Revelation Chapters 1-10 Explained

 

 

 

 

The Throne of God is countless years

beyond our little earth

 

 “The heavens and highest heavens cannot contain Him,” 2 Chronicles 6:18. And the earth is His footstool; Isaiah 66:1

 

Revelation’s Seven Churches

 

Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

 

John, the loving apostle of Christ, scribed Revelation.  He also penned the book of John, and 1-3 letters of John. He was our Lord’s appointed secretary; recording future events in exactness as they frightfully unfolded before him.

 

At the time of the vision, he was on the island of Patmos for his witness of Christ; Rev. 1:9.  Obviously, outrage at the Gospel message provoked the godless to seek his silence.  The unsaved also sought the silence of his blood brother, James, for his witness whereby he was killed by a sword; Acts 12:2.  In the Gospels, John and James were called the sons of thunder.  Their father was Zebedee (I assume he was not the quiet man). Their mother made herself famous by making a request of Jesus. She selfishly asked that her sons have the right to sit on each side of Him on His throne in His coming kingdom; Matthew 20:20-23.  

 

Satan assigned Roman Emperor Domitian in 95 AD to the task of ending John’s witness proclamation.  Not fearing what man could do kept John proclaiming his Savior everywhere. John kept preaching until that fateful day when Domition imprisoned him on the rocky side of the island of Patmos. God’s Word was still unveiled as His omnipotent will prevails even in isolated seclusion.  The chains of silence held no victory as Christ reigns over all hindering circumstances implemented by vile mankind.

 

Such victory grandeur can even be witnessed today as I read of a pastor who was placed in a dungeon chamber 30 feet below the earth and who was repeatedly tortured for his Gospel message.  He saw his witness now in defeat. However, he would preach to himself loudly and daily in that isolated cell. Unbenounced to him, prisoners and staff were listening. He gained a reputation as the “Hallelujah Pastor” in all the penitentiaries in Romania. Not until later, did he learn that his voice had been pulsating to so many. You see, God’s will prevails.       

 

Patmos

Revelation 1:9

Patmos, a horseshoe shaped island, holds magnificent scenery and bears white crags (steep sharp rocks) of the shoreline and beauty of the open ocean. The island is about 8 miles long and 5 miles wide, and has 40 miles of shoreline. It is a rock or petra which seems to be floating on the surface of the sea and at the same time appears massive and impressive! The west coast is very rocky and windy and has only a few accessible beaches. The most beautiful beaches of Patmos are scattered on its eastern coast.

Patmos is 140 miles from Athens, which takes about 10 hours by ferry.  It holds 3000 inhabitants, with 3 schools for about 300 children.  It is 163 miles from Piraeus.  It is volcanic and rocky with little rainfall. It is very barren producing very little grain, but abounding in partridges, quails, turtles, pigeons, snipes, and rabbits.

From the 6th to the 9th century, Patmos was raided by pirates.  Then was under Turkish dominion from 1523-1912, then Italian, later a part of Greece in 1948.

Patmos is in the route between Rome and Ephesus.  Christians were persecuted in Ephesus by the Roman emperor Domitian.  Domitian’s prisoners were compelled to work in the mines of Patmos.  John was exiled to Patmos during this time of  persecution—95 A.D. The new emperor Neva gave John permission to return to Ephesus and allowed the continuation of his ministry.  John died in 104 A.D. at the age of 99 and was buried in Ephesus. 

John was released when Emperor Neva replaced Domitian. Neva believed in religious freedom and withdrew John from the island of Patmos.

John continued in ministry until he departed to be with his most glorious and holy Savior in 99 AD.

                                                                                             

I personally believe John had been the overseer, head elder, of these seven churches addressed. Five of the seven churches were compromising and this was possibly due to John’s lost influence.  Perhaps he had been the glue that made them secure in their faith; his powerful preaching keeping these believers on task until his arrest.

 

The seven churches were in close proximity but all were differing in personality. John was not far from these churches to which his seven letters were delivered. Patmos is 40 miles from Ephesus, which received the first letter. God provided an unafraid messenger to do His bidding in delivery of the correspondence though how performed in this prison setting would all be speculation. Perhaps John was allowed visitors.

 

God does care about all His churches, which has resulted in us still owning the seven letters today for our edification and warning. 

 

From the study of Revelation chapters 2-3, and all scriptures concerning the church and its calling, we recognize apostasy is very present today as it was back then.  The same actions that Christ reproved through these letters appear in various forms in the contemporary church. 

 

Many books are available and there have been movies produced to interpret the settings in Revelation.  I personally would not want to be in the shoes of those who have written fantasy tales in the name of explaining Revelation.  Some of the books hold a Hollywood heroism type mentality.  I have been sickened by the godless and carnal presentations of God’s children who are out to kill the antichrist and who portray a Star Wars mentality. 

 

These entertaining books are far different from the words of our Lord and what He has ordained for this vile sinful earth filled with vile rebellious people. God states in the end of Revelation, 22:18-20, that if anyone adds to the book or subtracts he will receive the plagues written in the book.  God will also take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city.  A friend told me yesterday that her friend knows one of the authors of these so-called Christian Revelation revealing books and his life is very sinful and wicked. His life is a mess and she wouldn’t want to be in his shoes for anything.

 

There are also apostate in-vogue analyses of Revelation that attempt to discredit the book.  One main prominent philosophy is the Preterist view.  R. C. Sproll is a Partial Preterist and his son, a total Preterist. We need to be aware of this heresy as it is prominent in Christianity today.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preterism

 

Heresy Pretertistim in the Church:

 

At a previous church I was shocked to find our pastor believed in the Preterist view of Revelation that proclaims all prophecies have already unfolded.  Preterists believe that the holocaustic prophecies of Revelation and elsewhere uncovered, occurred in 70 AD when Titus of Rome destroyed Jerusalem.

 

Most preterists believe the following:

1. Nero was the Antichrist.  There will be no future individual Antichrist.

2. The Tribulation Period is already over.  It occurred when the Roman army under Titus besieged Jerusalem in AD 66-70.

3. Christ “returned” in the clouds in AD 70 to witness the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army.

4. God replaced Old Testament Israel with the Church.  Therefore, all the biblical promises to Israel belong to the Church.  

5. Armageddon already happened in AD 70.  The fall of “Babylon” refers to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.

6. Satan is already bound in the abyss and cannot hinder the spread of the Gospel.  Revelation 20 has already been fulfilled.

7. We are already in the Millennium, but it is not literal.  Some preterists equate the entire Church Age as the Millennium.  The 1,000 years are not literal but figurative, even though they are mentioned six times in Revelation 19-20.

   

Revelation reveals God’s wrath is to fall upon the whole earth, not just on a certain local.    Many Calvinists are Preterists as they believe the church has replaced Israel and the apocalypse concerning them has been deleted from the prophetical picture. 

 

People have to be blind to believe this nonsense.  I did discuss this with this pastor and he may have changed his mind a bit, as I quoted many verses that totally reveal the folly of such a view.  However, because God has delayed the forecast of the future, many are turning to this heretical teaching.

 

Eschatology facts to refute the Preterist view:

 

70 AD is the key date of the Preterists. This is when they believe all future events transpired.  This is when Titus of Rome came and destroyed Jerusalem.  This view is totally out of sync with the scriptures.

 

The Tribulation is going to devastate the whole earth, not just Jerusalem.  Whenever you read scripture concerning the tribulation, it says the whole earth! Please Read Revelation chapters 6-9 and 16. A third of the earth will be destroyed holding mankind, animal life and vegetation.  100 pound hailstones will fall from heaven. Tremendous hail fell during the time of Joshua as recorded in Joshua 10:11; but this will be shockingly worse.  God is a literalist. Nothing witnessed in the past compares to what is to unravel.

 

When it comes to the Jerusalem temple, it will be present during eschatological times. Various scriptures reveal that there will be an earthly and heavenly temple. In Acts it states the earthly temple will be rebuilt from its foundation; 5:16f.  Ezekiel speaks of the future Jerusalem temple before the Millennium as well. We know Ezekiel could not be speaking of the heavenly temple as the priests can only marry virgins or widows of priests.  There is no marriage in heaven as Christ proclaimed; Mark 12:18-25.  Ezekiel also makes it clear that everyone in Jerusalem will be murdered except for the 144,000 male virgin Jews taken from each tribe (the 144,000 are expanded upon in Revelation chapters 7 & 14).  Everyone dies except those with the mark or seal—the 144,000. The 144,000 are secured because they “sigh and groan over all the abominations” which are in Jerusalem.  They will hate all the sin and mourn over it resulting in the protective sealing by God.  All those without The Mark die in Jerusalem in the tribulation; see Ezekiel chapter 9. This includes men, women, children and the elderly.

 

I have also read of the Great Tribulation in Jeremiah and various other places in scripture; nothing in history resembles what is to come. 

 

There will be earthquakes upon the whole earth as never before and incomprehensible acts of our furious God.  It is God’s judgment on the whole earth, just read Revelation!!  It affects all the kingdoms of the earth!

 

Search for the truth dear friends!

 

Revelation chapter 1 overview

 

These are things that will “soon take place;” this is according to God’s timetable not men’s.  We see in verse 1, all that is revealed in Revelation was communicated to John, an apostle of Christ, who viewed himself as sustaining no elevated position. He was simply a slave who had personally, under no taskmaster compulsion, chosen to serve his master—Jesus Christ. He held no divided interests; his eyes were only set on his Master.

 

The time is near, verse 3, so all believers must sit up and take heed to all the teachings presented in this book.

 

Verse 5 is the Gospel message in short summary.  Christ is revealed here as God and ruler of the kings of the earth.  It is He who “loves us and released us from our sins by His blood.”

 

Verse 7 is prophecy from Acts 1:11 and Zechariah 12:10-14.  This concerns Christ’s millennial return as well as the mourning of those who pierced him. All the people who have ever lived will cry in anguish because they rejected the Messiah. Zechariah penned the Old Testament prophecy concerning Christ’s piercing and the Revelation tribulation mourning around 500 years before He was actually pierced with the sword that confirmed His death passing.  You must read this passage in Zechariah as it enlightens our eyes more to how great the sadness will be for those who rejected Christ; though Zechariah just deals with the Jews in this regard.  God’s Word is perfectly woven together by its Author, who is the perfector of our faith. A good deal of the New Testament is composed of Old Testament quotations.

 

We recognize from chapter one that there is no way one cannot see that Jesus is God. He is the Alpha and Omega; verse 8. He is the one clothed in a modest kingly robe reaching to His feet. He has white hair and His eyes are like the flame of fire, and a sharp two edged sword extends from his mouth; verses 13-17.  He is the ancient of days as also seen in Daniel 7:9-10. I cannot say too much concerning these verses that are bursting with the omnipotence of our God and Savior.  It is all about Him!

 

Traveling a bit further, we witness John falling like a dead man before Christ and no wonder especially after seeing the slicing sword stretching from His mouth—which holds the voice of many waters.  

 

This is not a modern contemporary Christ who will be everybody’s buddy. This is the Christ that one falls before in a dead-like state of fear. We are all called to tremble and fear before Him as we work out our salvation; Philippians 2:12. Revelation provides the true photo of Him who is to be feared above all else.

 

The heaven of Revelation is not a contemporary heaven filled with rock music playing everywhere being performed by all the top Christian rock groups.  It will not be filled with Christian comedians whereby everyone is going about laughing at all the fun jokes.  You cannot help but see as you read Revelation and all of Scripture that trendy American Christianity holds no place before our holy, wise and undefiled reigning LORD.

 

Verse 20 is one key in understanding the book.  It must be marked in reference as it exposes the mystery of veiled events so they can be puzzled together. We learn here that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven golden lampstands are the seven churches. When Christ states He will remove the lampstand, He means the church for its lack of compliance to His Word.  I have seen two churches removed when pastors fell into sin.  I have witnessed church lamps diminish through transgression until faithful overseers revived them again.

 

It is believed that there were Jewish Christians set amongst these seven churches who had fled Israel following its devastation by Titus of Rome in 70 AD. Revelation was penned in 95. It wasn’t until the end of WWII that Jews began to reinhabit Israel.

 

 

Revelation chapter 2 overview

Letter to the believers in Ephesus:

 

In verse 1, we see John is assigned to write the good and the bad of this church so it can be uplifted and reproved through this letter.  It is the hope of God that it repent and remain.

 

Christ lets it be known that He finds some favorable things in this church. First, that it does not tolerate false teachers who come in sheep’s clothing, feigning to be of the true faith, calling themselves apostles.  The Ephesus believers tested those who tried to enter in the door of the church and if they were found to hold any beliefs contrary to scripture, they were shut out. How churches could learn from this example when everyone today is welcome to come and participate.  The heresy teaching prevails “As long as they are in church that is all that matters.”  This is all-contrary to the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 5:9-12 tells us not to associate with immoral people who call themselves believers.  We do not associate with any Christian who is covetous, an idolater, reviler, drunkard or swindler—we don’t even eat with such ones!

 

2 John 2:6-11 teaches us we are not even to greet those who are not abiding in the commandments of Christ who come to church; we are not to let them in the door.    2 Thessalonians teaches we are not to associate with those who are not abiding in the apostles taught traditions and commands.

 

The Ephesus church was walking correctly in many avenues, but Christ was going to bring judgment.  We all can ask ourselves “why.” This church seems superior to most churches today. 

Christ was going to remove this church because it had lost its first love.  This church did not love Christ with all its heart, soul and might as commanded from the beginning.  This is the greatest commandment as stated by Christ and it was first delivered in Deuteronomy 6:5. 

 

Christ called for the Ephesians to repent and we certainly trust they did as their witness was significantly needed within this pagan Roman Empire.

 

 

Letter to believers in Smyrna:

 

This church is the persecuted church.  We do not grasp such a concept easily, as we live in a free country.  The persecuted believers in oppressed nations can easily relate to the Smyrna church.  We must always be consistently praying for our brothers and sisters in nations of oppression, as they are often times beaten, raped, imprisoned, and murdered for their faith. 

 

This was an exceptional church due to its impoverishment and persecution.   It had to rely on Christ and Christ alone for its sustenance and encouragement.  It is a good thing when we have only Christ to run to, as He becomes our all and all.  If we live in a styling society full of worldly entertainment and amusements, it is easy to put Christ second and the ways and things of culture first.  However, we are commanded not to become entangled with those things adored by the unsaved population nor imitate them. Yes, satan makes everything fleshly-appealing but we are called to separate from them.  If we do not, Christ will discipline as witnessed all so clearly in Revelation.   

 

The believers of Smyrna had not lost their first love; they loved Christ unto death. Christ tells them in this letter that they will be tested and persecuted for ten days and that they were to be faithful until death so they would reap the crown of life.  If these believers stayed faithful, they would not be hurt by the second death, which is eternal fire, as we know from Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15; especial verse 14.

 

 

Letter to the believers in Pergamum:

 

Christ is revealed with His two edged sword in verse 12; this vivifies His wrath and anger over sin in the believer’s life.  This is to cause us to fear and tremble before Him; Philippians 2:12 and 1 Chronicles 16:30.

 

Pergamaum was a great city—a styling city of commerce, entertainment, religion, advanced medicine, sexual promiscuity…you just name it.  If you wanted anything, it was here. This was a vacation spot of the world adjacent to the Aegean Sea. There was no better place to rock and roll…It was grooving.  It was like a New York City.  That is why it states in 2:13, that this is “where satan’s throne is.”  The saints who resided here were under tremendous continuous temptation.  Sound familiar? 

 

In the Pergamum church there had been only one believer who had been faithful unto death—Antipas.  He was Christ’s martyr. He was dedicated to Christ as His witness.  Christ states only good concerning Antipas.  We certainly desire that Christ view us in every positive way. Antipas is a Greek name meaning “against all.”  He certainly was true to his name as he stood for Christ against a satanic culture.

 

Christ had certain things “against” this church. They held to the teachings of Balaam and Balak.  You can read of these characters in Numbers chapters 22-25.  You may remember Balaam’s donkey spoke and rebuked him in his folly.  Balaam was a false prophet for hire and Balak was the king of Moab, an idolatrous nation that wanted to annihilate the nation of Israel.  Balak tried to hire Balaam to bring about an end to the Jews, but God would not allow it.

 

Balaam loved money and would do just about anything to get it as a religious man.  He even attempted to curse the children of God.

 

Balaam and his clones:

 

Balaam held the scent of greed wherever he trod.  He can represent many today who use gimmickry so people will give to their cause in the name of false Christianity. Balaams are everywhere present in Christianity and they seem to be growing in number.  Many televangelists are Balaams. 

                                                    

Balaams are people who serve God expecting substantial financial rewards.  These types of pastors love large collection plates filled to the brim and thousands in their congregation to adore them because they have put their church on the map of success. There are pastors who will refuse to oversee a church unless the price is right and the price has to be significantly right.  Balaams are in Christianity for what they can get not what they can give. These preachers will not engage in visitation as it is no longer in style in the pastorate role as it is a humbling chore.

 

Balaam and Balak (the king of Moab) were both immoral in intent. They coveted the Jews destruction.  When this proved unobtainable, they desired to own the Jews so they would follow after false religious teachings and engage in sexual promiscuity of pagan kind.

 

Balak was not being successful in getting the Hebrews, God’s children, to stumble so he determined if they couldn’t beat them then they should get them to join them. Balaam and Balak instigated a plan whereby they would introduce the men of God to the lovely Moabite women, whereby they would intermarry with the pagan Moabites. 

 

Balaam and Balak succeeded to a degree because many desired to follow their immoral religion of fleshly delights.  In Numbers chapter 25, the sexually immoral daughters of Moab became triumphant in their persuasions of idol worship and sex, whereby the Jews followed and God’s judgment fell. 

 

Balaam sounded very godly and even prophesied in the name of God.  He was a powerful preacher who knew about God and His Word.  Judas knew about God and performed miracles and preached with the other disciples, but he was a Balaam, following Christ for fortune. Judas, do doubt, reveled in everyone looking up to him as a miracle-performing preacher. He, though very religious in appearance, wanted everyone putting money in the collection box for the poor so he could steal its contents when no one was looking. He desired to be its greatest benefactor. He spoke flowery words that sounded so sincere when making a plea for the poor, but it all held ulterior motives.  None of the disciples even suspected his heart of black wool as his sheep’s clothing costume of white wool was so sincere.

 

Beware of the Balaam dogs in religion—see Jude verses 11-16 and 2 Peter chapter 2, especially verse 12.  

On top of following the immoral ways of Balaam and Balak, the Pergamum church also held to the false teachings of the Nicolaitans, which the Ephesians refused to follow.   No one knows what these teachings were, but looking at verses 14-15, it probably combined Christianity with some sort of idol worship and immorality.  It was a religion that most likely permitted license to some degree so they could blend in with culture. This church, though close to Smyrna, did not seem to be suffering the same arriving deadly fate…perhaps due to their compromising worldly compliance.

 

They were faithful in not denying Christ’s name even though they were under a tyrant Roman dictator who hated the Savior; verse 13. It does appear there was some suffering for not denying Christ but no death bell seems to be tolling nor closing of cell doors.

 

God’s judgment is going to fall on Pergamum believers if they don’t turn from their wicked ways of sinful sporting delights.

 

For those who refused to follow the false ways in this church, Christ had reserved a white stone (white represents purity in scripture) with a new name written on it.  

 

 

Letter to believers in Thyatira:

 

This letter also commences with Christ positioned as a revengeful God as He is displayed having eyes like a flame of fire. His feet proclaim supremacy being of burnished bronze which spells fiery refining.  This is a frightful way to start a piece of correspondence!

 

Christ is always swift to reveal a church’s good deeds before launching into their shortcomings.  This church seems all on-fire for Christ as it is engaging in good deeds of love and faith.  It is persevering and even increasing in these areas.

 

It is hard to understand since sexual impurity is present in this church; verses 20-23.  How can they coexist? Well, it appears from verse 24 that there are innocent parties present who are faithful and pure—blameless in the ways of evil.  They, without a doubt, hated those things indecently performed and let it be known. Ephesians 5:11-12 commands us to expose the evil ways of darkness as we are not even to speak of the intimate details of vile activity.  We are to hate it. Jude verse 23 states, we are even to hate the garment polluted by the flesh.  We are to hate every immoral way and never enjoy it.  We must never deliberately place anything but innocence before our eyes and ears.

 

Despite what society proclaims, the Bible does not justify sinful tolerance.  Christ condemns this church as it is being tolerant of a woman who is called Jezebel.  Not her actual name, but that which represents her character.  She is a replica to a degree of Jezebel revealed in 1 and 2 Kings, who was a false teacher and murdered true believers.

 

The Jezebel of Thyatira was an immoral sexy woman who allured the saints into acts of impurity and false religious beliefs.  She, like the Jezebel of the Old Testament, set religious heresies before God’s people.  She too was following the paths imbedded by idolatrous Balaam.

 

Death by disease was the fate of Jezebel’s children if she did not repent.  Jezebel herself was destined for a bed of tribulation sickness where she would languish in excruciating pain.

 

The death fate was pronounced upon Jezebel of the Old Testament for her unrepentant sins—2 Kings 9:30-37 and on her sons—2 Kings 10:7. She tried to avoid what God had preordained for her. When God’s henchmen arrived, she tried to set before them a beautiful alluring woman. She caked on the eye make-up to divert them away from their calling. But no glittering Hollywood-like woman was going to stop them from fulfilling what the LORD had preordained. They threw her out a window, God’s fateful doom—“the dogs will eat Jezebel’s flesh.”

 

We do hope Christ’s painful wrath did not descend upon this alluring Jezebel of Thyatira. Christ was providing the time for her to repent and we trust she took the opportunity and all who followed her fleshly exciting behavior that always leads to the path of death; Proverbs chapters 6 & 7—especially 6:32 and 7:22-23.  We hope and imagine that she became a woman of bashful behavior and modest dress.

 

Many believers today need to repent as they put Jezebels before their eyes continually. They indulge in the productions of sensual Hollywood filled with women who employ the most skilled make-up artists to paint them and seamstresses who create the most fancy-fitted seductive clothing to sell sexual pleasantries on the screen.  Partaking in Jezebel’s mentality in any way is an abomination to Christ.  Our minds and eyes are to be centered on the righteous ways of our holy, innocent, undefiled Lord.

 

Christ hates all sin in the church.  He made this clear when he murdered Ananias and Sapphira for lying and deception.  This same God still is overseeing the church and bringing judgment for compromise.  We recognize through these churches that the slightest deviancy from His Word induces His sword of wrath. Verse 23 informs us that Christ disciplines the church and those within according to their deeds.  We all reap what we sow and Christ makes sure this is so.

 

Lofty promises are provided to those in Thyatira who stay true to their Savior. He will grant them exalted rule over the nations in the millennial period. They will enforce Christ’s iron rod for obedience.

 

Verse 29 tells us we need to take great heed to all that is being stated in warning to these churches.

 

 

Letter to believers in Sardis:

 

All the letters to the churches were addressed to an overseeing angel that was set above each fellowship through God’s orchestration. This is declared in the first verse of each letter.  We are commanded to respect angelic authority as we see in Jude, 2 Peter, and many other sections in scripture. 

 

John is the secretary that is scripting physically the words of Christ. Each letter also came from the angels that were over each fellowship and from Christ, Himself; Revelation 1:5.  We also know a male human messenger delivered the letters. He took them from John’s hand as John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos for his forthright fearless preaching of the Gospel.

 

Another text that reveals the importance of respecting angels who oversee the churches is 1 Corinthians chapter 11. This passage commands women who are praying or prophesying (telling forth God’s Word) to don a covering on their heads for the angels who observe the assembling of believers.  By researching the Greek, you can accurately decipher the word “angels” found in this passage, is referring to God’s angelic army in heaven. 

 

Women are also charged to have long hair in this Corinthian passage. God has devised distinctions between the sexes and one is through men wearing their hair short and women wearing it long.  A woman’s locks are her crowning glory and a modest covering.  Having a covering on the head marks her out more in her feminine portrayal that angels are attentive to. It also symbolizes her submissive heart to her husband.

 

Revelation 3:2 refers to Christ’s authority, as He possesses the seven spirits and seven stars.  We know from 1:20 that the seven stars are the seven spirits who are the overseeing angels of the seven churches.

