Retrobyter

Shalom, @Mr. M. I'd be happy to do so. I'll work on it this afternoon for you. Thank you, James, for considering a response!

Shabbat shalom, @truth7t7. And, here we go.... I have the same conversations with pastors who don't take the time to understand the words. It's not that "cut and dry." First, the Fire mentioned at the END of Revelation 20 in verse 9 is NOT upon the whole globe! So, first, what does the word "earth" mean? Well, Strong's Concordance, which has been around for a while, says, G1093 γῆ gē, ghay; contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application): —country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world. So, originally, the word "earth" meant "soil" - "DIRT!" I'm reminded of how Q mocked Captain Pickard for humanity naming their planet "Planet DIRT!" in the "old" Star Trek: Next Generation series. (I've always been a Trekkie.) It IS funny, when you think about it. It's only been in the last few hundred years that we've given the word "earth" to the whole planet, especially when we've had pictures of the planet from space, which were not taken before October 24, 1946. The first color photograph of the full circle of the earth was not taken until September 20, 1967, which hasn't even been 100 years ago, yet! However, since these things have happened, we have subtlely altered the definition of "earth" to refer to the entire planet. However, the word "earth in the Old Testament is the Hebrew word, H776 אֶרֶץ ʼerets, eh'-rets; from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land): —× common, country, earth, field, ground, land, × nations, way, + wilderness, world. Just the same, the Septuagint used G1093 to translate H776, and so did the authors/translators of the Greek New Testament when quoting from the Old Testament. However, the word "'erets" most often meant "land," as in a particular track of land, such as the Land of Israel (אֶרֶץ יִשְׂרָאֵל, "'erets Yisraa'eel"). Now, if the word "kol" (כֹּל) is added, it MAY apply to "all the land" or "all the solid part" of the planet; however, it could also be limited as in "all the Land of Israel" or the "all land of another country or region." There's a whole lot of instances that the word is used that does NOT refer to the "whole earth!" YES! No. "Timing is EVERYTHING!" I LOVE these verses! However, one must TEMPER them with some interal evidence and external evidence. First, notice that Peter said, "the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; IN THE WHICH the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" He also said, "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, WHEREIN the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat." We have here TWO qualifiers that suggest that it won't actually occur AT His Coming but WITHIN "the day of His Coming," again, the "day" being a "thousand-year period." Second, there are no universal qualifiers here that suggest that this will happen to the whole planet! Third, this passage of Scripture MUST NOT contradict the rest of Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:4 (KJV) 4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. Revelation 5:1-14 (KJV) 1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" 3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. 5 And one of the elders saith unto me, "Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof!" 6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, "Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing." 13 And every creature which is in heaven (Greek: πᾶν κτίσμα ὃ ἐστιν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ = "pan ktisma ho estin en too ouranoo" = "every created-thing the-one-[that] is in the sky"), and on the earth (Greek: ἐν τῇ γῇ = "en tee gee" = "in/on the soil"), and under the earth (Greek: ὑποκάτω τῆς γῆς = "hupokatoo tees gees" = "down-under the soil"), and such as are in the sea (Greek: ἐπὶ τῆς θαλάσσης = "epi tees thalassees" = "upon the sea"), and all that are in them, heard I saying, "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." 14 And the four beasts said, "Amen." (Hebrew for "Truth.") And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. Again, chapter divisions are artificial (as are verse divisions). One mustn't forget that this IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS Revelation 20:1-15, which in turn immediately follows Revelation 19:6-21: Revelation 19:6-21; 20:1-15; 21:1 (KJV) 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, "Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he saith unto me, "These are the true sayings of God." 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, "See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called "The Word of God." 14 And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great." 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. 1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign WITH HIM a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom [is] as the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are] (see Rev. 19:20), and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away (Greek: ἔφυγεν ἡ γῆ καὶ ὁ οὐρανός = "efugen hee gee kai ho ouranos" = "fled the soil and the sky"); and there was found no place for them (Greek: καὶ τόπος οὐχ εὑρέθη αὐτοῖς = "kai topos ouch heurethee autois" = "and a-place not was-found for-them"). 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. 1 And I saw a new heaven (Greek: Καὶ εἶδον οὐρανὸν καινὸν = "Kai eidon ouranon kainon" = "And I-saw a-sky new") and a new earth (Greek: καὶ γῆν καινήν = "kai geen kaineen" = "and a-soil new"): for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away (Greek: ὁ γὰρ πρῶτος οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ πρώτη γῆ παρῆλ = "ho gar prootos ouranos kai hee prootee gee pareel" = "the for first sky and the first soil "); and there was no more sea. This is how His Coming will be signified, but when you compare this with Revelation, this occurs way back in Revelation 6! Revelation 6:9-17 (KJV) 9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled. 12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" See, the fifth seal is the Resurrection for the word "soul" comes from the Greek word "ψυχή" or "psuchee," which in turn comes from the root verb "ψύχω" or "psuchoo": G5590 ψυχή psychḗ, psoo-khay'; from G5594; breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from G4151, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from G2222, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew H5315, H7307 and H2416): —heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you. G5594 ψύχω psýchō, psoo'-kho; a primary verb; to breathe (voluntarily but gently, thus differing on the one hand from G4154, which denotes properly a forcible respiration; and on the other from the base of G109, which refers properly to an inanimate breeze), i.e. (by implication, of reduction of temperature by evaporation) to chill (figuratively): —wax cold. The other two Greek words and the corresponding Hebrew words are: G4151 πνεῦμα pneûma, pnyoo'-mah; from G4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit: —ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare G5590. G2222 ζωή zōḗ, dzo-ay'; from G2198; life (literally or figuratively): —life(-time). Compare G5590. H5315 נֶפֶשׁ nephesh, neh'-fesh; from H5314; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental): —any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, × dead(-ly), desire, × (dis-) contented, × fish, ghost, greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, × jeopardy of) life (× in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, slay, soul, tablet, they, thing, (× she) will, × would have it. H7307 רוּחַ rûwach, roo'-akh; from H7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions): —air, anger, blast, breath, × cool, courage, mind, ×quarter, × side, spirit(-ual), tempest, × vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). H2416 חַי chay, khah'-ee; from H2421; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively: — age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, merry, multitude, (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. And, like in Greek, the Hebrew word "נֶפֶשׁ" or "nefesh" likewise comes from its root verb, H5314 נָפַשׁ nâphash, naw-fash'; a primitive root; to breathe; passively, to be breathed upon, i.e. (figuratively) refreshed (as if by a current of air): —(be) refresh selves (-ed). Furthermore, since Paul used the Greek word "ψυχή" or "psuchee" to translate this Hebrew word "נֶפֶשׁ" or "nefesh" in 1 Corinthians 15:45 when quoting from Genesis 2:7, then its definition should also be "a breathing creature," especially since the words "correspond" to each other. THEREFORE, the resurrection occurs at the opening of the Fifth Seal, for these "souls" are "BREATHING CREATED BEINGS!" Timing is EVERYTHING! Pulling these verses out this way to attempt to find similarity, neglects the context of each! Some of these are talking about the top of Mount Sinai! Some are talking about AFTER the 1000 years! Some are talking about the Rescue He performs for His people when He returns! They are NOT all about the same event!

