From: PENDITA@aol.com Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2003 12:50:59 EDT Subject: Numbers 1 To: PENDITA@aol.com NUMBERS NUMBERS IN THE BIBLE HAVE GREAT SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE. The Lord has used them to reveal the makeup of Himself as well as that of mankind. They are used to convey the time element of the plan and purpose of the Lord. THE NUMBER ONE. The first and primary of all numbers. The number which is indivisibly by other numbers, yet can enter into and divide all others. It is also translatable as, first. Its significance is that of unity. There is but one God. All others are excluded. The Lord said to Israel, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD." Deut 6:4 It is being stated that the God of Israel is the true and eternal God. The name LORD as used here is Jehovah. The word, one, is the significant word for our study. In the Hebrew it is the word, "echad", which means united. We will continue to see that "one" when applied to the LORD bears the meaning of united or uniting into one. Jesus quoted this verse in Mark 12:29 in speaking to the scribe. MANY, NOTED AS BEING ONE. The whole population of the earth, at that time were united [one, echad] by speaking one language and having the same expressions. Gen. 11:1 We have here the example of unity which is resident in the word, one. Many were in complete unity. The LORD took note of this and stated that the people "is one." A unity which was producing the wrong results. The LORD therefore changed their linguistic abilities and caused them to speak a variety of languages. The resulting effect must have been a comical thing to witness as they sought out those of their own new language. Gen. 11:6-8 The theme of many being one is used by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians when speaking about the Church being the body of Christ. The body, "is one" but a multiplicity of members unified by the Holy Spirit into one. 1 Cor. 12:12 This unity of the body is verified and sealed by the "one Spirit." Those who are molded in to that "one body" are called in the one hope of the high calling of God, in Christ Jesus. Called by and unto the "one Lord." In order to fully comprehend who and what the Lord is we must be able to recognize that He is a unique "unity in His oneness." He is a Triunity. One God, who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 4:4 There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. The scriptures reveal clearly the Divine Being as one who is a Triunity. The Father is not praying to Himself, but the one mediator, excluding all others, is constantly petitioning His Father on our behalf. 1 Tim. 2:5 There could not be found a more compassionate mediator than the Lord Jesus. He is the all compassionate one. The only one who has been touched by the feeling of our infirmities. There is not a situation in this life but what He, Himself has faced, and conquered the problem, temptation or sickness. Heb. 4:15 Petitions presented to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus have direct access to the throne of the Lord. NUMBERS 2 HEAR O ISRAEL. Deut. 6:4 A declaration made to all Israel, natural and spiritual. To that which is born of the flesh and that which is born of the Spirit. The Lord would reveal Himself and make Himself fully known to both. Jehovah [LORD] our Elohim [God], is Jehovah [LORD] one. Deut. 6:4 When the name of the LORD, Elohim is used the LORD is opening the revelation of Himself. Elohim is in the plural, and while representing the one true Jehovah, He is also making known the plurality of the LORD our God. One Elohim. Can there be One God and that God be an Elohim, plural in nature and being? In the apex of His creation, Elohim revealed the true nature of His essence. He did not create man after El, God singular, but after Elohim. So, in order for us to begin to understand the exact essential quality of Elohim, He said, "Let US [plurality of persons] make man." Gen. 1:26 The LORD God created ONE man, who was body, soul and spirit. One yet a Triad, not three persons or personalities but a single man, who was a body with a soul and with a spirit. Thus what the LORD created was in the perfect image and likeness of Himself. "OUR image and OUR likeness." The personal pronoun is used repeatedly to emphasize for us the exact being of the Lord Elohim. That which was created had to bear the similitude and appearance or shape of Elohim. Gen. 1:26 While the work of the Lord was perfect, yet when comparing man with God, it is like comparing dirt with gold. At his very best, man is but a shadow of his Creator. Ps. 39:4-6 ONE LORD [JEHOVAH] AND HIS NAME ONE. It is through the revelation of His name that we see the completeness and the unity of the person of the LORD. He will be King over the whole of the earth and will be known by His name. Zech. 14:9 While His name is one, in the uniqueness of the Trunity the name Lord is shared, and shared alike. In the sharing of the name once again the unity of the Godhead is manifest. Jesus, in offering praise directed it toward the Father and addressed Him as Lord. Mt. 11:25 The Lord proclaimed Himself to be a Father. 2 Cor. 6:18 The witness and testimony of the Holy Spirit is that Jesus is Lord. The teacher, the Holy Spirit would have us to confess Jesus as Lord. 1 Cor. 12:3 The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is a name that in its entirety was bestowed upon Him by His Father. It is that name which is above all others. Phil. 2:9 The Father exalted Him to the highest place and authority. The expectation of the Father is that all tongues, that is, every man who has ever been born into this world, as well as angels, fallen or otherwise, will strongly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. In which action, the Father is glorified. Sounds like He is pretty proud of His Son. Phil. 2:11 The Holy Spirit likewise bears the name Lord and is acknowledged as Lord. 2 Cor. 3:18 [NIV] "From the Lord, who is the Spirit.] or "Now the Lord is the Spirit." A name that is shared because of the perfect unity existing in the Godhead. NUMBERS. 3 TWO. The number two relates to Jesus. It does not relegate Him to a lesser position than His Father. In the Godhead there is absolute equality. A parity which has no equal and is found in God, alone. Two has the connotation of distinction. One, yet different. It is better understood as we note in the scriptures those things which were second. Christ is recorded as being the second man. The first man, Adam was proven to be imperfect and flawed. The Lord created him and made him to be a living being, possessing life like any other warm blooded animal. From the moment of his sin, all hope of eternal life was taken from him. Therefore the Lord sent a last or SECOND Adam, who is a life giving spirit. Christ Jesus is that true, eternal spirit restoring and imparting the life that was lost in Adams sin. The first man was of the dust of the earth. The second man is known as the Lord from heaven. The first speaks of death and corruption. The second of life eternal and the possession of a body of resurrection or transfiguration. The first is transitory. The second is indestructible. 1 Cor. 15:45-48 The first, the old covenant, the Law, was removed that the second might be established. In so doing Christ fulfilled the full will of the Father. Heb. 10:9 Here too, the first concluded in failure through the weakness of the flesh. The second is brought into being and made firm through the Lord Jesus. The second or the better hope is that whereby we enter into the presence of the Lord. Heb. 7:18 Irrevocably we have a great high priest who is eternal. This status will never be altered. Heb. 7:20 The two covenants cannot coexist. The New was enacted to show the weakness of the old of which it is stated, that it was decaying and becoming old. Therefore was becoming useless and ineffective. Heb. 8:13 Two worlds, both brought into existence by the Lord. The first contaminated by sin and iniquity, with a sentence of destruction pronounced upon it. The second earth is completely new accompanied by a new heaven. Rev. 21:1 It becomes very apparent that two is the number of new beginnings. The occupant of the throne of heaven will promise that He will make ALL things new. We can be assured that the beggarly elements of this world cannot begin to compare with that which is completely new. Rev. 21:5 That which is new is the permanent abiding place of righteousness. No unrighteousness will ever, eternally, be found there. There is no possible chance of a repeat of the events which took place on this earth. Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant. That places Him in the middle between the sinner and a just God. Heb. 12:24 There is only one who has met the divine requirements to fill the office of the high priest and that is the Lord Jesus. He is the ONE mediator between God and man. 1 Tim. 2:5 Only Jesus has possessed the two natures, God and man. He is the all compassionate one, understanding perfectly both God and man and thereby executing a perfect office of the ONLY HIGH PRIEST. NUMBERS 4 TWO IS THE NUMBER WHERE DIVERSITY BECOMES EVIDENT. Difference and division are seen in this number. Jesus taught against a man trying to serve two masters. He emphasized the impossibility of servitude to them both and called for a decision to be made to serve just one master. This calls for full, whole hearted consecration and love for one master. It is impossible to serve the Lord and mammon or wealth at one and the same time. Mt. 6:24 Paul writing to Timothy issued a dire warning about an attitude toward riches. warning that it can become a snare and temptation from which many foolish and destructive lusts may issue. Stating also, that he love of money is the root of all evil. These are words of wisdom to which we do well to pay definite heed. 1 Tim. 6:9-10 FROM THE VERY START THE TWO WAYS ARE EVIDENT. Cain and Abel, exemplify the two ways. The true and the false. This same condition continues even to today. There are but two ways, the true and the false, the right and the wrong. The first born of Adam and Eve, Cain a husbandman. His nature and attitude reflected the downfall of his parents in the garden. Just about every wicked work can be attributed to him. He brought of the labor of his own hands. No doubt arraigning the fruit and vegetables in a fashion that was appealing to the eyes. With the feeling that what he had brought was more than worthy. Abel, the second born, a shepherd, brought an animal as a sacrifice. No doubt they had heard from their parents how the Lord had slain a lamb to make clothing for their parents. These men were not ignorant of the need of a blood sacrifice. Cains offering was not one of an innocent mistake but a deliberate act of insolence. His subsequent jealousy and rage, resulting in murder show the destructiveness of that which is false. The Lord had assured Cain that with the proper attitude and sacrifice he too would be accepted. Gen. 4:1-8 THE CONTRAST OF FLESH AND SPIRIT IS SEEN IN THE NUMBER TWO. The clash between the two is very visible in the choices made by Abram and Lot. Their family roots, their origins were the same. They left and traveled together as one group. Yet as always, there must come a time when the flesh is separated from the Spirit. Choices had to be made. Lot chose by the sight of his eyes. Seeing the beauty of the Jordanian plain. Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom. The sin and wickedness of Sodom did not concern him. Sounds like today. The Lord gave Abram a view of all the land that was to be his and promised it to him. Far better the choices the Lord makes for us than the choices we make for ourselves. Gen. 13:10-15 The Lord has set before all men the way of life and the way of death. We are free moral agents with the right and privilege of making our own choices. Jer. 21:8 Chose the way of life and live. NUMBERS 5 VARIOUS USAGES AND MEANINGS OF TWO AS FOUND IN THE WORD. Two manner of dreams relating to the same subject were given to Pharaoh, by the Lord to dramatically enhance the warning of the coming abundance and famine to him. The fact that it was repeated was to assure him that the fulfillment of his dreams was already set and established by the Lord. Two, in this case indicates intensification and established. Gen. 41:32 Two speaks of restoration. In the case of Job, the Lord restored to him twice as much as he had before. His extreme trials and tribulations brought forth to him a "double portion". The faithfulness of the Lord is amazing. We should note here that the Lord was angry with the "comforters" of Job and would only forgive them after they had made sacrifice and requested Job to pray for them. Job 42:7-9 It was also necessary that Job pray for their forgiveness to show that he held no animosity toward them. Pray for your enemies and those who despitefully use you. Job 42:9-10 The two Cherubim associated with the Mercy Seat. This article of furniture was the covering or the top of the Ark of the Covenant. Ex. 25:21 Two is the number specifying witnesses. The two cherubim witness the blood sprinkling of the great day of Atonement which was the only day on which entrance was granted into the Holy of Holies, in which the Ark was located. The blood was to be sprinkled seven times on the mercy seat, eastward or toward the sunrising. The Wisemen came from the east. Mt. 2:1 Jesus will return from the east. Mt. 24:27 Aaron, the high priest, was to wear his garments of fine linen, not his garments of praise and glory, as he went in to the most holy place. He was making atonement as a priest for the people. Lev. 16:4 The mercy seat was created of one solid piece of gold. The cherubim were located on either end of the mercy seat and were one with it. A most beautiful type of the Godhead. One solid piece of gold, beaten into three, two cherubim and one mercy sea. The mercy seat represents the Son, the Lord Jesus, He is our mercy seat, our atonement. 1 John 2:2 The two cherubim represent the Father and the Holy Spirit, watching and witnessing all the transactions of the life of Jesus. One solid piece of gold, yet three figures. One God, three beings. A true replica of the Triunity. The cherubim were to face each other, with their wings spread on high over the mercy seat, and in this manner formed a triangle. Ex. 5:20 The presence and witness of the Father and the Spirit are consistently seen in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus. Only at Calvary was there a separation, for it was there that Jesus cried out, "My God, My God why hast though forsaken me?" Mt. 27:46 He was alone as He hung on the tree. The sinless becoming sin for us and in that manner eliminating the punishment of our sin. He is our mercy seat. NUMBERS 6 TWO. Continued. The Law was noted for its two tables of stone on which the Lord Himself had inscribed the Word of the Law, by His finger. While two stones were used there is a third element that must be noted here and that is the Word which was written on the tables. So once again we find Godhead represented. Ex. 31:18 The tables of stone were written on both sides, front and back, in other words all four side were utilized. Four is the number of the earth. The Lord commanded Moses to prepare a second set of stones, after he had broken the first set. Which, incidentally showed what would happen to the Law, mankind would consistently break it. THE LORD APPEARED TO ABRAHAM. The reason we consider this meeting is that two of the three went down to Sodom. It was Jehovah who came to Abraham. The three who visited him bore a single name, and that was LORD or Jehovah. Gen. 18:1 Showing both the diversity and the unity of the Godhead. The authenticity of the men being who they were who came to him was sealed in the promise given, "Sarah shall have a son." Gen. 18:10 Two of the three went down to Sodom to witness and to take a message of deliverance to Lot. Gen. 18:20-22 While Abraham, in mercy plead for the lives of the righteous. Two is the number of witnessing. The Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit have both come into the world to minister and to witness to mankind. Jesus came, bearing witness of Himself, demonstrating through sign, wonder and the witness of His Word that He was the Son of God. The Father likewise bore witness of the fact that Jesus was His Son. John 8:18 The Father verbally confessed Jesus to be His beloved Son, in whom He found great pleasure. Mt. 3:17 THREE. The number of the Triunity. When the Godhead said let us make man in OUR image and OUR likeness He gave us an example of Himself with which we live daily. Man is triune in nature, spirit, soul and body. 1 Thes. 5:23 With the Godhead the Father, Son and Holy Sprit are required to complete the revelation of who and what God is. So a man, to be a human being it is necessary that he be a threefold entity. Lacking any one of the three man cannot exist on this earth. The spirit is that unseen, yet very vital part of man. It is eternal and will continue to exist in heaven or hell for the everlasting ages to come. The Lord breathed into man, the spirit of life, that is His Spirit, and the soul was brought to life or motivated. Gen. 2:7 Without the Spirit of Life, man cannot live, naturally or spiritually. The flesh maintains its life by the blood coursing through the body. Blood or the soul life is the vital energy of the body. Lev. 17:11 It feeds, it cleanses, it warms, it cools, its vital functions are too numerous to mention here. We even attribute character and disposition to it, such as hot blooded, cold blooded and so on. A through study of the Word of God will identify and show us the distinction between soul and spirit. Heb. 4:12 NUMBERS. 7 THE NUMBER THREE RELATES TO THE GODHEAD. In order to properly understand the being of the true and living God we must be able to discern, from the scriptures, both the Oneness that makes Him to be God and the Triunity of His being. An extreme stand on either will lead into a misinterpretation of His being and nature. As we have already noted, we have a constant example in the man which He created, one yet three. The proclamation of the Word cannot be denied, there is but one God [Elohiym] which in itself is plural. The word "one" is the word "echad" and bears the connotation "united". Showing strongly that God is not singular but is incorporated into unity. There is no closer union in all of the universe than that which makes God to be God. It imperative that we come to an understanding that while He is One {perfectly united}, the only true God He is at also in essential quality, Triune. Deut. 6:4 As such, He is LORD or Jehovah. The only being who is very existence, life and essence. Outside of Him, everything else in the universe has been created, and that by Him. He would "BE" as the only living force, if nothing else existed. Were everything else done away with, He would still "BE". There is no possibility of the LORD not being what He always has been, what He is and always shall be. HOW EASY IS IT TO UNDERSTAND HIM? The Apostle Paul writing about the Godhead stated that man has no excuse for not comprehending the being and person of God. The invisible things are clearly seen in the created world around us. Rom. 1:20 That may sound like an oxymoron, seeing the invisible, how can that possibly be? Take for instance, the most common element on the earth, water. A substance without which there would be absolutely no life on earth. It is very visible, tangible and useable. Yet water is composed of invisible gases, which remain invisible until combined and then the invisible, hydrogen and oxygen [H2O] is highly visible and is made to be extremely necessary to all life. Man is left without an excuse as he views and studies that which he calls nature. "THE NATURE OF WATER. Water can be a solid, a liquid or a gas. No other substance appears in these three-forms within Earths normal range of temperature. The molecules that make up water are always moving, and therefore the form water takes depends on how fast they move. The molecules in solid water (ice) are far apart and almost motionless. The molecules in liquid water are close together and move about freely. The molecules in water vapor, a gas, move more violently and bump into one another". World Book. The more man increases his knowledge of the created elements which surround us the more he bears a responsibility to acknowledge the presence of the Lord in every created thing. The Lord has taken of His own nature and being and incorporated it within the things that He has created. All are invited to come and partake of the waters of eternal, spiritual life. Rev. 21:6 NUMBERS 8 SOME THREES IN OLD TESTAMENT TYPES OF THE UNITY AND TRIUNITY. NOAH THE BUILDER OF THE ARK. An Ark of salvation and deliverance. Built by Noah [Rest] who is himself a type of the Lord who gives security, deliverance and rest. His father speaking prophetically gave him his name and said, that he would be a comfort to them, relieving them from the hard labor of the curse. Gen. 5:28 Wickedness was rampant in his days. The earth was corrupt and filled with violence. Gen. 6:11 The thoughts and actions of men were constantly directed toward evil and unrightousness. Jesus used that day as a sign of the condition of the earth in the days of the coming of the Son of man. Lk 17:26-27 The world is certainly satisfying that bit of the prophetic picture. In the midst of crocked and perverse generation of people, the Lord found a man after His own heart. Gen. 6:5 Noah found favor and grace in the eyes of the Lord. Gen. 6:8 No wonder, for he was a righteous man, perfect and blameless, even in the sight of the people of his time. He walked with God. Gen. 6:9 It is not difficult to see why the Lord chose him to start all over again and to make him to be the beginning of a righteous race. THE ARK. It was built of a durable wood which would easily float. The wood was covered with pitch inside and outside making it to have three layers. The middle being the wood, which was completely sealed assuring that no water could leak into the ark. The three made one are representative of the Godhead. The Father, the Son (always the middle one) and the Holy Spirit. Three, yet blended together making one. Gen. 6:14 The wood is likewise symbolic of the cross of Christ. It was to have three stories, once again three built together in one Ark. An interesting side note, that would give it four decks and four is the number of this world. The Lord preserved the populating of the earth in the family of Noah. There were eight souls saved. 1 Pet. 3:20 Eight is the number of new beginnings or of resurrection. The door (Christ) was on the side of the Ark, in the second story, the middle one. Jesus is the door of salvation. John 10:9 The third story contained the window, the source of ventilation and the entrance of light. It was unquestionably a window of a cubit high which circled the entire top deck of the Ark. So we have three stories, the first being the foundation representing the Father the source of all things. The second the Son, always the one in the middle, the door. The third deck, that which depicts the Holy Spirit. The light giver, the revealer. The breath and living source of air, whose very name means breath, air or Spirit. The Lord has revealed Himself and the constitution of His being throughout nature and through His Word. When scientists, in their research, come to a place where they find themselves missing an element and do not know how to explain that which is a mystery, so often times the answer is so simple, and that is the Lord. He has placed an element of Himself in all that He has created. NUMBERS 9 THE NUMBER THREE IN UNITY IN THE MOST HOLY PLACE. The Most Holy Place was the residence of the Lord on earth, which He called His footstool. Isa. 66:1 The Most Holy Place was the third area of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle consisted of the outer court, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The Most Holy was the place of His awesome presence. If the Lord was not present it was a room of total darkness, for darkness was under His feet. Ps. 18:9 Entrance to this room was restricted to one man, the High Priest and to one day of the year, the day of atonement. Lev. 16 It is here, on this day that the glory of the Lord appeared over the mercy seat, in a cloud. This cloud, called the shekinah glory was the light of this most holy place. It was the presence of the Lord of light and glory. Lev. 16:2 THE FURNITURE OF THE MOST HOLY PLACE. It is in the holy, sanctified furnishings of this blessed room that we find our types of the Godhead. The first of which is the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD. Num. 10:33 It was also called the Ark of the Testimony, because of its contents. Ex. 25:16, 22 In addition it was called, the Ark of God. 1 Sam. 3:3 In its construction we see both the Unity of the Godhead and the Triunity. It was made of gopher or acacia wood, a hard grained tree. The wood also repelled insects. Wood speaks to us of the cross and the Christ of God who was crucified on the cross. The Hebrew word for Ark means a box or a coffer, one of the reasons for its construction was to contain spiritual evidence which the Lord would command them to place within it. In type and symbol representing Christ is always the middle one. The wood of the Ark was to be completely covered with pure gold, both inside and outside. While it remained one box it now had three layers. One yet three. The pure gold speaks to us of the righteousness of the Lord and also of His eternal being. The gold is typical of the Father and the Holy Spirit. Like all the types of the Godhead in the scriptures we must acknowledge the oneness of God, for there is only one God. At the same time we must recognize and confirm the Triunity, The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Ark of the Covenant was to have a border molding, or a crown of gold around the entire top. showing the divine leadership involved in the Ark. It was the place of the presence of the Lord among the Israelites. Ex. 25:11 There was also to be four rings of gold placed in the four corners, that it might be carried by the priest. Four is the number of this earth. The rings are typical of the message of he Lord being carried to the ends of the earth. There were also two staves of acacia wood, covered with gold, placed, permanently, in the four rings. Not until the Ark was installed in the Temple were the staves removed, for that was to be its permanent resting place. Ex. 25:12-15 The witness and testimony of type and symbol all bear out the same confession that there is but one God who is at one and the same time Triune in being. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. NUMBERS 10 THE NUMBER THREE AND THE MERCY SEAT. The Mercy Seat was the covering which was placed on the Ark of the Covenant. Ex. 25:21 Its very purpose was, to cover, to expiate, to cancel indicates the extreme importance of this article of furniture. It was the place of atonement. It was the meeting place of the Lord with His people. It was here that there would be a pure and instructive communication between the Lord and the high priest. Ex. 25:22 This piece of furniture was placed in the Most Holy Place, within the veil, and back to back with the Altar of Incense. The Most Holy Place was the footstool of the Lord. It was here that the awesome presence of the Lord was made manifest. Lev. 16:2 The Lord would appear, above the Mercy Seat, in the cloud of incense offered by the priest. Lev. 16:12-13 Legitimate Levitical entrance required the blood of sacrifice. Where there is no blood offering there can be no forgiveness. Lev. 16:14 Coals of fire were necessary. Typical of the fire of the Holy Ghost. Incense, [prayer, the prayers of the saints], placed on the fire causing a cloud above the Mercy Seat was extremely vital for the life of the priest depended on its shadowing presence. Lev. 16:12-13 Furthermore, in order to minister in this all important moment of time for the Israelites, he must put off the holy garments of glory and beauty. There was to be no exhalation of office of flesh in the Holy presence of the Lord. Ex. 28:2 As he entered to serve the Lord he was to be clothed with the purest and whitest of fine linen garments. He was making atonement for Israel and must be pure and holy. First having washed his flesh with water he would then clothe himself with the four items of clothing. Lev. 16:4 This is the great Day of Atonement, or propitiation. Atonement was made for the Most Holy Place, for the priest and his family as well as all Israel. This was accomplished in the feast of the seventh month. Lev. 16:17 All this is symbolical of spiritual experiences which are to be accomplished in the lives of the child of God, today. THE MERCY SEAT IS A BEAUTIFUL TYPE OF THE GODHEAD. Its unity is manifest in the fact that the Mercy Seat was of one piece of gold. The gold indicative of the priceless work of redemption. The work of greatest value. Ex. 25:19 The one piece of gold was to be beaten, hammered and pounded into three pieces, but still united as one. Thus, displaying the suffering of the Godhead in providing atonement for the sins of men, by Christ Jesus. The two ends were to be identical Cherubim, the Father and the Holy Spirit. They were to look down on the mercy seat, with their wings spread upward as in flight or being active. They too were involved in the work of atonement by the sacrifice of the Son. Ex. 25:19-20 Christ Jesus is our Mercy Seat, our propitiation. Rom. 3:25 The one whose blood is eternally on the heavenly Mercy Seat as a slain Lamb. Rev. 5:6 He is the price of our salvation. Aside from the Lord Jesus there is no other savior. He is the real Mercy Seat, eternal in the heavens. The work of redemption is completed for time and eternity. Christ has taken His blood to heaven itself and it is now sprinkled on the Mercy Seat of heaven. NUMBERS 11 THE THREE ITEMS PLACED WITHIN THE ARK OF THE COVENANT. THE TABLES OF THE LAW. The Law represents the Father and may be seen as a Father figure. The one who establishes the pattern of life lived by the family. The Law, the schoolmaster, the tutor whose responsibility it was to lead people to faith in Christ. Gal. 3:24 Christ came, not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it. Mt. 5:17 In that fashion making the Father known. In The two tablets of stone with the Law written on all four sides were to be placed in the Ark of the Testimony. Ex. 32:15 They were to be placed there as their portion of the Testimony contained in the Ark. It was to be a constant witness to the children of Israel. They knew it was there and they knew its message. Ex. 25:16 THE GOLDEN VESSEL OF MANNA. The manna, representative of the Lord Jesus, that true bread from heaven. The letter to the Hebrews states that the manna was in a golden "jar" NIV. Heb. 9:4 How fitting, for the manna, the bread of life, it was most certainly in a golden vessel. Israel, on first seeing it, asked the question, "What is it". Moses responded by saying that it was "the bread" which the LORD had given them. Even to this day the same question is being asked concerning the Word. Ex. 16:15 Manna was miraculous and wonderful, an act of the Lord whereby He fed the multitudes of Israel for forty years. However, that which it symbolized is much greater and far more important. The manna sustained natural life. That bread of which manna was a type is the bread of life. The bread of life, the Lord Jesus is the true bread and creates Spiritual life, life everlasting. John 6:32-33 AARON'S MIRACULOUS SHEPHERD'S ROD. Common, ordinary, not a fancy rod but when placed before the Lord performed in a marvelous way. This rod is a type of the Holy Spirit. When committed to the Lord and placed in the Ark of the Covenant, in one night, a dead dry rod, separated from the tree for who knows how long, suddenly sprung into life and fruitfulness. Numbers 17:8 It budded, bloomed and yielded almonds in one night. So typical of the anointing and working of the Spirit of the Lord. When the Spirit is present, that which was dead springs to life. How desperately the church of today needs that same presence of the Holy Spirit to work a quick work in the last days. The articles placed in the Ark of the Covenant were united by being placed together in the one place. Thus we see the unity of the Godhead, one in the Ark. At the same time we see the diversity which is self evident in the Godhead. Each performing a different purpose and ministry which in the ultimate blends together in perfect harmony. This places five articles in the Most Holy Place, the Ark, the Mercy Seat, the Law, the Golden Pot, and Aaron's Rod. Five is the number of Atonement by blood. NUMBERS. 12 THE TRIAD CALLED MAN. The Lord created man in His own image and likeness. Man was to bear the resemblance, the shape and form of very God Himself. A being to whom the Lord would give life. Gen. 1:26 He created man body and soul, then breathed into him the breath of life making man to be triune. Body, soul and spirit a breathing creature. One who could possess both animal and spiritual life. In breathing the spirit of life into his nostrils, the Lord gave him the kiss of life. Gen. 2:7 THE BODY. The physical, the bodily nature of man. The member in which the soul and the spirit are resident. It is called the temple, the body, when its resident has been born of the spirit. John 2:21 When properly prepared It is to be the residence of the Holy Spirit. Any and all who have the presence of the Holy Spirit are to honor the Lord with a body that is committed to the Lord. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 This body which we now have is not the eternal body. This body must be planted [buried] and resurrected or raptured [transformed] and made to be a spiritual body, an eternal body. 1 Cor. 15:37 It is likewise called a tabernacle. A place of worship dedicated to the Lord. 2 Pet. 1:13-14 THE SOUL. That which activates the body is the blood flowing through it. The life of the flesh is in the blood. Lev. 17:11 How very, very true this is. The body in order to function must have blood. It is the furnace and the air conditioner of the body, heating and cooling it. Blood services every part of the body with food and then removes the waste. It has within its capabilities the element of health and healing. There is seemingly no end to the great variety of duties performed by blood. It is our life source. Isaiah prophesied of Christ saying that He would pour out "His SOUL unto death". Isa. 53:12 This helps identify the blood as being the soul life of man. It was the blood of Christ which was shed at Calvary. THE SPIRIT. While the life of the body depends on the blood, both depend on the spirit [pneuma, breath, air, spirit]. When the Lord breathed into Adam the spirit of life he became a living soul. As the body cannot live without blood, so the soul [blood] cannot live without oxygen. Each is dependent on the other and all three are dependent on each other. It is not always easy to distinguish between soul and spirit but the Word of the Lord shows us where there are differences and what the function of each is to be. Heb. 4:12 Of all the creation of the Lord, man alone has the capability of being raised to a higher level of life. Only man can receive the Spirit of the Lord and have that Holy Spirit produce Spiritual life in him. Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost". John 20:22 This they were to experience both in the new birth and the infilling of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. It is the Spirit of the Lord which brings true Spiritual life into the temple of the Lord. NUMBERS 13 THE THREE MAIN AND ORIGINAL FEASTS OF ISRAEL. The keeping of these feasts was compulsory. Every male was to follow their actions and rules. They were the highlights of their religious year. All are of great significance to the church for they are types of spiritual experiences which are vital to the spiritual well being of every member of the body of Christ. Deut. 16:16 THE PASSOVER. It was to commemorate their deliverance from all the bondage of Egypt. It foreshadowed the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin offering for the world. Jesus is the Passover Lamb. "Christ our Passover is crucified for us". 