#seven gates of jerusalem

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs

1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3 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?

4 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.

5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.

8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?

9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?

12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. — Matthew 16 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Job 34:11; Psalm 42:2; Psalm 49:8; Psalm 129:2; Proverbs 26:5; isaiah 22:22; Isaiah 57:3; Jeremiah 1:1; Matthew 1:16; Matthew 3:7; Matthew 4:10; Matthew 5:20; Matthew 6:30; Matthew 8:20; Matthew 10:38-39; Matthew 12:40; Matthew 14:17; Matthew 14:20; Matthew 21:25; Mark 8:15; Luke 9:18; Luke 12:54; Luke 12:56; John 1:42; John 12;25; Revelation 3:7

Some Standing Here Will Not Taste Death

Key Events in Matthew 16

1. The Pharisees require a sign. 5. Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13. The people's opinion of Jesus, 16. and Peter's confession of him. 21. Jesus foretells his death; 23. reproves Peter for dissuading him from it; 24. and admonishes those who will follow him, to bear the cross.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

3rd April >> Mass Readings (USA)

Easter Wednesday 

(Liturgical Colour: White. Year: B(II))

First Reading

Acts of the Apostles 3:1–10

What I do have I give you: in the name of the Lord Jesus, rise and walk.

Peter and John were going up to the temple area for the three o’clock hour of prayer. And a man crippled from birth was carried and placed at the gate of the temple called “the Beautiful Gate” every day to beg for alms from the people who entered the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. But Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” He paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.” Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 105:1–2, 3–4, 6–7, 8–9

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly.

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations— Which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac.

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Sequence

Victimae Paschali Laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems; Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father. Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. Speak, Mary, declaring What you saw, wayfaring. “The tomb of Christ, who is living, The glory of Jesus’ resurrection; bright angels attesting, The shroud and napkin resting. Yes, Christ my hope is arisen; to Galilee he goes before you.” Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia.

Gospel Acclamation

Psalm 118:24

Alleluia, alleluia. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 24:13–35

They recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[cast-you-dxwn]

Lore drop: Legio Angelica 778

There are seven hundred and seventy seven Legions of Trueborn Angels, beings created and brought up to be Heavens preeminent warriors, the Hosts fearless soldiers who stand in defense of Creation and the throne of The Lord Most High.

They are the most elite amongst all of Heavens militant orders, a single angelic Legionnaire capable of feats of combat unheard of in the mortal worlds most outlandish heroic tales, in fact some of those tales originate from mortal interpretation of a Legionnaires intervention in earthly matters

But with the population of earth increasing, the Faith spreading across the Levant, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and then Europe, more and more of the souls who passed through the gates were of a militant bent, men and women who spent their lives combating evil or at the least angered at the pain it has caused both themselves and those they loved.

In many cases they were not satisfied to enjoy the eternal bliss of Heavens streets, and clamored to join the angels they had long respected and revered in their endless war against the dark. Saint Michael, seeing the value in these souls, but worrying for their safety, approved their service in auxiliary roles, largely as support and logistical staff that would almost never see combat themselves.

But these mortals, people of passion, faith, and fire, wanted for a more active role in The Long War. These petitions were finally heard in 1185, when Baldwin IV, King of the Crusader State of Jerusalem, arrived in Heaven on the heels of many of his knights, cured of his leprosy that had plagued him for his entire mortal life.

Noting the restlessness of the mortal Auxiliaries as well as the extremely advanced technology that Heaven had at its disposal, the former king threw himself at The Praetors feet, bringing to him the proposal that he and many of the other great mortal heros had pieced together. A force made entirely of mortal souls, equipped with the strange and advanced technology of Heavens forges, a secondary order to reinforce the Trueborn Legions as needed, and they would be so often needed so that the Angels could focus their ire upon the more pressing enemies of Heaven.

Michael heard this proposition, and found it suitable, a less dangerous niche that would allow these humans to serve in a capacity that would satisfy them.

So the 778th Legion was formed, with Baldwin as its Legate, the first militant unit of Heaven to be populated by mortal souls.

