contact us at: bethmelekh@gmail.com
בית מלך Beth Melekh
  • Home - דף בית
  • Soundbites with Yaakov
  • Yaakov's Commentary - פירוש יעקב
  • Yeshivah Videos - וִידֵאוֹ
  • This Week at Yeshivah
  • Faith Statement - הצהרת אמונה
  • Worship Songs
  • Yeshivah - ישיבה
  • Weekly Torah - פרשה התורה
  • Yaakov Ben Yehoshua a Concise Life Story
  • Yaakov's BOOKS ספרי שׂל יעקוב
  • Torah Kosher Foods - אוכל כשר
  • Festivals 5780 - 5781 - חגים
  • Affiliate - בית הכנסת שותפים
  • Counting the Omer - ספירת העומר
  • Eliyahu Chris Hennessy

Revelation 12: Ethnic Israel, the Messiah & the Adversary

14/8/2015

 
The only thing that can silence the accusations of Satan is the death and resurrection of Messiah.
Picture
An examination of Revelation 12.

Introduction:

Chapter 12 begins to unpack allegorically what the synopsis of Chapter 11 explained literally. There are key differences between the two chapters that give us clues as to how we should interpret the respective texts. Chapter 11 begins with Yochanan receiving a measuring reed, which is an indication of physical interaction during a personal encounter with G-d or an envoy/messenger, and the subsequent direct relaying of information, whereas chapter 12 begins with, “A great sign appeared”. A sign by definition is a symbol or representation of something or someone else, this is a clear direction to the reader to consider this section of text to be an allegory/sign of something or someone else.

Scholars debate various passages of the book of Revelation, often based on either the literal or allegorical interpretation of the text, however, almost all agree that chapter 12 is to be interpreted allegorically. What remains is that we interpret the symbolism correctly. Yochanan the Jew is not using pagan myth as a foundation for what he’s seeing, to the contrary, his vision is well grounded in the Tanakh (OT) and he continues to allude to the Exodus, the theme which has been the sub plot of the entire book from the very beginning.

Yeshua often told mashlim (Parables) and then explained or unveiled them only to His talmidim (disciples).

 His (Yeshua) talmidim (disciples) began questioning Him as to what this parable meant. 10 And He said, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of G-d, but to the rest it is in mashlim (parables), so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. “Now the mashal (parable) means this:” –Luke 8:9-11 

We know that the Revelation is the Unveiling of Yeshua to His faithful servants, recorded by the prophet Yochanan, Yeshua’s beloved talmid (disciple). Revelation 12 follows this same pattern of teaching, first giving the mashal (sign/parable) (verses 1-6) and then unveiling it to the Ecclesia—Community of believers (verses 7-15).

For example, in verse 6 the number 1260 days is used to describe the woman’s time in the wilderness. In the previous chapter this number was used in a literal sense referring to the allotted time of the prophesying of the two witnesses, this is qualified by the context of chapter 11; however in this chapter the same number is part of the sign/parable which is subsequently qualified in the unveiling of the sign/parable. Verse 14 explains that the number 1260 days is to be understood metaphorically as, “a time and times and half a time” according to the vision of the prophet Daniel (Daniel 7: 25).  

For those who argue otherwise, it’s important to note that neither the 42 months nor the 1260 days of chapter 11 are metaphorical according to the p’shat (plain meaning) of the text, whereas the idiom, “a time and times and half a time” is in itself a metaphor/mystery that is only interpreted otherwise if the context denotes a remez (hint) at another meaning.

The Text:

12:1 A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labour and in torturous pain and about to give birth.

As previously stated, the sign indicates metaphor and allegory. The Hebrew recognizes the messianic prophecy of Isaiah in these first few verses:

“HaShem Himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call
His name Immanuel (G-d with us).  –Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 7:14

It is noteworthy that this is a, “great/mighty” sign. It is unmistakable, a sign that spans generations from ancient times past and into the future, it can’t be contained except in the pages of the heavens. This seemingly mysterious woman is no more mysterious to the Jew than Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Lea, the matriarchs of Israel. Her description is rich with Hebraisms and Tanakh references, so much so that to any believer of Yochanan’s time well versed in the Tanakh (The only Bible available to believers up until some 30 years prior to the writing of Revelation) could see plainly what outsiders could not. Thus, Yeshua’s Unveiling/Revelation is intended for the faithful, those who invested time in the teaching of the Apostles and the reading of the Torah, Ketuvim and Nevi’m (OT).

So, who is this woman? She’s a sign to the nations. She’s seen in the heavens because her destiny is secure in the arms of HaShem and His heavenly armies. She’s a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6; 60:1-3), clothed in the sun. Her feet are secured upon the symbol of the Messiah, the moon. Upon her head is a crown of twelve stars, she wears the authority of a nation of twelve tribes. She is with child, a child who we soon learn, is the Messiah Himself. She’s known great suffering and trials, the Greek word translated, “pain” is used most often to describe torture and torment. Hence she screams not only due to the birthing process but also because of her great suffering.

A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 

This reference couldn’t be clearer. Israel’s greatest rabbis agree that the words of Solomon’s Song are an allegory for G-d’s love relationship with ethnic Israel.

