Thinking about the Bible

Ascending and Descending the Mount of God

2009-05-25T22:10:00.005-04:00

At the time the Covenant was made with Israel at Mount Sinai, God asked Moses to place a boundary around the mountain to sanctify it, any who came near were to be put to death Ex 19:12, 23. Moses was given instructions to make the covenant with Israel and bring the elders of Israel on the mount. Moses questioned how this could be, if God has already said any who touch the mountain should be put to death. Moses followed God instructions, first he read the words of the covenant to the people then animals were sacrificed, the blood was sprinkled on the book of the Covenant and the people. Exodus 24:4-11 And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD. 6 And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words. 9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: 10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. 11 And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

Let us consider likenesses between this passage in Exodus and events which took place at Pentecost in the days of the early church. Jesus, like Moses, spoke the words of the Covenant to Israel completing his work at Jerusalem where his own blood was shed. Mathew 26:28, 29 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. There we find the first parallel we will consider. Moses and Jesus as men conveyed the words of a covenant to Israel before it was ratified by blood. The mountain which Moses was asked to place a boundary around might be viewed as being like the Tabernacle, the base of the mountain where the animals where slain being like the court, the area where the 70 elders of Israel ascended to, like the Holy, and the top of Mount where Moses ascended would be like the Most Holy. This idea is outlined in the JPS Torah Commentary on Exodus page 105 on Ex 19:12-25. Moses ascended the Mount where he received the Law, this we would compare to Moses entering the Most Holy of the tabernacle to receive instructions from God. Ex 25:22 And there (in the Most Holy) I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

As God descended on the mount, it was covered with smoke and fire, the tabernacle was also filled with smoke as God descended on the tabernacle in Ex 40:33-34. And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. 34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Ex 24:15 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.16 And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai. . .
Moses showed concern when God asked him to bring the elders of Israel on the mount, because God prohibited any from touching the mount. God insisted that Moses should ascend the mount with this small group, which he did. The account makes it clear God did not lay his hand on any. This small group may have prefigured the disciples of Jesus who gathered in the upper room at Pentecost. If we look back Israel left Egypt the morning after the Passover and we read in Exodus 19 they come to the mount in the third month which would place Israel at Mountain Sinai near the time of Pentecost. What also helps established this as the time of Pentecost is what takes place at Mount Sinai. This is not only the time the covenant is inaugurated, but it is the time when God came down with the intent to dwell among this newly formed nation. This also happened at Pentecost which took place in the upper room, God created a dwelling for himself in the hearts of his people by giving them the Holy Spirit, pitching a tent within their hearts. The 70 elders ascending the mount might signify that they in there minds were elevated or caught up to see heavenly things. In Exodus we read they ate and drank and upon the nobles of Israel God laid not his hand. The 70 elders being part way up on the mount might suggest the disciples in the upper room may have been pictured as being in the holy of the Tabernacle. This event may also have been portrayed by the high priest who on the day of Pentecost lifted two new loves baked with leaven and waved before the Lord, waving the loaves picturing the elevation of the disciples in spirit Lev 23:16, 17.

After these events Moses then ascends to the top of the Mount, where he receives instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and two tables which represented the covenant. Moses departure to the top of the mountain may be foreshadowing Jesus ascension to the father. While Moses tarried on the mountain, we read of a rebellion among the Israelites. Ex 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. Here we see another passage that may fit our Lord’s experience. We read in Mathew 24 of an abomination which would stand in the holy place being a sign of Jesus’ near return, the golden calf which Aaron made prior to Moses’ return fits this well. Exodus 32:2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me… (Aaron did this and made a gold calf) ...and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. Moses returns during this feast to find the people drinking and making marry.

In Mathew 24 we have several references to Jesus coming unexpectedly as a thief and that some would be caught unaware. This also happened to Israel with Moses’ return from the mount. Each of the parables that precede the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matt. 25:31 speak of a situation which involves those waiting for a return. The parable of the 10 virgins who eagerly wait the bride, the servants who are given pounds are told to occupy until the master’s returns, there is the householder who is caught unaware by the thief and there is the prudent and slothful servants who the master expected to be engaged in distributing meat at his return. The thread which connects these parables is an unexpected return. The parable of Mt 25:31 is different from the previous parables in that we see Jesus coming not as a thief, but in glory and not with the purpose of judging his own, here we see the nations gathered before him. Mat 25:31, 32 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations… These two differing characterizations of Jesus’ return may also be seen in the Exodus account. Where we learn Moses twice descended from the mount, the first time catching many unaware who depart from the faith and a second return from the mount in glory, Moses coming down from the Mountain with his face transfigured before the people. Ex 34:29,30 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.

The events we have considered in Exodus take place on a small scale and involve Israel at a very early stage. There is what seems to be a repeat of these events but on a larger scale and does not involve the tabernacle, but the temple. In Ezekiel we see the Lord coming to his temple twice the first in Ezekiel chapters 9 -12 the second time in Ezekiel 43. One point the section with the first return has in common with Mount Sinai, when the Lord comes to the temple it is filled with Idols, those men who have charge over the city are asked to go in and slay the idol worshipers. This is similar to Exodus when Moses returns from the mountain the first time and finds many worshiping a gold calf, Moses calls out all who are for the Lord and sends them back to slay the idol worshipers. Ex32:27… Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. Ezek 9:6 Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women…

In the second coming in Ezekiel we see the glory of God enter the temple in Ezekiel 43 this might relate Moses coming down from the mount with his face shining. After this Ezekiel is shown the river of water which proceeds from under the temple. This description is much like the New Jerusalem in Revelation and the water which comes from under the throne that goes to the nations this would follow Mathew 25 where we see Jesus on the throne in his glory before the nations.

There is one point that long puzzled me about the Ezekiel 9-12 account. Why in Ezekiel the Lord would even come to this temple which was then filled with Idols? When we compare Moses’ first return from the mount, we see he comes to a people he had promised to return to. Once Moses found the people worshiping the idol, Moses proceeds with what amounts to a cleansing of the sanctuary. Then he ascends the mountain a second time to rededicate the covenant. This seems to be true in Ezekiel the Lord returns, cleanses the temple, and leaves, rededicates the covenant and returns again to a holy temple ready to receive him in chapter 43.

Other passages that may be of interest are in Rev 18:1-8 the angel in these verses may be our Lord returning as a thief. The call “come out of her my people” may be like Moses who said “Who is for the Lord” then the Levites departed from the camp. The destruction of Babylon may relate to the grinding up of the Golden calf by Moses. Rev 18:8 ...she shall be utterly burned with fire…

The thoughts presented in this study are based upon the idea that the events which took place at Mount Sinai were prophetic; Moses’ activities foreshadowing those of Jesus. Moses went up and down the mountain many times, but the Exodus account singles out these two times which involve the dedication of the covenant. In each 40 day period, Moses is given detailed instructions, after the first we find many are caught unexpectedly worshiping an idol. Then after a cleansing of the sanctuary Moses ascends the mount to rededicate the covenant then descends again to the people in glory, at this time the dwelling for God is constructed among his people.

Mount Zion, the Law, and the Heart

2008-05-23T22:39:00.008-04:00

Mount Zion plays a major role in the Old Testament. Zion was Israel’s capital city, established by King David. It was from Zion David defended the nation. More importantly Zion is where the temple was located, where God would dwell among his people. Ps. 132:13 For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. In Solomon’s day the Temple was built. The harmony expressed when the Temple was dedicated became a high point in Israel’s history. The generation of those who prospered from the temple in there midst, were not children of war, but of peace as Solomon’s name signifies. These were the children of Zion. Mount Zion in prophesy was spoken of as a happy mother of children. Isa. 66:8 as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. The children of Zion would be the inheritors of the Land. In this study we will consider some of the events which lead to the establishment of Zion giving it a prominent place in the Old Testament.

We find no direct mention of Zion before David, but from Abraham’s day the foundations were being laid. In Genesis Abraham and his descendants where promised Canaan as an everlasting inheritance. Inheriting Canaan meant much more that taking possession of land, by inheriting the land they where inheriting a relationship with God. They would be his people, he would be there God. Canaan was a land of Milk and Honey because God would dwell there with his people.

In Genesis 17 the Lord placed conditions upon Abraham’s inheritance, telling him “walk before me, and be thou perfect”. Abraham’s separation to God was signified by the covenant of circumcision. In Gen. 26 the Lord reaffirms the promises to Isaac explaining “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws”. Keeping God’s commandments, like circumcision, showed a separation from the unclean practices of surrounding nations and like circumcision established a bond between God and Abraham. Because Abraham kept God’s commandments God was now affirming the promises to Isaac his son.

One question may arise; will future generations keep God commandments as Abraham did? In Genesis 18 the Lord speaking to Abraham expresses confidence that Abraham will instruct future generation to keep God’s commandments. “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him”. I believe understanding how Abraham will command his children after him, will help us to better understand mount Zion importance’s.

Abraham passed his faith to his son Isaac, Jacob and Joseph and others followed this same path. In the days when Jacob was old during a time of famine the Lord told Jacob in a dream to leave Canaan and go down to Egypt where Joseph was ruler. This may seem strange why not stay in the land promised to Abraham? Abraham learned, in Genesis 15, his descendents would depart from Canaan for a season and return, but not before the iniquity of the Amorites was full. After dwelling in Egypt for generations, Abraham’s descendents became slaves to Pharaoh, many lost sight of the promises and commandments given to Abraham. Even so Egypt may have been a better place for Abraham’s descendents then amidst the moral decline of Canaan. In the days of Moses the Lord took notice of Israel, Exodus 2:24 And God heard their (Israel’s) groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. Acts 7:17 when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt.