Shalom, @truth7t7. One thing a person will learn in geometry is that triangles may be similar but they are not necessarily equal. Similar triangles have all the same angles, and in the same relationship, look exactly like each other, except that the lengths of their sides are not the same! One of the triangles will have proportionally longer or shorter sides than the other. The same is true fro the things mentioned in Ezekiel when compared to the things mentioned in Revelation. THE SIZES DON'T MATCH! The New Jerusalem will be CONSIDERABLY bigger than the Ezekiel city! The city in Ezekiel's prophecy will be at best a scale model of the New Jerusalem. First, let's investigate this "river": Ezekiel says, Ezekiel 47:1-11 (KJV) 1 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house [stood toward] the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south [side] of the altar. 2 Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. 3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters [were] to the ankles. 4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters [were] to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters [were] to the loins. 5 Afterward he measured a thousand; [and it was] a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. 6 And he said unto me, "Son of man, hast thou seen [this]?" Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. 7 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river [were] very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 Then said he unto me, "These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea (the Dead Sea): [which being] brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. 9 And it shall come to pass, [that] every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. 10 And it shall come to pass, [that] the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a [place] to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea (the Mediterranean Sea), exceeding many. 11 But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt." But, before we can investigate its comparison to the New Jerusalem's river SYSTEM, we must first compare the cities themselves. First, let's compare the sizes of the cities: The area that is divided among the 12 Tribes of Israel is found in Ezekiel 47:13-23. It's the land from Damascus down to "And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the (seasonal) river (a wadi) to the great sea. And this is the south side southward." (Ezek. 47:19). It maps out a rectangular area that has a diagonal from Damascus to the mouth of this Wadi Al-'Arish at the western end of the Suez Canal is about 242 miles in length "as the crow flies." If the "River of Egypt" is actually the Nile itself, this distance may be as long as 280 miles, and might include the "Land of Goshen" where the children of Israel once made their home. Taking the more conservative number, we're looking at a diagonal distance of this Land of 242 miles. giving us a rectangle of 50 miles by 237 miles. Dividing that 237 miles by (12 + 2.5 =14.5 units)= 16.34 miles. Dividing that number by the 10000 units, gives us 8 ft 7.5 in / unit for each "reed" in the measurements. So, 10,000 "reeds" = 16.34 miles north to south, and 40.86 miles east to west for the 25,000 "reeds." Each of the 12 Tribes received this track of land which stretched from the Mediterranean east, including land beyond the Jordan River valley. In addition to these lands, there was a Holy Oblation that was 25,000 x 25,000 "reeds" that included land for the Priests of Zadok, land for the Levites, each 10,000 "reeds" wide, and a portion 5,000 "reeds" wide for the Prince. Within the 5000 "reeds" (8.17 miles) x 25,000 "reeds" (40.86 miles) called "the portion for the Prince," within the center of this land, the city of the King will exist as a square plot that is 4500 "reeds" x 4500 "reeds" (7.35 miles x 7.35 miles). So, that's approximately how big the City of the Prince shall be, according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. Now, for the rest: NEW JERUSALEM: (Remember: Chapter divisions are arbitrary, having been introduced "in the early 13th century, with Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury," [reported by Google].) Revelation 21:9-27; 22:1-7 (KJV) 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, "Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife!" 10 And he carried me away in the spirit (Greek: ἐν πνεύματι = "en pneumati" = "on [the] wind") to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God (Greek: ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ = "ek tou ouranou apo tou Theou" = "out of-the sky away-from the God"), 11 Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone (Greek: ὡς λίθῳ ἰάσπιδι κρυσταλλίζοντι = "hoos lithoo iaspidi krustallizonti" = "like a-stone of-jasper crystal-clear"), clear as crystal; 12 And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs (Greek: σταδίων δώδεκα χιλιάδων = "stadioon doodeka chiliadoon" = "stads twelve thousands"). The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. 1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, "These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done." 7 "Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book." Okay, so now let's piece together the parts: First, one can find the distances from all the mile markers left all over Europe and the Middle East by the Romans. The Roman "stad" or "stadium" is the same as the Greek word "stadios," which is found here in Revelation 21:16. Now, a Roman stad varies somewhat because it is measured by a "pace" (Latin: passus), measured by the Roman soldiers, which was called (and measured) by the one calling the march. Thus, a stad was discovered to be an average of 607.14222 feet/stad. Multiplying that by 12,000 stads and dividing by 5280 feet/mi, one gets 1,379.86868... miles. That is its length, breadth, and its height, for "The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal." That is CONSIDERABLY LARGER than the City of the Prince in Ezekiel! Similarity does not mean equality. Now, let's finish with the River of the Water of Life in the New Jerusalem: Keeping in mind that this is a city that is 1,379.8686 MILES high, and that the river is said to come "out of the throne of God and of the Lamb," where would you suppose that throne would have to be located, since the city comes "out of the sky," implying that it lands upon the New Earth? I would think that the throne would be at its highest point! Thus, like any good water system, it would divide into rivers and streams throughout the New Jerusalem and flow naturally downhill with gravity. With a length = 1,379.8686... miles and a breadth (width) of 1,379.8686... miles, we're talking about a footprint that is 1,904,037.593 square miles (without accounting for the curvature of the earth)! That's a SIGNIFICANT area, just on the bottom foundation, to cover with its water system! (Just as a sidepoint for this discussion, I believe that the curvature of the New Earth [which I believe will be quite similar to the current earth], with this fact that the river flows from the throne at its highest point, forces the basic shape of this city to be that of a PYRAMID, which has a wall that is "great and high" for a city that is 1,379.8686 miles high! That would put the throne at its pinnacle - it's "capstone!" "The head stone of the corner!") Furthermore, we're told that this river flows "In the midst of the street of it (the New Jerusalem)." So, it's in the MEDIAN of a thoroughfare, similar to our interstate systems. And, then we're told "on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations." So, this is found within the medians of the street within the New Jerusalem. Now, I'm not saying that the trees found within the Land of Israel as described in Ezekiel's account aren't the same species of tree, but we're simply not told, other than its usage. All it says is that "by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine," as you quoted above. Again, similarity does NOT imply equality!

Shalom, @truth7t7. Not "the end" yet, friend. This is one of those words I'm talking about: "glorified." It would help if one first understood the word before choosing to use it, or misuse it, or even abuse it..... John 12:23 (KJV) 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." The term in the Greek of John 12:23 is δοξασθῇ (doxasthee), translated as "should be glorified," is the aorist, passive, subjunctive form of δοξάζω (doxazoo) in the 3rd-person, singular ending. Strong's gives us these definitions: G1392 δοξάζω doxázō, dox-ad'-zo; from G1391; to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application): —(make) glorify(-ious), full of (have) glory, honour, magnify. G1391 δόξα dóxa, dox'-ah; from the base of G1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective): —dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship. G1380 δοκέω dokéō, dok-eh'-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb, δόκω dókō dok'-o (used only in an alternate in certain tenses; compare the base of G1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly): —be accounted, (of own) please(-ure), be of reputation, seem (good), suppose, think, trow. It means to render glorious OR to esteem glorious. As seen in the synonyms used in the Authorized Version, we would use the word "FAMOUS" today to describe it. But, the Greek word "doxa" means to make someone or something "very apparent," and that includes how the word is used in 1 Corithians 15:40-41: 1 Corinthians 15:40-41 (KJV) 40 [There are] also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial [is] one, and the [glory] of the terrestrial [is] another. 41 [There is] one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for [one] star differeth from [another] star in glory. When one looks up at the stars and moon, how do they differ? Don't they differ in BRIGHTNESS and COLOR? The glory of terrestrial bodies (such as human beings, beasts, birds, and fish, is in their infrared glow - their heat signatures, seen by infrared cameras and goggles! The glory of the celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are in their visible-light glow! So, "doxa" can mean to make one stand out like a king among commoners - to make one famous, or to make one stand out like a bright light against the black background of space - to make one GLOW! Now, consider what John wrote in Revelation 1: Revelation 1:12-16 (KJV) 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 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 twoedged sword: and his countenance [was] as the sun shineth in his strength. Isn't this how Paul described Him on the road to Damascus? Isn't this how He shone on the Mount of Transfiguration? When the Scriptures say "He shall appear in glory," they are not talking about a PLACE; they are talking about His GLOW! One must be careful not to mix two separate events. The FIRST event is the Return of the Messiah: When the Messiah Yeeshuwa` returns, He SHALL take vengeance against those who "know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ," but one must also be careful to understand what is meant by the "gospel!" There's the "gospel" that is identified as "the gospel of the Kingdom" and it goes back to Isaiah 52:7, as quoted by Paul in Romans 10:13-14: Isaiah 52:7 (KJV) 7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, "THY GOD REIGNETH!" Romans 10:13-15 (KJV) 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (delivered; rescued - Joel 2:32). 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher (herald; announcer)? 15 And how shall they preach (herald; announce), except they be sent? as it is written, "How beautiful ... are the feet of them that preach (herald; announce) the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" This is the "gospel" - the "godspell" - the "good news" that the Jews knew from Scripture that they studied and heard at least once a year! Not only did they read the entire Torah (the Pentateuch) through in a year, but they also read from the "Haftarah" - excerpts from the psalms and prophets - that were applicable to the section of the Torah that they were reading at the time. This section of the Torah was/is the Parashah Shoftim: AI Overview (from Google) Isaiah 52, along with Isaiah 51:12-52:12, is read in the Haftarah on the Parashat Shoftim, which is the Sabbath during the time of the Three Weeks when the destruction of Jerusalem is mourned. This Haftarah, also known as the fourth of the seven Haftorahs of consolation, emphasizes God's comfort and redemption of Israel. Elaboration: Parashat Shoftim: This is the weekly Torah reading that falls during the period of mourning for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Seven Haftorahs of Consolation: These are the specific Haftorah readings that are read on the Sabbaths of the Three Weeks, offering comfort and hope amidst the period of mourning. Isaiah 51:12-52:12: This particular Haftarah section, often referred to as "Anochi, Anochi" (I am He), emphasizes God's direct comfort and promise of redemption to the people of Israel. Thematic Connection: The choice of this Haftarah is designed to offer solace and hope to the community during the time of mourning by reminding them of God's enduring love and promise to restore Israel. "Parashat Shoftim is typically read in August or September. Specifically, on the Sabbath between the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In 2025, it will be read on August 30th, 2025." (This is also one of the best times to approach observant Jews about the gospel. Most Gentile [non-Jewish] Christians don't know this, but observant "Messianic Jews" do.) This is what Paul was teaching the church at Rome (through the Jewish Christians there at Rome)! This "gospel of the Kingdom" is what is found in the Olivet Discourse: Matthew 24:9-14 (KJV) 9 "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached (heralded) in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." This is what the new King of Israel shall be up in arms about! This is what the Herald, John the Baptist, was preaching (heralding; announcing) from the beginning of His ministry! But, with the rejection of their King, came also the adaptation of the gospel, INCLUDING His death, burial, and resurrection! It also now includes the promise of His Return to reign! This is what Paul was teaching in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4ff. ------ The SECOND event is after the first 1000 years of His reign, the Great White Throne Judgment. This is when all will be resurrected and stand before Him to be judged out of the books of their lives and deeds, and in the Lamb's Book of Life. This event is what Revelation 20:7-15 is talking about. This is also what 2 Peter 3 is talking about. Remember, however, that within that passage, Peter said, " 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack (delaying; being tardy) concerning his promise, as some men count slackness (tardiness; delay); but is LONGSUFFERING (PATIENT) to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." And, it is during that time that the "Sun of Righteousness" (Malachi 4:2) shall be reigning, He who shines "brighter than the sun at noonday!" (Acts 26:13). That Sun NEVER SETS throughout the Millennium - the 1000 years of haSatan's lock-up. It will be OUR "one Day" as well.

