text:
(Understanding) REVELATION
THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST + ( 'Understanding' ) REVELATION + Job 19:25 For I know that my [redeemer] liveth, and that he shall [stand] at the [latter]
[day] upon the earth.
* Apocalyptic Literature to review * {Daniel 7-12; Matthew 24}. This ( is ) a STUDY - and NOT a cursory reading. My intention is to present this most understandably. The detail is such, like all other GOD-Breathed writings, it seem impossible to explain, without detail- ( at least by me..) ! If I miss anything, I apologize. I want you all to Understand it, as much as I want to understand it. There is so much being described…. These days, so many people are confused & perplexed- when it comes to understanding this book. Many Pastors (refuse) to talk about it. As someone once said; "I can explain it TO you, but I can't understand it FOR you..! We are SUPPOSED to understand it ! (One reason)- the book appears so strange to the uninitiated, is that (most) of us (haven't) developed [enough] familiarity with the Old Testament. The entire Bible is meant for [all] of us. It is (not) Old Testament versus New Testament, Hebrew versus Christian, Jew vs. Greek. No ! GOD is the same in the Old Testament as HE is in the New Testament. The only difference is, is that JESUS gave to us A new Covenant - and that is NOT to say any old covenant's GOD made are off. To the contrary, they are NOT. HIS Covenant title is: 'EL-BERITH', GOD of the Covenant, Judges 9:46. Covenants are promises and GOD keeps HIS promises. The New Covenant (or New Testament) is the promise that GOD makes with humanity that HE will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned towards HIM. Psalms 40:7
"Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me," JESUS CHRIST is the mediator of the New Covenant, and HIS crucifixion on the cross is the basis of the promise (Luke 22:20). The New Covenant was predicted while the Old Covenant was still in effect —the prophets Moses, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel all allude to the New Covenant. The SINGLE most important thing in our life, more than anything else- is making sure that our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. The book of Revelation includes a very unique command to "keep" the book and finishes with a strong warning about altering the book (Rev. 1:3; 22:18). These unusual warnings tell us that GOD intends for us to study the book in such a way that it affects how we live.
There are ( 7 ) blessings in this book - (1:3)-(14:13)-(16:15)-(19:9)-(20:6)-(22:7)-(22:14). Revelation 1:3 say's: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. *Remember - The New Testament is [in] the Old Concealed, the Old Testament is [in] the New Revealed. Prologue ~ ….Let's dive in now and set the tone…. The book of Acts begins ( basically ) with the birth of the church. (Acts 2:1-4). The book of Acts covers roughly 30 years of time… Whereas, Chapters 2 and 3 of the book Revelation covers the next 2,000 years, following the birth of the church. The church was birthed (50) days [after] JESUS CHRIST Rose from the dead. On Pentecost, or the old Testament feast Of Shavuot. GOD is spirit (John 4:24), existing in a different realm from that of humans, who are flesh. Our understanding and perception of GOD, (therefore), are based on GOD'S revelation to us- through HIS written Word, the Bible.
The FATHER and the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT. There is also a [[reconciliation]] process that is present, which is Illustrated in this Revelation, as well as throughout the Bible. GOD is reconciling 'us' to 'HIMSELF'. GOD has given us the ministry [of] reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) CHRIST'S death, provided for the removal of the barrier of sin to bring mankind back into a right relationship with GOD. ( Renewed Friendship ) Matthew 5:24; 1 Corinthians 7:11. ( A form of unity ) Colossians 1:20. This Revelation, is the uncovering, a revealing that which is, or that was formally - "hidden". The Bible (shows) and tells how GOD reveals HIMSELF to mankind through HIS actions, through nature - And supremely through HIS SON. GOD is the SOVEREIGN of the Universe, existing Supremely above all else. "- IMPLICIT " - 1.implied though not plainly expressed. 2.essentially or very closely connected with; always to be found in.
The Bible reveals GOD as the "FATHER" and JESUS CHRIST as HIS "SON." The distinction between the two is [implicit] from the very beginning of GOD'S revelation (Genesis 1:1), where the Hebrew word Elohim is used. There has been communication between these two from the beginning, as seen in the example of Genesis 1:26, where the pronouns "Us" and "Our"( refer) to [Elohim.]
The Old Testament focuses on the GOD of Israel, who identifies Himself as "I AM" and "the Lord God- of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob" Exodus 3:14-15, the word '(Lord)' being derived from the Hebrew YHWH. A summary-- The name: YHWH. {Meaning: He Who Causes That Which Is To Be} - {He Who Causes That Which Can't Be, To Fall…} Etymology: From the verb הוה (hawa), which both means to be and to fall. Judges 13:18, And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is [secret]? ( or to say; "seeing it is [incomprehensible]" ) *(I believe) (the angel of the Lord, is none other than, JESUS.) The key scene in this respect seems to be Exodus 3:13-15, where GOD names himself first: אהיה אשר אהיה (I AM WHO I AM), then אהיה (I AM), and finally יהוה (YHWH) and states that this is HIS name forever and a memorial name to all generations.
In John 8:58, CHRIST refers to HIMSELF as "I AM." This is the [same] GOD who delivered the Israelites out of Egypt and accompanied them in the wilderness - and who was later known in the New Testament as: JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 10:4). Both the Old Testament and New Testament, contain references to more than one personage in the Godhead. *Psalms 110:1, for example, which is quoted in Acts 2:29-36. The New Testament identifies Them as GOD the FATHER and JESUS CHRIST the SON (1 Corinthians 8:6). The SON is also called GOD (Hebrews 1:8-9).
Jesus Christ is called the "Word," who "was with God" in the beginning and is also identified as "GOD" (John 1:1-2). HE created all things (verses 3, 10), and later became flesh and dwelled with humans (John 1:14). HE is also called "the firstborn among many brethren" - (Romans 8:29). Humans have the wonderful potential and opportunity to enter the family of GOD (Romans 8:14, 19; John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2).
The relationship between the WORD and the FATHER is more clearly defined in the New Testament, when "the Word was made flesh" (John 1:14, KJV; Philippians 2:5-11), revealed the FATHER to HIS disciples (Matthew 11:25-27), was sacrificed for the forgiveness of our sins and has now once again been exalted by the FATHER (John 17:5). The verb היה (haya), or its older version הוה (hawa), means to be busy acting out the behavior that defines that which acts. Very curiously, the verb הוה (hawa), which is identical to the older version of the verb that means "to act definingly," appears to mean to fall. This may be an inconvenient coincidence, but much more likely reflects the deep insight that the development of defining behavior inevitably requires the falling away of certain rejected behaviors. Noun הוה (hawwa) means either a bad kind of desire or lust, or ruin or destruction. Nouns היה (hayya) and הוה (howa) describe destruction, calamity or ruin. HE truly is--- "Incomprehensible" !!! *Elohim is the (plural) form of the Hebrew word for GOD, ELOAH. The church is seen as being inextricably linked with Israel of the Old Testament. An important piece of evidence for the New Testament use of: Ecclesia [ἐκκλησία] meaning [Church] against an Old Testament background is the range of uses of ἐκκλησία in Revelation, which are also directly linked to Old Testament allusions and not to Greco-Roman civil assembly uses. Out of eighteen uses of ἐκκλησία in the book, at least eleven are directly linked in the same verse to clear Old Testament allusions. Here (now) are those 11 verses:
1. Revelation 1:20, the "lampstands" of Zechariah 4:2, 11 2. Revelation 2:1, as in Revelation 1:12, based again on Zechariah 4:2, 11 (and, more generally, Exodus 25 and 37). 3. Revelation 2:7, based on Genesis 2:8–9 and 3:2–3, 22, 24 (LXX). 4. In Revelation 2:12, It is a clear allusion to Isaiah 49:2, where GOD makes the servant's "mouth like a sharp sword." 5. Revelation 2:17, the one "who overcomes" among "the churches [ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις]" will be given "the hidden manna," Isaiah's prophecy that end-time Israel would be given a "new name," indicating a new married status of Israel with her GOD (Isa. 62:2; 65:15). An eschatological significance... 6. Revelation 2:18, the "church [ἐκκλησία] in Thyatira" is directly associated with the "Son of GOD, comes from the messianic reference to GOD'S Son in Psalm 2, which anticipates the full quotation from Psalm 2:8–9 at the end of the letter to this church (Rev. 2:26–27). The reference to the Son's fiery eyes and feet like bronze comes from Daniel 10:6, which describes an angel. (Another portrayal of CHRIST). 7. Revelation 2:26–27, CHRIST promises the one "who overcomes" a share in the messianic kingdom prophesied in Psalm 2:8–9, the authority of which HE HIMSELF has already received: "to him I will give authority over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces." The reference to the "morning star" at the end of Revelation 2:28 is also another Old Testament allusion, this time to Numbers 24:17 where the future end-time ruler of Israel is called a rising "star". 8. Revelation 3:7, The church addressed by CHRIST- "who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens." This is a quotation from Isaiah 22:22, which is a description of Eliakim, who was in charge of the Israelite king's court. Now CHRIST is a greater Eliakim in HIS address to the church. 9. Revelation 3:12 is saturated with the Old Testament, more than many other passages in Revelation. "He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will not go out from it anymore" is a clear allusion generally to the Old Testament temple; (a.) "and I will write on him . . . the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem" is a clear reference to the Old Testament city of Jerusalem; and (b.) "My new name," as we saw in Revelation 2:17, is a specific allusion to Isaiah 62:2; 65:15, Isaiah's prophecy that end-time Israel would be given a "new name" as an indication of a new eschatological relationship with her God. The first two allusions refer to Old Testament realities that are eschatologically escalated to apply to Christians, so that they are identified with these heightened realities. The "new name" from Isaiah is a prophecy first fulfilled by Christ (note "My new name") and then identified with Christians, who thus also are part of its fulfillment. Then immediately in Revelation 3:13 those in "the churches [ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις]" are exhorted to "hear" and identify with the realities described in verse 12, as well as to pay heed to the earlier parts of the letter. 10. Revelation 3:14 is an allusion to Isaiah 65:16, where YAHWEH is twice called "the God of Amen." Here, CHRIST addresses the "church" (ἐκκλησία) just as YAHWEH addressed Israel in Isaiah 65:16. 11. Revelation 22:16 we read: "I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." JESUS "testifies" through HIS angel to the "churches" (ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις). A repeated allusion to the messianic prophecy of Numbers 24:17, which has already been made at Revelation 2:18. -{ Part I }- An Introduction to: REVELATION- When the book of Revelation is viewed chronologically, there are 4 parts in the structure of the book of Revelation with the fourth part being the largest consisting of 5 chronological sections in which the events occur in sequential order.
Part 1: John's calling to prophesy about the end times (Rev. 1). John gave truths about JESUS' majesty that formed the way he prophesied about the end times. These truths are also to equip us.
Part 2: JESUS' 7 letters to the churches (Rev. 2-3) – The instructions JESUS gave to these churches about overcoming sin also give insight into what the end-time church must overcome.
Part 3: JESUS takes the scroll (Rev. 4-5) – Contains the earth's title deed and HIS plan to cleanse it. JESUS takes a 7-sealed scroll from the Father. The scroll represents the title deed of the earth and the battle plan to judge, cleanse, and prepare the nations for JESUS' rule over all the earth, while bringing the Church to a mature Bride who partners [with] HIM in the plan, (Rev 6-22).
Part 4: JESUS' plan (Rev. 6-22) - -Includes Great Tribulation judgments against the Antichrist. JESUS reveals HIS main storyline of love to cleanse the earth of evil. HIS plan is seen in 5 chronological sections describing the main storyline of the 21 judgment events- (7 seals, 7 trumpets, and 7 bowls) that are released on the Antichrist's empire in sequential order. The book (Revelation) opens with practical, ethical and spiritual advice to seven churches. It then contains [much] vivid symbolism to represent ideas and qualities, as GOD encourages the faithfulness of Christians and (warns) of the destruction of evil and unfaithfulness. ================================================== As the 1st century ( A.D.) came to an end John, Son of Zebedee, was an old man. He was also the only one of the Apostles still alive. In exile on Patmos, an island off the coast of Ephesus, John received the visions found in this book. The first audience was composed of seven churches in Asia That were probably founded during Paul's missionary journeys. Rome's policy of mandatory emperor worship led to the first Empire-wide persecution near the end of Domitian Caesar's reign. This would explain John's exile- and the mention of recent Martyrdom, dating this book- approx 90A.D. =Some things to review before studying Revelation= --Moses and the Pharaoh, {Exodus 6-14}. --THE KINSMAN REDEEMER -- {Deuteronomy 19:11,12; 25:5-10; Ruth 1-4}. The laws of Moses, תֹּורַת מֹשֶׁה Torat Moshe, also called the Mosaic Law - carried a [provision] for a young widow(s) with no family. The drama of Revelation begins with a search for an eligible Kinsman. It ends with that KINSMAN (marrying) HIS bride - JESUS uniting with HIS church. (adoption of the church into the Family of GOD) ! "Apokalypsis" ~ The lifting of the veil between heaven and earth and the revelation of GOD and HIS plan for the world. The first words of this book [identify] it as an APOCALYPSE. The word (revelation) means: to reveal something that has been Previously hidden. =PRACTICAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED In REVELATION= +How should we feel when the world is in turmoil?+ Revelation provides us with a 'surprising answer': We should be happy [BLESSED] ! (7)Times Revelation pronounces blessings for OUR benefit- 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14. +"What response should the church have when a worldly Government demands worship"?+ The Zealots, a sect of Judaism in the 1st. Century, taught that violent Revolution was necessary against an occupying pagan force. - However - The book of Revelation commands patience and faith, even when the freedom and lives of GOD'S people are threatened, 13:7-10. +"What is the point of human history"?+ In the beginning of human history, humankind tried to be like GOD And rebelled against HIM. As a result, we were cursed - losing access to the eternal life in GOD'S presence that HE intended us to have. At the end of human history, GOD'S work will be complete in JESUS. The curse will be removed, and we will again have full access to GOD, And to the tree of Life, 22:1-5. =Some key points to remember through REVELATION= The book of Revelation is [not] in chronological order. The seals are the long story, the trumpets are the short story, and the vials are the real short story. They are three vantage points of the end time. 1-2-3. You can view them in [comparison] with the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. We know this is true because the 6th and 7th seal, the 7th trumpet, and the 7th vial all record the same event-- -the second coming of JESUS CHRIST. Also (if) the kingdoms of [this] world become the kingdoms of GOD and HIS Christ in Revelation 11:15, (it would not make sense), for the Antichrist to begin his rule in Revelation 13. Understand? The Antichrist, and all it entails comes first ! Then comes, The Second Coming. 1.PRESENCE ( 1:1 - 11:19 ) JESUS Remains in the midst of HIS church, (3:20). 2.PERSECUTION (12:1 - 18:24 ) satan uses human leaders to Harass believers, (12:12). 3.PURPOSE ( 19:1 - 22:21 ) In the end, GOD will restore order In HIS world, ( 21:3 ). *The Book of Revelation consists of 404 verses which contain over 800 allusions to the Old Testament alone! Revelation is applicable to (ALL) congregations, But was [SPECIFICALLY] addressed to seven churches that John Ministered to in his final years,1:4-7. The term: "SEVEN SPIRITS" is a symbolic reference to The HOLY SPIRIT, with the number 7 implying Completeness. +Despite persecution, grace and peace could be theirs+ Through JESUS, "the Prince of the kings of the earth." Psalm 89:27, Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. The Lord anointed David with the holy oil, not only as an emblem of the graces and gifts he received, but as a 'type' of CHRIST, the King Priest, and Prophet, anointed with the HOLY GHOST without measure. Furthermore, JESUS was the [first] to be brought back to LIFE, (never to die again.) These are vital truths for the persecuted church to keep in mind when facing the threats of the Roman Government, then, and- - (even now.) +The promise of JESUS' Return in these verses, Comes from the Old Testament messianic Passages Very familiar to the original audience, (Daniel 7:13; Zechariah 12:10).