“Who is this that arises like the dawn, as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun,
majestic as the stars in procession?” –Shir Ha-Shirim/Song of Songs 6:10

These words are attributed to the friends of the groom, and being friends of the groom they’re also friends of the bride. The Shulamite bride is Israel and the Groom is G-d Himself.

The symbolism of the sun, moon and stars is also a blatant allusion to Joseph’s dream:

“Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars (+1=12) were bowing down to me.” When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” –Genesis 37:9-10

The sun and the moon are Jacob (Israel) and Rachel, the Patriarch and Matriarch of ethnic Israel and the eleven stars are the tribes of Israel less one, Joseph, who makes twelve.

At Revelation 21:12-14 the number twelve refers to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve Apostles, all Jews. This is yet another affirmation of the number’s correct interpretation.

HaShem speaks of Israel as His bride/wife numerous times throughout the Tanakh. Unlike many earthly husbands, G-d is never unfaithful, even when His wife is faithless He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).

“For your Maker is your husband--
    HaShem Shaddai (Almighty) is His name--
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
    he is called the G-d of all the earth.” –Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 54:5

“I will betroth you to me forever;
    I will betroth you in righteousness and justice,
    in love and compassion.
I will betroth you in faithfulness,
    and you will acknowledge Hashem.” –Hosea 2:19-20

2 and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labour and in torturous pain and about to give birth.

This is the beginning of the antithesis to the great mourning of Israel’s failure to birth salvation, which is recorded in Isaiah 26:17-18:

“As a pregnant woman about to give birth
    writhes and cries out in her pain,
    so were we in your presence, HaShem.
18 We were with child, we writhed in labour,
    but we gave birth to wind.
We have not brought salvation to the earth,
    and the people of the world have not come to life.”

This failure is answered by G-d with the promise of a Son, the deliverance of the ethnic people of Israel and the return of her land.

“Before she goes into labour,
    she gives birth;
before the pains come upon her,
    she delivers a son.
8 Who has ever heard of such things?
    Who has ever seen things like this?
Can a country be born in a day
    or a nation be brought forth in a moment?
Yet no sooner is Zion in labour
    than she gives birth to her children.
9 Do I bring to the moment of birth
    and not give delivery?” says Hashem.
“Do I close up the womb
    when I bring to delivery?” says your G-d.
10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her,
    all you who love her;
rejoice greatly with her,
    all you who mourn over her.
11 For you will nurse and be satisfied
    at her comforting breasts;
you will drink deeply
    and delight in her overflowing abundance.” –Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 66:7-11

“Writhe in agony, Daughter Zion,
    like a woman in labor,
for now you must leave the city
    to camp in the open field.
You will go to Babylon;
    there you will be rescued.
There Hashem will redeem you
    out of the hand of your enemies.” –Micah 4:10

Who is this woman? The answer is undeniably, “Ethnic Israel” the Jewish people. She is NOT the extended Israel of post replacement theology rhetoric (now known as Extentionism, Supersessionism and so on). She is NOT the Church as spiritual Israel. She is ethnic Israel. Anyone who says otherwise is perpetuating a satanic lie that has defiled the Church for far too long. They bring judgement on themselves.

It’s worth noting that up till this point The Woman (Ethnic Israel) hasn’t given birth. This means that she currently represents ethnic Israel prior to the birth of the Messiah.

3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon (Taniym/devourer, tormentor) having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven crowns. 

The second sign, the Dragon is Satan (The Adversary). His appearance in the heavens (the second heaven, not the third heaven from which He was originally cast out), denotes his role as prince of the air (Ephesians 2:2).

The red colour of the dragon symbolizes torment and intent to destroy and torture. The whore and beast of Revelation 17: 3-4 are also red/scarlet for the same reason. The colour red is associated to the Hebrew name, “Edom” which literally means, “Red” and is born of the root Adamah (earth). Esau, who is called Edom because of his sin in despising his birth rite (Genesis 25:30), is known for his rebellion against G-d and his offspring become the objects of G-d’s judgement (Isaiah 34:5-6), thus the Dragon is seen as one who resists the purposes of G-d.

In keeping with the underlying Exodus narrative, Yochanan is also alluding to Pharaoh’s role in seeking to enslave and destroy Israel:

“Speak, and say, Thus says HaShem Elohim (G-d); Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of
Egypt, the great dragon (Taniym) that lies in the midst of his rivers, which has said, My river is mine
own, and I have made it for myself.” –Ezekiel 29:3 (See also 32:2)

There are also a number of other passages from the Tanakh that refer to the Dragon and associate him with other symbolically evil beings such as Leviathan and Rahav (Psalm 74:13-14; Job 26:12-13; Isaiah 27:1).

The seven heads and ten horns symbolize authority and established rule (temporary). This corresponds to the beast with ten horns in Daniel’s vision:

“After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.” –Daniel 7:7

“He gave me this explanation: ‘The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. 24 The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings.” –Daniel 7:23-24

The dragon therefore will be the power behind a future (fourth) kingdom that will have ten kings/rulers representing a unified government and complete power of the kingdoms of the world (as opposed to the kingdom of G-d). The number of heads not only represents the completeness of the Dragon’s evil nature but also the fact that he is difficult to kill, each head defending the others.

