Month: June 2019

Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, You shall be built; and to the temple, Your foundation shall be laid.

Of the nineteen times the name Cyrus appears we are never told anything about his lineage, merely that he was a king of Persia and Babylon. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon says his name means “possessor of the furnace.” Before continuing on to tell you how we know, I am going to tell you he is the LORD, the king at His coming, the one in whom culminates all the description of Jehovah’s salvation personified, God appearing in the flesh.

The name is (obviously) from the Hebrew words kuwr, meaning furnace, and yesh, meaning to stand out, or exist, as an entity. The qualities of the word yesh coincide with the meaning of the name Jehovah, which was reiterated in a recent post (5 June 2019), saying, “…Jehovah [is], from Hebrew words telling us of His self-manifesting, meaning self-creating in origin and by Himself alone becoming conspicuously and unstoppably apparent.”

Daniel describes seeing Him as the son of God, in the furnace, again giving no detail other than that His identity (id-entity) was obvious. This appears in Daniel 3:25, a chapter wherein Daniel us conspicuously unmentioned as his three friends refuse to bow and worship the idols created by the corrupt culture of the time. Like today, those who controlled the culture of the time created ways to entrap and publicly accuse those who refused to bow to them, and as punishment for such an offense, they were thrown into a fiery furnace. The one whose likeness showed him to be the son of God, who is seen walking in the fire with them, is obviously Daniel (the judge {judgment} of God) describing himself. He is telling of God in him judging, acquitting the faithful, who are His friends walking with Him, as the fires, created by these men’s ways based on their self-serving corrupt ideas, consume the accusers.

Daniel 3

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar [those {popular prejudices} creating the perverse ideas, which have caused the desolation of the world] in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not you serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?15 Now if you be ready that at what time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if you worship not, you shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter.17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.18 But if not, be it known unto you, O king, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spoke, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.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.26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spoke, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spoke, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

As we saw in the prior post, the title appears in Isaiah 44:28, the chapter where the LORD speaks of restoring His people into prosperity (Jesurun), after wickedness has reached its end (boundary).

Isaiah 44

23 Sing, O you heavens; for the LORD has done it: shout, you lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.24 Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, and he that formed you from the womb, I am the LORD that makes all things; that stretches forth the heavens alone; that spreads abroad the earth by myself;25 That frustrates the tokens of the liars, and makes diviners mad; that turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolish;26 That confirms the word of his servant, and performs the counsel of his messengers; that says to Jerusalem, You shall be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, You shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:27 That says to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up your rivers:28 That says of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, You shall be built; and to the temple, Your foundation shall be laid.

Isaiah 45

1 Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;2 I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:3 And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, which call you by your name, am the God of Israel.4 For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called you by your name: I have surnamed you, though you have not known me.5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded you, though you have not known me:6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else.7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.8 Drop down, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.9 Woe unto him that strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioned it, What make you? or your work, He has no hands?10 Woe unto him that says unto his father, What begets you? or to the woman, What have you brought forth?11 Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command you me.12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, says the LORD of hosts.14 Thus says the LORD, The labor of Egypt [those who have thrown God’s people into their fiery furnace, and hold them captive there], and merchandise of Ethiopia [those covered in the darkness of their ignorance] and of the Sabeans [those drunken by their own power and ideas], men of stature, shall come over unto you, and they shall be yours: they shall come after you; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto you, they shall make supplication unto you, saying, Surely God is in you; and there is none else, there is no God.15 Truly you are a God that hides yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior.16 They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.17 But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: you shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.18 For thus says the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he has established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.19 I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek you me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.21 Tell you, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who has declared this from ancient time? who has told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.22 Look unto me, and be you saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.24 Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

In Revelation 1:15, after John hears the voice, turns (to the LORD) and sees, he sees the one speaking, whose “feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace [from walking with us there]; and his voice as the sound of many waters.”

Revelation 1

7 Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the LORD, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.10 I was in the Spirit on the LORD’s day [this day of the LORD’s appearing], and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What you see, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia [the abstinence, the fast, the time between the Alpha and Omega]; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.12 And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shines in his strength.17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:18 I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

The word kuwr only appears nine times, always rendered furnace; three times in speaking of the captivity and affliction in Egypt. Most other times it is telling of the refining fires, where God appears to deliver us into a refined and purified state (righteousness into holiness).

In Proverbs 17:3 we are told the LORD tries the hearts of men [revealing the foundational ideas in their minds, which are what motivates their actions] as does the furnace refine gold. This point continues on, in verse 15, into telling of it ultimately exposing the abomination, which is to justify the wicked or condemning the just – so is the way of the wicked in this world of reversed meaning. O sluggard, when will you awaken?

Proverbs 17

1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices with strife.2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causes shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace [kuwr] for gold: but the LORD tries the hearts.4 A wicked doer gives heed to false lips; and a liar gives ear to a naughty tongue.5 Whoso mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.7 Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: whithersoever it turns, it prospers.9 He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends.10 A reproof enters more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool.11 An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.13 Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.14 The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.15 He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

This same saying appears in Proverbs 27:21, there followed by saying it is to the praise of those purified thereby. It goes on to say that no matter how many times a fool is corrected, he will not depart from his foolishness (as we now see demonstrated before our eyes).

Proverbs 27

20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace [kuwr] for gold; so is a man [purified] to his praise.22 Though you should bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle [show him righteousness], yet will not his foolishness depart from him.23 Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.24 For riches are not for ever: and does the crown endure to every generation [power is overturned until he comes, for whom it was prepared]?

The final three of the nine times kuwr appears are in Ezekiel 22, where the LORD asks the son of man if he will judge the bloody city, and show them their abominations. This comes after, in Ezekiel 21:27, the LORD tells of overturning those who are in power, until he comes whose right it is. In chapter 22 it is this person, the son of man, who the LORD send as the refining fire, who we have seen describes in Malachi 3, as preparing the way before the LORD.

These chapters and passages are posted below, followed by Isaiah 48 where, in verse 10, the LORD tells us it is in these fires He has chosen us to Himself.

Ezekiel 21

26 Thus says the LORD God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high.27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.28 And you, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the LORD God concerning the Ammonites [those who exalt themselves above God], and concerning their reproach; even say you, The sword, the sword is drawn: for the slaughter it is furbished, to consume because of the glittering:29 Whiles they see vanity unto you, whiles they divine a lie unto you, to bring you upon the necks of them that are slain, of the wicked, whose day is come, when their iniquity shall have an end.30 Shall I cause it to return into his sheath? I will judge you in the place where you were created, in the land of your nativity.31 And I will pour out mine indignation upon you, I will blow against you in the fire of my wrath, and deliver you into the hand of brutish men, and skillful to destroy.32 You shall be for fuel to the fire; your blood shall be in the midst of the land; you shall be no more remembered: for I the LORD have spoken it.

Ezekiel 22

1 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,2 Now, you son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? yea, you shall show her all her abominations.3 Then say you, Thus says the LORD God, The city sheds blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and makes idols against herself to defile herself.4 You are become guilty in your blood that you have shed; and have defiled yourself in your idols which you have made; and you have caused your days to draw near, and are come even unto your years: therefore have I made you a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries.5 Those that be near, and those that be far from you, shall mock you, which are infamous and much vexed.6 Behold, the princes of Israel, every one was in you to their power to shed blood.7 In you have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of you have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in you have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.8 You have despised mine holy things, and have profaned my Sabbaths.9 In you are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in you they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of you they commit lewdness.10 In you have they discovered their fathers’ nakedness: in you have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution.11 And one has committed abomination with his neighbor’s wife; and another has lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in you has humbled his sister, his father’s daughter.12 In you have they taken gifts to shed blood; you have taken usury and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by extortion, and have forgotten me, says the LORD God.13 Behold, therefore I have smitten mine hand at your dishonest gain which you have made, and at your blood which has been in the midst of you.14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with you? I the LORD have spoken it, and will do it.15 And I will scatter you among the heathen, and disperse you in the countries, and will consume your filthiness out of you.16 And you shall take your inheritance in yourself in the sight of the heathen, and you shall know that I am the LORD.17 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,18 Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the midst of the furnace [kuwr]; they are even the dross of silver.19 Therefore thus says the LORD God; Because you are all become dross, behold, therefore I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem.20 As they gather silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, into the midst of the furnace [kuwr], to blow the fire upon it, to melt it; so will I gather you in mine anger and in my fury, and I will leave you there, and melt you.21 Yea, I will gather you, and blow upon you in the fire of my wrath, and you shall be melted in the midst thereof.22 As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace [kuwr], so shall you be melted in the midst thereof; and you shall know that I the LORD have poured out my fury upon you.23 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,24 Son of man, say unto her, You are the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation.25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths [God’s interruption, interventions, to bring us back on course], and I am profaned among them.27 Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain.28 And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus says the LORD God, when the LORD has not spoken.29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully.30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, says the LORD God.

