Musical Instruments in the Bible, Part 12 – Stringed Instruments

Nebel – Psaltery, Viol, Psanterin – Psaltery, Sabbka – Sackbut, String/percussion Sumponia – Dulcimer

[Study Aired December 7, 2023]

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excerpt from https://www.biblestudy.org/bible-study-by-topic/musical-instruments.html:

String Instruments (continued)

Hebrew: Nebel
KJV Name: Psaltery, Viol
Strong’s: #H5035
References: 1Sa 10:5, 2Sa 6:5, 1Ki 10:12, 1Ch 13:8, 1Ch 15:16, 1Ch 15:20, 1Ch 15:28, 1Ch 16:5, 1Ch 25:1, 1Ch 25:6, 2Ch 5:12, 2Ch 9:11

Nebel, in 23 Old Testament places, is translated “psaltery.” It is translated, in Isaiah 5:12, 14:11 and  Amos 5:23, 6:5 as “viol.” Jewish tradition states that the Nebel stood upright as opposed to the handheld kinnor.

The psaltery, a type of harp, may have had as many as ten strings (Psa 33:2, Psa 144:9). It was used when the Ark of the Covenant was moved (1Ch 15:28) as well as in worshiping God (1Ch 25:6).

Hebrew: Psanterin
KJV Name: Psaltery
Strong’s: #H6460
References: Dan 3:5, Dan 3:7, Dan 3:10, Dan 3:15

This instrument was used in the court of Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar. It may have resembled a dulcimer that had its strings struck with small hammers.

Hebrew: Sabbka
KJV Name: Sackbut
Strong’s: #H5443
References: Dan 3:5, Dan 3:7, Dan 3:10, Dan 3:15

This instrument was used in the court of Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar. It may have been a type of lyre or harp with four strings.

Unknown Type

Hebrew: Sumponia
KJV Name: Dulcimer
Strong’s: #H5481
References: Daniel 3:5, 10, 15

The KJV word “dulcimer,” found only in Daniel, is a mistranslation. Modern dulcimers are percussion based musical instruments that possess metal strings that are hit with lightweight hammers. Smith’s Bible Dictionary, the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Wilmington’s Guide, however, all state the sumponia was possibly a type of bagpipe.

Tyndale’s Dictionary, however, argues the sumponia couldn’t have been a bagpipe, as musicologists believe no such instrument existed at the time of King Nebuchadnezzar. The uncertainty of the Hebrew makes it difficult to know what is being referenced.

End quote

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There are two distinct points being made with these last three stringed instruments we’re looking at. The first instrument we will look at is called Nebel^H5035 – Psaltery, Viol, and this instrument represents the best that the flesh has to offer, which is the first point.

The second and third instruments, Psanterin – Psaltery, and Sabbka – Sackbut, are both found together in each of these verses, (Dan 3:5, Dan 3:7, Dan 3:10, Dan 3:15), which is where they are being used in the negative context of exalting king Nebuchadnezzar who was commanding the flesh of men to bow down and worship him, representing how sin wants to rule over us via the powers and principalities against which we wrestle. The last instrument that we will look at in this mini-series is the Sumponia – Dulcimer, which is kind of a hybrid instrument resembling a dulcimer or maybe more like a bagpipe. It may be hard to categorize but there’s no doubt as to where it was being used, and again it was among the other instruments in Nebuchadnezzar courts (Rom 6:14-16, Rev 13:7-10, Rev 13:15, Rev 14:7).

Rom 6:14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 
Rom 6:15  What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 
Rom 6:16  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 

Rev 13:7  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Rev 13:15  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Rev 14:7  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

The instruments in God’s word always represent the marred flesh that mankind is. However depending on who is playing the instrument and for what reason, we then learn if this instrument, in the context it is being used, is one that typifies someone glorifying God as an instrument of righteousness or glorifying self by being self-righteous. The natural default state that all flesh takes without Christ’s spirit in us is to love vanity and to exalt self, or to be envious of those who are more capable than us in any way shape or form (Psa 4:2, Jas 4:5-7, 1Co 3:3-5).

Psa 4:2  O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

Jas 4:5  Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 
Jas 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble [Heb 12:6].
Jas 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1Co 3:3  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1Co 3:4  For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? 
1Co 3:5  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed [instruments in God’s hand in other words (Php 2:12-13)], even as the Lord gave to every man?

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Starting off with the stringed instrument called Nebel –  Psaltery^H5035 that is mentioned twice as having ten strings, witnessing to the perfection of the flesh in man that we naturally strive to attain, being subject to the vanity of this flesh (Psa 33:2, Psa 144:9, Rom 8:20-21).

Psa 33:2  Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery^H5035 and an instrument of ten strings.

Psa 144:9  I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery^H5035 and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.

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 [10 strings] into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 

The other thing to note is that the Nebel or  Psaltery^H5035 was being used when Saul was being anointed by Samuel to be king (1Sa 10:1-5). Saul started off with a humble attitude but became exalted in himself. That pride of life is being demonstrated with the perfection of the flesh represented in the negative sense with the Nebel^H5035 called a Psaltery or Viol. The lesson for God’s people is that only Christ abiding within us can keep us in a humble and contrite state so that the knowledge God bestows upon us does not puff us up as it naturally would (1Co 8:1-3, Isa 66:2, 2Co 12:7-9). King David is a type of Christ who replaces our first rejected anointed tall king (Saul, 1Sa 9:2), our old religious man whose pride in time manifests as it did with king Saul. If we are Christ’s in this age, our old man is overcome and destroyed by the brightness of His coming (1Sa 15:17-18, Rev 13:7-10, 2Th 2:2-8).

1Sa 10:1  Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance? 
1Sa 10:2  When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son? 
1Sa 10:3  Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: 
1Sa 10:4  And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands.
1Sa 10:5  After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery^H5035, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

1Co 8:1  Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1Co 8:2  And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 
1Co 8:3  But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Isa 66:2  For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word [our Father looks to Christ in us as our hope of glory in whom we are accepted (Col 1:27, Eph 1:6)].

2Co 12:7  And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 
2Co 12:8  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 
2Co 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

1Sa 9:2  And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

1Sa 15:17  And Samuel said, When thou wast little in thine own sight, [Luk 17:10, Rom 11:20, Rom 11:25] wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the LORD anointed thee king over Israel? 
1Sa 15:18  And the LORD sent thee on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed [Representing our overcoming the wood hay and stubble in our life in the early stages of our overcoming (1Co 3:12, Heb 6:3)].

Rev 13:7  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 
Rev 13:8  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 
Rev 13:9  If any man have an ear, let him hear. 
Rev 13:10  He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints [We must experience what others experience but in the end through Christ we will overcome].

Rev 13:10  He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity [2Ti 2:26]: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. 

[The sword is the word of God which kills our old man as we decrease and Christ increases within us. We are able to “killeth with the sword” only because we have been decreasing as we die daily by the sword of God’s word, His spirit that makes it possible for us to die daily (Rom 2:4, Php 2:12-13)]

Here are the Strong’s and BDB definitions of Nebel^H5035.  

H5035  nebel    nêbel neh’-bel, nay’-bel

From H5034; a skin bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); hence, a vase (as similar in shape when full); also a lyre (as having a body of like form): – bottle, pitcher, psaltery, vessel, viol.

Total KJV occurrences: 38

BDB Definition:
1) a skin-bag, jar, pitcher
1a) skin-bottle, skin
1b) jar, pitcher (earthen)
2) harp, lute, guitar, musical instrument
Part of Speech: noun masculine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: from H5034
H5034 nâbêl
BDB Definition:
1) to be senseless, be foolish
1a) (Qal) to be foolish
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to regard or treat as foolish
1b2) to treat with contempt
2) to sink or drop down, languish, wither and fall, fade
2a) (Qal)
2a1) to sink or drop down
2a2) to fall, wither and fall, fade
2a3) to droop

Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root

H5034nâbêl naw-bale’

A primitive root; to wilt; generally to fall away, fail, faint; figuratively to be foolish or (morally) wicked; causatively to despise, disgrace: – disgrace, dishonour, lightly esteem, fade (away, -ing), fall (down, -ling, off), do foolishly, come to nought, X surely, make vile, wither.

Total KJV occurrences: 25

Notice it is all talking about the weak marred vessel which the instrument we all are represents. We are marred in the hand of the potter (Jer 18:4) and in weak and corruptible flesh (Jer 17:9), and the root word for Nebel is H5034 which root word goes on to further demonstrate who we naturally are without God’s spirit strengthening us in this weak flesh. We are “a skin bag for liquids” even now and are blessed in this age if we are Christ’s body (Eph 5:30) being filled with His spirit, both the old and new covenant words or wine that it is likened unto, that make up the sum of His word so that we can be preserved by that which will not pass away, the eternal words of God found in the old and new covenant that we can partake of if we are connected to the vine. That preservation of His word within the body of Christ is the means to the end that will be used to redeem those who are being reserved for judgment (2Pe 3:7,  Jud 1:6, Jud 1:13) in the second resurrection (Mat 9:17, Joh 6:68, Joh 15:5, Joh 5:30, 1Jn 4:17, Joh 15:1-14, 2Sa 14:14).

Jer 18:4  And when the vessel, which he was forming out of earth, got damaged in the hand of the potter, he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make it.

Jer 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

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

Mat 9:17  Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

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

Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Joh 5:30  I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment [in the day of purging (1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 4:12)]: because as he is, so are we in this world. 

Joh 15:1  I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Joh 15:2  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Joh 15:3  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Joh 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Joh 15:6  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Joh 15:7  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Joh 15:8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Joh 15:9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Joh 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
Joh 15:11  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Joh 15:12  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Joh 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Joh 15:14  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

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The second and third stringed instruments, Psanterin – Psaltery, and Sabbka – Sackbut, are both found together in each of these verses (Dan 3:5, Dan 3:7, Dan 3:10, Dan 3:15), which is where they are being used in the negative context of exalting king Nebuchadnezzar who was commanding the flesh of men to bow down and worship him, representing how sin wants to rule over us (Rom 6:14-16). With this in mind let’s look more closely at the definitions of these words, starting with Psanterin^H6460

Psanterin^{H6460 H6460} pesanṭêrı̂yn    pesantêrı̂yn pes-an-tay-reen’, pes-an-tay-reen’

(Chaldee); a transliteration of the Greek (not in lexicon) psalterion; a lyre: – psaltery.

Total KJV occurrences: 4

H6460 pesanṭêrı̂yn / pesantêrı̂yn
BDB Definition:
1) a stringed instrument (triangular)
1a) perhaps a lyre or a harp
Part of Speech: noun masculine

A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a transliteration of the Greek psalterion

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Sabbka^{H5443 H5440}

H5443 sabbekâ’    śabbekâ’ sab-bek-aw’, sab-bek-aw’

(Chaldee); from a root corresponding to H5440; a lyre: – sackbut.

Total KJV occurrences: 4

H5440 sâbak saw-bak’

A primitive root; to entwine: – fold together, wrap.