After leaving Egypt Israel came to Mount Sinai, here a covenant was made between God and Israel which bound Israel to teach the commandments of God. This law covenant would help the nation hold to the same statutes and commandments which Abraham kept. It would not be left to the wishes of the father to teach the son, instruction was bound by law. The covenant set aside the tribe of Levi as a priestly tribe who would instruct the nation in the keeping of the law (Mal 2:4-7) and also make atonement for offenses against the covenant. By keeping God’s commandments Israel could assure themselves that God would go among them and prosper there way to take the land. In Leviticus, Moses stressed the importance of keeping the law, stating if they did not keep the law, the land they were to inherit would thrust them out. Lev 20:22 Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out. Deu 11: 8 Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it; 9 And that ye may prolong your days in the land,,… The futility of entering the land without the Lord can be seen in Deu. 1:42-44 And the LORD said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. (43 So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD, and went presumptuously up into the hill. 44 And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees … Keeping the Law Covenant was the means by which Israel could inherit the land. The priesthood would have the role of bringing the nation into compliance. Israel’s stay in the wilderness was in many ways a preparation for entering Canaan.

Up to this time there is no mention of Zion. The original promises to Abraham make no reference to Zion either. Israel had the law at Mount Sinai. God was now dwelling among them, showing they were his people. Zion would not be known until long after Israel had taken the land in David’s day, what need was there for Zion? While in the wilderness the Lord dwelt with the nation in a portable tent. After the land was taken from the Canaanites, Zion became the location of the temple, a more permanent place for God to dwell. As it was important for God to be among them to take possession of the land, it was also important that God find a fixed dwelling, for Israel to keep the land. For God to find a fixed dwelling among his people the law would have to be fixed in there hearts. The permanence of God’s law in the hearts of his people was the permanence with which God would dwell among them. Even dwelling in the land was no guarantee of blessings. At times Israel, while in Canaan, became servants to other nations. God’s presence among them had everything to do with bringing about the fulfillment of the blessings promised to Abraham. By establishing a stronghold where the commandment of God would always be taught, the nation would be assured future generations would receive the promised blessings. 1 Chro. 28:8 …keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever. Having God’s commandments in the heart as Abraham did was the key to success. Zion would have a major place in upholding that law.

When considering the establishment of Zion we cannot help but see the important role Mount Sinai played. It was from Sinai the commandments were given, it was at Sinai God began to dwell among his people as a nation. The priesthood and tabernacle established at Sinai would guide the nation in the keeping of the law, until the temple was established. The covenant at Mount Sinai provided not only the law but a shadow of what would be established at Zion. Just as the commandment went forth from Sinai, in greater fashion the same commandment would go forth from the temple at Zion.

We can better see how Mount Sinai and Mount Zion relate when we consider the dedication of Solomon’s temple. After the temple was constructed, the tabernacle other then the Ark of the Covenant, was no longer needed. The Ark of the Covenant embodied the Law and was the very container which carried the original tables given to Moses. The Ark with two smaller cherubim constructed at Mount Sinai was placed in the Most Holy of the temple under the two larger cherubim constructed at Mount Zion. How different the circumstance surrounding Moses who received the pattern in the wilderness at Mount Sinai and David who received that pattern for the temple at Mount Zion. From distant times and circumstance there may seem little in common yet the Ark of the Covenant finds perfect rest in the most holy of the temple. The moment when the Glory of God filled the temple exemplify the statement made to Abraham “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws” 2 Chron 5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD. Notice the words “one sound” these two Hebrew words appear together only one other place in the Bible; Ex 24:3 And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do. The harmony with which Israel accepted the covenant at Mount Sinai “one voice” would not be pictured as lighting permanently upon the hearts of the nation until the tables of the law given at Sinai found rest in the temple at Zion. One voice at Mount Sinai became a rolling chorus of one sound at Mount Zion. From the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai unto the dedication of the temple at Zion we find an institution put in place for instructing the descendents of Abraham so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he has promised.

The taking of Canaan and the establishment of the Temple at Zion could not have happened without Israel’s adherence to the Mosaic Law. From a New Testament standpoint this may seem a problem. Mount Zion in the New Testament and prophetically in the Old Testament is connected with Sarah and the promises given to Abraham. Zion is spoken of as our Mother just as Sarah is. The passage in Isaiah 54:1 which speaks of Zion “Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear” is applied to Sarah in Galatians 4. It would be hard to understand that the Law given to Moses as being the means by which Mount Zion is established or bearing children. On the contrary Sarah in Geneses is given the dominant place over Hagar who is associated with Mount Sinai and the Law of Moses in Galatians. To have the Law of works be the means by which Zion is established seems to contradict both Genesis and Galatians which say the promises come by faith. How should we understand the role the Law of Moses played in the establishment of Zion as seen in the Old Testament? In the second part of this study we will consider this issue.

A New Law and A New Man
In Hebrews we learn Joshua was unable to bring Israel into there inheritance. Israel entered Canaan but never entered the relationship with God they sought. Heb 4:8, 9 For if Jesus (Joshua) had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. A continual problem was Israel’s inability to keep God’s commandments. It was not many years after the temple was built the nation departed from the commandments. The temple did not bring any lasting fulfillment to the promises. A way was needed to fix God’s commandments in the hearts of his people. Israel had long practice circumcision a sign showing their separation from the unclean practices of the gentiles and that they were the inheritors of the promises given to Abraham. Moses makes reference to a new kind of circumcision in Deuteronomy, circumcision of the heart. Deu 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. These words describe the need to remove the rebellious carnal nature of man for a heart fixed on the higher principals contained in God’s commandments. Because the hearts of the people were not circumcised, Moses predicted Israel would soon go astray and be cast out of the land. Moses also prophetically spoke of a time when God would circumcise the heart of his people. Deu 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. The prophet Jeremiah tells us how this will take place. Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. From Jeremiah we learn of a new covenant that will accomplish what the Mosaic Law covenant was unable to do, write God’s law in their hearts forgive their sins and they become his people.

The covenant Jeremiah speaks of replaces the Law Covenant, and in every way surpasses the Mosaic Law. In 2 Cor 3:6-9 the glory of the New Covenant is described as a glory that “excelleth” making the glory of the Mosaic Law no glory at all. “For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth”. This excelling glory of the New Covenant can be seen when we consider that the New Covenant is established by Jesus. Jesus brought a clearer representation of God than had ever been seen by man. Moses a fallen man at best could only convey a corruptible message which would fade in glory. Jesus as a man was the expressed image of God and of him it could be said “if you have seen me, you have seen the father”. Jesus’ life and words reflect the true nature of God. Once accepted by God the words Jesus spoke to Israel became the New Covenant just as the words Moses spoke became the Law Covenant. John 17:8 For I (Jesus) have given unto them the words which thou (God)gavest me...

Also the New Covenant excelleth because it is established with Jesus’ own blood, this makes forgiveness of sin possible “for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more”. Forgiveness of sin makes it possible for God to pitch a tabernacle for his spirit in the hearts of his people. Jesus then as high priest can by the spirit of God write the law in the hearts of his people; “I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts”. Paul in Romans 7:22 calls this the Law of God after the inward man. 2 Cor 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. The Strong’s Concordance says this of the Hebrew word covenant “a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)”. The Mosaic covenant made a separation between Israel and all other peoples of the earth, the New Covenant makes a separation in God’s people from the carnal mind which rebels against the law of God Rom. 8:7, this separation enabling each to walk after the spirit. As Jesus writes the words of God in the hearts of his people, the law works like a two-edged sword to circumcise the heart. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow… Circumcision of the heart creates a new Israel who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit who are able to by faith inherit the promises Israel was unable to inherit under Joshua.

The importance of the true circumcision can be seen in Isaac. Sarah was very careful to make sure that her son Isaac was the sole inheritor of all promised to Abraham. For this reason Sarah had Hagar and her son cast out. But it was not sufficient that Isaac have Abraham and Sarah as parents, to receive this inheritance circumcision was required. Gen 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. 9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. Gen 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off…
We read in Genesis Sarah’s descendents will be as numerous as the stars of heaven and the sands of the sea. Being children of Abraham and Sarah shows each have the same faith as Abraham and Sarah but each must be circumcised as well. As the children of faith are brought forth each will be set apart to God by a covenant that separates between the flesh and the spirit. The antitypical Melchisedec will accomplish this by writing the law of God in the hearts of his people. This will then make inheriting the promises given to Abraham possible.

One further note: In the first part of this study we considered how the law given at Mount Sinai had such an important role in establishing Mount Zion, and that Mount Sinai in the New Testament is associated with Hagar and the righteousness which comes by works. It is nature to wonder why the Mosaic Law is enthroned in the temple on mount Zion which mount we connect with Sarah and children of faith. The bases of Israel relation with God was the Law of Moses represented by the two tables kept in the Ark of the Covenant. One possible explanation is that the covenant made with Israel at Mount Sinai prefigured the New Covenant. Before Moses instituted the Law Covenant he first read the words given him by God to all Israel then he sprinkled the people with the blood of bulls and goats to ratify the covenant. Jesus in like manner brought the words of God to all Israel then with his own blood appeared in heaven to ratify the New Covenant sprinkling only a remnant who accepted the covenant. Heb 9:19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Jesus in a similar manner states in Ma 26:28 For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. The writer of Hebrews also compares the sprinkling of the blood of the Mosaic covenant with that of Jesus. Heb 9:13,14 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? If the covenant made at Mount Sinai foreshadowed the New Covenant this would suggest a close relationship between Mount Zion (Sarah) and the New Covenant represented by the temple on Mount Zion. Because the New Covenant is a covenant of the spirit 2 Cor 3:6 and not of the letter it does not pose a problem by bringing righteous by works as the Mosaic Covenant does. Those under the New Covenant are under the blood of Jesus and there righteousness is from God. The antitype of the tables kept in the Ark of the Covenant would be the words of God which Jesus delivered to Israel as a man. The words of Jesus would be that new standard by which all men will we judged. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” John 12:48. Upon the heavenly Mount Zion will stand a new temple with a new law not after the flesh but after the spirit that will ensure all the myriad of sons of Abraham will have the law of God in there heart.

Judah

2007-04-19T19:02:00.002-04:00

Though Judah was not Jacob's first son he became the heir to the line that would eventually bare the Christ. References to David, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Christ throughout the Bible all have the line of Judah in common. There is little written of the person Judah but his story is a good record of triumph over many failings.