 

We also note in 3:2 that other fellowships believe this church is alive in the faith; however, Christ, who is the true discerner of hearts, announces, this church is dead.  He knows their deeds and actions and He is the one who determines which churches are truly obeying Him in all Scriptural matters. It is not a determination by man’s assessment in any way, shape or form.

 

This is a warning letter to tell these Sardis believers to get about the business of their church, which is dying.  It is almost time to pick out their tombstone; their living light is almost extinguished. 

 

Most likely, unbiblical agendas had entered the doors of the church; perhaps the agendas of local society, which had deviated folk from commanded scripture. They set those things they were to be about on a back burner and the essentials had been left and forgotten. 

 

Christ sees all and knows all; including what we have forsaken in the way of obedience.  He is omniscient and nothing is hidden from His all-seeing eyes.

 

The church is responsible to be performing all that is commanded for it, which includes the work of the ministry. All the saints are to be equipped by the church for Christian service and Ephesians chapter 4 speaks to that fact. Christians are to be engaging in the work of ministry—discipleship, evangelism, teaching, etc.  They are to be exercising their Biblical gifts in love; and are to be growing in the knowledge of God through comprehensive Bible teaching and the example set by leadership—in every scriptural designated area.

 

The books of Timothy and Titus instruct concerning the qualifications for church leadership and its functioning calling.  (Alan and I enjoy supporting Thru the Bible ministries as Dr. J. Vernon McGee taught comprehensively through the Bible. Though he has gone to be with the Lord, his programs are still aired.  All TTB producers meet the godly requirements of leadership listed in Timothy and Titus. My husband and I rejoice in such obedience.) 

 

Every New Testament epistle is presented so every church develops into all that is commanded by the Savior. Christ calls for the Sardis church to repent and this would include all churches that fall short today as well.  Christ warns He is coming like a thief to judge and no one will have an idea as to His arrival time.

 

One of Christ’s attributes is that of a thief, who arrives unawares.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4, we read that Christ is coming like a thief to judge the earth when its fun-loving inhabitants are totally unsuspecting. Those who ignore Christ and His holy inerrant Word will not escape from His fiery judging hand. Such a warning is also located in Matthew 24:36-51 and many other texts in the Old and New Testament. We must not neglect giving out the Gospel so people are delivered from this wicked evil age of fleshly fun activities and the consequential lake of fire.

 

In verse 4, Christ makes it known that there are some believers in Sardis who have kept themselves clean and pure and will walk with Him in white apparel.  We also read of the purity of the 144,000 male virgin Jews who tell no lies in chapter 14, verses 1-5.

 

The importance of holy purity is stressed in this Revelation section of letters to the churches.  Nowhere do we find Christ commanding the churches to be grooving with secular, sensual and immodest society. God knows if believers are holding to all chaste and holy behavior—not being entangled by the world in its fruitless and sensual thinking—they will be a glowing light in this dark world. 

 

We also note the true dedicated purified believers will not have their names erased from the book of life; 3:5.

 

 

Letters to the believers in Philadelphia:

 

This church is made up of good guys who wear white hats—well…to be honest…white clothing in heaven. It is interesting that white was what symbolized goodness in America several decades ago and black represented evil.  General society knew that the Bible stressed a clean white garment type lifestyle.

 

Emphasized in verse 7 of Revelation chapter 3, is Christ possessing the key of David or key of Israel—God’s chosen people.  He opens what no being can close and closes what no being can open.  He is the ultimate omnipotent authority over all.

 

The converted Jews of this church were being harassed by godless Jews who attended synagogues. The synagogues did not acknowledge Christ as God and therefore were of satan.  Everyone who is not saved is an obedient child of satan; 2 Corinthians 6:14f.

 

The Jews who attended synagogues despised the Jews of the Philadelphia church who had been reborn by Christ’s atoning blood; Revelation 1:5.  We read throughout the New Testament of Jews who tried to place the requirements of the law on new converts.  These deceived Jews insisted that new believers hold to the festivals and regulations that God delivered to the Old Testament Jews. Christ fulfilled the Law Himself—the law that sinful man could never fully achieve nor reach salvation, “By the works of the law shall no man be justified.” It is through the law that man learns he is a sinner; Romans 3:20.  Man can never be saved by the works of the law or perfected; only by faith in the Savior, can a person be saved and regenerated. Only by the Holy Spirit’s controlling, can a person live righteously. Various religions teach salvation by works, but good works can never deliver from sin and its consequences. Good works and intentions can never purify a heart. We must believe John 3:16 and ask God the Father to forgive us of our sins through his Son, Jesus Christ who died on the cross on our behalf and arose from the grave. We also yield our lives to God; asking Him to take control. We also ask Him to forgive us when we sin after we are saved.

 

The Apostles were Jews who stood apposed to those Jews (Judaizers) who held to the Old Testament laws. The Judaizers persecuted believers who acknowledged Christ. The apostles led the New Testament church into truth and godliness and away from attempting to accomplish good through the carnal flesh. They made it clear that apart from God, men can do nothing good.

Obedience to the Bible can only be accomplished through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit—yielding one’s life to God in humility.  One receives the Holy Spirit when they surrender their life to Christ through faith.

 

Getting back to Revelation chapter 3, we note from verses 9-10 that Christ only considers born again Jews as forming the true Jewish race.  Someday every living Jew will come to Christ as Romans 11:26-27 and Jeremiah 3:-31-36 acknowledge, but that is far from the case today. We read of the future elevation of the Jews in Revelation 21:14. Here the names of the 12 Jewish apostles will be written on the walls of New Jerusalem that descends out of heaven. Included in the names will be John the Apostle who wrote Revelation and was an example to the churches of living godly in Christ Jesus.  The names of the 12 Jewish tribes will be inscribed on the gates of the New Jerusalem as Revelation 21:12 discloses. God’s chosen race will be elevated in the Millennial kingdom and throughout eternity. John and the other apostles will have a superior place in God’s kingdom; so will 12 of the Old Testament faithful Jews.

 

Peering at verse 9, back in Revelation chapter 3, we witness Christ graciously informing these persecuted Christian Jews that He is going to make sure their Jewish enemies—those who did not pick up their cross to follow Christ— will bow down before them someday. We do need to recognize, Christ does loves all true believers—Jews and Gentiles. His loving grace and peace are shed abroad in all believers’ hearts.  He is longsuffering toward all of us who fall so short so often.

 

Verse 10 informs us the key of being in good standing with our Savior is keeping His Word no matter the cost to our being.  His Bible is inerrant when translated accurately with no contemporary added spins, twists and turns.  We can obey it in confidence.

 

The Philadelphia church was experiencing persecution for holding tightly to Christ. They were holding to the true Christ of Scripture, who is the only true Jewish high priest. His character embodies holiness, innocence, and undefilement. He is separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; Hebrews 7:27.

 

This church was elevated as a result of their undying faithfulness.  Multitudes of countless people through the centuries know of this church of brotherly love that would not waver from its solid foundation.

    

A church in this general area survived through the ages until the Muslim faith removed religious freedom from Turkey about a decade ago.  There may be a church hidden underground somewhere close to this local that is unknown.  When Dr. J. Vernon McGee was alive, he took part in one of the church services in the Philadelphia, Turkey area that presented itself as the Philadelphia church and he was richly blessed by the surviving faith. 

 

Christ stated that this church would be kept from the great tribulation that will fall upon the whole earth someday; verse 10.  Warnings of this tribulation can be traced back to Enoch as we read in Jude 14-15.  Tribulation warnings are placed throughout scripture. Nothing in time present or in time past can compare to what is to come when Christ rains His avenging wrath upon sinful mankind.  This great tribulation period is the main theme of Revelation. It is to be preached in warning to mankind.  These factual threats are what consume the majority of this book’s account.

 

The Philadelphia church body addressed is in heaven today and it did not endure the great tribulation that is to arrive on schedule—that has been predetermined by God’s time clock. This church was factual and the true dedicated church today can still reap the same blessings that Christ bestowed upon this faithful early assembly.  Christ keeps true to His promises as the unchanging God of antiquity and time present.  Obedience to His Word always produces blessings in any economy.  

 

Even though Christ still has not arrived on the earth, it must be remembered, His time clock does not run on the same principal as ours.  When Enoch preached the great tribulation in time beginning, it was as if it could arrive tomorrow. 

 

2 Peter 3:3-9 also deals with God’s fiery tribulation judgment. It states that one day can be like a thousand years to God or visa versa.  We cannot asses it in terms of global 24-hour time when trying to judge God’s prophetical Word.

 

Christ warns the Philadelphia believers to remain steadfast so no one robs them of their crown in Revelation 3:11.  No earthly allurements can compare to the crown offered to those who are faithful unto death.  We must always confront ourselves with the question, what eternal value does this hold?

 

Revelation 3:12 is full of promises of heavenly glories for those who overcome and do not give into any agendas divergent to the Word of God.  God will display the believer and their name in the New Jerusalem which will ascend out of heaven.  This verse is full of grandeur beyond our earthly comprehension.  All we basically know, is a cursed earth full of wicked sin.  A place full of righteousness and God’s splendid glory is a bit hard to grasp, but we know it will be genuine as God never lies or deceives. 

 

 

Letters to the believers in Laodicea:

 

This is the final correspondence to the churches.  Verse 14 is a glorious tribute to Christ our Savior, who is the only true Witness. He is the beginning of creation as the Biblical books of John, 1 John, and Colossians substantiate.  

 

This is the lukewarm church that God was all disgusted with and many a sermon has been preached concerning it.  This is the church that Christ was completely abhorred with, even to the point of vomiting it out of His mouth. Some versions do not translate the word “vomit” accurately. But the word is EMEO in the Greek and it literally means to regurgitate the stomach’s digesting contents.  This is a repugnant visual picture of Christ’s rejection of believers who are not on fire for Him.  He would rather they be cold and honest about it than lukewarm. Believers who walk in lukewarmness are completely distasteful to our LORD.  They are abominable.  Why? Because such Christians are not excited or cold to the Gospel in forthright honesty. They are those who blend in to please all; they hold no solid ground in their stances behind all the scenes. 

 

When my husband, Alan, and I were in Aruba celebrating our 25^th wedding anniversary we partook of lukewarm water, it was our tap water. It was originally ocean water that was filtered and purified in Aruba’s desalination plant—the second largest in the world.  Alan and I made faces when we first tasted it, as it was all unpleasant.  It had to have added ice or placed in the frig to make it palatable. See: http://here.alfalaval.com/zino.aspx?pageID=3&articleID=172 

 

The Laodiceans received their water lukewarm as well because their water source was a nearby hot spring. The water cooled to lukewarm before arriving to homes.  People who waver to please every palate are disgusting to our Savior like lukewarm arriving water.

 

It is God’s command for believers to be on fire for Him and His Word.  Our lifestyle is to be that which reflects Christ at all times. We are never to be ashamed to uplift Him who was rejected and is still rejected today by the majority of inhabitants of the world.  Christ never desired to be socially acceptable. He never chased after people saying, “I will act in a way that is pleasing to everyone.  I will say whatever gets a laugh and I will make my presentations fun to keep the crowds adoring me.”  Many pastors chase after crowds in such a way today, making themselves disgusting to the palate.  

 

Christ exposed the fleshly inner man that is self-centered and self-seeking.  Christ dismantles the “get all the gusto you can out of life” agendas of playful culture.   His holiness has always shamed society; therefore, it has always hated Him.

 

Laodicea was a rich indulgent society as revealed in verse 17.  They had little need and little time for Christ as culture fed their flesh to the fullest—with its entangling activities that held goodies for the wealthy. 

 

I find this astute richness in Laodicea interesting, especially when viewing a Bible map. It can be plainly seen that all seven churches were close in proximately. You would think this Laodicean church was outside of Roman rule, where religious freedom might have reigned.  It is a shock to know the Laodicean church lived next door to the persecuted church; approximately 40 miles southwest of the hurting believers in Philadelphia. 

 

Smyrna was a Mediterranean port city so you can rightly assume wealth existed there.  It is called Izmir today and it is still very wealthy as a large harbor city. However, the Smyrna church of Revelation represented the poorest of believers, being impoverished; 2:9.

 

The churches, no matter the local, that were unwavering held members who were poor, suffering and dying for the Gospel.  The persecuted churches could never fit into rich, snobbish society.  Thank goodness!

 

The Laodicean church was rich and influential. Obviously, because it was not a threat to the surrounding unsaved.  They must have kept their mouths shut when it came to religion.  They probably followed the popular motto of never bringing up touchy subjects.

 

Christ is blunt and forthright in verse 17 and lets this fellowship know they are totally depraved and deprived.  Without Christ reigning in their lives, life is not worth living.  They are thriving on that which is passing away and brings no glory to their Savior.

 

These believers may have possessed all the enviable products of the world, placed in fancy displayed homes on Main Street; but they were wretched, miserable, cold, blind and naked.  By today’s standards, their assembly might resemble a fifth Avenue New York church of enviable prestige—being the place to be on Sunday in the world’s vain religious eyes of uppity society. But not in Christ’s!  You can well bet this dignified Laodicean church rarely engaged in street preaching and door to door witnessing.

 

It is easy not be persecuted if you blend in. I was reading an insightful article today.  It stated that the apostles did not seek permission to preach Christ everywhere.  They had the ultimate permission from God Almighty. Christian evangelism is our right and mandate no matter the governing laws.  Of course, wisdom in evangelism is essential; folly is unacceptable.  Drawing a crowd to show off preaching skills is not what pleases Christ.  The sincere heart of a man who preaches Christ simply to win souls is wise.    

 

In verse 18, Christ teaches this off-the-track church that blending in with culture is vain and they need to buy from Him gold refined by fire so they can become spiritually rich.  They need to submit to His discipline, thus becoming righteous, pure, and holy so they can walk in white (purified) garments with Him.  Hebrews 12 teaches believers to submit to the discipline of God.  When this passage speaks of God’s spanking discipline it means scourging.  It is the same word that is used for when Christ was scourged with a whip before His crucifixion—PAIDEUO.  God is our heavenly father and as such disciplines us perfectly. If we submit to His fatherly corrective discipline, it will result in spiritual growth and purified perfection. Purified perfection should be our desire no matter the pain that it may involve to arrive.

 

Continuing further in verse 18, we come to the subject of ophthalmology. The people in this church were experiencing flawed vision that no optometrist-prescribed corrective lenses could resolve. They required the spiritual prescription Christ was advising, that being the truths of His Word applied. This would permit them to achieve the perfect spiritual vision of discernment.

 

Verse 20 represents Christ outstretched hand reaching out to them so they can experience the best. He loved them and wanted them to receive His love. He was knocking on this church’s door so they would let Him in.  He wanted to fellowship with every believer associated with the Laodicean church.  He had been calling out to them, but they never listened because they were having so much fun in the Mediterranean sun.  Now, He wants to be taken seriously so they dine or fellowship with Him personally.  He wants them to own all the heavenly glories awaiting by casting aside society’s allurements. 

 

The LORD calls out and reaches out to every believer for greater fellowship and commitment. Are you listening?  Am I listening?  He loves us and is beckoning to us.  As our Father, He does not want to have to spank us.

 

Verse 21 is a promise of seated kingly glory next to Christ on His throne.  However, there is an “if clause” attached to this whole letter. It can only occur if this church changes its ways and transforms itself into the church of the over-comers.   

 

Verse 22 is what has been repeated by Christ throughout the section to the churches.  Every church has now been warned, in their last notation, to take heed to all that has been revealed.

 

Every church in America needs to take heed to the warnings in the church section of Revelation. They apply to every Bible-believing assembly that is in existence today. 

 

Most fellowships are missing the mark of the calling to total dedication. Christ is watching and waiting. He is longsuffering but only to a point.  He foretold that the church would become completely apostate, as it is easier to be lukewarm and blend in with all. It is harder to be on fire for Him and His inerrant Word and stand mostly alone.  The majority of churches today do not take His Word seriously, down to every jot and tittle and many false teachers are dismantling it so believers can justify doing their own thing.  Many false teachers are proclaiming Christ will never discipline the believer so do not worry about your lifestyle. 

 

Let us always hear what Christ says to the churches.

Chapter 4 

                                           

Chapter 3, ended the church age—the church now goes off the air.  We no longer read the word “church,” until the end of Revelation, when John is to report his vision to the churches.  As in the Old Testament, the focus was on Israel, so it is throughout the rest of Revelation.  We suffer with God’s chosen nation as we travel on in Revelation, in her persecution—anti-Semitism. And we rejoice when she is delivered, exalted and glorified. 

 

Verse 1 opens this chapter with John having a heavenly experience.  He looks upward in this vision and spies an open door to paradise and a voice, like the sound of a trumpet, heralding him, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.”

 

John was in the Spirit, taking part in this setting, while imprisoned on the island of Patmos for his unrelenting faith and its proclamation.  He experienced this vision through the power of the Holy Spirit, not in participation with his body—he never departed from his prison confinement to witness what is to come.  

 

John entered that opened door to stand in heaven where God is enthroned in all glory and majesty.  John is brought face to face with God upon His summoning.  He sees his LORD in all glorious splendor, appearing as a jasper stone (opaque, crypto crystalline variety of quartz, usually red) and a sardius stone (ruby). God is all radiant in beauty and His breathtaking appearance is pronounced more with a “rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.” 

 

What an awe-inspiring happening that takes one’s breathe away.  No presentation before a king for queen could ever match this! Nothing on this cursed earth could ever compete with the splendor of heaven untouched by cursed sin.

 

 

In verse 4, we are introduced to twenty-four elders, who are seated around our enthroned LORD.  They are in white garments, representing holiness, and are capped with golden crowns to divulge their station of exaltation.

 

You may inquire who are these godly elders who have the privilege of being seated around God.

 

Well, I will tell you what I believe.  If you turn to Matthew chapter 19, verse 27, you will read that Peter wanted to know what was being offered to him and the other Jewish disciples who had left everything to follow Christ. The LORD educates the disciples to their assigned roles in heaven as we read in the following verse. They will be provided with their own thrones on which they will judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Because Judas was removed from his position as one of the twelve, the Apostle Paul resumed his post.

 

If you turn to Revelation 21:14, you will read of a another prestigious recognition of the Jewish apostles as their names will be on the twelve foundation stones of the New Jerusalem that will descend from heaven in the brilliance of precious gems.  Due to these verses, I believe twelve of the twenty-four elders will be the twelve apostles.  The Jewish apostles are the only men who are exalted on the heavenly Jerusalem walls by name that we see in Scripture.

 

You may ask, “Did not John see himself seated with the twelve apostles?”  I would have to say, “Yes.”  Of course, he may not have recognized himself in his future condition, being in his incorruptible glorification.  Because Christ told him he would be seated on his own throne in heaven, he may have thought about it or even knew which of the twelve seated was himself.  I have to admit this part is a guessing game for us.

 

You might also raise the question, “Did he see me?”  It is possible. This is after the church age, which opens the door to the tribulation period. Our God’s transit ways of traveling through all ages is mind-boggling.  How can we even begin to comprehend?

 

I believe the other twelve will be representatives from Israel’s twelve tribes.  If you look at Revelation 21:12, two verses previous, you will read that there will be twelve gates which have the names of the twelve tribes. Therefore, I believe twelve Old Testament saints represent each tribe of Israel as elders. I believe you can locate all these outstanding men in the Old Testament and a great deal of them will be the prophets—presumably, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, etc. I believe Abraham and Moses will be amongst them too. This is simply my opinion from studying scripture.

 

The Jews are God’s first chosen, so it should not surprise us that some of them will be the loftiest souls surrounding God’s throne in heaven.  They are those who rule under Christ.

 

You may ask here, “Where does that leave us, Gentiles?” Gentiles will have a place of authority as well. I Corinthians 6:1-11 informs us, we will judge angels and the world and that is why our churches are to the courts of law for believers. I Corinthians, chapters 5-6, speak in regard to us judging believers and that we are to do so; but of course, never in an unbiblical physically-destructive manner.  We learn here that we are to exercise our Biblical wisdom so we do not associate with so-called believers who are immoral, covetous, idolaters, revilers, drunkards or swindlers. We are not even to eat with these people who call themselves Christians and attempt to come into our churches. Romans 16:17-18, 2 Peter, Jude, etc; also command that we have nothing to do with so-called believers who do not hold to Biblical teaching and who teach contrary to Scripture. They persuade believers not to take the Word seriously through their flattering speech.  Being on guard is part of the believers’ walk.  This is why we must study the Bible to show ourselves approved unto God so we are never seduced into falsehood.   

 

Reuniting with Revelation chapter 4, in verse 5, we see the omnipotence of God displayed in unchallengeable authority.  No one rules over the Godhead or in place of. His will is revealed throughout the whole earth.  The whole Word of God displays the fact that nothing can thwart His will and ways.  Isaiah chapter 40 is one chapter that explains that no king or authority is placed in leadership on this earth outside of God’s orchestration and He dethrones any ruler by desire.  

 

Around God’s throne are flashes of lightening, and pounding thunder!  This reveals the fact that our holy, innocent, pure Savior is to be feared, praised, honored and obeyed.  Job 38:25, teaches us that it is God who fashions lightening and determines where a thunderbolt lands.  Reading the complete chapter of Job 38 as well as 39, provides great insight into God’s total global control over His creation. Job 40:9 inquires of us who can “thunder with a voice like His?” Psalm 29:3-9 teaches us that His voice is upon the waters; the “God of glory thunders.” His voice is “powerful” and “majestic” and His voice “breaks the cedars.” His voice “hews out flames of fire” and He “shakes the wilderness.”  He makes the “deer to calve” and “strips the forests bare.”

 

In Daniel 7:9-10, we view Daniel coming face to face with the throne of God—His lofty seat “ablaze with flames.”  Here thousands upon thousands constantly attend Him and are attending Him now in heights above, billions and billions of years away in distances, beyond all galaxies.  His heaven is above all heavens and no man can comprehend or view all that exists beyond the broadest degree of countless years that stretch far beyond our minute earth.  Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Paul also had encounters with heaven’s majesty.

 

We also cannot begin to activate our mind to imagine the royal power that emerges forth from God’s hand—His scepter. Touring London, facing the history of regality and the present presence of monarchial rule, gave me insights concerning the history of the kings of Israel and what respect and fear for enthroned authority entails. 

 

This same fear of a regent is what we need to comprehend and grasp when it comes to our Sovereign King—though our subjection to God, is on a far greater and reaching scale—He is the Creator and sustainer of all.

 

What we witness here in Daniel, is the judgment throne period, which we will behold ourselves in the future.  The unsaved will come face to face with the fact that they failed completely in honoring their enthroned God, who reveals His commands in His Word. He rules over the heavens and the earth and abhors every disobedient action.  This is why we are commanded to fear and tremble before our LORD, working out our salvation; Philippians 2:12. Moreover, we must share the Gospel that the wayward might be rescued from the eternal wrath of fire to come; Jude 23.  They relentlessly dig their own graves as they live day by day apart from the Savior.  We dwell amidst a universal graveyard.

 

Verse 5 of Revelation chapter 4, is full of the truths that surround our enthroned God.  He has seven lamps burning before Him, which are actually seven spirits or angels.  We read of these angels in the previous chapters of Revelation as they were assigned to the seven churches; 1:20.  They are represented as lamps as they are full of the brightness of God’s holiness that five of the seven churches fell short of and were to be judged accordingly if they did not repent. 

 

Someday, us true believers will be like Christ in holy purity, as we will shed these bodies of sin; Romans 6:5-6.  We will never be tempted to disobey our holy LORD again.

 

You may recall that we witnessed Christ exalted in all fearful glory in chapter 1, verses 12-16, whereby a sharp two-edged sword extended from His mouth and His voice was like the sound of many waters.  John fell like a dead man before this awesome scene.  God’s throne area is gorgeous and fearful beyond comprehension. 

 

We view in verse 6, returning to chapter 4, something resembling a sea of glass in the center and surrounding the seat of all omnipotence.  This adds to the luminosity of our King of majesty, reigning above every subjected and formed thing. 

 

The book of Esther provides insight into the respected area of a king, though all minuscule in comparison to God’s hallowed dwelling.  We read in Esther chapter 4 that she, even as queen, could lose her life by coming near the imperial area of the king without permission.  We read in chapter 1 of Esther of the riches and brilliance of the king’s citadel—the gold, silver, mosaic pavement of precious stones, artistic hangings, etc.  We see throughout Esther that the palace area was exquisite, reaching far beyond the normal splendor that represented wealth in that period. Who can even phantom the glorious splendor of holy heaven when we all have been subjected to a sin-filled cursed earth?  

