BIBLICAL THEOLOGY: SCRIPTURE INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE

The Most Famous Manifestation of Divine Wrath in the Law Being Satisfied at the Tree

10/10/2024

Article #25 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

The Doctrine of the Tree punctuates the Law in the Book of Joshua. This punctuation brings the needed closure to the story of divine wrath being depicted in the Law. This comes as no surprise to you if you have come to know the Doctrine of the Tree in the Old Testament.

The most famous and widely discussed manifestation of divine wrath in the Law is the wrath of God against the Canaanites. This is no secret. A careful reading of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy in chronological order will fix your attention on this frightening subject. A shallow understanding of the divine wrath in question will confound the Doctrine of the Tree. Oblivious readers will then study the Pentateuch without even realizing how the Law is leading us to the Tree in the Book of Joshua.

Gentiles and Jews alike need to sit down in the Theater of Typology and behold how the Law leads us to the Cross in the Book of Jesus. Providentially, this is how the Bible conducts readers forward in the school of God. Literally, by reading the Bible in order, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy leads readers to the Tree in the Book of Joshua. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Gal. 3:24). We will explore this subject in the following order.

Those beholden to these heavenly visions made them famous all throughout biblical history (Ps. 77:10-20, 114:1-8, 68:1-35, Hab. 3:1-15, Ps. 18:7-15; Deut. 32:1-14). Everyone and everything was put in fear at the sight of this divine wrath! But modern believers don’t even know why these miraculous things were happening to the sea, rivers, hills, and mountains. The emerging controversies in Scripture that came as a result of these heavenly visions only underscores the need for readers to discern the real target of this most terrifying divine wrath. “Was the LORD displeased against the rivers?” (Hab. 3:8). Discerning the target then leads believers to a spectacular revelation about the power of the Tree in the Book of Joshua.

The Sins and Abominations of the Canaanites were Listed with Detail and Categorically Warranted Death & Destruction Without Regard to Race

God was extremely angry with the Canaanites. Why? Sin. Not just any kind of sin! A detailed list of the sins being committed by the Canaanites can be found in Leviticus 18:1-30 & Leviticus 20:1-27. Categorically, these sins warranted death and destruction in a glorious display of divine wrath. These were “the doings of the land of Egypt” (Lev. 18:3). These were “the doings of the land of Canaan” (Lev. 18:3). Clearly, it wasn’t ever about race. If an Israelite ever dared to commit any of these sins, a single offence warranted a public execution. If the Israelites as a people were ever given over to these sins, then the Jews would have to face the same wrath that fell upon the Canaanites in being cast out of the Holy Land (Lev. 18:24-30, 20:22-27). No exceptions.

No exception was given to Egypt. Justice is inflexible. God didn’t wink at “the doings of the land of Egypt” (Lev. 18:3). The LORD justly acted to impoverish, kill, and destroy the Kingdom of Egypt: firstly, in killing all the fish of the mighty Nile river by turning it into blood (Ex. 7:21, Ps. 105:29); secondarily, in bringing an overwhelming and inescapable plague of frogs which “destroyed” the people (Ps. 78:45); thirdly, by sending diverse sorts of flies in swarms which “devoured” the people (Ex. 8:24, Ps. 78:45); fourthly, by killing all of their cattle in yet another plague (Ex. 9:6); fifthly, by destroying everything and everyone in the fields through hail mingled with fire – men, animals, herbs, and trees (Ex. 9:25); sixthly, through sending locusts to devour every herb of the land and all the fruit of the trees so that there was not one green thing left in all the land of Egypt (Ex. 10:15); seventhly, in the killing all the firstborn of man and beast in the land of Egypt (Ex. 11:5); lastly, in the drowning of Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea insomuch that there was not one of them left (Ex. 14:23, 28; Ps. 106:11). The LORD was pleased to glorify the wrath of God in a punishing display of “power” as it was manifested in the execution of divine justice (Rom. 9:17, 22).

Neither did God wink at “the doings of the land of Canaan” (Lev. 18:3). Statedly, there had to be a visitation of justice (Lev. 18:25)! It was inevitable. The sins of the Canaanites were called “abominations” in the Law (Lev. 18:27). Categorically, they were terrible sins that anger and infuriate the benevolent heart of God! This is when bad things happen. Speaking of the Canaanites, God said, “I abhorred them” (Lev. 20:23). Why? Because the “wickedness” of these nations was shocking and unpardonable (Deut. 9:4, 5)! The land itself was defiled underneath them (Lev. 18:24-25). Their behavior was unclean, toxic, and dangerous to be around. Their societies were filled with demons (Deut. 18:9-14)! Therefore, God had decided to drive them out of the land completely. “For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” (Deut. 18:12).

Prophecy in Genesis Demonstrates how the LORD Foresaw that the Canaanites would Become Unsavable Reprobates

God has been speaking about the Canaanites for a very long time. Prophecies about them began at the earliest possible occasion in history, even at the beginning of the New World during the Hamite Rebellion. The world had just been cleansed of sinners and renewed through the flood (Ps. 104). Things were looking hopeful! However, suddenly, things changed. Ham rebelled (Gen. 9:20-23)! The utopia of righteousness in the new world was interrupted. Trouble was on the horizon.

The events of Genesis 9 took place at around 2300 B.C., hundreds of years before the Canaanites would occupy the Promised Land. Nevertheless, Ham is identified by the narrator of history as, “Ham, the father of Canaan” (Gen. 9:18, 22). Moreover, when Ham was cursed by divine wrath because of his rebellion, Noah prophetically declared: “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.” (Gen. 9:25).

Genesis 9:24-27 shows us that the curse of Ham would be enforced upon his seed. However, this would be manifest primarily through the curse of Canaan; not because Canaan, the fourth son of Ham, was currently the greatest sinner of the bunch, but because the Canaanites would eventually become the greatest force of evil in the distant future.

Nimrod was the primary adversary during the era of the Noah Covenant. This is made abundantly clear in Genesis 10 & 11. Nimrod was the son of Cush, Ham’s firstborn (Gen. 10:8-11). Canaan was an emerging adversary who would rise to dominance in the next era during the Abrahamic Covenant. This is clearly indicated by the genealogical record provided in Genesis 10:15-19.

“And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth, And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite, And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite, And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad. And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.” – Gen. 10:15-19

In Genesis 12, at around 2000 B.C., when Abraham finally arrived at the Promised Land from Ur of the Chaldees, it was already being called “the land of Canaan” (Gen. 11:31, 12:5). The narrator of history made a point to explain to the reader, “…the Canaanite was then in the land” (Genesis 12:6). Obviously, this place was called “the land of Canaan” because the people who occupied these territories all descended directly from Canaan. The Canaanites had become mighty and spread out their borders (Gen. 10:15-19). A psalmist referred to the territories of their dominion as “the Kingdoms of Canaan” (Ps. 135:11). Then came the day when the Abrahamic Covenant was formed.

“And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.” – Gen. 15:7

“In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.” – Gen. 15:18-21

God specifically identified the borders of the Promised Land when He covenanted to give it to Abraham and his seed, and the land was currently filled with Canaanites. This would eventually prove to be a problem, but Abraham was going to have to wait until the appointed time. Abraham was not permitted to take possession of the Promised Land during his lifetime. Four hundred years were still to come (Gen. 15:13)! Eventually, Abraham’s seed would realize this promise and possess the land.

Arguably, Abraham was fully capable of conquering the Canaanites in his generation. Abraham performed davidic exploits of war in the miraculous defeat of a confederacy of mighty kings with only 300 homeborn servants in Genesis 14. Remember? Not even the giants among their ranks, “the Rephaims”, “the Zuzims”, “the Emims” (Gen. 14:5), could discourage Abraham from going to war against them (Gen. 14:5)! …so why didn’t Abraham immediately go to war against the Canaanites to take the Promised Land into possession? Joshua did it. Why didn’t Abraham do it? God told Abraham to wait.

“But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” – Gen. 15:16

Apparently, the LORD was not finished striving with the Canaanites. In speaking about the Amorites, God was referring to the iniquity that would spring up among the Canaanites because the Amorites were Canaanites (Genesis 10:15-19). Genesis 15:6 reveals why Abraham had to wait. God was not ready to destroy the Canaanites during Abraham’s lifetime! Annihilating judgments always tarry until death and destruction are a last resort (Jer. 18:7-11). Our LORD prefers above all else that sinners would repent of their wickedness and live (Ezek. 33:11).

This was demonstrated repeatedly in biblical history. The LORD had mercy on the Ninevites (Jonah 3:10, 4:9-11). The LORD had mercy upon elect Egyptians who joined Israel in the Exodus (Ex. 9:20-21, 12:37-51). The LORD even had mercy upon Manasseh (2 Kings 24:2-4, 2 Chon. 33:10-20)! The list could go on. Evidently, the LORD was still minded to patiently endure “the iniquity” of the Canaanites until it became “full”. Only then would their annihilation be justly required as a last resort. This language is used to imply the same thing in forthcoming generations (Dan. 8:23, 1 Thess. 2:16, Matt. 23:32-35).

During Abraham’s lifetime, the iniquity of the Canaanites was not yet full, but divine foresight was seeing that it would eventually become full. Chiefly, this would happen through the influence of the Amorites among the Canaanites. In other words, the Amorites would eventually become the leaders of immorality among the Canaanite people. Partly, their influence was due to their great stature. Og and Sihon were two very famous Amorite kings on the east side of Jordan, and we know for certain that Og was a giant (Deut. 2:24, 3:8, 11, 4:47; Num. 21:21-35). Similarly, the people in general were gigantic. The prophet Amos reported that the Amorites were as tall as cedar trees (Amos 2:9-10)! Incidentally, in ancient times, influence and leadership usually coincided with physical strength, power, and stature.

Given the circumstances, Joshua was most concerned about the strength and fortitude of the Amorites during the war (Josh. 7:7, 10:6). In the most critical battle of the war, Joshua was fighting against “the five Kings of the Amorites” (Josh. 10:5-6). Nevertheless, in spectacular fashion, “the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel” (Josh. 10:12). This was the battle that won the war! Biblical history teaches us that whoever defeated the Amorites would go on to conquer the Canaanites. They were the tip of the spear. They were the strongest and most powerful force among the Canaanites. Immediately, when they were defeated, the land was quickly subdued before the armies of Israel (Josh. 10:28-42).

Clearly, Joshua understood the reputation of the Amorites. The Amorites were the head of the beast! Meaning, the rest of the Canaanites were followers of the Amorites. Accordingly, it was the “iniquity” of the Amorites that compelled the Canaanites to cross a threshold of divine justice (Gen. 15:16). Hence, they all became unsavable reprobates.

Therefore, in the Law, the LORD Repeatedly and Emphatically Demanded the Total Annihilation of the Canaanites, and these Demands were Accompanied with Strong Warnings which Forbade the Jews from Suffering any of the Canaanites to Survive

The divine mandate for the total annihilation of the Canaanites was repeated, emphatic, and pervasive. Scripture speaks for itself! Nothing here is difficult to understand or darkened by mystery.

Total Annihilation: Ex. 23:20-33, 34:11-17, Num. 33:51-56, Deut. 7:1-6, 16-19, 23-26, 12:1-4, 29-32, 18:9-14, 20:16-18, Josh 23:2-16, Judges 2:2-3, Ps. 106:34-40

One component of the mandated annihilation was physical destruction. This was a legal requirement of Deuteronomy. God gave commandments to the Israelites, saying, “…thou shalt destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed” (Deut. 7:23). All the altars, images, pictures, groves, and high places of the Canaanites had to be physically broken down and burnt with fire (Ex. 34:13, Num. 33:52, Deut. 7:5, 25-26, 12:2-3). No trace of paganism should be left in the land in the aftermath of the war.

Another component of the annihilation was death. Under no circumstances was Israel allowed to let anyone survive. This too was a legal requirement of Deuteronomy. God commanded the Israelites to “consume all the people” and to “save alive nothing that breatheth” (Deut. 7:16, 20:16). Of course, the Jews would be tempted to have mercy upon some, especially the old folks, women, and children. Therefore, the LORD was very bold to command the Jews, “thou shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them” (Deut. 7:2). Similarly, the LORD said, “thine eye shall have no pity upon them”, (Deut. 7:16). The Jews were required to agree with the justice of God on a heart level because there was a morality to the mercilessness (Amos 3:3, Ps. 139:19-22, Micah 6:8).

Normally, survivors would be allowed in the conquests of war. This allowance would come in the forging of an agreement or a covenant where the defeated nations proceeded to have a tributary relationship with Israel. A peace agreement like this would bring about a greater connection to the people through commerce and intermarriage. This was explicitly forbidden! “No covenant” should be made with the Canaanites (Ex. 23:32, 34:12, Deut. 7:2). Neither were the Israelites allowed to enter into any marriage covenants with the inhabitants of the land (Deut. 7:3). Rather, God said, “…thou shalt utterly destroy them” (Deut. 20:17). Israel did as they were commanded under the leadership of Joshua (Josh. 6:21, 8:23-26, 10:20, 28, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40, 11:8, 11, 12, 14, 20).

The Canaanites were outrageously sinful. Anything short of total annihilation would perpetuate the “iniquity”, “wickedness”, and “abominations” that the LORD was determined to eradicate from the earth (Gen. 15:16, Deut. 9:4-5, 18:9-14). The Canaanites were unsavable reprobates! If they survived, we can be sure that they would never get saved. Rather, more people would be damned! Literally, the Canaanites would “make” the Israelites sin against God (Ex. 23:33). God said that they would “teach” the Jews “to do after their abominations” (Deut. 20:18). Furthermore, God said that they would “turn away” their children from “following” the LORD (Deut. 7:4).

Corresponding Heavenly Visions were Granted to Seers which Revealed The Glory of this Manifestation of Divine Wrath by Featuring its Presence, Form, Characteristics, Activity, Power, & Impact – The Excellencies of Divine Wrath!

Coming soon...

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The Gospel of Habakkuk

10/9/2024

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Article #3 on Seeing Christ in a Theater of Typology

Romans 1:16-17, Hebrews 10:37-39, & Acts 13:40-41

Habakkuk is not very well known among modern bible students. As a Prophet of God, some would argue that he contributed very little to the whole counsel of God provided in Scripture. Hasty readers lightly esteem the brevity of his message. Nevertheless, somehow, the prophecies of Habakkuk found place in the New Testament. Habakkuk is explicitly quoted by the Apostles a total of three times in the New Testament, and these quotations appear at strategic moments of argumentation while they are preaching the Gospel.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” – Rom. 1:16-17

“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” – Hab. 2:4

Romans 1:16-17 needs no introduction. It ranks as one of the most memorable verses about the Gospel among conservative fundamentalist Christians in modern times. Paul was quoting Habakkuk 2:4 in Romans 1:17. Under inspiration, Paul could have quoted from anywhere to prove his point about salvation by faith according to the Gospel of grace, but instead he was moved to quote Habakkuk. A striking prophecy from a lightly esteemed Prophet is shedding light on the power of the Gospel in the New Testament! Evidently, there is converting power in Habakkuk 2:4. Similarly, it could be said, there is persevering power in Habakkuk 2:4, seeing that this prophecy is also quoted in Hebrews 10:38.

“For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” – Heb. 10:37-39

Our salvation in the past, present, and future is entirely accomplished by grace through faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul’s focus here in Hebrews 10:37-39 is on perseverance, or salvation in the future, but the means of saving grace was all the same. Therefore, under inspiration, Paul could find no better prophecy of the Old Testament than Habakkuk 2:4 to drive the point home.

Now is the time to start asking questions. How has Habakkuk become so despised in modern times? There must be something readers find despicable about his message, even though it isn’t void of Gospel truth. Naturally, the Jews in ancient times didn’t like Habakkuk either. Therefore, in the throes of preaching the Gospel to the Jews at one of the synagogues in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul was moved to quote Habakkuk 1:5 in Acts 13:40-41 as a warning to the Jews who were hardening their hearts.

“Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.” - Act 13:40-41

“Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs.” – Hab. 1:5-6

Habakkuk was despised of old because the Jews were displeased at his terrifying message about the judgment of God through Babylon. Similarly, the Jews of the 1st century were troubled to hear how God would “turn to the Gentiles” if they rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 13:46-47, 18:6, 28:28). This was true even for the Jews in the days of Josiah! The Jews couldn’t fathom how God would show favor to the Babylonians, even in using them as an instrument of chastisement and judgment upon the Jews. Speaking of this, Habakkuk asked God:

“…Wherefore lookest Thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest Thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?” – Hab. 1:13

Habakkuk was preoccupied with the judgment of God through Babylon in a simple and easily understood storyline that flows through the first two chapters of the book. Shamefully, even Habakkuk was offended at his own message of prophecy! Jewish readers could empathize. Habakkuk’s struggle was clearly documented as a central theme of the book (Hab. 1:1-4, 12-17, 2:1). This struggle was put on display before Israel so everyone could identify with it and be corrected. Habakkuk exemplified what the Jews should do in such circumstances as he wrestled in prayer and humbly expected to be reproved by God for the way that he responded to the prophetic message given to him (Hab. 2:1).

“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” – Hab. 2:1

Habakkuk didn’t want the judgment of God to come through Babylon, and neither did the Jewish people of the Kingdom of Judah. Therefore, Habakkuk was personifying the corporate displeasure of all the Jews when they heard about the judgment of God through Babylon. But Habakkuk’s story didn’t end there! Habakkuk humbled himself and prayed, and God graciously opened his eyes to see the divine goodness of this terrible judgment (Hab. 2:14, 20). The book ends with Habakkuk boldly declaring that he will “rejoice in the LORD” during the tribulation of the coming divine judgment (Hab. 3:16-19). This is a marvelous change of heart.

🎶The Song of Habakkuk🎶

Only a mighty meeting with God could bring about such a change in Habakkuk, and mighty meetings with God seldom happen without songs memorializing the revelations that the Prophets received in the presence of the LORD. Habakkuk’s song was titled, “A prayer of Habakkuk the Prophet upon Shigionoth.” (Hab. 3:1). A note of instruction is given at the conclusion of the prophecy where Habakkuk wrote, “To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” (Hab. 3:19). The full body of the song is provided in Habakkuk 3:2-19.

Readers immersed in the flow of the narrative would have been stunned at the final chapter of the book. Habakkuk’s change of heart was announced by a very beautiful song! Literally, Habakkuk chapter 2 is abruptly interrupted by nothing more than a song in chapter 3 – a song that must be rife with powerful revelations if it produced such a change in Habakkuk. Hebrew readers would also have recognized the skillfulness of the song in how it is an acrostic that is synthetically rhyming through a repetition of ideas according to Hebrew poetry.

The song begins with Habakkuk interceding in prayer with great fear because he perceived the great and unstoppable wrath of God coming upon his generation (Hab. 3:2). The content of the song then brings before readers the most important scenes of divine wrath in the Law and the Book of Joshua. These mighty encounters of divine glory in history reveal the dangerous and deadly power of divine wrath in the following order: firstly, divine wrath as it was manifest against the Jews during the intercession of Moses at the peak of Sinai (Hab. 3:3-4); secondarily, divine wrath as it was manifest against the Canaanites during the war of Joshua’s generation (Hab. 3:5-15). These two scenes occupy the majority of the song in Habakkuk 3:3-15.

Habakkuk precedes and follows this content with acknowledgements that provide context for the song in Habakkuk 3:2 and Habakkuk 3:16-19. These acknowledgements indicate that divine wrath will soon come for the Jews through the armies of Babylon. Literally, this meant that the LORD was going to corporately abandon the Jewish people and join the armies of the Chaldeans to use them as instruments of divine justice in the punishment of the Kingdom of Judah (Deut. 32:30, Isa. 30:17; Jer. 25:8-12; Ezek. 10:18-22, 11:22-25). Habakkuk was overcome with fear and trembling at the vision (Hab. 3:16).

Readers of the 1st century could personally identify with this situation because Rome was playing the part of Babylon in their generation. Rome destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D. as a judgment of God upon the Jews. Meanwhile, divine wisdom made the Jews read about the “Yeshua” of God performed for Joshua the “Mashiach” in a Theater of Typology hoping it would strike a chord (Hab. 3:13). The meditations of the elect would then be guided down a path of discovery to realize the Gospel of Habakkuk.

Yeshua (Salvation), Joshua (Jesus),
Mashiach (Messiah), & the Tree (Cross)

“Thou wentest forth for the salvation [yeshua] of thy people, even for salvation [yeshua] with thine Anointed [Mashiach]; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked [the Tree], by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah.” – Hab. 3:13

Readers would recognize that Habakkuk 3:13 was speaking about the well-known historical figure named Joshua, and this happened to be the same name given to Jesus of Nazareth who was recently rejected by the Jews and crucified on a Tree (Matt. 1:21, Num. 13:8, 16, Heb. 4:8; Josh. 10:24-26; Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29). It was common knowledge among the Jews that the name Jesus was the Hellenized version of Joshua.

The Jews would be puzzled to read how Habakkuk 3:13 refers to Joshua as the “Mashiach” or the “Anointed” of God, because the Joshua of the Old Testament does not deserve this title. The only people in the Old Testament who were legally anointed were Priests and Kings, and Joshua was not occupying either of these offices (Priests: Lev. 4:3, 5, 16, 6:22; 1 Sam. 12:3; Kings: 1 Sam. 2:10, 35, 24:5-6, 10, 26:90, 11, 16, 23, 2 Sam. 1:14, 16, 19:21, 22:51, 23:1, 2 Chron. 6:42, Ps. 18:50, 20:6, 84:8-9, 89:38, 51, 132:10, 17, Lam. 4:20). If Joshua was a Levite, he could have been a Priest. If Joshua was born into the tribe of Judah, he could have been a King. Joshua was born into the tribe of Ephraim, so there was no lawful reason for him to be anointed (Josh. 8:30-31, 19:49-50).

Readers of the 1st century may try to resist thinking about the Joshua of the New Testament at this point. Hopefully, they would decide to resort to the Scriptures for more clarity about the “Mashiach”. The Jews would then be forced to remember the two most important prophecies of the Old Testament that refer to the Messiah as the “Mashiach” in Psalm 2:2 and Daniel 9:25-26. Essentially, these prophecies describe how the Messiah would be publicly rejected and killed by the Jews in a united effort with the heathen, but not for His own sins, and therefore the Messiah would ultimately triumph over His persecutors by ushering in the Kingdom of God upon the earth.

“The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his Anointed [Mashiach], saying,” – Psalm 2:2

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah [Mashiach] the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah [Mashiach] be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.” – Dan. 9:25-26

Hopefully, readers would then remember how the Law leads us to the Tree of the Book of Joshua (Josh. 10:24-26; Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29). Literally, this is how the Bible conducts readers in the school of God. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy lead readers to the Tree in the Book of Joshua. In this way the Law is our Schoolmaster leading us to the Cross of Jesus Christ. The striking similarities are communicating an undeniable message, something that couldn’t be attributed to mere coincidence. Joshua hung up the Kings of the Canaanites upon Trees for the salvation of the people in the satisfaction of the wrath of God (Josh. 10:24-26). Jesus Christ legally became “the Head” of “the House of the Wicked” through divine imputation and died on behalf of all mankind, and His death upon a Tree is the salvation of “Yeshua” the “Mashiach” (Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29).

This is the Gospel of Habakkuk. All readers must do is connect the dots! This would be especially easy for 1st century Jews. However, there is much more to be seen here that will only deepen and enlarge the Gospel. Habakkuk has much more to offer to mature believers. The aforementioned realizations are only surface level and introductory. This song brings before readers the most important scenes of divine glory in the Law and the Book of Joshua so that we might comprehend how this corresponds to the Cross of Jesus Christ. Specifically speaking, these mighty encounters of divine glory reveal the dangerous and deadly power of divine wrath, and we need to labor to see how this dangerous and deadly power of divine wrath was absorbed by Jesus Christ at the Cross of Calvary.

Habakkuk 3:2, 16

“O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” – Hab. 3:2

“When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.” – Hab. 3:16

Habakkuk was shaken to the core by the prophetic vision of divine judgment coming through Babylon. The Seer was beholding the excellencies of divine wrath upon the Jews! Therefore, Habakkuk gave himself to intercession. The body of the song is preceded and followed by intense and fearful acknowledgements of divine wrath (Hab. 3:2, 16).

Habakkuk 3:3-4

“God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.” – Hab. 3:3-4

Being in the throes of intercession, this scene would be especially important for Habakkuk. Bible students would recognize that Habakkuk was speaking about the glory of God at mount Sinai (Ex. 19:16-20). Amazingly, a divine Light was seen coming from nearly 100 miles away on the northern horizon from the vantage point of Sinai (Deut. 33:2, Hab. 3:3-4, Judges 5:4-5). However, something much more specific was intended by Habakkuk in bringing this scene before readers. In Habakkuk 3:4, the Prophet proceeded to describe Moses in the throes of intercession at the peak of Sinai, when the wrath of God was kindled against Israel to destroy them (Ex. 33:21-22, 1 Kings 19:11-12). Marvelous details are given about how this wrath was visibly manifested while Moses was being shielded from it and hardly surviving it (1 Tim. 6:16)! Essentially, Habakkuk was compelling readers to gaze upon the excellencies of the wrath of God against Israel in this unique moment of near annihilation.

Habakkuk 3:5-7

“Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet. He stood, and measured the earth: he beheld, and drove asunder the nations; and the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills did bow: his ways are everlasting. I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction: and the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble.” – Hab. 3:5-7

Moses’ intercession was successful. Therefore, historically, the LORD proceeded to accomplish the stated objective of the Abraham Covenant by driving out the Canaanites from the Promised Land. This scene presents to readers the excellencies of divine wrath upon the Egyptians and the Canaanites, as it was manifest in burning diseases, in how this wrath was melting the hearts of nations like the mountains of the wilderness, and especially the men in Cushan and Midian. (Sicknesses & Diseases: Ex. 15:26, Deut. 7:15 ; 1 Sam. 5 :1-6 :21, Deut. 28:27, 35, 60; Hornets : Ex. 23:27-28, Deut. 7:20, Josh. 24 :12; Cushan & Midian: Deut. 2:25, Num. 22:3-4, Amos 2:9-11, Josh. 2:9, 11, 24, 5:1, 9:24, Ex. 15:15-16, 23:27, Deut. 11 :25, 28 :10; Dividing Inheritance: Deut. 32:7-14, Gen. 10:25, 11:9, Acts 17:26; Deut. 2:1-3:29)

Habakkuk 3:8-12

“Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? was thine anger against the rivers? was thy wrath against the sea, that thou didst ride upon thine horses and thy chariots of salvation? Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers. The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.” – Hab. 3:8-12

This scene presents to readers the excellencies of the wrath of God against the Canaanites, specifically, in how this wrath was impacting the sea, mountains, hills, and rivers during the march of the armies of Israel to the Promised Land (Ps. 114:4, 68:16). The physical reaction of the earthly elements along the marching path of Israel was stunning (Judges 5:4-5)! Hence, the questions being posed: “Was the LORD displeased against the rivers? Was Thine anger against the rivers? Was Thy wrath against the sea…?” (Hab. 3:8). The questions were asked and answered, with the word, “Thou didst march through the land in indignation, Thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.” (Hab. 3:12). This confirmed that God was indeed angry with the Canaanites, and these earthly things were catching a glimpse of the divine wrath that was coming from the Face of God (1 Tim. 6:16).

Habakkuk 3:13-15

“Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; thou woundedst the head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah. Thou didst strike through with his staves the head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters.” – Hab. 3:13-15

This scene brings before readers the battle that won the war in the conquest of the Promised Land. This battle, recorded in Joshua 10, was being referred to by Habakkuk when he described the sun and moon standing still in Habakkuk 3:11. God was so furious with the Canaanites that He lengthened the day of judgment! Literally. He refused to wait another day to satisfy divine justice in the annihilation of these wicked souls. The excellencies of divine wrath manifest against the Canaanites are virtually unparalleled in biblical history. Therefore, spectators might be made to wonder how this wrath would ever be appeased. Hence, the climax of the body of the song, in Habakkuk 3:13-14, guides readers to behold the power of the Tree in the Book of Joshua. All this great and terrible wrath was satisfied at the Tree (Josh. 10:24-26; Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29).

Habakkuk 3:16-19

“When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” – Hab. 3:16-19

True to his name, Habakkuk ended the song embracing the tribulation. The Prophet accepted Babylon as a necessary divine judgment. This was not done grudgingly. Habakkuk was not resigning to his fate out of a sense of duty or obligation. Habakkuk was worshipping! While fully embracing the coming destruction, Habakkuk was rejoicing in the salvation of the LORD with all sincerity and gratitude. This is a marvelous change of heart! One that we all need as believers in the Last Days.

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The High Priest of the Old Testament

10/8/2024

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Article #2 on Seeing Christ in a Theater of Typology

The Mediator, the High Priest, the Holy of Holies, & the Unapproachable Light!

Amazingly, the ministry of the Mediator would become even more visible once the Tabernacle was in operation. Do you remember the “face to face” communion that Moses experienced in the makeshift Tabernacle of Exodus 33:11? This was a sign of good things to come when a legally sanctioned and consecrated Tabernacle was finally constructed (Exodus 34:33-35)! This will prove to be true for the Mediator and the High Priest. Consequentially, it will soon be necessary for the congregation of Israel to come face to face with the High Priest, in one “holy convocation” in particular (Lev. 23:27), similar to how the people were required to have relations with their Mediator at Sinai.

Comprehending the distinct roles of these two Offices, their relationship to each other, and their ability to have face to face meetings with God in the Tabernacle, is essential to Christology. God was setting a stage for a theater of typology so believers could look back and learn about Jesus Christ! However, at the time in history, Israel had no idea what was going on, because none of them had ever built a Tabernacle before. Nor did the people ever have a relationship with God that was dependent upon a Priesthood and their ministry at the Tabernacle. This realization would come in spectacular fashion. The completion of the Tabernacle, and its consecration, was accompanied with signs and wonders to prove to the people that a successful transition of glory from Sinai to the Tabernacle had been accomplished. Let us carefully observe how this happened and what lessons are to be learned in the process.

A Successful Transition of Glory from Sinai to the Tabernacle

Ultimately, fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the sacrifice of the altar at the door of the Tabernacle (Lev. 9:24)! This symbolized the satisfaction of the wrath of God (“…when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” – Lev. 9:24).