4 And his tail sweeps away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.

The Greek is present tense, “sweeps”. This indicates what the dragon does rather than what he has done. Therefore this is not a reference to Satan’s original casting out of the third heaven (Ezekiel 28:12-19; Isaiah 14:11-15), but a reference to the battle in the heavens that will be further explained in verses 7-9. Daniel 8:10 attributes this action to the little horn of his vision.

The stars are the dragon’s messengers, who number a third of the messengers of the heavens (angels are likened to stars in a number of biblical passages including Isaiah 14:11-15). In metaphorical terms this shows how little power Satan has in relationship to the remaining angelic host, not to mention his miniscule position when standing before the G-d of creation.

His tail sweeps the stars away because it’s in the wake of his defeat that his messengers fall. Both Satan and his messengers have become the tail and not the head, what power was allowed him in the second heaven has now been taken from him. This is the last descent prior to his judgement, he is now bound on earth within its atmosphere (the outer limit of the first heaven).

And the Dragon (Taniym/devourer) stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.

The woman, represented by Miriyam (of Judah), is about to birth the Messiah Yeshua. Like Pharaoh before him, Herod sought to devour Israel’s Messiah (Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 2:13-18).

Satan has sought to devour ethnic Israel from her conception, he continues this act of rebellion by seeking to prevent her reconciliation through Messiah. He will be found wanting, unable to affect a victory.

5 And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to shepherd all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to G-d and to His throne. 

Yochanan leaves no room for confusion, the child is a, “son” and a, “male”. He is described using the Messianic title, “shepherd all the nations with a rod of iron” meaning that he has been given absolute authority of creation by G-d Himself, to be the Shepherd of all nations. This is of course a quote from the Tanakh:

“I will surely tell of the decree of HaShem:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’” –Psalm 2:7-9


Unlike the tyrants of earth, Messiah will shepherd the nations with the iron rod of firm justice. The shepherd uses a rod to fight off the enemies of the sheep and bring them to submission. For the sheep on the other hand, He uses a staff (Crook) to guide them and in cases of danger, to hook them around the neck and pull them free.

There is no doubt that the child is the Messiah Yeshua. Yochanan sees no need to describe every detail of His life, after all he is relaying a sign/parable and not a detailed account of the life of Messiah. Thus Yochanan shows the earthly birth and ascension of the Messiah, summing up His earthly ministry from start to ascent. Of course Yeshua’s earthly ministry is not yet complete, He is coming to reign.

It is of note that the Son is caught up to the third heaven and the throne of HaShem, He plays no direct part in the events that follow, which occur in the second heaven. This is yet another affirmation of the Almighty G-d and His power, so far beyond that of the devil, that He need not exert Himself in defeating the evil one.

6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by G-d, so that there they would nourish her for one thousand two hundred and sixty days (3 ½ years, 42 months).

This exodus of sorts mirrors the type set for it in the Exodus from Egypt, however it’s not the exodus from Egypt because the Messiah has been born. Therefore it first conveys the escape to Egypt of Miriyam, Joseph and Yeshua following Herod’s attempt to kill the baby Yeshua (Matthew 2:13-14), and secondly the dispersion of ethnic Israel into the nations following the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD.

Notice that the purpose of this wilderness experience is nourishment. The Greek text says, “they” would nourish her”. The “they” in this case is G-d the Father, Son and Ruach Ha-Kodesh. We know from the unveiling of this sign/parable in verse 14, that the 1260 days is a time, times and half a time, which is an undetermined metaphorical period that began at the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD and continues till this day.

7 And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon (Taniym/tormentor).

Verse seven begins the unveiling or explanation of the sign/parable of verses 1-6. We are first shown the guardian warrior of Israel in the heavenly realms, Michael (Who is like G-d? 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Yehudah 9). He has a history of defending ethnic Israel and warring on her behalf in the name of HaShem; he continues this role here in the final conflict of the heavenly realms.

In Daniel 10:21 Gabriel (Mighty One of G-d) tells Daniel about, “Your prince”, Michael (Who is like G-d?). “Your” is plural referring to ethnic Israel. Michael is the guardian of Israel who fights alongside Gabriel for her good according to the will of HaShem, the G-d of Israel.

“Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the children of your people (Ethnic Israel), will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people (Ethnic Israel), everyone who is found written in the book (Rev. 20:15; Matthew 24:21), will be delivered.” –Daniel (The L-rd is my Judge) 12:1

The Dragon (Taniym/devourer, tormentor) and his messengers waged war, 8 and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.

Satan had been cast out of the third heaven (Ezekiel 28:12-19; Isaiah 14:11-15) but had been allowed to come before G-d in the second heaven to accuse the sons and daughters of HaShem. Now, following the birth, death and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua, the Devil is about to be cast out of the second heaven as well. This means that Satan was cast from the second heaven following the ascension of Messiah over two thousand years ago and has since been seeking to destroy ethnic Israel and her offspring. However, as we will soon read, his time is short.

The Dragon is not even strong enough to defeat one third of G-d’s heavenly armies.