 

We see also in verses 6-7 of Revelation chapter 4, creatures full of eyes in front and behind.  These eyes can certainly be representative of the fact that God sees and hears all, that nothing escapes His notice—Proverbs 15:3 and 2 Chronicles 16:9.  He writes every action and thought of every person down in His book.  That is why Christ stated, “that every careless word people speak, they will give an accounting of in the day of judgment.”  Certainly, this statement should place obedient fear in my heart and yours so we strive to bring Him constant glory through our thoughts, words, and actions.

 

The first of these creatures is like a lion, the second a calf, and the third like a man, and the forth like a flying eagle—a flying eagle in Revelation 8:13, will verbally speak of the woes falling on dwellers of the earth that will arise by the hand of Christ as he soars through the atmosphere.

 

These creatures are all representative of the attributes of Christ, He being a devouring and fearless “lion” of judgment and condemnation.  He too is like a “calf,” who moved meek and lowly upon the earth as a “man” to serve others. As an “eagle” Christ’s eyes of omniscience roam and monitor all. Moreover, He is tenacious in His dealings and strong and resourceful in fulfilling His will.  All the attributes displayed in these creatures are disclosed throughout God’s Word concerning His multifaceted character.

 

These six-winged beings, full of eyes, never stop repeating this praise to God, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”  Christ is coming again onto the earth just as He left—this time, to rule as King of all; Acts 1:9-11, Revelation 19:11-20:6, etc.

 

God lives forever and ever and these creatures never stop acknowledging His glory and honor in eternal thanksgiving.

 

These beings are also exposed in Ezekiel chapter 1, providing additional insight into their complexity and appearance. Ezekiel too had an encounter with Christ and His heavenly frightening presence. His penned account is very similar to John’s, and Ezekiel also fell on his face before the omnipotent appearance of God-man. 

 

We have been peering through our imagination’s eye as we have traveled through this chapter trying to grasp the displayed, and we close it viewing the 24 elders falling down before our LORD. They too, add to the worship of the creatures by lauding the Godhead with glory, honor and power for the fact He created all things and by Him they existed. Colossians 1, verses 15-18, magnifies God the Son as the Creator of all.  This reveals to us that there is no question concerning Christ being God, part of the Trinity Godhead.  Revelation makes it totally apparent as well that Christ is magnified God.     

 

 

Revelation Chapter 5

 

Photo clip by photo clip is how we continue to tread into Revelation. John is relaying his astonishing heavenly vision systematically, which commenced with the previous chapter.  We enter this section, chapter 5, with John telling us he saw a book written inside and on the back—interesting, don’t you think?  It was in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.  I believe this to be God the Father. We know following Christ’s ascension that He sat to His Father’s right; Mark 16:19.

 

You may inquire, what is this book he wants me to know about?  Well, I will tell you what I think.  If you turn back in your Bible to Daniel 12:4, you will read Daniel was commanded by God to seal up the book that held the concluding prophesies that the LORD set before him in visions—visions similar to John’s. I believe this is that book.  It was to be sealed and to be unsealed when the time of last day fulfillment was to arrive—the days previous to the unleashing of the tribulation period.

 

We also see in this verse in Daniel that one of the signs regarding the last days will be the abundance of travel.  My…hasn’t that come to pass?

 

In verse 2, back in Revelation chapter 5, we observe a strong angel (we know from the Word that angles are all male, have differing appearances, assignments, and obviously strengths) seeking to locate, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?”  He is asking in a very loud, very intense voice, so all will hear.  It is a very concerning thing that we are beholding here in this segment of this flight into the future.

 

As we attempt to grasp exactly all John is viewing in this heavenly scene, we notice no one is found worthy to open the book.  Though the angel’s resounding voice penetrated throughout heaven, no one is stepping forward.

 

Now, we need turn and look toward John.  To our dismay, we see this appointed apostle is weeping greatly.  He obviously knows the importance of having the book unsealed.  He may have known this to be Daniel’s writings (my assessment) that needed to come to pass. (Placing the prophesies of Daniel beside Revelation gives us a clearer photo of all that will unfold in the ghastly final days.)

 

Encouragement arrives on the scene for us in verse 5 as we witness John being told that he need no longer lament as Christ, the Lion of Judah, the root of David, is the One appointed to open the book of revealed prophesies. 

 

The words here are entirely significant as this reveals that Jesus, born of the tribe of Judah, is the root of David.  This fulfills all the prophecies concerning the line of David ruling on the throne in Jerusalem over the Jews.  The Messiah is the ultimate King in this line.  Matthew 1:1-17 displays Joseph’s genealogy, Christ’s adoptive ancestral right to the Davidic throne.  Mary’s line is provided in Luke chapter 3, which traces her ancestry back to Nathan, David’s son.  Nathan was not of the line of Solomon.  Solomon’s line eventually begot King Jeconiah. God revealed in Jeremiah 22:30 and 36:30 that none of Jeconiah’s (AKA Coniah and Jehoiachin) descendants would successfully reign on the throne of David.

 

Zerubbabel was Jeconiah’s grandson (Mathew 1:12), but he never sat on the throne as king when the Jews returned to Israel from the chastening captivities placed on them by God when they desired to be styling with surrounding culture and society.  Zerubbabel did rule as governor and oversaw the rebuilding of the temple as recorded in Ezra and Zechariah 4:6f. Nevertheless, God being gracious, did state of Zerubbabel in Haggai 2:21-23, that during the millennial period Zerubbabel would be like a signet ring, for God had chosen him.  Kings wore signet rings for legalizing documents.  The ring’s insignia was set in a small mound of soft wax or clay, which solidified. The document’s addressee could only break this royal embossment.  This teaches us Zerubbabel will have exalted rexis power on the earth during the millennial reign of Christ.

 

Christ has right to Jerusalem’s throne through David, and of course, as God Almighty!  He being of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, will rule as God over the world from His throne. Much of the nativity story deals with Christ’s legal prophetic right to the throne. When the angel appeared to Mary in Luke 1:30-33, the angel spoke in millennial terms, never referencing the church age.  Of course, Mary was a Jew, therefore the angel Gabriel spoke of all the millennial promises that would be fulfilled by her Seed.  In Luke 1:32, she was told God, who would be formed within, would someday reign as Messiah on His throne of David, as a Jew and as LORD.  This pre-info, powerfully proclaimed, procured He will reign over her people, the Jews (Jacob’s line), forever and His kingdom will have no end.  Every believing Jew awaited the Messiah’s reign—prophesied throughout the Old Testament.  Mary anticipated as a Jewess, the promises of the reigning Messiah. She was told this would come to pass through her.  She was God’s chosen, pure (but not sinless) instrument. God speaks in timeless ways as a thousand years are as one day to Him. None of the millennial prophesies set before Mary would come to pass till centuries following her entering into paradise.  Christ’s perfection of supremacy rule on the earth is what believers still await. 

 

A Few References:

(Revelation 2:26  And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27: And He shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.Israel) brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…

Revelation 12:5  And she (

Revelation 19:15  And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16: And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

 

Micah 4:1  But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2: And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 3: And He shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more…7: And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever..Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. 12: And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth…16: And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17: And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. 18: And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. 19: This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Zechariah 14:9  And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and His name one…11: And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but

 

Psalms 47:2  For the LORD most high is terrible; He is a great King over all the earth. 3: He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.)

 

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In Revelation 5:6, we see Christ the lamb standing as if slain.  This sad truth, in heavenly vision form, is to remind us that Christ died for our sins as the only one worthy—as the sinless Lamb of God. 

 

We are to take communion often in remembrance of this.  1 Corinthians 11:26 speaks of communion being consumed often (“As often as you eat”) and, of course, the apostles exampled this. We observe in Acts 2:46 that believers partook in the breaking of bread— doing so as they went from house to house. 

 

1 Corinthians 11:20 speaks in regard to the church engaging in a pre-communion meal, addressed as the “Lord’s Supper.” It is also designated as a “love feast” in Jude 12.

 

In warning of communion, if we take it unworthily, our lives can be snuffed out as 1 Corinthians 11:28-31 renders.  This is a form of church discipline performed by God Almighty. Whereby, He allows believers to become ill and eventually die if they do not repent of undisclosed, scripturally disobedient undertakings.  The church too is to discipline Biblically, but leadership is not always aware of all the sin present in a congregation and this implements a safeguard.  Our mighty God knows all the facts and can judge without any misguidance. 

 

We read also in Revelation 5:6; of the seven spirits.  Remember, they oversaw the churches and pronounced judgment upon those fellowships that allowed in its doors acts of Biblical disrespect. Christ was going to discipline those churches that fell short of submission in various areas of scriptural nonconformance.  Here, we witness these angels being sent into all the earth.

 

In verses 7-8, one of the elders (I believe the 24 elders are the Jewish chosen ones of God. They are made up of twelve Old Testament saints secured from the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles, including John, who are elevated in heaven; Revelation 21:12-14.) is taking the book out of the Father’s hand and is handing it to the Son of God.

 

Subsequently, the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fall before the Lamb…what a holy sight to behold.  Each is holding a harp. This is the only played instrument implemented for singing that we witness in heaven—it being a medium that transmits pure and lovely tones.  We are commanded to dwell an all that is lovely, pure, honorable…all that is above reproach—Philippians 4:8.  This includes compositions listened to and sung. 

 

These elders and angels are also holding bowls of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.  It is interesting that believers’ intercessions are represented by sweet smelling incense.  Praying according to scriptural truths is entreating in the will of the Lord and we see these supplications are very precious and delightfully fragrant to God.

 

Next in presentation in this moving scene, are the elders singing praise to Christ the Lamb, the only One worthy to break the seals of the book.  It was only He who shed His blood for the sins of mankind, so that mankind everywhere in the world might be saved who call upon Him.

 

The other Sunday we sung this hymn for communion which is so apropos for this time and for this lesson:

 

The tune can be heard here:   http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btcjesus.htm

 

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

 

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.

O safe and happy shelter, O refuge tried and sweet,
O trysting place where Heaven’s love and Heaven’s justice meet!
As to the holy patriarch that wondrous dream was given,
So seems my Savior’s cross to me, a ladder up to heaven.

There lies beneath its shadow but on the further side
The darkness of an awful grave that gapes both deep and wide
And there between us stands the cross two arms outstretched to save
A watchman set to guard the way from that eternal grave.

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess;
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by to know no gain or loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

We behold, as we glimpse more intently into this heavenly panorama, that every person from every tribe and tongue will be represented as benefactors of Christ’s shed blood. Therefore, He is worthy to bring judgment upon all who have rejected him.  When the actual seals are broken in time future, His judgment will be cast and all evil will receive His avenging anger and wrath unleashed in incomprehensible omnipotence never eye has witnessed before on this sinful cursed earth.

 

Examining verse 10, we grasp hold of the fact that God’s promises are to us, true believers, who will be a kingdom of priests to God and we will reign on the earth with Christ during the blessed millennial period.

 

Verse 11 ensues us to casts our eyes upon countless angels before the throne of God who are giving praise to Christ with their voices. They sing that familiar hymn, Worthy is the Lamb that was Slain, with delightful, magnified voices untarnished by sin.  (I hope your church sings this hymn of awarding praise for God’s sacrificial death.)

 

Every created thing in the heaven, earth, and under the earth, and on the sea and all things in them repeat the same; verse 13.  Job 12:7-9 teaches us that animals do not question God and His mighty works.  This creature-praise should not surprise us.

 

The total worship scene here is completely awesome—the glorification of Christ—our slain Lamb.  This is one example set before us of bowing down before God in all reverential fear and adoration.  We must understand our humbled state before Almighty God.  There is no room for pride and self-elevation, only knees collapsing. 

 

Revelation Chapter 6 

 

In chapter 5, we witnessed a need arise. A sealed book had to be opened and no one seemed qualified for the task. This penned eschatological work, when opened, would unleash holocaustic terrors upon the whole earth, never witnessed before.  We know at the end of the book of Daniel, that Daniel was commanded to seal up his recorded account of the last days, which I believe to be this sealed book. 

 

We finally witnessed, the only qualified person coming forth—Christ, our slain Lamb.  We concluded chapter 5 with the angels and elders awarding praise to Christ who died that men might be saved.  What tremendous accolades to the One deserving! 

 

In verse 1 of chapter 6, we witness our slain Lamb breaking one of the seals. At this juncture, the first of the angels (of four living creatures) says, “Come.”  This thunderous angel is commanding a white horse (representing purity) with rider holding a bow, to come forward; verse 2. This angelic mount is presented with a crown, which proclaims exalted authority—his authority to conquer in Christ’s pure righteousness.

 

In verse 3, we observe our omnipotent Christ, the worthy One, breaking the second seal. Whereby, the second living angel commands “Come.” A red horse looms forward, representing avenging blood. One of the Biblical names for our God is terror and this name is apropos to Revelation.  This riding angel will take peace from the earth with his great sword, the peace we presently experience.  Our world still grasps some peace, even in its depraved state.  We do not see masses of people killing one another.  I do not look out my window and witness by neighbors shooting one another. My neighborhood is most always peaceful.  We still have some law and order that prevents continuous mass murdering. Yes, we have murders and other crimes that plague our globe, but nothing at all similar to when all peace is completely abolished.  We are grateful that we can now relish some peace on earth.

 

We do know in the last days evil will increase as satan’s power will increase and we do witness the criminal aspect unchecked as never before.  Good is definitely called evil and visa versa, which was not the case in previous centuries. Murder ensued the death penalty without question in most cases.  The majority of people were imprisoned for unlawfully transgressing others.

 

We witness in this apocalyptic setting, men slaying one another, as permitted by God.  Without God’s constant intervening omnipotence, this globe would be a far cry from its current state of affairs. As we view this approaching horrific prophetic episode, we see how much we have to be appreciative for even amidst a very sinful generation. Christ addressed mankind, as being an adulterous and sinful generation; Mark 3:38.  His judgment must finally fall on the earth as things have not changed; they are continually worsening.  This world’s fallen state will result in a murderous sword encompassing it, held within the hand of Christ the Judge.

 

Yes, we still have more seals of judgment to witness— remember, there are seven seals.  The third seal is broken my Christ in verse 5.  Another angel commands another horse and rider to “Come.”  This horse is black and its horseman is holding a pair of scales—scales to weigh.  There will be little food to weigh during this time of famine when men experience the justice of God’s frightful hand—a frightful hand that does not encompass tolerance. 

 

In verse 6, we see a denarius used as money accounting, which = a day’s wages. A denarius could buy a quart of wheat or three quarts of barley…not much to feed, house and clothe a family.  The prices are outrageous, we would appallingly state.  We see the angel, out of God’s grace, not being allowed to damage the oil or wine.  These preserved supplies will be protected out of God’s kind love.

 

A fourth seal is unleashed in verse 7 as the command to “Come” arises once again.  Here we have an ashen (pale) horse bearing a rider whose name is “Death and Hades.”  This is the last of the four living creatures to cast woes upon the earth.

 

Hades is a holding tank for the condemned dead who will someday be placed in the Lake of Fire. Not until the white throne judgment, Revelation chapter 20, will anyone be cast to this fate.  We do know Hades is a very hot place, as is hell, through the story of the rich man and Lazarus; Luke chapter 16. This “Death and Hades” rider will be provided with authority to kill a fourth of the earth with sword, famine, sickness and wild beasts in time advancing.  When these wild beasts strike, they will extinguish all animal rights groups.  Everyone will be walking in trepidation, watching for wild beasts out of the corner of their eye.

 

This will be a trying time for the human race when these four plaguing woes beset a fourth of our globe.  It will be a sad time for the rebellious who have rejected Christ, when the death bell tolls these grievous judgments.

 

There will be little or no food to nourish, and sickness resulting in death will be present everywhere.  The call of the wild will be knocking at the door—animals and those who want to mass murder.  This section of Scripture reminds me of the dreadful perils that were present on the Oregon Trail. However, this arriving revelational period will surpass those road hazards in untold unimaginable levels.

 

We now arrive at the fifth seal which presents a different photo of what we have previously witnessed.  We see no horse and rider beckoning.  What we do witness in this portrayed footage is souls—the embodiment of the persecuted church. This is an interlude period that refrains from earthly woes; verse 10. 

 

These believers who held the faith unto death, lie beneath the alter.  They have been sacrificed for their faith in Christ.  In the Old Testament, alters were erected for blood sacrifices for sin atonement. There is also an alter placed in heaven to remind us of Christ’s crucifixion.

 

We do not know how many sacrificed individuals are represented, but it would not surprise me if a million souls rest beneath the alter.  These faithful believers desire revenge and are awaiting judgment on the unsaved.  They want blood revenge as we see in verse 10. In 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 we read of God’s promises of affliction—repayment placed upon those who persecute believers. This will be fulfilled in the last days as verse 7 states “when Christ is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,” he will deal out retribution on the unsaved.  Of course, we know many persecutors have come to Christ and are still coming to Him, out of His charity.  We must witness to those who hate us, remembering we are were simply saved by grace.

 

Verse 10 addresses Christ refraining from judgment even though the martyrs are begging for it.  God is longsuffering that all might be saved. We see there is a certain number of destined martyrs, and that accounting must be fulfilled before judgment. In Romans 11:25-26, we read of the “fullness of the Gentiles.”  Here also there is a number set before God, this dealing with Gentile salvation. During this church dispensation, God has predestined a number of Gentiles to be saved.  Subsequently, when this number is completed, then the focus will return to the Jewish nation and their complete salvation. 

  

Returning to Revelation, we see God loves these faithful tortured ones who never compromised to save their own hides.  As a result, He presents each of them with a white robe for their faith of obedience that led to their frightful deaths.

 

It is now time for the sixth seal unveiling, which arrives in a quake, an earthquake; verse 12.  No horse and rider arrive for this sealed judgment as there were only four assigned to the seven seal breakings.  The earthquake is accompanied by darkness that covers the sun like a thick black feed sack—called sackcloth. Sackcloth was a rough material used in sacking goods. It was made from goat or camel hair.  A burlap sack serves the same purpose today. 

 

We also witness the moon becoming like blood and the stars falling from the sky to the earth. A rhythmic picture is presented, ending verse 13—“as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.” It is set before us to reveal that the whole earth will suffer shaking deadly turmoil at this time.

It is hard to imagine planets falling and landing on the earth and the bloodshed which will ensue from their crushing, burning destruction.  In 8:10, we see a great star falling from heaven and it was burning like a torch. I assume these stars in 6:13 will begin to burn also when they enter earth’s upper atmosphere as do meteors.  

Meteors become heated by friction and are set afire by the Earth’s oxygen mantel. There is such an onslaught to the earth’s atmosphere that the available oxygen in places is completely consumed. Heated gas in the comet’s tail form petrol chemicals, which when falling through the atmosphere burst into flame, a sheet of flame falling to Earth.

Christ quoted the same catastrophes that are listed here in Matthew 24:29 when he preached on the tribulation. 

 

Picturing the heavens splitting “like a scroll, when it is rolled up,” seems to defy my intellect.  It appears the clouds and blue sky will simply disappear before men’s eyes; verse 14.

 

Joel 2:31-32 also describes this and we know it is this period as it states “the great and awesome day of the LORD” which always refers to end time prophesies. Joel refers to the wonders of the sky and earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke; the sun turning to darkness, and the moon into blood.  This text teaches us that there will be those who escape who live in Jerusalem, “the survivors whom the LORD calls.”

 

As we read further we see every mountain and island, not just some, will be moved out of their places.  Wow, this far surpasses any earthquake or tsunami.

 

The result appears in verse 15, where kings, great men, commanders, rich and strong, slaves and freemen will hide themselves in caves and rocks.  All of mankind will be living in terror of God! Yes, they all know this is the wrath of Christ as they command the mountain and rocks to fall on them so they can be hid from the presence of Christ the Lamb; verse 16. There will be no professing atheists during this time!!

 

Now, man makes a great statement, “the great day of their wrath has come, who is able to stand;” verse 17. When I read these words, I could not help but think of the lyrics to Handel’s Messiah, which covers a great deal of the apocalypse. This musical masterpiece comprises only Scripture.  Alan and I enjoy listening to Messiah throughout the year as it encompasses Christ’s outlined life, including what is to come.

 

From Handel’s Messiah: “But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire. And He shall Purify;” Malachi 3:2.

 

What powerful words to end this chapter.  Christ will purify the earth like a refiner’s fire.  How we look forward to the time when all evil will cease—every unrighteous, unholy and unchaste way. 

 

This chapter instructs us to be about the Gospel that men might be saved from the wrath to come!

 

 

Revelation Chapter 7

 

The power of angels is difficult to comprehend.  Revelation and other Bible references make it clear that they are not sweet, little ladies with wings, appearing similar to fairies. As I have stated previously, there are no female angels listed in Scripture and they were created countless years before Eve, who was created by taking a rib from Adam—which I don’t believe he missed. I don’t know any man who misses this rib. ☺

 

Sinful humankind has always desired to worship women as history and present day religions example.  Female angels appeal to depraved humanity.

 

We view in verse 1, four angels and they are standing at each corner of the earth, holding back the four winds of our globe as extremely powerful beings.  Obviously, the four corners of the earth would be the rudimental points of the four winds, where their force looms forth.  Our earth has four prevailing winds and these winds will be held back through God’s selected celestial beings:

 

4 Prevailing winds — the general circulation of the atmosphere

“Prevailing winds are winds which come about as a consequence of global circulation patterns. These include the Trade Winds, the Westerlies, the Polar Easterlies, and the jet streams.

The Trade Winds are the most familiar consistent and reliable winds on the planet, exceeded in constancy only by the katabatic winds of the major ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland. It was these winds that early mariners relied upon to propel their ships from Europe to North and South America. Their name derives from the Middle High German trade, akin to Old English trod meaning “path” or “track”, and thus the phrase “the wind blows trade”, that is to say, on track.

Along the east coast of North America, friction twists the flow of the Trades even further clockwise. The result is that the Trades feed into the Westerlies, and thus provide a continuous zone of wind for ships travelling between Europe and the Americas.

The Westerlies, which can be found at the mid-latitudes beneath the Ferrel circulation cell, likewise arise from the tendency of winds to move in a curved path on a rotating planet. Together with the airflow in the Ferrel cell, poleward at ground level and tending to equatorward aloft (though not clearly defined, particularly in the winter), this predisposes the formation of eddy currents which maintain a more-or-less continuous flow of westerly air. The upper-level polar jet stream assists by providing a path of least resistance under which low pressure areas may travel.

The Polar Easterlies result from the outflow of the Polar high, a permanent body of descending cold air which makes up the poleward end of the Polar circulation cell. These winds, though persistent, are not deep. However, they are cool and strong, and can combine with warm, moist Gulf Stream air transported northward by weather systems to produce violent thunderstorms and tornadoes as far as 60°N on the North American continent.

The jet streams are rapidly moving upper-level currents. Travelling generally eastward in the tropopause, the polar jets reside at the juncture of the Ferrel cell and the Polar cell and mark the location of the polar cold front. During winter, a second jet stream forms at about the 30th parallel, at the interface of the Hadley and Ferrel cells, as a result of the contrast in temperature between tropical air and continental polar air.

The jet streams are not continuous, and fade in and out along their paths as they speed up and slow down. Though they move generally eastward, they may range significantly north and south. The polar jet stream also marks the presence of Rossby waves, long-scale (4000 – 6000 km in wavelength) harmonic waves which perpetuate around the globe.”

Our Miraculous LORD is certainly past finding out!!

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These angels, under God’s direction, must see to it that no winds blow on the earth, on the sea and not on any tree.  And we know these angels will not fail God, as God’s holy angels never question—only trust and obey.  We too are simply to trust and obey.  Now this does not mean we never ask questions, as we are very limited in our knowledge to comprehend all things.  I, on occasion, ask the Father to assist me in understanding a passage of Scripture in the name of Christ.  The Holy Spirit is always faithful to assist and inform as the One who grants enlightenment within. 

