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.
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto your word.
The Hebrew word rendered “afflicted” in the title verse, Psalms 119:107, is ‘anah, which is actually defined in surrounding verses. It is insufficiently said to mean to depress or humble, while more deeply referring to the process of suppressing (subordinating all ideas to the Higher power: the greater authority of God’s word) all that oppose the quickening. The word rendered “quickening” is chayah, which we have previously discussed in detail (see post below from 16 April 2019), meaning the life of God, which He breaths into our human flesh by His word.
Psalms 119
88 Quicken [chayah] me after your lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of your mouth.89 For ever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven.90 Your faithfulness is unto all generations: you have established the earth, and it abides.91 They continue this day according to your ordinances: for all are your servants.92 Unless your law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.93 I will never forget your precepts: for with them you have quickened [chayah] me.94 I am yours, save me: for I have sought your precepts.95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider your testimonies.96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but your commandment is exceeding broad.97 O how love I your law! it is my meditation all the day.98 You through your commandments have made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for your testimonies are my meditation.100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts.101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep your word.102 I have not departed from your judgments: for you have taught me.103 How sweet are your words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!104 Through your precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.105 Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep your righteous judgments.107 I am afflicted [‘anah] very much: quicken [chayah] me, O LORD, according unto your word.108 Accept, I beseech you, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me your judgments.109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget your law.110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from your precepts.111 Your testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.112 I have inclined mine heart to perform your statutes always, even unto the end.113 I hate vain thoughts: but your law do I love.114 You are my hiding place and my shield: I hope in your word.115 Depart from me, you evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.116 Uphold me according unto your word, that I may live [chayah]: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
Earlier in Psalms 119 the writer, who is thought to be Hezekiah (remember our discussion of his position in time, and his repentance), speaks of his condition before he kept the testimonies of the LORD’s mouth and was quickened to life. In these verses, he first uses the word ‘anah to describe it (the process) as what caused his repentance, before which he says he was led astray.
Psalms 119
49 Remember the word unto your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope.50 This is my comfort in my affliction [‘anah]: for your word has quickened [chayah] me.51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from your law.52 I remembered your judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.53 Horror has taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake your law.54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.55 I have remembered your name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept your law.56 This I had, because I kept your precepts.57 You are my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep your words.58 I entreated your favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to your word.59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto your testimonies.60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep your commandments.61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten your law.62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto you because of your righteous judgments.63 I am a companion of all them that fear you, and of them that keep your precepts.64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your mercy: teach me your statutes.65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according unto your word.66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed your commandments.67 Before I was afflicted [‘anah] I went astray: but now have I kept your word.68 You are good, and do good; teach me your statutes.69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep your precepts with my whole heart.70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in your law.71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted [‘anah]; that I might learn your statutes.72 The law of your mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.74 They that fear you will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in your word.75 I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have afflicted [‘anah] me.76 Let, I pray you, your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to your word unto your servant.77 Let your tender mercies come unto me, that I may live [chayah]: for your law is my delight.78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in your precepts.79 Let those that fear you turn unto me, and those that have known your testimonies.80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes; that I be not ashamed.81 My soul faints for your salvation: but I hope in your word.82 Mine eyes fail for your word, saying, When will you comfort me?83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget your statutes.84 How many are the days of your servant? when will you execute judgment on them that persecute me?85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after your law.86 All your commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help you me.87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not your precepts.
This process, bringing the known out from the unknown, into darkness shining light, is what brings us from death to life. The words ‘anah and chayah are both used in Deuteronomy 8 to tell of manna, which is actually the word of God, from His mouth, the formerly unknown made known. There these words are rendered “humbled” and “live” in describing the process, of bringing us back to life after we died in captivity, which was itself the product of negligent and forgetful leadership. This is the LORD coming to raise us up, to quicken us away from the men who now hold all the world down in the death of their misleading. His word doesn’t say in vain, these men will hold us down until they are taken out of the way. The process is the one described in Hebrew 12, which is the race set before us, the correction from the Father, here and now His word heard, into a Holy City where He lives and reigns. The voice we are called to hear, are these words, His word from heaven spoken through the one He has called His son.
Hebrews 12
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses [all those who’ve come before this time, doing their part, all speaking God’s word to us again, all having done their part and run their course, which is now perfected as one message, in this resurrection, “God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:40], let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does 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.
Here below I am reposting the message from 16 April 2019, which speaks the life, the chayah, which is the eternal life that comes as God lives with us, in us. (I am adding the word ‘anah where it appears as “humble” in Deuteronomy 8:2 & 3.)
In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.
These words above, Proverbs 16:15, describe the LORD’s creation and mercy. The word “light” is the Hebrew word ‘owr: first used in Genesis 1:3 in speaking of it appearing into the darkness of the world that had become without understanding reduced to total confusion. The word “countenance” is paniym, meaning face, and as we know, it speaks of presence. It is the word first used in Genesis 1:2, rendered “face,” telling of the Spirit of God moving no the water: the words that were already present in the world, in darkness; to bring to light their deeper meaning hidden below the surface, in the deep.
The title is speaking of the understanding that both declares the king’s presence by this glory, and also produces the same glory in those who receive him: themselves coming to understanding. It is the king’s giving life, by giving his mind, producing after his own kind, in his image and likeness.
The word “life” in the title is the Hebrew word chay, meaning flesh; used eight times in Genesis 1 in describing the beasts that were created. It isn’t used to describe the creation of man, who is given dominion over all these, which we’ve seen in our discussion of the order, as it appears written in Psalms 8.
In God’s declaring His intention to create man, in Genesis 1:26, we’re told it will be in His image and likeness. In verse 27, we are then told the creation is only in the image (flesh), saying, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
In Genesis 2:7 we are again told of God creating man, here from the dust of the earth: the ashes of its ruin. We are told in verse 5 that God had not yet sent rain upon the earth, and in verse 6 that a mist went up from the earth and watered the face of the ground. It is telling of the word (ideas) that then ruled over the world, rising up from the people who then occupied the world; because God had not yet sent His word from heaven. We are next told that God breathed into flesh man, who was in the ashes of the earth, and from this breath (air) flesh was given a soul.
Genesis 2
4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
The word “soul” is nephesh, meaning a breathing creature – able to breathe in vapor: spirit; and exhale it. It is describing a mind now able process information, and from what the mind comprehends, the way it processes, comes ideas formulated, which become the bases of action. It is speaking of man given the higher intellect: the ability of abstract thought, which is mental modeling that allows us to see multiple futures, and then decide which course we take. The conscience, the foundation upon which we base all our course decisions, the heart, is where, and by what man lives or dies, macro and micro, as an individual and a species.
The mist that rises from the earth is earthly, the lower nature that calls man to live in the moment, satisfying his every lust, as if a beast unable to see the future. (Actually, a man able to see but choosing to act as if ignorant, because his deeds are evil and he chooses them over light.)
The ways of God are life, sacrificing the moment for the eternity we see before us. We are told in Deuteronomy 5 of the voice of the living God being heard in the fire; the word living is chay, meaning flesh, from where God’s voice is heard. It is the fire in man. This is the manna, the word of God telling us in the word’s meaning that man has no idea what it is, no understanding that God speaks in this way, but, by this word, the word of the living God, man live. When we are told this, in Deuteronomy 8:3, the Hebrew word there translated lives is chayah, meaning the flesh that is God’s flesh, able to revive to life at will (whenever He chooses to awaken), and then able to reproduce the same life in others, after His own kind.
These two types of flesh are those precisely describes by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15. The first Adam and the second, the natural and the spiritual, the corrupt and the uncorrupted. The first is earthly, the second heavenly; the first leads the world into a fallen nature and ruin, the second is a quickening Spirit able to bring others to life (chayah) as he lives. The first man is dark, without understanding; the second has the fire – in him, the light of understanding that lightens the world. The second is the LORD from heaven, making man in His likeness, finishing the work He has authored.