I had said and quoted: " Really? Don't you know how far afield "christian orthodoxy" has changed down through the last 2,000 years?! There's been a HUGE, dynamic, paradigm shift in the terminology that "christian orthodoxy" uses, especially in their liturgy and rituals! "Orthodoxy" is defined this way: 'Orthodoxy (from Ancient Greek ὀρθοδοξία (orthodoxía) 'righteous/correct opinion')[1][2] is adherence to correct or accepted creeds, especially in religion.[3] Orthodoxy within Christianity refers to acceptance of the doctrines defined by various creeds and ecumenical councils in antiquity, but different Churches accept different creeds and councils. SUCH DIFFERENCES OF OPINION HAVE DEVELOPED FOR NUMEROUS REASONS, INCLUDING LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL BARRIERS. Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy are sometimes referred to simply as "Orthodoxy". " You asked, Shalom, @Anne2. No, I'm just talking about the migration from the original texts of Scripture through doctrinal discussions, especially under the "Chrstoplatonism" that was added in the late 100s and early 200s A.D. That Greek influence HIGHLY altered the terminology. All of the various Creeds are based upon the consensus of these re-definitions of common "religious" terms, such as "soul," "spirit," "heaven," "hell," "Christ," as well as a host of other terms. Of course, these terms were in Greek and later in Latin as the Roman churches took center-stage. Nevertheless, they WERE based upon the consensus of opinions, whether they thought they were or not. They took VOTES on the matters! They discussed these issues with logic and conclusions. It is good to seek the Ruwach haQodesh ("the Holy Spirit") for His guidance and help in the decisions they would have to make, However, the "invocation" may be a problem: To invoke His help, may involve these definitions: "invoke | inˈvōk | verb [with object] cite or appeal to (someone or something) as an authority for an action or in support of an argument: the antiquated defense of insanity is rarely invoked today. • call on (a deity or spirit) in prayer, as a witness, or for inspiration. • call earnestly for: she invoked his help against this attack. • summon (a spirit) by charms or incantation. • give rise to; evoke: how could she explain how the accident happened without invoking his wrath?. • Computing cause (a procedure) to be carried out. derivatives invoker | inˈvōkər | noun ORIGIN late 15th century: from French invoquer, from Latin invocare, from in- ‘upon’ + vocare ‘to call’." It's like the word "adjure." To "adjure" someone is to urge or request someone solemnly or earnestly to do something. In a courtroom scenario, to "adjure" someone is to ORDER them to answer with penalty for failure to comply. To "invoke" help from the Ruwach haQodesh MAY have been asking Him for help, which He may or may not choose to do, OR the invoker may be attempting to SUMMON His help, as heathen attempt to ORDER their gods and spirits to do something! It may even be that the Holy Spirit was used as a WEAPON to suggest that HE wanted a particular outcome, without His true guidance. In history, there really WERE such clergymen as Victor Hugo's Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Archdeacon and Roman Catholic priest, who made himself a justice minister, and a judge, without God's authority to do so. I'm not saying that's what happened in Acts 15, but Right, and this added to the mix. I'm just saying, that we don't have the original defintions for the words we use. Therefore, we innocently misuse them, even abuse them without realizing that we're doing so.

Shalom to you, brother and friend @truth7t7. There's nothing false in this teaching from Scripture, and He ALREADY IS a human body, even after being raised from the dead! He SAID, He was "flesh and bones," and gave His hands and feet for the disciples to TOUCH AND FEEL to prove it to them! He already gave Yochanan ("John") the information that those in the First Resurrection are goint to "live and reign with Him upon the earth!" He was PROMISED by the two men arrayed in while clothes that He would be coming back, just as they saw Him leave! How much more evidence do you need? He is NOT "the antichrist!" He's the REAL CHRIST! the REAL MESSIAH OF GOD FOR ISRAEE! He's the REAL ANOINTED ONE TO BE KING AND SIT UPON DAVID'S THRONE! It was also the same "John" who wrote 1 John 5:1: 1 John 5:1 (KJV) 1 Whosoever believeth that JESUS IS THE CHRIST is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat (God the Father) loveth him also that is begotten of him (the Son of God, Yeeshuwa` or Jesus). I love Yeeshuwa` ("Jesus") with all my heart! I KNOW He shall be back and reign in Israel forever and ever! I Love His Father - MY Father - who is EVERYWHERE in this Universe and beyond, because He is the CREATOR of every last subatomic particle in this vast Universe of countless galaxies of countless stars, and has NAMED THEM ALL! He holds all things together with His power! Really? Don't you know how far afield "christian orthodoxy" has changed down through the last 2,000 years?! There's been a HUGE, dynamic, paradigm shift in the terminology that "christian orthodoxy" uses, especially in their liturgy and rituals! "Orthodoxy" is defined this way: 'Orthodoxy (from Ancient Greek ὀρθοδοξία (orthodoxía) 'righteous/correct opinion')[1][2] is adherence to correct or accepted creeds, especially in religion.[3] Orthodoxy within Christianity refers to acceptance of the doctrines defined by various creeds and ecumenical councils in antiquity, but different Churches accept different creeds and councils. SUCH DIFFERENCES OF OPINION HAVE DEVELOPED FOR NUMEROUS REASONS, INCLUDING LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL BARRIERS. Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy are sometimes referred to simply as "Orthodoxy". In some English-speaking countries, Jews who adhere to all the traditions and commandments as legislated in the Torah are often called Orthodox Jews. Sunni Islam is sometimes referred to as "Orthodox Islam".' When a figure is "orthogonal" in mathematical terms, it means that it uses "right angles" to the base of the figure. I submit to you, that ALL such "orthodoxy" are not only "OPINIONS of what is right," but are HUMAN "opinions," as well! Human beings are flawed because of sin and because of the consequences of sin, namely death and decay. Even a "living language," such as English or French or German or Russian, are constantly CHANGING with the changes found in human cultures and people groups. It's important for people to understand that "change" is not always for the better! Sometimes, it is better, such as in new technologies and innovations. Sometimes, it makes things WORSE! And, that is more frequently true when it comes to changes made from the absolute truth of God's Word - the TRUE "orthodoxy" of Scripture - without the interjection of human opinion. Creeds are invented as "stop gaps" to the decay of Christian teachings, but they are NOT Scripture! They are opinions to which the MAJORITY will adhere, but who but God can say whether they are TRUE TO SCRIPTURE?! See, the problem with creeds and ecumenical councils is that these are simply a consensus of human opinions, and every human being is susceptible to the SAME PROBLEMS WITH SIN! The CORRECT conclusion is that "the majority is NOT always right!"

Shalom, @truth7t7. How can He "sit" anywhere without being a body?! Furthermore, He doesn't "have" a body; He IS a body! And, if you think that God the Father is sitting in some fairy tale place called "Heaven," you're believing the REAL "fairy tale!" Speaking about the newly-built Temple, Solomon was quite clear: 1 Kings 8:27 (KJV) 27 "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" Luke 24:36-53 (KJV) 36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, "Peace [be] unto you." (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם לָכֶם = "Shalom laakhem" = "Peace to-you.") 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit (a ghost)! 38 And he said unto them, "Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle (touch and feel) me, and see; for a spirit hath not FLESH AND BONES, AS YE SEE ME HAVE." 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, "Have ye here any meat (food)?" 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And HE TOOK [IT], AND DID EAT BEFORE THEM. 44 And he said unto them, "These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me." 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved (it was necessary for) Christ (the Messiah) to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven (Greek: εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν = "eis ton ouranon" = "into the sky"). 52 And they worshipped (Greek: προσκυνήσαντες = "proskuneesantes" = "by kneeling or prostration they did homage [to one] or made obeisance, in order to express respect to") him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. Acts 1:1-11 (KJV) 1 The former treatise (the Gospel of Luke) have I made, O Theophilus ("God-Lover"), of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty (40) days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, "which," [saith he], "ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And he said unto them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. He didn't tell them that He would NOT be restoring again the Kingdom to Israel; He said it wasn't any of their business when the Father would send Him to restore the Kingdom! That information belonged to God the Father ALONE! When I used to live in Lake Mary, Florida, north of Orlando, I was close enough to the east coast to watch the space shuttles launched at Cape Canaveral. We would watch the rockets go up and grow smaller and smaller until we could barely see the speck that was leaving the massive cloud-trail behind it. Sometimes, a cloud would pass by and we'd temporarily lose it until the cloud passed and we could look for it again. Yeeshuwa` wasn't leaving a cloud-trail, like the shuttles did, but the same thing was happening here in the First Century after His Resurrection. He went up, and they watched Him go until they lost Him in the passing cloud, and kept looking for Him after the cloud passed. They were still looking for Him when they heard two men beside them: 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven (Greek: εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν = "eis ton ouranon" = "into the sky") as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven (Greek: εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν = 'eis ton ouranon' = 'into the sky')? THIS SAME JESUS, WHICH IS TAKEN UP FROM YOU INTO HEAVEN (Greek: εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν = 'eis ton ouranon' = 'into the sky'), SHALL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER AS YE HAVE SEEN HIM GO INTO HEAVEN (Greek: εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν = 'eis ton ouranon' = 'into the sky')." Yes, and this quote from Psalm 110:1 must be followed up with 1 Corinthians 15:20-28: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 (KJV) 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man [came] death, by man [came] also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: (0) Christ the firstfruits; (1) afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 (2) Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till "he hath put all enemies under his feet." 26 The last enemy [that] shall be destroyed [is] death. 27 For "he hath put all things under his feet" (). {But when he saith "all things are put under [him," it is] manifest that "he" is excepted, which did "put all things under him."} (In other words, GOD the Father is the exception to the "all things" put under the Messiah's feet.) 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. So, Yeeshuwa` sits in the New Jerusalem above the skies UNTIL His Father gives Him the go-ahead to return, because He has put all things under His feet. And, when He gets here, He subdues all those enemies who were put under His feet, until He has conquered every enemy. THIS TAKES TIME TO ACCOMPLISH! But, when He's done, He shall turn the Empire over to His Father, so that God the Father may be "all in all." First, understand this: The Olivet Discourse is found in all three of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. It can be done, and I took the time to HARMONIZE the Greek versions of all three accounts of His Olivet Discourse, BEFORE translating them into English. What one will learn from this task is that the second-person plural pronoun in Greek, which is "humeis, humoon, humin, and humas," and the second-person plural endings in the Greek future tense (ending in "-te" [tau-epsilon] or "-the" [theta-epsilon]), were spoken DIRECTLY TO those men sitting before Him on the Mount of Olives. When the pronouns change or a different word is used, the Messiah was peering off into the distant future, instead of the near future His own Apostles would face. In the King James Version, the second-person singular words were "thou, thee, thy, and thine." The second-person PLURAL words were "ye, you, your, and yours." So, one need only look in the KJV for the words "ye," "you," "your, " and "yours" to find the parts of the Olivet Discourse that would be SOON fulfilled that His own Apostles would face (i.e., in the First Century A.D.), and the rest would be about the more distant future, such as in His Second Coming. So, Matthew 24:23-27 are a case of Yeeshuwa` speaking DIRECTLY TO HIS APOSTLES and His prophecy was fulfilled in the First Century A.D.! Only verses 24 and 27 themselves are peering off into the more distant future. And, they DID have to contend with several who made the claim of being the Messiah, even until Simon Bar Kokhba led his revolt in 132-136 A.D., and the Romans had had enough. Simon also claimed to be YHWH'S Anointed One, God's "Messiah" or God's "Christ."