 

Another angel appears in verse 2, ascending from the rising sun.  It does not seem fire, ice or other elements effect angels.  We could never ascend from the rising sun, not being able to soar in these bodies that are earthbound. These dusty shells also hate extremely hot temperatures, and would suffer destruction if exposed to the sun’s flames.  Someday, the born again will have perfect bodies that will not be frail or subject to harm. We will no longer consist of dust.  However, God is graciously mindful that we are simply made of dust; Psalm 103:13-14.

 

This sun-ascending angel holds the seal of the living God.  It must be placed on the 144,000 male, virgin Jews by God’s decree. They are sealed as God’s chosen, righteous ones. Their numbers are 12,000 X 12,000—12,000 from every tribe of Israel which = 144,000.  Even though the Jews have intermarried with other Jewish tribes (every tribe descended from one of Jacob’s twelve sons; Genesis chapter 49) and Gentile peoples throughout the centuries, God is making sure there will be those who can be distinguished by their tribe. Remember also, Revelation 21:12-14 teaches that the twelve gates of the new city of Jerusalem will display the names of all twelve Jewish tribes. The twelve foundation stones of this unsurpassed, magnificent, suspended city will have the names of the twelve Jewish apostles.  

 

We see the names of the twelve tribes listed in verses 5-8; though, for some reason, Dan is not listed. Perhaps it is included with another tribe.

It is clear, by verse 4, that they will encompass all twelve tribes.

 

This special unit of God’s army of righteousness is also spoken of in Ezekiel chapter 9.  Here, Ezekiel makes it clear that everyone in Jerusalem will be murdered except for the 144,000 male virgin Jews taken from each tribe. Everyone dies excluding those with the mark or seal—the 144,000. The 144,000 are secured because they “sigh and groan over all the abominations” which are in the city of Jerusalem.  They will hate all the sin displayed in the holy city and will mourn over it, resulting in the protective sealing by God—which is the name of the Lamb and His Father; Revelation 14:1.  They will not compromise in any way, shape or form.  (I recently saw an ad for the Marines, which stated they do not compromise.)  This is something the church should be able to proclaim also; but unfortunately, never can.

 

All those without “The Mark” die in Jerusalem in the tribulation. This includes men, women, children and the elderly. Though the Ezekiel text does not specifically state 144,000; we know it refers to them as no other Jewish male group in Scripture is so distinguished with this godly mark on their foreheads; Ezekiel 9:4 and Revelation 7:3.

 

These holy Jews are also spoken of in chapter 14 of Revelation, as these men will stand with Christ on Mount Zion, which is Jerusalem, AKA the temple area.  This will be where the new temple will be built and where Solomon’s temple stood and Zerubbabel’s.  King Herod’s temple, that we view in the New Testament, is Zerubbabel’s Temple holding all the glorification Herod erected in an attempt to bring Zerubbabel’s Temple to the standard of Solomon’s Temple.  However, it never achieved Solomon’s total grandeur. Still, it was very impressive, as we note by the disciples acclaim in Luke 21:5-6.  We note here that Christ was totally unimpressed.  God is never impressed by the work of man’s hands, which will someday all be dismantled when this earth is destroyed.

Herod’s Temple:

“Solomon’s Temple was an artistic structure of the highest conception. In its commanding position on the mount, in the pleasing effect of its white stone ornamented with cedar-wood, and in its symmetrical proportions it surpassed Herod’s Temple, though the latter exceeded the former in mere magnificence. Herod’s Temple was the most beautiful building in the world designed by one of the most infamous men in the world.

It was constructed entirely of polished granite interspersed with dark-colored marble, with beveled edges, set in plaster. Herod even proposed to fill up the edges with gold; but the Rabbis advised him to abstain from doing so, as the white plaster combined with the granite and marble gave the Temple the appearance of waves of the sea” (Suk. 57b). Thus it is evident that Herod was somewhat gaudy in his taste and that his Temple was less artistic in design and coloring than that of Solomon.”

The Two Temples Compared.

The sacredness of Solomon’s Temple was greater than that of Herod’s, as the latter lacked five important accessories: (1) the Ark and the “kapporet” (mercy-seat, cherubim), (2) the divine fire, (3) the Shekinah, (4) the Holy Spirit, and (5) Urim and Thummim (Yoma 21b). It lacked also the pot of manna and Aaron’s staff alongside the Ark, the jar of holy oil, and the coffer with jewels of gold presented by the Philistines as a trespass-offering on returning the Ark (I Sam. vi. 8). King Josiah, anticipating the fall of the Temple, concealed these sacred objects (Yer. Sheḳ. vi. 1). Evidently they were hidden in the subterranean passage under the Temple, where, it is claimed, were buried also, as soon as the Temple was finished, all the parts of the Tabernacle (Soṭah 9a). In the Second Temple two curtains, instead of the cedar-wood partition of the First Temple, separated the Hekal from the Holy of Holies. The First Temple was destroyed on account of three sins, namely, bloodshed, immorality, and idolatry. Wicked Herod beautified Zerubbabel’s (the second temple) and it was destroyed.  He attempted to kill the LORD , following his birth—Herod being defiled with all vileness. 

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Christ preached in this Luke passage to warn the disciples that many will come in His name and deceive in the last days. 

 

We certainly see this today in the church where the holy Christ of the Bible has been removed and replaced with a rock and rolling christ, who loves to rock out and relishes references to television and movies. The Biblical Christ, who hates this world and the things of this world, has mostly been abolished—not to be found in most Christian circles. The church apostasy is not being extinguished and will not until Christ rules on the earth with a rod of iron.

 

The very popular Message Bible has totally changed Christ’s identity to form a false christ who is trendy and culturally acceptable.  It also removes the fact that Christ is the only begotten Son (only born) of the Father, as does the NIV version, which is heretical too. These Bibles and others delete much of the original texts to please all men. Publishers change the original penned texts in the current translations for sale purposes, not fearing God. They present a christ for Hollywood—one who doesn’t step on anyone’s toes too hard or harms anyone’s sensual agendas. You will not find the word “homosexual” in the Message translation.  Only cheap sex, abusive sex and sex without love seem to be condemned.  It is not surprising that homosexuals applaud this Message translation as being “nicely done.”

 

God states adulterers and those who engage in premarital sex will be judged. God only approves of virgins coming together in holy wedlock for a lifetime; Hebrews 13:4. Of course, we understand Christ’s gracious forgiveness and restoration (the woman at the well being a perfect example). But we cannot change God’s holy declarations that set forth His innocent heart desire that produces the greatest blessing. This is what must be taught—abstinence till marriage.

 

This Message christ is also environmentally concerned:  Romans 15:13: “Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!”

The “green hope” Hindu mantra is a popular rallying cry in the new age Mother-Earth demonic environmental movement. In NAM (New Age Movement) “green” signifies Oneness with the Earth, hence the title of William Anderson’s book, Green Man: The Archetype of Our Oneness with the Earth.

The Christ of the Bible speaks of this sinful earth passing away. He commands us to keep our mind on things above not on the things of this vile earth.  The Bible makes it clear, satan is the god of this earth.

 

This false Message translation speaks in sterile, matter of fact tones. It is void of the Spirit. The author, Eugene Peterson, is of a liberal, sin-accepting, denomination.  He takes abusive liberties with the Greek and Hebrew texts, manufacturing continuous false renderings. Changing the Scriptures, adding and subtracting, is forbidden by God; Matthew 5:18-19, Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:19.

 

This blasphemous translation is now widely used in churches as it presents a non-threatening environment and a non-threatening christ.  The church apostasy is not being extinguished, but is growing in unbelievable rates. We witness in our fellowships many church attendees who appear unwashed, not cleansed in the blood of Christ. They engulf themselves in filth during the week; walking in it as one. They walk down the road of eternal destruction, parading a religious facade.

 

Other Message examples:

 

1 Tim 1:9-10. “…realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous man, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.

The Message: “It’s obvious, isn’t it, that the law code isn’t primarily for people who live responsibly, but for the irresponsible, who defy all authority, riding roughshod over God, life, sex, truth, whatever!”

 

John 3:5. “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

The Message: “Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind hovering over the water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom.”

 

 

1 Corinthians 6:9-11:  “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived:  Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders [sodomites] nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  And that is what some of you were.  But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified…”

The Message:  “Unjust people who don’t care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it don’t qualify as citizens in God’s kingdom. A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start….”   [Emphasis added]

 

Romans 8:35-37:  “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”	The Message:  “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:”
Romans 9:27-28. And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved. For the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.	The Message: Isaiah maintained this same emphasis: If each grain of sand on the seashore were numbered and the sum labeled “Chosen of God,” they’de be numbers still, not names; salvation comes by personal selection. God doesn’t count us; he calls us by name. Arithmetic is not his focus.

You notice in the Romans 9 passage, God’s chosen nation Israel, is completely removed from the Message translation. Peterson lies and rewrites the Word of God according to his own theology passions.

 

The 144,000 Jews of Israel will not stand with the rewriting of God’s Word—changing the original language, which waters it down and erases its convicting power. These godly males will not compromise the truths of Christ in any manner! They will not follow a contemporary christ—who only exists in the mind of those who cannot accept the Biblical, separated, innocent, holy Christ.

 

Verse 9, of chapter 7, moves us to a hallowed scene, a remarkable scene, as it reveals the power of God to save to the uttermost. We observe here, the saved of the world, being of every nation, tribe, people and language. There are so many of these believers, no one can count them! My, what a mighty God we serve! Christ announced if He be lifted up, He will draw all men unto Himself; John 12:32.

 

These blessed redeemed ones, cry out with a loud voice, while holding palm branches in their hands, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb;” verse 10.  On Palm Sunday, before Easter Sunday, we remember how Christ was uplifted and adored. The inhabitants of Jerusalem proclaimed, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD, even the King of Israel,” with palm branches; John 12:12-13.

 

What occurred on Palm Sunday, a week previous to the crucifixion, was the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 being partially fulfilled.  Christ will again come into Jerusalem riding on a donkey when He is made King over the entire earth. It will be the entire globe that rejoices at this time.  It will be completely fulfilled beyond our comprehension. Praise God!

 

Returning to Revelation, we see all the angles taking part in continued worship as they surround the twenty-four elders and four living creatures; verses 11-12. They reverently fall on their faces before God, seated on His throne, and worship, saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

 

We can all fall on our knees right now and proclaim the same praise to our God and King—the only One deserving of praise and adoration. We can pray multitudes of verses as we read through His Word. Whenever we entreat with His Word, we pray His perfect will.

 

In verse 13, our attention turns to John as one of the elders approaches and speaks to him. Remember John, in this future time, will be one of these elders, as presented in a previous lesson. We locate this truth in Matthew 19:27-28. Due to this passage, I believe the apostles will represent twelve of the twenty-four elders.  In light of  Revelation 21:12, I believe the other twelve will be twelve godly Jews who lived in the Old Testament period—possibly Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Moses, etc. Yes, I know I have gone over all this; but repetition can help cement the Word in our minds.   

 

We do not know the name of the godly elder who is conversing with John. (Though someday, all things will be disclosed to believers.) This elder is asking John, who are the ones who are clothed in white robes? John respectfully replies to this elevated one, “You know.” 

 

This elder is answering John’s inquiring mind—they are the ones who came out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb—Jesus Christ.  We know blood makes things red, but Christ’s cleansing blood makes believers whiter than snow; verse 14.

 

These future tribulation martyrs will never deny Christ and will never stop preaching Him (Acts 5:40-42, Acts 4:20, 1 Corinthians 9:16; etc), no matter the opposition and they will be slain.  It will be contrary to the laws of men to be a Christian at this time, but these will sacrificially die for breaking the laws of men to spread the salvation message of Christ.  Today, many believers are perishing because they refuse to obey the laws of silence. 

 

Yes, we are to obey the laws of the land, but not when these laws forbid the spreading of the Gospel.  We cannot place our stamp of approval on any person or government that forbids the spreading of the Gospel; Acts 5:28-31. We can never say it is fine for a government to enact anti-Christian laws. Satan is the author and legislator of all such laws.

 

These godly persecuted ones will be completely worthy to walk in white as those who would not compromise.  They will serve Jesus Christ day and night in His temple and He will spread His tabernacle over them.  His holiness will engulf them. 

 

We see from Revelation that if we do not walk in compromise to God’s Word, we will be significantly blessed in heaven.  Being willing to be persecuted, produces eternal blessings overflowing.  Why walk in compromise on this earth to please sinful man and to feed your fleshly desires? This earth is passing away and also its lusts.  Is it worth it? No person can love you like God.  No person will be as faithful to you.

 

These uncompromising righteous ones who feared only God, will find total contentment and deliverance from their earthly persecuted trials that led to their termination.  They will no longer suffer from hunger, thirst or having to work under the hot sun and its heat.  Many of the persecuted today suffer as governments withhold from those who bear Christ’s name. Many suffer grave hardships, as they slave away as prisoners.

 

There is no better reward than being before the Lamb who sits in the center of the throne.  He will be their Shepherd and will guide them to springs of the water of life.  And God will wipe away their every tear. 

 

What a spectacular vibrato note to end our study on.  It will be a glory for us when we never have to shed another tear of sadness. 

 

What a grand day when we can see our slain Lamb who suffered and died for every sin we ever committed…He is holy, pure, innocent and separated from the influence of sinners.

 

 

 

I have compiled a list of the seven seals with chapters and verses to assist you: 

 

The Seven Seals, chapters 6 & 8:

 

First Seal: Conquering angel on white horse, 6:1-2.

 

Second Seal: War—men slaying one another, 6:3-4.

 

Third Seal: Inflation and famine; but oil and wine preserved, 6:5-6.

 

Fourth Seal: Death—famine, pestilence and wild beasts, 6:7-8.

 

Fifth Seal: Christ’s martyrs, 6:9-11.

 

Sixth Seal: Terror—unsaved call for the rocks to fall on them to protect them from the LAMB, 6:12-16.

 

Seventh Seal:  Silence about ½ hour and 7 trumpets are given to 7 angels; 8:1-5.

   

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Revelation chapters 1-3  http://vallee7.wordpress.com/2008/09/29/49/

Revelation Chapter 8

The book of Revelation is our personal premier of ecological phenomenons.

We were provided with great optimism as we departed from chapter 7. We learned those faithful believers who had been persecuted unto death during the tribulation, would never again suffer harm. Christ the Lamb “will be their Shepherd and will guide them to springs of the water of life and God will wipe every tear from their eyes;” Revelation 7:17.

This is also the eternal hope of believers who have been washed clean in the blood of the Lamb. Heaven is our delivery destination—here we will find freedom from all earthly turmoil and testing.

In this new chapter, the seventh seal of the seven seals is now broken. This event leaves heaven silent for a space of a half hour. This reveals the solemness set toward the destructive dramatics that will now appear before our eyes in predicted display.

Seven trumpets given to

seven angels to sound—

chapters 8,9 and 11

First Trumpet: Hail, fire, blood and 1/3 of the earth is burned, 1/3 of trees and 1/3 of grass; 8:7.

Second Trumpet: Great mountain burning with fire and thrown into sea…results in 1/3 of it becoming blood. 1/3 of the sea creatures die and 1/3 of the ships are destroyed; 8:8-9.

Third Trumpet: Star falls on 1/3 of the rivers and on springs. The star is called wormwood and many men will die from the poisonous, bitter water; 8:10-11.

Fourth Trumpet: 1/3 of the sun, moon and stars are struck and the earth is completely darkened for 4 hours during the day and 4 hours during the night; 8:12-13.

Fifth Trumpet: The angel who is the “star” (1:20 informs us that stars represent angels) is given a key by Christ to open the bottomless pit; 9:1-12. (We know the key came from Christ as 1:18 tells us as He holds the keys of death and of Hades).

Sixth Trumpet: Four angels are unbound from Euphrates River and the army from the east arrives. This military force consists of 2 hundred million horses and riders. The horses’ heads resemble ferocious lions. Fire, smoke and brimstone proceed forth from their mouths. Their serpent-like tails also bring harm. 1/3 of mankind is killed by this out-breathed fire, smoke and brimstone; 9:13-19 and Joel 2:30-31.

Seventh Trumpet: Christ’s kingdom revealed, with His eternal judgment and heaven’s temple glory; 11:15-19.

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Following the quiet interlude, seven angels receive seven trumpets. Another angel appears and is given a golden censer as he stands at the altar.

Censer: “A small portable vessel of metal fitted to receive burning coals from the altar, and on which the incense for burning was sprinkled. (2 Chronicles 26:19; Luke 1:9) The only distinct precepts regarding the use of the censer are found in (Leviticus 16:12) and in (Numbers 4:14) Solomon prepared “censers of pure gold” as part of the temple furniture. (1 Kings 7:50; 2 Chronicles 4:22)

Much incense was provided so this angel could add it to the prayers of the saints on the altar which is before the throne of God.

We can truly recognize, as we peer into heaven, how significant the tabernacle and temple were as they represented heavenly activities of service.

A censer filled with live coals was used in temple worship. A beautiful picture is set before us in verse 4, back in Revelation, as we witness this incense—representing the prayers of saints flowing up to God, issuing from the angel’s hand. See also Exodus 30:7-9, Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, Luke 1:9-10.

The altar is very symbolic in Scripture as well. We know the continuous blood from animals that flowed from the Jerusalem temple altar represented the blood the Messiah would shed for the whole world in prophesied future. All this was fulfilled two thousand years ago. From this time forward, the world has reaped the benefits of the Lamb’s chosen death. His sacrificed cleansing blood is offered today to all, that all might be saved (whosoever believes—John 3:16). However, the road is narrow that leads to heaven, as few choose to be washed clean from all filth and vileness.

In Revelation 6:9-11, the Christian martyrs were crying for revenge; wanting God’s punishment placed upon those who had slain them for their powerful, convicting testimony.

Returning to chapter 8, we survey more of the revenge of God spilling on the earth. Joel and other prophets spoke to this occasion. Joel 2:30-31 discloses tribulation facts by addressing the wonders that will come to pass—blood, fire and columns of smoke. Moreover, the sun being turned to darkness and the moon to blood. Joel and other prophets, through inspiration, rightly referred to the tribulation as “The great and awesome day of the LORD.” God’s promises of judgment will be fulfilled.

In verse 5, back in chapter 8 of Revelation, one of the angels takes the censer and fills it with the fire from the altar and throws it to the earth. Earth’s inhabitants continue to reject Christ and they are paying the consequences once again. We witness that our world will be filled with fire, thunder, and lightening.

When it appears things cannot worsen, an earthquake rattles the earth. In chapter 6, we had the unleashing of all the tribulation seals…all except the seventh. The six seal also held an earthquake of unimaginable magnitude. Every mountain and island were moved out of their places. The sun was blackened and the moon became like blood. The stars of the sky fell to the earth.

This planet will reap what it has sown throughout the multiplied centuries of its existence. God is very gracious and longsuffering, but only to a point. Today is the day of salvation—salvation from the wrath to come, which holds eternal fire.

These befalling episodes compare to nothing you and I have ever witnessed. Devastating consequences will be observed that we cannot even begin to fathom. This is the wrath of God unleashed—predicted throughout the Old and New Testament. We have not been shut out and left unawares.

We know earthly disasters will increase as we journey closer to closing times. We do seem to be witnessing catastrophes on a larger scale. They are all leading toward this epoch. We are commanded to warn the unsaved of what is to arrive. We do not want our unsaved friends and neighbors suffering the wrath of God. Knowing the fear of the LORD, we persuade men; 2 Corinthians 5:11.

We now move on, toward the time when the sounding of the seven trumpets is going to take place. We have thus ended the seven seal judgments and now the judgment of the seven trumpets arrives. In verse 7, the first angel trumpets the first war cry. This produces hail and fire mixed with blood. This explosive conglomerate is thrown on the earth. This will hit our planet, descending from above, and it will suffer this destruction for its Biblical disobedience.

The consequences of this highest court judicial verdict thrust upon evil mankind will affect a third of the earth—trees and green grass burned to oblivion.

The Bible says judgment arrives because man does not give thanks to God for His many blessings. Many unsaved people we personally know would not think of offering praise to the Creator for the green grass and the lush tress. They could not reflect on the importance of giving thanks for the sun-enhanced blue sky and fluffy passing clouds.

Verse 8 brings us to the sounding of the second trumpet by the second angel. John, our recorder, describes this by scribing “something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood.”

Overall, the world has rejected the shed blood of Christ. It will one day witness the apocalyptic judgments, which will unleash immeasurable avenging hemal.

We have noted that God’s punishment is being dished out in thirds. He is not destroying the whole earth, as He still desires that men repent. Even in all His revenge, God still desires salvation for all. The judgments keep falling, however, because man is very hardened and he would rather curse God than praise Him—the One from whom all blessings flow.

Along with the second trumpeting, we see a third of aquatic life brought to stinging death and a third of all ocean vessels destroyed—human carnage floating in the seas.

By this time, there will be few places to run. Who can escape the One who rules the heavens and the earth?

In verse 10, we are brought to the third sounding angel. Following his musical charge, a great star falls from heaven; possibly one of the known planets. It will be “burning like a torch” and of course, we know that when meteors enter our atmosphere, they burn like a torch.

There are 70,000 million million million stars—sextillion, in the God’s heaven!

That’s the total number of stars in the known universe, according to a study by Australian astronomers. There are about 10 times as many stars as grains of sand on all the world’s beaches and deserts.

The figure — 7 followed by 22 zeros or, more accurately, 70 sextillion — was calculated by a team of stargazers based at the Australian National University.

(A third more stars arrayed the heavens before Christ’s birth—this disclosed to us in Revelation 12:3-4. Satan wanted Christ eliminated the moment He departed the womb. Satan angrily threw the heavenly beams to the earth as he witnessed the fulfilled prophecy concerning the Messiah. He implemented King Herod to try to destroy the King of the Jews! God held a great hedge of protection around His Son. Today, satan works around the clock to get people to question God’s holy Word. He is angry with its total inerrant truth. He is irate with Revelation and he wants its truths discarded. Many so-called believers comply and say it is not relevant for today and its events have already unfolded. They believe satan was bound in 70 AD and no longer roams the earth.)

Meteors, ranging in size from that of a pinhead, to many tons, are visible to the naked eye at night, when the friction between the surfaces of the meteors and of the air, produces heat as the meteors enter the earth’s atmosphere. The intense heat incinerates the meteors, which leave a blazing trail of light in their wake.Most meteors do burn up when they enter the earth’s atmosphere, with the exception of the large meteors, which are dragged through the earth’s atmosphere by the earth’s gravitational pull. After successful landings upon the earth, these huge bodies are renamed meteorites. Some scientists theorize that thousands of meteors fall to the earth during the daytime and the nighttime, but this theory is impossible to prove or to disprove, as most would necessarily land in water, which covers most of the earth’s surface.Generally speaking, meteors and meteor particles travel together in swarms like bees, with the exception of the loners, and travel in any direction they choose. God’s spectacular fireworks will show a “meteor shower.” It comes into view when the swarms encounter the upper layer of the earth’s atmosphere during the earth’s perpetual revolution around the sun. The friction produced when the meteors and the meteor particles rub against the atmospheric air incinerates the swarms, and they fall towards the earth in a brilliant display of light.

We know this blazing planet will not burn to nothing before it reaches the earth; it will be massive when it hammers a third of our planet. It will induce momentous catastrophes. It will fall on a third of the rivers and springs of water.

God names this star wormwood:

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

The wormwood shrub grows wild in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It is now cultivated in North America as well. The leaves and flowers, and the oil obtained from them, are used as medicine.

Historical or traditional use: Wormwood is perhaps best known because of the use of its oil to prepare certain alcoholic beverages, most notably vermouth and absinthe. Absinthe, popular in the nineteenth century in Europe, caused several cases of brain damage and even death and was banned in most places in the early twentieth century.1Wormwood oil continues to be used as a flavoring agent for foods, although in much smaller amounts than were found in absinthe. As a medicine, wormwood was traditionally used as a bitter to improve digestion, to fight worm infestations, and to stimulate menstruation.2 It was regarded as a useful remedy for problems involving the liver and gallbladder.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Long-term intake of the thujone-containing oil or alcoholic beverages (absinthe) made with the oil is strictly contraindicated—it is addictive and causes brain damage, seizures, and even death. Short-term use of the wormwood tea or tincture has not resulted in any reports of significant side effects. Longer-term use can cause nausea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, vertigo, tremors, and seizures.

