Zechariah ch 11 hinges on the first coming of Christ. It emphasizes the rejection of Christ.
Zechariah 11:14 "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
This happened when Israel rejected their Messiah, and the veil was rent from top to bottom. Later the Romans came in and destroyed Jerusalem.
Then came the scattering.
Ezekiel is emphasizing the regathering and Spiritual revival.
As of now they are blinded until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
In 2 Corinthians 3:14-16. Paul says "But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
Also here in Romans 11.
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
The veil on the heart and blindness Paul is speaking of in these two books.
Verse 16 of the Corinthians passage says "Nevertheless WHEN IT SHALL TURN TO THE LORD, the vail shall be taken away.
When what shall turn to the Lord?
Their "Stony" heart!
This will be done away with when God puts his spirit in them spoken of by Ezekiel and Jeremiah.
Now most agree the Church started and the Jews and Gentiles were put into one body by the Ressurection of Christ.
But here in Romans and Corinthians Paul is speaking of a future event.
My last post shows worship for all those who take the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:8. The world is decieved because of some image of the beast they somehow create. The Antichrist will suffer a deadly wound as Zechariah 11:17 and will be adored because of an apparent "resurrection". My point is that it appears all those who take the mark do so voluntarily; and are unsaved; and all those saved will be given the strength to be martyred and NONE of them will take it. That will require supernatural strength. It seems that torture and limits of human suffering won't be able to force someone to take this mark and thus damn themselves; but it is true that cowards have their place in hell; and I would interpret that to be those who are more concerned about themselves or what man thinks than of fearing God rather than just afraid of suffering. Some of the Jews no doubt will escape and survive with a few others into the Millennial period.
We see shades of the beginning of the Tribulation in the final failed rebellion at the end of the Millennium which will be ended at its inception. The world after the Rapture will probably be convinced that with Christians gone they can finally obtain utopia on earth and in their hearts will think that they can sin with impunity now that we are finally gone as the "salt and light" of the world; or that God has finally somehow given up on this place and man has to rule; or that Christ and God are the aliens from outer space who they have to fight or something to that affect. (I can almost hear John Lennon's song Imagine in the background).
Many forget the exhortation such as an elder in my church has given that we are in "enemy territory" at present. Many forget they themselves were once enemies of God and are tempted to "dumb down" the awful truth of the sorry state of those who are lost and need Christ with some appeal that seeks approval of man instead of uncompromising truth
We also see Lebanon and the wicked in Israel described; likely part of the 2/3 perishing in chapter 13. (verses 1-4). The forest could symbolically represent people; also of course there will be literal burnings of one third of the trees in the Trumpet judgments. Verses 5 and 6 of course could be speaking of the Diaspora and mass starvation during the Roman invasion and massacre of AD 70. The king mentioned in verse 6 could be the final Antichrist. Verses 9-10 show destruction coming to the land; and Verse 11 shows how the poor understand about the covenant being broken. This would imply the new covenant under Christ perhaps with shades of Isaiah 61:1 with the Good News to the poor. Symbolic terms are used here for the old covenant (Beauty and bands). Of course we also see the prophetic 30 pieces of silver which is sarcastically mentioned as what was considered Christ's worth. The field of a potter was determined for "blood money" once Judas repented of what he did (which was to avoid consequences not to seek forgiveness from God Himself), He hung himself; and later his bowels fell out. (verse 12-13; Acts 1:18). We must keep in mind that later verses describe God dealing with Israel then judging the nations that attacked them at the end of the Book of Zechariah.
Clearly the final Antichrist is mentioned here as well as the injury to his right arm and eye. (verses 15-17). This is the "worthless shepherd" and reminds us of verses in John 5:43 of another coming in his own name who they will worship.
That's correct Jorge. To reinterpret Zechariah 11:17, to read, "Woe to the (idle) shepherd that leaveth the flock!" would be quite wrong. In the phrase: the "idol shepherd", the Hebrew word (elil) clearly implies that "idol" references something that is 'worthless', just as an idol is a useless, worthless structure that does nothing for anyone. So too, such is a shepherd as one who is worthless if he deserts his flock - he resembles an idol that does nothing when he is needed the most. So, 'idle' wouldn't correctly describe such a shepherd.