Shalom, @truth7t7. Actually, He IS NOT "reigning presently in His Kingdom upon this earth." See, while YHWH God, His Father, is INFINITELY IMMENSE in size, UNLIMITED in the scope of His existence, and SUPERCEDES His Universe, no matter how many galaxies of stars are involved, His Son, Yeeshuwa`, His Messiah to be Israel's King and ultimately the King of kings, is a HUMAN BODY, even now resurrected, and He is now LOCALIZED to a physical location. That's why He could leave this world (Acts 1:7-9), and will return again: 1 Corinthians 15:23 KJV - 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV - 19 For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 2 Thessalonians 2:8 KJV - 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 1 John 2:28 KJV - 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Matthew 16:28 KJV - 28 "Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." John 5:28 KJV - 28 "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice," 1 Thessalonians 3:13 KJV - 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 2 Peter 1:16 KJV - 16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. What would be the point of His Coming if He is already "reigning presently in His Kingdom upon this earth?" You're right in one sense. He is NOT restricted to a Millennium - a One-Thousand-Year-Period of time. Luke 1:30-33 (KJV) 30 And the angel (Gabriel) said unto her, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And HE SHALL REIGN OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB FOR EVER; AND OF HIS KINGDOM THERE SHALL BE NO END." His Kingdom shall last FOREVER! But, it SHALL EXIST RIGHT HERE UPON THIS EARTH, especially after it has been re-made after the Fire. Jeremiah 23:5 (KJV) 5 "Behold, the days come," saith the LORD, "that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." Revelation 5:9-10 (KJV) 9 And they sung a new song, saying, "Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And HAST MADE US UNTO OUR GOD KINGS AND PRIESTS: and WE SHALL REIGN ON THE EARTH." Revelation 20:1-6 (KJV) 1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This [is] the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in THE FIRST RESURRECTION: on such the second death hath no power, but THEY SHALL BE PRIESTS OF GOD AND OF CHRIST, AND SHALL REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS. Then, we also find this: Revelation 22:1-5 (KJV) 1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it (the New Jerusalem), and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and THEY SHALL REIGN FOR EVER AND EVER. The Millennium is really about the chaining of haSatan (Hebrew for "the Enemy"). However, Revelation 20:1-6 also says that while he is chained up in the Bottomless Pit (the Abyss), Yeeshuwa` and those whom He raises to life shall reign for a thousand years, and after the New Jerusalem descends to the New (Renewed) Earth, "they shall reign for ever and ever!" And, no, one isn't "translated ... into the kingdom upon this earth ruled by Jesus Christ" immediately; he or she is PROMISED being in His Kingdom upon this earth! One must read Colossians 1:13 WITHIN ITS CONTEXT: Colossians 1:1-29 (KJV) 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints, 5 For THE HOPE which is laid up for you in heaven (Greek: ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς = "en tois ouranois" = "in the skies"), whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth: 7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (fitting; worthy) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] (Greek: μετέστησεν = "metesteesen" = "hath made us stand with") INTO (not "within") the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven (Greek: ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς = "en tois ouranois" = "in the skies"). 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from THE HOPE of the gospel (Isaiah 52:7), which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven (Greek: ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν = "hupo ton ouranon" = "under the sky"); whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 [Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, THE HOPE of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present (mature) every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. While "hope" is not an "I hope so" kind of hope, it IS a CONFIDENT ANTICIPATION of what is to come, not the actual realization of what is said to come.

Shalom, @truth7t7 I've said it before, and I'll say it again, because IT IS NOT A REAL POSSIBILITY! IF Christ is reigning now "inside every person," THEN He would be the WEAKEST KING THERE HAS EVER BEEN UPON THE EARTH! Since we know that Yeeshuwa` the Messiah will be anything BUT "weak" when He reigns, then HE IS NOT NOW REIGNING "inside every person!" That is a FALSE assumption! While we can each individually accept Him as our COMING King and consider ourselves to be among His subjects, He has not even BEGUN to reign, yet!

Shalom, @Locust. Really? One should NOT forget Matthew 23:39, which gives rise to Matthew 24! Matthew 23:38-39 (KJV) 38 "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. 39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, 'Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.'" No one gets to choose which verses to believe and which to reject! Furthermore, this is a QUOTATION from Psalm 118:26! Here's the verse in context: This is all one psalm - one song - to God, and it is prophetic! Psalm 118:1-29 (KJV) 1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: because his mercy [endureth] for ever. 2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever. 3 Let the house of Aaron ('Aharown and his sons, the priests) now say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever. 4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever. 5 "I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place. 6 The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: THEREFORE SHALL I SEE [MY DESIRE] UPON THEM THAT HATE ME. 8 [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. 10 All nations compassed me about: but IN THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL I DESTROY THEM. 11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. 12 They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. 13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. 14 "The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation (Hebrew: יָהּ וַיְהִי־לִי לִישׁוּעָה = "Yah has-become to-me for-rescue/deliverance"). 15 "The voice of rejoicing and salvation [is] in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. 16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. ("The right hand of the LORD" is a title of the Messiah, especially in battle.) 17 "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. 18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, [and] I will praise the LORD: 20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. (Hebrew: עֲנִיתָנִי וַתְּהִי־לִי לִישׁוּעָה = "`aniytaaniy vathiy-liy liyshuw`aah" = "thou-hast-heard-me and-hast-become-to-me for-yshuw`aah," and Jesus' name is "Yeeshuwa`," same Hebrew letters without the ending "h," for His name means "He shall save.") 22 "The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] (the capstone) of the corner (the angle/pinnacle/pyramid). 23 This is the LORD'S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes! 24 This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, (Hebrew: הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא = "howshiy`aah naa' " = Greek: Ὡσαννὰ = "Hoosanna" = "Hosanna" in Matthew 21:9, 15; Mark 11:7, 10; John 12:13), I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. 26 BLESSED [BE] HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD: (Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ הַבָּא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה = "Baaruwkh habaa' bsheem YHWH" = "Be-happy/Welcome, the-Comer in-[the]-name of-YHWH," and "in the name of YHWH" means "on the authority of YHWH.") we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD (i.e., the Temple). 27 God [is] the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, [even] unto the horns of the altar. 28 Thou [art] my God, and I will praise thee: [thou art] my God, I will exalt thee. 29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever." John 10:16 (KJV) 16 "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd." Israel is NOT "out of it"; they are "ADDED TO!" In addition to Israel, the Gentiles have been added!

Shalom, @Locust. LOL! Don't you see that there will be some who are resurrected PURPOSELY to be found "to be unworthy of continued life?" Think long and hard about this last parable spoken before He entered Jerusalem for the final week: Luke 19:11-27 (KJV) 11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, "'Occupy (Trade with this) till I come.' 14 "But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, "'We will not have THIS [man] to reign over us!' Now, let's stop here a moment. WHO do you think these "citizens" are who don't want the Messiah of God to be King over them? Wouldn't they be the very scribes and Pharisees who would soon be killing Him? Now, consider the timing: 15 "And it came to pass, that WHEN HE WAS RETURNED, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, "'Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.' 17 "And he said unto him, "'Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.' 18 "And the second came, saying, "'Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.' 19 "And he said likewise to him, "'Be thou also over five cities.' 20 "And another came, saying, "'Lord, behold, [here is] thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.' 22 "And he saith unto him, "'Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?' 24 "And he said unto them that stood by, "'Take from him the pound, and give [it] to him that hath ten pounds.' 25 "(And they said unto him, "'Lord, he hath ten pounds!') "'26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But THOSE MINE ENEMIES, WHICH WOULD NOT THAT I SHOULD REIGN OVER THEM, BRING HITHER, AND SLAY [THEM] BEFORE ME!' " So, He brings them to Himself to be SLAIN before Him! Well, aren't the scribes and Pharisees who murdered Him already dead? Then how could this be possible? There are only two possibilities I can see: 1) Either they are already being judged at the Great White Throne Judgment which occurs AFTER haSatan has been locked away for a thousand years, OR 2) They are RESURRECTED to stand trial at the BEGINNING of His reign as this parable implies, which lasts for the last 1,000 years of this age, before going into the age to come. I believe the second scenario makes better sense. It is FITTING and JUST that they SEE that the One whom they rejected has BECOME THE KING they feared He would be! Furthermore, this parable shows that the Messiah - the Christ - SHALL be vindicated for His mistreatment at His trial and His crucifixion!

