The First Pattern in Threes (My Personal Favorite):
Judgment of Life (Death): The Lord strikes each time. Heart remains hard, heart remains hard, relents but God hardens afterward. 1. (1) Fish death to (5) Cattle death to (10) First born death Judgment of Land (Swarms): Pharaoh lies about Israel departing from the land after a plague ends each time. Pharaoh hardens heart, Pharaoh hardens heart, the Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart. Aaron's rod, God did so, Moses' rod. 2. (2) Frogs to (4) Beetles to (8) Locusts Judgment of Flesh (Pain of the Flesh): No Warnings given by God at the start of the plague each time . Pharaoh's heart remains hard, the Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart, the Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart. Aaron's rod, Moses and Aaron handfuls, Moses' rod 3. (3) Lice to (6) Boils to (9) Felt (Mashash) Darkness Notice the first three plagues kick off each Judgment section, and are plagues that were both upon Israel and Egypt. There is a 3 and 7 pattern here, with the last seven being plagues only Egypt suffered. Notice the intensity keeps getting ramped up in each Judgment section: Fish have the smallest value, cattle are far more valuable, and a child's life is priceless. Frogs are a nuisance, beetles ruin the land, and locusts desolate the land, whatever plant life remained. Lice are a nuisance, boils are very painful, and darkness felt... well, that one requires explanation: Lice may prevent some activity, but not too much, boils would prevent you from doing lots of activities (the magicians could not stand before Moses, for instance), and the thick darkness made the Egyptians come to a complete stand still (the Egyptians did not rise from their place). Judgment of all Three in One: Pharaoh lies, Pharaoh hardens heart and his heart remains hard, Warning given, Hail strikes 7. Hail (it kills life left in the field who did not heed God's warning, it destroys the land and crops, it is felt on the flesh when it strikes). It involves Hail, Fire, Thundering (literally voice). It is the language of Great Judgment, See Revelation 8:5-7, 10:3-4, 11:19, 14:2, 16:18-21. The 1st set of judgments on Egypt: for taking the lives of the males in Exodus chapter 1, and any other life they took when afflicting the people with severe bondage. Exodus 1:22. The 2nd set of judgments on Egypt: for forcing hard labor on the Israelites to work the land and refusing to let them leave the land. Israel then seems a symbol for trouble for the Egyptians; at first, they are like frogs, fertile and abundant, and a nuisance to Egypt because of their size and the risk they posed to Egypt's sovereignty; it is interesting to note they come from the river, the same that the male Israelites were drowned in, and this squares with Exodus 1:12, which states that the more affliction Israel suffered, the more they grew. Then the children of Israel, due to Pharaoh's hard heart, begins to ruin the land. Then the children of Israel completely devastate and spoil Egypt (they leave with gold and possessions). The third set of judgments on Egypt: for inflicting severe bondage on the children of Israel and forcing them to serve with rigour (perek), with force that breaks down the flesh (the root of the word perek means to break apart or fracture). See Exodus 1:13-14. The lice and boils are likely representative of the bondage before Moses came on the scene, but when Pharaoh orders Israel to make bricks without straw a greater evil occurs, even harder bondage, a thick darkness that hovers over that display of corrupted authority. Oh, and notice the interesting numerical arrangement in all three sets of judgments (Not sure what it means, if anything, but it looks cool): 1,5,10 2,4,8 3,6,9 Pattern in Threes Again: Pre Plagues Showdown: Aaron's rod swallows Pharaoh's magician's rods. God's Authority is greater than Pharaohs (Satan's). The rod symbolizes authority, the serpent which the rods turn into symbolize power to judge, judgment that ultimately leads to death, for the wages of sin is death. Note that rods strike, and so do serpents, often with poison that can lead to death. Pharaoh's heart is described as hard (literally, strong). This 1st showdown foreshadows the last one, keep reading. ;) Aaron's Rod: 1. Aaron's rod stretches over the water, but Moses strikes water with the rod. The Lord specifically is given credit for striking the waters twice. Water turns to blood. Water is blood for 7 days. No respite, Pharaoh's heart is hard. 2. Aaron's rod over the waters. Frogs* from waters to land. Respite, then Pharaoh hardens heart (1). 3. Aaron's rod strikes dust. Dust turns into lice. No warning given. Magicians cannot replicate, tell pharaoh this is God. Pharaoh's heart is hard. Hands of God, Moses and Aaron: 4. God did so. Beetles in all the land of Egypt. Distinction made between Israel and Egypt here on out. Respite, which makes Pharaoh harden his heart (2). 5. God's hand upon the cattle (pestilence) results in death. Pharaoh's heart is hard. 6. Moses and Aaron grab handfuls of furnace ash and throw it toward heaven and it becomes small dust (particles or powder) and boils that erupt on the flesh of Egyptians and beasts. No warning given. Magicians cannot stand before Moses. Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart (1). Moses' Rod: 7. Moses' rod pointed toward heaven. Hail and fire and thunder (literally, voice) to fall on people, animals and first crops, the flax and barley. Distinction made between Egyptian servants that feared what God would do, and those that did not. Respite, but then both Pharaoh and his servants harden their hearts (3). Pharaoh's heart is hard. 8. Moses' rod over the land. East wind brings locusts that cover the land like darkness, and finishes off the remaining crops. Pharaoh says only men may leave to sacrifice. Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart (2). 9. Moses' rod toward heaven. Darkness for 3 days (mirrors water to blood for 7 days). No warning given Pharaoh tells Moses you will no longer see my face. Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart (3). The Lord God's "Rod": 10. The Lord strikes (like Aaron had struck) Egypt's firstborn children and the firstborn of beasts with death. Moses told Pharaoh what would happen. Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart (4). Post Plagues Showdown: A Final Sign for Egypt The Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart again (5), and Pharaoh goes after Israel, and his army perishes in the Red Sea. This final showdown was foreshadowed by Aaron's rod turned to serpent swallowing the magician's rods that also turned to serpents. Pre plague event come to full fruition in the post plague event. The same word for the rod swallowing (bala) is used again in Moses' song in Exodus 15:12: Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed (bala) them. The first three stand offs between God's men and Pharaoh's magicians (Satan) all include replications: 1. Rods to serpents 2. Water to blood 3. Frogs from water The last three plagues involve a kind of Darkness, with the Lord hardening Pharaoh's heart after each event: 1. Locusts covering like darkness 2. Literal darkness 3. Death A Thought on Waters, Blood and Death: Egypt enslaves Israel and kills the male children by throwing them into the Nile during Moses' day. The Nile is struck with a rod and turns to blood. God strikes the firstborn of Egypt with death. Blood on the doorpost saves Israel. God destroys Egypt's army in the Red Sea. Couplet Pattern in Ascending Natural Order: Plagues Associated with Water 1. Nile to Blood, fish all die. Pharaoh's heart is hard (his heart was hard from the start). 2. Frogs from Nile, rivers, canals and pools everywhere and in houses. Pharaoh hardens heart (1). Plagues Associated with Earth 3. Strike the Dust of Earth, which becomes Lice on all flesh (the flesh is likened to dust). Pharaoh's heart is hard. 4. Beetles* on Earth and Flesh and in Houses. Land is ruined. *(Beetles because they walk on earth but also wings. Pharaoh hardens heart (2). Plagues Associated with Air and Flesh 5. Livestock Pestilence ending in death. Pharaoh's heart is hard. 6. Boils on flesh (the image) from the soot of a metal smelting furnace (which likely made idols). Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart (1). Plagues Associated with Plants and 1st Heaven 7. Hail/fire on flesh and crops and plants from 1st heaven. Pharaoh hardens heart (3). Pharaoh's heart is hard. 8. Locusts from the east wind (see winds of heaven) destroy the remaining crops and plants. They cover like darkness. Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart (2). Plagues Associated with 2nd and Third Heaven 9. Darkness from 2nd heaven for three days. Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart (3). 10. Death of Firstborn of people and cattle. Lord hardens Pharaoh's heart (4) after Pharaoh hears the message from Moses. God’s uses His created Natural Order to judge Egypt, in ascending order: Earth used to judge Egypt: 1. Water 2. Earth First Heaven used to judge Egypt: 3. Air 4. Sky then Wind Second and Third Heavens used to judge Egypt: 5. Sun, moon and stars 6. Third Heaven The first couplet is interesting, because it contains a special dichotomy: Death (water to blood kills river life) and overabundance of life (extra fertility). *Note: To the Egyptians, the frog was an ancient symbol of fertility, related to the annual flooding of the Nile. The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36)
Moses Elijah Jesus What connects them? Each of these men had a significant departure, and a significant 40 day and night fast. Let's look at each instance, and how they are fulfilled ultimately in Jesus. Moses and Elijah are said to have spoken about Christ's exit/departure (Luke 9:31) accomplished at Jerusalem (His death on the cross): Moses led an exodus for Israel, from the bondage of Egypt. Elijah's departure was his ascension to heaven (and symbolic return, see Malachi, John the Baptist). Christ's death on the cross was for the world, from the bondage of sin. Christ departs by ascending into heaven (and will return). Btw, the word for exit here is the same word used in Hebrews 11:22 when talking about the Exodus: "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones." Also worthy to note the transfiguration takes place on a mountain. Patterns: A. First 40 day fast (Deut. 9:9) Moses ascends in a cloud up Mt. Sinai to receives the law from God, and tabernacle instructions. The tablets are broken, as was the covenant by Israel. Upon seeing the calf, Moses asks who is on the Lord’s side, and 3,000 Levites stand up. B. Second 40 day fast (Deut. 9:2) Moses intercedes on Israel's behalf, and is tested by God. He sets up the tabernacle of meeting outside the camp, and convenes with God. Outside the camp because God may consume the people if He is near. Exodus 33. C. Third 40 day fast (Deut.10:10) Moses ascends Mt. Sinai again with hewn stone for a second set of tablets; the covenant is reestablished with the 12 tribes of Israel. Moses' face reflects God's glory and puts a veil over it. A.C. 40 day and night wilderness fast: Elijah journey's through the wilderness 40 days and nights fasting to get to Mt. Horeb. He puts a cloak over His face after He hears God whisper. There Elijah receives instruction from God on anointing two kings, and his disciple, Elisha. (Note, Elijah does not fulfill this commission himself completely; Elisha his disciple anoints the two kings, he carries out the commission that was originally given to