Malachi 3

1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts.2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, says the LORD of hosts.6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.7 Even from the days of your fathers you are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, says the LORD of hosts. But you said, Wherein shall we return?8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.9 You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation.10 Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the LORD of hosts.12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for you shall be a delightsome land, says the LORD of hosts.13 Your words have been stout against me, says the LORD. Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against you?14 You have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.16 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.17 And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.18 Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not.

Isaiah 48

1 Hear you this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.2 For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.3 I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.4 Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow brass;5 I have even from the beginning declared it to you; before it came to pass I shewed it you: lest you should say, Mine idol has done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, has commanded them.6 You have heard, see all this; and will not you declare it? I have shewed you new things from this time, even hidden things, and you did not know them.7 They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when you heard them not; lest you should say, Behold, I knew them.8 Yea, you heard not; yea, you knew not; yea, from that time that your ear was not opened: for I knew that you would deal very treacherously, and were called a transgressor from the womb.9 For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for you, that I cut you not off.10 Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace [kuwr] of affliction.11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last.13 Mine hand also has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.14 All you, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them has declared these things? The LORD has loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.15 I, even I, have spoken; yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and he shall make his way prosperous.16 Come you near unto me, hear you this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the LORD God, and his Spirit, has sent me.17 Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD your God which teaches you to profit, which leads you by the way that you should go.18 O that you had hearkened to my commandments! then had your peace been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea:19 Your seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of your bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.20 Go you forth of Babylon, flee you from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare you, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say you, The LORD has redeemed his servant Jacob.21 And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.22 There is no peace, says the LORD, unto the wicked.
There is nothing here hidden, or not plainly written. What blinds those it exposes is their pride and their own refusal to be corrected. It is stiff-necked self-righteousness and conceit. These are those who justify wickedness and the wicked, and condemn the righteous – pointing their finger of false accusation in every other direction.

Psalms 140

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.6 I said unto the LORD, You are my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.7 O God the LORD, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto your name: the upright shall dwell in your presence.

Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.

In the previous post, we discussed the above statement, which appears in Malachi 1:5, as describing the moment of the awakening that comes after, what is described in the prior verse as, the border (boundary – end) of wickedness. We saw this wickedness portrayed in the context of Jacob and Esau, as dividing between those who inherit the blessing and those who sold their birthright by choosing instead mammon: which we know defines the worldly things men lust for and put their trust in, such as wealth and power, even their own ideas/opinions.

We saw this awakening at this one border, describes by the two sides of it, comes after Abram’s sleep, which we have discussed in some detail. We know, as this sleep begins (on the other border) Isaac is born, who then has two sons: Jacob and Esau, whose families are later also known as Israel and Edom, and Jeshurun and Idumea. These names tell of these two groups as types, as Paul describes them in Romans 9, both prone to the fall; Esau as those who gain power over Jacob when Jacob prospers (by following God) and falls from the course and thereby from the destination God has predestined him.

This later aspect we’ve seen precisely defines in the sure mercies of David, which are in the LORD’s promise to him, recorded in 2 Samuel 7:14. This verse tells of the LORD’s promise to correct and not abandon those who stray; their future, thereby, is then determined by the choice to listen, and then, by faith/belief, be correct by the righteousness (rightness) of what is transmitted, into holiness – the holy of holies. This last point is into the pureness the LORD describes in Matthew 5:8, saying, “Blessed are the pure in heart [reasoning mind]: for they shall see God.”

2 Samuel 7

…Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:9 And I was with you whithersoever you went, and have cut off all your enemies out of your sight, and have made you a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them anymore, as beforetime,11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also, the LORD tells you that he will make you a house.12 And when your days be fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, which shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten (correct) him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you.16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established for ever before you: your throne shall be established forever.

In the above, we see the Jacob and Esau types described as Saul and David, one who first has power, the other to whom it is given and never taken away. It is in this context of correction we can again read Roman 9 and Hebrews 12, with the caveat that we understand the actual correction comes through the voice (Spirit) of God sent into the darkness, first in His prophet and in this last time in His son (and the children God has given him), who, as the light, rise (awaken) from this horizon (border).

Romans 9

1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.6 Not as though the word of God has taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall your seed be called.8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls;)12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.15 For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.16 So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.17 For the scripture says unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.18 Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.19 You will say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will?20 Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?21 Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,24 Even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?25 As he says also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, You are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.27 Isaiah also cries concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the LORD make upon the earth.29 And as Isaiah said before, Except the LORD of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah.30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10

1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.3 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes.5 For Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which does those things shall live by them.6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaks on this wise, Say not in your heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)8 But what says it? The word is nigh you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;9 That if you shall confess with your mouth the LORD Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.10 For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.11 For the scripture says, Whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same LORD over all is rich unto all that call upon him.13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, LORD, who has believed our report?17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.18 But I say, Have they not heard? Yes truly, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses says, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.20 But Isaiah is very bold, and says, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.21 But to Israel he says, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Hebrews 12

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,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.3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.4 You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My son, despise not you the chastening of the LORD, nor faint when you are rebuked of him:6 For whom the LORD loves he chastens [corrects], and scourges [disciplines] every son whom he receives.7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chastens not?8 But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not sons.9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?10 For they truly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.11 Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the LORD:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.17 For you know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.18 For you are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)22 But you are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel.25 See that you refuse not him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaks from heaven:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.27 And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 13

1 Let brotherly love continue.2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.4 Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.6 So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.19 But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.22 And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.23 Know you that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he comes shortly, I will see you.24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

Moses and the prophets have spoken precisely of this moment, using the names Jeshurun (Jesurun) and Idumea. Moses tells of Jeshurun prospering, in Deuteronomy 31:15; and in his prosperity, lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation (from where the word of God flows).

Deuteronomy 32

9 For the LORD’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.11 As an eagle stirs up her nest, flutters over her young, spreads abroad her wings, taketh them, bears them on her wings:12 So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.13 He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and he made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;14 Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and you did drink the pure blood of the grape.15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: you are waxen fat, you are grown thick, you are covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.16 They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.18 Of the Rock that begat you you are unmindful, and have forgotten God that formed you.19 And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward [twisted and perverted – away from God’s truth] generation, children in whom is no faith.21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.23 I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.24 They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.25 The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.26 I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men:27 Were it not that I feared [for us] the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD has not done all this.28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.29 O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.32 For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:33 Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.34 Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?35 To me belongs vengeance and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.36 For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he sees that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,38 Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices [who now spend them on jets and mansions], and drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.39 See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live forever.41 If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.42 I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.43 Rejoice, O you nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.

Isaiah speaks of this day of the LORD’s vengeance, when He rises up against these men of Idumea. It comes in Isaiah 34:5 & 6, in the chapter we know tells of the condition of the world when it has become without form and void; described using the same Hebrew words as Genesis 1:2. In Isaiah, as we know, the words tell of this same condition built upon a foundation of “confusion” (Babylon), and on this were placed stones of “emptiness.” These stones are the rocks that aren’t our Rock, which Moses speaks of in Deuteronomy 31:31 above, saying they are the enemies (Idumea) who have become our judges, meaning they sit in the seat of God.