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Wormwood is a deadly and bitter herb that cannot be consumed in significant quantities. This star is referred to as wormwood in verse 11, as it will be ghastly destructive and will leave countless people in bitter pain. Many men will die from the infested bitter waters that this star pollutes. People will not be able to locate fresh unpolluted water in this sphere.

In verse 12, a fourth angel blows his trumpet in perfect montage sequence. It is time now for a third of the sun, moon and stars to be “struck.” A third of the day and night will be total darkness—eight hours. This will be a very scary total blackout.

We conclude this chapter by being introduced to a remarkable eagle—a loud speaking eagle; verse 13. Now, we cannot be too surprised as God allowed Balaam’ s donkey to speak to him in reproof.

It is possible that animals could speak before the fall. Eve was not surprised by the speaking serpent or so it appears. Of course, Balaam wasn’t surprised by his verbal donkey who told him off. Stupid Balaam just argued back. Our omnipotent God can make anything speak. Christ revealed in Luke 19:37-40 that the stones would cry out if the God-praising crowd became silent.

This eagle is a prophesying bird of prey (very apropos). He soars the sky telling the earth’s inhabitants “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!” Yes, four angels have now trumpeted the perils of God, but three are still left.

God throughout history has warned of His wrath to come. He desires repentance not judgment. Silly man just shakes his fist toward God.

Please remember there are no atheists at this time. We learned this from chapter 6 as the residents of the earth were crying for the rocks to fall on them so they would be hidden from the omnipotent, avenging catastrophes of the Lamb of God and the Father; 6:16-17.

If you want to read something similar to what we are reading in Revelation, you can study the nine plagues found in Exodus, chapters 7-10. Here you observe horrific plagues placed on Egyptians due to their hard hearts. Of course, these are very minute when scaled in comparison to the world calamities of revealed times.

This ends this lesson, but the trumpets will continue in chapter 9.

Revelation Chapter 9

In this chapter, we arrive at the fifth trumpet of tribulation judgment brought upon the entire earth by the sounding of the fifth angel. If you review my chapter 8 commentary, you will note I listed all the trumpets and consequences. God’s placement of plagues imposed on sinful unrepentant beings arrives in His perfect timing.

We can take note of some slight similarities regarding the plagues of Revelation and those found in the book of Exodus. The Exodus afflictions can be viewed as an extremely light pre-shadowing of apocalyptic tragedies. God is very longsuffering that men might repent, but there comes a day of accountable comeuppance. One of curses the LORD placed on the rebellious Egyptians was swarming locusts; this same type of scenario will someday afflict the entire globe. As the locust plague in Egypt involved darkness due to the locust numbers (Exodus 10:15) so will the arriving locust epidemic of Revelation. However, the locusts of the forecasted encounter will be immeasurably fiercer.

Viewing verse 1, we witness a star falling from heaven, which obviously is an angel. We get to glimpse the power of angels through the book of Revelation. We have noted that all elements, including fire and gravity, pose no harm or threat to them. We witnessed an angel that ascended from the sun in 7:2. They can soar at incompressible speed, rocketing through the galaxies that are trillions of years away, in the simplicity of a moment. Their abilities reach far beyond our comprehension. God’s holy angels are rightly to be respected as Scripture exhorts.

The key of the bottomless pit is handed to this star (angel) of verse 1. Remember, Revelation 1:20 holds a key for us when it comes to understanding the fact stars represent angels (though not in all cases). There were seven angels (stars) that were assigned to the seven churches that we read of in chapters 1-3.

The earth-landing angel of chapter 9 uses a key to open the demonized hot bottomless pit; whereby smoke arises like that of a great furnace; verse 2. On this future day, the sun and air will be darkened via the smoke of the dreadful pit. We know from 20:11-15 that anyone whose name is not penned in the book of life will be cast into this bottomless infernos crater one day. Hell is the destination for the unredeemed (those who have not been washed in the blood of the Savior, being made clean in God’s sight through rebirth) who have perished. Currently, Hades (a very hot temporary holding place) contains the unsaved who have expired. We know it is very hot from the story of the rich man and Lazarus; Luke chapter 16. “Hades” is the correct Greek word translation for this Lazarus account exposure.

In Revelation 9:3, we witness bizarre locusts arising out of the fiery pit. They are very fierce and remarkable in appearance. We do not know their size as this is not revealed. Movies and books like to portray them in giant structure, but we do not know if they will be larger than the common locust. We do they will plague men to a degree that we cannot fully process in our minds.

God created over 9,000 of these uniquely modeled species:

“Locusts are migratory members of the short-horned grasshopper family; the name applied to almost 9,000 different species of singing, jumping insects in two families of the order Orthoptera. Grasshoppers are long, slender, winged insects with powerful hind legs and strong mandibles, or mouthparts, adapted for chewing.”

The Old Testament prophetical book of Joel addresses a portion of what is described in this Revelation chapter. God directed Joel to write on the tribulation period in general. This exposing little book also divulges the sins that Israel partook of during his era, approximately 835-796 BC. We can relate to this disclosure as humanity’s sensual sinful nature does not transform except by rebirth.

Joel foretold of the locusts that will arrive upon the earth in the tribulation. One fearsome manifestation will be their mighty teeth—teeth of a lion; Joel 1:6. Revelation 9:8 also bears this fact. Chapter 2 of Joel deals with the great horrors that will arrive within the tribulation period, including these unfathomable locusts. We know Joel is addressing this period as he refers to it as the day of the LORD’s coming. He speaks of these locusts arriving in a day of darkness and gloom—so true to Revelation’s forecast. No one in ages past has experienced anything like what is to come! The appearance of these creatures will be that of horses; 2:4. This is also verified in Revelation 9:7. They will run like mighty men—climbing, marching, and coming into homes; 2:8-9. Revelation 9:9 further testified to these facts. Joel also addressed present time foreclosure of God’s judgment of locust that was soon arriving to plague Israel; this being somewhere in the 700 BC time period. God’s nation was going to experience common locusts, possibly the “Pink” species, which is known to that region. Israel was to experience grasshopper devastation due to sin.

In 2004 Israel’s crops were once again greatly plagued by these little critters: http://forumgarden.com/forums/current-events/1599-israel-hit-worst-locust-plague-since-1950s.html

Israel today is far from Christ and in rebellion and the terrain still suffers in multitudes of ways. One day, the whole land of Israel will serve Christ in total willingness. Then the soil will again be blessed with agricultural abundance and beauty.

These Revelation locusts will also own characteristics of the scorpion, being painfully powerful. Like the scorpion, they will sting; whereby men will suffer for five months as if they had been stung by a scorpion. Scorpions are potent in their harm to men, yet minute in mass. It is interesting to contemplate on the tiny creatures God has created and their unique abilities and appearances.

One distinctive of the Revelation locust is their lack of harm when it comes to crops and foliage; verse 4. They will not eat any green thing, acting oppositely of known locust. We also learn from this verse that the 144,000 male virgin Jews will not be touched by these dreadful creatures. They will not pose harm to those who own the seal on their foreheads. We learned from chapter 7 that the 144,000 will have a seal on their foreheads. Chapter 14 of Revelation teaches us that they will be completely pure and holy, not being defiled with women, as blameless male, virgin Jews.

These locusts will harm every person who does not have the mark of God on their foreheads. However, they will not kill any person with their sting. People will want to die because their inflicted, painful agony will be so gnawing. However, they will not be allowed to extinguish their own lives. They will not be permitted to commit hara-kiri.

We perceive from this portion of Scripture that these locusts are battle-like in appearance and action, as they will display breastplates, like shields of iron. They will have wings and their sound will be like that of chariots, of many horses running into battle.

They will be kings in that they will exhibit what appears to be crowns of gold on their heads. Their faces will be like the faces of men—how very odd indeed. They will be dreadful in every aspect of the word! They will also have hair, like the flowing hair of women. I Corinthians chapter 11 informs us that God made women’s hair beautiful and it is her glory. It is to be long. Women are to be feminine and distinct from men. God hates unisex and homosexuality. Women’s long hair provides a sexual differing as men are to wear their hair short. It is also a modest covering as we read in this Corinthian passage.

Even though these locusts are of Satan, they are governed by God. The locust invading army cannot harm the 144,000 or kill mankind as I stated previously. Satan would love to destroy all mankind as man is made in the image of God, whom Satan hates. He will take every opportunity God allows to thrust his sword at him. Job chapters 1 and 2 informs us that Satan cannot harm without God’s permission. He must appear before God on occasion and give an accounting of his activities Satan was allowed to harm Job in tremendous ways, but he could not snuff out Job’s life. All of Job’s trials, though completely destructive, worked together for good and God was glorified.

Someday Satan will have all his wicked power withdrawn and will be cast into the lake of fire. I look toward this marvelous day.

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Locusts were the main staple entree for John the baptizing prophet; Matthew 3:4. John lived a lowly life, minus all worldly hindrances, as he desired to be all about the Messiah. A simple locust and honey diet represented this simple-living godly man.

You can locate locust recipes. Some people find them to be quite pleasant to the taste as they taste like shrimp. I guess this is the way to go when they destroy everyone’s crops. “Locust swarms, which can range in size from one square kilometer to 100 square kilometers, are spread by the wind. With up to 3,000 locusts per cubic meter, swarms can comprise tens of millions of insects which consume vast amounts of food. Each locust can eat two grams of food per day, and experts reckon that every million locusts gobble as much food as 5,000 people in one day. They are known to eat their own weight each day, consuming just about anything that grows—anything green. They are known to strip every shred of vegetation from areas where they invade.”

You can obtain an itsybitsy amount of produce from their stomachs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/07/africa_desert_shrimps/html/1.stm

Barbecue (grilled): prepare the embers or charcoal. Place about one dozen locusts on a skewer, stabbing each through the centre of the abdomen. If you only want to eat the abdomen, then you may want to take off the legs or wings either before or after cooking. Several skewers of locusts may be required for each person. Place the skewers above the hot embers and grill while turning continuously to avoid burning the locusts until they are done.

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We learn in verse 11 one of the names of Lucifer and that is Apollyon, which is the same as Apollo. We know this verse refers to Satan as he is the angel of the abyss. Ancient civilizations worshipped Apollo as the Greek god of the sun who owned curly golden hair and was the son of Zeus. Satan arrives in many names in the realm of idolatry. He even appears as female goddesses. Mary of the Catholic Church is portrayed as a female goddess and countless idols have been imaged in wicked honor. Lucifer has held other goddess names such as Diana or Artemis of the Ephesians; her temple being one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Many of her attributes were transferred to Mary and an idol of the multi-breasted Diana is stationed in the Vatican Museum. In Ayasalouk (formerly Ephesus) there are two main idol shrines that are visited; one to Mary and the other to Diana/Artemis. In the book of Jeremiah, the Jews were commanded not to worship the “queen of heaven” which was one of the titles of the female goddess, Ashtoreth. Mary holds this same “queen of heaven” title and so did Diana and Venus.

God declares image worshippers are kept out of heaven and we must be warned as idolatrous religions are viewed as a good ecumenical thing. Yoga, which is part of the idolatrous Hindu religion, and other New Age pursuits are on the rise in America. Satan is behind all idol worship. When people worship a graven image, they worship him and they are held accountable for worshipping Satan in his multitude of forms. Satan is the head of our present ecumenical movement and will be the head of the apocalypse ecumenical movement when countless idols will be worshipped to please all tastes. Idol worship will be all the rage in the tribulation. Multitudes of idols will be adored; verse 20 and 9:20. I would not be surprised if Apollo is once again upheld.

The antichrist will have his own speaking image that the world will worship; 13:15. If people refuse to partake in its worship, their lives will be extinguished. Perilless times await those who come to Christ during the great and horrific tribulation.

Bouncing back to chapter 9 verse 13, we observe a heavenly temple scene as the four horns of the golden alter are mentioned. It is very interesting that the temple in heaven resembles the tabernacle as well as the temple structure (built during the time of Solomon) that was designed by God for Jewish worship. There was a brazen alter with four horns created for sacrifice (Exodus 27:1-2). One will be formed again when the millennial temple (Ezekiel chapters 40-44) is build in Jerusalem on the original temple mount, where Abraham was called to sacrifice Isaac. It is from this heavenly temple that the sixth angel blows his trumpet, upon which four angels who have been bound in the great River Euphrates are released. The River Euphrates is in present day Iraq and seems to be the central local of Revelational happenings. Of course, Jerusalem is the foremost staging area. This should not surprise us as there will be a new Babylon and it will most likely be near ancient Babylon as it is called Babylon. Though, of course, we do not know what its actual name will be. God declared ancient Babylon would not be rebuilt, so it cannot be in the exact same local. Baghdad is not far from the remains of Babylon. New Babylon will acquire all the sinful attributes of ancient Babylon and it is natural to believe it will be near the same local. The River Euphrates is also referred to in 16:12, so we recognize what area of the world will be key in end times. Of course, all the world will be taking its cues from this region.

In verse 15, we see the four angels of God are assigned to kill a third of mankind. If you will recall, we observed God destroying by thirds in chapter 8, verses 9-12. I think it is safe to assume the 144,000 virgin men will not be harmed at this time as well. This holocaustic mass killing will be accomplished by armies of horsemen of two million. The apostle John is still present, observing and recording and he states “I heard the number of them.” He noted the riders had breastplates the color of fire and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions and “out of their mouths proceed fire and smoke and brimstone.” These are not the kind of horses I would want to be around. They certainly will resemble the mythical dragon. A third of humanity will be executed “by the fire and the smoke and brimstone that proceeds out of their mouths;” verse 18. We also learn from verse 19 that their tails will be like serpents and they will have heads from which they do harm.

One would assume this punishment for sin would cause the living two thirds of the inhabitants of the world to repent. Unfortunately, they will not; verse 20. They will not turn away from a Harry Potter mentality of sorcery. They will not turn away from their murders, thievery, and sexual deviances (they will not hold to sex in marriage alone). These pagans will continual to worship false gods of idolatry in this future era. It is amazing that people will worship idols made by the hands of wicked man that cannot hear or talk. They can easily be hit right off a table in one swing. How absolutely ridiculous to adore things manufactured by the hands of sinful folk.

Yes, we end this chapter on a sad note as the world’s population in general is not repenting. They still are refusing to adhere to Jesus Christ, the only Savior. Their hearts are totally hardened, being in bondage to sin. We witness this same hardness of heart today, even in the church. Many do not take God seriously and His words of warning placed in Revelation. It is very foolish not to fear and tremble before God; Philippians 2:12 and 1 Peter 1:17.

~

Revelation Chapter 10

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28689311#28689311

Plane crashes in Hudson River. People prayed, people were saved. No doubt, Christians were on the plane and prayed. Everyone refers to it as a miracle.

America, as a whole, is very thankful for everyone’s survival.

One day, men will not seek after God and He will no longer be gracious to mankind.

 

We ended chapter 9 on a sad note. It speaks to the time when God will bring painful and deadly nightmare horrors upon the earth during the tribulation. He will use locusts who have the faces of men and wear the hair of women to sting mankind. These locusts will plague earth’s inhabitants with torment for five months. People will want to die but God will not permit suicide. Civilization will suffer to the full extent He predetermined. In this same chapter, God reveals a third of rebellious mankind will perish. God will implement armies of two hundred million horsemen. There is no greater military strategist than God. These horses will pour forth fire, smoke and brimstone like dragons, whereby a third of mankind will perish. The chapter went on to explain to us that the horses’ tails will be like serpents, also creating harm as they will have heads. What a very frightful thing to contemplate on.

Chapter 10 opens with a strong angel arriving from heaven, clothed with a cloud and with a rainbow upon this head and his face is like the sun and his feet appear as pillars of fire. How poetically stated and what a powerful backdrop to introduce us to this chapter and future earth happenings. So much of Scripture comes to us in poetry. A great deal of the Old Testament was penned in Hebrew poetry. It is nice to own a translation of the Bible that does not remove God’s poetic and lofty nature.

This impressive angel who came from above has something in his hand. It is a little book which is open. I like little books and I have antique little books with which I decorate. They sit very nicely in the palm of one’s hand. These books are nice to pick up once in awhile as they are ancient and do not speak forth worldly degrading agendas. They are simplistic, expelling bright innocent writings that were a significant part of generations past…when modesty and decency had a large foothold, holding our society more firmly in place.

This angel, with the open book in hand, places his right foot on the sea and his left on the land. He is a expansive angel of magnitude impressiveness. Maintaining his stance, he cries out with a loud voice. We do not know what he cried out but it was like “when a lion roars.” This certainly must have placed great fear in John the Apostle. John is currently stationed on the earth in this future display. John was one who feared and trembled before God and who, no doubt, trembled before His frightful angelic creation as well.

When this angel cried, the seven peals (meaning a prolonged sound) of thunder also uttered their voices. We have eight loud angels at work in unison here. The Bible teaches us in Job that thunder is the voice of God; Job 37:2-5 and 40:9. God does thunder from heaven and His power over Creation should cause us to stand in awe.

The seven angels speak and we note John is about to write their words in obedience; verse 4. God had told him to communicate what would be set before him. He had to pen it for you and for me; 1:1-3.

John is suddenly stopped. A voice from paradise commands him “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoke and do not write them.” This is a secret and John is to seal his lips and never tell a soul. To this very day, we do not know what was spoken. Daniel too was told to seal up things in a book (Daniel 12:4) and I believe this to be the book we read of in Revelation 5:1-2. When it was unsealed, it detonated the devastating Tribulation plagues as prescribed by God.

In verse 5 we return to the gigantic angle that is standing on the sea and on land. This angel lifts his right hand to heaven. Remember, there are no female angels in Scripture. Angles were created countless years before Eve ever appeared on the earth. She was created to be a helpmeet for Adam. She was formed to be his loving assistant and wife.

This angel swears by Him who lives forever and ever, “WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT, that there will be delay no longer.” This verse reminds us that evolution is a lie that everything was uniquely and wonderful manufactured by God. Not even man who has a brain and mobility can recreate what has been made. He cannot reconstruct to perfection one single strand of hair. Unfortunately, many silly arrogant men and women believe everything came from absolutely nothing. Someday they will bow before Christ, the Creator of all (Colossians chapter 1, John chapter 1, etc.), and will suffer unfathomable incinerating eternal pain if they do not repent.

Verse 7 refers to the seventh angel and to the days of this angel who has no name. No angel in Revelation holds a stated name. This angel is the one assigned to blow the final trumpet. Six trumpets have sounded. (I did send an account of all trumpets and their woes earlier as well as the previous seven seals.) This verse addresses the time when he is about to sound. This will be the time when the mystery of God is finished. The seventh angel will sound at the appropriate time. This occurs in the next chapter subsequent to the powerful judgment revelation of the two witnesses and their death and resurrection. This all transpires in Zion—Jerusalem. It is at this time the seventh angel blasts the trumpet and proclaims Christ will reign over everything forever and ever; 11:15. Eternal life for the true believer is forever and ever. What a blessed thing to dwell upon in this evil age.

Returning to 10:7, God sets our sights on the prophets to whom He preached His truths. In 2 Peter 3:2 we are commanded to remember the words spoken by the holy prophets and the apostles. We are to be diligent studiers of the Word of God so we are never made ashamed of our lack of knowledge. We note here that the “mystery” is mentioned. We know the mystery surrounds Christ. Even though the prophets wrote of His first coming and the suffering surrounding it, the Jews never picked up on these truths. The Jews understood the Messiah would arrive and reign as king. They could not comprehend a humble, dying Messiah. Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 are key locations that speak to a suffering Messiah. We do know there is no place in the Old Testament that directly addresses the church age. Ephesians 3:9-21 refers to the “mystery” of Christ, which was hidden from mankind for many generations. This consisting of Christ’s first appearance on the earth and the church age. Numerous truths have been unleashed through the church age Scripture writers and aren’t we glad?

When studying the Word, it is important to pray for understanding. The Holy Spirit does teach and enlighten. It is key for us to ask for guidance. We should pray continually to understand the Bible and the mind of God. Sometimes we lack because we do not ask.

In verse 8, John recognizes the voice from heaven speaking to him; this being the same voice as in verse 4. He is told to go and take the book that is held open in the angle’s hand—the divine messenger of verse 2 who stands on the land and sea. John approaches this angel and tells him to give him the book. Remember John is in the spirit (Revelation 4:2) and can travel in miraculous ways. He was able to travel to heaven and back to earth, where he is now. If we contemplate the heavenlies, and orbiting planets trillions of years beyond and farther, we can recognize this was a remarkable transitioning act of God. How brilliant the day when in heaven we land.

John removes the book from the angel’s hand and the angel commands him to eat it and relates the consequences of its consumption which will cause bitterness in his stomach, but will be sweet as honey in his mouth. You might ask what kind of book was it and what did John scribe these events on. Was it a scroll? I would say yes. The Greek word is “Biblos” which means book, and of course, “Bible” means book. Most books were constructed using papyrus. We get our word “paper” from papyrus. It came to denote paper made from the bark grown in Egypt; later it expanded into a common word used for any type of paper.

Video on papermaking: http://www.revver.com/video/154633/how-papyrus-is-made/

Ancient Egyptian Papyrus
Papyrus was very important to the ancient Egyptians. It helped transform Egyptian society in many ways. Once the technology of papyrus making was developed, its method of production was kept secret allowing the Egyptians to have a monopoly on it. The first use of papyrus paper is believed to have been 4000 BC.

The raw material of papyrus paper comes from the plant Cyperus papyrus. This plant grew along the banks of the Nile and provided the Egyptians with the necessary raw materials. This plant was quite versatile and was not only used in the production of paper but it was also used in the manufacture of boats, rope and baskets. However, the singularly most important and valuable product was the papyrus paper. Not only was this ancient Egypt’s greatest export but it revolutionized the way people kept valuable information. No substitution for papyrus paper could be found that was as durable and lightweight until the development of pulped paper by the Arabs. The way of making pulp paper was far easier to produce but not as durable. This not only led to a decline in papyrus paper making, but also to a decline in the papyrus plant cultivation. Eventually, the papyrus plant disappeared from the area of the Nile, where it was once the lifeblood for ancient Egypt.

Papyrus making was not revived until around 1969. An Egyptian scientist named Dr. Hassan Ragab reintroduced the papyrus plant to Egypt and started a papyrus plantation near Cairo. He also had to research the method of production. Because the exact methods for making papyrus paper was such a secret, the ancient Egyptians left no written records as to the manufacturing process. Dr. Ragab finally figured out how it was done, and now papyrus making is back in Egypt after a very long absence.

The Method of Papyrus Paper Production

- The stalks of the papyrus plant are harvested.

- Next the green skin of the stalk is removed and the inner pith is taken out and cut into long strips. The strips are then pounded and soaked in water for 3 days until pliable.

-The strips are cut to the length desired and laid horizontally on a cotton sheet overlapping about 1 millimeter. Other strips are laid vertically over the horizontal strips resulting in the criss-cross pattern in papyrus paper. Another cotton sheet is placed on top.

- The sheet is put in a press and squeezed together, with the cotton sheets being replaced until all the moisture is removed.

- Finally, all the strips are pressed together forming a single sheet of papyrus paper.

The earliest account of how to make the paper is given by Pliny the Elder, a Roman citizen from the first century B.C. Even though the Egyptians did not leave a record of how they made papyrus it is probably similar to the Roman method of the first century A.D., since the Romans learned how to make papyrus from the Egyptians.

______________

In verse 10, we see John obeys the heavenly voice and takes the book and eats it. It was sweet as honey in John’s mouth, just as explained. And it also left a bitter taste in his stomach as predicted. The forthcoming judgments on the earth will be a bitter pill to swallow as were the previous. John is told he must prophecy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings. God’s judgment will continue to encompass the entire earth as set before John’s eyes.

Ezekiel was an Old Testament prophet. He also had a vision, whereby he was told to eat a scroll; Ezekiel 2:8-3:3. It was sweet to his taste like honey though he was to deliver a bitter message. His vision involved the judgment of God on his disobedient children, the Jews, because they rebelled and not heeded the truths of Scripture even during their discipline of Babylonian captivity. They did what was right in their owns eyes and they were going to continue to pay for their disobedience as reveled to Ezekiel. They believed their captivity might be short lived, but God made sure what He spoke was fulfilled and they were going to suffer the complete 70 years as prophesied. See also Jeremiah chapter 29.