Ultimately, a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and “the glory of the LORD” filled the Tabernacle, insomuch that not even Moses was able to enter the Tabernacle until the presence of the glory was diminished (Ex. 40:34-35)! This symbolized the sanctification of the Tabernacle (Ex. 29:42-46).

Ultimately, face to face encounters began and continued to happen in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:22, 30:6, 36, 34:33-35; Lev. 9:4, 6, 23-24, 10:1-2, 16:1-2, 12-17; Lev. 1:1, Num. 7:89).

Moses received instructions on how he and the Priesthood should offer all the necessary sacrifices as each occasion would require (Lev. 1:1-7:38). These instructions were necessary to successfully offer the needed sacrifices on this glorious day, namely, when the operation of redemption would begin at the Tabernacle (Ex. 40, Lev. 9, Num. 7). Upon executing the careful instructions given for the consecration of the Priesthood, so that Aaron and his sons could officially begin their ministry (Lev. 8:1-36), the Priests then began to minister in the Sanctuary of the Tabernacle alongside Moses (Ex. 40:31-33, Lev. 9:1-24).

A Tour of the Tabernacle

If everything was accomplished successfully, then the LORD promised to “dwell among” the congregation of Israel by inhabiting the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:8). This would allow everyone in Israel to meet with God respectively in three different places: (1) in the Courts of the LORD at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation, (2) in the Sanctuary of the Tabernacle before the Vail, and (3) in the Holy of Holies behind the Vail at the Mercy Seat. Let us begin out tour of these places at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

The Courts of the LORD at the Door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation

“This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee. And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the Tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.” – Ex. 29:42-43

Common Israelites were welcome to meet with God in a special way by coming to pray in the Courts of the LORD. Also, whenever necessary, they would come “before the LORD” unto the altar for the offering of sacrifices “at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation” (Lev. 1:3, 3:2). This is a place of presentation for forgiveness and cleansing (Lev. 14:11, 16:7). This is also a place where God would speak to the Israelites who were coming before the LORD with their matters, usually by the Priesthood preaching and teaching from the Word of God, but also by prophetic utterance (Mal. 2:5-7, Deut. 33:8-10, 1 Sam. 1:17). Furthermore, in extraordinary circumstances, the LORD would appear “at door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation” in a visible manifestation of glory to speak and perform miraculous exploits of divine judgement (Ex. 33:9-11, Num. 12:5, 14:10, 16:19, 42, 50, 20:6).

The Sanctuary of the Tabernacle

Even the Kings of Israel would resort to the Priesthood to hear from God as the need required, because the Priests wore the Ephod and only they could enter into the Sanctuary, and everyone knew that the Word of the LORD would come to the Priesthood from the Oracle (1 Sam. 2:18, 28, 23:6, 9, 30:7, 2 Sam. 6:14, 1 Chron. 15:27; 2 Sam. 16:23, 1 Chron. 28:11, Ps. 28:2; Num. 7:89). Obviously, permission to draw near to God by entering the door of the Tabernacle was a great honor bestowed upon the Priesthood. Aaron and his sons were called of God to come near as ministers of the Sanctuary, to keep and order all things, and to apply the blood (Ex. 27:21, 1:11). However, even these duties were peripheral compared to how Moses and Aaron had meetings with God in the Tabernacle. Consequentially, as the Mediator and the High Priest, these two men became very important typological figures of Christ.

The Holy of Holies

In the beginning, no clear restrictions were given to prevent Aaron, the High Priest, from going into the Holy of Holies alongside the Mediator, or as often as the need required. Prior to the commencement of Aaron’s ministry in the Tabernacle, all we read from the Law about the Holy of Holies is that it was constructed with the following divine promise from God to Moses and Aaron.

“And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the Mercy Seat, from between the two Cherubims which are upon the Ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.” - Exo 25:22

A sanctioned invitation was given in the Law! Therefore, Moses knew exactly where to go to meet with God when the Tabernacle was finally constructed. Remember, the LORD audibly called to Moses from the peak of mount Sinai, and the Mediator went up Sinai to meet with God (Ex. 19:3, 20, 24:16). Similarly, the LORD audibly called to Moses from between the Cherubims above the Mercy Seat in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, and then the Mediator “went in” the Holy of Holies to meet with God (Lev. 1:1, Num. 7:89, Ex. 34:33-35).

“And when Moses was gone into the Tabernacle of the Congregation to speak with Him, then he heard the voice of One speaking unto him from off the Mercy Seat that was upon the Ark of testimony, from between the two Cherubims: and he spake unto him.” – Num. 7:89

“And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.” – Ex. 34:33-35

Seeing that the High Priest was ordained to be a minister of the Holy of Holies, it stands to reason that Aaron had a holy obligation to respond to this call alongside Moses. One could argue that Exodus 25:22 was speaking to Moses, but nobody can argue that this word of promise was spoken exclusively to Moses, because the LORD repeatedly stated that He would meet with Aaron in the Holy of Holies according to Exodus 30:6 and Exodus 30:36. Legally, only Aaron could dress and light the lamps of the Sanctuary (Ex. 30:7). Only Aaron could burn incense on the golden altar before the vail so that the smoke of it filled the Holy of Holies (Ex. 30:1-10, 34-38). Aaron’s presence there was not a coincidence! The purpose for burning incense at the golden altar directly pertained to the High Priest and the Mediator safely entering the Holy of Holies to encounter the glory of God in a face to face meeting with the LORD.

Further clarity will eventually be given about these things in the Law, but for now let the reader be satisfied with this observation: in reading the Law from Exodus 19-40 and Leviticus 1-9, we have not encountered any restrictions given to the High Priest preventing him from entering the Holy of Holies. Therefore, seeing that there were no restrictions for Aaron leading up to Leviticus 9:23-24, but rather an invitation (Ex. 25:22), when Moses “went in” to the Holy of Holies before the LORD as needed and required (Ex. 34:33-35), it is to be expected that Aaron went with him. After all, Moses and Aaron were together in Egypt prophesying and performing miracles. Moses and Aaron were together on the mount of intercession in the battle against the Amalekites (Ex. 17:10, 12). Moses and Aaron were together on the slopes of Sinai for the consecration of Moses (Ex. 24:1-2, 9-18). Ultimately, a similar scene is presented to the reader regarding the Tabernacle in Leviticus 9:23-24.

“And Moses and Aaron went into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” – Lev. 9:23-24

Historically, Leviticus 9 provides a record of the day when the ministry of the Priesthood began to function at the Tabernacle. The Mediator was directing the High Priest every step of the way. Every costly sacrifice revealed in the Law was put into action for the solemn occasion: “for to day the LORD will appear unto you” (Lev. 9:4). This included sin-offerings, burnt-offerings, and meat-offerings of calves, goats, rams, lambs, and bullocks. Finally, after everything was accomplished, it was written, “And Moses and Aaron went into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and came out, and blessed the people” (Lev. 9:23). How can we be sure that they went into the Holy of Holies? What did they see and hear? When they came out and proclaimed a blessing upon the people, what did they say?

Leviticus 10:1-2 and Leviticus 16:1-2 will shed some light on the situation. Whatever happened, somehow, Nadab and Abihu thought it was a good idea for them, as Priests, to offer incense before the LORD in the Holy of Holies, even though only the High Priest was directed to minister incense to the Holy of Holies. This resulted in their death in a shocking public execution! Leviticus 10:1-2 directly follows Leviticus 9:23-24 for a reason. Remember, there were no chapter breaks when this was written.

Subsequently, the death of Nadab and Abihu occasioned the legislation of restrictions to prevent Aaron, the High Priest, from entering the Holy of Holies whenever he felt the need to meet with God, implying that Aaron was doing this before the death of Nadab and Abihu, which means that Aaron’s sons recklessly desired to experience the same thing in the offering of strange fire. In restricting Aaron from the Holy of Holies, the LORD then proceeded to legalize only one entrance of the High Priest into the Holy of Holies annually, and this would be on the Day of Atonement.

“And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died; And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the Holy Place within the vail before the Mercy Seat, which is upon the Ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.” – Lev. 16:1-2

There is an equality to the “days” presented to the reader in Leviticus 9 and Leviticus 16. Do you see it? The commencement of the ministry of the Priesthood at the Tabernacle was “a Day of Atonement” in its own right. It was essentially no different than the annual Day of Atonement that was legislated. Considering the fact that Israel was void of a Tabernacle for a long time, we can understand that the people were in dire need of an atonement. Leviticus 9 was the day appointed to get this business done! Evidently, this is why both of these appointed days were accompanied with special manifestations of the glory of God in which the LORD would “appear” to the people (Lev. 9:4, 6, 23-24; Lev. 16:2). However, in Leviticus 16, we are granted further insight into what Aaron and Moses would have seen when they went into the Tabernacle in Leviticus 9:23.

Remember, Leviticus 9 reveals how the LORD “appeared” to the people at the door of the Tabernacle, likely in a pillar of cloud (Ex. 40:36-38; Lev. 9:4, 6), and then “there came a fire out from before the LORD” to consume the sacrifice of the altar (Lev. 9:24). However, just before this, Moses and Aaron “went into” the Tabernacle to see and hear something from the LORD in the Holy of Holies (Lev. 9:23). Then, afterwards, Nadab and Abihu recklessly copied Aaron in the offering of incense in the Holy of Holies, but with strange fire, and “there went out fire from the LORD” to consume them (Lev. 10:2; Ex. 30:9). Similarly, and without coincidence, Aaron was specifically directed to offer incense on the Day of Atonement before he entered into the Holy of Holies, and the reason for the incense was then clarified by Law in Leviticus 16:12-17.

“And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.” – Lev. 16:12-17

It was too dangerous to enter the Holy of Holies without a thick cloud of smoke engulfing the Throne of God! It would have been deadly for Moses or Aaron to behold the Living God appearing in between the Cherubims above the Mercy Seat! Similarly, the Light at the Red Sea needed to be covered by thick clouds of darkness (Ps. 18:12). When Moses encountered the Face of God at the peak of Sinai, the Mediator needed to be hidden from the unapproachable Light, and completely covered (which God did miraculously by his own hand!), otherwise Moses would have died in the mountaintop experience (Ex. 33:20-23, 1 Kings 19:11, Hab. 3:3-4). There was the hiding of His power! Now, with a successful transfer of glory from Sinai to the Tabernacle, the same precautions needed to be taken for the protection and survival of those who would come near to have face to face meetings with God.

The Mediator and the High Priest were safe to look upon God as long as a cloud of incense filled the Holy of Holies, insomuch that its thickness was able to “cover the Mercy Seat”, otherwise these men would have certainly died (Lev. 16:13). There was the hiding of His power! Obviously, this is because there was Sinaic power to the Light that was manifesting above the Mercy Seat from in between the Cherubims. Godly men of forthcoming generations coveted after this blessed experience.

Asaph the Psalmist

“…Thou that dwellest between the Cherubims, shine forth.” - Ps. 80:1

Jewish readers correctly interpreted what was going on in the Holy of Holies when the Mediator and High Priest had face to face meetings with God in the Tabernacle. Asaph joined his voice with a chorus of Prophets who all desired the same thing, praying fervently to God, saying, “Thou that dwellest between the Cherubims, shine forth.” (Ps. 80:1)! By interpretation, this meant, “Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” (Ps. 80:3, 7, 19). Every godly man throughout all ages wanted to see the Face of God (Ex. 33:18, 20). Of course, this is certainly why Moses removed the vail from his face when he “went in” to the Holy of Holies before the LORD (Ex. 34:33-35). The Mediator wanted to see God! And upon passing through the vail of the Holy of Holies, Moses and Aaron beheld a “bright cloud” of glory shining with heavenly brilliance in front of them (Matt. 17:5; Hab. 3:6, Heb. 13:8).

Clearly, Leviticus 16:1-2 and Leviticus 16:12-17 are presenting to readers an appearance of the glory of God in the Holy of Holies. This confirms the fact that this glory was visibly manifesting in the Holy of Holies before and after the legislated restriction, and that Aaron proceeded to encounter this glory annually from this point forward, because without coming face to face with the LORD, the atonement could not be accomplished. All the components of a face to face meeting with God were present in the Holy of Holies: (1) a closeness of communion, (2) a visible manifestation of glory, (3) an audible voice.

“Let Thy work appear unto thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” – Psalm 90:16-17

Naturally, everyone was awestruck with amazement at the ministry of the Mediator and the High Priest in the Tabernacle. Israel was even more thrilled at the divine blessings which were bestowed upon them through these holy ministers (Ps. 90:16-17, Num. 6:22-27). Receiving a blessing from a man who came fresh from the Holy of Holies was an exhilarating experience!

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.” – Num. 6:22-27

Moses and Aaron must have said something similar to Israel in Leviticus 9:23, when they entered into the Holy of Holies and then came out and blessed the people. Hereafter, generations to come looked back with wonder at the intercessions of Moses and Aaron (Ps. 99:1-9). Together, the Mediator and the High Priest were beholden to the King of Kings in the Throne room of God on earth! “The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth between the Cherubims; let the earth be moved.” (Psalm 99:1).

King David

Centuries later, when the movable Tabernacle would be converted into a fixed and stationary Temple, David emerged as a Mosaic figure who prophetically received the details of this plan (1 Chron. 28:11-12, 18-19). Therefore, like a Mediator, David was beholden to spectacular revelations of the glory of God (Ps. 110:1-2). He was even seen wearing “a linen Ephod” when the Mercy Seat was transported into Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6:14). No explanation was provided in Scripture on the legality of this event. It is a mystery of typology pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ (Jer. 23:5-6, 33:15-17, Ezek. 34:24, 37:25). Evidently, David had seen God! Where? In the Sanctuary.

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the Sanctuary.” – Ps. 63:1-2

No explanation is provided in Scripture about how David was enabled to see the LORD in the Sanctuary. Normally, only Priests were legally permitted to enter the Sanctuary. That being said, whatever happened to David, he was very bold to confess that he would rather be a Priest than a King.

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the House of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His Temple.” – Psalm 27:4

“Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in Thy Courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the House of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a Sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” - Psalm 84:9-11

David desired to be as close to the Holy of Holies as possible! Why? To bask in the light of the “Sun” as it was shining from above the Mercy Seat (Ps. 84:9-11). Therefore, understandably, his soul longed and fainted for “the Courts of the LORD” (Ps. 84:1-2). But the outer court wasn’t enough for David! He wanted to come closer to the LORD, even by coming to “the altar of God” which was situated at the door of the Tabernacle (Ps. 43:3-4). But the door of the Tabernacle wasn’t enough for David! Confessedly, he wanted to see the Face of God.

“When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” - Psalm 27:8

Apparently, the voice of the LORD was calling David to come nearer and nearer (Jer. 30:21-22). Speaking of this, David said to God, “When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” (Psalm 27:8). As one beholden to the Face of God, even though it was concealed in a bright cloud of Light, David said, “The LORD is my Light and my salvation…” (Ps. 27:1). Similarly, David declared, “For the LORD God is a Sun and shield…” (Ps. 84:11)! Meanwhile, all the psalmists were made to sing about the shining Face of God (Ps. 31:16, 67:1, 80:1-3, 7, 19, 119:135), even as all of Israel was made to know the blessedness of the Light of His Countenance (Numbers 6:22-27; Ps. 4:6, 44:3, 89:15, 90:8; Ps. 11:7, 21:6, 42:5, 11, 43:5, 80:16).

There can be no doubt about the origin of these doctrines pertaining to the Face of God. It can be traced back to the Holy Place at the peak of Sinai, and subsequently, the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle (Ps. 17:15, 24:6, 27:8-9, 41:12, 105:4). Increasing clarity was given from generation to generation. Isaiah the Prophet had a face to face encounter with the LORD where he saw into the Holy of Holies of the Temple, and what he described was a major contribution to this doctrine (Isa. 6:1-5).

Isaiah the Prophet

“Woe is me! For I am undone…for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” - Isa. 6:5

Isaiah the Prophet went into “the Temple” and “saw” the LORD “sitting upon a Throne” in the Holy of Holies (Isa. 6:1). This was a face to face meeting with God where Isaiah “saw His glory” (Jn. 12:41). No explanation was given about how Isaiah got into the Temple. He even saw the Living Creatures that were symbolically represented by the statues of the Holy of Holies that Bazaleel made, calling them “the Seraphims” (Isa. 6:2). The role of these angels is essentially indistinguishable from the Cherubims. They are the highest ranking angels in heaven, and their sole duty was to transport, guard, and cover the Throne of God (Heb. 9:5). Isaiah heard the angels crying loudly one to another, “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts…” (Isa. 6:3), and the audible voices of these creatures were so loud that “the posts of the door” of the Temple were shaking (Isa. 6:4).

Isaiah was terrified! Not because of the angels. The visible presence of the King enthroned above the angels had stricken Isaiah with holy terror (2 Cor. 5:10-11). Especially, because he was beholding a likeness or similitude of something divine on the Person of God, even if it was just the “train” of His robe (Isa. 6:1). Isaiah knew that he was dangerously close to the LORD. He remembered how Moses hardly survived a “pass by” encounter of the Face of God at the peak of Sinai. Therefore, Isaiah was sure that he was going to die! Speaking of this, he cried out, “Woe is me! For I am undone…for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Isa. 6:5)! Nevertheless, Isaiah survived the divine encounter, only because there was vailing presence of smoke filling the Temple.

“…and the House was filled with smoke.” – Isa. 6:4

This part of the vision is not to be disregarded as an insignificant detail. Remember, without a thick cloud of “smoke”, not even Aaron the High Priest would have survived encountering the glory of God in the Holy of Holies (Lev. 16:12-13). Similarly, when Isaiah saw the LORD, it was through a vailing presence of smoke (Isa. 6:4). There is the hiding of His power! Perhaps Isaiah was uncertain about all that he saw (as one looking into the midst of smoke), explicitly describing only those things which he could make out clearly and confidently affirm.

Ezekiel the Prophet

“…and the cloud filled the inner court.” – Ezek. 10:3

Ezekiel the Prophet spiritually went into the Temple and saw into the Holy of Holies. In a face to face meeting with God, Ezekiel saw “the Cherubims”, and above them he beheld “the appearance of the likeness of a Throne”, and seated upon the Throne, Ezekiel saw “the glory of the LORD” (Ezek. 10:1, 4). It does not appear that Ezekiel saw anything else of God in this vision except “the glory”. Otherwise, the Prophet would have spoken about it, as he did with the likenesses of the Cherubims in Ezekiel 10. However, in speaking of “the brightness of the LORD’S glory”, Ezekiel did go on the clarify what was dangerously glorious about “the glory of the LORD” (Ezek. 10:4). The brightness of the glory is the unapproachable Light (1 Tim. 6:16)! The same which shined from the Face of God. Therefore, Ezekiel would have died without something vailing the glory. This is why the text explicitly states that “the cloud filled the inner court” in Ezekiel 10:3. There is the hiding of His power!

“Then the glory of the LORD went up from the Cherub, and stood over the threshold of the House; and the House was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.” – Ezek. 10:4

Amazingly, Ezekiel watched as “the glory of the LORD” moved from the Holy of Holies to “the threshold of the House”, which is a place equivalent to the door of the Tabernacle in the former days. Once again, the text states, “the House was filled with the cloud” (Ezek. 10:4). The glorious Light was changing locations, but a thick cloud was still there to vail its deadly power. Nevertheless, the Light could still be seen shining in and through the cloud, making it a “bright cloud” (Matt. 17:5), even as “the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’S glory” (Ezek. 10:4). There is the hiding of His power!

“And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.” – Ezek. 1:4

In the Temple, the unapproachable Light was only vailed by a cloud, but in an earlier vision at the river Chebar, as described in Ezekiel 1:4, there were several manifestations of glory that were vailing the Light. This included a whirlwind, a great cloud, and a fire, making this revelation Sinaic in its appearance (Ezek. 1:4). Let the reader understand, the focal point of the vision is always the shining Light coming from the Face of God! Even though it was vailed, it could be seen through the presence of a covering. Behind the whirlwind was a cloud, and behind the cloud was a fire, and behind the fire was the unapproachable Light! Therefore, speaking of the fire, Ezekiel said “a brightness was about it” (Ezek. 1:4). The cloud in the Temple became a bright cloud, insomuch that the brightness filled the outer court. Similarly, at the river Chebar, the fire became a bright fire, and as the Light passed through the vailing presence of fire it was creating “the colour of amber” (Ezek. 1:4).

Job the Patriarch

“I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:5-6

Job the Patriarch encountered the LORD face to face in a pillar of cloud, in the form of a “whirlwind”, and he heard an audible voice proceeding out of the whirlwind (Job 38:1). There is the hiding of His power! In response to seeing God, Job fell to the earth in prostration and abhorred himself in dust and ashes (Job 42:5-6). Of course, this is the be expected! Literally, God looked on Job out of the whirlwind and brought him low, to where he was hiding his face in the dust, exactly as described in Job 40:12-13. Yes! God can look through clouds and fire (Ex. 14:24)! God permitting, He also can be seen in the midst of them. Apparently, this isn’t the first time something like this happened in Biblical History. According to Psalm 104:1-4, the glory of God visibly appeared during the destruction of the old world through the flood. Moreover, during the stormy tempest of rainclouds, a remnant of believers alongside Noah knew that the clouds were acting as a vail to cover the presence of Deity.

“He bindeth up the waters in His thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. He holdeth back the face of his Throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.” - Job 26:8-9

The Early Church of the first 2,000 years knew a lot about how God decks Himself with majesty and excellency and arrays Himself in glory and beauty (Job 40:9-13). These ancient believers even knew that clouds and whirlwinds acted as a vail to hide the face of the Throne of God, and the unapproachable Light of Deity sitting upon it. There is the hiding of His power! They also knew that no earthly creature could survive even a single glimpse of the Face of God. Not even the Leviathan! Speaking of the Leviathan, God said, “…shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him?” (Job 41:9). The point of argument was rhetorically punctuated, when the LORD said, “Who then is able to stand before Me?” (Job 40:10; Rev. 6:15-17). Theoretically, if the vail was lifted and the clouds were removed, even the Leviathan would be instantly annihilated (Job 40:9-13, 41:1-10; Isa. 27:1).

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The Mediator of the Old Testament

10/7/2024

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Article #1 on Seeing Christ in a Theater of Typology

The Congregation of Israel’s Face to Face Meeting with God

The Making of a Mediator

Upon arriving at Sinai, the exodus journey was complete. Israel then set up camp in a suitable place before the holy mountain, not knowing what was on the morrow (Ex. 19:1-2). Moses was then called up the mountain, because the LORD had something to say to Israel (Ex. 19:3). Amazingly, the LORD proceeded to speak to Moses with an audible voice (Ex. 19:3)! Moses then delivered to Israel all the words of God, and upon their agreement to the forthcoming covenant relationship (Ex. 19:4-8), Moses was directed to make arrangements for the LORD to come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai (Ex. 19:9-15).

“And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.” – Ex. 19:16-17

The congregation of Israel remained in their camp trembling when God came down upon Sinai. Moses had to go and retrieve the people from the camp, otherwise they would not have come anywhere near mount Sinai. Moses conducted the congregation of Israel to a place very “near” to Sinai (Ex. 19:17, Deut. 4:11), even directly at the base of the holy mountain (“they stood at the nether part of the mount” – Ex. 19:17), so that it might be said that the people were standing “under the mountain” (Deut. 4:11). Israel was brought there to meet with God in a very special way that would never be repeated in Biblical History (Deut. 4:32-33).

“For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it? Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the Fire, as thou hast heard, and live?” – Deut. 4:32-33

“Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great Fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the Fire.” – Deut. 4:36

The LORD appeared before the congregation of Israel in a visible manifestation of glory. Then, upon coming as close as possible to Sinai, they heard the audible voice of God proceeding directly out of the midst of the Fire (Deut. 4:36). Such a thing had never happened before in Biblical History! And somehow even the heathen would come to know about it (Num. 14:14). Categorically, this is what it means for God to talk to people “face to face” (Deut. 5:4). Firstly, there was a closeness to the communion. Secondarily, there was a visible manifestation of glory. Thirdly, there was an audible voice coming out of the glory.

However, in meeting with God “face to face” (Deut. 5:4), let the reader understand that the people of Israel “saw no similitude” (Deut. 4:12). They saw a consuming fire and clouds of thick darkness, and they heard a voice, but they saw no “similitude” or “likeness” of an image of any kind, neither of men nor animals (Deut. 4:15-19, 23-25). If the likeness of anything divine could have been seen, it was being vailed by the presence of smoke and fire.

The earth was “trembling” (Judges 5:4, Ps. 68:8). The mountains were moving (Ps. 68:16, Hab. 3:10). The fire was exceedingly hot and “devouring” (Ex. 24:17). Sinai itself was melting (Judges 5:4-5, Hab. 3:6)! The flames of the consuming fire were rapidly ascending high into the sky (Deut. 4:11, 36)! Israel was afraid by reason of these things. Upon hearing the thunderous voice of the Living God, in the proclamation of the 10 commandments (Ex. 20:1-17), the Israelites removed themselves from before Sinai and stood at a distance (Deut. 5:26). It was then that Moses became the Mediator of the Old Covenant (Gal. 3:19).

“And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.” – Ex. 20:18-21

“The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the Fire, (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,” – Deut. 5:4-5

Mediating became the single most important part of the ministry of Moses. The duty of the Mediator was to stand in between the LORD and the congregation of Israel, to receive the Word of God on their behalf and deliver it them, because it was too dangerous for the people to receive it for themselves before the glory of God. In other words, this would necessitate Moses meeting with God “face to face” on the behalf of the congregation of Israel.

“And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.” – Deut. 5:23-28

Israel felt that they were in grave danger! They were correct in their assessment. They could not endure the sights and sounds of a meeting face to face with God! It was too dangerous (sight: Heb. 12:18, 21, Ex. 19:9, 11, 16-18, 20:18, 21-22, Deut. 4:9, 11, 24, 35, 5:5, 22-33, Deut. 18:16; sound: Heb. 12:19, Ex. 19:16, 19, 20, 20:1-17, 19, 22, Deut. 4:10, 12, 33, 36, 5:4, 22-33, Deut. 18:16, Heb. 2:1-4, 12:25-26). They would have certainly died if it continued any longer! Therefore, Moses became a Mediator.

The Dangerous & Deadly Role of a Mediator Necessitates Face to Face Meetings with God

The Mediator is a Seer!

The congregation of Israel removed themselves, and stood afar off, and requested that Moses would draw near to God on their behalf. Consequentially, Moses proceeded to meet with God in the same characteristic way that they rejected in an ongoing relationship.

“And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face…” – Deut. 34:10

Israel didn’t know what they were relinquishing, nor what Moses was then undertaking. It was not yet revealed by Law. Moses’ unique relationship with God would become more evident in time. The day soon came for the people to be sworn into the Mosaic Covenant with the sprinkling of blood (Ex. 24:1-8). Over the next 40 days and 40 nights, the parameters of everyone’s relationship with God in how each person would be permitted to have special meetings with the LORD was definitively revealed to Moses. However, in the process, seventy Elders of Israel got a firsthand glimpse of Moses’ unique relationship with God.

“And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the LORD, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.” – Ex. 24:1-2

“Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink. And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them. And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.” – Ex. 24:9-18

The Elders of Israel ascended partway up Sinai to be the witnesses of the solemn occasion. Their duty was to watch their Mediator draw near to the devouring Fire on behalf of Israel. This emphasis was given in Exodus 24:1-2. Each Elder was responsible to tell the tale about what they beheld on the slopes of Sinai! And their own experience made them competent reporters of these events to their own tribe.

Seeing that the Israel’s fear of death was warranted, legitimate questions were upon on the heart of the people as they beheld their Mediator: Can Moses survive being a Mediator? Entering the cloud of smoke? So close to the consuming fire? Beholden to the unapproachable Light? Without food and water for 40 days & nights?

The Elders of Israel “saw God”, in one sense (Ex. 24:11). They definitely saw something that the rest of Israel was not permitted to behold! They momentarily peered beyond the vailing presence of smoke and fire, and apparently, they saw the floor of the throne room of God: “…there was under His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness” (Ex. 24:10; Ezek. 10:1; Rev. 15:2). Therefore, the Elders knew that a pavilion of glory existed beyond the vail of smoke and fire.

This awesome sight was accompanied with a meal. I doubt anyone among them ascended Sinai with bags of food slung over their shoulders. Nevertheless, a meal was cooked for the Elders of Israel. I assume they went in the strength of that meat for six days (1 Kings 19:8). They were being prepared to behold something spectacular and ceremonious as Moses undertook the office of a Mediator. They heard the LORD say to Moses, “Come up to Me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.” (Ex. 24:12). Therefore, as witnesses, the Elders were standing by to personally behold the ascent.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever...” – Ex. 19:9

“…he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.” – Ex. 24:16

The Elders of Israel watched as Moses ascended above them, making his way towards the peak of Sinai, but then Moses was made to wait before the devouring fire at the peak of Sinai for six days before he was permitted to enter the cloud of smoke (Ex. 24:16-18). Of course, the Elders stayed there and watched until Moses entered into the cloud of glory on the seventh day, only that they might report the matter back to the people. This was a ceremonious occasion of consecration for Moses, one that would be repeated with the Priests of the Tabernacle in the days to come (Lev. 8:1-36).

The Priests will be required to undergo a ceremonious process of consecration before being permitted to assume the office of a Priest in the Tabernacle of God. All the congregation will be summoned to behold their consecration (Lev. 8:3-4), and upon entering the Tabernacle, the Priests will not be permitted to go out of the door of the Tabernacle for seven days (Lev. 8:33-35). (Note: this would come out to the same number of days depending on which day marks the beginning and ending of the counting (Ex. 24:16, Lev. 8:33-9:1), as is demonstrated in the “six” and “eight” days of Matt. 17:1, Mk. 9:2, Lk. 9:28). Evidently, the same pattern of consecration was employed for both the Mediator and the Priests of the Old Covenant, only the former was before the glory at Sinai and the latter was before the glory in the Tabernacle.

In being summoned by God for the Mediator’s consecration, the Elders of Israel were brought very close to the God of Israel. They even ascended the untouchable mountain of Sinai (Ex. 19:12-13, 21-24, Heb. 12:18-21)! But the Elders were “afar off” in comparison to the Mediator (Ex. 24:1). Their duty was to watch Moses get much closer to God, even “face to face”, because he “alone” was permitted to go “near” (Ex. 24:2; Ex. 33:11), and the Elders reported the matter back to the people. The Elders saw God so that they might know that Moses didn’t die when he entered into the cloud of smoke, as others would assume (Ex. 32:1). The Elders knew that Moses went to be with God in a safe and secure pavilion of glory! The Elders ate and drank in the presence of God, and like Elijah, they were miraculously sustained by that food for six days. Therefore, they would have no reason to doubt that Moses would be sustained no matter how long he spent at the peak of Sinai.