9 And the great Dragon (Taniym, tormentor) was thrown down, the serpent (Nachash/tempter, deceiver) of old (Genesis 3) who is called the Devil (Slanderer) and Satan (Accuser), who deceives (Tempter) the whole earth; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 

This verse describes the Dragon from beginning to end, the various names used convey aspects of the Devil’s character, and each attribute is reflected in the evil actions of the Adversary of G-d’s people.

a.)    Dragon: The Tanakh conveys this title by comparing the evil one to animals that metaphorically represent the actions of the Dragon:
1.)    Rahav: Isaiah 51:9; Psalm 39:10; Job 26:13
2.)    Leviathan: Isaiah 27:1; Psalm 74:14; 104:26; Job 41:1-34
3.)    Behemot: Job 40:15-24
4.)    Tanym: Isaiah 51:9; Psalm 74:13; Job 7:12

b.)    Serpent: Nachash, present in the Garden of Eden, a tempter and deceiver (Genesis 3)

c.)     Devil: Greek, “Diabolos” means slanderer or accuser, which corresponds to the Hebrew Satan (Accuser) Job 1-2

d.)    Satan: Adversary/Accuser

e.)    Deceiver (of the world) Rev. 20:2-3

f.)     The Accuser of our brothers: Satan continues to falsely accuse the Jewish people today and extends his accusations against the Messianic Jewish and Gentile believers

The Greek is correctly translated, “earth” here because the context denotes a counterpoint to the heavens.

Yeshua reflects on this event (and perhaps the original casting out of Satan) in Luke 10:18.

On earth Satan continues his temporary role as devourer, deceiver, accuser, tempter and adversary:

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” –1 Peter 5:8

10 Then I heard a loud throng (voices) in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our G-d and the authority of His Messiah have come, for the Accuser (Satan) of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down, he who accuses (satan) them before our G-d day and night. 

The text uses the plural, “our” therefore the heavenly voice is in fact heavenly voices joined in unity. This unified throng are the messengers/angels of HaShem. We know this because the martyrs are not in heaven but beneath the altar in Avraham’s bosom. Some have said angels wouldn’t call believers their brothers and sisters, however Revelation 22:9 suggests that angels consider righteous human beings to be fellow servants of HaShem, which denotes a type of sibling connection in Messiah.

The only thing that can silence the accusations of Satan is the death and resurrection of Messiah. Those who have accepted this gift of salvation through the washing of Yeshua’s sacrificial and life giving blood can no longer be accused because the blood of Messiah has both covered and removed their sin, past, present and future.

“31 What then shall we say to these things? If G-d is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against G-d’s elect? It is G-d who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Messiah who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of G-d, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” –Romans 8:31-36

11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

The brothers and sisters of faith who are being proclaimed by the throng are spoken of in the past tense as having overcome, not by their own strength but because of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua (The Male Son and Shepherd), and because they did not relent in bearing witness to His saving work. They were martyred “Al Kiddush Hashem”, to sanctify The Name of G-d.

Martyrdom, contrary to the modern Islamic lie, is not the act of intentionally killing yourself for a holy purpose, rather it is the act of holding to your commitment to Messiah in the face of death. The former is the sinful action of one who puts G-d to the test, the latter is the righteous action of one who values life but considers eternal life in Messiah to be of greater value. For an example of true martyrdom see Acts 7:59-60.

12 For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. 

That is the angelic host of HaShem.

Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil (Slanderer) has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”

Satan has always known he could not continue to resist G-d forever, however in this event he sees that his power has been diminished further and that the next step down for him will be into eternal punishment (20:10). Therefore he realizes that he has little time left and is utterly and helplessly angry, resulting in wrath toward all creation.

13 And when the Dragon (Taniym/tormentor, devourer) saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the face of the serpent (Nachash/tempter, deceiver). 

Though Satan continues to persecute Ethnic Israel he is not allowed to destroy her completely. G-d Himself protects her and keeps her as a remnant for the sake of His Own Great Name. Ethnic Israel is lifted up on the wings of, “The” great eagle, representing G-d Himself.

“Like an eagle that stirs up her nest,
That hovers over her young,
He spread His wings and caught them,
He carried them on His pinions.
Hashem alone guided him (Ethnic Israel),
And there was no foreign god with him (Ethnic Israel).” –Deuteronomy 32:11-12


Notice that this act of protection, strength and deliverance is a feminine act of G-d, He is seen here as a mother protecting her young.

“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.” –Exodus 19:4

“Yet those who wait for HaShem will renew their strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.” –Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 40:31

Notice that she (Ethnic Israel) will experience a time of nourishment and protection away from the fierce anger of the Serpent. Some see a yet to be future physical protection of ethnic Israel.

15 And the Serpent (Nachash/tempter, deceiver) spewed water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon (Taniym/tormentor) spewed out of his mouth.

The spewing forth of water by the Serpent is an act of persecution toward Ethnic Israel and at the same time an act of obstinate rebellion against G-d. The name, “Serpent” is used to connect this act to the Serpent of Genesis who births rebellion on the earth. The Serpent sees the correlation to Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and attempts to counteract the miracle of the Red sea by drowning Israel as she escapes the bondage and threats of the enemy. However, the earth herself is employed by G-d to consume the waters, thus emulating the escape from Egypt and causing Israel to once again come to deliverance through a symbolic immersion like that of the Red sea. One might also see an attempt by the evil one to make a pretence of foiling G-d’s promise to never again destroy the land with a flood, regardless, his attempt is thwarted.

17 So the Dragon (Taniym/tormentor) was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the Instructions of G-d and hold to the evidence of Yeshua.