1 Cor. 5:7 He wonderfully and fully fulfilled all the requirements of that sacrifice and the activities of that day. He was crucified precisely on the day and the time of the sacrifice of the lamb. The message was loud and clear for all who would give heed to it. It was the month of Abib, the month of new beginnings. We find a totally new life in Christ Jesus when He becomes our Passover lamb. It was celebrated at the time of the barley harvest, the food of the poor. Christ excludes no one from his salvation, it is for the whosoever. The poor heard Him gladly. PENTECOST. Pentecost means fifty. Using the Sabbath following the day of resurrection as a starting point. Seven Sabbaths or seven weeks were counted out giving a total of forty-nine days, the morrow or the next day would be the fiftieth, and that would be the day of Pentecost. Lev. 23:15-17 Once again the Lord made the shadow and the type to become a reality. When the day of Pentecost was fully come, the Spirit came upon the waiting group in Jerusalem and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. This would take place in the third month, the month of fullness. The Lord brought His church into being and anointed it for service. They became alive and active, by the power of the Spirit began to spread the Good News everywhere. Acts 2:4 THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. The one feast which as yet has not been activated in the spiritual life of the church. It is the feast of the seventh month, a divine complete number. The final one, representing the great last day revival and the perfecting of the church. The most important activity of this feast is the "Day of Atonement". Lev. 23:28 It was on this day that the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for himself, his family, the tabernacle and for the people of Israel. It was a time of entering in to the glorious and awesome presence of the glory of the Lord. It foreshadows a moment of time in these last day when the Lord will bring His church to the fullness of the stature of the Lord Jesus. Eph. 4:15 Having sanctified and glorified those who are worthy to be in His Bride, He will bring them to perfection, totally sanctified and filled with all the fullness of the Lord. A perfect church, a bride. Eph. 5:26-27 NUMBERS 14 THE SACRIFICE OF ABRAM BEFORE THE LORD. Abram had a very serious conversation with the Lord. He believed the statements of the Lord, thus exhibiting faith. The Lord promised him promises that were impossible with man, but with the Lord all things are possible. The numbers of his offering are most interesting. Because our study involves the number three we are considering the sacrifice that he laid out before the Lord. There were three animals which were divided. Being divided brought the total to six, the number of man. The Lord is seeking the surrender and sacrifice of the old man, the self man. The animals were all of the age of three. The birds were two, Christ and His church. The number of animals and birds used in the offering were five, the number of atonement. Each side of the sacrifice as it was laid out before the Lord contained four pieces, three animals and a bird or four, the number of the earth. The total sacrifice numbered eight, which is the number of resurrection, new life. The combined age of the animals was three times three, or nine, reminding us of the Holy Spirit. Nine fruit, nine gifts and nine virtues. Gen. 15:9-10 HOW DARK CAN IT GET? Three days of total absolute darkness. Light completely withdrawn. Darker than the darkest of caves. The sun, moon and stars not seen in Egypt. A time of misery and downright fear. Psychological disruption and agony. This was an act of God, displaying to a people whose main god was the sun god, that the Lord is greater than all that is worshipped. The man is foolish who would try to explain this event as a natural occurrence, like a wind storm carrying the desert sand or a thick fog. It was the ninth plague brought upon Egypt by the Lord, preparing them to loose Israel from it slavery. It was a darkness that could be felt, pressing down and certainly depressing. It continued for three days and was so oppressive that not one Egyptian moved out of their place. Wherever they were at the outset of this judgment is exactly the spot where they were found at its conclusion. Consider the mental and physical anguish of having to live in the very ultimate of darkness for three days and being entirely unable to move around. Yet, to the Israelites there was no darkness, but light. We would expect the sun to shine as usual in Goshen. They continued to function as they regularly did. Ex. 10:20-23 This darkness was displayed again at Calvary. This time not for three days but for three hours. From the sixth hour to the ninth hour the sun went into total darkness. Mt. 27:45 This darkness is an extreme punishment executed by the Lord. The fallen angels are kept in darkness. Jude 6 There is a segment of the so called religious who have found their way amongst the flock of the Lord. They however, will find themselves in eternal darkness. Jude 13 The kingdom of the antichrist which will be established on the earth will be turned into a kingdom of darkness where men will be in agonizing pain and chew their tongues. Rev. 16:10 The Lord is indeed a God of love, but for those who reject and refuse His great love there is only darkness. NUMBERS. 15 THE THREE OFFICES OF LEADERSHIP OCCUPIED BY THE LORD JESUS. THE PROPHET. This prophet was to be commissioned, called and sent by the Lord. He was to be from among the people of the Lord. Also, as the spirit of the Lord rested upon Moses so the Spirit would rest upon the one to come, the Lord Jesus. The Word of the Lord was to be in His mouth and He would speak that Word to them. The prophet must become the mouth piece of the Lord and speak according to the commandment given him. Deut. 18:17-18 Philip called his brother saying that they had found the prophet of whom Moses had written in the Law and the one of whom the other prophets had spoken. John 1:45 In His life and ministry He was considered to be a prophet. Mt. 21:11 After having raised a young man from the dead they proclaimed Him to be a great prophet. Lk. 7:16 The Samaritan woman recognized Him to be a prophet. John 4:19 When He fed the five thousand they said that, "This is of a truth that prophet". John 6:14 Other were also to confess Him to be a prophet. That how ever is not enough, He is more than a prophet, He is the Son of God. THE PRIEST. The prophet Zachariah spoke of a duel phase of His high and holy position. That of a Ruler, a King and of the Priest. It would be He who would blend the two offices together and rule harmoniously as the King and Priest. Zech. 6:13 His priestly ministry is that of absolute mercy and faithfulness. He has obtained reconciliation for us with our God. Heb. 2:17 His compassion and care for man exceeds all others. He has been what we are. He has lived where we live and thoroughly understands the temptations that are faced. No one can say, no one understands, for Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. Heb. 4:15 His ministry is not in a tabernacle or a temple made by man, but in heaven itself. From whence He ministers eternal, everlasting salvation for the whosoever will. Heb. 9:11 He is the high priest over the household of faith, the household of the living God. Heb. 10:21 THE KING. The third and eternal position which He will occupy. The acknowledgment of the wise men was that Jesus was born, "King of the Jews", and so He was. Mt. 2:2 The mistake that was made then was that they expected a secular kingdom, according to the question of His disciples. Acts 1:6 We sometimes forget that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Rom. 14:17 The kingdom age will be a time of the fullness of the Holy Spirit covering the earth and its inhabitants. It is not a carnal, worldly kingdom. Jesus is the King of all kings. He is over all. All are in subjection to Him. There is no power or authority greater than that which has been delegated to Him. He is exactly what His name declares Him to be. "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". Rev. 19:16 NUMBERS 16 FOUR IS THE NUMBER WHICH BELONGS TO THE EARTH. It was on the fourth day of creation that He created the light bearing bodies to lighten the earth. He, who Himself is light, 1 John 1:5 , created a light with which He would give light and life to the world. Gen. 1:3 It was His act of creation for the fourth day when He placed His created light in the stars and set them in Divine order. Gen. 1:14-19 These bodies of light determine the four main periods of the day, morning, noon, evening and midnight. Their position is also responsible for the four seasons of the year, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The moon also goes through four phases every month in which action it depicts the death burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. There are four basic elements recognized by man, earth, air, fire and water. The four points of the compass must also be taken into consideration and include, north, south, east and west. The scripture also mentions four winds and the four corners of the earth. It is not to easy to find a corner on a round globe, such as the earth. Nevertheless, a few years ago scientists found that there are four areas of the earth which have a peak or prominence that they considered to be corners. The discoveries of men simple prove the truth of the Word. A RIVER IN EDEN DIVIDED INTO FOUR HEAD WATERS. Our attention is drawn to the fourth of these rivers. Named Euphrates, the following various interpretations are given. To break forth, the good and abounding river, sweet water. All of which would indicate that the river was a great source of life to the area in that day, and still is. Gen. 2:14 It is called by the scriptures "the great river" and also "the river". It was the eastern border of the land promised to Abraham, by the Lord. Gen. 15:18 If Israel is to possess the land promised to Abraham, they have a long way to go. Their borders were from the Nile to the Euphrates. There is no question but what the river Euphrates has a prophetic fulfillment in the not too distant future. What is taking place today is not circumstantial but by Divine design. Consider Jer. 46:10 ... There are four angels bound in the great river Euphrates. The fact that they are bound indicates that they are fallen angels. They are loosed in association with the sixth trumpet which would place this happening close to the later days of the great tribulation. Their action will take place at a predetermined and specific moment of time, from the year, the month, the day, even down to the very hour. The army that they will lead will create havoc in the earth. Literally one-third of he population of the earth will perish at this moment of time. Rev. 9:15 In spite of this great tragedy the inhabitants of the world will not repent nor turn from their extremely wicked and unrighteous ways. They are extremely religious - but in every way and manner that is contrary to the true and living God. They are devil worshipers, worshipping the antichrist and his image. They are completely sold out to wicked and unrighteous works. The number four was found in the beginning and will play a great part in the end of the world. Rev. 9:20-21 NUMBERS. 17 THE NUMBER FIVE. The number of grace and redemption by the blood of Christ. The pieces of the clothing of the Lord Jesus which were divided at the time of His crucifixion were five. Mt. 27:35 The actions of the Roman soldiers followed the prophetic utterance of the Messianic Psalm. Ps. 22:18 They divided His garments into four shares and then cast lots for His seamless robe. John 19:23 He suffered five major wounds, for they nailed His hands and His feet to the cross. Ps. 22:18 Also, while He was hanging on the cross the soldiers pierced His side. From where there flowed blood and water. John 19:34 In this manner another prophecy of the circumstances surrounding His crucifixion was fulfilled. Not one of His bones was broken. Ps. 34:20 John 19:36 The breaking of the legs of those crucified was to hurry their deaths, but with Jesus, He had already expired, having 'given up the ghost". Mark 15:39 Note that the first testament, the old one was dedicated by blood and water. There were five elements used in the performance of the ritual. The blood of calves and goats, water, scarlet wool and hyssop. With this act using these things the people, the book, the tabernacle were all dedicated and prepared for service. Heb. 9:19 The truly effective atonement and cleansing is in the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. Heb. 9:14-15 Christ came by water and blood. The manifestation of the Spirit in His life verified the fact that He came from God. 1 John 5:6 These three, the water, the blood and the spirit are the witness of the Lord to the whole of mankind. All three must be active in our lives in order for us to participate in the plan of the Lord. 1 John 5:8 THE FIVE STONES OF DAVID'S CHOOSING. One of these stones was needed to deliver Israel, and only one. Yet he chose five, no doubt in keeping with the meaning of the number. They were smooth from having been tumbled along of the flowing stream. He took them from a living, active flowing stream of fresh water. A stone well prepared for the purpose at hand. They were placed in a shepherds bag and became an arsenal of victory for Israel. A mere shepherd boy, a teenager, totally without weapons of warfare was about to meet head on the champion of the Philistines. The physiological propaganda exercised by Goliath must have had the Israelis shaking in their boots. With his staff in one hand and his sling in the other David with great boldness and courage drew nigh to the giant and confronted him. Goliath mocked and ridiculed David because of his youth and weapons. He then made a great mistake, he cursed David in the name of his gods. It was now a conflict between the gods of the Philistines and the true and the living God of Israel. David invoked the name of the Lord and immediately it became no contest. The destruction of Goliath was certain for the man of the Lord came in the name of Jehovah. One stone slung in the name of the Lord brought victory and deliverance for the whole nation. As the enemy had threatened youthful David so was his judgment meted out to him. It does not pay to challenge the Lord in such a fashion. 1 Sam. 17:40-51 NUMBERS 18 THE FIVE INGREDIENTS OF THE HOLY INCENSE. Each of the ingredients was to be of equal measure. Four were aromatic spices, while the fifth was salt, the binding agent. The general use of salt is for seasoning or preservation. These ingredients were well mixed and ground together, typifying the prayer of travail, both of the Lord Jesus and His church. Real, desperate prayer often is born of trial and difficulty. This incense when burned before the Lord represented the prayers of the saints. Rev. 8:3 It was offered on the Altar of Incense and also carried with the priest on the great day of atonement when he went in to minister before the Lord at the Ark of the Covenant and in particular the Mercy Seat. Lev. 16:12 With the various times when they were to offer incense there should have been a constant sweet smell before the Lord in the house of worship. David offered his prayer as an incense, a sweet smelling savor before the Lord. Ps. 141:2 These were called "principle spices", or the very best. The best, the first always belongs to the Lord. Ex. 37:29 It was an incense which was to be used exclusively for worship. No one was allowed to imitate or duplicate it for their own use, regardless of its pleasing aroma. Ex. 20:37 To do so was to invite certain judgment and death. The Lord hates an imitation or a false use of things that are Holy. Ex. 30:38 STACTE. Meaning to drop, thus it speaks of that which drops from the tree. There is no more precious perfume than that which comes from a tree located on Mount Calvary. The precious blood of the Lamb. ONYCHA. The shell of a univalve common to the Red Sea. The creature must die that it may be included in this Holy ingredient. Furthermore to obtain its fragrance the shells had to be burned. Christ Jesus tasted death for every person. Heb. 2:9 He suffered for us all that we might not have to suffer for our sins. GALBANUM. Said to occur in small round tear shape droplets, White in color. Some say that it has a pleasant odor and a bitter taste. All of which continue the thought of the sufferings of Christ for all humanity. In prayer, in Gethesamane He sweat great drops of blood as He interceded for humanity. Luke 22:44 The whole of the experience of Calvary was a bitter, sweet experience for Him. My God, My God why have you forsaken me. What extremely great agony He felt spiritually, at Calvary. Mt. 27:46 PURE FRANKINCENSE. The predominant odor. Has a bitter taste. From a tree which has had an incision made in the bark. The fragrance of the cross which lingers even to today. The gift of frankincense by the wise men foreshadowed His death on the tree. He took our curse. Gal. 3:13 SALT. That which seasons and makes things palatable. An ingredient in cooking which is considered essential. To be salty is to have the beauty and flavor of the Spirit of Christ in us. Making the effects of the Gospel of Christ to be something that is desired. It is evident that salt is used as an example of unity among the brethren. It is symbolic of having the peace of God with one another. That can apply from the personal family unit to the family of the Lord. Have salt, be at peace. Mk. 9:50 Be salty. NUMBERS 19 THE LORD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. Abram and Sarai, though promised a child from the Lord had not yet received the fulfillment of the promise. The Lord who delights in doing the impossible marked time until the two of them had reached the area of impossibility. As far as producing a child, they both were considered to be as good as dead. Through their faith in the promise of the Lord they were able to receive renewed, restored bodies which brought forth the promised seed. Heb. 11:11-12 In his ninety-ninth year the Lord came to Abram as the Almighty God [El-Shaddai, the strong or powerful one.] The Lord with whom there are no impossibilities. He is the Lord of all sufficiency. He is still able to supply all our needs, in Christ Jesus. He was about to demonstrate His power and ability over the process of aging and death. The fact that Abram was ninety-nine is also significant for nine is the number of the Holy Spirit. Surely the Spirit of the Lord was at work in their lives. Gen. 17:1 THE POWER OF A NAME CHANGE. The Lord imparted a portion of the nature and character of Himself to both Abraham and Sarah. Which is something that He always does when He brings a person into fellowship with Himself. The Lord took the letter H of His own Divine and glorious name, Jehovah and inserted it into theirs. His name brings life. The letter H is the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, that is why it is significant to this study. The name change was prophetic for Abraham was indeed to become the Father of a multitude. Sarah was to have the poise and bearing of a Princess. As with salvation by the blood of Christ and by His marvelous name, there will be a change in the life style of the individual. They were charged to walk before the Lord in perfection. Gen. 17:1 If it were a requirement for that day certainly it is the same today. Not Impossible, for there are no impossibilities with the Lord. THE NUMBER FIVE AND THE TABERNACLE. The number five or a multiple of the number is the predominant number in the structure. The total number of its pillars was sixty. Twenty on each side and ten on each end. The sixty divided by five gives us the sum of twelve [tribes of Israel] or a number signifying grace in government. The first coverings of the Tabernacle were ten made of fine linen with cherubim embroidered in them. Five curtains were coupled together making them to be of twenty cubits width. Twenty, the number of consecration unto the Lord. The beginning age of the priest. Then the two curtains were joined together by fifty blue loops and fifty clasps of gold. Ex. 26:1- 6 Blue is the color of the Spirit. Fifty is the number of the Spirit. The one hundred loops [fifty in each] portrays the double portion of the Spirit. In particular a full portion of the Spirit an evidence of the last day out pouring of the Spirit in glorious and copious showers of revival fires. There are more, enjoy searching the scriptures. NUMBERS 20 THE HOLY ANOINTING OIL. A blend of five ingredients that composed the sacred anointing oil. That which was used to consecrate both the place of worship and those who ministered in the tabernacle and temple. The contents of the holy anointing oil were more expensive than those of the incense. THE PURE MYRRH. [The pure myrrh is literally, "freely flowing", an epithet which is explained by the fact that the best myrrh is said to exude spontaneously from the bark. [Barnes.] This would exemplify the sufferings of Christ. THE CINNAMON. Sweet and odiferous. Of red color and taken from the tree. It is an example of the shedding of the blood of Christ on the tree. SWEET CALAMUS. Actually, a reed. A reed was placed, in mockery, in the hand of the Lord Jesus as a Scepter. Mt. 27:29. He was smitten on the head with a reed. Mk. 15:19 The vinegar given Him on the cross was on a reed. Mt. 27:48 The humiliation of the cross is portrayed here. THE CASSIA. The Hebrew word here for the name Cassia mean "split". It was derived from a tree not unlike the cinnamon and was the inner bark. It was and aromatic spice. Once again the sufferings of the Lord Jesus are evident. THE OIL. In order to obtain the oil from the fruit of the olive tree it was necessary to bruise and crushed the fruit. Once again, so like the suffering one who bore our sin in His own body. The sweet cinnamon and the sweet calamus were each of two hundred shekels, showing the divine and human natures of the Lord Jesus, blended into one. All this in Ex. 30:23-24 THE OIL OF HOLY OINTMENT. Because of its use, only for holy purposes it was not to be placed on anyone other than the ones for whom it was designated. Furthermore they were forbidden, under the sentence of death, to duplicate this precious anointing oil. Ex. 30:31-33 The holy anointing oil represents the unity and purity of the Spirit. He is the anointing oil. It is obvious that in anointing Aaron they were very generous. It was placed on his head and ran down over his face even to skirts of his garments. Ps. 133:2-3 Thank the Lord that He in our day, is extremely generous with the anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The application of the anointing oil had a sanctifying effect on the priesthood. Lev. 8:12 The Lord considered the holy anointing oil to be a crown placed on the priest. Lev. 21:12 The new testament Christian in fulfilling the office of a priest must also be anointed with the Holy Spirit, for the true anointing of the Spirit will result in a life lived after the will and desire of the Lord Jesus. It is the seal of the Lord on our lives and is a most vital experience for each and every member of the church. 2 Cor. 1:21-22 With the anointing, the Word of the Lord is opened and we are taught of Him. In the person of the Holy Spirit the Lord dwells within our spiritual man and it is He who teaches us the way of the Lord and His doctrines. Surely if we all have the same Holy Spirit He will then teach us all the same doctrines and there will be no confusion. There is a real challenge in allowing the Spirit of the Lord to teach us the truths of the Word. 1 John 2:27 NUMBERS 21. THE NUMBER SIX. The day of the creation of man, therefore the number six represents mankind. While man was created without fault or sin. He was just one number short of perfection, the number seven. This was the last day of the work week of the Lord in creation and established an example of the work week that was to be enjoined on man, under the Law. Gen. 1:31 The seventh day was designated as a day of rest. Man was the crowning creation of the Lord, in that week of creation. The blending together of the macros and the micros shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that a Divine power and intelligence produced the whole of creation. The way the universe maintains its circuit in perfect order manifests the ability of one who is in control and orders the whole. The Lord is the head over all things and is the force that causes all things to hold together. Col.1:17 The measurement of a day with the Lord. He has stated that a day of His reckoning is like a thousand years for man. Without a doubt the Lord could have accomplished the work of creation using twenty-four hour days. Using a day that measures a thousand years, to Him would have been the same as one of earths regular days. When one is Eternal, what is the meaning of time? Time was brought into being for mans use. Ps. 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8 AN ALLOTTED TIME OF SIX DAYS FOR LABOR. The Lord established the pattern for men in the work week of His creation. Ex. 20:11 spiritual work Man in six days was to complete his work for the week. Even our physical bodies are created with this in mind. A day of rest is vital to our well being. Ex. 20:9 The Lord consistently has used type and symbol to proclaim and foreshadow a spiritual work which He will fulfill. For instance, the week of salvation is also to have six work days. Four days, or four thousand years from Adam to Christ [the last Adam]. Two days, or two thousand years from Christ to the end of the age. We are coming to the conclusion of the second or the last day of redemption. Hosea prophesied of these two days and then the resurrection of the righteous and the third day, or the seventh, the millennial reign of Christ we will live in His sight. Hosea 6:2 The third day, the Sabbath day is not only the day of rest but it is the day of resurrection. 1 Cor. 15:4 The presence of the Lord came upon Mt Sinai and remained for six days. On the seventh day the Lord communicated with Moses and revealed His purposes to him. Ex. 24:16 The day of Passover was preceded by the feast of unleavened bread. All leaven was to be completely removed from their dwelling places. The seventh day was the Feast of Passover. It was a time of purification and cleansing for all Israel. When we partake of Passover or the Communion our hearts and lives are to be clean and pure before the Lord. All leaven, all iniquity and imperfections are to be laid aside. If there is a need for it, confession must be made so that we partake of the Body of the Lord with a cleansed spirit, body and soul. The total man must be in full accord with the Lord Jesus. It is not a religious act it is a spiritual fellowship with Him. 1 Cor. 10:16 NUMBERS 22 THE NUMBER SEVEN. The most predominant of all the numbers of the Bible. Evident from Genesis to Revelation. From the beginning of the history of this earth to its conclusion. The number of divine perfection and completion. The Lord, in creation, worked the six days and rested the seventh. Establishing for mankind a pattern that was to be their weekly order. Likewise showing that He would deal with man for six days or six thousand years and that the seventh day of one thousand years would be a day of rest. As He did in the week of creation, so He will do in the week of salvation. It is well that we note the Words of the Lord Jesus proclaiming that the day was made for the benefit of man and not man for the day or to be brought into bondage to the day. Mark 2:27 THE SEVENTH DAY OR THE MILLENNIUM. TRIBULATION SAINTS, those will be martyred, beheaded by the antichrist because they believed in Jesus and accepted the Word of the Lord. They completely refused to accept any of the demands of the powers that are in control during that period of time. They are given the right to judge, actually they will have already done so by their refusal to give into the antichrist. They are privileged to live and reign with Christ during the Sabbath day, the one thousand years of rest. Rev. 20:4 The first resurrection; the Second Coming of Christ will not happen until after the tribulation for these who resist unto death are a very definite part of the first resurrection. They are exalted to the status of a priest of God and of Christ. They will also reign with Him for the thousand years. That would elevate them to a position of a king. So they are kings and priests unto the Lord. Rev. 20:5 Due to the fact that these are a positive part of the first resurrection and they do not die until during the tribulation, the Second Coming of Christ cannot take place until the close of the tribulation period. The Second Coming of Christ is the conclusion of the tribulation period and the beginning of the millennium. They are designated as being a blessed and holy people for they have a definite part in the first resurrection. That which happens when Jesus comes a second time. Rev. 20:6 THE KING OF EVIL SIZED AND INCARCERATED. There can be no question as to the person who is to be arrested. He is named as being the great dragon, the old serpent, the devil and Satan. He will be chained, locked up and sealed in for the thousand years. He will be bound by the chain in the hand of the angel and be kept in total darkness. Rev. 20:1-2 It is a day of rest and freedom from all of his works. No evil or sinners will be found in the thousand years. He will be unable to reach the nations of the kingdom of the Lord. At the conclusion of the millennial rest Satan will be loosed for a very brief time that the Lord might bring to a conclusion his judgment. Beyond the seventh day or the seventh thousandth year is to be found the New Heavens and the New Earth. That which is eternal. NUMBERS. 22 THE NUMBER SIX IN THE BUILDING OF THE TABERNACLE. THE WEST SIDE OF THE TABERNACLE. The Tabernacle was always set up facing the East or the sunrising. So the West side was actually the back or end of the tent. They were to build this wall of six boards. Ex. 26:21 Each board was ten cubits high [the number of the Law]. The boards were to be a cubit and a half wide or about twenty-four inches wide. [The full complement of governmental authority. The twenty-four on the thrones around and about the Throne of the Lord. Rev. 4:4 That would make the Tabernacle to be twelve feet wide [number of government]. However, to strengthen the structure, two boards were added, one at each corner. Thus there were eight boards [The number of resurrection]. The two extra boards were joined with the first and the sixth boards making them to be doubled. Ex. 26:17 Thus signifying the double portion, which is the last day revival when the Lord will pour out of His Spirit as never before, culminating in the marriage of the Lamb. Note the multiple of sixes found in this wall. Each board was to have a frame of silver at the bottom to hold it with each frame having two bases, for a total of sixteen. They were made of silver, the metal of redemption. Ex. 26:25 The boards were to be joined together by five [Redemption] crossbars, with the middle one extending the full length of the wall. Ex. 25:25-28 The boards, the crossbars, the rings were all to be covered with gold. The metal of Royalty, righteousness and eternity. Ex. 26:29 CURTAINS OF GOAT HAIR. These were to be the tent over the tabernacle. The tabernacle was the first covering made of fine twined linen with cherubim embroidered in it and was to be tri colored. Typical of the Godhead. This was then to be covered with the covering of spun goats hair and was considered to be the tent. It was the middle covering and was typical of the Lord Jesus. It consisted of five and six curtains. The two were coupled together with fifty loops in each curtain. Fifty is typical of Pentecost. Together there were one hundred loops, fifty in each curtain. Once again we see the double portion. The first curtain was to be folded over the door of the tabernacle, thus once again reminding us of the double portion. Ex. 26:7-11 The clasps used to join the two sections were made of brass. Brass speaks of the judgment of sin. The whole of the Tabernacle declares the message of salvation and its pardon. Christ having taken our punishment. This second or middle covering because of its position is typical of Christ Jesus, the true sacrifice. The goat was a significant offering for the Day of Atonement. The high priest was to choose two goats. One was to be sacrificed. Its blood was to be sprinkled on the Mercy Seat. A very special offering for a very special day. It was the day of cleansing and forgiveness for Israel. After having performed the necessary ceremony the priest then laid his hands on the head of the other goat, confessing the sin of Israel. Having done so, the animal was loosed into the wilderness and their sin was banished and carried from them. Lev. 16:15, 18, 20-21 Goats were a vital part of the ritual of atonement. NUMBERS. 23 SIX, THE NUMBER OF THE DAY OF THE DOUBLE PORTION. THEY GATHERED TWICE AS MUCH ON THE SIXTH DAY. The sixth day became a day of gathering [Ex. 16:5] and preparation for them. All that was to be consumed on the seventh day was not only gathered but also prepared in what ever manner they chose. [Ex.16:22-24]. In this fashion the Lord fed Israel for the entire time of their trip through the wilderness. This is a wonderful type of the out pouring of the Spirit and a renewal of a ministry of the Word in the end of the age. We are coming to the conclusion of the six thousand years of the week of the Lord. Everything spiritual has the stamp of the double portion on it. The double portion, is not simply twice as much but means a fullness. For instance, in the activities of the Holy Spirit, it is the same measure that was in Christ, an anointing which cannot be measured. John 3:34 THE DOUBLE PORTION WAS ALLOTTED TO THE FIRSTBORN SON. It was an inheritance that could not be denied him. Even though he were the son of a wife who was disliked, the double portion could not be denied the eldest son. Deut. 21:17 Jacob is often maligned because he recognized the inheritance of the eldest son to be of great value. For all the bargaining that may have transpired, there are two attitudes that must be considered. First the extremely short vision of Esau. He said he was famishing with hunger. He sought to satisfy the natural man and his appetites. It could easily be said of him that he was of the flesh, fleshly. He also despised the most precious of family heirlooms, his birthright. Esau had no vision for the future. He lived only for today. Gen. 25:32-34 Jacob, on the other hand rightly evaluated the birthright blessing. Though the price he paid was dirt cheap, Jacob did pay for it. He did not force Esau to agree to the price he offered him. Jacob had every right to receive his fathers blessing. He had purchased it in a legitimate sale. A DOUBLE PORTION FOR ELISHA. The touch of the mantel of Elijah had so stirred the heart of Elisha that he is now requesting a "like" spirit and anointing. 2 Kings 2:9 Just a taste of the power of the spirit can create a great hunger and longing for much more. This relationship between these two prophets carries a beautiful symbol of the church in the end of the age. A church with a strong desire to walk in the power and the spirit of their Christ. What Elisha was to receive was because of his persistent walk and refusal to be separated from him. Elisha could not be deterred from following Elijah. He was determined to go with him to the end. Then, and most importantly, he must see Elijah ascend into the heavens. 