Seeing that the cloud of smoke was acting as a vail to cover whatever was behind it, when Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and then proceeded beyond it, what did he see? Did he see any similitudes or likenesses of anything divine?

Firstly, Moses was made to wait six days before the cloud at Sinai’s peak. Secondarily, after being called, Moses “went into the midst of the cloud” (Ex. 24:18). Moses went beyond the cloud of glory that was acting as a vail. Therefore, if the likeness of anything divine could be seen beyond the vail, Moses was going to see it. If the Elders of Israel saw the floor of the throne room of God, and it was spectacular to behold (Ex. 24:10), it stands to reason that Moses saw many wonderful things when he went into the cloud (Ex. 24:18, Lk. 9:34).

We can comprehend what Moses saw through a typological theater of earthly figures (shadows: Heb. 8:5, 10:1, Col. 2:17; figures: Heb. 9:9, 24, 11:19, Rom. 5:14, 1 Pet. 3:21). A divine plan was revealed to Moses to bring the glory of Sinai into a Tabernacle, even as God said, “that I may dwell among them” (Ex. 25:8). The LORD couldn’t bring Israel up to Sinai, nor did He desire to send Israel away from Sinai, unless divine genius devised a way for the God to dwell in the midst of Israel. In this the heart of God would be satisfied. Clearly, the LORD didn’t want the people to be far away. He wanted the most amount of people to safely abide as close as possible to the throne of God! Moses, the Mediator, received the details of this plan in Exodus 25-31.

The Materials for the Tabernacle and its Instruments: Ex. 25:1-9
The Ark, Mercy Seat, & Holy of Holies: Ex. 25:10-22
The Table of Shewbread: Ex. 25:23-30
The Golden Candlesticks: Ex. 25:31-40
The Curtains & Bars of the Tabernacle: Ex. 26:7-30
The Vail of the Holy of Holies: Ex. 26:31-35
The Vail of the Sanctuary at the Door of the Tabernacle: Ex. 26:36-37
The Brazen Altar of Sacrifice: Ex. 27:1-8
The Court of the Tabernacle: Ex. 27:9-19
The Oil of the Tabernacle: Ex. 27:20-21

The Garments of the Priesthood: Ex. 28:1-53; The Ephod: Ex. 28:6-14; The Breastplate: Ex. 28:15-30; The Robe: Ex. 28:31-35; The Crown: Ex. 28:36-38
The Consecration of the Priests: Ex. 29:1-37
The Burnt-Offering of Lambs as an Eternal Fire: Ex. 29:38-45
Eternal Incense: Ex. 30:1-10
Redemption: Ex. 30:11-16
The Brazen Laver: Ex. 30:17-21
The Holy Anointing Oil: Ex. 30:22-33
The Holy Perfume: Ex. 30:34-38
The Sabbaths & Levitical Cities: Ex. 31:1-18

The Mediator is a seer. Apparently, Moses peered into Heaven itself while at the peak of Sinai, according to Hebrews 8:1-6. Hebrews 8:5 is quoting from Exodus 25:40, 26:30, & 27:8. Heaven came down, or Moses went up, or perhaps a mixture of both! Moses had to see the images of real things that exist in Heaven, “heavenly things” (Heb. 9:23), to make the figures and shadows of them on earth after the same “pattern” and “fashion”. Therefore, Moses saw the shape, size, and colors of “the sanctuary” being illuminated by seven candlesticks in Heaven (Ex. 25:1-9, 31-40; Heb. 8:2; Rev. 4:1-8, 11:19, 15:8). Moses saw the shape, size, and colors of the Throne of God in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle of Heaven (Ex. 25:1-22; Heb. 8:2, 9:11; Rev. 4:1-8, 11:19, 15:8)! Moses saw the counterpart of everything that was described in Exodus 25-31.

The most spectacular part of this plan is how God was going to meet and commune with Moses, the High Priest, the Priesthood, and Israel in a very special way, respectively, at the Mercy Seat, in the Sanctuary, & at the Door of the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:8, 22, 29:42-46). However, before this transition was able to take place, where the glory of God is moved from Sinai to the Tabernacle, the people fell into sin.

The Mediator is an Intercessor!

The 1st Attempt of Intercession

At first, the LORD reacted to the idolatry by deciding to totally annihilate the congregation of Israel (Ex. 32:10-11). This was narrowly averted through the intercession of Moses (Ex. 32:11-14). The Mediator is an intercessor! Moses then descended Sinai to confront the reveling idolaters (Ex. 32:15-24). Moses knew that the Covenant was currently being breached. The broken “tables” of the Covenant at the base of Sinai bore witness (Ex. 32:19). An immediate call for repentance was made in the camp, and whoever didn’t repent that day was then slain by the sword. Three thousand souls died (Ex. 32:25-29)! Nevertheless, the LORD was still angry with the people.

The 2nd Attempt of Intercession

The 1st Attempt of Intercession was successful to prevent a total annihilation of Israel, but it was unsuccessful to restore the Mosaic Covenant. In distress, Moses ascended Sinai to try to make an atonement for Israel (Ex. 32:30-33). He even tried to offer himself as a sacrifice for an atonement! Moses’ request was denied. Of course, the 2nd Attempt of Intercession failed, but this is an important moment for Christology. This speaks volumes about the Mediator’s incompetency! The news was then broken to Moses that the congregation needed to move on from Sinai. It was time to go!

“Therefore now go, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them. And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.” – Ex. 32:34-35

Israel hadn’t yet built a Tabernacle! The glory of Sinai had not yet come down into the midst of Israel! And now it was time to go. This implies a total breach of the divine plan revealed to Moses at Sinai. Everything revealed from Exodus 25-31 was being forfeited if Israel packed up then and journeyed to the Promised Land.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Depart, and go up hence, thou and the people which thou hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, Unto thy seed will I give it: And I will send an Angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: Unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way. And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb.” – Ex. 33:1-6

For the good of the people, the LORD decided against the original plan, saying, “I will not go up in the midst of thee” (Ex. 33:3). This decision was made to preserve Israel from harm. In being so near to God, this would have put the people in grave danger, because the LORD would not tolerate any provocative form of sin. Fearfully, Jehovah spoke of consuming them in a moment (Ex. 33:3, 5)! This is a sign of great wrath being kindled in the heart of God like fire (Ex. 32:10).

The 3rd Attempt of Intercession

Meanwhile, even though the command was given to depart from Sinai, Moses was desperate for the revival of the Mosaic Covenant. Therefore, Moses wanted another opportunity to go before the LORD in intercession, but he was afraid to ascend Sinai again in the current circumstances. Especially, because the last time he was on the holy mountain he was told to “go” and “lead” the people away from Sinai (Ex. 32:34). Sinai was no longer an option. Neither would the LORD come into the midst of Israel to give audience to Moses.

Therefore, according to Exodus 33:7-11, Moses decided to build a makeshift Tabernacle and pitch it outside of the camp of Israel, in hopes that God would come down from Sinai and meet with Moses there for another round of intercession.

“And Moses took the Tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the Congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the Tabernacle of the Congregation, which was without the camp.” – Ex. 33:7-8

This was not a properly constructed Tabernacle. It was impossible for Moses to suddenly build a Tabernacle according to the instructions given to him in Exodus 25-31. The construction of the Tabernacle was a colossal task that occupied a host of people working together over the space of many days. The real construction process is described in Exodus 35-40. Therefore, this “Tabernacle”, the one serving as a meeting place of intercession outside the camp in Exodus 33:7-11, was a sudden inadequately constructed makeshift Tabernacle. What a marvel that God would meet with Moses in such a base and unholy construction! Lo, and behold, now we can see the powers of the Mediator on full display.

“And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the Tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the Tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the Tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door. And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.” – Ex. 33:9-11

These kinds of encounters happened regularly at the peak of Sinai. However, now that the people were much closer, the ministry of the Mediator became much more visible (Ex. 19:9). God wanted the people to see this! Moses’ bold and courageous attempt of intercession began here, as Moses began to pour out his heart before the LORD in the Tabernacle, but it didn’t end there.

The 4th Attempt of Intercession

The 3rd Attempt of Intercession would quickly lead into the 4th Attempt of Intercession, where Moses would be required to ascend Sinai, and there Moses would be compelled to fall down before the burning Fire of El-esh-oklah for another 40 days and 40 nights, otherwise the LORD was certainly going to destroy Israel. This is clarified in Deuteronomy 9:18-19, 25, 10:10, & Psalm 106:23.

“And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.” – Deut. 9:18-19

“Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the LORD had said he would destroy you.” – Deut. 9:25

“And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.” – Deut. 10:10

“Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.” - Psalm 106:23

The Mediator’s success as an intercessor depended upon these “face to face” encounters with the Living God (Ex. 33:11). In these encounters, Moses found grace to succeed as an intercessor, and this resulted in the bestowment of sovereign mercy upon Israel (Ex. 33:19, Rom. 9:15). Meanwhile, the delinquency and incompetency of Moses was also being manifested to readers (Ex. 32:30-33, 33:18-23), indicating the coming of another prophet that would be even greater than Moses (Deut. 18:15-19). Let the reader observe what Moses did and didn’t see when it came to the “face to face” meetings he had with God (Ex. 33:11, 18, 20).

The content of Moses’ prayer before ascending Sinai shows how he was esteeming the power of Mediating. Moses was in doubt about the identity of this Angel that the LORD was going to send before Israel, the same one that was spoken about in Exodus 23:20-23, 32:34, & 33:1-6. Moses said to God, “…Thou hast not let me know whom Thou wilt send with me.” (Ex. 33:12). Moses didn’t want an Angel to go before Israel, while the LORD refused to come among Israel. Moses pled for more grace! He said, “…shew me now Thy way, that I may know Thee” (Ex. 33:13). Once again, Moses was praying for the “Presence” of God to go “with” them (Ex. 13:14-16). Basically, Moses was saying to the LORD, “I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.” (Gen. 32:26).

Why did Moses want to see the Face of God?

Moses looked up to Jacob as an exemplary Patriarch of the Israelites. The Mediator remembered how Jacob wrestled with God in the day of his distress, and how a whole night spent in fervent intercession was rewarded with a divine blessing in the morning (Gen. 32:24-32, Hos. 12:2-6, Jer. 30:5-7). It was then that Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (Gen. 32:30). Perhaps this very thing was burning upon Moses’ heart when he uttered the prayer, “shew me Thy glory” (Ex. 33:18). Clearly, God knew what Moses was asking for in this request.

“And he said, Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live. And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by: And I will take away Mine hand, and thou shalt see My back parts: but My face shall not be seen.” – Ex. 33:20-23

“And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped. And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.” – Ex. 34:5-9

Readers assume that this isn’t the beginning of an unprecedented episode of intercession. Interpreters suppose that a mountaintop experience like this of seeing the glory of God couldn’t possibly be the start of a long intercessory battle. Rather, interpreters should expect intercession in such cases. Moses was still in the throes of intercession! This was coming out in his prayer recorded in Exodus 34:9. God was still determined to visit Israel with justice! This was communicated to Moses in Exodus 34:7. In a burning desire for justice, the LORD said that He would “by no means clear the guilty” (Ex. 34:7). Albeit more was said to Moses in this critical moment.

To comprehend the seriousness of this episode of intercession, readers need to meditatively insert Deuteronomy 9:18-19, 25, 10:10, & Psalm 106:23 in between Exodus 34:7 & Exodus 34:8. Putting everything together paints a more complete picture. Seeing that the LORD was still minded to execute justice, and that this would come in a mighty destruction of Israel, Moses said, “I fell down before the LORD” (Deut. 9:18, 25). The record of Scripture reflects that “Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.” (Ex. 34:8).

Nothing else, but intercession, kept Moses on the mountain for so long a time. This emphasis is given in Deuteronomy 9:18-19, 25, 10:10, & Psalm 106:23. It was a long and hard-fought battle of intercession! This episode continued for 40 days & 40 nights until, at last, God repented, and the Mosaic Covenant was ratified. The newly cut “Tables of Stone” rewritten with the 10 commandments bore witness of the restoration (Ex. 34:1, 27-28, Deut. 4:13). This comes as a gracious reward to an unrelenting Mediator, who prayed to God, “go among us” (Ex. 34:9), when the LORD had decided against dwelling among Israel (Ex. 33:1-6).

The Mediator, Sinai, & the Unapproachable Light!

“…the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the Light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” – 1 Tim. 6:15-16

The 4th Attempt of Intercession was successful. Victoriously, the Mediator descended Sinai, not even knowing that the skin of his face was shining as a result of the terrible glory he encountered in the presence of God.

“And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two Tables of Testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.” – Ex. 34:29-32

Evidently, Moses saw something! “The similitude of the LORD shall he behold” (Num. 12:8). The look on his countenance bore witness. Moses saw the glory of God, and someone dwelling in the midst of it! Moses saw the “back parts” of God (Ex. 33:23). Consequentially, the Mediator’s face was branded with brightness! Normally, to see something like this is impermissible and impossible.

What happened at the peak of Sinai?

Impermissible, because Israel was forbidden from seeing any shape, form, part, or image of anything pertaining to the Person of God, nor did the people see any “similitude” or “likeness” of the aforementioned things, even though they were in a meeting “face to face” with the LORD (Deut. 4:9-12, 15-19, 23-25, 5:4). Specifically speaking, Israel didn’t see “the likeness of a Throne” in the midst of the Fire, like Ezekiel did, nor did they see “the likeness as the appearance of a Man” seated upon the Throne (Ezek. 1:26). Neither did Israel see “the likeness” of any “living creatures” round about the Throne (Ezek. 1:5).

Impossible, because it is far too dangerous! Ordinarily, these things are covered for our own safety. This is why Moses, the Mediator, hardly survived the wind, fire, earthquake, and light of his own mountaintop experience, and this was only a “pass by” encounter of the Face of God (Ex. 33:22).

“And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by:” – Ex. 33:22

Theoretically, Moses could have seen the Face of God, but it would have meant certain death (Ex. 33:20). So far from seeing the Face of God, Moses needed protection from it! In other words, Moses needed a covering! The cleft of the rock wasn’t enough. Moses needed the hand of God to cover him while he abode in the cleft of the rock! A supernatural covering was necessary because in the “pass by” the mountain was rent and the rocks around Moses were scorched with fire and broken in pieces. These explicit details are provided when Elijah experienced the same thing when “the LORD passed by” at the same location upon Sinai (1 Kings. 19:11).

“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” – 1 Kings 19:11-12

This is a dangerous and deadly revelation! Elijah’s account fills in the lines of Exodus 33:21-23. Now, imagine Moses in his hiding place as “the LORD passed by before him” (Ex. 34:6)! Do you see why it was necessary for the LORD to cover Moses with a divine hand? With the mountain rending and the rocks around him being scorched with fire and broken in pieces at the power of God, it was necessary for Moses to be covered, and in covering him, the LORD was hiding him from a deadly onslaught of divine power. Habakkuk brings this same scene into view through a poetic Hebrew song.

Is wind capable of rending mountains and breaking rocks into pieces? For some perspective, read 1 Kings 19:11-12 while meditating upon the “wonders” of the Last Days (Joel 2:30-31). This description is remarkably similar to the things that accompany a flash of thermonuclear light in the explosion of an atomic bomb. After a 180-million-degree flash of thermo-nuclear light that catches everything on fire for miles, the blast of an atomic bomb will create shockwaves causing an earthquake and waves of compressed air above land – terribly destructive walls of strong wind that will essentially rip apart every man-made structure for 5 miles – and then comes a massive fireball a mile in diameter, turning the asphalt streets of the city into molten lava.

“God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. And his brightness was as the light; he had bright beams coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.” – Hab. 3:3-4 (KJV)

“His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power.” – Hab. 3:4 (ESV)

Speaking of the glory of God coming to Sinai, the prophet Habakkuk said, “His brightness was as the light” (Hab. 3:4). In other words, the brightness of the glory of God was as the sun. Habakkuk went on to say, “He had bright beams coming out of his hand” (Hab. 3:4). Habakkuk did not say, “hands”, as though he was referring to the dispensing of light from the hands of God as a general form of projection all throughout biblical history. Rather, Habakkuk was referring to an instance in history when a single divine hand was being used as a covering to hide or vail the power of divine light from Moses at Sinai.

When the face of the sun passes by a canopy of dark clouds, ones that are thick enough to conceal its brightness, mortal men look up and see beams of light “coming out of” the clouds as the sun penetrates through various holes and crevices in the clouds. Beams of light are also visible along the outer edges of the clouds. This is the normal process of things as the clouds act to hide or vail the brightness of the light! Similarly, the Face of God passed by Moses, and in the process, there were beams of light penetrating through the small holes and crevices of the divine hand, and along its edges. The hand was being used to hide or vail the deadly power of divine light! Then, the LORD took away his hand, and this allowed Moses to get a glimpse of the “back parts” of God, who had just passed by. The light of the glory of God then struck the mortal face of the beholder, and immediately, Moses’ face was illuminated with an otherworldly light.

More attention is given to the light that Moses encountered at Sinai, but you have to look for it in the testimony of Holy Scripture. When Israel gathered before Sinai, they must have said, “There is the revealing of divine power!”, not realizing the infinite greatness of the divine power that was being vailed and covered during that revelation. Wisdom speaks about Sinai, saying, “There is the hiding of divine power!”, because the clouds, fire, and smoke were acting as a covering to a deadly force of light. This is not apparent in the account given in Exodus. Other Prophets were moved by inspiration to bring this into view.

“And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.” – Deut. 33:2

Habakkuk 3:3-4, Deuteronomy 33:2, & Judges 5:4-5 present before readers the northern horizon on the day that the LORD came down in the sight of Israel, as recorded in Exodus 19:16-20. Before the LORD descended upon Sinai, a great Light was seen coming from the north at a distance of 100 miles, about where mount Paran was located. It resembled the sun in how its brightness illuminated the heavens with glory, as stated in Psalm 19:1. Habakkuk said, “His glory covered the heavens” (Hab. 3:3)! It was bright like the sun, but it couldn’t have been mistaken for the sun because this revelation came during the daytime. The sun was running its course in the vault of heaven already, rising and setting from east to west, while this other light was coming from the north.

Remarkably, Ezekiel encountered the same thing from “the north” (Ezek. 1:4). Perhaps the light descended from the celestial north, and then reached the earth 100 miles away from Sinai, therefore, as it was rapidly coming south it passed over the hills and mountains and, consequentially, it “shined forth from mount Paran” (Deut. 33:2). Israel knew that it was God (1 Tim. 6:16). This kind of light had been seen before! The Israelites saw it at the Red Sea. Prophetically, David said, “At the brightness that was before Him His thick clouds passed…” (Ps. 18:9-12). Meanwhile, at Sinai, a trail of glory could be seen on earth and in heaven along the route being taken as an angelic trumpet was being blasted louder and longer with each alarm (Ex. 19:13, 16, 19).

“The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.” - Psalm 99:1

The Light could not be seen directly by the people, only because it was being covered by a dropping presence of thick clouds in the sky, and the same dark clouds were pouring down rain upon the earth (Judges 5:4-5). However, by virtue of its brightness, the heavens above and around the Light were being illuminated with glory, like the presence of the sun can be perceived behind a vail of clouds (Hab. 3:3-4). Meanwhile, there were beams of Light piercing through the clouds in all directions, and as rays of light were proceeding downward, the earth was being illuminating with glory. Speaking of this, Habakkuk said, “the earth was full of His praise” (Hab. 3:3). From the vantage point of Sinai, if this Light exceeded the brightness of the sun, the entire northern horizon would have been filled glory as the Light was approaching. It would have appeared like a majestic sunrise of terrible glory, albeit the light “rose up from Seir unto them” (Deut. 33:2).

This is “the true Light” (Jn. 1:9)! The same one that was from the beginning (Gen. 1:1-3). This is a heavenly Light, and directly underneath its path the peaks of nearby mountains were being set on fire and melting (Judges 5:4-5, Isa. 64:1-3), and in this sense they were bowing (Hab. 3:6), even as the earth beneath them was quaking and trembling (Judges 5:4, Ps. 68:8) insomuch that the mountains were moving out of their locations (Ps. 114:4, 68:16, Hab. 3:10). “Why leap ye, ye high hills?” (Ps. 68:18). The same things happened to mount Seir and mount Paran, and the hills and mountains around them, and much more to Sinai and the mountains around it. This is a shocking demonstration of power. Lo and behold, now we know why this Light was normally covered. Evidently, it is extremely dangerous for this light to be partially or completely unveiled. In other words, it was necessary to hide the power of God! Especially before incompetent and inadequate mortals.

Habakkuk’s song informs us that the heathen saw this Light, and were frightened by it, and judging by the path that it took as it moved southward for 100 miles, even sinners were able to recognize that it went to where the Israelites were camped before Sinai. Perhaps this is why Balaam, of all people, was compelled to prophesy about the glorification of Israel in the coming of a Messiah, calling him, “a Star out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Balaam, alongside the Moabites and Midianites, were all afraid of the Israelites as they approached their lands, and somehow, they all knew that the LORD had come to the Israelite people and was seen “face to face” (Hab. 3:6, Num. 14:14).

This probably happened in the following order. Firstly, the LORD came down to see if the iniquity of the Amorites had come to the full (Gen. 15:16), like how the LORD visited Sodom & Gomorrah to make sure that they were ripe for judgment (Gen. 18:20-21). This would explain why the LORD descended to earth near mount Paran and then proceeded southward toward mount Seir. Secondarily, upon finding the Amorites ready for judgment, and subsequently choosing to destroy the heathen, the Lord then stood and measured the earth, and especially the Promised Land, and in doing so the LORD was marking the boundaries of inheritance for a gift the tribes of Israel (Hab. 3:6). Thirdly, and finally, the LORD passed through the land in this way to determine the path that would be best for the congregation of Israel to take when they would eventually depart from Sinai, because the territory covered by God follows the path of the first and second marches of the Exodus Generation and their children.

Face to Face Meetings with God in the Tabernacle

Building a Tabernacle for God was the most comprehensive objective of the Mosaic Covenant. Chiefly, this task was committed to the Mediator. Why? As a Bridegroom, God wanted Israel to safely abide as close as possible to the LORD for as long as possible (Ezek. 16:8; Jer. 2:2-3; Hos. 2:15)! Considering the circumstances, this was made abundantly clear to Israel.

“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.” – Ex. 19:4

Remember, the LORD brought Israel near to Sinai and met with the people face to face, but they were afraid and removed themselves from before the holy mountain for fear of death. Israel then requested that Moses would draw near to God on their behalf because they were sure that they were about to die! And God said that they spoke well (Deut. 5:28, 18:17). They correctly assessed the danger of their situation. Therefore, this event occasioned the making of a Mediator.

Israel’s relationship with God could then be accurately measured by their relationship to the Mediator. Seeing that Israel could not endure face to face meetings with God, it was necessary for the people to come face to face with their Mediator. The people needed to cooperate with their Mediator (2 Cor. 3:13-15). This relationship was essential to the divine plan of redemption. Also, keep in mind, Moses needed either Sinai or the Tabernacle for mediation. Departing from Sinai was inevitable, and this would make mediation impossible in the future, unless a Tabernacle was built to provide a means for Moses to have face to face meetings with God.

Moses descended from Sinai victoriously, with the Tables of the Covenant in hand, and all the people beheld the shining face of their Mediator. The narrator of Exodus then gives a needed qualification in Exodus 34:33-35. Readers are now filled with anticipation about the construction of the Tabernacle! But many questions remain about what happened to the face of Moses. Originally, the Congregation of Israel was given a Mediator because they were afraid of meeting with God face to face. Now, according to Exodus 34:29-32, the people were afraid of the face of their Mediator! This was a sign of the times for the Exodus Generation (2 Cor. 3:13-15).

“And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai.” – Ex. 34:29-32

This reaction of Israel was a strong indication of sin in the people (2 Cor. 3:13-15). Being afraid to look on the face of their Mediator was extremely problematic and unproductive for their relationship. Therefore, Moses decided to vail his face when speaking to the people.

“And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. But when Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.” – Ex. 34:33-35

The narrator of Exodus made this statement of clarification anticipating the building of the Tabernacle in Exodus 35-40. It states that Moses, “went in before the LORD to speak with Him” (Ex. 34:33). Where did he go? Moses didn’t go “up” Sinai! Moses went into the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle. Moses continued to have face to face meetings with God in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle because of a successful transfer of glory from Sinai to the House of God.

The Mediator was a Builder!

How did Moses have access to the Holy of Holies? The Mediator was the builder! Naturally, the builder of the Tabernacle would have had access to the Holy of Holies. Credit was given to Moses for building the Tabernacle in Numbers 12:6-8, Hebrews 3:1-6, & Hebrews 8:4-5.

“And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” – Num. 12:6-8

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” - Heb 3:1-6

“For if He were on earth, he should not be a Priest, seeing that there are Priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the Tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” – Heb. 8:4-5

Finally, the long-awaited transition was going to be accomplished, when the glory of Sinai moves to the Tabernacle, but first the people needed to construct the Tabernacle. Immediately, according to Exodus 35-40, the congregation of Israel began gathering the supplies and constructing the Tabernacle, exactly as the LORD commanded Moses in Exodus 25-31. Skilled workers were empowered for the labor by being filled with the Holy Ghost (Ex. 35:30-35). All the materials and the dimensions of the construction project were clearly communicated by the Mediator.

However, Moses would have to stand beside Bazaleel and other skilled workmen to help them understand the exact “pattern” or “fashion” of “the Tabernacle” and all its furniture and “instruments” (Ex. 25:9, 40, 26:30, 27:8; Heb. 8:1-5). Apparently, Moses’ involvement in building the Tabernacle was so significant that he is credited with building the House of God in Hebrews 3:2-5 & Hebrews 8:5. Without close instruction from Moses, how else would Bezaleel know the exact shape and appearance of certain things? The most obvious example of this pertained to the making of the Cherubims.

The Materials for the Instruments & the Tabernacle → “the Pattern” (Ex. 25:9)

The Ark, Mercy Seat, Cherubims, Table of Shewbread, Golden Candlesticks → “Pattern” (Ex. 25:40)

The Curtains, Boards, Sockets, and Bars of the Tabernacle → “the Fashion” (Ex. 26:30)

Inner & Outer Vails, the Brazen Altar → “as it was shewed” (Ex. 27:8)

Moses really saw all these things in Heaven! In an effort to bring Heaven to earth, God showed it to Moses (Heb. 8:1-5). The Mediator then comprehensively relayed the details to the workmen. The terminology of Exodus 25:9, 40, 26:30, & 27:8 is consistent with someone personally beholding something and relaying the details of it so that a copy of it could be built in another location. Similarly, Ahaz saw “the fashion” and “the pattern” of an idolatrous altar of Damascus, and then he relayed the details of it to builders in Israel so that they could make a replica (2 Kings 16:10).

Moses was there to personally guide the workers as the need required. Obviously, this would have been especially needful for the images of the Cherubims. A divine mandate was given for Cherubims to be made of “cunning work” as sown images on all the curtains the Tabernacle (Ex. 26:1, 36:8). Essentially, the Sanctuary of the Tabernacle was supposed to be surrounded by images of Cherubims on all sides. A divine mandate was also given for Cherubims to be sown into the “vail” of the Holy of Holies (Ex. 26:31-35, 36:35). Finally, another mandate was given for “two Cherubims of gold” to be constructed as large statues that would stand in the Holy of Holies on either side of the Throne of God, and their wings and faces were to be stretched out and directed in a certain way so that the Cherubims were acting as a “covering” to “the Mercy Seat” (Ex. 25:18-20, 37:7-9).

Bazaleel had never seen a Cherubim! He would have no idea how to portray their images in the cunning and curious work of the Tabernacle of God. Therefore, Moses needed to carefully direct Bazaleel to correctly portray their images with satisfactory details. Only Moses, the Mediator, was beholden to such things (Ex. 39:43). Meanwhile, the face of the beholder was still shining with light! This speaks volumes about the heavenly glory that was manifested at the peak of Sinai.

“Thus was all the work of the Tabernacle of the tent of the congregation finished: and the children of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did they.” – Ex. 39:32

“And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.” – Ex. 39:43

The day finally came for everything to be put together for the pitching of the Tabernacle so that the operation of redemption could begin to function. However, only Moses could “set up” the Tabernacle for the first time (Ex. 40:2). Behold, the ministry of the Mediator! Only Moses could bring the Ark behind the vail into the Holy of Holies (Ex. 40:3). Only Moses could set in order the Table of Candlesticks and light the lamps (Ex. 40:4). Basically, everyone else was just watching! Only Moses could put the altar of incense in its place (Ex. 40:5). The same could be said about the altar of sacrifice, the brazen laver, and the pitching of the outer court (Ex. 40:6-8).

The Mediator was a Patriarchal Priest of the Highest Rank!

Once everything was set up, only Moses could officiate the ceremonious process of consecration. Behold, the ministry of the Mediator! Only Moses could anoint the Tabernacle to hallow it and all its vessels (Ex. 40:9-11). Similarly, once everything was consecrated, it was then time for the Priesthood to be consecrated. Moses then proceeded to “wash” Aaron and his sons with holy water (Ex. 40:12). Amazingly, all the congregation was summoned to behold Moses wash them with water (Lev. 8:1-6)! Only Moses could “put on” and “clothe” Aaron and his sons with the holy garments that were made for them (Ex. 40:12-15, Lev. 8:13). Only Moses could put the ephod and breastplate on Aaron, the High Priest (Lev. 8:7-8). All the people beheld the solemn moment when Moses put the holy crown upon Aaron’s head (Lev. 8:9)! Soberly consider it (“…and thou shalt be to him instead of God.” – Ex. 4:16). This is the ministry of the Mediator.

“And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;” – Heb. 3:5

Only Moses could “anoint” the Priesthood with oil to sanctify them (Ex. 40:12-15, Lev. 8:10-12). Only Moses could make the needed sacrifices and then apply the blood of sprinkling for an atonement on behalf of Aaron and his sons (Lev. 8:14-30). Only Moses could guide the Priesthood to observe the seven days of consecration, where they were forbidden to go out of the door of the Tabernacle (Lev. 8:31-36). All the congregation bore witness to these events while beholding the ministry of the Mediator! A truly staggering testimony (Heb. 3:1-6, Num. 12:6-8; Ex. 4:16).

“Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.” – Ex. 40:16

“…So Moses finished the work.” – Ex. 40:33

All this should give everyone a new appreciation for the ministry of the Mediator. Nobody could doubt the authority by which Moses was doing these things while the face of their Mediator was still shining with heavenly brilliance (Ex. 34:29-35). Amazingly, no holy garments were required for Moses to perform these exploits of consecration! No anointing oil was necessary. No holy crown was put upon his head. None of the usual requirements were needed, like those placed upon the Priesthood, for Moses to become a minister of the sanctuary, only because Moses was already consecrated to be their Mediator at the peak of Sinai (Ex. 24:13-18). “The Similitude of the LORD shall he behold” (Num. 12:8). Evidently, the builder of the House was more honorable than the building (Heb. 3:2-5).

There is an order of hierarchy when it comes to these holy places: Heaven, Sinai, & the Tabernacle. Understandably, Moses’ consecration at Sinai enabled him to perform these exploits at the Tabernacle. While Sinai was a downgrade from Heaven (Ex. 15:13, 17), it is important to remember that the Tabernacle of the Congregation was a downgrade from Sinai. Therefore, Moses was acting as a patriarchal Priest on behalf of the Priesthood who would minister in the Tabernacle. All eyes were on the Mediator! Only because the Mediator’s eyes were fixed upon the LORD! “The Similitude of the LORD shall he behold” (Num. 12:8).

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God will Provide Himself a Mediator as a Sacrifice for El-esh-oklah

10/7/2024

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Article #24 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

In the presence of God the Consuming Fire, all eyes were fixed on Moses as a Mediator (Gal. 3:19). He was ordained for the people to keep them safe from El-esh-oklah. Similarly, Abraham said under inspiration, “God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt-offering” (Gen. 22:8). Messianic Prophecy in the Law elaborates upon this message through the ministry of Moses as a messianic figure. Essentially, the mountaintop experiences of Moses are revealing how God will provide Himself a Mediator as a Sacrifice for El-esh-oklah. But readers need to look for Christology while reading biblical history to behold these wonders.

Christ can be discerned in the Theater of Typology through the inadequacies and insufficiencies of messianic figures like Moses the Mediator and Aaron the High Priest. The record of biblical history guides the reader to this conclusion, but the context of these events must be understood from the beginning. The making of a Mediator for the protection of the people is a good place to start.

Israel Fled from the Deadly Power of El-esh-oklah at Sinai

Israel was liberated from Egypt and brought to Sinai for a meeting with God (Ex. 19:3). This was plainly communicated to the people and they responded with an oath of covenantal agreement (Ex. 19:4-8). Upon purifying themselves for three days, Moses brought forth the people to the base of Sinai for a face to face meeting with El-esh-oklah (Ex. 19:9-25, 20:1-21, Deut. 4:32-33, 36, 5:4).

“And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.” – Deut. 4:11

“For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” – Deut. 4:24 (Heb. 12:28-29)

The terrible majesty of God the Consuming Fire was endangering the people to the point of death. They could not endure the sight of this great Fire (Deut. 4:11, 24, 35)! They fled away for fear of death, and then asked Moses to draw near as a Mediator on their behalf. God said that they spoke accurately about their need for a Mediator because of the imminent danger of death (Gal. 3:19; Ex. 20:18-21, Deut. 5:4-5, 23-28, 18:15-19; Num. 12:6-8, Heb. 3:1-6, Deut. 34:10).

“The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the Fire, (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the Fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,” – Deut. 5:4-5

“And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken.” – Deut. 5:23-28

Evidently, Israel couldn’t safely meet with God face to face because the fire would utterly consume them. Therefore, Moses, as a Mediator, drew near to God on their behalf. Once this formal relationship was established, all seemed well with Israel in the beginning. Everything was going according to plan. Moses proceeded to care for the people as a Priest in the role of a Mediator. He offered a sacrifice on an altar at the base of Sinai and sprinkled the people with the blood of atonement (Ex. 24:1-8, Heb. 9:18-22).

Israel Needed to be Saved from El-esh-oklah!

Moses then ascended Sinai in the sight of the people, and entered into “the midst of the cloud” of smoke, even as “the sight of the glory of the LORD was like Devouring Fire on the top of the mount” (Ex. 24:17). Moses remained there at the peak of Sinai as the Mosaic Covenant was revealed to him over the next 40 days and nights (Ex. 25:1-31:18). Nevertheless, when the fire of divine wrath was kindled, it quickly became evident that the people needed to be saved from El-esh-oklah.

“Now therefore let Me alone, that My wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?” – Ex. 32:10-11

The impatient people fell into idolatry. The animal sacrifice that was offered on the holy altar at the base of Sinai wasn’t enough to protect the people (Ex. 24:1-8; Heb. 10:4). Therefore, the people were in grave danger of being consumed by the fire of El-esh-oklah! Moses knew that the situation was dire for the people. He was searching for ways to quench the fire of divine wrath while knowing God was furious with the people. The LORD even refused to go among the people according to the plan that was revealed in the Mosaic Covenant, knowing that He would be compelled to consume them “in a moment” if He walked into the camp of Israel (Ex. 33:1-6).

“…for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.” – Ex. 33:3

“Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee...” – Ex. 33:5

This sounds remarkably similar to how the LORD walked into Sodom & Gomorrah on that fateful day of judgment (Gen. 18:21). The Cities of the Plain were suddenly engulfed in the flames of hellfire at our LORD’s personal visitation (Gen. 18:21, 19:24). Can Moses even save the people from El-esh-oklah? This is the question posed by the storyline of these events.

Can Moses Save the People from El-esh-oklah?

Christians know that the problem cannot be solved at the Jewish altar by the blood or burning of animal sacrifices. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Heb 10:4). Therefore, there must be something in the sacred text that is pointing to Jesus Christ. Looking there we will discover Christ in a Theater of Typology, especially when we see the inadequacies and insufficiencies of Moses in the grand scheme of things.

Mediating was the most important part of the ministry of Moses. Shortcomings of mediation are the most important part of the ministry of Moses in respect to Christology. Anticipating Moses’ ultimate failure as a Mediator, the Law foresaw the coming of another Mediator who would one day eclipse Moses in the dawning of a New Covenant (Deut. 18:15-19, Acts 3:22-23; 2 Cor. 3:1-18). The specific way that this coming Prophet would be “like unto” Moses is describing the role of a Mediator according to Deuteronomy 18:15-17.

Christ in a Theater of Typology: The Mediator was Foretold to be a Sacrifice for an Atonement to Quench the Fire of El-esh-oklah (Ex. 32:30-33)

In desperation, Moses ascended Sinai in fervent pursuit of an “atonement” to save the people from the fire of El-esh-oklah (Ex. 32:30). The Mediator told the congregation, “now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin” (Ex. 32:30). Moses wasn’t sure what to do! He didn’t bring an animal with him for a sacrifice at the peak of Sinai. He wasn’t even sure if an atonement was possible seeing that the LORD was recently moved to totally annihilate the people (Ex. 32:10-11).

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin. And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” – Ex. 32:30-33

This was a marvelous moment of messianic prophecy where the Mediator was possessed by the love of God for perishing souls. Only the love of Christ could have motivated Moses to make this request before the LORD (Rom. 9:1-3). The Mediator came to the threshold of a messianic exploit of redemption and was deemed unworthy to die as a substitute for sinners. Humbled, Moses then descended Sinai at God’s command (Ex. 32:34-35).

Christ in a Theater of Typology: The Mediator was Foretold to Die a Fiery Death of Intercession Before the Face of God (Ex. 33:20-23, 34:5-9)

Moses failed to make an atonement, but he wasn’t ready to give up hope. The Spirit of Christ in the Mediator forced him to continue interceding because the Theater of Typology must go on (1 Pet. 1:11). Somehow, Moses found a way back into the presence of God for another round of intercession through a makeshift Tabernacle pitched outside the camp (Ex. 33:7-11). What happened next is the most famous episode of intercession in the biblical history of the Old Testament.

Inspiration led Moses to make another special request. If granted, the Mediator would have been led to his own death in a glorious finale of intercession, thus turning this theoretical possibility into a staggering scene of messianic prophecy. This possibility then became a subject of inquiry and conversation among Prophets on holy mountains for millennia (Lk. 9:29-31).

“And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.” – Lk. 9:29-31

Moses looked up to Jacob as an exemplary Patriarch of the Israelites. The Mediator remembered how Jacob wrestled with God in the day of his distress, and how a whole night spent in fervent intercession was rewarded with a divine blessing in the morning (Gen. 32:24-32, Hos. 12:2-6, Jer. 30:5-7). It was then that Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (Gen. 32:30). Perhaps this very thing was burning upon Moses’ heart when he uttered the prayer, “shew me Thy glory” (Ex. 33:18). Clearly, God knew what Moses was asking for in this request.

“And He said, Thou canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live. And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by: And I will take away Mine hand, and thou shalt see My back parts: but My face shall not be seen.” – Ex. 33:20-23

“And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped. And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.” – Ex. 34:5-9

The Mediator was summoned to the peak of Sinai for the intercessory experience of a lifetime! So far from seeing the Face of God, Moses needed protection from it. God was still angry! Israel was still in danger of being annihilated. Nothing like the Face of God threatens the destruction of sinners in glorious power (1 Pet. 3:12; Rev. 6:15-17, 20:11; 2 Thess. 1:9)! Therefore, as soon as Moses found audience with El-esh-oklah, after a pass by encounter with the unapproachable Light that shines from the Face of God (1 Tim. 6:16), the Mediator fell down prostrate before the fire of the LORD and cried out for mercy for 40 days and 40 nights without eating or drinking. This is the explicit emphasis of Deuteronomy 9:18-19, 25, 10:10, & Psalm 106:23.

“And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.” – Deut. 9:18-19

“Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the LORD had said he would destroy you.” – Deut. 9:25

“And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee.” – Deut. 10:10

“Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.” - Psalm 106:23

Putting everything together paints a more complete picture. Seeing that the LORD was still minded to execute judgment, and that this would come in a mighty destruction of Israel, Moses said, “I fell down before the LORD” (Deut. 9:18, 25). The record of Scripture reflects that “Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.” (Ex. 34:8). Nothing else but intercession kept Moses on the mountain for so long a time. It was a long and hard-fought battle of intercession.

This episode continued for 40 days & 40 nights until, at last, God repented, and the Mosaic Covenant was ratified. The newly cut “Tables of Stone” rewritten with the 10 commandments bore witness of the restoration (Ex. 34:1, 27-28, Deut. 4:13). This came as a gracious reward to an unrelenting Mediator, who prayed to God, “go among us” (Ex. 34:9), when the LORD had decided against dwelling among Israel (Ex. 33:1-6). There is no explanation for this but sovereign mercy (Ex. 33:19, Rom. 9:15).

All the credit should be given to Jesus Christ. He is the main character in the Theater of Typology. Legally speaking, there was no real merit in the length and rigor of Moses’ intercessions before the LORD. Similarly, there was no merit in the death of Moses (Ex. 32:30-33); and this is precisely why the Mediator of the Old Testament wasn’t allowed to die in an intercessory episode of seeing the Face of God at the peak of Sinai (Ex. 33:20-23).

Moses was deemed unworthy to die in both of these events (Ex. 32:30-33, 33:20-23)! This was setting a stage for the coming of a more worthy Mediator who is capable of suffering and dying a meritorious death on behalf of perishing sinners (Lk. 9:29-31). The combined testimony of these two events, revealing the insufficiency and inadequacy of the Mediator, are prophetically illustrating one event in the future: when Jesus Christ died a glorious death before the Face of God as an atonement. “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be seen.” (Gen. 22:14). The scriptural evidence for this is overwhelming.

The Face of God is an Essential Part of the Legal Process of an Atonement

The Face of God is an essential part of the legal process of an atonement. Moses knew exactly what he was praying for, when in the throes of intercession, he asked the LORD, “shew me Thy glory” (Ex. 33:18). He was asking to see the Face of God! For some perspective, think about what Moses had already been through as a Mediator. While mediating in the recent past Moses had come nearer to the glory of God than anyone else in his generation, but he was never permitted to see the Face of God (Ex. 24:1-2, 9-18).

Moses “went into the midst of the cloud” at the peak of Sinai as the Elders of Israel watched on, knowing that their Mediator entered into a pavilion of glory that contained the Throne Room of God (Ex. 24:10). If the Elders of Israel saw the floor of the Throne Room of God, and it was spectacular to behold (Ex. 24:10), it stands to reason that Moses saw many wonderful things when he went into the cloud (Ex. 24:18, Lk. 9:34). As one standing in the Holy of Holies of Heaven, the Mediator found himself in the presence of cherubic splendor surrounding the Throne of God! But the one thing that was hidden from the Mediator was the Face of God. Hence, the prayer, “shew me Thy glory” (Ex. 33:18).

The Cherubim were doing their duty to cover the Face of God. This is why these guardian angels were created. They are called “covering” Cherubim (Ezek. 28:14, 16). As they raise, stretch out, and spread forth their mighty wings, with each Cherubim joining each other wing to wing, the Throne of God is essentially covered (2 Chron. 3:12-13, 5:7-8; Heb. 9:5; Ex. 25:18-20, 37:7-9). Literally, the cherubic splendor acts as a covering to hide the deadly power of the Face of God. Beholden to these heavenly things for the first 40 days and nights, Moses carefully instructed the builders to make replicas of the Cherubim, the Ark, and the Mercy Seat, and then he situated everything in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle after the same “pattern” revealed to him in the holy mount (Ex. 25:10-40; Heb. 8:5).

Arguably, Moses saw a lot of glory! Nevertheless, even after beholding all these things, we can still hear Moses praying, “shew me Thy glory”, because all these heavenly things were inglorious compared to the Face of God (Ex. 33:18). God answered the Mediator, by saying, “Thou canst not see My Face: for there shall no man see Me, and live.” (Ex. 33:20). Theoretically, if Moses was deemed worthy to die as an atonement for mankind, he would have been required to come Face to Face with God in the Throne Room at the peak of Sinai. The same thing can be observed when the mantle of intercession was passed from the Mediator to the High Priest. Accordingly, on the Day of Atonement, Aaron the High Priest was required to bring the blood of the sacrifices into the Holy of Holies to sprinkle it on and before the Throne of God, bringing the High Priest dangerously close to the Face of God (Lev. 16:14, 15).

For some perspective, in bringing the blood from the altar to the Mercy Seat, the High Priest had to find passage through the symbolic presence of the Cherubim surrounding the Throne on every side. These visible symbols were representing an invisible reality! The mighty Cherubim were really present in the Tabernacle and the Temple, according to the testimonies of Isaiah and Ezekiel, among others (Isa. 6:1-8, Ezek. 10:1-17). Knowing this, imagine how Aaron the High Priest might have felt as he ceremoniously walked from the altar into the Holy of Holies.

The altar was located directly outside the door of the Tabernacle. Aaron the High Priest was first confronted by the images of the Cherubim as he entered the Sanctuary because their images were sewn on all the curtains that served as the interior walls of the Tabernacle (Ex. 26:1, 36:8). Secondarily, the High Priest was confronted by the Cherubim as he drew near to the Holy of Holies because their images were sewn on the “vail” of the Holy of Holies (Ex. 26:31-35, 36:35). Finally, upon entering the Holy of Holies, the High Priest had to endure one final confrontation: in order to get to the Throne for the sprinkling, Aaron had to go in between two golden statues of Cherubim that were standing on either side of the Throne of God as they were overshadowing and covering it with their wings (2 Chron. 3:12-13, 5:7-8; Heb. 9:5; Ex. 25:18-20, 37:7-9).

The High Priest had to get past two layers of covering Cherubim before even entering the Holy of Holies. This was a miraculous feat! Remember, no one could get passed the Cherubim when they were guarding Eden (Gen. 3:24). The High Priest also had to maneuver in between the Cherubim once he was in the Throne Room of God. Can you imagine the trepidation of the High Priest as he carefully went in between the Cherubim to sprinkle the blood on and before the Throne (Lev. 16:14, 15)? Even the Cherubim were afraid to look upon God! They covered their faces as they cried, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of Hosts” (Isa. 6:2, 3)! The whereabouts of the High Priest in the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement can only be compared to the former experiences of the Mediator at the peak of Sinai. A real parallelism exists between these two officers in a hierarchy of holy places. The exact same scenario is being illustrated in two different holy places so that we can comprehend the colossal task of an atonement.

Like Moses the Mediator at the peak of Sinai, Aaron the High Priest was also deemed unworthy to behold the Face of God in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle. Therefore, a thick cloud of smoke filled the Holy of Holies! Firstly, the cloud of smoke prevented Aaron from looking plainly upon God as He visibly appeared in glory above the Mercy Seat (Ex. 25:22, Lev. 16:1-2, Num. 7:89). Secondarily, the smoke hid the deadly power of divine Light coming from the Face of God (Lev. 16:1-2, 12-17; Isa. 6:4, Ezek. 10:4; 1 Tim. 6:16). Do you see the parallelism with the Mediator at the peak of Sinai? The Mediator had to be hidden from the deadly power of divine Light (Hab. 3:3-4, Deut. 33:2, Ps. 99:1) during a “pass by” encounter with the Face of God (Ex. 33:22, 34:6, 1 Kg. 19:11-12).

The Mediator and the High Priest hardly survived these encounters with God because they were both deemed unworthy to see the Face of God. Consequentially, in the Theater of Typology, both of these men serve as messianic figures, and therefore these official roles are blended in Christ according to the Book of Hebrews (Mediator: Heb. 8:6, 9:15, 12:24; High Priest: Heb. 2:17, 3:1-6, 4:14-16, 5:5-6, 10, 6:19-20, 7:26, 8:1-5, 9:7, 11, 25, 10:19-23, 13:11).

The Light Shining from the Face of God was the Power and Force that Created and Sustained the Fire of El-esh-oklah

It is settled. Moses couldn’t stand before the Light (1 Tim. 6:16)! But could he turn away the Fire? Not if “the Light of Israel shall be for a Fire” (Isa. 10:17)! Ezekiel was overpowered by the terrible majesty of cherubic splendor when he was brought before the Throne of God (Ezek. 1:4, 26-28). What could Moses do in such circumstances? The Mediator had no power to stop the fire of El-esh-oklah from consuming the people. He had no animal to sacrifice, nor could he offer himself as a sacrifice! Nevertheless, we see the Mediator fallen down before the fire of El-esh-oklah for 40 days and nights without eating or drinking (Deut. 9:18-19, 25, 10:10, Psalm 106:23)! Why?

“Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” - Micah 6:6-7

Was El-esh-oklah standing before the Mediator as an indifferent bystander? Where is the execution of divine justice that merits sovereign mercy (Ex. 33:19, Rom. 9:19)? There was no merit in the Mediator’s praying or pleading. There was no ransom in his prostration (Micah 6:6-7). A Sinai void of Christ was a cause for great weeping, even as John wept in the holy place of Heaven (Rev. 5:1-7).

El-esh-oklah is Not an Indifferent Bystander! El-esh-oklah is the Executioner! The Fire of El-esh-oklah Can Only Be Quenched at the Altar of Atonement

Did Aaron the High Priest have the power to stop the fire from consuming the people? Was El-esh-oklah standing before the holy altar of the Tabernacle as an indifferent bystander watching the work of the High Priest in action? Remember, by design, a parallelism exists between the holy places of Sinai and the Tabernacle. The story of El-esh-oklah continued from Sinai to the Tabernacle. The danger posed by the fire continued to be a problem. Therefore, the holy altar of the Tabernacle legally brought the sacrifices “before the LORD” (Ex. 29:42, Lev. 4:4, 6, 15, 17, 6:7, 16:7, 10, 12, 13, 18, 30). So far from being an indifferent bystander, the LORD was an active participant in the execution of sinners! This participation came in the form of a fire.

“And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” – Lev. 9:24

“And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and He answered him from Heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.” – 1 Chron. 21:26

“Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from Heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” – 2 Chron. 7:1-3

The Mediator and the High Priest were shocked to see El-esh-oklah at work upon the altar of the Tabernacle. Along with the Priesthood, they became mere spectators in these awesome occasions of biblical history. Theoretically, if the Mediator and the High Priest of the Old Testament were deemed worthy, as the sinless and spotless Lamb of God, they would have been consumed instead of these animal sacrifices, and then a real and lasting atonement would have been accomplished. Sin and death came upon mankind through a man. Sin and death can only be removed from mankind through a Man (1 Cor. 15:21, Rom. 5:12). Hence, God will do all the hard work through the incarnation.

When the LORD did all the work in the Theater of Typology, rendering the Mediator and the High Priest of the Old Testament mere spectators, this was a strong indication of good things to come when the incarnated Son of God will assume all these roles at once. As a Mediator, High Priest, and Sacrifice, God-Incarnate will do what is necessary to satisfy the justice El-esh-oklah. Believers are seeing clearly when God gets all the glory! Seeing divine things correctly will turn the heart of Israel back to God in any generation.

“Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God.” – 1 Kings 18:38-39

An unusual Prophet was commissioned to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek (Isa. 40:3-9; Ps. 110:4). His name was John the Baptist (Lk. 3:1-6, Jn. 1:20-23). He came in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the heart of the people back to God (Matt. 11:7-15; Mal. 3:1, 4:4-6; Mk. 9:11-13)! However, unlike Elijah, he performed no miracles before the people.

Fire miraculously came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering that Elijah prepared. This sign and wonder was publicly done to the astonishment of doubters and scorners! Similarly, John the Baptist’s preparations could be summed up in this one proclamation: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (Jn. 1:29)! Those who have eyes to see are made to behold a fire coming down from Heaven to burn and consume the Lamb of God, according to the ancient prophecy, “God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt-offering” (Gen. 22:8)! Even so shall many hearts be turned to God.

“For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” – 1 Tim. 2:5-6

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” – Eph. 5:2

In retrospect, seeing that there is only one Mediator between God and men, we can comprehend the significance of Moses’ life and ministry as a typological figure of messianic prophecy. The ministry of Jesus Christ as a Mediator was essentially revealed in how He became a “ransom for all” in the sacrifice of Himself. Seeing the need for it, even Moses tried to give himself as a ransom for an atonement, but he was forbidden by God because he was deemed unworthy (Ex. 32:30-33). The insufficiency and inadequacy of Moses as a Mediator was making a stage for the coming of Jesus Christ.

“For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” – Heb. 9:13-15

Moses, the Mediator of the Old Covenant, attempted to offer himself to God in death as a sacrifice for an atonement, but he was spotted and stained by his own sin. Jesus Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant, was far more excellent than Moses because He “offered Himself without spot to God”, and therefore “by means of death” Jesus Christ has ransomed or redeemed all the elect from damnation (Heb. 9:14-15). Being the sinless Son of God, He alone had the ability to “bear the sins” of the world (Heb. 9:28, 1 Jn. 2:2; Heb. 7:26-27). In Christ the role of a Mediator and a High Priest are blended together in the ministry of one Man. Illustriously, the Son of God made the sacrifice and accomplished His official duty “when He offered up Himself” (Heb. 7:27).

“For such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those High Priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this He did once, when he offered up himself.” – Heb. 7:26-27

“…He appeared to put away sin by the Sacrifice of Himself” - Heb. 9:26

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many…” - Heb. 9:28

Through the power of divine imputation, Jesus Christ legally became a sinner in the sight of God (2 Cor. 5:21, Rom. 8:3). Divine justice demands the death of sinners! Therefore, Jesus Christ died in our stead. He died a horrible death! Why? Because God is furious with sinners. A great fire was kindled in divine anger! According to the testimony of Holy Scripture, El-esh-oklah demands the burning of sinners! Therefore, Jesus Christ suffered fiery torment in death.

The Hellish Suffering of Jesus Christ Satisfied the Justice of El-esh-oklah

Legally, the suffering of Jesus Christ equals and exceeds the torment of eternal hellfire, even though it was all accomplished in 15 to 17 hours from Gethsemane to Calvary. Alive and conscious, Jesus Christ was taken outside of the City of Jerusalem to be tortured and executed on the hill of Calvary, and His journey there was likened to the ceremonial transport of “the bodies of those beasts” that were thrown onto a heaping pile of unclean ashes and “burned without the camp” of Israel (Heb. 13:11-12).

“We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the Tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the High Priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” – Heb. 13:10-14 (Ex. 29:14, Lev. 4:11-12, 21, 6:30, 8:17, 16:27)

Behold! Sin must be taken, and borne, if it is going to be taken away. While everyone else was going about another day as usual, Jesus Christ was absorbing the wrath of God during every second of every minute from Gethsemane to Calvary until He expired in death on the Cross. Literally, this is what Heaven was seeing as Jesus Christ carried the Cross to the hill of Calvary! Paul was quoting from Leviticus 4:4-12 in Hebrews 13:11-12. Are you seeing the same thing?

Scripture states that Jesus Christ “suffered without the gate” exactly like the bodies of those beasts were “burned without the camp”, because the fire of El-esh-oklah was burning Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. In the same location where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice and burn his only begotten son, Isaac, the ancient prophecy was finally accomplished: “God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt-offering” (Gen. 22:8). A Roman Cross was acting as a Jewish “altar” according to Hebrews 13:10. “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be seen.” (Gen. 22:14).

“Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” – Luke 24:26

Imagine the look of terror on Isaac’s face while he was lying bound upon the altar as the knife of Abraham comes down upon his body for the slaughter! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things? Imagine Moses the Mediator at the peak of Sinai without a cleft of the rock to hide in or a divine hand to protect him as the deadly power of Light from the Face of God rises up against him, making the Mediator look upon what the river, sea, hills, and mountains “saw” (Ex. 33:22-23; Ps. 77:16; Ps. 114:3-6)! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?

Keep in mind that God was not angry with the river, sea, hills, or mountains (Hab. 3:8, 10). Nevertheless, one glimpse of the Face of God was so terrifying that the mountains were being set on fire and melting (Judges 5:4-5, Isa. 64:1-4), and in this sense they were bowing (Hab. 3:6), even as the earth beneath them was quaking and trembling (Judges 5:4, Ps. 68:8) insomuch that the mountains were moving out of their locations (Ps. 114:4, 68:16, Hab. 3:10). Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?

Imagine Moses the Mediator being fully exposed to the Face of God as mount Sinai is rending and the rocks around him are being scorched with fire and broken in pieces (1 Kg. 19:11-12, Hab. 3:3-4, Deut. 33:2)! Imagine the Mediator being struck by the bright beams of Light shining from the Face of God, a deadly power of Light causing Moses’ body to suddenly burst into flames, even as the fire of El-esh-oklah burns him alive and consumes him into ashes as a burnt offering, exactly like the presence of the LORD personally consumed the burnt offerings at the altar of the Tabernacle, or like the fire suddenly devoured sinners in the wilderness (Lev. 9:24, 10:1-2; 1 Chron. 21:26, 2 Chron. 7:1-3; Num. 11:1-3, 16:35)! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?

Imagine Aaron the High Priest going from the altar to the Throne remaining undeterred after being confronted by the presence of mighty Cherubims – finding passage into a cloudless Holy of Holies where he is then fully exposed to the Light that shines from the Face of God, and there he dies a glorious death like Moses at the peak of Sinai (Lev. 16:13; Isa. 6:4, Ezek. 10:4)! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?

It is likely that some High Priests died in the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement throughout Jewish history for one reason or another (Lev. 16:13, Ex. 28:35). Perhaps this gave rise to the inordinate tradition that a rope should be tied around the High Priest so that the dead body could be safely retrieved by other Priests without having to enter the Holy of Holies. Even these men, who were “holiness to the LORD” (Ex. 39:30), were in spectacular danger when going before the LORD! Notwithstanding, our great “High Priest” fulfilled His priestly duty when “He offered up Himself” to consciously endure and absorb the hellish power of divine wrath once and for all (Heb. 7:26-27).

Imagine the terrible majesty of God thundering against Jesus Christ as He suffered in both body and soul when the sin of the world was placed upon the Lamb of God as the Cross of Calvary performed the mechanism of a Jewish altar, thus fulfilling the ancient prophecy, “In the Mount of the LORD it shall be seen.” (Gen. 22:14; Jn. 1:29; 1 Jn. 2:2)! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things? Now, imagine the glory that is to follow our Savior after He took lodge in a graveyard of dead men! His body was laid to rest there in the sepulcher of a rich man. It wasn’t long before death and hell had a story to tell! He that has ears to hear, let him hear. “And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.” (Matt. 27:52-53)

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The Lamb of God as a Burnt Offering

10/7/2024

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Article #23 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

In a marvelous prophecy, Abraham was called by God to assume the role of the Father in the Passion of Jesus Christ (Gen. 22:1-14). The storyline of this prophecy is unique in how it focuses more on the personal suffering of the Father rather than the Son. This viewpoint is rarely brought before readers even in the New Testament (Jn. 3:16, Rom. 8:32).

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” – Rom. 8:32

Abraham “took the wood” and “laid it upon Isaac his son”, and they both ascended mount Calvary together (Gen. 22:6). The foreshadowing of this event is captivating! Beholding the Son of God carrying the Cross up the hill of Calvary in a theater of typology is a masterpiece of prophecy. However, that being said, let the reader also behold how Isaac wasn’t alone in the ascent. It is written, “…so they went both of them together.” (Gen. 22:8). Abraham, the executioner, ascended mount Calvary with his hands full! Literally, he had “fire” in one hand and a “knife” in the other (Gen. 22:6).

Considerable attention has already been given to the knife of Abraham. With the knife, Abraham was going to stab his son in the heart! This symbolized how the Father was going to strike his Son with a sword of divine justice in the same location 2,000 years ago (Matt. 26:31, Zech. 13:6-7). However, not enough attention is given to the fire of Abraham. With the fire, Abraham was going to burn the corpse of the boy on the altar as a burnt offering until Isaac was completely reduced to ashes. Legally, the burning is an essential part of a “burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8). What does this symbolize?

The Fire, the Burning, & the Burnt Offering

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” – Eph. 5:2

Naturally, fire is an unexpendable part of human life. People have been using fire for cooking, warmth, and illumination for six thousand years. Fire has also been used to eliminate or exterminate agents of disease and death, like in the case of burning dead bodies, but this was the farthest thing on Abraham’s mind when he was determined to burn the dead body of Isaac. The work of the fire in this case was entirely for God’s sake according to the Doctrine of Burnt Offerings. Fire has always been important when it comes to satisfying the wrath of God in the execution of divine justice.