The 778th are amongst the proudest of Heavens citizens, though they hail from many places and many times, they are united in faith and service, the unerring knowledge that they stand in defense of their fellow Saved and those upon the earth who have not set set foot in front of Saint Peter.

They are clad in the finest and most technologically advanced armor that Heavens Craftspeople can produce, augmenting their strength and reflexes to superhuman levels and powered by the sun fire of faith. They wield the most fearsome weaponry that the Holy Realms forges can produce, hand weapons that may rival the Trueborns own and firearms meant to piece apart creatures great and terrible which would normally make a mockery of mortal-crafted artillery.

They are also the most numerous of all of the militant units, consisting of many tens of thousands and growing in number with every Saved soul who cannot stand to simply bask in Heavens light while others upon earth continue to suffer.

[sealmonger]

Revelation 21 ESV

The New Heaven and the New Earth

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place[a] of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,[b] and God himself will be with them as their God.[c] 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem

9 Then came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed— 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. 16 The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia.[d] Its length and width and height are equal. 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits[e] by human measurement, which is also an angel's measurement. 18 The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

22 And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. 23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, 25 and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. 27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Footnotes

a. Revelation 21:3 Or tabernacle

b. Revelation 21:3 Some manuscripts peoples

c. Revelation 21:3 Some manuscripts omit as their God

d. Revelation 21:16 About 1,380 miles; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters

e. Revelation 21:17 A cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters

[heintzmagic]

A New Heaven and a New Earth

21 1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

The New Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb

9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17 The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. 18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

[wisdomfish]

God’s plan to deal with evil

God’s plan to deal with evil is prepared for in creation but executed in redemption. Satan and his forces are already defeated foes with Christ’s first coming as Savior,

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, so that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. [Hebrews 2:14-15]

And all evil and human sin will forever be vanquished at Christ’s second coming as Judge and King.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost. The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But for the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral persons, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, full of the seven last plagues, came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very valuable stone, like a stone of crystal-clear jasper. It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on the gates, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod, twelve thousand stadia; its length, width, and height are equal. And he measured its wall, 144 cubits, by human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundation stones of the city wall were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. [Revelation 21]

~ Samples, Kenneth Richard. ‘Without a Doubt: Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions. p. 250

[mightyflamethrower]

FROM TREASURE TROVE TO TREASURE TRUTH: ‘The Parable of the Hidden Treasure’ by Rembrandt

FROM TREASURE TROVE TO TREASURE TRUTH: ‘The Parable of the Hidden Treasure’ by Rembrandt

One of the greatest storytellers in the history of art is Rembrandt Van Rijn. Born in Leiden in Netherlands in 1606, he had a unique, uncompromising, innovative ability to portray reality in various moods. He worked on a range of subject matters including portraits, self portraits, landscapes and genre scenes as well as allegorical, mythological, historical and Biblical themes.

Rembrandt penetrates to the heart of the subject. This is best understood through today’s painting in consideration. The narrative is taken from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, verse 44. It reads: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. The man, who finds it, buries it again; and so happy is he that he goes and sells everything he has, so that he may buy that field.’

The painting is divided into two sections; the background and the foreground. The panoramic view of the vast landscape, silhouettes of mountain ranges, barren hills, stark vegetation and a city afar draws us to the figure of a man who gazes beyond the horizon in contemplation and determination. He gapes not at the priceless treasure of ornate antiques laid before him. He has past the point of thrilled elation. Rather he seems to grasp reality with a vivid understanding of THIS IS IT! He has found the hidden treasure he longed for! He resolves to sell everything he has so that he can buy the field.

But is Rembrandt content with portraying just the narrative? Does he want to express something beyond the lens of his brush? The answer lies in the location. The top corner of the painting displays the city gate. This clearly indicates that the field is not situated in the town, but at its outskirts. And the hidden treasure in found not in an excavated hollow rather within the cavern of a little mount.

This strikes the right chord for those who attempt to read between the colourful lines of art and the gospel. Jesus was crucified at Golgotha or Mount Calvary which is located outside the city walls of Jerusalem. Thus the treasure the man discovered is indeed Christ Himself. Besides the shovel of the man lies a bunch of wild acanthus. This affirms that the treasure found is everlasting!