John’s scroll consumption concludes chapter 10 and chapter 11 will take us into more amazing acts of God. These acts will someday take place on the earth. It takes the faith of a true born again believer to accept these apocalyptic occurrences. It is the Holy Spirit within that confirms these happenings. Many today, even pastors in Bible churches, deny Revelation as actually coming to pass. Some pastors deny it behind closed doors. Catholics have always discounted Revelation, but its denunciation is becoming more and more prominent in so-called Bible churches. The apostasy is grave.

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Revelation chapters 11-14  http://vallee7.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/revelation-chapter-11-mouths-of-fire/

Hate Crime Legislative Facts—the Protection of Pedophiles

Please watch this disturbing legislative video exposure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_qfgC_3BYc

Joseph Duncan a homosexual/pedophile strove to obtain such rights as delivered in the Hate Crime Bill.  He believed he held the liberty to murder members of the Groene family in the name of sexual deviancy rights. He kidnapped the two young children, Dylan and Shasta. He rapped and murdered Dylan; fortunately, Shasta was rescued. He also kidnapped, sodomized and murdered a ten year old boy in California. He must be elated with the Hate Crime Bill.  

Due to this bill, Washington can intervene in just about any local or state crime. Because the bill doesn’t define the term “sexual orientation,” it appears pedophiles and practitioners of other bizarre sexual sins can claim protection. Democrats refused to amend the bill to explicitly exclude such “orientations.” If convicted, any American found guilty of a hate crime would face punishment above and beyond the original offense.

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) tried to point out the ridiculousness of this caste system on the House floor yesterday. To the disgust of the homosexual crowd, she even took on the bill’s “martyr,” Matthew Shepard, whom the Left holds up as an example of why federal hate crimes must receive severer prosecution. The hate crimes bill that’s called the Matthew Shepard Bill is named after him though it has been proven his murder was not a result of a hate crime.  ”It wasn’t because he was gay…” Rep. Foxx was referring to statements made to ABC’s 20/20 by the local authorities, who investigated the crime and stated that Shepard’s death was actually the result of drug abuse–not his homosexuality. The prosecutor who prosecuted these crimes stated that he never believed it was a hate crime. He believes it was a drug crime. Aaron McKinney, according to Aaron McKinney himself and to several other witnesses, was coming down from a five-day methamphetamine binge. He freely admits he not only used methamphetamine but also sold it. Five days up with no sleep, strung out on drugs, desperate to buy more, desperate to rob somebody to get money to buy more drugs. This was the motive, according to Aaron McKinney and the other witnesses. McKinney’s girlfriend and another friend of McKinney’s even claimed that McKinney himself has bisexual tendencies.

This resembles the lies that were presented to get baby murder legalized—through Rowe versus Wade.  Satan’s children will stop at nothing to get every vile thing legalized. They want God’s righteousness eliminated from American life. They do not fear the God who says liars are kept out of heaven.

Sexually wicked people have no morals and care only about self-fulfillment.  Harming others, including children, is not relevant on Capital Hill.  President Obama is having his heyday.    

God says a man and woman are to come together as virgins for a lifetime marriage commitment, forsaking all others.  All other activity is deviant. Yes, Jesus Christ forgives if true repentance is made, but sin can never be justified. (1 John 5:10-13—the Bible)

 More News:

 Islamic, Muslim Demographics—our frightfully changing world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWCWB3RwbO4

 Related videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THZr4TkXeW0&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuI8z2yHinw&feature=related

 Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=835bcBEVuKk&feature=related

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFPVz9CwlP4&feature=related

News: Obama/Pelosi One in Action

America certainly seems to be spinning out of control more and more with each passing day. Every new dawning brings upon our country more wicked forced agendas. Since President Obama walked into the White House, the philosophy of administration is, we don’t want babies stepping on anyone’s quality of life. Let’s commit infanticide to greater and greater degrees here and throughout the world using billions of tax payer dollars. This will usher in utopia. This will produce jobs. This will set the economy right.
 
We have a selfish and murdering administration set now before us. How can people believe killing countless unborn children is the answer to restoring a balanced economy?  How can Americans believe God is going to bless an agenda that consists of pouring billions of dollars into murdering the defenseless?  Every child is preciously made by Jesus Christ. He creates each one wonderfully in their mother’s womb; Psalm 139.

 Nancy Pelosi promotes a hate children platform. It appears if she had her way, most would be placed in holocaustic incinerators.  Of course, this is abortion—burning innocent babies with saline solution. She certainly believes human bloodshed is the answer to a dying economy.
 
Where is the fear of God in this land?  The Bible states that man claims to be wise in his evil wicked folly. He thinks departing from the Word of God produces wisdom, when it actuality takes him to the entrance of hell’s eternal destruction. We all reap what we sow.  How can democrat supporters sleep at night? God says murderers are shut out of heaven. May they come to the light of Christ and seek forgiveness.
  
Val Lee  (Author of Cliques in the Church, Apostasy in the Church, and Esther/Looming Holocaust—see Amazon.com. These books can also be read at http://vallee7.wordpress.com/. I also write and submit photos for Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures http://leesbird.com/ ”Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee”)

________
 
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has every wicked way in mind to supposedly assist our nation?  She certainly is demon-driven. Details are surfacing concerning the the controversial $825 billion “economic recovery” package. $200 million for lawn care in Washington, D.C., $360 million to potentially be used to put on transsexual beauty pageants and nasty pornographic art shows. These are a few examples in the $825 BILLION (and counting!), over 1,588 page stimulus bill. Speaker Nancy Pelosi argues this bill would stimulate the economy, however only 7 percent of the legislation actually goes towards infrastructure – the rest of the bill reads like a taxpayer funded payoff to groups that have supported liberal Democrats’ interests. And what a pay off! ACORN is one. This long controversial group racked up false votes for Obama. It has no concept of integrity. It is wicked to the core. This lying, thieving organization is being rewarded by Nancy Pelosi with potentially $4.19 BILLION in taxpayer funds. And more than 10 percent of the proposal-$87 billion-would be directed to groups like Planned Parenthood! The country’s recession is crippling families, and the Democrats’ solution is spending billions of dollars on contraception?

On the latest “This Week” program on ABC, George Stephanopoulos pressed Speaker Pelosi for an explanation. She implied that making sure there are less children is a great way to stimulate the economy! Meanwhile she helped stop an amendment to the bill that would have protected parental rights!

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(1 John 5:1-11)

Queen Esther/Looming Holocaust—the entire book

All Rights Reserved/segments can be used with permission

Also publsihed as an ebook—see Amazon.com

 

 Queen Esther

Looming Holocaust

 

 

 

 

 

By Val Lee

 

 

 

 

Historical Introduction

 

Most every believer requires strengthening bestowments in the area of encouragement. Isaiah chapter 40 is the perfect place to turn for mind renewal and faith strengthening. It proclaims the omnipotence of an overseeing God—our God who watches over us. Verse 17 explains, “All the nations are nothing before Him; they are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.” Verse 22 reads, “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.”

 

Verse 23f reveals God rules over all governmental authorities; He establishes rulers and judges and later, often votes them out of office. Christians are commanded to intercede for all in authority; 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Prayer is vital today as threatening leadership governs many sectors on our globe. Even in our nation, there are unjust laws, some which permit the removal of innocent young life. Heavenward petitions can produce hope and answers in troubling times such as ours. Prayer altered perilless times historically. Grim and hopeless data would be the substance of all history books if God never defeated wicked rulers, which He performs in His time, according to His will. He is a just God who hears the supplications of His people, which is why Nero, Hitler, Stalin, Hussein, etc., only ruled for a period in history. Prayer removed wicked Haman from the scene in the book of Esther.

 

The concluding verse of Isaiah 40 is completely apropos for the book of Esther, as it states, “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Esther prayerfully waited on the Lord and He granted her the power to walk in great strength in death’s face. At first, death reality struck Esther like a sword, piercing through her secure palace door. However, God provided her the fortitude to fulfill her predestined calling whatever the incurring cost.   She was even willing to be annihilated for her people, the Jews—God’s chosen.

 

Many of us have had to face cruel world reality and it can hit unexpectedly and painfully. Death, disease, hardship and persecution are indubious. You may be hurting because world reality is shoving you this very moment. God’s grace and courage upheld Esther, may it faithfully uphold you.

 

We as believers have much to be grateful for as we are upheld by our Savior through it all. The unsaved own no eternal hope when reality pain strikes them. The Bible teaches that most of earth’s population walks about in spiritual deadness—people being dead in trespasses and sins; Ephesians 2:1-5. If we were to picture this world in accuracy, we would see it as a snatching flaming graveyard; Jude 23. This is why we must reach out, holding forward sincere concern and the Gospel hope. Esther reached out to deliver others in loving concern and God’s omnipotent miracle upholding hand, transformed events.

 

I will cite a slight overview of the Old Testament and bring us to the period of Esther sequentially with a compiled walk-through.  In the book of Genesis, we note the conception of the Jewish race, which consists of God’s chosen people. The Jewish race began with Abraham and Sarah, who gave birth to Isaac.  Isaac married Rebecca, and they conceived Jacob, who became the father of twelve sons who fathered the twelve tribes of Israel (Israel is also a designated name for Jacob). The Jews who came forth from these twelve sons produced a great people of God who formed the nation of Israel.  The land of Israel was divided according to these twelve tribes for them to inhabit.  Each tribe had a section of land allotted to them. Joseph was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and Joseph’s descendants were provided a section of land, though not in his name. It was deeded in the name of his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Through them, Joseph’s descendants received two portions of land as designed by God.  God appointed the sons of the tribe of Levi to serve Him as priests; therefore, they did not require any bequeathed land placed in their tribal name.  However, they could own land within any tribal area.  Thus, we have the land of Israel divided twelve ways.

 

To aid your historical understanding further, it was during the time of Joseph’s stay in Egypt as a ruler equal to Pharaoh in power that the Jews located to Egypt. They were few in number at this time, consisting of Jacob’s sons, their wives and children. Pharaoh welcomed them warmly and provided land. Centuries later, the Jews became a people of multitude and their vast strength and numbers threatened Egyptian domain. To remedy the situation, the Jewish foreigners were subjected to slavery. They grievously labored in the production of bricks. The Hebrews continually cried out to God in their languishing toil and a man by the name of Moses arose to deliver, the ordained one. Moses, through the power of God, led the Jews to the promised land of Israel (the appointed property God decreed to the Jewish race). Moses did not enter the land, but under Joshua, the Jews did.  In battle, the Hebrews defeated the land’s pagan inhabitants so they could become a great nation that feared and obeyed God. You can read of these happenings in the first five books of the Bible, called the Pentateuch. 

 

Following Joshua’s death, God appointed Judges to protect and deliver the Jews.  By placing yourself before the book of Judges, you can read of the magistrates who presided during this period.  These judges included the renowned—Samson, Gideon, and Deborah.  Samuel was Israel’s last judge who anointed Saul as Israel’s first king.  By reading 1 Samuel you can learn of Samuel’s life and be introduced to the epoch of the kings. The books that record the lives of the kings are 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and 1 and 2 Chronicles. Samuel also anointed David as Israel’s second king, who replaced godless Saul, who eventually perished in battle. Solomon, David‘s son, secured the throne through God’s predestined hand, following David’s death. Solomon erected the first temple of worship—a very elaborate feat of architecture, famous throughout the known world.  Following Solomon’s rule, Rehoboam, Solomon’s wicked, godless son, ascended to the throne.  Because Rehoboam was a vile taskmaster over Israel, this nation became divided. Jeroboam, a man who had rebelled against Solomon’s rule, gained kingship of northern Israel. This area consisted of ten tribal areas. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, ruled lower Israel—consisting of two tribal areas—Judah and Benjamin.  This lower kingdom held the capital city of Jerusalem, where the elaborate temple and Solomon’s grand palace stood. The northern kingdom was called Israel and the southern was called Judah.  Only those who descended from the line of David ruled the southern kingdom of Judah.  The northern kings were not related to David by direct descent.  Remember Jesus Christ came through the line of David as the Old Testament proclaimed He would; therefore, He has right to the throne for eternity, through His earthly birth, and as God of all. 

 

The Judah kingdom produced seven godly kings; Israel had only one.  Israel became very worldly and forsook God’s ways so she could be styling with society.  She did not desire to be a separated, peculiar, and an alienated people for God.  As a result, God allowed her to be led away captive by the Assyrian Empire, which held the most successful and ingenious fighters of the ancient world. Eventually, Judah became extremely evil, allowing the world to influence her as well. During the time of the great and massive Babylonian Empire, King Nebuchadnezzar took Judah captive and destroyed Jerusalem and Solomon’s temple. It was during this period of Jerusalem’s destruction that Mordecai (Esther’s adoptive father) and Esther were removed as Babylon’s captives. As prisoners, they were relocated to the Media-Persian area of the Babylonian Empire.  King Ahasuerus ruled Media-Persia under King Nebuchadnezzar; Esther 2:5-6. The story of Esther evolves around King Ahasuerus.

 

I believe the events of the book of Esther occurred within the time frame of the Babylonian Empire, not the Media-Persian World Empire as most believe. If they occurred during the Media-Persian World Empire, Mordecai would have been 100 years old or older.  Mordecai was Esther’s cousin and his aunt would have been far past childbearing age when she bore Esther according to such calculations.  In addition, the book of Esther states the events occurred after Mordecai and Esther were removed from Jerusalem under King Jeconiah; 2:5-7.  King Jeconiah ruled Judah during the time of King Nebuchadnezzar. Verse 7 states Mordecai “brought up” Esther. The word used in the original Hebrew text equates with, he “moved” her.  Media-Persia was an ancient empire. King Nebuchadnezzar most likely trusted King Ahasuerus with 127 of the Media-Persian provinces. 

 

Many subservient kings ruled under empire-owning kings in history. In 2 Kings 16:5-10, we see three kings mentioned as reigning over the northern kingdom of Israel. The Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III, was the prominent king of the three and he ruled over a great deal of the known world before this nation succumbed to the Babylonian Empire. (When at the British Museum, I viewed a large perfectly preserved black marble bust of Tiglath-Pileser III, along with large fragments of his dismantled palace that held artwork that depicted slavery. It was Tiglath-Pileser III, who placed the northern kingdom of Israel in slavery.)

 

After Mordecai, Esther, and King Jeconiah—AKA Jehoiachin—were removed from Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar, King Zedekiah ruled Judah under King Nebuchadnezzar; 2 Kings chapters 24 and 25. You see, this type of king-under-king rule was common.

 

To understand this governing of ancient kingdoms, it must be kept in mind that there were no vehicles or paved highways. Travel was difficult and slow. There were no telecommunications. A king of a vast kingdom had to own area kings, as history verifies.    

 

King Herod the Great ruled under Caesar Augustus—the king of the dominating Roman Empire under which Christ was born.  King Herod had a luxurious palace and held the reigning power over Israel, but under Caesar. King Herod exercised ruthless power when he massacred multitudes of babies, committing infanticide, in an attempt to kill the Christ child; Matthew chapter 2. He had been told the Christ baby was the King of the Jews. He envisioned this tiny baby boy as an intruding threat to his throne. Various children ruled as kings in history and Herod was well aware of this fact. (Someday Jesus Christ will rule as King of the Jews when He returns in glory.  He will be the magistrate of the entire globe.)

 

Esther and Mordecai, after being forced from Jerusalem, became inhabitants the city of Susa, ruled by King Ahasuerus; Esther 1:1-2. The setting of all cited events in Esther occurred in Susa, close to the border of Iraq, close to Iran.  Baghdad is currently the capital of Iraq and its largest city. It is one of the most highly culturalized cities in the Middle East. It rests northwest of ancient Susa. The land areas surrounding this region (the north end of the Persian Gulf) have recorded the highest temperatures in the world, so we know Susa was not an area of cool comfort.  Through the war in Iraq, America has gained an idea of the climate and terrain of this nation.  Soldiers have reported you breathe and eat sand. 

 

With all this stated prehistory, I trust you are ready to delve into the remarkable book of Esther.

 

 

Contents

 

1. The Banquet

 

2.  Rash Behavior

 

3.  The Villain

  

4. “If I Perish, I Perish”

 

5. “Even to Half the Kingdom”

 

6.  A Sleepless Night

 

7.  Haman’s Demise

 

8.  Mordecai Crowned

 

9.  The Chime of Victory

 

10.  The Facts Recorded 

 

 

Preface

 

This little book will introduce you to a lovely, godly woman—Esther. She is one of the supreme, female historical figures of all time. Her feminine attributes stand out brilliantly in this day and age of selfish womanhood. Her genuineness should touch your life for change.

 

Esther was predestined to shelter God’s doomed people. Her walk of faith allowed her to experience the omnipotent, saving work of God in holocaustic circumstances.

 

To comprehend the content of this commentary, you need to read the Book of Esther, probing its pages for uplifting truth.

 

 

 

Chapter 1

 

The Imperial Banquet

 

The curtain of the first act opens on this book and we witness an all-city generous celebration. The staging is magnificent as the glories of a wealthy kingdom are set before us. We behold an all-impressive palace. Both the poor and rich are banqueting in its massive elaborateness at the kingdom’s expense. This imperial feast will last 180 days. Wow, have you ever known a banquet to last this long?

 

It is only in this first chapter that we find the magnificence of this palace and garden area unmasked. We note hangings of fine white and violet linen are suspended by fine linen purple cords on silver rings.  Now, this is not all that we get to glimpse. There are marble columns and couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement holding all sorts of precious stones. What a site to behold! No doubt, many people walked about with their mouths open. Most castles were not this elaborate.

 

The populace received drinks in golden vessels of various kinds and the wine was plentiful. But the host did not demand that the people drink the wine. He let the people act according to their own desires in the matter. The host is the king and he is completely cordial and sensitive to others. Yes, this has all been orchestrated by the king, who is showing off all his riches and splendor. Nothing but the best for the wealthy sovereign of this massive kingdom—the area of Media-Persia.

 

Though it appears this emperor was a boaster; actually, he was a giving man, not given to partiality, and everyone was able to partake of everything from the savory cuisine to the grandeur of the palace and grounds. Generosity was one of the king’s good attributes.

 

(I want to inject here that we must understand we are observing a pagan culture in this chapter.  This celebration and most city celebrations emphasize having a good time. This is far different from what God ordained for His nation Israel that has become interwoven into this civilization and will take center stage in the storyline. 

 

Before being captured and removed to Media-Persia, the Jews did gather in the capital city of Jerusalem for God’s decreed celebrations of thanksgiving—worshipping Him for all His provisions. Jewish celebrations were also a reflective time, as Israel’s inhabitants would remember their sin.  Designated animals were sacrificed. Such sacrificial times enabled the people to understand how much God hated disobedience and that a price had to be paid. In the New Testament, Christ became the payment for sin as the perfect and final blood sacrifice. He died on a cross for everyone and three days later, arose from His grave. Anyone can place his or her faith in Jesus Christ; yet with the consideration of the rejection that accompanies following a God of holy innocence. You can choose right now to follow Christ. You can ask God the Father to save you through God the Son, Jesus Christ. When you do, you receive abundant life and eternal life; Romans 6:34 and Hebrews 10:8-11.)  

 

You might think all ends well concerning this glorious, elaborate gathering of the kingdom. Well…not so, something dramatic takes this merry-making king off guard and this setting scene becomes all disrupted. The Queen, Vashti, refuses to come in the presence of the king and display her beauty before the people as he commanded. He is infuriated! No one refuses the king, even the queen who wears a crown of authority. His advisors demand her discharge! They do not want a women’s lib upheaval. They do not want wives disrespecting their husbands.

 

We see in this chapter, women’s rebellion trying to raise its ugly head through the disobedience of Queen Vashti. Women are to honor their husbands as the New Testament commands; Ephesians 5:33. I find it interesting how this command of God was emphasized even during this pagan regime.  In Romans chapter one, God reveals that He has placed in all men, including the unsaved, a knowledge of His attributes—His eternal power and divine nature. God, through His grace, has written His law on all men’s hearts (Romans 2:14-15) so some order is maintained in this fallen world including in the area of a man being the head of his household. 

 

At the end of Esther chapter 1, verse 22, we take note of the fact that the king allows certain personal freedoms to abide in his kingdom such as a man having a right to speak his native language in his own home, not necessarily the Media-Persian national tongue. However, the native dialect of the wife, if different, could not be spoken. All had to be performed in respect to the honored husband. 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2

 

Rash Behavior

 

The opening of the curtain of the second chapter arises and we behold King Ahasuerus coming to his senses and realizing what he had decreed concerning Vashti out of his rash behavior. He acted impulsively, exerting his power. At this moment, he misses her grievously. If he had thought about it more thoroughly, he could have saved his marriage, which God declared to be life long. He could have simply not allowed her into his presence until she apologized to him and the kingdom in total humility and repentance. He was an impulsive king and this led him to have to locate a means to correct himself on occasion. He certainly relied too much on his advisors. Of course, he simply may not have been very mentally gifted and therefore, cannot be faulted too much.

 

King Solomon requested wisdom from God, seeing he owned much inadequacy. Solomon insightfully knew he could not rule effectively apart from God. God, of course, knew his shortcomings and granted him wisdom, unsurpassed knowledge and understanding; however, sin still invaded his life and the kingdom.  Shortsightedness exists in any monarchy rule and it still plagued Solomon though the wisest of the wisest.

 

If a king was not sharp and wise, he secured his kingdom’s downfall. Most kings inherited the role. Most were trained to rule within palace walls, not learning from experience. They generally would not listen to the people regarding their needs. Ivory palaces with their inward wealth left most kings entrapped in self-glory as witnessed with King Herod in Matthew chapter 2.

 

In 1 Samuel 8:10-17, God speaks through Samuel, to reveal the consequences Israel would face as she turned from a theocracy form of government to a monarchy (This was before Samuel anointed Saul as Israel’s first king). In a theocracy, God rules not a man. That is why originally our American government was opposed to a monarchy and desired a theocracy. That is why all our original laws were Biblically enacted. That is why homosexuality, adultery, divorce, immodesty, etc., where illegal in this great land. It was to be a government by the people who feared God and acted accordingly.

 

Israel wanted to be trendy and styling, just like the nations that surrounded her. She suffered servitude travail as Samuel’s warnings came to fruition in future years regarding the demands of kings. Esther and her people suffered in Media-Persia because the Jewish kings faltered severely which led to this foreign captivity. The Jews were removed from Judah, the southern portion of the Holy Land, and were dispersed in the pagan land of Babylon. 

 

Returning to chapter 2 of Esther and the plight of the king’s loneliness, it was suggested that many beautiful virgins be brought to the king so a new queen could be sought. Now this was a fleshly way to get his mind off Vashti. This sensual route pleased this pagan king and this is how Esther entered the palace grounds. Esther was brought as a captive to Persia from the land of Israel and now she is made a captive of the king. She and many other women were placed in custody or arrested and made the property of the king against any say of their own.  Verse 8 speaks to this custody “…and many young ladies were gathered to Susa the capital into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace…”

 

It is assumed that Esther’s name was changed from Hadassah, verse 7, to the pagan goddess name Esther when she entered the palace. Hadassah means myrtle. Esther would not have changed her Jewess name so she could appear pagan. This changing of the name was a normal occurrence. We see this transpired in Daniel chapter 1, when the Jewish young men had their godly names withdrawn to be dealt pagan god titles, including Daniel. This occurred when they were made to serve King Nebuchadnezzar; they too were forcefully withdrawn from Judah.

 

No doubt, this union made under duress is not what Esther dreamed about concerning marriage. She desired to obey God and marry a godly Jew who loved and respected her. She desired to keep house, providing love and nurturing care for her husband and children; Titus 2:4-5.

 

A Jew was not allowed to marry a pagan just as Christians are not allowed to marry the unsaved today—2 Corinthians 6:14f. However, we know, Esther did not walk around in sorrow and weighed down with guilt in her plight. She knew God understood her heart and she recognized His blessings upon her. She, no doubt, remembered Joseph was assigned a pagan wife when in subjection to Pharaoh.