“…it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD.” – Ex. 29:18

“…and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.” – Lev. 1:9

(Ex. 29:25, Lev. 1:13, 17, 2:2, 9, 4:31, 6:21, 8:21, 28, 17:6, 23:13, 18, Num. 15:3, 13, 14, 24)

Fire was employed in the earliest appearance of the Lamb at the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This can be proven by the combined testimony of Genesis 3:20-21 and Revelation 13:8. But the work of the Lamb in Eden is unappreciated when proud sinners feel entitled to salvation. Therefore, allow the following comparison to put things in perspective.

The Lamb in Eden Preventing the End of Humanity

At the fall of Adam and Eve into sin, mankind should have been immediately condemned to hellfire. Sinners don’t deserve mercy. Sinners deserve justice! No mercy was shown to sinners at the fall of angels! “God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell…” (2 Pet. 2:4). In other words, sinful angels were not given any opportunity to find forgiveness before God. Justice was served immediately and without mercy upon this whole race of heavenly beings. Tragically, one third of the angels of heaven fell into sin, even though they were enjoying sinlessly perfect fellowship with God in eternity (Ezek. 28:15; Rev. 12:3-4). It was then that God created hell as a prison for these evil angels (Matt. 25:41; 2 Pet. 2:4, Jude 1:6). This is a cursed place that is specifically designed by God to punish sinners with everlasting fire.

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” – Matt. 25:41

Our race, the race of mankind, didn’t deserve a second chance from God, especially considering the fact that no second chance was given to fallen angels. Adam and Eve should have been killed immediately and sent to hell! But the Lamb of God stopped this from happening to Adam and Eve, even though sinning men and sinning angels deserve to share the same fate in the “everlasting punishment” of “everlasting fire” (Matt. 25:41, 46). A sacrifice was made in Eden for an atonement (Gen. 3:20-21). This is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Rev. 13:8). The hide of the burnt offering was then used by God to make “coats of skins” for clothing to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:21). These new robes represented the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Rev. 3:18, 6:11, 7:9, 13, 14, 19:14).

There is a Gospel in Eden (Gen. 3:15, 20-21, Rev. 13:8). The Lamb of God as a burnt offering proved to be strong and effectual at preventing hellfire. Let the reader understand, the Lamb was burning because sinners deserve to burn in the fiery torment of hell. Granted, the details about the sacrifice in Eden weren’t given until Rev. 13:8, so it can seem unclear to many interpreters. Also, an appearance of ambiguity seemed to continue with Abel’s sacrifice in Genesis 4:4-5. Therefore, interpreters are forced to come to Noah’s altar in the new world.

Burnt Offerings in the New World Preventing the End of the World

Noah was offering sacrifices and burnt offerings according to the same religious and ceremonial rules as his forefathers dating back to Adam and Eve. Now, observe the power of the burnt offering.

“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.” – Gen. 8:20-21

This was a surreal moment of peace in the dawn of the new world. Wrath was quieted through a stunning demonstration of power in the burnt offerings. The old world declined into a spiritual condition of lawlessness that made billions of souls unsavable reprobates. Deep remorse and regret filled the heart of the LORD. Therefore, God said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth…” (Gen. 6:7). Mountains were overturned (Job 9:5, 28:9)! Continents were shifted (Job 26:12)! Oceans were divided! The earth has been deeply wounded and scarred ever since. Divine wrath was kindled and took its course in executing a judgment of epic proportions, even in the End of the World (2 Pet. 2:5).

“God…spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;” – 2 Pet. 2:4-5

In the condemnation of the old world, God emptied earth into hell, and the noise of billions of souls falling into hell all at once caused a great stir among the population of the damned in the infernal dungeon (2 Pet. 2:5; Job 28:1-28; Isa. 14:9-11, 18-22). Nevertheless, the burnt offerings in the new world stopped this great and terrible force of divine wrath! Evidently, the burnt offering has the power to prevent world-ending divine judgments for thousands of years and counting, even as the LORD “smelled a sweet savour” coming from the smoke of the fire as it burned the sacrifices (Gen. 8:20-21; Eph. 5:2).

Abraham’s Prophecy in a Theater of Typology: “God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering” - Gen. 22:8

Fire continued to be essential to the animal sacrificial system of the Patriarchs, Priests, and Kings throughout all time. Of course, Abraham the Patriarch was no exception to the rule, hence the trial of his lifetime, and the staggering prophecy, “God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8). Abraham was no stranger to the fiery power of divine judgment! He was there to behold the Cities of the Plain when the whole region was turned into a fiery furnace as the people were “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” in real time (Gen. 19:28, Jude 1:7). As an intercessor and a witness of how divine wrath took its course to execute judgment, we can be sure that Abraham learned a lot about how God used fire to satisfy divine wrath in the worst possible outcome on earth. As one beholden to Hell on Earth, Abraham acquired a greater respect for the fire of burnt offerings in how they were able to quench divine wrath (Gen. 18:22-33, 19:29; Jude 1:7, 2 Pet. 2:6).

Animal Sacrifices in the Law of the Mosaic Covenant

The presence of the Lamb was only enlarged at the giving of the Law through the Mosaic Covenant. To be fair, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was being preached typologically and figuratively through all the animal sacrifices in the Law of the Old Testament. The book of Leviticus gave detailed instructions on how to make all kinds of animal sacrifices: goats (Lev. 4:24; Lev. 16), rams (Ex. 29:33, Num. 5:8), bullocks (Ex. 29:36-37, Lev. 4:20, Num. 8:12), cattle (Lev. 1:4), & pigeons (Lev. 1:14, 5:7, 11, 12:8, 14:22, 30, 15:14, 29). These are typological solutions to sin problems because the blood of beasts could not actually merit forgiveness for sinners (Heb. 10:4-10, Ps. 40:6-8). This operation serves its purpose in shedding light on the Cross of Christ (Isa. 53:10). Furthermore, it brings to light the divine power of imputation and underscores our need for an atonement before a holy God. However, that being said, the Lamb is the largest and most towering character in a seemingly crowded operation of priestly ceremonies of atonement.

The Eternal Burning of the Lamb as a Burnt Offering

The fire of the altar continually burns as it consumes an animal sacrifice, and it is unquenchable until it transforms the beast into dust and ashes. The smoke thereof is a sweet-smelling savor in the nostrils of a holy God (Gen. 8:20-21, Lev. 1:9, 13, 17). Justice smiles at the sweet exercise of judgment being executed. Nevertheless, the Lamb was the supreme and preeminent sacrifice of the day, every day, no matter the occasion. Literally, no matter how many different animal corpses were burned on Jewish altars throughout the course of any given day, the Lamb was the first and last burnt offering of the day.

“Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two Lambs of the first year day by day continually. The one Lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other Lamb thou shalt offer at even: And with the one Lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering. And the other Lamb thou shalt offer at even, and shalt do thereto according to the meat offering of the morning, and according to the drink offering thereof, for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD. This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee. And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.” – Ex. 29:38-43

The Law is teaching us about the power of the Lamb! “Wherefore the Law was our Schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Gal. 3:24). The Law, which is preoccupied with justice, hereby presents to all of mankind the eternal burning of the Lamb of God. A “continual burnt offering” is an eternal burnt offering (Ex. 29:42). The Lamb offered in the morning would be put upon the altar in piecemeal. Similarly, the Lamb offered in the evening continued to burn into the morning time. The bones of the Lamb, though reduced to embers of hot coal, were still offering a sweet savour to the LORD (Song 8:6). By design, the fire of the altar should never go out, and therefore the smoke of the Lamb should never cease to rise! “This is the Law of the burnt-offering.” (Lev. 6:9).

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering: It is the burnt offering, because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it. And the priest shall put on his linen garment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. And he shall put off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry forth the ashes without the camp unto a clean place. And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings. The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.” – Lev. 6:8-13

Eternal hellfire is burning beneath our feet in the deepest part of the earth as a living manifestation of divine wrath (Ezek. 31:14-15, 18, 32:18, 24, Ps. 63:9-10, Job 11:8, Eph. 4:9, Matt. 12:40). Therefore, to quench this great and terrible divine wrath, and thus keep the fire down there, or prevent it from coming up here, the Lamb of God must be burned forever. The fire below is answered by the fire above. Evidently, the fire of the burnt offering continually burning the Lamb was a real solution to the problem of eternal wrath manifesting as unquenchable fire. There is an equation to this solution. The scale of divine justice is balanced perfectly. Do you see it? Either wrath burns the Lamb, or it burns everyone and everything else! This is the fearful reality. Only the hellish suffering of the Lamb could prevent sinners from going to hell (Eph. 5:2). Jesus Christ suffered an equivalent of eternal hellfire in time, even the equivalent of a million hells in 15 to 17 hours from Gethsemane to Calvary.

Fire at the Altar & Fire in Eternity!

People shouldn’t be looking at the fire on Jewish altars as something ordinary and earthly. Anyone, anywhere, can burn a dead corpse and reduce it to ashes. Something divine and heavenly happened at the Jewish altars of the Old Testament. The fire at work on Jewish altars originated from God! Therefore, the burning was the execution of divine justice in real time. Leviticus 9:23-10:2 perfectly illustrates this reality.

“And Moses and Aaron went into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” – Lev. 9:23-24

At the commencement of the Priesthood, on the first day of atonement with a fully functioning Tabernacle, the fire that consumed the burnt offering had a supernatural origin. The fire came directly from the presence of God as the LORD was visibly manifesting in glory before the eyes of the people through a pillar of cloud. Let this be a reminder that Jewish altars were holy grounds where vertical problems between God and men were solved. The eyewitnesses of this event understood the exploit of redemption. Deity, as an Executioner, ignited the sacrifice into flames and burned it until it was totally consumed, even as a sinner in the presence of God for the execution of divine justice. Literally, because the animal sacrifice was slain and burnt, the believing sinners of the congregation were spared from death and hell. Harmoniously, in contrast, unbelieving transgressors were publicly burned.

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” – Lev. 10:1-2

The burnt offering was a substitute for sinners by the power of divine imputation. Either the fire burns the burnt offering, or it will burn everything and everyone else without exception! Leviticus 9:23-24 flows into Leviticus 10:1-2 sending a clear message to all mankind. In this case, as unbelievers, Nadab and Abihu acted in a provocative form of disobedience, and therefore the same fire that so lately consumed the burnt offerings then suddenly devoured these men alive. This should change our view of the fire at work on the altar. It is not an ordinary fire! Rather, it is “the fire of the LORD” (Num. 11:1-3). When God became angry with the Jews, divine wrath was manifest in the kindling of hellish fire, and the rest is history.

“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them.” – Num. 11:1-3

“Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:” - Psalm 78:21-22

Provocations were answered by increasingly glorious divine punishments to teach Israel a lesson. Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and company, and all of their families, and all that pertained to them, proudly stood in opposition to the LORD in a public contest of authority, until the earth under their feet was opened as the very mouth of hell, and they all went down alive into Sheol (Num. 16:27-33). Simultaneously, “there came out fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense” (Num. 16:35). The ruling of caselaw in biblical history sheds light on the legal framework of salvation and condemnation. Justice was served in how “the flame burned up the wicked” (Ps. 106:18)! And divine judgment will only intensify until there is no more remedy for those who disrespect the fire at work at the altar (Amos 7:4-5). The same thing can be observed in the 2nd Advent of Christ (2 Thess. 1:7-10, Isa. 66:15-16, Rev. 6:15-17; 2 Pet. 3:1-14), and the fire at work only intensifies at the End of the World (Rev. 20:9-10).

“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. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” – Rev. 20:9-10

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” – Rev. 21:1

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” – Rev. 21:8

The fire of history intensifies in futurity! But the end is for a new beginning. The consummation is for a restoration. The fire of the LORD will baptize the world in a fiery deluge (Lk. 3:9, 16-17). This is a baptism of purification. The fire will consume all the sinners from off the face of the earth, even as heavenly songs ring out, “Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more.” (Ps. 104:35). The fire of the God will even evaporate the seas and oceans of the earth (Amos 7:4-5)! A new world will emerge from the flames with no more sea (Rev. 21:1). However, with respect to sinners in the afterlife, this is just the beginning of the work of fire in their consummation. God’s wrath will not be appeased by the burning of the world!

“Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.” – Isa. 40:15-17

A fiery death in life only leads to an everlasting fire in the afterlife (Rev. 21:8). God is still angry in eternity! In the End of the World, God will burn and totally consume everything, but the smoke thereof will not be sufficient for a burnt offering, nor will the burning of all nations be satisfying to God in the appeasement of divine wrath; literally, everyone who will be consumed on earth will end up burning forever in hellfire. The fury of eternal fire will never be quieted, calmed, or extinguished. Hell and the burning Lake never decrease in temperature for all of eternity! Accordingly, the torment of the damned never ends.

Therefore, let the eyes of sinners be directed to the prophecy of Abraham, when he said, “God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8); even as the eyes of all the Jews were directed to the altar at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (1 Chron. 21:26), and then to the altar of the Temple in Solomon’s day (2 Chron. 7:1-3). The flames of the burnt offering can save mankind from hellfire! Let condemned souls comprehend the real work of fiery condemnation at the Jewish altars of old. The only way to prevent anyone on earth from going to hell, or to keep hell from coming up here, is the power of an atonement in a burnt offering. If God ever says, “I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours” (Lev. 26:31), essentially, this is the end of our world. Historically, this is the end of Israel, Judah, Jerusalem, & the Tabernacle / Temple (Lev. 26:27-39). Ultimately, this is the End of the World.

“For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” – Deut. 32:22

Israel had to learn things the hard way. We should learn from their mistakes (1 Cor. 10:11). Speaking of this, it was written, “Neither let us tempt Christ…” (1 Cor. 10:9). Divine wrath was famously described as something that could “wax hot” and “consume” the Jewish people if God became angry (Ex. 22:24, 32:10-11). The “heat” of divine “anger” posed a real danger of total annihilation in epic proportions, even as Sodom & Gomorrah were destroyed in a fiery deluge (Ex. 32:10-11, Deut. 29:23-24). This was apparent to Israel in the Exodus Generation when the people encountered El-esh-oklah at mount Sinai for the first time. Fear was stricken on their faces as God the Consuming Fire was etched in their memories (Ex. 20:20; Rom. 3:18; Heb. 12:28-29).

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Abraham & Isaac on Mount Calvary in the Land of Moriah

10/7/2024

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Article #22 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

God tested Abraham with the trial of his life. The word of the LORD came to Abraham, and the renowned Patriarch was immediately filled with unspeakable anguish. God commanded him to give up his son, Isaac, “his only begotten son” (Heb. 11:17), by sacrificing the boy to the LORD on an altar for a burnt offering.

“And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” - Gen 22:1-2

Abraham probably thought that God was angry with him. From his perspective, there would be no other explanation for this unique and extraordinary demand. But this had nothing to do with Abraham being under the wrath of God! Rather, this whole arrangement was designed for a Messianic Prophecy. Abraham was being commissioned to personify the anguish of the Father in the sacrifice of the Son of God on the Cross of Calvary. Although not much is said about Isaac, he was being commissioned to personify the anguish of the Son of God in how he silently submitted to come under the knife of his father without contest.

The Immense Personal Suffering of God the Father in the Passion of Jesus Christ

Abraham exemplified obedience to God in this trial. This is a subject matter that deserves our attention (James 2:21-26, Heb. 6:13-16). Nevertheless, readers need to approach this text from a different vantage point to correctly understand the Messianic Prophecy. Interpreters must look beyond Abraham to see who he is representing in the grand scheme of things.

Messianic prophecies are divine illustrations of prophetic typology. Abraham was being made to experientially represent the role of the Father in the death of Jesus Christ. It is easy for people to read Genesis 22 and miss the messianic point of the trial. Readers are happily expecting God to interrupt Abraham and prevent him from sacrificing Isaac! But this is not how we are supposed to be reading this passage of Scripture. Why? Abraham was not expecting to be interrupted by God.

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” – Heb. 11:17-19

Abraham truly believed that he was going to kill his son! Therefore, the man was stricken with anguish throughout the whole ordeal. Even after Isaac was dead, Abraham fully intended to burn the boy’s body on an altar as a burnt offering. Finally, after Isaac’s body was reduced to ashes, Abraham was planning on waiting there at the altar until the boy was raised from the dead by the mighty power of God! In other words, Abraham found strength to obey God in this trial because he was “accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead” (Heb. 11:19). This is essential to understanding how this specific Messianic Prophecy was uniquely designed to portray the immense personal suffering endured by God the Father in the human sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

“And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.” - Gen 22:3-4

Abraham rose up early in the morning and made preparations for the journey. It could be said, Abraham had an axe to grind. Literally, he had cut the wood for the burnt offering in advance because he knew it was a three day journey to “the land of Moriah” (Gen. 22:2). Can you imagine a father sharpening an axe at dawn, while preparing to cut wood for the burning of his only begotten son? Surely, Abraham’s heart was tearing and rending, and tears were flowing, even as the timber was splitting under his axe! Nevertheless, a difficult journey was still ahead.

Abraham was made to think on these things for three long days. Naturally, these were wearisome days and sleepless nights for Abraham! Meanwhile, Isaac would often look into the face of his father and wonder why Abraham was so troubled in his soul (Jn. 12:27). The boy didn’t know about the divine commandment that sent them on their journey (Gen. 22:7). Arguably, Sarah didn’t know about it either! This trial was for Abraham. He couldn’t tell a soul about it lest they deem him mad.

Abraham spent three days boiling in anguish! But this is nothing in comparison to an eternity spent by God the Father as He waited for the appointed day of Jesus Christ (Ps. 40:5-8, 17; Heb. 10:4-7). The sovereignty and omniscience of deity in eternity does not make God hard and emotionless (Jer. 4:19-20). The Bible is full of strong lamentations! Thousands of years have passed as the Spirit of God moved and animated the Prophets to sigh, groan, cry, and roar in agonizing times of prayer and prophecy.

“Jesus wept.” (Jn. 11:35). He wept over condemned Jerusalem (Lk. 19:41-44)! He offered prayers with “strong crying and tears” (Heb. 5:7)! He even wept over the grave of His good friend Lazarus, even though Jesus had already decided to raise him from the dead. The meek and lowly Savior was tenderhearted and weeping, knowing full well that He would see Lazarus alive in just a few minutes (Jn. 11:34-35). Remember, the personality of the Father was perfectly embodied in the Son of God (Jn. 10:30, 14:9).

In a theater of typology, Abraham represented the Father. Abraham was tortured with the thought of sacrificing his own son for three days. This amounted to 72 hours of thinking for a mortal man, and time seems to slow down for people who are experiencing great suffering. Every second is wearisome to tormented souls! Allowing for the possibility of 1 to 2 thoughts per second, this means that Abraham was experiencing 300,000 to 600,000 tormenting thoughts for three days.

“And who shall paint the unutterable anguish of the Father’s soul, while he walks side by side with that beloved son of whom he is to be the executioner?” – C.H. Spurgeon

What was Abraham thinking about? The man felt a stabbing sense of anguish about the future as he painfully imagined killing his own son: the look of terror on Isaac’s face as Abraham physically restrained the boy and bound him to the altar! The dread and amazement in Isaac’s eyes as Abraham raised the knife for the slaughter! The physical pain that Isaac was going to endure at his father’s hand as the knife was plunged into the boy’s heart! All this and more would have been tormenting Abraham, even as he rehearsed every detail of the day in his mind so that he could flawlessly execute the commandment of God without wavering.

Now imagine the pain and agony of God the Father, and the innumerable thoughts of an omniscient mind, as an eternity was spent in waiting for the day of Jesus Christ (Ps. 40:5-8, 17; Heb. 10:4-7)! Combine this with the power of sovereignty and the closeness of omnipresence. The sovereignty of God allows for the LORD to honestly take responsibility for situations of divine judgment, even when that judgment is executed by the hands of heathen men (Ezek. 21:3-7, 30:24-25, Jer. 21:4-10, 48:10). The omnipresence of God allows for the LORD to be near and inescapable (Jer. 23:23-24, Ps. 139:1-24, Prov. 20:27). The immense personal cost of the Father being portrayed here in the life of Abraham deserves our sober reflection and sincere admiration.

“Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.” – Ps. 40:5

“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” – Heb. 10:4-7

Abraham was sent to “the land of Moriah” without being given any directions about how to get there because he already knew its location. In Hebrew, this is the land of “Mori-Jah” (Seen of Jehovah) – the place where the eyes of the LORD rest. Of course, the LORD was speaking about “Salem”, the same place where the fully functioning Tabernacle and Priesthood of Melchizedek was in operation (Gen. 14:18-20). Abraham encountered the Priest of the Most High God some decades earlier and received a blessing from the LORD (Heb. 7:1-10). In ancient times, Jeru-salem was simply referred to as “Salem” (Ps. 76:1-2). This is why Solmon boldly stated that the Temple was built “at Jerusalem in mount Moriah” (2 Chron. 3:1).

God sent Abraham to “the land of Moriah”, and when he got there he was directed to “one of the mountains” in the land (Gen. 22:2). Abraham was not directed to “mount Moriah”, which we know to be mount Zion (2 Chron. 3:1; Ps. 2:6, 15:1, 24:3, 132:13-14, Isa. 2:3, Dan. 9:16, Joel 3:17, Zech. 8:3, Heb. 12:22-24). He was prophetically directed to “one of the mountains” in the land, the same one we now call mount Calvary in modern times. Why? Because this is “the place” where God would provide a Lamb for a burnt offering (Gen. 22:8)! Under inspiration, Abraham prophesied these words as he ascended mount Calvary, saying:

“God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt-offering” – Gen. 22:8

Travelling from Beer-sheba to Moriah, from where Abraham was currently located (Gen. 22:19), this was a ≈40 mile journey requiring three days of travel at a comfortable pace. One day’s journey in ancient times came out to be ≈20 miles. In Abraham’s case, if the early part of the first day was given to preparations, Abraham and company could have traveled ≈15 miles on the first day, ≈20 miles on the second day, and that leaves only ≈5 miles on the third day. This allows for the possibility that Abraham and Isaac ascended mount Calvary at around 12 noon, at the exact same time of day that our Lord ascended mount Calvary over 2,000 years later (Matt. 27:45, Mk. 15:33, Lk. 23:44). Now, closely observe this ascent, and try to comprehend the anguish of Abraham and Isaac as a testimony of the incomprehensible anguish in the Godhead.

“Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.” – Gen. 22:4-14

Abraham “took the wood” and “laid it upon Isaac his son”, and they both ascended mount Calvary together (Gen. 22:6; Jn. 19:17). Behold, the anguish of the Godhead! Not only in the passion of Jesus Christ, but in the passion of God the Father, even as Abraham “took the fire in his hand” and also “a knife”, and “they went both of them together” (Gen. 22:6). There is much to be seen in how “they went both of them together” (Gen. 22:6; Jn. 8:28-29, 16:32). Upon summiting the mount, Abraham “built an altar” and “laid the wood in order” upon it (Gen. 22:9). Then came the hard part! Abraham then “bound Isaac his son” (Gen. 22:9; Ps. 118:22, 27). Once Isaac was completely retrained by ropes, Abraham then “laid him on the altar upon the wood” (Gen. 22:9; Matt. 27:35-36, Jn. 19:18, Col. 2:14). Finally, Abraham “stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son” (Gen. 22:10)! Only then was Abraham stopped.

“And now where is the artist that can depict the anguish of the Father’s countenance when the knife is unsheathed, and he holds it up – ready to slay his son? But here the curtain falls.” – C.H. Spurgeon

This is an abrupt ending to an act that was continued with our Heavenly Father wielding a sword of divine justice against the Son of God (Matt. 26:31, Zech. 13:6-7). Lifting the curtain for us, a single word of prophecy perfectly describes the awful scene: “Awake, “O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the LORD of Hosts…” (Zech. 13:7). The Passion of Jesus Christ was preceded by hundreds of staggering prophecies that paint a picture that no artist could produce. “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when Thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin…” (Isa. 53:10). How do you make sense of the sore amazement in the Man of Sorrows in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mk. 14:33-35)? Our Lord had Zechariah 13:6-7 on His mind while walking to the Garden on that fateful night (Matt. 26:31).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16

Abraham and Isaac were the main characters of this whole ordeal. Their love, as Father-and-Son, was tested and tried. The maximum amount of pressure was applied! Their love proved to be formidable and strong. Arguably, Abraham would not have given up his son for anyone or anything! Abraham’s love for his son was only surpassed by his love for God. Therefore, in anguish, Abraham gave up his son at God’s command. Naturally, this should change our estimation of God’s love for the world (Jn. 3:16). This should change your estimation of God’s love for you. It is unfathomable, immeasurable, immense, and free (Eph. 3:18-19)! In the latter days you shall consider it perfectly (Jn. 17:23, 26).

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” – Rom. 8:32

Ultimately, Isaac was spared! He didn’t come under the knife of his father. Abraham’s anguish was immediately relieved at the sudden interruption. It was then that Abraham understood the Messianic Prophecy. Speaking of this, Jesus Christ said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad.” (Jn. 8:56). The theater of typology is illustrating a prophecy where God the Father proceeded to strike His own Son with a sword of divine justice until the deed was done.

“Beloved, it is not only true that God did design and permit with willingness the death of Christ. It is moreover true that the unutterable agonies that clothed the death of the Savior with superhuman terror were the effect of the Father’s bruising of Christ in very act and deed.” – C.H. Spurgeon

The arm of Abraham was stayed from striking the final blow! The arm of God was unsparing and unstoppable, even in fury, because the sin of the world was imputed into Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 2:2). The legal transfer of sin was accomplished before the eyes of divine majesty! Speaking of this, it was written, “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor. 5:21). This should change the way you look at the Cross of Calvary.

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” – Gen. 22:2

“God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering” – Gen. 22:8

“Jehovahjireh…In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.” – Gen. 22:14

God sent Abraham to “the land of Moriah” because it is the land where Jehovah sees. Of course, the LORD wants believers to see what Jehovah sees! The LORD commissioned Abraham and Isaac to go there and demonstrate typologically how the Trinity was going to provide a Lamb for a burnt offering, namely, in God the Father personally sacrificing His only begotten Son.

God chose this location in ancient times for reasons clearly outlined in the days of David and Solomon, because the eyes of God were fixed there to countenance the offering of animal sacrifices for an atonement on an altar. This is why David originally bought this land from Ornan (1 Chron. 21:16, 18, 20, 23, 26). David and company built an “altar” there and fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, and in this the wrath of God was quenched and satisfied (1 Chron. 21:26). Subsequently, this is why Solomon built the Temple in the same location, affectionately calling mount Zion by the name, “mount Moriah” (2 Chron. 3:1). To be clear, the Temple was built for the altar, and not the other way around. The name “Moriah” was Solomon’s way of declaring that God’s eyes and ears were open and attentive to the sacrifices that were made in that place (2 Chron. 6:20, 40).

“Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, Thine eyes be open, and let Thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.” – 2 Chron. 6:40

God’s eyes and ears were open and attentive, especially when it came to making sacrifices at “the altar” of the Temple (2 Chron. 6:19, 22, 1 Kings 8:31). The “Face” of God countenancing the sacrifice was a legal requirement for the making of an atonement (2 Chron. 7:14). This is what the law was describing when it stated that sacrifices must be “before the LORD” (Ex. 29:42, Lev. 4:4, 6, 15, 17, 6:7, 16:7, 10, 12, 13, 18, 30). Emphasizing this, the Temple that Solomon built was officially called “an House of Sacrifice” (2 Chron. 7:12), because the glory of God inhabited the House (2 Chron. 5:13-14, 6:1, 7:1-3), and therefore the sacrifices being offered there were publicly considered “sacrifices before the LORD” (2 Chron. 7:4).

“And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.”
- Mark 15:37-38

However, according to the staggering Messianic Prophecy of Genesis 22, we know that Jehovah-jireh will provide another Sacrifice that will be “seen” by the LORD, and countenanced by the Face of God, as if it was offered at the altar of the Temple on mount Moriah (Gen. 22:14). The timeless prophecy boldly declares, “In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.”, which is to say that God did see and respected the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for a legal atonement nearly 2,000 years ago (Gen. 22:14). We know “the mount of the LORD” is speaking about mount Zion or mount Moriah (Gen. 22:14; 2 Chron. 3:1, Ps. 2:6, 15:1, 24:3, 76:1-2, 132:13-14, Isa. 2:3, Dan. 9:16, Joel 3:17, Zech. 8:3, Heb. 12:22-24). Therefore, by interpretation, the prophecy of Genesis 22:14 is speaking about the official consecration of an altar on mount Calvary that will be seen by God as if it was offered on the altar of mount Moriah.

“He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.” – Isa. 53:11

Literally, according to Hebrews 13:10-16, the Cross of Christ on mount Calvary legally became “an altar” of sacrifice for the Lamb of God. Furthermore, because the sacrifice of this altar was seen and respected, and a legal atonement was performed “once for all”, the Temple and its altar on mount Moriah were rendered obsolete (Heb. 10:10, 12). Signifying this, when Jesus Christ died on the Cross, and “gave up the ghost”, it was then that “the veil of the Temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Mk. 15:37-38). God the Father exited the Temple because its altar was no longer needed in preference to the altar of Calvary.

“For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Cor. 1:18

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” – Gal. 6:14

Israel was kept in waiting for nearly 2,000 years before the Lamb finally arrived. Nevertheless, the greatest Prophet that ever lived was given the honor of preparing the way of the Lord (Isa. 40:3). Upon our Lord’s arrival, John the Baptist looked upon Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29). The seer was staggered at the majestic sight! It appeared that John could hardly bring himself to say anything else while looking upon the Son of God, even though a thousand titles of honor could be ascribed to the Messiah. God is speaking to us through the Prophet. “God will provide Himself a Lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8).

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The Doctrine of the Tree

10/4/2024

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Article #21 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” – 1 Cor. 2:2

Have you ever wondered why the apostles called the Cross of Christ a Tree? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did in fact die on a Cross, and the apostles referred to it as such a total of eleven times in the Epistles of the New Testament (1 Cor. 1:17, 18, Gal. 5:11, 6:12, 14, Eph. 2:16, Php. 2:8, 3:18, Col. 1:20, 2:14, Heb. 12:2). However, surprisingly, the word “Cross” does not explicitly appear in the Book of Acts. This should give us some pause.