Elijah). Elijah says he alone is left, but God tells him that 7,000 men are still true to God and not worshipped Baal. B.B. 40 day and night wilderness fast: During His 40 day fast Christ is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. After this Christ begins His ministry by calling His disciples, and intercedes for our sins, beginning by forgiving those that call His name and ending with His sacrifice on the cross. C.A. 40 days after resurrection till ascension: During last 40 days on earth Christ reinstates His 12 disciples having cut the New Covenant. He has completely fulfilled the Law with His death and resurrection and ascension. He commissions his disciples to go into the world and create new disciples, to carry on His mission. He ascends into heaven in a cloud on the Mt. of Olives. Inverse/Reversal: As: Moses receives the Law ~to~ Christ fulfills the Law. Bs: God tests Moses ~to~ Satan attempts to tempt Christ. Cs: God forgives Israel after the golden calf; Moses uses a veil to cover the glory of God that is reflected off his face ~to~ After the showdown between Baal priests and Elijah, Elijah goes to Mt. Horeb and uses a cloak to cover his face from God’s glory; God will use Hazael then Jehu then Elisha for a sword against the offenders. Completion/Fulfillment: As. The Law given for purity, plagues/curses if not followed, which occurred with the golden calf that Moses destroyed ~to~ Jehu anointed to remove King Ahab's dynasty and Baal worship, and Hazael to punish Northern Israel and Judah for not following God’s Law. After seeing the calf Moses asks who is on Lord’s side and 3,000 Levites stand up ~to~ After the Baal showdown Elijah says he is the only one left, but God says 7,000 have not bowed to Baal. Bs. Moses intercession for Israel and willingness to sacrifice himself completed in Christ's intercession and sacrifice on the cross. Cs. Covenant reestablished to New Covenant established. 1st Half, Covenant: Establishing covenant, interceding for breaking the covenant, reestablishing the covenant. Second Half, Commission: Commission and discipleship to continuing the commission through the disciple(s). Daniel Chapter 9: The 70 7s
(No Moon Calendar Needed. Yay.) The 70 7s are divided into three parts: 7 7s and 62 7s, and 1 7. There is a clear division between those three groupings. The 70 7s appear to be in terms of years, at least partly, due a precedent set in Ezekiel chapter 4 (a day for a year), and because Daniel says he reads about the determined 70 years in Jeremiah. An anointed one (messiah), the prince or ruler, is promised after 7 7s and 62 7s. Let's look first at 7 7s symbolically. We know this stands for a Jubilee, as recorded in Leviticus 25. A Jubilee occurred after 7 7s, on the fiftieth year, and was primarily concerned with restoration: all debts were forgiven, prisoners and slaves set free, and land returned to the original owner. This sounds mirrors the return from Babylonian captivity. Debts are forgiven (the sins of primarily idolatry and injustice that led them to captivity in Babylon, "the Land of the North"), prisoners set free (Zion is free to leave their captivity in Babylon), and land is returned (God's people are allowed to have their land back when they return to the Promise Land). See also Jeremiah 23:7-8, where this return is compared to the original exodus from Egypt. This is a true Jubilee. It occurs in the year 538 BC; that is the year after Babylon is conquered by the Medes and Persians, and Zion is allowed to return when Cyrus makes a decree, see Ezra 1. 538 BC would be the fiftieth year, so there must be a significant date when a word is given concerning the restoration of Zion, 49 years before 538 BC that begins the Jubilee period. And there is. It begins with a word, "dabar". A word from whom? Not Cyrus in this case (note the word for decree is not used here in vs 25 of Daniel 9), but a word from God Himself. This requires close inspection: It begins in verse 25 of chapter 9 with "the command to restore ("shub") and to build ("banah") Jerusalem." In Jeremiah 33:7 we find these exact same two words used in succession to describe the restoration of Zion: "shub" and "banah". God speaks ("amar" see verse 34)* here to Jeremiah in 587 BC (while the siege of Jerusalem is going on by Nebuchadnezzar) that his people will be returned/restored (depending on translation) and rebuilt: "And I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first." Ezra 6:14 makes it clear God first commands to restore and rebuild, and it was further brought to fruition by the commandments of these three Persian kings: Cyrus, Darius, and lastly Artaxerxes. Understanding who Zerubbabel is: Zerubbabel is a Messianic figure, and retains the line of Christ after the exile. See Matthew 1:12-13 for his name mentioned in the genealogy. In Haggai 2:21-23 Zerubbabel is like the "signet" ring. He is also called the governor of Judah. The signet ring contained an emblem unique to the king, like an official stamp of approval. It symbolizes the special authority given to Zerubbabel by God Himself. Other kings of Israel were said to have this signet. Zechariah 4:7 Zerubbabel is the completer of the temple, literally but also symbolically as a Messianic figure. A great mountain (kingdom) becomes a plain before Christ when He returns. In Zerubbabel's day there was not a great mountain that become a plain before him; this can only be fulfilled in the person of Christ on His return. * The word דבר [daber] means ‘to speak’. It frequently comes together with the word אמר [AMAR], which means “to say”. The most frequent phrase in the Torah is וידבר ה’ אל משה לאמר … – and the Lord spoke [Daber] to Moses saying [AMAR] which uses both of these words together. Credit:https://myhebrewwords.wordpress.com/2016/02/04/21-%D7%93%D7%91%D7%A8-daber-the-way-we-speak/ Revelation 1:13-18 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 4:1-2 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 shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. Ezekiel 8:1-3 8 And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord God fell there upon me. 2 Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the color of amber. 