 

Esther and her adoptive father, Mordecai, were of the Jewish tribe of Benjamin. Her parents died and her cousin Mordecai took her as his daughter. If you go to the maps at the back of your Bible, you will see where this tribe dwelt within the land of Israel. It is closely related to the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was where Esther and Mordecai resided before their captivity.  Jerusalem, the capital (today, it remains Israel’s capital), held the temple and king’s palaces and their tombs. It was also the main location of habitation. This was where Jews came to partake in the commanded festivals and offerings. Jerusalem was burned to the ground some years following Esther’s transportation.

 

Returning to chapter 2 of Esther, we take note of her being a godly woman of character—holding to modesty and femininity. She certainly stood out, allowing her to gain approval and a superior status in the harem; verse 9.  She was so well-educated in the ways of the Media-Persians, no one suspected her of being of the slave race of Jews. She obviously spoke the language fluently and also wrote the language as revealed in 9:29. Not all women were illiterate in Bible times, as many would have you believe.  

 

Mordecai, also being a man of character—very godly and obedient to God’s Word—cared very much about Esther and faithfully checked on her welfare; verses 11f.  

 

Verse 12 discusses all the spa preparations made for virgins before joining with the king in a marital relationship. These preparations were a year in length. Esther certainly must have been at the peak of beauty and softness when brought before the king. Myrrh, which is often warmed to sooth, was one of Esther’s fragrant beauty aids. I personally enjoy wearing this unusual, but lovely Middle Eastern scent obtained from the Cammiphora shrub. This thorny flora can grow to be 30 feet tall and is identified by its knotted branches, musty smelling leaves and white flowers. This perfume also owns medicinal properties and is applied to alleviate ulcers, sores, wounds, athlete’s foot, chapped skin, ringworm, eczema and the spread of gangrene. Besides being located in the Middle East, it is also native to North Africa and India.

 

Historically, it was worth its weight in gold. And, if you remember, it was one of the valued gifts brought to Christ when a babe and aptly signified His death. Interestingly, when the Cammiphora branches are cut, they bleed a reddish brown resin—myrrh (meaning bitter). The myrrh color and bleeding have come to symbolize the sacrificed blood of Jesus Christ. He endured a bitter death for us. Myrrh also represents comfort and healing which is also symbolic of the Savior.

 

In verse 13, we see a wedding gift was offered to every virgin before she was brought to the king. They could acquire any item they desired from the Harem. Obviously, it was a beautiful area that had to be kept well-stocked for all these wives-to-be. 

 

We learn from verse 15, that Esther was not materialistic and desired wisdom above things when she went to the king. Her inward heart sought wise lasting counsel not riches that pass away. She did not desire to offend the king or others who were in the palace with negligent manners. (When we arrive at chapters 4 and 5, we will observe further the importance of knowing protocol.) This is Esther’s wedding day and she wants it perfect, as she seems to want to be queen. This would provide her with more advantages.

 

Esther was a godly, pure woman and went to the king as a modest rare gem. Her witness of wisdom and modesty caused her to be in favor with all those who saw her. (I believe Webster’s 1828 definition concerning modesty is absolutely perfect in regard to Esther: “Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor.”) She was not one who would have engaged in dirty jokes or misguided behavior. Obviously, the king was very impressed by her. She was a wise, intelligent woman not given to silly talk or notions of fantasy. She was perfect for the role and later she would act as an ambassador and legislator for her people. The king knew she would not be a woman who would embarrass or make a mockery of him. She held a sensitive and gentle heart.

 

After seeing the king, the women of the virgin harem graduated to the second harem as they had now been united with the king in the marriage act.  Since Esther was crowned queen, verse 17, she no longer had to live in a harem.  She was placed in the palace, awarded a large section as revealed in 4:13.

 

We see this is an event of powerful magnitude. The king, so enamored by Esther and so in love with her, provided a banquet, and even named it “Esther’s Feast;” 2:18.  She had to be the most impressive woman in the kingdom to catch the heart of this powerful, presiding king.  I am sure everyone at this banquet is taking in the godly loveliness of this uniquely gifted woman. I believe the castle seamstresses fashioned the perfect stunning gown that made her even more the stand out.  No doubt, Esther’s impartial and gracious personality captured the hearts of those attending through regal invitation. I am sure she was the talk of the town and nation for teeming days to come. 

 

In verse 20, we view again, the submissive and obedient heart of Esther, so taught to be by Mordecai. He certainly deserves a great deal of praise for this prize he raised and home-schooled. She submits to Mordecai in every way, including not revealing her people as he instructed. God reemphasizes her conformity for a reason. In 1 Peter 3:2-4, we see the type of woman God desires us to be, one obedient to God’s Word without rebellion. Verse 2 speaks to the chaste and respectful behavior of the godly married woman. Of course, this refers to outside the marriage bedroom.  Verse 3 speaks of true adornment being internal and verse 4, the magnitude of a gentle and quiet spirit that resounds throughout the land in witness—being precious in the sight of God. Such a spirit reveals true femininity.

 

(Verse 20 of Esther emphasizes her submission. It does not state AND ESTHER PROTESTED MOSES’ LAWS CONCERNING WOMEN BY CARRYING A SIGN STATING “DOWN WITH MOSES, UP WITH WOMEN.” It does states she submitted to Mordecai in all that he told her, just as she did when in his care.

 

Women today speak evil of Paul, but under grace we have so much more freedom compared to the women under the law, such as Esther. I personally wonder why women today do not condemn Moses as a radical women-hater and male chauvinist. His writings were far, far stricter than Paul’s. Both Paul and Moses penned the words of God, not their own. The words of the Pentateuch, Moses’ five composed books, were delivered by the angels of God—Acts 7:53 and Hebrews 2:2. This reveals their God-ordained authority.)

 

In verses 21-23, back in Esther chapter 2, we witness God using Mordecai to prevent an overthrow of King Ahasuerus.  It states two men desired to lay hands on the king.  This means to kill.  They certainly were not simply going to punch him a few times and let him go.  They refused to show great respect for this highest of offices.  King Ahasuerus held the highest office in the entire Media-Persian empire, consisting of 127 provinces; 1:1.  

 

It was no accident that Mordecai overheard this plot of assassination.  God did not want this kingdom in chaos at this time. If King Ahasuerus had been murdered, these men would have had to murder all those loyal to the king, including his royal family. They most likely would not have hesitated to kill Queen Esther. They would have brought in a complete new government with new heads of provinces, etc.  It would not have been a pretty sight and God knew these men would have brought even more evil within this pagan plighted land. King Ahasuerus had ascended to the throne by birthright not murderous ways. God had worked in the lives of all the rulers placed over Israel since her captivity, completely by design.  Romans 13:1 teaches, “There is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God.”

 

Queen Esther acting as a knowing informant, verse 22, reveals the plot and exalts Mordecai’s name as a faithful and upright citizen who acted honorably by saving the king’s life. In this, the Queen reveals her faithfulness as well. 

 

Romans 13:2 is excellent instruction, for it states, those who resist the governing authorities receive God’s condemnation. The judging result concerning these two convict culprits was lethal. They were hanged on the gallows; verse 23. These sentences to death for insurrection would have placed fear in many who might have attempted to steal the throne. The Bible further states in Romans 13:3-4 that rulers are a cause for good behavior; therefore, we must have a fear of doing right for governments do bear a sword.

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

The Villain

 

Entering chapter 3, we are introduced to Haman, the villain of our story, who takes center stage in more ways than one. Where it seems King Ahasuerus should have promoted Mordecai for his loyalty, he decides to promote Haman as overseer of “all the princes that were with him;” 3:1.

 

As Haman now held this most important title, people were to bow down and pay homage to him, actually worship him like a god. There is no doubt this is what Haman desired. Mordecai, being a man of God, would not compromise even though he knew disobedience could cost him his life. He could never honor an Agagite and transgress God’s decrees. Haman’s people, the Agagites or Amalakites, had been the enemies of the Jews since Moses.

 

Obeying God was Mordecai’s first and only priority. I believe Mordecai’s story is recorded in history, due to the fact most people would think, “What’s the big deal?  I want to live in peace.” He stands as one who is strong in his faith in God and His Holy Word which states emphatically, “We are to have no other gods before us;” Deuteronomy chapter 5. We must always obey God before men and their laws. This truth is set before us in Acts 5:29. In this text, we witness Peter and the apostles boldly stating to the Jewish authorities, “We must obey God rather than men.” However, this right we hold as believers, should never excuse self-centered government rebellion.  

 

 

Sinister Haman

 

Haman was a sinister Agagite. God let us know Haman was of this decent, addressing him as an Agagite, placing this information before us in Esther 3:1. 

 

The Agagites were Amalakites, as we learn from 1 Samuel 15:8.  Haman was called an Agagite—after Agag, the king of the Amalekites as we read in this verse.  These people were cursed of God for their Antisemitism. We read of this curse in Exodus 17:14. God demanded they all be destroyed in this text and He declared He would annihilate them completely. We rejoice here because the Jews fought against their enemies, the Amalekites, and were victorious. Amalek was the king of these people at this time; Exodus 17:13; before the time of King Agag. 

 

In 1 Samuel chapter 15, the Israelites are once again battling the Amalekites (The Amalekites once occupied parts of Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.  King Amalek was the grandson of Essau—who fathered the Edomites; Gen. 36:12.) and God is demanding the death of every Amalekite. The Jewish army obeyed the LORD and all the Amalekites were destroyed that were present at the location of this battle. However, King Saul disobeyed God and allowed King Agag to live; whereby, the prophet Samuel had to hack him to death in obedience to God’s command.

 

I believe Haman, being a descendant of Agag, identified that the Jews had slaughtered his people in two main chronicled battles. This owing to the fact he was an educated man that earned an A+ in history to gain the position he owns in this kingdom. These deflating and humbling combative facts, no doubt, incited his furry to engulf the entire Jewish population. Mordecai’s insurrection of refusing to pay homage, 3:2, was just a spark that set off his fiery rage.

 

Mordecai was acting in obedience to God (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) and would never bow down to Haman—of Amalakite descent. It was not wrong to bow before authority as we witness in 2 Samuel 24:20 where Araunah bowed his face to the ground before King David in respect and honor. In Genesis 23:7, Abraham bowed to the people of a pagan land. In 1 Samuel 24:8, we witness David bowing his face to the ground and prostrating himself before King Saul. 

 

We read in Esther 3:6 that Haman did not desire to place his hands on Mordecai alone when he found out who his people were. It was at this time that he determined to destroy all the Jews. As we delve further into this chapter, we observe Haman coming into the presence of the king owning a complete knowledge of the Jews; verse 8. In verse 9, we observe Haman informing the king that the Jewish religion is contrary to the Media-Persian belief system; implementing it as an excuse to entirely annihilate the Jews in their 127 provinces. Verse 10 informs us that Haman is an enemy of all the Jews, not just Mordecai.

 

The Jews were commanded to always remember the Amalekites and what they did to them when they came out of Egypt. They were to blot out their memory and they were never to forget! I believe, the Agagites were eventually annihilated and blotted out as God stated in Exodus 17:14.  It may have been through Queen Esther that God’s curse of death for the all Agagites (these antisemitists) was carried forth, removing their remnant completely.   

 

~

 

Verse 7 reveals Esther has now been queen five years when all this begins to comes to pass. We know this by the fact she became queen in the seventh year of King Ahasuerus’ reign; 2:16. And verse 7 states the king has now reigned twelve years. This new scene opens with Haman casting a lot in order to find the most appropriate time to talk to the king concerning the destruction of the Jews. He will not appear before the king unless he feels superstition is on his side. This casting of lots is referred to as Pur or Purim.  (No one seems to totally understand this concept, though it seems to resemble the throwing of the dice, as a stone or other object was thrown that held markings. The displayed markings determined destiny or so thought.) 

 

Haman approaches the king in verse 8. He must incite the king to believe the Jews must be destroyed—they being rebellious to the king’s ways. Haman knows he must put forth a good act to convince the king. We witness here Haman even using money to bribe the king. However, King Ahasuerus tells Haman he can keep the money and the demise will be carried forth; verses 9-11.  It is interesting the king didn’t even care to learn who these people were or their reputation within the kingdom. It certainly appears their nationality was not mentioned.  As I stated before, this king trusts too much in man. Jeremiah 17:5 declares that if a man trusts in other men he is cursed. God and His Word must be our only stable trust. 

 

The Israelites were to be completely abated in one day, including all women and children; verse 13. This would be accomplished a year from the enacted decree. It was time-appropriated in consideration of the transit interval needed for the death warrant declaration to reach every distant province.

 

(Daniel 6:4-13 holds a resemblance tale. Here, we see Daniel is hated for his faith and commitment—much like Mordecai. A plot is formed for Daniel’s demise. This king is also used as an evil pawn…as was King Ahasuerus. Here too we read of a death signed decree. In verses 6-9, we see King Darius being wrongly persuaded to destroy all who will not worship him only as god. If anyone disobeyed, they were to be cast into the lion’s dreadful den. These evildoers knew Daniel would not compromise nor turn away from God Almighty as a faithful Jew even if it meant death. They knew Daniel was no coward or compromiser.

 

Daniel had learned of the petition, but still he prayed with open windows, boldly and resolutely. He was willing to perish for God. He was a tremendous witness—not trying to please all, and not denying the Scriptural commands. He was thrown to the lions, but God shut the lions’ mouths. We know God was gracious at this time as many of the prophets were killed for not compromising. Of course, their eternal hope was well worth their suffering and execution.)

 

Mordecai would not compromise and did not fear death when he refused to bow down to Haman. God’s made sure, through His grace, that Mordecai and Daniel were both preserved through their circumstances.  

 

We see the foolishness of this edict signing even further as verse 15 of chapter 3 states, while the king and Haman were eating and drinking, “the city of Susa was in confusion.” The people were abruptly informed they had to kill their Jewish neighbors and their children a year from today.  Many of the Media-Persians, no doubt, had come to love these humble people and now they are told they have to murder them for no reason. It might be noted that some of these people possibly had some in-laws who were Jews.  If one had a son or daughter who married a Jew, they would have to kill their son-in-law or daughter-in-law and their own grandchildren who held Jewish blood. What confusion indeed! Of course, intermarriage was a sin, but many Jews disobeyed. 

 

The falling dead are what people are envisioning at this moment and it is on this dreadful scene that the curtain falls.  

 

 

 

Chapter 4

 

“If I Perish, I Perish”

 

We have now arrived at Esther chapter 4; here, this factual drama heightens in intensity as it marches on in intrigue. Toward the closing of chapter 3, we witnessed the Jewish death decree announcement. As we view the current scene in 4:1, Mordecai is in deep and grievous mourning. He displays his grief in a visual way as he wears socially unacceptable clothing—sackcloth. (Sackcloth was made of coarse dark goat’s hair, the substance of sacks. It was far from attractive. Often grievers would add ashes to their sackcloth or sat in them. This sackcloth and ash display often revealed a repentant heart toward God as well. And I do not think it is wrong to assume that the LORD used this tragic decreed situation to convict the Jewish populace of sin. God desired to draw His people closer to Himself and away from the cultural ways of the pagan Media-Persian Empire.)

 

Please note there was no rioting, simply a peaceful demonstration. The Jews calmly represented their woes. Haman painted them falsely before  King Ahasuerus. God made sure the truth concerning their obedient citizenship was made known through their witness before men. 1 Corinthians 4:5 informs us that what is hidden in darkness will be brought to light by God and He will disclose the motives of men’s hearts.  Every hidden desire and motive of Haman was eventually brought to light through God who hates every hidden evil thing.

 

Even though the king and Haman do not know of Mordecai’s blood connection with the queen, her maidens and eunuchs certainly do as they report to her concerning Mordecai’s grievous activities; verse 4.

 

Esther is queen and, no doubt, second in the land in importance as empress. She has multitudes of persons in her attendance and under her command. We know she is dearly loved by her servants as we observe through their respect—they are concerned by all that effects the queen. Many may have come to a belief in God due to her witness. Remember, Naomi in the book of Ruth, brought the woman Ruth of a pagan land to a saving knowledge of God through her righteous representation.

 

Esther has been queen six years now and possibly has as many as four children by the king. She may have bore a couple of sons; the elder would be heir to the throne if Vashti’s son or sons perished. The Bible does not state Esther was barren and for a queen to be in good standing with the king, she needed to produce princes. God has thoroughly blessed her; therefore, I personally believe He allowed her to reproduce.  The king did not know that by signing Haman’s edict, he signed the queen’s and their royal offspring’s death decree.

 

Esther inquires into Mordecai’s mournful display, as her heart is broken for her adoptive father who is not acting within a normal state of mind. She wants him to retire his garment of mourning so she no longer has to worry. However, he totally refuses. He will not! He attempts to make her understand by thoroughly informing her of the looming holocaustic situation. He also orders her to plea for her people before the king. Yes, he is commanding the queen; verse 8.

 

In verse 11, we observe this pronounced massacre is naturally producing anguishing turmoil within Esther. She is in devastating shock! And not only does she have to endure the mournful news, but she must plan quickly a presentation before the king. She has not seen the king for thirty days and she is to address the issue of her death decree before him. It is interesting to note that Esther has kept a mental calendar—noting every passing day she has not been with her king and husband. She obviously has missed him. As far as she knows, he may be displeased with her as he was with Vashti. With his many concubines, he may have found a new love. You can imagine the thoughts that were running through her mind at such a time.

 

Traversing further into this stirring tale, we see more of the powerful character of Mordecai displayed before us. He now undertakes the commanding role as defender of his people. He is no longer simply Esther’s protector; he is now the one who must lead and encourage the deliverance of his people and Esther. As Barak was the encouraging force behind Deborah in the book of Judges so is Mordecai to Esther.

 

As Israel’s prophet for this time and setting, he foretells to Esther what God has disclosed to him. Though it does not say God, we know He is the one who has revealed His truth to Mordecai. Never once is God mentioned in this little book, but His providence, protection and guidance are completely distinguished. Mordecai dreadfully reveals Esther’s fate of death and her children if she does not respond to God’s calling to be Israel’s redeeming intercessor; verses 13-14. Today, Jesus Christ holds the position of redeeming intercessor for all believers in the heavenly realm.

 

Verse 14 also speaks to Esther’s family line. Mordecai reveals if she remains silent, she and her father’s house will perish. She and her children will die and God will allow it. Her silence will be a sentence of death placed upon her for shunning the LORD’s calling for her life. It seems obvious that she was made queen for such a time, to preserve God’s people alive. These were the most serious words Mordecai ever spoke to his adoptive daughter and Esther cannot run and hide from them; there is nowhere to go.

 

This brings us to greater exposure—more of Esther’s godly qualities set before us; verse 16. She is willing to die for her God. “If I perish, I perish.”

(All believers today are called to die for their faith if necessary. Christ said people must consider the cost of following Him. Every Christian must be willing to lift up a cross and follow no matter the price, and many have followed unto death.)

 

We also witness further the ruling authority of Queen Esther in this verse. She, being one of the most powerful reginas on the earth, orders the Jews to pray and fast for her. She understands the power of fasting intercession. She will fast and will order her maidens to fast with her. She orders Mordecai to oversee her fasting commands. She is mindful of God’s omnipotence. She knows He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth who answers petitions in accordance to His divine will and purpose.  She recognizes the preservation of God’s people is God’s predestined will!

 

We can envision the closing scene of this chapter with countless people on bended knees.

 

 

 

Chapter 5

 

“Even to Half the Kingdom”

 

The curtain is now being drawn away to reveal the ultimate climaxing scene of this book. Here we view Esther displayed in all her queenly splendor; 5:1. She is in her royal robes and is possibly displaying her diadem which was ceremonially placed on her at her crowning debut; 2:17. It was probably protocol for the queen to wear her royal attire when in public rooms such as these. It is also a reminder to King Ahasuerus that she is empress and of utmost importance in the kingdom. (Some historians believe Queen Vashti was asked to be lewd in her conduct before the king and his guests and that is why she refused his invitation and was removed from her position. I, personally, do not see this. The queen was always to be properly attired in modest royal garments. Vashti, most likely, didn’t desire to leave her place as hostess, overseeing the stately women. She being queen thought she held the power to refuse.)

 

The first verse also speaks in regard to the king’s rooms and King Ahasuerus’ throne room where he is seated. I would imagine his throne was intricate in tapestry and gold design. We know all that surrounded Him spoke loudly of prominent regal wealth. (Through 1 Kings 10:18f we get to glimpse King Solomon’s ornate throne, it being made of ivory and overlaid with the most precious gold. It had six steps and there were twelve fashioned lions upon the steps, two per step, one on each end. This throne was world famous as there was none other that compared to its lavishness.)

 

King Ahasuerus was certainly wearing his royal robes and diadem, he being on display. I am sure he appeared as no one else in the kingdom could appear in presentation elegance. It could be a life-threatening thing for anyone to stand before this king who held complete judgmental power over the Media-Persian citizens. I am sure many shook in fear when meeting this sovereign face to face. We are commanded to fear and tremble before our sovereign King, the Creator of the heavens and the earth—Philippians 2:12. 

 

(When my husband and I were in London, I received an awakening to the intricacies of monarchy rule. It certainly can be a glamorous realm in which to reside. Seeing Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard made me feel I was part of something I had never experienced before and was very naive in regard. Seeing the Parliament building and other historical areas tucked within Westminster kept me learning on the go. Scanning the intricacies of layers upon layers of imperial history widened my eyes, enabling me to enjoy better vision when studying the regal aspects of Scripture.)

 

We perceive Esther has to be in anguishing turmoil at this point, not knowing if this meeting could end her life. You can imagine her relief when the king graciously holds out the scepter and she touches its pinnacle in bowing humility (Now, it does not say she bowed, but we know this was proper protocol before a sovereign).

 

Holding forth a scepter revealed approval. You can picture this in a child’s fairytale setting; whereby, a little girl’s eyes become like saucers when a portrait of a beautiful palace with a king seated on his throne in all his royal grandeur is set before her in large storybook illustrated form. This leaf turns aside and a new is set before her, prompting her eyes to shimmer. Right there, in illuminating color, is the most beautiful queen in all the world. The child intensely examines her soft royal red robe, blue silk gown and glistening crown. This small girl ponders the splendor of the queen’s raiment. She images them on her—being all tailored just to her size, so she can pretend to be queen. The next sheet is positioned before her and she gazes at the queen bowing before the king. She can only see the queen’s eyelids—her eyes are bowing too. Another brightly painted scene emerges and she peers at this lovely queen, taking special note of her feminine perfect hands. One is placed on the king’s fine golden scepter. Tears now arise, fogging the child’s vision, as the next illustrated leaf exclaims exchanged love. This is when the eyes of the king and queen become united. This touching scene (Yes, a bit elaborated by me) can prick our hearts to tenderness and even more so, as we know this fairy-like tale actually maintains a place in global history.   

 

(The British Crown Jewels are displayed at the Tower of London. When there, I took note of the imaged doves seated on the ends of a couple of the scepters. Doves represent peace and submission. They are symbolic of the Holy Spirit according to Christian and secular recordings.

 

Doves were the only birds that could be offered in sacrifice according to Mosaic Law—two were offered at Christ’s birth. The Holy Spirit appeared as a dove, descending and resting on Christ at His baptism. Doves secure a profile of Christ at His crucifixion, as He was beaten beyond recognition, yet never retaliated. 

 

Doves also represent never departing faithfulness and affection—doves affectionately mate for life. Christ, out of His affectionate love, will never leave nor forsake believers.)

 

You can imagine the joy that filled Queen Esther’s heart when she recognized the prayers of her people had been answered, when the king lovingly received her. (It certainly is not wrong to pray for a renewed love to awaken a husband and wife. Such intercessions possibly ascended for this king and queen. Sometimes feelings can vanquish away, but God can renew hearts to tenderness. In marriage, we should always strive for the feelings of young excited love through the grace and power of God who desires marriage for life. He can work beyond what we can ask for think.)

 

The king knows Esther had to be greatly troubled to approach him and attempts to sooth her with loving words, “Even to half the kingdom it shall be yours.” He meant it as he is well acquainted with her regina abilities. He speaks to her as the one who is queen, being powerfully significant in his eyes.

 

He distinguishes she sacrificed herself to come to him against what is normal protocol and immediately wants to know the unrest of her mind. It is obvious his love has not faded and lavishes comforting words upon her. She represented the attractive attributes of an appealing wife, being his graceful doe and loving hind; Proverbs 5:19. He would love to have her rule beside him, owning half of his kingdom.  

