Organization itself is not evil, as some have implied. I have heard it said or implied that the Church should be an organism, not an organization. While that may have a nice ring to it, the difference is merely a case of semantics. Every organism is the epitome of organization. It should rather be stated that the Church should be organized, not chaotic--or that the Church should be a living organism, not a dead form of an organism that once lived.
The problem is either chaos or death, not organization. Nor is structure the problem. On earth the things of the Spirit seek structure, for that is how spirit manifests in the earth. Organizational structure itself is not the problem, nor are buildings, steeples, or church pews real problems. The problem comes when structures, buildings, and legal paperwork are identified as the Church and thus replace the congregation (people) as the Bride of Christ.
When that problem occurs, you know that structure has usurped authority over spirit. This has occurred because those in authority themselves have usurped authority over Jesus Christ. And so, when it is claimed that the organization is the Church and that no one can be a member of the Church without being a member of a particular denomination--this is evidence that the True Church has been usurped by an imitation church.
The most important factor in this is the doctrine that demands submission to men in order to be in proper submission to Jesus Christ. It teaches that certain men are vicars who represent Christ, and that to submit to these vicars is the same as submitting to Christ. That is the problem. In fact, that is the biblical definition of ANTICHRIST.
Looking for a future Antichrist, just take a look around you. Antichrist already rules most of those who call themselves Christians. You do not need a one-world religion to have an Antichrist. Such a person,when he manifests on the earth, would simply be a BIGGER Antichrist than the rest of them.
In the beginning, the soul usurped authority over the spirit, thinking it had a better idea. The soul usurped the authority of the spirit within man and has been ruling ever since--except in those who have been trained to follow the leading of the Spirit (that is, the human spirit in which the Holy Spirit operates).
The story of King Saul is one of the great historical allegories portraying this simple truth. When God brought Israel into Canaan, they were ruled by God directly. There was certainly organization in Israel, for each tribe had its prince and its judges. But God was considered to be the King, and each prince of the tribe was subject to the divine law. He was not a legislator. The prince was not the law. The law was king. The judges had no right to legislate, but to enforce the law that had been given by God through Moses.
Israel was a theocracy, and God Himself judged Israel whenever they violated the First Commandment and worshiped other gods. In fact, in their first three centuries, God put them into 111 years of captivity to other nations for worshiping the gods of those other nations. After the final captivity to the Philistines, which had lasted a full 40 years, the people got tired of God as their King. They wanted a king who was more like them and who understood them better. They wanted a king with lower standards, one who would not put them into captivity on account of their idolatry.
And so God gave them Saul to be their king. This arrangement would have worked reasonably well if the king had continued to recognize God as the sovereign over him. Samuel made this very clear in 1 Sam. 12:19-25 as he exhorted the people to “ serve the Lord with all your heart.”
But Saul soon usurped the throne of God. He thought of himself as a vicar of God, who ruled upon God's throne. And he was right in this. But the moment he disobeyed the commands of God, he usurped God's throne and authority, claiming that he had the divine right to rule as he saw fit. Saul did not know the difference between authority and sovereignty. He had been given authority, but he claimed sovereignty.
Authority is authorized by a higher power and is commissioned to act on behalf of that higher power. Authority has no power of its own, but seeks to do the will of the sovereign above him. Saul violated this sacred trust first when he usurped the priestly-prophetic authority by offering up the sacrifice himself, instead of waiting for Samuel (1 Sam. 13:9).
Secondly, he violated this sacred trust when he made a rash vow forbidding any man to eat until the evening when the battle was concluded (1 Sam. 14:24). The result was that the people were so hungry that they ate blood (14:32). Saul caused the people to become “blood-thirsty.”
Thirdly, he violated this sacred trust when he refused to pass judgment upon the Amalekite King Agag (1 Sam. 15:8). Amalek had reached the end of its grace period after attacking Israel as they came out of Egypt (Ex. 17:16). Moses put a curse on Amalek at that time, and the 18th year of King Saul was 414 years later--the factor of Cursed Time. When Saul spared Agag, he took upon himself the curse that Moses had laid upon Amalek.
These are examples of how Saul usurped the throne and became an anti-christ.
King Saul was crowned on the day of wheat harvest (Pentecost), as we read in 1 Sam. 12:17. He was a type of the Church under Pentecost. Saul's life prophesied of the Church under its own Pentecostal anointing. And this is where a study of Church history has its value. It is a matter of seeing how the Church came to fulfill the prophetic pattern laid down by King Saul in the Old Testament.
Church organization was not the problem. Paul established organization when he ordained elders in each town where he preached. Buildings were not the problem, because each group met in a home, which was a building designed to provide shelter. The problem came when the people and bishops came to think of their earthly organizations in the way that King Saul had viewed the Israelite's.
King Saul thought that leadership meant having servants. Jesus made this correction in Matt. 20:25-28, telling the disciples that leadership meant serving others, not lording it over others. It meant being a servant, not having servants serve him. Saul did not understand this, nor do many Christian leaders today. I have seen with my own eyes many examples of ministers who tell their congregations of their obligations to serve him as if he were Christ Himself. This is antichrist.
The prime motives behind this antichrist spirit are ambition, pride, and rebellion against God. We see this in Saul. We see it developed in the second-century Christian Church and continued to this very day. As this developed in the early Church, “heresies” came to the forefront, and they were often crushed by an antichrist spirit. As Rev. 2:4 says, they had lost their first love. Unity usurping the Church's prime directive, and they were willing to sacrifice love on its altar.
It is one thing to argue forcefully for the truth, but quite another to speak the truth without love.
The throne of Saul represents the 1st Adam who allowed Eve (Israel) to tempt him into disobeying God. 1 Sam 15: 24And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
The throne of David represents the 2nd Adam... Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. . Ps 45:6,7
Isa 7:14 9:6,7 45:21,22,25 Jer 23:6 Ho 1:7 Zec 13:9 Mal 3:1 Mt 1:23 Lu 1:16,17 Joh 10:30,33 20:28 Ro 9:5 1Ti 3:16 Tit 2:13,14 1Jo 5:20
thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be
done: and there is no new thing under the sun.)