Jorge Laurencena Vargas on Zechariah 11 - 1 year ago
It's interesting to know that the Biblia Valera 1602 Purificada and the King James Franaise (both translations of the KJV into French and Spanish Respectively) both use the equivalent of "idle Shepherd", which is wrong, it's "idol Shepherd".
Assuming the church is gone; as far as the operation of the Holy Spirit as the restrainer now stands or as salt and light we see the familiar war; famine and pestilence pattern of judgments gallop forth with the seal judgments. This time of "Jacob's trouble" ( Jeremiah 30:7) also contains a promise that eventually they will be delivered out of it.
Verses on war; famine and pestilence
Jeremiah 24:10 is one of many passages in the Old Testament prophetic books warning of the sword; famine and pestilence. At least two out of 3 of these judgments are proclaimed in numerous other passages such as Lamentations 4:9; Ezekiel 5:12; and many other places in these same books. The Gospels also warn of such events in the birth pangs warnings in Matthew 24:8.
There is a basic change that I have noted between the attitude in Revelation 6 and that in Revelation 19. Men who feared God and hid from him will now openly fight against Christ; and the blasphemy of Antichrist (no doubt taking credit for killing the 2 prophets as well as ending the misery they caused and apparently having been healed from a deadly wound) will have much to do with that. The description in Zechariah 11:17 gives detail of this. (see also Psalm 2).
Judgment does two things; it brings forth fruit to maturity for those who are of God's children and hardens hearts further of the unregenerate. Psalm 40 indicates that "many will see and fear" (verse 3). I postulate that may be a hidden or veiled reference to the Rapture. But certainly those who do wake up will see the signs and wonders that the 2 prophets have and will believe.
If we look at condemnation such as Zechariah 11:17 we see how the "worthless shepherd" or the Antichrist will be allowed to have authority in the future end times. This is equivalent to the "son of perdition" which stood for both Judas Iscariot and the coming Antichrist. Thus; those who would be part of the establishment and hierarchy of false religion at some point will be found to be reprobate ( Matt. 7:16). Fruits; therefore are the result of either a bad seed or heart condition or that of good seed producing good fruit.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
The mark of the Beast cannot come until Antichrist comes; is worshipped by all the unregenerate; a mark is given for allegiance to him; and a death penalty is worldwide for those who will not recieve it. The allegiance will be to the man who appears to have a deadly wound then is healed from it. This prophecy can be found in Zechariah 11:17 as well as in Revelation 13. This will appear to be immortality as a type of false Resurrection as it were. The son of perdition in John 17:2 as well as 2 Thessalonians are describing the fate of Judas Iscariot; and the second verse Antichrist. These two individuals are both directly controlled by Satan; although technically the possession of the Beast is due to Apollyon king of the bottomless pit the way I see it in Revelation 9:11 which means; among other things the destroyer.
There are certainly foreshadowings today technologically speaking; and the genetic AI concept likely will also involve some sort of DNA alteration assuring eternal life for those taking it. I take chronologically most of Revelation; bolstered by "after these things" used so frequently. There will clearly be a false one world religion that will ride the beast at first; and this will be overturned at the Midpoint of the Trib. ( Rev. 17:16); as Satan only wants worship for himself. There will be a process where it appears all men will praise God after the Rapture in Revelation 5:13. I haven't heard it preached but we must remember there is the Resurrection of all the church saints; so even if the Rapture isn't seen by some the partially empty graveyards can't be denied. At any rate; men's hearts will harden to the point where they fear God and are aware of judgment coming at the sixth seal; and later on dthey will blaspheme God and attempt eventually to fight God (see also Psalm 2; Rev. 19). BTW God's people are also "sealed" ( Eph. 1:13); as well as the 144,000 ( Rev. 7:1-8) invisibly.
There is a sort of universal theme in this Psalm about asking where God is; as can be applied to David's life but more likely referring to times of exile. It also has overtones with the end times.
The verse about not being moved (v. 6) along with the statement "I shall never be in adversity" surely reminds us of Revelation 18:7; as well as with Jeremiah 5:12 and the false prophets.
Verse 11 reminds us as well of other passages when man reasons that God won't see what is going on (see Isaiah 49:14). Finally; verse 15 is also related to the Antichrist; as see in Zechariah 11:17 on the foolish shepherd along with; of course Revelation 13:3.
