significance of the whirlwind develops across Scripture. The New Testament carries forward and often deepens the spiritual concepts associated with the whirlwind in the Old Testament. This aligns with Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:17,

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

The whirlwind imagery throughout Scripture serves as a multifaceted spiritual symbol, consistently representing God’s overwhelming presence, supreme power, and righteous judgment. This symbol reminds us of God’s sovereignty and dwelling with us, His ability to both create and destroy, and His perfect justice. It also acts as a potent metaphor for life’s trials and spiritual battles we face. Just as a whirlwind can uproot and scatter, life’s challenges and spiritual opposition can disrupt our lives. However, God’s sovereignty over the whirlwind reminds us of His control over our circumstances. Additionally, the whirlwind can represent life-changing spiritual experiences, often marking moments of profound change or revelation, as seen in Job’s encounter with God and Elijah’s ascension.

These insights offer practical applications for Christian life. When facing “whirlwinds” in our lives, we can remember that God often reveals Himself in these moments. Our trials can become opportunities for deeper encounters with God, aligning with James 1:2-3:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

The imagery of being driven by winds warns us against instability in our faith, as Ephesians 4:14 cautions:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.”

We’re called to stand firm in Christ, our unshakeable foundation.

While negative forces can drive us astray, Revelation 7:17 shows that the Lamb leads His people to living waters. We can apply this by submitting to God’s guidance, acknowledging Him to direct our paths as Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages:

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” 

The whirlwind as a symbol of God’s judgment reminds us to live in light of giving an account, as Christ exhorts in (Matthew 12:36):

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

These applications demonstrate how the spiritual significance of the whirlwind can inform and transform our daily walk with God, offering deeper insight into His nature, His workings in our lives, and our call to faithful discipleship.

Throughout our study, we’ve seen how the whirlwind serves as a powerful and multifaceted symbol in Scripture. From the Old Testament to the New, it represents God’s overwhelming presence and power, divine judgment and intervention, life’s trials and spiritual warfare, and reforming spiritual experiences. We’ve observed how these themes, while rooted in Old Testament imagery, find continued expression in the New Testament through related concepts and terms like “thyella” and “elaunō”.

This study exemplifies the richness of Scripture and the importance of digging deeper into its symbolic language. As Proverbs 25:2 states,

“It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.”

We are encouraged to continue exploring the depths of God’s Word, always seeking to uncover the spiritual truths hidden within.

As we conclude, let us remember that true spiritual understanding comes not from man’s wisdom, but from the holy spirit. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us,

“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.”

As we move forward from this study, let’s carry with us a renewed appreciation for the symbolic language of Scripture and its relevance to our spiritual lives. May we be like the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Let us continue to grow in our understanding of God’s Word, the whirlwind, having it to transform our lives and deepen our relationship with Him.

Exodus 40:1-38  The Setting up of the Tabernacle

[Study Aired March 6, 2023]

Exo 40:1  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 
Exo 40:2  On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.
Exo 40:3  And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 
Exo 40:4  And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 
Exo 40:5  And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle. 
Exo 40:6  And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 
Exo 40:7  And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein. 
Exo 40:8  And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate. 
Exo 40:9  And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy. 
Exo 40:10  And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. 
Exo 40:11  And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it. 
Exo 40:12  And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. 
Exo 40:13  And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. 
Exo 40:14  And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats: 
Exo 40:15  And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.
Exo 40:16  Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he. 
Exo 40:17  And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up. 
Exo 40:18  And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars. 
Exo 40:19  And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:20  And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark: 
Exo 40:21  And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Exo 40:22  And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail. 
Exo 40:23  And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:24  And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward. 
Exo 40:25  And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:26  And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail: 
Exo 40:27  And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:28  And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle. 
Exo 40:29  And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:30  And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal.
Exo 40:31  And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat: 
Exo 40:32  When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:33  And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. 
Exo 40:34  Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Exo 40:35  And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Exo 40:36  And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 
Exo 40:37  But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.
Exo 40:38  For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.

This last chapter of Exodus concludes the preparation and setting up of the tabernacle of the Lord. The setting up of the temple of the Lord within us is a lifelong process. As we are aware, we understand spiritual things by the things that are made. 

Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 

When a house is being built, it is difficult to see the beauty of it until it is finished. For example, usually, when a huge office complex is being built in a city, it is draped in polythene materials, making it difficult for pedestrians to realize the beauty of it until it is finished. However, in the eyes of the architect who designed the office complex, everything is going according to plan, and he sees the beauty of the building before it is even started. Our architect is our Lord Jesus Christ who has designed us to reflect His beauty even before the foundations of the world. This is how He sees us, His elect – the perfection of beauty!! 

Psa 50:1  A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. 
Psa 50:2  Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is building our temple as He takes away all that offends within us so that He can come and dwell in our hearts and mind – our temple. The devil is also aware of this, so he comes to wage a mental battle in our heavens, by questioning whether we are really obtaining Christ’s standard. However, just as Michael and his angels waged war against the devil and his angels in our heavens and defeated them, we are also assured of victory over the devil as we grow in His beauty. Indeed, what the Lord starts, He is able to finish!! 

Rev 12:7  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Rev 12:8  And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Rev 12:9  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Php 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

What the whole world is looking for is Christ coming to dwell in us, the elect, but unfortunately, it is hidden from them. Christ coming to dwell in our heavens is what the Bible describes as the joy of the whole world. 

Psa 48:1  A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. 
Psa 48:2  Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. 

Rom 8:19  For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 
Rom 8:20  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
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.

With this in mind, let us take a look at how the Lord, our Chief Architect, prepares us to become a habitation of the Lord, perfect in beauty and the joy of the whole earth!!

Rev 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 
Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 21:5  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

Exo 40:1  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 
Exo 40:2  On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.

The first day of the first month spiritually signifies a new beginning in our walk with the Lord when we come to realize that we are sinners according to the law and that we need Christ to come into our lives to make our hearts and mind His dwelling place. That is the beginning of the setting up of the tabernacle within us when Christ comes with His judgment to deal with the beast within.

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:

Exo 40:3  And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 
Exo 40:4  And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 
Exo 40:5  And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle. 

What is significant here is that the work of setting up the tabernacle started from the Holy of Holies before it ended up in the courtyard. The Lord starts His work of making us His temple for His habitation by focusing within us first before our outward righteousness becomes evident. The Holy of Holies and the Holy place and their items were all made first before the outer court with its items were made. This is in contrast to our life in Babylon or the churches of this world where we put emphasis on the outward to the detriment of inner cleansing. 

Mat 23:25  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat 23:26  Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

In verse 3, the first item to be placed within the veil was the ark of the testimony, which signifies Christ coming within us (the veil) with the spirit of His mouth to deal with all that offends. The next item was the table and then the candlestick, resulting in the lighting of the lamps. The primary purpose of the table was to hold the showbread which was set before the Lord. Every Sabbath, the priests would replace the loaves from the previous week with a new batch of bread. Twelve loaves of bread were arranged into two rows of six, and these loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Lev 24:5  And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake. 
Lev 24:6  And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD. 
Lev 24:7  And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 
Lev 24:8  Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.
Lev 24:9  And it shall be Aaron’s and his sons’; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

The showbread represents our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the bread of heaven or the heavenly manna. 

Joh 6:32  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 
Joh 6:33  For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 
Joh 6:34  Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 
Joh 6:35  And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 

It is when Christ comes to us that we are given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. The golden candlestick signifies the church of the firstborn or the elect. 

Rev 1:12  And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;

Rev 1:20  The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

There was no natural light in the tabernacle, and therefore the light from the candlestick was what enabled the priest to perform his duties before God. This light is the word of the Lord which comes through what every joint supplies.

Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

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

After the lighting of the lamps comes the altar of incense (verse 5). It is when we are given eyes to see and ears to hear through the light of the lamps that we can pray effectively in accordance to His will.

Rev 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Rev 8:4  And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.

Exo 40:6  And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 
Exo 40:7  And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein. 
Exo 40:8  And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.

An essential part of building our temple for the Lord to dwell in is that we come to see where we came from – our Babylonian origin. We start our walk with Christ by recognizing the sacrifice He made for our sins as we encounter the altar of the burnt offering. That is the foundation upon which we can proceed to the laver, where we begin to be washed with the letter of the word before we enter the Holy place. That is when the Lord comes with His brightness to start the process of destroying the raging beast within us.

Isa 51:1  Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.

Exo 40:9  And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy. 
Exo 40:10  And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy. 
Exo 40:11  And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.

The question that comes to mind is, “Why are all these items anointed?” As we are aware, the anointing with oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we are endowed with power to become a habitation for the Lord to dwell. We, His elect, represent the tabernacle and also the vessels in the tabernacle. Anointing the tabernacle and the vessels is therefore sanctifying us as we offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to the Lord.

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Anointing the altar of the burnt offering and its vessels is causing us to see the sacrifice the Lord made on our behalf. The anointing of the laver and its foot is to open our eyes to see and our ears to begin to hear the truth of the word of the Lord.