If the Greek, “entole” is to be understood as Torah, then the rest of the woman’s (Ethnic Israel’s) children are Messianic Jews. They, “keep the Torah (Instructions) of G-d and hold to the evidence of Yeshua”. However, in John 13:34 Yeshua uses the same term to describe His commandment to love and in Matthew 12:28-31 Yeshua uses entole to explain the two commandments that are the sum of the Torah and a guide for every believer, therefore it seems reasonable to interpret the present passage to refer to all followers of the Messiah Yeshua who have been spiritually born of Ethnic Israel through the Ethnic Jewish G-d Messiah Yeshua. This does not mean that the Church is Israel, to the contrary it shows a clear distinction between Ethnic Israel (The Woman) and those who are spiritually born. Israel continues to have a G-d given ethnic imperative to exist as a separate entity from the nations, this is essential to the outworking of G-d’s kingdom on earth. The alternative would make G-d a liar. Thank G-d, “Who cannot lie” (Titus 1:1-3) that ethnic Israel remains and will remain at His coming! Am Y’srael Chai! Baruch HaShem!

The dragon stood on the seashore.

In order to call forth the two beasts (13:1, 11).

© Alastair Brown 2015


Bry
20/8/2015 16:15:51

Really cool article - almost felt like I was there - just needed better tangents 8) Do you have any more info on the Song of Solomon representing the Christ and his bride? I've always looked for this in other scripture and found little. Awesome brother - keep up the great work!

Yaakov
21/8/2015 01:35:23

Shalom Bry,

Thanks for the feedback. There are some New Testament references that indicate the role of Messiah as groom and the community of believers as bride, this could be seen reflected in Song of songs but only as a secondary interpretation to the allegorical Husband and wife relationship of G-d and Israel (ethnic). There remains a physical connection between the Father G-d and ethnic Israel that transcends the line between flesh and spirit, however the community of believers both Jew and Gentile are most certainly a part of the New Jerusalem, which is called the bride by the messenger that directs Yochanan in Revelation 21:2. This is the mystery, that G-d will honour His covenant promises (Ketuvah) to ethnic Israel and also make way for those among the nations who receive His Son to be part of the commonwealth of Israel as member nations who are made citizens of the New Jerusalem, the bride of both Father and Son. A city is the sum of its inhabitants.

Regarding the tangents, I see the plot writer in you looking for sub plots. There are many, however due to the tendency for them to become sensational I have avoided alluding to them in this study. My hope is that the conjecture entered into by so many will be put aside and replaced with the p'shat (plain meaning) in order to prepare the bride for any and every outcome.

Shalom shalom

Yaakov


Comments are closed.
    Picture

     כתביו של יעקב
    Yaakov Brown

    Spiritual leader of Beth Melekh Community, Auckland, N.Z.