Verse 16 to 18 shows how wicked are removed; he meek inherit the earth; and God remembers the fatherless and oppressed (v. 18). Verse 12 to 14 further illustrate how God does provide for the needs of the poor and fatherless. (see Matthew 5:5).
All the concern about the poor being hunted down in verses 6 through 11 may be a reflection of David's humble beginnings and sufferings early on; that allowed compassion in his heart.
These scriptures; of course also are words the Spirit of God is speaking through David and is an encouragement to us and the glorious future for His people.
The beginning of the chapter in verses 1-5 has been defined traditinally by many Reformers in particular as the Roman Catholic church. There is much in the color of the robes and ornate processions and the overall grandeur of Vatican City which certainly at least partially defines this apostate religion. However; we need to see the future and final fulfillment; and realistically assess the whole ecumenical movement in the last 20 years or so to realize that much of what were bastions of the faith in mainline churches such as Presbyterian; Baptist; and Methodist congregations are just as far gone; and often have traditions very similar to this. This would encompass certain elements of the Greek Orthodox and probably Coptic churches as well.
There is no reason to exclude the mystical branches of Islam (who are considered apostate by other Muslims). There is much eastern occultic influence among those who call themselves Jews today; many of which follow a cultural type of religion; and/or steeped in the Talmud which really had its roots with some of the Parasitical doctrines as well as other gnostic teachings which crept into both Jewish and Christian circles since the time of Christ.
Verse 8 is revealing because not only could it refer to the apparent resurrection of Antichrist in Zechariah 11:17 but also could refer to the appearance of Satan at the end of the Millennium period after being hidden in the bottomless pit the whole 1000 years. In either case; unregenerate men not in the Book of Life still will be drawn into the rebellion. Time simply doesn't change a man's heart; only a supernatural change (see Ezekiel 36:26). May we see that was OUR state when we once were enemies of God ( Romans 5:10) and live changed lives accordingly; fearing God and testing to see if we are inthe faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).
Zechariah 11:17 and Revelation 13:3 show the same thing; the Antichrist who is Satan's representative on earth. He will receive a deadly wound from a sword that will appear on the head as well as withering his right arm. The further representation however is that his authority will be destroyed completely with being chained up and sent to the bottomless pit; then later into hell itself after the Millennium period.
I thought I would get to Christ last to save the good news for last. Christ was wounded on his feet by the nails at Calvary; as well as his hands as shown in Psalm 22. The crucifixion completed the victory over sin; His redemption for the chosen ones (namely us); and was complete when He died and said "It is finished" ( John 19:30). Christ's body will continue to show the scars to his hands and feet ( John 20). He is the only one who has a glorified body; and since He didn't suffer decay and was resurrected as Psalm 16:10 and others indicate-these wounds are visible as reminders to us for all eternity the price He had to pay.
These passages seem to primarily refer to the abasement of Egypt in the initial 3 verses in Isaiah's time as many other passages do warning Israel not to flee there and trust in them when other nations are attacking. The rest of the passage referring to the "Assyrian" in verse 8 likely are a reference to the Antichrist; perhaps when he receives as deadly wound with the sword as Zechariah 11:17 especially with the analogy to shepherds in verse 4. The retreat to the fortress or stronghold also seems to correspond with the Gog and Magog war; when God Himself begins to fight for Jerusalem but before the final judgment is carried out and the final sacking of Jerusalem in Zechariah 14:2.
These passages indicate that God judges His people first; and verse 6 seems to indicate that they will turn "from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted"; in other words once the Abomination of Desolation occurs they will realize that they have trusted in an imposter; and God will begin to turn his attention on judging the nations; and then Antichrist himself. They will then turn from idol worship as well; which no doubt will accompany the Babylon religious system of the first half of the Tribulation. Perhaps the sword wound will be given from a Godly man at first; clearly the final end is not from the power of man either but Christ at His return although that may be only an indirect reference here.
Sister Glenda, may CHRIST IN US grace us with HIS wisdom and HIS understanding.
Age is in YOUR favour; because, you can look back at more experiences of LIFE, than your daughter.