We can look back to Lucifer in Heaven who like Saul had started out as the "Anointed" of the Lord, but attempted to usurp God's authority. Then as Adam who allowed Eve (who came from him, "bone of my bone") tempt him to also rebel against God.
All the Kings of Israel/Judah numbered 43. With David set apart (sanctified) as the anointed 'type and shadow' of Jesus Christ (son of David) we see the 42 Kings (number of Antichrist's reign and connected to evil accounts) Forty Two, 3½ and 1260. This is the amount that is given to the wicked or for people to bear fruit. Judgment occurs at the end. It is based on the law that God only expects results after the third year of planting (Leviticus 19: 23-25).
This time period appears in many prophecies as 1260 days, 42 months or 3½ years. It is the period that God allows the beast to operate. Notice that this is equal to 6 x 7 months. It is man's portion of the jubilee cycle.
Notice that it is also 3 x 2 x 7. Three for punishment, two for double punishment and seven for complete punishment.
Two female bears kill forty two children after they ridiculed the prophet of God. 2 Kings 2: 24.
Again we have the idea that forty two is a human portion. (4+2=6 the number of man) Forty two thousand Ephraimites died due to sin.
(northern kingdom) | (southern kingdom) | ||
| 1000–993 | (or: Ishbosheth) | ||
(northern kingdom) | (southern kingdom) | ||
914–912 | Abijah | ||
909–886 885 885 | Nadab Baasah Elah Zimri | ||
873–853 853–852 | Ahab Ahaziah | ||
Jehoram | |||
840–835 | Athaliah (queen) | ||
747 747 | Zechariah Shallum | ||
742–740 | Pekahiah | ||
731–722 | Hoshea Fall of Samaria to the Assyrians (722) | ||
Fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians (587) | |||
Ahlström, Gösta. A History of Ancient Palestine. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993. Gottwald, Norman K. The Hebrew Bible: A Socio-Literary Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985. Hayes, John H. and J. Maxwell Miller, editors. Israelite and Judaean History. Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1977. Herrmann, Siegfried. A History of Israel in Old Testament Times. Translated by J. Bowden. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1981. Miller, J. Maxwell, and John H. Hayes. A History of Israel and Judah. 2nd ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006. Noth, Martin. The History of Israel. Translated by P. R. Ackroyd. Rev. ed. New York: Harper & Row, 1960. Rogerson, John, and Philip R. Davies. The Old Testament World. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1982. |
So symbolism is really much of scripture. Adam and Eve were told by God not to eat of the fruit of the tree of good and evil lest they die. Of course they did not die physically until many years later, but died spiritually from communion with God immediately.
We saw this "similitude" with Saul...because of his sin, David was chosen and anointed King even though Saul was still on the throne! 1 Sam 15:10Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying, 11It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments.
So as like Adam and Eve's Judgement was "death" it was not immediate as God would use their (especially Eve's) seed to work out his plan for redemption of both the Heaven and Earthly Kingdom that is seen in "progressive repetitive revelation" over and over again..."faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God" ....for those who thirst and hunger for truth, shall find it and it's amazing reality revealed in this divine order and parabolic "hidden pearl of great price" builds unshakable faith!
This will no doubt be a very extensive study, but the result will be "incontrovertible proof of God's divine design for us to have the "Key's to this end time prototype it all points to.
Daniel 12:4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
Prophecy of the End Time
1 “At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
And there shall be a time of trouble,
Such as never was since there was a nation,
Even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered,
Every one who is found written in the book.
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Some to everlasting life,
Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.
4 “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”
We see in the Word of God to the prophet Daniel in Chapter 12 that this "Time" verses 1 & 2 clearly are the "End Time" for verse 2 shows the resurrection. Therefore all that occurs in chapter 11 is not past history as preterists teach, for scripture declares... " And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt" this time is "The End."
As I have written in my teachings we must consider "progressive repetitive revelation" in interpreting prophesy. Ecclesiastes 1:9 "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun." gives us the key when we use repetitive types and shadows fulfilled in actual biblical and world history.
From "Time of The End " Hypothesis: God is still using anthropomorphic history and events to
reveal what has **been sealed until "the time of the end."
Question: Does scripture support the use of types and patterns for doctrine
and prophesy?
Answer: Hebrews 8:5* "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly
things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the
tabernacle: for, saith he, that thou make all things according to the
pattern shown to thee in the mount."
Ecclesiastes 1:9 "The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and
that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing
under the sun."
Isaiah 28: 10, Ezekiel 43:10, Hebrews 13:8 to name a few of many supportive
scriptures.
We see therefore that God has used man's history which is recorded in the
bible, to not only 'play out' type and shadows in repeated patterns, but has
continued.. and we can see it, if we will re-evaluate our "eschatology"
which is tainted with the same error of "The harlot Babylon" doctrines that
Apostolic truth led us out of concerning Godhead Theology, Soteriology,
Christology, Pnuematology etc...
* The parable of the 11th hour laborer*
As Jacob birthed the twelve sons as the heads of the twelve tribes
of Israel, we can see a prophetic type in Joseph as the 11th son was
to Jacob, the 11th hour ministry of the Church is to Jesus, our
"householder."
For Jacob, Joseph was supposed to be"the first". He was the son of
Rachael whom Jacob thought he worked for in the beginning. But Laban
deceived him and he got Leah. "Rachael means "Ewe" mother of many
sheep. Leah means "doe eyed and haggardly."
Satan has deceived the world with a "Leah" in the Post Apostolic
Age. Just as Joseph's brethren sold him into slavery for his God
anointed calling, we see the 11th hour ministry of the post 1906
outpouring were ridiculed and persecuted emerging as the Joseph who will save the house of his
Father.
The mainline religious denominations who had subscribed to
cessationism, rejected the 1906 visitation as of the devil and mocked
it because of it's interracial complexion as well as it's supernatural
gifting(s) like Joseph's.