=Joshua as a Model?=
It is interesting to notice the parallels in design between the Book of Joshua in the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation. Joshua's name is in Hebrew; in Greek, it could be rendered- [IESOUS] Ιησούς - (or) "Jesus" in English. Joshua's mission is to dispossess the [usurpers] from the Land on behalf of GOD'S people; in Revelation- JESUS' mission is to dispossess the Planet Earth of the [usurpers]. *(Usurper): a person who takes a position of power or importance illegally or by [force].
In the initial attack on the Amorite capital of Jericho, (every) (rule) of the Torah was violated: *the Levites were exempt from military duties, yet they [lead] the procession. *They were to do (no work) on Sabbath Day, yet here, they march around Jericho once a day for six days, and then seven times on the [seventh] day! *They are to keep silent until the final trumpet blast, etc. **It is interesting that the Seven Trumpets in Revelation are introduced after a strange [silence.]
The opposing kings align themselves under a leader who calls (himself) Adoni-Zedek ("The Lord of Righteousness"), who is ultimately defeated with signs in the sun and the moon at the battle of Beth Horon. The defeated kings hide in caves, etc. Familiar? Revelation 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
It seems that in Revelation we have the final "Joshua," [ JESUS CHRIST ]-- dispossessing the Planet Earth of its [usurpers] on behalf of GOD'S people in a parallel manner. (GOD uses patterns throughout the entire Bible) So why should this be ANY different !? JESUS [ IS ] - The KING of KINGS (and) The LORD of LORDS ! ! ! He is King of heaven—(Daniel 4:37).
He is King of the Jews—(Matthew 2:2).
He is King of Israel—(John 1:49).
He is King eternal—(1 Timothy 1:17).
He is King of glory—(Psalm 24:7).
He is King of the nations—(Revelation 15:3).
He is King of kings—(Revelation 19:16). ===================================== << Let's get started >> Here WE go…… DOOM and GLOOM…! That's what many people think of when this book is mentioned. Many Christians shy away from studying this because they think it Is too irreverent, or too complex to spend any time examining it. Understanding Prophecy gives followers of CHRIST 'hope' In an uncertain and chaotic world. These 7-letters affect ( us ) GREATLY. Each letter in one way or another - Is addressed to you and I. Knowing this, We ( all ) need to understand them, and to understand OUR PERSONAL DEFICIENCIES, so that we may (correct) these deficiencies while there is still time to do so. We all know deep down, exactly what we are lacking, as it pertains to our relationship with JESUS CHRIST - and we [all] need to attend to them. As stated earlier, the book of Acts covers roughly 30 years. GOD never leaves HIMSELF without a witness In the Scriptures. With that in mind, and knowing Acts Covers 30 years, wouldn't it then be strange that GOD Would leave us with no comment about the remaining 19 centuries? In the 1st chapter, John sees the ascended and glorified JESUS CHRIST in heaven. In chapters 2-3, JESUS dictates seven letters to John for the church bodies In seven churches, in seven cities. Ergo, John [is] that witness between Acts & Revelation. Those letters represent periods that the church has gone Through, the past two millennia - They [also] represent the things that go on with all of 'us' The churches, ( ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις 'us' ) again ! The seven churches were laid out in the order from Pergamos in which they would be delivered, on foot. Which, incidentally - lays out the exact order in which JESUS dictates them to John. Rev. 1:7, Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. This is of course, speaking of The Second Coming of CHRIST. It is ( not ) the Harpazo - rapture. That is a seperate, and distinct event. The Church has a distinct role in prophecy, and will not be present on the earth when what is Being spoken of in ( 1:7 ) takes place. [We] Christians, return [with] HIM. Those that are witnessing HIS Return, that are upon the earth, are those who rejected MESSIAH, The non-Christians, the non-believers. Judgement is coming upon the earth. It is for this very reason that those who see HIM coming - Mourn and Wail. Revelation 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
"The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed: the thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars; and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us; and to the hills, Fall on us." When the sixth seal was opened, there was a great earthquake. The foundations of churches and states would be terribly shaken. Such bold figurative descriptions of great changes abound in the prophecies of Scripture; for these events are emblems, and declare the end of the world and the day of judgment. Dread and terror would seize on all sorts of men. They would be glad to be no more seen. Though Christ be a Lamb, he can be angry, and the wrath of The LAMB is exceedingly dreadful; for [if] the REDEEMER HIMSELF, who appeases the wrath of GOD, be our enemy, where shall we find a friend to plead (for us)? As men have their day of opportunity, and their seasons of grace, so GOD has HIS day of righteous wrath. It seems that the overthrow of the paganism of is meant here . The idolaters are described as hiding themselves in their dens and secret caves, and vainly seeking to escape ruin. In such a day, when the signs of the times show those who believe in GOD'S word, that the KING of KINGS is approaching, Christians are [called] to a (decided course), and to a bold confession of CHRIST and HIS truth before their fellowmen, [Whatever] they may have to [endure] - our REDEEMER Liveth, wherefore believers liveth- eternally, rather than the (shame) and (contempt) of the deniers and non-believers, which is eternally everlasting. Revelation 1 - John the apostle sees the glorified CHRIST JESUS is standing among seven golden lampstands. In HIS hand, Jesus holds seven stars Revelation 1:13, 16. In verse 20 Jesus explains, "The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches." The meaning of the lampstands is plain. a lampstand is intended to give light. The people of GOD, both as individuals and as congregations, are to be bearers of light. JESUS told HIS followers that they were the "light of the world" Matthew 5:14.This then, is: The Church. CHRIST'S followers. The( word) (angel) here, represented as the ones addressed In each letter; To the [angel] of -- Is: ' angelos'. Generally meant as 'messengers' from GOD. They are likely [envoys] of John's - delivering these letter to the churches. It is (less) likely they would be actual angels. (Why would John, write letters to angels?) This is probably the best interpretation, that the seven angels are the human leaders —the bishops, elders, or pastors—in the churches. JESUS used the apostle John to write messages addressed to seven notable church leaders, and these leaders would then share the messages with the rest of the church. As you study through each letter, You will notice that, JESUS offers admonitions that (should) be taken seriously. Each church has a personal application. Each church has a different perception of themselves, Versus what The LORD HIMSELF has. Our job is to keep trusting HIM and following HIM. ============================================ =Our Report Cards=
Rev. 2:1-7; "Ephesus"-- -Remember devotion, not just doctrine- (Doing things by the book)
*The Good: Church Discipline, Faithful, Good Works, Hatred of Evil, Patience, Sound Doctrine.
*The Bad: Backsliding, Loss of Love.
*The Promises to Those that Persevere: Food from the Tree of life.
*Relation to Today's Church: Sound but lacking Spirit. Key Passage: Revelation 2:2–3 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Rev. 2:8-11; "Smyrna"-- -Endure persecution- (Disguised as the poor church) *The Good: Treasures in Heaven, Strong in Spirit.
*The Bad: Lacking Admonishment to the members.
*The Promise to Those that Persevere: A crown of life.
*Relation to Today's Church: The persecuted church throughout the world. Key Passage: Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2:12-17; "Pergamos"-- -Purify ambassadors- (Living in the midst of evil) *The Good: Unwavering even when surrounded by evil.
*The Bad: No resistance to corrupt doctrines.
*The Promises to Those that Persevere: A new name, Food and Other blessings.
*Relation to Today's Church: Churches that endorse and promote political agendas or secular practices that are against what the Bible teaches as truth. Key Passage: Revelation 2:13–14 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. Rev. 2:18-29; "Thyatira"-- Reject pagan practices- (Evil, false teachers ) *The Good: Great in love, Servant-hearted, Much faith and Patience.
*The Bad: Very little or no discipline, No resistance to corrupt leadership.
*The Promise to Those that Persevere: Jurisdiction to rule the nations.
*Relation to Today's Church: Evolution of Cults. Key Passage: Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. Rev. 3:1-6 "Sardis"-- Keep watchful and diligent- (The vanishing church ) *The Good: No Applause for the church at large but some for the very few who remain pure.
*The Bad: Too much formality, Spiritually dead, Very inactive.
*The Promises to Those that Persevere: Recognition in Heaven, Eternal Life.
*Relation to Today's Church: Strict and Formal. Key Passage: Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev. 3:7-13 "Philadelphia"-- -Engage in missionary outreach- (Small and devoted- Missionary church) *The Good: Good testimony, True to God's Word
*The Bad: None
*The Promise to Those that Persevere: Backbone of the Spiritual Church though they are few
*Relation to Today's Church: Sincere Spiritual church (the model of the true church); Brave and bold to share CHRIST. Key Passage: Revelation 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Rev. 3:14-22; "Laodicea"-- -Reject compromise- (Neither hot nor cold - 'fence sitters' )
*The Good: None.
*The Bad: Spiritually arrogant, Spiritually blind, Spiritually underdeveloped, Spiritually depressed.
*The Promise to Those that Persevere: Fellowship with Jesus on His throne;
*Relation to Today's Church: Popular, All about the show, Secular, Worldly. Key Passage: Revelation 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 3:19 -
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Notice- (Smyrna and Philadelphia have no criticism). =(7) specific parts= As you study each letter, we should recognize That each letter has specific parts. 1.Addressee. 2.Title(s) for JESUS 3.Condemnation or good news 4.Criticism or bad news 5.Exhortation and admonishment 6."He that hath an ear" 7.Promise to the overcomer As you study these letters- Remember that they were written 2-millennia ago. YET~ These letters represent us ALL, PERSONALLY. ============================ I want to draw Your attention to something… After studying the 7 letters, we know that They pertain in some way to us ALL - Knowing this now, Reflect on this next part. . . Are you prepared to meet JESUS CHRIST? I hope your ready, or [are] preparing earnestly- Because you (will) meet HIM, ready or not. There is an 800 year old Cathedral in Lubeck, Germany - with an inscription written on it. It is 'eye-opening' if nothing else and, ((I think that it makes a valid point..))
It is inscribed as follows -- THUS Speaketh CHRIST our LORD to us: Ye call Me Master and obey Me not. Ye call Me Light and see Me not.
Ye call Me (the) Way and follow Me not. Ye call Me Life and choose Me not. Ye call Me Wise and Follow Me not.
Ye call Me Fair and Love Me not. Ye call Me Rich and ask Me not. Ye call Me Eternal and seek Me not. Ye call Me Noble and serve Me not.
Ye call Me Gracious and trust Me not.
Ye call Me Might and honor Me not. Ye call me Just and fear me not. If I condemn you, blame Me not. The church is warned about sin and exhorted to holiness. Revelation's primary theological contribution is to eschatology, i.e., the doctrine of last things. There are many other rich theological themes, that find expression in Revelation. -The final political setup of the world;
-The last battle of human history;
-The career and ultimate defeat of Antichrist;
-CHRIST'S 1000 year earthly kingdom;
-The glories of heaven and the eternal state; and
-The final state of the wicked and the righteous. -!- "Reveille" -!- --Wake up -- Awaken-- =Revelation 4:1 "After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter." The "trumpet" signifies an [authoritative] voice. This will be the trumpet of 'assembly' - (the silver trumpet of redemption). (In Matthew 24:31), "four" means the entire world, as in: the 4 corners. It is noted slightly different in Mark. Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. This "sound of a Trumpet" could be a literal trumpet blowing, or it could be the voice of our LORD sounding like a trumpet. This is the last chronological mention of silver in the Bible. From the point of Redemption onward - gold is mentioned in heaven. Metal in the Bible (all) has specific significance. Iron is 'bondage' - Brass is 'judgement' - Silver is Redemption - Gold is Kings and Kingdoms. (See, Numbers 1:1-10) Silver" means assembly, or to, or to be- assembled. It also has a redemptive value. the metal silver is closely associated with the subject of redemption. { An Assembly of Redemption } - {Gathering and atoning} JESUS'S blood [IS] an Assembly of Redemption ! You'll find silver being used the (same way) throughout the Bible- Redemptively. In: Gen. 45:21; Ex. 30:12-16; Num. 18:15-16; Gen. 24:53; Ex. 26:19; Ex. 26:21; Ex. 26:25; Ex. 26:32; Just as the boards of the tabernacle were founded upon sockets of silver, the church of the LORD JESUS CHRIST is founded upon the redemptive work of JESUS CHRIST: Rom. 3:24; Rom. 8:23; 1 Cor. 1:30; Gal. 3:13; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:7; Eph. 1:14; Eph. 4:30; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:12; Heb. 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:18; Rev. 5:9. Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." The trumpets that were blown in the Old Testament were of ( silver. ) The gospel declared by the witnesses prepared of JESUS CHRIST are to testify of the redemption of GOD'S people through the redemptive blood of Christ. This [gathering together] of HIS elect is what is commonly referred to as the 'rapture' of the church. HIS church has no denomination. It is "all" who truly believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
1 Corinthians "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
JESUS has been speaking in the previous chapter directly. Now we hear from John about the things he saw. This is after JESUS finishes HIS messages to the seven churches.
We will see the number "seven" throughout Revelation. Seven means "spiritually complete". The voice that John heard was like a trumpet. This is a powerful voice; it gives a true sound. This voice is talking to [us], as well as [John].
The voice said, "come up hither" to John, but is always saying to us, "come up hither". Get your mind off the things of this world and look heavenward. The call of JESUS has always been "come". In John 1:39, JESUS says the same, "Come, and see.." In this specific sentence, HE tells John "come up hither"--- then adds why.
JESUS, the voice, says, "I will show thee things which must be hereafter." John will be shown a look into the (future). John could have had a (vision) of this, or he could have been [transported] into heaven for a moment in time to see all of this. We do know that viewing something from the earth- -makes us see just the here and now... However, from a heavenly point of view- we can see yesterday and tomorrow.
Notice that these things of the hereafter must be. {Why must they be?} Because GOD has ordered it from the beginning of the world and GOD never changes. We must change to fit HIS plan, not the other way around. Chapter 4 Verses 2-5: "In the spirit": John sees GOD the FATHER sitting on HIS "throne" in "heaven", compare (verse 8). The gems and the "rainbow" show the glory of GOD (compare Ezek. 1:22-28). The 24 "elders" probably represent the raptured church in heaven. Their "seats" or thrones show a reward of authority in the millennial kingdom (compare 20:4), and their "crowns" (Greek stephanos), are crowns of reward from the judgment seat of CHRIST (compare Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). The "white raiment" shows their righteousness, which has now been judged and purified. The number "four and twenty", represents the church- as priests before GOD. David divided the Levitical priesthood into 24 sections (1 Chron. 24:7-19). Believers are seen here as a kingdom of priests- -(compare 1:6). The "seven lamps" or "seven spirits" again symbolize the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD (compare 1:4). ================================ ================================
=Revelation 4:2 "And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and [one] sat on the throne."