Total KJV occurrences: 2

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The key point we can take from these instruments is that they were working in conjunction with each other along with the other instruments, at this occasion with king Nebuchadnezzar, to inspire the masses to bow down and worship him [He being a type of Satan, the god of this world who was once our father whom God used to author our former conversation (Eph 2:1-3)]. The lesson for us to realize is that this is exactly what all the world is doing right now when they turn to the traditions of men and forsake God’s word (Mar 7:7, Jer 5:30-31). It is what we all naturally do as sheep that are led astray without our true shepherd Jesus Christ guiding us and strengthening us into a life of obedience to His words (Isa 53:6, Joh 10:2-5, Php 2:12-13, 1Jn 5:2-3). 

Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 
Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 
Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Mar 7:6  He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Mar 7:7  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mar 7:8  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Jer 5:30  A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land;
Jer 5:31  The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof [1Pe 4:18-19]?

Isa 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 53:7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Isa 53:8  He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation [Luk 21:32, Rev 13:10, Rev 14:12, Luk 21:19]? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Joh 10:2  But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 
Joh 10:3  To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
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 10:5  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

These next four verses in Ephesians encourage us greatly (Eph 2:4-8) as they tell us how God is going to replace our former conversation, so we can now be considered true worshippers who are worshiping God in spirit and in truth (Joh 4:23). That kind of holy and undefiled worship is the only kind God will accept, and it can only manifest in the church through Christ who is the head of the church, the Vine (Eph 3:10, Eph 1:22-23).

Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 
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. 
Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 
Joh 4:24  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Eph 3:10  To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph 3:11  According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 

Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 
Eph 1:22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 
Eph 1:23  Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

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One last instrument:

Unknown Type
Hebrew: Sumponia
KJV Name: Dulcimer
Strong’s: #H5481
References: Dan 3:5, Dan 3:10, Dan 3:15

The KJV word “dulcimer,” found only in Daniel, is a mistranslation. Modern dulcimers are percussion based musical instruments that possess metal strings that are hit with lightweight hammers. Smith’s Bible Dictionary, the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Wilmington’s Guide, however, all state the sumponia was possibly a type of bagpipe.

Tyndale’s Dictionary, however, argues the sumponia couldn’t have been a bagpipe, as musicologists believe no such instrument existed at the time of King Nebuchadnezzar. The uncertainty of the Hebrew makes it difficult to know what is being referenced.

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This last instrument in our list of instruments mentioned in the bible does not have a very clear origin. However, if we look at the surrounding verses in which we find it, we see it represents an instrument used to rally the people into an ungodly position of marching to the orders of Nebuchadnezzar. We have a modern saying that speaks of the conformity of mankind marching to the beat of the same drummer, and that is what the sumponia^H5481 or dulcimer was intended to produce; compliance to the wickedness of that age.

Many are called and few are chosen (Mat 22:14), and the few are called to march to the beat of a different drummer, Jesus Christ the true Shepherd, whom we are blessed to hear in this life and take our direction from as we are led by God’s spirit (Rom 8:14-16). 

He tells us to not be afraid of what men can do to our flesh and promises never to try us beyond the measure that we can endure (Mat 10:28, 1Co 10:13). He also tells His people not to take any anxious thought for the morrow and in the day of adversity not to give thought to what we should say, for the holy spirit will give us what we should say at that hour (Mat 10:19, Eph 6:13). 

In order to be an instrument of righteousness in this life we must be apprehended by our Lord, whose life within us can give us the power to forget what is behind us and go forward with hearts and minds that can glorify Him in all we say and do (Php 3:13-14).

Let us praise him and give thanks, for the bride has been promised to be made ready, and is ready even now in earnest awaiting the redemption of our souls (Rev 19:7, Col 1:14, Eph 1:7, 1Co 1:30, Rom 8:23).

Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 

Col 1:14  In whom we have redemption through his blood [Rev 1:3], even the forgiveness of sins [Rom 2:4]: 

Eph 1:7  In whom we have redemption through his blood [Rev 1:3],  the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace [Rom 2:4];

1Co 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption [Rev 1:3]: 

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.

The Book of Romans, Part 4 – Vile Affections

[Study Aired July 4, 2023]

Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 
Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 
Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 
Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 
Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 
Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

Here are our verses from the last study to put this in context.

Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 
Romans 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: 
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 
Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 

Paul has just given us a clue of how to properly understand the scriptures and the message of Christ. “The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.” We are to understand that the physical world is a type and shadow of the spirit. He mentions that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven … who hold the truth in unrighteousness … neither were thankful … Who changed the truth of God into a lie” which we should understand this as being “within” each of us. We each have and continue to hold the truth in unrighteousness until our carnal mind is destroyed. The carnal mind is our enemy and must be mercilessly killed. This happens to the called, chosen and faithful until the end in this age, and they are being trained to rule the world during the thousand years with Christ. Paul continues his message in our verses tonight. So, we must keep in mind that there is a deeper spiritual message being delivered.

Romans 1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 
Romans 1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 

The carnal man will only see this as women and men having homosexual affairs. However, applying the principle of these words being a type, when Paul states “the things that are made” there is a deeper spiritual meaning. What does this mean according to the spirit? The women and men represent the believers of Christ, and the ‘natural use’ are the actions of those believers. They are following “another Jesus” and keeping the doctrines of their “church”.

2Corinthians 11:3-4 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Paul now explains why this happens and what God does in his wrath.

Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

“God gave them over to a reprobate mind.” This is the process of God’s plan for mankind. God is in total control, and women and men cannot do anything to change His mind.

Proverbs 22:1-8 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the maker of them all. A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

We must first experience the “reprobate mind”, which is the natural carnal mind, in orderto fulfill the scriptures and the plan of God.

1Corinthians 15:44-49 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

We are first born “the image of the earthy” so all we can do is the following.

Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 
Romans 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 
Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 

All the above represent false doctrines given to us by “another Jesus” and convince us to believe his lies. We think we are doing good in the churches of the world and do not realize we are under “strong delusion”. 

2Thessalonians 2:1-12 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 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: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Paul confirms we all “change the natural use into that which is against nature”.

Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

As the elect of God, we look back and see the things of the spirit. We all must see ourselves experiencing what Paul is describing even though we may not have experienced it naturally. These natural evils described while they are sinful are not the full truth of the matter. We must look within and see the spiritual meaning of these sinful deeds. The law of Moses teaches us about natural sin and the law of Christ teaches us about spiritual sin. Mankind will continue to be under “strong delusion” until they are given the ability to understand Christ’s mind. Only if we continue in Christ’s word will we be able to become “disciples indeed” and become free.

John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

We must be careful to read the scriptures with the understanding “the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made”. Of course, God is in control of this, and we are only living out what has been prepared for us since the foundation of the world. This is all about the final judgment to come upon mankind. As the elect we learn this first and are given the ability to bring the rest of mankind into the kingdom of God.

Matthew 25:31-46 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. 

We all are the “sheep and the goat”, the “right and the left hands” and will go through the process of separation. The elect in this age and the rest in the ages to come. The vile affections are the false doctrines of the churches of Babylon which will be destroyed by God in the end.

Here are the verses for our next study.

Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 
Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 
Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 
Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Romans 2:7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 
Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 
Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 
Romans 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 
Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

[Posted June 28, 2023]

Hi Mike,

Quick question: In Luke 1:15 we are told John the Baptist would be “filled with the Holy Ghost” from his mother’s womb.

The Holy Spirit was not made available to anyone until the Day of Pentecost, so how could John be filled with the Spirit from his mother’s womb?

Thanks so much for your help, I really appreciate your online ministry, have a blessed day,

Your brother,

C​____​

Hi C​____​,

Thank you for your question.

Yo​u​ ask:

In Luke 1:15 we are told John the Baptist would be “filled with the Holy Ghost” from his mother’s womb.

“The Holy Spirit was not made available to anyone until the Day of Pentecost, so how could John be filled with the Spirit from his mother’s womb?” (End Quote)

John was “filled with the holy spirit” in the same way Samson and King David had the holy spirit.

Here is what we are told about Samson:

Jdg 13:24  And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
Jdg 13:25  And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

This is what we are told about King David:

Psa 51:11  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Both Samson, and King David were living under the law of Moses and so was John, the Baptist. We know this is true because Christ told us:

Luk 16:16  The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

Joh 1:17  For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

The “bread from heaven” was not “the true bread from heaven”:

Joh 6:30  They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Joh 6:31  Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. [Psa 78:4]
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.

As you noted, the holy spirit, also called “The spirit of Truth” was not given to dwell within the Lord’s people until the day of Pentecost, as Christ promised:,

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

Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Joh 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

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.
Joh 16:15  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

The ‘spirit of Truth’ and “the comforter, which is the holy ghost” are one and the same. They are the holy spirit which the Father gives to Christ​,​ ​W​ho then gives it to us. As Christ tells us, the Father gave it to Him, therefore, it is His to give to whom He will to dwell within us to teach us and to help us to overcome our flesh.

Samson married a Philistine and cavorted with Philistine harlots. King David died with these words on his lips:

1Ki 2:5  Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.
1Ki 2:6  Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.

1Ki 2:8  And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.
1Ki 2:9  Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.

King David wanted his son Solomon to take vengeance on his enemies, Joab and Shemei. He wanted Solomon to see to it that Joab did not die “in peace”, and he wanted Shemei to die a ‘bloody’ death at the hands of Solomon.

Neither Samson nor King David had the holy spirit which teaches us to forgive all men their sins against us.

Therefore, the answer to your question about how John the Baptist was ‘filled with the holy spirit from his mother’s womb’ is that he was filled in the same manner that God gave Israel “bread from heaven.” It was “not the true bread fro​m​ heaven”, and John’s filling with the holy spirit was not the true filling of the holy spirit. The ‘bread from heaven’ and the ‘filling of John with the holy spirit’ we​re​ Old Testament types of the True, just as Samson and King David had the holy spirit in type. It was an outward fulfilling which typified the true filling of the holy spirit on the day of Pentecost, and it did not dwell within John because, as Christ told us, John will not be in the kingdom of heaven:

Luk 7:28  For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

I hope this helps you to see that everything before Christ was just a type and a shadow “of good things to come.”

Heb 10:1  For the law [which included John] having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

YbiC, Mike

[Study Aired June 23, 2022]

After Ahab was told this in 1Kings 20:42, “And he said unto him, 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“, he then “went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria” where that prophecy of “thy life shall go for his life” would be fulfilled.

This time of judgment against Jezebel and Ahab is at the heart of this section of Kings where we learn of Naboth the Jezreelite, a type of Christ, who loses his life at the hand of Jezebel and Ahab, showing us a very bright example of how we are all guilty of “all the righteous blood shed upon the earth” spoken of in Matthew 23:35 and Acts 4:27-28.

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. 

Act 4:27  For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 
Act 4:28  For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

The story of the servants in the vineyard who were beaten (Mat 21:33-40), reminds us of this murderous plot of Ahab and Jezebel against Naboth. The sure lesson for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear is that we are guilty of all including the death of the son of God whom we do not reverence at first:  “But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.“

Mat 21:33  Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
Mat 21:34  And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 
Mat 21:35  And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 
Mat 21:36  Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. 
Mat 21:37  But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son. 
Mat 21:38  But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. 
Mat 21:39  And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. 
Mat 21:40  When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

It is only after the destruction of Ahab and Jezebel within us that the other husbandmen can be replaced by them “which shall render him the fruits in their seasons” (Mat 21:41, Psa 1:3, Mat 3:8, Mat 13:8). It is only when God’s judgments occur within our vineyard, meaning the destruction of Ahab and Jezebel who must be miserably destroyed, that men will learn righteousness which is what this parable in Matthew and the adjoining story of Naboth’s vineyard is all about (Isa 26:9).