And again, because of racial hatred and men who were called but not "chosen"
to lead the Eleventh Hour/Joseph ministry of the church, the "brethren" were
again divided." So we again see this "microcosm" in repetitive type of the
Church not able to cross Jordan into the promised land.( metaphorically)
But now that we find prophetic fulfillment in Israel, as she is poised to
be grafted back in, ( whether nationalistically or "branches that; whosoever will")
we see that the Joseph/11th Hour ministry, is the final type of the'brother' exiled
because of jealousy and hatred.
As satanic rebellion caused "fratricide" and hatred between Cain and Able,
and the children of Abraham, The ten tribes against Judah, and "his own"
against The Lord Jesus, we see Ecclesiastes 1:9 perpetuated in "type and
shadow" in history over and over.
This happened again among us after 1906 when the division of the
brethren occurred over race because of racial hatred and discrimination.
Again, we see the type repeated!
The Church in post-1906 that has been led to all truth and understanding,
( Soteriologically etc..)... like Joseph, if we are that chosen generation,
we will save the brethren (Jew and Gentile) along with many in Egypt, from
famine ." Not a famine of bread nor thirst for water, but of the hearing of
the words of the Lord." Amos 8:11....with another and last great outpouring
upon his people who will "will humble themselves and pray, and turn from
their wicked ways, and seek my face, then will I hear from heaven and will
heal their land." 2 Chron &:14
In Joseph, we also see him as a type who is a forerunner to Moses a type
of Christ as to his second coming. When Joseph and all his brothers were
reunited as the house of Jacob, all 12 were together and 12 is God's number
of perfect divine government, as the church will be when Israel is grafted
back in, for Benjamin (son of the right hand) is a type for Israel and
fulfills 12 in the Church's divine destiny as prophesied over and over in
scripture and type-shadow.
We finally can see a "Joseph/Gentile Church who loves his estranged
brethren, ( Israel) and is and has been in the position ( free world Church)
to protect and deliver Israel from it's enemies and preach the Gospel of
Jesus to bring them out of spiritual "famine."
Again we will see in the story of the deliverance of Israel from
slavery under the new Pharaoh who is type of Antichrist, and the
supernatural plagues against Egypt are mirrored with Revelation and
Daniel's prophesies. But getting back to Joseph as a 'ministry type',
we can see that the apostasy of the Church was involved with the
political "beast" of the day overcoming the saints through persecution
and tribulation of Holy Ghost filled, Jesus named believers who were
driven out into exile and into hiding until God provided countries
that protected "religious freedom."
Of course this remnant remained for "the gates of hell shall not
prevail against my church." The outpouring in America in 1906 marked
the birth of the 11th hour Joseph ministry of the Church and God has
stamped his divine mathematical irrefutable hand on these events.
As the apostate theologians from their Greek/Hellenistic
philosophy, and "wise and prudent" humanistic and spirit of
anti-Christ influenced mindset, brought us the resurrected false
Babylonian religion disguised as christian dogma, we have muddled our
way through tossing out their Soteriology, Christology, Pnuematology,
Ecclesiology... but, we like so many good daughters of Rome still
cling to their Hermeneutics, Eschatology and so on.
God has spoken to us in his Book of Books using type, shadow,
allegory as a way to hide truth as his parables did, for this 11th
hour. At this hour, when the light of the prophetic sun is setting in
the west, ( where it is light longer!) we can see "the true" for there is
no more shadow cast upon the "east" for twilight and night is fallen.
With the light of prophesy on top of us as the shadows disappear, we
have to ask ourselves if America was the focal point for a second Pentecost
in 1906, and America and Britain politically pivotal for Israels re-birth as
a nation in 1948, and we are crucial to her safety ( Israel's and NATO) in
2009, where are we in biblical prophesy/historic pattern? Are we both the
fulfillment of prophesy for the true and false Church concerning "seat" of
power?
So in light of Daniel 12 clearly showing events are in these days, how can we interpret the battles and actions of those in scripture here whom one is clearly the Antichrist figure of the Book of Revelation.
Daniel 11: 21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force[h] of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.
As I have previously pointed out, the "king" is human agency being used by the "spiritual wickedness in high places."
Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
4And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
6And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
8And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9If any man have an ear, let him hear.
10He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
11And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
13And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
14And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
Most teachings on Revelation see "a man" as the Antichrist and that is who those following that teaching look for a man. But scripture shows The Beast is a system and power which a man or men are used to do it's bidding.
Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom was shared by his heirs through Daniels life, but Daniel's vision of the Image with the gold head was attributed to that king, yet representative of his heirs also.
So we should be looking for the "Power" not a man. Gold is attached to 666 in Solomon's Treasury, and Nebuchadnezzar's Gold head of Daniels vision of his Image. The power of the Antichrist will be Money...follow the money.
The E.U fits the bill for this "Kingdom" and out of will rise this figure, Dan 11:21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force[h] of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant.
Daniel 7:23 “He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 24The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. 25He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.a
26“‘But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. 27Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.’
28“This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself.”
So we see here that this leads up to Daniel 12....at the Resurrection, the Saints are handed the kingdom. So these events that also occurred before, will be played out again according to the "pattern." But the actual picture must be deciphered with political and financial weaponry as well as militarily.
The fourth Beast is the last earthly Kingdom whom all who worship it's Image (Gold/Money) and are marked by it, will "receive a strong delusion sent by God, because they loved not the truth, that they may believe a lie." Not the truth of the plan of 'initial salvation" but putting their self-love and following after "the things of the world (money) ahead of God's Word & Will to reach the lost." The lamps of the five foolish virgins did not have the 'oil' for the light of their witnessing and warning to the lost and dying world, and that is what made them "foolish."
The EU is the "Treasury" over Europe, and Sarkozy has designed the Mediterranean Union for Islamic World to capture that economy as he "MAKES IT IN THE IMAGE OF THE FIRST BEAST." And use it to replace the EURO because "Sharia law" is that "Zakat" (tithes) must be paid in Gold,Silver, or precious Gems. Paper currency is not allowed.