    Yaakov Brown BOOKS
    Picture

    Archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013

    Categories

    All
    12 Prophets
    2019
    5778
    666
    Aaron
    Abba
    Abimelech
    Able
    Abraham
    Abram
    A Child Is Born
    Acts
    Adam
    Adam And Eve
    Adonai Roi
    Adonai Tzevaot
    Adultery
    Adversity
    Affliction
    Ahaz
    Ahsur
    Al Chet
    Aleph
    Aliens
    Aliyah
    Aliyot
    Allah
    All Tribes
    Almah
    Altar
    Amalek
    Ancient Hebrew
    Andrew
    Angel Of The Lord
    Angels
    Annas
    Annul
    Anointed
    Anointing Oil
    Anti-Christmas
    Antonia
    Anxiety
    Approval
    Arabic
    Aramaic
    Ariel
    Ark
    Ashamnu
    Ashteret
    Ashterot
    Ashur
    Ask
    Ask The Rebbe
    Asneth
    Assyria
    Assyrian
    Atonement
    Aviyad
    Avram
    Azariah
    Babel
    Babylon
    Baker
    Baladan
    Baptism
    Bavel
    Bedikat Chametz
    Beersheba
    Beersheva
    Beggar
    Begin Again
    Beginning
    Behjamin
    Beit Chasda
    Beit Tzaida
    Bel
    Belly
    Beloved
    Benjamin
    Bereishit
    Besorah
    Bethany
    Beth Aven
    Bethel
    Bethesda
    Bethlehem
    Beth Melekh
    Bethsaida
    Betrayal
    Betrothal
    Betulah
    Bilhah
    Birth
    Birthdays
    Birthright
    Blasphemy
    Blessing
    Blessing For The Season
    Blind
    Blood
    Boat
    Body
    Bondage
    Book Of Life
    Books
    Books Of Moses
    Booths
    Branch
    Branches
    Bread
    Bread From Heaven
    Bread Of Life
    Brit HaChadashah
    Brother
    Brothers
    Burden
    Caiaphas
    Cain
    Calf Idol
    Calf Idols
    Camping
    Cana
    Capernaum
    Capital Crime
    Capstone
    Captivity
    Carry
    Caught In Adultery
    Celebration
    Challah
    Challot
    Channukah
    Chanukah
    Chanukiyah
    Chanukkah
    Chasidiym
    Chatan Bereishit
    Chatan Torah
    Chavah
    Chesed
    Chief Priests
    Children
    Children Of Light
    Chosen
    Chosen One
    Christian
    Christmas
    Chuppah
    Circumcision
    City
    Civil New Year
    Clay
    Clean
    Cloud Of Witnesses
    Clouds
    Coal Fire
    Coals
    Cohen Hagadol
    Comfort
    Comforter
    Command
    Commandments
    Compass
    Confusion
    Construct
    Contemplative Worship
    Context
    Contextual Fallacy
    Cornerstone
    Corner Stone
    Cosplay
    Courage
    Court Of Women
    Covenant
    Covenants
    Creation
    Creator
    Crescent
    Cross
    Crown Of Thorns
    Crucifixion
    Crushed
    Crying
    Cults
    Culture
    Cup
    Cupbearer
    Curse
    Cyrus
    Dan
    Darkness
    Daughters Of Men
    Daughters Of Zion
    Davar
    David
    Day
    Day Of Atonement
    Day Of Coverings
    Day Of Soundings
    Death
    Dedication
    Deliver
    Demons
    Depression
    Desert
    Desolate
    Deuteronomy
    Devar
    Difficult
    Dinah
    Dionysus
    Dipped
    Disciple
    Disciples
    Discipline
    Disembodied Spirits
    Disputes
    Distinction
    Diversity
    Doctrine
    Dominion
    Dragon
    Dreams
    Drink
    Drunk
    Eagle
    Eat
    Echad
    Edom
    Egypt
    Eighth Day
    Elazar
    El Gibor
    Elieizer
    Eliphaz
    Elohim
    Elohiym
    Emmanuel
    Emotion
    Empirical
    Emunah
    Endor
    End Times
    Enemies
    Envoys
    Ephraim
    Error
    Esau
    Escaping Goat
    Eschatology
    Esther
    Eternal Life
    Eternal Priesthood
    Eternal Punishment
    Eternal Security
    Ethnic
    Etrog
    Eunuchs
    Eve
    Even
    Even Ha Shetiyah
    Everlasting
    Everlasting Father
    Evidence
    Evil
    Exodus
    Eye
    Eyes
    Faith
    Faithfulness
    False Gods
    Family
    Famine
    Farmer
    Fasting
    Father
    Fear
    Fear Not
    Fear Of Death
    Feast Of Trumpets
    Feet
    Fence
    Festival
    Festival Of Shelters
    Festival Of Tabernacles
    Festivals
    Filthy Rags
    Fire
    First Century
    First Century CE
    Fish
    Fishes
    Flagrum
    Flesh
    Foreigners
    Forsaken
    Foundation Stone
    Free
    Freeborn
    Freedom
    Free From Fear
    Freewill
    Fullness
    Gabbatha
    Galilee
    Galilee Of The Nations
    Gates
    Gathered
    Gat Sheminim
    G-d With Us
    Genealogy
    Generations
    Genesis
    Gentile
    Gethsemane
    Ghosts
    Gibeah
    Gift
    Gilead
    Gilgal
    Giving
    Glory
    Goal
    Goal Of Torah
    God
    Godhead
    Gods
    God With Us
    Golgotha
    Gomer
    Good
    Good News
    Goshem
    Goshen
    Gospel
    Gospel According To John
    Gospel Of John
    Government
    Goy
    Goyim
    Grain
    Grapes
    Grave
    Greek
    Groom
    Ha Akedah
    Ha Akeidah
    Haaretz
    Ha Aretz
    Ha Beit
    Ha Besorah Al Piy Yochanan
    HaBrit HaChadashah
    Ha Davar
    Ha Devar Emet
    Ha Din
