How Will You Build Your House?


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	WILL YOUR HOUSE STAND? Part 5 How Will You Build Your House?
	The majority of us do not know for certain the name of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And those that do are bent on keeping it a secret from the rest of us. As a result, there are many renderings of God’s name such as Yahweh, Yahuah, Yehovah and Yehowah, to name a few. So for this study, I will occasionally use the shortened poetic form of God’s name which is YAH. On this name, most of us are in agreement. This shortened form appears in the Hebrew Bible over 40 times. The name YAH is also found in the construct word “hallelu-YAH.” ____________________________________________________________________________ "Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The King James Version (KJV) Scripture quotations are also from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved." 2 Esdras 15:34-45 and Book of Wisdom 1:16; 2:1-24; 3:1-9 Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved ____________________________________________________________________________ Hebrew and Greek word meanings, for selected words in red, are included from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, unless otherwise stated. Single words in blue represent words that were previously defined. Some words are defined more than once. ____________________________________________________________________________ This study only covers a few things. And even then, it’s not exhaustive. Please pray and ask for guidance as you study the Word of God for yourself. I respectfully suggest that you not rely on others to instruct you. At best, you will never rise above their level of understanding. And at worse, you could be misled and deceived. It is the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” (John 16:13, KJV) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction Matthew 7:24-27 Built His House? The Rock The Storms Will Come “As the Days of Noe Were” The Rain, the Winds and the Floods Conclusion INTRODUCTION “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 5:1-2 tell us that Christ went up to the mountain and when He was seated His disciples came to Him and He taught them. Matthew 5:1-2 “And seeing the multitudes, ⁽³⁷⁹³⁾ he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: ² And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,” (KJV) However, in Matthew 7:28-29 we are told that the “people” were astonished at His teachings. Matthew 7:28-29 “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people ⁽³⁷⁹³⁾ were astonished at his doctrine: ²⁹ For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (KJV) Multitudes/People 3793 – ὄχλος ochlos, okh´los; from a derivative of 2192 (meaning a vehicle); a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot: — (Translated in King James Version as) company, multitude, number (of people), people, press. So, it appears that at some point the “people” joined Christ and His disciples on the mountain. Ø And if so, could it be that at that time Christ spoke to them in parables? The Word tells us that Christ spoke to His disciples in plain language; but to the people/multitudes He always spoke in parables. Matthew 13:10-17 “And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? ⁽³⁸⁵⁰⁾ ¹¹ He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. ¹² For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. ¹³ Therefore speak I to them in parables: ⁽³⁸⁵⁰⁾ because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. ¹⁴ And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias (Isaiah), which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: ¹⁵ For this people’s heart is waxed gross,⁽³⁹⁷⁵⁾ and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted ⁽¹⁹⁹⁴⁾, and I should heal them. ¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. ¹⁷ For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” (KJV) Converted 1994 – ἐπιστρέφω epistrepho, ep-ee-stref´-o; from 1909 and 4762; to revert (literally, figuratively or morally): — (Translated in King James Version as) come (go) again, convert, (re-)turn (about, again). 4762 – στρέφω strepho, stref´-o; strengthened from the base of 5157; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about). *Thayer’s Greek Lexicon* (1994) - 1. transitively, a. to turn to: to the worship of the true God, b. to cause to return, to bring back; to the love and obedience of God, to love for the children, that they may be in the wisdom of the righteous; 2. intransitive, a. to turn, to turn oneself: f Gentiles passing over to the religion of Christ, b. to turn oneself about, turn back: o return, turn back, come back; to leave the commandment and turn back to a worse mental and moral condition, to turn back morally, to reform: o turn oneself about, to turn around: o return: to return to a better mind, repent Waxed gross 3975 – παχύνω pachuno, pakh-oo´-no; from a derivative of 4078 (meaning thick); to thicken, i.e. (by implication) to fatten (figuratively, stupefy or render callous): — (Translated in King James Version as) wax gross. Matthew 13 goes on to say: Matthew 13:34-36 “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude ⁽³⁷⁹³⁾ in parables;⁽³⁸⁵⁰⁾ and without a parable ⁽³⁸⁵⁰⁾ spake he not unto them: ³⁵ That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables;⁽³⁸⁵⁰⁾ I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. ³⁶ Then Jesus sent the multitude ⁽³⁷⁹³⁾ away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable ⁽³⁸⁵⁰⁾ of the tares of the field.” (KJV) Parable(s) 3850 – παραβολή parabole, par-ab-ol-ay´; from 3846; a similitude (“parable”), i.e. (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage: — (Translated in King James Version as) comparison, figure, parable, proverb. All things considered, Matthew 7:24-27 could very well be a parable. And if so, could there be a deeper meaning, or message, behind this passage for us to search out? I believe the answer is yes. And if you agree, let us see what Christ would have us learn. Matthew 7:24-27 There are three key words in Matthew 7:24-27 that we will focus on – House, Rock and Floods. But first, we will define both these three words as well as other key words in this passage using the *Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Matthew 7:24-27* “Therefore whosoever hearth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken ⁽³⁶⁶⁶⁾ him unto a wise ⁽⁵⁴²⁹⁾ man, which built ⁽³⁶¹⁸⁾ his house ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾upon a rock: ⁽⁴⁰⁷³⁾ ²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods ⁽⁴²¹⁵⁾ came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾ and it fell not: for it was founded ⁽²³¹¹⁾ upon a rock. ⁽⁴⁰⁷³⁾ ²⁶ And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,⁽³³⁶¹⁾ shall be likened ⁽³⁶⁶⁶⁾ unto a foolish ⁽³⁴⁷⁴⁾ man, which built ⁽³⁶¹⁸⁾his house ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾ upon the sand: ²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods ⁽⁴²¹⁵⁾ came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house;⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾ and it fell: and great ⁽³¹⁷³⁾ was the fall of it.” (KJV) Built 3618 – οἰκοδομέω oikodomeo, oy-kod-om-eh´-o; from the same as 3619; to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or (figuratively) confirm: — (Translated in King James Version as) (be in) build(-er, -ing, up), edify, embolden. Floods 4215 – ποταμός potamos, pot-am-os´; probably from a derivative of the alternate of 4095 (compare 4224); a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e. running water: — (Translated in King James Version as) flood, river, stream, water. Foolish 3474 – μωρός moros, mo-ros´; probably from the base of 3466; dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd: — (Translated in King James Version as) fool(-ish, x -ishness). Founded 2311 – θεμελιόω themelioo, them-el-ee-o´-o; from 2310; to lay a basis for, i.e. (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate: — (Translated in King James Version as) (lay the) found(- ation), ground, settle. 2310 – θεμέλιος themelios, them-el´-ee-os; from a derivative of 5087; something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively): —(Translated in King James Version as) foundation. Great 3173 – μέγας megas, meg´-as; (including the prolonged forms, feminine megale, plural megaloi, etc.; compare also 3176, 3187); big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application): — (Translated in King James Version as) (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, x to years. House 3614 – οἰκία oikia, oy-kee´-ah; from 3624; properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics): —(Translated in King James Version as) home, house(-hold). *Thayer’s Greek Lexicon* (3614) - a house; an inhabited edifice, a dwelling; the inmates of a house, the family; property, wealth, goods. House 3624 – οὶκος oikos, oy´-kos; of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) home, house(-hold), temple. *Thayer’s Greek Lexicon* (3624) – (1) a house; an inhabited house (differing thus from domos the building), home, n private houses; (b) any building whatever - he palace, the house where God was regarded as present — of the tabernacle, of the temple at Jerusalem, of the heavenly sanctuary, a body of Christians (a church), as pervaded by the Spirit and power of God; (c) any dwelling-place - of the human body as the abode of demons that possess it, he place where one has fixed his residence, one’s settled abode, domicile; (2) the inmates of a house, all the persons forming one family, a household: he family of God, of the Christian church (3) stock, race, descendants of one Liken 3666 – ὁμοιόω homoioo, hom-oy-o´-o; from 3664; to assimilate, i.e. compare; passively, to become similar: — (Translated in King James Version as) be (make) like, (in the) liken(-ess), resemble. 3664 – ὅμοιος homoios, hom´-oy-os; from the base of 3674; similar (in appearance or character): — (Translated in King James Version as) like, + manner. Not 3361 – μή me, may; a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial); (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether: — (Translated in King James Version as) any but (that), x forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (x wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. Rock 4073 – πέτρα petra, pet´-ra; feminine of the same as 4074; a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) rock. Wise 5429 – φρόνιμος phronimos, fron´-ee-mos; from 5424; thoughtful, i.e. sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character; while 4680 denotes practical skill or acumen; and 4908 indicates rather intelligence or mental acquirement); in a bad sense conceited (also in the comparative): — (Translated in King James Version as) wise(-r). Built His House? When you think of the word “House” what comes to mind? Well, in Part 4 of this study we learned that a “house” could be ancestral; like the house of Israel. However, most of us would probably think of a house as: § An actual building or structure of some type. § A dwelling place, or abode, where people reside; like a home or apartment. And those residing in the house (household) as: § A family However, there are times when unrelated individuals live together; like a frat house or college dorm. Though the basic meanings are the same, you may be surprised at what the Holy Bible refers to as a “House.” Following are a few examples. (A few passages can apply to more than one category) · Ancestral Matthew 10:5-7 “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: ⁶ But go rather to the lost sheep of the house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ of Israel. ⁷ And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (KJV) Luke 1:26-33 “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, ²⁷ To a virgin ⁽³⁹³³⁾ espoused ⁽³⁴²³⁾ to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ of David; and the virgin’s ⁽³⁹³³⁾ name was Mary. ²⁸ And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured,⁽⁵⁴⁸⁷⁾ the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. ²⁹ And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. ³⁰ And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour ⁽⁵⁴⁸⁵⁾ with God. ³¹ And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. ⁽²⁴²⁴⁾ ³² He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: ⁽⁵³¹⁰⁾ and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: ³³ And he shall reign over the house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (KJV) Espoused 3423 – μνηστεύω mnesteuo, mnace-tyoo´-o; from a derivative of 3415; to give a souvenir (engagement present), i.e. betroth: — (Translated in King James Version as) espouse. Favour 5485 – χάρις charis, khar´-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): — (Translated in King James Version as) acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy). Highest 5310 – ὕψιστος hupsistos, hoop´-sis-tos; superlative from the base of 5311; highest, i.e. (masculine singular) the Supreme (God), or (neuter plural) the heavens: — (Translated in King James Version as) most high, highest. Highly favored 5487 – χαριτόω charitoo, khar-ee-to´-o; from 5485; to grace, i.e. indue with special honor: — (Translated in King James Version as) make accepted, be highly favoured. JESUS 2424 – Ἰησοῦς Iesous, ee-ay-sooce´; of Hebrew origin (H3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites: — (Translated in King James Version as) Jesus. H3091 – יְהוֹשׁוּעַ Yhowshuwaʿ, yeh-ho-shoo´-ah; or יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yhowshua, yeh-ho-shoo´-ah; from 3068 and 3467; Yhwh-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader:— (Translated in King James Version as) Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Virgin 3933 – παρθένος parthenos, par-then´-os; of unknown origin; a maiden; by implication, an unmarried daughter: — (Translated in King James Version as) virgin. · A building or structure of some type Physical Houses Matthew 9:6-7 “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ ⁷ And he arose, and departed to his house.”⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ (KJV) Matthew 17:4 “Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; ⁽⁴⁶³³⁾ one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.” (KJV) Acts 7:44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle ⁽⁴⁶³³⁾ of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.” (KJV) Tabernacle 4633 – σκηνή skene, skay-nay´; apparently akin to 4632 and 4639; a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) habitation, tabernacle. Matthew 21:12-13 “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, ¹³ And said unto them, It is written, My house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ shall be called the house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (KJV) Spiritual Houses Hebrews 3:1-6 "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; ² Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ ³ For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded ⁽²⁶⁸⁰⁾ the house ⁽⁸⁴⁶⁾ hath more honour ⁽⁵⁰⁹²⁾than the house.⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ ⁴ For every house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ is builded ⁽²⁶⁸⁰⁾ by some man; but he that built ⁽²⁶⁸⁰⁾ all things is God. ⁵ And Moses verily was faithful ⁽⁴¹⁰³⁾ in all his house,⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; ⁶ But Christ as a son over his own house;⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ whose house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ are we, if we hold fast the confidence ⁽³⁹⁵⁴⁾ and the rejoicing of the hope ⁽¹⁶⁸⁰⁾ firm unto the end.” ⁽⁵⁰⁵⁶⁾ (KJV) Builded/ Built 2680 – κατασκευάζω kataskeuazo, kat-ask-yoo-ad´-zo; from 2596 and a derivative of 4632; to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas 2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create: — (Translated in King James Version as) build, make, ordain, prepare. Confidence 3954 – παῤῥησία parrhesia, par-rhay-see´-ah; from 3956 and a derivative of 4483; all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance: — (Translated in King James Version as) bold (x -ly, -ness, -ness of speech), confidence, x freely, x openly, x plainly(-ness). End 5056 – τέλος telos, tel´-os; from a primary τέλλω tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid): —(Translated in King James Version as) + continual, custom, end(-ing), finally, uttermost. Faithful 4103 – πιστός pistos, pis-tos´; from 3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: — (Translated in King James Version as) believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true. Honour 5092 – τιμή time, tee-may´; from 5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself: —(Translated in King James Version as) honour, precious, price, some. Hope 1680 – ἐλπίς elpis, el-pece´; from a primary ἔλπω elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence: — (Translated in King James Version as) faith, hope. House 846 – αὐτός autos, ow-tos´; from the particle αὺ au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons: — (Translated in King James Version as) her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. 1 Peter 2:1-8 “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, ² As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: ³ If so be ye have tasted ⁽¹⁰⁸⁹⁾ that the Lord is gracious. ⁴ To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ⁽¹⁷⁸⁴⁾ ⁵ Ye also, as lively stones, are built up ⁽³⁶¹⁸⁾ a spiritual ⁽⁴¹⁵²⁾ house,⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ an holy ⁽⁴⁰⁾ priesthood, to offer up spiritual ⁽⁴¹⁵²⁾ sacrifices,⁽²³⁷⁸⁾ acceptable ⁽²¹⁴⁴⁾ to God by Jesus Christ. ⁶ Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, ⁽¹⁵⁸⁸⁾ precious:⁽¹⁷⁸⁴⁾ and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.⁽²⁶¹⁷⁾ ⁷ Unto you therefore which believe ⁽⁴¹⁰⁰⁾ he is precious:⁽⁵⁰⁹²⁾ but unto them which be disobedient,⁽⁵⁴⁴⁾ the stone which the builders ⁽³⁶¹⁸⁾ disallowed,⁽⁵⁹³⁾ the same is made the head of the corner, ⁸ And a stone of stumbling,⁽⁴³⁴⁸⁾ and a rock ⁽⁴⁰⁷³⁾ of offence,⁽⁴⁶²⁵⁾ even to them which stumble ⁽⁴³⁵⁰⁾ at the word, being disobedient:⁽⁵⁴⁴⁾ whereunto also they were appointed.” (KJV) Ø Verse 8 - Could Yeshua/ Jesus be the “rock” in Matthew 7:25? · Verse 7 – The author of the Book of Hebrews had something similar to say. Hebrews 3:14-19 “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence ⁽⁵²⁸⁷⁾ stedfast ⁽⁹⁴⁹⁾ unto the end; ¹⁵ While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. ¹⁶ For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. ¹⁷ But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? ¹⁸ And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?