Joh 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 
Joh 16:14  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Exo 40:12  And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. 
Exo 40:13  And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. 
Exo 40:14  And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats: 
Exo 40:15  And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

These verses show us the process we go through to put on the righteousness of Christ, which is symbolized by the holy garments worn by Aaron and His sons who represent the elect.  The process involves being washed with the water of the word. As our eyes are opened and our ears hear, we are cleansed by the truth of the word of the Lord.

Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 
Eph 5:27  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The process also involves being anointed with the Holy spirit to empower us as we are led into the truth of the word of the Lord. 

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. 

Joh 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Joh 16:14  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Exo 40:16  Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

As we have indicated several times in the study of Exodus, Moses represents the elect. A key characteristic of the elect is to do all that which the Lord commands us through His words. That is, we are called to obey the Lord in everything and that is what shows that we really love Him. 

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.

Exo 40:17  And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up. 
Exo 40:18  And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars. 
Exo 40:19  And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses. 

The tabernacle became a visible presence in the midst of the Israelites when the structures were set up and was covered with the tent. This is a foretaste of the New Jerusalem where God himself shall be with His people and be their God.

Rev 21:2  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 
Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 
Rev 21:4  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Exo 40:20  And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark: 
Exo 40:21  And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:22  And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail. 
Exo 40:23  And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:24  And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.
Exo 40:25  And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Exo 40:26  And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:
Exo 40:27  And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

As we have indicated earlier, the Lord starts His work of building our temple by focusing on what happens within the veil (our hearts and mind) first. We are shown great mercy as the Lord comes to us with His brightness into our lives. This is represented by the ark of the testimony with the mercy seat. We are then given to eat in His presence as our eyes are opened and our ears hear the truth of the word of the Lord, which is symbolized by the table and the showbread. The church which is signified by the candlestick helps us in our walk to see the light of His words by what every joint supplies. It is at this point that our prayers become sweet incense to the Lord.

Jas 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Exo 40:28  And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle. 
Exo 40:29  And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses. 
Exo 40:30  And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal.
Exo 40:31  And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat: 
Exo 40:32  When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses. 

As His elect, we are the hanging at the door of the tabernacle through which all humanity must pass to worship the Lord. As indicated earlier, the altar of burnt offering is to remind us of the price paid by our Lord Jesus Christ, as He was sacrificed for our sins so that we can become a royal priesthood. The laver at the court of the tabernacle is where we are washed with the letter of the word of the Lord, which causes us to realize our hopelessness in overcoming sin as we are dominated by the beast and the need to leave Babylon.

Rev 18:4  And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

Exo 40:33  And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.

It is in resurrection that the Lord will complete our tabernacle for His habitation.

Luk 13:32  And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.

We, His elect, are the first for the Lord to complete His tabernacle, as He dwells within us.

Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Exo 40:34  Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Exo 40:35  And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

Here we are told that the cloud and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle such that Moses was not able to enter the tent of the congregation. The cloud represents the elect who have overcome and are in the presence of the Lord.  In the Book of Isaiah, when Isaiah saw the Lord sitting on His throne in His temple, there were the Seraphims who represented the elect. The fact that there is always a cloud in the presence of the Lord is to remind us of the elect who are represented by the elect or the Seraphims.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Isa 6:1  In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
Isa 6:2  Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

We need to know what the glory of the Lord signifies in order to understand verses 34 and 35. The following verses show us what the glory of the Lord means:

Num 14:10  But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Num 14:11  And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? 

Num 16:19  And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. 
Num 16:20  And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Deu 5:24  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

We can see from these verses that anytime the glory of the Lord appears, we see the Lord speaking. In Deuteronomy 5:24, additional information is given to qualify the glory of the Lord and that is fire. Seeing His glory therefore means hearing the Lord’s voice out of the midst of the fire. This conclusion is affirmed in Exodus 24:16-17, where the sight of the glory of the Lord was likened to a devouring fire on the top of the Mount. So, in this age, those who are privileged to see the glory of the Lord are those who are hearing His words in the midst of the furnace of their affliction. When we are going through suffering, it is hard to rejoice, but afterwards it will yield the benefit of seeing the glory of the Lord!!

Exo 24:16  And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 
Exo 24:17  And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

What verse 35 means is that until we have gone through the complete fiery trials marked out for us, we cannot offer our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord.  That is what it means to enter the temple to worship the Lord.

Rev 15:8  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

Exo 40:36  And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 
Exo 40:37  But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.
Exo 40:38  For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. 

The movement of the people of Israel was dependent on whether the cloud had moved from the tabernacle or was stationary. Since the cloud represents the elect, it is therefore a symbol of the church of the firstborn. What these verses tell us is that it is through the counsel of the church (cloud of the Lord) together with our fiery trials (fire by night) which guide us through this wilderness of life.

Pro 11:14  Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. 

Gen 50:20  But as for you, ye thought evil against me (our fiery trials); but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

May the Lord be merciful to us as He continues to work on our tabernacle until that day!! Amen!!

2Ki 6:1-33  “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them”

[Study Aired September 29, 2022]

In the first section of this chapter of 2Kings (2Ki 6:1-7) we will read how the sons of the prophets want to leave the place in which  they are dwelling because it is too narrow, and how they want to collectively build a place where they can live in Jordan. This symbolic action of building a home in Jordan represents the building of the church which is the body of Christ (Col 1:24), and it is expedient that Elisha, who is a type of Christ and the head of the church who builds the house, come with them (Psa 127:1, 2Ki 6:3).

Psa 127:1  A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2Ki 6:1  And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us. 
2Ki 6:2  Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
2Ki 6:3  And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.
2Ki 6:4  So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
2Ki 6:5  But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
2Ki 6:6  And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
2Ki 6:7  Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

In the middle section of this chapter (2Ki 6:8-23),  we look at the way in which we must do spiritual battle as the body of Christ in a healthy church built by Christ, which battles of faith (1Ti 6:12) are defined for us in several parables that are connected with physical war, which we know represents the spiritual wars that rage within the body of Christ (Rom 1:20, Eph 6:12).

1Ti 6:12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

2Ki 6:8  Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.
2Ki 6:9  And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 
2Ki 6:10  And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 
2Ki 6:11  Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?
2Ki 6:12  And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. 
2Ki 6:13  And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. 
2Ki 6:14  Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. 
2Ki 6:15  And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
2Ki 6:16  And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
2Ki 6:17  And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 
2Ki 6:18  And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 
2Ki 6:19  And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.
2Ki 6:20  And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
2Ki 6:21  And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
2Ki 6:22  And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. 
2Ki 6:23  And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

The last section of the chapter (2Ki 6:24-33) is a type and shadow of what depravity will come upon the earth at the end of the age and how evil men will wax worse and worse, causing the love of many to wax cold (Mat 24:12-13), as the Lord allows many who were once convinced of our Lord’s imminent return, to begin to say that He delays his coming (Luk 12:45-46, 2Pe 3:3-4).

Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 
Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Luk 12:45  But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 
Luk 12:46  The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

2Pe 3:3  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 
2Pe 3:4  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. 

2Ki 6:24  And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. 
2Ki 6:25  And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver. 
2Ki 6:26  And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. 
2Ki 6:27  And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? 
2Ki 6:28  And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow. 
2Ki 6:29  So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son. 
2Ki 6:30  And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh. 
2Ki 6:31  Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day. 
2Ki 6:32  But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him? 
2Ki 6:33  And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer? 

—

2Ki 6:1  And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.
2Ki 6:2  Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.
2Ki 6:3  And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

The sons of the prophets are a type of the elect, and they tell Elisha, who is a type of Christ, “The place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.” No matter where we go, the way is going to be strait and narrow as followers of Christ, “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few [Mat 22:14] there be that find it.“

Going together as each man brings a beam of wood to build a place in Jordan where the prophets will dwell is symbolic of the strength that each joint supplies to build up the body of Christ in love (Eph 4:16). The strait way therefore becomes easier when everyone does their part in love and we are all given to be our brother’s keeper. This discipleship that Christ talks about in John 13:35 is represented by the cooperation in erecting this building in Jordan, just as it is also typified by the building of Noah’s ark which represents the body of Christ being built up in this age as we move with fear to accomplish the work God has called us to be faithful unto in this life (Heb 11:7.

Joh 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Heb 11:7  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

What an honor and joyous revelation to know that it is our Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom (Luk 12:32) and to believe that He can do this through Christ who is the one who is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). Christ longed to have this relationship which we have right now (Luk 22:15-20) with him building up the body of Christ not by might nor power but by God’s holy spirit which is what this verse is typical of: “And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.” (Mat 28:20) Elisha represents Christ who will never leave or forsake us (Heb 13:5).

Luk 22:15  And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
Luk 22:16  For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

2Ki 6:4  So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
2Ki 6:5  But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

When we are laboring in the Lord, He will make a way where there seems to be none, and through our diligent search God will reveal His son to us (Heb 11:6). That is what these diligent actions of “cut[ting] down wood” represents for us. Laying the axe to wood represents judgment (Mat 3:10) and so losing that axehead which represents God’s word that judges us is something which can only be recovered through Christ. Nothing we have is our own, so in that sense the axehead that represents God’s word is borrowed and exceedingly precious, as are all His promises to us (2Pe 1:4).