    Ha-D'var Emet
    Haf Tarah
    Hagar
    Hail
    Ha Kotel
    Halakhah
    Haman
    Hannukah
    Haran
    Har Beit
    Harvest
    HaShem
    Hassidim
    Healing
    Heaven
    Heavens
    Hebrew
    Hebrews
    Hebron
    Hermon
    Herod Antipas
    Hezekiah
    Hidden Meaning
    Hidden Messiah
    High Holy Days
    High Priest
    High Shabbat
    Historical
    History
    Holy
    Holy Of Holies
    Holy One Of Israel
    Holy Spirit
    Homosexuality
    Horus
    Hosea
    Hoshea
    Hosheia
    House
    House Of Prayer
    House Of The LORD
    Humanity
    Humility
    Husband
    Hyper-grace
    I AM
    Identity
    Idolatry
    Idols
    Images
    Imannuel
    Imanuel
    Imanu El
    Immanuel
    Immature
    Immersion
    Inerpretation
    Instruction
    Isaac
    Isaiah
    Isaiah 10
    Isaiah 12
    Isaiah 14
    Isaiah 30
    Isaiah 38
    Isaiah 47
    Isaiah 8
    Isaiah 9
    Ishmael
    Islands
    Israe
    Israel
    Israelite
    Israelites
    Jabok
    Jacob
    Jacob's Ladder
    Jacob's Well
    Jeremiah
    Jeroboam I
    Jerusalem
    Jesse
    Jesus
    Jew
    Jewish
    Jewish Wedding
    Jews
    Jezreel
    John
    John 1
    John's Gospel
    Jonah
    Jordan
    Joseph
    Joseph Of Arimathea
    Josephus
    Jotham
    Judah
    Judaism
    Judas
    Judea
    Judean
    Judeans
    Judge
    Judgement
    Judges
    Justice
    Kadesh
    Kadosh
    Kashrut
    Keeping The Sabbath
    Kefa
    Kerosh
    Ketonet
    Keturah
    K'fa
    K'far Nachum
    Kfar Nachum
    Kinetic Worship
    King
    King David
    Kingdom
    King Messiah
    King Of Glory
    King Of The Jews
    Kings
    Kinneret
    Kinsman Redeemer
    Kiriat Arba
    Kislev
    Know
    Kohen HaGadol
    Kol Nidrey
    Koresh
    Kosher
    Kosmos
    Laban
    Lake
    Lamb
    Lame
    Land Of Israel
    Last Days
    Law
    Lazarus
    Leah
    Levi
    Leviathan
    Levites
    Levitical
    Levitical Priesthood
    Leviticus
    Life
    Life In The Blood
    Lifted Up
    Light
    Light Of The World
    Light To The Nations
    Lion
    Lion Of God
    Lion Of Judah
    Lions' Gate
    Live
    Living
    Living Water
    Living Waters
    Loaves
    Locusts
    Logos
    Lord
    Lost Tribes Myth
    Lot
    Love
    Love One Another
    Love Your Neighbour
    Lulav
    Maccabees
    Machpelah
    Magen David
    Malchus
    Man
    Manasseh
    Mangal
    Manna
    Mansions
    Marduk
    Mark Of The Beast
    Marriage
    Marta
    Martha
    Mary
    Mashal
    Mashalim
    Mashiach
    Mashiyach
    Mashiyach Neshlach
    Mashlim
    Matriarchs
    Matzah
    Matzot
    Mayim Chayim
    Meaning In Names
    Medium
    Meggilat
    Megiddo
    Megillah Ruth
    Melki Tzedek
    Memra
    Menachem
    Menachiym
    Mene
    Menorah
    Menstrual Cloth
    Meradoch
    Mercy
    Merodach-Baladan
    Messenger
    Messengers
    Messiah
    Messianic
    Messianic Age
    Messianic Gentiles
    Messianic Judaism
    Messianic Judaism 101
    Mighty God
    Mikdash
    Mikvah
    Mikveh
    Millennium
    Miltha
    Miracle
    Miracles
    Miriam
    Miriyam
    Mishnah
    Missing The Mark
    Mithra
    Mitzvah
    Mitzvot
    Moadim
    Molech
    Moloch
    Moral Law
    Mordechai
    Moriah
    Mosaic Penmanship
    Moses
    Moshe
    Mountain House
    Mountain Of HaShem
    Mount Zion
    Mourning
    Mt Gerizim
    Mt Moriah
    Mt Seir
    Mt Sinai
    Mud
    Murder
    Na'arah
    Nablus
    Nahor
    Nakdimon
    Nakdiymon Ben Gorion
    Names
    Naphtali
    Naqdimon
    Nation
    Nations
    Nativity
    Nebo
    Nefesh
    Negev
    Nephilim
    New Beginning
    New Commandment
    New Earth
    New Heavens
    New Jerusalem
    New Land
    New Testament
    New Year
    Nicodemus
    Night
    Nikodemos
    Nisan
    Noah
    No Fear
    Northern Kingdom
    Northern Tribes
    Not Of This World
    Oaths
    Oath Taking
    Offerings
    Officer Of The King
    Oil
    Olam Haba
    Olam Hazeh
    Olive Press
    Olives
    One
    Pagan
    Paid Servant
    Paleo Hebrew
    Parables
    Pardes
    Parousia
    Passover
    Patriarchs
    Paul
    Paul The Apostle
    Pele Yoeitz
    Pentecost
    People
    Peoples
    Perez
    Perushim
    Pesach
    Peter
    Pharaoh
    Pharisees
    Philip
    Philistia
    Pictographic Hebrew
    Pilate
    Plagues
    Pool
    Pool Of Siloam
    Potiphar
    Potiphera
    Potter
    Powerpoint
    Practice
    Praetorium
    Prayer
    Prayer Shawl
    Pre-Trial
    Priest
    Priesthood
    Priestly Under Garment
    Priests
    Prince Of Peace
    Princes
    Promised Land
    Promised Messiah
    Promises
    Prophecy
    Prophet
    Prophets
    Prosper
    Prostitution
    Protection
    Proverbs
    Provide
    Prune
    P'rushiym
    Psalm
    Psalmist
    Purim
    Purple