Mat 21:41  They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, [Ahab and Jezebel within us with seven last plagues (Rev 15:8)] and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons [the body of Christ each joint supplying in love (Luk 12:42, Gal 6:9)].

Psa 1:3  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

Mat 3:8  Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: 

Mat 13:8  But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 

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 [judgment is the precursor to bringing forth the fruit of Christ’s righteousness (Rom 2:4, Mat 3:8)].

1Ki 21:1  And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. 
1Ki 21:2  And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. 
1Ki 21:3  And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. 

Notice that Naboth tells Ahab that his vineyard is “the inheritance of my fathers“, and so selling it to him would be akin to selling his birthright or his inheritance, which for God’s elect typifies being connected to the vine of the vineyard, Jesus Christ, who is our inheritance and our birthright, and we are his (Joh 15:5, Eph 1:18).

Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power [Eph 2:10],
Eph 1:20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 
Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 

All these verses below confirm what is given to those who are connected to the vine, Jesus Christ, in this life, and promised “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”

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: 

Eph 1:14  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.  

Eph 5:5  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 

Col 1:12  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 

Col 3:24   Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ [(Rom 14:8, Php 2:12-13), believe on the vine Jesus Christ who is our inheritance and we His (Joh 6:28-29)]. 

Heb 1:4  Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 

Heb 9:15  And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 

Heb 11:8  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went [(Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11) ‘how we are connected to the vine our inheritance’ (Gal 2:20)].

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 
1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

If we look at the meaning of the names of these characters in the first verse, it becomes clear that God wanted us to know this vineyard was going to be blessed and productive and protected at His hand.

1Ki 21:1 and it came to pass after these things, that Naboth [productive] the Jezreelite [God will sow] had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel [God will sow], hard by the palace of Ahab [uncle] king of Samaria [watch tower]. (PNB-kjv)

Ahab wants to get Naboth to sell the vineyard and replace it with an herb or vegetable garden which is symbolic of an immature stage of growth when we eat only herbs (Heb 5:14, Rom 14:1-3) and cannot partake of Christ’s mature words which are symbolized by the vineyard (Joh 6:55). What this is telling us is that if we are not permitted to mature (1Co 3:6), we cannot be partakers of the inheritance in the vine, Jesus Christ  (Heb 6:3-8).

Heb 5:14 but strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

Rom 14:1 him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 
Rom 14:2 for one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 
Rom 14:3 let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for god hath received him.

Joh 6:55 for my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 

Heb 6:3 and this will we do, if god permit. 
Heb 6:4 for it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the holy ghost, 
Heb 6:5 and have tasted the good word of god, and the powers of the world to come, 
Heb 6:6 if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the son of god afresh, and put him to an open shame. 
Heb 6:7 for the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from god: 
Heb 6:8 but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

Ahab goes on to explain to Naboth why he should sell this vineyard to him, “because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money“, which is symbolic of someone trying to take our crown away from us in Christ (Rev 3:11), our inheritance. In the next verse we learn that Naboth was not going to have anything to do with this deal, even for “a better vineyard” or “the worth of it in money”, which is symbolic of how Christ rejected all that Satan offered him knowing it was incomparable to what was set before Him by the Father (Mat 4:9-10, Php 3:8, Rom 8:18-21). Also ‘another vineyard that is better’ is like someone offering you ‘another Jesus’ in a place that is nowhere near the temple of God (Mat 24:26, 2Co 11:3-4).

Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Mat 4:9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 
Mat 4:10  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Php 3:8  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 

Rom 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 
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.

Mat 24:26  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. [places that are no where near the temple]

2Co 11:3  But I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his treachery, your minds may be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 
2Co 11:4  For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus different from the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough! (NET)

1Ki 21:4  And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. 
1Ki 21:5  But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? 
1Ki 21:6  And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard. 

The story repeats itself at this point, but there is one very important additional element that makes this all come together, in terms of the spiritual message for God’s elect, and that something is Jezebel. Ahab, having been denied Naboth’s inheritance, which represents our inheritance in Christ, has him not eating bread which is mentioned twice. Two times mentioned is a typical witness to the fact that the real bread he is missing is a relationship with God and Christ that Naboth, in type and shadow, has and Ahab does not. There is no stay of bread or water in Babylon (Isa 3:1), no relationship with the Father and Son (Joh 17:3), and Ahab’s finding out that he cannot buy or persuade Naboth in any way to give up his crown land reminds us of Simon who thought he could buy God’s holy spirit in Acts 8:20-23. This situation has also thrown Ahab into a “heavy/sad”^H5620 and “displeased”^H2198 state.

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

Act 8:20  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 
Act 8:21  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 
Act 8:22  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Act 8:23  For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 

Enter Jezebel, who represents the churches of Babylon, with the ungodly solution to getting what her husband wants. She is ever the opportunist like Ahab, and now that she understands the unfulfilled desire of her husband, she won’t stop at any expense to illicitly take what is not his (Mat 23:15). Naboth, as a type of Christ and the elect, is falsely accused and all manner of evil is spoken against him, which leads to him getting stoned by “the people” (Mat 5:11-12).  The comparison with Christ’s life in this story gets more and more pronounced as we read on.

Mat 23:15  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves [Jezebel working on Ahab’s heart].

Mat 5:11  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 
Mat 5:12  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you [Jezebel’s false accusations and persecutions of Ahab].

1Ki 21:7  And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. 

Jezebel immediately appeals to Ahab’s pride with these words “Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel?“, like Satan in the garden with Adam and Eve with these words: “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil“. This statement contradicted God’s earlier given commandments which stated, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Jezebel’s actions are appealing to the flesh of Ahab as she tells him “arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite“.

Gen 2:17  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. 

Gen 3:4  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 

1Ki 21:8  So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth. 
1Ki 21:9  And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:
1Ki 21:10  And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

Jezebel represents Babylon and see how treacherous, subtle and diabolical this woman is from whom God has called his people (Rev 18:4, Mat 24:24). It’s one lie after another to meet the end of killing Naboth. She starts by writing “letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal” which Babylon does. They have Christ’s name but no stay of bread or water as they proclaim a false liberty (Isa 3:1, Isa 4:1, 2Pe 2:19).

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,

Isa 4:1  And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.  

2Pe 2:19  While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 

Jezebel sends “the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth” telling us that when Satan is caused to attack the body of Christ, he wastes no time aligning himself with the rulers of this world that have the authority to make things happen (Luk 23:12). In other words, the devil is given the power to polarize the world against Christ and His Christ (Mat 10:22, Act 4:27,  Joh 19:11).

Luk 23:12  And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. 

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.

Act 4:27  For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Act 4:28  For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done [Eph 1:11].

Joh 19:11  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

What she writes in the letters is also indicative of the subtlety of Satan who appears as an angel of light saying, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people” (2Co 11:14-15).

2Co 11:14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
2Co 11:15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Now the stage is set to bring in the false witnesses of “the sons of Belial”^H1100 against Naboth as they did with Christ declaring that he had blasphemed God (Joh 10:32-33). “And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die” (Mat 26:59, 1Jn 4:17, Heb 13:13).

H1100
belı̂ya‛al
bel-e-yah’-al
From H1097 and H3276; without profit, worthlessness; by extension destruction, wickedness (often in connection with H376, H802, H1121, etc.): – Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked.  Total KJV occurrences: 27

Mat 26:59  Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; 

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. 

Heb 13:13  Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 

Joh 10:32  Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 
Joh 10:33  The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

1Ki 21:11  And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.
1Ki 21:12  They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.
1Ki 21:13  And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

This section of scripture confirms and witnesses to the fact that what God had purposed to happen to Naboth was something written for the elect’s sake to assure us (1Co 10:11) that God knows our enemies’ intentions before they are carried out (Amo 3:6-7). He strengthens and prepares our hearts for every trial that comes our way, promising that we will not be tried beyond the measure that we can endure as He will be faithful “who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1Co 10:13).

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

In the midst of this promise (1Co 10:13) which tells us that we can escape by bearing the cross were given as we go outside the camp with Christ (Heb 13:13-14), we are exhorted with these words: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1Co 10:12) so that we don’t lean to our own understanding in our hour of need but rather turn to the Lord for the deliverance that has been promised by standing still and trusting in the Lord to save us (Heb 13:13-14, Mat 10:19, Exo 14:13).

1Co 10:11  Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 
1Co 10:12  Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 
1Co 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Heb 13:13  Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 
Heb 13:14  For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 

Mat 10:19  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
Mat 10:20  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
Mat 10:21  And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.
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. [Php 4:13]

Exo 14:13  And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

1Ki 21:14  Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead. 
1Ki 21:15  And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead. 
1Ki 21:16  And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it. 

Jezebel has reason to rejoice now that Naboth is dead and a way has been made for her husband to “take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.“

Little do we understand in Babylon how we abuse His vineyard, and this story of Ahab and Jezebel truly illustrates for us the carnal way we approach wanting what we want in our flesh when we first learn of Christ with a Babylonian mindset, and how we achieve this under the auspicious actions of thinking we are holy or wholly entitled, as Jezebel thought she was.

By God’s grace and in His perfect timing, we learn that this is the way our Father had predetermined our carnal hearts (Eph 2:3-5) to operate and that it would be through the death of Naboth, who typifies Christ, that God would “devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him” (2Sa 14:14).

Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 
Eph 2:4  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  

2Sa 14:14  For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: [Ahab, Naboth, Jezebel, all of humanity] yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

That new life which is not expelled from God, as Adam and Eve were from the garden, can only come about at the expense of the death of our carnal old man by way of the flaming sword that turns every way to guard the tree of life (Gen 3:24). It is of course Christ, the fit man, who can devise this means of creating saviors, represented by the scapegoat (Lev 16:21), that will one day save the world with Him (Oba 1:21). The bride of Christ is the means to that end so the rest of humanity can be saved and “His banished be not expelled from him”, and this is the reason why we, the body of Christ, must needs die daily as water spilt on the ground as our outward man perishes and our inward man is renewed day by day (2Co 4:16).

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. 

Lev 16:21  And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: 

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. 

2Co 4:16  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 
2Co 4:17  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

It is telling that the Strong’s Hebrew number for “heavy” or “sad” (H5620 “Sar”), as we read about Ahab in several verses (1Ki 20:43, 1Ki 21:4, 1Ki 21:5), is translated to the Greek number G5015 “Tarasso” (see ABP+). We will see next week, in part two of this study, how judgment will come upon Ahab and Jezebel for their ungodly actions, representing how we are saved by our Father in heaven through the judgment He brings upon the church (Tit 2:12, 1Pe 4:17) to destroy our old man, represented by Ahab and Jezebel (Gal 5:10, 1Pe 3:13-17).