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Mat 3:10  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Isa 43:13  Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? [Joh 18:9]

2Pe 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

The axehead represents an instrument of righteousness or vessel of honor that we become when the life of Christ is in us (Rom 8:9, Rom 9:21). God is showing us through this miraculous recovering of the axehead that there are no obstacles that can prevent the work of God from being accomplished within the elect, and a floating axe is symbolic of the truth that “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Mat 11:29-30).

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./span>

Rom 9:21  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Mat 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

2Ki 6:6  And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim. 
2Ki 6:7  Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it. 

Christ asks us to give an accounting of what is happening in our life as it unfolds, not that He doesn’t already know because He’s writing the book, but the book requires that we show the Lord the places in our life where things have fallen apart, like the axehead in this story. Falling into a river is typical of baptism, but we can be baptized over and over, and unless it is into Christ’s death, symbolized by a stick that is cut down and put in the water in this story (“And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither“), it will not change our life or quicken our life in the spirit (Rom 6:3). The quickening of God’s spirit in our life as we die daily and are baptized into His death is symbolized by the words: “and the iron did swim.” We are called to not neglect so great a salvation which is what this next statement is symbolically telling us: “Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.” Taking it “up to thee” and putting out his hand “and took it” reminds us if any man thirsts we only need ask God, or put out our hand, and He will supply our every need through Christ (Joh 7:37, Php 4:19).

Rom 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 

Joh 7:37  In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

Php 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

2Ki 6:8  Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. 
2Ki 6:9  And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. 
2Ki 6:10  And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 

Right after this story of the preparation of the building in Jordan, representing the body of Christ being made ready, we see that the Lord  brings the enemy nation of Syria to attack them: “Then the king of Syria warred against Israel, and took counsel with his servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.” Then “the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down“, warning the king of Israel (Amo 3:7) and typifying for us what we read earlier that the Lord will give warning to those who are hope-filled and believing and not saying, “My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken.“

Amo 3:7  Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

If we are watching and praying and not drinking with the spiritually drunk of this world, by the grace through faith relationship that we have with Christ, we can be among those who are a “faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season” (Luk 12:42-44). Giving a portion in due season is what this represents: “And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.“

Luk 12:42  And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Luk 12:43  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Luk 12:44  Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

2Ki 6:11  Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and he called his servants, and said unto them, Will ye not shew me which of us is for the king of Israel?
2Ki 6:12  And one of his servants said, None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. 
2Ki 6:13  And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan.

The king of Syria is convinced that there is a traitor in his midst, an informant who is letting the king of Israel know of all his plans. However, he is told by his servant “None, my lord, O king: but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber.” This reminds us of how nothing is hidden from the Lord, and the means by which Elisha was getting this information was from the Lord (Amo 3:7, Ecc 10:20).

Amo 3:7  Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Ecc 10:20  Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

These verses above reassure us that the Lord is sovereign over all things, and is working all things according to the counsel of His own will (Eph 1:11). We have need of His peace (Php 4:7) which the king of Syria did not have, and “have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb 10:36-37), otherwise we will curse the king, or those who are better off than us in this world (Psa 73:3, Pro 24:19, Psa 84:10) losing sight of the true riches of His life that we have (Joh 6:68). This cursing of others is an indication that we are not keeping our souls in patience, which we pray God will grant us to do. ‘Cursing the king in thy thought’ is another way of saying we are thinking above what is written, and God is always looking at our hearts and bringing us to see how great a blessing we’ve been called to, being able to have peace in this life and to know, “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

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

Heb 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Heb 10:37  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 

Joh 6:68  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

2Ki 6:14  Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about.
2Ki 6:15  And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?
2Ki 6:16  And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
2Ki 6:17  And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 

This section explains to us a physical event that represents how Satan wants to sift us all like wheat: “Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about“, but by the faith of Christ no such thing will happen.

The servant’s grave concern upon rising early: “And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do?” will be addressed by Elisha who represents Christ (Psa 46:5, Pro 8:17, Mat 14:31).

Psa 46:5  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 

Pro 8:17  I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 

Mat 14:31  And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Christ’s faith will bring the body to see in our difficult times of trials and tribulation that He who is in us is greater than him who is in the world (1Jn 4:4), and that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:35-36). Elisha’s prayer is typical of Christ’s prayer for Peter and our prayers for each other (Luk 22:32). “Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man.“

1Jn 4:4  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

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. 

Luk 22:32  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

When we fervently pray for each other, those prayers avail much (Jas 5:16). Our spiritual perspective is open and we are delivered from our fears which are cast out by His love that is shed abroad in our hearts (1Jn 4:18, Rom 5:5). When the LORD opens our eyes spiritually, we will “behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha“, which is a symbolic event that typifies our seeing Christ in each other as we look to the mountain from whence comes our help comes (Psa 121:1). We abide on that mountain together as many members and one body with the strength of Christ within us, represented by the mountain being “full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha“. Elisha is a type of Christ and so our hope is always centered around a right relationship with Christ, and so it is written that way: “round about Elisha“.

Jas 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 

1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Rom 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

Psa 121:1  A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2Ki 6:18  And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the LORD, and said, Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 
2Ki 6:19  And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.

Just one verse earlier Elisha is asking for the eyes of his servant to be opened (2Ki 6:17), and in these verses he prays that the Lord “Smite this people, I pray thee, with blindness” which He did “according to the word of Elisha“. This parable is a reminder that God creates the good and the evil, the opening up of eyes and the blinding of eyes to truth. It is all of the Lord (Isa 45:7).

Isa 45:7  I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

Elisha informs them, “This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria.” ‘The way’ represents “the way” of righteousness which is found in Christ who tells us the Spirit of God must lead us into all truth (Joh 16:13). Elisha knows what these Syrians are up to and that they’re seeking to kill him, but he mercifully leads them to Samaria in their blinded state to show us how the Lord can deliver us from our enemies both within and outwardly (Deu 28:7).

Joh 16:13  Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Deu 28:7  The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 

It is when we acknowledge our blindness that God can begin to deal with us, and so the blinding of this army is typical of the beginning of the healing process that is needed in our lives that supernaturally had us dragged out of Babylon and into Samaria or the Israel of God (Joh 9:41, Gal 6:16). The blind army following Elisha, (“follow me” Mat 4:19) is that new beginning, being led to Samaria which represents our starting point in our relationship with Christ where we’re brought “to the man whom ye seek” but do not yet know (Luk 24:16), typified by Elisha himself who typifies Christ.

Luk 24:16  But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.

2Ki 6:20  And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these men, that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.
2Ki 6:21  And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?
2Ki 6:22  And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.
2Ki 6:23  And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

The Lord opened their eyes at an appointed time to bring them to see that they were in Samaria, and instead of wanting to be merciful to his enemies, the king of Israel asks Elisha with a ‘sons of thunder’ spirit “shall I smite them? shall I smite them?” (Luk 9:54-56)

Luk 9:54  And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 
Luk 9:55  But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. [“And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them: wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast taken captive with thy sword and with thy bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master“.]
Luk 9:56  For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.

We are to love our enemies and not try to dominate our unconverted family members or people we work with, but do good unto all men, and “set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.“

The end result of this compassionate act on the part of Elisha was “So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.” When our ways please the Lord, He will make even our enemies to be at peace with us (Pro 16:7).

Pro 16:7  When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

2Ki 6:24  And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. 
2Ki 6:25  And there was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.

Loving your enemies does not guarantee that they’re going to love you back, especially when you have already been told that your disobedience to God’s commands would be dealt with (1Ki 40:42). Benhadad, the king of Syria, is merely a weapon of the Lord’s indignation (Isa 13:5).

1Ki 20:42  And he [“a certain man of the sons of the prophets” of verse 35] said unto him [King Ahab], Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people. 

Isa 13:5  They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land. 

And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria“. These were desperate times due to the great famine in Samaria and the Syrians besieging Samaria, driving the economy of the day into a terrible state “until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver“. This story is an illustration of how God will use evil men as His sword (Psa 17:13) to bring about the conditions that are needful to lead us to repentance, and silver which typifies repentance is connected to the meager physical existence that now remains among all of Samaria due to this siege. It is the whole [4] of Samaria who are being affected by these conditions so we are told, “There was a great famine in Samaria: and, behold, they besieged it, until an ass’s head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver.” The five pieces of silver represents the grace through faith process that all of mankind are going to be saved (Eph 2:8). Without even mentioning actual famine in the earth, the spiritual conditions in this world today are being spoken of in these verses where there is a famine of the word and no stay of bread or water in the churches of Babylon (Isa 3:1).

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Isa 3:1  For, behold, the Lord, the LORD of hosts, doth take away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stay and the staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water, 

2Ki 6:26  And as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, saying, Help, my lord, O king. 
2Ki 6:27  And he said, If the LORD do not help thee, whence shall I help thee? out of the barnfloor, or out of the winepress? 