Revelation 3:12 Jesus said “and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”
Judges 12 >>
King James Version |
1And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire. 2And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands. 3And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me? 4Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites. 5And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay; 6Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.
7And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
8And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. 9And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. 10Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Bethlehem.
11And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years. 12And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun.
13And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel. 14And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years. 15And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.
Shibboleth (shĭb`ōlĕth), in the Bible, test word that the Gileadites made the Ephraimites pronounce. As Ephraimites could not say sh but only s as in "Sibboleth," this was regarded as a test of an Ephraimite; 42,000 Ephraimites were thus detected.
a flowing stream
Transliteration: shibbolethShort Definition: flood
 |
from the same as shobel
Definition
a flowing stream
NASB Word Usage
flood (2), flowing stream (1), shibboleth (1).
NAS Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries
Copyright © 1981, 1998 by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved Lockman.org
Copyright © 1981, 1998 by The Lockman Foundation
All rights reserved Lockman.org
Judges 12
For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance. 5As the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land.
Shibboleth means "a spring or stream of flowing water" while this seems to have hidden understanding to most bible commentaries from a cessationist viewpoint...it is clear to those born of the Spirit that this is a type of knowing a 'tare' from 'wheat.'
JOHN 7:37-39 (KING JAMES VERSION)
37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (Shibboleth!)
39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Just as God marked Cain, he has continued this pattern in scripture. Also we see the biblical stamp of the Antichrist in vs 6 of Jiudges 12 previously6Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand . Forty two is the reign of months in Revelation by the Antichrist.
Forty two were destroyed by the she bears in :
2 KINGS 2:24 (YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION)
24And he looketh behind him, and seeth them, and declareth them vile in the name of Jehovah, and two bears come out of the forest, and rend of them forty and two lads.
Here we see Elijah as a type of the last ministry (11th hour) of the church before Elijah is (raptured) caught up by the whirlwind, and Elisha (2nd coming of Christ) ends the 42 month reign of the Antichrist.
Now those who are marked by the Beast...do not have "streaming rivers...living shibboleth waters flowing from the inner man.
Law of first mention
The 'Law of first mention' refers to the importance of a word, a subject , or idea that is mentioned first in a particular passage of scripture, that is, in terms of its earliest mention in scripture. Not surprisingly many of these occur in Genesis. It is also considered that the first mention often lays down God's original purpose, meaning or intention on a particular subject.
The first example of "The first shall be last and the last shall be first." is found
in the fall of Lucifer.
Ezekiel 28:
12Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
13Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
14Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
15Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
16By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
17Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.
18Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
So just as Christ the "second Adam" takes back the position that the first Adam lost, The son of David, Christ will take the "throne" back from the "King of this world".. Satan/Antichrist. What use is this understanding for us to apply to this End-Time?
The "pattern" that is throughout scripture, especially of the Northern Tribes rebelling against David's Throne is seen replayed over and over, not only in biblical stories, but also human history. Hebrews 8:5* "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly
things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the
tabernacle: for, saith he, that thou make all things according to the
pattern shown to thee in the mount."
God has already ordained all of creation...the "Pattern" for all things is pre-set...done...it is our choice whether or not to fit ourselves into the pattern. The only way for anyone is to be "conformed to the image of Jesus Christ."
Some human figures purposely seek to fulfill these roles such as Hitler, and recently Saddam Hussein, who claimed to be the reincarnate "Nebuchadnezzar." Others will not have the choice as with Judas Iscariot, when the appointed time came to pass, "Satan entered him." John 13: 26Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27And after the sop Satan entered into him.
In God's foreknowledge, he predestines those who he knows will never obey and love him, and like Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Judas etc... he has them cast into the necessary roles that prophesy of his divine design dictates.
For the Church that is "watching and praying" and seeing these things manifest so that we can "stand in the day of evil" it becomes the "shield of faith" for our whole armor of God. When we can operate in prophetic forecasting to the flock, many will hear believe, and stand.
The tragedy is that many preachers are woefully inept in the study of this end time, that most will be caught unawares, and will not find the urgency of the hour to re-ignite the passion and fire of the Holy Ghost for revival and facing the reality of the end of the world.
The current events being played out world-wide are prophetic! There is the "Pattern" that God will help us see... if we seek, we shall find. To believe that there is a "start point" where current events finally show themselves fulfilling prophesy, and that it will be obvious is what the five foolish virgins expected, or else they would have had oil for their lamps to see.
Notice that they were told to "come out to meet him." Those who are "wise" and have been watching will know that those words, "come out" do not mean from an abode or the traditional Jewish Bride's waiting canopy.
If we don't come out to meet the least of these, we won't meet him!
. Hebrews 1:8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. . Ps 45:6,7
Throughout scripture we understand that God has "A Throne" "One Throne" ....We know that it is not a "literal throne" that would be abler to accommodate the omnipresent God. For we know that God is a Spirit without beginning nor end. Jesus said, Rev 3: 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
His Throne represents many things but it's primary metaphor is "authority." We are joint heirs with Christ, who is the son of David, and sits on David's Throne. Until the Resurrection and restitution of all things, we see the picture of David ruling over Judah, in Christ over the Church.
The rest of his kingdom is still divided from sin and rebellion until the last battle where he will once and for all defeat Satan and his minions. Thus we see the 'typology' of the ten northern tribes following another King...an ANTICHRIST.
Since Judah and the lineage of David is the only bloodline ordained to hold the Throne, we will study the "similitude" and allegory here first.
As a microcosm of the heavenly pattern, we see that Saul was over all Judah and Israel united as one nation. But like Lucifer, Saul was rejected from the Throne.
David became King over Judah only at first, until Ishbaal the son of Saul, who Abner had installed as King over the Northern Tribes was beheaded and David consolidated the Kingdom. We see again a picture of "War in Heaven...then the War in the earthly Kingdom mirror the first."
So David and Solomon were the only Kings of the Tribe of Judah who ruled over a united Judah/Israel.
David representing the "Tabernacle of David" which is spiritual...and Solomon built the Temple that was lost due to serving other gods. Again we see a picture of Adam over the Garden of Eden in a spiritual condition, and because of sin his Sons reaped what he sowed.