2 Kings 2:10 Without a vision the people perish. There is only one vision. Sirs, we would see Jesus. With our eyes fixed on Him we will enter into an experience in the Spirit that knows no equal, except that of the Lord Jesus Christ. NUMBERS 24 SIX CITIES OF REFUGE PREPARED IN ISRAEL. The first criminal act was the commitment of the most heinous of crimes. The murder of Abel by Cain, it was a premeditated and deliberate act, prompted by a bad spirited man. The cities of refuge were prepared for those who had committed manslaughter. A serious deed and punishable by death, unless they fled to the city of refuge. While the Lord does not condone sin, He provides a way for the sinner to find pardon and refuge from the avenger of blood. When blood is spilt it has the nature of crying out for vengeance. The blood of righteous Abel sought revenge. Gen. 4:10 The blood of the martyrs will do the same. Rev. 6:10 "The avenger of blood" was usually the closest member of the family of the one who was killed. The cities of refuge were Levitical cities, owned and occupied by the priests. Numbers 35:6 Three of the cities were to be on the west of Jordan and three on the east. They were shelters for all who accidentally took the life of another person. Numbers 35:13-15 If ever the accused were caught outside of the city, he could be killed as a judgment. Only in the city was there safety for him. He must remain in the city as long as the anointed high priest remained alive. On the death of the priest he was liberated and could return to his own home. What a beautiful type of our High Priest, the Lord Jesus. His death brought liberty and freedom to all who will receive Him as savior and Lord. Numbers 35: 26-28 THE NAMES OF THE SIX CITIES. The meaning of the names of these cities is of interest, the first mentioned is that of:- KEDESH. It means, a sacred place or sanctuary. Precisely what one would expect. Kedesh was located in GALILEE, which means circle or circuit. Which would indicate the purpose of the area to encircle the guilty and supply sanctuary for him. It was in the area of mount NAPTHALI, meaning my wrestling. Indicating the depths of prayer and repentance on the part of the guilty. SHECHEM. Shoulder or ridge. The place of burden bearing. The people of the city took on the responsibility of the individual, even as Christ has for us. Located in mount EPHRAIM. Double fruitfulness, a type of the great fruitfulness that is in Christ. When the children of the Lord bear their spiritual responsibilities there is fullness of fruit. KIRJATH-ARBA. City of the four. Four being the number of the earth. Salvation for the world. A refuge for all. Caleb captured this city and renamed it HEBRON or alliance, league or confederacy. The people of the city would receive the guilty and come into alliance with him to protect and shelter him. Once again located in a mountain. This time, Judah praised. Most certainly anyone caught in a situation needing a city of refuge would be filled with worship and praise for having escaped to the city of safety. Joshua 20:7 NUMBERS 25 THE SIX CITIES OF REFUGE. Continued. The six cities were added to the forty-two cities that were given to the Priests, the tribe of Levi. Forty-two is the sum of seven times six. Foreshadowing the perfection [7] of man [6] as man becomes like Christ, our great High Priest. We are to live in His presence and in His city. The total number of cities given to the Levites was forty-eight or [6] times [8]. Eight is the number of resurrection. Living with the guidance and instruction of the true Priest we are assured resurrection in the day of His coming. Each city was to be surrounded by an open space called a suburb of one thousand cubits. It was to be an area for their cattle and flocks. A place of sustenance and rest. The thousand cubits foreshadow the one thousand years of the millennial reign of Christ on this earth. Numbers 35:3-4 Beyond that, they were to measure another two thousand cubits on each of the four [Number of earth] sides of the city. The two-thousand cubits represent the two-thousand years of the Gospel dispensation. From the time of His death to the time of His coming as second time. So there was a total of twelve thousand cubits [4 x’s 3= 12] surrounding each of these cities in which the fleeing person was safe. Twelve is the number of true Apostolic government, the order of the Lord. Three cities were located in the mountains and three were in the plains. The Lord is everywhere to be found. BEZER. Strong or strength. Bezer was a fortified city and was certainly in keeping with its name. The city was for the purpose of refuge. Those who fled there could agree with the Psalmist. "He has showed me his marvelous kindness in a strong city". Ps. 31:21 Our strong city is the Lord Jesus. He is our salvation. Protecting us within His walls and bulwarks. Isa. 26:26 RAMOTH. High place or eminencies. Isaiah saw the Lord on His Holy throne, high and lifted up. Isa. 6:1 The Lord is exalted and glorified. He reigns on high. The person entering into a city of refuge was in a safe and Godly environment, watched over by the Lord. GOLAN. Meaning, a circle, a passage or a revolution. Once again presenting the preeminence of the Lord. It is He who sits on the circle of the earth. He compasses the earth with the very nature of His Omnipresence. Isa. 40:22 He observes and comprehends all the actions of men. There is nothing from the eyes of the Lord nor will He forget those things not settled by repentance. 1 Cor. 4:5 The man seeking asylum in one of these cities must under go a trial Where it was to be determined whether the killing of which he was accused was accidental, or not. Numbers 35:12, 24 If he was justified in the city of refuge he was then taken back to his own city and a trial was held. When found innocent and not at fault he was returned to the city of refuge where he was safe from the avenger of blood. At the death of the high priest he was released from the city of refuge and was allowed to return to his own city. There was no longer any blame or fault held against him. Our refuge is in Christ, to whom we have fled. Heb. 6:18 NUMBERS 26 THE SIXTH DAY. The day of the creation of man. Six is one number beyond five, the number of atonement and one number less than seven, the number of perfection. In himself, man tries to stand alone, wanting to be self sufficient spiritually but is without atonement and falls short of perfection. He is totally dependent on the Lord to supply those things which make him complete. Man, in the beginning was the crown jewel of the creation of the Lord. Created with the very special attention of the Lord. Made in the image and likeness of God, Himself. Physically and spiritually man was made after the pattern of the Lord. In the salvation of man, there is a new creation accomplished where fallen man is given the right and privilege of gaining back that which was lost in the fall. The new man is created spiritually, to be like the Lord in true righteousness and holiness. Eph. 4:24 The new man is in a process of being renewed in the knowledge of the Lord. Col. 3:10 SIX DAYS OF CREATION. SIX DAYS OF THE SALVATION OF MAN. The Lord uses type and shadow to make His plans known. As He consumed six days to create the universe and all its contents, so, in six days he will accomplish His purpose in the salvation of man. It is needful that we remember that a day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. Ps. 90:4, 2 Pet. 3:8 There were four thousand years from Adam to Christ, who is the Lamb of God. The Passover Lamb was to be kept four days in preparation for the Passover ceremony. Ex. 12:3-6 The six days allotted for the salvation of man are quickly coming to a conclusion. How could there be any doubt that we are living in the last days. THE SIXTH DAY WAS THE DAY OF THE DOUBLE PORTION. In dealing with a double portion we are not only indicating just twice as much but a full portion. The manna, the bread of heaven, typical of the Word of the Lord was doubled on the sixth day. Ex. 16:26 Most assuredly the accomplishment, the fulfillment of the Word will be made clear in the end of the age. It is a time of the completion of the revelation of the Word. The church, the Bride of Christ, in these last days will come to a knowledge of the Word as no other generation. The order for the people of the Lord of the end of the age is that of perfect unity. As impossible as it may seem, He will have a church with one faith [Pistis, persuasion, belief, faith]. All believing and teaching the same doctrine because of the revelation of the Spirit. Jesus said, that there would be one fold with one shepherd. We all know that one true shepherd is the Lord Jesus. His doctrine, His teaching is based on the truth of the Word. John 10:16 Ezekiel also spoke of these days as the church having but one king and shepherd over them as they walk in His ways. Eze. 37:24 One real Holy Ghost move of the Spirit in the church world wide will alter the laxity of Christian living and unify the teaching of the Word into glorious oneness. NUMBERS 27 THE NUMBER SIX IS SEEN AGAIN IN THE BRANCHES OF THE LAMPSTAND OF THE TABERNACLE. The whole of the lampstand or candlestick was to be formed from one piece of gold. The word one used in reference to the lampstand is the Hebrew, echad or united. In this manner one represents the perfect unity of the Triunity, called the Godhead. The gold speaks to us of the righteousness and purity of the Almighty. What an amazing piece of work was wrought by the goldsmith of the Lord. Six branches with seven lamps and all their decorations had to be hammered from one piece of gold. Ex. 25:36 The workman was under the order to reproduce something, perfectly, which he had never seen. It was Moses who was on the mountain and saw the heavenly pattern, from which the earthly was to be copied. His orders were strict. It was to be made after the order which was shown. Heb. 8:5 THE LORD GAVE MOSES SPECIAL FOREMEN. The Lord not only chose men who had skills, but He perfected those skills which were already theirs. Bezaleel was also filled with the Spirit [NIV] and skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts. Ex. 31:3 As his helper the Lord gave him Aholiab plus the wise hearted men, the workers who were to build the Tabernacle and its furniture. Ex. 31:6 The presence of the Holy Spirit expands the abilities of those who are already proficient, and enables those with no natural skill, to perform skillfully. THE SIX BRANCHED LIGHT OF THE HOLY PLACE. For six thousand years the Lord has enlightened the world in one way or another as to His existence. Now, in the Gospel dispensation He has made known the light of the world, the Lord Jesus. John 9:5 The Most Holy place with its cubical content of two thousand cubits represents the two thousand years of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The shaft, the central column, in the Hebrew, by euphemism denotes the generative parts. As the light of the sun is necessary for the growth of plants, so the light of the Word is vital for Spiritual growth. Joined to the staff, were six branches and seven lamps. The six thousand years of the dealings of the Lord with mankind and then the seventh, the thousand years of rest and peace. The Sabbath of the Lord. Those who come forth from the grave at the time of the first resurrection will live and reign with Christ for a thousand years. Rev. 20:6 Those who are truly joined [one] with Him are the branches. John 15:5 The Lord Jesus is seen in the midst of His candlestick, the church, for He is their enlightenment in the scriptures. Without the revelation of Himself and the revelation and understanding of the Word which He gives us, we walk in darkness. Rev. 1:13 We are to take warning that if we do not maintain our status in walking in the light of His Word, that the light can be removed. There are those who have had wonderful experiences in the Lord, when falling away, have found themselves in great darkness. Even denying the work that the Lord had done in them at one time. Rev. 2:5 NUMBERS 28 SERVITUDE LIMITED TO SIX YEARS. The seventh was to be a year of freedom for all servants who were Israelites. From the beginning of their service this was understood. Seeing how other matters of the Law were disobeyed one cannot but help wonder if this was actually followed. Ex. 21:2 The man servant having a family at the beginning of his service could take his family with him when he left. The man to whom the master gave a wife and family must leave them in the care of the master. However, if he declared his love for his master and his family he could remain and become a love slave. A choice to be made, freedom or servitude as a servant because of his intense love for his family, and his master. Ex. 21:5 The servant is taken before the judges and in this manner before the Lord also and a public confession of his binding intention is declared, "in open court". MARKED AS A LOVE SLAVE. The person making this consecration was then taken to the door. The act now becomes very meaningful to us, for it is Jesus who is openly declared to be the DOOR. We have the opportunity of living our lives dedicate to His purposes as a love slave or doing our own thing. John 10:7, 9 The ear of the servant was then "pinned to the wall" or to the post of the door. Ex. 21:6 Like the blood of the lamb at Passover the blood of the slave is now on the door post in full and complete consecration, they are no longer their own, they are now the total possession of their master. What a beautiful type of the very depths of consecration. May we ever be willing to do the same. The ear, the hearing, has now been joined to the door post. The servant must now hear the commands of his owner and fulfill them. We must hear the WORDS of the Lord Jesus and do them. Our ears should be pinned to the door post. The sign of servitude is now in the flesh of the ear. Forever that mark of distinction and love is upon the servant. He has become a lifetime slave. More than anything else, the Lord looks for those of the pierced, or opened ear. Sacrifice and offerings [works] are rejected by the Lord. Above all He is looking for those who hear and do His WORD. Ps. 40:6 UNTIL THE YEAR OF THE JUBILEE. Every fiftieth year was to be a year of liberty where all properties were restored to their original owners and all people who had committed themselves to servitude where released and free to return to their former status. Lev. 25:10 These servants who were Israelites were to be treated as family. They were not to be mistreated nor maligned in anyway. Lev. 25:40 The year of Jubilee was their time of freedom. A decision had to be made, to go free or remain. If they had been treated kindly as members of the family and no doubt having been faithful over a period of years some had become like family members, it would have been most difficult to leave. Unquestionably some would have renewed their vows and dedication. NUMBERS 29 SIX WATER POTS OF STONE. These were evident and really played quite a prominent place in the first miracle manifest by the Lord Jesus. It is fitting that it took place at a wedding attended by Jesus and His Mother. Not only is it His very first miracle it is also the beginning of His ministry. That it took place at a wedding is actually the foreshadowing of that which will culminate in His own wedding. These waterpots were of stone, which would mean that they had been worked on with a hammer and a chisel, chipped out and shaped. They were not pots made of clay which would have been more fragile. If the individuals used to build the body of Christ, the church, are called "living stones". Then, surely the pots of stone may also be called "living stones". Vessels which would ordinarily be used for ceremonious washings, for purification, which also makes these vessels to be of interest. The fact that there were six of them speaks to us of the six thousand years of the dealings of the Lord with man. From Adam to the Second Coming of Christ. It is estimated that each pot would hold about 20 gallons. Interestingly six times twenty is one-hundred-twenty which is the number of the end of all flesh. They were also filled to the brim. John 2:1-6 WATER TURNED INTO WINE. Wine is typical of the joy of the Holy Spirit. The governor of the feast recognized this wine to be far superior to that which had been served. This working of the very first miracle by the Christ translates into the following message. The best of everything that the Lord has prepared for His church on the earth is to be revealed to His Bride in the last days. At His marriage, the vessels will be filled with that precious wine of the Spirit. John 2:8-11 FOUR WINGS AND SIX WINGS. There are those who try to fault the Bible by directing attention to situations such as the Cherubim, or living creatures, with four wings in Ezekiel and than finding them again in the Revelation with six wings. Claiming the Bible to be faulty. Ezekiel was not mistaken when he recorded that they had four wings, for that was the truth of what he saw. The reason being that he saw them according to the timing of the Old Testament or the four thousand years from Adam to Christ. Each wing represented a thousand years. Eze. 1:6 it is important that we remember that a thousand years with the Lord is but like a day, and a day as a thousand years. Ps. 90:4, 2 Peter 3:8 When John saw them it was two thousand years later and the fullness of time had come. Now their work was complete and they were seen in the fullness of their capacity and power. It is also of interest to see that the four living creatures had a total of twenty-four wings, 4x6. Rev. 4:8 There are also twenty-four thrones that surround the throne of the Lord on which the twelve Apostles of the early church and the twelve Apostles of the church in the end of the age will occupy. They are destined to be leaders of the redeemed of all ages. Rev. 4:4 NUMBERS 30 SIX MEASURES OF BARLEY. In the love story of Boaz and Ruth the six measures of barley speak to us of the six thousand years of the history of man on the earth. It also shows us that the Bride of Christ is composed of those living in the end of the age. It was the midnight hour when he awakened to find her at his feet. The bride of Christ will find herself in a similar situation in her midnight hour, or the end of the age. She affirmed him to be a near kinsman. The Bride has no nearer kinsman than Christ. He spread his skirt over her as a sign of acceptance and protection. Ruth 3:9 How like what Christ has done for us. Because of the conditions of the world the church will of necessity, be at His feet, in prayer. In order to receive the gift that was proffered it was necessary for her to remove her veil. Typifying the Law. The Law does not bring salvation. It was only a school master to bring us to Christ. In the morning, the dawning of a new day for her, she departed with a veil full of barley. Barley was the harvest of the Passover season. Someday soon the Bride will partake of the communion and find herself in the fullness of Christ. She will become bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh through the table of the Lord. This whole event resulted in the redemption of Ruth by her near kinsman and the subsequent marriage, and birth of Obed. Obed means worshipper; he was the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. He was the progenitor of the Godly line that brought forth the Christ of God. A SCHEDULED CLEANSING AND SEPARATION FOR JERUSALEM. The house of the Lord, the church of the last days. Six men with weapons of slaughter in their hands whose purpose was to purge the city. Ezekiel 9: One among them was clothed in linen and had a pen and inkhorn in His hand. Surely this is Christ, He is our measuring rod or standard. The command is issued from the midst of the glory of the Lord or from His very presence. A command given to mark, in the forehead, those who are grieved over the sinful conditions of Jerusalem or the church. Interesting that they are to be given a mark in their foreheads, when that is to be an act of the antichrist. He is a great imitator. There is no comparison between the two. One is an act of righteousness leading to liberty. The other is an act of unrighteousness leading to slavery. All those unmarked, beginning with the leadership down to the children, who were not perturbed over the sinfulness of the city were to be eliminated, bar none. Even the temple and its environs were to be polluted with the slain. Ezekiel 9: There is coming a mighty cleansing to the House of the Lord. There is a definite division to be made because of the excessive sinfulness found in the church today. There is a cleansing and sanctification that will be performed in the church in these last days resulting in a glorious church without spot or wrinkle. That which happened in the day of Ezekiel is scheduled to be repeated in the last day church, in a spiritual sense not literally. There is a great need of a mighty work of sanctification and it will be done. NUMBERS 31 THE THRONE OF SOLOMON. His throne is noted as having been a great throne. A throne that in size would exceed all others. It was also to be in the forefront in value, being made of ivory and gold. There was no other throne that compared to it. The throne of Solomon was far greater in every way than all the others. 2 Chr. 9:17 The Lord covenanted with Solomon to make his throne an everlasting throne, a royal throne, providing he would continue to walk in the ways of his father, David. 2 Chr. 7:1 Unfortunately, Solomon failed to maintain his part of the covenant. The subsequent history of Israel is a matter of record. The throne of Solomon with all of its great value, its beauty and grandeur is a type of the throne of the Lord. Isaiah saw the throne of the Lord as being high and lifted up. It is an exceeding great throne, of great beauty and majestic beyond all others. Isa. 6:1 Ezekiel saw the throne of the Lord as a great sapphire stone situated in the firmament or the skies. More important was the man, the Lord Jesus, who occupied that throne. Eze. 1:26 The throne of Solomon is a type of the eternal throne of the Lord. The six steps which led to the throne of Solomon, represent the six thousand years of the dealings of the Lord with mankind. That is about to come to a conclusion. 2 Chr. 9:18 The twelve lions, two on each step, represent the apostolic ministry which is intended to bring us to Christ. He sent them out by twos. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The throne is of Judah, the redeemer - not of Levi, the Law. We are about to see His throne, the great white throne, from which all that is of the past will flee away and there will be that which is new alone. Rev. 20:11 THE HOUSE OF THE LORD MEASURED. The people, the city and the temple all measure by the same measuring stick. The man who was to do the measuring had a measuring stick of six cubits and a hand width in his hand to use in His measurements. Eze. 40:5 He, Himself was an awesome being to behold for His appearance was as that of fine brass. Eze. 40:3 This quickly identifies Him as none other than the Lord Jesus. Rev. 2:18 The six cubit measuring rod is the measurement of a man. This again symbolizes the Lord Jesus. He is our measuring rod. We are to measure up to His spiritual measurements, and the church in the end of the age will attain unto His likeness, in all things. Eph. 4:13 We must ever remember that Jesus was a man, a human being subject to all the temptations which are common to man, yet without sin. Heb. 4:15 The same commitments, the same attitudes that were in Christ, we can also display. The same Spirit that was in Him is likewise in us. We have been born of the Spirit, He now dwells within and will lead and guide us into all truth. We also have the Word as a book of inspiration and instructions. The revelation and our acceptance of that which the Lord has provided and empowered us with is the key to a victorious life. We do not have to sin every day, in word thought or deed. If Christ reigns within there is victory. Col. 1:27-29 NUMBERS 32 THE LORD REPENTED. The LORD took pity of Jerusalem and David. They were being punished because David had made the mistake of numbering Israel. An act of which David repented and sought mercy. 2 Sam. 24:10, 17 David was given a choice of judgments and wisely chose to fall into the hand of the LORD. v. 13-14. When the angel was about to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD stopped him and the city was spared. The angel was standing on the threshing floor of Araunah which was on Mt. Moriah the site where the temple was to be built. That is the key to our story. DAVID PURCHASED THE PLACE. Gad, the prophet ordered David, at the instigation of the LORD, to build an altar and offer sacrifice there. As David approached, Araunah humbled himself before David. It must also be noted that Aranuah had four sons with him when he met David. Five is the number of atonement. 1 Chr. 21:20 He was a Jebusite [the name of Jerusalem when David took it]. When Araunah knew of David's interest he offered the threshing floor, wood and cattle, all gratis. But, David would not offer to the LORD anything for which he had not paid a price. He insisted that the full price be paid. 1 Ch.. 21:24 A sacrifice is only a sacrifice when an object held in high esteem and of great value is offered. In relationship to the price of the land there is no mistake in the Bible. David gave a down payment of fifty shekels [the number of Pentecost] of silver [the metal of redemption]. Redemption and the Pentecostal experience must be linked together. It was an act of desperation and needed immediate action to stop the plague that was upon them. 2 Sam. 24:24-25 The full price of the land required another six hundred shekels of gold. In keeping with our subject, this is a multiple of six. Strangely enough, fifty goes into six hundred, twelve times, and that is the number of apostolic leadership. In the total price we have the twelve plus one, making thirteen. In the early church eventually there were thirteen Apostles, Judas having lost his place and being replaced by Paul. One of the Apostolic leaders of the last day church will fall and become like Judas, the antichrist. Of necessity he will be replaced making thirteen. THE OFFERING BROUGHT DOWN FIRE FROM HEAVEN. We desire another Pentecost and long for the fire of the Lord. Are we willing to make a proper altar and sacrifice to the Lord? The fire fell, Pentecost. The sword of the angel was replaced into its sheath and the plague was stopped, there was healing. 1 Chr. 21:26-27 This was not the first time that an important sacrifice was conducted in Moriah. Abraham was instructed to offer Isaac in this same place. Gen. 22:2 It was this very site that was chosen by Solomon to build the Temple, The House of The LORD. Moriah means, Jehovah provides. It was here that Abraham met Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. David met Him there as one who pardons and heals. Israel was to meet Him there and to see the glory of His presence as it had been manifest in the Tabernacle of the Lord. NUMBERS. 33 BREAD OF THE PRESENCE, [NIV] or the SHOWBREAD. While there were twelve loaves, they were placed on the table of SHOWBREAD, six to a row [a pile. Strong], stacked one upon another in two piles. Therefore, we are including them in the study of the number six. In its composition it was to be made of two-tenth deals of fine flour were to be in each loaf. The fine flour is indicative of suffering because it was ground or bruised. Interestingly enough, according to some, this would have made each loaf to weigh six and one quarter pounds. Lev. 24:5 Tradition also states that these loaves were hexagonal or six sided which would fit into a pattern of the bread being representative of the Bread of Life, made manifest in human form, the Lord Jesus. John 6:35 It must also be noted that it was a perpetual offering before the Lord, there was never to be a time when there was not bread on the table before the Lord. Tradition states that, as one priest lifted the loaves from the table another priest was placing the fresh bread on the table so that at no time was there not bread in place. Ex. 25:30 The bread was to be absolutely free of all leaven. It was like the bread of Passover, free from leaven. Perhaps it would remind them of their deliverance from Egypt. Leaven indicates something that is sour or fermented, therefore is a type of sin. In the case of the Pharisees and the Saducees in the day of Christ, it was their false doctrine. Mt. 16:12 We are urged to purge out the old nature, the characteristics of the carnal nature that we might be a bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. 5:7-8 Just a small amount of leaven will leaven the whole loaf, there must not be even the slightest measure of leaven. Gal. 5:9 THE BREAD WAS PLACED ON THE PURE TABLE. Lev. 24:6 Which was the table of gold located in the Holy Place. The bread was holy, the table was holy and it was located in the Holy Place. Every thing in connection to it indicates the Holiness of the Living Word. Along with it incense was set on the table and then burned when the exchange of loaves was made. Incense represents prayer. Rev. 8:3-4 Each series of loaves remained on the table for six days, every Sabbath it was renewed. The WORD of the Lord is to be preached until the end of the age or the sixth day, the sixth period of one thousand years. we are coming to the conclusion of that sixth day or the sixth one thousand year period of time. It must also be considered as a sign of the covenant, or a memorial which the Lord had made with them, a lasting covenant. Lev. 24:8 It is imperative that we note that the bread, once having been on the pure table, before the Lord was to have been eaten by Aaron and His sons. The ministry must first be satisfied with the Word before they can break that bread and satisfy the hunger of the people. May the Lord feed His priests, the ministry with the Word that they might be able to impart the same to the people of this generation who are starving for the Word. NUMBERS 34 THE MOST HOLY PLACE OF THE TABERNACLE. It was in the shape of a cube, with four equal sides, plus the floor and the ceiling making six coequal measurements, which is in keeping with our study of the number six. Thus, we have the number of a man, the man, the Lord Jesus Christ. This particular area of the Tabernacle is fragmented with symbols relating to the Lord Jesus. A cube of this nature would have twelve equal edges. It is significant that Jesus would choose twelve disciples and that the Bride of Revelation twelve would have a diadem [an emblem of government or leadership] of twelve stars. The twelve stars and twelve edges are significant of the Millennial government which will be established on the earth for a thousand years, or for the Sabbath of the ages. The seventh day of the history of man from the time of Adam. The cubical content of the Most Holy Place was 1000 cubits [10x10x10] in this manner illustrating the one thousand years of the kingdom of God on earth. THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE HOLY PLACE. The walls were to be made of Acacia wood, durable, a heavy hardwood resistant to insects. It is used throughout the Tabernacle for furniture and walls. Each board used in the wall was to be ten cubits long, which gives us the height of the whole of the Tabernacle. The cubit is generally considered to be a foot and a half, making the Tabernacle fifteen feet high. Ex. 26:16 Six boards were to be made for the back wall of the Tabernacle which was always on the west. It was also the back of the Most Holy Place. Ex. 26:22 However, there were two extra boards made for this same wall, bringing its number to eight. The number of resurrection and new beginnings. These boards were to be installed overlapping the first and the sixth boards which were in the corners. Thus, with the extension of these double boards the width of the Tabernacle is established at ten cubits. These double boards speak to us of the double portion. Five bars of acacia wood were made for the walls including the west wall. Ex. 26:26 Five is the number of atonement. They were kept in place with rings of gold. All the wood parts were covered with gold. Gold, the righteousness and eternity of the Lord. Layered with gold would have given them a threefold thickness. The gold, the Father and the Holy Spirit. The wood in the middle, the cross and the crucified Christ. The Triunity is very visible in the Tabernacle. Ex. 26:29 The central bar was to be one complete bar extending the full length of the wall. Typifying the completeness that is found in Christ. He is our strength and our stay. The boards of the Tabernacle all stood on bases made of Silver, the metal of redemption. Each board stood on two bases, the involvement of the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit in the work of salvation. Oddly enough there were sixteen of these bases made for the eight boards of the west wall. A number which would speak to us again of the double portion. [Two times eight = sixteen.] The double portion is actually the complete fullness of the Spirit dwelling in the body of Christ, His church. It is also to be the character of the Millennial day. NUMBERS 35 THE MAN WAS A CHAMPION, BUT ON THE WRONG SIDE. His height is that which places him in our study. Six cubits and a span. For all his bellowing against Israel, he was still a man who possessed all the frailties of a man. His height is estimated to be from eight to ten and a half feet. 1 Sam. 17:4 He was not a man who had grown excessively without the strength to match his size. We have but to look at his armament to realize that he was a man of exceeding great strength. No one could wear such a tremendous load of brass and go into the activity of the battle field without being a very strong person. 1 Sam. 17:5-6 The very size of his and shield were awesome. So fearsome and frightful was the sight and sound of his bully that he had all the valiant soldiers of Israel afraid to tackle him. Too often the enemy has the Christian buffaloed and fearful of taking an aggressive assault against the enemy. This man is a type of every satanic inspired foe that we face right down to the antichrist. They all have the weakness of being mere men, and if they are more than that, then greater is He who is within you.. 1 Sam. 17:10-11 A STRIKING AND AN AMAZING DEFEAT. David, [love or well beloved], The youngest of eight. [The number of resurrection or new life]. In physical stature still a youth but great in faith and confidence in the Lord. He is called a "stripling" - obviously very young in appearance. 1 Sam. 17:56 Golaith, on seeing David, who was now the only opponent out of all the army of Israel, disdained, scorned or disesteemed him. Noting that he was but a youth ruddy of complexion and handsome. Hardly a worthy adversary for such a great warrior as he. 1 Sam. 17:42 Falsely accused of his older brother, who gave evidence of his dislike and jealousy toward him. 1 Sam. 17:28 Saul's armor did not fit David, nor would he of really wanted to us it. David put them off. 1 Sam. 17:38-39 David was but a shepherd lad but he had a heart that was fearless. He had confronted both a lion and a bear and had successfully defended the sheep against them by slaying them. 1 Sam. 17:34-37 His story of bravery was sufficient for Saul, so he commissioned David to go against Goliath. There is a very important factor that must be considered here, David was anointed and the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. 1 Sam. 16:12-13 Herein is found the source of the courage of David. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon him. David chose five [number of atonement] smooth stones. Stones which had been under water [typical of the Spirit] and were worn smooth by the waters actions. He went forward with the shepherds staff [the Word]. While Goliath cursed David in the names of his gods, David came against him in the name of the LORD Almighty. The secret of David's victory is quite obvious. He was the anointed of the Lord and he acted in the name of the LORD. He had the Word and the power of the Atonement. One stone accomplished the end of Goliath, whose own sword was the final blow of defeat. 