John was already in the Spirit we know from a previous lesson, but this means a deeper experience in the Spirit. (A double dose of the Spirit, you might say.)
"Throne": Not so much a piece of furniture, but a symbol of sovereign rule and authority (7:15; 11:19; 16:17-18; compare Isa. 6:1). It is the focus (of chapter 4), occurring 13 times, 11 times referring to GOD'S throne.
John was changed or transported, instantly. The word ("one") does literally mean "one" but, I believe it means the unity of the trinity.
(1) GOD the FATHER;
(2) GOD the Son or GOD the Word;
(3) GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.
The word ["sat"] is indicative that the work is [complete]. =Revelation 5:2 "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" =Revelation 5:3 "And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon." The question is, "Who has the right to judge the world?" That is to reveal what is hidden in the scroll and to execute what is written. No man, literally "no one" could be found among mankind or angels who had the authority to remove the "seals", and read the scroll.
=Revelation 5:4 "And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon."
John began to cry because it seemed that there was no one to open this book. In fact, these unworthy men were even kept from looking at the book.
Verses 5-7: CHRIST is presented both as a "Lion" (Ruler), from the "tribe of Judah" (compare Gen. 49:10), and as a "Lamb" (Redeemer; compare Isa. 53:7; John 1:29). The "Root of David" shows a messianic connection with the Davidic covenant (compare 2 Sam. 7:16; Isa. 11:1), and CHRIST'S right to the throne of Israel. The vision of CHRIST here brings together the twofold aspect of HIS first and second comings, HIS work as Savior and as Sovereign. CHRIST has the right to judge, possess, and rule the earth because of HIS submission to the death of the Cross, Phil. 2:8-11. =Revelation 5:5 "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." (( JESUS )) !! =Revelation 5:6 "And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth." =In the "midst" of the Elders= Where would the Lamb, JESUS, be but in the midst? HE was in the midst of the church. Here we see HIM as the perfect Lamb sacrifice. Everything that HE is surrounded by is significant to HIS church. JESUS is the central figure in all of this. "A lamb, looking as if it had been slain." The scars from its slaughter are still clearly visible, but it is standing, it is alive. "HE" is Alive ! The "seven horns" indicate that all power belongs to HIM indicating that the Lamb is not weak. A horn, as Scripture indicates is [power] (see Zech. 1:18). When CHRIST came the first time, as a Lamb, though HE displayed certain powers, HE did not manifest all HIS power. When HE comes the next time, as a Lion, at HIS Glorious Appearing, it will be in the manifestation of HIS Omnipotence, HIS all consuming power.
Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." This statement is printed in [red] which means JESUS HIMSELF spoke these words. This was spoken after HIS resurrection. The "seven eyes" -- means that HE possesses all wisdom and understanding. "Seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of GOD sent out into all the earth." These eyes speak of the judgment of our LORD, including the seven characteristics of the HOLY SPIRIT that rests on HIM without measure. Isaiah 11:2; John 3:34. The Seven Spirits of GOD. The seven Spirits do not mean seven different Spirits, but the seven characteristics of the One HOLY SPIRIT.
These characteristics are not limited to HIS role in heaven, HIS role during the Tribulation, or HIS role during the Church Age, but are an eternal part of the HOLY SPIRIT . Therefore, when we are filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, in addition to the fruit of the Spirit found in Gal. 5:22, we should expect to manifest these characteristics:
1. The Spirit of the Lord;
2. The Spirit of wisdom;
3. The Spirit of understanding;
4. The Spirit of counsel;
5. The Spirit of power;
6. The Spirit of knowledge;
7. The Spirit of the fear of the Lord.
The "seven spirits of GOD", just means that all the Spirits of GOD dwell in HIM. HE has all the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in HIM. " ALL " !!! ======================================== =Revelation 5:8 "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints." "Harps": accompanied the songs of GOD'S people 1 Chron. 25:6; Psalm 33:2, and they accompany prophecy, 1 Sam. 10:5. "Vials full of odors": Symbolize the people's prayers rising to HIM. "Prayers of the saints": Specifically, these prayers represent all that the redeemed have ever prayed concerning ultimate and final redemption.
=Revelation 5:10 "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Christians will reign with Jesus 1000 years on the earth as subordinates to JESUS. Just as there were priests with a high priest over them, our ruling will be under HIS rule. " We shall reign on the earth." Together the Christians, who were saved before the Tribulation, along with the saints saved out of the Tribulation will "rule and reign" during CHRIST'S one thousand-year kingdom. =Revelation 5:11 "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;"
"Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands": The number is to express an amount beyond calculation. The Greek expression can also be translated "innumerable" or "many thousands" Luke 12:1; Heb. 12:22.
This number is [not] a literal number- It just means a number too large to count. There is a very large company of ministering spirits, angels. The voice had to be 'loud' to be such a multitude! =Revelation 5:12 "Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."
"Power … blessing": This doxology records 7 qualities intrinsic to GOD and to the Lamb that demand our praise. his huge gathering was all saying the same thing. It was total adoration and recognition of JESUS of who and what HE was, and is. {Doxology: a liturgical formula of praise to GOD.} =Revelation 5:13 "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
JESUS created [everything] and [everyone]. This means that trees, animals, fish, fowl, and [all] living beings, animals and people, [all] cried out blessings to GOD ! ====================================== =AN UNREPENTANT WORLD= Tribulation - Verses 6:1 - 19:21: This lengthy section details the judgments and events of the time of tribulation. It is the beginning of CHRIST'S judgment of unbelievers on the earth during the Tribulation period- denoting a period of trial, trouble and testing that will soon come to all mankind before the arrival of CHRIST to rule the world. From its beginning with the opening of the first seal (verses 1-2), through the 7 seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments to the return of CHRIST It outlines GOD'S plan to destroy the ungodly (19:11-21). =Revelation 6:1 "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see." "Come and see" We are invited to look into the heavenly stage and see things [never] told upon the earth until now. We will see in the [opening] of this (first seal), the triumph of CHRIST and HIS church. Another aspect of an Old Testament Redeemer was to be An avenger of blood. Deuteronomy 19:6. If, for instance- a woman is widowed due to 'foul play' Before marrying his redeemed bride, the redeemer would Bring the murderer to justice so he could no longer cause harm.
In the case of humankind - the work of the devil and his Cohorts, have to be taken care of. This (WILL BE) Accomplished by THE REDEEMER. OUR KINSMAN REDEEMER, JESUS CHRIST !
-This part begins what is called- "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse". The four horsemen present the picture of man's inhumanity to man. They seem to be a divine prediction of the affairs of humankind that will cause much human suffering. This is not new, for those in control of the affairs of this world have a history of causing their fellow human beings much suffering, with false hopes of peace followed by wars, famines, and death.
One of the worst horrors of the Tribulation is the many plagues that will strike the world's people, particularly those who reject the SAVIOR and refuse to have their name written in the Lamb's Book of Life. The judgments begin with the ( 7 ) seals. =Revelation 6:2 "And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."
The First Seal: Initiates the worldwide conquest by the false messiah, ((the Antichrist)) (compare Matt. 24:5). This horseman is [not] the same as the one described (in Rev. 19:11)- which is CHRIST at HIS second coming. *Again, the 1st horseman on the white horse, IS NOT JESUS CHRIST ! Many, many, people confuse this. Antichrist comes first - JESUS CHRIST comes AFTER this rider.
"A White Horse": The first of the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse is white. The rider has a bow but [no] arrows, indicating that although he is militarily strong, in the beginning he does his conquering by diplomacy. -( A bloodless coup.. )- Since he wears a crown, we know he is successful in his efforts. And who is the rider on the white horse? There can be no doubt that it is the "spirit" of the Antichrist, who through [deceit] and clever maneuvering will bring (a false peace to the world.) But that peace will not last.
[The animal] represents an unparalleled time of world peace, ( his white color ); a false peace that is to be short-lived... =Revelation 6:3 "And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see." This [red] horse means war. This war could be twofold in nature. There is a constant attack of the devil and his demons on Christians, This red horse (in my opinion), indicates a large-scale war. =Revelation 6:4 "And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."
Its blood-red appearance speaks of the holocaust of war (compare Matt. 24:7). GOD will grant this horse and its rider the power to create worldwide war. But as horrible as this judgment is, it will be (only) the "birth pangs", the beginning pains of GOD'S wrath, (Matt. 24:8; Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:9). This seal represents a great conflict likely, World War III. When Daniel's "three kings" oppose the Antichrist, he will respond in deadly fashion, swiftly crushing his enemies and bringing death to earth on a massive scale [never] before known. We read in (Zechariah) about these four horses, and we can easily see what it is because the Bible tells us.
Zechariah 6:1 "And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains [were] mountains of brass."
"Brass" means judgment. This this is a [universal] message.
Zechariah 6:2-3 "In the first chariot [were] red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;" "And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grizzled and bay horses."
To understand the entire message, you need to (read chapters 1 and 6 of Zechariah).
Zechariah 6:4 "Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What [are] these, my lord?"
When Zechariah asked the angel what this meant, Here is the answer he got...
Zechariah 6:5 "And the angel answered and said unto me, these [are] the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth."
We see again the spirit of war in this red horse. =Revelation 6:5 "And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand."
The Third Seal: "A black horse": Black signifies famine (compare Lam. 5:8-10). Worldwide war will destroy the food supply which spawns global hunger; "Pair of balances": The common measuring device, two small trays hung from each end of a balance beam, indicates that the scarcity of food will lead to rationing, rioting and food lines. =Revelation 6:6 "And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine".
"A measure of wheat": The approximate amount necessary to (barely) sustain [one] person for [one] day.
"For a penny": One day's normal wage. One day's work will provide enough food for only [one] person. This inflation will result in its worst possible conclusion. When inflation is coupled with famine, we see a situation more horrible than we care to imagine. Famine & Disease will be walk hand in hand. *I cannot stress enough, that this famine may not be physical (only)- but spiritual, as well. During this time, it stands to reason that many churches will teach false doctrines. (yes, moreso then now..) The third horseman of the Apocalypse, who rides out (early) in the Tribulation- will take a heavy toll in deaths and sickness. The black horse is an obvious symbol of famine and disease, which often follow war.
This could be a message of hard times for (all) of mankind. "black" symbolizes:
1. Woe
2. Mourning
3. Terrible times
4. Famine, physical or spiritual
5. Death Five – Death
In the scriptures, the number five is often associated with the subject of death. For instance, in the fifth chapter of Genesis (sometimes known as the obituary column of the bible) in the fifth verse after Adam's name was mentioned five times we are told that he died. All but five individuals in chapter five have their names mentioned exactly five times followed by the statement "and he died." Enoch was mentioned six times but he was translated that he should not see death. The lives of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth extended beyond the flood and their deaths are not recorded until later in the scriptures. In addition, in 2nd Samuel several individuals were pierced under the fifth rib and subsequently died. Furthermore, in the book of Revelation, John recorded that when the fifth seal was loosed he saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of GOD and the testimony they held.
There are five deaths mentioned in the scriptures: death of the body; second or eternal death; death in trespasses and sins; death to fellowship; and dead to sin. The one who has the power of death, Satan, has his name, Satan mentioned fifty five times in the scriptures. The desires of Satan are set forth for us as five "I wills" in Isaiah, chapter 14.
The pride of the flesh that is dead in trespasses and sins is illustrated in the five "I's" of the Pharisee. The excuses of the flesh nature is set forth in the five "I's" of Adam.
Next, there is a five-part covenant, sometimes called the covenant of redemption or covenant of grace, which shows forth GOD'S remedy for death thru the death of his Son.
JESUS, whom GOD made to be sin for us, suffered five puncture wounds through his body as he suffered and died for the elect.
The persecutions of those dead in trespasses and sins against the gospel ministry are manifest against Paul as five times he received forty stripes save one for preaching the gospel.
=Revelation 6:7 "And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see."
"Come and see": This is a phrase often used by the Jews, to stir up attention to what is about to be said.
=Revelation 6:8 "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the (beasts) of the earth."
The Fourth Seal; "A Pale Horse" Or green, the Greek word from which the English word "chlorophyll' comes, describes the pale, ashen-green, pallor characteristic of the decomposition of a corpse. GOD grants this horseman the authority to bring death to MUCH of the world's population.
"Hell": Or hades, the abode of the dead, which is identified as a common and fitting partner for death. John [says] the rider who sat on this horse "was Death, and Hell followed with him. =Revelation 6:9 "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:" "Fifth seal": This seal describes the force of the saint's prayers for GOD'S vengeance. When the fifth seal is broken, John sees "under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held." Christians martyred for their faith compare 7:9, 13-15; 17:6; Matt. 24:9-14; see also Mark 13:9-13; Luke 21:12-19. Shortly after the beginning of the Tribulation- there will be a great "soul harvest" in which many millions will come to faith in CHRIST, many as a result of the preaching of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses described (in Rev. chapter 7). Understand that GOD is very much so in control of earthly events that even the number of believing martyrs has been fixed by divine decree. =Revelation 6:10 "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?" These souls were waiting for the Judge of all the earth to interrupt the evil of the devil and his persecution of the saints who remained there. Their cry was the same, in a sense, as the Christians who say, come quickly LORD JESUS.
This is not a reprimand of the LORD, but just a pleading for it to all be over. These souls are not looking for vengeance, but are crying out for the LORD to end all of it and set up HIS kingdom. Who better can sympathize with our generation of martyrs than the martyrs of the past? =Revelation 6:11 "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."
These are the ones who were martyred during the tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. White robes are issued to [all] believers in the LORD JESUS. Revelation 7:1 "And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree." *The four winds is a figurative expression, indicating all the earth's winds, those from south, east, north and west. These 4 angels will turn off, for a brief interlude, the essential engine of our earth's atmosphere. The wrath is held back until those who must be sealed are sealed. =Revelation 7:2 "And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea," GOD has always had a remnant of physical Israel.
GOD told Elijah that there were 7000 -who had not bowed the knee to Baal. This is repeated again in Romans 11:4. This angel comes from the east. This is the same location from which the light comes. This angel has authority over these four angels. ( It may be The Archangel, it may be CHRIST ) - the Bible is unclear. =Revelation 7:3 "Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads." ============================================= GOD'S People will Be Preserved… Nothing was to be injured until the angel should designate the true servants of GOD. In future (near) days, when the seal of the Antichrist signifies death or life, (Satan) will have marked his followers, but GOD'S witnesses will be sealed as well, with the name of the FATHER "in their foreheads". =Revelation 7:4 "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed a hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."
This is a missionary corps of [redeemed] Jews who are instrumental in the salvation of many Jews and Gentiles during the Tribulation (verses 9-17). They will be the firstfruits of a new redeemed Israel (Zech. 12:10). Finally, Israel (will be) the witness nation she refused to be in the Old Testament. "All the tribes of the children of Israel": By sovereign election, GOD will seal 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes, promising HIS protection while they accomplish their mission. *Some scholars argue that the 144,000 evangelists aren't necessarily Jews? But a reading of Rev. 7:4-8, (tells us they are wrong) ! These verses go on to identify (WHERE) the "tribes" that each of the 12,000 comes from.