This is the first of a number of painful events David will experience as a result of his sin regarding Uriah and Bathsheba. In our text, David will suffer the loss of the child conceived through the sinful union of David and Uriah's wife, Bathsheba. Next, David's daughter will be raped by one of his sons. In retaliation for Amnon's sin, Absalom murders him. Later, David's son, Absalom, will rebel against his father and temporarily take over the throne. In the process, he will sleep with some of David's concubines, before all Israel, and on the roof of the palace from which David first looked upon Bathsheba. All of these things are directly or indirectly the consequences of David’s sin with Bathsheba.
David's Response to His Son's Sickness and Death
We also know from Hebrews
Verse 10 tells us that Lucifer perhaps knew that God would manifest in the flesh and give all power to The Son. And,
Lucifer overthrew Adam's position through subtlety and deception as it is his only weapon. The ability he has to inject his spiritual wickedness into humans if they give him place (permission) is demonic power that will increase as the final battle approaches in these End Times.
The Church now has claim to the " Throne." As heirs to salvation, the "Throne" is what Satan is after, for if we abdicate our right to it, just as Adam lost authority and spiritual power, so will the Church if it does not prevail.
We understand that the Word proclaims that "The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it" so until that Church enters the battle, we will see the "progressive repetitive pattern, played over and over.
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matt 24
Jesus was speaking to "This Gospel" the gospel he was teaching on...the end of the world!
3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25Behold, I have told you before.
26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30And 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.
31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth
The 4th & 5th verses are clear that Jesus is teaching to the Church about his second coming, not to unbelievers concerning the Gospel of initial salvation. Jesus is speaking in language about scripture that the Church should know not unbelievers.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Just as the Passover meal to strengthen their flight out of Egypt, our "meat in due season" must have us prepared for the end. Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the Word of God.
As the Throne of David got weaker and weaker until God allowed Israel to be taken into captivity, we can see how the Church has followed that pattern! The 1906 revival that has awaken believers to the truth of John 3:3 concerning "Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and all that was lost to Rome and her daughters, is slipping again into captivity because we love where we are instead of where we are going.
We have made our own Rome with our Mega Temples and Heaven on earth worldly trappings..
Some human figures purposely seek to fulfill these roles such as Hitler, and recently Saddam Hussein, who claimed to be the reincarnate "Nebuchadnezzar." Others will not have the choice as with Judas Iscariot, when the appointed time came to pass, "Satan entered him." John 13: 26Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27And after the sop Satan entered into him.
In God's foreknowledge, he predestines those who he knows will never obey and love him, and like Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Judas etc... he has them cast into the necessary roles that prophesy of his divine design dictates.
For the Church that is "watching and praying" and seeing these things manifest so that we can "stand in the day of evil" it becomes the "shield of faith" for our whole armor of God. When we can operate in prophetic forecasting to the flock, many will hear believe, and stand.
The tragedy is that many preachers are woefully inept in the study of this end time, that most will be caught unawares, and will not find the urgency of the hour to re-ignite the passion and fire of the Holy Ghost for revival and facing the reality of the end of the world.
The current events being played out world-wide are prophetic! There is the "Pattern" that God will help us see... if we seek, we shall find. To believe that there is a "start point" where current events finally show themselves fulfilling prophesy, and that it will be obvious is what the five foolish virgins expected, or else they would have had oil for their lamps to see.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25:1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps [1] and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Notice that they were told to "come out to meet him." Those who are "wise" and have been watching will know that those words, "come out" do not mean from an abode or the traditional Jewish Bride's waiting canopy.
The Final Judgment
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, [6] you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
If we don't come out to meet the least of these, we won't meet him!
. Hebrews 1:8But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. . Ps 45:6,7
Throughout scripture we understand that God has "A Throne" "One Throne" ....We know that it is not a "literal throne" that would be abler to accommodate the omnipresent God. For we know that God is a Spirit without beginning nor end. Jesus said, Rev 3: 21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
His Throne represents many things but it's primary metaphor is "authority." We are joint heirs with Christ, who is the son of David, and sits on David's Throne. Until the Resurrection and restitution of all things, we see the picture of David ruling over Judah, in Christ over the Church.
The rest of his kingdom is still divided from sin and rebellion until the last battle where he will once and for all defeat Satan and his minions. Thus we see the 'typology' of the ten northern tribes following another King...an ANTICHRIST.
Since Judah and the lineage of David is the only bloodline ordained to hold the Throne, we will study the "similitude" and allegory here first.
As a microcosm of the heavenly pattern, we see that Saul was over all Judah and Israel united as one nation. But like Lucifer, Saul was rejected from the Throne.
David became King over Judah only at first, until Ishbaal the son of Saul, who Abner had installed as King over the Northern Tribes was beheaded and David consolidated the Kingdom. We see again a picture of "War in Heaven...then the War in the earthly Kingdom mirror the first."
So David and Solomon were the only Kings of the Tribe of Judah who ruled over a united Judah/Israel.
David representing the "Tabernacle of David" which is spiritual...and Solomon built the Temple that was lost due to serving other gods. Again we see a picture of Adam over the Garden of Eden in a spiritual condition, and because of sin his Sons reaped what he sowed.
After becoming King of Israel, things were going very well for David, perhaps too well. He seemed to have the Midas touch -- everything he touched turned to gold. God had given him success in all he undertook. Like Israel of old, David appears to momentarily forget that his success was the result of God's grace, and not a tribute to his efforts alone. The first glimpse of this overconfidence comes in 2 Samuel 7, where David expresses his desire to build a house for God. In response, God reminds David his successes are the manifestations of His grace (7:8-9). He goes on to assure David that there are good things yet in store for Israel, and that these too will be His doing (7:10-11). Having gently rebuked David for supposing that He really needed a “house,” God promised to build David a better “house,” one that is an eternal dynasty:
‘“The LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you. 12 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. 16 “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:11b-16).’”