RIGHT! And, so shall they be "saved from death" in the RESURRECTION! DEATH IS NOT THE END! Yeeshuwa` is the Resurrection and the Life! And, HE says when a person can no longer be rescued from the Second Death! It wasn't the end for Lazarus, and it won't be the end for the children of Israel, either!

Shalom, @Locust. This is why terminology is so important. "Salvation" is really the WRONG WORD for one's standing with God. It should actually be termed "God's justification" of an individual. See, "salvation" which is the Hebrew word "יְשׁוּעַת" or "yshuw`at" (which is the same as Yeeshuwa`s or Jesus' name with a tav tacked on to form a noun construct, found in Exodus 14:13), means "RESCUE" or "DELIVERANCE!" In Greek, it's the words "τὴν σωτηρίαν" or "teen sooteerian," as found in the Septuagint version of that verse, which means the same thing with the definite article first. And, what is the verse talking about? It's talking about the children of Israel CROSSING THE RED SEA! So, in prophecy, this SAME WORD (and the SAME WORDS in the Greek NT) are talking about the RESCUE or DELIVERANCE that He shall perform when He returns! It's what Jeremiah was talking about in Jeremiah 23: Jeremiah 23:1-8 (KJV) 1 "Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!" saith the LORD. 2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; "Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings," saith the LORD. 3 "And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking," saith the LORD. 5 "Behold, the days come," saith the LORD, "that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice IN THE EARTH. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." 7 "Therefore, behold, the days come," saith the LORD, "that they shall no more say, "'The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt'; 8 But, 'The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries' whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell IN THEIR OWN LAND." And, you might be missing the simple truth: 1 John 5:1 (KJV) 1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus (Yeeshuwa`) is the Christ (the Messiah) is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. DEATH IS NOT THE END! There's a RESURRECTION for His people! And, guess who they will see when they are resurrected? Yeeshuwa` the Messiah of God! REMEMBER THIS PROMISE: Ezekiel 37:12-14 (KJV) 12 "Therefore prophesy and say unto them, "'Thus saith the Lord GOD; "'"Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it]," saith the LORD.'"

Shabbat shalom, @Locust. I can't believe that; I WON'T believe that! God has ALWAYS had a special place in His heart for the children of Israel! They are the LITERAL, human, genetic FAMILY of His precious Son! Besides, He called ISRAEL His "son!" Exodus 4:22-23 (KJV) 22 "And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, "'Thus saith the LORD, "'"Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn: 23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me!: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, [even] thy firstborn!"'" One doesn't just give up on a son! What do you thinki was the purpose for the parable of the Prodigal Son? Granted, there are a "few bad apples in the barrel," but most of the Jews don't even know who Yeeshuwa` was! They're only told they should reject the "Jesus" of the "missionaries." Most could not even tell you WHY they're supposed to reject Him! They don't KNOW the truth about Him, His origin, His purpose, His Kingship to come! And, according to Scripture, they shall be brought back to life, and THEN they will accept Him as their King! It may seem backward to Gentile believers, because we're taught that "death is what locks us into our decision against Christ." But, there are Scriptures that say otherwise, particularly for the children of Israel! I'm only going to quote from one more Bible passage. It's very familiar, but most take it as a vision that has no basis in reality, but that is NOT HOW GOD SAYS IT! Ezekiel 37:1-28 (KJV) 1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which [was] full of bones, 2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, [there were] very many in the open valley; and, lo, [they were] very dry. 3 And he said unto me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" And I answered, "O Lord GOD, thou knowest." 4 Again he said unto me, "Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, "'O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. 5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; "'"Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: 6 And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD."'" 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. 8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but [there was] no breath in them. 9 Then said he unto me, "Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, "'Thus saith the Lord GOD; "'"Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live."'" 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. 11 Then he said unto me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, 'Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.' 12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, "'Thus saith the Lord GOD; "'"Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And ye shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken [it], and performed [it]," saith the LORD.'" 15 The word of the LORD came again unto me, saying, 16 "Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, 'For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions' : then take another stick, and write upon it, 'For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and [for] all the house of Israel his companions:' 17 "And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. 18 And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, 'Wilt thou not shew us what thou [meanest] by these?' 19 Say unto them, "'Thus saith the Lord GOD; "'"Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which [is] in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, [even] with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand."' 20 "And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes. 21 And say unto them, "'Thus saith the Lord GOD; "'"Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: 23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. 24 And David my servant [shall be] king over them; AND they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them. 25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children FOR EVER: and my servant David [shall be] their prince FOR EVER. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an EVERLASTING covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them FOR EVERMORE. 27 My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 28 And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them FOR EVERMORE."'" Notice the order: First will come the Resurrection, and THEN will come the everlasting covenant, all having one Shepherd!

Shabbat shalom, @Luther. "TO STEAL PALESTINE"? Did you know that it was the Romans who first called the Land of Israel "Palestine?" And, they did it to PROVOKE the children of Israel, the remnant of the Kingdom of Judah, who returned after Koresh (Cyrus the Great of Persia) issued the decree that they could go home, because "Palestine" is the Roman way of saying "Philistia," the land of the PHILISTINES! And, it's been so labeled since the Roman Empire. It was the ROMANS who stole the Land from Yhuwdaah (Judaea)! The Philistines were prominent during the days of Sha'uwl ("Saul") and David. Many know the account of David and the giant Golyat ("Goliath"). He was a Philistine. They were not so prominent during our Master's days, although a remnant of them still existed. They had five prominent cities during the days of Shimshown ("Samson") down to David: 1 Samuel 6:17 (KJV) 17 And these are the golden emerods which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering unto the LORD; for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Askelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one; However, if one does the research, one will find that these are now GONE, having been long ago conquered by Alexander the Great, and then by the Egyptian Ptolemies and the Syrian Seleucids! Instead, the seaside communities of the plains have been taken by a people who were given the land of that territory - the "Gaza Strip" - by Israel, and they had NOTHING to do with ancient Philistia! They were originally Muslim Arabs migrating primarily from Egypt. As we read from Paul in Romans 11, recognizing that he is contrasting Israel with the Gentiles, particularly potential believers in both groups, Romans 11:25-31 (KJV) 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, UNTIL the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26 And so ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED: as it is written, "There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this [is] my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." (Isaiah 59:20,21; 27:9 [see LXX]; Jeremiah 31:33,34) 28 As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: BUT as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers' sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance. (In other words, God doesn't renege on His gifts or on His calling, both of which apply to the children of Israel.) 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that THROUGH YOUR MERCY they also may obtain mercy. And, why shouldn't they plan to GO HOME? To "make aliyah!" It was TIME for them to go back to the Land that God promised them FOREVER! Well, that's not true. Never heard of "conquest" before? The conquered do NOT need to be ASKED for permission! And, the League of Nations DID conquer the Ottoman Empire (which was already waning). The Ottoman Empire fell in 1908 and its dissolution was completed in 1922. And, we're told by Google, "After 1922, Palestine was under the control of the British Mandate, established by the League of Nations in July 1922. This mandate incorporated the principles of the Balfour Declaration, which supported the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine. The British administration of Palestine continued until 1948 when the mandate was terminated and the State of Israel was declared." And, I, too, will read "the BAD WAR."