Deuteronomy 5
22 These words the LORD spoke unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.23 And it came to pass, when you heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that you came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;24 And you said, Behold, the LORD our God has shown us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God does talk with man, and he lives [chayah].25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.26 For who is there of all flesh, that has heard the voice of the living [chay] God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived [chayah]?27 Go you near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak you unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto you; and we will hear it, and do it.28 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when you spoke unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto you: they have well said all that they have spoken.29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!30 Go say to them, Get you into your tents again.31 But as for you, stand you here by me, and I will speak unto you all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which you shall teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.32 You shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God has commanded you: you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.33 You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live [chayah – live as God lives – chay {flesh of} Yah], and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.
Deuteronomy 8
1 All the commandments which I command you this day shall you observe to do, that you may live [chayah], and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD swore unto your fathers.2 And you shall remember all the way which the LORD your God led you these forty years in the wilderness, to humble [‘anah] you, and to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or no.3 And he humbled [‘anah] you, and suffered you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you knew not, neither did your fathers know; that he might make you know that man does not live [chayah] by bread only, but by every word that proceed out of the mouth of the LORD does man live [chayah – live as God lives – Spirit in flesh bodies].
The second part of the title verse says, “and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain.” This is telling us of realizing the king’s presence, the one God has sent with the light: life-giving understanding, and in this cloud, where the vapor is held until it becomes water, the spirit becomes flesh so the flesh can become spirit, and in this realization is found God’s favor, as these waters are rained down from the heavens, as in the day of Noah. The difference is that we now have this light, the understand that divides it into colors, which is the bow in the cloud that tells us it is Jehovah’s salvation.
The “cloud” is from the word ‘ab, the word first appearing in Exodus 19:9, as the LORD describes the third day, when He comes in the cloud and speaks to Moses before the eyes of all God’s people. (Do you see Him yet?)
Exodus 19
9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto you in a thick cloud [‘ab], that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.12 And you shall set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that you go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever touches the mount shall be surely put to death:13 There shall not a hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live [chayah]: when the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mount.
The cloud is the same spoken of in Isaiah 44:22, which gives us the same understanding we know in seeing the bow – that this is the Salvation of Jehovah, come to save the corrupt world from itself.
Friends, the world needs to understand this is the word of God. This is the latter rain: understanding returned to save those who will receive it.
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 fashioned 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 does 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 [‘ab], your transgressions, and, as a cloud [‘anan – the cloud first spoken of in Genesis 9:13, in which the bow is seen], 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. [This is speaking of God’s people, and Christ the chief cornerstone. It is not speaking the buildings men build, which are specifically spoken against earlier in the chapter.]
And it shall come to pass at that day, says the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.
As we saw in the prior post and many before, the title is Jeremiah 4:9, which is speaking of the event the false prophets and the experts have twisted into an off the planet escape. It speaks of the end, when all their reasoning (heart) is shown to be creations of their own imaginations, which as we know, are the stoicheion, the elements, Peter tells of melting away. These are the description of the end of this age of darkness, when the confusion and deception of those leading all people, mentally deadened all except the very elect of God’s people and covered them is the shadow of death (removing all understanding and ability to see the deception). The apocalypse, meaning removing the cover, is the LORD coming, appearing, after the time He is hidden in the darkness of these men’s creation, as a great light, shining understanding ending the night.
Friends, this is according to the scriptures, where we have been plainly warned that the word of God would be sealed in this way, and only opened now in ending the darkness. The LORD himself precisely describes it, in John 14, as the time when we wouldn’t see Him, and when He would after this time manifest Himself to us (to those who love and keep His word) and not to the world. He told us, on that day He and the Father would make their abode with us, live in us. “At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.”
Chapter 14 ends describing who has removed Him from sight. “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me.” Earlier He tells of the comforter, who the Father will send in His name, to lead us again into all truth. The LORD describes this person as Him coming (into sight) again, to lead us into all truth and to remind us of all He has said. The Greek word rendered Comforter is Paraclete, speaking of me, in whom He has chosen to first manifest His presence. I have not hidden this truth from anyone, nor have I denied it is Him alive in me, the living God in my flesh working His plan of Salvation – to reproduce many children into the same glory, in His image and likeness.
John 14
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.19 Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.20 At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.22 Judas [Judah] said unto him, not Iscariot [not those leaders who betrayed Him for mammon – for wealth, power, and positions in this corrupted world], LORD, how is it that you will manifest yourself unto us, and not unto the world?23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.24 He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.26 But the Comforter [Paraclete], which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.28 You have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, you might believe.30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me.31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Paul plainly tells us of the prince the LORD speaks of above, in Ephesians 2:2 when He speaks of where all men were held until the LORD came and quickened us from death into life.
Ephesians 2
1 And you has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;2 Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,5 Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;)6 And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.8 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.11 Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;12 That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14 For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us;15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19 Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21 In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in the LORD:22 In whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
It is obvious and according to the scriptures, the poor judgment, the teaching, and preaching, of these gods of the world, the many princes, priests, prophets, and antichrist, as we are told, are those who have blinded the world to this glorious gospel, the good tidings of great joy. Jeremiah 4 tells of their end when the air (Spirit) of the LORD carries them away into the self-destruction they’ve wrought and wherein they’ve chosen to remain.
2 Corinthians 3
14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the LORD, the vail shall be taken away [when the cover blinding them is removed they shall see His face in the flesh, seeing the glory in us and then in themselves].17 Now the LORD is that Spirit [the Paraclete – the one who comes to us in others, so that Christ can be born in us, by writing His word into our minds]: and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty [freedom from those who have held us in darkness – from where I have been the first set free – see Hebrews 13:23].18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the LORD, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully [which only produces darkness]; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:4 In whom the god [the spirit now at work in the children of disobedience] of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light [understanding] of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the LORD; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Jeremiah, just after the title, tells of this happening by the wind, that comes upon those who have been misled, by these same men, into thinking they would have peace. This is what Paul describes in 1 Thessalonians 5 as the final belief of those who are in darkness (ignorant of the LORD’s appearing) before sudden destruction comes upon them.
1 Thessalonians 5
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you.2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the LORD so comes as a thief in the night.3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.5 You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.9 For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD Jesus Christ,10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do.12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the LORD, and admonish you;13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
The word Jeremiah uses in Jeremiah 4:11 & 12, rendered wind, is ruwach, meaning breath, as exhaled. It is the life that comes from the mouth of God, and from any other mouth, if not speaking in agreement with His word, comes death. These are the air, from the Greek word aer, that Paul speaks of in Ephesians 2:2 above, where all were held in darkness and death, until the LORD comes and pulls us out of the fires of hell these men’s ideas have caused. From there we are pulled (harpazo – caught up and pulled) into the LORD’s air, into life that comes by the word God is exhaling.
This is the air (aer) into which the seventh angel (the final messenger spoken of in Hebrews 1:2 – the son there described) pours his vial, reversing the effect we are told of in Revelation 9:2. As we have previously seen, this is the air into which the fallen star, those who’ve fallen from heaven, whose light has been darkened, releases the smoke after opening the bottomless pit, which darkens the sun and the air. This is speaking of those who by bad advice (as the serpent in the garden) lead the church into the never-ending fall away from God and into the pit (hell). Revelation 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air [aer] were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
Revelation 16
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. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments (unspotted by the flesh – see Jude 12 & 23), lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon [this appointed time].17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; 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 lightning; 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 [the confusion these men have wrought] came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
This is the great paradox: God’s people looking to the same men who’ve led them into darkness to now lead them to the light. We know, because the LORD speaking through Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2 tells us, these men are those sitting in the seat of God, showing themselves as if they are God. He tells us they are those holding all God’s people down, who will hold them there until they are taken out of the way. These men are chained to the doctrines and habits of their ridiculous number of sects. None dare deviate from the chains, none dare tell you what I tell you: the LORD Jesus has appeared, in the flesh.