3 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. Daniel 10:5-9 and 16 5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. 10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. Daniel 7:9-10 and 13-14 9. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. A. Chapter 4. "After these things I saw" John is called up to heaven in the Throne Room of God: 24 Elders on thrones with crowns perhaps recalling 12 tribes and 12 apostles as mentioned in Revelation 21 of the New Jerusalem. David's 24 priestly divisions (1 Chronicles 24) may also be in sight here. 7 Spirits of God and a sea of glass. 4 Living Creatures recalling the cherubim Ezekiel 1 and 10, with 6 wings recalling the seraphim in Isaiah 6:1-8. These 4 Living Creatures mirror the 4 Beast Kingdoms in Daniel chapter 7, but they are God's Kingdoms, not earthly kingdoms of fallen men. The Kingdom of Heaven is recalled here in these 4, denoting 4 different eras or stages, with a seraphim prince (like Michael the archangel over Israel in Daniel 10) over each church kingdom era. B. Chapter 5. "And I saw" A sealed scroll held in the right hand of God. Then the Lamb who is worthy appears to open the seals. All heaven praising God. B. Chapter 6. "And I saw" Christ the Lamb opens the seals. They are in a 4 and 3 pattern, just like the churches (4 churches in chapter 2, 3 churches in chapter 3). This 4 and 3 pattern resurfaces throughout Revelation. 1-4 seals: The four horseman here are reminiscent of the four horsemen in Zechariah 6 (notice the pattern), who are compared also to the 4 winds of heaven again. Each Living Creature is assigned to a seal and says "Come and see". These horsemen, then, each come at a different time allotted to them in history. They are not in the seventh seal, they are different seals that are opened at different times in history. 5th seal: The martyrs in Heaven ask how long before justice is served. By the time this seal is opened, martyrdom will come back in full force against God's people, the church. 6th seal: This is a preview of what is to come in the seventh seal; the world recognizes the Lamb of God is come, and brings God's wrath against them. The sky departs like a scroll rolled up: the scroll is what we are trying to open here by opening the seven seals, and it is being rolled up, the judgment day has come and is at completion. A. Chapter 7. "And after these thing I saw" 4 angels holding the 4 winds back (denoting all cardinal directions: N,S, E, W and God's power to move, a heavenly force or chariot, see Zechariah 6). I saw a strong angel (likely Christ) with God's seal with loud voice saying hold the winds until we seal the tribes. See Ezekiel 9 and Exodus 12. Then the great multitude from all over the earth from the Great Tribulation appears, with robes washed in blood of the Lamb. As: Throne room with 24 elders (12 Israelite tribes and 12 Jewish apostles) and 4 Living Creatures (church eras) ~to~ 12 Israelite tribes sealed (144,000 total) and a great multitude from the tribulation out of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues (the church). Bs: The sealed scroll ~to~ the seals of the scroll being opened. The scroll contains the written judgment of God on the whole earth in the last days, when the seventh seal is opened. Gem Stones, According to Rows and Firstborn
Exodus 28:16, the high priest's breastplate stones Revelation 9:17 Jacinth. Oh, there you are Dan, you went missing from the list of tribes in chapter 7. What on earth are you doing here? (See also Genesis 49:16-18 and Deuteronomy 33:22 for further symbolism) Revelation 21:19: Tribal stones in the foundation of the New Jerusalem; however, they symbolize apostles, the foundations of the church instead of the tribes of Israel; perhaps the stones symbolize some kind of prescribed division that will exist in the New Heaven and Earth among all God's people. The Israelite tribes are symbolized by pearls, by one precious stone, symbolizing the unity of the tribes, and perhaps moving past the prescribed divisions that once defined them in the Old Testament. Numbers 2:3-34: Order of tribes, in groups of three, in all four cardinal directions. Daniel 10:6 and Song of Solomon 5:14 and Ezekiel 1:16 (the wheels of the cherubim who hold up the throne of God): Beryl. And who is it that comes from the tribe of Judah? ;) Beginning with Reuben, the first born, going clockwise. South: First Row. First Born. First two of Leah, and firstborn of her handmaid who was fifth overall. First Children. Reuben the firstborn, Simeon, Gad Sardius, Topaz, Carbuncle West: Second Row. All Rachel's blood grandsons and son. Last Children Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Middle: No Row. Third of Leah Levi North: Third Row. Rachel's handmaid's firstborn. 2nd from Leah's handmaid, 2nd from Rachel's handmaid. First Middle Children. Dan, Asher, Naphtali Ligure (unknown) or Jacinth, Agate, Amethyst East: Fourth Row. 4th from Leah, then she stopped bearing for a time. 5th and 6th sons after Leah started to bear again. Last Middle Children Judah, Issachar, Zebulun Beryl, Onyx, Jasper 1) Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn, Leah's first child. 2) Simeon was the second son of Leah. 3) Levi was the third son of Leah. 4) Judah was the fourth son of Leah. After bearing Judah, Leah stopped bearing children for a time. 5) Dan was Bilhah's first child, Rachel’s handmaid. 6) Naphtali was Bilhah's second child. 7) Gad was the fist child of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. 8) Asher was the second son of Zilpah. 9) Issachar was 5th biological son granted to Leah. 10) Zebulun was the 6th biological son given to Leah. 11) Joseph was Jacob’s twelfth child and Rachel’s first, God allowed her to conceive. Manasseh and Ephraim are Jacob's; a double portion. 12) Benjamin was Jacob’s last child, the second of Rachel, who died during labor. Note: Gad, Reuben and half tribe Manasseh settle on the east side of Jordan. Fulfillment Chiasm:
Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego A. 1. Introduction to Daniel and Friends: Daniel has good standing with the eunuchs. Daniel resists defilement by refraining from the King's meat and drink, He is given knowledge and wisdom and understanding/reason. Daniel and friends are ten times better than the other counselors. B. 2. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream: Statue of Kingdoms. Daniel interprets the vision. Earthly kingdoms fall to God's heavenly kingdom on earth. Daniel rewarded with rule and gifts. And so are Daniel's friends on his request. C. 3. Nebuchadnezzar wants others to worship him. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are saved from being inside the fiery furnace by God (Christ shows up, one who "looks like a Son of God" Contrast that with the "Son of Man" phrase later in Daniel 7 and Daniel 10). Nebuchadnezzar comes to praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel Before Three Separate Kings A. 4. Daniel can interpret better than the counselors and astrologers who could not interpret the dream. Nebuchadnezzar refrains from acknowledging God, defiling himself, which is further portrayed when the king transforms into something bestial , then gains his understanding/reason and honor and counselors and lords back. B. 5. Belshazzar's sees hand writing on the wall. Daniel interprets the vision, the Babylonian kingdom falls to the Medes and Persians. Daniel rewarded with power and gifts. C. 6. Darius wants others to worship him. Daniel is saved from being inside the lion's den by God. Darius comes to praise the God of Daniel. As: Resisting defilement, and gaining understanding/reason and loyalty of the king's court. Daniel's understanding of visions and dreams and commune with Nebuchadnezzar further fulfilled in this account. Daniel's non-defilement results in better appearance, while Nebuchadnezzar's defilement results in bestial appearance until his reason returns. Daniel's non-defilement is ultimately fulfilled and passed on to Nebuchadnezzar's non-defilement at the end of the account, when his reason returns and praise is fully given to the true God. Bs: Daniel interprets the visions of the kings, earthly kingdoms fall. He gains rule and gifts. Babylon's fall fulfilled here. Cs: The king wants other's to worship him, then when God's servants are saved from inside of certain death, he acknowledges the true God of those servants afterward. God is acknowledged by Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar, and further fulfilled by a Medo-Persian ruler (Darius the Mede) over Babylon. Gabriel Comes A. 7. 4 Beastly Kingdoms and The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. "One of them that stood by" in verse 16. It was confirmed to be Gabriel in chapter 9 vs 21. Gabriel interprets. B. 8. Vision of Ram (Persia) and Goat (Javan) and Javan's Division and Small Horn (the antichrist). Gabriel interprets the vision, and is described as the "appearance of a man" and calls Daniel greatly loved. C. 9. Daniel's prayer and the 70 7s. Abomination of desolation comes and the daily sacrifice taken away. Gabriel comes to give understanding. Daniel and The Man in Linen (Christ), Gabriel, and Michael A. 10. Vision of Christ in Glory, the man clothed in linen. There is another numinous being Daniel is confronted by, who appears to be Gabriel, the one who has fought against the prince of Persia. See verse 17. Described the same in chapter 8 as the "the appearance of man", and also refers to Daniel as greatly loved, the same description in chapter 9. Michael is mentioned here. B. 11. First person Gabriel speaks. 4 Persian Kings, Persia conquered by Javan, Divisions of Javan: the Kings of the North and South, and the antichrist (King of the North in latter times). C. 12. Time of the End and God's People. Abomination come, and the daily sacrifice is taken away. Michael and the Man clothed in Linen are both mentioned here. As: Bestial Kingdoms and princes of some of those kingdoms. Visions of Christ as a Son of Man fulfilled as Christ in Glory. Gabriel appears, but is unnamed both times. Bs: Persia conquered by Javan; the Small Horn fulfilled in the King of the North. Cs: Prayer and asking the meaning of what has been said. 70 7s (as a time frame) and Time, Times, and a Half and days. The abomination of desolation comes and the daily sacrifice is taken away. Inverse Chiasm: A. 1. Introduction to Daniel and Friends: Resisting Defilement, Given Knowledge and Wisdom. B. 2. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream: Statue of Kingdoms. C. 3. Nebuchadnezzar's (man's) image worshipped as a god. All are to fall prostrate in worship. D. 4. Nebuchadnezzar's dream of a tree, and its fulfillment after 7 times have passed. E. 5. Belshazzar as an antichrist figure, but one who could not interpret the riddle, and the Fall of Babylon. F. 6. Darius, Daniel, and the Lion's Den; Darius decrees men fear God, for His kingdom shall last, a reversal of his own decree exalting his own earthly kingdom. F. 7. Vision of Four Beastly Kingdoms; the earthly kingdom shall be destroyed, and the kingdom go to God's people, and it shall last. E. 8. Ram verses Goat (Fall of Persia), and the small horn who can interpret riddles. D. 9. Daniel's Prayer and the 70 7s. C. 10. Vision of a Deific Man (Christ). Daniel falls prostrate. B. 11. Kings of Persia, and Kings of the North and South. A. 12. Time of the end. "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." "Many shall be purified... the wise shall understand." As: Daniel and friends (a select few without blemish) undefiled and given wisdom and knowledge ~to~ Many (more inclusive, the poor in spirit, etc) being purified or undefiled and given wisdom and knowledge. Bs: The Statue (a specific person, the antichrist?) and its 4 Macro Metal Kingdoms destroyed by the Rock (Christ) ~to~ More Micro Kingdoms, the initial Kings of Persia, and the Kings of the North and South, the antichrist king destroyed. Cs: A man's image propped up as a false deity of gold to be worshipped ~to~ Christ as both man and God, his presence described as brass and beryl and lightening and fire, and in the similitude of a son of man. Ds: 7 times fulfilled for Nebuchadnezzar (earthly kingdom) ~to~ 70 7s to be fulfilled for God's People and City (Heavenly Kingdom). Es: Antichrist figure (see Daniel's verbal chastisement, see also Isaiah's writing on the king of Babylon and his fall in chapter 14, an the comparison to Lucifer) who could not interpret riddles/Fall of Babylon ~to~ antichrist figure who can interpret riddles/Fall of Persia. Fs: Real Lions (Persecution of God's People)/Darius original decree glorifying his own kingdom changed to a decree for men to fear God and His lasting kingdom ~to~ Vision Beasts (that also include persecution of God's people)/earthly kingdom falls and God's kingdom lasts. Creation, Fall, and Brotherhood 1. Overview of all Creation. 2. Creation in more detail: Man and Woman, the crowning point of God's creation, created in His image, being given instructions by God. 3. Climax: The Fall. Removal from Eden. 4. Cain murders his brother Abel. "Am I my brother's keeper?" Cain's Unnumbered Genealogy. Seth is born, men call upon God. The rejection of the firstborn Cain and the spiritual blessings given to Seth foreshadows Jacob and Esau. 50. Fulfilled in chapter 50. Read on. Genealogy of Adam to Noah; the Flood; Aftermath of Flood 5. Numbered Genealogy from Adam/Seth to Noah. 6. Sons of God and daughters of men. Increasing wickedness, God threatens to destroy mankind. Noah instructed to build an ark. 7. Climax: The Flood. 8. Flood waters recede. 9. God's blessings and covenant. Curse on Canaan; Shem and Japheth blessed by Noah. Genealogy to Abram; Abram's Call; Lot 10. Genealogy of Nations: Noah's Three Sons. 11. Tower of Babel. Shem's Numbered Genealogy to Abram. 12. Climax: Abram called by God to be a great nation, and goes to Canaan. Foreshadowing the nation of Israel: Abram goes to Egypt due to famine (Jacob). Egypt is plagued due to Sarai, and pharaoh orders Abram to leave (Exodus). 13. Lot and Abram go separate ways. Lot lives by Sodom. Land of Canaan promised by God to Abram's seed (Seed singular; Paul says this is fulfilled in Christ; first fulfilled in Isaac). 14. Sodom and Gomorrah plundered, Lot kidnapped. Abram gets Lot and plunder back. Melchizedek blesses Abram and is tithed. Cutting a Covenant for Land; Confirming a Covenant for Descendants: Names Changed/Circumcision; Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed 15. Lord promises that Eliezer will not be the heir but a future son, and descendants will be like stars. Abram's faith counted as righteousness Abram Sacrifices then Dreams: God cuts a covenant; 400 years of affliction in Egypt. 16. Sarai's gives her slave Hagar to Abram in order to have an heir; Ishmael is born. 17. Climax. God confirms covenant. Abram's name changed to Abraham. Males to be circumcised as a permanent reminder of the covenant. Sarai name changed to Sarah. Abraham laughs, asks Lord to pick choose Ishmael as heir. God the heir will be named Isaac. 18. Three men visit Abraham, two are angels, one is called God (Christ). Sarah uses 3 measures of meal for a feast (Christ's parable of Yeast). Son is promised. Sarah laughs like Abraham did. God promises to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham intercedes. 19. Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed, Lot escapes. Daughters have incestual union with Lot: Moab and Ammon. In Land of Abimelech (Gerar) Isaac is born; Abraham's Sacrifice; Sarah's death/Isaac comforted 20. Abraham dwells in land of king Abimelech; people plagued with bareness due to Sarah, Abraham stays in land. 21. Isaac is born, Abimelech and Abraham make a pact. Ishmael is sent away. 22. Climax: Isaac to be sacrificed, but is swapped with Ram (Foreshadows Christ). Rebekah mentioned (Isaac's future wife). Abraham is blessed for his obedience. 23. Sarah dies and is buried. 24. Isaac gets Rebekah as a wife, comforted after Sarah's death. The Second Half of Genesis: Jacob (Israel) and Joseph Jacob and Esau introduced; Jacob is blessed; Jacob goes to find a wife 25. Abraham and Ishmael die; new narrative of Jacob begins. Esau sells birthright to Jacob. 26. Famine, but told not to go to Egypt this time. Isaac like his father pretends wife is sister. Fighting over the wells. Treaty with Abimelech. 27. Climax: Jacob is blessed by old Isaac instead of Esau. Esau gets a less flattering future told. 28. Isaac now knows it was Jacob and summarizes the blessing again to Jacob. Jacob goes to look for a wife, not in Canaan, like his father before him. Jacob's Ladder Dream (Christ is the Ladder), promised to be a great nation. Jacob will tithe. 29. Jacob meets Rachel; he gets Leah instead, tricked by Laban (recalls his own trickery to acquire the blessing from Isaac). Jacob's Growing Family Leaves Laban; Jacob's name changed and receives blessing from God; Aftermath 30. Jacob's wives bear children. Jacob's flocks are greater than Laban's. 31. Jacob secretly leaves Laban who mistreated Jacob. Laban and Jacob make peace. 