Rembrandt is acclaimed as the master of the clear and obscure, light and shadow. This technique in drawing and painting is called Chiaroscuro. As witnessed here, Rembrandt uses chiaroscuro to display the inner self of the subject. The light of dawn enlightens the willed face, mind and heart of the man. However his figure casts a shadow on the sacks of treasure anticipating encounter. The ones discovered glisten in daylight. Thus the light served not just to emphasize the external reality of space occupied by the subject but rather to reflect on the internal workings of character and the mind.

Art is an edited version of our own experienced reality. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure digs through the reality of the life of Rembrandt. Very interestingly the face of the figure in the painting is debated to be that of Rembrandt himself. Rembrandt faced quite a lot of trauma in his life. Three out of his four children died within months of their birth. His wife perished seven years post their marriage. Gradually he reached a stage of bankruptcy both economically and emotionally. His painting thus shadows his search for the ‘true treasure’.

In conclusion; ‘There is something of Rembrandt in the Gospel or something of the Gospel in Rembrandt, as you like it – it comes to the same,’ if one only understands the thing in the right way’ – Vincent Van Gogh.

Is there something of you in the Gospel?

[thebookofnehemiah]

"The Sun God." From the Book of Nehemiah, "the Exploration of the Mysteries of the Lions that Lay," 7: 1-3.

The God of Israel is ultimately a solar deity. He is called other things, a thunder god, a lightning god, but Bereshit "the knowledge of the Self" makes it clear He is the sun. The goal of the Nsh was the creation of a sanctuary fit to contain the light of the Sun God where people could live without fear for their survival and undergo the transformation called the Seven Days identified in the Beginning.

In more than one place, the Zohar says this is a work of psalmody and requires a composer, a band, a venue and an ode.

Psalm 150: 4-6

4 Praise God with drum and dance!     Praise God with strings and pipe! 5 Praise God with loud cymbals!     Praise God with clashing cymbals! 6 Let every living thing praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

Let us see why this was required. All Psalms and Pslams are printed using a twin verse schema. The Numbers should be calculated using all four lines. The final strain, however is often only two.

v. 4-5: The Number is 7843, זח‎דג‎, zachdag, "this one understands 13, shəloshah, "three times" = Chabad.

Without Chabad "doing one's homework", one cannot Mish.

v. 6: Praise the Lord: the Number is 3288, ג‎בחח‎, c in this way, that way there is no protection.

The ancients under the guidance of God's angels learned life on earth improved dramatically if we follow the Torah. Otherwise all mankind will do is fight. While we fight the essential being God tries to germinate the Hanani Hananiah "the guess" who you are meant to be, will stifle. This is why God wants us to kill all fundamentalists now rather than wait 20 more years for the church to recognize human rights.

Such a person who understands the relationship between this Jewish Gayatri, "a fresh wet moment", human rights, the temple, and the light of the Sun is called a Levite or "connected"

7 After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers, the musicians and the Levites were appointed.

 2 I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do. 

3 I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.”

The third verse refers to a topic we covered under separate cover, which explains we must watch a person in their surroundings before we shine our light of affection upon them. This is how we know if Fort Knox is ready for the gold on not, 'cuz if it's not gold, ladies, it does not go in Fort Knox! This is the same with the Gates and Doors of Jerusalem. We open up when we are sure what is about to enter is smoldering, simmering, smoking hot...as the Mishnah says, "the one we long for."

The God of Israel the Sun Lamp starts the process of heating the moment a connection between the safety and enlightenment of the Self can be found within Jerusalem and that is where all humans belong.

The Values in Gematria are:

v. 1: I set the doors in place. The Number is 5986, הטח‎‎ו tacho, ‎ ‎"throw."

"The verb ירה (yara) means to throw, cast or shoot. It's is used when arrows are shot (1 Chronicles 10:3), stones are stacked (Genesis 31:51) and even when lots are cast (Joshua 18:6)."