The SPIRIT has CAUSED you (through the CHOICES he CAUSED you to make) to have those experiences of LIFE (good and evil) because it is necessary to become like God. ( Genesis 3:22)
God KNOWS how to USE EVIL for GOOD.
God CAUSED Joseph to have a silly little dream and to tell his brothers about that dream.
God CAUSED his brothers to be envious and hate Joseph.
God CAUSED his brothers to rise up and do EVIL against their brother Joseph.
But look what THE WORD SAYS:
Genesis 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not, for I am in the place of God (where God purposed him to be).
Genesis 50:20 But as FOR YOU, you thought EVIL against me, but God meant (caused) it (evil) unto GOOD, to bring to pass, as it is this day, TO SAVE MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE.
God is STILL DOING this TODAY; Man just does't BELIEVE IT.
Did Judas have a Choice outside of what God had purposed him TO DO.( Zechariah 11:12)
Did Peter have a Choice outside of what God had purposed him TO DO (deny Jesus and flee)( Zechariah 13:7).
Did Pharaoh have a Choice outside of what God had purposed Him TO DO ( Romans 9:17).
Did David have a Choice outside of what God purposed him TO DO.
2 Samuel 24:1 And AGAIN the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he MOVED (CAUSED) David against them, to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
God PURPOSED that you are going to become the IMAGE of HIM ( Romans 8:29)( 1 Corinthians 15:49), Do you think you have a CHOICE outside of what he has purpose you TO DO.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in you, and CAUSE you to walk in my statues (good or evil), and you shall keep my judgements, and DO THEM.
Oh yes, I believe Satan knew full well what the implications of Jesus' death & resurrection would mean to him & to everyone caught in his snare of sin & pursuing sinful lives. But the 'nature of the beast' drives him to put into effect every skill & trick he has to try to out-smart & out-do God's Divine Plan & Power. He knows that ultimately he won't succeed & will be defeated ( Revelation 12:12), but as we say, "he will go down fighting to the very end". That is his nature - that is his singular focus: to keep mankind estranged from their Creator & to be subservient to him, the destroyer of our souls.
Satan knows that the Cross is not some idle, ill-advised plan of God, because He knows the Nature of God, him being once considered as a 'covering Cherub' ( Ezekiel 28:16), which implies his previous position associated with God's Holiness. He knows the Power, Wisdom & Holiness of God, and that his character would always be deficient & defective as a result of his pride, sin & fall. But will that knowledge stop him believing that his greatness is comparable to God, that his wisdom & power can put up a good fight against God's Holiness & that the more he can deceive the World & gather them to himself, will translate to him being the victor? We were not unlike him, as once the children of the devil, how easy it was for us to consider ourselves more superior to others, not as bad sinners as others are, our righteousness will secure Heaven for us, that success in wealth & receiving man's adulation ought to be our present pursuit & enjoyment, etc, etc. The qualities of God & of Satan are diametrically opposed to each other. Our present pursuit, with our renewed minds & spirits, are only towards the things of God & not to the one who came to steal, kill & destroy our lives.
Of Judas: for the sake of prophecy, his actions by Satan's influence had to occur ( Matthew 27:9,10 & Zechariah 11:12,13). By the way, in Jewish reckoning, many prophetical books came under Jeremiah.
Do not concern yourself so much with what is to come in the world that many of us know to be revealing itself day by day, but rather stand tall in the faith of Christ that all you do & see & hear is directed from Christ Jesus. So whether you are challenged or at ease, living through turmoil or calm; we must continue as directed by Christ to show compassion and mercy to all. Even in something as little as allowing another driver to advance in front of you at a toll. It is consideration and compassion to another. So let us continue in compassion gladly. Even when we are frustrated and it feels as it is breaking our backs, return to Christ for comfort to be at peace. Be confident in your faith that Christ will have Mercy upon you as all is directed upon you through Him. Fear not!
Cont.Man is not worth saving because we have been treasonous to our faith.Zach 8:9-11. Math 25:30-46.The instruments the foolish Shepherd used will be used by the antichrist as well. Zach11:15-16. In all cases the Antichrist comes after this war.Keep the faith in our dear Lord Jesus.