1Pe 3:13  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 
1Pe 3:14  But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled^G5015; 
1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1Pe 3:16  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 
1Pe 3:17  For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Gal 5:10  I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth^G5015 you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

[Study Aired February 3, 2022]

1Ki 9:1  And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he was pleased to do, 
1Ki 9:2  That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon. 
1Ki 9:3  And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. 
1Ki 9:4  And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 
1Ki 9:5  Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. 
1Ki 9:6  But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: 
1Ki 9:7  Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: 
1Ki 9:8  And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house? 
1Ki 9:9  And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil. 

God’s word helps us gain the right spiritual perspective as to what these type and shadow events we are reading of in 1 Kings 9:1-9 reveal about ourselves as the body of Christ today (1Pe 1:12), and in order to receive these truths for what they mean for us personally, we are told in the next two verses what we must do:

1Pe 1:13  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1Pe 1:14  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

We are fashioning ourselves through Christ’s grace (Php 2:12-13), which favour manifests through the chastening and scourging we endure in this life (Heb 12:6), teaching us to forsake ungodliness and worldly lusts in this age (Tit 2:11-12). He gives us the power and wisdom to be able to see all these physical events of which we read in the word of God, comparing spiritual with spiritual, using the physical as we overcome, fighting a good fight of faith (1Co 2:13, 1Ti 6:12). That exercise takes the girding up of our minds, along with hope within that the grace of God will continue to be brought to God’s elect, which favor is to receive the wedding garments, the righteousness of Christ, the increase that comes from God (1Co 3:6), with which we must be found and are being found with “at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev 1:3, Rev 19:8).

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. 

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.

1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 

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

Rev 19:8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 

The title of this study is taken from 1 Kings 9:8 where the question is asked “Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?” speaking of what God will do to us:

1Ki 9:6  But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: 

These words: “Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?” have their counterpart explanation in Romans 9:1-24, and when we consider Romans 11:1-11 and layer that message over Romans 9:1-24, it becomes clear that everyone was meant to turn from following God, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23) and there is none righteous, no, not one: (Rom 3:10). What we have to conclude is that everyone must go into Babylon, but only a few in this age have been called to go into Babylon and then be dragged “out of her my people” (Rev 18:4, 2Co 6:17, Mat 22:14).

The types and shadows we learn from the temple Solomon built come from the blue prints that were inspired from the mind of God, and so our Lord says this: “And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: [Mat 6:8, Pro 16:1] I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually” meaning Solomon may have physically built this house [typical of working out your own salvation with fear and trembling just as Noah with the ark (Php 2:12-13, Heb 11:7)], but it was the Lord who inspired the plans and all the architecture that have great spiritual significance for us today.

Mat 6:8  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Pro 16:1  The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

By looking at God’s word and continuing in it as doers of the word we will be saved (Joh 8:31-32), and that was the type and shadow message being given to Solomon whose life reveals a pattern of our journey of wanting to worship God in spirit and in truth in a church or temple we have built at great cost and God has hallowed for His purpose. God’s purpose is revealed for humanity through the body of Christ that is represented by the temple Solomon built, but whether any one of us continues in the truth (Joh 8:31-32), worshiping God in spirit and in truth within the temple that represents our bodies (1Co 3:16), is entirely up to God (2Ti 3:15, Joh 4:22-23, Rom 2:28).

2Ti 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures [old covenant scriptures], which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

Joh 4:22  Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 
Joh 4:23  But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 

Rom 2:28  For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 
Rom 2:29  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. 

In this section of Kings we will look at “Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?” and see that losing our first love was not something that was optional for Solomon or for any one of us, but was a prophecy of what is going to happen to our first man Adam resulting in God’s correction. The joy of salvation comes when we come to realize that God is faithful and He will continue to finish what He has started in the body of Christ who are the firstfruits who are blessed to trust in God as we are redeemed from the earth through Christ, a redemption that is occurring for the salvation of all the world (Rom 8:38-39, Heb 12:2, Php 1:6, Eph 1:11-12, Oba 1:21).

Rom 8:38  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 
Rom 8:39  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[This list in Romans 8:38-39 represents the powers and principalities we wrestle against (Eph 6:12), and the reason why we are assured victory over those principalities is found in Ephesians 1:21.]

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. 

Eph 1:21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [“things present, nor things to come“]

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. 

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: 

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

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 9:1  And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he was pleased to do, 

God’s word reveals to us who was doing all the doing here in Solomon’s life and fulfilling the “desire which he was pleased to do” (Php 2:12-13), just as it was God’s power that manifested all the things that were created in the garden of Eden, all things consisting through Christ (Col 1:17) and having been created for a very good purpose (Gen 1:31).

Gen 1:31  And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. 

When the garden of Eden was completed by the Lord, the stage was now set to show mankind [Adam and Eve] what was in their and our hearts. In like manner when the temple was completed, “And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king’s house“, an environment was created where God was going to put his “name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually” (1Ki 9:3). God’s eyes and heart being there continually is like the sword in the garden of Eden that turns every way and is ever present judging the earthly creation of Adam and Eve just as Israel of old was being judged by their interaction in and around the temple of God (Gen 3:24). Solomon hadn’t been driven out of the presence of God yet as Adam and Eve were driven out in due time, but the stage was set to demonstrate what is in the heart of man once again, only this time on a much larger scale than just two people, and at the end of the age an even larger scaled up demonstration will unfold via Gog and Magog (Rev 20:10). This is the needful and necessary pattern God uses to humble all mankind in our flesh, each man in his order, so that a new heaven and a new earth can be created as the old one flees away (Rev 20:11).

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. 

Rev 20:10  And the devil that deceived them [Rev 12:9, 1Jn 5:19] was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 
Rev 20:11  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 

Of all of humanity there is only a little remnant represented by “the king’s house” who will be used to redeem the rest of God’s creation having become permanent fixtures in “the house of the LORD“.

1Ki 9:2   That the LORD appeared to Solomon the second time, as he had appeared unto him at Gibeon.

The “second time” that the Lord appeared to Solomon is a witness to him that God is faithful to fulfill what He had promised him earlier in Solomon’s dream (1Ki 3:5-15). In 1 Kings 3:14 we see the parallel words being spoken of by God to Solomon at that time as they were stated later in 1 Kings 9:4. Whenever we see the word if regarding keeping God’s commands, we know it’s not telling us something we are going to be able to accomplish in our flesh, but rather is said to remind us that we can’t help but be that person in our flesh who is not going to walk after God’s commands. God already knows the answer to these two ifs that were spoken to Solomon in two instances, and they were written for our admonition (1Pe 1:12).

1Ki 3:14  And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. 

1Ki 9:4  And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 

1Pe 1:12  Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. 

The dream is one for God, and the prophecies are fulfilled showing us that singleness (2Co 11:3) which is in our Lord revealing God’s purpose for mankind to deliver these weak vessels of clay through initially pouring out ten plagues in Egypt. Then He shows our natural state of rebellion unfold against God ten times in the wilderness (Num 14:22), eventually overcoming through Christ who is represented by Caleb (Exo 23:29 , Num 14:24). The two series of tens are a witness that is given against our flesh, and the two times Solomon is visited is a witness as well of the work God is working with our flesh which has a natural enmity against God that will rebel until it doesn’t (Gal 5:17, 1Ki 11:9).

2Co 11:3  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity^G572 that is in Christ.

G572 haplotēs hap-lot’-ace

From G573; singleness, that is, (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal): – bountifulness, liberal (-ity), simplicity, singleness.

Gal 5:17  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

1Ki 11:9  And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

The beast has to be driven out of our lives little and by little otherwise we would become pride-filled thinking that our overcoming had something to do with us and not God Who is the one who must drive the beasts out of our temple through Christ (Joh 2:15). God has appeared a second time to Solomon as He did at “Gibeon“, and yet in both instances of His appearing to Solomon by the hills that the word “Gibeon” means, we are being reminded what was in Solomon’s heart is also in ours (1Jn 1:8). In time these hills will grow into rebellious pride-filled mountains as they do in all flesh (Gen 16:15) until God begins to judge us and humble us through that judgment (Rev 13:14-15, 1Ki 11:9).

Joh 2:15  And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; 

1Jn 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

Gen 15:16  But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. 

Rev 13:14  And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 
Rev 13:15  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 

1Ki 11:9  And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,

1Ki 9:3  And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

When Christ was created, he had no choice in the matter (Rev 3:14) and neither do we as we are recreated and die daily enduring through Christ that process of being sanctified (Joh 17:17) or hallowed of God through Christ who builds the spiritual house (Psa 127:1). It is all typified by this statement: “I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually“. If Christ did not have the words of eternal life, we could not be sanctified with the word of God, and in like manner if Solomon did not have God’s blessing to build the temple of God and be given the wisdom and resources to do so, it would not have happened (1Ki 3:5-15)

Rev 3:14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

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

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. 

God says the same thing to us as He said to Solomon: “I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me“, and He wants us to know that He is speaking of things that are not as though they were regarding “this house” (Rom 4:17) especially in regards to Him putting His “name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually“. That is especially true of God’s elect today who have God’s spirit within them (Rom 8:9), but this does not exclude the rest of humanity who will be saved at an appointed time (1Ti 4:10).

Rom 4:17  (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 

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. 

1Ti 4:10  For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 

1Ki 9:4  And if thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: 
1Ki 9:5  Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. 

Is Solomon going to walk as “David thy father walked“? In the positive view of that statement where Solomon represents our new man the answer is, “Yes, because he is a son of David who represents Christ.” In the negative sense, if Solomon does not walk as “David thy father walked” then he is understood to be the rejected anointed in type and shadow who was not of us and could not inherit the promises (1Jn 2:19). In both instances it is written to admonish us to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Php 3:14). Lord willing, we are His in this age, and we are persuaded better things of you, as Paul said in Hebrews 6:9, the ‘better thing’ being that we are sons of God who miraculously hear His word today and read and keep it (Mat 13:11, Act 28:27, Mat 13:16, Rev 1:3).

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. 

Heb 6:9  But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 

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. 

Act 28:27  For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 

Mat 13:16  But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 

Rev 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words [1Jn 4:6] of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 

The end result of being bound to the altar as a living sacrifice (Psa 118:27, Gal 2:20) unto God is that God “will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel“. That promise to Solomon is the type and shadow promise to the one seed God determined from the foundation of the world to rule and reign under Christ for a thousand years (Gal 3:16, Rev 20:6).

Gal 3:16  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 

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 9:7  Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: 

Everything we’ve looked at in this study has culminated into these last three verses which, as was mentioned at the onset of the study, have questions within them that are all answered in these two sections of scripture:  (Rom 9:1-24, Rom 11:1-11).

We all in our appointed time are “cut off” from “Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name“ and cast out of God’s sight (“will I cast out of my sight“) losing our first love and becoming a “proverb and a byword among all people” like a dog returning to our own vomit where greasy grace lays hold of our yet carnal minds (Pro 26:11).  However, if God is working with us in this life after we are brought to that low estate, we will be brought to our senses and dragged back to our Father through His chastening grace which was described for us in the parable of the prodigal son (Luk 15:17-18).

1Ki 9:8  And at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house? 
1Ki 9:9  And they shall answer, Because they forsook the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil. 