This means, in addition to the Torah and Tanakh one must study the Talmud and learn to perform Mishnah and Gemara.

v. 2: I put in charge of Jerusalem...the commander of the Citadel. The Commander was put inside Jerusalem, not the other way around. The Rab says to be inside or outside is not straight forward as in other languages, the middle ground is. This is why the Hanana Hananiah means "Guess who you are?" Without the Other, the tiebreaker there is no middle. One cannot know the Self and the Torah is useless. So, one must find one who is hot outside the gate.

The Number is 7606, זסו, zesu, "a squad."

A squad consists of a bunch of soldiers, AKA the Mishpatim the prescriptions and prohibitions which are not observed outwardly or in tandem with the sugar honey. One must exhaust the meaning of the Mishpatim before Shabbos.

v. 3: Bar the doors. Bars are thresholds that exist between the known and the unknown, light and darkness, knowledge and enlightenment, a crush and intimacy. A Bar is also a term used for a man who has surpassed the rigors of the Shule. Bars as stated above are like the Captain and Tenille song, "sunshine and shadow."

The Value in Gematria is 9922, טטבב‎‎, tetbab, "To drive evil out and good forth."

"Tet is a paradoxical letter in that it reveals both good (tov) and evil. The form of the letter is "inverted," suggesting hidden goodness, like that of a woman who is pregnant with child. However, sometimes the potential for goodness (tahorah) is perverted, and impurity or filth (tumah) results.

Verb אבל ('abel) is like the previous ones in that it describes a drive of liquid or semi-liquid elements along some collective course. It's often used to describe a collective mourning, which either happened in a procession or else contagious enough to drag others along. Nouns אבל ('ebel) and אבל ('abel) both mean mourning, but the latter is also the word for actual water stream or brook.

In cognate languages this verb is used to describe the driving of camels. There is even a sporadically used adverb אבל ('abal), which in older texts expresses solemn affirmation (verily, truly, yes indeed I'm totally going along with you there) but later texts appear to put somewhat of a breaking force on the momentum ("yes!... but")."

The Kabbalah then has nothing to do with Jerusalem or gates or doors but much more to do with our Tallis Sillat. The Nsh has to be able to incubate a suitable partner within the Tallis Sillat if he is expected to proceed with the establishment of Jerusalem. The gate there are supposed to be choosey, not revolving doors.

So the moment the Sun God refuses to give us any peace, that is the one we know God wants us to watch, until we are sure he is the one we are longing for.

[baxtersworld]

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE PROPHETS, IN THE LINEAGE OF ISSACHAR, May 15, 2026

God certainly reveals the set time of His return to His appointed people (Amos 3:7), which has been kept secret for ages.

Hereupon, there were men of understanding (Esther 1:13), particularly the tribe of Issachar, a descendant of Jacob (Genesis 35:23), who were entrusted with the prophecy of God’s appointed time.

1 CHRONICLES 12:32 And of the children of ISSACHAR, which were men that had UNDERSTANDING of the TIMES, to KNOW what Israel OUGHT TO DO…

Thus, God gave the exact date of His return, May 15, 2026, in the days of Issachar and to his lineage (1Chronicles 7:2).

1 CHRONICLES 7:2 …TWO and TWENTY THOUSAND and SIX HUNDRED - 22,600 or 2260 (flipped figure of 2026)

1 CHRONICLES 7:1, 3-5

4 – FOUR (verse 1)

5 – FIVE (verse 3)

36,000 – SIX and THIRTY thousand men (verse 4)

4 x 5 = 20, 3 + 6 = 9

2 + 0 + 9 = 11 (1 + 1 = 2)

87,000 – FOURSCORE and SEVEN thousand men (verse 5)

8 + 7 = 15

Numbers 2 and 15 indicate the exact date of Christ’s return, MAY 15, where the month of May corresponds to IYAR, the SECOND month in the Hebrew calendar.

Similarly, the following passages, which reckons the inheritance of the twelve tribes, including Issachar, likewise holds the appointed time of Christ’s return.