But in the chapters which follow, David's arrogance seems to increase. It is most evident in 2 Samuel 11. Israel is at war with the Ammonites, and in the Spring (the time that kings go to war), David sends his army to besiege Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites, where the last of the Ammonite opposition has sought refuge. David does not go to battle with his soldiers, but stays at home in Jerusalem, indulging himself in the good life while his soldiers camp in an open field. David gets up from his bed about the time his soldiers (and others) usually go to bed. As he is strolling on the roof of his palace, David happens to see something that was not meant to be seen -- a young woman cleansing herself, most likely a ceremonial cleansing ceremony done in keeping with the law. The woman is beautiful, and David decides that he wants her. He sends messengers to find out who she is. Their answer -- that she was Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite -- should have ended the matter, but David had no intention of being deprived of anything he wanted. He sent for the woman and lay with her.
For David, it was all over after that one night of self-indulgence. He did not want another wife; he did not even appear to want an affair, just a night of pleasure. But God had other plans. Bathsheba conceived and eventually sent word to David that she was pregnant. When David's efforts to deceive Uriah (and the people) into thinking Uriah had fathered this child, he had Uriah killed in battle with the help of Joab. After she had mourned for her husband, David brought Bathsheba into his home, taking her as his wife. Now at last, David hoped, it was over.
This thing which David had done displeased God, however, and God would give David no rest or peace until he had come to see his sin for what it was and repented of it. After some period of distress (see Psalm 32:3-4), God sent Nathan to David with a story, a story which deeply upset David. David was furious. He insisted that the rich man who stole the poor man's pet lamb deserved to die! Nathan then stopped David in his tracks with the words, “You are the man!” (2 Samuel 12:7). As David heard Nathan's recital of his sin, he broke, declaring to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13).
Nathan's response to David's confession was both comforting and disturbing. Although he deserved to die for his sins, David would not die because God had taken away his sin (12:13). What a relief these words must have been. But what followed would pierce David through: the son his sin had produced would die. It is David's response to the death of this son that will be the focus of our lesson.
Observations
The tragic death of David’s son is a consequence of David's sin, but it is not the penalty David deserves for his sin. The penalty for adultery and murder is death, on each count. David deserves to die, on two counts: adultery and murder. But Nathan has made it very clear that David's sin has been “taken away.” The death of this child is a painful consequence of David's sin, but it is not punishment for his sin, per se. That punishment has been taken away, borne by the Lord Jesus Christ.
The fast which David observes is a very serious one. In the Hebrew Old Testament, there is a unique way of emphasizing a point. The Hebrew language of the Old Testament repeats the word for emphasis. Thus, when God told Adam that he would “surely die” (Genesis 2:17) He said something like this: “You shall die a death.” Thus, Young's Literal Translation reads,
“And of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou dost not eat of it, for in the day of thine eating of it--dying thou dost die.”
In our text, God uses this doubling method to emphasize the certainty of the child's death:
“However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die” (2 Samuel 12:14).
The same doubling is found in verse 16:
David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground.
Only in the marginal notes of the KJV do we see the literal rendering, “fasted a fast.” The point is that David's fasting was not entered into casually. He was dead serious about this fast, for it was a matter of life and death.
Once again, Bathsheba is not prominent in this text, but David. The sin of adultery was David's doing, while (in my way of reading this story) Bathsheba was a victim. So it is only fitting that it is David who is prominent in this text which depicts his fasting and prayer, pleading with God for the child's life.
The author changes the way he refers to Bathsheba in our text. In verse 15 he speaks of Bathsheba, the mother of the child who died, as “Uriah's widow.” In verse 24, there is a very significant change. Here, the author refers to this same woman, the mother of David's second child Solomon, as “his wife Bathsheba.” Not only has God come to accept this second child, He has come to accept Bathsheba as David's wife.
The final events of chapter 12 give us a definite sense of closure. David's sin is to be understood as the exception, rather than the rule in his life:
Because David did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the case of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5).
Chapters 11 and 12 of 2 Samuel are almost parenthetical, then, as they depict this exceptional period in David's life. This was a time when he was not a “man after God's heart.” And so we find chapter 11 beginning with a description of Israel going to battle, while David stays at home (11:1). We find verses 26-31 of chapter 12 reporting how David showed up for the war, and when it was won, all Israel returned home to Jerusalem. There is a sense of closure, of finality, here, which I think the author intended us to feel. In addition, we find that our text records the death of Bathsheba's first son, followed rather quickly by the account of the birth of the second, Solomon, who was to rule on the throne of his father, David.
Nathan's Announcement
(12:13-15a)
13 Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. 14 “However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.” 15 So Nathan went to his house.
David had condemned himself with his own words in response to Nathan's story of the stolen pet lamb: “As the Lord lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die” (12:5). The law certainly did not pronounce such a penalty on a thief, but it did condemn adulterers and murderers. According to the Law, David should have died for his sins. Based upon divine grace through the coming death of Christ, David was forgiven for his sins and assured that he would not die. These words from Nathan must have been a huge relief to David, who knew he did not deserve anything but God's wrath. His sense of relief was short-lived, however, because Nathan was not finished with what he had to say:
“However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die” (verse 14).
Nathan assured David that the punishment he deserved has been taken away (we know this means it has been transferred to Christ). But God cannot allow His name to be blasphemed by allowing it to appear that He does not care about sin. From the very beginning the Bible teaches us that the wages of sin is death (see Genesis 2:17; 4:8, 23; 5:1ff.; Romans 6:23). For God to allow David's sins to have no painful consequences would enable the wicked to conclude that God does not really hate sin, nor does He do anything about it when we do sin.
The Law of Moses was given to set Israel apart from the nations. It was given so that Israel could reflect God's character to the world. When David sinned, he violated God's law, and he also dishonored God. This hypocrisy was observed by the nations, and it resulted in their dishonoring God. Paul would make this same charge against the Jews centuries later:
21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? 24 For “THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES BECAUSE OF YOU,” just as it is written (Romans 2:21-24).