These last verses of our study will only benefit us if we see how they apply to us inwardly today which reads “at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?” This is speaking, in type and shadow, of the astonishment we have over Babylon continually falling in our own lives as we come to see ourselves as the chief of sinners (Rev 14:8). We are the ones who come to see that we have naturally forsaken “the LORD their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the LORD brought upon them all this evil.“

If God is working with us in this age, then He brings upon us all that evil so that we are crushed (Ecc 1:13) and come to see how we are nothing of ourselves and, like the prodigal son, have wasted our understanding of God’s word [our inheritance in Christ], which actions parallel the life of the rich young ruler who thinks, like we do in our appointed time, that we’ve done so many wonderful things from our youth up [symbolizing our own righteousnesses] not being able to acknowledge that only Christ can be Christ (Luk 18:20-22). All glory and honour is His in every aspect of our lives, including how He causes the light and dark to manifest in our heavens to bring us to trust in Christ (Isa 45:7, Eph 1:12). It takes a lifetime of our being brought very low to be able to rightly divide the words of God and apply all that we read to our own man of sin who daily needs to be judged (1Co 11:31-32). If God will grant that we do that, we will through that exercise of evil be matured in Christ and be able to answer with all assuredness the question posed in the title of our study: “Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?” with the answer revealed in Romans 9:18-24.

Ecc 1:13  And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. 

Luk 18:20  Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 
Luk 18:21  And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 
Luk 18:22  Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 

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

1Co 11:31  For if we would judge ourselves [Jer 3:13, 1Jn 1:9], we should not be judged. 
1Co 11:32  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord [Heb 12:6], that we should not be condemned with the world. 

Rom 9:18  Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. 
Rom 9:19  Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? [nobody has resisted his will (Eph 1:11, Php 2:12-13)]
Rom 9:20  Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? [“Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?“]
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? 
Rom 9:22  What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 
Rom 9:23  And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 
Rom 9:24  Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

[Study Aired July 15, 2021]

Joh 14:20  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Rom 8:17  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

2Ti 2:12  If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

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

Gal 6:16  And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

1Ki 11:42  And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rom 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Rom 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

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.

Rev 14:11  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 13:18  Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

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 2:12  Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly.

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.
Psa 127:2  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Psa 127:3  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psa 127:4  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so  are children of the youth.
Psa 127:5  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Heb 4:9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
Heb 4:10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Heb 4:11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Joh 6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

1Co 1:30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

2Ti 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1Co 2:16  For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Heb 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1Co 11:19  For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

1Co 4:6  And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

1Ki 3:25  And the king said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.
1Ki 3:26  Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it [1Co 1:13].

Rev 19:9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Rev 19:17  And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

Jer 5:14  Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

H2294 chaggı̂yth khag-gheeth’  Feminine of H2291; festive; Chaggith, a wife of David: – Haggith. (H2291 is from H2287  to hold a feast, hold a festival, make pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim-feast, celebrate, dance, stagger, to reel.)

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Jer 6:14  They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

Rev 13:11  And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin [the diseases of Egypt both within and outwardly].

Deu 7:12  Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers:

Deu 7:15  And the LORD will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.

Rev 3:11  Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Rev 13:12  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

1Co 5:11  But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

1Jn 5:16  If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it [spiritually “a fornicator, or covetous (3Jn 1:9), or an idolater (Heb 12:15-16), or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat”].

2Jn 1:10  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house [your spiritual house that is filled with the treasures of God’s word (2Ki 20:12-13, Heb 13:10)], neither bid him God speed:
2Jn 1:11  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

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;

Psa 37:7  Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Deu 28:25  The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Mat 12:45  Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Mat 12:29  Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

Jdg 11:23-40 And Jephthah Vowed a Vow unto the Lord

[Study Aired June 14, 2021]

Jdg 11:23  So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it? 
Jdg 11:24  Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess. 
Jdg 11:25  And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them, 
Jdg 11:26  While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time? 
Jdg 11:27  Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon. 
Jdg 11:28  Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him. 
Jdg 11:29  Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon. 
Jdg 11:30  And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, 
Jdg 11:31  Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. 
Jdg 11:32  So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands. 
Jdg 11:33  And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. 
Jdg 11:34  And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter. 
Jdg 11:35  And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back. 
Jdg 11:36  And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon. 
Jdg 11:37  And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows. 
Jdg 11:38  And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains. 
Jdg 11:39  And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel, 
Jdg 11:40  That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year. 

The first part of Judges Chapter 11 deals with how the Gileadites made Jephthah their leader to fight the Ammonites on their behalf. This is to assure us that if we win this war against the flesh, represented by the Ammonites, we shall reign with the Lord when the kingdoms of this world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.

Rev 2:26  And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27  And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Rev 11:15  And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

The second part of Judges Chapter 11 has to do with how Jephthah won the war with the Ammonites and how his only daughter was sacrificed because of the vow he had made to the Lord.

Jdg 11:23  So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it? 
Jdg 11:24  Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess. 

It is the Lord who fights our battles for us. As long as He is our Lord God, we only possess what He has given to us. This fight against the old man within is the Lord’s fight. The key to possessing what our Lord has prepared for us is being in Him or abiding in Him. How do we abide in Him? Abiding in Him is obeying His words. As long as we are in Him, we are victorious. Without Him, we can do nothing.

Joh 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Jdg 11:25  And now art thou any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,
Jdg 11:26  While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time? 

In these verses, Jephthah posed a series of questions to the King of the Ammonites about why the Ammonites are now attacking Israel after several years of non-engagement. The answer to these questions is that at the start of our walk with Christ, we cannot engage the enemy within in a fight because we do not know even who our enemies are. The enemies within are therefore allowed to fallow for several years, signified by the three hundred years mentioned in verse 26. During this period, we are under the sway of the old man, or the flesh, and since we are not confronting them, there is peace between the old man and us. It is when our Lord comes to us that this peace between us is lost. Let’s hear what the Lord’s say about this:

Mat 10:34  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Mat 10:35  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Mat 10:36  And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

The Lord’s coming is when our eyes begin to open and our ears begin to hear. That is when the enemy within is brought to the fore, and it starts to contend with us to maintain its dominance over us. This fight is how to walk in the spirit, which means living by the word of God. That is the only way we can resist (fight) the enemy within which is the lust of the flesh.

Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Gal 5:18  But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Jdg 11:27  Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.
Jdg 11:28  Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him.

In order to fulfill the prophesy regarding this war with the Ammonites, it was imperative that God hardens the heart of the King of Ammonites just like how our God hardened the heart of Pharaoh to resist the release of the Israelites until God has performed His miracles in order for His name to be declared throughout the earth.

Rom 9:17  For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Rom 9:18  Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

In a similar vein, God hardens the flesh to resist it from conceding easily and to fight against us. The reason for strengthening the old man is the same as the purpose for hardening Pharaoh’s heart. That is, to show forth His power in us and to make His name known in everything that breathes within us.

Jdg 11:29  Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon. 

The Sprit of the Lord coming upon Jephthah is the same as our Lord opening our eyes to see and our ears to hear the word of God. That is when we are ready to start this fight against the enemy within, represented by the children of Ammon. As Jesus said, when the spirit comes, he will lead us into all truth – which in this particular case, is realizing who the enemy within is and engaging the enemy within in battle to overthrow his dominance in our lives.

John 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.

Jdg 11:30  And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
Jdg 11:31  Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

We see here that Jephthah made a vow to the Lord about what he would do for the Lord if he were granted victory. The question is, “Should we make a vow to the Lord?”  God does not desire us to make vows to Him because we have no idea what tomorrow brings.

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.

What verses 30-31 are teaching us is that it is only God who can grant us victory over the flesh. Jephthah’s house in verse 31 symbolizes our bodies. So what these verses mean is that as God grants us victory over our old man or flesh, it is then that we can 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.

From another spiritual perspective, we can see that it is only our Father God who can vow a vow because He only is capable of honoring His vow since He arranges everything and knows tomorrow. We can therefore say that Jephthah represents our Father God who swore by himself to assure us of victory against our old man by sacrificing the first to come out of his house (his creation), who is Christ our Lord. We therefore have this hope of salvation as an anchor that what He has started, He is able to finish!!  Let us lift our eyes from our present predicaments (judgments) knowing that He has vowed by Himself to defeat our enemies for us and to bless us!!

Heb 6:13  For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
Heb 6:14  Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
Heb 6:15  And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
Heb 6:16  For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
Heb 6:17  Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Heb 6:18  That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 
Heb 6:19  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Jdg 11:32  So Jephthah passed over unto the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hands. 
Jdg 11:33  And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

Remember, that in verse 30 the spirit of the Lord took over Jephthah. It is the spirit which strengthened him to engage the Ammonites in a fight to defeat the enemy on his behalf. As indicated, the spirit is the word of God, and it is when our eyes are opening and our ears are hearing the word of God that we engage the enemy within in a fight to subdue it. This battle is the Lord’s. It is the Lord who fights our battle for us.  All we have to do is to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, for the enemies we see today, we shall see no more.

Exo 14:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
Exo 14:14  The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Jdg 11:34  And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.

As we stated earlier, Jephthah represents our Father God who has made a vow to redeem us from our enemies by offering as a sacrifice whatever comes out of his creation (house) first. In this context, it is the daughter who came out of the house of Jephthah first, and she was the only offspring of Jephthah. What we need to understand is that in the scriptures, the spirit behind the words is more important than the details. We know from the scriptures that in Christ (in the word) there is neither male nor female. So the daughter here first represents our Lord Jesus Christ who is the only begotten of the Father who was sacrificed on our behalf so we can have the victory.

Gal 3:28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

This daughter also represents the church of the first born or the New Jerusalem. We are the first to come out of our Father’s house to appreciate the victory that our Lord Jesus (Jephthah) has wrought on our behalf.  Remember that Jesus Christ is also called our Father in the scriptures. Because Jesus won the victory over his flesh (the Ammonites) during his time on earth, we too, can win the victory over our flesh.

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

Like the daughter of Jephthah, we too, are the first to come out to celebrate the victory of Christ in our lives with timbrels and with dances. Coming out with timbrels and dancing is the same as being of good cheer because our Father Lord Jesus has overcome the world for us. It also means we must praise the Lord for His wonderful works of deliverance towards us.

Joh 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Psa 107:8  Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Jdg 11:35  And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.

This verse is to point out to us the pain our Father Jesus goes through when we are going through suffering as part of the sacrifice He has marked out for us. For we have a high priest who feels our pain. He really feels what we are going through.

Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

For our brothers and sisters all over the world who are going through all kinds of pain, infirmities, etc., we are not alone in this fight of offering our lives as a living sacrifice. Just like the Hebrew young men who were thrown into fire to be burnt – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – there is always a fourth person (Jesus our Lord) who is with us in this fire of our affliction.

Dan 3:25  He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

Isa 43:1  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 
Isa 43:2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

The good news is that all what we are going through now in this life do not compare with the glory stored up for us.

Rom 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

In verse 35, Jephthah told his daughter that he has opened his mouth to the Lord and cannot go back. Our Lord Jesus is telling us that to the church, his daughter, he has sworn he will deliver us from our enemies and cannot go back. What He has started, He is able to finish!!

Php 1:6: And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally  finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Jdg 11:36  And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon. 