EZEKIEL 48:30-34

4,500 – FOUR THOUSAND and FIVE HUNDRED measures (verse 30)

3 – THREE gates (verse 31)

1 – ONE gate (verse 31-34)

1 – ONE gate (verse 31-34)

1 – ONE gate (verse 31-34)

4 x 500 = 2000, 4 x 5 = 20, 3 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 6

2000 + 20 + 6 = 2026

REVELATION 21:16, 17

16 – FOURSQUARE (4 x 4 = 16) (verse 16)

12,000 – TWELVE thousand furlongs (verse 16)

18 – HUNDRED and FORTY and FOUR cubits (14 + 4 = 18) (verse 17)

18 + 1 + 1 = 20

BY USING CONCATENATION: 2 + 6 = 26

BY USING CONCATENATION: 20 + 26 = 2026

Moreover, God esteemed all men, whether Jews or Gentiles who were faithful to His commandments, as part of His covenant people, being sealed by God (Revelation 7:2-4, 7), for the twelve tribes have been scattered abroad (James 1:1-2).

In addition, God gave His appointed time in the days of Job, one of the sons of Issachar (Genesis 46:13).

JOB 1:1-4

1 – ONE (verse 1) 5 – FIVE hundred (verse 3)

7 – SEVEN sons (verse 2) 5 – FIVE hundred (verse 3)

3 – THREE daughters (verse 2) 1 – ONE (verse 4)

7 – SEVEN thousand (verse 3) 3 – THREE sisters (verse 4)

3 – THREE thousand (verse 3) 5 + 5 + 1 + 3 = 14 (1 + 4 = 5)

7 x 3 x 7 x 3 x 5 = 2205 + 1 = 2206 (flipped figure of 2026)

Biblically, Job was being paralleled to Noah and Daniel, two prominent end-time prophets (Ezekiel 14:20), who foretold the appointed time of Christ’s return.

Hereby, God enlightened His people that the mystery of His appointed time has now been disclosed, which is being expounded in Job 14:13, 14.

JOB 14:13, 14

(13) …that thou wouldest APPOINT me a SET TIME, and remember me!

(14) …all the days of my APPOINTED TIME will I wait, till my CHANGE COME.

The preceding passage is correlated to the last trump (seventh trumpet), held by the seventh angel (Revelation 10:7,11), which symbolically means prophesying God’s set time.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:51, 52

(51) Behold, I SHEW you a MYSTERY… we shall all be changed,

(52) …at the LAST TRUMP… the dead shall be raised INCORRUPTIBLE, and we shall be CHANGED.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

#fypシ゚viralシ #fypシ #fbreelsfypシ゚ #fbviral #reelsviralシ #reelsfbシ #viralvideoシ #viralshorts #Jesusiscoming #apocalypse #Armageddon #doomsday #endtimes #endtimesprophecy #endtimesigns #bible #prophecy #predictions #heaven #salvation #eternallife #savedbygrace #Jerusalem #Yeshua #jubilee #Moses #SecondComing

[tj-van-heerden]

The bride of Christ.

We are living in the end times. It is time for the bride of Christ to make herself ready for when Jesus comes for her.

Rev 19:7, 8 [WEB] Let’s rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let’s give the glory to him. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.” It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

Rev 21:2 [WEB] I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.

Rev 21:9, 10 [WEB] One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the wife, the Lamb’s bride.” He carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God

Rev 22:14 [WEB] Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Lord’s Negative Response

1 Then the Lord said to me, “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before me, my compassions would not reach out to these people. Send them from my presence, and let them go. 2 If they ask you, ‘Where will we go?’ tell them: This is what the Lord says:

Those destined for death, to death; those destined for the sword, to the sword. Those destined for famine, to famine; those destined for captivity, to captivity.

3 “I will ordain four kinds of judgment for them”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the sky and the wild animals of the land to devour and destroy. 4 I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.

5 Who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? Who will show sympathy toward you? Who will turn aside to ask about your well-being? 6 You have left me.” This is the Lord’s declaration. “You have turned your back, so I have stretched out my hand against you and destroyed you. I am tired of showing compassion. 7 I scattered them with a winnowing fork at the city gates of the land. I made them childless; I destroyed my people. They would not turn from their ways. 8 I made their widows more numerous than the sand of the seas. I brought a destroyer at noon against the mother of young men. I suddenly released on her agitation and terrors. 9 The mother of seven grew faint; she breathed her last breath. Her sun set while it was still day; she was ashamed and humiliated. The rest of them I will give over to the sword in the presence of their enemies.” This is the Lord’s declaration.