This king of Israel has lost all hope, as we see with his response to one of his citizens who cries out for help and his reply that there is no grain and no wine to give her. The threshing floor and winepress represent the judgment that takes place in the earth, earth, earth that we are (Jer 51:33, Rev 19:15, Jer 22:29, Mic 1:2-3).

Jer 51:33  For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; The daughter of Babylon is like a threshingfloor, it is time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come. 

Rev 19:15  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 

Jer 22:29  O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD [1Pe 4:17].

Mic 1:2  Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple. 
Mic 1:3  For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.

2Ki 6:28  And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, This woman said unto me, Give thy son, that we may eat him to day, and we will eat my son to morrow.
2Ki 6:29  So we boiled my son, and did eat him: and I said unto her on the next day, Give thy son, that we may eat him: and she hath hid her son.
2Ki 6:30  And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, he had sackcloth within upon his flesh.

The king understands on a very deep level now the severity of the situation the kingdom is in, and puts “sackcloth within upon his flesh” to mourn those conditions. This famine that has been compounded by the siege of Syria has led people to take the most drastic measures to keep themselves alive, and so these horrible events unfold for our sakes upon whom the end of the world has come (1Co 10:11) to show us that right down to the bitter end people will hold onto their false doctrines, represented by children, and still be divided in their lies as was demonstrated in this parable of children being boiled to be eaten. This is an admonition for us to take heed lest any man deceive us (Mar 13:5-8).

Deu 28:15  But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: 

Deu 28:53  And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee: 

There is a betrayal that comes forth from the one woman who represents a false church toward the other beastly woman who also represents a false church, and this act of boiling and burning flesh to eat is given to us in the New Covenant in the following verses (2Ti 3:4, Rev 17:1, Rev 17:16-17) and tells us of the judgment that must come “until the words of God shall be fulfilled“.

2Ti 3:4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Rev 17:1  And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

Rev 17:16  And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Rev 17:17  For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

2Ki 6:31  Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day. 

The king is wanting vengeance on “Elisha the son of Shaphat” as if he’s the reason the world is coming apart. Well, actually God is the reason, and the prophet or messenger is hated for bringing the truth to the people (Rev 16:21, Mat 10:22, Amo 3:6).

Rev 16:21  And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. 

Mat 10:22  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 

Amo 3:6  Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?

It’s going to take some massive earthquakes to begin to humble the earth before Christ returns (Rev 11:13) that will be followed by the “plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great” (Rev 16:21). The plague is the word of God on the kingdom of our old man that must have the entire refuge of lies destroyed from our heavens, which is what is happening for us in type and shadow in the land of Samaria (Isa 28:17).

Rev 11:13  And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Rev 16:21  And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. 

Isa 28:17  Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

2Ki 6:32  But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him: but ere the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him? 

The outcome of the king of Israel’s anger is being discussed here, and this is not troubling Elisha in the least, to tell us today that we shouldn’t fear what men can do to our flesh (Mat 10:28). What is Elisha actually doing as he “sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him“? This represents the elect being with Christ in the holy temple, abiding in him where we are spiritually kept alive and given to see the plans of the enemy. Elisha uttering, “See ye how this son of a murderer hath sent to take away mine head? look, when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door: is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him?” is another way of saying Revelation 22:11 where we’re informed that there is a cut off point for this dispensation of grace we’re in, and the Lord says we are to trust Him and stand fast at the door which represents Christ and His righteousness. We do not want the garments He’s given us to be defiled by letting anyone in that door, so we stand fast and look well to ourselves and the little flock of Christ (2Co 2:11, Gen 4:7, Exo 12:13, Act 20:28).

Mat 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Rev 22:11  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: [“when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and hold him fast at the door is not the sound of his master’s feet behind him?“] and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. [“Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him; and the king sent a man from before him.“] 

Mal 3:17  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. 
Mal 3:18  Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

2Co 2:11  Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Gen 4:7  If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 

Exo 12:13  And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. 

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

2Ki 6:33  And while he yet talked with them, behold, the messenger came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer? 

This last verse tells us the state of the world we’re living in right now and is an admonition to God’s elect to not let the unbelieving heart of man that is not given to repent today cause the love of God to wax cold within us (Mat 24:12, Mat 24:24, Luk 12:45). It is as Elisha is talking that this messenger “came down unto him: and he said, Behold, this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?” Those are the words of a scoffer walking after his own lusts (2Pe 3:3).

Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Mat 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Luk 12:45  But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; 

2Pe 3:3  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

We don’t need to fear what men can do to us (Mat 10:28), and we don’t need to worried about the wars and rumors of wars in this age (Mat 24:6), and we don’t need to be concerned about the unbelieving and those who have come and gone and served us in their unbelief (1Jn 2:19). Along with that, we are being encouraged in this section of scripture to remember this truth: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” (Eze 1:4, Heb 12:1-3)

Mat 10:28  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Mat 24:6  And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

1Jn 2:19  They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. 

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. 

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 
Heb 12:3  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Exo 24:1-18  And the Sight of the Glory of the LORD was Like Devouring Fire

[Study Aired September 26, 2022]

Exo 24:1  And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.
Exo 24:2  And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
Exo 24:3  And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.
Exo 24:4  And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Exo 24:5  And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.
Exo 24:6  And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
Exo 24:7  And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
Exo 24:8  And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.
Exo 24:9  Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
Exo 24:10  And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
Exo 24:11  And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
Exo 24:12  And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
Exo 24:13  And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.
Exo 24:14  And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.
Exo 24:15  And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.
Exo 24:16  And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
Exo 24:17  And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
Exo 24:18  And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

Chapter 24 continues with the narration of the people of Israel’s encounter with the Lord at Mount Sinai. The chapter deals with the affirmation of the covenant the Lord made with them. It also shows us what the glory of the Lord is all about and how the glory of the Lord is hidden by the cloud. Our study today will therefore focus on the spiritual implication of the covenant the Lord made with the people of Israel. Through the sum of the Lord’s words, we shall come to understand what the cloud and the glory of the Lord signify.

Psa 119:160  The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. (ESV)

Exo 24:1  And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. 
Exo 24:2  And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him. 

All the people mentioned here in these verses symbolize the elect. These verses show us the different phases of maturity as we walk with the Lord. As we can see, it was only Moses who could appear before the Lord. The rest of the people mentioned could only worship the Lord from afar. In the fullness of time, all these men mentioned also appeared before the Lord.

Exo 24:9  Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: 
Exo 24:10  And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

We all start our walk with the Lord from afar even though we have been earmarked as the Lord’s elect. That is why the Lord admonishes us to mature. To mature means getting to know Him intimately. This is exclusively reserved for the elect in this life. In the fullness of time, all humanity will also appear before the Lord and know Him. If we are to mature, then we need to have this mindset:

Php 3:15  Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

This is the mindset of those who are eager to mature:

Php 3:12  Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 
Php 3:13  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 
Php 3:14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The next verse in Exodus 24:3 shows us the way to maturity as follows:

Exo 24:3  And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

It is all the words of the Lord spoken by Moses which bring us to maturity.  Here in verse 3, Moses represents the overseers who feed the church of God. Verse 3 is another way of saying the following:

Act 20:27  For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

What every joint supplies is what brings us to maturity.

Eph 4:11  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 
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: 
Eph 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

In verse 3, we are further told that the Israelites reacted positively to the words of the Lord by saying wholeheartedly that they will do all that the Lord had told them. This situation is the same as the parable of the Sower in which the seed that fell on stony places represents those who receive the words with joy but when tribulation and persecution arise because of the word, they are offended.

Mat 13:20  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Mat 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

So it is the judgment of the Lord in this life which makes the difference between those who will mature to see the Lord in this life and those who will not be able to do so in this age. We are chosen to see the Lord in this life through the furnace of affliction. That is why we are admonished to rejoice when we are going through all kinds of afflictions.

Isa 48:10  Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Isa 48:11  For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.

The Lord knows our frame that we are not capable of obeying His words except He works Himself into us through His judgment of our old man. This is the Lord’s reaction to the Israelites assertion of obeying all the words of the Lord:

Deu 5:28  And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.
Deu 5:29  O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Exo 24:4  And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Moses writing all the words of the Lord is another way of saying that we are to mark the words of the Lord or give ear to all what He is saying through His elect and not ignore any. If we ignore any of the words of the Lord, we shall suffer loss.

Rev 22:18  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

“Early in the morning” used here in verse 4 symbolizes this age. It is early in the morning that the sun rises, and it is during this period that the Lord is gathering His laborers to work in His vineyard.

Mar 16:2  And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Mat 20:1  For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

Mal 4:2  But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

Moses rose up early in the morning to build an altar. This means that in this age, the Lord is calling us to build an altar for the Lord having twelve pillars. An altar is a place where we offer sacrifices to the Lord. Spiritually, the altar represents our hearts and minds. It is from our hearts and minds that we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord. Our hearts and minds are “built” on the foundations of the apostles and prophets signified here in verse 4 by the twelve pillars of the tribes of Israel.

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. 

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 
Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Exo 24:5  And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.

To understand the spiritual significance of the young men used by Moses to offer burnt offerings and sacrifices of peace offerings, we need to take a look at the following verses:

1Sa 21:2  And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed my servants to such and such a place.
1Sa 21:3  Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present. 
1Sa 21:4  And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women. 
1Sa 21:5  And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. 
1Sa 21:6  So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.