Shalom, @Luther. No, the Bible is a book of HISTORY and PROPHECY! It shows how God's hand has been in the DEVELOPMENT of human history since the Beginning of the Creation, often "behind the scenes!" It's a book that follows certain Hebrew (and later Greek) grammar, and shows how men have been redeemed CONSISTENTLY throughout that history! Besides, when people say "spiritual" they really mean "allegorical," saying "This means that" or "that means this," and NEVER ONCE accepting that God meant to have what was said MEAN what was said! Also, people OFTEN don't use the word "spiritual" correctly. It was used just ONCE in translation of the King James Version of the OT in Hosea 9:7 where the phrase "spiritual man" was substituted for the Hebrew phrase "אִישׁ הָרוּחַ." But, the phrase (transliterated as "'iysh haruwach" means "man of-the-spirit," which is used as a couplet with "prophet": Hosea 9:7 (KJV) 7 The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred. In the NT, the word is used 27 times in 22 verses: Romans 1:11 KJV - 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; Romans 7:14 KJV - 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Romans 15:27 KJV - 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 1 Corinthians 2:13, 15 KJV - 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ... 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 1 Corinthians 3:1 KJV - 1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:11 KJV - 11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 1 Corinthians 10:3-4 KJV - 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:1 KJV - 1 Now concerning spiritual [gifts], brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 1 Corinthians 14:1, 12, 37 KJV - 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [gifts], but rather that ye may prophesy. ... 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual [gifts], seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. ... 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:44, 46 KJV - 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. ... 46 Howbeit that [was] not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. Galatians 6:1 KJV - 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Ephesians 1:3 KJV - 3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: Ephesians 5:19 KJV - 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Ephesians 6:12 KJV - 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. Colossians 1:9 KJV - 9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Colossians 3:16 KJV - 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 1 Peter 2:5 KJV - 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. That's it! There are no more verses! Most of the time, these words mean "Holy-Spirit-led" or "Holy-Spirit-given." In 1 Corinthians 15:44 and 46, however, they are contrasted with the word "natural" ("ψυχικόν" or "psuchikon"), which is an adjective formed from the Greek word "ψυχή" or "psuchee" from which we get our word "psychology." This Greek word is usually rendered as "soul," just as "spiritual" ("πνευματικόν" or "pneumatikon") is an adjective formed from the Greek word "πνεῦμα" or "pneuma," which means "wind" or "breath" or "spirit," particularly the "Holy Spirit" of God and is usually translated as "spirit." If the word translated "spirit" was used to make the adjective "spiritual," one might think that the word translated "soul" should have been used to make an adjective "soulual," but it didn't happen. Instead, they used the word "natural" in translation. Go figure. In any case, the contrast between "natural" and "spiritual" has been misinterpreted to mean "physical" and "non-physical," and that would be wrong. Rather, in the context of 1 Corinthians 15, the "Resurrection Chapter," the contrast is between their underlying meanings of "breath" and "wind!" The body that goes into the ground was a body that "breathes." The body that comes out of the ground in the Resurrection will be a body that "BLASTS like a WIND!" Paul was talking about the IMPROVEMENT of the body in the Resurrection! Consider the other adjectives used in contrast: 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 (KJV) 42 So also [is] the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. He goes on ... 45 And so it is written, "The (first) man (Adam) was made a living soul"; (Genesis 2:7) the last Adam was made a quickening spirit (a life-giving wind)! And, Genesis 2:7 uses the Hebrew word "נֶפֶשׁ" or "nefesh" translated as "soul." The word means "one that breathes air"; Strong's said, "a breathing creature." It comes from the root word "נָפַשׁ" or "naafash" meaning "to breathe." This is at best insufficient teaching; at worst, it is erroneous teaching. First, let's be frank: "seed" literally means "sperm." There may be no continuity in the life of an individual before his or her fertilization or after his or her death, but there can be perpetual continuity in the lineage of a people. There's proof in this way of thinking through the words of the author of Hebrews: Hebrews 7:1-10 (KJV) 1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man [was], unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he [receiveth them], of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, PAYED TITHES in Abraham. 10 For HE WAS YET IN THE LOINS OF HIS FATHER, WHEN MELCHISEDEC MET HIM. There's a REASON why both genealogies for the Master are given in Matthew 1 and Luke 3! They are proof of the Messiah Yeeshuwa`s lineage back to David and back to Abraham. Luke's record takes Him back all the way to Adam and God! The lineage in Matthew is that of His adoptive father, Yoceef ("Joseph"), who had the promise of kingship from David through Shlomoh ("Solomon"). However, during the days of Yirmeyahuw ("Jeremiah"), Yhowyaaqiym ("Jehoiakim") had cut up the Word of God written by Yirmeyahuw, and threw it into the fire! Therefore, God said, Jeremiah 36:28-31 (KJV) 28 "Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned. 29 And thou shalt say to Jehoiakim king of Judah, "'Thus saith the LORD; "'"Thou hast burned this roll, saying, 'Why hast thou written therein, saying, "The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from thence man and beast"?' 30 "'"Therefore thus saith the LORD of Jehoiakim king of Judah; He shall have NONE to sit upon the throne of David: and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost. 31 And I will punish him AND HIS SEED and his servants for their iniquity; and I will bring upon them, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and upon the men of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them!"'"; but they hearkened not. Therefore, Yoceef ("Joseph") could not be His actual father, just adopted by him. That gives the children of Israel proof of inheritance for (1) being a child of Israel, (2) a child of Judah (a Jew), (3) a son of David (heir to the throne), (4) a son of David through another line (that of Nathan),and (5) a firstborn son, showing "heirship" and entitlement to the Firstborn privileges and inheritance. He, being the firstborn son, also belongs to YHWH God: Exodus 13:1-2 (KJV) 1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 "Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, [both] of man and of beast: it [is] mine." This is PRECISELY what was started in 1948 after the Holocaust! This part has NOT YET BEEN ACCOMPLISHED! There are STILL Shomrowniym ("Samaritans") upon Mount Geriziym who perform their own sacrifices! They are not yet "one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel." Here, "David being their King," and "all having one Shepherd," are TWO LEADERS! David shall be Israel's acting King, after the Resurrection. Meanwhile, the Messiah Yeeshuwa` shall be "King of kings." And, the lesser "kings" will INCLUDE David. When the Messiah Yeeshuwa` has turned over the Empire to His Father, after the Great White Throne Judgment, He will continue on as King over Israel forever (Luke 1:30-33), and David will be included as a "Prince" forever (see above)! According to his own prophecy, David has and will acknowledge Him as His "Lord!" Psalm 110:1 (KJV) 1 [[A Psalm of David.]] The LORD said unto my Lord, (speaking of the ULTIMATE Messiah) "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Correct. No, they are two separate individuals. Both King/Prince David and King-of-kings/King Yeeshuwa` are present in these prophecies. Nope. We are honoring God's words regarding Abraham and His heirs, especially His heir, Ya`aqoV/Yisraa'eel ("Jacob/Israel"): Genesis 12:2-3 (KJV) 2 "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." He PROTECTED THEM! There are instances where no human effort could have accounted for the way things turned out! Just READ the history of the birth pangs of the state of Israel! Anyone with an open mind will see that GOD had a hand in the re-formation of Israel! Furthermore, "The nations [sic] of Israel was to never have their own land after they were expelled"? What Bible are YOU reading?! Read the end of Zechariah! Read the end of Isaiah! Read chapters 40 through 48 in Ezekiel! Don't be "meshuggah" (crazy). God will CONTINUE to bless Israel, and the rest of the world through them, FOREVER!

Shalom, @Luther. My friend and brother, while some of this may be true, one absolutely MUST SEE the HAND OF GOD behind all of history! No "ruling class of elites" have lasted so long as to be in that much control. It is GOD behind the scenes who is bending the passage of time to His Will! (This is turning out to be a rather lengthy post. Please, read it to the end. It all builds to the conclusion.) I would recommend one read the series of The Zion Chronicles by Bodie and Brock Thoene, starting with the first book, The Gates of Zion. It tells the researched history of the beginning of the modern Jewish state of Israel, told in the literary style from a person's first hand experiences with the forming of the nation and the obstacles that had to be overcome. What's even more interesting is how there are moments in history that CLEARLY show God's blessings upon the new state, with events that otherwise would not have been humanly possible! God HAD to intervene in human history to re-form His Realm for His Messiah to be King yet to return. The forward for the first book reads this way: "The Zion Chronicles series covers the events surrounding Israel's statehood in 1948. Each book vividly portrays the intense struggle of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the forces, within and without, which engulf the Middle East in conflict and controversy even today. Will there ever be peace in Zion? The Jewish people wonder as they stream into the British Mandate of Palestine after the devastation of World War II. What has happened to God's promises to their nation? These updated classics feature a new look and added study questions suitable for individual use or group discussion." So, you reject the Tanakh? The "Old Testament?" That's what you're saying when you say, "I in no way believe that God has any blessing in war." An "unction" is an "anointing." That's what the word "χρῖσμα" means. It comes from "χρίω" meaning "to rub or smear with oil," which is also the root word for "Χριστός" or "Christos" from which we get the title "Christ." And, YES! There were priests, judges, and kings - judges over the people - who were anointed to win against the nations inhabiting the Land promised to 'AaVraahaam ("Abraham"), Yitschaq ("Isaac"), and Ya`aqoV ("Jacob"). If you'll check it out, the reason why they lived in Egypt 430 years was because "the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full." (Check the Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 15:12-16.) God allowed time to pass until they had committed iniquity to the point that God had had enough. That was when He sent Mosheh ("Moses") and 'Aharown ("Aaron"), the first priest, the High Priest, who was anointed with the Holy Anointing Oil (Exodus 30:22-33), as were his sons. They were the ones who led the children of Israel into the battles, which belonged to the LORD. So, they fought Amelek, Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh claimed their lands on the east side of the Jordan River. Then Mosheh passed away, and Yhowshuwa` ("Joshua") took the leadership as instructed by God. And, throughout the lifetime of Yhowshuwa`, they were taking the Land promised to them, driving them out, as instructed, while GOD did the greater part of driving them out by sending the HORNETS! (Exodus 23:28). When the children of Israel trusted God to win their battles and seek His help in the battles, they won. When they tried to do it on their own or in their own power, they failed. So, it was an incomplete "victory" at the end of Yhowshuwa`s life, but they DID have an entrenched hold on the Land. So, for another 400 years, they had the pattern of failure in trusting God, subjection to an enemy, turning back to God, and God would give them a leader (a judge) who would conquer that enemy and give them victory and peace for a while, until they once again forgot God, failing to trust God again. Then, they demanded God to give them a king "like all the other nations had." So, God said, "It's a little early," but He instructed Shmuw'eel ("Samuel") to give them a king, and Sha'uwl ("Saul") was anointed as king. God had to reject this king because He would not obey God -THREE TIMES, and God gave them another king "after God's own heart;" that is, seeking God's mind for the things he did as king. While nobody's perfect and David failed miserably with the matter of Bat-Sheva' ("Bathsheba") and 'Uwriyaah ("Uriah"), He was still a more humble king and loved God, submitting to his punishment and holding himself to blame, while still seeking to God for His forgiveness and mercy. David was given a promise and a covenant that there would be a "Seed" (one of his own line of children) who would be the ultimate Anointed One, who would reign on David's throne FOREVER "and of His kingdom there would be no end!" (2 Samuel 7, repeated in 1 Chronicles 17 and foretold to Miryam "Mary" before His fertilization). What IS the value of life? First, what is "life?" Life is a condition of human flesh that WORKS as designed by God! He made 'Aadaam ("Adam," meaning "red") from the red earth as a complete work of art but without "life," and He "jump-started" him with a breath, by "puffing into his nostrils the puff of living things," and human life took off! No human being has been created this way since. Only when the Lord Yeeshuwa` ("Jesus") Himself was raised from the dead did something similar happen. Now, when children are born, they must first also be "jump started" with a breath when first they cry, but their bodies are made from the genetic material from both parents by myosis (producing "seed") and conception. God alone gives life, and God can take it away. Furthermore, He gave that power to His Son, for Yeeshuwa` said, John 5:25-27 (KJV) 25 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man." So, yes, life is precious because ONLY God could give it to a person. One may be able to kill an individual, but the murderer has no power to determine who will be given back life and who will suffer the Second Death. That determination is given to the Son of God, who always confers with His Father for HIS Will - what HE wants. One must remember that, even those who may have "died needlessly" have not necessarily been remanded to death permanently. Yeeshuwa` also told Marta ("Martha"), John 11:25-26 (KJV) 25 Jesus said unto her, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die (Greek: οὐ μὴ ἀποθάνῃ = ou mee apothanee = "not-positively not-negatively shall-die-off"). Believest thou this?" And, we read in Revelation 19 (which John also wrote): Revelation 19:11-15 (KJV) 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called "The Word of God." 14 And the armies [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God (a quotation and fulfillment from Isaiah 63:1-6). Furthermore, we read, John 5:19-24 (KJV) 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth (brings back to life) [them]; even so the Son quickeneth (brings back to life) whom he will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." So, when we read of the Great White Throne Judgment, we know who is seated upon that Great White Throne: Revelation 20:10-15 (KJV) 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him (the Son of God) that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. So, Yeeshuwa`, the Messiah of God to be King and "King of kings" (World Emperor), and who is the Son of God, is the MASTER OF LIFE AND DEATH! He determines who will live forever, raising them to life again, and who will die the Second Death, raising them to life again to be cast into the Lake of Fire forever. THAT is the value of life! The value that Yeeshuwa` puts on a life. Now, if God is going to regain His Land, there SHALL be war, and Yeeshuwa` Himself is going to be the greatest protagonist of that war, slicing them with the "sharp sword" that comes "out of his mouth." Later, He shall raise them to life again, judge them out of the books, and consign those who rejected Him to the Lake of Fire. Sorry, but that is BACKWARD THINKING!! There is MUCH future glory for national Israel as they accept God's Messiah when He returns! Now, I, too, can understand the doctrinal deceptions that have been brought upon the churches by lovey-dovey pacifists who don't know that they are supposed to SUPPORT Israel, who STILL has a place as Yeeshuwa`s KINGDOM, where He will begin to reign from the throne of His father David! Isaiah 66:4-21 (KJV) 4 "I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose [that] in which I delighted not. 5 HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD, YE THAT TREMBLE AT HIS WORD; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, "'Let the LORD be glorified': "but he shall appear to YOUR joy, and THEY shall be ASHAMED! 6 A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies. 7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. 8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? [or] SHALL A NATION BE BORN AT ONCE? for AS SOON AS ZION TRAVAILED, SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER CHILDREN. 9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth?" saith the LORD: "shall I cause to bring forth, and shut [the womb]?" saith thy God. 10 Rejoice ye WITH Jerusalem, and be glad WITH her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy WITH her, all ye that mourn for her: 11 That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. 12 For thus saith the LORD, "Behold, I will extend peace to her (Jerusalem) like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees. 13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 14 And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies. 15 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many. 17 They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together," saith the LORD. 18 "For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. 19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles. 20 And they shall bring all your brethren [for] an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem," saith the LORD, "as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD. 21 And I will also take of them for priests [and] for Levites," saith the LORD. So, one should NOT make the mistake of thinking that 'the "Church" has REPLACED Israel.' To the contrary, those of us who were Gentiles (or even us Jews who were RAISED as though we were Gentiles), are going to be PLEASANTLY SURPRISED to learn that we have become a PART of that Kingdom! We who call ourselves Christians are NOT all who'll be at the marriage feast to dine!