⁽⁵⁴⁴⁾ ¹⁹ So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”⁽⁵⁷⁰⁾ (KJV) · Following is Verse 18 in other English Bible Translations. Hebrews 3:18 “And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient?”⁽⁵⁴⁴⁾ (ESV) Hebrews 3:18 “And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who were disobedient?” ⁽⁵⁴⁴⁾ (NRSV) Acceptable 2144 – εὐπρόσδεκτος euprosdektos, yoo-pros´-dek-tos; from 2095 and a derivative of 4327; well-received, i.e. approved, favorable: — (Translated in King James Version as) acceptable(-ted). Believe 4100 – πιστεύω pisteuo, pist-yoo´-o; from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ): — (Translated in King James Version as) believe(-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. 4102 – πίστις pistis, pis´-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: — (Translated in King James Version as) assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. 3982 – πείθω peitho, pi´-tho; a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): — (Translated in King James Version as) agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield. Believed not 544 – see Disobedient Builders/Built up 3618 – οἰκοδομέω oikodomeo, oy-kod-om-eh´-o; from the same as 3619; to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or (figuratively) confirm: — (Translated in King James Version as) (be in) build(-er, -ing, up), edify, embolden. Confidence 5287 – ὑπόστασις hupostasis, hoop-os´-tas-is; from a compound of 5259 and 2476; a setting under (support), i.e. (figuratively) concretely, essence, or abstractly, assurance (objectively or subjectively): — (Translated in King James Version as) confidence, confident, person, substance. Confounded 2617 – καταισχύνω kataischuno, kat-ahee-skhoo´-no; from 2596 and 153; to shame down, i.e. disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush: — (Translated in King James Version as) confound, dishonour, (be a-, make a-)shame(-d). Disallowed 593 – ἀποδοκιμάζω apodokimazo, ap-od-ok-ee-mad´-zo; from 575 and 1381; to disapprove, i.e. (by implication) to repudiate: — (Translated in King James Version as) disallow, reject. Disobedient 544 – ἀπειθέω apeitheo, ap-i-theh´-o; from 545; to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely): — (Translated in King James Version as) not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. 545 – ἀπειθής apeithes, ap-i-thace´; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3982; unpersuadable, i.e. contumacious: — (Translated in King James Version as) disobedient. Elect 1588 – ἐκλεκτός eklektos, ek-lek-tos´; from 1586; select; by implication, favorite: — (Translated in King James Version as) chosen, elect. Holy 40 – ἅγιος hagios, hag´-ee-os; from ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (Translated in King James Version as) (most) holy (one, thing), saint. Offence 4625 – σκάνδαλον skandalon, skan´-dal-on; (“scandal;” probably from a derivative of 2578; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin): — (Translated in King James Version as) occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock. Precious 1784 – ἔντιμος entimos, en´-tee-mos; from 1722 and 5092; valued (figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) dear, more honourable, precious, in reputation. Precious 5092 – τιμή time, tee-may´; from 5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself: — (Translated in King James Version as) honour, precious, price, some. Rock 4073 – πέτρα petra, pet´-ra; feminine of the same as 4074; a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) rock. Sacrifices 2378 – θυσία thusia, thoo-see´-ah; from 2380; sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) sacrifice. Spiritual 4152 – πνευματικός pneumatikos, pnyoo-mat-ik-os´; from 4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious: — (Translated in King James Version as) spiritual. 4151 – πνεῦμα pneuma, pnyoo´-mah; from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: — (Translated in King James Version as) ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Steadfast 949 – βέβαιος bebaios, beb´-ah-yos; from the base of 939 (through the idea of basality); stable (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) firm, of force, stedfast, sure. Stumble 4350 – προσκόπτω proskopto, pros-kop´-to; from 4314 and 2875; to strike at, i.e. surge against (as water); specially, to stub on, i.e. trip up (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) beat upon, dash, stumble (at). Stumbling 4348 – πρόσκομμα proskomma, pros´-kom-mah; from 4350; a stub, i.e. (figuratively) occasion of apostasy: — (Translated in King James Version as) offence, stumbling(-block, (-stone)). Tasted 1089 – γεύομαι geuomai, ghyoo´-om-ahee; a primary verb; to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill): — (Translated in King James Version as) eat, taste. Unbelief 570 – ἀπιστία apaistia, ap-is-tee´-ah; from 571; faithlessness, i.e. (negatively) disbelief (lack of Christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience): — (Translated in King James Version as) unbelief. · A dwelling place, or abode, where people reside; like a home or apartment A Physical Dwelling Place. Acts 2:2 “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ where they were sitting.” (KJV) Luke 9:3-4 “And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. ⁴ And whatsoever house ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾ ye enter into, there abide,⁽³³⁰⁶⁾ and thence depart.” (KJV) John 1:37-39 “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest ⁽³³⁰⁶⁾ thou? ³⁹ He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt,⁽³³⁰⁶⁾ and abode ⁽³³⁰⁶⁾ with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.” (KJV) Revelation 12:12 “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell ⁽⁴⁶³⁷⁾ in them. Woe to the inhabiters ⁽²⁷³⁰⁾ of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (KJV) Inhabiters 2730 – κατοικέω katoikeo, kat-oy-keh´-o; from 2596 and 3611; to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) dwell(-er), inhabitant(-ter). A Spiritual Dwelling Place John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ² In my Father’s house ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾ are many mansions:⁽³⁴³⁸⁾ if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (KJV) Mansions 3438 – μονή mone, mon-ay´; from 3306; a staying, i.e. residence (the act or the place): — (Translated in King James Version as) abode, mansion. Revelation 21:3 “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle ⁽⁴⁶³³⁾ of God is with men, and he will dwell ⁽⁴⁶³⁷⁾ with them, and they shall be his people, and *God himself shall be with them, and be* their God.” (KJV) Revelation 7:15 “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell ⁽⁴⁶³⁷⁾ among them.” (KJV) Revelation 13:6 “And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle,⁽⁴⁶³³⁾ and them that dwell ⁽⁴⁶³⁷⁾ in heaven.” (KJV) A Physical Body (as a structure, abode or dwelling) John 1:15 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt ⁽⁴⁶³⁷⁾ among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (KJV) Dwell/ Dwelt 4637 – σκηνόω skenoo, skay-no´-o; from 4636; to tent or encamp, i.e. (figuratively) to occupy (as a mansion) or (specially), to reside (as God did in the Tabernacle of old, a symbol of protection and communion): — (Translated in King James Version as) dwell. 4636 – σκῆνος skenos, skay´-nos; from 4633; a hut or temporary residence, i.e. (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the spirit): — (Translated in King James Version as) tabernacle. John 14:15-17 “If ye love me, keep my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,⁽³⁸⁷⁵⁾that he may abide ⁽³³⁰⁶⁾ with you forever; ¹⁷ Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth ⁽³³⁰⁶⁾ with you, and shall be in ⁽¹⁷²²⁾ you.” (KJV) John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode ⁽³⁴³⁸⁾ with ⁽³⁸⁴⁴⁾ him.” (KJV) Abide/ Dwelleth 3306 – μένω meno, men´-o; a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): — (Translated in King James Version as) abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), x thine own. Abode 3438 – μονή mone, mon-ay´; from 3306; a staying, i.e. residence (the act or the place): — (Translated in King James Version as) abode, mansion. Comforter 3875 – παράκλητος parakletos, par-ak´-lay-tos; an intercessor, consoler: — (Translated in King James Version as) advocate, comforter. In 1722 – ἐν en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); “in,” at, (up-)on, by, etc.: — (Translated in King James Version as)about, after, against, + almost, x altogether, among, x as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), x mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, x outwardly, one, x quickly, x shortly, (speedi-)ly, x that, x there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition. With 3844 – παρά para, par-ah´; a primary preposition; properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subjectively), (with accusative case) to the proximity with (local (especially beyond or opposed to) or causal (on account of): —(Translated in King James Version as) above, against, among, at, before, by, contrary to, x friend, from, + give (such things as they), + that (she) had, x his, in, more than, nigh unto, (out) of, past, save, side...by, in the sight of, than, (there-)fore, with. In compounds it retains the same variety of application. James 4:4-6 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. ⁵ Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth ⁽²⁷³⁰⁾ in us lusteth ⁽¹⁹⁷¹⁾ to envy? ⁽⁵³⁵⁵⁾ ⁶ But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (KJV) · Following is Verse 5 from the English Standard Version (ESV) James 4:5 “Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, “God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?” (ESV) · The Holy Bible uses the same Greek word concerning unclean spirits dwelling in humans. Matthew 12:43-45 “When the unclean ⁽¹⁶⁹⁾ spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. ⁴⁴ Then he saith, I will return into my house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. ⁴⁵ Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell ⁽²⁷³⁰⁾ there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” (KJV) Dwell/ Dwelleth 2730 – κατοικέω katoikeo, kat-oy-keh´-o; from 2596 and 3611; to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) dwell (-er), inhabitant(-ter). Envy 5355 – φθόνος phthonos, fthon´-os; probably akin to the base of 5351; ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite): — (Translated in King James Version as) envy. Lusteth 1971 – ἐπιποθέω epipotheo, ep-ee-poth-eh´-o; from 1909 and ποθέω potheo (to yearn); to dote upon, i.e. intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully): — (Translated in King James Version as) (earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust. Unclean 169 – ἀκάθαρτος akathartos, ak-ath´-ar-tos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 2508 (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic)): — (Translated in King James Version as) foul, unclean. 2 Peter 1:13-14 “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle ⁽⁴⁶³⁸⁾, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; ¹⁴ Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle ⁽⁴⁶³⁸⁾, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.” (KJV) Tabernacle 4638 – σκήνωμα skenoma, skay´-no-mah; from 4637; an encampment, i.e. (figuratively) the Temple (as God’s residence), the body (as a tenement for the soul): — (Translated in King James Version as) tabernacle. A Spiritual Body 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 “For we know that if our earthly house ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾ of this tabernacle ⁽⁴⁶³⁶⁾ were dissolved, ⁽²⁶⁴⁷⁾ we have a building ⁽³⁶¹⁹⁾ of God, an house ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾ not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house ⁽³⁶¹³⁾ which is from heaven: ³ If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. ⁴ For we that are in this tabernacle ⁽⁴⁶³⁶⁾ do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.” (KJV) · We can see that our earthly body is referred to as a “house,” a “tabernacle” and a “building.” Building 3619 – οἰκοδομή oikodome,** oy-kod-om-ay´; feminine (abstract) of a compound of 3624 and the base of 1430; architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation: — (Translated in King James Version as) building, edify(-ication, -ing). Dissolved 2647 – καταλύω kataluo, kat-al-oo´-o; from 2596 and 3089; to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e. (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare 2646) to halt for the night: — (Translated in King James Version as) destroy, dissolve, be guest, lodge, come to nought, overthrow, throw down. House 3613 – οἰκητήριον oiketerion, oy-kay-tay´-ree-on; neuter of a presumed derivative of 3611 (equivalent to 3612); a residence (literally or figuratively): —(Translated in King James Version as) habitation, house. Tabernacle 4636 – σκῆνος skenos, skay´-nos; from 4633; a hut or temporary residence, i.e. (figuratively) the human body (as the abode of the spirit): — (Translated in King James Version as) tabernacle. · A Household or Family A Physical Household Acts 11:11-14 “And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾ where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. ¹² And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ ¹³ And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house,⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; ¹⁴ Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ shall be saved.” (KJV) Acts 16:15 “And when she was baptized, and her household,⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house,⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ and abide ⁽³³⁰⁶⁾ there. And she constrained us.” (KJV) A Spiritual Household Matthew 10:22-25 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. ²³ But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. ²⁴ The disciple is not above his master,⁽¹³²⁰⁾ nor the servant above his lord. ⁽²⁹⁶²⁾ ²⁵ It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master,⁽¹³²⁰⁾ and the servant as his lord.⁽²⁹⁶²⁾ If they have called the master of the house ⁽³⁶¹⁷⁾ Beelzebub,⁽⁹⁵⁴⁾ how much more shall they call them of his household?”⁽³⁶¹⁵⁾ (KJV) Beelzebub 954 – Βεελζεβούλ Beelzeboul, beh-el-zeb-ool´; of Chaldee origin (by parody on H1176); dung-god; Beelzebul, a name of Satan: — (Translated in King James Version as) Beelzebub. H1176 – בַּעַל זְבוּב Baʿal Zbuwb, bah´-al zeb-oob´; from 1168 and 2070; Baal of (the) Fly; Baal-Zebub, a special deity of the Ekronites:— (Translated in King James Version as) Baal-zebub. Household 3615 – οἰκιακός oikiakos, oy-kee-ak-os´; from 3614; familiar, i.e. (as noun) relatives: — (Translated in King James Version as) they (them) of (his own) household. Lord 2962 – κύριος kurios, koo´-ree-os; from κῦρος kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title): — (Translated in King James Version as) God, Lord, master, Sir. Master 1320 – διδάσκαλος didaskalos, did-as´-kal-os; from 1321; an instructor (genitive case or specially): — (Translated in King James Version as) doctor, master, teacher. 1321 – διδάσκω didasko, did-as´-ko; a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb δάω dao (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): — (Translated in King James Version as) teach. Master of the house 3617 – οἰκοδεσπότης oikodespotes, oy-kod-es-pot´-ace; from 3624 and 1203; the head of a family: — (Translated in King James Version as) goodman (of the house), householder, master of the house. · Translated at “Goodman of the House” on page 29 Hebrews 10:19-21 “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; ²¹ And having an high priest over the house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ of God;” (KJV) 1 Peter 4:16-19 “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. ¹⁷ For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? ¹⁹ Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping ⁽³⁹⁰⁸⁾of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful ⁽⁴¹⁰³⁾ Creator.” (KJV) Commit the keeping 3908 – παρατίθημι paratithemi, par-at-ith´-ay-mee; from 3844 and 5087; to place alongside, i.e. present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection): — (Translated in King James Version as) allege, commend, commit (the keeping of), put forth, set before. Faithful 4103 – πιστός pistos, pis-tos´; from 3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: — (Translated in King James Version as) believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true. Following is a verse that can apply to any house; if we are not on guard. Luke 11:17 “But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ divided against a house ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ falleth.” (KJV) QUESTION: Ø Of all the kinds of houses listed above; which do you believe Christ maybe referring to in Matthew 7:24, 26? The Rock Christ tells His disciples that the wise man will build “his house upon a rock.” But He was not specific about what kind of rock. But could it be that His disciples already knew? Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise ⁽⁵⁴²⁹⁾ man, which built his house upon a rock:” (KJV) We saw in 1 Peter 2 that Peter referred to Christ as “a rock of offence.” 1 Peter 2:7-8 “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, ⁸ And a stone of stumbling, and a rock ⁽⁴⁰⁷³⁾ of offence,⁽⁴⁶²⁵⁾ even to them which stumble ⁽⁴³⁵⁰⁾ at the word, being disobedient.”⁽⁵⁴⁴⁾ (KJV) And in 1 Corinthians 10 Paul refers to Christ as “that Rock.