Isaiah 34

1 Come near, you nations, to hear; and hearken, you people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it.2 For the indignation of the LORD is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he has utterly destroyed them, he has delivered them to the slaughter.3 Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcasses, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falls off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.5 For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment.6 The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah [their strongholds], and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.7 And the unicorns [the rhinos, as the powerful] shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.8 For it is the day of the LORD’s vengeance, and the year of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.9 And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch.10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.11 But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness.12 They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing.13 And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be a habitation of dragons [crocodiles], and a court for owls.14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest.15 There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.16 Seek you out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it has commanded, and his spirit it has gathered them.17 And he has cast the lot for them, and his hand has divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it forever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein [in never ending contempt].

The LORD (in Isaiah) tells of the restoration of Jesurun, meaning the return of prosperity, when He pours these life-giving waters on us and redeems us: His people as Jerusalem restored (New {heavenly} Jerusalem) raised to rule with Him and restore the earth in the new creation.

Isaiah 44

1 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen:2 Thus says the LORD that made you, and formed you from the womb, which will help you; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and you, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon your seed, and my blessing upon your offspring:4 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.5 One shall say, I am the LORD’s; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.6 Thus says the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show unto them.8 Fear you not, neither be afraid: have not I told you from that time, and have declared it? you are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.9 They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.10 Who has formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?11 Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.12 The smith with the tongs both works in the coals, and fashions it with hammers, and works it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength fails: he drinks no water, and is faint.13 The carpenter stretches out his rule; he marks it out with a line; he fits it with planes, and he marks it out with the compass, and makes it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.14 He hews him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengthens for himself among the trees of the forest: he plants an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.15 Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindles it, and bakes bread; yea, he makes a god, and worships it; he makes it a graven image, and falls down thereto.16 He burns part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eats flesh; he roasts roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warms himself, and says, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:17 And the residue thereof he makes a god, even his graven image: he falls down unto it, and worships it, and prays unto it, and says, Deliver me; for you are my god.18 They have not known nor understood: for he has shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand.19 And none considers in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?20 He feeds on ashes: a deceived heart has turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?21 Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for you are my servant: I have formed you; you are my servant: O Israel, you shall not be forgotten of me.22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed you.23 Sing, O you heavens; for the LORD has done it: shout, you lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.24 Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, and he that formed you from the womb, I am the LORD that makes all things; that stretches forth the heavens alone; that spreads abroad the earth by myself;25 That frustrates the tokens of the liars, and makes diviners mad; that turns wise men backward, and makes their knowledge foolish;26 That confirms the word of his servant, and performs the counsel of his messengers; that says to Jerusalem, You shall be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, You shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:27 That says to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up your rivers:28 That says of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, You shall be built; and to the temple, Your foundation shall be laid.

Psalms 1

1 Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and night.3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you.

The above is Malachi 2:1, and comes after, in the earlier part of chapter 1, the LORD speaks of loving Jacob and hating Esau (Edom). This is speaking (in a pattern) of those who inherit the promise (first realized in Isaac), and those who, as did Esau, have sold their birthright (inheritance) and instead chosen things for which they lusted and in which they’ve trusted (mammon). The LORD says, through Malachi, in Malachi 1:4, Esau will be called the border of wickedness, and the people against who the LORD has indignation forever. This last point is spoken in agreement with Daniel’s description, in Daniel 12:2, of those who rise, after Abram’s long sleep which began just prior to Isaac’s birth, to everlasting contempt (condemnation).

Malachi says Edom is a waste, for dragons of the wilderness, which we know speaks of crocodiles, as death lurking below the surface of the waters (words and ideas) of the wicked. He says they are saying they will return and rebuild what they themselves have turned into a desolation (wilderness). The LORD says he will throw down what they are building and it will be called the border (boundary – end) of wickedness.

Remember, Malachi is the last of the prophets, speaking some years after Zechariah ends his prophecy. As we saw in the previous post, Zechariah 14 tells of the end of the wicked as when “there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. 12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes [their vision] shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue [their words] shall consume away in their mouth.”

In Malachi 1:5 the LORD (in Malachi) tells of this time, saying, “And your eyes shall see, and you shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel [where he awakens from sleep].” This is spoken in agreement with Daniel 12:3, which says, speaking of after the same awakening, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness [into holiness] as the stars for ever and ever.”

Zechariah continues on, telling of this moment:

Zechariah 14

13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor.14 And Judah [the elect remnant] also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance [these things symbolizing the ideas in which they have trusted – mammon].15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts [those who carry these burdens, again speaking of their words and ideas] that shall be in these tents, as this plague.16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain [no life-giving waters – God’s word from heaven].18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt [those who have held God’s people captive – by their corrupt and confused words and ideas], and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, Holiness Unto The LORD; and the pots [filed with the word of God] in the LORD’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

When the pots and bowls are spoken of above, it is speak of God’s children as vessels of honor, who have purged themselves from all impurities and become holy. This (now) purification is the entire point of Malachi’s prophesy, and separate the holy from unholy. Heed this warning!

Zechariah 9

12 Turn you to the strong hold, you prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;13 When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim [children of the double {second} blessing], and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece [those wallowing in the mire they have stirred], and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.14 And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow [Epraim] shall go forth as the lightning [with understanding]: and the LORD God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.15 The Lord of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls [with His word}, and as the corners of the altar.16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones [jewels] of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.17 For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

2 Timothy 2

1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.3 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.6 The husbandman that labor must be first partaker of the fruits.7 Consider what I say; and the LORD give you understanding in all things.8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:13 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the LORD that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.17 And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus [those forbidding God’s people from joining with Him, into His holiness, into the holy of holies – false light, resisting (satan) God, hiding behind a mask of false love];18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The LORD knows them that are his. And, let every one that names the name of Christ depart [purge themselves – be refined from impurities] from iniquity.20 But in a great house [family] there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor [as with Jacob and Esau, the children of Isaac].21 If a man therefore purge himself from these [corrupt elements], he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the LORD out of a pure heart.23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. [Do not engage with those whose obvious motivation isn’t finding the truth, for they will reject and vilify it when it comes. Their motivation is only to find an opportunity to discredit truth, and to keep the lie {seemingly} alive in their endless argument.]24 And the servant of the LORD must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Romans 9

19 You will say then unto me, Why does he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will?20 Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?21 Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,24 Even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?25 As he says also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, You are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.27 Isaiah also cries concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness [into holiness]: because a short work will the LORD make upon the earth.29 And as Isaiah said before, Except the LORD of Sabaoth [Hosts – the commander of the armies of heaven] had left us a seed, we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah.30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness [into holiness], even the righteousness which is of faith.31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believes on him shall not be ashamed.

Malachi 1

1 The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.2 I have loved you, says the LORD. Yet you say, Wherein have you loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? says the LORD: yet I loved Jacob,3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.4 Whereas Edom says, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus says the LORD of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the LORD has indignation for ever.5 And your eyes shall see, and you shall say, The LORD will be magnified from the border of Israel.6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And you say, Wherein have we despised your name?7 You offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and you say, Wherein have we polluted you? In that you say, The table of the LORD is contemptible.8 And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto your governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? says the LORD of hosts.9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this has been by your means: will he regard your persons? says the LORD of hosts.10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for naught? neither do you kindle fire on mine altar for naught. I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, says the LORD of hosts.12 But you have profaned it, in that you say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.13 You said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and you have snuffed at it, says the LORD of hosts; and you brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus you brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? says the LORD.14 But cursed be the deceiver, which has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices unto the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.