 

Esther, as a wise and intelligent woman, does not fly into an emotional scene before the king at this point. She calmly invites the king to a banquet along with Haman that she has prepared; verse 4. The old adage that through a man’s stomach his heart can be obtained seems to be applied here. A prudent wife does not present a major problem or request to her husband before he is fed, rested and satisfied.

 

The king knows Esther has prepared a remarkable buffet, as she is not one to perform things half-heartedly. She has painstakingly worked to make it perfect. Wanting to be with his queen for this sumptuous meal, the king hastily grabs Haman and hurries to the banquet. He wants to eat, drink and be with the love of his life. Mainly, he wants to know what is on his wife’s heart. At the banquet Esther refuses to speak her mind and simply requests that they return the next day and promises the king that she will disclose everything; verses 5-8. The curtain closes.

 

The curtain reopens at verse 10, where we view a nearby setting. We see Haman at home glad of heart, rejoicing before his friends and family. He turns this time into a brag session and recounts his positioned glory, riches, influence, and his many sons. He relays that the queen had requested only him and the king attend her banquet. No one else in the kingdom has ever been so distinguished by the queen. He is even invited to a second banquet tomorrow hosted by the queen. Suddenly, his happy temperament changes to one of gloom as he remembers Mordecai’s lack of respect. Haman is very agitated and everyone around him can see it. He wants every national citizen to recognize his importance and act accordingly! His wicked family and friends sympathize and do not hesitate to advise him to build a gallows and hang Mordecai. Why should such a simple murder be troublesome? The queen and king are uplifting Haman in notable ways, therefore his clan believes he can do anything he desires. Haman simply has to attain the permission of the king and his troubles will be gone forever.

 

Haman, owning the support of family and friends, immediately sets to action. He commands the building of the gallows in all faith that his desire will be accomplished. Haman triumphantly closes the scene.

 

 

 

Chapter 6

 

A Sleepless Night

 

Chapter 6 intervenes to add hope to this grim setting. As the curtain arises, we view a king unable to sleep—he may be worried about his queen. He seems to believe the best sleeping pill is to be read to. (We do know people are praying and this is an answer. God can work in the lives and hearts of the unsaved. I have seen it. I believe it is God who is keeping this man awake.) A servant reads to the king the chronicles of the Media-Persian government. The king so happens…No! It is through an act of God that this king listens intently to the account of Mordecai who had saved his life; 2:21-23.  

 

King Ahasuerus assumes that surely something marvelous was performed for Mordecai—his savior. Obviously, the king forgot the occurrence and recording—a king has a lot to think about and important incidents can slip the mind.  He learns none of his servants took note of Mordecai’s lifesaving report either. No one to that day had distinguished Mordecai as the king’s savior. Of course, who would act without the king’s permission? 

 

The king is determined that something be done. He will not pass by this written account that strikes a note of accountability even in the middle of the night.  (Here we witness another good attribute of this king, he believes he is to give honor to whom it is due.)

 

It just so happens (No! God has a great sense of humbling humor) that Haman desires an audience with the king. He wants to tell the king of his demise-scheme concerning Mordecai, this being presented in the most convincing of ways. (What timing! How this chapter makes us chuckle. This drama is turned into a comedy for a short duration. This is a reminder that God is on the throne and there is nothing outside His control; Psalm 50:10-12. Our God is an awesome God of wisdom and might. Psalm 59:8 tells us God laughs at His enemies and scoffs at all the nations.) Before Haman can present his request, he becomes sidetracked with the king who desires to honor a person. Haman holds no doubts, that it is he. Hamans says to himself, “Whom would the king desire to honor more than me.” He knows he is the most highlighted man in the kingdom…very famous. He believes the king and queen just love him to pieces.  Why, he is going to the queen’s banquet today. No one else has been invited except for the king. (Can you imagine the bouncing excitement that is now present in Haman’s sinful, evil heart?) 

 

Verses 7-9 reveal Haman’s sick mind, as he desires to be led around like the king, himself, on the king’s stately steed, in all the king’s arrayed splendor, including his crown. He held a tremendous affinity for ruling power. (I believe, Haman hoped to someday take the throne from the king. Why else does he want to be seen as a crowned king in the streets if this is not the goal of his heart? He does not want to be led humbly as the king’s servant, but as king, in all royal attire.)

 

Haman hears he must do all this for Mordecai. What? Haman must be standing totally dumbfounded. This is the name he hates and dreads the most. How can he comprehend the king is delighted in Mordecai? Haman must be asking himself, “How in the world could this king know this disgusting, obstinate Jew?” While still engulfed in his shock, he learns he must parade this dreadful man before all the rejoicing public. This will be performed in the exact way Haman described to the king. Mordecai will appear in all kingly splendor, just as Haman desired for himself. Haman, no doubt wonders, “How could this wonderful moment turn into such a living nightmare?”

 

From here, the setting moves to the street scene celebration. However, depressed Haman is not celebrating.  He is not jumping up and down in glee as he parades Mordecai down the avenues. The last thing in the world he desires is to appear as a simple servant of Mordecai’s. Truth at times can be stranger than fiction. Haman’s harmonious loud proclamation of praises “Thus it shall be done to the man whom the king desires to honor” spoken before the world, certainly does not hold an inward enthusiastic note. Haman felt very embarrassed having Mordecai mounted above him in the grandest of ways.

 

You can invasion this, Mordecai’s heyday…everyone is applauding as he passes by. Mordecai must have chuckled in his heart while being lead by Haman—his guiding servant. He knows Haman is inwardly fuming mad, disgusted and defeated in heart. He also recognizes God is at work behind the scenes at this time, and he can’t help but rejoice as he sees prayer being answered.

 

Haman is passing by the people who know everything concerning his Jewish death decree. And many probably know of his personal hatred for Mordecai which led to his execution plans. We have to understand he built a monstrous gallows that reaches five stories—quite tall for that day and age.  Everyone can see it and has surely asked about it…no one has kept quiet about it. An execution was big news. My, oh my, poor Haman.

 

We must view humble Mordecai here as one who is being very blessed of the LORD. He is being elevated above everyone in the kingdom. This is a time for the kingdom citizens to celebrate Mordecai. God says, he who humbles himself, shall be exalted; Luke 14:11.  God knew Mordecai’s sacrificial heart and made the way for his crowning depute.

 

Mordecai possibly does not know about the gallows Haman built for him.  He for sure knows he is being very blessed by God.  He most likely understands God is answering prayer and this horse ride may be the first step in the deliverance of his people.   It is by God’s marvelous intervention that Mordecai is not now swinging at the end of Haman’s noose.

 

The scene is now following only Haman. After all this excitement that is too much for him to bear, he quickly heads for home for comforting reassurance to get his mind off the tragic episode he just engaged in. Upon his arrival, he immediately tells his wife and friends what has happened. He is boggled and so are they. Not that long ago, they were rejoicing with him as he had ascended to new heights in his career. He had also confided in them concerning one depressing aspect in his life—Mordecai. They had empathized and encouraged him to build a tall gallows so he could hang this disrespectful Jew. Now, upon hearing of the Mordecai parade, his wife and friends prophecy, “If Mordecai, before whom you have began to fall is of Jewish origin, you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him.” They, who had honored him, now doom him. What friends!  It certainly appears they are well aware of the protecting hand God has on His people as they promptly refer to Mordecai’s Jewish origin. However, they will soon discover the vengeance of God will also touch their individual lives.

 

As they continue to discuss this incident of disgrace, the king’s eunuchs arrive and hastily take Haman to the banquet. The king wanted Haman to be on time for both banquets. He has to know what is injuring his queen’s heart.  The curtain is drawn.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

Haman’s Demise

 

The curtain is again withdrawn and we see the palace that holds center stage in the kingdom and in our story. It is where the great happenings are taking place and where all exquisiteness is displayed, as we took note of in the first chapter. We can imagine a very tastefully bejeweled room, holding all riches—precious and costly items of gold, silver and everything superior.  All this is exhibited as well as delectable cuisine—the best in the world.

 

Queen Esther has thoughtfully prepared this second banquet for her verbal presentation. It is the perfect backdrop. King Ahasuerus opens the scene with the first lines, beckoning the queen to tell him the woes of her heart. “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you.  And what is your request?  Even to half the kingdom it shall be done.” Wow, how we are moved by his loving and sacrificial words that have been repeated in the past to ensure his elevated desire for his wife. This sincere and romantic language surpasses the ages of penned works. These wooing words lead to another climax in the story. Esther must now disclose everything, risking everything—her own power and her own life. She knows the king can still choose to stand with Haman, which will end her life. This touching, caring scene can be turned into a deadly plight. She proceeds anyway as she really has nothing to lose. She is as good as dead due to the decree.

 

Esther is not stupid and she has planned her words well. She knew just how to prick her husband’s heart, which she now believes she owns. She in boldness states in respectful honor of her sovereign, “If I have found favor in your sight, O King, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my  petition, and my people as my request; for we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed and to be annihilated. Now if we had only been sold as slaves, men and women, I would have remained silent, for the trouble would not be commensurate with the annoyance to the king.” She wisely does not tell the king, she and her people were driven to this country as slaves. Through God’s intervening hand, they had became reputable, hard working citizens. She wants him to view the Jews with the respect they deserve.  

 

The king is greatly perplexed by all this; verse 5. He is in total shock. He cannot understand who would want to kill the woman he loves, let alone make her a slave. She is the most important and honored woman in his kingdom of 127 provinces! Even to think of her as a slave leaves his mind dumbfounded. He loves her with all his heart and he is angry! He demands to know who he is—“Who would presume to do this?”

 

Esther knows she is on level ground and can proceed in confidence. Her man is angry and nothing will stop him from taking revenge. Here is the most exciting line in this historical account: “A foe and an enemy is this wicked Haman!”  What dramatic words spoken. How they must have pierced her husband’s trusting heart. Haman is his most faithful servant and above all the servants and princes in rank. He has been one of his dearest friends. This king is greatly perplexed and agitated. He goes to the palace garden to vent. When he feels he has finally gained a bit of composure, he returns to find Haman falling on Esther’s couch where she reclined…oh no, what a no, no! This is not proper protocol at all. (Now mind you, Haman wasn’t trying to take advantage of the queen in an inappropriate manner, he purely wanted her to plead for his life. He could see by the look on the king’s face that he was dead meat!) I am sure the queen felt very uneasy having her deadly enemy so close to her and touching her body. No doubt, the king saw the tremendous fear overtaking the queen with the man who desires her demise falling on her. No wonder he imagined “rape.” and asked disbelievingly, “Will he even assault the queen with me in the house!” The servants were not so sure what was going on until these angry wounded words fell from their king’s mouth. They were most likely dismayed over Haman’s strange behavior at this banquet. Now, when all is clear, they hastily remove Haman, covering his head to spare the king more embarrassing shame. These servants knew more than the king concerning the affairs of Haman. They reveal they don’t like Haman as they tell on him. They knew he was a pompous, untrustworthy man. As I wrote prior, the citizens of Susa all know what Haman is up to, including the palace servants. They disclose to the king that Haman has built a gallows for honorable Mordecai—the king’s savior.  Without hesitation, the king tells his servants to hang Haman on his own gallows.

 

This may appear to be a great place to close the final curtain as the enemy has fallen and the king and queen appear secure; however, curtains still must move about as more scenes will come to stage and some not so pretty.

 

 

 

Chapter 8

 

Mordecai Crowned

 

In chapter 6, King Ahasuerus pronounced Mordecai a hero. In chapter 7, the king learned Mordecai was facing death at the hand of Haman—a traitor. Haman was thus executed by order of the king. Now, is the ordained time for Queen Esther to make known her relationship to her cousin Mordecai, who adopted her when orphaned. With Mordecai now holding a prestigious place before the king, it was certainly God’s perfect timing for the revelation. Esther discloses all and the king is not disappointed; he eminently honors them both. Their victory day has come! They have been faithful to God in all things and now He uses the king to advance them even further. (When believers arrive in heaven and stand before their heavenly King, they will be rewarded for staying faithful and holding to His inerrant Word.)

 

Pressing forward, the set now moves to the grand home of Haman. This massive mansion with servants has been transferred to Esther as a present from the king. It is another symbol of her power and authority and the king’s love for her. It is as if the king said, “You now hold Haman’s noble place.” It is like a special kiss on her cheek. Mordecai also has a part in this scene, as Esther places him over this expansive estate as its manager. Not only this, but Mordecai is positioned in power directly under the king—given the king’s signet ring, which embossed the king’s emblem in clay or wax when placed face down. The king made sure it was returned to him, having been in Haman’s possession. Haman had held this most coveted imperial ring, which revealed he had been second in command under the king. This bestowing of the royal ring was equivalent to the king giving his signature to another.

 

It appears the king desires both Queen Esther and Mordecai maintain equal authority under him. He had offered to Esther part of his kingdom and now she is stationed above all others in its vastness. I am sure the inhabitants of Susa are taking note—none of this is escaping their desire to know. We witnessed previously that happenings are not kept hidden—word gets out to the people and even to the secluded palace staff. The public knew Haman had built a gallows for Mordecai and they had witnessed Haman hanging from it.

 

The curtain closes and rises again on a dramatic display of feeling. Esther is once again before the king—falling at his feet. Since she knows she owns the heart of the king, she emotionally asks for the lives of her people. She knows Haman can no longer harm her and the king will protect her from her antisemitic enemies. Yet, she still implores the king for her people, the Jews.  She is a selfless Jewess who lives for God and His will. It has never been God’s will that the apple of His eye completely perish. He has always preserved the Jewish race and someday they will turn to Christ in belief and be exalted on the earth and in heaven. 

 

We see in verses 9f that both Esther and Mordecai are very intelligent—being literate and educated in politics. They utilize their god-given intelligence by writing a decree stating the Jews can defend themselves against any antisemitists. The king’s signed decree could never be revoked according the law of the Media-Persians. The Jews were to be massacred on the twelfth month and the thirteenth day by order of the king. (You would think rash behavior’s consequences would cause kings to wisely consider every law and decree.  You would think they would thoroughly investigate every detail of consideration before setting their ring’s insignia in clay or wax.) 

 

Fortunately, the law could be altered and Queen Esther implores the king to add to the edict allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. The king ascribes Mordecai, who is second in command, over this task to pen the edict of defense. Verse 11 states the Jews had the right to assemble to defend themselves and to kill and annihilate an entire army or people which might attack them. God has opened this door of salvation that will preserve His people alive.  He has placed within Esther and Mordecai the wisdom to amend the decree.

 

Owing to Mordecai’s unfailing truthful and faithful ways, the king arrays him in royal robes of blue and white, and caps him with a large gold diadem. This royal gala scene is enriched by the fact the entire city of Susa is rejoicing and shouting. Wow, just think of the masses of citizens who are participating.  Proverbs 29:2 states, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when a wicked man rules, people groan.” Haman, I don’t believe, was liked or respected—being very pompous and assuming. Contrastingly, Mordecai promotes life and liberty in godly humility. By maintaining a spotless reputation and a desire for justice, the majority of the Susa populace exclaim union with him.

 

In verse 16, we see the Jews enjoyed gladness, joy and light (Under Haman, they were doomed to death’s darkness). They also obtained honor— having Esther and Mordecai in power insured their respectability. This scene ends on a positive note—another happy chapter ending. Curtain closes.

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

The Chime of Victory

 

Chapter 9 verse 3 reopens the curtain of this unraveling tale that is not over. At this appointed scene, we witness further blessings of God, bestowed upon the Jews. Princes, satraps, governors, etc., assist the Hebrews in their defense against their enemies—the antisemitists. The dread of powerful Mordecai had fallen upon them evoking them to join the ranks of the king. Verse 4 states that Mordecai became famous and “greater and greater.” What more could a godly man request of his God? Of course, he didn’t ask or expect, which was why this humble man was exalted. 

 

Because of sin in the world, we must observe a bloody scene of revenge, but held within the realm of a sovereign God; verse 5. It is a matter of self-defense. It is the pathway God provided to preserve His people alive.  Queen Esther’s people have no choice but to kill their enemies; their adversaries are out for blood. If the Jews withhold the sword, the antisemitists will prevail! These enemies hold the same heart as Haman. Media-Persia does not need anarchy.

 

One thing that stands out in this particular chapter is the Jewish obedience to the Word of God—not laying hands on the plunder; verse 10. In other words, they kept themselves unadulterated by not seizing the possessions of those they killed. Self-centered objectives of personal gain were absent from this scene and all noticed. The Jews in Media-Persia are totally yielded to God, making sure all their enemies perish without touching their personal possessions. These wise Hebrews receive all the blessings that obedience brings. They had learned obedience from the evil consequential ways of Saul, as you read in chapter 3 of this commentary. They knew the Word of God.

 

The sin of greed is present in the heart of mankind. This war of the good guy versus the bad guy did not incite the normal sins of victory. In many battles, self-centered pursuits of pleasure interfere with orders when an enemy is deposed of. The Jews upheld a tremendous righteous witness through it all.

 

In verse 13, we see Esther once again boldly interceding for her people before the king. She requests another day of vengeance be granted for the Jews who dwell in Susa, the capital. The permanent destruction of the enemies of the Jews must be accomplished, and she will not fall short of her calling in the matter. She also requests Haman’s ten sons be hung on the gallows.  King Ahasuerus seems to be in a bit of shock over all the deaths, but still grants the queen her requests. The Media-Persians must understand it is not profitable to follow the road of antisemitism!   

 

Adding up the figures in this chapter, we see approximately 75,800 enemies were eliminated; verses 6, 15 & 16. This led to an exhilarating time of praising God for His grace and total deliverance! I know of no other time in history where the Jews were able to destroy all their adversaries. However, God will destroy all their enemies when the millennial rule of Reges Christ Jesus is ushered in.

 

God, throughout Scripture, calls us to praise Him for all His benefits and blessings. Verse 1 contains a powerful statement regarding this whole episode of blessed victory. It reveals God can easily overturn every event according to His divine will, “…on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, it was turned to the contrary so that the Jews themselves gained the mastery over those who hated them.” This was the ultimate blessing for these Jews at this time. We receive countless bestowments daily because of our relationship to Christ. The New Testament testifies that we should see persecution as a blessing too, being worthy to suffer shame for His name; Acts 5:41. Esther and Mordecai both suffered for obedience, but in this chapter, they receive the rewards of peace and prosperity.

 

Two designated days of the month are given for this celebration of liberation, the 13^th and 14^th day of Adar. If you take the time to look at a Jewish calendar (can be located in some study Bibles and on the web), you observe its year holds twelve months as does ours; yet, this calendar does not correspond to our AD calendar. The month of Adar encompasses a portion of February and March. Today, Jews celebrate this holiday of deliverance on March 2-5, being called Purim according to the command in Esther; verse 26.  If you will turn to Esther 3:7, you will see how Haman cast the lot called Pur, to determine when he should present his scheme to the king. It took a full year of casting this lot before Haman felt confident to approach the king as we read previously. This entitlement recognizes the time from the conspiracy to the deliverance.

 

Returning to verse 22, we note the Jews are to celebrate their Purim victory, through feasting, rejoicing and sending portions of food to the poor. (If you read James chapter 2, you will see how much God loves the poor—genuinely poor believers throughout the world. This does not refer to believers who are lazy or drunkards. God commands believers to be diligent workers and if they are not, we are not to associate with them. They are walking in disobedience and consequences are to arise; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-14. Through the James passage, we recognize the poor are precious to God and He has chosen them to be rich in faith. We are never to consider ourselves as superior to others. Being wealthy, beautiful, talented, or educated does not produce a better standing before God. God examines the heart and a righteous heart is precious before God and especially if it dwells in a poor person.) 

 

In verse 25, which is Mordecai’s exhortation to celebrate Purim, he gives honor to the king who changed the edict so the Jews could be saved. He desires no vendetta be placed on the king for allowing Haman to persuade the destruction of the Israelite nation. God did intervene and He did not place a horrifying death judgment on King Ahasuerus—the LORD acted out of complete forgiveness. God knew the king saw the evil he had performed and withdrew from it and He continued to bless this king’s empire. 

 

Because of verse 20 and those following, I believe Mordecai wrote the book of Esther as it states Mordecai recorded all these events and sent copies out to the Jews in every province. The Jews did obey Mordecai’s command and celebrated Purim on the two days legislated. Mordecai also stressed how it was always to be celebrated by every future generation. 

 

The Jews have faithfully obeyed this and in today’s culture, they celebrate by starting with a fast in remembrance of Esther’s  fast. She called for all the Jews to fast as well. This was all performed before she approached the king in order to change his decree of death. 

 

In Synagogues on May 2, Jews read the story of Esther from a scroll.  When Haman’s name is mentioned, it is a signal for a loud noise to erupt to stamp out his name, as he attempted to stamp out the Jews.

 

The Jews also send presents of food to each other as was required; Esther 9:22. They send two kinds of food as a minimum. They also give to two different charities to obey the command of giving portions to the poor.

 

On the afternoon of May 2, they hold a special feast and sometimes a parade. The holiday continues through May 5.

 

Mordecai referred to it as a custom, verse 27, as this was not included in the Law of Moses. These events occurred toward the end of Old Testament writings. 

 

In verse 29, Queen Esther as a literate woman along with Mordecai, write the decree. They, holding pinnacle authority under the king, confirm Mordecai’s edict of remembrance. This declaration encouragement uplifted God’s saving power. His truth has rung loud and clear in this true tale. This all speaks to the certainty of the proud or pompous being defeated; Malachi 4:2.

 

We must note through it all, Esther did not harm the testimony of God; she was a woman of obedience and submission. She did not rebel in her role and never grew bitter.  She chose godly femininity, which set her in a place of admiration.

 

If she had rebelled as a woman’s libber, she would not have been adored throughout the centuries. Seeking feminine godly attributes should be a continual goal in every woman’s life. I have compiled a list of the godly attributes and characteristics of Esther:

 

God-fearing

Quiet and gentle spirit

Obedient

Chaste

Unspoiled

Thoughtful

Contented

Tactful

Gracious

Humble

Modest

Decent

Non-materialistic:

(desired wisdom before things 2:13-15)

Feminine

Loyal

Tender

Sacrificial

Calculated

Uncomplaining

Supportive

Organized

Intelligent

Honest

Loving

Prayer Warrior

Intelligent

Cared for all people

Respected

Faithful

Wise

Subject to governing authorities

Patient

Uncompromising

Determined

Proclaimer of peace and truth

 

 

Now it is time to lower the final curtain, this being the finale—a happy ending of rejoicing victory.  God answered the prayers of these Jews beyond what they could have asked or thought; Ephesians 3:20.

 

What we find in chapter 10 is life returning to normal.

 

 

 

Chapter 10

 

The Facts Recorded

 

 

Chapter 10 opens with King Ahasuerus bringing a tax to the land, possibly to aid the monarchy and military. This short closing chapter explains the previous events were recorded in the Book of Chronicles of the Kings of Media and Persia. The last verse informs us that Mordecai sought the welfare of the whole nation.  He never acted out of sinful partiality. This Gentile nation greatly thrived under his godly, meek, and just leadership. This governing produced blessings that were placed upon all citizens.  When Christ rules the earth from Israel during His millennial reign, He will bring justice to all nations, which will produce countless blessings.

 

It is certainly wonderful that we serve the God of Isaiah 40 who can turn all things around for His crowing glory.  His book, the Bible, holds a happy ending just as the book of Esther.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Val Lee also authored Cliques in the Church, Apostasy in the Church, and writes articles for Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures http://leesbird.com/   “Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee.” All books can be read at this website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obama on Abortion—Video Link

  Http://www.frcaction.org/videos

Please watch the two videos at the link above.  We must stop infanticide. Obama’s first priority is to murder more innocent babies and he has murdered millions of children through his legislation. He wants Planned Parenthood to dictate our government.  They legislate already to a fearful degree.  In other nations, PP tells women how many children they can birth and take away their say.  Obama stands for everything PP has ever decreed.

 

Jesus Christ hates murder. Satan is the father of all murders. Let us cling to life.  

 

Val Lee  (Author of Cliques in the Church, Apostasy in the Church, and Queen Esther/Looming Holocaust—see Amazon.com. These books can also be read at http://vallee7.wordpress.com/. I also write and submit photos for Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures http://leesbird.com/ ”Through the Looking Glass of Val Lee”)