Overview: God is in control of our current state of affairs:Zach 11:17. The cutting off war takes place after Bashon is in ruin. Zach11:2. The leaders are fighting over truths.Zach 11:3. The economy is good Zach 11:4 There is turning ones back on allies.Zach 11:5-7 Daniel 8:7 choler 8:8 allies turn back on us.Major war lasts one month.Zach 8:8. He no longer will take care of us.Zach 8:9-11.Man
IN ADDITION: Those Shepherds which told their parishes to hold their nose and put him in power are those who turned against Righteousness and fell into the snare. Luke 21:35 .We are instructed to stay away from these types of people. 2ndTimothy 3.
Bashan is encompassing southern Syria , including Damascus. Which is in ruin now The three shepherds are the three ribs in the mouth of the Bear Daniel 7:5 and the three horns of Daniel 8:20-21. Russia, Iran, and the 1st King, the United States. The foolish shepherd is one of the three that are cut off. Those Shepherds which told their parishes to hold their nose are those with darkened eye
Verse 17 is describing the Antichrist. A powerful religious leader that is called the idol shepherd because he is against idols of antiquity having historical evidence of past cultures destroyed. Blind in one eye. Dry arm means an older man. He feeds, supports, those that leave his land to prey on those that are cut off, unbelievers. These followers do not attempt to convert, only to destroy.
The Fire will reveal the true Shepherds, they will be purified, the wicked will perish. God will let false Shepherds continue to discipline His disobedient children, but because they do more than God told them to do, they enjoyed hurting, and wounding them, ...God will turn around and rebuke those same Shepherds He used... for putting their hands on His children.
I believed that the scripture denotes the sell of the church today for even less than thirty pieces of silver. the body of Christ is being sold off for the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, which is not of the Father but of the world. The lust of the world is invading the body of Christ like a wild fire. Both " union and favor " are given to the uncircumcised.
praise the Lord Jesus Christ is coming. The puzzle is being put together
false apostate churches everywhere islam trying to take control which
it is of devil. look up our redemption draweth nigh.read 2nd thess2-12
repent
Have we not seen the "Shepard" (America) turn his back on "the flock" (Israel)? Specifically Obama! Look at the nuclear deal with Iran! Russia has been bombing ISIS supposedly, but who or what are they really after? Bottom line is this scripture speaks of things to come. Not only in Jesus, but also in the predecessor of the antichrist!
Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, which was the price of a slave, which in the Greek is dolous . Praise GOD the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life a ransome for many.
Fred, Matthew 27:3-5 clearly states that Judas hanged himself. But here in Acts 1:18 there seems to be a contradiction. However, when you read both accounts more completely, you will realize they do not contradict each other at all. Matthew states Judas hanged himself and the book of Acts isn’t suggesting that he didn’t. When Luke (the author of Acts) states that Judas fell headlong and burst asunder in the midst, he isn’t stating that’s how Judas died. The consensus among Bible scholars was that Judas split open after falling from the tree or post that he hanged himself from. Perhaps the tree was near a precipice or after he had hanged himself his rotting body eventually fell and burst open where it landed. The Lord only knows. I believe because it was common knowledge that Judas had hanged himself, Luke didn’t feel the need to mention it here in Acts 1:18. Instead he placed emphasis on how his body had burst asunder in this particular field because he was trying to show how this act had fulfilled scripture from the Psalms, not how Judas had died. (See Psalm 69:25, Psalm 109:8) and ( Zechariah 11:12-13)
Part 1
Zechariah ch 11 hinges on the first coming of Christ. It emphasizes the rejection of Christ.
Zechariah 11:14 "Then I cut asunder mine other staff, even Bands, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.
This happened when Israel rejected their Messiah, and the veil was rent from top to bottom. Later the Romans came in and destroyed Jerusalem.
Then came the scattering.
Ezekiel is emphasizing the regathering and Spiritual revival.
As of now they are blinded until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
In 2 Corinthians 3:14-16. Paul says "But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
Also here in Romans 11.
"For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
The veil on the heart and blindness Paul is speaking of in these two books.
Verse 16 of the Corinthians passage says "Nevertheless WHEN IT SHALL TURN TO THE LORD, the vail shall be taken away.
When what shall turn to the Lord?
Their "Stony" heart!
This will be done away with when God puts his spirit in them spoken of by Ezekiel and Jeremiah.