2 Thessalonians 2
5 Remember you not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?6 And now you know what withholds [katecho – holds you down] that he might be revealed in his time.7 For the mystery of iniquity does already work: only he who now lets [katecho – holds you down] will let [will hold you down], until he be taken out of the way.8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the LORD shall consume with the spirit of [the life sent from] his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the LORD, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our LORD Jesus Christ.
2 John
1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;2 For the truth’s sake, which dwells in us, and shall be with us for ever.3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.5 And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.9 Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:11 For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
Jeremiah 4
1 If you will return, O Israel, says the LORD, return unto me: and if you will put away your abominations out of my sight, then shall you not remove.2 And you shall swear, The LORD lives, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.3 For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, you men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.5 Declare you in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow you the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defensed cities.6 Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make your land desolate; and your cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.8 For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us.9 And it shall come to pass at that day, says the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.10 Then said I, Ah, LORD God! surely you have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, You shall have peace; whereas the sword reaches unto the soul.11 At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind [ruwach – the same Spirit of God, who move upon the face of the waters, and brought forth light – Genesis 1:2 & 3] of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,12 Even a full wind [ruwach] from those places shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them.13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds [created by the dry wind upon the waters], and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! [says those who have darkened counsel by words without knowledge – see Job 38:2] for we are spoiled.14 O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your vain thoughts lodge within you?15 For a voice declares from Dan [God as Judge], and publishes affliction from mount Ephraim [to God’s people in this time – at this end of the age of darkness].16 Make you mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.17 As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she has been rebellious against me, says the LORD.18 Your way and your doings have procured these things unto you; this is your wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reaches unto your heart.19 My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.20 Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.21 How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?22 For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.24 I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.25 I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled.26 I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger.27 For thus has the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.28 For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.29 The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.30 And when you are spoiled, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you deck you with ornaments of gold, though you rent your face with painting, in vain shall you make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you, they will seek your life.31 For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that brings forth her first child [the birth which shall not be stopped], the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewail herself, that spreads her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
1 John 2
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.20 But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things.21 I have not written unto you because you know not the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.22 Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son.23 Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also.24 Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.25 And this is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life.26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.27 But the anointing which you have received of him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.29 If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that does righteousness is born of him.
1 John 3
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world know us not, because it knew him not.2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Psalms 70
1 Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.2 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.3 Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.4 Let all those that seek you rejoice and be glad in you: and let such as love your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.5 But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: you are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.
The root of all our troubles lies in the confusion spawned from the inability and unwillingness to see, and discipline ourselves to understand, the difference between science and art.
Science is the search for what is provable, and in this search, are separated the true from the untrue, the known from the unknown, which themselves are the facts of reality. Art is the creation from imagination, one’s own private opinion, portraying how something is perceived, which may or may not agree with reality.
In human history, both knowledge and art are compounded with time. The essence of science is to acknowledge the temporal reality of what is known or unknown and thereby remain ever properly positioned to accept newly uncovered knowledge that was formerly properly categorized as unknown. This process, when followed, is what evaluates men and societies into ever greater achievement.
Any achievement, mixed with human nature, inevitably release their own opponents: envy and contentment. The effects of envy will either result in a healthy competition which accelerates advance, or contempt for achievement itself; the latter now obviously predominant, grown from an unbridled cultural conscience. Contentment, thinking we can relax, become less vigilant in our search for knowledge (the advancement to uncover what is yet unknown), or thinking we know enough or all, produces stagnation and progressively leaves us without an ability to defend what is known (already uncovered, and thereby we, in general, become foundationless).
In the absence of vigilance, art, inventions of the mind, opinions which are designed to be, at the moment, neither provable or unprovable, are asserted as known truth. Contentment, complacency, which have already led to ignorance, ensure the search to verify erroneous assertions will never be undertaken, even when opinions are confronted with obvious fact (of what is actually known and yet unknown).
This is the darkness that now covers the world; men leading it, by opinions, into directions humanity has forever gone (ever leaning forward into death). Now, reaching the culminations, the point where known lies are asserted as fact, the known ignorant, the proven liars, are publicly presented and accepted as “experts.”
“I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light [understanding].”
The quote above is Jeremiah 4:23, where Jeremiah quotes Genesis 1:2 describing the condition the earth had become before God spoke the new creation into existence. Jeremiah, Jehovah rising in him and speaking through him, precisely describe the cause as a lack of knowledge, produced by following those who knew nothing but claimed they knew all. Jeremiah is the LORD manifesting His presence and glory, to the world and its experts, as He has always, as a consistent light: giving understanding that resets the foundations of the earth.
I say again, in the name of the LORD, all the churches and preachers, and all the institution of teaching and information, are broadcasting their own inventions. They are the foundations of the earth that are off the course they were set on.
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 doeth 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 doeth good, no, not one.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. [Oh that men would raise the LORD above their own ideas, to rule in their minds.]
Psalm 75
1 Unto you, O God, do we give thanks, unto you do we give thanks: for that your name is near your wondrous works declare.2 When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly.3 The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.4 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck [subordinate your ideas to the LORD’s, rethink what you foolishly say you know].6 For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.7 But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another.8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he pours out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them. [Proverbs 11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.]9 But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.10 All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.
Psalms 82
1 God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods [those who sit in the judgement seats of the earth, in God’s place].2 How long will you judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.4 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.6 I have said, You are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High.7 But you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for you shall inherit all nations.
Acts 17
22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill [a martial place – where the LORD is mustering His army, by commanding them, through Paul, to repent – rethink what they claim to know, which are actually superstitions], and said, You men of Athens [men of uncertainty], I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious [deisidaimonesteros – firmly bound to the devil – the spirit now at work in the children of disobedience].23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is LORD of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; [the LORD dwells in human flesh, as do we: Him with us, forever]25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things;26 And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed [Armageddon], and the bounds of their habitation;27 That they should seek the LORD, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent [metanoeo – reconsider what you think you know]:31 Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.
2 Timothy 2
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;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.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.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 strife [their questions are meant to continue the argument – never able or willing to accept the truth, even when it is obvious].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.
The above is spoken of in Revelation 16, as the vials are poured out on the judgment seats, where these men who claim to be experts sit. We see their word as blood, flowing to the masses, now understood as what is draining the life from the world. We are the light when God is in us. In Revelation 16 we see the church (sun) is hurting men rather than giving them understanding, and seeing this, the men sitting in the seats of control, refuse to repent (metanoeo). These are the same men (in church and state) that will tell you these passages are pointing to someone else or to no one at all. They are the dragon, as a crocodile, as death lurking in their words, below the surface, which flow to the masses as a river. They are the beast, which we understand is Babylon, whose confusion rules over the world. They are all false prophets, claiming they know everything while knowing nothing.
The only power these men have is to deceive. They are the devils (daimon) firmly holding all the world in their deceptions, which come from their words, from their mouth as if frogs jumping from a river.