Malachi 2

1 And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you.2 If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.3 Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.4 And you shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, says the LORD of hosts.5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.7 For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.8 But you are departed out of the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.9 Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as you have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.10 Have we not all one father? has not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?11 Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and has married the daughter of a strange god.12 The LORD will cut off the man that does this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offers an offering unto the LORD of hosts.13 And this have you done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regards not the offering any more, or receives it with good will at your hand.14 Yet you say, Wherefore? Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously: yet is she your companion, and the wife of your covenant.15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, says that he hates putting away: for one covers violence with his garment, says the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously.17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, Wherein have we wearied him? When you say, Every one that does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

Malachi 3

1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts.2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, says the LORD of hosts.6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.7 Even from the days of your fathers you are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, says the LORD of hosts. But you said, Wherein shall we return?8 Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.9 You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation.10 Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the LORD of hosts.12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for you shall be a delightsome land, says the LORD of hosts.13 Your words have been stout against me, says the LORD. Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against you?14 You have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.16 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.17 And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.18 Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not [who are serving idols, mammon, and themselves].

Malachi 4

1 For, behold, the day comes, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.3 And you shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, says the LORD of hosts.4 Remember you the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments [by which his mind was freed from the captivity in which he had been long held].5 Behold, I will send you Elijah [Jehovah is God] the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Psalm 84

1 How amiable are your tabernacles [the houses wherein you join with us – these temporary flesh dwelling wherein God lives with us, forever], O LORD of hosts!2 My soul longs, yea, even faints for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh cries out for the living God [Him in our flesh].3 Yea, the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.4 Blessed are they that dwell in your house: they will be still praising you. Selah.5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in you; in whose heart are the ways of them.6 Who passing through the valley of Baca [weeping] make it a well; the rain also fills the pools.7 They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appears before God.8 O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah.9 Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of your anointed.10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.12 O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusts in you.

And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.

Before discussing the title, God’s message for today in it, a few comments about recorded history. The purpose of recording information of any type is so it can be passed on and understood. As previously discussed, recording ideas and events are ways we gain knowledge (learn) without having to experience, or experiment, to receive the understanding. As we have often discussed, God’s commandments are His recording laws that were before only learned by word of mouth or in the experience, there (before) as unrecorded self-evident laws of nature – which, when adhered to, led to peace and security, even in the state void of any formal government (church or state).

This brings us to our time and the tabloid and relativistic nature of all disseminated information and learning. It is all focused on the individual in the moment, not on learning how to overcome environment through problem-solving, mental modeling (data processing) that requires critical thinking (assigning proper values and thereby rightly ordering ideas). The data entering is about things, people, and opinions; all accepted without due processes of evaluation: comparing historical patterns that can be depended upon, because they are the experiments, which are scientifically shown to consistently reproduce. The most important of these relate to human nature: its tendency toward regression into its more primate state. Learning has been found, proven, to be the most effective way toward (true) progress, until now, when the institution of learning (church, education, journalism) have been themselves systematically transformed into instruments which suppress historically sound principles and instead focus on temporal (scientifically unprovable) opinions.

Those who now control this structure, who have controlled it and digressed it over the past 70 or so years, control the world and hold almost all its reins of power. They, in their conceit and hubris, think they’re the highest power, in control of everything because they control the information and by it the minds of the masses. The problem they have is what they have created (darkness) is reversible, by the higher power that isn’t reliant on their system – because it is self-evident, and therefore cannot be hidden.

We have often looked at the meaning is the LORD’s name, the translation being Jehovah, from Hebrew words telling us of His self-manifesting, meaning self-creating in origin and by Himself alone becoming conspicuously and unstoppably apparent. This is all accomplished by His Spirit, the unseen ether through which ideas and power are transmitted through time and space, and by which all are affected. (Don’t be so vain in your own conceit – thinking you’re alone and without a creator. Hebrews 13 …for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. 6 So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. 9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. [Don’t be distracted with the things – but rather focus on sound ideas, the eternally weighty elements of the moment].)

The title is Zechariah 4:1, and the angel Zechariah is speaking of is Haggai, the messenger of LORD who was already awakened and sent to give understanding to Zechariah. It is in this chapter we are told Zechariah receives this understanding that the LORD’s power to move mountains comes by His Spirit, which brings the effect (faith) in the minds of the men He touches. (Zechariah tells us it is God’s word heard or read that tunes our mind to receive; not be confused with the false teaching and the vain ideas spewed by false prophets and false teachers of this day. “If they speak not according to [in agreement with] this word, it is because there is no light [understanding of the moment] in them.” See Isaiah 8:11 thru 22 below)

As we have many times discussed, Zechariah speaking of /to Zerubbabel (name meaning he comes out of confusion to life) is telling of the pattern of civil government raised again out of confusion, and is thereby foretelling the pattern that gives us understanding of this moment and reveals the means of fulling the promises of the God (the Abrahamic Covenant and the sure mercies of David).

Zechariah 4

1 And the angel [Haggai] that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man [Haggai] that is wakened out of his sleep.2 And said unto me, What seest you? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.4 So I answered and spoke to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Know you not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.6 Then he answered and spoke unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.7 Who are you, O great mountain [see Matthew 21:21]? before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shouting, crying, Grace, grace unto it.8 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,9 The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me unto you.10 For who has despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD [those who, by the light, from the oil, see], which run to and fro through the whole earth [gathering].11 Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof [the same as the two Daniel sees, recorded in Daniel 12, on both sides of the river Chebar – the river of eternity that carries the word of God forward – so it can be seen as a wheel within a wheel {a time within a time – a pattern}]?12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil [that keep the lamps lit] out of themselves?13 And he answered me and said, Know you not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

As we have often discussed, Zechariah 3 tells of Joshua, who Haggai also writes of, who is the pattern of the priesthood raised up from the dead and purified again into good standing. As we have also seen, when Zachariah see Satan standing at the right hand of Joshua (Jesus – the Body of Christ) to resist (satan) the LORD, it is referring us to what is written of the time by Ezra. There, in Ezra 4, we are told that when the adversaries of Judah (adversaries now of the elect remnant) heard they were building the house of God, they came saying they wanted to help build. These adversaries were the Samaritans, who were the corrupted (idol worshipping – see 2 Chronicles 11:15) remnant of Israel, who are the Satan Zechariah speaks of, who come to resist, subvert, and undermine the building of the house of God.

Ezra 4

1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity built the temple unto the LORD God of Israel;2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as you do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua [Joshua the high priest], and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, You have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,5 And hired counselors [experts to say they know it all] against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Zechariah 3

1 And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist [satan] him.2 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke you, O Satan; even the LORD that has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire [the pattern of the event the false prophets have twisted into an off the planet escape, which we know is in fact the LORD pulling us {harpazo – seizing us away} from the fires; as is spoken of in Jude 23]?3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments [unclean by corrupted doctrine], and stood before the angel.4 And he answered and spoke unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with change of raiment.5 And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments [the garments the priest puts on after purification]. And the angel of the LORD stood by.6 And the angel of the LORD protested [reiterated] unto Joshua, saying,7 Thus says the LORD of hosts; If you will walk in my ways, and if you will keep my charge, then you shall also judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you places to walk among these that stand by.8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you, and your fellows that sit before you: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the Branch.9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, says the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.10 In that day, says the LORD of hosts, shall you call every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.

The pattern we are shown is described in Isaiah 8 as not joining a confederacy with those who seek the advice of men, the same corrupt leaders, and false prophets, who have led God’s people into darkness. It is the same Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 6:14, where he tells us to come out from among the unbelievers and be not unequally yoked together with them. We know the unbelievers are those John speaks of as antichrists who deny the LORD has risen in our flesh.