Now most agree the Church started and the Jews and Gentiles were put into one body by the Ressurection of Christ.
But here in Romans and Corinthians Paul is speaking of a future event.
See part 2
My last post shows worship for all those who take the mark of the Beast in Revelation 13:8. The world is decieved because of some image of the beast they somehow create. The Antichrist will suffer a deadly wound as Zechariah 11:17 and will be adored because of an apparent "resurrection". My point is that it appears all those who take the mark do so voluntarily; and are unsaved; and all those saved will be given the strength to be martyred and NONE of them will take it. That will require supernatural strength. It seems that torture and limits of human suffering won't be able to force someone to take this mark and thus damn themselves; but it is true that cowards have their place in hell; and I would interpret that to be those who are more concerned about themselves or what man thinks than of fearing God rather than just afraid of suffering. Some of the Jews no doubt will escape and survive with a few others into the Millennial period.
We see shades of the beginning of the Tribulation in the final failed rebellion at the end of the Millennium which will be ended at its inception. The world after the Rapture will probably be convinced that with Christians gone they can finally obtain utopia on earth and in their hearts will think that they can sin with impunity now that we are finally gone as the "salt and light" of the world; or that God has finally somehow given up on this place and man has to rule; or that Christ and God are the aliens from outer space who they have to fight or something to that affect. (I can almost hear John Lennon's song Imagine in the background).
Many forget the exhortation such as an elder in my church has given that we are in "enemy territory" at present. Many forget they themselves were once enemies of God and are tempted to "dumb down" the awful truth of the sorry state of those who are lost and need Christ with some appeal that seeks approval of man instead of uncompromising truth
We also see Lebanon and the wicked in Israel described; likely part of the 2/3 perishing in chapter 13. (verses 1-4). The forest could symbolically represent people; also of course there will be literal burnings of one third of the trees in the Trumpet judgments. Verses 5 and 6 of course could be speaking of the Diaspora and mass starvation during the Roman invasion and massacre of AD 70. The king mentioned in verse 6 could be the final Antichrist. Verses 9-10 show destruction coming to the land; and Verse 11 shows how the poor understand about the covenant being broken. This would imply the new covenant under Christ perhaps with shades of Isaiah 61:1 with the Good News to the poor. Symbolic terms are used here for the old covenant (Beauty and bands). Of course we also see the prophetic 30 pieces of silver which is sarcastically mentioned as what was considered Christ's worth. The field of a potter was determined for "blood money" once Judas repented of what he did (which was to avoid consequences not to seek forgiveness from God Himself), He hung himself; and later his bowels fell out. (verse 12-13; Acts 1:18). We must keep in mind that later verses describe God dealing with Israel then judging the nations that attacked them at the end of the Book of Zechariah.
Clearly the final Antichrist is mentioned here as well as the injury to his right arm and eye. (verses 15-17). This is the "worthless shepherd" and reminds us of verses in John 5:43 of another coming in his own name who they will worship.
Assuming the church is gone; as far as the operation of the Holy Spirit as the restrainer now stands or as salt and light we see the familiar war; famine and pestilence pattern of judgments gallop forth with the seal judgments. This time of "Jacob's trouble" ( Jeremiah 30:7) also contains a promise that eventually they will be delivered out of it.
Verses on war; famine and pestilence
Jeremiah 24:10 is one of many passages in the Old Testament prophetic books warning of the sword; famine and pestilence. At least two out of 3 of these judgments are proclaimed in numerous other passages such as Lamentations 4:9; Ezekiel 5:12; and many other places in these same books. The Gospels also warn of such events in the birth pangs warnings in Matthew 24:8.
There is a basic change that I have noted between the attitude in Revelation 6 and that in Revelation 19. Men who feared God and hid from him will now openly fight against Christ; and the blasphemy of Antichrist (no doubt taking credit for killing the 2 prophets as well as ending the misery they caused and apparently having been healed from a deadly wound) will have much to do with that. The description in Zechariah 11:17 gives detail of this. (see also Psalm 2).