=Revelation 7:5-8 "Of the tribe of Judah [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad [were] sealed twelve thousand." "Of the tribe of Asher [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Naphtali [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasseh [were] sealed twelve thousand." "Of the tribe of Simeon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar [were] sealed twelve thousand." "Of the tribe of Zebulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand".
Most Jews alive today (do not know) which tribe they come from... - But GOD does! From this list of 12 names both Dan and Ephraim are omitted. Dan was omitted because of the evil in his life. On the other hand, Levi, Joseph, and Manasseh help to make up the twelve. Levi was not listed- because he received no land. He was of (the priestly tribe) which inherited no land. { GOD chooses whom HE will } Revelation 7:9 "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;"
While the tribulation period will be a time of judgment, it will [also] be a time of unprecedented redemption.
"And palms": In ancient times, these were associated with celebrations, including the Feast of Booths, or Tabernacles. -These are obviously the believers in JESUS CHRIST -who have been washed (clean) in the blood of the LAMB -and raptured into heaven [prior] to the Tribulation. "SALVATION " ! (deliverance from sin and its consequences..) =7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. Salvation is the theme of their worship - recognizing that it comes [solely] from HIM. Our salvation is a free gift through Grace. JESUS deserves all the credit. HE purchased our salvation with HIS precious blood. We did NOTHING on our own..We cannot take credit for our salvation. --TRIBULATION SAINTS-- =7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? This elder is certainly representative of the church. He already knows who these are. He asks this question to teach those who do not understand who these are. Christians will know tribulation, but will be saved from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."
*I believe this rapture, or catching away of the Church- occurs before these seven years* =7:14 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. These people (didn't go) with the raptured church, since they were not yet saved. During this 7 year period, they will be saved, martyred and enter heaven. "Washed their robes" (compare 19:8). Salvation's cleansing is in view. see Titus 2:11-14.
"Blood of the Lamb": This refers to the atoning sacrifice of Christ. see 1:5; 5:9; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:9. =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 among them.
"HIS temple" - A heavenly throne.. During the Millennium, there will also be a temple on earth, a special holy place where GOD dwells in a partially restored, but still fallen, universe. see Ezekiel chapters 40-48. "Shall dwell among them": GOD'S presence will become their canopy of shelter to [protect] them from all the terrors of a fallen world- and the indescribable horrors they will experience on the earth during the time of tribulation. =Revelation 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. Isaiah 49:10 - "They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them."
(Both of these remind us of the 23rd Psalm. JESUS is the Shepherd. HE sees to the needs of HIS flock.
JESUS is the Light, and there will be no need for the sun or the moon. There will be a presence of Light. =Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" The tears are not just wiped away, they are wiped completely away so that nothing is left but joy and abundant life in Christ 21:3-4. *Immediately (after) the great tribulation, it will become BLACK. No sun. No moon. No starshine - NOTHING. THEN -- The world [will] see the Return of The SON of MAN- JESUS CHRIST, And the earth, that is- it's human-kind inhabitants, Demons, fallen angels, the devil, [Will] mourn and wail. Why? Because they are an unrepentant world About to be JUDGED. It WILL be BLACK, everywhere. Not ( just ) an absence of light -- but, BLACK. As in,Sin & NO LIGHT, NO PRESENCE of GOD. Until HE becomes Visible. The entire 'earth'-- WILL SEE HIM RETURNING. No CNN, no Fox-news, No Satellite coverage needed. HE WILL BE THEE ONLY LIGHT PRESENTED. The world, " WILL" See HIM Coming ! Even the DEAD, will see HIM coming, Period.
================================================== =Revelation 8:1 ~ "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." "The Seventh Seal": This seal includes not only an earthquake, but the 7 trumpet judgments - 7 vial judgments - (( in rapid succession ))- At the 1st. Seal being broken, there was Thunder… -- NOW …………….. There [is] SILENCE. "SILENCE IN HEAVEN": The silence of awe - and anticipation at the grim reality of the judgments, GOD is about to unleash.
The revelation by, and of, JESUS CHRIST - to the angelic hosts concerning, what is about to fall on the earth….. =Revelation 8:2 "And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets." The seven trumpets are the "contents" of the seventh seal judgments. When the first angel sounds his trumpet, the world experiences "hail and fire mixed with blood" - (Revelation 8:7). This judgment is similar to the seventh plague in Egypt, Exodus 9:23–24.
The "first" causes the destruction of most of the vegetation on the earth. (compare Exodus 9:13-25). The First Trumpet: Hail, Fire and Blood. Ice and fire rain from the sky, burning up a third of all the earth's trees and all of its grass. "Blood" arrives with the hail and fire, as the prophet (Joel) had predicted:
Joel 2:30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke". And this is only the first trumpet! See, Exodus 9:24 - except - That time, it pertains to Egypt. This time- it is Earth-wide. The most important thing to remember is, that this wrath of GOD, falls on the UNBELIEVERS. "Seven trumpets": The trumpets are of greater intensity than the seals, but not as destructive as the final vial or bowl judgments will be. (compare 16:1-21). They occur during the final 3-1/2 years, but the time of each is indefinite, [except] the effects of the fifth trumpet judgment, which will last 5 months, Rev.9:10. The first (4) announce the divine destruction of earth's ecology (verses 6-12), while the final 3 involve demonic devastation of earth's inhabitants, 9:1-21; 11:15. These "angels" are ready and prepared to carry out GOD'S orders. These "seven trumpets" are to sound the alarm. Trumpets are loud and send out a clear note. There will be no question of the message. The trumpet throughout the Bible is used for two specific purposes:
1: To assemble the people for worship;
2: To assemble the people for war. At any rate, this is to alarm and prepare.
This should encourage the Christians. It means judgment to the apostate and worldly. The Wrath of GOD is here - And about to get VERY REAL… In the first period of the Tribulation, the earth has known the wrath of the Antichrist; now it will begin to feel the wrath of GOD ALMIGHTY. =Revelation 8:3 "And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne."
"Golden censer": A golden pan, suspended on a rope or chain, that was used to transport fiery coals from the brazen altar to the altar of incense, in order to ignite the incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people (5:8; Exodus 27:3; Luke 1:8-9). This occurred twice daily at the time of the morning and evening sacrifices. The answer to these prayers is the Seven Trumpets and Seven Golden Vials. =Revelation 8:4 "And the smoke of the incense, [which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand."
The Bible speaks of this as a sweet smelling savor, Ezra 6:10. The "angel" was the [messenger] who carried the prayers. "That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons."
=Revelation 8:5"And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." "Thunderings … lightnings": The thunderclaps, lightnings, and earthquake are the result of the fire from the altar, indicating that the action in heaven initiates a responsive action on earth. As the prayers for the saints for vengeance are taken from the altar, there are frightening sounds, flashes of light, and an earthquake on the earth, introducing the fact that the seven angels- are about to sound their trumpets.
Fire from the altar of burnt offering means that GOD accepted the prayers of the saints. This "fire taken from the altar and cast to the earth"- - is the fury of GOD. Our GOD is a consuming fire. GOD is angry, and HE has decided it is time to punish those on the earth who have rejected JESUS CHRIST as their SAVIOR. Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: *If we turn our backs on the voice of the HOLY SPIRIT- we begin to silence HIS convictions and eventually we cannot hear HIS convicting power. This effectively blocks the working of GOD in our lives because we have reached a point where we are unable to respond to the promptings of the HOLY SPIRIT. (The rejection of MESSIAH, is [one] such Blasphemy.
Just as GOD finally destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah when they would not repent, there is a time when the fire of GOD will descend upon this earth in punishment. Are the Trumpet Judgments Literal Judgments? Found in Exodus 7-11, (5) of the plagues of Egypt are repeated in the book of Revelation. The trumpet judgments introduce physical judgment on the earth. The only exceptions are those trumpets that introduce events beyond human understanding, and even they affect human beings physically. ===================================== =Revelation 8:6 "And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound." Evidently in succession, The way is now prepared for the sounding of the trumpets. The prayers of the Saints have been offered- The censer of coals has been cast to the earth The fearful commotions and changes about to take place will be indicative of that. The last seal is opened; heaven stands in suspense to know what is to be disclosed… =Revelation 8:7 "The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up." The "first" trumpet brings literal fire and hail. To make matters even worse, John adds that "blood" arrives with the hail and fire, as the prophet Joel had predicted:
Joel 2:30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke". (Also, compare Exodus 9:13-25). ((And this is only the first trumpet!)) *Volcanoes?? Is it possible that this is an ecological disaster without parallel to this point in the history of mankind? If so, its results will be incalculable. *Some religions, or people, even Clergy will tell you, that GOD never gets angry. These 'people' truly need to study the Bible. This is RIGHTEOUS ANGER. This is PUNISHMENT from GOD. The devil is not doing this. It is done on orders from GOD. Another place where this strange phenomenon of fire and hail mixed together falling is in Exodus.
Exodus 9:24 "So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation."
Both were punishments from GOD. The difference is, that this one in Exodus was localized. The one in Revelation is wide spread. One thing very important to remember is that the wrath of God falls on THOSE of UNBELIEF.
Ezekiel 38:22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone." The GOD of the Old Testament ~ Is the GOD of the New Testament, HE changes, not. 1 Corinthians 12:6- And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. =Revelation 8:8 "And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;"
*Affecting evaporative properties of the atmosphere?? Effecting satan and his demon/angel cronies as well. Who is the prince of the power and the air? This judgement affects [them] too. "As it were a great mountain": Probably a huge meteor or asteroid surrounded by gases that will ignite as it enters earth's atmosphere. Its impact will create a tidal wave, destroying one-third of the world's ships.
"Sea became blood": This (may) refer to an event known as red tides, caused by billions of dead micro-organisms poisoning the water, in (this case) the result of the meteor's collision. [ Or ] it may be actual blood, a clear act of eschatological judgment. The Second Trumpet: A Mountain of Fire. As in Sodom and Gomorrah Gen. chapter 19. John sees something like "a great mountain burning with fire". The world's people are affected by diseases related to insufficient and contaminated water. Think of the plagues that will be spread when the water supply turns bitter, then to blood in the "great and terrible Day of the LORD. *According to Hal Lindsey (The author of the book "The Late Great Planet Earth"), he thinks this will be a nuclear holocaust. He states that in a nuclear detonation, humidity in the air is instantly compressed into water and driven straight up into the freezing temperatures of the upper stratosphere. It then is instantly frozen and falls back to earth as giant chunks of ice. This he states would account for the fire, blood and ice, and that with enough of the various third world countries who now have nuclear capabilities- It makes this certainly a possibility. =Revelation 8:9 "And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed." Verses 10-11: The "third" trumpet makes a "third" of all freshwater "bitter", resulting in widespread death. "Wormwood (Greek apsinthos, literally "undrinkable"), was a bitter herb (compare Deut. 29:18; Prov. 5:4), that would make the water of the earth unfit for human consumption.
=Revelation 8:10 "And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;" Why would such a weapon be fired into the ocean?
The Third Trumpet: A Star Called- 'Wormwood'. This (could be) that when the third angel blows his trumpet, another meteorite crashes to earth, "burning like a torch." It does not fall on the sea but on a third of the earth's rivers and springs, turning them "bitter" and poisonous. As a result of this plague, "many men" die.
"Now this will be the plague with which the LORD will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth" (Zech. 14:12). Zechariah 14:12
"And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth."
*Another nuclear explosion? Perhaps the most terrifying revelation is that mankind and his own inventions-- cause much of the global holocaust? =Revelation 8:11 "And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter."
"Wormwood": A bitter, poisonous substance, derived from a root, that causes drunkenness and eventually death- (Deut. 29:18; Prov. 5:4; Jer. 9:15; Lam. 3:15). =Revelation 8:12 "And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise."
"The "fourth" trumpet takes away a "third" of the light from the heavens during both "day" and "night". The light arriving from the "sun, stars", and "moon" is reduced, leading to fear, lack of crop production, and a much lower quality of life. (compare Matt. 24:29; Luke 21:25).
"A third part of the sun … smitten": GOD [will] supernaturally reduce the intensity of the celestial bodies by one-third. The loss of solar heat will cause a radical drop in temperature, producing severe changes in meteorological, botanical and biological cycles (Luke 21:25; compare Exodus 10:21-23). The Fourth Trumpet: Darkness Descends. All life on this earth depends on the sun:
If it were to explode, the earth would incinerate; if it were to go cold, the earth would freeze solid. Neither of those extremes is in view with the 4th trumpet judgment, but in some way GOD does reduce by a third the amount of radiant energy reaching earth from the sun and all other celestial bodies. John writes, "A third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened; a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night."
Joel 2:10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
Joel 3:15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. Luke 21:25-26 "There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;" "men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken". ===================================================== -{A woe represents a terrible calamity}- The word "woe" in the Greek is "ouai" (or) 'Oh' expressed in the English. "Woe" is more than just an expression of a feeling. Woe is a judgment as we read in the Book of Revelation (chapters 8. 9, 11, and 12). It means "alas" or almost like "oh no!" When the word woe is used, it is signifying impending doom, condemnation and/or the wrath of GOD. So it is never used to [only] emphasize something in the sentence in which it is used. The context is [always] paramount when this word is used. The Hebrew word for woe is "howy" and essentially means the very same thing as it does when used in the New Testament. JESUS used the word woe (more) than anyone else in the Bible. =Revelation 8:13 "And I beheld, and heard an [angel] flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!"
The last three trumpets will be especially severe -- as announced by the threefold repetition of Woe, woe, woe. They will be directed toward the inhibitors of the earth, that is, the (unbelievers) still alive on earth. *Both the oldest and the majority of Greek manuscripts read ["eagle"] instead of angel in the first part of the verse. "Woe, woe, woe": One for each remaining trumpet blast. Although the first 4 trumpets are unimaginable, they will be nothing like the three to come (9:1-21; 11:15ff).
((Thank GOD Christians-Believers, will be spared the Wrath.))
((from the "woes", which are about to come…))
If you have trouble believing GOD could ever make a hell, remember it was prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Those who go to hell, are in essence choosing to spend eternity with satan In ''the lake of fire'' - rather than with CHRIST.
=Revelation 9:1 "And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit." Unlike the other stars that will have fallen- (6:13; 8:8), this one will be an angelic being, compare verse 2, probably (satan) himself (verse 4; 12:7; see Isaiah 14:12-14; Luke 10:18).
We know that JESUS CHRIST holds the key to the bottomless pit. HE took the key away from satan when HE (JESUS), went there, preached, and brought the captivity out with Him (Eph. 4:8).
"Bottomless pit": Literally "pit of the abyss". Mentioned (seven times) in Revelation, it [always] refers to the prison where [some] of the demonic hordes are incarcerated, the place of severest torment and isolation- (verses 1-2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1, 3; see 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6-7).
The Fifth Trumpet: The expulsion of Satan from heaven. The identification of satan in this passage is not hard to make. Isaiah foresaw this development in [exactly] the same manner described by John.
Isaiah 14:12 "How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who have weakened the nations! *Many people mistakenly believe that throughout human history, satan has already been banished from heaven, or that he reigns in some kind of kingdom in hell. That is NOT true. satan has always retained access to the Throne of GOD, where he serves as the principle accuser of the saints of GOD.