Revelation 16
1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast [the mark is confusion], and upon them which worshipped his image [the thing these men have created from their own imaginations].3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea [all men died – see 2 Timothy 2:11 above].4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood [seen as draining the life from all men].5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, You are righteous, O LORD, which are, and were, and shall be, because you have judged thus.6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, LORD God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments.8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which has power over these plagues: and they repented [metanoeo]not to give him glory.10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness [now seen as full of ignorance]; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up [so what has been hidden below the surface of the words, is now plainly seen], 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 [daimon], 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 [unknown in the darkness: the ignorance caused by these men’s leading]. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps 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 [the place of the set time, the arranged rendezvous].17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air [this is the air, where we meet the LORD]; 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 lightning; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. [This is the earthquake that shakes the wicked out of the earth – the presence of God declared to the world.]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, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.20 And every island fled away [all the places without God’s word], and the mountains were not found [all the place that have loomed over the world and cast the shadow death].21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven [the word of God that has been reserved, frozen, in heaven, until this appointed time], every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
Jeremiah 4
1 If you will return, O Israel, says the LORD, return unto me: and if you will put away your abominations out of my sight, then shall you not remove.2 And you shall swear, The LORD lives, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.3 For thus says the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, you men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.5 Declare you in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow you the trumpet in the land: cry, gather together, and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the defenced cities.6 Set up the standard toward Zion: retire, stay not: for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.7 The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way; he is gone forth from his place to make your land desolate; and your cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabitant.8 For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us.9 And it shall come to pass at that day, says the LORD, that the heart of the king shall perish, and the heart of the princes; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.10 Then said I, Ah, LORD God! surely you have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, You shall have peace; whereas the sword reaches unto the soul.11 At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse,12 Even a full wind from those places shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them.13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.14 O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your vain thoughts lodge within you?15 For a voice declares from Dan, and publishes affliction from mount Ephraim.16 Make you mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.17 As keepers of a field, are they against her round about; because she has been rebellious against me, says the LORD.18 Your way and your doings have procured these things unto you; this is your wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reaches unto your heart.19 My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.20 Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.21 How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?22 For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.23 I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.24 I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.25 I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled.26 I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger.27 For thus has the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end.28 For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.29 The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb up upon the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein.30 And when you are spoiled, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you deck you with ornaments of gold, though you rent your face with painting, in vain shall you make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you, they will seek your life.31 For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that brings forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewails herself, that spreads her hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
Psalms 67
1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.2 That your way may be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations.3 Let the people praise you, O God; let all the people praise you.4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for you shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.5 Let the people praise you, O God; let all the people praise you.6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
The iniquity of
the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of
blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD has forsaken
the earth, and the LORD sees not.
(Today’s revelation is a
culmination point, only understood if you’ve read along and acquired the
knowledge needed to see the LORD and hear Him speaking.)
The title verse is from Ezekiel
9:9, a chapter which was discussed in the prior post. It begins with the LORD,
through the son of man, Ezekiel, as the writer and one of the prophets, his
name meaning the strength of God (returning), speaking to Judah. The time is
when Judah had become fully immersed in idolatry, and Jerusalem is under almost
constant foreign attack. He is speaking a final warning to the house of Judah,
calling them to understand the evil (ra’) that is the underlying cause of their
troubles, which is partially described in the title verse. As we saw in the
prior post, the men he is warning are totally ignorant that it is the LORD
speaking, warning them through Ezekiel.
This takes us to the prior
chapter, wherein we are told of Ezekiel receiving his understanding, through
the means of the wheel within the wheel, which he has earlier described. As we
have discussed in previous posts, Ezekiel description of the wheel within a
wheel is speaking of a time within a time, the written record given by an
earlier inspired writer and passed on into the future. There it is read, and
the pattern is understood. In understanding, the providential hand of God is
seen at work, His voice and His presence are understood as what is ultimately
revealed to those who believe the report and receive it as the mark in their
forehead. Those who reject it are the ignorant and blind spoken of in the title
verse, which is a repetition of the pattern Ezekiel sees and identically
describes in Ezekiel 8:12.
Here is what Ezekiel sees and
describes in Chapter 8. He is seeing the house of Israel’s ending, from the
perspective of after it has happened, which is coincidentally approximately
1290 years after the birth of Isaac, and into Abram’s deep sleep. We have, in
several previous discussions, seen the pertinence of these this time, and
times, and the associated events.
Ezekiel was almost certainly
reading Isaiah, Hosea, Micah, and Nahum; all writing during Israel’s downfall
and carrying into captivity (see 2 Kings 18:10 & 11). Abraham’s sleep began
in 1897 BC, Isaac was born in 1896 BC, and Israel falls in 611 BC. Hosea’s
writing ends with the fall of Israel in 611 BC, the others see the end, and
Isaiah seemingly writing of it in Isaiah 34, in the context of confusion and
emptiness. Isaiah 36:1 gives us its time as the fourteenth year of Hezekiah,
which makes it 603 BC. (Coincidentally – 1290 years after Isaac’s birth and
Abram’s sleep would fall during the time between the fall of Israel and the
invasion of Judah by Sennacherib king of Assyria. See 2 Kings 18:13)
We can speculate that Isaiah’s
writing is what warned and caused Hezekiah’s repentance, for which he and Judah
were given additional time, before the eventual fall (477 BC) of Judah and
Jerusalem, after they reject the warnings of Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 8 1 And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the LORD God fell there upon me. 2 Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the color of amber. 3 And he put forth the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looks toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy. 4 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain. 5 Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up your eyes now the way toward the north [toward Israel and her capital Samaria]. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy [the calves set in God’s place] in the entry. 6 He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, see you what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here [the calves then replaced with Baal], that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn you yet again, and you shalt see greater abominations. 7 And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall. 8 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door. 9 And he said unto me, Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they do here. 10 So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round about. 11 And there stood before them seventy men of the ancients of the house of Israel, and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah [those who Jehovah hears] the son of Shaphan [who think they’re hidden from the LORD], with every man his censer in his hand [the strange fire]; and a thick cloud of incense went up [and the LORD saw every bit of their wickedness]. 12 Then said he unto me, Son of man, have you seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark [in blind ignorance], every man in the chambers of his imagery [every man with his own ideas]? for they say, the LORD sees us not; the LORD has forsaken the earth. [later quoted in warning Judah, in chapter 9] 13 He said also unto me, Turn you yet again, and you shalt see greater abominations that they do. 14 Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the LORD’s house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz [longing to join the dead]. 15 Then said he unto me, Have you seen this, O son of man? turn you yet again, and you shalt see greater abominations than these. 16 And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD’s house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. [See Jonah 2:4 & 7 – they look to the advice of strange gods of the east – Babylon] 17 Then he said unto me, Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah [seeing what has happened to Israel] that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. 18 Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shalt not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.
In verse 4 above, Ezekiel says
the vison is as he saw in the plain, where he also saw the glory of the LORD.
This is the plain he speaks of in Ezekiel 3:22 & 23, where he saw the glory
by the river Chebar, and when Spirit of God entered into him and spoke to him.
Earlier in the chapter, the son of man, Ezekiel, is told to eat the roll (the
volume of the book) he finds. We know from our discussions, the river Chebar is
the river that carries God’s word through eternity, and here we are shown it is
the written word of God. After Ezekiel eats, reads and is given understand by
the LORD’s Spirit in him, he is then sent to speak the word of God to His
people.
Ezekiel 3
1 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that you find; eat this roll, and
go speak unto the house of Israel.
2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your
bowels with this roll that I give you. Then did I eat it; and it was in my
mouth as honey for sweetness.
4 And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get you unto the house of Israel, and
speak with my words unto them.
5 For you are not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language,
but to the house of Israel;
6 Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words
you canst not understand. Surely, had I sent you to them, they would have
hearkened unto you.
7 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto you; for they will not hearken
unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.
8 Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead
strong against their foreheads.
9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made your forehead: fear them not,
neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
10 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shalt speak unto
you receive in your heart, and hear with your ears.
11 And go, get you to them of the captivity, unto the children of your people,
and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus says the LORD God; whether they will
hear, or whether they will forbear.
12 Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great
rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place.
13 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one
another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great
rushing.
14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in
the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib [where the people were
rising in the new birth], that dwelt by the river of Chebar [by the word of
God], and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven
days.
16 And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the LORD came
unto me, saying,
17 Son of man, I have made you a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore
hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
18 When I said unto the wicked, You shalt surely die; and you give him not
warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way [which is the warning
spoken of above], to save his life; the same wicked man shalt die in his
iniquity; but his blood will I require at your hand.