“…whom ye slew and hanged on a Tree.” - Act 5:30 (Josh. 10:26)

“…whom they slew and hanged on a Tree:” - Act 10:39 (Josh. 10:26)

“…they took him down from the Tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.” - Act 13:29

The Book of Acts puts before Christians the example of the apostles. The recorded sermons of the evangelists are for our instruction. Instead of using the word “Cross”, the apostles referred to it as a “Tree” on three occasions while preaching to Jews and Gentiles in Acts 5:30, 10:39, & 13:29. Why? Clearly, they were preaching about the Cross, but they called it a Tree. Observe how the act of hanging Jesus Christ on a Tree was used synonymously and interchangeably by the apostles to describe the act of Crucifixion in Acts 2:23, 36, & 4:10.

“…ye have taken, and by wicked hands have Crucified and slain:” – Acts 2:23

“…God hath made this same Jesus, whom ye have Crucified, both Lord and Christ.” – Acts 2:36

“…Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye Crucified, whom God raised from the dead” – Acts 4:10

Apparently, the Doctrine of the Tree should contribute to our understanding of “Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Acts 5:30, 10:39, & 13:29 appear in the exact same circumstances as Acts 2:23, 36, & 4:10. The apostles were preaching the same message two different ways. Altogether, they were preaching the Cross as a Tree and herein they were effectually proclaiming Jesus Christ Crucified.

Needless to say, the Book of Acts is all about preaching the Gospel. Therefore, this begs the question: Why did they call it a Tree? The same thing occurs in the doctrinal teachings of the Epistles in Galatians 3:13 & 1 Peter 2:24. The apostles did this by choice under inspiration to prove a point.

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a Tree:” – Gal. 3:13

“Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the Tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” – 1 Pet. 2:24

The use of the word Tree cannot be attributed to mere semantics when the Law of the Old Testament specifically referred to the use and employment of the Tree (Numbers 25:3-5, Deuteronomy 21:22-23, Joshua 8:29, 10:24-27, 2 Sam. 21:3-9). The apostles were directing our attention to the ancient, legal, Jewish origin of the Cross of Christ. Paul was quoting directly from Deuteronomy 21:22-23 in Galatians 3:13. Evidently, the Cross of Rome was performing the mechanism of the Tree in the Law of the Old Testament when Jesus Christ died for our sins on the hill of Calvary.

Does the Law Preach the Cross of Christ?

We would be foolish to disregard the example of the apostles in the Book of Acts. The same thing could be said about “the law of Moses” (Lk. 24:44-45).

“Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” – Luke 24:25-27

“…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. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures…” - Luke 24:44-45

Does Moses preach the Cross of Christ? This is the question of our study. Amazingly, hundreds of prophecies in the Old Testament do accurately foretell the incarnation, death, burial, descension, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. However, our question is more specific: Does the Law of Moses preach the Cross of Christ?

Typologically & Figuratively through Animal Sacrifices

Yes. The Law does preach the Cross of Christ. Typologically, and figuratively, this is done through the Animal Sacrifices of the Old Testament being offered to God for an Atonement. These are typological solutions to sin problems because the blood of beasts could not actually merit forgiveness for sinners (Heb. 10:4-10, Ps. 40:6-8). This operation serves its purpose in shedding light on the Cross of Christ (Isa. 53:10). Furthermore, it brings to light the divine power of imputation and underscores our need for an Atonement before a holy God.

An Atonement is something that enables reconciliation through quenching or satisfying the wrath of God in turning away the anger of the LORD from the people. Until the fulness of time came, the Old Testament sacrificial system of Atonement regularly offered the following animals: Lambs (Ex. 12; Ex. 29:38-43), Goats (Lev. 4:24; Lev. 16), Rams (Ex. 29:33, Num. 5:8), Bullocks (Ex. 29:36-37, Lev. 4:20, Num. 8:12), & Cattle (Lev. 1:4). These ceremonies had to be conducted exactly as the Law required for them to be effectual.

Remarkably, the most important part of the legal process of an Atonement was the fact that these sacrifices were made “before the LORD” (Ex. 29:42, Lev. 4:4, 6, 15, 17, 6:7, 16:7, 10, 12, 13, 18, 30), because the wrath of God is a vertical issue that exists between people and God. Furthermore, let the reader understand, these animals were not ever sacrificed on Trees for an Atonement in the Old Testament. Not a single law directs the Jews to do this! Instead, the animals were sacrificed on altars.

Literally & Explicitly in Public Executions through the Doctrine of the Tree

Yes. The Law does preach the Cross of Christ! Literally, and explicitly, this is done through the Doctrine of the Tree. However, most people are unable to find the Cross in the Old Testament because it is formally called a Tree. Of course, the apostles knew about the Doctrine of the Tree. This is why Peter and Paul affectionately referred to the Cross of Christ as a “Tree” in Galatians 3:13 & 1 Peter 2:24.

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a Tree:” – Gal. 3:13 (Acts 13:29)

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the Tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” – 1 Pet. 2:24 (Acts 5:30, 10:39)

Galatians 3:13 is the most important verse on the Doctrine of the Tree in the New Testament. Why? Because in Galatians 3:13 Paul was quoting from Deuteronomy 21:22-23. This explicit connection between the New Testament and the Old Testament was how the apostles certified that their doctrine was honest, truthful, and biblical. Through cross references like this we can be sure that we understand the mind of the apostles when they referred to the Cross as a Tree.

“And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a Tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the Tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” – Deut. 21:22-23

Apparently, when Jesus Christ died on the Cross for our sins, the Cross of Rome was performing the mechanism of this Tree. Therefore, it is imperative that we discover the circumstances of each occasion in biblical history when the Tree was put into action. Let us bring these ancient scenes before us! Only then will we discover the ancient Jewish origin of the Cross of Christ as it predated the Roman Empire. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 should then lead believers to search for all other occasions where the Doctrine of the Tree appears in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 21:22-23 is actually commenting on Numbers 25:3-5. Meaning, Numbers 25:3-5 is the first appearance of the Tree in biblical history. This can be determined by the chronological order of the events. Furthermore, Deuteronomy 21:22-23 indicates that the use of the Tree in Numbers 25:3-5 was perpetuated forevermore in every case of public execution in Israel.

Chronological Order Of Events

Following the historical narrative provided in the Book of Numbers: firstly, the Israelites arrived at the Plains of Moab in Numbers 22:1; secondarily, they committed whoredom at Baalpeor with “the daughters of Moab” & Midian in Numbers 25 (Num. 22:4, 25:1, 6, 14-15); thirdly, the command was given to “vex the Midianites” as an act of revenge upon them and thus Israel went to war against them (Num. 25:17-18, 31:1-54); fourthly, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of the tribe of Manasseh took possession of their inheritance in Numbers 32:1-42; finally, after these things, the Book of Deuteronomy was given to the Jews in the Plains of Moab on the 1st Day of the 11th Month of the 40th year (Deut. 1:1-5). Internal evidence confirms that the Book of Deuteronomy was given after Baalpeor and the inheritance of the 2 ½ Tribes (Deut. 4:3; Deut. 3:13, 29:8).

Public Execution in the Law of the Old Testament

The Law regularly called for public execution when people committed great sins (Deut. 30:15-20). Anything that was deemed “worthy of death” falls into this category (Deut. 17:6, 19:6, 21:22, 22:26; Heb. 10:28, 1 Jn. 5:16-17). These sins were unforgivable and unatonable (Num. 15:30-31, Heb. 10:26-29)! Therefore, public execution was demanded as a punishment in the Old Testament. However, in most of the verses that call for public execution, the method of putting someone to death is not specified.

The Moral Law

Many different violations of the Moral Law in the Old Testament were punished by public execution. These sins included being a stubborn and a rebellious son (Deut. 21:18-21), smiting or cursing your mother or father (Ex. 21:15, 17), disobeying authority in the Israel (Deut. 17:8-13), cursing or blaspheming the Name of God (Lev. 24:10-16, 23), oppressing a widow or an orphan (Ex. 22:22-24), kidnapping (Ex. 21:16, Deut. 24:7), committing any number of sexual acts like fornication, adultery, incest, or bestiality (Lev. 18:7-23), committing murder (Ex. 21:14, 21:12, 21:20-21, 21:22-23; Numbers 35:15, 20-28, Deut. 19:4, 6, 11-13), lying or false witnessing to bring about death (Deut. 19:15-21), falsely prophesying (Deut. 13:1-5), becoming a witch (Ex. 22:18), consulting wizards (Lev. 20:6), giving of your seed to Molech (Lev. 20:1-3), and making a sacrifice to idols or committing idolatry (Ex. 22:20, Deut. 13:6-11, 17:2-7).

The Ceremonial Law

Violations of the Ceremonial Law were also punished by public execution. These sins included acts of rebellion like refusing to perform the following laws and religious ceremonies: Circumcision (Gen. 17:14), Clean & Unclean Laws (Lev. 15:31, 22:3), & Defiling the Tabernacle (Lev. 15:31, 1 Cor. 3:17). Anyone who didn’t keep the following holy days would be publicly executed: the Sabbaths (Ex. 31:14-15, Lev. 23:28-30, Num. 15:32-36), the Passover (Ex. 12:15), & the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:33, 23:29-30). Violations while offering Animal Sacrifices were also punished by death: eating the flesh of a sacrifice while being unclean (Lev. 7:20-21), eating the fat or blood of a sacrifice (Lev. 7:25-27), sacrificing anywhere but the Tabernacle of Congregation (Lev. 17:1-9), & eating a peace-offering on the third day (Lev. 19:5-8).

It is important to understand that even lesser sins can become greater sins when they are committed willfully and presumptuously with continuance; hence, the call for public execution in this case as well (Num. 15:22-31, Heb. 10:26-29, 1 Jn. 5:16-17).

The Method, Process, & Purpose of Public Execution in the Law of the Old Testament

Deuteronomy is the primary book of the Law that deals with the process of public executions. This can be seen in Deuteronomy 13:1-11, 17:2-7, 17:8-13, 19:15-21, 21:18-21. Here are five different scenarios that all end in public execution. A process was followed. Diligent inquiry was necessary to prove the guilt of the accused. Those who were deemed “worthy of death” were then stoned by the people. Universally, stoning was the method of public execution.

Five Scenarios Detailing the Process of Public Execution: Deut. 13:1-11, 17:2-7, 17:8-13, 19:15-21, 21:18-21

Death by Stoning: Lev. 20:2-27 (the first and last utterance in this chapter, recorded in vs. 2 and vs. 27, specified the method of public execution in the command for death in every verse); Lev. 24:10-16, 23; Num. 15:35-36; Deut. 13:9-10, 21:21

Explicit instructions were given about how to conduct the stoning. Observe how the primary witness of the crime played a critical role in that he or she had to be the first one to cast a stone. Sound familiar? Only then would the rest of the people follow in casting their stones (Jn. 8:1-11; Deut. 22:22). Finally, upon death, the bodies of these cursed sinners were picked up from the ground and transported to Trees. There are only two exceptions for this rule in the Law. On two occasions sinners were required to be stoned and then burned with fire (Lev. 20:14, 21:9). All the rest were stoned and then hung up on Trees.

The Doctrine of the Tree: Num. 25:3-5, Deut. 21:22-23, Josh. 8:29, 10:24-27, 2 Sam. 21:3-9 (Gal. 3:13, 1 Pet. 2:24)

The location of Deuteronomy 21:22-23 in the Book of Deuteronomy speak volumes. It was placed as a conclusion to the five rehearsed scenarios of public execution. Readers of the Law would first encounter Deuteronomy 13:1-11, 17:2-7, 17:8-13, 19:15-21, & 21:18-21, and then finally the subject matter at hand is punctuated with Deuteronomy 21:22-23.

Apparently, according to Deuteronomy 21:22-23, the Tree was legally required for every internal public execution of Israelites with only two exceptions. The Tree was the last phase of the ceremonious executions of Israel. Once the Tree was finished performing its work, then the executed people would be buried. As a matter of fact, without Deuteronomy 21:22-23, Israel would not know what to do with the bodies of the people who were stoned to death. This is the only passage of Scripture in the Law that gives instruction to the Jews on what to do with the bodies of the people who were stoned to death in public executions.

Therefore, even though the Tree is a rarity in the Law, because it explicitly appears only two times, it could also be said that the Tree pervades the Law, because every time a public execution was commanded, recorded, or accomplished in Israel, the Jews were then compelled to look upon the operation of the Tree. Commands for and historical records of public execution pervade Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy. “Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Gal. 3:24).

How were people hung on Trees during public executions in the Law of the Old Testament?

Many things come to mind when modern readers imagine hangings. Western executions in the recent past were carried out by hangings on naturally grown Trees. Death would usually come when the noose of the rope broke the neck of condemned criminals. Occasionally, they would hang there until the criminals would suffocate to death. If naturally grown Trees were not used for the hangings, then a designated execution site was constructed with wood that was sometimes referred to as Gallows. This form of execution wasn’t restricted to English history. Judas hung himself via a rope from a Tree in an apparent suicide (Matt. 27:5). Ahithophel likely died by the same means (2 Sam. 17:23).

Historically, the Romans are famous for how they fastened criminals to Trees using iron spikes as nails, and in this case the wood of the Trees would be erected in the form of a Cross. This was designed as a form of torture for criminals to suffer in death as a public statement to society. The Persians were known to prefer hangings on Trees where the wood was erected in the form of large sharp stakes used for impaling those who were doomed to die (Esther 5:14, 6:4, 7:9-10, 9:14, 25; Ezra 6:11). The Egyptians likely did a variety of hangings according to their hieroglyphics (Gen. 40:18-22). But it doesn’t really matter how the Romans, Persians, and Egyptians carried out their public executions on Trees. The Jewish people were required by God to be holy and separate from the manners and customs of heathen nations (Deut. 4:6; Lev. 11:44-45, 18:3, 30, 19:2, 20:7, 23, 26; 2 Cor. 6:17-18; Deut. 18:9-12; Jer. 10:3).

Remote incidents in history are not relevant to the Doctrine of the Tree in the Law, even if the Jews were somehow involved in those events. Therefore, it doesn’t matter what the Philistines did to the dead bodies of Saul and his Sons as a form of celebration and desecration (1 Sam. 31:10-13, 2 Sam. 21:12). Absalom accidently getting caught in a Tree while fleeing a battle on horseback shouldn’t contribute to our analysis of the legal methods of public execution in the Law (2 Sam. 17:23). Neither foreign nations nor random events had any influence upon the Word of God. Barbaric nations invented many cruel forms of torture as a means of control and influence. The manners and customs of alien cultures were authored by the depraved people of those societies. Contrastingly, the LORD our God wrote the Law, and it gave the Jews divine mandates for when, how, and why people should be publicly executed according to divine justice.

Celebration, Commemoration, or Ceremonial?

All the hangings on Trees mandated in the Law required condemned people to be killed before they were hung on Trees. Therefore, for the Jews, the Tree was not a form of torture. It was not employed by God in the Old Testament as an instrument of suffering. Consequentially, it didn’t really matter how the people were hung up on the Trees. Presumably, ropes, nails, or whatever was conveniently on hand was used to hang the dead bodies on the Trees. Hanging dead bodies on Trees wasn’t for celebration or commemoration among the Jews. This erroneous interpretation seriously undermines the real power of the Tree. Rather, let us allow Scripture to interpret Scripture. The testimony provided in Numbers 25:3-5 emphasizes the dire necessity of the Tree when there is an outbreak of divine wrath.

“And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor. And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel. And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.” – Num. 25:1-9

This was a day to be remembered. There were 24,000 causalities! Hourly, thousands of people were dying under the plague. Here, in a furious outbreak of divine wrath, we see the Tree put into action as a remedy in an emergency situation. Those who were chief in the trespass, “the heads of the people” (Num. 25:4), were killed and hung up on Trees! Why? The Tree was put into action so “that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel” (Num. 25:4). Therefore, in hanging these men on Trees, it is explicitly stated that they were hung up “before the LORD” (Num. 25:4), indicating that these Trees were being ceremoniously employed by God as altars for the making of an Atonement, only this time the sacrifices were men rather than animals.

“before the LORD” – Ex. 29:42, Lev. 4:4, 6, 15, 17, 6:7, 16:7, 10, 12, 13, 18, 30

Amazingly, the same legal terminology was used in the sacrifices of both men and animals. Therefore, the Tree was an instrument that acted like an altar. It brought sinners “before the LORD” so that the furious eyes of divinity might look upon the sacrifices! Hereby, the Tree was enabling wrath to take its mysterious course, and it will work until it is time to rest. Similarly, the fire of the altar continually burns as it consumes an animal sacrifice, and it is unquenchable until it transforms the beast into dust and ashes. The smoke thereof is a sweet-smelling savor in the nostrils of a holy God (Gen. 8:20-21, Lev. 1:9, 13, 17). Justice smiles at the sweet exercise of judgment being executed.

David was a student of the Law (Ps. 19:7-11). It was his meditation all day long (Ps. 119:97)! Therefore, it stands to reason that he knew about the Doctrine of Tree (Ps. 22). Namely, that the Tree had power to quench divine wrath! Accordingly, in speaking of the Tree, David was inspired to utter these words:

“And wherewith shall I make the Atonement…?” – 2 Sam. 21:3

The Atonement that David was speaking about was historically manifested in the hanging of seven men on Trees. The situation evolved that day into a spectacular scene, as it was written, “…and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD” (2 Sam. 21:9). Sound familiar?

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged Cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old Cross where the Dearest and Best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.”

The Cross of Rome was an execution device that lifted up sinners before men, to be seen by men, but Jehovah’s Tree lifted up the spotless Lamb of God “before the LORD”, to be seen by God, rather than to be seen by men. If men are to be saved by the sight of it, it is because they are beholding the Cross of Rome and seeing Jehovah’s Tree (Jn. 12:32).

“The great stress of the transaction lies in it being done ‘before the LORD’.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Earthly societies gathered at the Cross of Rome to project their anger and hatred upon criminals utterly forsaken by all and hanging there to die. This was an ordinary occurrence in the Roman Empire. However, at the Cross of Christ, the divine being of God the Father was especially manifest in the pouring out of divine wrath upon a most sacred Sacrifice, in the offering of the only begotten Son of God, because while the Man was hanging there on the Cross of Rome it was legally performing the mechanism of Jehovah’s Tree.

Therefore, the Cross of Christ was different than your average Roman crucifixion. Nobody had ever been crucified like Jesus Christ! The dark clouds of divine wrath overshadowed the Man who was lifted up “before the LORD” on the hill of Calvary. The furious eyes of God were fixated on the Crucified One! Furthermore, all of this was open before the gaze of the Son of God while He was conscious and alive hanging on the Cross. In this unique case, the Cross of Rome found legal significance as Jehovah’s Tree. The Cross of Rome became the vehicle that a sovereign God used to fulfill Holy Scripture in the lawful use of the Tree.

Public Executions in the Book of Joshua

The Tree explicitly appears two more times in the Old Testament in Joshua 8:29 and Joshua 10:24-27. These passages further reinforce the fact that Deuteronomy 21:22-23 was commenting upon Numbers 25:3-5 to legally perpetuate the use of the Tree forevermore. However, in the Book of Joshua, the Tree was put to use externally in the campaign of war against the Canaanites.

Remember, Deuteronomy 21:22-23 is the only passage of Scripture in the Law that gives instruction to Israel on what to do with the bodies of the people who were stoned to death in public executions. It was written, “His body shall not remain all night upon the Tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day” (Deut. 21:22-23). Sunset in the evening time would mark the time when the body would need to come down from the Tree for burial. Joshua’s commandments show that he was minding this instruction when he hung up the Kings of the Canaanites.

“And the king of Ai he hanged on a Tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the Tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day.” – Josh. 8:29

“And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five Trees: and they were hanging upon the Trees until the evening. And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the Trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, which remain until this very day.” – Josh. 10:24-27

Joshua was watching for the sunset in the evening time because he was minding Deuteronomy 21:23. Therefore, “as soon as the sun was down” (Josh. 8:29), Joshua gave the commandment to bury the King of Ai. Also, “at the time of the going down of the sun” (Josh. 10:27), Joshua gave the commandment to bury the five Kings of the Amorites. The circumstances were a bit different than the public execution of Jews in Israel. These were heathen Kings in the land of Canaan. Nevertheless, the operation of the Tree was accomplishing the same objective. The Tree was being used to turn away and satisfy the wrath of God.

Joshua was executing these Kings of the Canaanites, and only the Kings, similar to the commandment of Moses given in Numbers 25:4, where he said, “Take all the Heads of the people…”. Not all the people in transgression that day were hung up before the LORD on Trees. Only “the Heads of the people” were dealt with like this during a furious outbreak of divine wrath where there were many in transgression. Joshua was following this pattern because his primary concern during the war was the satisfaction of the wrath of God. Therefore, literally, Joshua took “the Heads” of the Canaanites and hung them up before the LORD.

Joshua employed the Tree at the end of each battle after the armies of these Kings were defeated. The Jews “slew the men of Ai” with the sword and “let none of them remain or escape” (Josh. 8:21, 22). “And the King of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua.” (Josh. 8:23). Joshua took the King and did what needed to be done to satisfy the God of Israel so that “the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away” (Num. 25:4). Eyewitnesses were sobered to look upon the scenery that day. In the foreground, the King of Ai could be seen hung up before the LORD on a Tree, and in the background, the city of Ai was on fire and rapidly turning into a mighty heap of ash (Josh. 8:28, 29).

The same thing was done in the next battle against the five Kings of the Amorites (Josh. 10:15-19, 22-27). But Joshua didn’t command for these men to be stoned. Isarel was at war! Therefore, naturally, these Kings were slain by the sword at the end of the battle. Literally, “Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five Trees”, even as the armies of Israel stood still and watched it being done (Josh. 10:26). These are the only explicit appearances of the Tree in the Book of Joshua. However, this brings us to an important question: Are these the only Kings of the Canaanites who were hung up on Trees?

“And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her King: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it.” – Josh. 8:2

There is no historical record in the Book of Joshua describing what Joshua did to the King of Jericho. Literally, no description was given about how the King died at the end of Battle #1 in Joshua 6. However, in Joshua 8:2, as Joshua was being sent to battle against Ai, we read that Joshua was commanded to do the same thing to the King of Ai at the end of Battle #2, as was done to the King of Jericho at the end of Battle #1. Also, in the aftermath of Battle #2, we read the following emphasis.

“Now it came to pass, when Adonizedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as he had done to Jericho and her King, so he had done to Ai and her King; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;” – Josh. 10:1

The narrator of history is giving this emphasis for a reason. Apparently, both the Kings of Jericho and Ai were hung up on Trees. Joshua 10:1 then leads into Battle #3. This is the same battle that ended with the five Kings of the Amorites being hung up on Trees (Josh. 10:26-27). Now, this begs the question: Were all the Kings of the Canaanites hung up on Trees in the Book of Joshua?

Scripture speaks for itself. Battle #3 was a great victory! The Canaanites were terrified (Josh. 10:11-14). Many cities were easily and quickly conquered as a result of this battle. Immediately after the scene presented in Joshua 10:26-27, a moment of climax that brings the Tree into view, the narrator of history then proceeded to give us a brief record of the forthcoming battles against all the Kings of the cities that fell at “one time” in Joshua 10:28-43. The emphasis of the narrator is loudly declaring a message.

“And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and the King thereof he utterly destroyed, them, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain: and he did to the King of Makkedah as he did unto the King of Jericho.” – Josh. 10:28

“Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with him, unto Libnah, and fought against Libnah: And the LORD delivered it also, and the King thereof, into the hand of Israel; and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein; he let none remain in it; but did unto the King thereof as he did unto the King of Jericho.” – Josh. 10:29-30

“And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to Debir; and fought against it: And he took it, and the King thereof, and all the cities thereof; and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein; he left none remaining: as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, and to the King thereof; as he had done also to Libnah, and to her King.” – Josh. 10:38-39

All the Kings suffered the same fate. It all started with the King of Jericho (Josh. 8:2, 10:1). The same thing was done to the King of Ai (Josh. 8:29). The same thing was done to the five Kings of the Amorites (Josh. 10:26-27). Apparently, the same thing was done to the Kings of all subsequent battles! The narrator of history in the Book of Joshua makes these connections for the reader. The Kings of Makkedah (Josh. 10:28), Libnah (Josh. 10:29-30), and Debir (Josh. 10:38-39) were all hung up on Trees exactly like the King of Jericho. Moreover, the same treatment is implied for “all” the Kings of the Canaanites (Josh. 10:40, 42).

Therefore, even though the Tree is a rarity in the Book of Joshua, because it explicitly appears only two times, it could also be said that the Tree pervades the Book of Joshua, because at the conclusion of every battle during the conquest of Canaan, the Jews were then compelled to look upon the operation of the Tree as it hung up the Kings of the Canaanites before the LORD. Marvelously, the same trend continued from the Law to the Book of Joshua. The Tree was markedly present to solve the problem during internal and external situations of divine wrath. Even so, Joshua was chiefly concerned about satisfying the wrath of God in the theater of war. Therefore, readers are compelled to see how Joshua triumphed by the Tree! This is Good News.

To say the same thing at the conclusion of every battle would be superfluous and redundant for the narrator in the Book of Joshua. The message is coming through clearly. The Tree prevailed! End of story. Joshua 10:1-27 is the climax of the war. Joshua 10:26-27 is the secret of divine satisfaction. History is abbreviated from thereon out in Joshua 10:28-43. It exists only to promote the Doctrine of the Tree. History continues to offer little to no details about the war in Joshua 11:1-23, even as the war continued for a “long time” (Josh. 11:18). Nothing more needs to be said! The story has already been told. Victory is declared by a record of all the Kings of Canaan who were slain and hung up on Trees in Joshua 12. Joshua then divided the land and gave it to the tribes of Israel as an inheritance in Joshua 13-22. Accordingly, the great congregation of Israel dispersed into their territories and found rest (Josh. 23:1); nevertheless, each individual tribe was responsible for driving out whatever remained of the Canaanites in their lands.

“For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.” – Heb. 4:8

The Book of Jesus in the Old Testament is demonstrating to all mankind the power of the Tree. Can you believe it? Marvelously, the man we know as Joshua in the Old Testament is called “Jesus” in Hebrews 4:8. This is because Jesus is the Hellenized version of Joshua. Therefore, you could say, Joshua was a prototype of Jesus Christ. Literally, Jesus Christ was named after Joshua in the Old Testament (Num. 13:8, 16; Matt. 1:21, 23, Isa. 7:14). The similarities are staggering to behold! However, sadly, most readers in modern times are ashamed of the Book of Joshua. Scorners and blasphemers have slandered its testimony and accused Joshua of genocide in the conquest of the Promised Land. They argue that Joshua deserves to be remembered as a genocidal dictator like Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, and Genghis Khan. What do you think?

“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood.” – Jer. 48:10

It is a good thing that so much attention is given to this generation. Credit should be given to the wisdom of divine sovereignty. Joshua has now become infamous because of the “sword” he wielded in battle (Josh. 6:21, 8:23-26, 10:20, 28, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40, 11:8, 11, 12, 14, 20). However, in the days to come, I suspect that Joshua will become much more famous for his use of the Tree.

“The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the Law, and make it honourable.” – Isa. 42:21

In our study of the Tree, our focus has been brought to one generation, Joshua’s Generation, the same people who are known as the Children of the Exodus Generation. Our Lord limited the appearance of the Tree in the Old Testament to convey a powerful message, but mocking blasphemers are trying to shut your eyes from beholding the wonder of the Tree in this mighty campaign of war.

Joshua, the Sword, & the Tree

Is Joshua guilty of genocide? The sword of the Israelites annihilated everyone! No pity was shown to the women. No mercy was granted to the elderly. Not even the children were spared from the slaughter! Everyone that breathed was doomed to die. This is the explicit emphasis of Holy Scripture.

Battle #1: “And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the sword.” – Josh. 6:21 (Jericho)

Battle #2: “And the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him to Joshua. And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned unto Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword. And so it was, that all that fell that day, both of men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai. For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.” – Josh. 8:23-26 (Ai)

The sword of Joshua devoured all! However, no blame should be laid upon him for these conspicuous acts of war. Rather, the attention of all should be fixed upon “the Sword of the LORD”. Joshua had a mosaic encounter with God right after entering the Promised Land and just before the first battle of the war. This theophany was the guiding vision of his life and ministry.

“And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a Man over against him with his Sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as Captain of the Host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.” – Josh. 5:13-15

Do you understand the vision? The Sword of the LORD was unsheathed and held in a threatening posture! Consequentially, Joshua was alarmed. He then questioned the terrible Warrior that stood before him, only because Joshua expected violence to come from the mysterious Man. However, the divine Sword was not drawn against Joshua! It was for Joshua. But the Man was not going to join the battle as a mere contribution to the overall effort. Rather, the Man had come as a Commander and a Conqueror! As a divine “Captain” who was capable of fighting and winning the war all by Himself. This changed everything.

“…the LORD fought for Israel.” – Joshua 10:14

“…the LORD God of Israel fought for Israel.” – Josh. 10:42

Joshua is wrongly accused of genocide. He only did what he was commanded to do by God (Josh. 8:27, 11:12). Manifestly, the Sword of the LORD was employed against the condemned occupiers of the Promised Land! Therefore, the Jews played an insignificant part in the divine judgment at hand.

Battle #3: “And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel, and were in the going down to Bethhoron, that the LORD cast down great stones from heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died: they were more which died with hailstones than they whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.” – Josh. 10:11-14 (Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, & Eglon)

“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25). God used water to destroy everyone on earth in Noah’s day (Gen. 6). God used fire & brimstone to annihilate Sodom & Gomorrah (Gen. 19). There were no survivors among the targeted people! God had judged them all to be unsavable reprobates. Similarly, in Joshua’s Generation, God was using the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites. The Jewish people had become an instrument in the hand of God to execute the divine judgment. Their mission was to leave no survivors (Josh. 6:21, 8:23-26, 10:20, 28, 30, 32, 33, 35, 37, 39, 40, 11:8, 11, 12, 14, 20).

“For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” – Isa. 14:27

Joshua was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. He comprehended the message being communicated in the revelation being described in Joshua 5:13-15. An unsheathed divine Sword speaks volumes about the heart of God in this situation! Soberly consider it. This heavenly vision accurately depicted the fierceness of the wrath of God against the Canaanites. Accordingly, Joshua’s greatest priority was to satisfy the wrath of God in the execution of divine judgment.