We can see from the above scriptures that on a positive note, young men signify those who have kept themselves from women and are able to eat hallowed bread or shewbread before the presence of the Lord. The women here are used in a negative context and therefore represent Babylon. So, the young men signify those who had come out of Babylon and are eating hallowed bread, which is the truth of the word of the Lord. This description of the young men means we are these young men who assisted Moses to offer sacrifices to the Lord. Moses here represents the elect, and so these young men represent what every joint supplies. It is through what every joint supplies that we are all able to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to the Lord.

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

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 
Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Exo 24:6  And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
Exo 24:7  And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.
Exo 24:8  And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

The blood used by Moses here is for the purpose of cleansing all the vessels that are used in offering sacrifices to the Lord. In verse 8, Moses also used blood to cleanse the people. These verses were what Paul was referring to in the Book of Hebrews as follows:

Heb 9:19  For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
Heb 9:20  Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 
Heb 9:21  Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 
Heb 9:22  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 
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. 
Heb 9:24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

As we have seen, Jesus Christ has purified our heavens with His blood and to present us faultless before the Father. The Book of the Covenant signifies the words of the Lord. When we hear the words of the Lord, it tastes sweet in our mouths. That is to say, we enthusiastically respond positively to His words just like the people of Israel who said that they would be obedient to all that the word of the Lord says. However, when we face tribulation and persecution as a result of the word we have received, that is when the word becomes bitter in our bellies.

Rev 10:8  And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
Rev 10:9  And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
Rev 10:10  And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

Exo 24:9  Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:

As we have indicated earlier, initially it was Moses who could appear before the Lord. Later, the other elect were also able to go up to meet the Lord.

Exo 24:10  And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

A simpler version of verse 10 is as follows:

Exo 24:10  and they saw the God of Israel. Beneath his feet was what looked like a pavement of sapphire, as blue as the sky. (GNB)

In the Bible, sapphire stone is likened to the throne of God as shown in the following verses:

Eze 10:1  Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

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.

According to Strong’s Dictionary, the word “paved” used in verse 10 means transparency or whiteness. What this means is that if we are to become overcomers to sit on thrones to judge the world, then we have to walk before the Lord blameless. This was what the Lord told Abraham when he responded to His call.

Gen 17:1  And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Gen 17:2  And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

Once we start seeing Him as He is through His words, we begin to purify ourselves even as He is pure. Even though we speak this way, we know that this purification is not our work. The Lord, through His judgment of our old man, will purify us!!

1Jn 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1Jn 3:3  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

“Beneath His feet” mentioned in verse 10 means that the Lord has already subdued all that opposes us such that we can sit on the throne with Him.

Exo 24:11  And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink. 

The nobles here represent the elect. The Lord not laying His hands on the elect means that anyone who has seen the Lord becomes alive instead of being dead spiritually. This was what happened to all those who saw the Lord – their lives were preserved. In other words, they became alive in Christ.

Gen 32:30  And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

In verse 11, the statement that “also they saw God, and did eat and drink” means that the more we see the Lord through His words, the more we are given to know more of the mysteries of the kingdom of God. That is another way of saying that the more we know His words, the more we shall be given. Even the little that others have, shall be given to us.

Mat 13:11  He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 
Mat 13:12  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Exo 24:12  And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.

As we are aware, the tables of stone, the law and the commandment represent the laws of Moses which are to make us aware of our sinful state and our inability to do anything about it. This is all a necessary part of the process of growing spiritually in Christ.

Gal 3:24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 
Gal 3:25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

The second part of verse 12 talks about teaching others. This verse, therefore, is also telling us that those who have been given the privilege of availing themselves to teach the Lord’s people (symbolized by Moses telling the people the words of the Lord) will be given to know more for the express purpose of teaching the Lord’s people.

Col 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2Ti 2:1  Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 2:2  And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

Exo 24:13  And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.
Exo 24:14  And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.

Moses had called some of the leaders of the people of Israel (Aaron and Hur) and had given them authority to take care of business while He remained on Mount Sinai. In these verses, Moses represents our Lord Jesus Christ who went on a long journey to receive a kingdom and told us, His elect, to occupy until He comes. It is obvious that this is a very important statement of the purposes of God’s Church on earth.

Luk 19:12  He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 
Luk 19:13  And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

To understand what it means to “occupy till I come”, let’s look at what Paul says of a steward.

1Co 4:1  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1Co 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

A steward is meant to protect that which has been committed to him. Here Paul tells us that a man of God is to be looked upon by the church as a protector of the mysteries of the kingdom of God. That is what it means to occupy until the Lord comes. Spiritually, that is the role Moses committed to the leaders (Aaron and Hur) by saying that whoever has a dispute to settle can go to them. The Lord has committed His words to us, His elect, as the protector of the mysteries of the kingdom of God. When the foundations of the world were being laid, the Lord emphasized this role of the church as a protector of the mysteries of the kingdom of God very clear as follows:

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 Cherubims represent the elect, and we are to protect the way of the tree of life, which is Christ and His doctrines, through the flaming sword. The flaming sword is the tribulations and the persecutions which come as a result of the word we have received.

Exo 24:15  And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.

This verse reminds us of our Lord Jesus when He ascended, and a cloud hid Him from the sight of the disciples at Mount Olive. The cloud represents the elect, so what this means is that our Lord Jesus Christ can only be seen in this life through the elect.

Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Exo 24:16  And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
Exo 24:17  And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

We need to know what the glory of the Lord signifies in order to understand verses 16 and 17. The following verses show us what the glory of the Lord means:

Num 14:10  But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Num 14:11  And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Num 16:19  And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. 
Num 16:20  And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Deu 5:24  And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.

We can see from these verses that any time the glory of the Lord appears, we see the Lord speaking. In Deuteronomy 5:24, additional information is given to qualify the glory of the Lord, and that is fire. Seeing His glory therefore means hearing the Lord’s voice out of the midst of the fire. This conclusion is affirmed in Exodus 24:16-17, where the sight of the glory of the Lord was likened to a devouring fire on the top of the Mount. So, in this age, those who are privileged to see the glory of the Lord are those who are hearing His words in the midst of the furnace of their affliction. I will therefore take this opportunity to tell our brothers and sisters scattered all over the world who are going through fiery trials that they should rejoice because it is through suffering that they can see the glory of the Lord!! When we are going through suffering, it is hard to rejoice, but afterwards it will yield the benefit of seeing the glory of the Lord!!

In verse 16, this glory of the Lord was covered by the cloud for six days. The number six represents mankind. What this means is that in this age (six days), you can only see the glory of the Lord through the elect. The seventh day is when we shall be called by the Lord to reign with Him.

Exo 24:18  And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

As we have indicated, Moses represents Christ, and the cloud represents the elect. In this age, Christ is hidden within the elect. Moses was on the Mount for forty days and forty nights. The number forty signifies the period of our lives when we come to know that we are sinners and that nothing good can come out of us except the Lord comes to our aid.

Psa 95:10  Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:

At the end of Moses’ time (forty days) on the Mount, he was given the two tables of stone. The two tables of stone together with the commandments serve as a witness to the fact that we are a people always erring unless the Lord intervenes on our behalf. Our failures are all designed by the Lord for our spiritual growth in Him.

Deu 9:11  And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.

May the Lord help us to come to see the glory of the Lord through the furnace of our affliction. Amen!!

[Study Aired December 23, 2021]

1Ki 8:1  Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. 
1Ki 8:2  And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 
1Ki 8:3  And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 
1Ki 8:4  And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and the Levites bring up. 
1Ki 8:5  And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude. 
1Ki 8:6  And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims. 
1Ki 8:7  For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above. 
1Ki 8:8  And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. 
1Ki 8:9  There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. 
1Ki 8:10  And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, 
1Ki 8:11  So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD. 
1Ki 8:12  Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 
1Ki 8:13  I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever. 

In the last verse prior to this chapter (1Ki 7:51), we were told regarding the work king Solomon made for the house of the LORD, “So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD” which ending was just the beginning of what God purposed to do with the temple for the nation of Israel, typifying for us today what the Lord will do for all of His creation that is going to be saved through the church, which will implement the judgments of God in the earth. These judgments will bring forth the fruit of Christ’s righteousness in time (Isa 26:9, Isa 55:11). God’s judgments are in the earth and began to be revealed from the “creation of the world” with the natural physical creation (Rom 1:20) revealing the spiritual plan of God. That plan is progressively moving forward with “many prophets and kings” (Luk 10:24) who desired to see and hear the things that we see but did not, and will not until the holy spirit dwells in them (Joh 6:28-29, Heb 11:6, 1Co 2:12-13, Rom 8:9).

Isa 26:9  With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. 

Isa 55:11  So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

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

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

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.

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, [“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” (1Co 2:14)] 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.