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 “Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; ² And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³ And did all eat the same spiritual meat; ⁴ And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock ⁽⁴⁰⁷³⁾ that followed them: and that Rock ⁽⁴⁰⁷³⁾ was Christ.” (KJV) Ø But is this enough for us to say with assurance that Christ is the rock referred to in Matthew 7? Some may say “Yes” and others “No.” But in this we do not have to guess. Time and time again the Holy Bible tells us who is “a Rock,” “that Rock,” – Our Rock. 2 Samuel 22:2-3 “And he said, The LORD is my rock, ⁽⁵⁵⁵³⁾ and my fortress, ⁽⁴⁶⁸⁶⁾ and my deliverer; ⁽⁶⁴⁰³⁾ ³ The God of my rock; ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾ in him will I trust:⁽²⁶²⁰⁾ he is my shield,⁽⁴⁰⁴³⁾ and the horn ⁽⁷¹⁶¹⁾ of my salvation, ⁽³⁴⁶⁸⁾ my high tower,⁽⁴⁸⁶⁹⁾ and my refuge,⁽⁴⁴⁹⁸⁾ my saviour; ⁽³⁴⁶⁷⁾ thou savest ⁽³⁴⁶⁷⁾ me from violence.”⁽²⁵⁵⁵⁾ (KJV) Deliverer 6403 – פָּלַט palat, paw-lat´; a primitive root; to slip out, i.e. escape; causatively, to deliver: — (Translated in King James Version as) calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape. Fortress 4686 – מָצוּד matsuwd, maw-tsood´; or (feminine) מְצוּדָה mtsuwdah, mets-oo-daw´; or מְצֻדָה mtsudah, mets-oo-daw´; for 4685; a net, or (abstractly) capture; also a fastness:— (Translated in King James Version as) castle, defense, fort(-ress), (strong) hold, be hunted, net, snare, strong place. High tower 4869 – מִשְׂגָּב misgab, mis-gawb´; from 7682; properly, a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place); abstractly, altitude; figuratively, a refuge:— (Translated in King James Version as) defence, high fort (tower), refuge, Misgab, a place in Moab:—Misgab. · On page 25 translated as “Defence.” Horn 7161 – קֶרֶן qeren, keh´-ren; from 7160; a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resembl. an elephant’s tooth (i.e. ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a mountain), a ray (of light); figuratively, power:— (Translated in King James Version as) x hill, horn. Refuge 4498 – מָנוֹס manowç, maw-noce´; from 5127; a retreat (literally or figuratively); abstractly, a fleeing:— (Translated in King James Version as) x apace, escape, way to flee, flight, refuge. Rock 5553 – סֶלַע çelaʿ, seh´-lah; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress):— (Translated in King James Version as) (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. Rock 6697 – צוּר tsuwr, tsoor; or צֻר tsur, tsoor; from 6696; properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous):— (Translated in King James Version as) edge, x (mighty) God (one), rock, x sharp, stone, x strength, x strong. Salvation 3468 – יֶשַׁע yeshaʿ, yeh´-shah; or ישֵַׁע yeshai, yay´-shah; from 3467; liberty, deliverance, prosperity: — (Translated in King James Version as) safety, salvation, saving. Savest/ Saviour 3467 – יָשַׁע yashaʿ, yaw-shah´; a primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor:— (Translated in King James Version as) x at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. Shield 4043 – מָגֵן magen, maw-gane´; also (in plural) feminine מְגנִָּה mginnah, meg-in-naw´; from 1598; a shield (i.e. the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile: — (Translated in King James Version as) x armed, buckler, defence, ruler, + scale, shield. Trust 2620 – חָסָה chaçah, khaw-saw´; a primitive root; to flee for protection (compare 982); figuratively, to confide in: — (Translated in King James Version as) have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. Violence 2555 – חָמָס chamaç, khaw-mawce´; from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain:— (Translated in King James Version as) cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, x oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. 2 Samuel 22:47 “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock;⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾ and exalted be the God of the rock ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾ of my salvation.”⁽³⁴⁶⁸⁾ (KJV) 2 Samuel 22:29-36 “*For thou art* my lamp,⁽⁵²¹⁶⁾ O LORD: and the LORD will lighten ⁽⁵⁰⁵⁰⁾ my darkness.** ⁽²⁸²²⁾ ³⁰ For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God ⁽⁴³⁰⁾have I leaped over a wall. ³¹ As for God,⁽⁴¹⁰⁾ his way ⁽¹⁸⁷⁰⁾ is perfect;⁽⁸⁵⁴⁹⁾ the word of the LORD is tried:⁽⁶⁸⁸⁴⁾ he is a buckler ⁽⁴⁰⁴³⁾ to all them that trust ⁽²⁶²⁰⁾ in him. ³² For who is God,⁽⁴¹⁰⁾ save the LORD? and who is a rock,⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾ save our God? ⁽⁴³⁰⁾ ³³ God ⁽⁴¹⁰⁾ is my strength ⁽⁴⁵⁸¹⁾ and power:⁽²⁴²⁸⁾and he maketh my way ⁽¹⁸⁷⁰⁾ perfect.⁽⁸⁵⁴⁹⁾ ³⁴ He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places. ³⁵ He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. ³⁶ Thou hast also given me the shield ⁽⁴⁰⁴³⁾ of thy salvation: ⁽³⁴⁶⁸⁾ and thy gentleness ⁽⁶⁰³¹⁾ hath made me great.”⁽⁷²³⁵⁾ (KJV) · Verse 31 – “The word of the LORD” could refer to YAH’s spoken word, His written word, and/or Christ His Son, the Beloved, the Chosen “Word of God.” John 1:1-4 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² The same was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (KJV) Revelation 19:11-16 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. ¹² His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. ¹³ *And he was* clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵ And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth 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.” (KJV) Buckler 4043 – מָגֵן magen,** maw-gane´; also (in plural) feminine מְגנִָּה mginnah, meg-in-naw´; from 1598; a shield (i.e. the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile:— (Translated in King James Version as) x armed, buckler, defence, ruler, + scale, shield. Darkness 2822 – חשֶׁךְ choshek, kho-shek´; from 2821; the dark; hence (literally) darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness:— (Translated in King James Version as) dark(-ness), night, obscurity. Gentleness 6031 – עָנָה ʿanah, aw-naw´; a primitive root (possibly rather ident. with 6030 through the idea of looking down or browbeating); to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows):— (Translated in King James Version as) abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for 6030), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for 6030), speak (by mistake for 6030), submit self, weaken, x in any wise. God 410 – אֵל ʾel, ale; shortened from 352; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity):— (Translated in King James Version as) God (god), x goodly, x great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in “-el.” 352 – אַיִל ʾayil, ah´-yil; from the same as 193; properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically a chief (politically); also a ram (from his strength); a pilaster (as a strong support); an oak or other strong tree:— (Translated in King James Version as) mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. God 430 – אֱלֹהִים ʾelohiym, el-o-heem´; plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative: — (Translated in King James Version as) angels, x exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), x (very) great, judges, x mighty. 433 – אֱלוֹהַּ ʾelowahh, el-o´-ah; rarely (shortened) אֱלֹהַּ ʾeloahh, el-o´-ah} probably prolonged (emphat.) from 410; a deity or the Deity: — (Translated in King James Version as) God, god. Great 7235 – רָבָה rabah, raw-baw´; a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):— (Translated in King James Version as) (bring in) abundance (x -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be in authority, bring up, x continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, x -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), x process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. Lamp 5216 – ניִר niyr, neer; or נִר nir, neer; also ניֵר neyr, nare; or נֵר ner, nare; or (feminine) נֵרָה nerah, nay-raw´; from a primitive root (see 5214; 5135) properly, meaning to glisten; a lamp (i.e. the burner) or light (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) candle, lamp, light. Lighten 5050 – נָגַהּ nagahh, naw-gah´; a primitive root; to glitter; causatively, to illuminate:— (Translated in King James Version as) (Translated in King James Version as) (en-)lighten, (cause to) shine. Perfect 8549 – תָּמִים tamiym, taw-meem´; from 8552; entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth:— (Translated in King James Version as) without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. Power 2428 – חַיִל chayil, khah´-yil; from 2342; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength:— (Translated in King James Version as) able, activity, (+) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, (+)valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). Salvation 3468 – יֶשַׁע yeshaʿ, yeh´-shah; or ישֵַׁע yeshai, yay´-shah; from 3467; liberty, deliverance, prosperity:— (Translated in King James Version as) safety, salvation, saving. Shield 4043 – see Buckler Strength 4581 – מָעוֹז maʿowz, maw-oze´; (also מָעוּז maʿuwz, maw-ooz´;); or מָעֹז maʿoz, maw-oze´; (also מָעֻז maʿuz, maw-ooz´; from 5810; a fortified place; figuratively, a defence:— (Translated in King James Version as) force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), (x most) strong (hold). Tried 6884 – צָרַף tsaraph, tsaw-raf´; a primitive root; to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) cast, (re-)fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. Trust 2620 – חָסָה chaçah, khaw-saw´; a primitive root; to flee for protection (compare 982); figuratively, to confide in: — (Translated in King James Version as) have hope, make refuge, (put) trust. Way 1870 – דֶּרֶךְ derek, deh´-rek; from 1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb: — (Translated in King James Version as) along, away, because of, + by, conversation, custom, (east-)ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-)way(-side), whither(-soever). Numerous times throughout the Psalms King David, the man after God’s own heart sang about the goodness of YAH, his Rock. Psalm 18:1-2 “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. ⁽²³⁹¹⁾ ² The LORD is my rock,⁽⁵⁵⁵³⁾ and my fortress,⁽⁴⁶⁸⁶⁾ and my deliverer; ⁽⁶⁴⁰³⁾my God, my strength, ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾in whom I will trust; my buckler,⁽⁴⁰⁴³⁾ and the horn ⁽⁷¹⁶¹⁾of my salvation,⁽³⁴⁶⁸⁾ and my high tower.” ⁽⁴⁸⁶⁹⁾ (KJV) Strength 2391 – חֵזֶק chezeq, khay´-zek; from 2388; help: — (Translated in King James Version as) strength. 2388 – חָזַק chazaq, khaw-zak´; a primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer:— (Translated in King James Version as) aid, amend, x calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. Psalm 18:31 “For who is God ⁽⁴³³⁾save the LORD? or who is a rock ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾save our God?”⁽⁴³⁰⁾ (KJV) · The word “Rock” was translated as “Strength” in Psalm 18:1. (see page 23) Psalm 27:5 “For in the time of trouble ⁽⁷⁴⁵¹⁾ he shall hide ⁽⁶⁸⁴⁵⁾ me in his pavilion:⁽⁵⁵²⁰⁾ in the secret ⁽⁵⁶⁴³⁾ of his tabernacle ⁽¹⁶⁸⁾ shall he hide ⁽⁵⁶⁴¹⁾ me; he shall set me up ⁽⁷³¹¹⁾ upon a rock.” ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾(KJV) Hide 5641 – סָתַר çathar, saw-thar´; a primitive root; to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively:— (Translated in King James Version as) be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, x surely. Hide 6845 – צָפַן tsaphan, tsaw-fan´; a primitive root; to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk: — (Translated in King James Version as) esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). Pavilion 5520 – ֑סךְ çok, soke; from 5526; a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair: — (Translated in King James Version as) covert, den, pavilion, tabernacle. Secret 5643 – סֵתֶר çether, say´-ther; or (feminine) סִתְרָה çithrah (Deut. 32:38), sith-raw´; from 5641; a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense):— (Translated in King James Version as) backbiting, covering, covert, x disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). Set me up 7311 – רוּם ruwm, room; a primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, (x a-)loud, mount up, offer (up), + presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. Tabernacle 168 – אֹהֶל ʾohel, o´-hel; from 166; a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance):— (Translated in King James Version as) covering, (dwelling)(place), home, tabernacle, tent. Trouble 7451 – רַע raʿ, rah; from 7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):— (Translated in King James Version as) adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, x great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). Psalm 28:1 “Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock;⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.” (KJV) Psalm 62:6-7 “He only is my rock ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾ and my salvation (Yeshua):⁽³⁴⁴⁴⁾he is my defence;⁽⁴⁸⁶⁹⁾I shall not be moved. ⁽⁴¹³¹⁾ ⁷ In God is my salvation ⁽³⁴⁶⁸⁾ and my glory: the rock ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾of my strength,⁽⁵⁷⁹⁷⁾ and my refuge,⁽⁴²⁶⁸⁾ is in God.” (KJV) Defence 4869 – מִשְׂגָּב misgab, mis-gawb´; from 7682; properly, a cliff (or other lofty or inaccessible place); abstractly, altitude; figuratively, a refuge:— (Translated in King James Version as) defence, high fort (tower), refuge, Misgab, a place in Moab:—Misgab. · On page 20 translated as “High Tower.” Moved 4131 – מוֹט mowt, mote; a primitive root; to waver; by implication , to slip, shake, fall:— (Translated in King James Version as) be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, x exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-)moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. Refuge 4268 – מַחֲסֶה machaçeh, makh-as-eh´; or מַחְסֶה machçeh, makh-seh´; from 2620; a shelter (literally or figuratively):—hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust. Salvation 3444 – יְשׁוּעָה yshuwʿah, yesh-oo´-aw; feminine passive participle of 3467; something saved, i.e. (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity:—deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare. Strength 5797 – עֹז ʿoz, oze; or (fully) עוֹז ʿowz, oze; from 5810; strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise):—boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. Psalm 71:3 “Be thou my strong ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾ habitation, ⁽⁴⁵⁸³⁾ whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; *for thou art* my rock ⁽⁵⁵⁵³⁾and my fortress.”⁽⁴⁶⁸⁶⁾ (KJV) · The word “Strong” also translated as “rock” numerous times. (Example - Psalm 62:6) Habitation 4583 – מָעוֹן maʿown,** maw-ohn´; or מָעִין maiyn (1 Chronicles 4:41), maw-een´; from the same as 5772; an abode, of God (the Tabernacle or the Temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum):— (Translated in King James Version as) den, dwelling((-)place), habitation. Psalm 94:22 “But the LORD is my defence;⁽⁴⁸⁶⁹⁾and my God ⁽⁴³⁰⁾ is the rock ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾of my refuge.”⁽⁴²⁶⁸⁾ (KJV) Psalm 95:1 “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾of our salvation.” ⁽³⁴⁶⁸⁾(KJV) The Storms Will Come It was recorded for us in Matthew 7:25, 27 that Christ said that the rains, the winds and floods will come and will affect all; no matter how perfectly we build our house. “And the rain descended, and the floods ⁽⁴²¹⁵⁾came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house.” (KJV) · There are no exceptions. And the Holy Bible repeatedly tells us why it must be this way. 1 Peter 1:6-9 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: ⁽³⁹⁸⁶⁾ ⁷ That the trial ⁽¹³⁸³⁾ of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried ⁽¹³⁸¹⁾ with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: ⁸ Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: ⁹ *Receiving the end of your faith, even* the salvation ⁽⁴⁹⁹¹⁾ of your souls.” (KJV) 1 Peter 4:12-14 “ Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial ⁽⁴⁴⁵¹⁾which is to try ⁽³⁹⁸⁶⁾ you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: ¹³ But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; ⁽³⁸⁰⁴⁾that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. ¹⁴ If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” (KJV) Fiery trial 4451 – πύρωσις purosis,** poo´-ro-sis; from 4448; ignition, i.e. (specially), smelting (figuratively, conflagration, calamity as a test): — (Translated in King James Version as) burning, trial. 4448 – πυρόω puroo, poo-ro´-o; from 4442; to kindle, i.e. (passively) to be ignited, glow (literally), be refined (by implication), or (figuratively) to be inflamed (with anger, grief, lust): —(Translated in King James Version as) burn, fiery, be on fire, try. Salvation 4991 – σωτηρία soteria, so-tay-ree´-ah; feminine of a derivative of 4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): — (Translated in King James Version as) deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. Sufferings 3804 – πάθημα pathema, path´-ay-mah; from a presumed derivative of 3806; something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence: — (Translated in King James Version as) affection, affliction, motion, suffering. Temptations/ Try 3986 – πειρασμός peirasmos, pi-ras-mos´; from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity: — (Translated in King James Version as) temptation, x try. 3985 – πειράζω peirazo, pi-rad´-zo; from 3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: — (Translated in King James Version as) assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try. Trial 1383 – δοκίμιον dokimion, dok-im´-ee-on; neuter of a presumed derivative of 1382; a testing; by implication, trustworthiness: — (Translated in King James Version as) trial, trying. 1382 – δοκιμή dokime, dok-ee-may´; from the same as 1384; test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness: — (Translated in King James Version as) experience(-riment), proof, trial. 