1 Sam. 17:50-51 Surely, those who live by the sword will die by the sword. NUMBERS 36 666. There is probably a no more intriguing number in the Bible than this number ascribed to the antichrist. We note immediately that is a thrice repeated number. This is the great scam or deception perpetrated by the powers of darkness during the great tribulation period at the end of the age. The number 666 relates to a man who will be the very embodiment of the fullness of satan and satanic powers. The commitment of the antichrist to the powers of evil will be absolute, body, soul and spirit. He will be fully demonized. Working with the antichrist, the first beast, [Rev. 13:1] will be the dragon or himself [Rev. 13:2] and the false prophet or the second beast. [Rev. 13:11] This ungodly trio will present themselves as being the triune god. Multitudes of the peoples of the earth will be persuaded by them and follow them freely. Interestingly enough, the sign that will be placed on those subjecting themselves to the antichrist is threefold, body soul and spirit. It is stated to be a mark or the name or the number of his name. The mark is an etching or a stamp, unquestionable of the antichrist himself. First of all, there will be a divine warning, against receiving anything proffered by this satanic trio. The judgment of the Lord is also spoken to them that they might know the consequences. Rev. 14:9 Those marked will be tormented, having no rest day or night. Rev. 14:11 ALL, but all, who do not react of their own will, will be “forced” to receive this mark. Rev. 13:16 NIV There will be Christians who will face the decision of accepting or rejecting the mark of the beast. Thus we know that not all Christians are caught away at the beginning of the tribulation period. They triumph over the beast by refusing to be branded with his mark. These are tribulation martyrs. The majority will be Jews who believe the witness of the two witnesses that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, for they sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb. Rev. 15:2-3 A further picture of tribulation martyrs is seen as a resurrected group who spend a thousand years, the Millennium with the Lord. They are beheaded during the tribulation for not worshipping the beast, ore his image, nor would they receive his stamp. Their reward is full and most wonderful. Rev. 20:4 The importance of the name, the Lord Jesus Christ is emphasized in the scriptures. It is no wonder then, that we find the antichrist seeking to establish his own name. There is not much question whose name he will use. Jesus said many would come in His name and deceive many, so what else is new? Mt. 24:5 By the very number, of his name 666, we know that he is a man. Rev. 13:18 Many different ideas and ways of trying to exploit this number making it the name of some well known world leader have been used, but they all have come and gone. The antichrist will first of all be a fallen spiritual leader an apostate from the body of Christ, the true church. That he will become political there is no doubt, but first he is spiritual, then will take over the world presenting himself to be the Christ of God. He is the great falling away. 2 Thes. 2:3 NUMBERS 37 SEVEN. The number of divine completion or spiritual perfection. To seven ones self was to swear by an oath. It is a number that completely covers the history of the earth, beginning with creation and concluding with the judgments of the book of Revelation. It is a number that was of importance to Israel and also to the church. In the beginning we find the number in the week of creation, a period of seven days. The Lord established a design of a work week of six days with the seventh day being a day of great importance, for it was a day of rest, a cessation from all labor, a Sabbath. The example was given before the establishment of the Law, by the Lord Himself. Gen. 2:2-3 INTRODUCTION OF THE SEVEN IN PROPHECY. It is used in the book of Genesis as it is in the book of Revelation as a warning of deliverance for the righteous and catastrophe for the sinner. The Lord warned Noah that in seven days destroying rains would begin to fall and that they would continue for forty days and forty nights. It is small wonder that the prophetic book of the Bible is so filled with sevens. The purpose of the Lord was to destroy every living creature from off the earth. Gen. 7:4 Knowing the nearness of that impending surge of waters on the earth. One wonders if Noah did not increase the intensity of his warnings to the people of that generation, only to receive greater mocking and ridicule. It is interesting to note that the seven members of his family were saved by the eighth, who was Noah. [Eight is the number of new life, resurrection and is a position and number that typifies the Lord Jesus.] Noah was a preacher, he communicated with and warned the people of his time. They are entirely without excuse. 2 Pet. 2:5 Noah was a man who believed the Word of the Lord with all of his heart. He received the warning, believed it and prepared for the eventuality that was sure to come. Heb. 11:7 THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD. A seven day period during which they were not to eat bread with leaven in it. Also there was to be no leaven to be found in their homes. This feast, called the Feast of Passover was in preparation for the day of Passover. Executed in memory of their deliverance from Egypt. Ex. 12 Prophetically it foretold the coming of the Messiah who would be the Lamb of God. Leaven is a type of sin and things which are corruptible. Paul warned that a little leaven contaminates the whole loaf. Likewise, bread that is leavened is likened to “malice and wickedness,” elements which bring division and destruction. Rather, we are to partake of the unleavened bread of “sincerity and truth." 5:8 This restriction was not only for the Israelites but extended to foreigners who were visiting or other nationalities who were working in Israel. It bore the strict and heavy penalty of being “cut off” from the people of Israel. Ex. 12:19 The lesson that we are to learn here is that of holiness and separation from all that pollutes the Christian life. We are to be a loaf without leaven. Pure and holy unto the Lord. NUMBERS 38 THE NUMBER SEVEN IS A PROPHETIC NUMBER. The book of Revelation, the book of the end times is replete with the number seven. It is used some fifty-four times. It subjects range from the church to the mighty judgments of the Lord in the end of the age. We will be presenting Jacob and his difficulties of obtaining the wife of his choice as Christ has in this end of the age in finding the wife of His heart and delight. JACOB LABORED SEVEN YEARS FOR A WIFE. In all reality it took him fourteen years to obtain the wife of his desire, Rachel. That is a double seven and speaks to us of the double portion. He had a crafty man with whom he had to deal in order to get the girl of his selection. The fact that he was willing to work for such a long period of time for her shows both his love for her and her worth. Jacob bartered with Laban for Rachel and they reached an agreement satisfactory to both. Gen. 29:18-19 However, on the wedding night, heavily veiled, the older sister Leah was given to him in marriage, without the deception being discovered by Jacob until it was too late. Gen. 29:23 So enthralled was Jacob with Rachel that he willingly worked another seven years for her. Gen. 29:27-28 A DIVINE PRINCIPLE. First the flesh, then the Spirit. The flesh is of this world and is earthly. The Spirit causes a separation from the flesh and produces that which is eternal. Consider, 1 Cor. 15:45 Leah, her name is variously translated as meaning weak eyed, dull, or weary none of which make her to be a very attractive mate. While, Rachel, simply means ewe. There was a beauty and tenderness which immediately attracted Jacob. She was his first love. Noting his reaction to their first meeting at the well Jacob was greatly moved. Interesting that they would meet at a well, a source of water and that he would remove the stone blocking the mouth of the well that she might obtain water. The church drinks of the waters of life and of the Spirit supplied by the Lord Jesus. Gen. 29:10-11 It is very apparent that the Lord had compassion for she was the must fruitful and bore six sons and a daughter. Gen. 29:31-35, Gen. 30:17-20, Gen. 30:21 In contrast, Rachel was noted for her inability to have children. Gen. 29:30-31 The failure of Rachel to bear children was one of human frailty, the emotions involved must have been intense. Leah was hated, a deep rooted jealousy was also evident, envy was present. Rachel’s prayers were heard and she bore Joseph, fruitful or adding. She also prophesied that she would have another son. At the birth of Benjamin, son of my right hand, Rachel died. In Leah we find the church of the last days, Laodicea, the church of compromise and mixture. Rev. 3 While in Rachel is the type of the church of Philadelphia. The church of perfection. Joseph is a type of Christ while Benjamin is a type of the manchild. Rev. 12:5 The Lord in many types and shadows foretells His final works. NUMBERS 39 JACOB BOWED HIMSELF SEVEN TIMES BEFORE ESAU. Jacob and Esau shall yet meet together. The number seven prophetically brings us down to the end of the age, the time of the completion of the prophetic utterances of the Word of Lord. It must be remembered that Israel, as a nation was divided. Ten tribes went off to the north and were known as Israel, Samaria or the Northern kingdom. Two tribes plus the Levites remained in Jerusalem and became known as Judah. The prophets of the Old Testament knew this very well. Their prophecies if directed to Israel were directed toward the Northern kingdom. If to Judah, the Southern kingdom. In interpreting the prophecies we must recognize that they were aimed at the nation named and to them alone, unless specifically stated, they were never directed to both nations at once. Modern day Israel is not complete without the ten lost tribes that were formerly named Israel. The Lord knows where and who the ten tribes are and will in His time see to it that His will is accomplished. Surely, among the nations which are a protection to modern day Israel are some which belong to the ten lost tribes. PREPARATIONS WHICH LED TO THE RECONCILIATION. Jacob and his family must first be separated from Laban. The old life must be left behind. A covenant must be made, the Lord works through His covenant. Gen. 31:44-45 A stone set up for a pillar, sounds familiar. Gen. 31:46 Jacob on his way to Laban's house had met the Lord and set up a pillar at Bethel. Gen. 28:18 Stones were added to the pillar until it became a heap. The living stones compose the church and become a part of the covenant of blood, the blood of Christ. So, going and returning there was a stone [a type of Christ] and covenant promises made. First with the Lord and then with his father-in-law, who, incidentally was a scoundrel. Jacob faced him with the charge that Laban had it in mind to send Jacob away, alone, by himself without his family and that Laban had changed Jacob’s wages ten times. Gen. 31:41-42 Jacob had every right to have very strong feelings toward Laban; however, Jacob settled it by covenant. He could have gone on with a heart filled with great bitterness which would have effected his reconciliation with Esau. Twenty years of wrongs and hurts were laid to rest. A covenant would not be complete without the shedding of the blood of sacrifice. Jacob, offered sacrifice, on the mount [Christ too died on a mount]. Gen. 31:54 Along with the sacrifice Jacob held a feast of commemoration where bread was served. They did not “eat and run,” they tarried the whole night in fellowship, showing that at the Cross, by the body and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, differences are settled, forgiven and a new peaceful start is made. In the morning Laban bid a proper good bye to his family and departed in peace. Gen. 31:55 For the church to become to a place of victory and perfection, long held bitterness, hatred and so on, must be settled and forgotten. The only one harmed by them is the person who maintains them. NUMBERS 40. JACOB VISITED BY HEAVENLY MESSENGERS. Both going and coming Jacob enjoyed a visitation of the Lord. These experiences were a source of encouragement and assurance of the presence of the Lord in all that was before him. Going, in a dream he saw the staircase of the Lord with the multitude of the angels ascending and descending. Gen. 28:12 These visitations were so impressive that he gave special names to the area. In this case it was Bethel, the house of God. Gen. 28:19 Now, as he is leaving and facing the trial of his life in facing Esau, he is visited by the heavenly host. It was surely a great moment in his life. His statement was, “This is the camp of God” Gen. 32:1-2 And again he gave a name to the place. This time Mahanaim, meaning, two armies, two camps. The simplest and easiest interpretation of this meeting would be to identify the two camps as the angels and Jacob's family. JACOB MADE CONTACT WITH ESAU BY MESSENGER. His message was very humble and conciliatory. Jacob was orally bowing before Esau as a servant. He also declared his wealth to illustrate that he had no need of assistance from Esau. Jacob addressed Esau as “my lord.” Identifying Esau as a superior. All this to accomplish that which was most necessary, “That I may find favor in your eyes.” Gen. 32:3-5 Jacob is manifesting great wisdom and an excellent understanding of human nature. Better humility than war. It can easily be said of Jacob that he had an excellent spirit. Remembering the past, Jacob had every right to be in great consternation upon hearing that Esau was approaching with four hundred men. What is the attitude of Esau? Gen. 32:6 THE THOUGHTS OF JACOB. The reason for his thoughts. The prophecy of Isaac. Esau was to live by the sword, in that day. Today by the gun. He was destined to serve Jacob, which of course was not acceptable to Esau. Eventually Esau was to repel Jacob and find his freedom. Gen. 27:40 Esau held a grudge against Jacob that was of such intensity that he schemed to kill him. Gen. 27:41 Rebekah, on hearing his plans warned Jacob and he left under such circumstances. Gen. 27:42-43 Reason enough for Jacob to be greatly upset and filled with fear. This was to be a meeting of life or death. Jacob wisely made plans for at least part of his family to escape in case of an attack. Gen. 32:7 ALL IMPORTANTLY, Jacob prayed. Good to make prayer something that we customarily do and not to wait until it is the only thing to do. In his prayer by using the name of his forefathers he reminded the Lord how He had been with them. Then he addressed the LORD as Jehovah. Prayer is effective when the name of the LORD is used. He also reminded the LORD that at His instigation he was returning to the land given to his forefathers. Gen. 32:9 That is an excellent approach. He knew he was in the will of the Lord, therefore was able to place full responsibility on the Lord for his current situation. It is a prayer of confidence which may be used if one has knowledge of being in the very heart of the will of the Lord. NUMBERS 41 SAVE ME. Here is the cry that must come from Jacob if there is to be peace in Israel. The plea must be really twofold. First of all, for personal salvation which is vital if the Lord is to deliver them from the hands of their enemies. That is fundamental to seeing the hand of the Lord displayed in a mighty way. Secondly, the two camps will be saved from destroying each other, physically. The current level of hatred runs very deep between the two. Only a miracle of the Lord can produce the results that we are about to note in the lives of Jacob and Esau. The intervention of the Lord in an outpouring of His revival fire and love is the only answer. When hearts are filled with the love of the Lord there can be no hatred or warfare. JACOB SELECTED A GIFT FOR HIS BROTHER. A wise act, certainly prompted by the Lord. The scripture teaches that a gift pacifieth anger. Even though Jacob did not know the feelings of Esau, he knew that he had every right to be very, very angry, therefore the gift. His gift was indeed a generous one. The account gives a list of animals which are divided into nine groups. Nine is the number of the Holy Spirit. Nine fruit, nine ministerial gifts and nine graces. The Lord uses history to show us the future. Jacob, of the three patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is the one who is a type of the Holy Spirit. An old time Holy Ghost revival sweeping through the land of Jacob and Esau, disregarding man made borders is definitely on the schedule of the Lord for these last days. He has promised that He would pour out of His Spirit upon ALL FLESH. Acts 2:17 The flocks were divided so that there was a repeated gift and a word of reconciliation from Jacob as the flocks and the servants met Esau. Like the constant dropping of water on a stone, eventually it will have an effect on the stone. Gen. 32:16-20 Jacob’s purpose was to appease Esau so that he could at least come face to face with him. A NIGHT AT JABBOK. This river is given various names by the Commentaries. “Luxuriant river” by ISBE. This connotation would certainly add to the meaning of the experience Jacob had here. A luxuriant river is positively indicative of the Holy Spirit for it is promised that He shall flow out of those filled with the Spirit as rivers [note the plural] of living water. John 7:38 “Pouring out or emptying.” FBD. Once again the reference is to the Holy Spirit for it is He who is poured out or emptied out into the lives of those who earnestly seek Him. Acts 2:17-18 “A pouring out or a wrestling.” EBD. It was here that Jacob’s whole life was changed. His attitude was changed. His name was changed. He wrestled with the Lord. The sign of that encounter was to remain with him for the remainder of his life. It was evidenced in his walk. Every one of us needs the same kind of an experience in our live with the same blessed results. It is to be noted that Jacob was alone when he met the Lord in such a marvelous way. We too must find a closet of meeting with the Lord where we come into the intimate presence of the Most High. NUMBERS 42 THE MAN WHO TOUCHED THE LORD, TOUCHED BY THE LORD. Jacob's night of prayer was not just saying prayers but intense travail of soul and spirit. The personage with whom Jacob wrestled is identified by Hosea the prophet as being the LORD Himself. Hos. 12:4-5 The violent and intense action of Jacob, the very audacity and boldness which he displayed is amazing. Who would dare treat God in such a fashion. Grabbing hold of Him, wrestling with Him and hanging on, until the requested action is assured. Jacob had authority and power over the angel. He wept and cried out. What a tremendous grip Jacob had on the angel when he could insist that he would not let Him go until He blessed him. Gen. 32:26 Note too, that it was the dawning of a new day. This is certainly the extremity, the very apex of prayer. A place where few have ventured. It is indicative of the type of prayer that must be made by Israel if there is to be peace with Esau. It is the prayer of importunity. The prayer where the Spirit is in control and prayer becomes become very strong and filled with fervor. It is intercession as can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit praying through the people of the Lord. The coming together of Jacob and Esau was not a casual event. It was not political but a spiritual portrayal of the peace that the Lord will achieve as a sign and warning of the end of the age. Rom. 8:26-27 A NAME CHANGE FOR JACOB. His name is taken to mean “supplanter or heel-catcher”, but it is suggested that it could mean "he whom God protects", from the Arab and Ethiopian languages, akaba, “guard, keeps.” A point that often seems to be overlooked as Jacob is vilified because of his name is the fact that he purchased the birthright from Esau. It was a legitimate deal. Jacob placed great value on the birthright while to Esau it was of no worth. Gen. 25:31-33 Now both the name of Jacob and his character are about to be changed. One could never have the experience of meeting with the Lord that Jacob had and still be the same person. There is a definite change of personality, for the good. Jacob is to become Israel, meaning, “prince with God or Gods fighter.” He was to be a man of authority and power, not only with the Lord but with men as well. His destiny was to prevail, to be a winner. Gen. 32:28 The newly named Israel was then desirous of knowing the name of the person with whom he had struggled and had bestowed such blessings on him. Well, he might have sought out to know His name for the endorsement of the promise made was in the name of the individual making them. The authority of promises made, especially by the Lord are to be found in His name. Why is it so awkward for people to speak and use the name of Jesus when referring to Him? It seems so much easier to say God than to use His personal name, the Lord Jesus Christ. God is an ambiguous term and can refer to many gods depending on who is using the term. But there is only one, Lord Jesus Christ. Let's use His name when referring to our God. The Father is glorified when we do. John 14:13 NUMBERS 43 JACOB INQUIRED AFTER THE NAME OF THIS PERSON. The name of the person with whom he wrestled became of great importance to Jacob. Even as one day, and that soon Israel will seek to know the name of the one who came to His own but they rejected Him. His name identifies Him, even as our names are use as an identification. They will have to acknowledge His name and the glory and power which is resident in His name. Consider Luke 13:25 There is only one name whereby any person may be saved and that is the precious name of Jesus. Acts 4:12 His name was not to be revealed at that time. However, He blessed Jacob. The same blessing that Isaac had passed on to him, That which went with the birthright has now been bestowed upon Him by the Lord. The blessing, is now personally his. Having been ratified by the Lord. It is no longer something that was a part of the inheritance which he purchased from Esau, but it is now acknowledged by the Lord. It is sealed and verified. Gen. 32:29 PENUEL OR PENIEL. The place where Jacob met the Lord face to face. An individual relationship with the Lord. He was alone. His family had been sent ahead. The Lord deals with us on a face to face basis. If another comes with a message they can only verify that which the Lord has already made known to us as being His will for us. So awesome was the experience for Jacob that he could only marvel that he was still alive. The Lord was made to be exceedingly real to him. “My life is preserved.” Gen. 32:30 Spared, even though he had wrestled with one who could have snapped his life out in but a breath of time. He was also delivered from the anger of his brother, though he was not yet fully aware of it. Having met the Lord he now was to enter into his life beyond that night of prayer. He was to know the grand results of prevailing prayer. The sun rose upon him as he continued his journey. The light and presence of he Lord was now with him. He paid a price for his night of conflict with the Lord. He limped, his walk became a sign of identification. Wherever he went, from a distance he would be recognized by his affliction. Gen. 32:31 The placing of the hand under the thigh of a person was a sign and promise of an oath or vow which would be consummated by the person making the promise. Gen. 24:9 Therefore, the promise of the Lord was signed and sealed by the act of touching the muscle of his thigh. To act in this manner was to enter into a covenant called shebu’a, [Heb. shebu’a, taken from the word sheba, which is the number seven]. The number seven is the sacred number. To “seven ones self,” was to enter into a binding covenant that if broken contained a curse. Neh. 10:29 It was the strongest of covenants. It was generally followed by an action, a gift or a sacrifice involving the number seven, as was the case between Abraham and over the well. Seven ewe lambs were given as a sign and a seal to the agreement. Gen. 21:30 In the case of Jacob meeting Esau it was an act of humility. He bowed himself “seven times” as the brothers approached each other. Gen. 33:3 As impossible as it seems, there will be a humbling of the nation, but only after it has met its intercessor. NUMBERS 44 THE FAITHFUL SERVICE OF JACOB AND HIS REWARD. There is a pair of sevens in his life which need attention. He worked for Laban seven years for Rachel but was deceived by Laban making a switch and giving him Leah instead. So in love was Jacob that he was willing to work another seven years for the woman of his love, Rachel the one which from the beginning had captured his heart, and attention. These two women, whose worth was seven years of labor, each typify the division of the church of the last days. Leah, the Laodicean church. Rachel, the Philadelphian church, the church of perfection and true love. Leah bears the connotation of, “weary,” or “dull.” It is noted of her that she was weak eyed. How about lacking vision? Fruitful, she bore him six sons and one daughter, again the number seven indicating how that which is of the flesh increases more than that of the spirit. She also was a woman lacking the attractiveness of her sister, Rachel. Likewise it must be mentioned here that he worked six years [the number of the flesh] for the riches of Laban, that is, his flocks. The emphases of some in the church on riches at this time is indicative of the Laodicean church, “I am rich and have need of nothing”. In contrast, Rachel, ewe or lamb was a woman of extra ordinary beauty, but barren, which for some strange reason is typical of the church which will become the Bride of Christ. The atmosphere between these sisters was not a pleasant one. Read the record in Gen. 29-30 RACHEL CONFRONTED JACOB WITH ANGER. Her cry was, “give me children, or else I die.” Desperate words. Words which need to be uttered by the church of today, on behalf of the lost. Jacob’s response was likewise in anger. Gen. 30:1-2 Rachel’s prayers must have been prayers of importunity. In due time, she conceived and gave birth to Joseph, [fruitful, or may God add]. Spoken in the anticipation that there would be another son and fulfilled in Benjamin. Gen. 30:22-23 Rachel died at the birth of Benjamin and in the process of a difficult birth named him Benoni, [son of my sorrow], but Jacob named him, Benjamin, [ son of the right hand]. Rachel died in giving birth to Benjamin, the church must die to self in order to birth the manchild. To her, he was the son of her sorrow, typifying the persecution which will be loosed against the Bride of Christ. But to Jacob, Benjamin was very special as his name indicates. The manchild will occupy a very special place of leadership in the eternity's to come. Truly the son of the right hand. It is Jesus who is at the right hand of the Father. The manchild is His son. Gen. 35:18-19 He was the only one of the children which was born in Palestine, interestingly, between Bethel, [house of God] and Ephrath, [fruitfulness], which was an ancient name for Bethlehem [house of bread]. Gen. 35:16 The manchild is unique and will be instrumental in building the eternal house of the Lord in the everlasting kingdom of the Lord. This also became the burial place of Rachel. Gen. 35:19 NUMBERS 45 JACOB MET A HOST OF ANGELS. Jacob named the place Mahanaim, meaning, double camp or double host. Anything double in the scriptures is always of interest, for we think of it as a type of the double portion or fullness of the Spirit which is a last day event. Jacob, having been freed from Laban, is now faced by a greater problem. That of meeting his brother Esau, who had every right of still being filled with anger. This coming together of the two camps, Jacob’s family, with the visitation of angels was an assurance to Jacob that the Lord was with him and would protect and care for him. Mahanaim was eventually to be chosen as one of the six cities of refuge or a safe city for those who committed manslaughter. Josh 21:38 JACOB'S PRESENTATION OF PEACE TO ESAU. Jacob separated five droves out of his various flocks. Gen. 32:13-15 [The number of atonement, typifying the five wounds of Christ]. These he sent on before hand to meet Esau. There was a space between each of the flocks so that his brother would come upon them separately and with each flock decrease his anger. Gen. 32:16 If there is a meeting of the descendants of Jacob and Esau it must be over the five wounds of Christ. He is the only one who can heal the hatred of the nations. The responsibility for reconciliation rested directly on Jacob/Israel. As the servants of Jacob met Esau they were to say that the flocks were a present to Esau from Jacob. Gen. 32:18-20 JACOB BEHELD ESAU APPROACHING. He immediately divided his family up into three groups. The handmaidens with their children. Leah and then his beloved Rachel and Joseph. Gen. 33:2 [Three is the number of the Godhead and things God like]. The third group was that which he greatly loved. We have had those under the law, the church in general, but in the end of the age there will be the Bride of Christ, the third, the last, the consummation. Jacob prostrating himself seven times is also indicative of the last days and a dual ministry of the Spirit among Jew and Arab. Esau, by this time was so impressed and melted of heart, that he dashed for Jacob, hugging his neck and weeping, while kissing each other. What a glorious reconciliation. Gen. 33:3-4 It is often said that history repeats itself. The Middle East has a destiny of revival, a mighty move of the Lord. When Christ is in the hearts of men hatred and division melt away. Jacob has returned but has not yet humbled himself. When he does the heart of Esau will be melted. The gift of the flocks became a sign of acceptance to Jacob and an evidence that he had found grace in the eyes of Esau. So tremendous was the relief of Jacob that he likened their meeting and reconciliation as that of having seen the face of God. Gen. 33:10 There is no question but what the Lord ordered the whole meeting and the consequences. Just as He will move by His Word and Spirit in these last days and accomplish that grand reunion that is a part of His schedule. NUMBERS 46 HAVING MADE PEACE, THEY WENT THEIR SEPARATE WAYS. Jacob, cleverly averted having to live in close proximity to Esau by pointing out the condition of his family and flocks. Being content with his reasoning, Esau returned to his home in Seir. SEIR. Meaning hairy or rough. Gen. 25:25 The name seems to be fitting for a character such as Esau [hairy] who later was to be called Edom or red, a name derived from the red lintels for which he sold his birth right. The New Testament indicates that he was sexually immoral, or godless. Heb. 12:16 NIV. He was a man of the desert a famous hunter. He appears to be a person of a very disorderly and irreligious nature. Very much a strong contrast to Jacob. Seir was the dwelling place of Esau which they had taken from the Horites. Obviously Jacob did not like the neighborhood and chose for himself and his family to dwell in Succoth. SUCCOTH. Meaning, “booths.” Succoth was the first stop made by the children of Israel when they left Egypt. In that manner it becomes significant of freedom and liberty. Ex. 12:37 Jacob chooses Succoth for his dwelling place where it is stated that he built a house. He also made booths for his cattle. Gen. 33:17 Succoth or booths is of interest because of the practice of the people living in booths during the Feast of Tabernacles. Any spiritual settlement between Jew and Arab will be under the impact of the feast of the seventh month or Tabernacles. This feast is indicative of the great revival that the Lord has on schedule for the last days. It was the third and last feast of the Levitical year established by the Lord. It has great significance as a prophecy of the last day revival inasmuch as it was also called the “Feast of ingathering, the feast of harvest.” Ex. 23:16 This feast was in commemoration of the success of the general harvest in the end of the year. No where in the scripture is it of greater meaning than that which was conducted under the leadership of Ezra recorded in Nehemiah eight. The people were gathered as one, like as on the day of Pentecost. Coming together in unity assures us of the blessing of the Lord. They had gathered before the watergate, the source of living waters or the release of the floodgates of heaven. They had come to hear the Word of the Lord. These three elements are conducive to revival. Without them there is no hope of a spiritual move. The Lords prayer in John seventeen illustrates how important unity is. Jesus prayed that His people may be ONE, with the identical unity of the Godhead. John 17:21-22 The flow of that pure river of the water of life will be complete and abundant in the last days. Rev. 22:1 The Word is the only source of wisdom and knowledge of the purpose and will of the Lord. The people of revival must be in complete submission and obedience to the precious instructions of the Word. Peace between peoples and nations can only be established by the Spirit of the Lord. When a mighty Holy Ghost outpouring is in effect we will see Esau and Jacob dwelling in the same land in peace. NUMBERS 47 FURTHER GLEANINGS FROM NEHEMIAH EIGHT. One thing that we certainly must take notice of is the fact that Ezra brought the book of the Law of Moses to read to those who had gathered there. Neh. 8:1 It was the first day of the seventh month, which is the day of a special Sabbath, called the feast of trumpets. It was to be a holy day, no work was to be done. Lev. 23:24 It was to be a day of the blowing of trumpets from morning until evening. It is called a memorial, a commemoration during which the past, the present and the future were all celebrated. It was their introduction and preparation for the Feast of Tabernacles. HE THAT HATH AN EAR LET HIM HEAR. All those who could understand were gathered to hear the Law. There was a hunger, a strong desire amongst them to hear and follow the Law. They heard the word of the Law read to them from morning until midday, that is an indication as to the extreme craving for the Word. Furthermore, the scripture states that they were attentive to what they were hearing. A congregation which would warm the heart of any preacher. Neh. 8:3 The significance of the names of the men involved is of interest. The Word was read as he stood upon a pulpit of wood with twelve other individuals. Foreshadowing, the wood, [the cross], Ezra [Jesus, the Word] and the twelve men, the disciples. EZRA. Help perhaps shortened from Azariah [Neh. 10:2], Jehovah has helped. He certainly proved that his name was prophetic by his efforts to rebuild the faith of the Jews and Jerusalem. On his right hand stood:- MATTITHIAH. Gift of Jehovah. The whole scenario as it unfolded before the Israelites at that time was a gift of freedom and restoration from the Lord. SHEMA. Report or fame. The good report, the fame of the Lord Jesus and His mighty works were spread abroad wherever He went. By word of mouth they knew who He was and where He was. ANAIAH. Jah has answered. This in fulfillment of the promise made to Isaiah, that even before they pray, He has answered and while they are yet speaking He has heard. How many times the Lord has responded just to the thought or desire of the heart. Isa. 65:24 URIJAH. The flame of Jehovah or the light of Jehovah. Both are excellent inasmuch as the flame gives light. The flame to consume the sacrifice. The light to illuminate and reveal the will of the Lord. HILKIAH. Jehovah is my portion or Jehovah’s portion. The inheritance of the saints. A full and complete knowledge of the Lord and the multitude of His benefits. Ps. 16:5 To be continued. NUMBERS 48 CONTINUATION OF THE NAMES OF THOSE STANDING WITH EZRA. MATTITHIAH. Jehovah is a refuge. They had returned after their captivity in Babylon but found that all was not peaceful. They had to rebuild with their implements of warfare in one hand and their tools in the other. They were learning to place this confidence in Jehovah who was indeed their refuge. THOSE STANDING ON HIS LEFT WERE:- PEDAIAH. Jehovah delivers. Because of the disobedience of their fathers the nation had gone into captivity. But the Lord did not forget them. He may well have been looking forward to the day when they would return from captivity. Their release from