19 Yet if you warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from
his wicked way, he shalt die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.
20 Again, When a righteous man does turn from his righteousness, and commit
iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shalt die: because you
have not given him warning, he shalt die in his sin, and his righteousness
which he has done shalt not be remembered; but his blood will I require at your
hand.
21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and
he does not sin, he shalt surely live, because he is warned; also you have
delivered your soul.
22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go
forth into the plain, and I will there talk with you.
23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the
LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell
on my face.
24 Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spoke with me,
and said unto me, Go, shut yourself within your house.
25 But you, O son of man, behold, they shalt put bands upon you, and shalt bind
you with them, and you shalt not go out among them:
26 And I will make your tongue cleave to the roof of your mouth, that you shalt
be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.
27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shalt say unto
them, Thus says the LORD God; He that hears, let him hear; and he that
forbears, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.
As we have seen, these men who
willingly sacrifice themselves to speak God’s word, to give warning by an accurate
assessment of the fallen condition and to correct into right standing, are
representations of the sacrifice the LORD desires of us – of which Christ is
our perfect example.
Hebrews 1
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the
fathers by the prophets,
2 Has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir
of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person,
and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself
purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained
a more excellent name than they.
5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, You are my Son, this day
have I begotten you? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shalt be to
me a Son?
6 And again, when he brings in the first-begotten into the world, he says, And
let all the angels of God worship him.
7 And of the angels he says, Who makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a
flame of fire.
8 But unto the Son he says, Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter
of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your
God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
10 And, You, LORD, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and
the heavens are the works of your hands:
11 They shalt perish; but you remains; and they all shalt wax old as does a
garment;
12 And as a vesture shalt you fold them up, and they shalt be changed: but you
are the same, and your years shalt not fail.
13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until
I make your enemies your footstool?
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who
shalt be heirs of salvation?
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was
made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shined in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men
through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him
not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will
of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spoke, He
that comes after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
16 And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
18 No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the
bosom of the Father, he has declared him.
Hebrews 10
1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of
the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year
continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the
worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away
sins.
5 Wherefore when he comes into the world, he says, Sacrifice and offering you
would not, but a body have you prepared me:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you have had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to
do your will, O God.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering
for sin you would not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the
law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do your will, O God. He taketh away the first,
that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of
Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same
sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down
on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he has perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said
before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the
LORD, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write
them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood
of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil,
that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having a high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our
hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure
water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is
faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some
is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day
approaching.
26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the
truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins,
27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which
shalt devour the adversaries.
28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:
29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shalt he be thought worthy, who
has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant,
wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the
Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto me, I will recompense,
says the LORD. And again, The LORD shalt judge his people.
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were
illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst you were made a gazing-stock both by reproaches and
afflictions; and partly, whilst you became companions of them that were so
used.
34 For you had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of
your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better and an
enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompense of
reward.
36 For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God,
you might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shalt come will come, and will not
tarry.
38 Now the just shalt live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shalt
have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that
believe to the saving of the soul.
Psalms 40
1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my
feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shalt
see it, and fear, and shalt trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is that man that makes the LORD his trust, and respects not the
proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are your wonderful works which you have done, and your
thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto you: if
I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; mine ears have you opened: burnt
offering and sin offering have you not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8 I delight to do your will, O my God: yea, your law is within my heart.
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not
refrained my lips, O LORD, you know.
10 I have not hid your righteousness within my heart; I have declared your
faithfulness and your salvation: I have not concealed your loving-kindness and
your truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not you your tender mercies from me, O LORD: let your loving-kindness
and your truth continually preserve me.
12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken
hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of
mine head: therefore my heart fails me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to
destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16 Let all those that seek you rejoice and be glad in you: let such as love
your salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
17 But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinks upon me: you are my help and my
deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
And the LORD has given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then You showed me their doings.
The title is Jeremiah 11:18 and is Jeremiah telling of the LORD letting him know the evil (ra’) being done by His people, and of the evil (ra’) they are plotting against Jeremiah (against Jehovah rising, in an attempt to thwart His raising up His Nation).
Jeremiah 11
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD saying,2 Hear you the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;3 And say you unto them, Thus says the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeys not the words of this covenant,4 Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice [the essence of the Covenant, new and old – as we are told of Abram in Genesis 15:6, saying, “he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”], and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall you be my people, and I will be your God:5 That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.6 Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear you the words of this covenant, and do them.7 For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.8 Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil [ra’] heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do: but they did them not.9 And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.11 Therefore thus says the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil [ra’] upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.12 Then shall the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem go, and cry unto the gods unto whom they offer incense: but they shall not save them at all in the time of their trouble [ra’].13 For according to the number of your cities were your gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have you set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal.14 Therefore pray not you for this people, neither lift up a cry or prayer for them: for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble [ra’].15 What has my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she has wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from you? when you do evil [ra’], then you rejoice.16 The LORD called your name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he has kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.17 For the LORD of hosts, that planted you, has pronounced evil [ra’] against you, for the evil [ra’] of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.18 And the LORD has given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then you showed me their doings.19 But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.20 But, O LORD of hosts, that judges righteously, that tries the reins and the heart, let me see your vengeance on them: for unto you have I revealed my cause.21 Therefore thus says the LORD of the men of Anathoth [praying for the LORD to answer], that seek your life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the LORD, that you die not by our hand:22 Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will punish them: the young men shall die by the sword [by refusing to hear the word of God]; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine [the self-inflicted famine of not hearing the word of God]:23 And there shall be no remnant of them: for I will bring evil [ra’] upon the men of Anathoth [those asking the LORD to answer their prayers, which they are ignorantly praying against Him], even the year of their visitation.
The idea above is that these men who are choosing to remain in their evil, who are refusing to believe the LORD, are rejecting His voice, and thereby are continuing on the path taking them into the consequences of their own evil. Instead of repenting, reconsidering their own understanding so they would be healed (be able to see His presence, and hear His voice), they with feigned humility and prayers contradicting Him, are ignorantly asking Him to stop His own voice. They are praying He would save them from His saving them.
The “visitation” spoken of in verse 23 above is the Hebrew word peqaddah, from the word paqad. In these words, we understand it is speaking of one sent (come) to assess the condition and to give a correct accounting. The word is precisely used in this context in Ezekiel 9:1, where it is rendered “cause them to have charge.” There it is speaking of six men, all with weapons of slaughter in their hands. These represent the six halves of the sacrifice spoken of in Genesis 15:9, prophets whose weapon is the same sword, the word of God they have written, we saw above in Jeremiah 11:22. They represent all the prophets who have been slain for the word of God, for giving their testimony as the LORD sent it by them.
Ezekiel 9 speaks of the man sent to mark those who have seen the abomination corrupting God’s people, and have sighed. The mark is in the heads, forefront of the minds, of those who come to understanding. I am the writer the LORD has sent, and through me He has healed the eyes and ears of those who’ve believed our report. He has, by my hand, brought all the sacrifices of all those He has sent before me, together on this other side, into one coherent message, the gospel of His salvation.
Ezekiel 9
The only problem 1 He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge [pequddah] over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.2 And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lies toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side;4 And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.5 And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go you after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have you pity:6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.7 And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go you forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.8 And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah LORD God! will you destroy all the residue of Israel in your pouring out of your fury upon Jerusalem?9 Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD has forsaken the earth, and the LORD sees not.10 And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head.11 And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as you have commanded me. [Amen!]
In the above, we see allusions to Daniel 12, which we have recently discussed in this context. There we are told of the time of passing between the sacrifices as the river where the same men in fine linen are seen. Daniel is told of it as the time during which the word of God would be sealed, and he is told it’s opened at this ending. These times are the beginning and end of Abraham’s deep sleep, which we have seen described in Genesis 15.