(Job 1:6) "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them" …
Satan's entry into GOD'S presence, (changes here.) Now, he is kicked out of heaven, and he is furious. Note also that he carries with him the key to the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:1). He didn't have it before; it was given him by the ONE who holds the keys to heaven, hell and death. ((( JESUS CHRIST ))) =Revelation 9:2 "And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit."
Here again we see great volcanoes erupting. Many natural disasters. *From the spiritual standpoint, this could be a time when men's minds are darkened with false doctrines and evil thoughts. Just as satan had to (have permission) of GOD to afflict Job, satan brings these terrible things on the earth and his people, (by permission) of GOD. The physical smoke that comes up surely will obscure the sun and diminish the light. In the spiritual, it will diminish the Light, as well. When satan opens the abyss, here come the demons in force to deceive and destroy. They have such a vicious nature that GOD had to bind them to keep the human race from being annihilated before the appointed time, but now the restrains are off.
"And out of the smoke came forth locusts upon the earth; and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And they were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of GOD on their foreheads.
*Understand, these are NOT literal (insect) locusts.. They are demons!
=Revelation 9:3 "And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power."
(AGAIN)- These are not normal locusts. However, they are specially prepared ones who, like locusts, will bring swarming desolation (Joel 2:2, 4). "Like" appears several times in John's description; he finds it difficult to describe what he sees in a way the reader can understand. ( Understandably, so. ) --But the next judgment is even worse.--
Please notice, these have to be demons as they had [no] power in and of themselves. (It was given unto them.) They do not harm the vegetation, as ordinary locusts would, but only "men" who (do not) belong to GOD. They are "not" [allowed] to "kill" [anyone] at this point. They only "torment unbelievers for ("five months"). The pain will be like that of a "scorpion". The "torment" will be so great that (people) will "desire to die". But part of the judgment will be that men (cannot die) to escape it. =Revelation 9:4 "And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads."
This is an attack on the person, which makes us take another look at it spiritually. They have orders not to hurt the vegetation or the 144,000 who have been sealed in their forehead. The devil, or his demons, cannot really hurt [anyone] covered by the blood of JESUS.
=Revelation 9:5 "And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment [was] as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man." Remember the 144,000, where the four angels held back the winds until they had been sealed (in chapter 7:1)?
Not only were the 144,000 sealed but also those who turned to CHRIST during the Tribulation. Those are the Tribulation Saints and they too were sealed by GOD just as all true Christians of today have GOD'S seal on them. =Revelation 9:6 "And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them."
"Seek death, and shall not find it": The tormented will find no relief. Even their unimaginable attempts to end their misery in suicide will be unsuccessful. This was the first of the three Woes! Revelation 9:7 "And the shapes of the locusts [were] like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men." Horses show their warlike character. Their crowns depict them as conquerors. Human faces show intelligence. Revelation 9:8 "And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as [the teeth] of lions." Their feminine hair perhaps makes them seductive and attractive. The teeth of lions show them to be destructive and hurtful. Revelation 9:9 "And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle." Breastplates of iron make them indestructible. Wings symbolize swiftness. Revelation 9:10 "And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months." The stings in their tails give them the power to hurt. Fortunately for mankind - their period of torment is limited to five months. Revelation 9:11 "And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon." The appearance of these locusts is both frightening and repulsive (verses 7-10), and they (do not) act in an unorganized way. In fact, John says, "They had an king over them, the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon" (verse 11). Both names mean "Destroyer".
Lucifer was one of the angels close to GOD in heaven. He was a very beautiful angel before his fall. a third of the angels followed Lucifer and became in effect, demons.
Angels, as we have said before, Are messengers / ministering spirits. These fallen angels (demons), are ministering pain and suffering. Their mission is to destroy. Their leader, Lucifer, is the epitome of evil. As if this is not been terrible enough- That which we have been hearing about-- -- there are two more woes to follow… =Revelation 9:13 "And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God," "Horns of the golden altar": GOD'S design for the golden altar of incense included small protrusions (horns), on each corner, Exodus 30:2. =Revelation 9:14 "Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates." These are fallen angels, another segment of satan's force whom GOD had bound, but will free to accomplish HIS judgment. They are "loosed for the purpose of killing a "third" of the population of the world. Euphrates: One of the 4 rivers that flowed through the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:14). Starting with Bab-el, this region has spawned many of the world's pagan religions. The Sixth Trumpet: The Four Angels Released. At the blowing of the 6th trumpet, the second woe is released: the release of "the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates". =Revelation 9:15 "And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men." =Revelation 9:16 "And the number of the army of the horsemen [were] two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them." *Verses 16-19: John "heard" the "number" of the "horsemen" that was 200,000,000? literally, "two myriads of myriads". A myriad is technically noted as: 10,000. However ~ More generally, a myriad may be an indefinitely large number. *Some have suggested that the 200 million- - will come from the Chinese, who can currently field an army of that size. However, it is very [doubtful] this could be [entirely] a human army due to the inability to equip, feed, transport, not to mention the (water) it would take to support a contingent this size. Taking this into consideration, it would strongly suggest this will be a (supernatural) possibly in addition to a human force, especially as the four angels (demons), [are] commanding this force. *Much of this judgement is upon [them] from GOD- and (not) solely against mankind, (only). The 200 million horsemen who come on the scene will obviously be supernatural, creatures that are so frightening to look upon, that they actually frighten some people to death. Luke 21:26
"Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
...And their sting "is in their mouth and their tails", and with them they kill one third of the world's population of those who reject CHRIST and commit themselves to Antichrist. Revelation 9:17 "And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone." Revelation 9:18 "By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths." Revelation 9:19 "For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails [were] like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt."
By this point in the Tribulation period, most surviving [unbelievers] will have permanently made up their minds concerning CHRIST. They will refuse to repent, even under this terrible judgment. Their religious activities will involve "worship" of "idols" and demons ("devils"), and "sorceries" or witchcraft, with the use of magic potions- (Greek pharmakeia, from which English "pharmacy" derives). Idolatry is in fact, the worship of demons (compare 1 Cor. 10:20). Three of the four sins in verse 21 are specifically prohibited in the Ten Commandments ( Exodus 20:3-17). (For "sorceries" compare 18:23; 21:8; 22:15; and Galatians 5:20).
=Revelation 9:20 "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:" (( They are STILL unrepentant )). Idolatry is a major downfall of mankind. GOD hates it. --What's the 1st Commandment??-- Anything or anyone who does not elevate JESUS CHRIST to Deity is in error and worshipping the devil. JESUS said HIMSELF that; "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad" Matthew 12:30. We are either on the side of JESUS or the devil. There is no middle ground. We are (not) to worship GOD'S creations. Nor his created beings; i.e., The devil, angels, each other, idols, etc. We are to worship The CREATOR- And to also recognize HIM as such.
=Revelation 9:21 "Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts." Idolatry, mysticism, spiritism, satanism and [all] forms of false religion have become the norm as demons lead people into more wicked and vicious behaviors. Under the influence of the massive demon forces that has been unleashed upon the world, false religion, murder, sexual perversion and crime will become unparalleled in human history. (( you think it's bad now…)) ? ============================================= + INTERLUDE +
Verses 10:1 – 11:14: These verses serve as an interlude between the sixth trumpet and seventh trumpet (11:15). Revelation 10:1 "And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:" Being "clothed in a cloud", shows the royalty of this being. At no other time does CHRIST appear as an angel or created being [after] HIS resurrection. This angel is most likely Michael, Gabriel, or an angel similar to them who swears an oath by JESUS CHRIST, indicating something [significant] is about to happen. A "rainbow ... upon his head" reminds us of the covenant GOD made with man. "Feet as pillars of fire": indicate the firm resolve with which he will execute his orders in the Day of the LORD. =Revelation 10:2 "And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth," A sweet and bitter reality -------- "The Little book": The 7 sealed scroll that is the title deed to the earth which has been (fully opened) by CHRIST- and all the final judgments made visible. The prophetic Word, which is what the "Little Book" is, contains the "sweet" message of GOD'S truth and wonderful plan for mankind including the coming of CHRIST- the Millennium Kingdom, and Heaven, but it also contains the Judgment of GOD on sinners who do not repent and come to HIM, and their ultimate consignment to the lake of fire. *The Bible, (THE WORD) is alive! HALLELUJAH ! ! ! When we eat the Bible, ( 'study' it ) ( 'live by it' ) it gives us the strength to live victorious lives before HIM. JESUS is in dominion over everything. HE is our source of power. Studying the Bible is more important to our life than our daily bread. Praise GOD ! The Bible is of [no] private interpretation. GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will teach (each of us) what the Bible is saying to us, [IF] we are willing to receive it. The planting of the feet on the sea and the earth (dry land), shows CHRIST'S authority over the earth in its entirety, and the appropriation of HIS promised inheritance as MESSIAH. Revelation 10:3 "And cried with a loud voice, as [when] a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices." --- "The Seven Thunders" --- Are these seven thunders to signify those judgments of GOD which should be executed in the world upon the sounding of the seventh trumpet? The Jews were accustomed to calling 'thunder' "the seven voices of GOD ", regarding it as the voice of the LORD. *Consider Psalm 29:1-11* 1 (A Psalm of David.) Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.
4 The voice of the LORD [is] powerful; the voice of the LORD [is] full of majesty.
5 The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7 The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.
10 The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.
11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. John did not record the words the thunders spoke.. He was told not to. =Revelation 10:4 "And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not". This is the [only] proclamation in the entire book of Revelation that is sealed up. Both Daniel and John were instructed to seal up much of what they saw, reserving the interpretation for the generation to whom it would be obvious… (( We will have to wait and see..! )) =Revelation 10:5 "And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven," The angel is taking an oath. The announcement of the angel is that there will be no more delay in the establishment of the millennial kingdom of CHRIST. =Revelation 10:6 "And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:" "Time no longer" This literally means: "delay no longer" and indicates that the time of the end is rapidly approaching. From the sounding of the seventh angel's trumpet, the world will move relentlessly toward the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the Bible, culminating in the coming of CHRIST to the earth. The prayers of the saints will be answered (Rev. 6:9-11; Matt. 6:10). Revelation 10:7 "But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets." "The mystery": μυστήριον, 'Mysterion'. Strong's G3466- hidden thing, secret, Mystery of GOD the secret counsels which govern GOD in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly. =Revelation 10:8 "And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go [and] take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth." This is the (third) reference to the location of the angel who stands on the sea and earth (verses 2, 5 and 8). [ An emphasis of authority ] (?) =Revelation 10:9 "And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take [it], and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." Is [is] "sweet" because at last the kingdoms promises are about to be fulfilled. It is bitter because it can [only] be accomplished through more judgment and tribulation. *John's reaction is demonstration of what every believer's proper response to GOD'S judgment Should be. Sweet anticipation of GOD'S glory and our victory, and the bitterness of seeing GOD'S wrath - poured out full strength on those who [reject] HIS SON- JESUS CHRIST. =Revelation 10:10 "And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ =Revelation 10:11 "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." ="Prophesy again" = A call for John to warn men about the bitter judgment in the seventh trumpet and the 7 vials. This verse is a [key]- to the [chronology] of the Book of Revelation. Now John must prophesy through the period a second time, concentrating this time on the major personages and movements of the Tribulation, (satan, the beasts, the harlot system). This (duplicated prophecy) begins in chapter 12 and culminates in the vial (bowl), judgments, the destruction of the beast. (chapters 16 to 19). =Revelation 11:1 "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein." This angel is telling John to take a measurement of the temple and the people. This statement about the "temple … and them that worship therein." (The body of CHRIST ). =Revelation 11:2 "But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **I won't go so far as to differentiate between, Gentile and Goyim, in a, 'modern interpretation. Suffice it to say, the use of gentile (here) is: Word: eqnoj
Strongs Number: G1484
a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):-- Gentile, heathen, nation, people. A swarm... A multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus -
foreign nations [not] worshipping the true GOD, pagans. { Unrepentant } +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
{{ "Court which is without" }} The court of the Gentiles, separated from the inner court in the Herodian temple by a low wall. (Gentiles) were forbidden to enter the inner court on penalty of death. The outer court for the Gentiles ( 'not goyim' ) means just this, the believer who is a Christian in (name only), not in deed. This outer court is not the place for believers to be. The terrible thing in all of this is that among the outer court (the unsaved), are (many nominal) Christians, who are believing that they will be saved. The faithless portion of the church that we read about in,
2 Tim. 3:5- (that) "has a form of godliness but denies the power". "The holy city shall they tread under foot": Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome all oppressed Jerusalem in ancient times (compare 2 Kings 25:8-10; Psalm 79:1; Isa. 63:18; Lam. 1:10). These verses refer to the future devastation destruction and oppression of Jerusalem by the forces of the Antichrist.
"Forty and two months": The three and a half (year) period covers (the second half) of the Tribulation and coincides with the visibly evil career of the Antichrist verse 3; 12:6; 13:5. During this same time, the Jews will be sheltered by GOD in the wilderness (12:6, 14). The 'Jews' (not) the church. (The church has been removed.) =Revelation 11:3 "And I will give [power] unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days, clothed in sackcloth." These two witnesses of Revelation 11 will have awesome power and impact, together with the 144,000 witnesses, in producing the enormous soul harvest. They will provide the millions of Jews in the Holy Land a theological and spiritual bridge to the Christian gospel. =Revelation 11:4 "These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth." This imagery is drawn from Zech. chapters 3 and 4. They display incredible supernatural powers, defying the Antichrist and his underlings to stop them. No doubt they will be seen daily in every corner of the earth as they warn mankind of GOD'S coming judgment. They are protected from harm for three and a half years. ( Nobody can stop them..) ! ! THIS IS DIRECTED AT THE JEWS ! ! ! ! THIS IS DIRECTED AT THE JEWS ! !
Their message will be twofold:
(1) JESUS is the Lamb of GOD, (MESSIAH);
(2) JESUS is the King (Ruler). Therefore…. Israel must repent ! =Revelation 11:5 "And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed."
NOTHING - Will or CAN STOP THEM. Anyone who attempts to stop them from preaching is instantly destroyed. Even Antichrist's satanic powers are no match for these two fearless and GOD empowered preachers of truth. =Revelation 11:6 "These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will". =Revelation 11:7 "And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." =Revelation 11:8 "And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." "Bodies shall lie in the street": Refusing to bury one's enemies was a way to dishonor and show contempt for them (compare Acts 14:19). The Old Testament expressly forbids this practice (Deut. 21:22-23). =Revelation 11:9 "And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and a half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves." "Three days and a half": The entire world will watch, and glorify the Antichrist as the bodies of the dead prophets Lie dead.. =Revelation 11:10 "And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth". Wild with joy over the death of their tormentors - ( this is a holiday? ) Imagine the fear that grips them, when they realize what a great error they have made? GOD will not be mocked. =Revelation 11:12 "And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them." Luke 16:31 "And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." After the three and a half days, a breath of life from GOD entered them and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud. The world will hear the voice of GOD resurrecting them. A cloud will receive them out of sight in the face of their enemies. No wonder that "terror struck those who saw them." =Revelation 11:13 "And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven."
"Earthquake": GOD punctuates the ascension of HIS prophets with a earth shattering earthquake.