This verse reminds me of what our Lord Jesus’ physical mother Mary said when she was told of Jesus’ birth. Despite the shame of being exposed as adulterous, she said, “Be it unto me according to thy word.” This was what the daughter of Jephthah also said, who first represents our Lord Jesus Christ and also the church of the first born. In other words, she despised the pain of being sacrificed for this victory over the Ammonites. Before this daughter of Jephthah was sacrificed, our Lord Jesus has already been sacrificed for our sake before the foundations of the world. Our Lord Jesus despised the shame and willingly endured the pain of being sacrificed at a tender age for our victory over the flesh.

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.

Luk 1:38  And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Like a sheep led to the slaughter, our Lord Jesus never complained, like the daughter of Jephthah, but bore our sins for our victory.

Isa 53:6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 53:7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Isa 53:8  He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
Isa 53:9  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 
Isa 53:10  Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 
Isa 53:11  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 

In spite of all the tribulation we are all going through now as part of our judgment, we should say just like Mary, “Be it unto me according to thy word.” This is what wins the war!! In this present age, we are also being offered as sacrifice, just like the daughter of Jephthah, to fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in our flesh.

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
Col 1:25  Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

Here in verse 25, Paul said that the reason for his ministry was to fulfill the word of God. This is the same as saying like Mary, “Be it unto me according to thy word”.

Let’s hear what Paul has to say about this victory through sacrifice which our Lord Jesus went through first and is exemplified by the daughter of Jephthah:

1Co 4:9  For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
1Co 4:10  We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 
1Co 4:11  Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
1Co 4:12  And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
1Co 4:13  Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

Going through all these, do you think our walk with Christ is this greasy grace which we learned during our walk with the Lord in Babylon? Absolutely Not!!

Jdg 11:37  And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows. 
Jdg 11:38  And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains.

Jephthah’s daughter’s request to go up and down the mountains to bewail her virginity was granted by his father. This tells us of Jesus stripping off the glory He had with the Father to come down to earth to bewail his virginity. Spiritually, virginity here signifies election. The number two means witness, and so the two months that Jephthah’s daughter asked is the period that our Lord Jesus walked on this earth to bear witness to the truth. Bewailing her virginity means taking up the cross because of His election.  So what these verses mean is that Jesus took up his cross of suffering while here on earth bearing witness to the truth.

Luk 9:23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Luk 9:24  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

The word of God says that as He is, so are we here on earth. We, too, like the daughter of Jephthah and our Lord Jesus Christ, must bewail our virginity for two months by taking up the cross and following our Lord Jesus in our lives here on earth as we bear witness to the truth.

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.

Jdg 11:39  And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel,

At the end of Jesus’ life here on earth, represented here by the two months, he returned to His Father after being sacrificed by bearing our sins on the cross. She knew no man in verse 39 here means that Jesus did not sin while here on earth. The statement in this verse, “And it was a custom in Israel” means that as Israel of God we are also to follow the example of Jesus by enduring suffering as part of filling up that which is left behind of the afflictions of Christ in the flesh and bearing witness to the truth while living here on earth. On a negative note externally, the sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus became a stumbling block to our brothers in Babylon. They observe as a custom the physical death of our Lord Jesus Christ just like the heathens celebrate their ancestors or gods when the Lord has warned us not to follow after the customs of this world or enquire about how the world worships their gods. We used to be involved in these rituals while we were in Babylon.

Deu 12:29  When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land;
Deu 12:30  Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
Deu 12:31  Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

Jdg 11:40  That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.

The daughters of Israel symbolize Babylon. What this verse therefore means is that a time will come when brothers and sisters in Babylon will also bewail their virginity just like the daughter of Jephthah. In other words, they will also take up their cross and follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Currently, it is the elect who are bewailing their virginity. However, Babylon will also bewail her virginity in the lake of fire age through the agency of God’s elect.

Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Rom 11:32  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

The verse said that the daughters of Israel will lament four days in a year. The number four means the whole of the matter being discussed, so four days means all of the days in a year.  In other words, our bewailing or lamenting is throughout our lives here on earth. Babylon will also come to know Christ and bear witness to the truth!!

1Co 15:22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
1Co 15:24  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

1Ki 1:10-12  “The LORD liveth, that hath redeemed my soul out of all distress”

(Safety within the counsel of God’s kingdom)

[Study Aired May 27, 2021]

1Ki 1:10  But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not. 
1Ki 1:11  Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not? 
1Ki 1:12  Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.

This section of 1st Kings shows God’s elect, through the type and shadow experiences within King David’s kingdom, how God ministers or redeems our souls out of all distress through the multitude of counsellors whom He causes to bring safely to His kingdom within us (Luk 17:21), which counsel preserves us unto the saving of our souls. We are those vessels God uses for each other so that the gates of hell won’t prevail against us (Mat 16:18), and each joint has a part in that preservation process to which we have been called in this age as His elect remnant (Mat 9:17, Gen 32:30, Heb 10:39, 2Co 3:18, 1Co 13:12, Eph 4:16, Rom 11:5).

Mat 9:17  Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are  preserved. [Psa 119:160 (CLV), Joh 6:68, 1Co 12:12, Rom 12:5]

Gen 32:30  And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel^H6439: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Heb 10:39  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

2Co 3:18  But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same

2Co 3:18 Now we all, with uncovered face, mirroring the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into the same (CLV)

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

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 11:5  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

H6439 penû’êl  penı̂y’êl  pen-oo-ale’, pen-ee-ale’
From H6437 and H410; face of God; Penuel or Peniel, a place East of Jordan; also (as Penuel) the name of two Israelites: – Peniel, Penuel.

Interesting to note: the pineal gland and the pituitary gland are found in the middle of the brain and are very protected as such. The similarity of the word peniel and penial are not what is in view here but rather the fact that God’s elect are protected and at the center of God’s plan of the salvation of all that comes about as a result of the spiritual growth growth He grants through the church, just as in the physical realm the pineal and pituitary glands afford.

Gen 32:30  And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel^H6439: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

The brain is comprised of two distinct hemispheres connected by fibers. The pineal gland is located in the middle of the brain, in between the two hemispheres. The pineal gland contains mainly pinealocytes, which are cells that produce the hormone melatonin; and glial cells, which are a particular type of brain cells that support neurons (the cells that transmit information to other cells). [Pineal gland calcification and Defective Sense of Direction]

Of people with impaired pineal glands found that damage to this gland is associated with declines in the sense of direction. This suggests that the pineal gland may play a largely unrecognized role in spatial navigation. [Some verses to consider: Jer 18:4, Pro 14:12, Rom 8:9, Rom 8:14-15]

The pituitary gland is a gland that protrudes from a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is linked to a wide range of hormonal functions, including growth and thyroid function.

(Taken from this medical journal: Medical News Today/articles/319882)

Spiritually, God’s elect are protected as we are being dragged or directed to Christ and face Him (Joh 6:44, Luk 22:31) face to face as we go from glory to glory so we can grow through an increase that comes from God Who abides in us through Christ (1Co 3:6, Joh 14:20, Col 1:27).

1Co 3:6  I have planted, Apollos watered; [pineal gland typical of this] but God gave the increase  [pituitary typical of this].

Joh 14:20  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [Rom 8:9]

The pituitary gland is therefore situated where it is to teach us this lesson in the physical realm, which reveals the spiritual reality (Rom 1:20) of where growth originates and how it is we are blessed when we are facing our Judge, who is in the north, and we then mature and grow in this life (Eph 2:6, Rev 4:6, 1Pe 4:17, Eze 26:7, Jer 50:9, Isa 26:9).

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

Rev 4:6  And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne [in the midst like the pituitary gland], and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. [God’s elect]

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Eze 26:7  For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon [come out of her my people through judgment], a king of kings, from the north, [Psa 17:13] with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people.

Jer 50:9  For, lo, I will raise and cause to come up against  Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from thence she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain [Isa 55:10-11].

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

The safety that is found within the counsel of God’s kingdom is being formed within the body as we grow and mature as the body of Christ through that judgment which causes us to die daily and no longer be conformed to this world but rather transformed by the renewing of our minds (1Pe 4:17, 1Jn 4:17, Rom 12:1-2).

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.

That is the life-long endeavor to which we have been called, and God promises to provide all the love and support we need in order to endure unto the end as His kind of first fruits which He has purposed to mature first in this age (Jas 1:18, 1Pe 2:9).

Jas 1:18  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1Ki 1:10  But Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not.

When we look at the names of those with whom Adonijah would not confer, we get a sense of how he was truly being exalted in his own flesh and did not see the need to go to “Nathan^H5416 the prophet” whose name means “giver” and that word is taken from H5414 meaning “to give, to put, to set” also, “bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate.” These definitions tell us who Nathan was as a man of God who was not going to allow this self-exalted would-be king Adonijah – who represents our carnal flesh – to exalt himself (Mat 23:12, Pro 11:11, Pro 28:7).

Mat 23:12  And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Pro 11:11  By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

Pro 28:7  Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.

H5416nâthân naw-thawn’
From H5414; given; Nathan, the name of five Israelites: – Nathan.

H5414 nâthan naw-than’
A primitive root; to give, used with great latitude of application (put, make, etc.): – add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, X avenge, X be ([healed]), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit consider, count, + cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute do, X doubtless, X without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up). + sing, + slander, strike, [sub-] mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, + weep, X willingly, + withdraw, + would (to) God, yield.

Adonijah also did not call on “Benaiah^H1141, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he called not“.

Benaiah was one of David’s mighty warriors which in itself is a symbol of someone who is faith-filled and wanting to fight a good fight of faith, having no guile within him. Benaiah^H1141 means “Jehovah has built”. God has built this typical dedicated house (Psa 127:1) as opposed to Adonijah^H138 [“my lord is Jehovah”] whose name claims the name of Jehovah but denies Him in works (Isa 4:1).

Isa 4:1  And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.

“The mighty men, and Solomon his brother” were the two other groups that “he called not“. As mentioned, Benaiah was one of those mighty men, along with another undetermined number of mighty men who are a shadow of the safety that we find in the multitude of wise counsellors, who are only seeking the will of God (Pro 11:14, Pro 24:6).

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

Pro 24:6  For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Not seeking counsel from “Solomon^H8010 his brother” is the last straw in this breakdown and insurrection that was taking place in Israel, and rejecting the counsel of the king is a type of rejecting the counsel of Christ, Who is our wisdom (Job 12:13, 1Ki 4:29-30).

Job 12:13  With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

1Ki 4:29  And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
1Ki 4:30  And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

1Ki 1:11  Wherefore Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, Hast thou not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?

“Wherefore“, because of what Nathan knew Adonijah was doing, he “spake unto Bathsheba^H1339 the mother of Solomon“. Bathsheba, whose name means “daughter of an oath“, representing the body of Christ and the positive example of the oath or promise that there would be a remnant that would descend from line of David with Bathsheba and not from “Adonijah, the son of Haggith^H2294“.

Haggith – H2294 Feminine of H2291; festive; Chaggith, a wife of David: – Haggith.

H2291 From H2287; festive; Chaggi, an Israelite; also (patronymically) a Chaggite, or descendant of the same: – Haggi, Haggites.

H2287  BDB Definition: to hold a feast, hold a festival, make pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim-feast, celebrate, dance 1Sa 30:16, stagger  Psa 107:27

Bathseba – H1339 bath-shebabath-sheh’-bah
From H1323 and H7651 (in the sense of H7650); daughter of an oath; BathSheba, the mother of Solomon: – Bath-sheba.