1384 – δόκιμος dokimos, dok´-ee-mos; from 1380; properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e. approved: — (Translated in King James Version as) approved, tried. Tried 1381 – δοκιμάζω dokimazo, dok-im-ad´-zo; from 1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve: — (Translated in King James Version as) allow, discern, examine, x like, (ap-)prove, try. And we are reminded that. Psalm 34.19 “Many are the afflictions ⁽⁷⁴⁵¹⁾ of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth ⁽⁵³³⁷⁾ him out of them all.” (KJV) · In all his afflictions Job said. Job 23:8 “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried ⁽⁹⁷⁴⁾me, I shall come forth as gold.” (KJV) And Zechariah had this to say about the people of God. Zechariah 13:7-9 “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. ⁸ And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. ⁹ And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine ⁽⁶⁸⁸⁴⁾ them as silver is refined, ⁽⁶⁸⁸⁴⁾ and will try⁽⁹⁷⁴⁾ them as gold is tried:⁽⁹⁷⁴⁾ they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” (KJV) · Verse 7 – Christ applied this to Himself. Mark 14:25-28 (also Matthew 26:29-32) “Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. ²⁶ And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. ²⁷ And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. ²⁸ But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.” (KJV) Afflictions 7451 – רַע raʿ, rah; from 7489; bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral):— (Translated in King James Version as) adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, + displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), + exceedingly, x great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), + mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, + not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). Delivereth 5337 – נָצַל natsal, naw-tsal´; a primitive root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense:— (Translated in King James Version as) x at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, x without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, x surely, take (out). Refine 6884 – צָרַף tsaraph, tsaw-raf´; a primitive root; to fuse (metal), i.e. refine (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) cast, (re-)fine(-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try. Tried 974 – בָּחַן bachan, baw-khan´; a primitive root; to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate: — (Translated in King James Version as) examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). “As the Days of Noe Were” The Holy Bible tells us there was another time when the winds, the rains and a flood came and destroyed all but eight people. And Christ tells us a time such as this will happen again. Perhaps the time in which we live is that time. Or maybe it is just around the corner. In Matthew 24, after outlining all that would take place right before His second coming; Christ told His disciples the following. Matthew 24:32-51 “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: ³³ So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. ³⁴ Verily I say unto you, This generation ⁽¹⁰⁷⁴⁾ shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. ⁽¹⁰⁹⁶⁾ ³⁵ Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. ³⁶ But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. ³⁷ But as the days of Noe ⁽³⁵⁷⁵⁾ were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. ³⁸ For as in the days that were before the flood ⁽²⁶²⁷⁾ they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe ⁽³⁵⁷⁵⁾ entered into the ark, ³⁹ And knew not until the flood ⁽²⁶²⁷⁾ came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. ⁴⁰ Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. ⁴¹ Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. ⁴² Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. ⁴³ But know this, that if the goodman of the house ⁽³⁶¹⁷⁾ had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered ⁽¹⁴³⁹⁾ his house ⁽³⁶¹⁴⁾to be broken up. ⁴⁴ Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. ⁴⁵ Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household,⁽²³²²⁾ to give them meat in due season? ⁴⁶ Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. ⁴⁷ Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. ⁽⁵²²⁴⁾ ⁴⁸ But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord ⁽²⁹⁶²⁾ delayeth his coming; ⁴⁹ And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; ⁵⁰ *The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,* ⁵¹ And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites:⁽⁵²⁷³⁾ there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (KJV) · Verse 34 – not the “generation” of the Apostles; but the generation that would see the fulfillment of all these things. · Verse 39 –In Matthew 7: 24-27, it is recorded that Christ said that floods (plural) will come and beat upon the houses. Yet the Holy Bible tells us that YAH will not destroy the earth again by a flood. Genesis 9:11 “And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters ⁽⁴³²⁵⁾ of a flood;⁽³⁹⁹⁹⁾ neither shall there anymore be a flood ⁽³⁹⁹⁹⁾ to destroy the earth.” (KJV) Since YAH does not lie, the floods in Matthew 7 must mean something else. Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie;⁽³⁵⁷⁶⁾ neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (KJV) Flood 2627 – κατακλυσμός kataklusmos, kat-ak-looce-mos´; from 2626; an inundation: — (Translated in King James Version as) flood. 2626 – κατακλύζω katakluzo, kat-ak-lood´-zo; from 2596 and the base of 2830; to dash (wash) down, i.e. (by implication) to deluge: —(Translated in King James Version as) overflow. Flood 3999 – מַבּוּל mabbuwl, mab-bool´; from 2986 in the sense of flowing; a deluge:— (Translated in King James Version as) flood. Fulfilled 1096 – γίνομαι ginomai, ghin´-om-ahee; a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be (“gen”-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.): — (Translated in King James Version as) arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, x soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought. Generation 1074 – γενεά genea, ghen-eh-ah´; from (a presumed derivative of) 1085; a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons): — (Translated in King James Version as) age, generation, nation, time. Goodman of the house 3617 – οἰκοδεσπότης oikodespotes, oy-kod-es-pot´-ace; from 3624 and 1203; the head of a family: — (Translated in King James Version as) goodman (of the house), householder, master of the house. · Translated at “master of the House” on page 18 Goods 5224 – ὑπάρχοντα huparchonta, hoop-ar´-khon-tah; neuter plural of present participle active of 5225 as noun; things extant or in hand, i.e. property or possessions: — (Translated in King James Version as) goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast. Household 2322 – θεραπεία therapeia, ther-ap-i´-ah; from 2323; attendance (specially, medical, i.e. cure); figuratively and collectively, domestics: — (Translated in King James Version as) healing, household. Hypocrites 5273 – ὑποκριτής hupokrites, hoop-ok-ree-tace´; from 5271; an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figuratively) a dissembler (“hypocrite”: — (Translated in King James Version as) hypocrite. Lie 3576 – כָּזַב kazab, kaw-zab´; a primitive root; to lie (i.e. deceive), literally or figuratively: — (Translated in King James Version as) fail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be in vain. Lord 2962 – κύριος kurios, koo´-ree-os; from κῦρος kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title): — (Translated in King James Version as) God, Lord, master, Sir. Noah/Noe 3575 – Νῶε Noe, no´-eh; of Hebrew origin (H5146); Noe, (i.e. Noach), a patriarch: — (Translated in King James Version as) Noe. H5146 – נחַ Noach, no´-akh; the same as 5118; rest; Noach, the patriarch of the flood: — (Translated in King James Version as) Noah. · Only in Matthew and Luke does the KJV use the name “Noe.” In all other occurrences the KJV uses “Noah.” The name “Noe” was also used in the Septuagint (LXX). Suffered 1439 – ἐάω eao, eh-ah´-o; of uncertain affinity; to let be, i.e. permit or leave alone: — (Translated in King James Version as)commit, leave, let (alone), suffer. But before we look into the floods; let us see what the Holy Bible has to say about “Noah”? Genesis 6:1-9, 11-12 “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, ² That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. ³ And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. ⁴ There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. ⁵ And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ⁶ And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. ⁷ And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth ⁽⁵¹⁶²⁾me that I have made them. ⁸ But Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ found grace ⁽²⁵⁸⁰⁾ in the eyes of the LORD. ⁹ These are the generations ⁽⁸⁴³⁵⁾of Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾: Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ was a just ⁽⁶⁶⁶²⁾ man and perfect ⁽⁸⁴⁵⁹⁾ in his generations, ⁽¹⁷⁵⁵⁾ and Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ walked with God... ¹¹ The earth also was corrupt ⁽⁷⁸⁴³⁾ before God, and the earth was filled with violence. ⁽²⁵⁵⁵⁾ ¹² And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt;⁽⁷⁸⁴³⁾ for all flesh had corrupted ⁽⁷⁸⁴³⁾ his way upon the earth.”(KJV) Genesis 7:1 “And the LORD said unto Noah,⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ Come thou and all thy house ⁽¹⁰⁰⁴⁾ into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous ⁽⁶⁶⁶²⁾ before me in this generation.”⁽¹⁷⁵⁵⁾ (KJV) · It was not just Noah that entered the ark, but Noah and his entire house (family). · In the midst of great violence and corruption, Noah fond grace in the eyes of YAH. Why? Because he was just (righteous), perfect, and he showed his faith and belief in YAH by his obedience. Noah walked with YAH and not according to the standards of his time. · Verses 2 & 4 – Suggested reading for more on the “Giants” and “the sons of God” - 1 Enoch. Sample from 1 Enoch: 1 Enoch 6:1-2 “And it came to pass when the children of men had multiplied that in those days were born unto them beautiful and comely daughters. ² And the angels, the children of the heaven, saw and lusted after them, and said to one another: 'Come, let us choose us wives from among the children of men and beget us children.'” (R. H. CHARLES Version) Corrupt/ Corrupted 7843 – שָׁחַת shachath, shaw-khath´; a primitive root; to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) batter, cast off, corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill, spoiler, x utterly, waste(-r). Generations 1755 – דּוֹר dowr, dore; or (shortened) דֹּר dor, dore; from 1752; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. an age or generation; also a dwelling: — (Translated in King James Version as) age, x evermore, generation, (n-)ever, posterity. Generations 8435 – תּוֹלְדָה towldah, to-led-aw´; or תֹּלְדָה toldah, to-led-aw´; from 3205; (plural only) descent, i.e. family; (figuratively) history:— (Translated in King James Version as) birth, generations. Grace 2580 – חֵן chen, khane; from 2603; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):— (Translated in King James Version as) favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-)favoured. 2603 – חָנַן chanan, khaw-nan´; a primitive root (compare 2583); properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):— (Translated in King James Version as) beseech, x fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, x very. Just/Righteous 6662 – צַדִּיק tsaddiyq, tsad-deek´; from 6663; just: — (Translated in King James Version as) just, lawful, righteous (man). Noah 5146 – נחַ Noach, no´-akh; the same as 5118; rest; Noach, the patriarch of the flood:— (Translated in King James Version as) Noah. Perfect 8549 – תָּמִים tamiym, taw-meem´; from 8552; entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth: — (Translated in King James Version as) without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole. Repenteth 5162 – נָחַם nacham, naw-kham´; a primitive root; properly, to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself):— (Translated in King James Version as) comfort (self), ease (one’s self), repent(-er,-ing, self). Violence 2555 – חָמָס chamaç, khaw-mawce´; from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain:— (Translated in King James Version as) cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, x oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. The Book of Hebrews tells us: Hebrews 11:7 “By faith ⁽⁴¹⁰²⁾ Noah,⁽³⁵⁷⁵⁾ being warned of God ⁽⁵⁵³⁷⁾of things not seen as yet, moved with fear,⁽²¹²⁵⁾ prepared ⁽²⁶⁸⁰⁾ an ark ⁽²⁷⁸⁷⁾ to the saving ⁽⁴⁹⁹¹⁾ of his house;⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ by the which he condemned ⁽²⁶³²⁾the world, and became ⁽¹⁰⁹⁶⁾ heir ⁽²⁸¹⁸⁾ of the righteousness ⁽¹³⁴³⁾ which is by faith.”⁽⁴¹⁰²⁾ (KJV) · Noah prepared the ark not just for himself but also for his family. · YAH told Noah to build an ark and He gave Him exact instructions as to how to build it. And the Word of God says that Noah did “according to all that God commanded him.” Genesis 6:13-22 “And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. ¹⁴ Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. *¹⁵ And this is the fashion* which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.** ¹⁶ A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. ¹⁷ And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood ⁽³⁹⁹⁹⁾of waters ⁽⁴³²⁵⁾ upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die. ¹⁸ But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee. ¹⁹ And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. ²⁰ Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. ²¹ And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. ²² Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. ” (KJV) Ø Christ gave us instructions on how to build our house; but are we being obedient to His and the Father’s commandments? Ark 2787 – κιβωτός kibotos, kib-o-tos´; of uncertain derivation; a box, i.e. the sacred ark and that of Noah: — (Translated in King James Version as) ark. *Thayer’s Greek Lexicon* (2787) - a wooden chest, box Became 1096 – γίνομαι ginomai, ghin´-om-ahee; a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be (“gen”-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.): — (Translated in King James Version as) arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, x soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought. Condemned 2632 – κατακρίνω katakrino, kat-ak-ree´-no; from 2596 and 2919; to judge against, i.e. sentence: — (Translated in King James Version as) condemn, damn. 2919 – κρίνω krino, kree´-no; properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish: — (Translated in King James Version as) avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think. Faith 4102 – πίστις pistis, pis´-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: —(Translated in King James Version as) assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. 3982 – πείθω peitho, pi´-tho; a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): —(Translated in King James Version as) agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield. Heir 2818 – κληρονόμος kleronomos, klay-ron-om´-os; from 2819 and the base of 3551 (in its original sense of partitioning, i.e. (reflexively) getting by apportionment); a sharer by lot, i.e. inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor: — (Translated in King James Version as) heir. 2819 – κλῆρος kleros, klay´-ros; probably from 2806 (through the idea of using bits of wood, etc., for the purpose; a die (for drawing chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured); by extension, an acquisition (especially a patrimony, figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) heritage, inheritance, lot, part. 3551 – νόμος nomos, nom´-os; from a primary νέμω nemo (to parcel out, especially food or grazing to animals); law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of Moses (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively (a principle): — (Translated in King James Version as) law. House 3624 – οὶκος oikos, oy´-kos; of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) home, house(-hold), temple. Moved with fear 2125 – εὐλαβέομαι eulabeomai, yoo-lab-eh´-om-ahee; middle voice from 2126; to be circumspect, i.e. (by implication) to be apprehensive; religiously, to reverence: — (Translated in King James Version as) (moved with) fear. 2126 – εὐλαβής eulabes, yoo-lab-ace´; from 2095 and 2983; taking well (carefully), i.e. circumspect (religiously, pious): — (Translated in King James Version as) devout. Prepared 2680 – κατασκευάζω kataskeuazo, kat-ask-yoo-ad´-zo; from 2596 and a derivative of 4632; to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas 2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create: — (Translated in King James Version as) build, make, ordain, prepare. Righteousness 1343 – δικαιοσύνη dikaiosune, dik-ah-yos-oo´-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification: — (Translated in King James Version as) righteousness. 1342 – δίκαιος dikaios, dik´-ah-yos; from 1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): — (Translated in King James Version as) just, meet, right(-eous). 1349 – δίκη dike, dee´-kay; probably from 1166; right (as self-evident), i.e. justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution): — (Translated in King James Version as) judgment, punish, vengeance. Saving 4991 – σωτηρία soteria, so-tay-ree´-ah; feminine of a derivative of 4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): — (Translated in King James Version as) deliver, health, salvation, save, saving. Warned of God 5537 – χρηματίζω chrematizo, khray-mat-id´-zo; from 5536; to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of 5530), i.e. divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of 5532) to constitute a firm for business, i.e. (generally) bear as a title: — (Translated in King James Version as) be called, be admonished (warned) of God, reveal, speak. 