Jeremiah’s Complaint

10 Woe is me, my mother, that you gave birth to me, a man who incites dispute and conflict in all the land. I did not lend or borrow, yet everyone curses me.

The Lord’s Response

11 The Lord said:

Haven’t I set you loose for your good? Haven’t I punished you in a time of trouble, in a time of distress with the enemy?

12 Can anyone smash iron, iron from the north, or bronze?

13 I will give up your wealth and your treasures as plunder, without cost, for all your sins in all your borders. 14 Then I will make you serve your enemies in a land you do not know, for my anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you.

Jeremiah’s Prayer for Vengeance

15 You know, Lord; remember me and take note of me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In your patience, don’t take me away. Know that I suffer disgrace for your honor. 16 Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I bear your name, Lord God of Armies. 17 I never sat with the band of revelers, and I did not celebrate with them. Because your hand was on me, I sat alone, for you filled me with indignation. 18 Why has my pain become unending, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You truly have become like a mirage to me— water that is not reliable.

Jeremiah Told to Repent

19 Therefore, this is what the Lord says:

If you return, I will take you back; you will stand in my presence. And if you speak noble words, rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. It is they who must return to you; you must not return to them. 20 Then I will make you a fortified wall of bronze to this people. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to save you and rescue you. This is the Lord’s declaration.

21 I will rescue you from the power of evil people and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless. — Jeremiah 15 | Christian Standard Bible (CSB) The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 48:16; Exodus 22:25; Exodus 32:11; Leviticus 26:16; Leviticus 26:22; Leviticus 26:33; Numbers 34:7; Deuteronomy 28:36; Deuteronomy 28:64; Judges 16:28; 1 Samuel 2:5; Job 6:15; 1 Kings 7:1; Job 6:20; Job 34:6; Psalm 44:12; Psalm 46:7; Psalm 69:20; Psalm 138:3; Isaiah 1:4; Isaiah 3:25-26; Jeremiah 4:1; Jeremiah 6:29; Matthew 3:12; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 6:8; Revelation 10:9; Revelation 13:10

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

12th April >> Mass Readings (USA)

Easter Wednesday 

(Liturgical Colour: White: A(1))

First Reading Acts of the Apostles 3:1–10 What I do have I give you: in the name of the Lord Jesus, rise and walk.

Peter and John were going up to the temple area for the three o’clock hour of prayer. And a man crippled from birth was carried and placed at the gate of the temple called “the Beautiful Gate” every day to beg for alms from the people who entered the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for alms. But Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” He paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.” Then Peter took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles grew strong. He leaped up, stood, and walked around, and went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the one who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at what had happened to him.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 105:1–2, 3–4, 6–7, 8–9

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD! Look to the LORD in his strength; seek to serve him constantly.

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! He, the LORD, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail.

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations— Which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac.

R/ Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Sequence Victimae Paschali Laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems; Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father. Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. Speak, Mary, declaring What you saw, wayfaring. “The tomb of Christ, who is living, The glory of Jesus’ resurrection; bright angels attesting, The shroud and napkin resting. Yes, Christ my hope is arisen; to Galilee he goes before you.” Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia.

Gospel Acclamation Psalm 118:24

Alleluia, alleluia. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 24:13–35 They recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[dfroza]

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures

for the 1st of October 2024 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New Covenant) of the Bible

[The Book of Matthew, Chapter 9 • The Book of Judges, Chapter 2]

along with Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms with Proverbs 1 and Psalm 1 coinciding with the day of the month, accompanied by Psalm 10 for the 10th day of Astronomical Autumn, and Psalm 125 for day 275 of the year (with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 2nd revolution this year)

A post by John Parsons:

The spring festivals (i.e., Passover, Firstfruits, and Shavuot) have been perfectly fulfilled in the first coming of Yeshua as Mashiach ben Yosef, and the fall festivals (Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot) will be fulfilled in His second coming as Mashiach ben David. Since the first advent fulfilled all of the spring mo’edim to the smallest of details, we believe that His second advent portends similar fulfillment as revealed in the fall mo’edim.