Matthew 7

20 Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.21 Not every one that says unto me, LORD, LORD, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.22 Many will say to me in that day, LORD, LORD, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works?23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.24 Therefore whosoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.26 And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

1 John 4

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 Hereby know you the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:3 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof you have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them.6 We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

Isaiah 8

12 Say you not, A confederacy [yoke not together in agreement with them], to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear you their fear, nor be afraid.13 Sanctify [separate yourselves to] the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hides his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwells in mount Zion.19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? [Should they be looking] for the living to the dead?20 [Or] To the law and to the testimony[?]: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.21 And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. 2

Corinthians 6

11 O you Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. [You hear how great an understanding the LORD has given us.]12 You are not straitened in us [you are not restricted by our teaching], but you are straitened in your own bowels [but you are restricted by your own ideas and ways].13 Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be you also enlarged [take into yourselves what we are teaching you].14 Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light [understanding] with darkness [ignorance]?15 And what concord [agreement] has Christ with Belial [the idols of the world]? or what part has he that believes with an infidel [the unfaithful]?16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.18 And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.

Here following is what Zechariah heard (read) from Haggai, of the pattern for our time, when the house (family spoke of in 2 Corinthians 6:10 above) of God should be built.

Haggai 1

1 In the second year of Darius [meaning LORD – whose mother is Esther] the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,2 Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD’s house should be built.3 Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,4 Is it time for you, O you, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste?5 Now therefore thus says the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.6 You have sown much, and bring in little; you eat, but you have not enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earns wages earns wages to put it into a bag with holes.7 Thus says the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, says the LORD.9 You looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when you brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? says the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and you run every man unto his own house.10 Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.11 And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground brings forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labor of the hands.12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.13 Then spake Haggai the LORD’s messenger in the LORD’s message unto the people, saying, I am with you, says the LORD.14 And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,15 In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

Haggai 2

1 In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the LORD by the prophet Haggai, saying,2 Speak now to Zerubbabel [who came out of confusion and into life] the son of Shealtiel [born after God heard His cry for help], governor of Judah, and to Joshua [Jesus – the body of Christ, which is Jehovah’s Salvation personified] the son of Josedech [Jehovah’s righteousness], the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,3 Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do you see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, says the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land, says the LORD, and work: for I am with you, says the LORD of hosts:5 According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so my spirit remains among you: fear you not.6 For thus says the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts.8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the LORD of hosts.9 The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, says the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, says the LORD of hosts.10 In the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,11 Thus says the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,12 If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.13 Then said Haggai, If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean? And the priests answered and said, It shall be unclean.14 Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, says the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.15 And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid upon a stone in the temple of the LORD:16 Since those days were, when one came to an heap of twenty measures, there were but ten: when one came to the press-fat for to draw out fifty vessels out of the press, there were but twenty.17 I smote you with blasting and with mildew and with hail in all the labors of your hands; yet you turned not to me, says the LORD.18 Consider now from this day and upward, from the four and twentieth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the LORD’s temple was laid, consider it.19 Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, has not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.20 And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth day of the month, saying,21 Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;22 And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.23 In that day, says the LORD of hosts, will I take you, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, says the LORD, and will make you as a signet: for I have chosen you, says the LORD of hosts.

The name Haggai if from the Hebrew words chag and chagag, meaning a feast and its ceremonial circular precession. These words hold the deeper message, the weight of this moment, hidden through history to be revealed in this time by the Spirit of the LORD. What it reveals is this is the Feast of Tabernacles, hidden as was Esther for this moment, and when it speaks it is to save God’s people (all the world) from those who are attempting to destroy them.

Zechariah 14

1 Behold, the day of the LORD comes, and your spoil shall be divided in the midst of you.2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem [against the LORD’s teaching, and against the peace that results] to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. [These things are already past.]3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.5 And you shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, you shall flee, like as you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with you.6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin’s gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king’s winepresses.11 And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor.14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep [chagag] the feast [chag] of tabernacles.20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, Holiness Unto The LORD; and the pots in the LORD’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

The words chag and chagag each appear twice in the Psalms. Here following are excerpts from each. They speak of keeping the feast and of gathering into the LORD’s family (house – in tabernacles]

Psalms 42 tells of those who are in tears, going to the house of the LORD (so He can wipe away all tears from our eyes – fulfilling Isaiah 25:8 and Revelation 7:17 & 21:4).

Psalms 4

23 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is your God?4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house [family] of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday [chagag].5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted in me? hope you in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance [presence as in the whole person].

Psalms 8

13 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast [chag] day.4 For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.5 This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.6 I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.7 You called in trouble, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder: I proved you at the waters of Meribah. Selah.8 Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto you: O Israel, if you will hearken unto me;9 There shall no strange god be in you; neither shall you worship any strange god.10 I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt: open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.11 But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels.13 Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!14 I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries.

Psalms 107:27 then uses chagag to tell of how those who reject the LORD’s advice keep this feast. It says because of their choice they become as drunken, staggering as they reel to and fro in this ceremonial procession.

Psalms 107

27 They reel to and fro [chagag], and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end.28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses.29 He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he brings them unto their desired haven.31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

Finally, chag appears in Psalms 118:27 where it is the “sacrifice” that is bound to the horns (the power) of the altar.

Psalms 118

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.18 The LORD has chastened me sore: but he has not given me over unto death.19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.21 I will praise you: for you have heard me, and are become my salvation.22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.24 This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.25 Save now [Hosanna], I beseech you, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech you, send now prosperity.26 Blessed be he that comes in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.27 God is the LORD, which has shown us light: bind the sacrifice [chag] with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.28 You are my God, and I will praise you: you are my God, I will exalt you.29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever.

All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.

Continuing: the above is David describing how the LORD is the one leading Him into understanding all the works of this pattern (of building the house). Truly, I tell you, this day, even this very sentence, is the LORD’s hand upon me demonstrating this same pattern before our eye.

The title passage, 1 Chronicles 28:19, goes on to say to the children of David, “20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 21 And, behold, the courses of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with you for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with you for all manner of workmanship every willing skillful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at your commandment.”

The above is the deeper pattern David speaks of, pertaining to this moment and building the church, the one body that is the habitation of God. We are His house, His family, whose builder and Father is God.

Ephesians 1

8 Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:10 That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.13 In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,14 Which is the earnest (deposit) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the LORD Jesus, and love unto all the saints,16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;17 That the God of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,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,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:22 And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.

I would be negligent if I didn’t tell you of the opposition we face, from the false prophets (the false experts who say they know it all), the dragon (crocodile), and the beast (Babylon), which speak of the unfaithful and unrepentant leaders of God’s people, the death that lurk in their water (words), and the confusion they’ve produced (in all of church and state). These are those who now rule over the world, who refuse to subordinate their ideas to the higher power, God’s better ideas found in His word and His unique ability to positively affect men, man, and the world. Therefore, “be strong and of good courage,” and with me, run the course set before us, remembering the battle is the LORD’s, and only He can build the house, not by earthly power or might, but as He says, by His Spirit.

Revelation 16

12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up [and death was seen, which had lurked unseen below the surface of their words], that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.15 Behold, I come as a thief [unseen in the darkness of the ignorance these men’s words have produced]. Blessed is he that watch, and keep his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon [meaning the moment – the rendezvous, this appointed time].17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air [God exhaled His understanding]; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God [the confusion that rules over the world is shaken by the understanding God has given us], to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.20 And every island fled away [all the dry places where the word of God hasn’t been heard], and the mountains were not found [all the places of power that have risen up and loom over the world].21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent [as we saw in the prior post, in reference to Gibeon, and Isaiah 28 and Joshua 10]: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Revelation 6

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun [church] became black [without understanding] as sackcloth of hair, and the moon [civil government] became as blood [drained the life from man];13 And the stars [God’s people] of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind [the spirit that comes from the mouth of the false prophets, the dragon, and the beast].14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together [and the word of God was closed]; and every mountain [the world powers that had risen up under God] and island [where God word was before heard] were moved out of their places [were replaced by their opposites].15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

At this point, John continues, speaking of the pattern of David’s first ruling in Hebron over Judah, which was discussed in the prior post, as we understand Judah as the pattern of the elect remnant. John goes on to then describe Israel, again in the context of 2 Samuel 5, as the masses who come to the throne, as did Israel come to Hebron (meaning the seat of association – the moment they drew near to David, as had Judah, enthroning him).