2 Peter also tells us that Noah was a “preacher of righteousness:” 2 Peter 2:4-5 “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; ⁵ And spared not the old world, but saved Noah ⁽³⁵⁷⁵⁾ the eighth person, a preacher ⁽²⁷⁸³⁾ of righteousness,⁽¹³⁴³⁾ bringing in the flood ⁽²⁶²⁷⁾upon the world of the ungodly;”⁽⁷⁶⁵⁾(KJV) · Verse 4 – Suggested reading for more on the “the angels that sinned” - 1 Enoch. Sample from 1 Enoch: 1 Enoch 10:4-6 “And again the Lord said to Raphael: 'Bind Azâzêl hand and foot, and cast him into the darkness: and make an opening in the desert, which is in Dûdâêl, and cast him therein. ⁵ And place upon him rough and jagged rocks, and cover him with darkness, and let him abide there forever, and cover his face that he may not see light. ⁶ And on the day of the great judgement he shall be cast into the fire…”(R. H. CHARLES Version) 1 Enoch 10:11-13 “And the Lord said unto Michael: 'Go, bind Semjâzâ and his associates who have united themselves with women so as to have defiled themselves with them in all their uncleanness. ¹² And when their sons have slain one another, and they have seen the destruction of their beloved ones, bind them fast for seventy generations in the valleys of the earth, till the day of their judgement and of their consummation, till the judgement that is for ever and ever is consummated. ¹³ In those days they shall be led off to the abyss of fire: and to the torment and the prison in which they shall be confined forever. And whosoever shall be condemned and destroyed will from thenceforth be bound together with them to the end of all generations.” (R. H. CHARLES Version) Preacher 2783 – κήρυξ kerux, kay´-roox; from 2784; a herald, i.e. of divine truth (especially of the gospel): — (Translated in King James Version as) preacher. 2784 – κηρύσσω kerusso, kay-roos´-so; of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel): — (Translated in King James Version as) preacher(-er), proclaim, publish. Ungodly 765 – ἀσεβής asebes, as-eb-ace´; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 4576; irreverent, i.e. (by extension) impious or wicked: — (Translated in King James Version as) ungodly (man). · Genesis 5:32 tells us that Noah was 500 years old when he begat his three sons. And we are told this right before Genesis 6 gives us the narrative of everything leading up to the flood. Genesis 5:32 “And Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ was five hundred years old: and Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth." (KJV) But we do not learn until Genesis 7 that Noah was six hundred years old when the flood waters were upon the earth. Genesis 7:5-7 “And Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. ⁶ And Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ was six hundred years old when the flood ⁽³⁹⁹⁹⁾of waters ⁽⁴³²⁵⁾ was upon the earth. ⁷ And Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters ⁽⁴³²⁵⁾ of the flood.” ⁽³⁹⁹⁹⁾(KJV) And based on this, we can guesstimate that Noah was “a preacher of righteousness” for at least one hundred years. One hundred years of trying to warn his family, friends, neighbors, and the world at large, that unless they repented and turned back to YAH a flood would come and sweep them all away. Can you imagine one hundred years of being mocked and laughed at? Every day called crazy by the world and shunned by your family. But I do not believe Noah felt like he got the last laugh when he and his family were told to enter the ark and YAH closed the door behind him. Genesis 7:13-16 “In the selfsame day entered Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾, and Noah’s ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; ¹⁴ They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort. ¹⁵ And they went in unto Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. ¹⁶ And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.” (KJV) For one hundred years Noah tried to warn them; but to no avail. But when the rain began and the truth of Noah’s words finally sunk in, it was too late for those outside the ark to gain entrance. YAH, not Noah, had shut the door. There were now no more chances for repentance. And no more jokes and laughter at Noah’s expense. Only screams and horror. · Reminds me of the following passage: Luke 13:23-28 “Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, ²⁴ Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ²⁵ When once the master of the house ⁽³⁶¹⁷⁾ is risen up, ⁽¹⁴⁵³⁾ and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: ²⁶ Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. ²⁷ But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. ⁽⁹³⁾ 28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” (KJV) Iniquity 93 – ἀδικία adikia, ad-ee-kee´-ah; from 94; (legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act): — (Translated in King James Version as) iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong. Risen up 1453 – ἐγείρω egeiro, eg-i´-ro; probably akin to the base of 58 (through the idea of collecting one’s faculties); to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence): — (Translated in King James Version as) awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up. Ø Who is the “master of the House”? Ø How long has Christ knocked on the doors of lukewarm Christians? But they are so busy with their purpose driven life they cannot, or will not, hear His voice and open their door? Revelation 3:14-22 “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; ¹⁵ I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. ¹⁷ Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: ¹⁸ I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. ²¹ To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. ²² He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (KJV) · One day the opportunity to hear His voice and open the door will be over. Genesis 7:21-23 “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: ²² All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. ²³ And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah ⁽⁵¹⁴⁶⁾ only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.” (KJV) The Rain, the Winds and the Floods Do you recall that Christ said that His second coming will be just like in the days of Noah? Matthew 24:37-39 “But as ⁽⁵⁶¹⁸⁾ the days of Noe ⁽³⁵⁷⁵⁾ were, so shall also the coming ⁽³⁹⁵²⁾ of the Son of man be. ³⁸ For as ⁽⁵⁶¹⁸⁾in the days that were before the flood ⁽²⁶²⁷⁾ they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe ⁽³⁵⁷⁵⁾ entered into the ark, ³⁹ And knew not until the flood ⁽²⁶²⁷⁾ came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming ⁽³⁹⁵²⁾ of the Son of man be.” (KJV) As 5618 – ὥσπερ hosper, hoce´-per; from 5613 and 4007; just as, i.e. exactly like: —(Translated in King James Version as) (even, like) as. Coming 3952 – παρουσία parousia, par-oo-see´-ah; from the present participle of 3918; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect: — (Translated in King James Version as) coming, presence. Christ often referred to Himself as “the Son of man.” Matthew 16:13-17 “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? ¹⁴ And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. ¹⁵ He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? ¹⁶ And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ¹⁷ And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.” (KJV) John 8:28 “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” (KJV) Mark 8:38 “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (KJV) But Luke 17 gives us even more detail: Luke 17:26-30 “And as ⁽⁵⁶¹⁸⁾ it was in the days of Noe,⁽³⁵⁷⁵⁾ so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. ²⁷ They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe ⁽³⁵⁷⁵⁾ entered into the ark, and the flood ⁽²⁶²⁷⁾ came, and destroyed ⁽⁶²²⁾ them all. ²⁸ Likewise ⁽³⁶⁶⁸⁾ also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; ⁽³⁶¹⁸⁾ ²⁹ But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire ⁽⁴⁴⁴²⁾ and brimstone ⁽²³⁰³⁾ from heaven, and destroyed ⁽⁶²²⁾ them all. ³⁰ Even thus ⁽⁵⁰²⁴⁾ shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”⁽⁶⁰¹⁾ (KJV) · Not only would it be “as it was in the days of Noe.” It would also be “as it was in the days of Lot.” - With Noah/Noe there was a flood that destroyed all but eight people on earth. - With Lot, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed all but four people in Sodom. And later, one of the four was destroyed when she disobeyed a direct order not to look back. Genesis 19:15-17 “And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity ⁽⁵⁷⁷¹⁾ of the city. ¹⁶ And while he lingered,⁽⁴¹⁰²⁾ the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. ¹⁷ And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look ⁽⁵⁰²⁷⁾ not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.” (KJV) Genesis 19:24-26 “Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone ⁽¹⁶¹⁴⁾ and fire from the LORD out of heaven; ²⁵ And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. ²⁶ But his wife looked ⁽⁵⁰²⁷⁾ back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (KJV) · Verse 26 – It seems whatever was behind her was more important than her gratitude to the LORD for allowing her to escape; and the command that she not look back. · This brings to mind: Luke 9:61-62 “And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. ⁽³⁶²⁴⁾ ⁶² And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (KJV) Brimstone 1614 – גָּפְרִית gophriyth, gof-reeth´; probably feminine of 1613; properly, cypress-resin; by analogy, sulphur (as equally inflammable):— (Translated in King James Version as) brimstone. Brimstone 2303 – θεῖον theion, thi´-on; probably neuter of 2304 (in its original sense of flashing); sulphur: — (Translated in King James Version as) brimstone. 2304 – θεῖος theios, thi´-os; from 2316; godlike (neuter as noun, divinity): — (Translated in King James Version as) divine, godhead. Builded 3618 – οἰκοδομέω oikodomeo, oy-kod-om-eh´-o; from the same as 3619; to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or (figuratively) confirm: — (Translated in King James Version as) (be in) build(-er, -ing, up), edify, embolden. Destroyed 622 – ἀπόλλυμι apollumi, ap-ol´-loo-mee; from 575 and the base of 3639; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: — (Translated in King James Version as) destroy, die, lose, mar, perish. Fire 4442 – πῦρ pur, poor; a primary word; “fire” (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning): — (Translated in King James Version as) fiery, fire. Iniquity 5771 – עָוֹן ʿavon, aw-vone´; or עָווֹן ʿavown (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (7)), aw-vone´; from 5753; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil: — (Translated in King James Version as) fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. Likewise 3668 – ὁμοίως homoios, hom-oy´-oce; adverb from 3664; similarly: — (Translated in King James Version as) likewise, so. Lingered 4102 – מָהַהּ mahahh, maw-hah´; apparently a denominative from 4100; properly, to question or hesitate, i.e. (by implication) to be reluctant: — (Translated in King James Version as) delay, linger, stay selves, tarry. Look/ Looked 5027 – נָבַט nabat, naw-bat´; a primitive root; to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care: — (Translated in King James Version as) (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. Revealed 601 – ἀποκαλύπτω apokalupto, ap-ok-al-oop´-to; from 575 and 2572; to take off the cover, i.e. disclose: — (Translated in King James Version as) reveal. Thus 5024 – ταὐτά tauta, tow-tah´; neuter plural of 3588 and 846 as adverb; in the same way: — (Translated in King James Version as) even thus, (manner) like, so. Ø So, what do Noah and Lot have to do with Matthew 7:24-27? Perhaps nothing; or perhaps they are two key pieces to help us see a little clearer. However, since this is not a direct “thus sayeth the Lord;” at the end of this portion of the study, you will have to decide for yourself if it is relevant or not. So, let us start by going back to the beginning. Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore whosoever hearth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house ^upon a rock: ²⁵ And the rain descended, and the floods ⁽⁴²¹⁵⁾ came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house;and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. ²⁶ And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,shall be unto a foolish man, which built his houseupon the sand: ²⁷ And the rain descended, and the floods ⁽⁴²¹⁵⁾ came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house;and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” (KJV) We already addressed the fact that during the time of Noah a flood (singular) covered the earth. And YAH said He would never again destroy the earth by flood. Yet in the above passage Christ speaks about floods, as in multiple. Of course it could be no more than part of Christ’s illustration as He told His parable. But then we learn that Christ compares His return with actual events of the past that include, of all things, a flood. And in the past few years most of us can attest to the fact that we are experiencing unusual rain storms and immense Hurricanes of late; which in turn result in catastrophic floods. Ø But what if the floods (plural) in Matthew 7 involve more than just real water? For instance: Revelation 17:1-2, 14-15 “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth ⁽²⁵²¹⁾ upon many waters: ⁽⁵²⁰⁴⁾ ² With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants ⁽²⁷³⁰⁾of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication… ¹⁴ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome ⁽³⁵²⁸⁾ them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, ⁽²⁸²²⁾ and chosen,⁽¹⁵⁸⁸⁾ and faithful. ⁽⁴¹⁰³⁾ ¹⁵ And he saith unto me, The waters ⁽⁵²⁰⁴⁾ which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, ⁽²⁵²¹⁾ are peoples, ⁽²⁹⁹²⁾ and multitudes, ⁽³⁷⁹³⁾ and nations, ⁽¹⁴⁸⁴⁾ and tongues. ⁽¹¹⁰⁰⁾ (KJV) Ø Verse 15 – Could the floods be “the waters” who are peoples; multitudes, nations, and tongues? · Verses 2, 14 – Please note the following: 1. “These shall make war with the Lamb” – Who are “these”? Answer - “the kings of the earth” and “the inhabitantsof the earth.” 2. “The Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings” – Who is “the Lamb”? Answer - John 1:29-34 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. ³⁰ This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. ³¹ And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. ³² And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. ³³ And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. ³⁴ And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.” (KJV) Revelation 19:11-16 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. ¹² His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. ¹³ And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵ And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth 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.” (KJV) 3. “The Lamb shall overcome them” – Who are “them”? Answer - “the kings of the earth” and “the inhabitants of the earth.” 4. “They that are with him are called, and chosen,and faithful” – Who are “they”? Answer – Revelation 19:14 “And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (KJV) Revelation 6:9-11 “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: ¹⁰ And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? ¹¹ And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (KJV) Revelation 7:13-14 “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (KJV) Called 2822 – κλητός kletos, klay-tos´; from the same as 2821; invited, i.e. appointed, or (specially), a saint: — (Translated in King James Version as) called. 2821 – κλῆσις klesis, klay´-sis; from a shorter form of 2564; an invitation (figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) calling. 2564 – καλέω kaleo, kal-eh´-o; akin to the base of 2753; to “call” (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise): — (Translated in King James Version as) bid, call (forth), (whose, whose sur-)name (was (called)). Chosen 1588 – ἐκλεκτός eklektos, ek-lek-tos´; from 1586; select; by implication, favorite: — (Translated in King James Version as) chosen, elect. Faithful 4103 – πιστός pistos, pis-tos´; from 3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: — (Translated in King James Version as) believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true. 3982 – πείθω peitho, pi´-tho; a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): — (Translated in King James Version as) agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield. Multitudes 3793 – ὄχλος ochlos, okh´los; from a derivative of 2192 (meaning a vehicle); a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot: — (Translated in King James Version as) company, multitude, number (of people), people, press. Nations 1484 – ἔθνος ethnos, eth´-nos; probably from 1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan): — (Translated in King James Version as) Gentile, heathen, nation, people. Overcome 3528 – νικάω nikao, nik-ah´-o; from 3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. 3529 – νίκη nike, nee´-kay; apparently a primary word; conquest (abstractly), i.e. (figuratively) the means of success: — (Translated in King James Version as) victory. Peoples 2992 – λαός laos, lah-os´; apparently a primary word; a people (in general; thus differing from 1218, which denotes one’s own populace): — (Translated in King James Version as) people. Sitteth 2521 – κάθημαι kathemai, kath´-ay-mahee; from 2596; and ἧμαι hemai (to sit; akin to the base of 1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside: — (Translated in King James Version as) dwell, sit (by, down). Tongues 1100 – γλῶσσα glossa, gloce-sah´; of uncertain affinity; the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired): — (Translated in King James Version as) tongue. Waters 5204 – ὕδωρ hudor, hoo´-dore, and genitive case,ὕδατος hudatos, hoo´-dat-os, etc; . from the base of 5205; water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively: — (Translated in King James Version as) water. Isaiah prophesied: Isaiah 17:12-13 “Woe to the multitude ⁽¹⁹⁹⁵⁾ of many people,⁽⁵⁹⁷¹⁾ which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing ⁽⁷⁵⁸⁸⁾ *of nations, that* make a rushing ⁽⁷⁵⁸²⁾ like the rushing ⁽⁷⁵⁸⁸⁾ of mighty waters! ⁽⁴³²⁵⁾ ¹³ The nations shall rush ⁽⁷⁵⁸²⁾ like the rushing ⁽⁷⁵⁸⁸⁾ of many waters*:⁽⁴³²⁵⁾ but God* shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind,⁽⁷³⁰⁷⁾ and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.” ⁽⁵⁴⁹²⁾ (KJV) Multitude 1995 – הָמוֹן hamown, haw-mone´; or הָמֹן hamon (Ezek. 5:7), haw-mone´; from 1993; a noise, tumult, crowd; also disquietude, wealth: — (Translated in King James Version as) abundance, company, many, multitude, multiply, noise, riches, rumbling, sounding, store, tumult. People 5971 – עַם ʿam, am; from 6004; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock:— (Translated in King James Version as) folk, men, nation, people. (Translated in King James Version as) Rush/ Rushing 7582 – שָׁאָה shaʾah, shaw-aw´; a primitive root; to rush; by implication, to desolate: — (Translated in King James Version as) be desolate, (make a) rush(-ing), (lay) waste. Rushing 7588 – שָׁאוֹן shaʾown, shaw-one´; from 7582; uproar (as of rushing); by implication, destruction: — (Translated in King James Version as) x horrible, noise, pomp, rushing, tumult (x -uous). Whirlwind 5492 – סוּפָה çuwphah, soo-faw´; from 5486; a hurricane: — (Translated in King James Version as) Red Sea, storm, tempest, whirlwind, Red sea. 5486 – סוּף çuwph, soof; a primitive root; to snatch away, i.e. terminate:— (Translated in King James Version as) consume, have an end, perish, x be utterly. Wind 7307 – רוּחַ ruwach, roo´-akh; from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions):— (Translated in King James Version as) air, anger, blast, breath, x cool, courage, mind, x quarter, x side, spirit((-ual)), tempest, x vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y). And a passage in 2 Samuel gives us a glimpse into who the floods represent. 