Continuing: today a more in depth look at the underlying idea found in the Hebrew word translated “sign.” We explore this to find understand of what men in government, all leaders, are intended to be in character and duty. The Hebrew word is ‘owth; and the Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary gives its definition as: a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, or evidence.
The deeper meaning begins with the root word ‘uwth, from where ‘owth is derived. Its meaning is, to come; by implication, to assent; and it is translated consent. In this we see that “signs” that come from God are His means of showing we are in agreement with His person or His will for the issue at hand.
The first time ‘owth is used is in Genesis 1:14 in telling of the, “…lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for ‘signs,’ and for seasons, and for days, and years: (15) And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.”
In the verse prior we are told of the firmament as what divide the waters, and it is what is called heaven. Here we are told of the lights being in the firmament to give their light upon the earth. We know the waters are the devices carrying what is known: the waters below are the counsel of godless human ignorance and arrogance, and the waters above are the counsel of God.
The word translated “lights” in verse 14 & 15 is the Hebrew word ma’owr, while all the previous translations of the first “light” is from the ‘owr. The word ‘owr means illumination, the prefix ma (Strong’s 4100) turns the word into a question, literally meaning why (?) illumination. In this we are told of these lights, the sun and the moon, being meant for signs, meant to agree with the LORD. Those who study here know the sun and the moon as symbolizing God’s intended form of church and national governments, shining and reflecting His light (rule in truth and equity) on the earth. When these are in agreement with Him it is day, when they have, as now, stopped shining and reflecting His light on the earth it is night, and all the world is in darkness as it is this day. God created these to be in agreement with Him, and we know from the sign of the darkness, they are not.
The next time the word ‘owth is used is in Genesis 4:15 telling of the same sign (darkness) being on Cain as a “mark.” The sign, “mark,” is on those who kill their brother because his deeds are more righteous than theirs (more acceptable by agreement) and this enflames them into the ways of evil (they become the foils against who the righteous shine as light in the darkness).
The next use tells of the perpetual “token” the LORD placed in the cloud, and tells us that when all seems dark, and the light can’t be seen, we will see the bow in the cloud and remember his promise. Now here is the point, a rainbow isn’t a product of the moon (national government); it’s a product of the sun (the church). This is the garment the LORD wears, as Joseph’s coat of scattered (pac, shortened from pacac) colors, its understanding only appearing momentarily as the clouds dissipate. It is the light appearing to show the many facets of the single light, and them again joined together into the One as the sky (firmament – the dividing of truth) becomes clear. Without the light of the church there is no light shined on the moon, and the earth is in complete darkness. Without a united (under His headship) church there can be no just national government.
Genesis 9
13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
15 And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.
Friends, this is something the LORD has done for His people many times, this time being the finality of it and our comprehending its meaning never to be forgotten again.
The ‘owth is the oath we read of in Hebrews where we are told of the LORD’s oath being that there would be a perpetual priest He would send, in the form of His Spirit in man as He was/is in Christ Jesus our LORD. This is the Spirit, the same exact Spirit that is Christ in me and in you, as it was/is in our LORD when He walked/walks on this earth. There is only One God and His Spirit is One and the same is in us and with us. We preach Jesus Christ (Jehovah’s Salvation in and through us as His anointed children) the same yesterday, today and forever.
Hebrews 6
1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and brings forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receives blessing from God:
8 But that which bears thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have showed toward his name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he swore by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil;
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Hebrews 7
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abides a priest continually.
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receives tithes, paid tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.
13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertains to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our LORD sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there arises another priest,
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
17 For he testifies, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and un-profitableness thereof.
19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
20 And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
21 (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The LORD swore and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
23 And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death:
24 But this man, because he continues ever, has an unchangeable priesthood.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Job 33
1 Wherefore, Job, I pray you, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue has spoken in my mouth.
3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
4 The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life.
5 If you canst answer me, set your words in order before me, stand up.
6 Behold, I am according to your wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon you.
8 Surely you have spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of your words, saying,
9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
10 Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me for his enemy,
11 He puts my feet in the stocks, he marks all my paths.
12 Behold, in this you are not just: I will answer you, that God is greater than man.
13 Why dost you strive against him? for he gives not account of any of his matters.
14 For God speaks once, yea twice, yet man perceives it not.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumbering upon the bed;
16 Then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,
17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
18 He keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
20 So that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty meat.
21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.
22 Yea, his soul draws near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness:
24 Then he is gracious unto him, and says, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.
25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth:
26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favorable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.
27 He looks upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;
28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.
29 Lo, all these things works God oftentimes with man,
30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold your peace, and I will speak.
32 If you have anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, hearken unto me: hold your peace, and I shall teach you wisdom.
Job 37
1 At this also my heart trembles, and is moved out of his place.
2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goes out of his mouth.
3 He directs it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.
4 After it a voice roars: he thunders with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard.
5 God thunders marvelously with his voice; great things does he, which we cannot comprehend.
6 For he says to the snow, Be you on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
7 He seals up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
8 Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
11 Also by watering he wearies the thick cloud: he scatters his bright cloud:
12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commands them upon the face of the world in the earth.
13 He causes it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Dost you know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
16 Dost you know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
17 How your garments are warm, when he quiets the earth by the south wind?
18 Have you with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
19 Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.
20 Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
21 And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passes, and cleanses them.
22 Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty.
23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
24 Men do therefore fear him: he respects not any that are wise of heart.
Psalms 110
1 The LORD said unto my LORD, Sit you at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.
2 The LORD shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion: rule you in the midst of your enemies.
3 Your people shall be willing in the day of your power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: you have the dew of your youth.
4 The LORD has sworn, and will not repent, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
5 The LORD at your right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Isaiah 8
16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.
17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hides his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwells in mount Zion.
19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter [to this world’s experts]: should not a people seek unto their God? ([should they look] for the living [by enquiring] to the dead?)
20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to [in agreement with] this word, it is because there is no light in them.
21 And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead [hard pressed] and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.
This is the sign. The condition of the world agrees with what God says. This is why we read in the following chapter of the light shining on us. “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined.”