This section of Kings shows us in type and shadow how God is going to use the elect to redeem all His creation by bringing them into the knowledge of God’s judgments. That judgment is always done in stages, just as the disciples who were blessed to walk with Christ during his ministry for so many years without having their heavens open so that they could believe and understand what all His teachings meant. That understanding would all begin to change when the holy spirit was given on Pentecost making it possible for the seed of God’s word to not return void through God’s kind of first fruits (Rom 8:22-25, Col 1:20-22, Psa 107:1-15, Joh 2:17-19).

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.
Rom 8:24  For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 
Rom 8:25  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. [Like a tree planted by the riverside we don’t see the roots of the tree, but our hope is that our hope of glory within (Col 1:27) is taking deep root within us as the author and finisher of our faith who God is faithfully directing to give us the nourishment that we need to mature in Him (Psa 1:1-3)]

Col 1:20  And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Col 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 
Col 1:22  In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

Psa 107:1  O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 
Psa 107:2  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; 
Psa 107:3  And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. 
Psa 107:4  They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. 
Psa 107:5  Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 
Psa 107:6  Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. 
Psa 107:7  And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. 
Psa 107:8  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 
Psa 107:9  For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. 
Psa 107:10  Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; 
Psa 107:11  Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: 
Psa 107:12  Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. 
Psa 107:13  Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. 
Psa 107:14  He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, [Psa 23:4] and brake their bands in sunder. 
Psa 107:15  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

This section of Kings introduces us to this “city of habitation” of Psalms 107:7, which is represented by the temple of God and the country we seek and the city in that country. It is all saying the same thing regarding that ‘place’ being the house of the Lord, the temple of God, which temple represents the body of Christ where our Father and Christ abide with us in spirit and give us rest and peace that passes all understanding (Heb 11:14, Jas 4:13-15, Joh 14:23, Heb 4:11, Php 4:5-7).

Heb 11:14  For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

Jas 4:13  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 
Jas 4:14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 
Jas 4:15  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Joh 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him [“city of habitation“].

Heb 4:11  Let us labour [“continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain” (Jas 4:13)] therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief [to do the works we must believe and it is through doing those works that we enter into God’s rest (Jas 2:20)].

Php 4:5  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 
Php 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 
Php 4:7  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1Ki 8:1  Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.

The completion of the temple by Solomon and bringing “in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels” of 1 Kings 7:51 is typical language that represents the finished work of the body of Christ that will occur in the first resurrection and is being represented by this physical temple’s completion (1Co 3:16). 

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

It is after God’s elect are resurrected that Christ, who is represented by Solomon, assembles “the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem“, which symbolizes all the world coming up to learn of God’s truths via the elect who have already been gathered at this point “from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Mat 24:31, Rev 11:15-17). 

Mat 24:31  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

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. 
Rev 11:16  And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 
Rev 11:17  Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. 

What they bring up to Solomon, who is a type of Christ, is “the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion.” The ark of the covenant being brought up represents overcoming Babylon through the communion of the blood of Christ that is now being recognized by a world that has had no stay of bread or water (Zec 9:11-12,  Oba 1:21).

Zec 9:11  As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water [Isa 3:1].
Zec 9:12  Turn you to the strong hold, [Psa 18:2] ye prisoners of hope: [Col 1:27] even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee; [judgment]

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

1Ki 8:2  And all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto king Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim^H388, which is the seventh month. 
1Ki 8:3  And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.
1Ki 8:4  And they brought up the ark of the LORD, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those did the priests and the Levites bring up.

The Israel spoken of in this second verse is typical of the Israel of God who represents the world, the other fold Christ spoke of in John 10:16 who will come up to keep the feast of tabernacles. It is “all the men of Israel” who “assembled themselves unto king Solomon“. They assemble at a place called “the permanent brooks” [Ethanim^H388] which will bring forth the living waters to heal the nations via the Israel of God (Gal 6:16) typified by “the priests and the Levites” (Rom 6:5, Joh 7:38, Rev 22:2).

Rom 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Joh 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 

Rev 22:2  In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

All of this occurs in “the seventh month” reminding us that the completion [7] of the temple, which represents the body of Christ, is now ready to bring forth “the living waters to heal the nations”.

“All the men of Israel assembled themselves” and “all the elders of Israel came” represent “flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great” who the elect will  judge, which is what it means when we “eat the flesh of kings” having been commanded “Come! Gather for the great supper of God [ISV]” found in (Rev 19:17-19).

1Ki 8:5  And king Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled unto him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude. 
1Ki 8:6  And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims.

Now the stage is set for these sacrifices to be made from “all the congregation of Israel“, from which congregation the elect are called. It is “before the ark” or before Christ and His body (Rom 12:5) that the world will give an accounting of what they have done in this life (Ecc 11:9, 1Co 6:3), and it is through Christ’s sacrifice, which takes away all the sins of the world, that humanity will be made free by the same advocate who will have already set the elect free (Joh 1:29, 1Jn 2:1, Joh 8:36).

Sacrificing “sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude” foreshadows the time when all the multitudes of humanity will present their bodies a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1) that has been redeemed by the blood of the lamb (Rev 7:9). That redemption will come about through the process that is explained in the following verses (1Ki 8:6-7) and is accomplished by God’s elect who are being typified in this instance by the priests who “brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims.”

We know the end of the thousand-year reign will end in rebellion (Rev 20:8) and so this dedicated and zealous beginning that we’re reading about in Kings represents the ‘anon with joy’ (Mat 13:23) period of the world that ends up in a less than zealous society that has lost sight of the forgiveness that was granted them (2Pe 1:9). This pattern is talked about in The Biblical Overview of the Plan of God – Part 11 by Mike Vinson that discusses the spirit of rebellion of Israel reflected by the diminishing sacrifices offered at that time (during the feast of tabernacles in the seventh month), which is a type of the end of the thousand-year reign of the saints (Num 29:12-34).

That Solomon did not listen to the exact details of these ordinances to do sacrifice in Numbers 1:1-34, as they should have been, is again an admonition for us now in this age, because these things happened unto them for our sakes upon whom the end of the ages have come to admonish us to listen very carefully and not to do the same which we will do until we don’t (1Co 10:11, 2Ti 4:3, Heb 10:25).

Those “wings of the cherubims” represent the saviours who will come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau (Oba 1:21) and who will show mercy through judgment to those “whom the god of this world hath blinded” so they could not believe. God’s fiery judgment in the lake of fire will be executed by those who were first redeemed through a lifetime of judgment in this age (1Pe 4:17, Act 14:22) which will make them “prepared unto every good work” because of the purging process they will have gone through.

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

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 

2Ti 2:21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

1Ki 8:7  For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves^H905 thereof above.
1Ki 8:8  And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. 

These staves^H905 that were used to carry the ark represent God’s elect who are granted to handle the holy things in this life in the prescribed manner God has directed (Heb 13:10). There are two staves which witness [2] that it is Christ in us as our hope of glory in this life (Col 1:27) who makes it possible for us to handle the holy things of the temple, being accepted through him (Eph 1:6). God gives us this power through Christ to bring healing to the nations as the bride of Christ who has an unction to do so (1Jn 2:20, Oba 1:21).

staves  H905 bad
From H909; properly separation; by implication a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively chief of a city; especially (with prepositional prefix) as adverb, apart, only, besides: – alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength.

Total KJV occurrences: 202

It is the ministry of reconciliation that will cause twain to become one (2Co 5:18, Eph 2:14), a ministry represented by the cherubims who “spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves^H905 thereof above.” Carrying the ark is a symbol of our bearing each other’s burdens and so fulfilling the law of Christ (Gal 6:2).

Notice that the “ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle” and conversely “not seen without: and there they are unto this day“. This ‘being seen’ and ‘not seen’ reminds us of the first commandment of promise given to the elect to have a period of life in Christ before the rest of God’s creation where we are seen and known of God (Gal 4:9) who we now see face to face in earnest (Joh 14:9, 1Jn 4:17). We see him now in each other, symbolized also by the cherubim who face each other. We are hidden in Christ now (Col 3:3), and the world cannot see the hidden work God is doing in His little flock “unto this day” (Rom 11:8). That work is to bring forth much fruit which will remain, both within ourselves as the body of Christ matures and outwardly seeing the fruit develop and mature as the whole world will eventually be saved in time (Zec 4:10, Joh 15:16, 1Ti 4:16).

Our marriage to the Lamb makes us one with Him and happens as a result of our being drawn out of this world toward Christ (Eph 6:2-3, Mar 10:8, Joh 6:44). We are no longer of our father the devil. We honour our Father in heaven and Jerusalem above who is the mother of us all. As such we are being made one with Christ and assured that there is a reward and great incentive being held out for us to encourage us to endure until the end by fighting a good fight of faith (1Ti 6:12). That reward is symbolized by the first commandment with promise which tells us we will live long on the earth (Gal 4:26, Rev 20:6).

Eph 6:2  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise 
Eph 6:3  That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 

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. 

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

1Ki 8:9  There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.