2 Samuel 22:2-7 “And he said, The LORD is my rock, ⁽⁵⁵⁵³⁾ and my fortress, ⁽⁴⁶⁸⁶⁾ and my deliverer; ⁽⁶⁴⁰³⁾ ³ The God of my rock; ⁽⁶⁶⁹⁷⁾ in him will I trust:⁽²⁶²⁰⁾ he is my shield,⁽⁴⁰⁴³⁾ and the horn ⁽⁷¹⁶¹⁾ of my salvation, ⁽³⁴⁶⁸⁾ my high tower,⁽⁴⁸⁶⁹⁾ and my refuge,⁽⁴⁴⁹⁸⁾ my saviour; ⁽³⁴⁶⁷⁾ thou savest ⁽³⁴⁶⁷⁾ me from violence.”⁽²⁵⁵⁵⁾ ⁴ I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved ⁽³⁴⁶⁷⁾ from mine enemies. ⁵ When the waves of death compassed me, the floods ⁽⁵¹⁵⁸⁾ of ungodly men ⁽¹¹⁰⁰⁾ made me afraid; ⁶ The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; ⁷ In my distress⁽⁶⁸⁶²⁾ I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.” (KJV) · Verse 5 – Elsewhere in the Holy Bible the Hebrew word יַּעַל bliyaʿal, shown in this verse as “ungodly men,” was translated as “Belial.” For example: 1 Samuel 2:12 “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial;⁽¹¹⁰⁰⁾ they knew not the LORD.” (KJV) 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? ¹⁵ And what concord hath Christ with Belial?⁽⁹⁵⁵⁾ Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (KJV) The name “Belial” is a proper name. And in both the Old and New Testaments the name is a designation for Satan. Ø Verse 7 –Did you know that the claim that there is a pre-tribulation rapture has only been taught since the early 1900s? But the Holy Bible let us know thousands of years before; that in the last days Satan and his seed would prevail over the people of YAH. But his victory will not last. Daniel 7:19-21 “Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; ²⁰ And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. ²¹ I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints,⁽⁶⁹²²⁾ and prevailed ⁽³²⁰²⁾ against them;” (KJV) · Verse 21 – For a better understanding of just what the word “prevailed” means in this passage; take a look at the following examples. Judges 16:5 “And the lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and said unto her, Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail ⁽³²⁰¹⁾ against him, that we may bind him to afflict ⁽⁶⁰³¹⁾ him: and we will give thee every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.” (KJV) 1 Samuel 17:9 “If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail ⁽³²⁰¹⁾ against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us.” (KJV) Jeremiah 1:19 “And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail ⁽³²⁰¹⁾ against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.” (KJV) · Following is a portion of the end times prophesy given to us by Christ. Matthew 24:4-13 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. ⁵ For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. ⁶ And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows. ⁹ Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, ⁽²³⁴⁷⁾ and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. ¹⁰ And then shall many be offended,⁽⁴⁶²⁴⁾ and shall betray ⁽³⁸⁶⁰⁾ one another, and shall hate ⁽³⁴⁰⁴⁾ one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive ⁽⁴¹⁰⁵⁾ many. ¹² And because iniquity ⁽⁴⁵⁸⁾ shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. ¹³ But he that shall endure ⁽⁵²⁷⁸⁾ unto the end,⁽⁵⁰⁵⁶⁾ the same shall be saved.”⁽⁴⁹⁸²⁾ (KJV) · Verse 13 –These words are so important it is recorded that Christ said them at least twice. Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth ⁽⁵²⁷⁸⁾ to the end ⁽⁵⁰⁵⁶⁾ shall be saved.”⁽⁴⁹⁸²⁾ (KJV) Afflict 6031 – עָנָה ʿanah, aw-naw´; a primitive root (possibly rather ident. with 6030 through the idea of looking down or browbeating); to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows):— (Translated in King James Version as) abase self, afflict(-ion, self), answer (by mistake for 6030), chasten self, deal hardly with, defile, exercise, force, gentleness, humble (self), hurt, ravish, sing (by mistake for 6030), speak (by mistake for 6030), submit self, weaken, x in any wise. Afflicted 2347 – θλίψις thlipsis, thlip´-sis; from 2346; pressure (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. Belial 955 – Βελίαλ Belial, bel-ee´-al; of Hebrew origin (1100); worthlessness; Belial, as an epithet of Satan: — (Translated in King James Version as) Belial. Belial (Dictionary.com) noun 1. Theology. The spirit of evil personified; the devil; Satan. Belial 1100 – בְּלִיַּעַל bliyaʿal, bel-e-yah´-al; from 1097 and 3276; without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness (often in connection with 376, 802, 1121, etc.):— (Translated in King James Version as) Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked. Betray 3860 – παραδίδωμι paradidomi, par-ad-id´-o-mee; from 3844 and 1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit: — (Translated in King James Version as) betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend. Deceive 4105 – πλανάω planao, plan-ah´-o; from 4106; to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue): — (Translated in King James Version as) go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander, be out of the way. Distress 6862 – צַר tsar, tsar; or צָר tsar, tsawr; from 6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in 6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding):— (Translated in King James Version as) adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. End 5056 – τέλος telos, tel´-os; from a primary τέλλω tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e. (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result (immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, an impost or levy (as paid): — (Translated in King James Version as) + continual, custom, end(-ing), finally, uttermost. Endure/ Endureth 5278 – ὑπομένω hupomeno, hoop-om-en´-o; from 5259 and 3306; to stay under (behind), i.e. remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere: —(Translated in King James Version as) abide, endure, (take) patient(-ly), suffer, tarry behind. Floods 5158 – נַחַל nachal, nakh´-al; or (feminine) נַחֲלָה nachlah (Psalm 124:4), nakh´-law; or נחלה nachalah(Ezekiel 47:19; 48:28), nakh-al-aw´; from 5157 in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine):— (Translated in King James Version as) brook, flood, river, stream, valley. Hate 3404 – μισέω miseo, mis-eh´-o; from a primary μῖσος misos (hatred); to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less: — (Translated in King James Version as) hate(-ful). Iniquity 458 – ἀνομία anomia, an-om-ee´-ah; from 459; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness: — (Translated in King James Version as) iniquity, x transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness. Offended 4624 – σκανδαλίζω skandalizo, skan-dal-id´-zo; from 4625; to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure): — (Translated in King James Version as) (make to) offend. 4625 – σκάνδαλον skandalon, skan´-dal-on; (“scandal;” probably from a derivative of 2578; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin): — occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock. Prevail 3201 – יָכֹל yakol, yaw-kole´; or (fuller) יָכוֹל yakowl, yaw-kole´; a primitive root; to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might):— (Translated in King James Version as) be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. Prevailed 3202 – יְכֵל ykel, yek-ale´; (Aramaic) or יְכִיל ykiyl (Aramaic), yek-eel´; to 3201:— (Translated in King James Version as) be able, can, couldest, prevail. Saints 6922 – קַדִּישׁ qaddiysh, kad-deesh´; (Aramaic) corresponding to 6918:— (Translated in King James Version as) holy (One), saint. 6918 – קָדוֹשׁ qadowsh, kaw-doshe´; or קָדֹשׁ qadosh, kaw-doshe´; from 6942; sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary: — (Translated in King James Version as) holy (One), saint. Saved 4982 – σώζω sozo, sode´-zo; from a primary σῶς sos (contraction for obsolete σάος saos, “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole. Ungodly men 1100 – see Belial. And the following passage reminds us that the floods have been ongoing against the people of YAH since the time of Christ. Revelation12:12-17 “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters ⁽²⁷³⁰⁾of the earth and of the sea! For the devil ⁽¹²²⁸⁾ is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. ¹³ And when the dragon ⁽¹⁴⁰⁴⁾saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted ⁽¹³⁷⁷⁾ the woman which brought forth the man child. ¹⁴ And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. ⁽³⁷⁸⁹⁾ ¹⁵ And the serpent ⁽³⁷⁸⁹⁾ cast out of his mouth water ⁽⁵²⁰⁴⁾ as a flood ⁽⁴²¹⁵⁾ after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. ⁽⁴²¹⁶⁾ ¹⁶ And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood ⁽⁴²¹⁵⁾ which the dragon ⁽¹⁴⁰⁴⁾ cast out of his mouth ¹⁷ And the dragon ⁽¹⁴⁰⁴⁾ was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed,⁽⁴⁶⁹⁰⁾ which keep ⁽⁵⁰⁸³⁾ the commandments of God, and have the testimony ⁽³¹⁴¹⁾ of Jesus Christ.” (KJV) Ø Verses 15-16 – Does this passage refer to an actual flood; or could it also refer to peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues? Verse 13 - Revelation 20:2 identifies the “dragon.” Revelation 20:2 “And he laid hold on the dragon ⁽¹⁴⁰⁴⁾, that old serpent,⁽³⁷⁸⁹⁾ which is the Devil,⁽¹²²⁸⁾ and Satan⁽⁴⁵⁶⁷⁾, and bound him a thousand years,” (KJV) · Verse 17 does not say that the dragon makes war with a religious system. It specifically states that he makes war with the remnant of the woman’s seed who: 1. Keep the commandments of God. 2. Have the testimony of Jesus Christ. · Does this mean that those in the religious system, that do not keep the commandments of God and/or have the testimony of Jesus Christ; are free to do as they please? In the prior four lessons we learned that there are always two choices, with no middle ground. And the same applies here. Ø If those in the religious system are not building their house on the rock (Christ), who kept the commandments of God and instructed His followers to do the same; then where are they building their house? Matthew 7:26 “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:” (KJV) · Verse 17 – The only mention of the woman’s seed, that I am aware of, is in Genesis 3:15. Genesis 3:14-15 “And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: ¹⁵ And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (KJV) And it is widely accepted that the “seed” is Christ. · Verse 17 - Hebrews 11 reminds us: Hebrews 11:32-40 “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. ³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ⁽³⁸⁶⁾ ³⁶ And others had trial ⁽³⁹⁸⁴⁾ *of cruel* mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds ⁽¹¹⁹⁹⁾ and imprisonment: ³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted,⁽³⁹⁸⁵⁾ were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; ³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ³⁹ And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: ⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”⁽⁵⁰⁴⁸⁾ (KJV) And through the centuries the enemies of YAH’s people have crucifixion them; burned them alive, boiled them in oil, flayed them, stoned them, gassed and decapitated them. And this is just the short list! But for those who build their house on the Rock, the dragon cannot defeat them. The best he and his seed can do is kill the body. They cannot kill our soul (our being). Matthew 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:⁽⁵⁵⁹⁰⁾ but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (KJV) Bonds 1199 – δεσμόν desmon,** des-mon´; or δεσμός desmos, des-mos´; neuter and masculine respectively from 1210; a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability: — (Translated in King James Version as) band, bond, chain, string. Carried away of the flood 4216 – ποταμοφόρητος potamophoretos, pot-am-of-or´-ay-tos; from 4215 and a derivative of 5409; river-borne, i.e. overwhelmed by a stream: — (Translated in King James Version as) carried away of the flood. Devil 1228 – διάβολος diabolos, dee-ab´-ol-os; from 1225; a traducer; specially, Satan (compare H7854): — (Translated in King James Version as) false accuser, devil, slanderer. Dragon 1404 – δράκων drakon, drak´-own; probably from an alternate form of δέρκομαι derkomai (to look); a fabulous kind of serpent (perhaps as supposed to fascinate): — (Translated in King James Version as) dragon. Keep 5083 – τηρέω tereo, tay-reh´-o; from τερός teros (a watch; perhaps akin to 2334); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from 5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from 2892, which implies a fortress or full military lines of apparatus), i.e. to note (a prophecy; figuratively, to fulfil a command); by implication, to detain (in custody; figuratively, to maintain); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried); by extension, to withhold (for personal ends; figuratively, to keep unmarried): — Translated in King James Version as)hold fast, keep(- er), (pre-, re-)serve, watch. Perfect 5048 – τελειόω teleioo, tel-i-o´-o; from 5046; to complete, i.e. (literally) accomplish, or (figuratively) consummate (in character): — (Translated in King James Version as) consecrate, finish, fulfil, make) perfect. Persecuted 1377 – διώκω dioko, dee-o´-ko; a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb δίω dio (to flee; compare the base of 1169 and 1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute: — (Translated in King James Version as) ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute(-ion), press forward. Resurrection 386 – ἀνάστασις anastasis, an-as´-tas-is; from 450; a standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth): — (Translated in King James Version as) raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again. Satan 4567 – Σατανᾶς Satanas, sat-an-as´; of Chaldee origin corresponding to 4566 (with the definite affix); the accuser, i.e. the devil: — (Translated in King James Version as) Satan. 4566 – Σατᾶν Satan, sat-an´; of Hebrew origin (H7854); Satan, i.e. the devil: — (Translated in King James Version as) Satan. H7854 – שָׂטָן satan, saw-tawn´; from 7853; an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) Satan, the arch-enemy of good: — (Translated in King James Version as) adversary, Satan, withstand. 7853 – שָׂטַן satan, saw-tan´; a primitive root; to attack, (figuratively) accuse: — (Translated in King James Version as) (be an) adversary, resist. Seed 4690 – σπέρμα sperma, sper´-mah; from 4687; something sown, i.e. seed (including the male “sperm”); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting): — (Translated in King James Version as) issue, seed. Serpent 3789 – ὄφις ophis, of´-is; probably from 3700 (through the idea of sharpness of vision); a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially Satan: — (Translated in King James Version as) serpent. Soul 5590 – ψυχή psuche, psoo-khay´; from 5594; breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from 4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from 2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew H5315, H7307 and H2416): — (Translated in King James Version as) heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you. Tempted 3985 – πειράζω peirazo, pi-rad´-zo; from 3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: — (Translated in King James Version as) assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try. Testimony 3141 – μαρτυρία marturia, mar-too-ree´-ah; from 3144; evidence given (judicially or genitive case): — (Translated in King James Version as) record, report, testimony, witness. 3144 – μάρτυς martus, mar´-toos; of uncertain affinity; a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a “martyr”: — (Translated in King James Version as) martyr, record, witness. Trial 3984 – πεῖρα peira, pi´-rah; from the base of 4008 (through the idea of piercing); a test, i.e. attempt, experience: — (Translated in King James Version as) assaying, trial. · The Book of Wisdom has this to say. Book of Wisdom 1:16; 2:1-24; 3:1-9 (Was in the 1611 King James Version KJV) ^“But the ungodly by their words and deeds summoned death; considering him a friend, they pined away and made a covenant with him, because they are fit to belong to his company. 2 For they reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, ‘Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end, and no one has been known to return from Hades. ²For we were born by mere chance, and hereafter we shall be as though we had never been, for the breath in our nostrils is smoke, and reason is a spark kindled by the beating of our hearts; ³when it is extinguished, the body will turn to ashes, and the spirit will dissolve like empty air. ⁴Our name will be forgotten in time, and no one will remember our works; our life will pass away like the traces of a cloud, and be scattered like mist that is chased by the rays of the sun and overcome by its heat. ⁵For our allotted time is the passing of a shadow, and there is no return from our death, because it is sealed up and no one turns back. ⁶‘Come, therefore, let us enjoy the good things that exist, and make use of the creation to the full as in youth. ⁷Let us take our fill of costly wine and perfumes, and let no flower of spring pass us by. ⁸Let us crown ourselves with rosebuds before they wither. ⁹Let none of us fail to share in our revelry; everywhere let us leave signs of enjoyment, because this is our portion, and this our lot. ¹⁰Let us oppress the righteous poor man; let us not spare the widow or regard the grey hairs of the aged. ¹¹But let our might be our law of right, for what is weak proves itself to be useless. ¹²‘Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training. ¹³He professes to have knowledge of God, and calls himself a child of the Lord. ¹⁴He became to us a reproof of our thoughts; ¹⁵the very sight of him is a burden to us, because his manner of life is unlike that of others, and his ways are strange. ¹⁶We are considered by him as something base, and he avoids our ways as unclean; he calls the last end of the righteous happy, and boasts that God is his father. ¹⁷Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen at the end of his life; ¹⁸for if the righteous man is God’s child, he will help him, and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries. ¹⁹Let us test him with insult and torture, so that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance. ²⁰Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected.’ *Error of the Wicked* ²¹Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them, ²²and they did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hoped for the wages of holiness, nor discerned the prize for blameless souls; ²³for God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, ²⁴but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his company experience it. *The Destiny of the Righteous* 3 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. ²In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be a disaster, ³and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. ⁴For though in the sight of others they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. ⁵Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; ⁶like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt-offering he accepted them. ⁷In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. ⁸They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them forever. ⁹Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his holy ones, and he watches over his elect.” (NRSVA) · The Book of Wisdom 3:7 reminds me of what Christ said: Matthew 13:41-43 “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend,⁽⁴⁶²⁵⁾ and them which do iniquity;⁽⁴⁵⁸⁾ ⁴² And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (KJV) Iniquity 458 – ἀνομία anomia, an-om-ee´-ah; from 459; illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness: — (Translated in King James Version as) iniquity, x transgress(-ion of) the law, unrighteousness. Offence 4625 – σκάνδαλον skandalon, skan´-dal-on; (“scandal;” probably from a derivative of 2578; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin): — (Translated in King James Version as) occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock. · And Revelation 7:9 lets us know that the people of YAH will rise again and stand before the throne of YAH and Christ. Revelation 7:9-17 “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; ¹⁰ And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. ¹¹ And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, ¹² Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. ¹³ And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? ¹⁴ And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation,⁽²³⁴⁷⁾ and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell ⁽⁴⁶³⁷⁾ among them. ¹⁶ They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. ¹⁷ For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters:⁽⁵²⁰⁴⁾ and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” (KJV) Tribulation 2347 – θλίψις thlipsis, thlip´-sis; from 2346; pressure (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. 2346 – θλίβω thlibo, thlee´-bo; akin to the base of 5147; to crowd (literally or figuratively): — (Translated in King James Version as) afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble. · Verse 17 reminds me of Psalm 23. Psalm 23:1-6 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.⁽⁴³²⁵⁾ ³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:⁽⁶⁸⁸⁷⁾thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell ⁽³⁴²⁷⁾in the house ⁽¹⁰⁰⁴⁾ of the LORD forever.” (KJV) Dwell 3427 – יָשַׁב yashab, yaw-shab´; a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:— (Translated in King James Version as) (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, x fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, x marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-)sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. Enemies 6887 – צָרַר tsarar, tsaw-rar´; a primitive root; to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (as follows):— (Translated in King James Version as) adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. House 1004 – בַּיִת bayith, bah´-yith; probably from 1129 abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.):— (Translated in King James Version as) court, daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of, x great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, + prison, + steward, + tablet, temple, web, + within(-out). Waters 4325 – מַיִם mayim, mah´-yim; dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen: — (Translated in King James Version as)+ piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). · And the Word of YAH says to all who are afraid. Isaiah 35:3-4 “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. ⁴ *Say to them that are* of a fearful heart, Be strong,⁽²³⁸⁸⁾fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance,*⁽⁵³⁵⁹⁾even* God with a recompence;⁽¹⁵⁷⁶⁾he will come and save ⁽³⁴⁶⁷⁾you.” (KJV) · And to those who are building their house on the sand; perhaps so they can be as close as possible to the “great whore” and the waters that she sits on (conjecture on my part), the Word of YAH says. Jeremiah 51:6-13 “Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity;⁽⁵⁷⁷¹⁾ for this is the time of the LORD’S vengeance;⁽⁵³⁶⁰⁾he will render unto her a recompence. ⁽¹⁵⁷⁶⁾ ⁷ Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. ⁸ Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. ⁹ We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies. ¹⁰ The LORD hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the LORD our God. ¹¹ Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the LORD hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes: for his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance ⁽⁵³⁶⁰⁾of the LORD, the vengeance ⁽⁵³⁶⁰⁾of his temple. ¹² Set up the standard upon the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watchmen, prepare the ambushes: for the LORD hath both devised and done that which he spake against the inhabitants of Babylon. ¹³ O thou that dwellest upon many waters, *abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and* the measure of thy covetousness.” (KJV) · Mystery Babylon the Great is the great whore. Revelation 17:5 “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (KJV) · Some think Mystery Babylon is the United States. While Most believe it is the Vatican. But if you are interested in the identity of Mystery Babylon, from a Biblical perspective, consider watching the following 25 minute video. Mystery Babylon Revealed Mini Documentary by Parable of the Vineyard. Iniquity 5771 – עָוֹן ʿavon,** aw-vone´; or עָווֹן ʿavown (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (7)), aw-vone´; from 5753; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil:— (Translated in King James Version as) fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. Recompence 1576 – גְּמוּל gmuwl, ghem-ool´; from 1580; treatment, i.e. an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital: — (Translated in King James Version as) + as hast served, benefit, desert, deserving, that which he hath given, recompense, reward. Strong 2388 – חָזַק chazaq, khaw-zak´; a primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer:— (Translated in King James Version as) aid, amend, x calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. Vengeance 5359 – נָקָן naqam, naw-kawm´; from 5358; revenge: — (Translated in King James Version as) + avenged, quarrel, vengeance. 5358 – נָקַן naqam, naw-kam´; a primitive root; to grudge, i.e. avenge or punish: — (Translated in King James Version as) avenge (-r, self), punish, revenge (self), x surely, take vengeance. Vengeance 5360 – נְקָמָה nqamah, nek-aw-maw´; feminine of 5359; avengement, whether the act of the passion: — (Translated in King James Version as) + avenge, revenge(-ing), vengeance. If you recall, we are told that the kings of the earth will make war with the Lamb, who is Christ. Revelation 17:1-2, 14-15 “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth ⁽²⁵²¹⁾ upon many waters: ⁽⁵²⁰⁴⁾ ² With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants ⁽²⁷³⁰⁾of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication… ¹⁴ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome ⁽³⁵²⁸⁾ them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, ⁽²⁸²²⁾ and chosen,⁽¹⁵⁸⁸⁾ and faithful. ⁽⁴¹⁰³⁾ ¹⁵ And he saith unto me, The waters ⁽⁵²⁰⁴⁾ which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, ⁽²⁵²¹⁾ are peoples, ⁽²⁹⁹²⁾ and multitudes, ⁽³⁷⁹³⁾ and nations, ⁽¹⁴⁸⁴⁾ and tongues. ⁽¹¹⁰⁰⁾ (KJV) · Psalm 2 tells us: Psalm 2:1-12 “Why do the heathen rage,⁽⁷²⁸³⁾ and the people imagine a vain thing? ² The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed,⁽⁴⁸⁹⁹⁾ *saying, ³ Let us break their bands ⁽⁴¹⁴⁷⁾ asunder, and cast away their cords from us. ⁴ He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh:⁽⁷⁸³²⁾ the Lord shall have them in derision. ⁽³⁹³²⁾ ⁵ Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.⁽²⁷⁴⁰⁾ ⁶ Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. ⁷ I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art* my Son; this day have I begotten thee. ⁸ Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. ⁹ Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. ¹⁰ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. ¹¹ Serve the LORD with fear,⁽³³⁷⁴⁾ and rejoice with trembling. ¹² Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” (KJV) · Verse 2 – “Anointed” is מָשׁיִחַ mashiyach in Hebrew or Messiah. And Messiah is Christos in Greek; which is translated as Christ in English. Therefore the kings of the earth set themselves against YAH and Christ. Anointed 4899 – מָשׁיִחַ mashiyach, maw-shee´-akh; from 4886; anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the Messiah: — (Translated in King James Version as) anointed, Messiah. Bands 4147– מוֹסֵר mowçer, mo-sare´; also (in plural) feminine מוֹסֵרָה mowçerah, mo-say-raw´; or מֹסְרָה moçrah, mo-ser-aw´; from 3256; properly, chastisement, i.e. (by implication) a halter; figuratively, restraint: — (Translated in King James Version as) band, bond. Derision 3932 – לָעַג laʿag, law-ag´; a primitive root; to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly: — (Translated in King James Version as) have in derision, laugh (to scorn), mock (on), stammering. Fear 3374 – יִרְאָה yirʾah, yir-aw´; feminine of 3373; fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence: — (Translated in King James Version as) x dreadful, x exceedingly, fear(-fulness). Laugh 7832 – שָׂחַק sachaq, saw-khak´; a primitive root; to laugh (in pleasure or detraction); by implication, to play: — (Translated in King James Version as) deride, have in derision, laugh, make merry, mock(-er), play, rejoice, (laugh to) scorn, be in (make) sport. Rage 7283 – רָגַשׁ ragash, raw-gash´; a primitive root; to be tumultuous: — (Translated in King James Version as) rage. Sore displeasure 2740 – חָרוֹן charown, khaw-rone´; or (shortened) חָרֹן charon, khaw-rone´; from 2734; a burning of anger: — (Translated in King James Version as) sore displeasure, fierce(-ness), fury, (fierce) wrath(-ful). · Luke 4 tells us that after spending 40 days in the wilderness, while tempted by the devil; Christ returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. And the passage goes on to say: Luke 4:14-21 “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. ¹⁵ And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. ¹⁶ And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. ¹⁷ And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias (Isaiah). And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, ¹⁸ The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, ¹⁹ To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. ²⁰ And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. ²¹ And he began to say unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”⁽²⁹⁶²⁾ (KJV) · Verse 19 – But Christ didn’t finish the prophecy; because the last part of the sentence would not apply until His second coming. Following is the entire quote found in the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah 61:1-2 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; ² To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;” (KJV) Christ is coming with rain, winds and floods to destroy His enemies. Psalm 11:4-7 “The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. ⁵ The LORD trieth ⁽⁹⁷⁴⁾ the righteous: but the wicked ⁽⁷⁵⁶³⁾ and him that loveth violence ⁽²⁵⁵⁵⁾ his soul hateth. ⁶ Upon the wicked ⁽⁷⁵⁶³⁾ he shall rain snares,⁽⁶³⁴¹⁾ fire and brimstone,⁽¹⁶¹⁴⁾ and an horrible ⁽²¹⁵²⁾ tempest:⁽⁷³⁰⁷⁾ this shall be the portion of their cup. ⁷ For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.” (KJV) Horrible 2152 – זַלְעָפָה zalʿaphah, zal-aw-faw´; or זִלְעָפָף ziliaphaph, zil-aw-faw´; from 2196; a glow (of wind or anger); also a famine (as consuming):— (Translated in King James Version as) horrible, horror, terrible. Snares 6341 – פַּח pach, pakh; from 6351; a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin); also a spring net (as spread out like a lamina):— (Translated in King James Version as) gin, (thin) plate, snare. 6351 – פָּחַח pachach, paw-khakh´; a primitive root; to batter out; but used only as denominative from 6341, to spread a net:— (Translated in King James Version as) be snared. Tempest 7307 – רוּחַ ruwach, roo´-akh; from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, insubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions):— (Translated in King James Version as) air, anger, blast, breath, x cool, courage, mind, x quarter, x side, spirit((-ual)), tempest, x vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y). Trieth 974 – בָּחַן bachan, baw-khan´; a primitive root; to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate: — (Translated in King James Version as) examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). Violence 2555 – חָמָס chamaç, khaw-mawce´; from 2554; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain:— (Translated in King James Version as) cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, x oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. Wicked 7563 – רָשָׁע rashaʿ, raw-shaw´; from 7561; morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person: — (Translated in King James Version as) + condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. Isaiah 28: 2, 5-6 “*Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which* as a tempest ⁽²²³⁰⁾ of hail** ⁽¹²⁵⁹⁾ and a destroying storm, ⁽⁸¹⁷⁸⁾ as a flood ⁽²²³⁰⁾ of mighty waters ⁽⁴³²⁵⁾ overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand…⁽³⁰²⁷⁾ ⁵ In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, ⁶ And for a spirit of judgment ⁽⁴⁹⁴¹⁾ to him that sitteth in judgment ⁽⁴⁹⁴¹⁾, and for strength ⁽¹³⁶⁹⁾ to them that turn the battle to the gate.” (KJV) · Following is the above passage from the English Standard Version (ESV) Isaiah 28: 2, 5-6 “Behold, the Lord has one who is mighty and strong; like a storm of hail, a destroying tempest, like a storm of mighty, overflowing waters, he casts down to the earth with his hand… ⁵ In that day the LORD of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people, ⁶ and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.” (ESV) Flood 2230 – זֶרֶם zerem, zeh´-rem; from 2229; a gush of water: — (Translated in King James Version as) flood, overflowing, shower, storm, tempest. Hail 1259 – בָּרָד barad, baw-rawd´; from 1258; hail -(Translated in King James Version as) hail ((stones)). Hand 3027 – יָד yad, yawd; a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.), in distinction from 3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows):— (Translated in King James Version as) (+ be) able, x about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, x bounty, + broad, (broken-)handed, x by, charge, coast, + consecrate, + creditor, custody, debt, dominion, x enough, + fellowship, force, x from, hand(-staves, -y work), x he, himself, x in, labour, + large, ledge, (left-)handed, means, x mine, ministry, near, x of, x order, ordinance, x our, parts, pain, power, x presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, + swear, terror, x thee, x by them, x themselves, x thine own, x thou, through, x throwing, + thumb, times, x to, x under, x us, x wait on, (way-)side, where, + wide, x with (him, me, you), work, + yield, x yourselves. Judgment 4941 – מִשְׁפָּט mishpat, mish-pawt´; from 8199; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant’s) divine law, individual or collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a participant’s right or privilege (statutory or customary), or even a style:— (Translated in King James Version as) + adversary, ceremony, charge, x crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, x worthy, + wrong. Storm 8178 – שַׂעַר saʿar, sah´-ar; from 8175; a tempest; also a terror: — (Translated in King James Version as) affrighted, x horribly, x sore, storm. 8175 – שָׂעַר saʿar, saw-ar´; a primitive root; to storm; by implication, to shiver, i.e. fear: — (Translated in King James Version as) be (horribly) afraid, fear, hurl as a storm, be tempestuous, come like (take away as with) a whirlwind. Strength 1369 – גְּבוּרָה gbuwrah, gheb-oo-raw´; feminine passive participle from the same as 1368; force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory:— (Translated in King James Version as) force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. Tempest 2230 – Refer to flood Isaiah 30:27-30 “Behold, the name of the LORD cometh from far, burning with his anger, and the burden thereof is heavy: his lips are full of indignation,⁽²¹⁹⁵⁾ and his tongue as a devouring fire: ²⁸ And his breath,⁽⁷³⁰⁷⁾ as an overflowing ⁽⁷⁸⁵⁷⁾ stream,⁽⁵¹⁵⁸⁾ shall reach to the midst ⁽²⁶⁷³⁾ of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity:⁽⁷⁷²³⁾ and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err. ²⁹ Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel. ³⁰ And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down ⁽⁵¹⁸³⁾ *of his arm, with the indignation of his* anger, and with the flame ⁽³⁸⁵¹⁾ of a devouring ⁽³⁹⁸⁾ fire, with scattering, ⁽⁵³¹¹⁾ and tempest,⁽²²³⁰⁾ and hailstones.”