Elsewhere, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy that elders -- those church leaders whose lives are publicly under scrutiny -- who persist in their sin are to be corrected publicly, so that all will learn (1 Timothy 5:19-20). God is very concerned about his reputation. He works in such a way as to instruct not only men who look on, but also angels who do likewise (see Exodus 32:9-14; 34:10; Ephesians 3:8-10).
God could not look the other way when David sinned, for his disobedience to God's commands was a matter of public knowledge. As his victories and triumphs were known among the Gentiles, so his sins would be widely known as well. By taking the life of this child, conceived in sin, God makes a statement to those looking on. If God does not deal with the sin of His saints, they might reason, then He will not be concerned with mine, either. Thus, they will mock God with the confidence that they can get away with their sin.
David's Response to His Son's Sickness and Death
(12:15b-23)
Then the LORD struck the child that Uriah's widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. 16 David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground. 17 The elders of his household stood beside him in order to raise him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat food with them. 18 Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!” 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” 20 So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he came to his own house, and when he requested, they set food before him and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.' 23 “But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
After Nathan left David, God struck the child born to David and “Uriah's widow.” We do not know what the malady was, but we do know that after seven days the child died.52 David had mourned when Saul and Jonathan died in battle (2 Samuel 1), when Abner was killed by Joab (2 Samuel 3), and even when Nahash the Ammonite king died (2 Samuel 10). His mourning here, however, is not a mourning over the death of his son (for he has not yet died), but is instead the mourning of repentance. David mourns as a sign of his repentance as he beseeches God to spare the life of his son.
Is it right for David to beseech God to spare the life of this child when He has already said that He is going to take the life of the child? I believe the answer is “Yes!” David knew that some prophecies were warnings of what God would do unless men repented. God sometimes foretold future judgment, which would come to pass if men did not repent. The hope for divine relenting in response to human repenting is set down in Jeremiah 18:5-8:
5 Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 6 “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel. 7 “At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; 8 if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it.
This hope of forgiveness proved to be true for ancient Nineveh (much to Jonah's displeasure -- see Jonah 3and 4), and also for Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33:10-13).
Further, it may be that David viewed this situation through the eyes of the Davidic Covenant, which God had recently made with him:
12 “When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 “He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, 15 but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you” (2 Samuel 7:12-15).
Is it possible that David felt this child might be the heir to his throne? If this were the case, then David surely had reason to hope that God would spare the child's life.
David was certainly right in his assumption that the life of this child was in God's hands, and that his best course of action was to appeal to God to spare the child's life. David believed in the sovereignty of God, and thus he rested his case with God. David's prayers are not only the expression of his repentance, but the exercise of his faith. Believing in God's sovereignty did not keep David from taking action (fasting and praying); his faith prompted him to act.
In spite of David's sorrow, sincerity, and persistence in petitioning God to spare the child's life, his request was denied. The child died. David must not have been with the child when it happened or he would have seen this for himself. David did see his servants whispering to one another, perhaps furtively glancing in his direction as they did so. They were afraid to tell David because they feared he might cause harm. The text is not altogether clear about whom the servants feared David might harm. You will notice that by the use of italics the NAB indicates to us that the word himself is supplied by the translators. I am not so sure David's servants feared only for David's safety. They may have feared for themselves as well. I think that the NIV best conveys the ambiguity of the original text:
On the seventh day the child died. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they thought, “While the child was still living, we spoke to David but he would not listen to us. How can we tell him the child is dead? He may do something desperate” (2 Samuel 12:18, NIV).53
The long and short of it is that no one wanted to be the bearer of bad tidings to David. After all, if David had taken this child's illness so seriously, would he not take the news of his death even more so?54 They did not need to inform David because he instinctively knew the child was gone. The words of Nathan were fulfilled as David could see on the faces of his servants. When David asked if the child was dead they could not deny it. They told him the child was indeed dead.
It is what happens from this point on that perplexes David's servants. While the child was ill they had not been able to get David up from the ground, nor to eat any food. They assumed it would only get worse once he knew the child was dead. Instead, David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, changed his clothes, and went into the house of the Lord, where he worshipped. When he had finished worshipping God, he came home and asked for food. When they set it before him, he ate it.
The servants were amazed and puzzled. A New Testament text may help explain what was normally expected:
14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast” (Matthew 9:14-15, NAB).
David was expected to mourn for the child after he died. From the servants' perspective, David had mourned so much for this child while he was still alive that they feared what would happen when they told him he was now dead. Finally David’s servants worked up the courage to ask the king how he could respond so calmly, knowing that the child was dead. David now explains his change in behavior. I think David’s unusual response can be explained in this manner:
The death of this child came as no surprise to David because it had already been foretold by Nathan.Through Nathan God had informed David that this son, the fruit of David's sinful union with Bathsheba, “Uriah's widow,” would surely die. The death of this child was the revealed will of God. For David to mourn excessively would have been to express his regret over God's will. David's actions indicated that he had accepted the death of this child as God's will.
Nathan had already explained the reason for death of this child to David. The purpose for the death of this child was not to punish David. The appropriate punishment for David's sins under the law would have been the death penalty. Nathan has not given David news of a reduced sentence, but of complete forgiveness, because the guilt and punishment for his sins had been “taken away” (12:13). The purpose for this child's death was instructive. It was meant to silence any blasphemy on the part of the “enemies of God.” Lest any might wrongly conclude that Israel's God was oblivious to David's sin in the breaking of God's law, God made it apparent that He would not wink at sin, even the sin of a man after His own heart. The death of David's son was an object lesson to the enemies of God.
David's mourning during the child's sickness was an act of repentance, not the mourning of the loss of a loved one:
22 He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who knows, the LORD may be gracious to me, that the child may live.' 23 “But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
The death of this child was accepted as God's final answer to David's petitions for the child's life.This is the substance of David's answer to the question posed by his servants. While the child was alive, David fasted, wept, and prayed. But now the child is dead. David has done all that he could. God has given David a clear and final answer: “No.” David sees death as the time to cease those activities which were only appropriate in life. Someone has said, “Where there's life, there's hope.” As far as David's hope for the healing of this child is concerned, God has indicated to David that he should cease his efforts to persuade God to relent concerning this child's death.