"The remnant": This refers to the Jews still living, who will not yet have come to faith in CHRIST. "Gave glory to the God of heaven": Zechariah 12:10- And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Revelation 11:14 "The second woe is past; [and], behold, the third woe cometh quickly." The sixth trumpet- Israel's repentance will shortly usher in the millennial kingdom (Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 11:25-26). But first will come the final, climatic judgments. =Revelation 11:15 "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever". The seventh trumpet results in the establishment of the millennial kingdom of CHRIST. The seven vials or bowls, are (most likely) contained in the judgment of the seventh trumpet. Bowl judgments destroy evil infrastructures in society. The seduction of Babylon's evil religion will permeate and infiltrate all the structures of society, requiring that Babylon be totally destroyed. They will occur in a very brief period of time at the end of the Great Tribulation. The second coming of CHRIST -- --while a great blessing for believers, (will be) GOD'S (most severe) judgment of the earth. ( The Wrath of The LAMB. ) "The kingdoms of this world" will be completely overthrown by the coming kingdom of CHRIST (19:11-21; Daniel 2:34-35, 44), who will reign for ever and ever Daniel 7:13-14, 27. Psalm 110:1-7 describes the awesome might of CHRIST'S return, showing that it is one of [war and vengeance] with great wrath. HE is coming with power to set things straight.
The effect of these cosmic signs from GOD is to produce [terror] in earth's populace, triggering humanity's strong drive to (attempt) in vain, to preserve itself. Despite mountains moving, men and women of every origin, status, and creed -- from king to slave -- flee for the caves under the mountains in a vain attempt to hide themselves from The WRATH OF THE LAMB. Revelation 6:15. This is reminiscent of Isaiah 2:19, a prophecy of the Day of The LORD: "They shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, from the terror of the LORD and the glory of HIS majesty, when HE arises to shake the earth mightily." *Does that sound like ANYONE or ANYBODY is excited To see JESUS CHRIST RETURNING TO EARTH?? NOT HARDLY ! There is no one, at that time on earth- Eager to see CHRIST RETURNING. Why? Because HE is returning to an "unrepentant world". The same point is echoed in Hosea 10:8. Richard T. Ritenbaugh states it very well… "Initially, it seems incongruous to pair "wrath" with "of the Lamb," but it makes perfect sense on two levels. First, "Lamb" is only one title of this complex Individual, Jesus Christ, who is not a cute, cuddly, little lamb. As the Johnny Cash song, "A Boy Named Sue," relates, a person's name cannot describe his entire personality, and one may rue the day he made the assumption it could! The same Jesus Christ who took little children in His arms and blessed them also made a whip of cords and angrily drove the moneychangers from God's Temple." Point made. GOD (DOES) Get Angry. GOD [is] Angry. CHRIST returns to crush the kingdom of darkness. (Demon, human, and [fallen] angelic ). HE'S not here to shake hands, and pat anyone on the back. the imagery of the lamb contains both the Suffering Servant and the Exalted Lord and Judge of all (John 5:22).
=Revelation 11:16 "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,"
GOD promised, what is now accomplished. =Revelation 11:17 "Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned." which art, and wast and art to come": (( Past, present, future )) The coming of the kingdom is no longer future, it will be immediate. The establishing of His kingdom brings final victory to the Christian. The thanks really goes to JESUS here; the believers have not established the kingdom, ((JESUS did.)) It was [not] done through [our] power and might, but by HIS LORDSHIP- HIS Supreme Authority- HIS DIVINITY, HIS ALMIGHTY-OMNIPOTENCE. You see can from this, HE is ALL of it. HIS power is beyond reproach. HIS reign is forever and ever. HE has no beginning, and HE has no end. HE alone is worthy of our praise. =Revelation 11:18 "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth." "Nations were angry": No longer terrified... They will be filled with defiant rage. Their hostility will shortly manifest itself in a foolish attempt to fight against CHRIST, a doomed, futile effort that is the apex of human rebellion against GOD.
"Thy wrath": The 24 elders speak of GOD'S future wrath 20:11-15, as if it were already present, signifying its certainty. That GOD will one day pour out HIS wrath on rebellious men is a major theme in Scripture. -Isaiah. 24:17-23; 26:20-21: 30:27-33: -Ezekiel. 38:16; -2 Thess. 1:5-10. The nations, (worldly people), who have NOT accepted the Gift of SALVATION - who once had a 'hay-day' persecuting the believers, That were angry and very unfavorable to those with faith. The very ones, whom they ( the world) persecuted, Will now rule over them. =Revelation 11:19 "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail." We see here the dwelling of GOD in all its Awesomeness! "Lightnings, thunderings … earthquake … great hail": What was anticipated (in 4:5 and 8:5), will become a terrifying reality. These events occur as part of the seventh vial (16:17-21), and are the climax of the seventh trumpet. Since from heaven is the source of vengeance, judgment also comes out of GOD'S Holy of Holies. HIS 'true' Ark of The Covenant. HIS SEAT ! =Revelation 12:1 "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:"
"Wonder": A symbol pointing to something else. This is the first of (7) signs in the last half of the Great Revelation. Not an actual woman, but a symbolic representation of Israel, pictured in the Old Testament as the (wife) of GOD Isaiah 54:5-6; Jeremiah 3:6-8; 31:32; Ezekiel 16:32; Hosea 2:16. Three other symbolic women (also) appear in Revelation:
(1) Jezebel, who represents paganism (2:20);
(2) The scarlet woman (17:3-6), symbolizing the apostate church;
(3) The wife of the Lamb (19:7), symbolizing the true church.
The woman represents Israel, and her child is CHRIST; the MESSIAH 12:5; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 66:7.8; Micah 5:2; Romans 9:4-5. Being clothed with the sun speaks of the glory, dignity, and exalted status of Israel, the people of promise- who will be saved and given a kingdom. The picture of the moon under her feet (possibly) describes GOD'S covenant relationship with Israel, since new moons were associated with worship. (The Sabbath). The moon under her feet alludes to GOD'S promise of dominion, and the crown of twelve stars' pictures royalty and relates to the 12 tribes of Israel. {Go to (Genesis 37:9-11), and read} about the dream Joseph had about the sun, moon and 11 stars which were bowing down to Joseph- (who was the 12th). Revelation 12:2 "And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." There is pain involved in birth. This Scripture is [spiritually] speaking of the birth of JESUS and of Christianity. =Revelation 12:3 "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads." The "dragon" is identified as Satan. His "red" color shows his murderous character (John 8:44). His "seven heads" and "seven crowns" depict the completeness and universality of his power and influence (Psalm 74:14). His "ten horns" show Satan's connection with the fourth beast of Daniel 7:7, 24, and with the Beast from the sea in chapter 13:1-10 of Revelation. The "third part of the stars of heaven" are probably the fallen angels who followed Satan in his original rebellion against GOD (Isaiah. 14:12-15; Ezek. 28:12-16; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). At the time of the birth of CHRIST, Satan was ready to kill Him. Matt. 2:13-18. "Ten horns" which symbolize world power. "Seven heads … ten horns … seven crowns": Figurative language depicting Satan's domination of 7 past worldly kingdoms and 10 future kingdoms Daniel. 7:7, 20, 24. This world power, through these earthly kingdoms, comes from Satan himself. The seven crowned heads means universal rule, and the ten horns mean world power to the utmost. Five emperors had come and gone by the Apostle John's time; one ruled during his time; and the seventh represents the Antichrist (to come.) =Revelation 12:4 "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." The third part of the stars of heaven": Satan's original rebellion resulted in one-third of the angelic host joining his insurrection and becoming demonic entities… When John tells us that the devils' tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to earth, he is describing the original demonic uprising against God. Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Satan (somehow) managed to convince a third of all GOD'S angels to join him in his rebellion; these beings we now call "demons" and/or "fallen angels." They serve Satan and play an important role in the judgments of the Tribulation. Satan used Herod to try to kill JESUS the moment HE was born. That was not GOD'S plan ! So JESUS was protected until the time of the cross. This also indicates here the birth of the church, which the devil has tried to devour every way he could. The "man child" is (of course) CHRIST, destined to "rule all nations" as the MESSIAH,
19:15; Psalm 2:7-9. =Revelation 12:5 "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne." "A man child": JESUS CHRIST in HIS [incarnation]- was of Jewish descent (Matt. 1:1; 2 Tim. 2:8). *{Incarnation: a deity, spirit, who is embodied in the flesh} The Unbreakable nature of JESUS CHRIST could be described as this "Rod of iron": describes JESUS' coronation as king over the nations of the world, 11:15; 19:15; Psalm 2:6-9.
This "Rod", is one that cannot be broken and speaks of the resoluteness of CHRIST'S Rule. HE will swiftly and immediately judge [all] sin and put down [any] rebellion. ' There will no second uprising…' =Revelation 12:6 "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days." "Wilderness": GOD will protect Israel from satan by hiding (her) in the wilderness, perhaps in the region of: Moab, Ammon and Edom, east of Palestine. Interestingly, those countries will be specifically spared from the Antichrist's attack against the Holy Land ( Dan. 11:41). "A thousand two hundred and threescore days": At the midpoint of the Tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel, puts a stop to temple worship, sets up the abomination of desolation Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15, and devastates Jerusalem (11:2). At that time, many Jews flee for their lives Matt. 24:16. GOD will preserve them during the last 1260 days (42 months; 3-1/2 years), constituting the Great Tribulation. *"The world government", and even part of the church world, is teaching more and more to [elevate] ourselves to the point of making us ''little'' god's. Secular humanism (and) the New Age Movement (both) attempt to elevate mankind to Godhood. These are two VERY dangerous things to do. This is the one of the very reasons satan was tossed out. The vision of "war in heaven" anticipates Satan's exclusion and expulsion from "heaven" and his restriction to the "earth" (during) the (last half) during the Great Tribulation. =Revelation 12:7 "And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels," =Revelation 12:8 "And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." Here we see the defeat of satan to such an extent that he is not allowed in heaven any more, no longer able to accuse the believers...
His defeat on the earth is complete as well. His fate was sealed when JESUS was crucified on the cross and was Resurrected. *This was undoubtedly satan's biggest- "OH NO " moment, ever ! When he finally put 2 and 2 together And realized, that he had JUST sealed his fate. (my personal interjection.) =Revelation 12:8 "And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven." The vision of war in heaven anticipates satan's exclusion from "heaven" and his restriction to the earth during the last half of the Great Tribulation, so that Satan must thereafter confine his activities to the earthly sphere. Michael the archangel is the leader of GOD'S holy angels, Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9. =Revelation 12:9 "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." Here we see that he deceiveth (is continually deceiving), the whole world. That old serpent … cast out into the earth": Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven at the time of their original rebellion, but still have access to it. (compare Job 1:6; 2:1). "Devil, and Satan" (compare 20:2). "Devil" comes from a Greek verb meaning "to slander" or "to falsely accuse". He is a malignant liar (John 8:44, 1 John 3:8). Satan, means: "adversary", or "enemy", and appears especially in Job and the gospels. "Deceiveth the whole world": As he has throughout human history, Satan will deceive people during the Tribulation- ( 13:14; 20:3; John 8:44).
His accusations against believers (verse 10), are unsuccessful because of CHRIST our Advocate, (1 John 2:1). The evil one is given four designations:
(1) Dragon - his monstrous character as the enemy of GOD;
(2) Serpent - connects him with the clever deception of Eve (in Genesis 3);
(3) Devil - means "slanderer" (verse 10);
(4) Satan - means "Adversary" (1 Pet. 5:8).
He also deceiveth the whole world (20:8).
The devil is the very one who brings in the "feel good" religion(s). Beware, he is a destroyer. His sole intent is, And always has been, to eradicate ALL of us. Not (some), but ALL. Twice, actually. He wants us dead, (physically) and Spiritually. =Revelation 12:10 "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." Satan will no longer accuse believers before the throne of GOD because he will no longer have access to heaven.
He (the devil), is tossed out at that point, once and for all time. His day is over, (in heaven). The Great Tribulation will be a time of terrible trouble on earth (Jer. 30:7; Dan 9:27; 12:1; Zeph. 1:15; Matt 24:15-22). It will be Satan's final attempt to [prevent] the return and the reign of CHRIST. He has only a short time to try to prevent the establishment of CHRIST'S kingdom, so his wrath intensifies of his persecution of Israel. =Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
"Blood of the Lamb": No accusation can stand against those whose sins have been forgiven, because of CHRIST'S sacrificial death, (see Rom. 8:33-39).
Victory is Theirs! Thank GOD that HIS Word does not leave the story of the Tribulation saints with their earthly demise, but loudly proclaims their ultimate victory through the blood of the Lamb. The "they" here, are the Christians. When Jesus shed HIS blood on Calvary and became the perfect Lamb sacrifice once for all time, Satan was defeated.
You can see here the word of our testimony [is] when we open our mouths and declare that we believe JESUS CHRIST [is] LORD, and also believe HE rose from the grave; we [will] be saved ! We must proclaim this, even if we know it will mean our life. We are not to regard life here on this earth as very valuable. The life that is important is in heaven- (( Eternal Life )) ! This world is not the Christian's home. We are just passing through. We read in Romans:
Romans 10:8-10 "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;" "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
=Revelation 12:12 "Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters 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."
"He hath but a short time":
Knowing that his time is limited, Satan will intensify his efforts against GOD and mankind, and (specifically) target Israel, (verses 13, 17). The devil, even now, is in an all-out push to destroy the church as it used to be fifty years ago... He realizes his time is running out, and he is working on the believers, trying to convert them to his way. His scheme is to tell us not to be a radical Christian. He is trying to 'trick' us, not to take GOD seriously.
And, (Watering down) JESUS CHRIST is one of his favorite tools to destroy the church- (And boy, is it working well for him.)
=Revelation 12:13 "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child]." The ultimate progress and extension of the church was certain. But Satan was permitted still to wage warfare against the church, represented here by his wrath against the woman. Satan's persecution of Israel is apparently an attempt to exterminate GOD'S chosen people, thereby [preventing] the fulfillment of GOD'S promises to Abraham and David in the messianic kingdom. But GOD protects Israel.
The "wings of a great eagle" represent swift escape from persecution. The "wilderness" symbolizes the Gentile nations of the world (Matt. 24:16-20, 31), where believers will help to hide Jews from the Antichrist's persecution. According to (Zechariah 13:7-9), however, two-thirds of the Israelites will die first. The "time, and times, and half a time" equals three and a half times, referring to the last three and a half years of the Tribulation period. Daniel 7:25; 12:7, the time of "great tribulation" (Matt. 24:21). =Revelation 12:14 "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."
"Wings of a great eagle": Not actual birds' wings, but a graphic depiction of GOD'S providential protection of Israel ( Exodus 19:4). Wings often speak of protection- (Deuteronomy. 32:9-12; Psalm 91:4; Isa. 40:31). The eagle in many instances in the Bible is symbolic of GOD. I believe, it means that GOD will protect us in the midst of the problems. *This I believe is what the (sealing of the believers), is all about. (Differentiating HIS people, from satan's.) Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint." =Revelation 12:15 "And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood."