Ezekiel only uses the word pequddah one other time, also in telling of the time of this opening, when the east gate is opened again, for the LORD to enter. There we are told it has been closed since He left by it (according to the scriptures), which tells of the long sleep of God’s people – when their minds where closed by the corrupt teaching of the men who’ve led them away from His light into darkness (from understanding into ignorance).
Pequddah is rendered “charge” in Ezekiel 44:11, where we are told of the priesthood, which had strayed away from God and went after idols, who will in this ending again have charge at the gate of the house. It is in their hand to lead their own people out of darkness, by repenting. Daniel’s prayer of repentance in Daniel 9 should be their song. They need to be the witnesses to exactly what has happened here. The LORD is present and has made Himself apparent for the salvation of His people. Behold the glory of the LORD God Almighty!
Ezekiel 44
1 Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looks toward the east; and it was shut.2 Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.3 It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.4 Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.5 And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I say unto you concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.6 And you shall say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus says the LORD God; O you house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,7 In that you have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when you offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.8 And you have not kept the charge of mine holy things: but you have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves.9 Thus said the LORD God; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.10 And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.11 Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge [peqaddah] at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them.12 Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, says the LORD God, and they shall bear their iniquity.13 And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy place: but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed.14 But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein.15 But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok [righteousness], that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, says the LORD God: 16 They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.17 And it shall come to pass, that when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within. [clothed in fine linen, righteousness, again – as they were on the other side, before they went astray.]18 They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causes sweat.19 And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered, and lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.20 Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.21 Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.22 Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before.23 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my Sabbaths.25 And they shall come at no dead person to defile themselves: but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for brother, or for sister that has had no husband, they may defile themselves.26 And after he is cleansed, they shall reckon unto him seven days.27 And in the day that he goes into the sanctuary, unto the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, says the LORD God.28 And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and you shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.29 They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering: and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.30 And the first of all the first-fruits of all things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest’s: you shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in your house.31 The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.
Do you understand Daniel 9? If not, it is because of your own abominations, the idols you have created or worship, have blinded your eyes to His presence and closed your ears to His voice.
Matthew 23
31 Wherefore you be witnesses unto yourselves, that you are the children of them which killed the prophets.32 Fill you up then the measure of your fathers.33 You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall you scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zechariah son of Barachias, whom you slew between the temple and the altar.36 Truly I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not!38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.39 For I say unto you, You shall not see me henceforth, till you shall say, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the LORD.
Daniel 9
1 In the first year of Darius [the seed of David – through Esther, the hidden star – the sun at night] the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.3 And I set my face unto the LORD God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O LORD, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from your precepts and from your judgments:6 Neither have we hearkened unto your servants the prophets, which spake in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.7 O LORD, righteousness belongs unto you, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither you have driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against you.8 O LORD, to us belongs confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you.9 To the LORD our God belong mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him;10 Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed your law, even by departing, that they might not obey your voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.12 And he has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven has not been done as has been done upon Jerusalem.13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand your truth.14 Therefore has the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he does: for we obeyed not his voice.15 And now, O LORD our God, that have brought your people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have gotten you renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.16 O LORD, according to all your righteousness, I beseech you, let your anger and your fury be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people are become a reproach to all that are about us.17 Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of your servant, and his supplications, and cause your face to shine upon your sanctuary that is desolate, for the LORD’s sake.18 O my God, incline your ear, and hear; open your eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by your name: for we do not present our supplications before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies.19 O LORD, hear; O LORD, forgive; O LORD, hearken and do; defer not, for your own sake, O my God: for your city and your people are called by your name.20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give you skill and understanding.23 At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.24 Seventy weeks are determined upon your people and upon your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Psalms 91
1 He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.3 Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.4 He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler.5 You shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flies by day;6 Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness; nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.7 A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come nigh you.8 Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked.9 Because you have made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation;10 There shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come nigh your dwelling.11 For he shall give his angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.12 They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.13 You shall tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shall you trample under feet.14 Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known my name.15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.16 With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.
Are the Minority of Larger States Constitutionally Authorized to Abandon Republicanism, to Rule over the Majority of States?
If they do, they have abandoned the Constitution and have thereby nullified it. In examining this question, I must now revise a previous statement: I am not only a Nationalist, but I am also a Federalist. In the truest definition, being a Nationalist only means you advocate the elimination of the States’ authority in matters not granted to the Federal Government. The Federalist recognizes the States’ authority and yields, not assuming power not granted to the Federal Government. In other words, the Nationalist (only) reduces us to an Absolute democracy – which as James Madison said, “have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.” Federalist #10
Before going on we must remember the principle that tells us the lawless do not care what any laws say. They will twist their interpretation, just as they have twisted even observable reality, and have with intention destroyed all truthful discourse. They will not be swayed by reason; nor will they recognize any truth that contradicts their distorted perception. They have entered the dimension of the insane and deluded, choosing a world that only exists in their darkened and blinded minds. They have no idea where they’re being led, neither do they understand what/who is leading them, nor do they care. Don’t expect them to change – they have been chained to (reserved therein) their own darkness, intentionally; as is the plan.
Posted here following, addressing this topic of Republican Principles, is James Madison again writing as Publius, Federalist #39, titled, The Conformity of the Plan to Republican Principles.
To the People of the State of New York:
THE last paper having concluded the observations which were meant to introduce a candid survey of the plan of government reported by the convention, we now proceed to the execution of that part of our undertaking. The first question that offers itself is, whether the general form and aspect of the government be strictly republican. It is evident that no other form would be reconcilable with the genius of the people of America; with the fundamental principles of the Revolution; or with that honorable determination which animates every votary of freedom, to rest all our political experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government. If the plan of the convention, therefore, be found to depart from the republican character, its advocates must abandon it as no longer defensible.
What, then, are the distinctive characters of the republican form? Were an answer to this question to be sought, not by recurring to principles, but in the application of the term by political writers, to the constitution of different States, no satisfactory one would ever be found. Holland, in which no particle of the supreme authority is derived from the people, has passed almost universally under the denomination of a republic. The same title has been bestowed on Venice, where absolute power over the great body of the people is exercised, in the most absolute manner, by a small body of hereditary nobles. Poland, which is a mixture of aristocracy and of monarchy in their worst forms, has been dignified with the same appellation. The government of England, which has one republican branch only, combined with an hereditary aristocracy and monarchy, has, with equal impropriety, been frequently placed on the list of republics. These examples, which are nearly as dissimilar to each other as to a genuine republic, show the extreme inaccuracy with which the term has been used in political disquisitions.
If we resort for a criterion to the different principles on which different forms of government are established, we may define a republic to be, or at least may bestow that name on, a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure, for a limited period, or during good behavior. It is ESSENTIAL to such a government that it be derived from the great body of the society, not from an inconsiderable proportion, or a favored class of it; otherwise a handful of tyrannical nobles, exercising their oppressions by a delegation of their powers, might aspire to the rank of republicans, and claim for their government the honorable title of republic. It is SUFFICIENT for such a government that the persons administering it be appointed, either directly or indirectly, by the people; and that they hold their appointments by either of the tenures just specified; otherwise every government in the United States, as well as every other popular government that has been or can be well organized or well executed, would be degraded from the republican character. According to the constitution of every State in the Union, some or other of the officers of government are appointed indirectly only by the people. According to most of them, the chief magistrate himself is so appointed. And according to one, this mode of appointment is extended to one of the co-ordinate branches of the legislature. According to all the constitutions, also, the tenure of the highest offices is extended to a definite period, and in many instances, both within the legislative and executive departments, to a period of years. According to the provisions of most of the constitutions, again, as well as according to the most respectable and received opinions on the subject, the members of the judiciary department are to retain their offices by the firm tenure of good behavior.