In Jacob’s family there were long standing tensions between Jacob’s two wives Rachel and Leah, each competing for Jacob’s attention. We read the Lord opened Leah’s womb because she was hated. Jacob never intended to marry Leah, but in the Lord’s providence Leah became his first wife. The problems between Leah and Rachel may have passed down to Jacob’s sons and may have come to play in the jealousy the older brothers had for Joseph, Rachel’s first son. After years working in a distant land for his uncle Laban, Jacob returned home, when nearing Canaan Jacob learned of Esau’s approach. Not knowing Esau’s intensions Jacob set his family in a defensive order, placing his wives and children of the handmaids in front next Leah and her children and last Rachel and her son Joseph, Benjamin was not born at this time. Placing Rachel and Joseph last may have fueled problems between the sons. We read that Jacob loved Joseph more that all his children because he was the child of his old age. As the story continues it becomes clear Joseph received his father’s faith at an early age, when later separated from his family, Joseph held to the convictions he received from his father. Joseph’s faith was a factor in the hatred his brothers had for him. His dreams became a trademark to his brothers “behold this dreamer cometh” and it was by his dreams God would set in motion events which would lead to the deliverance of Jacob’s family by Joseph during a great famine.

We are introduced to Judah as one of Joseph's brother’s who plotted against Joseph. Reuben the firstborn was the voice of restraint. He shows no animosity toward Joseph. At Reuben’s request Joseph was cast into a pit, Reuben thinking he would release Joseph on his return. In Reuben's absence Judah had the idea of selling Joseph as a slave to a caravan.

We next read of Judah when his oldest son takes Tamar as wife. This son is slain by the Lord for some evil. Judah asks the next oldest to raise seed to his deceased brother. This son chooses a selfish course and was smitten by the Lord as well. Judah then promises Tamar to his youngest son when grown, this never happens. Lastly after the death of Judah’s wife, Tamar disguised herself as a harlot by a road that Judah would normally take. Judah thinking Tamar a harlot gave her conception. Judah may have believed her unable to bear children and felt suffice to give her a lamb in payment. Later when it was said Tamar played the harlot and was with child Judah says “bring her forth and burn her”. This confrontation was likely in public before Judah’s kin. There is every reason to believe Judah was in anger when he spoken. Tamar then produced evidence showing Judah to be the father. Judah’s sin was not only his immorality but his pretense of propriety when making judgment. How could he pronounce judgment for immorality that he accepted of himself? Judah was convicted by his own word’s and he acknowledged this saying, “She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son”. Judah’s harsh pronouncement was not unlike that of his descendent David who in public spoke similar words in 2 Sam. 12:5 “David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die” and as we know David himself was that man. Both David and Judah when exposed acknowledged their sin. In David’s case there was not only his immorality but also the murder of Uriah, and this fits Judah as well. Judah said of Joseph to his brother “What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him”. David chose a similar method by not directly killing Uriah but rather slaying him “with the sword of the children of Ammon”.

After these events Judah had much to consider. He had participated in the selling of his younger brother as a slave then had seen the anguish it brought to his father. He had two sons smitten by the Lord for evil and now his own hypocrisy revealed in front of his own family. There must have been many a hard night of tears and prayer. Where could he go from here? Many would see their life a ruin at this point. This is the truly amazing thing about Judah he made a choice to seek better and from his failures God forms an exceptional character.

By now Jacob and family believed Joseph long gone. His brothers may have wondered if he was alive, where he might be. Some may have blocked the memory. Jacob may have wrestled with his thoughts from time to time trying to understand. In time a famine came. The Canaanites long after the destruction of Sodom continued their downward course. The famine may have stifled this decline to some degree. Jacob heard there was food in Egypt, the brothers, except Benjamin came to buy grain. Joseph now the governor of Egypt saw his brothers and accused them of being spies; the brothers did not recognize Joseph who spoke through an interpreter. After placing his brothers in prison for three days, Joseph brought them before him. At this time the brothers spoke not knowing Joseph could understand. Gen 42:21,22 . . .We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us. 22 And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required. Once again we see Reuben was not consenting. Then Joseph charged that they should not see his face unless they brought the youngest brother. Simeon was bound and remained in prison.

After returning each found their money in their sacks and was greatly afraid. In time their food ran out, Reuben offered to return with Benjamin saying “if I return not with him (Benjamin) slay my two sons”. Jacob does not accept. Later Judah makes a similar offer “I will be surety for him; of my hand shalt thou require him: if I bring him not unto thee, and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame for ever”. In this statement I believe we have the first evidence that there has been a change in Judah. It may be hard to determine why Jacob gave consent, was it because of the hopelessness of the situation or did Jacob have greater regard for Judah then Reuben?

Upon their return to Egypt the brothers with the youngest are reconciled to the Egyptian. Simeon was restored to his brothers, they acquired more grain and start for home. Shortly after leaving, Joseph instructs his steward to pursue his brothers to find the cup which Joseph had placed in Benjamin’s sack. Once found the brother’s return to Joseph’s home where they fell to the ground before Joseph, just as Joseph's dreams predicted. At this time Judah’s good character is clearly seen. Gen 44:15-34 And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? Don’t you know that such a man as I can certainly divine? And Judah said, What shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's servants, both we, and he also with whom the cup is found. And he said, God forbid that I should do so: but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.

The Egyptian ruler shows them no ill they have done no wrong only the one found with the cup. Benjamin would become a servant to the Egyptian. What did they think as they looked at Benjamin? Did they remember Joseph pleading? It’s hard to imagine in God's providence, they would relive the experience, this time with Joseph's younger brother. Now in weakness and fear what will the brothers do with Benjamin? What would this do to their father? Judah draws near the Egyptian and speaks “Oh my lord, let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a word in my lord's ears, and let not thine anger burn against thy servant: for thou art even as Pharaoh. My lord asked his servants, saying, Have ye a father, or a brother? And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him. And thou saidst unto thy servants, Bring him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon him. And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot leave his father: for if he should leave his father, his father would die. And thou saidst unto thy servants, Except your youngest brother come down with you, ye shall see my face no more. And it came to pass when we came up unto thy servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. And our father said, Go again, and buy us a little food. And we said, We cannot go down: if our youngest brother be with us, then will we go down: for we may not see the man's face, except our youngest brother be with us. And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons: And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since: And if ye take this also from me, and mischief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. Now therefore when I come to thy servant my father, and the lad be not with us; seeing that his life is bound up in the lad's life; It shall come to pass, when he seeth that the lad is not with us, that he will die: and thy servants shall bring down the gray hairs of thy servant our father with sorrow to the grave. For thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren. For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.

Notice the simple and straight forward manner in which Judah speaks, laying everything out, not stretching or exaggerating his words. It’s so common in our frailty to not give a straight story, Judah stands firm. Judah has told Jacob he would take responsibility for his brother, he holds to his word giving himself in Benjamin’s place: “thy servant became surety for the lad unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto thee, then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. Now therefore, I pray thee, let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren”. With these words Judah proves himself. What would have happened if Judah had not spoken? Would Judah have been worthy of the blessing Jacob gave him near his death? With this experience Judah cleared the way for Jacob’s words. Gen. 49:8-10 Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

In Jacob’s blessing to Judah he says “the lawgiver will not pass from between his feet until Shiloh come”. Moses was noted as the lawgiver and was from the tribe of Levi, the Levites were the priestly tribe who were teachers and caretakers of the Law. But in the Psalms we have confirmation of Jacobs’s statement “Judah is my Lawgiver” in Psa 60:7. We might find a partial fulfillment in that the center for the law and its teaching was the temple which was located on land taken from the Canaanites by the tribe of Judah as the land was settled. Isa 2:3 …for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. From Jacobs’s statement in Gen 49:10 we might think it understood from Jacob's time that the temple would be associated with the tribe of Judah, but Moses in Deuteronomy suggests otherwise, Moses indicated that its location was not known. Deu 12:5,6 But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: 6 And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: Deu 12:10,11 But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety; 11 Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD.

If we consider the circumstance under which the location of the temple was revealed we find another parallel between Judah and David. In Chronicles we read of the three days pestilence which came upon Israel after David numbered the army of Israel. Near the end of the plague, after many people in Israel had died David fell on his face and said “let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father's house”. These words are much like those of Judah who offered to remain in Benjamin’s place, both Judah and David were willing to put aside themselves for others. After David spoke these words the Lord told David to build an alter and offer a sacrifice, then by accepting David’s sacrifice by fire, the Lord reveals the location of the temple. 1 Chron 21:28 At that time when David saw that the LORD had answered him in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there. 29 For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon. 30 But David could not go before it to inquire of God: for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the LORD. 22:1 Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel. 2 And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God. It is interesting to see the progression in each story. Judah by his selfless act secures the tribe of Judah as the line through which the messiah would come and that the lawgiver would come from Judah. Generations later David, also from the tribe of Judah by a selfless act secures the location of the temple within the territory the tribe of Judah settled. It is hard to understand how both men of the same family but generations apart have their lives follow a similar path. We might wonder if David in later years ever looked back at the account of Judah’s life and saw the parallel. The complete fulfillment of the blessing given to Judah is found in Jesus who was of the tribe of Judah and who was the lawgiver who like Judah and David gave his own life to redeem mankind. Moses said the Lord would raise up one like himself this was Jesus who was made a priest after the order of Melchisedec and was also the king who would sit on David’s throne for ever.

If we look back at Judah’s life we cannot help but believe that Judah was tempered and softened by a few key trials. He was touched by the great grief his father endured after losing Joseph. This would undoubtedly mean even more after Judah lost his own two sons. Judah may have been touched by the memory of Joseph's pleading before he was sold, and also Judah faces another failing when confronted by Tamar with his own signet, bracelets, and staff.

Judah had come a long way in his life by the time Joseph came to power in Egypt. It seems change for good comes when we choose the course which God has chosen, Judah did this. There is one more favorable point in the close of this story: it was Judah we find leading the family of Jacob to Egypt during the time of famine where the fledgling nation would reside until the days of Moses.

The Day of the Lord (Part 1)

2006-12-03T15:27:00.003-05:00

In the following two studies we will trace the nation of Israel from Egypt to Mount Sinai and through the conquest of Canaan. This first part is an introduction and brings the read to the time when Israel is read to cross the Jordan, also in this first part we compare the establishment of natural Israel as a nation with the establishment of a new spiritual nation in Christ.