After the summer of harvest (John 4:35), the very first fall festival on the Jewish calendar is Yom Teruah (יוֹם תְּרוּעָה), which is a picture of the “catching away” of kallat Mashiach (the Bride of Messiah) for the time of Sheva Berachot (the seven ��days” of blessing that follows the traditional marriage ceremony). Then will come the Great Tribulation and Yom Adonai - the Day of the LORD (יוֹם יְהוָה). The heavenly shofar blasts heard at Sinai will be reissued from Zion. First will be the gathering together of those who follow the Messiah (i.e., those declared tzaddikim because they trust in the merit of Yeshua’s sacrifice), and then God’s war against Satan and the world system will begin, culminating in the long-awaited coronation of the King of King of Kings - Melech Malchei Ha-Melachim (מֶלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים).

Rosh Hashanah (or better, Yom Teruah) is therefore a sacred time that has prophetic significance for the Messianic believer, since it commemorates both the creation of the mankind by Adonai as well as the “calling up” of the new creation at the behest of Yeshua, when the sound of the heavenly shofar inaugurates the anticipated End of Days (1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:15-18). Indeed, "teruah" (תְּרוּעָה) is a "calling up" signal for those who belong to Messiah, sounded during the opening of the “Gate to the Wedding” of the great Lamb of God. It also prefigures the coming Day of the LORD and Great Tribulation period that marks God’s judgment on an unbelieving world...

In this connection Kierkegaard wrote about the apostasy of our age when he wrote: “A fire broke out backstage in a theater. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded. He repeated it; the acclaim was even greater... that's just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it's a joke.”

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

Psalm 104:19 Hebrew reading:

Hebrew page (pdf):

9.30.24 • Facebook

from Today’s email by Israel365

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

[marysittingathisfeet]

Let's Talk About Esther

Woman heroes and villainess are scattered throughout the Old and New Testament. Although they are not featured as often as the men, woman often had a very pivotal role. Deborah the prophetess lead her people to victory. Jael who killed the enemy king Sisera, by driving a tent peg through his skull. Huldah the prophetess. The Southern wall of the Temple Mount Gates are named for her. They are called the Huldah gates. To the south of the Temple Mount is a pyramid like structure that is the supposed tomb of this prophetess. (Although excavations do not support this as a tomb.) However, no other woman in the Bible is mentioned as much as Esther. Not only does she have a whole book to herself, but she is mentioned over 55 times. No one else comes close except for Sarai which is mentioned 13 times and her new name given by God Sarah which is used 39 times.

What do we know about Esther. She was an orphan.

Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother." Esther 2:7

Most likely she came from a Jewish royal family as there were strict rules about who a king could marry. A commoner, no matter how beautiful could not have become the queen of the most powerful nation.

Hadassah means myrtle. What is myrtle. Myrtle is an evergreen, flowering tree or shrub. It is used by Jews in rituals during the Feast of Tabernacles also know as Sukkot. Parts of the tree are waved. This command comes from Leviticus.

On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.

The Myrtle Tree was one of the other leafy trees use. The Myrtle Tree has multiple symbolic meanings in the Bible. In scripture, the myrtle tree symbolizes the people of Israel. Myrtle tree also represents those things that are good and beautiful.

Isaiah 55:13 says, "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree".

Zechariah also uses the Myrtle Tree to symbolize Israel.

"During the night, I had a vision, and there before me was a man mounted on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown, and white horses."

I asked, "What are these, my lord?" The angel who was talking with me answered, "I will show you what they are." Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, "They are the ones the Lord has sent to go throughout the earth." And they reported to the angel of the LORD, who was standing among the myrtle trees, "We have gone throughout the earth and found the whole world at rest and in peace. "Then the angel of the LORD said, "LORD Almighty, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah, which you have been angry with these seventy years?"Zechariah 1:8-12

In the verses the Myrtle Trees were sent to go throughout the earth. First the Northern Kingdom of Israel was taken into captivity and the Judah was taken as well. In Zechariah's vision, the "myrtle-trees that were in the bottom" represent Israel in exile. Following the discussion about the dispersement, the angel asks how long will God be angry with Judah? Therefore, we can assume the Myrtle Trees were the jewfish people.