Joshua’s Greatest Priority was to Satisfy the Wrath of God

Prayerfully observe Joshua, the Sword, & the Tree in the Book of Joshua. The message is coming through loud and clear! Contrary to popular opinion, Joshua’s greatest priority was not to win battles. Theoretically, Israel could win the war and be personally satisfied with victory, and while celebrating, they could then come under the wrath of God. The Jews learned this lesson the hard way in their first victory against Jericho because someone took an “accursed thing” from the city and brought it into the camp of Israel (Josh. 6:17-18).

“But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.” – Josh. 7:1

God was furious with the Canaanites! However, if Israel ever made peace with the Canaanites, or coveted after something forbidden among their stuff and thereby touched the unclean thing, the wrath of God that was hotly pursuing the heathen would then come upon Israel (Josh 23:12-16). Accordingly, the transgression of one Israelite, named Achan, occasioned the death of 36 men in battle against Ai (Josh 7; Josh 22:20). Furthermore, God would no longer be with Israel as long as the “accursed thing” remained among them (Josh. 7:12-13). It had to be dealt with! Joshua took this seriously. The holiness of the Israelite people had to be restored (Josh. 23:7, 2 Cor. 6:17-18).

“So the LORD turned from the fierceness of His anger.” – Josh. 7:26

Obviously, Joshua was especially concerned about the wrath of God in the battle against Ai. Israel was at a vulnerable stage in the overall campaign of war. They suffered a loss at only the second battle! And their adversaries were taking note (Josh. 7:8-9). The Amorites were smelling blood! A defeat before Ai was perceived to be a moment of weakness for Israel. They lost the aura of invincibility before the enemies. Therefore, the Kings of the Amorites would not let this opportunity pass without attacking Israel with the full force of their armies (Gen. 15:16, Josh. 10:5-6, 12). Joshua knew this was going to happen after Israel lost in battle against Ai. In his own words, Joshua said in distress:

“For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?” – Josh. 7:9

The circumstances were perfect to convey the central message of the Book of Joshua. Joshua had to be sure that the wrath of God was going to be quenched in the final battle against Ai. The Jews were searching for security in a time of need! It was then that the Tree made its first explicit appearance in the Book of Joshua. This lovely scene deserves a second reading.

“And the King of Ai he hanged on a Tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the Tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day.” – Josh. 8:29

Obviously, the Tree was used to ensure the satisfaction of the wrath of God. Joshua remembered how it ceremoniously functioned like an altar when “the Heads” of the people in rebellion at Baalpeor were hung up before the LORD. Even after the death of 24,000 Jews at Baalpoer, the Tree successfully “turned away” the “fierce anger of the LORD” (Num. 25:3-5)! Even so, this remarkable moment for Joshua’s Generation could never be forgotten (Josh. 22:17). It was their moment of weakness. Similarly, after the death of 36 men, Joshua was comforted by the Tree at the city of Ai. The Tree had the power to make bitter things sweet (Ex. 15:25).

Joshua recognized that God was pleased when the federal Heads of sinners were sacrificed and lifted up via the Tree as an atonement. Hence, Joshua was determined to use the Tree in the conclusion of every battle. This was Joshua’s frame of mind going into Battle #3 against Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, & Eglon. Historically, this wasn’t going to be an ordinary battle. This is the battle that wins the war! Therefore, consequentially, the use of the Tree in this battle turns out to be the most important explicit appearance of the Tree in Joshua’s ministry.

“…they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. Thou didst walk through the sea with thine horses, through the heap of great waters.” – Hab. 3:14-15

Joshua’s fears were realized when the Kings of the Amorites mustered their forces and attacked Israel with all their armies. Remember, the Amorites were attempting to take advantage of Israel’s weakness after they were defeated by Ai. In the words of Habakkuk, the Amorites came out as a whirlwind to scatter the Israelites! Their rejoicing was to devour the poor Jews in a secret attack! But a whirlwind of heathen armies environing the Israelites turned out to be no problem for the LORD of Hosts (Josh. 7:9). If the whirlwinds of ferocious clouds all about the crystal walls of the Red Sea didn’t startle or distress the angelic armies of Jehovah, then neither could a whirlwind of armies attacking Israel on all sides put Jehovah at a disadvantage (Hab. 3:15; Nah. 1:3). Regal, the LORD stretched out His “glittering spear” at the incoming armies, and divine arrows as bolts of lightning rained down upon the Amorites during a furious hailstorm of crushing power like the world has never seen (Josh. 10:11-14).

“The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, and at the shining of thy glittering spear. Thou didst march through the land in indignation, thou didst thresh the heathen in anger.” – Hab. 3:11-12

This is the most famous battle of Joshua’s lifetime. This is the one that everyone remembers! It was also the most inspiring experience for Israelite soldiers. The faith of the people was rock solid after this point! The fine details of the battle are provided by the narrator (Josh. 10:11-14). Even the sun and moon stood still in the sky as the LORD fought for Israel! Evidently, God was angry. He wasn’t going to wait any longer! He wasn’t going to wait another day! The day was lengthened to finish the judgment. The full force of the wrath of God was being brought to bear upon the heathen in this magnificent battle. This is the battle that won the war. The concluding scene of the battle deserves a second reading alongside the words of Habakkuk.

“And it came to pass, when they brought out those Kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these Kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five Trees: and they were hanging upon the Trees until the evening. And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the Trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, which remain until this very day.” – Josh. 10:24-27

“Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, even for salvation with thine anointed; Thou woundedst the Head out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah. Thou didst strike through with his staves the Head of his villages: they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me: their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.” – Hab. 3:13-14

After everyone was dead and the battle was over, the time had come for the Tree to do its mysterious work in quenching the wrath of God as it was manifest towards the Canaanites. This is the most famous manifestation of divine wrath in the Law! Accordingly, this story exemplifies the power of the Tree. Because when the federal Heads of the Canaanites were hung up before the LORD at the conclusion of these battles, it was then that the furious wrath of Almighty God became silent and still. This brings us to a spectacular realization! There is only one thing that can stop the strongest manifestation of divine wrath known to mankind: the Tree.

Historically, the first time the Tree was employed was to stop a fierce outbreak of divine wrath among the Jews, and for the Tree to do its work “the Heads of the people” had to be hung up “before the LORD” (Num. 25:4). The same employment of the Tree was put to work among the Canaanites. Literally, the Kings of the Canaanites were being identified by Habakkuk as “the Head out of the House of the Wicked” and “the Head of his villages” in the climax of the song (Hab. 3:13-14). Obviously, the wound being delivered to the Heads was a mortal wound (Hab. 3:13), like the “cut” described in Amos 9:1. This wound was a mighty deathblow! In other words, a divine hand did “strike through” these Kings (Hab. 3:14), like the deadly and destructive striking of the Messiah in the 2nd Advent War (Ps. 110:5-6). How? We would never know without the testimony of Habakkuk.

Some essential details about the Tree in the Book of Joshua would be left to speculation without further light being given through the Prophet Habakkuk. How were the dead bodies fastened to Trees during the war? Remember, this was a key part to the process of hangings, and each race was known to employ different tactics throughout history. Habakkuk draws our attention to the “staves” as the instrument used to “strike through” the Kings when they were hung up on Trees (Hab. 3:14).

“Staves” were a common weapon used by average and unprofessional fighters in ancient times (Hab. 3:14; 1 Sam. 17:43). Walking sticks and family namesake staffs were easily sharpened into weapons before a battle if the people didn’t own a sword (Gen. 32:10, Ex. 12:11, Num. 21:18). Ezekiel called them “handstaves” (Ezek. 39:9). In any given army there would likely be hundreds of swords and thousands of staves depending on the size of the host (Matt. 26:47, 55).

Accordingly, in the aftermath of battle, the staves of fallen fighters would be scattered everywhere. Therefore, when it came time to hang the Kings on Trees, the staves of their own armies were plucked up from the ground and used to fasten these cursed Heads upon the wood. In so doing, the LORD brought desolation upon the families of these Kingdoms, an irreparable destruction, like discovering the foundation of their houses in the demolition of their villages (Hab. 3:13; Ps. 137:7).

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Beholding the Cross of Rome & Seeing Jehovah’s Tree

6/19/2023

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Article #20 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

Mount Calvary as a Hill of Contest

“When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I AM…” – John 8:28-29

This is the greatest miracle in history. The greatest Man that ever lived foretold and performed it in a victorious display of convincing power to win the greatest contest the world has ever seen. The King of Israel was publicly challenged by the rulers of Judaism to miraculously prove His identity before everyone. Like so many prophets before Him, the Prince of the Prophets didn’t disappoint. However, this momentous occasion simply cannot be understood without the witness of Scripture in the annals of history.

A gigantic adversary emerged out of the armies of Philistia, Goliath by name, who openly challenged the God of Israel and cursed the Jews in the name of false gods. The challenge was one of combat in the name of God. The proof of Deity was in the victory. David heard the challenge and accepted it by faith in the God of Israel. While descending into “the valley of Elah” to face Goliath, the young man David openly declared that he would kill the giant for a very specific purpose: “that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Sam. 17:19, 45-48). The rest is history. Now we know.

Famously, in another well-known challenge, Mount Carmel was the chosen location to prove the existence of the one true God. This time the challenge was made by Elijah, and he was the only prophet of the LORD left in the land of Israel. The challenge was heard and accepted by 400 prophets of Baal. The congregation of Israel gathered there to behold it as these 401 prophets were put to the test. The proof of Deity was in the sign! After the prophets of Baal cried out in prayer continuously all day long, and to no avail, Elijah calmly made his request known to God in a single prayer, saying, “let it be known this day that Thou art God in Israel”, and, “Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that Thou art the LORD God, and that Thou hast turned their heart back again.” (1 Kings 18:36-39). The God of Israel answered by fire.

The one true God was not remiss to perform such signs and wonders in the valleys and mountains of Israel. Where is the God of Elijah? He is waiting for Elijah to call upon Him. The same could be said in every generation (2 Chron. 16:9). From the valleys to the mountains, and from sea to shining sea, unknown divine mysteries were often revealed before the eyes of unbelievers in a spectacular fashion. While standing before the Red Sea, the frightened Israelites heard the prophetic word, “…and the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD” (Ex. 14:4, 17-18). The ripple effect of this miracle reverberated into all nations. While standing before the Jordan River when it had overflowed all its banks, the Jews heard yet another prophetic word that would bring worldwide fame to the Name of God, “…that all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.” (Josh. 4:23-24).

Obviously, when God wants mortal men to know something, the LORD is fully capable of making them know it. These declarations signaled forthcoming miracles that left a mark upon history. The Name of the LORD was glorified in this way (let the reader understand), as long as a suitable representative was there to speak on His behalf and to teach the people the commandments of God in any given generation (Hos. 12:13, Amos 3:7, Ps. 25:14). Be they Prophets, Priests, or Kings, they all were compelled to speak and do the same things for the glory of the LORD.

At the consecration of the Temple, Solomon spoke of the very same divine purpose that is apparently burning in the heart of a loving God, namely, “that all people of the earth may know Thy Name, to fear Thee, as do Thy people Israel; and that they may know that this House, which I have builded, is called by Thy Name.” (1 Kings 8:43). Unsurprisingly, this prophetic declaration was uttered before the congregation during a visible display of heavenly miracles.

“And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the House, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.” - 2 Chron. 7:3

God was doing these miracles for clearly stated reasons. Solomon said, “…that all the people of the earth may know that the LORD is God, and that there is none else.” (1 Kings 8:59-61). Prophets, Priests, and Kings in every generation took notice. The same words were then echoed by Hezekiah at the Temple when the House of God was being threatened with destruction by the armies of Assyria. In a time of desperation, lo and behold: this was the most suitable way to ask God for a miracle! Hezekiah brought this very same divine purpose before the throne of God in prayer, saying, “Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the LORD God, even Thou only.” (2 Kings 19:19). Angels were dispatched from Heaven that day to kill 185,000 Assyrian soldiers of the highest rank.

These divine exploits of glory have been making God famous in every millennium. Job and his friends bore witness of the signs and wonders that were prevalent in the first 2,000 years of history (Job 4:7-8, 5:3-5, 24-25, 11:5-6, 18:20, 19:25, 29, 21:19-20, 22:19, 27:12, 34:26-27, 36:9, 36:24-25). In fact, without these miracles, most people wouldn’t come to faith in God. Speaking of this, Jesus said, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” (John 4:48). Do you disagree? A great cloud of witnesses is in perfect agreement.

Understandably, God wanted Moses to compete with the magicians of Egypt in an epic battle of miracles. For, statedly, neither the Jews nor the Egyptians were capable of believing in or knowing about the LORD without signs and wonders. Speaking of this, David said, “The LORD is known by the judgment which He executeth” (Ps. 9:16). Are you understanding the reading of the Book of Exodus? Moses was very clear about this very thing in scores of dramatic prophecies (Ex. 6:6-7, 7:5, 7:17, 8:10, 22-23, 9:14-16, 29-30, 10:1-2, 11:6-7, 14:4, 17-18, 30-31, 16:6, 12, etc.). The staggering performance of these miracles converted scorners into believers.

The same story could be told about the lonely prophet Ezekiel. Only this time, the man of God was compelled to oppose a multitude of false prophets proudly residing in an apostate Jerusalem. Jerusalem had become a spiritual Egypt in the sight of God (Ezek. 16). It was overrun with idolatry! Therefore, the LORD was determined to plead against it with miraculous exploits of divine judgment, all of which were specifically foretold by Ezekiel scores of times (Ezek. 2:5, 5:13, 6:7, 8-10, 13-14, 7:4, 9, 27, 11:9-12, 12:14-16, 20, 13:9, 14, 23, 14:8, 23, 15:7, 16:62-63, 17:21, 24, 20:26, 38, 42, 44, 48, 21:5, etc.). The same divine purpose continued to resound throughout the record of history. Here, yet again, the unknown God became known in the unveiling of Deity through a spectacular show of glory. Speaking of this, Ezekiel prophetically declared, “…and ye shall know that I am the LORD.” (Ezek. 6:7).

How did the people come to know it? Ezekiel’s lonely ministry in Chaldea would at last be successful. Like Elijah before him, Ezekiel’s identity as a true Prophet would be known by all (Ezek. 2:5). The judgments that were being executed by Babylon would finally be recognized as divine justice (Ezek. 6:8-10). Put yourself in the shoes of the Jewish people who were the residents of Jerusalem during the captivity. Imagine yourself to be one of the survivors looking at the altars of the high places! Imagine yourself looking at the hills and mountains (Ezek. 6:13-14)! Just one look proved Deity.

“Then shall ye know that I am the LORD, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savour to all their idols.” - Ezek. 6:13

The unbelieving Jews were trapped in a theater of divine glory. The point was proven. The argument was settled. The surviving onlookers were persuaded by seeing the borders of Israel (Ezek. 11:9-12) and the fortified cities of Judah (Ezek. 12:20). Everywhere they looked the divine signs were manifest! Why? Because the desolations were foretold in staggering detail. Therefore, rather than giving credit to the Babylonians (or the idols of Chaldea), the surviving Jews came to realize that the LORD was doing the smiting, as it is written, “…and ye shall know that I am the LORD that smiteth.” (Ezek. 7:4, 9, 27).

Evidently, the God of the Bible was very willing to perform signs and wonders to make people believe. This has proven to be true historically, and especially at the restart of the calendar at the advent of Christ. The coming of the Son of God marked a new era of glory. The Prince of the Prophets eclipsed the glory of everyone in the Old Testament.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14

At conception, in birth, during adolescence, and in maturity, there were remarkable manifestations of divine majesty (Lk. 1-2). However, when the hour had come for our Lord to enter into public ministry, then everything dramatically changed. Suddenly, there was a relentless display of miracles such that the world had never seen before! This underscores the importance of the occasion. Theoretically speaking, if Jesus of Nazareth didn’t do the miracles that no other man had ever done, then the unbelieving Jews might be guiltless in their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah (Jn. 15:24).

“If I do not the works of my Father, believe Me not. But if I do, though ye believe not Me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.” - John 10:37-38

“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.” - John 14:11

Clearly, the Son of God was on a quest to turn unbelievers into believers. Unapologetically, the miracles were being performed “to the intent [that the people] may believe” (Lk. 11:15). Divine sovereignty was arranging everything in such a way that “the works of God” would be made manifest (Jn. 9:3-5). Namely, because the miraculous works “bear witness” of Jesus Christ (Jn. 10:24-25).

Even the faith of the Messiah’s most beloved disciples was originally inspired and continuously supported by signs and wonders (Jn. 1:45-51; Jn. 6:29, Mk. 6:51, Matt. 14:33). John, as an Evangelist of the Gospel, expressly shows how “the beginning of miracles” was for this purpose; consequentially, it is written, “and his disciples believed on Him” (Jn. 2:11). The miracles continued for 3 years straight, and meanwhile the Lord repeatedly told everyone the divine reason for it. Very boldly, the Son of God said:

“Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.” - Jn. 4:48

These miracles proved the identity of the Son of God. Who is Jesus of Nazareth? That is the real question. Not knowing is damnation (Jn. 4:10). Knowing is salvation (Jn. 4:22, 25-26, 42). Those who had spiritual eyes to see “all the things” that Jesus was doing were then enabled to realize that the Man was the promised Messiah (Jn. 4:45). The elect saw the witness of the Father and believed upon the Son.

“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.” - Jn. 5:20

“But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me.” – Jn. 5:36-37

Clearly, not everyone was happy about the signs and wonders being performed. The most influential Jews were idolatrously hellbent on protecting the traditions that they had invented. So, when Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath day, the people were offended, but the Lord refused to stop working miracles (Jn. 5:17). The spectacular show of glory would continue until everyone marveled exceedingly (Jn. 5:19-20). Why? Because this was the witness of the Father that Jesus Christ was the Son of God (Jn. 5:32, 36-37); therefore, it was essential to the faith of those who would be converted.

“They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?” - Jn. 6:30

Multitudes followed Jesus solely because “they saw His miracles” (Jn. 6:2). This was a good thing! Hereby, the people were coming to be persuaded that Jesus was the Christ (Jn. 6:14-15). However, a majority of the followers at any given time were insincere and selfish. They were following only because they were being fed through the miracles. The famous Miracle Worker was attractive to them for the personal benefits that could be derived from following (Jn. 6:26-27). Therefore, in hoping to seize upon more earthly blessings, they asked Jesus: “What sign shewest Thou then, that we may see, and believe Thee? What dost Thou work?” (Jn. 6:30). This is the unbeliever’s pretentious quest for faith (Jn. 6:26-36, 40).

“His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him.” - Jn. 7:3-5

A similar request was made by Jesus’ very own family members who didn’t believe in Him, only this time they were urging the Lord to do miracles on behalf of others, likely because they were ashamed of His behavior (Jn. 7:3-5). Faithless souls will always be confounded (Jn. 7:16-17). It is inevitable. They marvel at the works but are offended with the Man (Jn. 7:15, 21, 27). Meanwhile, a remnant will go on believing in Jesus Christ without any doubt or confusion (Jn. 7:31, 40-41). Who could doubt the witness of the Father (Jn. 8:17-19)? Sadly, there were several groups of hardened scorners who persisted in unbelief even despite all the miracles. These were the Scribes, Pharisees, Lawyers, Elders, & Chief Priests.

The Greatest Challenge in History

It is only natural for the authority structure of apostate Judaism to feel threatened by the King of Israel. As soon as Jesus Christ cleansed the Temple in the 1st year of His ministry, the office-bearers of the status-quo felt that this was a trespass into their territory.

“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” - John 2:18-19

This is the first recorded instance of a public challenge made by the hierarchy of scorners. Strangely, these people were habitually disregarding the abundance of signs that were continually manifest, while posing this question with pretentious sincerity. Meanwhile, during the same visit to Jerusalem, so many miracles were being done that many honest souls “saw the miracles” and believed in Jesus as the Christ (Jn. 2:23).

How did the Lord respond to such impudence? Obviously, the challengers didn’t deserve another miracle. Nevertheless, the challenge was heard and accepted. Yes! Our Lord did not deny these unworthy souls yet another sign to prove His own Divinity. Consecutive encounters with the Jews would make sense of this interaction. The plot of this challenge would only grow with time. However, most people don’t recognize it because they think that Jesus was outrightly refusing to perform another sign. In reality, the exact opposite was true. The scorners were not beyond reach by the Miracle Worker! A great contest was soon to begin.

“Then certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” - Matt. 12:38-40

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.” - Matt. 16:1-4

The Scribes and Pharisees were uniquely hardened in their hearts. They could not discern “the signs of the times” in the abundance of miracles taking place. Therefore, they proceeded to challenge Jesus to perform yet another sign. Graciously, our Lord accepted the challenge. In other words, Jesus Christ did not refuse to perform any signs before the challengers. Pay careful attention to this marvelous moment in history as the rulers of the Jews publicly challenged the King of the Jews! The public challenge was made, and then the challenge was accepted by our Lord. He said that there would be “no sign” except one in particular, the same which He called “the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matt. 12:38-40, Matt. 16:1, 4), which is the very same sign being declared by the Messiah from the beginning, when He said, “Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (Jn. 2:19).

Coincidently, the Jews misunderstood the prophetic sign being foretold. They thought that Jesus of Nazareth was talking about destroying the Temple constructed by Zerubbabel and remodeled by Herod. The patriotic Jews felt threatened by this possibility. Things escalated over the years until everything came to a climax at Calvary. Ultimately, this became the hill of contest! This very same sign in question was then brought to the attention of our Lord as the foremost accusation presented to the Sanhedrin, and then upon being condemned and crucified, it evolved into yet another challenge to the Son of God.

“…This fellow said, I am able to destroy the Temple of God, and to build it in three days.” - Matt. 26:61

“And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the Cross.” - Matt. 27:39-40

The rulers of Judaism were successful in subverting the people over the past 3 years. Evidently, the original challenge to perform a sign, alongside a misinterpretation of our Lord’s response, was noised abroad among the multitudes. Therefore, with respect to the first challenge, the people reviled Jesus by inviting Him to prove His Messianic identity once and for all by coming down from the Cross. However, the Jews were unknowingly playing their part in the greater picture that was soon to be brought into focus with undeniable clarity.

Everything was going exactly according to the divine plan of Heaven. The aforementioned words of mockery were shouted at Jesus at around 12 noon when He was lifted up on the Cross. The contest was on! Victory seemed impossible because the Jews had never been so hardened in unbelief. Nevertheless, our Lord knew exactly what was about to happen over the next 3 hours. The moment of victory was foretold by Christ in a very clear word of prophecy.

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I AM, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” - John 8:28-29

Apparently, the same people who were in the process of killing the Son of God would then come to realize the identity of Jesus Christ at the crucifixion scene. Remarkably, Jesus said, “When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I AM…” (Jn. 8:28-29). Compare this promise with the statement, “Destroy this Temple…” (Jn. 2:19). Many of the same people that were doing the killing would then become believers! Are you surprised?

Simultaneously, the killers would come to realize several other things about the Crucified One. Look carefully at the word of prophecy originally given by Christ! Not one word of this prophetic statement of victory should go unnoticed. Besides coming to recognize that Jesus is the I AM, the people would come to know…

“…that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” – Jn. 8:28-29

Coming to know these things is a startling contrast to how things were looking at noon on Mount Calvary. The same people who were leveraging the Cross of Rome against Jesus of Nazareth, while boldly declaring Him to be forsaken of God as a false prophet (because of the things that He said), would then come to realize that the Father is with Jesus of Nazareth, and that the Father had not left Him alone at all, not even at the Cross, and that the things that Jesus had said were according to the will of God. This is what it means to behold the Cross of Rome and see Jehovah’s Tree.

This is a dramatic change of perspective. In the beginning, the rulers of Judaism were in perfect agreement with the Cross of Rome. The government of Rome condemned Jesus to death as a criminal. The crimes of the crucified ones were written on signs and nailed above the heads of those who were deemed worthy of such punishment. Rome hoped to strike fear in the hearts of the people so that no such crimes would ever be committed again. With respect to Jesus being crucified, the Jews were happy with how things were shaping out. By virtue of the Cross of Rome, the Jews hoped to repel all men away from Jesus of Nazareth, and hereby they would secure their own rule as the leaders of Judaism.

Everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, were united against Jesus of Nazareth on the hill of Calvary. The spectacle was on, but the contest wasn’t over! The celebration of the Jews would prove to be premature. The unbelievers were boasting in the Cross of Rome, that hereby all men were being turned away from Jesus of Nazareth. They claimed the hill in victory and were sure that all men would denounce Jesus as the Messiah! The situation seemed bleak and hopeless. The scene was dark. Victory for Jesus appeared humanly impossible. Nevertheless, a few more hours were still to come. There was still plenty of time to overturn the word of blasphemy in a divine act of glory that would reduce many persecutors to tears of remorse.

“And sitting down they watched him there...” – Matt. 27:36-37

“And the people stood beholding.” – Lk. 23:35

“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads…” – Matt. 27:39 (Mk. 15:29)

“Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the Cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” - Mark 15:32

“Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said…” – Matt. 27:47 (Mk. 15:35)

“The rest said, Let be, let us see…” – Matt. 27:49

“Let alone, let us see whether Elias will come to take Him down.” - Mk. 15:36

“Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw…” - Matt. 27:54 (Mk. 15:39, Lk. 23:47)

“And many women were there beholding afar off…” – Matt. 27:55 (Lk. 23:49)

“There were also women looking on afar off…” – Mk. 15:40

The Roman Empire perfected the art of torture in public executions. The Cross of Rome was reserved for the worst of criminals. It was designed to make a statement. Therefore, when it lifted up men in crucifixion, Rome hoped that it would be seen by as many people as possible for as long as possible. The ghastly sight was supposed to traumatize the spectators! Upon being lifted up 8 to 15 feet from the earth in an elevated location, like the hill of Golgotha, the choice instrument of execution would continuously torture its subjects for many hours until death.

This is why the mockers reveled in the Cross of Rome. The rulers were drunk with their own power and blind to what was about to take place. The Jews gathered at the Cross to personally heap contempt and scorn upon Jesus Christ. Literally, the challengers were leveraging the Cross of Rome against Jesus of Nazareth, while boldly declaring Him to be forsaken of God as a false prophet. To them the Cross of Rome was the evidence! Nevertheless, a miraculous show of divine revelation would soon open the eyes of many spectators to behold something completely different.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” - John 12:32

Neither the Jews nor the Gentiles present at Calvary were drawn to the Lord because of the Cross. It appeared to them that the Cross of Rome had defeated the Man! But all that was about to change. Literally, by reason of the Cross of Rome, the people were more persuaded than ever that Jesus of Nazareth was a false prophet, but when everything is said and done over the next 3 hours, from 12 to 3 P.M., many unbelievers will begin to see the most staggering vision of their lifetime.

“And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.” - Luke 23:48

Many sinners stopped celebrating and began crying. The noisy sound of reveling was replaced with strong regret and remorse. Many unbelievers began to make confessions of faith in dread amazement at what just happened! All the people, both Jews and Gentiles, even those who lately blasphemed, were dramatically abased and visibly emotional when they beheld “the things which were done” at the death of the Crucified One (Lk. 23:48).

The Thief on the Cross was the first among the number to repent and believe, as demonstrated by the worthy confession he made before the multitude (Lk. 23:39-43). A short while later, many others became stricken with conviction through beholding the things that were said and done in the final minutes leading up to and following the death of Jesus Christ when a combination of signs and wonders were performed conveying a powerful message.

Many people on the hill of contest were feeling like Malchus felt in the Garden of Gethsemane, who would not dare to speak against the Lord anymore; the ear that was touched by the Son of God was spiritually hearing something that others couldn’t hear, therefore Malchus was conspicuously absent when everyone else was persecuting Peter at the palace of the High Priest (Jn. 18:10, Lk. 22:51, Jn. 18:26).

Simon the Cyrene became attracted to Jesus of Nazareth after coming into very close contact with the Man. Only God knows what transpired between the two in the half mile journey to the hill of Golgotha! It is left to our imagination. Suffice it to say, nobody who picks up their Cross and follows Jesus Christ will be disappointed in the experience. All we know is that Simon, his son Rufus, and his Wife all became outstanding converts, as is indicated by Scripture (Matt. 27:32, Mk. 15:21, Lk. 23:26, Rom. 16:13).

Even an ignorant and unbelieving Centurion of Rome was made to confess, “Truly this Man was the Son of God” (Mk. 15:39, Lk. 23:47). How do you think he came to such a persuasion? Amazingly, many other thoroughly pagan Roman Soldiers under the Centurion’s command joined in this noble confession. These were the same soldiers that recently abused Christ in the Praetorium (Matt. 27:27-31, Mk. 15:16-20)! Evidently, according to Matthew 27:54, they all came to the same shocking realization that Jesus was the Christ, and confessed, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

High ranking Jews were also responding by faith, like Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus (Jn. 19:38; Jn. 3:1-21, 7:47-53, 19:39-42). A mighty move of God was taking place! Before too long, many Pharisees would be truly converted to Christ, even despite the great cost they would have to pay in becoming disciples of Jesus (Acts 15:5).

Did ever such a diverse congregation of scorners and blasphemers come to faith in Christ on this momentous occasion at the hill of Calvary? Amazingly, the strongest adversaries of our Lord were all given the same sign so that they might come to faith in the Son of God (Jn. 2:18-19, Matt. 12:38-40, 16:1-4). The greatest of miracles in the arsenal were saved as a finale to reach the unreachable. Such miracles would continue to confirm the identity of the Son of God, not only at the Cross, but in the resurrection three days later, and for the next 40 days in a series of shocking personal visitations, until thousands in Jerusalem came to believe on the Day of Pentecost that Jesus of Nazareth resurrected from the dead and ascended into Heaven.

A showdown between Moses and the Magicians of Egypt was lackluster compared to this glorious moment at the Cross of Christ and the miracles that followed. A standoff between Elijah and the Prophets of Baal was inglorious compared to this finale of miracles. The Prophets of Baal fled from Elijah as defeated adversaries who were doomed to die. Their broken faith in false gods made them flee the mountain of contest seeking refuge. In this respect, Mount Calvary dwarfs Mount Carmel! Can you see it?

A similar scene was manifest at the ultimate hill of contest. The aforementioned Jews and Romans, alongside an unknown multitude, were so smitten with conviction that they likely fled from the scene in a hurry because the remorse coming over them was so strong. Look again at the testimony provided in Luke 23:48! Luke, as an Evangelist, purposely emphasized this by providing some very shocking details about what the scene looked like in the aftermath of the miracles.