Delivered by Sign and Wonders

God sent Moses to call the descendents of Abraham out of Egypt to give them the land of Canaan. Acts 7:17 “But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt”. Moses’ commission from the burning bush was Ex 4:22, 23 “And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me”. Though a mixed company left Egypt it was to Abraham’s descendents Moses was sent. Similarly Jesus came to call the spiritual seed of Abraham, those with the faith of Abraham out of spiritual Egypt. Mat 10:5,6 Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Spiritual Israel was not called to literal Canaan but spiritual Canaan, God’s rest in Christ Jesus. The phrase signs and wonders was used to describe both the plagues that Moses brought on Egypt and the miracles Jesus preformed. Ex 7:3 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. Act 2:22 “. . . Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you . . .”. It was not from the bondage of Egypt that Jesus would deliver, but from the bondage of sin and death. John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. It would be the reviving of faith in the promises of God that Jesus brought would begin to break the bondage that lay on the children of Abraham. Mat 11: 28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. The complaint of Pharaoh against Moses was Ex 5:4-5. . . Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens. And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens”. In Jesus day the Scribes and Pharisees made the burdens of the Jews much greater. Math 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Just as the plagues that Moses brought upon Egypt would separate the descendents of Abraham from the Egyptians, the miracles Jesus preformed would make a separation between those of Israel who had the faith of Abraham and those who did not. To Zacchaeus Jesus said “This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham”. To the Pharisees Jesus said, John 8:39 “If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham”. As the number of miracles Jesus preformed increased the division between the believing and the disbelieving increased. John 7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people. John 9:16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. As the Passover drew near the miracles that Jesus performed would increasingly harden the leaders of Israel much like the plagues hardened the heart of Pharaoh. Luke 6:10-11 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. The raising of Lazarus from the dead near the end of Jesus’ ministry being like a plague to the leaders of Israel made the offering of the antitypical Passover lamb possible. John 11:47-48 “Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation”. Little did the leaders of Israel know by slaying Jesus they would bring the great deliverance predicted by the Passover feast.

The Trumpet at Mount Sinai

Jesus resurrection was pictured 3 days later by the waving of the sheaf of first fruits. From this time if we count 50 days we come to Pentecost. Fifty days from Israel’s departure from Egypt would place Israel in the wilderness. It is a Jewish belief that the law was given to Moses on the day of Pentecost. The Hebrew word used for the trumpet that called Israel to the Mount is the word Jubilee. Ex 19:13 . . . when the trumpet (Jubilee) soundeth long, they shall come up to the Mount. The use of the word Jubilee in Exodus 19:13 may be pointing us to the 50^th day, the day of Pentecost, just as the Jubilee is the 50^th year, the trumpet sounding from the mount may have been an early announcement of the Liberty that the seed of Abraham would receive in the 50^th year of Jubilee. Lev 25:10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a Jubilee unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. Israel had received liberty from the bondage of Pharaoh but there would be an ever greater liberty in store for the nation, the trumpet of Jubilee may have been an early proclamation of this liberty. In the New Testament this might be compared to the glorious liberty of the sons of God.

There is limited use of the word Jubilee in the Old Testament; it appears in Leviticus chapters 25, 27 and Numbers 36. Each of these references speaks of the feast of Jubilee. The only other references are in Exodus 19:13 which we have considered and also in Joshua chapter 6. The references in Joshua 6 speak of the trumpets used by the 7 priests who circled Jericho 7 days. These trumpets could have similar meaning as the trumpet heard from Mount Sinai, one difference these trumpets were sounded when Israel began to take possession Canaan.

A Sanctuary for the Lord

On the day of Pentecost as the spirit of God was poured out on the early church, God pitched a tabernacle in the hearts of his people. This is what we see at Mount Sinai, Israel built a tabernacle in the midst of the nation where God would dwell among them. Ex 25:8 . . . let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. The tabernacle Israel built was not setup until almost a year after Israel came to Mount Sinai Ex40:17. This also may be in harmony with what actually happened in the days of the early church. Though there was a large number who were gathered in the upper room at Pentecost this was only a portion of those who would make up the early church. Those gathered in the upper room did provide a dwelling for God in their hearts, but I wonder if the tabernacle set up a year later pictured a greater structure constructed by the apostles, elders and the various members of the church using the gifts of the spirit. This structure may have been a structure of faith, doctrine and uplifting works. As each willingly used their gifts to build up the church this structure was raised. The gifts given the early church may be what we see in men such a Bezaleel and Aholiab who were also given gifts and play important roles in the construction of the original tabernacle. Ex 31:2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3 And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 5 And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. 6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee. Ex 35:5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass, 6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair. Ex 28:3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. Ex 35:25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. 26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair. Exodus 25 verse 8 nicely shows the purpose of all this work. Ex 25:2-8 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. 3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, 4 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, 5 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, 6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, 7 Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

Peters Ominous Words at Pentecost

In Peter’s sermon at Pentecost there may be statements that connected the activity at Mount Sinai to the first Pentecost celebrated by the early church in Acts. Cloven tongs of fire set upon each and we know it was in fire that the Lord descended upon the mount. At Mount Sinai there was lighting, thunder, an earthquake and darkness in which the Lord descended. Peter’s quotation of Joel carries the idea of an ominous scene as happened at Mount Sinai. Act 2:16-21 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

In the wilderness we find many points that fit the time of the early church, a new nation was born out of Egypt, Israel came under the blood of the covenant, a new priesthood began to function, the Lord began to dwell among his people, the gifts of the spirit were given and how the construction of the tabernacle may have pictured the activities of the early church to organize under the guidance of the holy spirit. We see a string of events which may place the fulfillment of the original Exodus and the events surrounding the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai in the days of the early church. If we consider the book of Exodus as a whole, it tells us how Israel as a nation began and it ends in the last chapter with the setting up of the tabernacle one year after Israel arrived at the Mount. The entire book of Exodus may be pointing us to the time when a new spiritual nation begins, not based on the 12 sons of Jacob but the 12 apostles, Jesus being the instrument God used to cut out without hands a nation from the midst of a nation.

The Battle for Canaan

At this point in our study we have Israel in the wilderness, God dwelling in their midst in a divinely appointed structure built by the Lord’s people. We might wonder what comes next, what is ahead for Israel? We have traced the story of Israel as they parallel the church from the Passover to Pentecost. Peter’s statements at Pentecost may give a clue; “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come”. This may seem an odd time to make reference to the Day of the Lord. If we consider Israel’s purpose, Israel was carried on eagle’s wings gathered by the Lord to the Mount, but their rest was in Canaan. This gathering at Mount Sinai, Moses speaks of as a gathering of the Saints. Israel at Sinai was an army in preparation for an assault against the land of Canaan. Once the covenant was sealed within the nation, the tabernacle built and God dwelling in their midst, the battle for Canaan would begin. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was a sure sign of the coming Day of the Lord and fall of this present evil world to the saints. Deu 33:2-5 . . .The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them. 3 Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. 4 Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob. 5 And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together. Jude 1:14,15 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh 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. In part two of this study we will consider the Day of the Lord and how it parallels Israel’s taking possession of Canaan.

The Day of the Lord (Part 2)

2006-12-03T15:24:00.002-05:00

Entering Gods Rest

In part two of this study we will consider four points; 1 At Jesus’ return a great conflict begins “The Day of the Lord”. 2 This conflict arises as the glory of Christ is gradually manifest in the saints. 3 This glory exposes the hidden things of darkness bring them into judgment. 4 At this time the world resists the saints as they lay down there lives and win inheritance in God rest.
The Days of Creation and Rest

The creation in Genesis is divided into 6 days of labor and a 7th day of rest. The 6 days of labor included the creation of the heavens, earth, many kinds of plants and animals. Last of all man is created and placed in Eden. Adam and Eve could rest in the sense that all their needs had been provided for during the 6 days God Labored. Adam may have found himself laboring intensely as he cared for the garden, but this was out of joy. After the fall, Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden and a new type of labor was introduced. Adam and Eve found themselves laboring in sorrow to sustain a life that would end in the grave. There was a ray of hope when the Lord stated “the seed of the woman would bruise the serpents’ head”. There was no mention of return to the garden but generations later the idea of gaining rest from their labors was prophesied by Lamech who named his son Noah “rest”. “This one will bring us rest from the labors of our hands concerning the ground which the Lord has cursed”. Noah would be one of a few who would reach this rest by the construction of an Ark which would carry Noah, his family and many animals through a flood and attain rest in a new order. In the account of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt and subsequent warfare for Canaan we find another use of the words Labor and Rest. Israel Labored as slaves under Pharaoh, Moses came to release Israel from their labors and inherit rest in Canaan. It is my understanding that the labor and rest spoken of in Noah’s day and that spoken of by Moses Deu 12:9, 10; Heb 4:8, 9 tell the same story of a transition from the labor that came as a result of man’s fall, back to rest and favor with God. Both stories give a common view of how the transition from labor to rest is accomplished, but each in the context of their day. How does the Day of the Lord relate to God’s people entering rest? This study is a consideration of this point, to relate the flood story and Israel’s conquest of Canaan to the idea of gaining inheritance in God’s rest.

A Judgment from God

In Noah’s day man had corrupted to the point that God determined to destroy all with the breath of life. In the days of Moses the gentile nations living in Canaan had come to a similar point. Joshua was commanded by God to destroy all that breathed as Israel entered Canaan under Joshua. In Noah’s day it was a flood of water that would accomplish God’s Judgment. In Joshua’s time God used the army of Israel to bring his judgment on the Canaanites. David describes God working through the army of Israel as being like a flood of water. 2 Sam 5:20 . . .David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Though Israel was executing God’s Judgment they themselves had to stay within boundaries set by the Mosaic Law to remain safe from judgment (Joshua 22:20). Noah’s safety lay in that he stayed within the Ark, you might say a temporary rest. Both Israel and Noah’s family found favor before the Lord and were provided safe passage during the time of Judgment. The Lord made a covenant with Noah to enter an ark Noah himself would build from a pattern Noah received from God. We read in Hebrews 11:7 by building the Ark, Noah condemned that generation. In like manner God made a covenant with Israel and gave them a pattern for an ark they were to construct which would protect Israel by the atonement made on it, which Ark would also bring judgment on Canaan.