And the serpent; the devil, the old serpent, mentioned (in Revelation 12:9), being able no longer to execute his malice as a dragon, by the civil power of the heathen emperors, tearing Christians in pieces, but discerning the church secured by the special providence of GOD, went to work another way… "Cast out of his mouth water as a flood": Corrupting the judgments of several persons, who, out of the abundance of error in their hearts, preached [corrupt] doctrine.
Water is symbolic of the Word of GOD. This is strange, because this water comes from the serpent's mouth. I believe this is a [flood] of (false doctrine) coming from Satan himself. Some of the [new] [translations] of the Bible are [very] dangerous as well. If Satan can't destroy us outside the church, then the final assault would be inside the church with false doctrine that is (so close to truth)- that we would not even notice the difference, (unless) we were grounded and rooted in the truth. =Revelation 12:16 "And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth." *As if the earth interposed in some marvelous way to aid the rescue. The sense is, that, in that state of obscurity and solitude, a divine interposition was manifested. "Cast out of his mouth": A great army will come against Israel like a flood (verse 15; compare Jeremiah. 46:8; 47:2), only to be swallowed up. =Revelation 12:17 "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
"The remnant of her seed": Satan will turn his frustrated rage against every follower of the Lamb he can find, Jew or Gentile.
This really angers Satan. He cannot get to JESUS, so he is venting his anger on the followers of JESUS. --Revelation chapter 13 begins with a beast, (the Antichrist), raising up out of the "sea", which represents the nations of the world. Not ONLY that- He ( IS ) the 'representative' of the nations of the world. The beast is the Antichrist or the false messiah. He will be the final world ruler, also known as the little horn in the book of Daniel; *To say the end times will be chaotic, is an understatement. A time of confusion and uncertainty will cause the people to desperately look for a strong leader that could bring hope and security in a time of fear and apprehension. ( false hope -- false security ) A false peace.. People will desperately seek a strong, charismatic, authoritative leader who can pull the world back from the very brink of disaster.
…...Speaking of false Idols…... 'Those people' [will] get their wish as a powerful, charismatic leader spouting peace and unity comes on the scene. But he will turn out to be much more than they bargained for. He will be a dictator whose (cruelty) will be more than any other the world has ever known. =Revelation 13:1 "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy." The "sea" here represents (the Gentile nations of the world), from which this "beast" comes. -The Beast is the Antichrist, the false messiah (Matt. 24:5, 24; 1 John 2:18). -He is the final Gentile world ruler, also known as the "little horn" (Daniel. 7:8, 20-21, 24-25), -the willful king (Daniel. 11:36), -the coming prince (Daniel. 9:26), -and the man of sin (2 Thess. 2:3). In Revelation, he is (both) a person and an empire. (Indistinguishably, no difference.) The description of the Beast connects it closely (both) to the "dragon" (Satan, 12:3), and to the fourth beast of Daniel chapter 7, (the Roman Empire; Dan. 7:7, 23). (( The Byzantine empire..)) Eastern leg of Rome. His resemblances to a - "leopard", a "bear", and a "lion" refer to the first three beasts in the vision of Daniel chapter 7 (representing the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece). This Beast includes the people and cultures of three previous empires, and is an (outgrowth) of the Roman Empire itself. The "power" and "authority" of the Beast come from Satan himself. _____________________________ Satan has his own [false] "trinity": 1.Satan acts as the Father, 2.the Antichrist as the Son, and 3.the False Prophet (as the Spirit) who attempts to bring glory to the Antichrist. ______________________________ There is (also) another way to parse this Un-holy trinity… We will see it here in Rev. 13:1,
(Explained by Daniel in Daniel chapter 7.) =Revelation 13:1 "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy." John sees this beast coming up "out of the sea." This beast is a Gentile leader (of a) Gentile system. In Daniel Chapter 7, the prophet records a dream that he had in which he saw the rise and fall of (four) gentile world empires. Each was characterized as a beast- coming from the sea of [nations]. So, the 'beast' from the sea is the political part of the Antichrist's system. Satan is a counterfeiter. A liar. A 'poser'. 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
So (he) has an "unholy trinity" 1.that consists of himself (Satan), 2.the Antichrist (the political, religious beast), and 3.the false prophet, (the religious, political beast), He speaks "blasphemy" against GOD. These "heads" show dominion. As said before, the "ten" has to do with world government and "horns" show power. We know then that this has something to do with world government and rulers of that. "Crowns" show dominion. This "blasphemy" denies the true GOD. =Revelation 13:2 "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as [the feet] of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority." His resemblance to a leopard, a bear, and a lion refer to the first three beasts in the vision of Daniel 7 representing the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. -"Leopard": A metaphor for ancient Greece. Dan. 7:6 ( 'Military swiftness' a reference to Alexander the Great) -"Bear": A metaphor for the ancient Medo-Persian Empire. (Strength and ferocious stability) Dan. 7:5 -"Lion": A metaphor for the ancient Babylonian Empire (All consuming power) Dan. 7:4 *Many believe- and it does appear as such, That the sixth beast is Rome. They were, and then they weren't as they were no longer a force, but will be prominent again during the end times. =Revelation 13:3 "And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast." The Antichrist will be everything ''the world'' thinks it wants.. Charisma, 'looks' - brilliance, etc… When he is wounded in the head and appears to die and does not The world will marvel after him. =Revelation 13:4 "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"
"Who is able to make war with him": This confirms the absolute power that Satan will have over the world at this time. =Revelation 13:5 "And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months." "Was given": GOD will establish the limits within which Antichrist will be allowed to speak and operate. GOD [is] and always has been, in control. This is the beginning of the Great Tribulation which Daniel spoke about in when the sacrifice and the oblation ceases. This is called the "Abomination of Desolation" (see Matthew 24:15). "Forty and two months": The final 3-1/2 years, 1260 days, of the "time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer. 30:7), and Daniel's 70th week (Daniel. 9:24-27), This last half is mark's the Abomination of Desolation. Matthew 24:15 "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)" =Revelation 13:6 "And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven." "His name": This identifies GOD and summarizes all HIS attributes (Exodus 3:13-14). "His tabernacle": This is symbolic of heaven (compare Heb. 9:23-24). During the first 3-1/2 years of the Tribulation the Antichrist will be merely a man endowed with demonic power. But during the last 3-1/2 years, he will actually be Satan himself, clothed with the Antichrist's body as the antichrist is the second person to be indwelled by Satan. (Judas being the first) - when he betrayed JESUS. ~Remember ~ Satan is (not) divine. He does (not) have the power to create, that is, to make something out of nothing. (( Only GOD can do that )) GOD 'spoke' the [universe] into existence. GOD literally speaks, substance. The real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence. The word universe is defined as all matter and energy and everything else that exists, including galaxies, stars, planets, asteroids, life and black holes. { Uni } - 'one' + verse… combined into one. Uni is having or consisting of 'one'. { verse } - speak in, or compose; versify. Spoken word - past participle of speak. To show or manifest. On the other hand, satan ( is ) a 'created' being. He himself cannot create. He himself can do NOTHING Aside from what GOD (allows) him to do. That is an important distinction to understand.
*The wrath begins (after) the rapture / Harpazo of the church. "Harpazo" ( means ) 'Catching Away' **(Many) people say that the word "rapture" is not found in the Bible. Those 'people' are ( NOT ) 'Studying' to back this claim up. Πρόφθασε ( prófthase )
The word [harpazo] means 'caught up' (which is how it IS rendered in English-kjv). It's [actually] in the KJV version - (13) Times !
The KJV translates Strong's G726 in the following manner: catch up (4x), take by force (3x), catch away (2x), pluck (2x), catch (1x), pull (1x).
In the latin Vulgate, it is rendered: "raptio" - Which is where the English word 'rapture' comes from. An ENGLISH ONLY mindset, when it comes To UNDERSTANDING and STUDYING the Word of GOD- Is a ''crippled mind-set''..** We live in an age where these arguments of 'non-sense' can be 'quickly' put to rest, by simply investigating the (abundance) of available information. I.E., An Exhaustive Concordance, or any number of software appliances That make investigative Biblical study-- "easy" ! (( continuing ))--- =Revelation 13:8 "And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." "From the foundation of the world": According to GOD'S eternal, electing purpose before creation, the death of CHRIST seals the redemption of the elect forever. Antichrist can never take away the salvation of the elect. The eternal registry of the elect will [never] be altered, nor will (the saved) - the true believers - in the Antichrist's day, worship him. -(Not gonna happen ! )- The unbelievers of the world-(will be deceived) into believing that the Beast is a god (2 Thess. 2:4, 11). {Only those whose names are written in the book of life} (will refuse) to worship the Beast. The Beast will persecute the saints of GOD, and exercise power, [throughout] all the world. The Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world in the sense that CHRIST'S redemptive death and Resurrection for mankind was ( ALWAYS ) part of GOD'S plan from [eternity past]. *The book of life of the Lamb contains the names of [all] those who have called on the Lamb of GOD for salvation. =Revelation 13:10 "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."
This is just another way of saying, whatever you sow, you will reap. Those who teach false doctrine, causes his neighbor to go into captivity and so will those who teach it. Perseverance... hupomonē
steadfastness, constancy, endurance The characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.
1) patiently, and steadfastly
2) a patient, steadfast waiting for
3) a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance In Matthew, JESUS taught Peter that they that take the sword shall perish with the sword when he cut off Malchus' ear. (i.e. don't return evil for evil). End time believers are to (depend on GOD) and not to take matters into their own hands. This scripture is for the believers (alive) at that time during the Antichrist's persecution.
GOD [will] punish those who do evil. The Beast and his followers (will be) overthrown and judged. Genuine saving faith (will endure) all the persecution of the Beast because (they) are GOD'S saints. =Revelation 13:11 "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." "He spoke like a dragon" suggest that he will derive power of speech from the devil (who is the dragon). This False Prophet will deceive human beings by [acting] like a lamb;
but, he will speak the words of [Satan]. "Out of the earth": Another reference to the abyss that lies below the earth. The false prophet will be sent forth and controlled by a powerful demon from below. The earth imagery, in contrast to the mysterious sea (in verse 1), may imply that the false prophet is more subtle and more (winsome), than that of Antichrist. "Two horns like a lamb": This lamb imagery may also imply that the false prophet will be also a false CHRIST - masquerading as the [true] Lamb. This "beast" was pretending to be JESUS, but when he opens his mouth, you know he is evil. This is a deceitful character. ( A LIAR & BLASPHEMER ) Revelation 13:12 "And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed." He wields influence to establish a (false world religion) headed by Antichrist and to entice (and force) people to accept this system. "Whose deadly wound was healed" This likely refers to the carefully [crafted] (deception) of a false resurrection, To inspire allegiance from the world. Revelation 13:13 "And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,"
"Great wonders": The same phrase is used of JESUS' miracles (John 2:11, 23; 6:2), which indicates the false prophet performs signs that counterfeit / mimic Christ's. Satan, who has done supernatural works in the past (Exodus 7:11; 2 Tim. 3:8), must use his strategy of false-fake miracles to convince, ( deceive ) the world that Antichrist is more powerful than GOD'S true witnesses (chapter 11), [including] JESUS CHRIST, THE TRUE - MESSIAH. The False Prophet will deceive unbelievers of the earth by means of wonders and miracles, accomplished through satanic power. He will produce the miracles of Elijah- as a false Elijah as he will lead people to worship a false messiah. =Revelation 13:14 "And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by [the means of] those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live." "Make an image": This refers to replication of Antichrist that is related to the throne he will erect during the abomination of desolation, halfway into the Tribulation period. This will happen in the (third) Jerusalem temple. =Revelation 13:15 "And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."
"Speak": The false prophet will give the image of Antichrist- the appearance of life, and the image will (seem) to utter words, contrary to what is normally true of idols ( Psalm 135:15-16; Hab. 2:19). Idols have NO POWER WHATSOEVER. ( GOD, will allow this exception ) for the purpose of fulfilling This prophecy. How long it will manifest life we are not told. What characteristics it will have we are not told. Possibly the only characteristic it will manifest is that it can "speak" (verse 15). This speech will be caused by the False Prophet, who in turn will get his authority from the Antichrist and the dragon, Satan himself - Who in turn is given this Authority from, GOD. He will issue an order - (that all who do not worship him) will be killed. (Rev. 20:4), tells us that many will be slain by the guillotine. =Revelation 13:16 "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:" This is ( literally ) the Mark of the Beast. The custom of the Hebrews, when they took a slave for life, was to mark them by driving an awl through their ear (Exodus 21:6). Accepting the mark of the Beast means you are sold into slavery to Satan.
It really will not matter how wealthy you are; you will still have to have the mark before you can purchase. Remember, though, if you receive this mark in your [head or right hand], (you will seal your doom) with GOD. *(This is one of the unforgivables..) Our security is not in this world or it's system. We belong to GOD. Our security is in JESUS CHRIST Our LORD. **DO NOT TAKE THIS MARK** We will explore this more when we get to Chapter 14. But- This CANNOT be Overstated -- ( You ) agree to this mark, GOD is (forever) - (eternally) finished with you. =Revelation 13:17 "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name." Without this mark, a person will be unable to engage in routine commerce. Anyone who accepts this mark during the Tribulation has already made his choice, and that choice will permanently [disqualify] its wearer from heaven. Remember, (IF) you get the mark you MUST swear An allegiance to the Antichrist as god.
It isn't merely economic, it is a worship system. Accepting the mark is tantamount to a rejection of JESUS CHRIST. -{This is a permanent, irreversible rejection of GOD}- You CANNOT accept it, ( only ) for the purpose of buying and or selling - yet refuse The ANTICHRIST. It doesn't work that way. You can't accept it to save your family. No. Agreeing to the Mark of the beast is a forever barrier Between GOD and you. It is a 100% certain verdict To the lake of fire for ALL ETERNITY. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Some worry that they will accept the mark accidentally, such as the case with national ID cards. This is not so. To accept the mark of the beast, you MUST knowingly agree to renounce GOD and to accept this mark. Without the mark, no one will be able to buy or sell and will fear they and/or their family will die. --But to accept the mark means certain eternal death-- =Revelation 13:18 "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number [is] Six hundred threescore [and] six."
"His number is six hundred threescore and six": This is the essential number of a [man]. 'Carbon', which is what we are essentially Made of: is Element (6) on the Periodic Table of Elements.
It consists of… 6 Neutrons, 6 Protons, 6 Electrons. The 3-fold repetition of the number is intended to reiterate and underscore man's identity. When Antichrist is finally revealed, there will be some way to identify him with this basic number of a man, (or) his name may have the numerical equivalent of 666. *Could this be ( possibly) the combining of mankind- with that of artificial intelligence?? "Transhumanism" ?? There are many views on what the 666 stands for but nowhere is it given in the bible as to what it means exactly. =Revelation 14:1 "And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads." "The "Lamb" (of course) is CHRIST. Mount Zion is in Jerusalem. David took it from the Jebusites, Joshua 15:63 ; 2 Sam. 5:7. He built on it a citadel and a palace, and it became "the city of David" 1 Kings 8:1. "144,000…" Most assuredly, a debate will arise out of this.. Who are they, ( exactly ) ? The image of sealing comes from Ezekiel 9 where the seal on the forehead marks out two groups of people: idolaters and non-idolaters. It would seem that the sealing of the 144,000 makes a similar distinction based on who worships GOD - The 144,000 are called the servants of our GOD (Rev. 7:4). There is no reason to make the 144,000 any more restricted than that. If you are a servant of the living GOD, Redeemed from the 12 tribes- you are one of the 144,000 mentioned here. It most certainly is NOT, the total number of redeemed people, ever. ( And MOST assuredly ) - they are NOT, an anointed Class of saints who became 'Jehovah's Witnesses' before 1935… *If that were the case, then who are the ones in Rev. 7:9, Which (states) that they are an innumerable number [large] ? Many, many good Bible scholars bump heads over this question. =Revelation 14:2 "And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps" "As the voice of many waters": Very loud, and uttered by a great multitude of people, signified by waters in this book (Rev. 17:15). The same with those that praise the LORD for the destruction of antichrist, and for the marriage of the Lamb, (Rev. 19:1). "And I heard the voice of harpers, harping with their harps": That is, singing the praises of GOD, =Revelation 14:3 "And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth."