32. Jacob plans to meet Esau. Jacob wrestles with God (Christ). Jacob's name is changed to Israel, like Abraham's and Sarah's, and this time asks directly for the blessing without disguise, and is blessed directly by God. 33. Jacob meets safely with Esau. Jacob buys land in Canaan. 34. Jacob's daughter Dinah raped by a Canaanite. Sons murder for revenge. Jacob worried they will be suffer wrath from Canaanites. Descendants; Joseph: The Dreamer is Sold; Aftermath of Judah and Joseph 35. Jacob not pursued by Canaanites. God says Israel is Jacob's name again, and promises descendants. Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin; she is buried on the way to Bethlehem. Migdal Eder is mentioned here; curiously, this tower, and Bethlehem, and labor pains are all mentioned in the prophecies of Micah 4:8-5:2. Jacob's sons are listed. Isaac dies. 36. Esau's descendants listed. The Edomites. 37. Climax: Joseph given coat of many layers. Has dreams that will come true in Egypt. Sold into slavery by brother, in particular Judah, for it was his idea (rejected by Jews from Judah's loins like Christ) in Egypt. Brothers trick Jacob into thinking Joseph is dead (Jacob tricked again). 38. Tamar tricks Judah, and gets twins like Rebekah (the should-have-been-first was beaten out by the other twin, Perez; Christ is a descendent of Perez). 39. Joseph is successful, but is mistreated by Potiphar's wife, and goes to prison, but is also successful there. Joseph Becomes Second in Egypt; Joseph's meets his brothers again; Getting Benjamin 40. Cupbearer and Baker dreams interpreted. Joseph asks cupbearer to remember him; he initially forgets. 41. Pharaoh's dreams about plenty and famine. Cupbearer remembers Joseph, who interprets the dream and becomes second to Pharaoh. 42. Climax: Famine hits, and Joseph's brothers go to Egypt to buy grain. They bow before him. Joseph's dream comes to fruition. 43. Brothers must go back to get Benjamin in order to buy food again in Egypt per Joseph's orders. They return and feast with Joseph. 44. Joseph frames Benjamin in order to make him stay while his brothers get Jacob; Judah offers to be a slave to Joseph instead, and informs him they cannot go back without Benjamin. Israel journeys to Egypt; Israel settles in Goshen; Jacob blesses 45. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. Brothers return to Jacob and tell him Joseph is alive. 46. Jacob journeys with the whole family, 70 men total, to Egypt. The genealogy of the brothers and their children is listed. Jacob meets Joseph face to face. 47. Climax: Israel sojourns in the best land in Egypt (Goshen). Egypt is bought by Joseph for Pharaoh. 48. Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, the youngest is blessed over the oldest, like Jacob over Esau. 49. Jacob blesses all his sons. 50. Jacob dies and is buried in Canaan. Joseph reassures his brothers he will not seek revenge after Jacob dies (recalls what Esau planned to do to Jacob after Isaac died). The brotherhood is restored; it started with murder (and also with the intension of murder), but ends with forgiveness in this macro narrative. Joseph mirrors Cain by saying "Fear not, am I in the place of God?" Cain played God by taking life, then arrogantly feigns ignorance and asks if he is his brother's keeper. Joseph responds to this initially unanswered question with a resounding yes, for he says "Do not be afraid, I will provide for you and your little children." The set up for the next book: Joseph wants his bones to be taken up to Canaan after they leave Egypt, and states God will surely visit Israel. The Basic Pattern explained further Every five chapters is a macro-chapter: A beginning couplet; climatic middle focal point; an ending couplet. Each macro chapter is fitted into a pattern of five as well: 1st Half: Getting to Abraham and Abraham 3. The Fall (Pre Abraham narrative) a. Adam and Eve disobeyed, which lead to death; "To dust you shall return." 7. The Flood (Pre Abraham narrative) a. Noah obeyed which led to salvation: "Noah did according to all the Lord commanded him"; Everything living on earth died except Noah and his family 12. Climax of Climax: Call of Abram (Abraham narrative begins). This chapter explains the beginning ethnogenesis of the Israelites, And why Canaan is the promise land. 17. Covenant for heir and descendants/ Name changes/Sign of covenant (Abraham narrative) 22. Abraham tested: Isaac the heir switched with Ram (Abraham narrative) Second Half: Jacob and Joseph 27. Isaac blesses Jacob (Jacob narrative). a. Jacob lies and states his name is Esau to get the blessing. b. Jacob plans to run away from Esau. 32. Jacob wrestles with God, Name Changed (Jacob narrative) b. Jacob plans to meet Esau. a. Jacob tells the truth when asked his name, and asks for a blessing. 37. Climax of Climax: Joseph introduced, sold to slavery in Egypt (Joseph narrative begins). This chapter explains why Israel is in Egypt, and why it was only to be a temporary dwelling. It builds off of chapter 17, explaining that Canaan is really their home. This narrative is necessary to drive home the point of the Exodus, setting up that story in this next book. 42. Brother meet Joseph in Egypt (Joseph narrative) a. Brothers accused of being spies, but if proven true, may traffic (trade) in the land b. The money taken from brothers in exchange for food secretly returned c. Jacob states if something happened to Benjamin his grey head (body part) would be brought down in sorrow to the grave. 