A Shelter in the Tempest

The covenant with Noah and the covenant with Israel would each provide a way for the Lord to not only judge the existing generation but also save Noah his family and Israel. Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant would picture the same salvation in Christ. Each ark represented a means of safe passage through a time of Judgment. As one order is removed another is established. In each story it was important for those saved to remain separate from the outside, that a new untarnished order be established. Without the ark neither Israel nor Noah could survive. The divinely appointed pattern of each ark prefigured a representation of divine qualities as seen in Christ; their presence brought guilt and judgment. Time was given Noah to construct the ark, as Israel was given time in the wilderness to build the ark and the tabernacle. Israel also had to come into compliance with the many ordinances of the Mosaic covenant. The key in each story is atonement. Noah’s ark was covered with pitch. The Hebrew word translated pitch is also translated atonement in Leviticus 16 and throughout the Old Testament. Noah covering the Ark with pitch teaches us the same lesson as the high priest of Israel who sprinkled blood on the Ark of the Covenant, making atonement for Israel and peace with God, this making it possible for God to go with his people just as the Ark of the Covenant traveled with Israel as they took possession of the Land. In this way it can be said of this war to take possession of God’s rest is won by the blood of the lamb.

The Day Shall Declare It

The Ark of the Covenant was constructed in the wilderness, observed only by God’s people. The structure and organization of the nation would then be tested under fire, in the conflict for Canaan. This would reveal if all had been done according to the pattern given Moses. The church is also tested in the Day of the Lord. The vessel which the church builds is constructed according to God’s pattern of faith, doctrine, good works and Christ-like character. Structures of faith not built according to God’s pattern will gradually dissolved as the waters rise. 1 Cor. 3:13-15 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. This day will end, once all opposition has been brought under the feet of the church.
As the waters of the flood increased Noah’s ark was lifted up and floated on the water. Gen 7:17-19 . . .the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth. And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. This seems to be symbolic language picturing the Day of the Lord. As the ark is raised up, it pictures a dawning of the Day of the Lord and the revelation of Christ. The same judgments that came on the world also comes on the church but there is a difference, the church is raised showing more and more a likeness of Christ as the world is brought low. You might say the church is transformed right before the eyes of the world, as Christ is seen in the church; this becomes a condemning factor to the world. Peter describes this (2 Pet 1:19) “the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts” Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Dan 12:3 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. As the church is transformed the Godly works of the church become more renowned and bring into judgment the works of darkness. 1 Cor 4:55 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. The increasing light as seen in the church places increasing restrictions on the leaders of the world in this way the wicked are brought under the feet of the saints. Ps 149:5-9 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; 7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; 8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; 9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD. Mal 4:1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.

Noah’s Ark being lifted up above the mountains speaks in language similar to Isaiah chapter two verse two “it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills” Verse 12 “For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures. And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day”. The ark being lifted above the Mountains suggests the convicting power as seen in Noah’s ark will not be obstructed from view.

When you See the Ark

A parallel to the lifting up of Noah’s ark can be seen when the priest lifted the Ark of the Covenant to be carried before the armies of Israel as they began to take possession of Canaan. Rehab described the effect this had on the Canaanites. Joshua 2:11 . . . as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Israel crossing the Jordan was a sign that God was in heaven Josh 5:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel. It was undeniable God had lifted up his people in the eyes for all to see. This account may point to the sign Jesus speaks of in Mathew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Before crossing the Jordan Israel was to watch for the Ark of the Covenant. Joshua 3:3 And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.

No Continuing City

Once raised above all the high Mounts, Noah’s ark drifted on the water for a period of time, in a similar manner the Ark of the Covenant had no fix dwelling as it was carried by the priests from place to place. There was no destination or end in sight. The uncertain and transient nature of the Ark of the Covenant can be seen in the staves that were not to be removed. Ex 25:14, 15 And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them. The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it. The final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant was not known until revealed to David. When placed in Solomon’s temple the staves were removed, though kept in the temple. 1 Kings 8:8 And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day.

The Ark finds Rest on the Mount

In both stories the flood and the Ark of the Covenant a final resting place is reached, Mount Zion and Mount Ararat. These two mountains would have a similar meaning. As the waters of the flood subsided and the period of Judgment ended, the Mountains began to appear, Noah’s ark rested on Mount Ararat. As King David brought the Canaanites into subjection, the Ark of the Covenant came to rest on Mount Zion. David brought all opposition under his feet establishing Zion as his capital. 1 Chro. 22:17,18 David also commanded all the princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people. Ps 78:67- 69 Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: 68 But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. 69 And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever.

Noah knew the flood was nearing the end when the dove which he released found rest for the sole of her feet (Gen 8:9). The Ark of the Covenant completed it’s wondering finding rest in the temple. 1 Chro. 6:31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. 1 Chro. 28:2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: 1 Kings 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 1 Chro 23:25-27 For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof. For by the last words of David the Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above:

The Occasion of a New Order

In this study we have considered a parallel between Noah’s Ark the Ark of the Covenant. Each story has many points in common. There is the decline of society that brought judgment from God. In the case of Canaan we learn that the Lord waited until their iniquity was full. The Canaanites determined downward course became an occasion by which a new order would be established. Establishing a new order was accomplished by giving Noah and Israel the opportunity to build a temporary structure designed by God. In the building of this structure, God would prepare a protective cover for his people and set them apart during the destruction of the old order. The structure itself would be a way of exposing (Heb 11:7) the old order and sanctifying the new. Phil 3:21 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.

What Does This Mean to Me?

This study places emphasis on the churches role in the Day of the Lord. Only as the church displays the dying of Christ does the world come into judgment and subjection to Christ. The Ark of the Covenant and Noah’s ark are key in each story and a connection between stories. The design for each ark is provide by God and built by his people. The Ark is the means of protection in each story and each is associated with Christ atoning sacrifice. It is the atonement found in Christ which both saves the church and condemns the world. In both stories the faithful are carried safely through the period of judgment until rest in a new order. With Peter likening the Day of the Lord to the flood story by comparing Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant we may be able to use these stories as a wedge to see farther into what happens during the day of the Lord. In particular the part Israel played subduing Canaan. Israel carried the ark with them as they face the Canaanites in battle. This seems to highlight a role the church plays in the Day of the Lord showing forth this salvation. This may seem strange to think the Kingdom in part is established through the faith and activity of the saints. If we look back on the development of the church we find other members who the Lord relied on to bring forward the kingdom. Mary was a notable example who made herself a willing vessel and became the mother of Jesus. At Pentecost the apostles made themselves willing vessels for the Lord to establish the church. Jesus laid the pattern putting aside self, that God’s plan may go forward, each who follow in Jesus’ steps and show forth Christ in there lives carry the Day of the Lord forward. Many believe the kingdom will be established through a physical intervention from heaven. The scriptures we have considered suggest this will happen through the members of the church, every eye seeing Christ in the members of his body; “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” Mat 25:40. 2 Thess 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Dan 12:3 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. God working through the church in the Day of the Lord will subdue evil and in this way the seed of the woman will be the instrument God uses to bruise the serpent’s head.

Parallels between Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant

1. Both Noah and Moses would bring passage from labor to rest.
2. The covenant made with Noah and the pattern given him for the ark would correspond to the Law Covenant made with Israel and the pattern for the tabernacle, more particularly the pattern for the Ark of the Covenant.
3. Noah and family constructed the Ark as Israel constructed the Ark of the Covenant.
4. Atonement for sin was accomplished by sprinkling blood on the Ark of the Covenant, this would point to our salvation in Christ and is also pictured in the pitch with which Noah pitched the Ark he constructed. The Hebrew word for ‘pitch’ is the same word translated ‘atonement’ through out the Old Testament.
5. Both Noah’s Ark and the Ark of the Covenant would offer protection from God’s Judgment.
6. Both Ark’s were portable and lifted up during the time of Judgment.
7. The waters of the flood and the armies of Israel destroy all with the breath of life. Gen 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. . . Josh 10:40 So Joshua smote all the country of the hills, and of the south, and of the vale, and of the springs, and all their kings: he left none remaining, but utterly destroyed all that breathed, as the LORD God of Israel commanded.
8. The destructive element in Noah’s day was the flood of water, in Canaan it was the army of Israel. 2 Sam 5:20. . . David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters.
9. Noah did not plot a course to Mount Ararat. Neither did Joshua plot a course for Mount Zion. In Deuteronomy we learn that the location of the temple would not be revealed until after the land was subdued. During the time of judgment there is no permanent rest or continuing city in sight the church is completely dependent on the vessel they constructed.
10. Noah’s ark resting on Mount Ararat would be like the Ark of the Covenant finding rest on Mount Zion. Gen 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. 1 Chro 23: 25 For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever: 1 Chro 6: 31 And these are they whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. 1 Chro 28:2 Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building:
11. The period after the flood would correspond to Solomon’s reign. Solomon means peace. 1 Chro 22:9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days. This rest would correspond to the rest Noah’s father looked for when he named his son Noah (rest). Gen 5: 28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son: 29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.

Mount Zion the Law and the Heart

2006-06-10T13:34:00.002-04:00

Building the House of Israel

2006-05-01T21:31:00.003-04:00

Israel as a nation has a long history that begins with Abraham and continues down to our day. As we trace the growth of the nation there is a very definite progression. From Abraham and Sarah came Isaac then Jacob, 12 sons and later in Egypt 12 tribes. After leaving Egypt the Law was given, the priestly services began with the tabernacle and later the temple. All of these events point back to Abraham and promises which he passed to his descendents. The following notes touch a portion of this history and suggest the development of Israel was not left to chance but carefully guided by the Lord.

