And He shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
The title is Revelation 2:27 and is the LORD speaking to the church at Thyatira. As briefly alluded to in the prior post, the name Thyatira appears to be compounded from the Greek words thura, meaning door or gate, and tereo, meaning to guard. In the passage, these meanings are seen in their intended context, by which we understand where, by what means, and under whose power, this church is held.
Revelation 2
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira [held down, in death, by the gates of hell] write; These things says the Son of God, who has his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;19 I know your works, and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first.20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer that woman Jezebel [Ahab’s wife, and Baal worshipper], which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.23 And I will kill her children with death [there can be no quickening into life for those who follow false prophets and unfaithful preachers]; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.25 But that which you have already hold fast till I come.26 And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.28 And I will give him the morning star.29 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.
Here following are the definitions, of the above-mentioned words, from the Strong’s Greek Dictionary.
Strong’s #2374: thura (pronounced thoo‘-rah) apparently a primary word (compare “door”); a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively):–door, gate.
Strong’s #5083: tereo (pronounced tay–reh‘-o) from teros (a watch; perhaps akin to 2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from 5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from 2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried):–hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch.
When Revelation 2:27 tell of the LORD breaking them as the vessel of the potter, it is referring us to Jeremiah 18 when the LORD tells Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s house. In the context of the current ongoing discussion, speaking of the end of Judah and Jerusalem, here they are likened to the work of a potter’s hand. The LORD is sending Jeremiah with His word, to (first) break in pieces the vessel marred in the hand (by the words) of the potters who’ve made them. We know from the surrounding chapters, Jeremiah has been sent to speak to the kings, priests, and prophets, who are here the potter whose hands made the marred vessel.
Jeremiah 19 begins by addressing these same men in this same light, in verse 2 calling them the “sons of Hinnom.” Hinnom is Gehenna, hell, where the kings of Judah sacrificed their children to idols, in the fire. Jeremiah is speaking to them in the east gate, which is where the LORD will enter. This is what the title and Thyatira are speaking of, where the false prophets, the corrupt priesthood, in the power of the king of hell, a son of Hinnom, Satan, are resisting and opposing the King’s entry. What the LORD is telling Jeremiah to speak of, is He, as Master Potter, has the power, authority, and the obligation, to break the old (ruined) vessel and make a new one that is without the same fatal flaws.
Jeremiah 18
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,2 Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear my words.3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred [shachath – decayed or ruined] in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? says the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in mine hand, O house of Israel.7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it;8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.11 Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus says the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return you now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.12 And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.13 Therefore thus says the LORD; Ask you now among the heathen, who has heard such things: the virgin of Israel has done a very horrible thing.14 Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which comes from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken?15 Because my people has forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;16 To make their land desolate, and a perpetual hissing; every one that passes thereby shall be astonished, and wag his head.17 I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.18 Then said they, Come and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.19 Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me.20 Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before you to speak good for them, and to turn away your wrath from them.21 Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword; and let their wives be bereaved of their children, and be widows; and let their men be put to death; let their young men be slain by the sword in battle.22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, when you shall bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.23 Yet, LORD, you know all their counsel against me to slay me: forgive not their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from your sight, but let them be overthrown before you; deal thus with them in the time of your anger.
Jeremiah 19
1 Thus says the LORD, Go and get a potter’s earthen bottle, and take of the ancients of the people, and of the ancients of the priests;2 And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom [hell], which is by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell you,3 And say, Hear you the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever hears, his ears shall tingle [as in 2 Kings 21:12].4 Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents;5 They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spoke it, neither came it into my mind:6 Therefore, behold, the days come, says the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet [a place of fire], nor The valley of the son of Hinnom [hell], but The valley of slaughter.7 And I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hands of them that seek their lives: and their carcasses will I give to be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth.8 And I will make this city desolate, and a hissing; every one that passes thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues thereof.9 And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and they shall eat every one the flesh of his friend in the siege and straitness, wherewith their enemies, and they that seek their lives, shall straiten them.10 Then shall you break the bottle in the sight of the men that go with you,11 And shall say unto them, Thus says the LORD of hosts; Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter’s vessel, that cannot be made whole again: and they shall bury them in Tophet [the place of their fires], till there be no place to bury.12 Thus will I do unto this place, says the LORD, and to the inhabitants thereof, and even make this city as Tophet:13 And the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, shall be defiled as the place of Tophet, because of all the houses upon whose roofs they have burned incense unto all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings unto other gods.14 Then came Jeremiah from Tophet, whither the LORD had sent him to prophesy; and he stood in the court of the LORD’s house; and said to all the people,15 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon this city and upon all her towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it, because they have hardened their necks, that they might not hear my words.