captivity was a miracle. Surely the Lord delivers. MISHAEL. Who is like God? Or Who is equal to God? A challenge to all other gods who would defy the Lord God, the God of Israel. The name is similar in meaning to Michael, who was a theophany of the Lord Jesus. MALCHIAH OR MALCHIJAH. Jehovah is King. From the beginning of the nation of Israel it was the desire and intent of the Lord that He rule the people. He wanted them to be a Theocracy. Their carnal nature cried out for a king and the Lord gave them their desire, much to their ultimate displeasure. HASHUM. Opulent, wealthy. The kingdom that the Lord had planned for Israel was to be one which was to make them all rich. It required that they follow the plan and pattern that the Lord had established for them and for their land and flocks. Disobedience and greed spoiled what would have been a perfect life and government for them. HASHBADANA. Considerate or thoughtful judge. The Lord Himself bore our judgment. Those who come to Him find that there is full and complete freedom and pardon in the Lord. ZECHARIAH. Remembered by the Lord. When we go though trying circumstances, He has not forgotten us. We are the apple of His eye. MESHALLAM. Repaid, rewarded or friendship. There are benefits innumerable in serving the Lord in this life. Its ultimate reward is life everlasting in His glorious presence. NUMBERS 49 OLD TESTAMENT WORSHIP. From daybreak until noon the attention of the people was fastened on the hearing of the Word of the Lord. They were fascinated by it and listened to the reading of the Word with rapt attention. Their desire to hear must have been great inspiration to those who were involved in the reading of the Word. That is revival, when people cannot wait to hear the Word and then when hearing it give it their full attention. Neh. 8:3 So mightily was the power of the Spirit present in the presentation of the Word that the people stood up in deference to it. Indicating tremendous honor and appreciation for the Word. Neh. 8:5 The praise of Ezra was true hearted and anointed, for when he praised the Lord the response of the people was immediate and glorious. They were not at a pep rally but were under the influence of a mighty hunger for the Word. Any and all revivals must be based on the anointed Word. Unconstrained worship is a marvelous experience. They unreservedly responded to Ezra with hands raised while proclaiming, Amen and Amen! They were in one accord. It must have been something to behold as the Israelites unitedly praised the Lord. We have seen people stand for hours with their hands raised while praising the Lord as the Spirit moved like the waves of the sea stirred by the winds. In entire humility they worshipped, bowing before the Lord, even with their faces to the ground. That is manifesting complete reverence to the Lord. Ezra 8:6 The priests likewise stood with Ezra on the podium of wood. Wood speaks to us of the crucified Christ. These ministered the Word from a symbol of His death, burial and resurrection. Many a minister in the past generation would have prayed these words before ministering the Word. “Lord, hide your servant behind the cross.” Today, we need to see Jesus and not someone in the latest style strutting before the cross until it is blanked out. These men read from “The Book of The Law of God” - not exactly the most exciting portion of the Word. Its instructions in holiness and righteous living would have demanded great changes in the lives of a generation born in Babylon. The stench, the customs and contrary living learned by their captivity was still with them. These who ministered were intent on making the Word clear and understandable to their listeners. It was not a social declaration but that which demanded a tremendous spiritual change in the lives of the people. Neh. 8:8 The ministered Word was plain and was well understood by the people. So much so, that they stood weeping at what they had heard. It is very likely that some of them were hearing the Word for the first time in their lives. We may rest assured that they had never heard it before in that fashion, with such a mighty anointing of the Spirit upon the reading of the Word. Neh. 8:9 When the Word and the Spirit are working together it produces an atmosphere in which anything can happen. Without coaxing or urging, people get saved, healed and filled with the Holy Spirit. Lord, supernaturally anoint the heart and tongue of everyone who proclaims your Word. NUMBERS 50 KEEPING THE HOLY DAY. Their demeanor changed from mourning and weeping to gladness and joy by their leadership. They had been so convicted and smitten by the Word that they had heard that it brought them into a state of sorrow and mourning. However, feasts were just that, a time of festivity, rejoicing and joy. So, they were sent home to prepare for a time of great merriment and gladness. It was to be a Sabbath, a sacred day unto the Lord. They were to learn the blessing of the Word, now that they had expressed their sorrow over their failure to live according to that Word. In real experience they were to come to know that the “Joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh. 8:9-11 There are many situations in life that bring heart ache and sadness. Even the conviction of the Lord brings a heaviness to our spirit. Once having settled the matter, the attitude must change. The joy of the Lord fills and floods our hearts with His might and power. Let us be glad and not sad Christians. The Lord's people are not gloomy and downcast but up beat and filled with the multiplied joy of the Lord. The people found great gladness and rejoicing in the instructions and explanation that had been given them. They returned to their homes and entered into the grand and glorious spirit of the day. Neh. 8:12 THE REINSTITUTION OF THE FEAST OF THE SEVENTH MONTH. The seventh month was a month of many religious activities. More than any other month of the year. While it was the seventh month of their religious year, it was the first month of their civil year. Its festivities commenced with the Feast of the blowing of Trumpets, on the first day of the seventh new moon. The calendar of Israel was based on the moon, or a lunar year. It was to be a Sabbath day. A day of much rejoicing and sharing of food with the poor. It was to be a day of the sound of joy and of clamor. Num. 29:1 The sound of a trumpet had an interesting role in the life of the children of Israel. One of its uses was to call an assembly. It was at Mount Sinai that they heard the trumpet of the Lord sounding calling them to assemble at the base of the mountain. It was a frightful experience for them, for it brought them to a place where they not only heard but saw the tremendous manifestations of the Lord. Ex. 19:16-17 Two silver trumpets were prepared to use in Israel. They were each to be of one piece of silver and identical. They were to be used to assemble the people to worship at the door of the Tabernacle. They were also to be sounded when as a signal that the camp was to be moved. The trumpet sound instructed each of the four divisions of the camp to move out and begin their journey. They were also utilized in calling the men together to do battle. Numbers 10. The two silver trumpets, were the sound and voice of the Lord to the people. The sounding forth of instructions from the Lord. They are typical of Christ and His church. Silver is the metal of redemption. Christ brought salvation and was the first to proclaim it. He has since that time, commissioned His church of every generation to join in and sound forth the Good News that Jesus saves. NUMBERS 51 THE SEVENTH MONTH. This is a month of special interest. It is important to the church of today for its celebrations are not yet fulfilled in the church. We have salvation in the feast of Passover. Pentecost in the baptism of the Spirit. However, we have yet to see the Day of Atonement and the feast of Tabernacles manifest in the church. The Lord has appointed a day, in the which, He will bring the church of His love, the body of Christ, the Bride of the Lamb unto a status of perfection. He will have a sanctified, cleansed, washed in the Word church which has reached the absolute perfection that is to be found in the Lord Himself. She will be like Him in every aspect, body, soul and spirit. Eph. 5:26 She will become the true Tabernacle of the Lord Jesus. “Filled with ALL the fullness of God.” Eph. 3:19 He will have a church that is the exact duplicate of Himself. He will reproduce and make fully manifest every aspect of His eternal being and power in His beloved Bride. She is without stain, wrinkle, blemish or any such thing as would diminish and mar her absolute beauty. She is aglow with the splendor and brightness of her lover and Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus. she is the perfect example of human kind who have been thoroughly cleansed from all sin and is “HOLINESS PERSONIFIED.” THE SEVENTH MONTH. This was the first month of the civil year and the seventh month of the religious year for Israel. It falls within the range of our September-October. It was named Tishri, [Meaning, beginning] or Ethanim, [Taken from a root meaning, permanence, thus concrete.] Not only do we have the beginning of a New Year but in its fulfillment we have the beginning of a new race. The redeemed who have measured up to the fullness of the stature of the Lord Jesus, in this end of the age. Then in Ethanim, we have the permanency, the surety of the completion and establishment of the eternal plan of the Lord in having a people who are totally His. The name Ethanim is used in the scripture in relationship to the dedication of Solomon's Temple. An example that further seals the fact of the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles in the church. It was the month of completion and dedication. The whole of Israel was assembled to Jerusalem. The Bride is the New Jerusalem. Rev. 21:2, 10-11 The Ark of the Covenant was removed from the tent where David had placed it and was brought to the newly finished Temple. The king and all the people were assembled and accompanied the priests as they carried the Ark into a permanent building and resting place. They sacrificed offerings without number as they made the trip. Now the staves with which they had carried the Ark through all their journeys were removed, again showing permanency. The Ark was placed between the cherubim that their wings might be spread over it, sheltering and overshadowing it, in the secret place of the Most High. 1 Kings 8:1-8 The capstone and the sealer is the fact that when Solomon had prayed the cloud of the glory of the Lord entered into the Temple even as the consummate fullness of power and presence of the Lord will enter and abide in the Bride. NUMBERS 52 THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. The third and the last feast of their Levitical year. It was also a pilgrimage feast like Passover and Pentecost. All males in Israel were required to make their way to the House of the Lord for a time of worship and thanksgiving unto the Lord. Ex. 23:17 This was a Divine commandment issued for the whole of Israel. It emphasizes the importance of these feasts. Of how much greater significance is the fulfillment of these feasts in the life of every member of the body of Christ. Each and every individual in the body must have had the experience of Passover or salvation. Remember that it was obligatory that each and every male appear before the Lord for each of these feasts. Every person in the true body of Christ must have their personal Pentecost. The Bride is Spirit filled. We have not yet come to the fulfilling of the feasts of the seventh month. When these feasts become a living fact in the body we will begin to see the judgments of the book of Revelation consummated. Before judgment the Lord has always visited in mercy. Be certain He will again. He is sending revival to prepare the nations for the final days. A SET TIME. These feasts were all ordered by the moon. The Hebrews determined the time of the feasts according to the phase of the Moon. They followed a lunar year, which required them to add a month every three years. Both the sun and the moon were designated by the Lord for signs and seasons. Gen. 1:14 As the feasts of Passover and Pentecost were manifest in the church at the precise “set time”, so the feast of Tabernacles will be made manifest at the “set time”. The time when the Lord will abundantly show His favor and love to the church is a “set time”. He will bring the church to perfection, the perfection of the Lord Jesus made manifest in her. Ps. 107:13 The Lord works according to a time schedule that was prepared from eternity. He will not deviate from His plan. All that He has determined will be accomplished. The number seven is used extensively throughout the dealings of the Lord with Israel in relationship to these feasts and the times of rejoicing before Him. Every seventh day, every seventh month, every seventh year and then the seven sevens of years [resulting in a year of Jubilee]. These sevens determined their times of worship. The number seven is particularly associated with Passover and Tabernacles for there were to be seven days of festivities. There were also seven special Sabbaths or “holy assembly's or convocations” scattered throughout this seven month period. The seven were not the same as the weekly Sabbath. For a proper understanding of the week of the crucifixion it is most important that we understand this very special day which was inserted into that week. Between the two Sabbaths, that is the weekly Sabbaths there was a very special Sabbath added. It is called “a high day”, and took place in the midst of the week or on Thursday. Jesus was crucified the day before that special Sabbath or on Wednesday. John 19:31 He was nailed to the cross on the day of preparation. The Sabbath, the day after His crucifixion, was this special day, the "high day" and not the weekly Sabbath. NUMBERS 53 THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. A very special “high day” or special Sabbath, a day of rest. It was to be an occurrence which took place on the tenth day of the seventh month, every year. It was called a “memorial” or a day of reminiscing, a time of looking back and rehearsing their deliverance from Egypt. They were to afflict their souls by spending the day, from sunset to sunset fasting. Also, it was a perpetual Sabbath and they were to continue it forever. Lev. 16:29-30 The fulfillment of this day in the church is of utmost importance. It was the one day of the year where Israel was totally sanctified and their sins were cleansed. They stood in perfect purity and holiness before the Lord. Atonement for cleansing away all their sins. All cleansed thoroughly at one and the same time. TO THE CHURCH, THIS DAY HAS SPECIAL MEANING. It is a day of cleansing. A day of sanctification. Paul had a desire, most certainly inspired by the Lord, to present the church to the Lord as the purest of the pure, a true virgin. 2 Cor. 11:2 A people who are able to stand the scrutiny of the Lord of Holiness and be accounted as being truly holy. No blame or accusation found with which they may be charged. Col. 1:22 This is the day when He will present to himself that glorious, perfect church. Eph. 5:27 Since the engagement has been announced, it is time for the Bride to begin to prepare for her wedding. Essential in her preparations is the need for cleansing. She must be clean and pure. The call of the Word and the Spirit for today is ever the challenge to be holy, even as it is recorded in the Word. 1 Peter 1:15 The Lord Jesus, the one who has called His people unto holiness, Himself is holy. That is His nature, one of His attributes, His very essence. His Bride will bear the same image and likeness. In the first creation the Lord made man in His own image and after His likeness, in so doing He made a natural man. Gen. 1:27 In the new creation, the new man will bear the likeness of the Lord Jesus and become the true body, the spiritual entity. Col. 3:10 If holiness is a Divine requirement for those who would enter into the presence of the Lord and have a desire to see Him, how much more is it required for the Bride of Christ? Holiness is a requisite for all who would be in the presence of the Lord. Heb. 12:14 The mature church is not planed for the eternity to come, but is a part of the growth of the church. Here and now. A complete comprehension and knowledge of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ is the goal of the Lord for His church, especially in the end of the age. Seemingly there is no greater impossibility than that spoken by Paul pertaining to that perfect church. That is, that they would become one, unified in faith, teaching and doctrine. Eph. 4:13 Unity of the faith does not mean tolerating those with various and diverse opinions. It simply means that all are taught by the same Holy Spirit, who is the great teacher of the church. By whom all embrace the explicit truths of the Word of the Lord with the perfect revelation provided by the Spirit. One in faith, doctrine means exact and perfect unity. There is only one doctrine and that is revealed to the church by the Word and the Spirit. Eph. 4:5 NUMBERS 54 THE MINISTRY OF THE HIGH PRIEST ON THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. An audience with the Lord in the most holy place as an every day occurrence was not permitted. That was the dwelling place of the Lord in the midst of the children of Israel. The sentence of disobedience, even for the high priest, was that of death. Lev. 16:2 By the means of the shedding of the blood of the bullock, for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering the priest was to make atonement for himself and the rest of those who were of the priesthood. Lev. 16:3 This was to take place in the holy place of the tabernacle or the temple. The most holy place is typical of the two thousand years since Christ. The shedding of blood was vital to this ceremony. After having presented the sacrifice and offering unto the Lord, he was to wash himself thoroughly with water. The same element and action is necessary today for all those who would serve the Lord Jesus. There must first of all be the cleansing by blood. Now, the blood of the Son of God. Then there must be an offering of oneself unto the Lord. The washings of baptism and of the Word of the Lord must also be executed in the holy place. Both exemplify spiritual experiences which must be a part of our salvation today. THE GARMENTS OF BEAUTY AND GLORY WERE REMOVED. These very special and elaborate robes were significant of the office of the high priest. Ex. 28:2 Anyone in Israel would immediately recognize the high priest by his elegant clothing which was meant to command respect for his position among the people. However, they became garments of human pride. These were to be changed in the holy place and the very plainest robe was to be worn. His garments of pure white linen were significant of the righteousness, the holiness necessary in order to enter into the presence of the Lord. Lev. 16:4 He was to make atonement for himself and for his family. Lev. 16:11 He was to additionally make atonement for the tabernacle and all the furniture. Lev. 16:16 He was also to make atonement for the whole of the people of Israel. Lev. 16:33 His actions on this day portray a day of cleansing for the New Testament church. A day when all the scriptures relating to a cleansed, purified, perfectly holy church will be consummated in the lives of the believers. This is not the day of His coming but the day when the church reaches the perfection that is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus issued a powerful challenge to the church to “be perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”; were it something that the church could not accomplish He would not have issued the challenge. Mt. 5:48 The prayer of the Lord Jesus was for the perfecting of His followers. It is difficult to imagine His prayer not producing the desired results. John 17:23 The unity of the body is the key to a perfect church. The people who will attain the goal, the prize are those who recognize that there is a high and holy calling in the Lord Jesus. Eph. 4:13 The man of God is to be perfect, fully furnished or filled with the fullness of the Lord. 2 Tim. 3:17 NUMBERS 55 DWELLING IN BOOTHS. The feast of Tabernacles or booths. Their homes were to be forsaken for a period of seven days and the Israelites were to build booths in their yards or on the house tops and dwell in them for the seven day period of time. They were to remember the deliverance from Egypt. The Bride in the end of the age will dwell in the wilderness as the feast becomes a part of her experience in the Lord. It was to be commemorated at the time of the full moon or the fifthteenth day of the moon. It was celebrated five days after the Day of Atonement. Interestingly, five is the number of Atonement. The first day was to be a Sabbath. Likewise the eighth day was to be a Sabbath. The first day, a day of separation unto the Lord. The eighth day, the day that is typical of resurrection for eight is the number of resurrection and the beginning of a new life. Lev. 23:39 FIVE DIFFERENT TREE BRANCHES USED TO BUILD THE BOOTHS. Once again we are introduced to the number five - the number of atonement. GOODLY BOUGHS. The first is mentioned as being “goodly boughs.” Some take this to be the limbs of a citron tree, which would have made a very pleasant fragrance for those dwelling in the booths. The word in Hebrew is herder, meaning, magnificence, beauty, splendor, excellent or glorious. Some note them as being “ornamental trees.” Lev. 23:40 All of which foretell the majesty and glory which will rest upon the church when the feast of Tabernacles is fulfilled in her. The Bride of Christ will indeed be glorious and strikingly beautiful. The NIV states that choice fruit shall be taken from this tree. What ever type of tree it was, it was most certainly a fruit bearing tree. The Bride will be most fruitful in more than one way. Jn. 15:5 PALM TREES. A most significant tree. The Psalmist described it as a symbol of the righteous who flourish and grow to be stately trees in the house of the Lord. Ps. 92:12-13 Solomon used carvings of the palm to decorate the Temple. 1 Kings 6:29 The people in welcoming Jesus into the city of Jerusalem used the branches of palm trees as a means of worship and praise for the joyous entrance of the King. Jn. 12:13 The great mass of the redeemed will stand before the eternal throne with palms in their hands as a sign of victory, worship and adoration to the King of kings. Rev. 7:9 So we may take note that the palm tree represents the presence of the Lord in a close and intimate relationship. The tree is tall, beautiful and is a source of life giving fruit. It produces figs, coconuts, a sweet nectar that when condensed into sugar is delicious. It is also a source of palm oil, wax, tannin and dye all being products of the palm. Most of these have a spiritual connotation. In some of the islands of the Pacific, the by-products of the tree are used to construct their dwelling places. We have even seen the sugar palm hollowed out and used as a coffin. It is a real tree of life to many areas of the world. It is easily understandable why this tree was used as a part of their booths. The stature of the bride of Christ is compared to the palm tree. Song 7:7 NUMBERS 56 THICK TREES. According to the writing of the Talmud these branches were from the Myrtle tree. A tree common to the country side, which given the right moisture could grow to considerable height. Its leaves were of a dark green [green the color of life] and were scented. Thus far it is evident that these booths were very fragrant. The Holy Anointing Oil had a particular fragrant to it which was not to be copied. Ex. 30:25, 32 Perfumes speak of the sacred sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Eph. 5:2 Also the prayers of the saints are accounted as incense before the Lord. Rev. 8:4 Prophetically it foreshadows a change for good and an evidence of the blessing of the Lord. Isa. 56:1 WILLOWS OF THE BROOK. The willow in the scripture is depicted as growing in abundance near a stream or river. Understandably, such a place of tranquillity was one that was sought after. Particularly while Israel was in captivity in Babylon. The flow of the stream, the green of the grass and the sound of the wind in the willows were all relaxing and could help them forget, at least temporarily their problems. Still the sadness lingered on, for instead of playing their harps and singing a song of Zion, they hung them on the willows. Ps. 137:2 THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH AND THE TREES. We find the events which took place in Jerusalem under Ezra and Nehemiah to foreshadow the last day revival. The total number of trees given in Neh. 8:15 is five. The number of the atonement. Added to the list of trees that were usable are the OLIVE TREE. A very symbolic tree, a type of the anointing of the Spirit. The trunk of the tree relates to the family of the Lord. The branches are the individuals who are joined to the trunk. The tree is not Israel but the Lord. The branches if they are in Christ are members of the tree. If they are broken off they do not fit into the tree and are not sustained by the tree. The Gentiles who were grafted into the trunk are true members of the tree and live by the tree. Rom. 11:17-21 Neither Jew nor Gentile are a part of the tree except they draw their sustenance from the root of the tree. THE PINE OR BOX TREE. Some make the two to be the same tree. There seems to be some confusion as to the exact tree that is intended. Both are mentioned as adding beauty to the house of the Lord. Isa. 60:13 Prophetically, these trees are to be planted in the wilderness to give beauty and life to the barren land. Isa. 41:19 The Bride of Revelation twelve will go into the wilderness where she will be cared for by the Lord. That wilderness will be as the garden of Eden, so we can see the reason of the planting of the trees in the desert. Isa. 51:3 Like the other feasts of Israel, the feast of Tabernacles has both a history and a prophetic future. Each of these trees had its own scent and added to the aroma of the feast. The variety of trees gathered would typify the multiplicity of nations who will participate in the Feast as it is fulfilled in the church in the end of the age. The body of Christ is not composed of but one nation but now all are invited to become a part of that glorious body. NUMBERS 57 REVIVAL, REBUILDING, RESTORATION. Their physical efforts at rebuilding and restoration resulted in a spiritual renewal in Israel. Nehemiah eight presents three actions that are conducive to a spiritual revival. The timing was perfect. It was the first day of the seventh month or the day of the feast of trumpets and was therefore a Sabbath day. Num. 29:1 It was the first day of the ecclesiastical year, thus it bears the stamp of new beginnings. There was absolute unity. “The people gathered themselves together as one man.” They were of one mind and purpose. They came into the street, the way, the broad place ASV, or the square. The area that was before the water gate. From the temple this gate opened and led to the brook Kidron. Its name means to be turbid or gloomy. When the city was cleansed of idols this was the dumping ground for them. 2 Ki. 23:4 There must be a separation from all that is offensive to the Lord for revival fires to be kindled. The water gate may also convey to us the meaning of the moving and outpouring of the Spirit. All, in all, they chose the right square and gate, for there must first be a cleansing, washing and flow of the waters of the Spirit for revival to take place. Neh. 8:1 THEY WANTED TO HEAR THE LAW. A deep hunger for the Word will produce revival. It shows us the attitude of their hearts. Not only were they eager to hear the Word of the Lord, but they were willing to follow its precepts. That is amazing. They were going to hear the Law and that Law was going to cut them to the heart. Ezra [God is a help] was the scribe and the priest who was to read them the Law. It was a time of family worship for all who could understand the reading of the Law, voluntarily gathered themselves together, men, women and children. The reading was continual, from morning until midday or for six hours. Six is the number of man. Without a doubt many were made aware of their sinful, carnal condition before the Lord as they heard His word. Conviction was certain. So great was their desire to hear the Word and to conduct their live accordingly that they gave full and complete attention to the hearing of the Word. “Their ears were attentive unto the book of the law.” Conviction of wrong doing or sin is a very uncomfortable emotion, it is astonishing to see the reaction of these who were under real conviction. We can understand their reaction which was to weep on hearing the Word of the Lord. Neh. 8:9 Holy Ghost conviction will always lead to a Godly repentance and without repentance there can be no forgiveness of sin. Mind you, these people were Israelites, the people of the Lord. Nevertheless there was a great need for them to shed the attitudes, the spirit and nature of Babylon, and develop true obedience and worship to their Lord. Mingling and fellowshipping with the world will cause one to take on their ways and manner of thinking. We are not to withdraw from the world but we are foolish if we think that we can consistently gather with them and not be influenced by them. There was a great need for cleansing in the lives of these people. NUMBERS 58 EZRA MINISTERED FROM A PULPIT OF WOOD. The message of the gospel is centered on the cross of the Lord Jesus. The lifting up, the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus was the catalyst, the power that was to attract all men unto Him. John 12:32 Moses created a type of the Lord Jesus by lifting the brazen serpent up on a pole when the Israelites were afflicted because of their disobedience. John 3:14 All who were bitten by the fiery serpents found deliverance by looking on the serpent of brass [judgment] that hung there before them in the midst of the camp. It worked beautifully in delivering all who sought its healing virtues. Num. 21:1-9 Jesus when nailed to the cross took our place as the sinner, He bore the shame and punishment which was rightfully ours, that we might become what He is, The righteousness of God. The best exchange program ever. 2 Cor. 5:21 NEHUSHTAN. The brazen serpent. Sadly, yet very common to mankind, that which had been such a great blessing to them was not destroyed at the conclusion of the incident and the usefulness intended by the Lord. Nehushtan became an object of worship to them, an idol. 2 Kings 18:4 Just as unfortunately today is the fact that many worship the cross and not the crucified one. The cross without the Christ of God is meaningless. It is not the wood, a cross of gold around the neck or dangling from the ears, nor the drawings of men depicting the Christ on the cross that is effective in our lives. Some use these objects as a charm for protection, how meaningless and futile. Such use borders on idolatry. It is the person who was nailed and died there, to whom we are to look, the Lord Jesus Christ. THEIR ATTENTION WAS RIVETED ON THE WORD. As Ezra stood above them he opened the book or scroll of the Law to read to them. They honored the Word to such an extent that for the entire time of the reading of the Word they stood in reverence. Neh. 8:5 If the reading of the Law can elicit such an honorable reaction, how much more should the reading of the entire Word create. They reacted like folk who were attending an old fashioned revival service - and it was to them. Their Amen signified total agreement to what was being read to them. Their hands were lifted, what a difference when the Lord raises our hands, as He is prone to do when the anointing of the Spirit is present, and when we raise them whether by habit or at the instigation of a leader. The difference is like the difference between night and day. The humility and abject submission to the Lord must also be taken into consideration. They worshipped with their faces to the ground, they were prostrate before the Lord. Neh. 8:6 The reaction of the people was that of great conviction and repentance. They wept before the Lord as they heard the Word of the Lord and realized how contrary their lives were to the Law of the Lord. Ezra and the other priests had to calm them and urge them not to cry. This was a day of renewal and refreshing as they returned to the Lord. Their actions were those of a people, who were earnest in their desire to know the Lord. Neh. 8:9 NUMBERS 59 COMPREHENDING THE WORD. Their understanding of the reading of the Word brought repentance. Like the sword that it is, it caused them to weep, which opened the way for the next step and that was the joy and rejoicing that this day of the seventh month was to bring to them. This was the first day of the month and was the time of the feast of the trumpets. It was to be a Sabbath, a day of a holy convocation. Neh. 8:2 Lev. 23:24 Respondents to the Word with a melted heart will find their tears turned into the joy of the Lord. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Ps. 30:5 Words and tears of repentance will relieve the soul and prepare a way for the joy of the Lord. Both are necessary experiences in the process of becoming a mature Christian. OBEYING THE WORD. This day was to introduce a time of thanksgiving unto them; they were to eat the fruits of their labors, for the harvests had been gathered in and now they were to enjoy them. Also, it was to be a time of giving to those who were poor and needy. It was that day, the day when the “JOY of the LORD” was to be expressed in action and word. How many times have we all quoted the words found here, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh. 8:10 It was to be a time of spiritual healing and of worship unto the Lord. their tears were past. It was now time to exhibit a “Merry heart,” that would be like medicine to their lives. Prov. 17:22a It was to be a time of great mirth and rejoicing before the Lord. They had every reason to rejoice for they had come out of the slavery of Babylon and now, they had found the Word of the Lord. WHEN THE OLD BECOME NEW. They demonstrated a real hunger for the Word of the Lord by gathering the second day to hear, once again, the Word. It was indeed a time of discovery for them. New things from the Old Book. The Word of the Lord is a living book and the scribe of understanding will bring forth “treasures, both new and old.” Mat. 13:52 It is here, on the second day, following a day of thanksgiving and joy, that they learn that they were to celebrate the feast of booths. Of interest to our study of numbers is the fact that they gathered the branches of five different kinds of trees to use in the construction of these “booths” in which they were to spend these days of the seventh month. They were to gather their branches from the mountain. Foreshadowing Mount Calvary? Olive branches, trees of oil or the anointing. Some see this as being the branches of the wild olive tree, which would typify the gentile nations. Pine or goodly trees. The evergreen significant of eternal life and the fragrance of the presence of the Lord. The myrtle, growing by the brooks, their source from living waters. The palm, trees used to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem, therefore branches of rejoicing and praise. Thick trees, trees of strength and thick with leaves. Trees that provide shelter and shade. All this to remind them that they were but pilgrims and strangers here on earth. NUMBERS 60 THE DAY FOLLOWING THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. They had been obedient to the high spiritual mood of the feast of Tabernacles. They had celebrated and had gathered daily to hear the Word of the Lord read. The eighth day, they kept “solemn assembly.” Now, it is apparent that the hearing of the Word was having a tremendous effect on them. They came together in order to very intently seek the Lord. They were dressed in sackcloth, were fasting and had thrown dirt upon themselves. These were signs of deep, deep sorrow, remorse and repentance. Neh. 9:1 This was a time of revival and restoration for the nation. Above all else, they were reaching out to the Lord in a very earnest manner. SPIRITUAL EXERCISES. They separated themselves unto the Lord. Having been in Babylon for seventy years they had mixed and married with the people of that country. In revival and restoration this became a problem for them. Ezra had previously caused them to correct this condition among them. Ezra 10:3 Perhaps some had not entered into that covenant or had reestablished their former marriages. Once again they were commanded to set them aside and fully serve the Lord as a nation who were totally dedicated to the Lord. There is a lesson to be learned here, the Lord requires complete surrender to His cause. Unquestionably there were some who would be greatly hurt by separating from their heathen families, but it was required and necessary if they were to walk with the Lord. Consider that they separated themselves form ALL strangers. There was nothing half hearted about it. Neh. 9:2 A MULTIPLE HOUR WORSHIP SERVICE. This certainly addresses itself to their sincerity in seeking the Lord and in developing a right relationship with Him. For one-fourth part of the day they stood while hearing the Word of the Lord. Hearing and following the instructions of the Word are a very great and prominent part of any revival. Then, another fourth of the day they spent in worship and in confessing their sins and the sins of their fathers which had caused them to go into captivity in Babylon. Neh. 9:2-3 Their open hearts caused them to come before the Lord with the confession of their sins. They had already demonstrated their willingness to forsake their sins. To confess sin without a willingness to forsake the same is futile. The scripture urges us to forsake as well as confess. When that has been accomplished the mercy of the Lord is revealed. Prov. 28:13b The Lord Jesus redeems us from ALL iniquity and He will sanctify us from our sins. In this manner He will purify unto Himself a people who are His very own. They are specifically set aside for His own purposes and are a people who are zealous of good works. They are active in the work of the Lord and demonstrate the life of Christ to the world. Titus 2:14 Nehemiah has produced an example of those things that are necessary for a reviving. May the Lord stir our hearts to follow them. NUMBERS 61 A SABBATH FOR THE LAND. Israel was to keep the weekly Sabbath unto the Lord. The seventh month was a special month to them. Now we consider the seventh year which was to be a Sabbath unto the earth. Every seventh year was to be a year where the land would lie fallow. No plows were to be used. No crops were to be planted or harvested. Their obedience to the Lord was more beneficial than all the fertilizers they could have applied to the land. Their promise was a land of milk and honey, in other words, of great crops. Ex. 3:8 It was a year of rest for the land, and consequently for the Israelites. This Sabbatical year was to be a Sabbath of rest or a Sabbath of Sabbathism. A Sabbath unto the LORD. Lev. 25:4 What did grow of itself in the unattended field was for the poor, their servants and the animals as well as the landlords. It was not to be harvested only casually removed as needed. Lev. 25:6 Unfortunately, they never did keep the seventh year as a year of Sabbath. Therefore, after occupying the land for four hundred ninety years the Lord said that He would remove them from the land for seventy years and give the land its rest. They were to spend those years in captivity in Babylon. Jer. 25:11-12 This was in accordance with the Word of the Lord. So the land was left empty that it might enjoy its Sabbaths. 2 Chr. 36:21 The Lord is patient and long suffering but will fulfill His word in His time. It was a hard lesson and shows us the determination of the Lord that His Word be fulfilled by His people. A SPECIAL BLESSING FOR KEEPING THE WORD OF THE LORD. They were to be blessed of the Lord dwelling in the land in plenty and in peace and safety. The land was to bring forth abundantly. There would be no hunger among them. Every need was to be met. Lev. 25:17-22 The sixth year was to be a year of very special crops. Literally, in the sixth year the land would bear a threefold bounty. A crop so large that it would meet their needs for year six, seven and eight. There would absolutely be no shortage of food for them in those years. We have here a type of the last day revival. Beginning in the closing days of the sixth day [or the six thousand years of the history of man on the earth]. The seventh day, typifies the Millennial reign of Christ and His church on the earth. The eighth day will usher in the New Heavens and the New Earth. Which will be the eternal order. All this even reached to the ninth year. The number nine is the number of the Holy Spirit. His graces, His ministry gifts and fruit are nine. Lev. 25:22 THE YEAR OF LIBERTY. This year was known as the year of release. It was named the LORDS release. Modern day society would like this aspect of the Law. Every creditor was to forgive all indebtedness. Deut. 15:1-2 Commandments such as these were designed to be a blessing unto the people. What a shame that there was no vision in Israel to fulfill the precepts of the Lord. It had its roots in the feast of tabernacles. Deut. 31:10 NUMBERS 62 THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. An extremely important day, for it marked complete absolution from all sin, for all the people of Israel. That is those who followed the Law and placed their hope and confidence in its teachings. The significance of this day to us is that it too will have its fulfillment in the church, the bride of Christ, in the end of the age. There will be a day when those in the church, who will make the proper consecration, will reach the absolute purity of the Lord. This was the day of true and complete atonement where the blood of the sacrifice would be sprinkled on the Mercy Seat in the most Holy Place. This day was established as the tenth day of the seventh month, or five days before the feast of Tabernacles. It was an awesome day for the High Priest for he was to stand before the Lord of the heavens and the earth. It was the most sacred and holy place on the face of the earth. They were not permitted to enter in haphazardly into the Most Holy. It is a type of the very throne presence of the Lord. It is here that the Lord chose to manifest His glory. It was visible within the veil of the Tabernacle and the Temple. Ex. 26:33-34 The veil is a type of the physical body of the Lord Jesus. At His death it was split in two. Mark 15:38 His death, burial and resurrection He has made it possible for us to enter in through the veil into the very throne presence of the Lord. Heb. 10:19-20 At this time and in this Most Holy place the presence, the shinning glory of the Lord was to appear, veiled in the smoke of the incense which the High Priest was to burn. Had his glory not been veiled they could not have stood much less have entered in before the Lord. Lev. 16:2 THE SIGNIFICANT ACTIONS OF THE HIGH PRIEST. Of real importance is the fact that before he could enter in before the Lord, he had to bathe. We follow this pattern in a spiritual way by the washing of the blood of Christ, the washing of water baptism and the washing of the Word. All are experiences given that we might come before Him in absolute holiness. The garments of glory and beauty [Ex. 28:2] which were the badge of the office of the High Priest were laid aside. They were replaced by the very simple garments made of the best of fine linen. Garments exalting the office were laid aside and replaced by clothing which more represented the people as a whole. Lev. 16:4 Fine linen denotes the righteousness of the saints. Rev. 19:8 His next act was to offer a young bullock, and as a burnt offering a ram, for himself and his family. The obstinate nature of the two offerings are paramount to the stubborn nature of man, a nature that must die and be laid aside. There is no room for the human attitudes of the carnal man in the services which are performed before the Lord. This was a very vital sacrifice for it prepared him to be clean and consecrated as he made atonement for the people. Lev. 16:3 The Lord could only honor the most important sacrifices of the day from a man that was sanctified before the Lord. It is like the words of the prophet Isaiah, “be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” Isa. 52:11 NUMBERS 63 THE DUAL SACRIFICE OF THE DAY OF ATONEMENT. Two kids of the goats were chosen from out of the flock to be a special sacrifice to the Lord. They were to be considered one sacrifice as a deliverance from sin. Every action of the High Priest on that day was to cause everything in the tabernacle and every one in the nation to be sanctified and dedicated unto the Lord. Lev. 16:5 The two goats were brought to the door of the tabernacle where lots were cast upon them. One was to become the sacrifice unto Jehovah and the other the scapegoat. The goat which was to be Jehovah's was brought and sacrificed before the LORD for a sin offering. Lev. 16:9 The other goat, the scapegoat, was presented alive before the Lord. It was given the name Azazel [removal, or a complete sending away] for after the High Priest laid his hands on its head and confessed the sins of the people, the goat was led by a responsible individual into the wilderness, and released. In this manner Israel knew that their sins had been removed from them. Lev. 16:21-22 Even though different actions were taken with each of the goats it was all one act of sacrifice before the Lord. This single, yet dual sacrifice is a type of Christ and His Bride. The sprinkling of blood seven times upon the mercy seat speaks to us of the fulfillment of the day of Atonement in the church at the end of the age. That time when all who will enter in to the completion of the plan of the Lord will stand before Him in absolute purity, spirit, soul and body. Lev. 16:18-19 TWO, YET ONE. How much are we to be one with Christ? Linked with Him in all of His experiences in this life? It is evident from the witness of the scriptures that Christ suffered many things during His brief life span. Peter wrote of Him suffering in the flesh for us, then exhorts us to be of a like mind, for the secret of the Christian life is that constant unity with Him in all of the experiences that He went through. Suffering with Christ has a deadening effect on the carnal man, causing it to die. When it is dead [carnality] then the life is lived unto the Lord. 1 Peter 4: 1-2 Paul witnessed to the Galatians that he was crucified with Christ. It was to him a deep spiritual experience. Even though he spoke of having died with Christ, he continued to live and minister as one who had died and been raised again to walk in that newness of life in Christ Jesus. Gal. 2:20 The witness of these Apostles of the Lamb indicate to us what is perhaps the greatest need in the modern day church; that is a visit to Calvary where we might become identified with Christ and learn through the Spirit of the Lord exactly what it means to die with Christ. The two goats were identical, their purpose was also one. Nevertheless, to arrive at their appointed destination different actions were taken. Both were necessary for the purpose of he Day of Atonement to be accomplished. Christ needs a body of believers in order to accomplish His purposes for the end of the age. What He needs and what He will get is a people so dedicated to Christ and His cause that they will be able to fit into His plan, perfectly. . 12:1 NUMBERS 64 MULTIPLE ENTRANCES INTO THE MOST HOLY PLACE REQUIRED. To complete the stipulated offerings and ceremonies before the Ark of the Covenant demanded four visits to that Holy place. As we have already noted, his first act and offering was the young bullock for himself and his family. It was needful, and is yet today, that those who minister before the Lord be clean vessels. Consider Isa. 52:11d Our great High Priest, in the offering of Himself was totally without sin. Furthermore, in His entire life He did not sin. Heb. 4:15 Sin was never a part of His being until He went to Calvary. There, He still had not committed sin, but became sin for us. What displeasure, what repugnance must have flowed through His spirit as He literally was made to be sin for us. So much emphasis is laid on the physical sufferings of Christ but multitudes of others have gone through the same experiences. Even with Him, there were two others crucified. The agony, the pain, the suffering of the Christ at Calvary was spiritual as He not only bore the sin of the world but “became sin” for us, that we might receive His righteousness, Glorious exchange. 2 Cor. 5:21 Another facet of His torment was the fact that He was completely alone, The Father and the Holy Spirit having deserted Him, He was forsaken and isolated for the very first time. Up to and until this moment there had never been a second in eternity where such a condition and separation had developed. Jesus felt the separation, a loneliness such as none other had ever felt, nor will they ever suffer like Jesus. No one else will ever be able to say with the same pathos, with the same agony of spirit and soul. “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Mark 15:34c Jesus is one of a kind, unique in the redemption of fallen humanity. God had not turned His back on Jesus because of the human humiliation of being crucified but because of what Jesus had become. The sin of man covering six thousand years of time. The sin of every man who would ever live on the earth was heaped upon Him. He tasted death for every man. Words fail me as I meditate on what took place in His spirit nature. The tearing, the gut wrenching awfulness of what He had to bear. The warfare that took place within the spirit of the Lord Jesus was far greater and surmounted any physical pain that He bore. If ever any person received punishment that was misdirected it was Jesus. His chastisement was for us. His suffering and sorrow exceeded that of any man. The fierce anger of God against sin was directed at Him. Lam. 1:12 Forget the physical sufferings of the cross, they are meaningless. It was not an unusual punishment. It was something inflicted on the criminal who was a habitual felon. The spiritual conflict of the cross, the battle between light and darkness, justice and evil is what counts. The outcome was a glorious victory. A way opened for mankind to really come to a knowledge of the living Lord. The blood of Christ was carried by Himself in to the very throne presence of the Lord. It was a once for all of time and for all of the human race. There is but one way, one sacrifice and one redeemer. How powerful, how efficacious is the blood of Christ. Heb. 9:12 NUMBERS 65 THE NUMBER SEVEN. This number is extremely important in relationship to things Spiritual. We dare not leave it without some thoughts from the book of final things, the Book of Revelation, because the number seven is a number that represents things that are perfect as well as complete or final. The Revelation is replete with the number seven. The Lord gave John the privilege of receiving and writing the book, it is not his revelation. The first verse, the introduction, very plainly states that it is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” He is the theme and message of the book. Rev. 1:1 WRITTEN TO THE SEVEN ASIATIC CHURCHES. In all reality, the seven churches represent the totality of the one church, that is the body of Christ. These churches have been made to represent the spiritual condition of various periods of time from their inception down to the last days, as well as several other meanings. In all reality, as we look at the situations described in the various churches, we are able to see conditions that are to be found in many churches, even today. No one modern day church has all of the circumstances which are found in these seven churches. However all churches have certain combinations of these elements at work in them; it gives a broad picture of things which any or all churches may be experiencing at any one given period of time. We may even see our own spiritual life mirrored in the great variety of experiences they faced in these seven churches. Rev. 1:4 SEVEN PASTORS LIKENED TO SEVEN CANDLESTICKS. In this manner we are immediately taken back to the Tabernacle and the Temple, to the holy place, that area that was a type of the two thousand years of the gospel dispensation. The golden lampstand supplied the only light for the holy place, even as the Lord has appointed the church to be the light of the world. Mt. 5:14 These lampstands are of the purest of gold representing the absolute righteousness of the leadership of these churches. Rev. 1:12 They are of great value in the eyes of the Lord and also to the church. They must be true men of the Lord. It is worthwhile to note that there are seven candlesticks, the number of perfection. Gold must go through a process of separation and purification. In the Lord, this is experienced by trials, which at some times may be considered to even be “fiery” trials. Trials which hurt, and hurt deeply, but in the end their fruit is the righteousness of Christ. 1 Peter. There is another light standing in their midst and that is the Lord Jesus. Rev. 1:13 He is the source of all the light that shines through the seven. That makes a total of eight lights, which is the number of the resurrection. To be a true candlestick or light in the church, the leadership must touch the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Paul set forth the example in his statement, “I am crucified with Christ.” Gal. 2:20 The true light will shine unhindered from a life that has reached the spiritual heights demonstrated by the Apostle Paul. NUMBERS 66 THE SEVEN STARS IN THE RIGHT HAND OF THE LORD. So tremendous was the glory and the power of the presence of the Son of God that John fell on his face before Him as one who was dead. He was not unconscious but was rather laid out prostrate by the awesome might of the Holy Spirit. Rev. 1:17 Jesus laid that same right hand on John with precious reassuring words. John was already in the Spirit but that added touch must have sent another jolt of the power of the Spirit through every fiber of His being. There is no touch like the most pleasant touch of the power of the Spirit through the right hand of the Lord. John beheld seven light bearing objects or as he described it, seven stars in the right hand of the Lord Jesus. Rev. 1:16 THE REVELATION OF A MYSTERY. The mystery, one of the hidden things from the beginning of the world, but now made known as the seven stars of His right hand. Their revelation and ministry relate to the leadership of the individual churches of the Lord Jesus. As the light of the world, the church is the source of spiritual light and is represented as a candlestick, a light shining in the darkness. The stars are the pastors, the persons responsible for the enlightenment of the Word to the congregation. They are the angels of the church. The Greek word, “angelos” is not limited to a being who descends from heaven, one of the angelic realm. The word bears the connotation of that of a messenger or a pastor. Any one who proclaims the Word of the Lord and brings the knowledge of the Lord Jesus to light is an angel, a messenger. Rev. 1:20 The instructions given to the seven churches came from the one who held the seven stars in His hand. He is in full and absolute control. Rev. 2:1 THE SEVEN SPIRITS. Several versions of this verse translate the seven Spirits as being the “sevenfold” Spirit of the Lord. The number seven is a divine complete number and is used to illustrate the fullness, the perfection or the completeness of the Spirit. Rest assured He is not divided into sevenths. We do find the sevenfold nature of the Spirit in the prophecy of Isaiah. 1. It is the Spirit of Jehovah and it will come to rest upon Jesus. Showing that He is indeed the Christ for the anointing came and rested upon Him when John the Baptist baptized Him in water. 2. The Spirit of wisdom was to be His. 3. The Spirit of understanding. 4. The spirit of counsel. 5. The Spirit of might. 6. The Spirit of knowledge. 7. The Spirit of reverence. Isa. 11:2 We have here the scriptures showing to us the division and yet the unity of the Spirit. In works He is sevenfold but in actuality He is a complete unit and may not be misconstrued as being seven spirits. If indeed we are filled with the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, then the same capabilities that were evident in the Lord Jesus as He was anointed with the Spirit may also be manifest in us by the same anointing. We miss so much of the blessings of the Lord that He has prepared for us by mixing the flesh with the Spirit. Dedication to Him will produce a great church. NUMBERS 67 SEVEN LAMPS OF FIRE BEFORE THE THRONE. There is no doubt that the description given here is in agreement with a similar vision of the fire of the Lord that Ezekiel saw. Ezekiel saw living creatures, these are not angels, but men who had lived on this earth and are now, as in his vision, seen in an eternal status. While their description is one that could strike terror in the hearts of men, in all actuality their appearance is one of extreme beauty. The Lord, who is a consuming fire, (Heb. 12:29) has embellished them with His very own self, until they bear a resemblance to burning coals of fire and lamps of light. The activity of fire is upon them like the flickering of a flame. The colors of fire are theirs also. The fire and the lamps were very lively as it moved up and down among them. To those with spiritual understanding and perception, this is a beautiful sight. A moment of great excitement and the thrill of the Spirit as the source of the light of the Lord is manifest in such a tremendous manner. The fire was brilliant and shining forth in greater strength than the shining of the sun. Eze. 1:13 Note also, that blazing streaks of lightning are visible in both instances. The power of the Spirit of the Lord is not at all unlike lightning, only when it is felt in the infilling of the Spirit it is most pleasant. John the Baptist promised that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. Mt. 3:11 Jesus fulfilled that promise on the day of Pentecost; in Jerusalem, there were seen resting upon those being filled with the Spirit, cloven tongues of fire. The same Holy Spirit in whom rests the fire of the Lord. Acts 2:3 To speak in tongues is not the full evidence of the baptism of the Spirit. There are many other signs that accompany that blessed experience. Not to have received a portion of this precious fire of the Spirit is to have been short changed. The baptism of the Spirit is more fire than tongues. THE CLOSEST CREATED BEING TO THE LORD. Strangely he was that one named Lucifer, whose name means, brightness. Isaiah gives him the title of “Son of the morning, light bringer,” or bright star, coming from a Hebrew word meaning spreading brightness. He is one who partook of all the glory and the beauty of the kingdom of the Lord. Isa. 14:12 The position he occupied and the responsibility that he had are astounding. He had it all, but he was not God, and his desire to be God caused him to fall. Isa. 14:13-14 The anointing of the Spirit had been his for he is called the anointed cherub that covereth. He had associated with, and been a companion to the stones of fire having walked up and down in the midst of them. Eze. 28:14 No wonder Paul said that it is not a strange thing when Satan himself appears and presents himself as an angel of light. He has the background, however corrupted, to duplicate and imitate what he has seen of the glory and the power of the Lord. As the old proverb says, not all that glitters is gold. So all that shines is not of the Lord. Satan has been misrepresented as being a crude, ugly, fearful being, but he is not. He presents himself as a light and object of beauty while masquerading as an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14 Don't be deceived, know the WORD. NUMBERS 68 THE BOOK WITH SEVEN SEALS. The importance of this scroll is seen in the fact that it is held in the right hand of the occupant of the throne. The book is a sealed book or one in which were written the secrets of the Lord. Rev. 5:1 The prophet Ezekiel was to see a scroll and he noted there was much writing within and without. He was made aware that the message contained in the book was a recording of, “lamentations and mourning and woe.” Eze. 2:10 With two exceptions the seals are a series of judgments which are but a prelude to greater judgments to come. All the seals will have a profound effect on the earth and will increase in their intensity until they reach their climax. There is a multitude of interpretations given of the book of Revelation. It is small wonder, for the book was to be sealed until the time of the end. That time was to be marked by an increase in the transportation of the peoples of the earth. This modern world is a marvel of transportation. We travel by automobile, and train, by ship and by plane. Distances that in Daniel’s day would have taken a life time are today covered in a matter of hours. The running to and fro of the inhabitants of this world consummate the word given to Daniel. Then there was to come a day when knowledge should be greatly increased. Never before has the vast store of knowledge been so available as it is today. It is mentally over whelming to follow the “rabbit trails” available on the Internet and to see the vast reservoirs of knowledge available. Just another fulfillment of the signs that were to be indicators of the last days. Dan. 12:4 THE CALL TO OPEN THE BOOK. Heaven, earth and hell searched for an individual who would be worthy to break the seals and open the book. The importance of the book had left a real impression on John, for when none was found who was deserving of revealing the book and its contents, he wept. He was made to be greatly concerned, for the words of the book were vital to the end of the age. Rev. 5:2-4 One of the elders brought John a word of encouragement by stating to him that one had been found [only one] who was capable of breaking the seals and giving an insight to its contents. Before we consider who He was, let us consider what He was capable of doing. For He had “prevailed to open the book.” PREVAILED, Greek, nikao, to subdue, conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. [Stongs Greek-Hebrew Dictionary.] The word is translated "triumphed" in the NIV. For such language to be used there had to have been a conflict over the uncovering of the message found in the scroll. How Satan would like to keep concealed the revelation of the book of Revelation. The whole plan of the Lord for the last days is made known thorough its pages and revelations. It a book that every Christian should read - and read repeatedly - while praying that the Lord will show them His great plan for the end of the age. The events of the last days are given in detail. It is just what its name implies, the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It was given to John but it is not his revelation. Rev. 1:1 Jesus is seen, in the book, in all of His majesty and triumphant victory as He is depicted in His various positions and accomplishments. NUMBERS 69 TITLES GIVEN THE LORD JESUS. As the Lion of the tribe of Judah we are shown His strength. It is also fitting that He would be introduced and accomplish His responsibilities, for the last days, with the strength and authority of a Lion. The judgments of the Lord as recorded in the book of Revelation require an authority of great strength and we see that person in the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Rev. 5:5 Judah is likened to a lion's cub seeking prey. Ready, not only to seize the prey but to viciously defend it from others that would steal it. Among a pride of lions, it is the lioness who stalks and provides the food. This Lion of Judah, has the ferocity of a lioness in defending the prey. Gen. 49:9 The opening of the seventh seal introduces this world to the manifold judgments of the Lord marking the end of the age. The root of David. The warrior King. Mighty and brave in battle. Yet, of a tender heart before the Lord. A dynasty which is to take root and spring forth to full blossom in the end of the age. Isa. 11:1 It is Jesus who will prepare for the people an everlasting kingdom of might and strength. Isa. 11:10 These appellations of the Lord Jesus are fitting for the mighty work and warfare of the end of the age. THE ETERNAL, HEAVENLY WITNESS OF CALVARY. There will be no cross in heaven. However, the crucified one will occupy central stage. The throne is the focus of all that is heavenly. The Lamb is seen in the very center, the heart of the throne, “as it had been slain.” He is in the midst of the four living creatures as well as the twenty-four elders. Rev. 5:6 Ever living, but still bearing the marks and wounds of having been nailed to the tree. The blood of Christ, the true and only atonement is a constant witness and testimony of the price Jesus paid for the redemption of mankind. If the crucified Lamb of the Lord only illicits sorrow and grief, in our hearts, we have not yet learned its lesson. The crucified Christ is not a source of anguish and pain. The cross is our victory. We live on the resurrection side of the cross. Its purposes have been and are being accomplished in the life of each of those who are His. Seeing the slain Lamb on the throne will not cause a remembrance of deep sadness, but contrariwise, there will arise anthems and peals of worship because of His mighty accomplishments. Paul gloried in the cross. Gal. 5:14 A TRIPLE SEVEN. Demonstrating the tremendous place of authority and power designated to the Lamb in the supervision of that which is eternal. Seven horns, fullness of power and authority. No one of greater stature, the supremacy is His. Seven eyes. Symbolic of the fullness of intelligence. It could well be said that He is knowledge personified. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are to be found in Him. What more is there? Col. 2:3 The seven Spirits [better, "seven fold"] represent the fullness, the completeness of the Holy Spirit which dwells within Him. He is the anointed of the Lord and received the Spirit, without measure. John 3:34 NUMBERS 70 THE SEVEN SEALED BOOK. A sealed book indicates hidden subjects, secrets that are about to be revealed. When one is sought to open the book and its seals, none was to be found in heaven or earth. This so disturbed John that he wept greatly. His vision of the book had to have made a strong impression on him; he seemed to sense that it was a matter of extreme importance. The problem was solved when it was discovered that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root and offspring of David, had prevailed to open the seals. The usage of the word “prevailed” indicates that here was a resistance raised against the opening of the seals. No wonder, it marks the beginning of the end for the devil and his ultimate and final defeat. The seven seals usher in the last days. Their events are highly meaningful and are of vast importance to those of us who live under their impact. Rev. 5:5 MERCY BEFORE JUDGMENT. Even a casual study of the stern dealings of the Lord in judgments will indicate that He has a policy of first coming with a warning and a spiritual visitation, prior to the execution of judgment. THE FIRST SEAL IS EXACTLY IN ACCORDANCE. In keeping with His method of operation, the first seal is an introduction to the greatest revival of the Christian dispensation. Even before the turn of the twentieth century there was a move of holiness and the seeking of a deeper spiritual life among the churches. The visitation of the Holy Spirit resulting in another Pentecost started a world wide move that has swept the world for Christ. In this manner we are introduced to the white horse and his rider. Let us thoroughly examine and consider this tremendous event, in the light of the Word of the Lord. WHITE. Greek, leukos, light or white. There is more involved here than a mere color. It is a brightness, the shining of a being of light. Let us consider the usage of this word in the New Testament. On the mount of transfiguration, the face of the Lord Jesus shone as the sun. The sun is the source of all light. Also, His clothing became as white as the light as it radiated the glory of the Lord which was resident with in Him. Mt. 17:2 WHITE, has a strong connotation of that which is Godlike. No wonder, for the Lord Himself is light. 1 John 1:5 The same two men who had been with Jesus on the mount appeared at His tomb. One at the feet and the other at the head of the place where His body had been laid. They were there as witness of His resurrection. John 20:12 At the time of His ascension these two appeared again with a message of consolation and of the return of the Lord Jesus. Acts 1:10-11 John was to see Jesus in His vision on Patmos as one whose hair was as white as wool and snow. Rev. 1:14 Given as gifts of victory are a white stone containing the new name of the overcomer. Rev. 2:17 Also granted to the victorious will be robes of white as a sign of their steadfastness. Rev. 3:4-5 This indicates, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that our white horse relates to an event that is of the Lord. A positive time of revival. NUMBERS 71 THE WHITE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. In the introduction, the emphasis is on the Horse. Rev. 6:2 At the conclusion of the plan of the Lord the rider is brought into full view and it is He who is accentuated. He is called “Faithful and True.” There is no question as to whom the scripture is making reference. It is the Lord Jesus Christ. From the beginning of the consummation of the plan of the Lord to the conclusion. The white horse and his rider speaks of the victories of the Lord. Rev. 19:11 This white, brightly shinning, light is the clothing of the saints who have consecrated themselves unto the Lord. Rev. 3:5 The twenty-four elders seated around the throne of the Lord are also clothed with this glorious bright light. Rev. 4:4 The martyrs of the tribulation are also to be clothed with this same majestic clothing. Rev. 6:11 This type of clothing is agreeable with the robes of the saints in the ages to come and is repeatedly declared to be just that in the Book of Revelation. Following the pattern that is laid down in the volume of the book, the white [leukos] horse has to fit the consistent usage of white as that which is of the Lord and is heavenly. A PEACEFUL KING AT WAR. The purpose of the Lord is first and foremost the salvation of the lost. We note this in the reference of the white horse who is seen with a bow, a weapon used for hunting or warfare. Habbakuk speaks of the bow being prepared for its arrows to fly. Then the bow is identified as the Word of the Lord. Hab. 3:9 The Spirit and the Word are the weapons of the Lord and the tremendous increase in the church seen in the past decades is proof of revival and the ingathering of a harvest. The rider is also wearing a crown, indicative of a rider who is victorious and is crowned, a king, a conqueror. The Lord, by His Spirit has wrought a mighty work since the outpouring of the Spirit in Kansas and Los Angeles. A move that has swept multitudes into the kingdom of our Christ and will continue to do so, in a mighty climax, to this age of the Spirit. THE SECOND HORSE, THE ONE WHICH IS RED IN COLOR. This horse represents the killing of human life, mostly in war, but also in every other form of genocide, murder, manslaughter, suicide and the taking of a human life, by man, in any manner. The last century began with the first world war, a condition which has spilled over into this century also, and will not cease until the Lord Jesus returns. The rider of this horse is delegated to remove peace from the earth. This world will never know peace until the millennial reign of Christ. He is also given the ability to use a “great sword” and He will wield it well. Struggle as they may, there is no politician who will be able to lead the world to a time of peace. Peace has been TAKEN from the earth. Rev. 6:4 In the midst of all the turmoil and upheavals that are taking place, there is one source of peace and that is to walk in the Spirit while finding our solace in the living Word of the Lord. We need not be overwhelmed by the troubles of this world. Peace is in the hearts of those who serve the Lord. NUMBERS 72 THE THIRD HORSE, BLACK IN COLOR. We are introduced here to the scourge of famine. Rev. 6:5-6 The opening of these seals do not require an immediate fulfillment to the conditions which they introduce. Once the horse is loosed his power will continue until the end. The World Health Organization reports millions having died in the past century because of famine. Even now there are countries where famine is taking its toll. Is it that we are not aware of these conditions, or has the world become case hardened to the suffering of others. There are so many circumstances which are taking place in our world today that could lead to even a world wide famine. The change in the world wide climate has its effect on agriculture. The use of farm land for other purposes. The causes that will lead to such a catastrophe are many and apparent. Rev. 6:5 A PAIR OF BALANCES IN HIS HAND. A sign that indicates a scarcity of the basic foods and their distribution being measured out or limited. This too is a situation which is not foreign to several countries in the world. Many organizations, Christian and otherwise, are trying to reach out and alleviate famine conditions around the world. But, it is like one individual standing against a flood and trying to hold it back. The horse has been loosed and is charging through the earth. Nothing will stop him. History shows us that a close companion to the sword is famine. A key to the reason for famines is the price of what foods are available. The price that is given us here for wheat is more than the price of a days wage for the common laborer. The price for barley, in scriptures, a cheaper grain, would require the day's salary. This would provide the wage earner with food sufficient for themselves and if they have a family they are in trouble. Consider the constant rise of food prices. If there is a shortage, immediately prices skyrocket. In the economy of the Lord, where are we today? Rev. 6:6 HURT NOT THE OIL AND THE WINE. As in all situations the Lord has a solution. Both oil and wine are represented in the Word as types of the Spirit of the Lord, the anointing of the oil and the joy of the wine. Therefore, the Spirit filled may have great expectation that as always, in a time of trouble, the Lord will manifest His mercy and His grace. By way of example, the wife who was a widow of one of the sons of the prophets; she was told to borrow vessels, not a few. Had she borrowed every empty pot and pan in the village, they all would have been filled with oil from her little meager supply. The Lord kept the oil flowing until every possible vessel in her house was filled to capacity. The Lord is not stingy. He enjoys doing great things for His own. 2 Kings 4:1-6 The supply of the Lord is unending. In time of trouble and distress He will not forsake His own. He sent the ravens to feed Elijah. 