Parallels between Jacob and Moses

At the beginning of Jacob’s life we find him in conflict with Esau as they wrestled in the womb. Moses at birth was in conflict with Pharaoh. Moses’ mother tried to save her son as an infant from the decree of Pharaoh placing him in a basket in the river. Jacob and Moses’ infant adversary would flow long in to there adult life. As young men both Moses and Jacob took interest in the promises of God, as a result both men were threatened with death and made a sudden exit to a distant land. Jacob fled from Esau and Moses fled from Pharaoh. On their journey Jacob came to a well as did Moses. There they watered the flocks gathered at the well. At this time they each meet their future bride. They both were then employed by their father-in-law as a shepherd. After many years both Moses and Jacob returned to face the one they had fled from years earlier. On there return both men are temporarily hindered by an angle. In Jacob’s return there seems to be only a one time meeting with Esau that resolved the conflict. With Moses it was a very involved face to face confrontation with Pharaoh, a different Pharaoh then he fled from.

In another set of parallels we find Jacob spent the night at Bethel. The Lord spoke with Jacob in a dream, next morning Jacob continued his journey. Later in Genesis 32:10 Jacob recounts this experience but adds one point; he left Bethel with only a staff in hand. Moses similarly after meeting with the Lord at Mount Sinai returned to Egypt with only a staff in hand. Both men later returned to the very spot from were they had come each increased greatly, by the Lord’s grace Jacob returned to Bethel with a family of 12 sons and many herds and flocks, Moses returned to Mt. Sinai with 12 tribes and many herds and flocks.

In another parallel between Jacob and Moses, Jacob gave one prophesy to each of his 12 sons near the end of his life Gen 49:1-29. Moses also gave a blessing to each of the 12 tribes near the end of his life. Deu 33:1-29

After leaving Canaan Jacob worked for Laban under what began as favorable conditions. In time Jacob found Laban increasingly unfair. The same is true for Israel in Egypt. In the days of Joseph Israel found favorable conditions, by the time Moses was born they were in slavery. While working for Laban Jacob’s family grew, in the same manner Israel grew as they labored for Pharaoh. The more Pharaoh afflicted them the more they grew. The jealousy of Laban's sons regarding Jacob's increased flocks may reflect Pharaoh's concern for the increased numbers of Israelites in Egypt. At one point Pharaoh was willing to let the people go but with out their flocks so he also was interested in Israel’s flocks as Laban was. Jacob after leaving for home was chased by Laban just as Israel was chased by Pharaoh after leaving Egypt; the Lord intervened in each case. After leaving Egypt Israel directed by the Mosaic Law placed the camp of Israel in a particular order by which they would camp and travel. The 12 tribes were broken up into 4 camps three tribes per camp. When camp was set up the tabernacle was places in the center. When traveling two camps would set forward before the tabernacle then after the tabernacle the remaining two camps would fallow. This is outlined in Num 10:13-25 and also in Num 2. Jacob also placed his family in a particular order after leaving Laban, this was for protection. Gen 33:1-3 . . . And he (Jacob) divided the children unto Leah, and unto Rachel, and unto the two handmaids. And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost. And he passed over before them, . . .

It was promised Abraham; his seed would bless all the family’s of the earth, and become innumerable. From the lives of Jacob and Moses’ we see what seems to be a method of developing this seed. Whether laboring under Laban or Pharaoh the seed of Abraham increased in number. Their stay out side the Promised Land was only temporary. In these stories we see purpose even determination as the Lord developed the seed of Abraham. We see how the Lord fashioned the life of Jacob to become a family of 12 sons and later how the Lord fashioned the descendents of Jacob in Egypt into a nation of 12 tribes. The family of 12 sons may have been a smaller pattern reflecting how the seed of Abraham would become a nation of 12 tribes.

Andrew Hopkins

As I considered the parallels of Jacob and Moses you had talked about, several issues came to mind. One is that the detractors of the Bible could use this information as proof that the Bible’s account of history was a fabrication by virtue of the pattern similarities. This approach by them is not new however. They do the same sort of thing when they say evolution must be so because of the similarities in the makeup of mammals, ie circulatory system; nervous system. We respond by saying that God having a very good fundamental design will use it over and over with some variations.

So, then I went back to considering this issue of Jacob and Moses, Obviously, they did not have a script in there hands so they could follow what they should do at each point. No, they could have not have envisioned the eventual connections that would play out so elegantly. The conclusion then is that it shows that Majesty and Supreme power of God, who could take different times and places and lives; and through circumstances we cannot even imagine, have them relate only after the events are long since completed. It is surely another proof that God is God!

Paul Check

The Great Tree of Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

2006-04-15T17:38:00.000-04:00

In chapter two of Daniel Nebuchadnezzar has a dream of a great image which we learn represents four empires that will have dominion over Israel and many other nations for an undetermined period of time. The head of the image represented Babylonian followed by Persia, Greece and Rome. In Daniel chapter four Nebuchadnezzar has a second dream of a great tree whose height reached to heaven and spreads its branches over the earth. The tree is cut down with a band of gold placed around its trunk until 7 times pass. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar “It is thou” Dan. 4:22. The dream was a warning to Nebuchadnezzar that his present course of life would bring punishment. Daniel counsels the king to change. “…break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility” Dan. 4:27.
Next we read in Daniel 4:29 “At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. 30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty? 31 While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will”.
In its great pride the tree is toppled with a band of gold place on the stump. The King is driven from men eating grass like an ox. After seven times passed Nebuchadnezzar cames to his right mind and returned to power.
Interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream in chapter two Daniel says “thou are the head”. We take this to mean Nebuchadnezzar being the king represents the entire Babylonian empire. Can we apply this to the second dream? In chapter four Daniel says to Nebuchadnezzar the tree represents you. Does Nebuchadnezzar here also represent the entire empire of Babylon? Or could Nebuchadnezzar in this dream represent all four empires pictured in the king’s first dream?
The tree’s height and spreading nature reflect the reach of the kingdom of Babylon which Nebuchadnezzar ruled. But in this dream there seems to be a more personal application. It is not the empire that is cut down, it is the ruler and his influence in the kingdom. The empire was not toppled but merely a temporary change of rulers. There seems to be no reason to extend the 7 times to the entire Babylonian kingdom nor is there reason to connect 7 times to the image of Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream. Daniel’s position in the kingdom does not seem to be in jeopardy, nor the poison of the Jews in captivity. If we take the dream and its interpretation as we read it. The Tree represents a heathen gentile king who has become tyrannical. God first warns the king with a dream then God in his mercy for the poor, cuts the tree down. The king becomes incapable of ruling, the king is deposed. After 7 times the king comes to his right mind and receives his kingdom back.
Dan 4:22 It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. 23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; 24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: 25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
If Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the tree in chapter four cannot be linked to his dream of the image in chapter two, can we find support for the expression “seven times of the gentiles”?

The Temple Filled with Glory (Oneness of Spirit)

2006-04-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

The book of Exodus is laid out in a different manner than Genesis. Exodus is focused more on an individual, Moses, and in itself almost a complete story. Moses’s objectives are laid out in the early chapters and by the end of the book one of those objectives is meet,“ye shall serve God upon this mountain”. Exodus culminates on a positive note with the Lord dwelling among his people in the tabernacle (a temporary dwelling) when assembled. I believe that Exodus and the way it was laid out points forward to a greater culmination when the temple is raised and the Lord finds a permanent dwelling among his people in the temple. Consider the last few versus of Exodus. Exo 40:33 - 38 “And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” Parts of this passage could have been describing the dedication of Solomon’s temple. Note the phrase “as one” and “one sound” in the next verses 2 Chr 5:13 “It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;”
I believe there is a parallel in the free will offerings that were given for the construction of both the temple and the tabernacle. Ex 35:5, 21, 22, 29 “Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass, And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD. The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.” 1 Chr 29:6,7,9 “Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly, And gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred thousand talents of iron.. Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” The raising of the first tabernacle pointed forward to the true tabernacle spoken of in Heb 8:2 “which the Lord pitched, and not man.”. The filling the tabernacle with glory may have pointed to the day of Pentecost. Act 2:1,2 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” Notice the phrase“one accord” This I believe would parallel the passage in 2 Chr 5:13. describing the sound of the musical instruments.“as one, to make one sound“
The passage, that describes the dedication of Solomon’s temple I believe would more closely fit the time spoken of in 1 Cor 15:28 “that God may be all in all.” Jesus spoke of this oneness and the glory of God in John 17:21-23 "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” It is this oneness of heart with the heavenly father and his son that enables his church to be filled with his spirit.
Also consider Act 4: 23-31“And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.“ It seems that there is a relationship between jointly seeking the Lord and the imparting of his Glory. It is my understanding that all of these passages point forward to the day when God will be all in all. The benefit of our oneness with our heavenly father and Jesus can only be multiplied when we add to it a concern for our oneness with the each other. In David’s day all of Canaan was subdued under his feet. Jesus and his Church will accomplish this work until the last enemy (death) is destroyed. At that time mankind will prepare their hearts for that great day when the Lord will dwell among his people forever. Rev 21:3,4 “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.”

Fiery Furnace

2006-04-15T16:57:00.000-04:00

The phrase fiery furnace appears eight times in Daniel chapter 3, the word furnace appears ten times. Nebuchadnezzar’s image also has a prominent part in this chapter. From the perspective of the natural man we might view king Nebuchadnezzar as an adversary to the Lord’s people, especially to the three Hebrews. But knowing that God rules in the kingdom of men, we can look at this chapter and know the Lord is crafting events that his kingdom might be established. Why the exaggerated idol of this chapter, which may have been among the largest of all idols! If we consider why the Hebrews came to be in Babylon, we find in part because of Israel’s practice of Idolatry. Jer 5:19 And it shall come to pass, when ye shall say, Wherefore doeth the LORD our God all these things unto us? then shalt thou answer them, Like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange gods in your land, so shall ye serve strangers in a land that is not yours. In Ezekiel chapter 8 and 9 we see the temple of Jerusalem before it’s destruction, containing many idols. Because of idol worship, during Israel’s captivity they would have idols continually pressed upon them. Jer 16:13 Therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not show you favour. Of the many lands where Israel might have been taken we find Israel in what Jeremiah described as ”the land of graven images” Jer 50:38.
In Daniel chapter 3 we see the huge idol standing in the plain, the heathen King Nebuchadnezzar demanding all to bow in reverence. It is remarkable how the Lord would use Nebuchadnezzar, who is described as if he were an obedient servant. Jer 25:9 “Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land…” Nebuchadnezzar would accomplish God’s will unknown to himself.
We might view this circumstance as chance or the whim of the king. But it seems rather one of great design. The providence of God has brought all too there places that a great work might be accomplished. As visible as this event was the greatest work may have been unseen. Three Hebrews taken captive from a nation plagued by a weakness for idols now face one of the most severe tests involving idolatry. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing in the plane of Dura before an idol, possible among thousands who bowed, they did not. Undoubtedly they received scorn of many when taken to the king, then to face Nebuchadnezzar’s firm unwavering words Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound . . . ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied: If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury... To this point there was no test like the furnace heated 7 times hot. This was the Lord’s refining fire. The great furnace would fix in these Jews, that there would never be a shadow of variance from God’s command “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”. It is of such material of whom the City of God is built, who can hold many to the laws of God, keeping men in the way of life. It is of no wonder the city Abraham looked for has been long under construction. Israel’s decline into idolatry made the need clear and Babylon’s preoccupation with idolatry provided the tool for the master craftsmen. And also we learn it was in the fire they meet our Lord. Proverbs 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego became a vessel for that word and a good example in faithful endurance.