Revelation 7

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds [phule – rendered tribes and tribe above], and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?14 And I said unto him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sits on the throne shall dwell among them.16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

We know the elect mentioned above are those also described in Revelation 14, as on Mount Zion and having the Father’s name written in their heads. These are those following only the Lamb, and who are before the throne signing a new song. We also know verse 17 above is connecting itself to Revelation 21:4 by both quoting from Isaiah 25:8, all speaking of when God wipes away all tears from our eye, which is also when death is swallowed up in victory. This quoted mention of this victory also thereby connects these passages to what Paul (the LORD in him) writes of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, where in verse 54 Isaiah 25:8 is also quoted.

Revelation 21

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.6 And he said unto me, It is done [see revelation 16:17 above]. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers [those who treat men as merchandise], and sorcerers [those who engineer their words to control men into doing their evil will], and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

The above is speaking of the time Daniel was told of, when the book would be opened again, when many would rise from sleep, some to everlasting life and some everlasting contempt [our vigilant, endless, condemnation and combatting – see the prior post].

Daniel 12

1 And at that time shall Michael [who is like God] stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.2 And many of them that sleep [Abram’s sleep – the time between the closing and opening of the book/scrolls] in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.4 But you, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river [the river that flows through time, Chebar, which is virtually the same word as Hebron], and the other on that side of the bank of the river. [the two sides of the sleep.]6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and swore by him that lives for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half [the formula we have discussed – which combined with the years, mention below as days, gives us the time between Abram falling into a deep sleep and now] ; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. [It is done!]8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my LORD, what shall be the end of these things?9 And he said, Go your way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.12 Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.13 But go you your way till the end be: for you shall rest, and stand in your lot at the end of the days.

Now is the time when all must be changed, and will be. Now is the time of the new heaven and the new earth, wherein dwell righteousness.

2 Peter 3

3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,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.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:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved [held closed] unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.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.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.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 [stoicheion – the corrupt ideas of men] shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conversation and godliness,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 [stoicheion – the corrupt ideas of men] shall melt with fervent heat?13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.15 And account that the longsuffering of our LORD is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him has written unto you;16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.17 You therefore, beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

These are the patterns we have been shown, and now is the moment, the time appointed for all to be changed.

1 Corinthians 15

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit [God’s Spirit in man, able to exhale the same Spirit into others and bring them to life].46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the LORD from heaven.48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.55 O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ.58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the LORD.

Isaiah 25

1 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things; your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.2 For you have made of a city an heap; of a defensed city a ruin: a palace of strangers to be no city; it shall never be built.3 Therefore shall the strong people glorify you, the city of the terrible nations shall fear you.4 For you have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.5 You shall bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.7 And he will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations. [The ignorance produced by following men who think and say they know everything, while knowing nothing, except how to deceive. This is the darkness, the shadow of death looming over the earth that blinds men from seeing Him and from hearing His knowledge and understanding. These men must, and will be, taken out of the way, and when they are all the world will see the truth they have hidden.]8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the LORD God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD has spoken it.9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.10 For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.11 And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swims spreads forth his hands [dividing the waters] to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands.12 And the fortress of the high fort of your walls shall he bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.

Revelation 14

1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.4 These are they which were not defiled with women [those who have been unfaithful to God]; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb.5 And in their mouth was found no guile [no words of deception]: for they are without fault before the throne of God.6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,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.8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:11 And the smoke of their torment ascends up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives the mark of his name [which is confusion – see 2 Peter 3:16].12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the LORD from henceforth: Yea, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in your sickle, and reap: for the time is come for you to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

Psalms 14

1 The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that does good.2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that does good, no, not one. [Therefore all need a change – away from what they have been taught.]4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.5 There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous.6 You have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.7 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! when the LORD brings back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Continued: The above is Isaiah 55:3, where the LORD is speaking through Isaiah, calling all to His mercy, which He promised to David. As we saw in the previous post and many before, this promise first appears in 2 Samuel 7 where the LORD promises David He will make him a house (a family), and His mercy will never depart from it. The LORD says this promise is His mercy will not depart from them as it did from Saul, meaning He will not take the throne from his house and give it to another, but instead, he will correct (chasten – yakach) them with the rod of men and the children of men.

This promised correction comes by the means of what Isaiah speaks, saying, “1 Ho, every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.”

This takes us again to Jonah 2:8 which tells of the lying vanities and says that those who observe them forsake their own mercy. This is the perfected understanding of God’s grace, and of the unforgivable sin. God’s grace is sending the free gift of correction, His never-ending mercy, to restore those who receive it into good standing (into His kingdom). Entering (heaven) is impossible for those who reject the correction, which comes in the form of Him speaking through His children, those in whom He manifests His mercy, grace, and truth.

This correction and its means are what Isaiah speaks of in Isaiah 61, there not only reiterating what he says above but also plainly telling us it is the LORD in Him doing the work through Him. As we have seen, this means and plan of correction are what David also plainly describes in his last words, recorded in both 2 Samuel 22 and 23.

Isaiah 6

11 The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me; because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.6 But you shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: you shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall you boast yourselves.7 For your shame you shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD has blessed.10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.11 For as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the LORD God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

2 Samuel 2

21 And David spoke unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:2 And he said, The LORD is my rock [from where these life giving waters flow], and my fortress, and my deliverer;3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; you saves me from violence.4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.5 When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;6 The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;7 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.8 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.9 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet.11 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.12 And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.14 The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.17 He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.19 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.20 He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.21 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands has he recompensed me.22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.23 For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.24 I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.25 Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.26 With the merciful you will show yourself merciful, and with the upright man you will show yourself upright.27 With the pure you will show yourself pure; and with the froward [those who twist and pervert truth] you will show yourself unsavory.28 And the afflicted people you will save: but your eyes are upon the haughty, that you may bring them down.29 For you are my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness.30 For by you I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.32 For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?33 God is my strength and power: and he makes my way perfect.34 He makes my feet like hinds’ feet: and sets me upon my high places.35 He teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.36 You have also given me the shield of your salvation: and your gentleness has made me great.37 You have enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.38 I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.39 And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.40 For you have girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me have you subdued under me.41 You have also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.42 They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.43 Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.44 You also have delivered me from the strivings of my people, you have kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.47 The LORD lives; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.48 It is God that avenges me, and that brings down the people under me.49 And that brings me forth from mine enemies: you also have lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: you have delivered me from the violent man.50 Therefore I will give thanks unto you, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto your name.51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and shows mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

2 Samuel 23

1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue.3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.6 But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.

These final three verses tell of the ugly reality of the fallen nature: the natural condition, among some of those given free will to self-determine their own course, to choose the wrong path, even when knowing it is such. These are those who must be separated into a place where the fires forever burn: meaning we never accept (define) their erroneous and perverted ideas as normal or an acceptable (right) choice. We don’t restrict their right to choose until it encroaches on the God-given rights of others (life, liberty, property), and when it does it must be vigilantly, endlessly, condemned and combatted. Amen!

This is the time in which we live, days of evil as the new normal, when the earth has become without form and void, built into it upon a foundation of cultivated confusion, with stones having no value beyond the moment. (A moment in the context of an airplane means the position forward or aft of the center of balance where weight is placed. The farther away from this center weight is placed (the moment) the more out of balance the aircraft becomes. There is a moment and weight beyond which the airplane ceases to fly, and instead falls. The farther away from the center of balance the moment is, the less weight it takes to cause a stall. We are at this moment in time. This is the shipwreck of man’s own making (it has nothing to do with the weather), and the only cause is not understanding or ignoring the moment.)

As we know, because we have both been warned of it and are now experiencing it, there are those who mock the idea of God sending His correction to save those who will take it as His hand. I urge all to not think of God as some superstition men have created. Their creations (idols) and perversions of God’s true character do not alter or prevent His promises. He has sent me, as the seed of David He has raised to lead Him people again into understanding (into His promised kingdom).