1 Kings 17:6 Before we are through with this world we may well find that our only source of sustenance is the bread of heaven. NUMBERS 73 THE FOURTH HORSE. It is apparent that the judgment depicted here is a compounding of the second and third seals, with even more diverse and greater ways and means of inflicting judgments. Four is the number of the earth. What is loosed under the opening of this seal is world wide and has its effect on all of humanity. It is the pale horse. Rev. 6:8 The Greek term used here is literally, green, and is translated, green in Rev. 8:7, 9:4 This color was one way of discerning the plague of leprosy. Lev. 13:49 This pale green horse demonstrates that Death reigns. This ghastly colored horse has the ability to intensify the capabilities of the two that preceded him. The world has recently been shocked at the power of an earth quake and resulting tsunami. HIV is transmuting to a different and new strain. Bird flu has become a fear and has resulted in the killing off of thousands of chickens, around the world. The minute man prepares a medication for one disease another breaks out and becomes a plague. It is important that we remember that the loosing of these horses and their ensuing work covers a span of many years. The results of their riding forth will not reach its climax at the moment of their going forth, but will increase in intensity as time passes. DEATH AND HELL. The killer named, DEATH. The grim reaper and his companion, HELL or the grave. So powerful is this rider that his works are the constant subject of the world media. Television and the daily news papers seem to have an obsession to report that which is exactly recorded here in the book of Revelation. Could it be a wake up call to the church? Power, authority granted that by a fourfold means, during the span of his influence, he would cause one-fourth of the population of the earth to die, by the sword, famine, plague and the beasts of the earth. Sometime we wonder if it is limited to wild beasts when we see the beast like nature that man demonstrates toward his fellow man. THE FIFTH SEAL. The number five is the number of atonement. How fitting to find here the martyrs of the gospel dispensation. Their numbers are being added to daily, even in a supposed age of understanding and tolerance. The place of their souls is interesting. Under the altar. The life of the flesh is in the blood, that is our soul life. Lev. 17:11 The high priest would pour out the remaining blood of the bullock at the base of the altar. Lev. 4:7 They had given their lives for their faith in the Word of the Lord and the testimony of the Lord Jesus. Persecution is world wide in the, so called, enlightened age in which we live. Rather than decreasing, it is increasing daily. It is evidenced in many ways, from attacks against anything spiritual or connected to the Word of the Lord. Some are jailed, others are forced to flee for their lives. Churches are burned. Then great numbers are giving their lives for their faith in the Lord Jesus. Jesus listed this condition as a sign of the end. Unquestionably we are there. Mt. 24:9 NUMBERS 74 THE OPENING OF THE SIXTH SEAL. This is an introduction to the season of signs, preceding the second coming of the Lord Jesus. In His prophetic statements pertaining to the end of the age, Jesus spoke of earthquakes which will increase in number and intensity. There are several mentioned in the book of Revelation which lead up to the granddaddy of all earthquakes. Rev. 6:12 Mind you, the opening of a seal does not require an immediate fulfillment of that event, in this case the great earthquake. The opening only signals that the occurrence listed, will eventually reach its climax. This is the sixth seal, six is the number of man. This seal is the beginning of final things which will conclude the work of the Lord with mankind. News flash! In the ocean, off the Washington coast there have recently been some 3000 quakes. Perhaps from volcanic activity. JESUS ALSO PREDICTED SIGNS IN THE LIGHT BEARING BODIES. He established a time for their enactment when He said that they would happen, “Immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days.” Mt. 24:29 Jesus used the Greek word ‘parousia’ which is converted into the much heard word, ‘rapture’ or the catching away of Christians. Mt. 24:3 Jesus then placed His second coming, ‘the rapture’ of the saints to be at the conclusion of these events with which we are dealing. Prior to His coming there must be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars all accompanied by a celestial shaking which will be of extremely great magnitude. Mt. 24:29 This coincides with the Revelation given to John. The sun will become exceedingly black. The moon turned into blood. The stars of heaven will fall from their orbit. Interestingly enough, like figs loosed from their trees in a great wind. Scientist speak of the solar winds that originate from our sun. They also figure that there are stellar winds that are emitted from other stars in the heavens. The tendency for an immense space wind causing such a catastrophe in the universe is apparent. When the Lord says it will happen, rest assured that it will. Rev. 6:12-13 THE HEAVENS ROLLED BACK AS A SCROLL. With such a condition taking place, the atmosphere, which is so vital to natural life, would dissipate completely. That would cause the death of all living creatures on the face of the earth. With such a horrendous incident happening, no human being could possibly make it past this moment and enter the thousand years of rest. It must also be considered that the complete topography of the earth will be entirely altered. The mountains, the islands and consequently the cities and man made structures will no longer exist. Rev. 6:14 It is here, that the unsaved inhabitants of the earth will seek shelter in the caves, the basements of their buildings, trying to hide from the wrath or the Lord and the Lamb. They would rather have their surroundings come crashing down upon them than to face the Lord. It is acknowledged to be the day of the great wrath of the Lord. A day from which there will be absolutely no means whereby any can escape. Rev. 6:16-17 NUMBERS 75 A TRIPLE SEVEN. The opening of the seventh seal is the introduction to that period of time where the consummation of the ages will take place. The half hour of silence is the moment of the marriage of the Lamb and His Bride, the perfected church. This is a profound moment and is in great contrast to the other scenes of heaven given in the Revelation. Rev. 8:1 There is a great mystery here. In reference to the silence, the Greek word ‘sige’ is used and is interpreted as meaning, to be silent, to hush or to hiss. Oddly enough, in the orient the hiss may be used to call or to hush a group. This is a moment of absolute and total silence. This complete silence is an indication that the Lord has taken His abode in His Temple. Hab. 2:20 For truly the LORD is in His holy temple. Ps. 11:4 The presence of the Lord will cause this splendid moment of silence. Zeph. 1:7 Rest or silence is found in the Lord and in Him alone. Ps. 62:1 Not only will this silence be in heaven, but at the conclusion of it, the judgments of the earth will be in evidence. After silence, the Lord will arise in His Temple. Zech. 2:13 The time of His manifestation to the earth has come. Isa. 26:21 SEVEN ANGELS. Because the number seven is a divine complete number we are made to understand that these angels will be very involved in the end of the age. At the mention of an angel the general idea is that of a created spirit being. Many attribute capabilities to them which the Lord Himself has not delegated to them. The word angel is most simply translated as being a messenger. Therefore besides the angels of heaven it involves anyone, called and commissioned of the Lord to deliver a message and most certainly does involve those people who minister the gospel. For instance, the pastors of the seven churches are called angels. Rev. 1:20 In considering who these seven angels might be it is well to consider the scripture where it is stated that He makes His angels to be spirits. Ps. 104:4, Heb. 1:7 There are three groups of seven mentioned as being before the throne of the Lord. The seven lamps of fire which are identified as the sevenfold Spirit of the Lord. Rev. 4:5 The seven eyes of the Lamb, are sent forth into all the earth. The Spirit has a definite relationship with all that goes on in the earth. Rev. 5:6 It is one of these seven who introduces John to the Bride of Christ. Rev. 21:9 Their position before the throne has to be a key to their identity. Both the Spirit and the angels are seen in this particular area. The seven angels are given the seven trumpets which will bring about the end of the age. Rev. 8:2. They will sound their trumpets in a sequence that will cover several years. They are seen exiting from the temple with the seven last plagues, which immediately precede the second coming. Rev. 15:6 These are the final and horrendous judgments of the Lord on a world that has totally defied Him. Once again John is introduced, by one of the angels, to another figure which is that of a woman. This time it is the bride of the antichrist. She is called Babylon and is the amalgamation of all the religions of the world under one leadership, and that is the antichrist. She is judged of the Lord. Rev. 17:1 NUMBERS 76 SEVEN SEALS. Inasmuch as the number seven is a divine complete number and ties prophetically to the end of the age, these seals will lead us to the consummation of the age. These seven seals are being completed over an extended period of time. The first and the seventh relate to the perfecting and the subsequent marriage of the church to Christ. They are spiritual happenings and find their completion at the time of the beginning of the tribulation period. The first is the current revival of the Spirit that has birthed a Pentecostal message which has swept around the world. Rev. 6:2 The seventh is that most holy moment of the marriage of the Lamb. Rev. 8:1 The second through the sixth are judgments that are gradually being introduced to the earth and its inhabitants. They will not cease to be in effect until the conclusion of the tribulation period and the second coming of Christ. THE SEVEN TRUMPETS. The first of these will precede the tribulation period. Not until the fifth trumpet will the world enter into the tribulation period. The fifth trumpet is the moment of the loosing of a multitude of unclean spirits who will sweep over and help control the world. Rev. 9:1-11 This is called the first WOE. There will be two more. Note the warning of the eagle [Greek, aetos, eagle] flying in the midst of the heavens concerning these three last trumpets. Rev. 8:13 The seventh trumpet is the last trumpet. Being the last it is the season of the first resurrection and the second coming of Christ. 1 Cor. 15:52 All of these events are spread over a period of time, some longer than others. They each have their season. A number of days are allotted to the sounding of the seventh and last trumpet. The scripture also gives a time element by saying, “when he begins to sound.” Rev. 10:7 SEVEN VIALS. These seven vials are to be the ultimate manifestation of the wrath of the living God. The amount of time that is consumed in their fulfillment is the briefest of these three sevens. Rev. 15:7 They relate directly to the second coming of the Lord Jesus. Their impact on the earth and the return of Christ in glory and majesty will result in the complete destruction of every man made object on the face of the earth. The violence of the wrath made manifest in the seven vials will completely alter the topography of the whole earth. Every island will be removed out of its place and the mountains will likewise be destroyed. After all, in that day the ungodly inhabitants of this earth will call for the rocks and the mountains to fall on them and the Lord will accommodate them. Rev. 6:15-17 Earthquakes are very definitely a part of these judgments. We read of several seismic events in the book of Revelation. Rev. 6:12, 8:5, 11:13,16:18 Even more devastating than these terrestrial quakes will be the celestial shaking that is in store for the last days. Rev. 6:13-14 NUMBERS 77 SEVEN HEADS, TEN HORNS, SEVEN CROWNS. This combination of seven, ten, seven is seen in relationship pertaining to three different characters in the book of Revelation. The first is none other than the devil himself. He is depicted as a huge red dragon. He is seen as a wonder, a marvel, a miracle or a supernatural sign. Rev. 12:3 All indicating that in spite of his appearance as a dangerous, wild animal there is an attraction for the masses of humanity. His power and authority now is to control the whole world. 1 John 5:19 He is noted in the scripture as the prince of the power of the air. Ruling and creating an atmosphere of gross wickedness which surrounds the world. Eph. 2:2 He is recognized as the god of this world and as a hindrance to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus. 2 Cor. 4:4 He was in the garden of Eden as a serpent now in the end of the age he is presented as a dragon. He is everything that is wicked and vile. THE WOMAN AND HER CHILD. The extreme importance of the woman and her child of Revelation twelve can only be emphasized by the attack of this demonic power against them. The birth of the son is such a drastic blow against him that he stands ready to immediately devour him as soon as he is born. His purpose is strongly defeated. For the son of the woman is immediately caught up to heaven and the throne of the Lord. Rev. 12:5 His subsequent attack against the woman is likewise futile. He persecuted the woman. Rev. 12:13 The dragon had great wrath against the woman. Rev. 12:17 The woman is not Mary nor is the son Jesus. These events are grossly missing from the lives of Mary and Jesus. A LAST DAY APOSTASY. That there will be a turning from truth in the last days is in great evidence in the Word. Jesus warned that in the days of abounding iniquity the love of many would wax cold. This too was to be a sign of the end of the age. Mt. 24:12 This warning is found in the Lord's messages to the churches. Some will leave or slowly drift away from their first love, Rev. 2:4 The fervor of others will cool off until a condition called “luke warm” will prevail in their lives. Rev. 3:10 This is emphasized in order to draw attention to a major event that is to take place at this time of importance to the church. Consider for a moment the language of the symbol as found in the Word. Stars represent the people of the Lord. The children of Abraham were to be as numerous as the stars of the heavens. Gen. 22:17 The righteous are seen as shining as stars. Dan. 12:3 There is a pathetic group in this chapter of Revelation who are deceived by the wonder and power of this great red dragon. Those who are in deception never see the dangers nor the ugliness of the devil. The tail of the dragon will drag down one-third of the stars, or members of the church in the end of the age. Rev. 12:4 The end of the age is freighted with all manner of false prophets, false Christs and lying signs and wonders. Mt. 24:24 Satan presents himself as an angel of light but is filled with darkness. 2 Cor. 11:14 NUMBERS 78 THE NUMBER EIGHT. This is an important number in our understanding of the plan of the Lord. The number eight signifies new beginnings, a new and fresh start. The report of Noah and the ark is one of the most significant usage of the number eight. It is a capsule of the salvation which the Lord has prepared for mankind. A deliverance, not only from sin but also from the last day judgments that are to be poured out on the earth in the last days. The Ark demonstrates that salvation is the work of the Godhead. Its three decks represent the Father, the beam, the foundation, the first deck. The second, with its door, the Son. The third and its window the Holy Spirit. One Ark, yet three decks. The sides of the ship made of durable wood as a sign of the crucified Christ. The Ark was also sealed within and without with pitch or bitumen, thus it also had three layers, again representing the three persons and at the same time the unity of the Godhead. The wood was the central element. As always Christ is in the center or midst. Gen. 6:14-16 All this for the salvation and deliverance of eight men and women. 1 Pet. 3:20 THE MEASUREMENTS OF THE ARK OF NOAH. They are meaningful and therefore difficult to ignore. The length given is three hundred cubits which reads to be the number of the tested, tried and faithful. This is certainly true of Noah who had remained faithful and believing over the years of the building of the Ark, in spite of the opposition he would have received. The number three hundred really takes on meaning when we see the manner in which the Lord chose Gideons army. Those who drank, yet remained alert and watchful while drinking from their hands became the chosen army of the Lord. An insignificant number but called and chosen of the Lord to be a victorious army. Judges 7:6 Solomon also had three hundred shields of gold made, each of which contained three hundred shekels of gold. In this case the three hundred may be taken to mean protection and defense. Gold represents the glory of the Lord. His glory is our protection. 2 Chr. 9:16 Fifty cubits was the width of the Ark. We immediately recognize this number as representing that which denotes Pentecost. The moving and the operation of the Spirit certainly had to have been evident in the Ark as animals which are enemies lived together. Then too, there had to have been a miraculous source of food for Noah’s zoo and for themselves. It would appear that the Ark was a floating miracle. Thirty cubits was the height of the Ark. Here we find the consecration to the ministry of the priesthood. The priest who was called to minister before the Lord in the tabernacle and temple was to be thirty years of age and was to continue to minister until he was fifty. Numbers 4:3 David, who was a type of the Lord Jesus was thirty years of age when he began to reign. Jesus was ‘about’ thirty years of age when He started His ministry. Luke 3:23 The price for which Judas was willing to betray Jesus was thirty pieces of silver. Mt. 26:15 The seal of consecration, the number thirty,was evident in the life of the Lord Jesus. NUMBERS 79 THE NUMBER EIGHT AND THE EIGHTH DAY. The seal of the covenant that the Lord made with Abraham was the rite of circumcision. It is also called a sign, a mark, always reminding the individual of a covenant made with the Lord. It preceded the Law. It was to show that Abraham was accepted as a righteous man, prior to his circumcision. A justification that was received by faith and not by works. An imputed righteousness not only for Abraham, the father of all who believe, but for all who follow in the way of faith. Rom. 4:11 Our attention is drawn to this ceremony by the fact that this was performed on the eighth day of every new born son. Abraham was circumcised at the age of ninety-nine. A number which would represent the double portion of the Spirit. Also that of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. Ishmael was circumcised at the age of thirteen. That also illustrates the nature and character of Ishmael. The number thirteen is the number of rebellion. His descendants have certainly verified that to be true. Gen. 17:24-25 Isaac, the son of promise was circumcised on the eighth day of his young life. Gen. 21:4 Moses incorporated it into an act of the Law. Lev. 12:3 Jesus, having been born under the Law was also circumcised on the eighth day. Luke 2:21 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE. Now, circumcision must be of the heart. It indicates a deliverance and freedom from the works of the flesh. There is no stronger illustration of this than in the situation found in Israel after they had wandered in the desert for forty years. The older generation had died off. The younger generation was uncircumcised. Joshua [whose name means Jehovah-saved] thus became a savior to them; as a nation he caused them to be circumcised at Gilgal [rolling]. Therefore he rolled away the reproach of Egypt from them. Egypt being a type of sin and bondage, we can see the importance of his act. Joshua 5:9 Its importance is further emphasized by the fact that participation in the Passover was only allowed by those who had fulfilled this religious rite. Also, it made an open door of the heathen who were dwelling in Israel. They and their families could be included on completion of circumcision. Ex. 12:48 Apply all this to the words of the Apostle Paul. A Jew is not one outwardly, but inwardly, and circumcision is now of the heart. A work wrought by the operation of the Spirit in sanctifying and cleansing our hearts. Rom. 2:29 When this spiritual rite is applied to the heart, the works of the flesh are cut away and a true consecration is made. The righteousness that comes by faith becomes the nature of that separated heart. A freedom and liberty to participate in the Passover, the communion table is enjoyed. At Gilgal sharp knives of flint stone were used. Josh. 5:2 Moses drew water from the rock of flint. Deut. 8:15 That rock was Christ. Christ being the name of the Holy Spirit it becomes very apparent who performs the work of sanctification in our hearts. 1 Cor. 10:4 NUMBERS 80 THE NUMBER EIGHT. This number is of real significance to us for it speaks of that which is over and above. It brings us to a time of new beginnings. In the Hebrew it comes from a root word meaning to make fat, to cover with fat, or to super abound. The number seven represents that which is perfect or complete. The seven, with one added indicates that which is the new and eternal order. The Lord will have used seven thousand years, or seven days, to bring His dealings with mankind to a completion. The morrow, after the Sabbath or the seventh day, or the seven thousand years, will be the day of the new order, the eighth. The beginning of an eternity where the redeemed will live in the glory of the Lord and in all the spiritual abundance of heaven. It will be that new creation, the new heaven and the new earth where the past, that which has been, will no longer be remembered. Isa. 65:17 John was privileged to see that which is to be the new, the everlasting. A kingdom ruled by the Lord where righteousness will prevail. A perfect unspoiled land whose beauty will certainly greatly exceed this present world. Rev. 21:1 EIGHT AS SEEN IN THE CHOOSING OF ONE WHO WAS A TYPE OF CHRIST. Samuel was commissioned of the Lord to go to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons to be king over the people. Jesse lived in Bethlehem which was to become the birthplace of Christ. Mt. 2:1 He paraded his seven mature sons before Samuel, anticipating that any one of them could become the man for whom Samuel was seeking. None of them pleased the Lord. Samuel then discovered that there was this son, not in the house but out in the fields watching their sheep, a teenager whom his father did not even begin to consider for such an important and responsible position. In the very bloom of youth, Samuel anointed him to be king, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. He was the eighth son of Jesse. 1 Sam. 16:12-13 THE NUMBER EIGHT AND THE HOLY CONVOCATION. The number eight is found in the Passover celebration. The fourteenth day of the first month was the Passover. Lev. 23:5 The fifteenth day was the beginning of the feast of unleavened bread which lasted for seven days. Lev. 23:6 The “morrow after the Sabbath” was the day where the sheaf of the firstfruits of the land was waved before the Lord. This would have been the eighth day and was a time of thanksgiving before the Lord for the harvest which had been gathered. Lev. 23:11-12 After this day, seven Sabbaths were to be counted which would bring them to the day of Pentecost. “On the morrow” the fiftieth day (The eighth day) after counting out forty-nine days, the next day was to be the feast day. Both of these feasts have their fulfillment in the New Testament experience. The crucifixion of Christ answers to Passover, and answers to the salvation by blood and release from the sin of this world. 1 Cor. 5:7 When the day of Pentecost was fully come. The Holy Spirit baptized the waiting converts and they were filled with the Spirit. Acts 2:1-4 NUMBERS 81 THE CONSECRATION OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD. A ceremony which was to last seven days. For seven days they were to remain in the tabernacle with various offerings being made before the Lord. Lev. 8:33 Their performances during the seven days of cleansing and purification were days of readiness for that which was to come. On the eighth day special offerings were brought before the tabernacle. The people were also gathered before the door of the tabernacle. This was to be a great day for the LORD would appear unto them. Lev. 9:4 As they performed the rituals assigned them they prepared the way, through obedience, that they might see the manifest glory of Jehovah. Lev. 9:6 When Moses and Aaron had sanctified the people and the tabernacle they came out and blessed the people. Immediately, the glory of the LORD appeared unto the people. Lev. 9:23 The end result was that the fire of the Lord appeared consuming the sacrifice. This is the eternal fire that was never to be quenched. Lev. 9:24 THE EIGHTH DAY. That which is everlasting. The day beyond this life and its seven thousand years. That which the Lord has termed to be “the new heavens and the new earth”. This is the glorious work of His creation where all things will be new. Life in that which is new cannot be compared to that which now exists. Not only will the former things never come to mind, they will also not be remembered, a double action. Isa. 65:17 In the book of Isaiah a question is posed that it would be well to consider here. Isaiah asked, “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? Isa. 33:14 NIV. Is it shocking to say that heaven is a place of fire? In the first place, the glory of the Lord is revealed as fire. Furthermore, the Lord Himself is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29 Also we must consider that John in promising another Comforter declared that the Lord Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost AND FIRE. He made no mention of tongues but made it plain that the Spirit baptism is in the fire of the Spirit. Mt. 3:11 The emphasis should be on the purging, cleansing fire of the Spirit. Tongues will burst forth when the fire has accomplished its full purpose of sanctification. The initial evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the appearance of cloven tongues of fire sitting upon each of them. While this visible sign may not be repeated, the individual being filled with the Spirit will have an evidence of a fire burning in their Spirit nature. It is not harmful in any way but is a pleasant experience as the flow of the Spirit surges through the body and the spirit of the person being filled with the Spirit; a sensation that could last for hours as the Spirit continues to manifest Himself in our lives. Acts 2:3 Daniel saw the glory of the eighth day and saw the Lord seated on a throne that appeared to him to be like fire. He also saw that most marvelous glory of the Lord proceeding as a fiery stream flowing from the throne to the people who stood before the throne. Eternity will be one glorious flow of the Spirit constantly coursing through the inhabitants of the new heavens and the new earth. Dan. 7:9-10 NUMBERS 82 THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES. The third great feast of the year. The seventh month was an important month with special religious activities. This month was the seventh month of their lunar year and also the first day of their civil year. The first day was to be a Sabbath day where there was to be shouting and the blowing of trumpets from sunrise to sundown. Num. 29:1 The number thirty is used by some Hebrew scholars in connection with the number of times that the trumpets were sounded. The original name of this month was Ethanim, or the permanent flowing brooks. That would not be difficult to translate into living waters. Prophetically it is used as a warning concerning the coming day of the Lord. Note Joel 2:1 The seventh month, with its various activities is indicative of the last day revival that will come to the church of the last days. THE TENTH DAY OF THE SEVENTH MONTH. This was the day of atonement. They were to fast from the evening of the ninth day until the evening of the tenth. It was a time when their full attention was to be turned toward the Lord. It was a true Sabbath. No work was to be done. The punishment for disobedience was death. Lev. 23:32 The great day of Atonement has its completion in the church of the last days in a day of purging, cleansing and sanctification which will produce the perfect bride who is to be without spot, blemish, wrinkle or any such thing. Eph. 5:26-27 As the feasts of Passover and Pentecost have been incorporated into the spiritual life and experiences of the church, so the spiritual activities of the seventh month will have their place in the church. All the activities of the high priest on that day with the sacrifices are too numerous to list at his time. The main thing that we need to note is that for the only time in the whole religious year the high priest entered into the Most Holy place. There he was to make atonement for himself, his family, the tabernacle and the people. All, for which atonement was made were considered to be holy on the completion of the series of his services before the Lord. Lev. Chapt. 