The Right of Inheritance

2006-04-07T19:56:00.000-04:00

In the book of Ruth there is an account where ownership of land is confirmed by the passing of a shoe. Boaz came to the city gate in Bethlehem to potentially redeem a field owned by Naomi. He not being the nearest kinsman offered his relative, a nearer kinsman, the first opportunity to redeem the field. The nearer kinsman declined preferring not to jeopardize his own inheritance by raising seed to the deceased relative. The nearer kinsman to show his intentions took his shoe from off his foot and passed it to Boaz. Ruth 4:7, 8 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor: and this was a testimony in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe. (Also see Deu. 25:5-10) Not knowing ancient customs I cannot be sure but my suspicion is that this ceremony relates to the statement made to Joshua that all places where his feet trod would be his. The passing of the shoe would in effect say the place where my foot had the right to tread is now passed to you, giving Boaz the legal right to place his feet upon the field as its owner. Josh 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
Another place where I believe we can see a similar thought is at the birth of Jacob and Esau. We’re told from the story that the older would serve the younger. At birth Jacob took hold of the heel of Esau. By doing this I believe we are seeing an indication that Jacob would supplant Esau, in other words Jacob was snatching Esau’s right to place his feet as an inheritor in the promised land.
Also of interest is Act 7:5 "And he gave him (Abraham) none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child."
In each of the preceding passages I believe there is a common theme which suggests the right of Abraham’s descendants to inherit the Promised Land. These verses might give more meaning to the passage in Genesis where the Lord tells Abraham to walk throughout the Promised Land. His feet making contact with the land that one day would be his. Gen 13:14-17 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

The Mediator of the New Covenant

2006-04-07T19:53:00.002-04:00

In Exodus 19:16 we read “on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightning’s, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that were in the camp trembled”. It would be at this time God would make a covenant with Israel. According to Exodus and Deuteronomy Israel heard an audible voice from the Mount speaking the words of the Covenant. Deu 4:12,13 “And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone”. Deu 5:4 “The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire” Heb 12:19 “. . . and the voice of words; which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more”. Israel overcome by fear drew back from the mountain. Moses then spoke to Israel Ex 20:20 “Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not”. At this time Israel requested, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die”. Asking Moses to deliver the Law placed Moses between the nation of Israel and the Lord. Deu 5:5 “… I stood between the LORD and you at that time to show you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason for the fire”. At this point Moses became a mediator between God and man for the purpose of delivering the words of the covenant. By drawing back Israel had cut short the process. After Moses had fully conveyed the covenant, animals were slain and blood was sprinkled on both the book and the people. The sprinkling of blood placed Israel in covenant relation with God. Heb 9:19,20 “For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you”. The sprinkling of the blood on both the book and the people made it clear that the words spoken by Moses were agreed upon as the terms of the covenant. Though Israel did not have the ability to keep the covenant, provisions were made within the covenant for their fallen state. (Sacrifices and a high priest) It would be this covenant that would guide the nation until a greater covenant would be established based on better sacrifices.

The request made by Israel to have Moses bring the words of God to them was used by Moses as the basis of a prophesy which pointed forward to Jesus. Deu 18:15-19 “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him”. As Moses stood between God and Israel to deliver the words of the law covenant, Jesus would stand between or mediate between God and Israel to deliver the words of the new covenant.

Jesus could mediate the new covenant having qualities in common with both parties. Jesus could appear before God at Jordon and for 40 days receive the words of the covenant directly from God without intersession. Then Jesus could appear before Israel as a man and deliver the words of the covenant without error being perfect. These two qualities being perfect and also a man made it possible for Jesus to come between both parties.

The message Jesus would deliver would be different from that which Moses delivered. Jesus would bring a more perfect representation of God’s character. Not only his words but his conduct would declare a message from God. Heb 1:3 “Who being in the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.” John 14:9 “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” The message Jesus delivered would be the basis of salvation for both Israel and the world of mankind. John 8:51 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death” John 6: 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

It was critical that the message be delivered in perfection before the blood of the covenant was shed. The teachings and pattern that Jesus set would become a measuring stick for all times where by all men could be judged. John 12:48 “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day”. Notice that in both Exodus 24:7,8 and Hebrews 9:19,20 all the words of the covenant were spoke before the blood was shed. Ex 24: 7,8 And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words. Heb 9: 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

After returning from 40 days in the wilderness Jesus spent three and a half years methodically covering the nation, teaching in every city. At the close of his ministry Jesus made this statement John 17:8 “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me”. Jesus’ own blood would ratify the covenant, his very life being an expression of God and his word, his blood sealing the pattern of his life as a covenant. Luke 22:20 “. . . This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you”. Never again would a mediator be needed to ascend the mount and appear before God receive the covenant and descend to ratify the covenant with his blood. Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) The covenant has been delivered and ratified this work Jesus completed it is for us to only believe.

Know the Desolation is Near

2006-04-07T19:52:00.000-04:00

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.21Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains;

When looking at the parallels between Mathew, Mark and Luke it is easy to see many identical phrases thorough out the Gospels. It is commonly believed that Mark was written first and used as a basis for the other accounts. This would explain the many identical phrases and the very close order as well. With this thought in mind let's compare Luke 21:20 Mathew 24:15 And Mark 13:14. In each account we read of events that lead to a warning to flee Judea. The likenesses between the passages are interesting as well as the differences. Luke says "when ye there for shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies know that its desolation is near". Mathew and Mark say "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place". It is my understanding that all three account are pointing to the desolation of Jerusalem. This comes as a result of the abomination set up in the temple. If nothing more we can safely say Luke 21:20 is the answer to one of the questions Peter, James and John asked Jesus after leaving the temple. When shall these things be? When shall there not be one stone of the temple left upon another that is not thrown down? This will be when you see Jerusalem compassed with armies. At that time leave quickly or risk getting caught in its destruction. The Mathew and Mark accounts add the abomination in the temple as an additional sign.
There are many scriptures that are associated with these events and can help fill in the account. This is the time John the Baptist spoke of in Math 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. This passage describes the harvest of the Jewish age. Two groups like grain in a field would grow together until the abomination stands in the temple. Daniel 11:30 - 35 speaks of this time. "For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed".
In the above passage we read of what seems to be a political power that by force stops the daily sacrifice in the temple and places an Idol. These verses touch on the separation spoken of by John the Baptist. Those who maintain there faith in this time of persecution and those who forsake the holy covenant. Paul in Thessalonians 2 called this the great falling way, when one sets himself up in the temple as if a God and many are deceived. Mathew calls this one a false prophet who shows signs and wonders to, if possible, deceive the elect. Revelation 13 describes similar events. Early in Revelation 13 the beast that is described is very much like the beast of Dan 7, who persecutes the church for a period of 3 ½ years. Next a Two horned beast arises who is called the false prophet. He like the false prophet that Jesus warned of in Mathew 24 shows signs and wonders and sets up an idol and causes every one on the earth to worship it. This would correspond to the abomination that maketh desolate in Mathew 24.
In Revelation 19 we see Jesus and the armies in heaven going forth to do battle with the beast, the kings of the earth, the false prophet and the dragon. One notable party is missing. At this point in Revelation, Babylon has already been dealt with by the Lord. The beast and the 10 kings are used to destroy the great city Babylon. Why is Babylon dealt with separately? Babylon is spoken of as a city it is in this city that many of the Lords people reside, they are the ones that are being tested when the false prophet sets up the image of the beast. Just as Jesus warned those in Judea to flee when seeing the signs of Jerusalem's approaching destruction, Revelation warns God's people to leave the city (Babylon) to avoid being caught in her destruction. The parallel between Babylon and Jerusalem is very close. Babylon is like the field spoken of by John the Baptist in Mathew 3. Jesus warned of a coming abomination to be set up in the temple in the end of the Jewish age. In like manner another idol would be set up in the close of this gospel age. Revelation 13 warns us of a 3 ½ year pried of persecution just as the church endured at the end of the Jewish age. There would also be a gathering into his granary as John the Baptist spoke of, but this age concluding with the marriage of the Lamb. As the city (Babylon) falls, the Lords city (New Jerusalem) is raised. The very deception that brings the destruction of one city brings the deliverance of the other.
There are other parallels between Babylon and Jerusalem one more example is in Mathew 23 it says of Jerusalem "That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth". A similar statement is made of Babylon Rev 18:24 "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."
With these thoughts I hope to encourage others to consider the events that lead up to the fall of Jerusalem, this may help understand how the destruction of Babylon will unfold.
There is much work to be done in our studies of the Bible. We live in a time when the Bible is being put aside. Many Christians lay aside personal Bible study thinking it has brought forth all its gems, others believe it for a select few. The contrary is true. There are gems old and new awaiting each who study in faith. As soon as we think one person or group is the exclusive channel we learn the Lord finds diligent student ready to learn, in places the nature mind would not expect. Over and over we learn the Lord is not confined but always revealing himself in lowly places confounding the wisdom of men.