Shalom, @Luther. Actually, the admonition is ... Romans 12:1-21 (KJV) 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, [let us wait] on [our] ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 [Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 [Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 IF IT BE POSSIBLE, AS MUCH AS LIETH IN YOU, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto [God's] wrath: for it is written, "'Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay,' saith the LORD." (Deuteronomy 32:35) 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. We must also remember, however, the words of Shlomoh ("Solomon") who was just as much a prophet of God as was the Apostle Paul: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV) 1 To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. As Sergeant York learned, one cannot just remain a pacifist. There are times when it becomes necessary to wage war to protect our loved ones at home. Even IN battle, we protect our "brothers in arms" and fight for our fellow soldiers. We hear mottos like, "Leave no man behind!" Yet, even on the battlefield, it may become possible from time to time to show mercy and God's love to an enemy. There are many such accounts, especially at the ends of the Great War and WWII.

Shalom, @AdHoc. It's not the TEXT that is fiction; it's the READING AND UNDERSTANDING what was not meant by the author to be something else that is fiction! However, in this case, there's nothing in the text of the book of Yonah ("Jonah") to suggest that he actually died and came back to life. He SURVIVED his ordeal of being swallowed by a "great fish." Furthermore, the "heart of the earth" is only the proverbial "6 feet under," not 3,963 MILES under! What MAY help (although I'm not going to hold my breath) is that the word "SOUL" is also treated differently than it was in Biblical times. The word that Yeeshuwa` used and understood was "נֶפֶשׁ" or "nefesh" (pronounced "NEH-fesh"). The word means "a breathing creature," and it's root word - a verb - is "נָפַשׁ" or "naafash" (pronounced "naw-FASH"), meaning "to breathe." I like to add the word "air" because what else would human beings "breathe?" It's not some "immaterial part of a human being"; it's the part of the human being that "BREATHES" air! Now, what part of the human being might that be? See, this didn't change until the Greeks influenced the Jews and the believing Jews and Gentiles (Christians) with their philosophy and mythology around the early 200s A.D. Randy Alcorn calls this influence "Christo-Platonism" in his book on Heaven. Peter was quoting Scripture when he said, Acts 2:25-31 (KJV) 25 "For David speaketh concerning him, "'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.' (Psalm 16:8-11) 29 "Men [and] brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16); 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that 'his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.'" The Greek of Acts 2:25-28 is ... ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ 2:25-28 (Scrivener's Textus Receptus 1894) 25 Δαβὶδ γὰρ λέγει εἰς αὐτόν, Προωρώμην τὸν Κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διὰ παντός· ὅτι ἐκ δεξιῶν μού ἐστίν, ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῶ· 26 διὰ τοῦτο εὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου, καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου· ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι· 27 ὅτι οὐκ ἐγκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾅδου, οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν. 28ἐγνώρισάς μοι ὁδοὺς ζωῆς· πληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου. Transliterated into English letters, the highlighted portion reads, hoti ouk egkataleipseis teen psucheen mou eis haidou. This translates into English as, that not thou-shalt-abandon the air-breather of-me into [the] unseen (unknown). And, this is a quotation from Psalm 16:8-11: Psalm 16:8-11 (KJV) 8 I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore. And, the Hebrew of this passage is this: T'hilim 16:8-11 (Westminster Leningrad Codex) 8שִׁוִּ֬יתִי יְהוָ֣ה לְנֶגְדִּ֣י תָמִ֑יד כִּ֥י מִֽ֝ימִינִ֗י בַּל־אֶמֹּֽוט׃ 9לָכֵ֤ן ׀ שָׂמַ֣ח לִ֭בִּי וַיָּ֣גֶל כְּבֹודִ֑י אַף־בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗י יִשְׁכֹּ֥ן לָבֶֽטַח׃ 10כִּ֤י ׀ לֹא־תַעֲזֹ֣ב נַפְשִׁ֣י לִשְׁאֹ֑ול לֹֽא־תִתֵּ֥ן חֲ֝סִידְךָ֗ לִרְאֹ֥ות שָֽׁחַת ׃ 11תֹּֽודִיעֵנִי֮ אֹ֤רַח חַ֫יִּ֥ים שֹׂ֣בַע מָחֹות אֶת־פָּנֶ֑יךָ נְעִמֹ֖ות בִּימִינְךָ֣ נֶֽצַח׃ The highlighted portion transliterates to ... lo'-ta`azoV nafshiy lish'owl It translates into English as ... Not-thou-shalt-abandon my-air-breathing-creature to-asked-about.

Shalom, again, @Luther. Oh, and we ARE expected to accompany Him in battle! Consider Revelation 19 and this will be AFTER we are resurrected and arrive with the Messiah of God, Anointed to be King: Revelation 19:6-21 (KJV) 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, "Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb!" And he saith unto me, "These are the true sayings of God." 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, "See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the ARMIES [which were] in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, "Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all [men, both] free and bond, both small and great!" 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. Haven't you ever read Isaiah 63:1-6? Isaiah 63:1-6 (KJV) 1 "Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?" "I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save." 2 "Wherefore [art thou] red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?" 3 "I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people [there was] none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. 5 And I looked, and [there was] none to help; and I wondered that [there was] none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. 6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth!" We're supposed to be accompanying Him in battle on the day of vengeance, but where will we be? Where are we in this prophecy? We'll probably be in the "mop-up crew." Call it the "Red Cross" or rather, the "Magen David Adom," but our part will probably be in aiding those who are injured from the invasion of His Land! And, one more thing: There will be MANY MORE than ONE "Judgment Day!" By my calculations, that will be more like 365,243 days! It is the JOB of an Israeli King to be the SUPREME COURT JUDGE, just as David and Shlomoh ("Solomon") were! He will be judging matters within His Kingdom THROUGHOUT the THOUSAND YEARS up to the Great White Throne Judgment. Even afterward, we read in Revelation 22: Revelation 22:1-5 (KJV) 1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB (YEESHUWA`). 2 In the midst of the street of it (the New Jerusalem), and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but THE THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB shall be in it; and HIS SERVANTS shall serve him: 4 And THEY shall see his face; and his name [shall be] in THEIR foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and THEY need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth THEM light: and THEY SHALL REIGN FOR EVER AND EVER.