I see a similar example of David's acceptance of death as a point of termination in chapter 13, where David finds a certain comfort in the fact that his son Amnon was dead:
The heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead (2 Samuel 13:39).
David's comfort, to some degree, was found in Amnon's death. In David's mind, it was as if God had closed a chapter. The death of David's child by Bathsheba was God's final answer to his request that the child might live.
David was comforted by the fact that what he asked for (and was denied) was grace. God's grace, by its very nature, is sovereign grace. Grace is often defined as “unmerited favor.” Allowing this simple definition to stand for the moment, let us see how David can be comforted by the fact that what he asked for -- and was denied -- was a matter of grace.
I have already called attention to the words of Jeremiah 18, where repentance is encouraged, and where God leaves His options open concerning the canceling (or even delaying) of threatened judgment. There is a very similar passage in the Book of Joel, where repentance is encouraged, and divine relenting is spoken of as a possibility:
12 “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping and mourning; 13 And rend your heart and not your garments.” Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness And relenting of evil. 14 Who knows whether He will not turn and relent And leave a blessing behind Him, Even a grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God? (Joel 2:12-14, emphasis mine).
In both Jeremiah 18 and this passage in Joel, sinners are encouraged to repent in precisely the way we see David repenting and petitioning God in our text. The appeal of the penitent sinner -- that God would relent and withhold judgment -- is based upon God's grace, and not on the sinner's merits. And just because it is a matter of grace, we dare not presume that God must relent. Thus, in Jeremiah and Joel55 we are encouraged to hope for the possibility of God relenting, but not to presume that He will indeed relent.
We can see an example of the right kind of thinking in the Book of Daniel. Daniel's three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image. He was furious, but he gave these men a second chance. If they would bow down at the next opportunity, they would not be punished, but if they refused, they would be cast into a fiery furnace. This is the response of the three men to this offer:
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17 “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 “But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).
These men knew they were obeying God rather than men. They knew that God was able to deliver them from the fiery furnace. They did not dare to presume that He would do so, and so they responded to Nebuchadnezzar in a way that left the option open. God could deliver them, for He was able. But whether or not He would do so, they did not dare to presume. Either way, they would not do as the king demanded, for they were committed to serve God first and foremost.
David knew that God was able to save his son. He also knew that if He did so, it would be by grace alone, and not on the basis of merit. If God had spared his son, David would have rejoiced greatly. But when the child's death made it apparent that God had declined to spare him, David could still find comfort, because he knew that grace is always sovereignly bestowed. God's choice is not determined by man's merits, and thus it is a sovereign choice, one that is not determined by any outside force, but by the independent choice of God Himself. This is the point Paul makes when he speaks of man's salvation as the result of God's sovereign choosing, long before man is even born, before man can do anything good or evil (as if this would affect the outcome of God's choosing):
8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.
9 For this is the word of promise: “AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.”
10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac;
11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls,
12 it was said to her, “THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.” 13 Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED” (Romans 9:8-13).
Considering that God has set this principle ...'' THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER" as his divine Law, can we see it also applied to the Government in Heaven? We assume Lucifer was above most Angelic beings by the scriptures, and also how he (as Satan) was able to offer Jesus authority and power if Jesus would serve him, our assumption is valid.9 For this is the word of promise: “AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON.”
10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac;
11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls,
12 it was said to her, “THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER.” 13 Just as it is written, “JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED” (Romans 9:8-13).
We also know from Hebrews
The Supremacy of God's Son
1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”?
today I have begotten you”?
Or again,
“I will be to him a father,
and he shall be to me a son”?
and he shall be to me a son”?
6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God's angels worship him.”
7 Of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels winds,
and his ministers a flame of fire.”
and his ministers a flame of fire.”
8 But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
10 And,
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11 they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
12 like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed. [1]
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.”
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11 they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
12 like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed. [1]
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.”
13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Verse 10 tells us that Lucifer perhaps knew that God would manifest in the flesh and give all power to The Son. And,
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;.....
and the heavens are the work of your hands;.....
Thus began the cosmic heavenly battle for the "Throne" that Lucifer coveted for himself.
Lucifer overthrew Adam's position through subtlety and deception as it is his only weapon. The ability he has to inject his spiritual wickedness into humans if they give him place (permission) is demonic power that will increase as the final battle approaches in these End Times.
The Church now has claim to the " Throne." As heirs to salvation, the "Throne" is what Satan is after, for if we abdicate our right to it, just as Adam lost authority and spiritual power, so will the Church if it does not prevail.
We understand that the Word proclaims that "The gates of Hell shall not prevail against it" so until that Church enters the battle, we will see the "progressive repetitive pattern, played over and over.
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matt 24
Jesus was speaking to "This Gospel" the gospel he was teaching on...the end of the world!
3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
8All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
25Behold, I have told you before.
26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
30And 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.
31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
48But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
50The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
51And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth
The 4th & 5th verses are clear that Jesus is teaching to the Church about his second coming, not to unbelievers concerning the Gospel of initial salvation. Jesus is speaking in language about scripture that the Church should know not unbelievers.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
He is especially teaching to Church leadership...vs 42-51. Vs 45 tells that the preachers/pastors should be feeding the "meat (word) in due season (end time prophesy) to the house of God.
We have made our own Rome with our Mega Temples and Heaven on earth worldly trappings..
Haggai 1
King James Version (KJV)
Haggai 1
1In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,
2Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built.
3Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,
4Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?
5Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
6Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.
8Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.
9Ye looked for much, and, lo it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.
10Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.
11And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands.
12Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him, and the people did fear before the LORD.
13Then spake Haggai the LORD's messenger in the LORD's message unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the LORD.
14And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the LORD of hosts, their God,
15In the four and twentieth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.
Some congregations spent Twenty Million dollars on buildings they can't even fill halfway up. Will God show them the souls that money could have been used to save on Judgement Day?
We see how the Kings of Israel taxed and burdened the people to magnify the Kings glory and not God.
Ecclesiastes 1: 9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
to be continued........................
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