The word used above in saying the ears, which hear this proclamation of the end, will “tingle,” is the four times used word Hebrew word tsalal. As we see in Jeremiah 19:3 above, it also appears in 2 Kings 21:12, which we saw in the prior post speaks of the end of the Judah and Jerusalem and it coinciding with the seeming end of the Davidic king line.
The same word appears in 1 Samuel 3:11, also rendered “tingle,” and in Habakkuk 3:16 where it’s translated “quiver” in telling Habakkuk’s reaction when he hears of the LORD’s appearing. He is rejoicing at His coming, understanding it is for our salvation, but quivers because he understands it is the self-destruction of those who oppose Him.
1 Samuel 3
1 And the child Samuel [he hears God] ministered unto the LORD before Eli [the lofty – who have risen on high]. And the word of the LORD was precious [rare – not heard often, therefore Samuel at first thinks it is the word of Eli {men, priests, who’ve raised themselves up in God’s place}] in those days; there was no open vision [there was no understanding, light in people, of the deeper meaning].2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;3 And ere the lamp [understanding] of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel [hearing God] was laid down to sleep [in a death-like state];4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you did call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.7 Now Samuel did not yet know [the voice of] the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you did call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, Speak, LORD; for your servant hears. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for your servant hears.11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that hears it shall tingle [tsalal].12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end [of the corrupt priesthood – and will replace it with those hearing the voice of the LORD].13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knows; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to show Eli the vision.16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.17 And he said, What is the thing that the LORD has said unto you? I pray you hide it not from me: God do so to you, and more also, if you hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto you.18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seems him good.19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. [The pattern that is in our time those who’ve heard His correction, become His children, and faithfully speak His word in the pure form He has given it.]21 And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
This last verse is what Habakkuk understands, the power as rays of light coming from the LORD’s hand, in His word and works of revelation (interpretation opening vision).
Habakkuk 3
1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet upon Shigionoth [from the word shagah, meaning to err – telling of the when the LORD’s hand is upon those who’ve erred and gone astray. It appears three times in Isaiah 28:7 describing these men. “But they also have erred [shagah] through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred [shagah] through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err [shgagah] in vision, they stumble in judgment.”]2 O LORD, I have heard your speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.3 God came from Teman [appeared in work of His right hand], and the Holy One from mount Paran [His interpretation into clarity]. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns [as rays of light] coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power [‘oz].5 Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.6 He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting.7 I saw the tents of Cushan [in darkness] in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian [strife] did tremble.8 Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was your anger against the rivers? was your wrath against the sea, that you did ride upon your horses and your chariots of salvation?9 Your bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even your word. Selah. You did cleave the earth with rivers.10 The mountains saw you, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.11 The sun and moon [church and state governments] stood still in their habitation: at the light [understanding] of your arrows they went, and at the shining of your glittering spear.12 You did march through the land in indignation, you did thresh the heathen in anger.13 You went forth for the salvation of your people, even for salvation with your anointed; you wounded the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.14 You did strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.15 You did walk through the sea with your horses, through the heap of great waters [this word of God].16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered [tsalal] at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he comes up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
Isaiah 28
5 In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,6 And for a spirit of judgment to him that sits in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.7 But they also have erred [shagah] through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred [shagah] through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err [shagah] in vision, they stumble in judgment.8 For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith you may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.13 But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, you scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.15 Because you have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves: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.
Proverbs 28
9 He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.10 Whoso causes the righteous to go astray [shagah] 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: 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 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 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 a man afterwards 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.
Psalms118
1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endures for ever.2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endures for ever.3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endures for ever.4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endures for ever.5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.13 You have thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD does valiantly.17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.18 The LORD has chastened me sore: but he has not given me over unto death.19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.21 I will praise you: for you have heard me, and are become my salvation.22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.23 This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.24 This is the day which the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.25 Save now, I beseech you, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech you, send now prosperity.26 Blessed be he that comes in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.27 God is the LORD, which has showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.28 You are my God, and I will praise you: you are my God, I will exalt you.29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.