“And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.” - Luke 23:48

This was a gracious defeat. While beholding the Cross of Rome they saw Jehovah’s Tree. Do you see it? There is an ancient Jewish origin to the Cross. The Laws of Jehovah required cursed men to be nailed upon wood and lifted up, but the reasons for this were radically different than the philosophy of Rome in public executions. Paul spoke of this directly in Galatians 3:13 while quoting from Deuteronomy 21:21-23. The manner of “curse” that was divinely imposed upon Jesus Christ was neither pagan, secular, nor Roman; rather, it legally originated from God according to the Law in the Old Testament.

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a Tree:” – Gal. 3:13

“And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a Tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the Tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” – Deut. 21:21-23

The criminals of Israelite society were first stoned to death in a public execution, and then upon being killed the dead bodies of these people were nailed to Trees. The divine instruction to “hang him on a Tree” should capture our attention! The fact that the Jews practiced public executions by stoning is common knowledge among learned men. However, the legal employment of the Tree is a particular aspect of their public executions that is generally overlooked. Furthermore, this detail is not an obscure subject of Scripture. The exact purpose of the Tree is emphasized in several recorded events of biblical history.

“And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.” – Num. 25:3-5

This illustrious moment should change how you interpret the Cross of Christ. The Book of the Law in the Old Testament contained typological solutions to sin problems. Normally, various instructions were given in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy teaching the people how to make an Atonement. An Atonement is something that quenches or satisfies the wrath of God, turning away the anger of the LORD from the people. Mostly, these instructions pertained to Animal Sacrifices of various kinds: Lambs (Ex. 12; Ex. 29:38-43), Goats (Lev. 4:24; Lev. 16), Rams (Ex. 29:33, Num. 5:8), Bullocks (Ex. 29:36-37, Lev. 4:20, Num. 8:12), & Cattle (Lev. 1:4). Each one of these sacrifices were made “before the LORD” (Ex. 29:42, Lev. 4:4, 6, 15, 17, 6:7, 16:7, 10, 12, 13, 18, 30), because the wrath of God is a vertical issue that exists between people and God.

However, in rare cases, like what happened in Numbers 25:3-5, the fierce anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel because of certain provocative sinners in the midst, and these individuals needed to be taken, killed, and nailed to Trees. Evidently, unless these people were hung up “before the LORD”, nothing else would succeed to turn away the wrath of God. You could call it an emergency situation! Remarkably, this practice can also be observed during the conquest of the Promised Land. However, in this situation, the Kings of Canaan were the provocative sinners that warranted this judgment.

“And the King of Ai he hanged on a Tree until eventide: and as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they should take his carcase down from the Tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and raise thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day.” - Josh. 8:29

“And it came to pass, when they brought out those Kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the Captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these Kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. And afterward Joshua smote them, and slew them, and hanged them on five Trees: and they were hanging upon the Trees until the evening. And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the Trees, and cast them into the cave wherein they had been hid, and laid great stones in the cave's mouth, which remain until this very day.” – Josh. 10:24-27

Anytime the Tree becomes necessary in biblical history you know the situation was dire. The wrath of God was so fierce and unrelenting that the people were left with no other recourse. Why was God so angry with the Canaanites? The perverse immorality of the Canaanites had become so hellish that no survivors were tolerated by God (Gen. 15:16; Lev. 18; Lev. 20). An angry God went to Egypt and acquired an Army, and then marched from Egypt to Canaan to furiously destroy the Canaanites by effectively removing them from the face of the earth (Ex. 6:26, 7:4, 12:17, 41, 51; Num. 1:3; Deut. 20:9).

Jehovah Sabaoth, the LORD of Hosts, was so angry with the Canaanites that everyone and everything that saw the LORD coming in the march was terrified to look upon Him (Ps. 77:16-18, 106:9, 114:3-7; Hab. 3:7-15)! Literally, in being exceedingly ailed at the sight of the LORD, the Red Sea, the hills and mountains of the Wilderness, and the Jordan River all got out of the way of the incoming presence of Deity at the head of the march! One glimpse of the anger on the Face of God would have made you flee away too. Can you imagine the furious countenance of God fixated on you? It was the prophet Habakkuk who emphasized that the Canaanites were the target of this unique expression of divine wrath all along the journey (Hab. 3:7-15).

Literally, God angrily demanded that these Kings would be nailed on Trees and hung up before the LORD. The furious eyes of Deity wanted to look upon them! The Kings were chief among the transgressors in Canaan. They acted as champions of the rebellion. Therefore, according to Joshua 8:29 & 10:24-27, the burning wrath of divine justice wasn’t satisfied, neither could it be quenched, unless these men were nailed on Trees and hung up “before the LORD”. In this respect, the Tree was the last resort of an unsolvable problem. Nothing else could stop the wrath of God. Therefore, of all the places on earth, the Tree was a dreadful place where the terrible majesty of an angry God thunders against specifically targeted adversaries! Let all mortal men tremble to behold it.

Finally, in visiting one more event of biblical history, the testimony of Inspiration will be complete. After the Promised Land was fully occupied by Israel, various internal problems of sin and divine wrath continued to trouble the people. The problems reoccurred whenever the Israelites behaved like spiritual Canaanites. The day came when David perceived that there was wrath upon Israel, but he didn’t know the cause of it. Therefore, David “enquired of the LORD” (2 Sam. 21:1), and he was told that the reason for the wrath of God pertained to the sins of Saul. It was then that David was inspired to utter the following words.

“And wherewith shall I make the Atonement…?” – 2 Sam. 21:3

This time the LORD required men, not animals, for the making of the Atonement. A total of 7 sons from Saul’s family were then taken and given to the Gibeonites to be killed, exactly as they said: “…we will hang them up unto the LORD in Gibeah of Saul” (2 Sam. 21:6). The record of history tells us what happened in this marvelous moment of prophetic typology! It was written, “…and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD” (2 Sam. 21:9). Sound familiar? This amazing prophecy is speaking to us about the use of the Tree in typology.

All these men on Trees died in their sins, and for their sins, and thus the wrath that was quenched pertained to the exacting of justice upon these individuals, but Jesus Christ died for our sins, and even for the sins of the whole world (1 Jn. 2:2); literally, He died to take away our sins, and to quench the furious heat of eternal wrath, and this came by the making of an Atonement where God Himself provided the offering: the Just for the unjust (Heb. 10:4, 1 Jn. 3:5, 2 Cor. 5:21, 1 Pet. 3:18; Gen. 22:8). You have heard about the Cross of Rome. Now do you see Jehovah’s Tree? Behold the Cross of Rome and see Jehovah’s Tree!

The Cross of Rome is an execution device that lifted up sinners before men, to be seen by men, but Jehovah’s Tree lifted up the spotless Lamb of God “before the LORD”, to be seen by God, rather than to be seen by men. If men are to be saved by the sight of it, it is because they are beholding the Cross of Rome and seeing Jehovah’s Tree. Earthly societies gathered at the Cross of Rome to project their anger and hatred upon criminals utterly forsaken by all and hanging there to die. This is an ordinary occurrence in the Roman Empire. However, at the Cross of Christ, the divine being of God the Father was especially manifest in the pouring out of divine wrath upon a most sacred Sacrifice, in the offering of the Only Begotten Son of God, because while the Man was hanging there on the Cross of Rome it was legally performing the mechanism of Jehovah’s Tree.

Therefore, the Cross of Christ was different than your average Roman crucifixion. Nobody had ever been crucified like Jesus Christ! The dark clouds of divine wrath overshadowed the Man who was lifted up before the LORD on the hill of Calvary. The furious eyes of God were fixated on the Crucified One! Furthermore, all of this was open before the gaze of the Son of God while He was hanging on the Cross. In this unique case, the Cross of Rome found legal significance as Jehovah’s Tree. The Cross of Rome became the vehicle that a sovereign God used to fulfill Holy Scripture in the lawful use of the Tree.

The purpose of the Tree in the Kingdom of God followed the laws of Atonement. God was the main character in the exercise. In every case the chosen sacrifice was slain “before the LORD” (Ex. 29:42, Lev. 4:4, 6, 15, 17, 6:7, 16:7, 10, 12, 13, 18, 30). The objective of the offering was to visibly bring the sacrifice before the furious eyes of an angry God so that justice would look upon it and be appeased.

The selection process of suitable sacrifices was meticulously described by God in the Law. The ceremonious process of imputing the sins of the people into the sacrifices was done “before the LORD” (Lev. 4:15). Only then were the sacrifices ready to be presented as an offering (Lev. 16:7, 10). Accordingly, the people were then commanded to “kill” the sacrifices “before the LORD” (Lev. 4:4). Furthermore, specific instructions were given concerning the freshly shed blood in how it needed to be sprinkled “before the LORD” (Lev. 4:6, 17). Finally, if forgiveness was indeed granted to the people as a result of successfully completing the “Atonement”, it was only because the legal process was authentically accomplished “before the LORD” (Lev. 6:7).

“The great stress of the transaction lies in its being done ‘before the LORD.’” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Sin Offering

The vast majority of priestly sacrifices in the Old Testament weren’t ever seen by the Israelite people. They were offered before the LORD in the courts of the Tabernacle or the Temple where the glorious presence of God was especially manifest. This reinforces the point! All that truly mattered was if God was present as the Atonement ceremony was being conducted. In being the main character of the exercise, we can be sure that God was the Superintendent of everything that happened at Calvary. Jesus Christ, as the Lamb of God, was ceremoniously presented to the LORD, so that on the hill of Golgotha the Son of God was especially “before the LORD”, otherwise the legal proceeding of the Atonement would not have been successful. Our Lord did not conceal this fact about the Cross.

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I AM, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” – John 8:28-29

If the Father deserted the Son of God on Mount Calvary, then this would have made the Atonement null and void. If Jesus Christ was left alone on that hill instead of being “before the LORD” then the legal proceeding would have been unsuccessful. Therefore, the Lord was very bold to prophetically testify of this fact! When Jesus Christ was “lifted up” on the Cross of Rome, the Father did not leave Him “alone”. This was all a part of the plan. In being especially manifest there, divine justice was pleased with the Offering.

The Sacrifice of Calvary wasn’t deserted or abandoned by the LORD. This is impossible! Jesus Christ hung there before the LORD from 12 to 3 P.M. A thunderous presence of darkness corresponded with a maximum degree of divine wrath being poured out upon the Man for the entire duration that the Son of God hung there before the LORD. Take another look at the Cross! This time gaze upon it through the scope of Holy Scripture. The hanging was so that the fierce anger of the LORD would be completely satisfied. Hear the news from the Champion of Salvation speaking from the Cross!

“It is finished.” – John 19:30

Evidently, while hanging on the Cross, the Son of God was consciously aware of the approaching moment when the full volume of the wrath of God was about to be exhausted. The cup of wrath was drunk in full until it was empty! Speaking of this, Jesus Christ said, “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30). The last blow of divine justice was in the stroke of death. Then, immediately, upon the death of Jesus Christ, the heavy presence of black clouds rapidly dissipated as a corresponding sign. This was a divine announcement to everyone there that the wrath of God had been quenched. The darkness of the Day was over! God was pleased. The warm and illuminous presence of sunshine marked a new beginning for mankind.

The same divine power that suddenly rent the rocks in an earthquake did also break the hardened hearts of sinners watching the Spectacle of Ages. The rent veil was another sign to be realized in due time! The corresponding miracles were so compelling that many unbelieving blasphemers would never recover from it. The conviction would only grow until many thousands of Jews acquired a new relationship to the Cross of Christ. Such men were made to wish that they could dial back time and see the great sight again! This time they would have a different posture. Seriously desiring salvation, thousands of people (former adversaries included) found themselves searching for yet another revelation of this Cross! In this the Scripture is fulfilled.

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” - John 3:14-17 [Numbers 21:4-9]

Stricken with conviction, thousands in Jerusalem became desperate. People began to feel that sin was like venom in their bodies and there remained only one hope of survival: the Cross of Christ. They needed to see it again! Just one glimpse would bring miraculous healing (Num. 21:4-9). Previously, they gathered there in hate to celebrate the Cross of Rome. Now, they are spiritually looking back there with great longing to behold the love of God at Jehovah’s Tree.

Millions have been looking there ever since! A clear view of the Cross will enable the seers to comprehend divine wrath, justice, pleasure, sweetness, satisfaction, and love all in one act of unprecedented glory. Statedly, this is how our Lord draws all men to Himself (Jn. 12:32). The Cross of Rome was a deglorification. The Cross of Christ is a glorification! The Cross of Rome was pure condemnation. The Cross of Christ is mankind’s salvation! Believers can see it as clear as day. The Son of God was “glorified” on that holy mountain (Jn. 7:39, 12:16, 23, 31; Lk. 9:21-36). “Greater love hath no man than this, that a Man lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn. 15:13).

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The Cross of Rome

5/15/2023

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Article #19 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

National governments using capital punishment when necessary is nothing out of the ordinary. There is a long history of people being nailed to wood in a variety of ways. However, the Cross of Rome was unique. Death by crucifixion was perfected by the Roman Empire. A medical analysis of the crucifixion will bring into view the physical components of this cruel form of execution.

“Crucifixion in the historical context of Rome was a form of execution which involved the hanging of a person on a cross-like structure, which consisted of a patibulum (the short-section of the cross), and the stipes (the long section of the cross), until he died (Bergeron (2012)). This form of execution was utilized by Rome since the Punic Wars when Rome became the major user of this form of death penalty for over 5 centuries upon criminals, political insurgents, and Jews (Retief (2003)). The process began with the offering of an analgesic narcotic/sedative-like drink, usually a mixture of wine and myrrh, to the subject, whose hands were then fastened by the wrists with nails to the patibulum, and the feet nailed upon the stipes. Following this, the subject’s clothes would be divided among the soldiers. At the onset of the crucifixion most victims likely were starved and thirsty, and in severe pain from the bleeding and wounding of the scourging process (Retief (2003)).

The nails are believed to be large iron spikes about 13 to 18 cm, with a 1 cm square shaft (Edwards (1986)). Cadaveric studies, and other researchers suggest that the nails most likely went through the carpal bones of the wrist, as opposed to the metacarpal space, due to the lack of ligaments in the surrounding areas of the metacarpals. A nail pierced through the metacarpals could pull easily through the soft tissue which would then be easily broken with the weight of the individual, unless he were held up with ropes — which is a possibility (Bordes (2020)). Cadaveric studies of nail spikes going through the carpal bones, metacarpal space, or the foot bones were not observed to break any bones, but nerve and ligament injury was common. This is consistent with the Biblical witness that all of Christ’s bones were “out of joint” (Ps. 22:14), that they pierced His “hands and his feet” (Ps. 22:16), and yet, that “a bone of him shall not be broken” (Jn. 19:36). The large nails driven into the hands and feet likely would have injured the median nerve, and the peroneal and plantar nerves respectively, resulting in further waves of severe pain (Bordes (2020)).

Nails as opposed to ropes are thought to have been preferred by the Romans as primary means of suspending the subject (Edwards (1986)). The duration until death ranged from hours, and often days depending on various factors such as the vitality of the subject, the severity of scourging, blood loss volume, and the degree of wounding (Snedecor (1973), Habermas (2021)). If there was a need to hasten or ensure death, the legs were broken, or a spear was used to stab the heart through the upper abdomen/chest, typically through the interspace between the fifth and sixth rib which provides direct access to the pericardium and heart, with a sharp weapon (David (2018), Retief (2003), Habermas (2021), Nicolaides (2019)). There are various theories concerning how subjects ultimately die from the crucifixion — the most prominent being asphyxiation (suffocation), cardiac trauma, shock, coagulopathy, suspension trauma, syncope, and fatal stab wound.

It is well-known that hanging from the arms made exhalation strenuous, and additionally that the slumped position of the thorax made necessary the use of the legs for exhalation (Bishop, 2006). Among medical and other types of researchers, it is thought that there are twice as many views with asphyxiation as the primary component than all other potential causes combined (Habermas (2021)). The basis for this theory is not merely the position of the chest cavity and extension of the arms relative to the anatomy of the chest muscles, but also the extraordinary cell oxygen loss caused by the entire crucifixion process (Habermas (2021)). Being hung by the arms with arms outstretched at an angle upwards from the horizontal plane of the lungs and diaphragmic plate would hinder breathing, and cause the subject to use the legs for assistance (Retief (2003)). Muscles such as the serratus anterior muscles are positioned on the ribs and involved in breathing. It is believed that restricted chest wall movement due to the expansion on the arms would make it necessary for the subject to pull up with his arms or push up with the feet. In this case, inhalation was made easier (passive), and expiration became increasingly difficult (active) as the pectoral muscles pulled the chest wall upward and outward, and all muscles were exhausted over time (Bergeron (2012), Bordes (2020)). Due to the difficulty of exhalation, the subjects may experience systemic respiratory acidosis with the inability of the lungs to clear carbon dioxide (Bordes (2020)). The experience of a slow prolonged death due to respiratory failure has been brought to the attention of the medical community afresh through the recent COVID-19 epidemic (Contou (2021)). To summarize, the majority view among historians and doctors is that death by crucifixion typically occurred through asphyxiation.” – Dr. Preethi Morris

The Romans mastered the art of war. They were unrivaled on the battlefield. Some nations found success at war through strength and courage with an unrelenting will to survive in the chaos of battle. Some found success through a thoughtful and strategic plan of battle with an ordered and unified army of soldiers keeping rank. The knowledge that Rome acquired in war was then harnessed in the governing of subservient nations. The rule of law in the Empire was maintained through the spectacular punishment of dissidence and rebellion. This brings us to the Cross of Rome.

The Cross of Rome was designed to make a statement. The people were lifted up on the Cross to be seen by men. The ghastly sight was supposed to traumatize the spectators. Therefore, in being crucified, the condemned criminals were tortured for as long as possible, in the most painful way possible, with the least amount of work required by the executioners. All they had to do was stretch and nail a man to the Cross, and then raise it up in a secure place that was already prepared in the ground. The Cross does the rest of the work. Upon being lifted up 8 to 15 feet from the earth in an elevated location, like the hill of Golgotha, the choice instrument of execution would then continuously torture its subjects for many hours until death. Every moment was filled with unimaginable pain.

“And being found in fashion as a Man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.” - Php. 2:8

The Romans were experts at inflicting violence upon men. They knew how to kill men slowly or quickly. They possessed the skills to make it painful or relatively painless. The placement of the nails in between the carpal bones of the hands prevented a quick death by avoiding arteries while simultaneously promoting the maximum amount of pain by striking the median nerves. Similarly, the nails in the feet were driven through the plantar nerves. This pain contributed to the process of asphyxiation as the person was suspended on the Cross. By design, death by suffocation was inevitable.

Can you imagine how it feels to suffocate to death on a Cross? You need to understand the design of the Cross as an execution device. The placement of the nails in between the carpal bones of the hands, located in the lower region of each hand, secured the nails in a strong position. This restricted the movement of the nails while the full weight of the body was borne hard against the metallic edge. The arms were horizontally stretched on the Cross in an attempt to create a maximum amount of tension in the arms and chest cavity making it very difficult to breathe. Literally, this tension prevented a full exhalation while the person was in a hanging position, and if a man can’t fully exhale then neither can he fully inhale. The carbon dioxide buildup in the lungs would then prevent the intake of oxygen in the body, and this would slowly suffocate the person in a manner that is comparable to the casualties of Covid-19.

Upon being crucified, the people don’t just hang there on the Cross and wait to die. Don’t let the cinematic reenactments fool you! This would only happen if the legs were broken to hasten the death of the crucified ones (Jn. 19:31-32). Why? Because this would force the people to submit to the suffocation process without a fight. Only then would you see the bodies go limp! Only then would you see the people become faint in expression and motionless in demeanor as they feel like they are being smothered to death. However, normally, when people are crucified, every moment was occupied in a painful struggle to survive. Furthermore, this personal struggle to survive was visible to the spectators.

The Cross was a unique form of torture that forced the crucified ones to inflict pain upon themselves. In order to fully exhale they would have to press against the nail in their feet so that a standing position could relieve the tension in the arms and chest cavity. To relieve the excruciating pain in their feet they would then return to a hanging position with groans and shrieks, only then to feel the pain in full force coming from the nails in their hands. In this manner the men were forced to fight for every breath! The Cross did not allow for even one second of relief. Literally, every breath was accompanied with a shock of radiating pain coming from the nailed extremities of the body.

An inability to fully breathe makes people panic. The desperation that comes over men who are suffering with air hunger is frightening to behold! This is why people don’t want to drown to death. Even though this would be a relatively painless way to die, most people are afraid of it because of the agony in the experience. Trying to breathe and being unable to, while struggling to stay above the surface of the water, can be a long-drawn-out battle of survival that ends in death because of exhaustion. How many hundreds of people over the centuries are drawn out into the ocean due to water currents? After some hours of struggling, unknowingly swimming against the current, it is then that reality begins to dawn upon them. The lonely feeling of desertion is horrifying. It's just them and the dark blue desert. Each one of them fought an epic battle to survive all alone in the deep.

Contrastingly, the crucifixions of Rome were public. The painful torture of the same was prolonged for as many hours as possible, and the more people who saw it the better. Rome was purposed to make a strong statement to society at the hill of Calvary. This is why the crime of the crucified ones was written on a sign and nailed above the heads of those who were deemed worthy of such punishment. Rome hoped to strike fear in the hearts of the people so that no such crimes would ever be committed again.

“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” - Rom 13:3-4

The nations under Roman rule were often in agreement with the Cross of Rome. The Cross was often a cherished moment of justice for bereaved loved ones, jealous spouses, and vengeful victims when the crimes being committed were things like murder, rape, and robbery. It is important to understand this dynamic of the Cross of Rome. If the crimes were bad enough, the citizens of society would gather at the Cross to personally heap contempt and scorn upon the tortured subjects. The purpose of the Cross of Rome was to lift up the criminals before men – to be seen by men – as large crowds of people would come and project their anger and hatred upon the dying people. A cold feeling of utter desertion, abandonment, and forsakenness would come over the crucified ones. Literally, in this sense, to be crucified was to be forsaken by society! This brings us to the Jews.

“And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.” – John 19:19-22

“And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.” – Matt. 27:36-44

“And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” - Mark 15:26-32

“And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the King of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” – Luke 23:35-38

Most of the Jews that gathered at the hill of Golgotha were there to project anger and hatred upon Jesus of Nazareth. They were more persuaded than ever that Jesus was not the King of Israel. They were sure that the Cross of Rome disproved this claim. Literally, they believed that the Cross was a sign to all of Israel that Jesus was not the Christ! Mockingly, they even challenged Jesus to descend from the Cross to prove His identity as a sign to everyone. They promised that if only Jesus would perform this one sign, then everyone there would come to faith in Jesus as the Christ (“that we may see and believe” – Mk. 15:32; Matt. 27:42).

One thing in particular disturbed the Jews and turned many from Jesus of Nazareth. You can hear it in the public challenge, when the Jews said, “Ah, Thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself, and come down from the Cross.” (Mk. 15:29-30). Sadly, the Jews were grossly misinterpreting the gracious sign that Jehovah was giving to them. Consequentially, the sign that God was doing to inspire faith in the Jews was solidifying their unbelief. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was the foremost sign that God was giving to the Jews to draw them into faith, and if they correctly understood the statement in question then they would know this to be the case.

“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” - John 2:18-19

Most people were insincere in their requests for a validation of the identity of Jesus Christ. Immediately, upon our Lord visiting the Temple for the first time in public ministry, and as a consequence of cleansing it, the Jews asked the notorious question: “What sign shewest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou doest these things?” (Jn. 2:18). Sadly, this would become a common question posed by scorners because they were habitually disregarding the abundance of signs that were continually manifest. This form of questioning is the unbeliever’s pretentious quest for faith (Jn. 2:18, 6:30; Jn. 7:3-5).

Meanwhile, during the same visit to Jerusalem, so many miracles were being done that many honest souls “saw the miracles” and believed in Jesus as the Christ (Jn. 2:23). However, the posing of this notorious question from scorners, and the answer given by Christ (“Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” – Jn. 2:19), marks the beginning of a growing plot of controversy.

The Sign for Scornful Unbelievers

“What sign shewest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” – Jn. 2:18-19; This is where the controversy starts at the beginning of Christ’s ministry upon cleansing the Temple (Jn. 2:13-25).

“Master, we would see a sign from Thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” – Matt. 12:38-40; One greater than the Temple further clarifies how the Temple of His body will be destroyed and raised from the dead after three days like the sign of Jonah (Matt. 12:1-8, 38-45; Lk. 11:29-32).

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired Him that He would shew them a sign from heaven. A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” – Matt. 16:1, 4; The most infamous adversaries of Jesus were all given the same sign so that they might come to faith in the Son of God (Matt. 16:1-5; Mk. 8:11-15).

“And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the Temple of God, and to build it in three days.” - Matt. 26:61; Marvelously, this was the foremost accusation that was stated by false witnesses in the Jewish court of judgment (Matt. 26:59-61).

“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the Cross.” – Matt. 27:40; This most notorious accusation then evolved yet again into another open challenge on mount Calvary. They proposed that Jesus would at last prove His Messianic identity by coming down from the Cross, because the Jews were now utterly persuaded that Jesus was not the Christ (Mk. 14:58, 15:29).

The insincerity of the Jews was acting as a blinding force. This insincerity rejected the witness of an abundance of signs, unashamedly denying the authentication of manifold proofs, and then challenged the Messiah to perform yet another sign to validate Himself. In such circumstances, the dishonest inquirers were “tempting” the Lord (Matt. 16:1). On three separate occasions the Jews were asking Jesus for a “sign” with this purpose of heart (Jn. 2:18-19, Matt. 12:38-40, Matt. 16:1, 4). Let the reader understand that a public inquiry of this kind was a challenge.

Graciously, our Lord accepted the challenge. In other words, Jesus Christ did not refuse to perform any signs before the challengers. Pay careful attention to this marvelous moment in history as the rulers of the Jews publicly challenged the King of the Jews! The public challenge was made, and then the challenge was accepted by our Lord. He said that there would be “no sign” except one in particular, the same which He called “the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matt. 12:38-40, Matt. 16:1, 4), which is the very same sign being declared by the Messiah from the beginning, when He said, “Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (Jn. 2:19).

When would Christ perform this unique sign before the rulers of the Jews? The finger of God pointed to the hill of Calvary and the nearby sepulcher. This was a sign that would be performed in the future. As a matter of fact, the challengers had a part to play in the performance of the sign. Originally, Jesus said, “Destroy this Temple…” (Jn. 2:19), which means that the Jews were going to kill Jesus of Nazareth. Therefore, as the dying Lamb of God hung on the Cross for hours, the Man was absolutely assured that an unprecedented sign was about to be performed in a staggering display of glory that would be completely undeniable. Marvelously, many scornful unbelievers would then come to faith in Christ through this most controversial sign on mount Calvary.

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I AM he, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” – John 8:28-29

Apparently, the same people that killed the Son of God will then come to realize the identity of Jesus Christ at the crucifixion scene. Remarkably, Jesus said, “When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I AM he…” (Jn. 8:28-29). Compare this promise with the statement, “Destroy this Temple…” (Jn. 2:19). The same people that were doing the killing would then become believers! Are you surprised? The same people who were leveraging the Cross of Rome against Jesus of Nazareth, while boldly declaring Him to be forsaken of God as a false prophet, would then come to see the true meaning of the Cross.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” – Jn. 12:32

“And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.” - Luke 23:48

A gracious light shined upon both Jews and Gentiles at mount Calvary. All men were being drawn! All the people, even those who lately blasphemed, were dramatically abased and visibly emotional when they beheld “the things which were done” at the death of the Crucified One (Lk. 23:48). What a marvelous testimony! The rulers of the Jews challenged Jesus of Nazareth, and in accepting the challenge, our Lord came through with the most compelling sign yet as a declaration of glory before doubtful and unbelieving sinners. Lo, and behold, many unbelievers then became believers!

Many people on the hill of Golgotha were feeling like Malchus felt in the Garden of Gethsemane (Jn. 18:10, 26, Matt. 26:51-54, Lk. 22:49-51), or, like Simon the Cyrene felt alongside his son Rufus and his Wife (Matt. 27:32, Mk. 15:21, Lk. 23:26, Rom. 16:13). People were responding by faith like Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus (Jn. 19:38; Jn. 3:1-21, 7:47-53, 19:39-42).

Even an ignorant and unbelieving Centurion of Rome was made to confess, “Truly this Man was the Son of God.” (Mk. 15:39, Lk. 23:47). How do you think he came to such a persuasion? Amazingly, many other thoroughly pagan Roman Soldiers under the Centurion’s command joined in this noble confession. These were the same soldiers that recently abused Christ in the Praetorium (Matt. 27:27-31, Mk. 15:16-20)! Can you believe it? Evidently, according to Matthew 27:54, they all came to the same shocking realization that Jesus was the Christ, and confessed, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matt. 27:45). In retrospect, how else did the narrators of the Gospels come to know about what happened in the Praetorium, if none of the Roman Soldiers ever came to confess their evil deeds as an act of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ?

Did ever such a diverse congregation of scorners and blasphemers come to faith in Christ as on this momentous occasion at the hill of Calvary? The aforementioned Jews and Romans, alongside an unknown multitude, were so smitten with conviction that they likely fled from the scene in a hurry because a sense of uncontrollable remorse was coming over them (Lk. 23:48).

Many of the Jews came to discover that Jesus is Jehovah, the I AM (Jn. 8:24, 25, 28), even though going into that day they didn’t even believe that Jesus was greater than Abraham (Jn. 8:53-59). Neither Pilate, nor any of his Officers and Soldiers, believed that Jesus was a King. Otherwise, the crucifixion would not have even transpired (1 Cor. 2:8). They all felt that the Cross of Rome was the end of the matter. In this way the unbelievers were all in agreement about the Cross of Rome.

Remember, the true identity of Jesus Christ was concealed from most of the people until the last few minutes of that dark day. Literally, as they saw what happened, as they observed the manner in which Jesus of Nazareth died, and the events that immediately followed, with all the things that were said and done on earth below and heaven above, in a combination of shocking signs and wonders, only then did the people come to believe that this was the Son of God! As a matter of fact, leading up to this climactic moment, the Jews leveraged the Cross of Rome against Jesus of Nazareth by boldly declaring that He was hereby forsaken of God. However, amazingly, the unseen reality of the situation was then realized by many scorners, when at once they beheld the Cross of Rome and understood it to be Jehovah’s Tree.

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Article #25 on the Passion of Jesus Christ

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