Isaiah 55

4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you know not, and nations that knew not you shall run unto you because of the LORD your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you.6 Seek you the LORD while he may be found, call you upon him while he is near:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.10 For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:11 So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.12 For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Now, again, I call all God’s people to repent, and in doing join Him in saving the world.

Isaiah 28

16 Therefore thus says the LORD God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste.17 Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.18 And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then you shall be trodden down by it.19 From the time that it goes forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.20 For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.21 For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.22 Now therefore be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the LORD God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.23 Give you ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.

As we know from many previous studies, when Isaiah (the LORD in him) describes the LORD’s now rising up as in mount Perazim, He is referring to 2 Samuel 5:20. There David describes when the LORD (God, in 1 Chronicles 14:11), in Baal-Perazim, broke forth upon David’s enemies as the breaking forth of great waters. It is telling of now, when the word of God breaks forth upon those who oppose Him at his appearing. Historically it was when the foreign invaders (Philistines) heard the LORD made David king over Israel, and he reigned from Jerusalem, after he had already reigned as king over Judah (now the elect) for seven years and six months in Hebron.

Do you understand the moment? David is the center of balance and it is the time when all God’s people move toward him.

2 Samuel 5

20 And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD has broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.21 And there they left their images [the idols they have created – upon which the word of God has broken forth], and David and his men burned them.

As we also know from many past discussions, the LORD speaking of Gibeon is referring us to Joshua 10. There we are told the men of Gibeon made peace with Israel (still united under Joshua – Jesus) and the men who then controlled Jerusalem, Hebron, and other cities that would later belong to God’s people, tried to take Gibeon. In response, the LORD sends Joshua and Israel to help defend Gibeon.

Joshua 10

6 And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not your hand from your servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.7 So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor.8 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into your hand; there shall not a man of them stand before you.9 Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from Gilgal all night.10 And the LORD discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goes up to Bethhoron [the cave that is their prison – of their own ideas], and smote them to Azekah [plowed under their fields/crop], and unto Makkedah [the place of their shepherds – wolves among the flock].11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword.12 Then spoke Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites [those who can’t stop running their mouths and by their words cause and continue the opposition to God’s word and work] before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun [church], stand you still upon Gibeon; and you, Moon [civil government], in the valley of Ajalon [to bring down their power – the same spirit that now works in the children of disobedience].13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher [justice]? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.15 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.16 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.17 And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah.18 And Joshua said, Roll great stones [the same stones God rained from heaven] upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:19 And stay you not, but pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.20 And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, that the rest which remained of them entered into fenced cities.21 And all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.22 Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave.23 And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.25 And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom you fight.

Do you understand the moment?

Proverbs 28

1 The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion.2 For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.3 A poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.6 Better is the poor that walks in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.7 Whoso keeps the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shames his father.8 He that by usury and unjust gain increases his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.10 Whoso causes the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.11 The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that has understanding searches him out.12 When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.14 Happy is the man that fears always [the wages of sin]: but he that hardens his heart shall fall into mischief.15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.16 The prince that wants [has not] understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days.17 A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.18 Whoso walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.19 He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough.20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.21 To have respect of persons is not good: for [because] for a piece of bread that man will transgress.22 He that hastes to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come upon him.23 He that rebukes [yakach – corrects] a man afterward shall find more favor than he that flatters with the tongue.24 Whoso robs his father or his mother, and says, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.25 He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.26 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.27 He that gives unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.

Psalms 13

31 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Psalms 13

41 Behold, bless you the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD.2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.3 The LORD that made heaven and earth bless you out of Zion.

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Continuing from the previous post: the title, Revelation 22:17, comes as the LORD is speaking through John, telling of His coming, which follows His sending John before Him with His word to prepare those who will eventually receive Him. As we saw in the prior post, the LORD’s coming speaks of His presence manifesting, as a reaction of first hearing the word as God’s word, and it (the word of God) effectually working in the receiver, which is their entering the kingdom of God.

Revelation 22 begins by telling of the word of God coming as a river flowing from the throne of God and from the Lamb (who is the place where the LORD sits). As we have many times discussed, this idea is expressed in the Hebrew words yarah and shalam, meaning teaching as flowing from (God) and becoming the foundation upon which the city of God is built, and which is the only source and teaching actually able to produce a direct result of peace and security for all who enter. We know these words are those that comprise the name Jerusalem, which, in Revelation 21:2, John says he is seeing coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as bride adorned for her husband, which speaks of those who receive God at His coming in this way, joining with Him as one flesh. 

Revelation 21 

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

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

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death [for those who receive Him], neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death [which comes to those who reject Him, because they rejected the preparation].

This joining together, God living in us, is the mystery Paul speaks of in Ephesians 5:31 & 32 in the context of a marriage, which Paul (the LORD in him) further reveals in his letter to Timothy when he speaks of Hymenaeus. As we have previously discussed, the name is that of the Greek god of marriage, who is said to have to give his approval (by appearing) in order for a marriage to take place (or be successful). Paul uses this symbolism contained in this name to tell of those who’ve erred from the truth, and say the resurrection is already in the past. They are those who, through their corrupt doctrine, refuse to allow God’s people to join with Him, and by this, cause the faith to become shipwrecked, meaning it is ruined in the storm these men’s ideas have caused, and this keeps the traveler from reaching the (God’s) intended destination. 

1 Timothy 1

18 This charge I commit unto you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on you, that you by them might war a good warfare;

19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander [meaning a defender of men – their ideas over God’s]; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme [that they might learn not to vilify the word and work of God].

2 Timothy 2

8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

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

13 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the LORD that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth [from the untrue].

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus [those hiding their evil deeds behind a spurious mask of feigned love];

18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The LORD knows them that are his. And, let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity [prepare themselves to receive the LORD – joining with Him as one flesh].

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor.

21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. [The purge is from errors from truth and into dishonor – Hebrews 13: 4 Marriage {joining with the LORD – the truth of His word} is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers {those who treat you as merchandise – to be gained from} and adulterers {those who unfaithfully left God for idols} God will judge.]

Ephesians 5

1 Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;

2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints;

4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

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

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not you therefore partakers with them.

8 For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the LORD: walk as children of light:

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

10 Proving what is acceptable unto the LORD.

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever does make manifest is light.

14 Wherefore he says, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. [Speaking of this now ending of Abram’s sleep – awakening again to be Abraham, who hearing the LORD’s voice, believes what he heard.]

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the LORD is.

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the LORD.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

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

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the LORD the church:

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

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Ephesians 6

1 Children, obey your parents in the LORD: for this is right.

2 Honor your father and mother [knowledge and wisdom of God – see Proverbs 1 below, and the many other times in Proverbs where father and mother are mentioned in the same verse]; which is the first commandment with promise;

3 That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.

4 And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD.

5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

6 Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 With good will doing service, as to the LORD, and not to men:

8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the LORD, whether he be bond or free.

9 And, you masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

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.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that you also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus [the one sent to bring about this effect – to affect you into this awakening], a beloved brother and faithful minister in the LORD, shall make known to you all things:

22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that you might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the LORD Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all them that love our LORD Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Proverbs 1 

1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

4 To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

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

6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother:

9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto your head, and chains about your neck.

10 My son, if sinners entice you, consent you not.

11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily [unknown] for the innocent without cause:

12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

14 Cast in your lot among us; let us all have one purse:

15 My son, walk not you in the way with them; refrain your foot from their path:

16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily [unknown – to them] for their own lives.

19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

20 Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets:

21 She cries in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she utters her words, saying,

22 How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

24 Because I have called, and you refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

25 But you have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes;

27 When your fear comes as desolation, and your destruction comes as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish comes upon you.

28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

33 But whoso hearkens unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Revelation 22 

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

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

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the LORD God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the LORD God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

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

8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

9 Then saith he unto me, See you do it not: for I am your fellow-servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

18 For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, LORD Jesus.

21 The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Isaiah 35 

1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

3 Strengthen you the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6 Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb [those who have been unable to speak] sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert [teaching flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb].