Judgment does two things; it brings forth fruit to maturity for those who are of God's children and hardens hearts further of the unregenerate. Psalm 40 indicates that "many will see and fear" (verse 3). I postulate that may be a hidden or veiled reference to the Rapture. But certainly those who do wake up will see the signs and wonders that the 2 prophets have and will believe.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
There are certainly foreshadowings today technologically speaking; and the genetic AI concept likely will also involve some sort of DNA alteration assuring eternal life for those taking it. I take chronologically most of Revelation; bolstered by "after these things" used so frequently. There will clearly be a false one world religion that will ride the beast at first; and this will be overturned at the Midpoint of the Trib. ( Rev. 17:16); as Satan only wants worship for himself. There will be a process where it appears all men will praise God after the Rapture in Revelation 5:13. I haven't heard it preached but we must remember there is the Resurrection of all the church saints; so even if the Rapture isn't seen by some the partially empty graveyards can't be denied. At any rate; men's hearts will harden to the point where they fear God and are aware of judgment coming at the sixth seal; and later on dthey will blaspheme God and attempt eventually to fight God (see also Psalm 2; Rev. 19). BTW God's people are also "sealed" ( Eph. 1:13); as well as the 144,000 ( Rev. 7:1-8) invisibly.
The verse about not being moved (v. 6) along with the statement "I shall never be in adversity" surely reminds us of Revelation 18:7; as well as with Jeremiah 5:12 and the false prophets.
Verse 11 reminds us as well of other passages when man reasons that God won't see what is going on (see Isaiah 49:14). Finally; verse 15 is also related to the Antichrist; as see in Zechariah 11:17 on the foolish shepherd along with; of course Revelation 13:3.
Verse 16 to 18 shows how wicked are removed; he meek inherit the earth; and God remembers the fatherless and oppressed (v. 18). Verse 12 to 14 further illustrate how God does provide for the needs of the poor and fatherless. (see Matthew 5:5).
All the concern about the poor being hunted down in verses 6 through 11 may be a reflection of David's humble beginnings and sufferings early on; that allowed compassion in his heart.
These scriptures; of course also are words the Spirit of God is speaking through David and is an encouragement to us and the glorious future for His people.
The beginning of the chapter in verses 1-5 has been defined traditinally by many Reformers in particular as the Roman Catholic church. There is much in the color of the robes and ornate processions and the overall grandeur of Vatican City which certainly at least partially defines this apostate religion. However; we need to see the future and final fulfillment; and realistically assess the whole ecumenical movement in the last 20 years or so to realize that much of what were bastions of the faith in mainline churches such as Presbyterian; Baptist; and Methodist congregations are just as far gone; and often have traditions very similar to this. This would encompass certain elements of the Greek Orthodox and probably Coptic churches as well.
There is no reason to exclude the mystical branches of Islam (who are considered apostate by other Muslims). There is much eastern occultic influence among those who call themselves Jews today; many of which follow a cultural type of religion; and/or steeped in the Talmud which really had its roots with some of the Parasitical doctrines as well as other gnostic teachings which crept into both Jewish and Christian circles since the time of Christ.
Verse 8 is revealing because not only could it refer to the apparent resurrection of Antichrist in Zechariah 11:17 but also could refer to the appearance of Satan at the end of the Millennium period after being hidden in the bottomless pit the whole 1000 years. In either case; unregenerate men not in the Book of Life still will be drawn into the rebellion. Time simply doesn't change a man's heart; only a supernatural change (see Ezekiel 36:26). May we see that was OUR state when we once were enemies of God ( Romans 5:10) and live changed lives accordingly; fearing God and testing to see if we are inthe faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5).
Agape.
I thought I would get to Christ last to save the good news for last. Christ was wounded on his feet by the nails at Calvary; as well as his hands as shown in Psalm 22. The crucifixion completed the victory over sin; His redemption for the chosen ones (namely us); and was complete when He died and said "It is finished" ( John 19:30). Christ's body will continue to show the scars to his hands and feet ( John 20). He is the only one who has a glorified body; and since He didn't suffer decay and was resurrected as Psalm 16:10 and others indicate-these wounds are visible as reminders to us for all eternity the price He had to pay.
These passages indicate that God judges His people first; and verse 6 seems to indicate that they will turn "from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted"; in other words once the Abomination of Desolation occurs they will realize that they have trusted in an imposter; and God will begin to turn his attention on judging the nations; and then Antichrist himself. They will then turn from idol worship as well; which no doubt will accompany the Babylon religious system of the first half of the Tribulation. Perhaps the sword wound will be given from a Godly man at first; clearly the final end is not from the power of man either but Christ at His return although that may be only an indirect reference here.