On comparing the Constitution planned by the convention with the standard here fixed, we perceive at once that it is, in the most rigid sense, conformable to it. The House of Representatives, like that of one branch at least of all the State legislatures, is elected immediately by the great body of the people. The Senate, like the present Congress, and the Senate of Maryland, derives its appointment indirectly from the people. The President is indirectly derived from the choice of the people, according to the example in most of the States. Even the judges, with all other officers of the Union, will, as in the several States, be the choice, though a remote choice, of the people themselves, the duration of the appointments is equally conformable to the republican standard, and to the model of State constitutions The House of Representatives is periodically elective, as in all the States; and for the period of two years, as in the State of South Carolina. The Senate is elective, for the period of six years; which is but one year more than the period of the Senate of Maryland, and but two more than that of the Senates of New York and Virginia. The President is to continue in office for the period of four years; as in New York and Delaware, the chief magistrate is elected for three years, and in South Carolina for two years. In the other States the election is annual. In several of the States, however, no constitutional provision is made for the impeachment of the chief magistrate. And in Delaware and Virginia he is not impeachable till out of office. The President of the United States is impeachable at any time during his continuance in office. The tenure by which the judges are to hold their places, is, as it unquestionably ought to be, that of good behavior. The tenure of the ministerial offices generally, will be a subject of legal regulation, conformably to the reason of the case and the example of the State constitutions.
Could any further proof be required of the republican complexion of this system, the most decisive one might be found in its absolute prohibition of titles of nobility, both under the federal and the State governments; and in its express guaranty of the republican form to each of the latter.
“But it was not sufficient,” say the adversaries of the proposed Constitution, “for the convention to adhere to the republican form. They ought, with equal care, to have preserved the FEDERAL form, which regards the Union as a CONFEDERACY of sovereign states; instead of which, they have framed a NATIONAL government, which regards the Union as a CONSOLIDATION of the States.” And it is asked by what authority this bold and radical innovation was undertaken? The handle which has been made of this objection requires that it should be examined with some precision.
Without inquiring into the accuracy of the distinction on which the objection is founded, it will be necessary to a just estimate of its force, first, to ascertain the real character of the government in question; secondly, to inquire how far the convention were authorized to propose such a government; and thirdly, how far the duty they owed to their country could supply any defect of regular authority.
First. In order to ascertain the real character of the government, it may be considered in relation to the foundation on which it is to be established; to the sources from which its ordinary powers are to be drawn; to the operation of those powers; to the extent of them; and to the authority by which future changes in the government are to be introduced.
On examining the first relation, it appears, on one hand, that the Constitution is to be founded on the assent and ratification of the people of America, given by deputies elected for the special purpose; but, on the other, that this assent and ratification is to be given by the people, not as individuals composing one entire nation, but as composing the distinct and independent States to which they respectively belong. It is to be the assent and ratification of the several States, derived from the supreme authority in each State, the authority of the people themselves. The act, therefore, establishing the Constitution, will not be a NATIONAL, but a FEDERAL act.
That it will be a federal and not a national act, as these terms are understood by the objectors; the act of the people, as forming so many independent States, not as forming one aggregate nation, is obvious from this single consideration, that it is to result neither from the decision of a MAJORITY of the people of the Union, nor from that of a MAJORITY of the States. It must result from the UNANIMOUS assent of the several States that are parties to it, differing no otherwise from their ordinary assent than in its being expressed, not by the legislative authority, but by that of the people themselves. Were the people regarded in this transaction as forming one nation, the will of the majority of the whole people of the United States would bind the minority, in the same manner as the majority in each State must bind the minority; and the will of the majority must be determined either by a comparison of the individual votes, or by considering the will of the majority of the States as evidence of the will of a majority of the people of the United States. Neither of these rules have been adopted. Each State, in ratifying the Constitution, is considered as a sovereign body, independent of all others, and only to be bound by its own voluntary act. In this relation, then, the new Constitution will, if established, be a FEDERAL, and not a NATIONAL constitution.
The next relation is, to the sources from which the ordinary powers of government are to be derived. The House of Representatives will derive its powers from the people of America; and the people will be represented in the same proportion, and on the same principle, as they are in the legislature of a particular State. So far the government is NATIONAL, not FEDERAL. The Senate, on the other hand, will derive its powers from the States, as political and coequal societies; and these will be represented on the principle of equality in the Senate, as they now are in the existing Congress. So far the government is FEDERAL, not NATIONAL. The executive power will be derived from a very compound source. The immediate election of the President is to be made by the States in their political characters. The votes allotted to them are in a compound ratio, which considers them partly as distinct and coequal societies, partly as unequal members of the same society. The eventual election, again, is to be made by that branch of the legislature which consists of the national representatives; but in this particular act they are to be thrown into the form of individual delegations, from so many distinct and coequal bodies politic. From this aspect of the government it appears to be of a mixed character, presenting at least as many FEDERAL as NATIONAL features.
The difference between a federal and national government, as it relates to the OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, is supposed to consist in this, that in the former the powers operate on the political bodies composing the Confederacy, in their political capacities; in the latter, on the individual citizens composing the nation, in their individual capacities. On trying the Constitution by this criterion, it falls under the NATIONAL, not the FEDERAL character; though perhaps not so completely as has been understood. In several cases, and particularly in the trial of controversies to which States may be parties, they must be viewed and proceeded against in their collective and political capacities only. So far the national countenance of the government on this side seems to be disfigured by a few federal features. But this blemish is perhaps unavoidable in any plan; and the operation of the government on the people, in their individual capacities, in its ordinary and most essential proceedings, may, on the whole, designate it, in this relation, a NATIONAL government.
But if the government be national with regard to the OPERATION of its powers, it changes its aspect again when we contemplate it in relation to the EXTENT of its powers. The idea of a national government involves in it, not only an authority over the individual citizens, but an indefinite supremacy over all persons and things, so far as they are objects of lawful government. Among a people consolidated into one nation, this supremacy is completely vested in the national legislature. Among communities united for particular purposes, it is vested partly in the general and partly in the municipal legislatures. In the former case, all local authorities are subordinate to the supreme; and may be controlled, directed, or abolished by it at pleasure. In the latter, the local or municipal authorities form distinct and independent portions of the supremacy, no more subject, within their respective spheres, to the general authority, than the general authority is subject to them, within its own sphere. In this relation, then, the proposed government cannot be deemed a NATIONAL one; since its jurisdiction extends to certain enumerated objects only, and leaves to the several States a residuary and inviolable sovereignty over all other objects. It is true that in controversies relating to the boundary between the two jurisdictions, the tribunal which is ultimately to decide, is to be established under the general government. But this does not change the principle of the case. The decision is to be impartially made, according to the rules of the Constitution; and all the usual and most effectual precautions are taken to secure this impartiality. Some such tribunal is clearly essential to prevent an appeal to the sword and a dissolution of the compact; and that it ought to be established under the general rather than under the local governments, or, to speak more properly, that it could be safely established under the first alone, is a position not likely to be combated.
If we try the Constitution by its last relation to the authority by which amendments are to be made, we find it neither wholly NATIONAL nor wholly FEDERAL. Were it wholly national, the supreme and ultimate authority would reside in the MAJORITY of the people of the Union; and this authority would be competent at all times, like that of a majority of every national society, to alter or abolish its established government. Were it wholly federal, on the other hand, the concurrence of each State in the Union would be essential to every alteration that would be binding on all. The mode provided by the plan of the convention is not founded on either of these principles. In requiring more than a majority, and principles. In requiring more than a majority, and particularly in computing the proportion by STATES, not by CITIZENS, it departs from the NATIONAL and advances towards the FEDERAL character; in rendering the concurrence of less than the whole number of States sufficient, it loses again the FEDERAL and partakes of the NATIONAL character.
The proposed Constitution, therefore, is, in strictness, neither a national nor a federal Constitution, but a composition of both. In its foundation it is federal, not national; in the sources from which the ordinary powers of the government are drawn, it is partly federal and partly national; in the operation of these powers, it is national, not federal; in the extent of them, again, it is federal, not national; and, finally, in the authoritative mode of introducing amendments, it is neither wholly federal nor wholly national.