It was at a desolate place [“Horeb^H2722] in our lives when the Lord, represented by Moses, put “the two tables of stone” (the law for the lawless – 1Ti 1:9) in our ark, which ark represents the temple where we are first judged by that law which is likened unto a schoolmaster (Gal 3:24) “that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful” (Rom 7:13). If God is working with us, this law that brings us to see more clearly the law of sin in our members will cause us to cry out from the bondage of sin which we cannot escape unless we become partakers of the new law of liberty found by the life of Christ in us (Gal 6:2) symbolized by this statement:  “when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.” Coming out of Egypt could never happen without Christ having prepared a way (Hos 11:1, 1Jn 4:17, Jer 51:44-45) for us to make this possible. That is the covenant our Father has promised is going to happen to those who are called to overcome in this life (Rom 5:10, Rom 8:37).

Hos 11:1  When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. 

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.

Jer 51:44  And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall. 
Jer 51:45  My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD [Rev 18:4].

Rom 5:10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

1Ki 8:10  And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, 
1Ki 8:11  So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD. 

When the glory of the LORD fills the house of the LORD, the priests “could not stand to minister because of the cloud”. This event symbolizes for us that when we’ve done all, it is Christ who is going to give us the power to stand, and not our flesh, as He is the one who fills the temple “for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD” both to will and to do of our Father’s good pleasure (Php 2:12-13, Mar 13:11).

Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 
Php 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

Mar 13:11  But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

The great cloud of witness represents the body of Christ (Heb 12:1), and the earthly priests that “could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD” represents our flesh, and Adam who cannot stand  (Rev 6:17) but must decrease by coming out of the holy place to have Christ increase and enter in as He does when we are granted to put off our flesh via the plagues of God which chasten us to the end that we might learn to forsake ungodliness and worldly lusts in this life (Rev 15:8, Tit 2:11-12). In other words, it is the new man who enters into the temple represented by “the glory of the LORD” that “had filled the house of the LORD” and the “no man” represents the flesh that cannot enter into this holy place.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 

Rev 6:17  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? 

Rev 15:8  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. 

[“Then after we are chastened and receive of God (Heb 12:6) the new man the great cloud of witness, the body of Christ stands having done all, meaning having been judged which is an ongoing dying daily process, that we’re called to endure until the end of our life (Joh 3:30).“]

1Ki 8:12  Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 
1Ki 8:13  I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever. 

Solomon, who represents Christ or Christ in us, declares [“Then spake Solomon“] that God will dwell in the “thick darkness” while He abides in those who keep His commandments (Joh 14:20-23). The “thick darkness” is symbolic of where the life of Christ is hidden within us (Col 3:3, Col 1:27) and reminds us that we see through a glass darkly in this life even though we can search out the deep things of God with the spirit of God (1Co 2:10). Our sojourn in this life is a narrow way accompanied with certain victory for the few who God has predestined to overcome by trusting God today “to the praise of his glory” (1Pe 4:18, Mat 7:14, Mat 22:14, Eph 1:12). The house God is building for us today is established through judgment which is taking place in “thick darkness“^H6205 where we stumble (Jer 13:16, Job 22:13, Pro 24:16) and when we look at some of the entries that refer to this Strong’s number, it becomes clear that God dwells there in our midst to establish His righteousness in us through His judgments (Psa 97:2).

“thick darkness” H6205‛ărâphel

Total KJV Occurrences: 18
darkness, 13
Exo_20:21, Deu_4:11, Deu_5:22, 2Sa_22:10, 1Ki_8:12, 2Ch_6:1, Psa_18:9 (2), Isa_60:2 (2), Jer_13:16, Joe_2:2, Zep_1:15

dark, 2
Job_22:13, Eze_34:12

gross, 2
Isa_60:2, Jer_13:16 

cloud, 1
Job_22:13

Joh 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

1Pe 4:18  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 

Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Mat 22:14  For many are called, but few are chosen.

Eph 1:12  That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted^G4276 in Christ.

G4276 proelpizō pro-il-pid’-zo

From G4253 and G1679; to hope in advance of other confirmation: – first trust.

G4253pro pro

A primary preposition; “fore”, that is, in front of, prior (figuratively superior) to. In compounds it retains the same significations: – above, ago, before, or ever. In compounds it retains the same significations.

G1679 elpizō el-pid’-zo

From G1680; to expect or confide: – (have, thing) hope (-d) (for), trust. [Jer 29:11]

If we have the mind of Christ which enables us to see through a glass darkly, our groaning will be within because of the birth pangs we are experiencing, and we will know “that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” and that pain and groaning without ourselves is for our sakes as well (2Co 4:15) causing us to sigh and cry for the abominations of this world as Christ softens our hearts in this age through all the suffering that is unfolding in this world (Rom 8:20-23, Eze 9:4).

2Co 4:15  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 

Rom 8:20  For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
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. 

Eze 9:4  And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. 

Christ has “surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever” as was promised in John 14:3, and it is through the much tribulation of this life that we become a “settled place” (Act 14:22, 1Pe 5:10) where our Father and Christ abide as we learn to possess our souls patiently as we are saved by grace through faith that He gives, along with peace that passes all understanding (Luk 21:19, Eph 2:8, Php 4:7).

Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Solomon says of our LORD, “I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in for ever” and God’s elect are given to see and acknowledge that it is the Lord who builds the house (Psa 127:1, Php 2:12-13) and uses Solomon to accomplish this as he or we give back to God that which was always His in the first place (1Ch 29:14, Rev 4:10-11).

Psa 127:1  A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. 

Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 
Php 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 
Php 2:14  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 

1Ch 29:14  But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 

Rev 4:10  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

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Awesome Hands - part 127 Discussion

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Awesome Hands – part 127

"The Cloud guides us all"

January 5, 2018

Our study today takes us to the heart of Israel’s divine guidance. Being that we are spiritual Jews, understanding that we are also led day and night by the Lord, is crucial to us understanding that everything which happens to us is for a purpose in the Lord’s kingdom.

Our verse for consider today are found in Numbers 9.

Num 9:23  At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

There is obviously some context to this verse, and that context gives us some insight on what the Lord is doing with His people “by the hand of Moses”.

Num 9:15  And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
Num 9:16  So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.

We have all heard about the cloud that the Lord used to guide the Israelites out of Egypt. We also know that this same cloud was used to protect the Jews form their enemies. So, can we conclude that this is still true today? If so, how do we know if we are being directed by this same cloud?

The first time we see the cloud come into our focus, as it pertains to relating to4 the Lord, is found in Exodus.

Exo 40:33  And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.
Exo 40:34  Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

The ark of the covenant was covered with the cloud, and the “tent of the testimony” was covered. What is it we can learn about this cloud aside from what appears on the surface?

H6051

‛ânân
aw-nawn'
From H6049; a cloud (as covering the sky), that is, the nimbus or thunder cloud: - cloud (-y).
Total KJV occurrences: 87

H6049

‛ânan
aw-nan'
A primitive root; to cover; used only as denominative from H6051, to cloud over; figuratively to act covertly, that is, practise magic: -    X bring, enchanter, Meonemin, observe (-r of) times, soothsayer, sorcerer.
Total KJV occurrences: 11

That can’t be right can it? The root of cloud is linked somehow to magic? Well we certainly know that the cloud was supernatural in nature, so that makes some sense. Look at how the root is used in scripture.

H6049
‛ânan
Total KJV Occurrences: 11
observed, 2
2Ch_33:6 (2)
soothsayers, 2
Isa_2:6 (2), Mic_5:12
bring, 1
Gen_9:14
enchanters, 1
Jer_27:9
meonenim, 1
Jdg_9:37
observe, 1
Lev_19:26
observer, 1
Deu_18:10
observers, 1
Deu_18:14
sorceress, 1
Isa_57:3

This all seems a bit out of place to my natural man? How can it be that the cloud that guided the Israelites and crushed the Egyptians be connected to, and have the same Hebrew root meaning, soothsayers, enchanters, sorceress and observers? Observers of what?

In order to better understand the answer, we are going to read some of these verses in their entirety.

2Ch 33:6  And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
2Ch 33:7  And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

Isa 2:6  Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.

Mic 5:12  And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:

Jer 27:9  Therefore hearken not ye to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:

Lev 19:26  Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.

Deu 18:10  There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deu 18:14  For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

Isa 57:3  But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.

Here in Isaiah, we find some verses which will tell us just what the Lord thinks of the hearts of those who are at the root of the words we are reading.

Isa 57:1 (ESV) The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity;
Isa 57:2  he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.
Isa 57:3  But you, draw near, sons of the sorceress, offspring of the adulterer and the loose woman.
Isa 57:4  Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit,
Isa 57:5  you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?
Isa 57:6  Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they, are your lot; to them you have poured out a drink offering, you have brought a grain offering. Shall I relent for these things?
Isa 57:7  On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifice.
Isa 57:8  Behind the door and the doorpost you have set up your memorial; for, deserting me, you have uncovered your bed, you have gone up to it, you have made it wide; and you have made a covenant for yourself with them, you have loved their bed, you have looked on nakedness.

Ahh yes, this doesn’t sound anything like the cloud the Lord have as a symbol for the Israelites to follow or does it?

If we remember how faithful the Jews were, to the Lord, while in the wilderness, then our questions will be abated. Oh yeah, that’s right, the Jews were not faithful at all to the Lord! In fact, they were quite treacherous to the Lord just the same as we all are! These verses are also in the ESV translation.