16 THE FEAST OF TABERNACLE. How fitting this particular feast is named. It was to reflect the dwelling of the Lord in the midst of His people, in the Tabernacle. It was instituted five days [the number of atonement] after the day of atonement. It began on he fifteenth day of the month or at the time of the full moon. They were to celebrate it for seven days by leaving their homes and dwelling in booths in remembrance of their wilderness journey. Prophetically it would foreshadow the woman of Revelation twelve as she is kept by the Lord for the duration of the tribulation period. There was an eighth day added here. It too was a special Sabbath [of which there were several]. Lev. 23:34 It brought them to the summation of their religious year. As a type the eighth day was the day of new beginnings, which prophetically would take us into the beginning of the Millennial reign of Christ. NUMBERS 83 THE NUMBER NINE. A number that is associated with the Holy Spirit. There are some interesting occurrences in the scriptures that relate to the miraculous workings of the Spirit. It was the ninth hour of the day, the hour of prayer, when Peter and John made their way to the temple. It was at this time that they were accosted by that poor lame man who was a daily alms seeker at the temple. He was laid at the gate called Beautiful; the Spirit of the Lord was about to demonstrate a beautiful work in the life of the man. Peter made certain that he had the full and complete attention of the man. The man was expecting to receive something. The prayer of Peter was a command and that in the name of Jesus Christ. Answered prayer is more likely when it is in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Immediately, the man was made whole and displayed his joy and healing throughout the temple. A mighty illustration of the working of the Spirit in the lives of the disciples. Acts 3:1-10 THE CENTURIAN. In Cornelius we find a man, who, given the circumstances of being a Roman, a soldier, and an officer, it would seem that he was an unlikely candidate for the spirituality he manifest. He was a family man, with a family that were all of the same spiritual standing. He was consistent in his prayer life, and was about to be appropriately rewarded. In a vision the Lord instructed him to contact Peter and invite him to come to his house. There is some good reading here, showing the manner in which the Lord prepared Peter for the event that was about to take place at the house of Cornelius. It is marvelous to see how the Lord coordinates every detail. Every item falls into place when the Lord is in an undertaking. After preaching the message of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the Holy Ghost fell upon them. They were saved and filled with the Spirit, all at one moment of time. Amazingly, their experience in the Lord was so convincing that they did not have to prove themselves for six months but were immediately baptized in water in the name of the name of the Lord. The Lord demonstrated to the circumcised that He was not a respecter of person and that the gospel was for all people. Acts 10:1-35 A household, their friends, and perhaps some of the solders under the command of Cornelius came to the Lord and were partakers of this Pentecostal visitation among the Gentiles. How the heart longs to see the manifestation of the Spirit so strongly in the church of today. Until this kind of an event would become the norm, let us not be short changed. However deeply we have experienced the Lord in our lives there is still much, much more. The anointings of the Spirit are inexhaustible. If we earnestly seek the Lord Jesus, He will make certain that the Spirit is in full and strong operation in our lives. The scriptures show us the events that are yet to come in this end of the age. We will only be able to overcome with the help of the Spirit of the Lord manifesting His fullness in our lives. Fill us now, Lord! NUMBERS 84 NINETY AND NINE. A double nine carries the connotation of the double portion. The double portion indicates a full portion, or the complete measure. It is more than just twice the measure. It is the fullness of the benefits of the Lord. Abram had come to the ripe old age of ninety-nine. The Lord had made very positive promises to him, which up to and until this moment had not been enacted. Abram was tested to the very final degree. Physically, both he and Sarai were as good as dead when it came to child bearing. Do not be surprised at the testing of your faith. Or is the Lord waiting for the death of our will and resistance to His will? He appeared to Abram as Jehovah, I AM the Almighty God. Gen. 17:1 A very impressive manifestation of the names of the Lord in majestic visitation. The ninety and nine is made meaningful by the command that is given. “Walk before Me, and be thou perfect.” That meant that Abram was to walk in the presence of the Lord. He knew and well understood that to do so, he could live a life pleasing to the Lord. The word perfect in the Hebrew, means to be entire, without blemish, undefiled, spotless, upright, all words indicating a walk of holiness before the Lord. It is the same challenge that is presented to the last day church. It shows, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the will of the Lord Jesus. Eph. 5:27 THE FATHER OF A GREAT PROGENY. The Lord promised Abram that He would multiply his seed in an exceedingly great manner. He was to be the progenitor of many nations, not families, nor yet tribes, but nations. Many of the nations of today owe their existence to Abram. The promise also embraced the leadership of the nations for it embraced kings as well. Gen. 17:6 The promise, quite naturally, included his wife Sarai who would become the mother of nations and kings. Gen. 17:15 There are three segments to the fulfilling of the promise given by the Lord. The first was the number of Abram's descendants was to be as numberless as the dust of the earth. Gen. 13:16 We see here the natural seed that came from Abram and Hagar. They were not of the covenant seed, nevertheless are descendants of Abram. That would include the natural seed - as well as the religious seed who embrace the religion of the natural seed. The second is as the sand of the sea for multitude. The very vastness of the figures used for measurement are staggering. These were the First Covenant people who were to be Law keepers. Gen. 22:17 The third is the most spectacular of all. This group are as the stars of the heavens. Beings of light who shine in the darkness. Here we come to the everlasting Covenant of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the New Testament. The Testament of light, everlasting light. What did Abram see? He would not have been too deeply impressed had he but seen the stars usually visible to the naked eye. The Lord had to have opened his eyes until he beheld the universe with its multiplied millions of galaxies, each of which are made up of millions of stars. The magnitude of the design of the Lord is as amazing as the variety of the stars in the heavens. NUMBERS 85 NINE. The last number of the single digits. Its significance is seen in divine completion in the manifestation and works of the Holy Spirit. The number nine is a number of completion, finality and consummation. The Lord never leaves anything half done but always brings it to a grand and glorious finality. We see this made manifest in the following use of the number nine in relationship to the Holy Spirit. This is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit and these are the final days of the call of the Spirit to the saved and unsaved. All are invited to share and share alike of the good things that the Lord has prepared for those who love Him, through the gift of the Holy Spirit. IN THE GIFTING OF THE SPIRIT THE LORD ANTICIPATES FRUIT. Every person who is filled with the Spirit is a candidate for the fruit of the Spirit. As a matter of fact how can one have the Spirit without the nature of the Spirit? Like an orange, the fruit of the Spirit is a nine sectioned fruit. One fruit, with the manifold manifestations of the working of the Spirit of the Lord in our lives. It must be said, that as much as any sign of the person having received the Spirit, the sign of fruit is a must. The Spirit of the Lord is so empowering and overwhelming in altering the lives of those who receive Him that there must be real evidence of His presence. The fruit is not in name but in works. The real documentation of the blessed dwelling of the Spirit is in love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Gal. 5:22 The initial sign of the gift of the Spirit from the day of Pentecost has been and always will be the gift of a language spoken by the Spirit Himself, using our lips and voices. They spoke as He gave utterance. Acts 2:4 THE NINE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. These are gifts of empowerment and commission. They are to be used for the betterment of the whole body of Christ. They are not toys with which one may play but are serious exercises of the Spirit, as He would convey the will of the Lord to His people. It must be noted that the gifts were scattered amongst the body. Different individual with different gifts. All exercised by the same Spirit. They are detailed as being the gifts of the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits different kinds of tongues and the ability to interpret what is spoken by the person speaking in an unknown tongue. 1 Cor. 12:8-10 Most certainly it is the Spirit who exercises each and every person in the presentation of the gift, according to His will. 1 Cor. 12:11 It must also be said that anyone who is filled with the Spirit is a candidate for any and all of the gifts to be expressed through them, for it is the same Sprit that is operational in all of the gifts. Any Spirit filled person is a candidate for any of the gifts to be put to use through the Spirit who is present in them. 1 Cor. 12:7 NUMBERS 86 THE NUMBER TEN IS A DIVINE COMPLETE NUMBER. It may also be noted as a number of government. Its most noteworthy usage is in the Ten Commandments or the Words of the Covenant. A rule of life, that, had Israel been able to follow, would have greatly enhanced their life on earth. It speaks to us of divine government and order. Ex. 20:10-17 THE MOST HOLY PLACE OR THE HOLY OF HOLIES. Its significance is emphasized by its name. It was just what its name implied. A room of the tabernacle where entrance was allowed to one man only, the High Priest. He was a type of our High Priest, Christ. He could enter there but one day of the year, on the Great Day of Atonement. It was then his duty to make atonement and sanctify himself, his family, the tabernacle and the people. Lev. 16:2 Its numerical significance is that it was a cube, measuring ten cubits by ten cubits by ten cubits, or a cubical content of one thousand. It foreshadows the millennial kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, That period of time when Christ will establish His kingdom here on earth. A rule and reign that is as awesome in holiness as was the most holy place to Israel. ENTRANCE WAS GAINED THROUGH THE VEIL. Simultaneously with the crucifixion and death of Christ, the veil in the temple was torn asunder. The Most Holy was now opened for all who would enter. Mt. 27:51 That veil is a type of the body and flesh of Christ which was rent for us on the cross. He has opened the way. Heb. 6:19-20 While the way has now been established whereby all may enter into that Most Holy place, there are still restrictions. Entrance is gained only by going though the door. There is but one door and that is Jesus. John 10:7, 9 There will be none in the Kingdom of Christ who have not come through the door. Sinners will not be there. They would not like it if they were. There was but one article of furniture in that room. It was the fearsome and awe inspiring Ark of the Covenant. Here the Lord made manifest His mighty and magnificent presence. What was known as the shekinah glory of the Lord would appear to the Priest as He ministered and was accepted by the Lord. This bit of typology but emphasizes and bears witness to other statements of the Bible that show that there will be no sinners in that glorious kingdom age. The Lord has very strongly established the fact that today is the day of salvation. That door of salvation is destined to close, and many will find themselves on the outside. Rejected and lost eternally. We may not know the day or the hour of His coming, but we can read the signs of the seasons. Like a storm cloud, the signs are building up quickly. The evidence is increasing like little rivulets high on the mountain side. Eventually, as they join with others, they develop into a mighty flow of water. Daily, events take place that show He is coming soon for His Bride. NUMBERS 87 THE NUMBER ELEVEN. We have here a number which seems to be a sad, negative number. In its usage the scriptures show failure or short coming. For instance, Jesus ended up with eleven disciples after his betrayal by Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot was a traitor from the beginning. It is stated concerning him that he was a thief. John 12:4 Jesus was not fooled in choosing the twelve for He knew that one was a devil and could identify him. John 6:70-71 This is a condition that is to be found everywhere in the body of Christ and will continue until the Cleansing of the Sanctuary. The most startling thing about the whole matter is the fact that he was numbered with them as an Apostle and had a part in their early ministry. Acts 1:17 There always will be a day of exposure for such individuals. Most unfortunate, but a circumstance which has always existed in the church. He was the one who objected to the costly perfume being used to anoint the Lord Jesus. Might we say here that such persons are always critical of the anointing. He suggested that it would have been better to sell the ointment and give the money to the poor. Which of course was not his purpose at all. It was just a ruse that he might get his hands on the cash. John 12:3 In the ultimate he was willing to betray the Lord Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Mt. 26:14-16 His confession of his sin and remorse did not bring salvation to him. His death was indeed gruesome. Acts 1:18 He died at his own hands. Of a truth, ”the love of money is the root of all evil”. 1 Tim. 6:10 Paul was later added to make up the full complement of Apostles to twelve. CONSIDER THE HISTORY OF TWO KINGS WHO REIGNED IN JERUSALEM. They fit into our picture here because they both reigned eleven years and of both it was said, “and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.” 2 Kings 23:37 2 Kings 24:19 They also had youth in common. Jehoiakim was twenty-five and Zedekiah was twenty-one. Jehoiakim was placed into his position by Pharao-nechoh as a puppet king. His name was changed from Eliakim, “God sets up”, to “Jehovah will establish”, perhaps with the hope that associating his name with that of Jehovah would make him more pleasing to the Lord and to the people. He was subservient to Egypt and taxed the people that he might give to Egypt. He was then subjected to the power of Babylon but rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, after a three year servitude, and was removed from office. Zedekiah, meaning, “YAH or Jehovah my righteousness". His character was one of an adverse nature. He resisted and refused to listen to the prophet Jeremiah. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against the Lord. Furthermore the priest polluted the house of the Lord, incorporating many heathenish practices into their service before the Lord. As always the Lord was faithful in sending messengers and prophets to them to warn them of impending judgment, but they mocked them. The ultimate of their attitude and actions was captivity. 2 Chr. 36:11-21 NUMBERS 88 THE NUMBER TWELVE. This is the number of perfection in government. Wherever there is Divine leadership delegated to men, we find the number twelve. From the twelve sons of Jacob to the Apostolic administration of the last day church, [The twelve stars in the crown of the woman of Revelation twelve.] Twelve has been the number appointed to headship. The odd thing about the three numbers, eleven, twelve and thirteen, they all three are found in the choosing and maintenance of a proper governing body for the church. We have seen that the number eleven is the number that is lacking, for it is one short of twelve. Thirteen is the number that was used to complete the required number of twelve. I CHOOSE YOU TWELVE AND ONE IS A DEVIL. John 6:70 There are types and shadows in the old testament of these that are within the ranks of the spiritual. Who in the ultimate turn and become the enemy. No where is it more evident than with Judas Iscariot, the man who betrayed Jesus. When Jesus made the statement to the twelve that one was a devil, it must have been a very disconcerting statement to them. The night of His betrayal, as they partook of the Passover lamb, each of them began to question Jesus to see if they were the one who would betray Him. Mt. 26:22 They were completely unaware of the scoundrel in their midst. Judas teamed up with one of the others and at the direction of Jesus went out to minister. They did not see any sign or any lack on his part as they fulfilled the command of the Lord Jesus. Mt. 10:1-4 Peter spoke of Judas on the day of Pentecost saying that he was numbered with them and had a part in the ministry to the people. Acts 1:16-17 Judas must have had the same results in his ministry as the others, for they were not able to determine that he was the one who would turn on Jesus. Signs and wonders do not give assurance that the individual is of the Lord. The body of Christ is infiltrated today with those who are capable of producing false signs and wonders. 2 Pet. 2:1 TWELVE LATER DAY APOSTLES. They are seen as the crown of, or the headship of the woman. Rev. 12:1 But, once again there will be a traitor. He is that fallen star of Revelation eight. Note his name, wormwood or bitterness. He will poison and pollute the water. Water is a type of the Holy Spirit. The bitterness that is in him will be spread among the people of the Lord, and cause a third of them to follow in his pernicious ways. Rev. 8:10-11 Bitterness is the absolute worst thing that can happen to a person, especially when they become bitter against another Christian, a pastor or maybe even a church. It destroys the spirit of an individual like a cancer. They are fair game for the anti-christ who is the fallen one of the twelve. The anti-christ does not come from the political realm but will be among the most spiritual leadership. Because he cannot have complete control he will revolt and spread his wormwood into the hearts and lives of everyone foolish enough to follow him. If you have bitterness of any kind against any one, get rid of it NOW. It is dangerous. NUMBERS 89 TWELVE STONES IN JORDAN, TWELVE ACROSS JORDAN. The Lord is most delightful in all of His workings. He does not take the easy way. After forty years in the wilderness He brought the new generation to a Jordan river that was flooding. For Jordan overflowed during harvest time. Josh. 3:15. We are living in the time of the greatest harvest of the ages. There will be a fresh flow of the Spirit upon this generation. He will not bring this generation to its conclusion without the mightiest visitation of the Spirit that the world has ever known. He owes a debt to the church of today to grant unto them the power of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles all gathered together in one glorious manifestation of the Spirit. JORDAN IS USUALLY CONSIDERED TO BE A TYPE OF DEATH. When the feet of the priests bearing the ark entered the waters, not only did they back up but the river bed was immediately dry. Josh. 3:17 They had waited on the brink of the river for three days. Typical of the three days and nights of Christ in the tomb. Revival can only come when we have experienced the cross, not only in salvation but also in the crucifixion of the old man, the carnal life. They were commanded to watch for the ark to move and then go after it. Josh 3:3 Paul said, "I am crucified with Christ." Gal. 2:20 The church attendee of today must know exactly what he meant, if they are to have revival. He was in deaths often but did not die until he said that he was ready to depart. Death will be confounded when the fullness of the life of Christ is manifest in His people. Do we really want to see signs and wonders? Joshua [Savior], said, "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow you will see wonders". They were to experience a new thing. A way, the likes of which they had not been before. They were to follow the ark at a distance of two thousand cubits. Josh. 3:4-5 It has been two thousand years since the death burial and resurrection of Christ. TWELVE AND TWELVE. Joshua set up a pillar of twelve stones that remained in the midst of Jordan. Josh. 4:9 They represent the twelve Apostles of the Lamb whom Jesus said would occupy twelve thrones in His kingdom. Mt. 19:28 Twelve special and especially appointed men were to gather up another twelve stones and carry them over to the other side of the river. There they were to be monument to the deliverance of that new generation and their entrance into the promised land. Josh. 4:9 The woman, the Bride of Christ has a diadem of twelve stars. They are the twelve last day leaders who will guide the church to its perfection. Rev. 12:1 These two groups of twelve are situated immediately around the throne of the Lord. They occupy twenty-four thrones. Rev. 4:4 They went forth conquering and to conquer. They took the promised land. So will the church in the end of the age. NUMBERS 90 A HEAVENLY SIGN OF LEADERSHIP AND ORDER. In a perfect circle surrounding the throne of the Lord are twenty-four seats. Greek: thrones or a stately seat, a throne. The men occupying these thrones are all in a position of leadership. Very definitely there will be men to whom authority is delegated. Heaven is a place of divine order. They are dressed in white robes. Greek: lukos or light. They will shine as brilliantly as the Lord Himself. They are triumphant saints for they have crowns of gold. Rev 4:4 We take notice of the leadership that the Lord established among the Children of Israel. They were a chosen group who were spiritual and consecrated men. The people were divided into thousands, hundreds, fifties and rulers of tens. This illustrates to us that there is a divine order. Ex. 18:21 THEIR SERVICE BEFORE THE LORD. They are men who are involved with the prayers of the saints. They are musicians and sing a new song before the Lord. A song of adoration undo the Lord. He is praised for His work of redemption. Even though these men have a high and important position, they humble themselves before the Lamb of God. They sing a new song, the song of the redeemed. They also speak of the divine position of kings and priests unto which the Lord will exalt His people in His kingdom. Rev. 5:8-10 They sing again when the Lord exercises His authority and power over the whole earth in a time of judgment. They recognize His right to judge and cleanse the earth in preparation for the millennium. Rev. 11:16-18 They lead the multitudes of the redeemed in worship and adoration onto God. What a sound of worship. The voice of a great multitude, the sound of many waters and the roll of mighty thunder. What a glorious time that will be. Rev. 19:4-5 DAVID SET IN ORDER THE MINISTRY OF THE PRIEST. He counted the Levites and found that there were 38,000 between the age of thirty and fifty. Of these he took twenty-four thousand to do the work of the ministry, in the tabernacle. Another six thousand were to be officers and judges. Four thousand were to be porters. Four thousand were to be musicians who worshiped and praised the Lord. 1 Chr. 23:1-5 The twenty four thousand he divided into twenty four courses. Each course served a week. In this manner the work of the priest was assured that it would be done properly. We see that this order and responsibility was yet in effect when Zacharias ministered in the Temple and received the pronouncement that he was to have a son. Luke 1:8, 13 NUMBERS 91 JOSEPH AT THIRTY. Thirty in the scripture proves to be an age at which the individual was consecrated to accomplish their mission in life. Joseph at thirty stood before Pharaoh and was appointed to be the second in command over all of Egypt. Gen. 41:41 In all actuality it probably made him the most powerful man in the land. He rode in the second chariot after Pharaoh. Gen. 41:43 His years of testing and trial were past. He had spent thirteen years in Egypt a good part of it in prison, but now a change had come. He was to be assigned as a savior of the lives of the Egyptians and in the ultimate of his own family. Gen. 41:46 The signet ring of Pharaoh, he surrendered to Joseph. Dressed him in the latest fashion and finest of linen from Egypt. The chain of gold as a symbol of his authority and trustworthiness. It was a sign of his exalted position in the government of Egypt. CONSECRATION TO SERVICE BEFORE THE LORD. The age at which the descendents of Aaron and the Levites were to be separated to serve before the Lord was thirty. Num. 4:3 This makes thirty to be a number of consecration unto the Lord. A time of commitment and surrender for service. At the age of twenty-five they had already commenced their studies preparing for their future service. Num. 8:24 In the time of David their period of preparation was even longer. They were required at the age of twenty to begin their time of study and training. 1 Chron. 23:24 No question but what they would have been assigned the most menial tasks relating to the sacrifices and their preparation. As well as transporting the tabernacle and its furnishings. DAVID AT THIRTY. His background, like that of Joseph included many trials and difficulties as well as the praise and plaudits that were heaped upon him. 2 Chron. 2:4 WHILE Saul was still king, Samuel anointed David to be king over Israel. 1 Sam. 16:13 There must be a time where the Lord prepares the heart of a person to do His will. Too often, in our impatience we run ahead of the Lord. David waited patiently for the will of he Lord to be consummated in his life. From the day of his anointing the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him. This is the source of his willingness to wait for the Lord to open doors for Him. Though he had already become king over a portion of Israel, after the death of Saul he was made to be king over the whole of Israel. 2 Sam. 5:3 JESUS WAS MADE THE CHRIST AT THE AGE OF THIRTY. He was baptized of John in Jordan. At the same time He was filled with the Holy Spirit. His ministry was now about to begin, a road that would lead Him to Calvary. Luke 3:22-23 If these events were necessary in the life of the Lord Jesus how much more are they imperative to our spiritual welfare? NUMBERS 92 FORTY. This is the number that portrays trial and correction; Probation and judgment. Because of the extreme wickedness of the hearts of men on the earth, the Lord sent forty days and forty nights of excessive and unusual rain. Gen. 7:4 Added to that was the fountains of the waters under the earth were opened up and the flood came destroying all that was not in the ark, both of men and beast. Gen. 7:11 Noah preached rightesnous to his generation. Had they heeded the message they too could have been saved. MOSES AND FORTY DAYS. Moses was to spend forty days and forty nights his first trip up the mountain as the Lord gave him the Law. The glory of the Lord came down upon Mt Sinai; it looked as if though the whole of the mountain was like a raging forest fire. Out of that glory the Lord called Moses who immediately was obedient and went up into the mount. EX. 24:17-18 During that period of time Moses neither ate nor drank. He was in total abstinence. Such a fast is not recommended nor practical. A three day fast touches the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and is sufficient. Moses had entered into the glory of the Lord. He had literally stepped into the heavenly atmosphere. Here, he found himself living in the presence of LIFE itself. He did not need natural food to sustain natural life. He was in the glory of the Lord. Deut. 9:9 The sign of the double portion was upon his experience for he was to spend another forty days and forty nights on the mountain. Deut. 9:19 THE RESULT. Not only was Moses given the Law which he took down to the people after having broken the first tables of the Law. This, incidentally, was a foreshadowing of how Israel would consistently break it themselves. Now, having been in the glorious presence of the Lord the very effulgence of that glory had saturated the entire being of Moses, which caused his face to shine with the glory of the Lord - to such a degree that Aaron and the children of Israel could not look at him. It became necessary for Moses to wear a veil over his face. The double portion will result in a sun clad woman. Rev. 12:1 Paul called the Law the ministration of condemnation; yet he was greatly impressed by this glory that rested on Moses. But, when he compared the glory of the Law with the glory of the Bride, the glory of the Bride will be so much greater as to dim the glory of the Law into nothingness. The Lord has great things for the church in this end of the age. May our hearts be filled with great anticipation of the revelation of His glory. NUMBERS 93 ON THE BORDER. Joshua was forty years old when Moses commissioned him to go into the promised land to spy out the land; he was sent from Kadesh-barnea (Consecrated or Holy place). His report was to be most serious, for it was to form the destiny of Israel for the next forty years. Joshua returning was able to bring a positive report. The good word that was in his heart. Josh. 14: 7 He brought the testimony of faith for he wholly followed the LORD, while the majority, ten in number, created fear in the hearts of the people. Josh. 14:8 Caleb, who was also one of the twelve stood with Joshua, declaring that they would be victorious and could well possess the land. Num. 13:30 The ten, brought an evil report, stating that the occupants of the land were giants, and that the Israelites were but grasshoppers in their own sight. They completely lost heart and trust in the Lord. Num. 13:32-33 REPORT AND REACTION. Joshua [he will save, or savior, the old testament equivalent to Jesus,] and Caleb [dog or raging with canine madness.] Their names were certainly meaningful, Joshua would have saved a generation had they but listened to him. Was Caleb’s reaction so great that it resembled the actions of a rabid dog? The scripture does show them tearing their garments in a display of grief and dismay. Num. 17:6 The Lord gave testimony of His feelings toward Caleb and his positive report. That was, that he had a different spirit and attitude from the ten; he had fully followed the Lord. Therefore he would be brought into the land and his seed would possess that which had been promised the whole nation. Num. 14:24 All this in spite of the physical, visual evidence that was brought to them from Eschol [a cluster of grapes]. A cluster of grapes so huge that it took two men to carry it. Plus, pomegranates and figs. Each fruit may be seen as a type of the Spirit. The grapes as the wine, the joy of the Spirit. The pomegranate with its multiplicity of seeds as the capability of the Spirit to fill all candidates, equally, with the power of the Spirit. The figs, as the fruit of the Spirit. The Lord had promised them a land flowing with milk and honey. Num. 13:27 The people were so railed up that they actually wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb. Num. 14:10 Because of rebellion, the older generation of Israel was to wander forty years in the wilderness. A year for a day. Num. 14:33 NUMBERS 94 THE LAW OF SCOURGING. The passing of a judgment in the court was simple and straight forward. When there was a controversy between two men, having determined who was right and who was wrong they were to "justify the righteous and condemn the wicked." Deut. 25:1 The law demanded that the guilty person lie down and was to be beaten in the presence of the Judge. Deut. 25:2 His punishment was to be determined by the seriousness of his crime. Various numbers of blows could be given him, but never more than forty. If, for what ever reason, he was beaten with forty stripes, he could never again be punished in this manner. Deut. 25:3 In having received forty stripes the individual had received the full complement of his punishment. STICKS OR RODS WERE INITALLY USED. The rod was considered to be the weapon of choice for whippings. Note Prov. 10:13, 19:29 and 26:3 Punishment for the fool or the one who was disobedient. By the time we come to the New Testament dispensation we find that a whip was in vogue. Formed of three thongs with bits of bone or wood woven into its strings. This would tear the flesh of the body and inflict far more punishment than the old system of rods. It is this type of beating that the Apostle Paul experienced five times. Each time carefully measuring the stripes in order to stop short of forty. This was done that they might beat him again and again. Added to these more modern beatings they beat him with rods three times. 2 Cor. 11:24-25 How clever the cruel are. Especially when their acts are performed in the name of religion. HOW MANY STRIPES DID JESUS RECEIVE? Isaiah, when prophesying of the Lord Jesus, accounted healing to be made possible through the stripes that the Son of God would suffer. There is life in His blood atonement, both spiritual and physical. That precious work of redemption and healing has never been removed from the redeemed of the Lord. Isa. 53:5d It was Pilate who delivered Jesus to be scourged. Mt. 27:26 Mark 15:15 and John 19:1 Every prophetic utterance pertaining to the Christ was fully accomplished. While we are not given much information concerning their actions toward Jesus, this we know, He completely satisfied the demands of a just God for salvation and healing. Seeing that it is Jesus, "Who forgiveth All our iniquities, who healeth ALL our diseases." Ps. 103:3 Would it not be very fitting if they administered to the Lord Jesus the full complement of forty stripes. His purchase of salvation and healing was absolute and complete. He suffered once for all. NUMBERS 95 ELISHA ON HIS WAY TO BETHEL. In his journey he was encountered by a troop of young unbelievers and doubters. These were not innocent young children but were probably in their teens. The Hebrew word used here in reference to them is, na'ar, and is translated young men in Gen. 14:24 and elsewhere where a young man is intended. They were not innocents but were old enough to understand that they were showing disrespect in mocking an adult, and also one who was a prophet ordained of the Lord. Their statement pertaining to the back of his head which apparently was bald, was also an insult. Their challenge for him to ascend as his mentor Elijah had done was born of unbelief in the translation of Elijah. All this demonstrating to us that the life of a prophet was not always a pleasant one. 1 Kings 2:23 JUDGMENT. The attitude of their hearts and what must have been a prolonged resistance and rejection of the Lord, brought about their dire punishment. The Lord is longsuffering and does not judge until a line of no return has been crossed. Elisha, put a curse of destruction on them. How it would be executed, he did not specify but the record shows that two she bears came out of the forest and destroyed forty-two of them. 2 Kings 2:24 FORTY AND TWO. This is the number of the great tribulation. As so often, in the old testament circumstances, the encounter of Elisha with the youths was a foreshadowing of a coming event. The number of those who were judged may be likened to the number of the months of the tribulation, forty-two. The two she bears, ferocious and tearing, to the two witnesses who will punish without mercy during that period of time. The doors of mercy will no longer be opened. Consider the enormity of their capabilities and power to inflict the earth and its inhabitants with a variety of judgments. Acts that may be performed at anytime and as often as they see the necessity of calling down judgment on the earth. Rev. 11:5-6 THE REIGN OF THE ANTI-CHRIST. Almost the first thing that we note about him is that he is an expert in blaspheming the Lord, His name and His people. He has a big mouth. He is an expert at spitting out propaganda. With his fair words he will deceive multitudes. Rev. 13:5-6 There is an important statement made here that we must carefully consider. During his reign he will make war with the saints. If the rapture takes place before the tribulation, how come there are saints left with whom he makes war? Rev. 13:7 NUMBERS 96 A MEASURED TEMPLE. The New Jerusalem will be the Temple of the Lord. It will be measured with the measurement of a man, The Man Christ Jesus. He is our measuring rod. Our example, our champion, the one whom we are to emulate. Every signal part of that city will be measured by Him. There will not be a part of it that is not equal to the measurement of Christ. Rev. 21:17 EQUALITY WITH CHRIST. It does seem like a dream, but all of His purposes will be brought to pass. There is not an item in His plans that He has instigated that will not be fully accomplished, according to His perfect will. As wonderful as the first church was, it was not equal to the church that shall be. The standard for the church that will culminate in the Bride of Christ will be measured and will perfectly meet all the requirements for His Bride. The first thing we note about that church is that she will be unified in perfect harmony. Paul calls it "The unity of the faith." Eph. 4:14a He also speaks of "one faith." Gal. 4:5 In both instances he uses the same Greek word which refers to persuasion, or what is believed. How many interpretations of the doctrines of the Bible does the Lord have? Surely only one. Man has developed a multiplicity of teachings and beliefs, supposedly founded of the Bible. However they seem to disagree with what the Lord has said in His Word. Believe it or not, out of the conglomeration that is called the church today the Lord will call a people who will totally follow His Word. THEY WILL FULLY KNOW HIM. The call is for a people who will set themselves aside, completely dedicated to His perfect will. They will know and understand Him as no other generation of Christians have known Him. Their unity and association with Him will be absolute. Their knowledge of Him will bring them into a state of perfection. He will make Himself known, to her, in a most intimate manner. Eph. 4:13b The Bride will be elevated to "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:13c She must come up to His measurement. She must become perfectly like Him. The Lord Jesus is our example, He is the measuring rod by which the whole of the city will be measured. The whole of the body of Christ, of necessity, must meet the divine measurements that are aptly laid out for us in the Word of the Lord. We have not yet achieved this high and holy place in Christ, but the church within a church, the Bride, is beginning to fell a deep dissatisfaction with the status quo. There is a move starting that will fulfill His will in His people. complete 07:31 7/08/2005 formatting edited eof