The oath that Bathsheba’s name means is a type and shadow of the promise that there would be an elect seed which would become the true kings and priests to rule under Christ, typified by Solomon and the generations that would follow him (Rom 11:15, Mat 1:1, Mat 1:6, Mat 1:16-17).

Rom 11:5  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Mat 1:1  The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Mat 1:6  And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;^H223 [Jehovah (Yahweh) is my light (flame)]

Mat 1:16  And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Mat 1:17  So all the generations from Abraham to David  are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

(Notice the number 3 that represents the process of spiritual completion, 1+4=5 meaning grace through faith and 6+3 for judgment, explaining what happens within those spiritual generations of Christ’s body 3X14=42).

It is very instructive to note that “Nathan spake unto Bathsheba the mother of Solomon” with the intention of preserving that line towards kingship, which typifies the small remnant that is preserved through the ages to the glory of God (Mat 1:17), and it was Nathan the prophet who was also used by God to go to King David to once again preserve  in type and shadow the spiritual lineage of King David – by going to his brother and telling him his transgression between him and David alone (Mat 18:15, Gen 39:9, Mat 25:45, 2Sa 12:7, Psa 51:1). These actions are connected to that parable of the generations of Christ who are preserved through judgment.

2Sa 12:7  And Nathan said to David, Thou art  the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

Psa 51:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

We read that “Adonijah the son of Haggith^H2294 doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not?“. This statement is a parable for our learning to remind us that this spirit called “Haggith^H2294, whose name means festive”, lies at the doors of our hearts and wants to ‘eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die’ (1Co 15:31-32). Then, “David our lord knoweth it not?” is a shadow of our negligence when we neglect so great a salvation by not stirring up God’s spirit within us through prayer (Heb 2:3), prayer that would keep us as alert watchmen at the door of God’s kingdom within us (Mat 26:41). We just can’t make war with the beast unless God sends Nathan the prophet who typifies God’s holy spirit that comes to us and leads us to repentance (Rom 2:4, Joh 8:36). Like king David, “old and  stricken in years” (of verse 1 from last week), we are not as the old man aware of all the goings on about us both within and outside our kingdom. However, by grace through faith (Eph 2:8, 1Jn 5:4), we can be more than conquerors through Christ (Rom 8:37) as we awaken to the reality of our calling (Mat 25:6-7, Rom 13:11) and realize the continual need to fight a good fight of faith (1Ti 6:12).

1Co 15:31  I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
1Co 15:32  If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? [right now in earnest (Eph 2:6)] let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Heb 2:3  How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

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

Mat 25:6  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Mat 25:7  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps [Rom 13:11].

Rom 13:11  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

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 [Rev 3:11, Psa 146:3].

1Ki 1:12  Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon.

This last verse of our study is at the heart of the matter regarding what it means to find safety within the counsel of God’s kingdom, “that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon“. Christ is our life (Rom 14:8,  Gal 2:20) and the knowledge and wisdom He gives us through His body is to be greatly treasured and is not to be compared to anything we could desire on this earth seeing it is the words of eternal life (Pro 1:5, Php 4:6-7, Pro 1:23-31, Php 3:8)

Pro 1:5  A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

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.

Pro 1:23  Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you [Joh 10:27, Luk 12:32, 1Jn 4:4-6, Mat 13:9, Mat 13:16].
Pro 1:24  Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
Pro 1:25  But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: [Rom 2:4]
Pro 1:26  I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
Pro 1:27  When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
Pro 1:28  Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me [Mat 25:11-13]:
Pro 1:29  For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD [Luk 12:5]:
Pro 1:30  They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof [Pro 6:23].
Pro 1:31  Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices [Php 3:9].

If we say, “We see” our sins will remain (Joh 9:41), but if we acknowledge that we don’t know as we should know (1Co 8:2) then we can thank God for taking the guile out of our hearts that would have us thinking we don’t continually need to have our every plan in this life committed unto our loving Father (1Pe 4:19, Php 4:6-7) Who only wants to direct us by still waters where we can grow and flourish in Christ (Psa 23:1-3).

Joh 9:41  Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

1Co 8:2  And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.

Psa 23:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psa 23:2  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Psa 23:3  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

If God will grant us such a humble and contrite heart as a gift from him (Isa 66:2), then we will be able to heed the admonition being given to us that says “Now therefore come, let me, I pray thee, give thee counsel, that thou mayest save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon” (Joh 6:68).

We will be restored by those living waters He gives to those whom He is judging in this age and leading to repentance in order to make the bride ready (Rev 19:7, Php 2:12-13) at the expense of all who are not given the power to continue and endure until the end (typified by Adonijah and expressed in type and shadow in this parable in Matthew 25:8-10).

Next week, Lord willing, we will look at the order David establishes through the wise counsel which was given him through those whom the Lord brought to him and that he received with ears to hear (1Jn 4:6).

“The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.”

[Study Aired March 1, 2021]

God is exalted in our earth [“the land“] through judgment (Jer 22:29) which is how we will learn to trust Him (Eph 1:12, 2Co 1:9) and understand that He creates light and darkness and uses them both to demonstrate “his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering” (Rom 2:4) through a process that is being worked within our heavens where He brings us through the fiery trials of this life (1Pe 4:12, Act 14:22). He does this so that “after that ye have suffered a while” God can “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1Pe 5:10, Psa 107:27-31). In this study we will look at what occurs in “the land” [our “earth, earth, earth“], and, Lord willing, we’ll see and continue to be convinced as we pass “through to search it” that it “is an exceeding good land” for what it can ultimately produce (Gen 3:6).

Jer 22:29  O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD. 

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

2Co 1:9  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 

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

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

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, [make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you”] 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,[Rom 2:4] and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [Eph 2:10]

Gen 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 

It is after the storm has passed that we will learn how to “be still, and know that I am God”. This is the same one God who is being “exalted among the heathen” and who is being “exalted in the earth” among the gentile within us (Col 1:27). We must be brought to our wits’ end in order to learn of His faithfulness and that He is “the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus.” That is the process we are not to despise (Rom 11:22, Rom 2:4-11), and it is the only way by which we can come to learn how to patiently possess our souls which are being fashioned by God so that we can one day show the same mercy which He has shown to us to rest of His creation (Psa 46:10, Luk 21:19, Rom 11:30-31).

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory [Rom 2:4] of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 

Rom 11:22  Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue [Act 14:22] in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 

Act 14:22  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God [2Co 12:9].

2Co 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 
Rom 2:5  But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 
Rom 2:6  Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 
Rom 2:7  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 
Rom 2:8  But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 
Rom 2:9  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 
Rom 2:10  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 
Rom 2:11  For there is no respect of persons with God. 

Psa 46:10  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 

Luk 21:19  In your patience possess ye your souls. 

Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God [equals “Tribulation and anguish” and God’s wrath abiding on us (Joh 3:36)], yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 

Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy [obtained by the “glory, honour, and peace” that is given as a gift from God] they also may obtain mercy.

The initial making known of this mystery that is among the gentile world is within me (Col 1:27, 1Jn 2:16), and that world is being destroyed daily and overcome by the brightness of His coming (2Th 2:8) to the end that, through the destruction that comes about by chastening and scourging or judgment in a life that has been admonished to be armed with the mind of Christ (Heb 12:6-7, 1Pe 4:1), I can learn to discern good and evil and come to be able to rightly divide the strong meat which will continue to nourish us (Heb 5:14) on our journey through the wilderness where the LORD goes before us and fights for us. He divides the Red Sea (Exo 14:14-19) and overcomes all the enemies within us which He has set there to be bread for us which will strengthen our hearts to do battle (Eph 6:12). 

[“The Red Sea represents the world within and without, the powers and principalities that we war against and overcome through Christ”]

Exo 14:14  The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. 
Exo 14:15  And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:[Php 3:14] 
Exo 14:16  But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: [Heb 5:14] and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 
Exo 14:17  And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 

[This hardening of our hearts causes anguish that our old man must endure, represented by Pharaoh, and it leads to “glory, honour, and peace” within once the Lord overcomes those powers and principalities we wrestle against within (Rom 2:9-10)]

Exo 14:18  And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen [Rom 9:17] .
Exo 14:19  And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them [Isa 45:7]:

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 
Heb 12:7  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

1Pe 4:1  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 

Receiving Bread is critical to the overcoming process, and is the reason we are told not to despise this process of judging the giants in our land that God put there for our benefit. We despise God’s goodness by saying we can’t overcome those giants (Num 13:33), when in fact it is those very  struggles and battles which will produce the bread we need to continue to strengthen our hearts (Psa 104:14-15) so that His love will not fail or wax cold. It will in many when the iniquity of the world abounds more and more and people begin to rebel against the Lord in unbelief, not recognizing His sovereignty over all the conditions of the earth that He is working according to the counsel of His own will (Rom 2:4, Heb 13:10, Mat 24:12-13, Num 14:6-9, Eph 1:11-12).

Num 13:33  And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight [2Co 4:18].

2Co 4:18  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: [Joh 20:29] for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 

Psa 104:14  He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; 
Psa 104:15  And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 

[This is akin to saying we despise the “bread whichstrengtheneth man’s heart“, the giants that we must acknowledge our in our land, and then confidently declare that we can overcome through Christ so they can be bread for us (2Co 7:11)]

Heb 13:10  We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle [The bread God freely gives to those who have been given eyes to see (Rev 1:3)].

Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold [Num 14:10].
Mat 24:13  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Num 14:6  And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes: 
Num 14:7  And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. 
Num 14:8  If the LORD delight in us [If we are bound to the altar where we receive the bread of life (Psa 118:27)], then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey. 
Num 14:9  Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not [Rom 2:4). 
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 [‘just as in this rebellion with Korah and all the congregation’ (Num 16:2, Num 16:19)] 

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

Being the first to trust in Christ is a tremendous honour that comes at a great cost that we are told to count (Luk 14:27-28), meaning we must know that it involves our fulfilling His will throughout our life (Mat 12:50) which is our reasonable service (Rom 12:1-2), being made possible through Christ through whom we can endure all things even until the end (Mat 19:27-29, Mat 24:13). If we are bound to the altar nothing can separate us from this process that requires that we go through so much training that is often administered through afflictions, or persecutions or tribulations. All of those things — the afflictions, persecutions and much tribulation — bear witness and make it evident to us in our heavens that we are being worked with as a bride of Christ being prepared to rule under Him (Rev 19:7-9). That preparation is being accomplished by continually bearing about in our bodies the scars of Christ that show that we belong to Him (Gal 6:17).

Luk 14:27  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 
Luk 14:28  For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 

Mat 12:50  For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

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. 

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

Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 
Rev 19:8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 
Rev 19:9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Gal 6:17  From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

The land which the Israelites of old were passing through to obtain was “an exceeding good land” that Joshua, who represents Christ, told the people they could inherit (Num 14:7). Christ has called and chosen us to be faithful until the end of this life and given us “exceeding great and precious promises” (2Pe 1:1-4), which confirms that, through our Lord, overcoming is exactly what is going to happen (Joh 8:36, Rom 8:35-37).