⁽⁶⁸⁾ (KJV) Breath 7307 – רוּחַ ruwach,** roo´-akh; from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, insubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions):— (Translated in King James Version as) air, anger, blast, breath, x cool, courage, mind, x quarter, x side, spirit((-ual)), tempest, x vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y). · Translated on page 43 as “Wind” and on page 59 as “tempest.” Hailstones 68 – אֶבֶן ʾeben, eh´-ben; from the root of 1129 through the meaning to build; a stone:— (Translated in King James Version as) + carbuncle, + mason, + plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-)stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). Indignation 2195 – זַעַם zaʿam, zah´-am; from 2194; strictly froth at the mouth, i.e. (figuratively) fury (especially of God’s displeasure with sin):— (Translated in King James Version as) angry, indignation, rage. Lighting down 5183 – נַחַת Nachath, nakh´-ath; from 5182; a descent, i.e. imposition, unfavorable (punishment) or favorable (food); also (intransitively; perhaps from 5117), restfulness: — (Translated in King James Version as) lighting down, quiet(-ness), to rest, be set on. Midst 2673 – חָצָה chatsah, khaw-tsaw´; a primitive root (compare 2086)); to cut or split in two; to halve: — (Translated in King James Version as) divide, x live out half, reach to the midst, participle Overflowing 7857 – שָׁטַף shataph, shaw-taf´; a primitive root; to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer: — (Translated in King James Version as) drown, (over-)flow(-whelm, rinse, run, rush, (throughly) wash (away). Scattering 5311 – נֶפֶץ nephets, neh´-fets; from 5310; a storm (as dispersing):— (Translated in King James Version as) scattering. 5310 – נָפַץ naphats, naw-fats´; a primitive root; to dash to pieces, or scatter: — (Translated in King James Version as) be beaten in sunder, break (in pieces), broken, dash (in pieces), cause to be discharged, dispersed, be overspread, scatter. Stream 5158 – נַחַל nachal, nakh´-al; or (feminine) נַחֲלָה nachlah (Psalm 124:4), nakh´-law; or נחלה nachalah(Ezekiel 47:19; 48:28), nakh-al-aw´; from 5157 in its original sense; a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine):— (Translated in King James Version as) brook, flood, river, stream, valley. Vanity 7723 – שָׁוְא shavʾ, shawv; or שַׁו shav, shav; from the same as 7722 in the sense of desolating; evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, objective; also adverbially, in vain):— (Translated in King James Version as) false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. And to the great whore Isaiah prophesied: Isaiah 29:1-6 “Woe to Ariel,⁽⁷⁴⁰⁾ to Ariel,⁽⁷⁴⁰⁾ the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices. ² Yet I will distress Ariel,⁽⁷⁴⁰⁾ and there shall be heaviness and sorrow: and it shall be unto me as Ariel. ⁽⁷⁴⁰⁾ ³ And I will camp against thee round about, and will lay siege against thee with a mount, and I will raise forts against thee. ⁴ And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust. ⁵ Moreover the multitude of thy strangers shall be like small dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones ⁽⁶¹⁸⁴⁾ shall be as chaff that passeth away: yea, it shall be at an instant suddenly. ⁶ Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder,⁽⁷⁴⁸²⁾ and with earthquake,⁽⁷⁴⁹⁴⁾ and great noise,⁽⁶⁹⁶³⁾ with storm,⁽⁵⁴⁹²⁾ and tempest,⁽⁵⁵⁹¹⁾ and the flame ⁽³⁸⁵¹⁾ of devouring ⁽³⁹⁸⁾ fire.” (KJV) · Verse 1 – David dwelt in Jerusalem. 1 Kings 2:11 “And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem.” (KJV) · Verse 5 – reminds me of Matthew 3:12: Matthew 3:11-12 “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: ¹² Whose fan ⁽⁴⁴²⁵⁾ is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge ⁽¹²⁴⁵⁾ his floor,⁽²⁵⁷⁾ and gather his wheat into the garner;⁽⁵⁹⁶⁾ but he will burn up ⁽²⁶¹⁸⁾ the chaff with unquenchable ⁽⁷⁶²⁾ fire.” (KJV) Ariel 740 – אֲרִיאֵל ʾAriʾel, ar-ee-ale´; the same as 739; Ariel, a symbolical name for Jerusalem, also the name of an Israelite: — (Translated in King James Version as) Ariel. Burn up 2618 – κατακαίω katakaio, kat-ak-ah´-ee-o; from 2596 and 2545; to burn down (to the ground), i.e. consume wholly: — (Translated in King James Version as) burn (up, utterly). Devouring 398 – אָכַל ʾakal, aw-kal´; a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) x at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, x freely, x in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, x quite. Earthquake 7494 – רַעַשׁ raʿash, rah´-ash; from 7493; vibration, bounding, uproar: — (Translated in King James Version as) commotion, confused noise, earthquake, fierceness, quaking, rattling, rushing, shaking. 7493 – רָעַשׁ raʿash, raw-ash; a primitive root; to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), partic. through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust):— (Translated in King James Version as) make afraid, (re-)move, quake, (make to) shake, (make to) tremble. Fan 4425 – πτύον ptuon, ptoo´-on; from 4429; a winnowing-fork (as scattering like spittle): — (Translated in King James Version as) fan. Flame 3851 – לַהַב lahab, lah´-hab; from an usused root meaning to gleam; a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of a weapon: — (Translated in King James Version as) blade, bright, flame, glittering. Floor 257 – ἅλων halon, hal´-ohn; probably from the base of 1507; a threshing-floor (as rolled hard), i.e. (figuratively) the grain (and chaff, as just threshed): — (Translated in King James Version as) floor. Garner 596 – ἀποθήκη apotheke, ap-oth-ay´-kay; from 659; a repository, i.e. granary: — (Translated in King James Version as) barn, garner. Noise 6963 – קוֹל qowl, kole; or קֹל qol, kole; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound:— (Translated in King James Version as) + aloud, bleating, crackling, cry (+ out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, + hold peace, (pro-)claim, proclamation, + sing, sound, + spark, thunder(-ing), voice, + yell. Storm 5492 – סוּפָה çuwphah, soo-faw´; from 5486; a hurricane: — (Translated in King James Version as) Red Sea, storm, tempest, whirlwind, Red sea. · Translated as “whirlwind” on page 45 Tempest 5591 – סַעַר çaʿar, sah´-ar; or (feminine) סְעָרָה çtarah, seh-aw-raw´; from 5590; a hurricane:— (Translated in King James Version as) storm(-y), tempest, whirlwind. Terrible ones 6184 – עָרִיץ ʿariyts, aw-reets´; from 6206; fearful, i.e. powerful or tyrannical:— (Translated in King James Version as) mighty, oppressor, in great power, strong, terrible, violent. 6206 – עָרַץ ʿarats, aw-rats´; a primitive root; to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass: — (Translated in King James Version as) be affrighted (afraid, dread, feared, terrified), break, dread, fear, oppress, prevail, shake terribly. Thoroughly purge 1245 – διακαθαρίζω diakatharizo, dee-ak-ath-ar-id´-zo; from 1223 and 2511; to cleanse perfectly, i.e. (specially) winnow: — (Translated in King James Version as) thoroughly purge. Thunder 7482 – רַעַם raʿam, rah´am; from 7481; a peal of thunder: — (Translated in King James Version as) thunder. 7481 – רָעַם raʿam, raw-am´; a primitive root; to tumble, i.e. be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger):—make to fret, roar, thunder, trouble. Unquenchable 762 – ἄσβεστος asbestos, as´-bes-tos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a derivative of 4570; not extinguished, i.e. (by implication) perpetual: — (Translated in King James Version as) not to be quenched, unquenchable. · 2 Esdras 15:34-45 describes the judgment on Mystery Babylon, the great whore. 2 Esdras 15:34-45 (Was in the 1611 King James Version KJV) “See the clouds from the east, and from the north to the south! Their appearance is exceedingly threatening, full of wrath and storm. ³⁵They shall clash against one another and shall pour out a heavy tempest on the earth, and their own tempest;and there shall be blood from the sword as high as a horse’s belly ³⁶and a man’s thigh and a camel’s hock. ³⁷And there shall be fear and great trembling on the earth; those who see that wrath shall be horror-stricken, and they shall be seized with trembling. ³⁸After that, heavy storm clouds shall be stirred up from the south, and from the north, and another part from the west. ³⁹But the winds from the east shall prevail over the cloud that wasraised in wrath, and shall dispel it; and the tempestthat was to cause destruction by the east wind shall be driven violently toward the south and west. ⁴⁰Great and mighty clouds, full of wrath and tempest, shall rise and destroy all the earth and its inhabitants, and shall pour out upon every high and lofty place a terrible tempest, ⁴¹fire and hail and flying swords and floods of water, so that all the fields and all the streams shall be filled with the abundance of those waters. ⁴²They shall destroy cities and walls, mountains and hills, trees of the forests, and grass of the meadows, and their grain. ⁴³They shall go on steadily to Babylon and blot it out. ⁴⁴They shall come to it and surround it; they shall pour out on it the tempest and all its fury; then the dust and smoke shall reach the sky, and all who are around it shall mourn for it. ⁴⁵And those who survive shall serve those who have destroyed it.” (NRSVA) · Verses 35-36 – reminds me of Revelation 14:19-20. Revelation 14:19-20 “And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. ²⁰ And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” (KJV) · 1,600 furlongs is approximately 200 miles. Ø Does this passage sound like it is referring to actual clouds and tempests? Ø Verse 45 – Can those who survive serve clouds, floods and tempests? Ø Are there any similarities between 2 Esdras 15:34-45 and the following passages? Jeremiah 4:10-14 “Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! surely thou hast greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword reacheth unto the soul. ¹¹ At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A dry wind of the high places in the wilderness toward the daughter of my people, not to fan, nor to cleanse, *¹² Even* a full wind from those places shall come unto me: now also will I give sentence against them. ¹³ Behold, he shall come up as clouds, ⁽⁶⁰⁵¹⁾ and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled. ¹⁴ O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?” (KJV) Isaiah 66:15-16 “For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind,⁽⁵⁴⁹²⁾ to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. ¹⁶ For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead ⁽⁸¹⁹⁹⁾ with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.” (KJV) Psalm 18:1-19** “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. ² The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. ³ I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. ⁴ The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods ⁽⁵¹⁵⁸⁾ of ungodly men ⁽¹¹⁰⁰⁾ made me afraid. ⁵ The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. ⁶ In my distress ⁽⁶⁸⁶²⁾I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my *God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even* into his ears. ⁷ Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. ⁸ There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. ⁹ He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet. ¹⁰ And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. ¹¹ He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion ⁽⁵⁵²¹⁾ round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. ⁽⁷⁸³⁴⁾ ¹² At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire. ¹³ The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. ¹⁴ Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. ¹⁵ Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. ¹⁶ He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out ⁽⁴⁸⁷¹⁾ of many waters. ¹⁷ He delivered ⁽⁵³³⁷⁾ me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. ¹⁸ They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. ⁽⁴⁹³⁷⁾ ¹⁹ He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered ⁽²⁵⁰²⁾ me, because he delighted in me.” (KJV) · Verse 17 – Reminds me of Luke 1:71, concerning the coming of Christ. Luke 1:67-71 “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, ⁶⁸ Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, ⁶⁹ And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; ⁷⁰ As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: ⁷¹ That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;” (KJV) ⁷² To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; ⁷³ The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, ⁷⁴ That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, ⁷⁵ In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.” (KJV) Clouds 6051 – עָנָן ʿanan,** aw-nawn´; from 6049; a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e. the nimbus or thunder-cloud:— (Translated in King James Version as) cloud(-y). Delivered 2502 – חָלַץ chalats, khaw-lats´; a primitive root; to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflex.) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen:— (Translated in King James Version as) arm (self), (go, ready) armed (x man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. Delivered 5337 – נָצַל natsal, naw-tsal´; a primitive root; to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense:— (Translated in King James Version as) x at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, x without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, x surely, take (out). Drew me out 4871 – מָשָׁה mashah, maw-shaw´; a primitive root; to pull out (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) draw (out). Pavilion 5521 – סֻכָּה çukkah, sook-kaw´; fem of 5520; a hut or lair: — (Translated in King James Version as) booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. Plead 8199 – שָׁפַט shaphat, shaw-fat´; a primitive root; to judge, i.e. pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literally or figuratively):— (Translated in King James Version as) + avenge, x that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), x needs, plead, reason, rule. Skies 7834 – שַׁחַק shachaq, shakh´-ak; from 7833; a powder (as beaten small): by analogy, a thin vapor; by extension, the firmament: — (Translated in King James Version as) cloud, small dust, heaven, sky. · Translated in Psalm 68:34 as “clouds.” Stay 4937 – מִשְׁעֵן mishʿen, mish-ane´; or מִשְׁעָן mishtan, mish-awn´; from 8172; a support (concretely), i.e. (figuratively) a protector or sustenance: — (Translated in King James Version as) stay. Whirlwind 5492 – סוּפָה çuwphah, soo-faw´; from 5486; a hurricane:— (Translated in King James Version as) Red Sea, storm, tempest, whirlwind, Red sea. Revelation 19:1-6 “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: ² For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt ⁽⁵³⁵¹⁾ the earth with her fornication, ⁽⁴²⁰²⁾ and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. ³ And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. ⁴ And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. ⁵ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. ⁶ And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude,⁽³⁷⁹³⁾ and as the voice of many waters,⁽⁵²⁰⁴⁾ and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Corrupt 5351 – φθείρω phtheiro, fthi´-ro; probably strengthened from φθίω phthio (to pine or waste); properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e. to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave): — (Translated in King James Version as) corrupt (self), defile, destroy. Fornication 4202 – πορνεία porneia, por-ni´-ah; from 4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry: — (Translated in King James Version as) fornication. And the Holy Bible tells us that it will be YAH who will sit upon the flood (waters). Psalm 29:10-11 “The LORD sitteth ⁽³⁴²⁷⁾ upon the flood;⁽³⁹⁹⁹⁾ yea, the LORD sitteth ⁽³⁴²⁷⁾ King forever. ¹¹ The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (KJV) Sitteth 3427 – יָשַׁב yashab, yaw-shab´; a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:— (Translated in King James Version as) (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, x fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, x marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-)sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. · Translated as “Dwell” on page 55. CONCLUSION YAH has given us everything pertaining to life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:1-4 “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: ² Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, ³ *According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain* unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: ⁴ Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (KJV) It is now up to each of us if we will follow Christ and His instructions or not. But as the author of Hebrews stated, Hebrews 2:3 “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” (KJV) Like a great tsunami, Satan and his armies are rising up! Ø Can you hear the rushing of the waters? Ø Are you prepared for what is coming? Ø Will Your House Stand? Throughout this 5 Part Bible Study in each there has been 2 distinct choices; or, if you will, two paths to choose from. In this study the choices are either building your house on the rock or the sand. If you are on the sand, run to the rock (Christ) while there is still time! And pray for guidance. If you have not repented or been baptized; please consider the following. Acts 2:38-39 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost*. ³⁹ For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even* as many as the Lord our God shall call.” (KJV) And to all I pray: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26, ESV) Links to All Five Parts of This Study In PDF Format Part 1 - This is Love Part 2 - The Way to Life Part 3 - By Their Fruit Part 4 - He That Does the The Will of My Father Part 5 - How Will You Build Your House?
disciplesproject.com 11/26/20