PUBLIUS.
Psalms 44
1 We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work you did in their days, in the times of old.2 How you did drive out the heathen with your hand, and planted them; how you did afflict the people, and cast them out.3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your countenance, because you had a favor unto them.4 You are my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.5 Through you will we push down our enemies: through your name will we tread them under that rise up against us.6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.7 But you have saved us from our enemies, and have put them to shame that hated us.8 In God we boast all the day long, and praise your name for ever. Selah.9 But you have cast off, and put us to shame; and go not forth with our armies.10 You make us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.11 You have given us like sheep appointed for meat; and have scattered us among the heathen.12 You sell your people for naught, and do not increase your wealth by their price.13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.14 You make us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face has covered me,16 For the voice of him that reproaches and blasphemes; by reason of the enemy and avenger.17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten you, neither have we dealt falsely in your covenant.18 Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from your way;19 Though you have sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death.20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;21 Shall not God search this out? for he knows the secrets of the heart.22 Yea, for your sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.23 Awake, why sleep you, O LORD? arise, cast us not off for ever.24 Wherefore hide you your face, and forget our affliction and our oppression?25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleave unto the earth.26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for your mercies’ sake.
Psalms 45
1 My heart is inditing [My reasoning mind is overflowing with] a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.2 You are fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into your lips: therefore God has blessed you for ever.3 Gird your sword upon your thigh, O Most Mighty, with your glory and your majesty.4 And in your majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and your right hand shall teach you terrible things.5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; whereby the people fall under you.6 Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of your kingdom is a right scepter.7 You love righteousness, and hate wickedness: therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.8 All your garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made you glad.9 Kings’ daughters were among your honorable women: upon your right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.10 Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear; forget also your own people, and your father’s house;11 So shall the king greatly desire your beauty: for he is your LORD; and worship you him.12 And the daughter of Tyre [those who have trusted in the false teaching and leading of the darkness, and held there in bondage] shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall entreat your favor.13 The king’s daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.14 She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto you.15 With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace.16 Instead of your fathers shall be your children, whom you may make princes in all the earth.17 I will make your name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise you for ever and ever.
Psalms 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he has made in the earth.9 He makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; he burns the chariot in the fire.10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Psalms 47
1 O clap your hands, all you people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.2 For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.5 God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing you praises with understanding.8 God reigns over the heathen: God sits upon the throne of his holiness.9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
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.
The opening verse is Daniel 12:10, which is saying, if our minds have been purified from the corruption that has poisoned the minds of all men, and we instead follow the LORD, He leads us into understanding. The point made is that all men have been corrupted, all are therefore in need of repenting, and without repentance, there can be no understanding.
Now is the time of repentance, not feigned humility or contradictory prayers, which are merely continued rebellion perpetuating corruption.
Here is understanding for the pure in heart. (“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8) Daniel 12 defines this time, first giving us the formula, and then the years as days. He tells us of a time, and the times, and a half, the last meaning this rightly dividing the word of God. The time is 1290 years, the times are 1290 plus 1335 years, the sum of these equaling 3915 years, which is time between Isaac’s birth and today. This is what Daniel 12 is describing, the time of the sleep (yashen) of God’s people.
Abram was one hundred years old when Isaac was born, which was the beginning of the fulfillment of the Covenant the LORD made with him the year before. This Covenant is recorded in Genesis 15 (and repeated in detail in Genesis 17), given as Abram falls into a deep sleep, and the horror of great darkness was upon him. Therein Genesis 15:6 we are told Abram (Abraham) “believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness.”
Genesis 15 12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him [ignorance fell upon God’s people]. 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that your seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15 And you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [those who exalt themselves above God] is not yet full.
This sleep is the river that is carrying all men to death, as we have discussed, and which is alluded to in Genesis 15, which coincides with Daniel 12. Daniel sees what is occurring on the two sides of this sleep, but even He is unable to fully understand it, the LORD reserving the revelation to Himself alone, to be released at this time, as we have seen spoken of by Peter and Jude.
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 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 [when the ignorant are blinded to Him by their corrupt ideas]; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements [the ideas of these men who exalt themselves above God – who is an all-consuming fire] shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works [all they’ve built upon a foundation of their own confusion] that are therein shall be burned up.
Jude 12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the LORD comes with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speak great swelling words [exalting themselves above God], having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember you the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our LORD Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our LORD Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling [harpazo – {not a} rapture] them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh [their covering of lying vanities]. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
As we know, these same self-exalters, have twisted the LORD’s sending this revelation, to pull them from the fires they themselves have created, into a fictitious off the planet escape; in doing, and refusing to repent, condemning themselves to remain therein. (Jonah 2: 8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.)
Daniel 12 1 And at that time shall Michael stand up [He who is like God shall rise 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 [the time we saw in the prior post, in Jeremiah 30:7, which Daniel is referring to]: 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 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, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. 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; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. 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.
The Hebrew word used above to tell of understanding is biyn, meaning to separate mentally. In Genesis 15 the sign of the Covenant is shown as separating (cutting apart) the sacrifice and passing between the pieces. It is speaking of understanding coming by perceiving the whole of the separated parts. This idea is as we have recently discussed, the word of God understood in consort, bringing together the ideas separated and given through many writers.
This understanding is what Isaiah 6:9 & 10 speaks of, which is what heals us, awakening us and giving us again sight and hearing.
Isaiah 6 8 Also I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. 9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear you indeed, but understand [biyn] not; and see you indeed, but perceive not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand [biyn] with their heart, and convert, and be healed. 11 Then said I, LORD, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, 12 And the LORD have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land. 13 But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as an oak, whose substance is in them [as a tree whose life is in them, sleeping, through the long winter], when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
The LORD quotes the above in John 12:40, as he is describing those who have witnessed His works, His understanding as light with them, yet they remained unable to see Him. We know, Paul precisely describe this blindness in 2 Corinthians 4, saying it comes as minds are blinded by the gods of this world (those who sit in the judgment seats, in God’s place).
The Greek word the LORD uses in place of biyn, rendered understanding, is noieo, meaning to exercise the mind, to consider and perceive. The deeper importance is found when this word is compounded with meta, and rendered “REPENT,” meaning to reconsider what you think you understand. It is speaking of humbling yourselves, coming down from your self-exalted seats, and submitting to the higher power.
Luke 17 1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. [This is spoken of the unrepentant – who refuse to be corrected.] 3 Take heed to yourselves: If your brother trespass against you, rebuke him; and if he repent [metanoeo], forgive him. 4 And if he trespass against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to you, saying, I repent [metanoeo]; you shall forgive him. 5 And the apostles said unto the LORD, Increase our faith. 6 And the LORD said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you might say unto this sycamine tree, Be you plucked up by the root, and be you planted in the sea; and it should obey you. 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? 8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird yourself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward you shall eat and drink? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow [think] not. 10 So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. [Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto you with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.]
There is forgiveness for the repentant, but without repentance there is no purification, and lacking this, no man can see or hear God. (The unrepentant are the atopos – unreasonable men, unwilling to be moved by reason. See 2 Thessalonians 3:2)
Acts 17 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is LORD of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; [He dwells {lives} in human flesh, as do we, together with Him.] 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the LORD, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent [metanoeo – reconsider what you understand]: 31 Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [I Am] that man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.
2 Corinthians 4 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the LORD; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
John 12 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. 27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spoke to him. 30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. 34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abides for ever: and how say you, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? 35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walks in darkness knows not whither he goes. 36 While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spoke Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. 37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, LORD, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Isaiah said again, 40 He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand [noieo] with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Isaiah, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees [the gods of this world] they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Jesus cried and said, He that believes on me, believes not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that sees me sees him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
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. 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.