7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons [where death once lurked below the surface of the waters, in their words, like crocodiles, privily waiting to devour those not knowing they lurked therein], where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 55 

1 Ho, every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2 Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. [the promise of correction and restoration – see 2 Samuel 7:12 thru 16]

4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you know not, and nations that knew not you shall run unto you because of the LORD your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you.

6 Seek you the LORD while he may be found, call you upon him while he is near:

7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

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

12 For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

2 Samuel 23

1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue.

3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, He that rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

6 But the sons of Belial [those who’ve made their own creations their gods] shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.

Psalms 72 

1 Give the king your judgments, O God, and your righteousness unto the king’s son.

2 He shall judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with judgment.

3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

4 He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor.

5 They shall fear you as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.

7 In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endures.

8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

9 They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.

10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

12 For he shall deliver the needy when he cries; the poor also, and him that has no helper.

13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

15 And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for him continually; and daily shall he be praised.

16 There shall be a handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.

17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things.

19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.

Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see: for many prophets and kings have desired to see the thing which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.

Today’s opening passage is from Luke 10:23 & 24, a chapter telling of the LORD sending seventy men to preach the kingdom of God, which is at hand. The LORD sends them in His name with the Father’s word in them manifesting His presence, which is, to those who receive it as such, their entering His kingdom. 

This is followed by the LORD rebuking those who’ve rejected His presence and refused to receive the Father’s word into their houses and cities. The proper names in this portion are used to refer us to 1 Kings 5:7, where we are told Hiram the king of Tyre heard the wisdom of Solomon and Blessed the LORD, who gave David a wise son over His great people. It is this context the LORD then rejoices, thanking the Father, who hid these things from those thinking they were the wise and prudent of this world, and instead, revealed them to the lowly (babes). He next says this is the son revealing the Father to those to who the Father has chosen to reveal the son. He is both speaking of His own revelation and the revelation of His presence in the seventy He has sent in His name. It is immediately after this He makes the title statement, followed by the seventy’s return and their realization that by the wisdom He has given them (in His name, manifesting His presence through them) demons are subdued.

After this declaration, comes the encounter with the lawyer, who we are told tempted Him by questioning. The deeper meaning here is found in the four times used Greek word ekpeirazo, meaning to test thoroughly, and always translated “tempt” or “tempted.” It is used in the Matthew and Luke descriptions of their temptation to doubt the LORD’s presence, as He was rising in them, after they were baptized into repentance and His death. There He brings to their minds the word of the Father, quoted from Deuteronomy 6:16, which itself refers to Exodus 17:1 thru 7, when the people doubted The LORD was speaking through Moses (from His midst), and the LORD responded by causing water to flow from the Rock (who is Christ in man manifesting the Presence of God). 

In Luke’s recording this, in Luke 4, the LORD in Him writing His supernatural word, he tells us this removal of doubt is what causes Satan to depart, which is followed by quoting from Isaiah 61:1 & 2, which is an announcement of the LORD’s presence as part of his salvation plan. 

Luke 4

12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, You shall not tempt [ekpeirazo] the LORD your God. [Deuteronomy 6:16 You shall not tempt the LORD your God, as you tempted him in Massah. See Exodus 17:1 thru 7 and 1 Corinthians 10 below.]

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the LORD.

20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

The above is the coinciding context of the later passage in Luke 10, where it is explained that when we receive what is heard, as the word of God the Father, it removes our doubting His presence in us. Then others see Christ in us, the process is chain-reactively expanded and accelerated as the LORD reproduces after His own kind (and many children enter His kingdom).

Luke 10 

1 After these things the LORD appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray you therefore the LORD of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest.

3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.

4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.

5 And into whatsoever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house.

6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.

7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

8 And into whatsoever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

10 But into whatsoever city you enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,

11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleave on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be you sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

13 Woe unto you, Chorazin [said {in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon} to mean smoke of the furnace, as in Revelation 9:2, as what darkens the sun {church} and air {exhaled teaching} – Hebrew origin seems to be the same as the name Hiram]! woe unto you, Bethsaida [the family of Sidon – those who hunt souls]! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.

15 And you, Capernaum [those living in comfort – saying peace and safety, upon whom comes sudden destruction], which are exalted to heaven, shall be thrust down to hell [Gehenna – the trash heap outside Jerusalem, where the fires never stop burning, and where worms live among the ash – as if snakes in the ruin of the earth become without form and void].

16 He that hears you hears me; and he that despises you despises me; and he that despises me despises him that sent me. [1 Kings 5:7 And it came to pass, when Hiram {Chiyram} heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which has given unto David a wise son over this great people.]

17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, LORD, even the devils are subject unto us through your name.

18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven [and Satan departed from Him – as in Luke 4 above].

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

20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank you, O Father, LORD of heaven and earth, that you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in your sight.

22 All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knows who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

23 And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see:

24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which you see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which you hear, and have not heard them.

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted [ekpeirazo] him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how read you?

27 And he answering said, You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

28 And he said unto him, You have answered right: this do, and you shall live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho [where the wall falls, the veil of the curtain that keeps us from seeing the LORD’s presence], and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan [idol worshipper], as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever you spend more, when I come again, I will repay you.

36 Which now of these three, think you, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do you likewise.

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village [Bethany – the family {house} of misery, that becomes the house of fruit – first-fruits]: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, LORD, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

The word ekpeirazo lastly appears in 1 Corinthians 10:9 as we are not to doubt the LORD’s presence, after the chapter begins with saying what he is herein writing is so we wouldn’t be ignorant of this Baptism of Christ.

1 Corinthians 9

24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.

25 And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate [is self-restrained] in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly [not with a doubting mind]; so fight I, not as one that beats the air [not as if I fight against those wanting to learn {inhaling} – because our fight is against those who are exhaling – teaching for their own gain, rather than for the profiting {wealth} of those hearing]:

27 But I keep under my body [I subordinate my body to self-restraint], and bring it into subjection [our motivations]: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway [found as reprobates – without this proof of Christ in us].

1 Corinthians 10 

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ [the presence of God in human flesh].

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

7 Neither be you idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us tempt [ekpeirazo] Christ [doubt the presence of the LORD manifested in human flesh], as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

13 There has 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 you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.

14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

15 I speak as to wise men; judge you what I say.

The “prize” spoken of in 1 Corinthians 9:24 above is from the Greek word brabeion, which only appears one other time in Philippians 3:14.

Philippians 3

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

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,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize [brabeion] of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an ensample.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the LORD Jesus Christ:

21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

As we know, the first verses of Philippians 3 above are referring back to what Paul describes of the LORD prior in Philippians 2.

Philippians 2

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

15 That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.

17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same cause also do you joy, and rejoice with me.

19 But I trust in the LORD Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.

22 But you know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel.

Isaiah 61 

1 The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me; because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

5 And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

6 But you shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: you shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall you boast yourselves.

7 For your shame [instead of your disappointment] you shall have double [blessing]; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double [blessing]: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering [the thieving preachers and false prophets hear the LORD talking to them – but have chosen darkness and mammon, even now when their evil deeds are uncovered]; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD has blessed.

10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the earth brings forth her bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the LORD God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Psalms 21 

1 The king shall joy in your strength, O LORD; and in your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

2 You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah.

3 For you prevented [went before] him with the blessings of goodness: you set a crown of pure gold on his head.

4 He asked life of you, and you gave it him, even length of days for ever and ever.

5 His glory is great in your salvation: honor and majesty have you laid upon him.

6 For you have made him most blessed for ever: you have made him exceeding glad with your countenance.

7 For the king trusts in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.

8 Your hand shall find out all your enemies: your right hand shall find out those that hate you.

9 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of your anger: the LORD shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them.

10 Their fruit shall you destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men.

11 For they intended evil against you: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.

12 Therefore shall you make them turn their back, when you shall make ready your arrows upon your strings against the face of them.

13 Be you exalted, LORD, in your own strength: so will we sing and praise your power.