Psalms 61
1 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto you, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.3 For you have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.4 I will abide in your tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of your wings. Selah.5 For you, O God, have heard my vows: you have given me the heritage of those that fear your name.6 You will prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.7 He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.8 So will I sing praise unto your name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.
Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD.
The title verse is Jeremiah 16:21, the final verse of the chapter. It is referring to what is written in Habakkuk 3:4 when we are told the LORD’s power is hidden in His hand. The word Habakkuk uses, rendered “power,” is the Hebrew word ‘oz, which appears in Jeremiah 16:19 where it is translated “strength.” It comes in what is a parenthetical statement of Jeremiah as he is telling of the end of those against who the LORD said His anger has been kindled.
Jeremiah 16
17 For mine eyes are upon all their ways: they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable things.19 (O LORD, my Strength, and my Fortress, and my Refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto you from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.)20 Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?21 Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The LORD.
In the following verse, we are told the LORD’s might is in His hand, as with it He has written (documented) the sins of Judah, describing them as the ideas in their minds (hearts) and the idols they worship. This is after the death of Josiah and speaks of the end of Judah under the rule of the kings (sons of Josiah) who followed. This decline into national destruction, as mention in the previous post, is foretold in 2 Kings 21, which is referred to in Jeremiah 15:4. As we’ve seen, this is speaking, in a pattern, of our time and the continual backsliding, as came in the king immediately after Hezekiah and Josiah, who both led periods of repentance. As we know, Hezekiah’s occurred during the time of Isaiah, and Josiah’s during Jeremiah’s.
Jeremiah 17
1 The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is graven upon the table of their heart, and upon the horns of your altars;2 Whilst their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills.3 O my mountain in the field, I will give your substance and all your treasures to the spoil, and your high places for sin, throughout all your borders.4 And you, even yourself, shall discontinue from your heritage that I gave you; and I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you know not: for you have kindled a fire in mine anger, which shall burn for ever.5 Thus says the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the LORD. [this is contrasted against what Jeremiah says in Jeremiah 16:9 above.] 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert [like a dry tree in the desert], and shall not see when good comes; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.7 Blessed is the man that trusts in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreads out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat comes, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.9 The heart [the mind that is without the LORD’s word, darkened and without understanding] is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
2 Kings 21
1 Manasseh [causing to forget] was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hephzibah [{causing to forget} My delight {is} in her].2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.3 For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.4 And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.7 And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:8 Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land which I gave their fathers; only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them.9 But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.10 And the LORD spoke by his servants the prophets, saying,11 Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations, and has done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and has made Judah also to sin with his idols:12 Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever hears of it, both his ears shall tingle.
Jeremiah 17:9 & 10 tell us the LORD knows the mind of man, and the self-inflicted tribulation of those without understanding. The same concept is expanded upon, by Paul in Romans 8, and by John in Revelation 2, both examples of the LORD’s power projected by the His hand as the hand of men writing His word.
Romans 8
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for?25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.27 And he that searches the hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifies.
Revelation 2
18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira [held down, in death, by the gates of hell] write; These things says the Son of God, who has his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;19 I know your works, and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first.20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against you, because you suffer that woman Jezebel [Ahab’s wife, and Baal worshipper], which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.23 And I will kill her children with death [there can be no quickening into life for those who follow false prophets and unfaithful preachers]; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.25 But that which you have already hold fast till I come.26 And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.28 And I will give him the morning star.29 He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says unto the churches.
The end of Judah and Jerusalem comes with the family line of David seemingly ending, which Jeremiah writes of in Jeremiah 22. This is spoken of in the pattern of the LORD’s death, and why the writing was placed over His head on the cross, above His crown of thorns, saying, “Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews [Judah].”
Jeremiah, in chapter 23, then tell of the LORD rising, in spite of those who have destroyed His pasture.