47. Israel settles in Egypt (Joseph narrative) a. Brothers explain they are shepherds to Pharaoh, and wish to sojourn (stay for a while) in the land b. The money taken from the Egyptians in exchange for corn given to Pharaoh's house c. Jacob is close to dying, and requests his body be carried out of Egypt to the burial place (grave) of his fathers. The Inverse Climax Pattern A. 3. Adam and Eve cursed and driven from Eden by God. B. 7. Terrible Flood across the earth. Noah saved. C. 12. Abram called to Canaan. (also goes to Egypt due to famine; a foreshadowing) D. 17. Abram promised many descendants. Abram's (exalted father) and Sarai's names change to Abraham (father of a multitude) and Sarah. E. 22. Abraham blessed with many descendants due to faith. E. 27. Jacob blessed with richness of land and rule over others due to his supplanting. D. 32. Jacob remembers the promise of many decedents. Jacob's name (supplanter) changed to Israel (Contends with God?). C. 37. Joseph called to Egypt. B. 42. Terrible Famine across the earth. Israel saved. A.47. Israel's blessing is being fulfilled upon settling in Egypt (Goshen). It is an inverse, or mirror pattern: As: Cursed and Driven away ~to~ Blessing being fulfilled and Settled. Bs: Too much Water ~to~ Too little Water/Humanity saved ~to~ Israel saved (humanity is spiritually saved through Israel; nations are blessed). Cs: The climatic climaxes. Calling to move to Canaan ~to~ Calling to move to Egypt (which of course in Exodus leads to a calling back to Canaan from Egypt, a wonderful summary of how where Israel came from and how they got to Egypt in the first place before the story of the Exodus can be told). Ds: Promise given ~to~ Promise remembered. Partial Name Change (from one to many of one) ~to~ Full Name Change (the entire relationship of the name is changed: from one-upping a fellow man, to contending with God and being victorious). Es: Blessings of many decedents ~to~ Blessings of land and rule. Blessings given by God due to faith ~to~ Blessings given by Isaac due to trickery. Reversal Patterns (Evil for Good) in Genesis: A. Tamar denied an heir for her 1st husband when Judah falsely promised to give his third son to her. B. Tamar conceals her identity to Judah and requests his signet, staff, and bracelets; she is impregnated by Judah. B. Tamar now pregnant reveals her true identity to Judah by returning his signet, staff and bracelets. A. Tamar produces heirs (twins) for her 1st husband by Judah; Perez supplants the would-be first born Zerah, and becomes an ancestor of Christ. The reversal: deceiving to revealing; no heir to heir A. Joseph's brothers deceive Jacob by telling him Joseph is dead. B. Joseph deceives his brothers by not revealing his identity immediately. B. Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. A. Joseph's brothers reveal to Jacob that Joseph is alive. The reversal: deceiving to revealing; dead to alive. A. Jacob uses trickery to take his brother's birthright. B. Jacob uses trickery to steal the blessing by using a false name to his father. B. Jacob forthrightly claims and earns a blessing by physically not letting go until he is blessed, and by giving his real name to his Heavenly Father (who wrestled him). A. Jacob forthrightly gives a blessing by physically laying his hand on Ephraim's head again after instructing Joseph (who physically removed Jacob's hand) that Ephraim will increase more greatly than his firstborn brother. The reversal: using trickery/deception to being forthright/ assertive; stealing/usurping to earning/giving Fulfillment Pattern of Abraham: Foreshadowing A. Egypt gets plagues, Abraham directed by pharaoh to leave. B. Continually promised son, Isaac, is born. C. The almost sacrifice of Isaac. Fulfilling A. Egypt gets the ten plagues; pharaoh relents to Israel leaving. B. The continually promised Messiah is born. C. Christ sacrificed on the cross for our sin. Matthew 24: 32: Parable of the Fig Tree
Christ is talking about the end times, and His return. He said to learn this: The Fig Tree is a symbol for Israel. We see it get cursed by Christ in Matthew 21:19 when it does not bear fruit, the fruit being a metaphor for the good works done in Christ that follow our faith. The curse comes when God's covenant with Israel is broken (see Zechariah 11:10), But Israel will be saved and be called God's People again (Zechariah 13:9 and Hosea 2:23). When we start seeing the signs of the fig tree getting ready to bloom, When Israel begins to accept their Messiah and is ready to bear good fruit, Then Christ will return. Then Christ says His return is not happening until this generation passes away. Who or what is this generation? Put your calculators away. It is unbelieving Israel, O Jerusalem, that has refused their Messiah. Unbelieving Israel is referred to as "this generation" many times in the gospels. Matthew 23:39 Jesus says you, the unbelieving generation, will not see me again until you say "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." Luke 13:6 records a parable concerning the fig tree not bearing fruit after 3 years, perhaps mirroring Christ's ~3 year ministry before His crucifixion. God says to the dresser (Christ) to cut the fig tree down; the dresser intervenes and requests more time, and states that if it still does not bear fruit, it should be cut down. The apostles testified to all of Israel concerning Christ, but Israel as a nation did not have ears to hear the truth. Israel did not receive their Messiah, and they were scattered (the Diaspora) further, and their capital and temple was destroyed in 70 AD, and Jerusalem was rebuilt as a Roman city and renamed Aeolia Capitolina in 135 AD. But Christ will return, and Israel will be saved in those days, and all nations will be called upon to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with Israel: Christ will tabernacle here on earth, and the nations will be delivered from their former bondage to sin. (Zechariah 14:16-21). |
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