Num 14:7  And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

2Pe 1:1  Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 
2Pe 1:2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 
2Pe 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 
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. 

Joh 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 

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 [2Sa 12:10]?
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. 
Rom 8:37  Nay, in all these things [2Pe 1:3]we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Hi Mr. Vinson,

I understand the book of Revelation is Christ revealing Himself to us within. However, I also understand all scripture has an outward dispensational fulfillment as well.

So my question is, “Will the events of Revelation be manifested outwardly on the physical earth at the climax of this present age/aion?”

Will men be literally scorched by the sun, will the seas and rivers actually turn to blood, will we see huge swarms of locusts, will there be some kind of physical ‘mark’ forced upon the people, will 1/3 of the grass and trees actually be burned up, will there be some charismatic world leader who will gather and unite all the physical nations of this earth? etc.

With all the calamity taking place in the world today, I can’t help but wonder if we are getting near to the end of this age. Thanks for helping me with this. Mike. I appreciate it.

Your brother in Christ,

C____

Hi, C____​,

Thank you for your questions. They provided me with the opportunity to clarify the fact that signs and symbols, types and shadows, are just as applicable to their outward dispensational fulfillment as they are to their inward spiritual fulfillment.

Here are your concerns:

“I understand the book of Revelation is Christ revealing Himself to us within. However, I also understand all scripture has an outward dispensational fulfillment as well.

“So my question is, will the events of Revelation be manifested outwardly on the physical earth at the climax of this present age/aion?

“Will men be literally scorched by the sun, will the seas and rivers actually turn to blood, will we see huge swarms of locusts, will there be some kind of physical ‘mark’ forced upon the people, will 1/3 of the grass and trees actually be burned up, will there be some charismatic world leader who will gather and unite all the physical nations of this earth? etc.  (End Quote)

I will answer your e-mail paragraph by paragraph in the order in which you have written it. Your first statement is:

“I understand the book of Revelation is Christ revealing Himself to us within. However, I also understand all scripture has an outward dispensational fulfillment as well.” (End Quote)

Yes, indeed, the book of Revelation is primarily about Jesus “Christ revealing Himself to us within”, simply because we are plainly told that this prophecy is “the revelation of Jesus Christ” with which we are blessed if we “read… hear… and “keep the things which are written therein”. We are even told that 2000 years ago “the time is at hand” to “read, hear, and keep the things  which are written therein.”

Rev 1:1  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
Rev 1:2  Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Rev 1:3  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

You tell me:

“I understand the book of Revelation is Christ revealing Himself to us within. However, I also understand all scripture has an outward dispensational fulfillment as well.”

For that to be true you must have a handle on the concept of this prophecy being “signified” in such a way as to make it applicable at the time it was first penned as well as in every generation since.

Besides being told that we are to “read… hear… and keep those things which are written therein”, we must also acknowledge that the things written therein are all “signified”, and are therefore revealed to us only through signs and symbols, just as is every parable given to us from our Lord… “He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John”.

A movie about end-time events was produced several years ago, entitled ‘Left Behind’. That movie is a sad commentary on the lack of spiritual understanding on the part of many highly regarded Christian leaders and many Christians who attend the churches to whom the teachings of these men appeal today. The writers admit that ‘Left Behind’ is a work of fiction, and at the same time they lead their viewers to believe that it is based upon the scriptures concerning the events which are prophesied to take place “at the appearing of our Lord” by taking the “signified” words of Revelation 11 concerning the “two witnesses” in a completely literal way.

There is no appreciation in this movie for the meaning of the word “signified” which is a very important key to properly understanding this prophecy. That is why it is given to us in the very first verse of this book. The writers of this fiction simply were not given the eyes to see that ‘key’, and instead they go so far in their literal interpretation of this prophecy that they portray the “two witnesses” of Revelation 11 as two literal men endowed with the supernatural ability to breath out literal fire from their mouths, and with that literal fire these two literal men literally kill anyone who literally attempts to hurt them. After all, that is exactly how it is all signified:

Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Rev 11:4  These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
Rev 11:5  And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

I must emphasize again, the authors of this work of fiction completely ignore the key to understanding this prophecy which is given to us in the very first verse of the very first chapter of Revelation.

Rev 1:1  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

They also ignore another key to understanding this prophecy which the holy spirit gives us in verse 3 of chapter one:

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

This verse very clearly informs us that at the time of the writing of the book of Revelation “the time [was] at hand [to] read, hear, and keep the things which are written therein”. Yet the entire movie about these two men is cast as an event which has only an end-of-the-age application, and they arbitrarily decide for themselves which parts of this prophecy are literal and which are not. Notice that no one casts the “two witnesses” as literal “olive trees” or literal “candlesticks”:

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

If you are led to do so, you can read the very in-depth commentary on the entire book of Revelation beginning at this link:

The Book of Revelation Introduction/

Christ Himself, speaking of the very same events, also tells us “the time is at hand” for all the events He mentions in Matthew 24 to be lived out by all in whom He is being revealed:

Mat 24:32  Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
Mat 24:33  So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Mat 24:34  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Mat 24:35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

“You know summer is near, even at the doors… this generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled”. That does not sound like something which will only be fulfilled 2,000 years down the road of time. The need for “these things [to] be fulfilled” is presented to “[that] generation” as “near, even at the door”! It is presented as an immediately urgent event, which must be ‘read, heard and kept, for the time is at hand to do so’ (Rev 1:3).

“My words shall not pass away” tells us that Christ’s words have a quality about them which make them applicable in every generation of mankind, so it can truthfully be said at any time, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”

This is verse 34, and the “all these things” of the preceding verses include “the abomination of desolation” which stands in the holy place, as well as “the tribulation” and “the end of the age”. Those events, as well as the deceiving of the whole world, the wars and rumors of wars, the famines, pestilences, and earthquakes and “the end of the age” all took place in “[that] generation” according to our Lord’s own signified words.

In Matthew 24 the disciples asked Christ:

Mat 24:3  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign [Greek: sameion, G4592] of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [Greek: aion, G165, age]

In answer to this question Christ gives us what is commonly referred to as “the Olivet prophecy” in which He first warns us:

Mat 24:4  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Then in answer to this same question He tells us:

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.
Mat 24:7  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

For a very good reason, Christ three times warns us against being deceived in this same chapter 24 of Matthew. Here are all three:

Mat 24:5  For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Mat 24:11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

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.

The reason Christ does this is to let us all know that we will all at first be deceived. We know this is true because He plainly tells us that He speaks to us in parables because none of us are, at first, “given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven”. We must all “come out of [Babylon]” before we are given eyes that see and ears that hear:

Mat 13:10  And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
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. 

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.

“Without a parable [Christ] spoke not unto [the multitudes]”, for the express purpose of keeping the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven hidden from the masses of humanity. Everything Christ spoke, He spoke only in parables which “signified” everything He is telling us:

Mat 13:34  All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:
Mat 13:35  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Verse 34 answers all of your questions. Everything Christ spoke, He spoke in parables, signifying what He was telling us. The book of Revelation is not exception to that verse whether we are speaking of its inward spiritual meaning or even if we are speaking of the “outward dispensational fulfillment as well”. Both are “signified” so that we can safely say that the answer to every question you ask is an absolute, No!

So just put a big, No! after each of these your questions in your next paragraph:

“Will men be literally scorched by the sun, [NO!] will the seas and rivers actually turn to blood [NO!], will we see huge swarms of locusts [No! Not doing the things mentioned in Revelation 9], will there be some kind of physical ‘mark’ forced upon the people [No!], will 1/3 of the grass and trees actually be burned up [No!], will there be some charismatic world leader who will gather and unite all the physical nations of this earth? etc.. [No! and No!]

Do not think that in saying they will not be “literally scorched with the sun” in an “outward dispensational fulfillment” that therefore that is no “outward dispensational fulfillment”. The fact is that there will indeed be an outward dispensational fulfillment which is also “signified” with the same words which apply to the inward, spiritual fulfillment.

Being “signified” does not meant they cannot have an outward, physical fulfillment. Here is an example of how a signified prophecy was fulfilled outwardly and dispensationally. Here is how Christ Himself signified the prophecy of His own crucifixion:

Joh 12:32  And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Joh 12:33  This he said, signifying [Greek: semaino, G4591] what death he should die.

This Greek word ‘semaino‘^G4591 translated here as “signifying”, is the exact same word translated as “signified” in Revelation 1:1, and it is the same Greek root for the word the disciples used in asking Christ for “the sign of [His] coming and the end of the age”:

Rev 1:1  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [Greek: semaino, G4591] it by his angel unto his servant John:

Mat 24:3  And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign [Greek: semeion, G4592] of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

There is nothing in the words, “If I be lifted up” which specifies that Christ was speaking of being put to death through crucifixion. Nevertheless, the holy spirit tells us those words “signified what death He should die”, and that prophecy took place at that time, exactly as it had been “signified”.

This very same Greek word is again translated as “signifying” in these verses where Christ is speaking to Peter by the Sea of Galilee after His resurrection from the dead:

Joh 21:18  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
Joh 21:19  This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

There is nothing in the words, “When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not” telling us specifically “by what death [Peter] should glorify God”, and yet we are told that is what Christ was telling Peter, and if we have ears to hear, He is also speaking to us “signifying by what death [we] should glorify God” as we offer our own bodies “signified” as “a living sacrifices unto the Lord”.

With this understanding of the meaning of the Greek word ‘semaino‘, translated as ‘signified’ in Revelation 1:1, let’s reword your question to fit the qualifications of Revelation 1:1:

“Will men [in a “signified way] be scorched by the sun [Yes, they will!], will the seas and rivers [in a signified way] turn to blood [Yes, indeed they will!], will we see huge [signified] swarms of locusts [Indeed, we will!], will there be some [signified] ‘mark’ forced upon the people [Indeed, we are born with that “mark of mankind” – Ecc 3:18], will 1/3 of the [signified] grass and trees be burned up [Yes, they are and will be being burned up! – 1Pe 1:24], will there be [a signified] charismatic world leader who will gather and unite all the [signified] nations of this [signified] earth [within you and me]? [Yes, you see him in the  mirror every day! Eph 5:29] etc.

Jer 22:29  O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.

1Pe 1:24  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

Eph 5:29  For no [normal] man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

In conclusion to all of your questions, considering that Christ prophesied of His own crucifixion in signified words which came to pass just as He had “signified”, the obvious fact is that signified prophecies are not intended to provide specific details of the event with which they deal. They are instead designed to try our faith and to keep us vigilant, diligent, sober, alert and faithful to the end of our ‘age’.

Here is your last paragraph:

“With all the calamity taking place in the world today I can’t help but wonder if we are getting near to the end of this age.” (End Quote)

I will close by agreeing with you and with the holy spirit and with Christ and with Peter that “the time is at hand, it is near, even at the door, and we must never make the mistake of thinking what we all just naturally will think:

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.
2Pe 3:5  For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
2Pe 3:6  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
2Pe 3:7  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
2Pe 3:8  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
2Pe 3:14  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

It is my sincere prayer that you and I will “be diligent that [we] may be found of Him in peace without spot and blameless” and never of the spirit which thinks, “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.”

Your brother in Christ, Mike