Gal 4:9  But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
Gal 4:10  You observe days and months and seasons and years!
Gal 4:11  I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

Luk 11:29  When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, "This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.

1Co 1:21  For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
1Co 1:22  For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
1Co 1:23  but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
1Co 1:24  but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Why is it the Lord used a cloud, a supernatural sign, “in the heavens”, to guide and protect His people? The answer is easy to say but hard to understand.

The Lord uses His cloud to deceive!

1Co 10:1  Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1Co 10:2  And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
1Co 10:3  And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
1Co 10:4  And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

The cloud is Jesus Christ. What then can we also see happens when a cloud comes to hide or reveal a thing?

Luk 9:32  But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
Luk 9:33  And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.
Luk 9:34  While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
Luk 9:35  And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Luk 9:36  And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

When the cloud passes, from which the voice comes, Jesus is found alone.

Luk 21:26  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Luk 21:27  And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luk 21:28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Ahh, there it is again. This example listed in Luke is something we have all heard many times over. We rejoice in knowing that the Lord shakes the powers of the heavens. We rejoice in knowing that the second coming of Jesus will be on a cloud and we look up to the sky. How many Christians have come and gone believing Jesus will come back riding on a physical cloud, a physical sign which we can all see?

This alone is not a bad or evil thought, but the cloud Jesus comes back on NOW is a SPIRITUAL cloud and not something we physically see.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Given everything I have said already, what can we take away from these thoughts? Even while the Jews were tempted the Lord in the wilderness He was their shelter and guide. He illuminated their path, even at night, by being a fiery pillar in the cloud.

Psa 27:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psa 36:9  For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Psa 121:5  The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

Joh 8:12  Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Not only did God guide the Israelites, He did so in all things and that is really what this study is about.

In death we are led, while much of our lives appear to be in darkness:

Psa 48:14  For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Luk 1:79  To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

1Th 3:11  Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

In light we are led as well:

Joh 6:68  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

Joh 10:4  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

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.

We should all take comfort in knowing that no matter what our plans in life are, the Lord is guiding every detail. No matter what valley we are crawling through or what mountain we are trying to scale, the Lord is guiding us the entire way even when we think we are going to take control of our own lives and do things our way.

Peter that He would do the same:

Joh 13:36  Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
Joh 13:37  Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.
Joh 13:38  Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Ultimately, the reason that the cloud was instituted for the physical Jews, and why the spiritual cloud is spiritually instituted today for Jews within, is to show us that the Lord is in control, looking out for us and has determined the route of our life for us.

Just as the Lord guided the Israelites through the wilderness, even while they tempted Him over and over, we too are guided through all aspects of our lives to ultimately be led to perfection after we are resurrected from the dead.

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Awesome Hands – part 63

“The fowls in the earth

August 13, 2014

We left off in Exodus 16 with the Israelites being told their hunger would be met with manna raining from heaven.

The Israelites were also told a great secret that they themselves did not know was being told to them.

This is where we will pick up in this story with the Israelites and where we should see ourselves being worked with in this endless story of the condition all of mankind find themselves in.

Exo 16:8  And Moses said, This shall be, when the LORD shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the LORD heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the LORD.
Exo 16:9  And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.

The secret given to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear is that the Lord created the fowls of the air on the fifth day, and this is what we partake of while we are “in the night, in death”.

Gen 1:20  And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
Gen 1:21  And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Gen 1:22  And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
Gen 1:23  And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

It is before the day breaks on the day of man, the 6^th day, that the fowls are created “to multiply in the earth.”

This is how God has designed His creation, but do not distress. It is “in the morning” that the Lord comes.

Exo 16:10  And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Rev 14:14  And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

As we just read, the Lord hears our murmurings and sets these things in motion. In other words, the Lord knows exactly where the Israelites are and what their needs are.

It is the Lord who has led them into the wilderness to be tempted with these situations, and before He leads them into temptation, He has also prepared a way of escape.

The way of escape is in Him. How then does this have practical application for us today?

We will read a little more and “let” the scripture answer for themselves.

Exo 16:11  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Exo 16:12  I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.
Exo 16:13  And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.
Exo 16:14  And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
Exo 16:15  And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.

I haven’t heard many sermons point out or emphasize that this appearing of manna was also brought after the quails, the fowl of the air, where brought to cover the camp of the Israelites.

It is BEFORE we eat the “bread from heaven” that we must eat the flesh that “covers the camp”.

Since we are to take this physical story and learn the spiritual realities which apply to us today, I will point out that the true bread is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is His body. He and we are bread from heaven.

The bread that comes to us cometh riding on a cloud of great witnesses. So, it is incumbent upon us to realize our role and place in this multi membered body of Christ.

When we witness to anything the Lord has done in our lives, to someone who is still “eating flesh”, we are witnessing to that person why the bread from heaven is BETTER to eat. It fills us. This is how we, and they, will know that “I am the Lord”.

Ayo wrote in an email recently a comment that is a great parallel on this concept and I just read his email before this study. I thought it was appropriate, so I added it to these notes.

Ayo wrote, “God has also given us a measure of His holy Spirit that enables His Servants/disciples/Elect, that is, the Heavens, to discern between the vain letters – unclean spirit- that is purposed to be part of the veil that blinds many and fixate their eyes upon the earthy, AND the new and living skilful way of discernment -the Spirit – that brings us behind/through the veil.”

Truly, the difference of the night and day is that once the morning star comes on His cloud of great witnesses and embeds Himself in His people, we are able to discern with the Spirit what it is the Lord is saying to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

That is why we do these studies. It is through the church that God uses the foolishness of preaching to purge and clean what the fowls of the air “leave behind” when they are flying around in our heavens.

The fowl of the air fly in the heavens, where the clouds are, and that is to say where the mindset of God is.

The fowls of the air multiply and FILL the earth (the church) and it is WATER that cleanses and WASHES away those very things.

Eph 5:26  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

It is the washing of the water by the WORD (coming on a cloud) that does away with what the fowls have been sent to do, concentrate on FLESH.

Here then is the difference of being filtering through water (of which clouds are made of) versus not.

Num 19:19  And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.
Num 19:20  But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean.

 

“The Work of His body”

Continuing in Exodus we read:

Exo 16:16  This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
Exo 16:17  And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
Exo 16:18  And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
Exo 16:19  And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.
Exo 16:20  Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
Exo 16:21  And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.

The progression of us taking what the Lord has given us with the feeling of our bellies with His bread, is that when we realize that the work of the Lord is doing what He tells us to do, we will have nothing to do tomorrow.

We will start off the next day picking up more of the work of the Lord and doing whatever is needed for that day.

The Israelites were told to go out and gather each day what was needed for those in your tent. When we obey the commandments of the Lord, we will never lack and never have anything left over. We will never be adding to or taking away from the Word of God.

In this type and shadow it is a direct correlation to the bread that is being given to us.

As a body collectively, we should all endeavor to do our part to fulfill our role in the body of Christ.

The Lord will make manifest to us what our gifts are for His glory, and when those gifts are made manifest, it is then that we put them to work.

Once we put these works into action, we will realize that we can do the works of the Lord in a wrong way or the right way.

If we do it in our way, it is not keeping the commandments of the Lord. If we do it exactly as instructed, we will be keeping the commandments of the Lord and keeping obedience and not sacrifice.

Exo 16:22  And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
Exo 16:23  And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
Exo 16:24  And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
Exo 16:25  And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
Exo 16:26  Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
Exo 16:27  And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.

This is the second time recently that we have read the “there were some” that did not do as they were instructed.

It was given to Moses to tell the people what the commandments of the Lord were. The first time, some folks decided to leave the manna till the morning and it rotted.

This is telling us that when there is work of the Lord to do, do it and you won’t have any left over. If you have a call to make, make it. If you have an email to respond to, respond to it, but do it as soon as you are able. The Lord knows the intentions of your heart and also knows the situation you are in. Be faithful in a little and you will be rewarded to be faithful in a lot.

Likewise, don’t assume there will be “tomorrow” to do the work of the Lord. Don’t assume you will be able to go on out on the seventh day and gather manna when the Lord has clearly stated this will be a day of rest.

The Lord does not change, and there will be a certain way He reacts to disobeying His directives.

Exo 16:28  And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?

We may not be good at keeping track of the times we disobey the Lord in how we decide to keep His commandments but there certainly is a tally being kept of the Lord.

This isn’t being said to cause anyone to stress or worry about what the Lord is doing with you, but it is being mentioned simply to point out that the Lord tells us in scripture that we will all give an account.

Exo 16:29  See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.
Exo 16:30  So the people rested on the seventh day.
Exo 16:31  And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
Exo 16:32  And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
Exo 16:33  And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.
Exo 16:34  As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
Exo 16:35  And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
Exo 16:36  Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.

We are told to take the miracle of the manna that the Lord has given to us and store it and lay it up before the testimony.

This hearkens back to us remembering where our witness lies and being able to call upon that testimony for others.

It is in the wilderness of Sin that we are given the Bread of Life, but we are not expected to stay in this wilderness indefinitely.