Captivity of the Grave

2006-04-07T19:31:00.000-04:00

Ezekiel uses the expression “Day of the LORD” (Ezek. 13:5 & 30:3) when describing the armies of Babylon that would shortly come against Israel and her neighboring nations. Jeremiah prophesied of the coming of the armies of Babylon as being like a rising flood of waters to cover the land. Jer. 47:2 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein. Though not literally a flood of water, this flood would be just as effective in clearing the land. Ezekiel 6:14 So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations: and they shall know that I am the LORD. Eze. 12:19-20: her land may be desolate from all that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein. 20 And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. Eze.14:15-16: If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts: 16 Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.
Many of Israel were taken captive by Babylon before the fall of Jerusalem. Among the captives were Ezekiel and Daniel and many others who where preserved in Babylon. Ezekiel 11:16 Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. Though their lives were preserved, their breath or spirit was taken away as a nation, just as all with the breath of life died in the flood of Noah's day. For those Jews in Babylon it was as if their inner self had died. Their identity as a people was centered in Jerusalem and the Temple. Before the city was destroyed some were saying they would shortly return from captivity with the vessels of the temple. But this was not to happen. Jer. 27:16: Also I spake to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Hearken not to the words of your prophets that prophesy unto you, saying, Behold, the vessels of the LORD'S house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon: for they prophesy a lie unto you. Ezekiel also prophesied of the coming fall of Jerusalem. In Ezekiel 24 the death of Ezekiel’s wife is used as an occasion to warn Israel of what was coming. Just as Ezekiel’s wife was the desire of his eyes, so also was Jerusalem and the temple to the captives. As the desire of Ezekiel’s eyes would die, so shortly would Israel's desire die when hearing of Jerusalem's fall. Though they had been in captivity for a time, once hearing the nation of Israel had been sweep away, the outlook of the captives was quite different. Ezek 24: 20 Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 21 Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword. 22 And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men. 23 And your tires shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another. Ezekiel 37 describes their low state of mind. Eze 37:11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Ezekiel describes there captivity as like being in the grave, and there return from captivity like a resurrection. Ezek 37:12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Matthew, when speaking of those children killed by Herod in Bethlehem, quoted a prophesy describing those who were taken captive to Babylon. Matthew is associating the Babylonian captivity with the grave. Jer. 31:15-16 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. 16 Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. Another interesting passage Psa. 90: 5-7 Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. 6 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.
Once the storm of the Day of the Lord was over, the great sea of Babylon that covered the land would now begin to give up her dead. Zechariah describes this time Zec 1:10-13 And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth. 11 And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest. 12 Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years? 13 And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.
King Cyrus of Persia made it possible for Israel to return from captivity. He is believed by some to be a picture of Christ, this maybe true. He clearly opens the symbolic graves of Israel in Babylon and permits the captives to leave. Isa. 44:24-28 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; 25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; 26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: 27 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: 28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. Isa. 45:1-5 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; 2 I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: 3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 5 I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
I have tried to bring out what I see as a parallel between the day of the Lord of Noah's day and that of Ezekiel's day. One common point, they each would bring complete subjection. Another place in the scripture where you can see the same pattern is when Joseph who was at Pharaohs right hand. The Day of the Lord in that time was the great famine that Joseph saw in the dreams of Pharaoh. Notice a few parallels between Joseph's day and that of Daniel's day. Joseph was forcibly taken from Canaan as was Daniel. Both men interpreted dreams for the ruler of the land and by doing so became the second most prominent ruler. The interpretations were similar, showing that the Lord would bring a great many people under each ruler's subjection. The period of subjection would come to an end in each case with the children of Israel returning to their own land. Isaiah gives us a good description of the Day of the LORD. Isa 2:12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: Whether by flood or famine or by Babylon the Lord has sent out his armies to bring the high of this earth low. Often among the captives are the Lord's people. In this low estate it is common that a change of heart takes place. Humility may be one of the more difficult qualities to learn. The grave seems to be the most notable of all captivities. But as the Lord made a way for Israel to return from each of her captivities, we have learned the Lord has made a way of return even from the captivity of the grave.

Men of War

2006-04-05T16:23:00.002-04:00

After Israel’s first Passover a new nation was born, they being bound together by a common participation in the Passover, baptism into Moses in the sea and the cloud and the sprinkling of the blood of the covenant at Mount Sinai. They had favor before the Lord in that they were the descendents of Abraham and also heirs to the Promised Land. Though a single nation, a distinction was made at Passover between the first born and other members of the family. The first born were set apart as the Lord’s on the Passover night. At Mount Sinai the first born were exchanged for the Levites who stood out as being more zealous for the Lord. After accepting the covenant at Mount Sinai, Israel began to shape their lives according to the Mosaic Law. One feature of the Law was to place the Tabernacle in the center of the camp with the Levites around the Tabernacle. The tribe of Levi would supply priests and ministers who would serve in the Tabernacle.

The tribe of Joseph was divided into two tribes making a full 12 tribes camped around the tribe of Levi. When the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai, Moses was instructed to place a boundary around the Mount least the Lord brake forth upon them and many die. In a similar fashion the Levites camped around the tabernacle as a boundary to the 12 tribes least the Lord brake forth upon them. “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 thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: 13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.” Exe 19:11-13

“But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle. 51 And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts. But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony" Num 1:50, 53

In time Israel entered Canaan and began taking possession of the land. This was accomplished by a military campaign. Each tribe supplied able men only the tribe of Levi was exempt. The men of war engaged in a gradual process of subduing the land this conflict tested Israel’s confidence in God. The Lord would supply all the power the nation needed it was for Israel to discover this. The conflict with the Canaanites supplied resistance that would strengthen there confidence in God. A back and forth struggle raged for many year often men of faith would move the nation forward. It was not until David and those who fought with him that the land was finally subdued which brought in a time of peace and rest. This period of rest the Lord considered sufficient that he would do for the nation as was stated to Moses. Deut 12:10, 11 But when ye go over Jordan, and dwell in the land which the LORD your God giveth you to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety; Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; These words pointed forward to a temple that would replace the tabernacle as a permanent dwelling place for the ark of the covenant. The construction and dedication of the temple demonstrated that Israel had taken possession of the land and that God had taken possession of the nation as his inheritance. Once constructed the nations around Israel would at this time begin to learn of the temple of Solomon and the grace God had given the nation. 1Kings 10:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions. v23 So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. 24 And all the earth sought to Solomon, to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart.

Let use look back again at the time when Israel received the law at Mount Sinai. Moses brought Israel to the Mount of God on the third day. A trumpet sounded long and the Lord came down upon the Mount. Israel heard an audible voice from the Mount speaking the Law. They then drew back from the Mount. Exe 20:18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. By drawing back Israel showed a lack of confidence in God, so much so the Lord could not dwell among them. The nation then received the law indirectly through Moses rather then directly from the voice of God at the Mount. The Levites showed a different nature, they had sufficient confidence in the Lord that they could receive the law and the Lord could dwell among them. For this reason the Tabernacle was placed among the Levites. But the Lord, who purposed that this people would be a nation of priests to himself, devised a way for the 12 tribes to develop the confidence they needed to stand before him and receive his word as the Levites did. The 12 tribes would have to enter Canaan and under great resistance develop faith to take the land. In the battle they would learn to draw on the Lord for strength. Once the warfare was over Israel would have demonstrated sufficient confidence in the Lord that he could chose a place for a permanent dwelling among them. The issue was not as much the Canaanites as it was the nation itself and their relation to the Lord. Israel showed the same lack of faith in the days of Samuel when once again Israel refused a more direct relation with the Lord for a king. The result of asking for a king brought a display from the Lord that reflected the time when Israel stood before Sinai. 1 Sam 12:16-22 Now therefore stand and see this great thing, which the LORD will do before your eyes. Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. 18 So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. 19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. 20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; 21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. 22 For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

It would follow that the Levites would not serve in the military; they as a tribe were able to prepare a place for the Lord to dwell among them, for this reason the Lord chose to place the tabernacle among the tribe of Levi. They could receive the Lord’s word and fashion there lives according to it and then stand before Lord. Standing before the Lord was something all the faithful of Israel did. But this did not come without cost; it also meant accepting the chastening and rebuke that would come to fallen men as a result of being near the Lord. Another consequence of the Lord dwelling among the Levites was that the Lord’s word was in their mouth. Malachi says of the Levites “The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts”. Mal 2:6-7 Moses stood before the Lord on Mount Sinai and received the word and brought it to Israel. The priest could enter the Tabernacle and receive God’s word and bring it to Israel. The priests were messengers of the Lord as well. Elijah also demonstrates this ability. Elijah stated twice that he stood before the Lord, because he stood before the Lord his word was in his mouth. “I know that thou art a man of God and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth”. 1 Kings 17:24

1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 1 Kings 18:15 And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself unto him to day. Israel before Elijah was in the same position as Israel was as they stood before Mount Sinai. Elijah could call the fire and plagues associated with Sinai.

Israel looked at the Lord as if he had a location such as on the Mount or in a temple. They did not think of the Lord in the same terms that we have come to know in Christ. John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Israel was no closer or farther from the Lord and his word when in their tents the morning before approaching Mount Sinai. To receive the Lord’s word had more to do with searching their own hearts and removing the stones, filling in the rough places, making the crooked straight to prepare a way for the Lord in there hearts. This was the work of Elijah, the work of bringing the heart to repentance. If this work is to take hold we must be searched out to the ground level and exposed for who we really are.

Moses near the end of his life in a speech to Israel, made reference to the day Israel stood before Mount Sinai. To make a point Moses used Israel’s own words “who shall go up for us and bring it unto us”. Deu 30:11-14 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. God would provide for all Israel’s needs it was for them to receive what God provided into there hearts with out drawing back as they did at Mount Sinai. It was the drawing back that brought the nation through a long arduous journey.

Stepping back for a moment this is what occurs to me. Before Israel of old could gain inheritance in God’s rest they would first have to by the sward bring all opposition under there feet. This would forge a strong bond with the God who supported them in the conflict. It would be this bond that would be represented in the temple being a permanent dwelling for God. God’s dwelling among them was only to the degree he was fixed in there hearts.

At the dedication of the temple we find traces that point back to Mount Sinai showing that what was intended at Mounts Sinai did not find fruition until the temple was dedicated at Zion. This point we will consider farther in the study “Mount Zion the Law and the heart”.