Jeremiah 22
1 Thus says the LORD; Go down to the house of the king of Judah, and speak there this word,2 And say, Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, that sittest upon the throne of David, you, and your servants, and your people that enter in by these gates:3 Thus says the LORD; Execute you judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.4 For if you do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house kings sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, he, and his servants, and his people.5 But if you will not hear these words, I swear by myself, says the LORD, that this house shall become a desolation.6 For thus says the LORD unto the king’s house [family] of Judah; You are Gilead unto me, and the head of Lebanon: yet surely I will make you a wilderness, and cities which are not inhabited.7 And I will prepare destroyers against you, every one with his weapons: and they shall cut down your choice cedars, and cast them into the fire.8 And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbor, Wherefore has the LORD done thus unto this great city?9 Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them.10 Weep you not for the dead, neither bemoan him: but weep sore for him that goes away: for he shall return no more, nor see his native country.11 For thus says the LORD touching Shallum [the LORD’s vengeance coming upon the sons of Josiah – and our hope coming as the line is raised from the dead to resume the David line, as promised] son of Josiah king of Judah, which reigned instead of Josiah his father, which went forth out of this place; He shall not return thither any more:12 But he shall die in the place whither they have led him captive, and shall see this land no more.13 Woe unto him that builds his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that uses his neighbor’s service without wages, and gives him not for his work;14 That says, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cuts him out windows; and it is cieled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.15 Shall you reign, because you closest yourself in cedar? did not your father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him?16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? says the LORD.17 But your eyes and your heart are not but for your covetousness, and for to shed innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.18 Therefore thus says the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, saying, Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, saying, Ah LORD! or, Ah his glory!19 He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.20 Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up your voice in Bashan, and cry from the passages: for all your lovers are destroyed.21 I spoke unto you in your prosperity; but you said, I will not hear. This has been your manner from your youth, that you obeyed not my voice.22 The wind shall eat up all your pastors, and your lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shall you be ashamed and confounded for all your wickedness.23 O inhabitant of Lebanon, that make your nest in the cedars, how gracious shall you be when pangs come upon you, the pain as of a woman in travail!24 As I live, says the LORD, though Coniah [Jehovah will reestablish – the king line] the son of Jehoiakim [in whom Jehovah raises up from the dead] king of Judah were the signet upon my right hand, yet would I pluck you thence;25 And I will give you into the hand of them that seek your life, and into the hand of them whose face you fear, even into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans.26 And I will cast you out, and your mother that bare you, into another country, where you were not born; and there shall you die.27 But to the land whereunto they desire to return, thither shall they not return.28 Is this man Coniah [the LORD will reestablish] a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?29 O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.30 Thus says the LORD, Write you this man childless, a man that shall not prosper in his days: for no man of his seed shall prosper, sitting upon the throne of David, and ruling any more in Judah.
Jeremiah 23
1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD.2 Therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; You have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, says the LORD.3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, says the LORD.5 Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, The LORD Our Righteousness.7 Therefore, behold, the days come, says the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD lives, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;8 But, The LORD lives, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.9 Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine has overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourns; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force [‘oz – the power hidden in their hand] is not right.11 For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, says the LORD.12 Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, says the LORD.13 And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.14 I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none does return from his wickedness; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.15 Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.16 Thus says the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.17 They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD has said, You shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walks after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.18 For who has stood in the counsel of the LORD, and has perceived and heard his word? who has marked his word, and heard it?19 Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.20 The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days you shall consider it perfectly.21 I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.22 But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.23 Am I a God at hand, says the LORD, and not a God afar off?24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? says the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.25 I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;27 Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.28 The prophet that has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that has my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? says the LORD.29 Is not my word like as a fire? says the LORD; and like a hammer that break the rock in pieces?30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, says the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbor.31 Behold, I am against the prophets, says the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He says.32 Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, says the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, says the LORD.33 And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask you, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? you shall then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, says the LORD.34 And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.35 Thus shall you say every one to his neighbor, and every one to his brother, What has the LORD answered? and, What has the LORD spoken?36 And the burden of the LORD shall you mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for you have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.37 Thus shall you say to the prophet, What has the LORD answered you? and, What has the LORD spoken?38 But since you say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus says the LORD; Because you say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, You shall not say, The burden of the LORD;39 Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence:40 And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.
1 Timothy 6
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.11 But you, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.13 I give you charge in the sight of God, who quickens all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;14 That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our LORD Jesus Christ:15 Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and LORD of lords;16 Who only has immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
2 Timothy 2
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.3 You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.6 The husbandman that labors must be first partaker of the fruits.7 Consider what I say; and the LORD give you understanding in all things.8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:13 If we believe not, yet he abides faithful: he cannot deny himself.14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the LORD that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Jude
…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 speaketh great swelling words, 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] them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.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.
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 daylong, 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 cleaves unto the earth.26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for your mercies’ sake.