    Questions
    Rabbi
    Rabbinical
    Rabbis
    Rabboniy
    Rachel
    Rainbow
    Ram
    Ramot Gilead
    Ram's Horn
    Rape
    Rapture
    Rashi
    Rav Shakeih
    Rav Shaul
    Reason
    Rebecca
    Rebeeca
    Redeemed
    Redeemer
    Redemption
    Red Sea
    Refute
    Regalim
    Rejoicing
    Rejoicing In The Torah
    Religious
    Religious Leaders
    Remnant
    Rend
    Repairing The World
    Ressurection
    Rest
    Resurrection
    Return
    Returning
    Reuben
    Revelation
    Righteousness
    Rites
    Ritual Purity
    Ritual Washing
    Rivkah
    Robe
    Rod
    Roman
    Romans
    Romans 14
    Rome
    Room
    Rooster
    Root
    Rosh Hashanah
    Ruach
    Ruach HaKodesh
    Ruach Ha-Kodesh
    Rule
    Ruth
    Sabbath
    Sacrifice
    Sacrifices
    Sadducees
    Sages
    Salem
    Salim
    Salvation
    Samaritan
    Samaritan Woman
    Sanctify
    Sanhedrin
    Sarah
    Sarai
    Sar Shalom
    Satan
    Saturday
    Saturnalia
    Saul & The Witch
    Saved
    Savior
    Saviour
    Scapegoat
    Scourge
    Scribes
    Scripture
    Scroll
    Seamless
    Second
    Second Coming
    Sect
    See
    Selichah
    Selichot
    Sennachereb
    Sennacherib
    Sent
    Sepulchre
    Seraphim
    Serpent
    Serpents
    Servant
    Servants
    Service
    Servitude
    Session
    Set You Free
    Sexual Sin
    Shabbat
    Shabbat Bread
    Shabbats
    Shaliach
    Shamash
    Shavuot
    Shechem
    Sheep
    Sheep Gate
    Sheep & Goats
    Shelters
    Shem
    Shemini Atzeret
    Shemot
    Shepherd
    Shiloach
    Shiloh
    Shimon
    Shimon Kefa
    Shivah
    Shmini Atzeret
    Shofar
    Shofrot
    Shomeir Shabbat
    Shomron
    Shomroniym
    Shomroniyt
    Shoot
    Shuvah
    Sickness
    Sight
    Sign
    Signs
    Silent
    Siloam
    Simchat Torah
    Simeon
    Simon Peter
    Sin
    Sinai
    Sisters
    Sitting Shivah
    Sixth Day
    Slave
    Slavery
    Slave To Sin
    Smoke And Fire
    Snake
    Sodom
    Sol Invictus
    Solomons Colonnade
    Solomons Porch
    Son
    Song Of The Lamb
    Sons Of God
    Sorceress
    Soul
    Speckled
    Spirit
    Spotted
    Star Of David
    Steps
    Stock
    Stomach
    Stone
    Story In Genealogy
    Streaked
    Streaming
    Strength
    Stump
    Substitution
    Success
    Sukkah
    Sukkot
    Sunday
    Superstition
    Swear
    Sychar
    Synagogue
    Tables
    Taken Away
    Tallit
    Talmidim
    Talmud
    Tamar
    Tammuz
    Tanakh
    Targum
    Tav
    Tear
    Teffilot
    Tefillah
    Tefillin
    Tehilim
    Temple
    Temple Mount
    Temple Rites
    Teshuva
    Testimony
    Tevilah
    That Day
    The Beast
    The Binding Of Isaac
    The Branch
    The Bride
    The Day
    The Exodus
    The Fall
    The Festival
    The Good Samaritan
    The Hebrew Text
    The Holy Name
    The Lamb
    The Land
    The Land Of Israel
    Theology
    The Pavement
    The Seventh Shofar
    The Third Temple
    The Two Olive Trees
    The Word
    Thirst
    Thomas
    Throne
    Tikun Olam
    Tishrei
    Tishri
    Tithing
    Toledot
    T'oma
    Tomb
    Torah
    Tower Of Babel
    Town Of David
    Tradition
    Transgression
    Translation
    Treasury
    Trial
    Tribe
    Tribes
    Trust
    Truth
    Turning
    Twins
    Tzemakh David
    Tzemakh Hashem
    Tzitzit
    Tziyon
    Uncreated
    Under Garment
    Unity
    Unleavened Bread
    Unquenchable Fire
    Uriah
    Uzziah
    Vayikra
    Vengeance
    Vicarious
    Village
    Vine
    Vinedresser
    Vineyard
    Violation
    Virgin Birth
    Voice
    Voice Of Annulment
    Voices
    Vow
    Vows
    Wait
    Waiting
    Walls
    Warning
    Washing
    Washing Feet
    Watchers
    Watchmen
    Water
    Water Of Life
    Water Ritual
    Waters
    Wave Offering
    Way
    Weak
    Weapon
    Wedding
    Well
    Wells
    Western Wall
    Whip
    Wine
    Wine Offerings
    Wine Press
    Witchcraft
    Witness
    Woman
    Woman At The Well
    Wonderful Counsellor
    Word
    Work
    World
    World To Come
    Wrath
    Wrestles
    Write
    Xmas
    Yaakov
    Yaakov Ben Yehoshua
    Yaakov Brown
    Yahashua
    Yahshua
    Yam
    Yarden
    Yehoshua
    Yehudah
    Yehudi
    Yehudiym
    Yeshayah
    Yeshayahu
    Yeshivah
    Yeshua
    Yeshua In The Feasts
    Yeshua's Birth
    YHVH
    Yishaiyahu
    Yishay
    Yishayahu
    Yisrael
    Yizreel
    Yochanan
    Yom Ha Teruah
    Yom Ha-Zikharon
    Yom Kippur
    Yom Shishi
    Yom Teruah
    Yom T'ruah
    Yoseph
    Yoseph Ben Gorion
    Zebulun
    Ziggurat
    Zion

    RSS Feed

May the present peace of Messiah Yeshua reconcile you to the eternal rest of HaShem!


Meeting times

Friday evening: 6:30pm - 10pm

Telephone

64 212709933

Email

bethmelekh@gmail.com