"New song": The song of redemption, which is being sung by all the redeemed saints in one gigantic choir.
They will sing a new song which no one can learn save the 144,000. These two rewards suggest that they will enjoy a special relationship with GOD the SON and GOD the FATHER from the time of their death after a life of faithful, holy service until they come back with CHRIST to the earth. The 144,000 will learn this song and join in thanks for their redemption from the earth. The earthly, or worldly, who have rejected the LORD, will not be able to sing this song. It is a song of the redeemed. "These are they which were not defiled with women": With the whore of Rome, and her harlots, she is the mother of; while the kings and inhabitants of the earth were drunk with the wine of their fornication, or committed idolatry with them, which is spiritual fornication, and is here meant by being defiled with them, these were free from such pollutions, or idolatrous practices:
"For they are virgins: For their beauty and comeliness in CHRIST, chastity, sincerity of their love, un-corruptness in doctrine and worship, and for the uprightness of conversation Matthew Chapter 25
1.Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. "These were redeemed from among men": "By JESUS"-- And in consequence of this they were called, and delivered from this present evil world, and the men of it, and from a vain, wicked, and idolatrous conversation with it. "Being the firstfruits unto GOD, and to the Lamb": In allusion to the firstfruits under the law, which represented and sanctified the lump, and showed that harvest was coming. So these persons are called the firstfruits to GOD, and to the Lamb, being called by grace, and consecrated to their worship and service. { "Firstfruits" } -- Romans 16:5
"Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ." For the designation 'firstfruits' we must compare the description of the 'household of Stephanas' (1 Corinthians 16:15)- 'the firstfruits of Achaia' (ἀπαρχή τῆς Ἀχαίας)-and note the suggestion that ministry in the Church was connected at first with seniority of faith. Nothing could be more natural than that the work of superintending the local Christian communities should be entrusted to those among the first converts who were found capable of undertaking it. The term 'firstfruits' had a special religious significance- that of dedication to GOD - and this idea must have been present when the original nucleus of a church was so called. Verse 4 states, "being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb", perhaps indicating that in addition to being in a privileged position before the resurrection, they will always be in a special position of service for CHRIST after the resurrection. *((Possibly those saints who rose at CHRIST'S Crucifixion? )) Matthew Chapter 27
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. =Revelation 14:5 "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." "No guile": The speak God's truth accurately and precisely, with no exaggeration or understatement, (compare Zeph. 3:13). =Revelation 14:6 "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," Verse 6 introduces the first of [five] angels who convey a special message concerning the middle of the end time, that is, in the Great Tribulation period. It is astounding that an angel is commissioned to go forth preaching the everlasting gospel, for the preaching of the gospel has [not] been committed to angels but to human beings. "Another angel": This angel will warn the people to fear GOD instead of Antichrist, and to give glory to GOD instead of Antichrist, and he will instruct them how to do it.
Otherwise, he would be proclaiming a message of doom instead of good news. The Greek word translated "gospel" - (euangelion), literally means "good news."
"Midst of heaven": mesouranéma: the zenith, mid-heaven..
Original Word: μεσουράνημα, ατος, τό From a Greek term denoting the point in the noonday sky where the sun reaches its zenith. This is the highest and brightest point, where all can see and hear. STRONGS NT 3321: μεσουράνημα
μεσουράνημα, μεσουρανηματος, τό (from μεσουρανέω; the sun is said μεσουράνειν to be in mid-heaven, when it has reached the meridian), mid-heaven, the highest point in the heavens, which the sun occupies at noon. Where what is done can be seen and heard by all: Revelation 8:13. "The everlasting gospel": The angel is preaching the good news concerning eternal life and entrance into the kingdom of GOD, Matthew 24:14; 1 Cor. 15:1-10. *Is this a different gospel from that preached today? On the basis of the Word of GOD, NO ! Absolutely not! This is the same gospel we preach, the same message that was "once for all entrusted to the saints" (Jude 3). =Revelation 14:7 "Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
"Fear GOD": Not Satan, nor Antichrist. This is the [theme] of Scripture, calling people to give honor, glory, worship, and reverence to GOD (only) (compare Prov. 23:17; 1 Peter 2:17; "Hour of his judgment is come": The last moment arrives to repent and believe [before] GOD'S wrath is poured out. (full strength) This is the book's first use of the word judgment, a term that has the same meaning as wrath, ( 6:17; 12:12).
{"Him that made heaven, and earth"}: Creation is the great proof of GOD. Rev. 4:11; 10:6; John 1:9; Acts 14:15-17; 17:23-28. This message that is brought will be (final) in its nature. It will be good news (gospel), but it will also be a last warning. This is a final warning to turn [from] the world to the CREATOR of it all. ~ "THE LORD IS COMING"~ This message will be worldwide. Remember, an angel is a ministering spirit. These will be evangelists, evangelizing.. One more time -- this is the (final warning) that Divine Judgement is about to Fall. *+*JESUS [is] CREATOR GOD*+*
------->(JESUS)<-------
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. "Hour of his judgment is come": The last moment arrives to repent and believe (before) GOD'S wrath is poured out. This is the book's first use of the word judgment, a term that has the same meaning as wrath. "Him that made heaven, and earth": Creation is the great proof of GOD, which preachers will appeal to as the ground for all people to believe in HIM and worship HIM. The extent of this gospel should be noted, for it will be preached "to those who live on the earth, to every nation, tribe, language and people". Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Again, Revelation is not written in consecutive order. I do believe there will be a voice going throughout the land proclaiming the second coming of CHRIST, just as there was a voice (John the Baptist), proclaiming HIS first arrival as CHRIST. The people will be warned. They will be without excuse. GOD will have a herald going forth proclaiming truth. Everyone will have their [opportunity] to accept JESUS as LORD.
=Revelation 14:8 "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
The Second Angel. The Fall of Religious Babylon. -{ IDOLATRY }- This is the world system that opposed the church and the Christians. This evil world system did all in her power to stop Christianity. This power and the one causing small and great to receive the mark could be one and the same.. At any rate, it has fallen here. "Babylon" is symbolic of the world and its evil system. Babylon refers to the entire worldwide political, economic, and religious kingdom of Antichrist. The original city of Babylon- (present day Iraq) was the birthplace of idolatry where the residents built the Tower of Babel, a monument to rebelliousness and false religion. Such idolatry was subsequently spread when GOD confounded man's language and scattered them around the world ( Gen. 11:1-9). Idolatry was brought by those who were scattered. "IDOLATRY" is putting ANYTHING [before] GOD. Idolatry connotes the worship of something or someone (other than) GOD as if it were GOD. The most prevalent form of idolatry in Biblical times (and even now) - is the worship of images that were or are, thought to embody the various pagan deities Or [ANYTHING] you put above or before, or in place of, GOD ALMIGHTY. *Note again here, that just before this world system folds, the gospel will be preached unto all nations, as we read in Matthew:
Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
Here, GOD has said this is enough, and the World and its evil followers fall. This fornication is spiritual adultery, not physical.
"Wine of the wrath of her fornication": This pictures Babylon causing the world to become intoxicated with her pleasures and enter an orgy of rebellion, hatred, and idolatry toward GOD. Fornication (here) is spiritual prostitution to Antichrist's false system, which will fall for such iniquity. The word fornication comes from [three] separate words in the Bible. Two from the Hebrew and one from the Greek. These words all share similar connotations. Each (can mean) literal fornication between two unmarried persons in a marriage contract; (however,) it can also signify adultery, whoredom, or an act of unfaithfulness on the part of YAHWEH'S people. The Complete Word Study Old Testament- suggests three possible meanings for the Hebrew word: {"Zanah."} The first being fornication (pre-marital, illicit sex), the second being adultery (marital, illicit sex), and the third being [idolatry]- (worship of a person or thing [besides] YAHWEH). The second word denoting fornication in the English is found only once in the Hebrew, in Ezekiel 16:29. The word fornication in this passage is from the Hebrew, No. 8457, taznuth, and simply means a type of idolatry. The third word signifying fornication is found in the Greek and is first used in Matthew 5:32. This word derives from the Greek word, No. 4202, 'porneia' and is defined in the Strong's as follows, "from 4203; harlotry (incl. Adultery and incest); fig. Idolatry: – fornication." To pinpoint this word without examining the passage in question is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Fornication in either the Hebrew or Greek can have and denote a wide range of definitions. It can mean (literal) fornication, adultery, harlotry, incest, pedophilia, bestiality, or any other sexual restriction that YAHWEH has placed for mankind to observe. =Revelation 14:9 "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand," =Revelation 14:10 "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:"
"Cup of his indignation": (Anyone) loyal to the Antichrist and his kingdom [will] suffer the outpouring of GOD'S collective wrath, done with the (full force) (full strength) of HIS divine anger and unmitigated vengeance ( Psalm 75:8; Isa. 51:17; Jer. 25:15-16). Divine wrath is [not] an impulsive outburst of anger aimed capriciously at people that GOD does not like. It [ is ] the settled, steady, merciless, graceless, and compassionless response of a righteous GOD against sin. "Fire and brimstone": These are two elements that are often associated in Scripture with the torment of divine punishment (Gen. 19:24-25; Isaiah. 34:8-10). Here the reference is to hell, (the lake of fire) - (compare 19:20; 20:10; 21:8). Brimstone is a purified fiery sulfur. The "fire and brimstone" here is the very same as that which destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Just as the angels saw Sodom burn, they are a witness to this as well. The Lamb (JESUS), is the Judge who speaks judgment. It not only will be in HIS presence, but HE will order this punishment as well as over-see it. =Revelation 14:11 "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name."
This "smoke" that comes up rises from the bottomless pit. You see this "torment" is [not] just for a short time and is over. This is FOREVER, just as heaven is forever for the believers. "Ascendeth" means continually ascends.
"Torment ascendeth up for ever and ever": A reference to the eternality of hell (compare Matt. 3:12; 13:41-42; 25:41; Mark 9:48). Torment is the ceaseless infliction of unbearable pain (compare Luke 16:23-24), here prescribed for all who are loyal to satan's leader.
Those who receive the mark of the beast have sealed their doom. =Revelation 14:12 "Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Patience here is perseverance or endurance. The assurance of the judgment of GOD'S enemies, is a basis for the perseverance of the Great Tribulation believers to continue following CHRIST. The perseverance of genuine believers in the faith and commandments of GOD is assumed, literal and guaranteed. ...HERE COMES THE JUDGE… "The time is come" to finish the judgment of the "earth". The second coming of CHRIST includes [more] judgment. To "reap" and harvest "the earth" is to (judge and punish) its people. (compare Jer. 51:33; Hosea 6:11; Matt. 13:30, 40-42). =Revelation 14:14 "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud [one] sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." The imagery of the LORD on a cloud (is from Daniel 7:13-14), and emphasizes magnificent majesty (1:7; Matt. 24:30; 26:64; Acts 1:9-11). "Golden crown": The victor's crown, a laurel wreath, worn by those who celebrated victory in war or athletic competition. CHRIST now wears this particular crown, in this case made of gold, as a triumphant Conqueror coming out of heaven to prevail over HIS enemies. Sickle": A harvesting tool with a razor-sharp, curved steel or iron blade and a wooden handle, commonly used to cut grain. It represents (swift) and (devastating) Judgment. =Revelation 14:15 "And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe." "Harvest of the earth"; The grain, in this case the ungodly people of the world, is ready to be gathered up and judged. Again, this is a time of great agony for the inhabitants Of the earth… ( Mourn and Wail ) =Revelation 14:16 "And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped."
The crown signifies HIM as the ruler of the earth, and the sickle symbolizes judgment , as an instrument of the harvest. The time has come to finish the judgment of the earth. The second coming of CHRIST includes more judgment.
To reap and harvest the earth is to judge and punish its people. And so the earth was reaped.
The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath. They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flows out of the press, rising as high as (the horses' bridles) for a distance of 1,600 furlongs or (200 miles). The amount of "blood" that results from the winepress emphasizes the severity of the judgment. "A thousand and six hundred furlongs" are 200 miles, ((the full length of Palestine)). The height of the "horse bridles" may be about four feet. The winepress may be an anticipation of the vial or bowl judgments (of chapter 16). =Revelation 14:17 "And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle."
"Temple". This refers to the (heavenly) dwelling place of GOD, (not) the Tribulation temple in Jerusalem. =Revelation 14:18 "And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe."
"Another angel … which had power over fire": This angel is associated with fire on the altar, which represents the prayers of the saints (6:9-11; 8:3-5). Fire refers to the constantly burning fire on the brass altar of the Jerusalem temple. Twice daily the priest would burn incense with that fire and offer the burning incense in the Holy Place as a symbol of the people's prayers ( 5:8; 6:9; 8:3). This angel is coming from the (heavenly) altar to ensure that [ all ]the prayers of all the saints for judgment and the coming of the kingdom are answered. He calls for judgment to start. Again, the sickle depicts judgment. The clusters of the vine of the earth represent the unbelievers of the earth, those who have followed and worshipped the Beast. The time for GOD'S judgment of the earth is now! The great winepress of the wrath of GOD pictures the violence and intensity of GOD'S coming judgment on the earth. Perhaps the reference is to the coming Battle of Armageddon. =Revelation 14:19 "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."
"Winepress": This vivid imagery signifies a horrendous slaughter or bloodbath (Isaiah. 63:2-3; Lam. 1:15; Joel 3:13). Here it refers to the slaughter of all the enemies of GOD who are still alive, facing the destruction at Armageddon, the final battle against GOD'S enemies, staged on the Plain of Esdraelon. The bloody imagery comes from the fresh juice of stomped grapes splattering and running down a trough from the upper vat - to the lower vat of a stone winepress. =Revelation 14:20 "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"
"Without the city": GOD will determine that this bloodbath will occur outside Jerusalem, as if GOD wants to protect the city from the carnage all around. (Zechariah 14:1-5), makes clear that Jerusalem (will) be attacked, but will (not) be destroyed in the end, but spared for the glory of the kingdom. "Even unto the horse bridles": The severity of the slaughter is indicated in the imagery of the blood of those killed in the Battle of Armageddon splattering as high (about 4 feet), of the bridles of the horses involved. Equally likely, if the battle occurs near the central valley of Israel, the tremendous volume and flow of blood could easily form troughs 4 feet deep in some places. This event clearly is described (in 19:11-21).
(Ezekiel 39:8-16), may be describing the cleanup.