Shalom, @Luther. Yeeshuwa` was quoting Psalm 37:11. Learn what it means to be "meek," as Mosheh ("Moses") was. He was humble BEFORE GOD! All the same, he stood up to the nonsense of Korah and his companions. Listen to what he told them. First, the background: Numbers 16:1-35 (KJV) 1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took [men]: 2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty (250) princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: 3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, "[Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the LORD [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?" 4 And when Moses heard [it], he fell upon his face: 5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, "Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. 6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company; 7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be [that] the man whom the LORD doth choose, he [shall be] holy: [ye take] too much upon you, ye sons of Levi." 8 And Moses said unto Korah, "Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: 9 [Seemeth it but] a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? 10 And he hath brought thee near [to him], and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? 11 For which cause [both] thou and all thy company [are] gathered together against the LORD: and what [is] Aaron, that ye murmur against him?" 12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, "We will not come up: 13 [Is it] a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? 14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up." 15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, "Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them!" 16 And Moses said unto Korah, "Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: 17 And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty (250) censers; thou also, and Aaron, each [of you] his censer." 18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron. 19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. 20 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 21 "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment!" 22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, "O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?" 23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 24 "Speak unto the congregation, saying, 'Get you up from about the tabernacle (tent) of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.'" 25 And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he spake unto the congregation, saying, "Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins!" 27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children. 28 And Moses said, "Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for [I have] not [done them] of mine own mind. 29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; [then] the LORD hath not sent me. 30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that [appertain] unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD!" 31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that [was] under them: 32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that [appertained] unto Korah, and all [their] goods. 33 They, and all that [appertained] to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. 34 And all Israel that [were] round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, "Lest the earth swallow us up [also]!" 35 And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty (250) men that offered incense. This is what a "meek" person is.

Shalom, @Luther. One shouldn't have a limited view of our Master Yeeshuwa` the Anointed One of GOD. He didn't JUST teach "love, compassion and forgiveness." He also showed through His actions that JUSTICE and RIGHTOUSNESS were paramount! He OVERTURNED the tables of the merchants in the Temple (no small feat!), and He CHASED them from the premises with a whip! Read His parable in Luke 19 all the way to the end! It's like a parable within a parable, when compared to the other Gospel accounts; so, don't stop too early. Luke 19:11-27 (KJV) 11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, "'Occupy (Trade with this) till I come.' 14 "But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, "'We will not have THIS [man] to reign over us!' 15 "And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, "'Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.' 17 "And he said unto him, "'Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.' 18 "And the second came, saying, "'Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.' 19 "And he said likewise to him, "'Be thou also over five cities.' 20 "And another came, saying, "'Lord, behold, [here is] thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.' 22 "And he saith unto him, "'Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, [thou] wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was "an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow": 23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury (interest)?' 24 "And he said unto them that stood by, "'Take from him the pound, and give [it] to him that hath ten pounds.' 25 "(And they said unto him, "'Lord, he hath ten pounds [already]!') 26 "'For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. 27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and SLAY [them] before me!' " Does that sound like "love, compassion and forgiveness"? But, THAT is our KING when He comes! He's not going to come as some "weakling king," a push-over! He will come ready to purge His land of the foreigners and conquer all of His foes!

Shalom, @Your closest friendnt. Sorry, bro', but Yeeshuwa` the Messiah was risen from the "place of the dead" called a tomb in a cemetery! He did NOT descend to some "Hell." That is a FICTIONAL MISREADING OF SCRIPTURE! First, the word translated as "hell" in the OT is שְׁאוֹל or "sh'owl," and the word means "asked about." It's the place where children were brought, and they "asked about" their deceased loved one, giving the parents an opportunity to tell the loved one's story. Second, this idea is a fictional misreading of ... Ephesians 4:7-10 (KJV) 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, "When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Psalm 68:18) 9 (Now that "he ascended," what is it but that "he also descended" first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that "descended" is the same also that "ascended up far above all heavens," that he might fill all things.) But this contains a QUOTE from the Tanakh (the "Old Testament"). So, to understand it in its context, one must go back to the source: Psalm 68:1-35 (KJV) 1 [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm [or] Song of (for) David.]] Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. 2 As smoke is driven away, [so] drive [them] away: as wax melteth before the fire, [so] let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. 4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. 5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of (for) the widows, [is] God in his holy habitation. 6 God setteth the solitary (orphans) in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains (slaves): but the rebellious dwell in a dry [land]. 7 O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah: 8 The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: [even] Sinai itself [was moved] at the presence of God, the God of Israel. 9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary (tired and thirsty). 10 Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor. 11 The Lord gave the word (Hebrew: אֹמֶר = "utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command"): great [was] the company of those that published [it]. 12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil. 13 Though ye have lien (lain) among the pots (stalls), [yet shall ye be as] the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold. (A dove flying away with treasure! We read that God said in Exodus 3:19-22 (KJV) - 19 "And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. 20 And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: 22 But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put [them] upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians." And, that happened in Exodus 12:35-36 (KJV) - 35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: 36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them [such things as they required]. And they spoiled the Egyptians.) 14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was [white] as snow in Salmon. 15 The hill of God [is as] the hill of Bashan; an high hill [as] the hill of Bashan. 16 Why leap ye, ye high hills? [this is] the hill [which] God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell [in it] for ever. 17 The chariots of God [are] twenty thousand, [even] thousands of angels: the Lord [is] among them, [as in] Sinai, in the holy [place]. 18 THOU HAST ASCENDED ON HIGH, THOU HAST LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE: THOU HAST RECEIVED GIFTS FOR MEN; yea, [for] the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell [among them]. 19 Blessed [be] the Lord, [who] daily loadeth us [with benefits, even] the God of our salvation. Selah. 20 [He that is] our God [is] the God of salvation (deliverance; rescue); and unto GOD the Lord [belong] the issues (the exoduses) from death. 21 But God shall wound the head of his enemies, [and] the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses. 22 The Lord said, "I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring [my people] again from the depths of the sea: 23 That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of [thine] enemies, [and] the tongue of thy dogs in the same." 24 They have seen thy goings, O God; [even] the goings (a procession or march, a caravan) of my God, my King, in the sanctuary (the holy place). 25 The singers went before, the players on instruments [followed] after; among [them were] the damsels playing with timbrels. 26 Bless ye God ('Eel) in the congregations, [even] the Lord ('Adonaay), from the fountain of Israel. 27 There [is] little Benjamin [with] their ruler, the princes of Judah [and] their council, the princes of Zebulun, [and] the princes of Naphtali. 28 Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us. 29 Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee. 30 Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, [till every one] submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people [that] delight in war. 31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. 32 Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah: 33 To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, [which were] of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, [and that] a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency [is] over Israel, and his strength [is] in the clouds. 35 O God, [thou art] terrible out of thy holy places (Hebrew: מִמִּקְדָּשֶׁיךָ = "from-thy-holies"): the God of Israel [is] he that giveth strength and power unto [his] people. Blessed [be] God! This song begins with the RESCUE FROM EGYPT AND THE EXODUS! THEY were the "captivity led captive" through the wilderness! God first DESCENDED (or CONdescended) to the earth (which is lower than the heavens or the skies) when He rescued Israel from Egypt, and He did it again when Yeeshuwa` was created in the womb of a virgin! I'm not saying this to someone who doesn't know the Scriptures; it's just that not everyone makes the CONNECTION unless it is fresh in one's mind. This is WHY I quote so much Scripture! (It will help if one takes the time to read the post.)

Shalom, @Frits. Sorry, but "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God" is just as 'Eleazar ("Lazarus") heard Him in his tomb and came out of the tomb after Yeeshuwa` said, "Lazarus, come forth!" And, Ephesians 5:14 is a FUTURE occurrence! And, "Christ shall give thee light" is talking about our "glorified" bodies, which Paul said was with the same "glory" (Greek: doxa) as that of the sun, moon, and stars (in 1 Corinthians 15:39-45).

Shalom, @Marston. I can understand this point of view. Now, understand the other side: First, when one understands that a person who dies no longer knows anything at all, the next thing a God-justified person will know is the resurrection. He or she will come back to life as though no time had passed at all. For him or her, it is still "today." The only thing he or she will know is that now he or she has a new, glorified body, incapable of death or decay, with no more pain and no more weakness! The scars will be gone, and he or she will have a WONDERFUL future! The thief's legs that were broken will be "instantaneously" healed! "Paradise," which is a transliteration of the Greek word "paradeisos," is in turn a transliteration of the Aramaic/Hebrew word "pardeec" (pronounced "par-DACE") meaning a "park of trees!" The "Garden Tomb" was indeed in a "park of trees," and other such burial sites are also surrounded by trees and comfort for the visitors to that cemetery. The New Jerusalem will not descend until AFTER haSatan has been locked away for a thousand years (Revelation 21 and 22 follow Revelation 20:7-15, which in turn follow Revelation 20:1-3, and it is the New Jerusalem that is THE "park of trees" or at least, contains it. We know this because the "angel of the church of Ephesus" was told, Revelation 2:7 (KJV) 7 "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of THE TREE OF LIFE, which is IN THE MIDST OF THE PARADISE OF GOD." And, we later find out that the tree of life is in the New Jerusalem: Revelation 22:2 (KJV) 2 In the midst of the street of it (the New Jerusalem), and on either side of the river, was there THE TREE OF LIFE, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. So, the species called "the tree of life" will be in the median of the street of gold within the New Jerusalem, which either "IS" or "CONTAINS" the Paradise of God. A person who believes in the continuity of life, must accept the idea that one goes to heaven after he or she dies; a person who believes in the DIScontinuity of life, knows that there is a GAP in a person's knowledge between his or her death and his or her resurrection.