Age is in YOUR favour; because, you can look back at more experiences of LIFE, than your daughter.
The SPIRIT has CAUSED you (through the CHOICES he CAUSED you to make) to have those experiences of LIFE (good and evil) because it is necessary to become like God. ( Genesis 3:22)
God KNOWS how to USE EVIL for GOOD.
God CAUSED Joseph to have a silly little dream and to tell his brothers about that dream.
God CAUSED his brothers to be envious and hate Joseph.
God CAUSED his brothers to rise up and do EVIL against their brother Joseph.
But look what THE WORD SAYS:
Genesis 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not, for I am in the place of God (where God purposed him to be).
Genesis 50:20 But as FOR YOU, you thought EVIL against me, but God meant (caused) it (evil) unto GOOD, to bring to pass, as it is this day, TO SAVE MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE.
God is STILL DOING this TODAY; Man just does't BELIEVE IT.
Did Judas have a Choice outside of what God had purposed him TO DO.( Zechariah 11:12)
Did Peter have a Choice outside of what God had purposed him TO DO (deny Jesus and flee)( Zechariah 13:7).
Did Pharaoh have a Choice outside of what God had purposed Him TO DO ( Romans 9:17).
Did David have a Choice outside of what God purposed him TO DO.
2 Samuel 24:1 And AGAIN the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he MOVED (CAUSED) David against them, to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.
God PURPOSED that you are going to become the IMAGE of HIM ( Romans 8:29)( 1 Corinthians 15:49), Do you think you have a CHOICE outside of what he has purpose you TO DO.
Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my Spirit in you, and CAUSE you to walk in my statues (good or evil), and you shall keep my judgements, and DO THEM.
God's WAY is not man's WAY.
Satan knows that the Cross is not some idle, ill-advised plan of God, because He knows the Nature of God, him being once considered as a 'covering Cherub' ( Ezekiel 28:16), which implies his previous position associated with God's Holiness. He knows the Power, Wisdom & Holiness of God, and that his character would always be deficient & defective as a result of his pride, sin & fall. But will that knowledge stop him believing that his greatness is comparable to God, that his wisdom & power can put up a good fight against God's Holiness & that the more he can deceive the World & gather them to himself, will translate to him being the victor? We were not unlike him, as once the children of the devil, how easy it was for us to consider ourselves more superior to others, not as bad sinners as others are, our righteousness will secure Heaven for us, that success in wealth & receiving man's adulation ought to be our present pursuit & enjoyment, etc, etc. The qualities of God & of Satan are diametrically opposed to each other. Our present pursuit, with our renewed minds & spirits, are only towards the things of God & not to the one who came to steal, kill & destroy our lives.
Of Judas: for the sake of prophecy, his actions by Satan's influence had to occur ( Matthew 27:9,10 & Zechariah 11:12,13). By the way, in Jewish reckoning, many prophetical books came under Jeremiah.
false apostate churches everywhere islam trying to take control which
it is of devil. look up our redemption draweth nigh.read 2nd thess2-12
repent
Matthew 27:3-5 clearly states that Judas hanged himself. But here in Acts 1:18 there seems to be a contradiction. However, when you read both accounts more completely, you will realize they do not contradict each other at all. Matthew states Judas hanged himself and the book of Acts isn’t suggesting that he didn’t. When Luke (the author of Acts) states that Judas fell headlong and burst asunder in the midst, he isn’t stating that’s how Judas died. The consensus among Bible scholars was that Judas split open after falling from the tree or post that he hanged himself from. Perhaps the tree was near a precipice or after he had hanged himself his rotting body eventually fell and burst open where it landed. The Lord only knows. I believe because it was common knowledge that Judas had hanged himself, Luke didn’t feel the need to mention it here in Acts 1:18. Instead he placed emphasis on how his body had burst asunder in this particular field because he was trying to show how this act had fulfilled scripture from the Psalms, not how Judas had died. (See Psalm 69:25, Psalm 109:8) and ( Zechariah 11:12-13)
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?