Myrtle Trees also represent survival and renewal. The tree is an evergreen tree that grows in harsh conditions. It also represents weddings. The aromatic branches of the myrtle tree were used to prepare wreaths for the groom. In Christianity the Myrtle Tree came to represent Mary the mother of Jesus's purity.

Myrtle was a good name for Esther as she represented The Israeli people, she was good and beautiful, but in exile with her people. She was pure as she was a virgin when taken to the king's palace. She was also brave and strong as she went before the king knowing that she could die.

Esther translates as Star. There are multiple stars in the bible.

The Star of David not only symbolizes Judaism, but also symbolizes the relationship between God and people. In Matthew 2:2, the star of the newborn Jesus was seen by the wise men as a sign from God. Jesus is called The Bright Morning Star. Jesus is the bridge builder between man and God.

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. Esther 4: 15:16

Esther had great faith. She calls for a 3 day fast and prayer knowing that she needed God's help. She also had intelligence, wisdom, discretion, courage, and patience.

When the edict was declared that there would be a day that the Jewish people could be slaughtered, Mordecai tore his robes in grief. When Esther finds out that Mordecai is in sack cloth and ashes, she sends out a eunuch named Hathak to inquire why he is mourning. She is faithful to the man who raised her.

When Esther's eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of sack cloth, but he would not accept them. Esther 4: 4

King Xerxes gave Esther Haman's estate and she appointed Mordecai as the manager of this estate.

The King too off his signet ring, which he had reclaimed from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over Haman's estate. Esther 8:2

When she appeared before the king and he held out his scepter to her, she knew she could not blurt out her concerns publicly for there would have been voices besides Haman who would counter argue her cause. So she devised a plan to get the king alone. She invited Haman as well for she intended to accuse him privately without his supporters.

The first banquet softened up the king. She was patient enough to know that it was not yet time to discuss her concerns. She was not materialistic. Three times the King offered her up to 1/2 the kingdom. Yet all that Esther asked for was that her people be spared.

Now let's face it Xerxes was not a wise king. He was quick to make rash decisions like he did when he was drunk and exiled Queen Vashti. He was easily influenced as when Haman came up with his idea to have the Jews systematically killed throughout the kingdom. Xerxes did not investigate Haman's claims at all. Three times he offers 1/2 his kingdom to a woman he has not spoken to in 30 days. Yet Esther treats him with great respect.

Then Queen Esther answered, If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life- this is my petition. And spare my people- this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king. Esther 7: 3-4

She is making it clear that she would not have bothered the king with a minor request. Note she brings up herself first. "Grant me my life" and "For I and my people have been sold" is her statement to the king. Is she narcisstic or selfish. No. It is easy to condemn to death a faceless nameless people. But to condemn someone you know personally and have been intimate with is another matter. Esther being smart is well aware of this. She was making the plea personal to the king. And it worked because the king became angry.

She was bold. When the King askes her who is it that "has dared to do such a thing? (Esther 7: 5)

Esther said, "An adversary and enemy! This vile Haman!" Esther 7: 6. In the movies they make her trembling and afraid. But this Esther spoke out boldly, plainly, and did not mince her words. I see her boldly facing Haman and pointing a finger directly at him. Her words left Haman terrified. In the movies, Haman is arrogant and attacks Esther when he finds out she is a Jew. But this is not what happened.

Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen. The king got up in a rage, left his wine and went out into the place garden. But Haman, realizing that the king had already decided his fate, stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his fate. Esther 7: 6.

Haman the enemy of the Jews and Mordecai was dead, but his evlil edict remained. Her people were still in danger so Esther put her life on the line again.

"Esther again pleaded with the king, falling at his feet and weeping. She begged him to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews. Then the king extended the gold scepter to Esther and stood she arose and stood before him. Esther 8: 3, 4

King Xerxes let's Mordecai decide how the Jewish people would be saved.

"Now write another decree in the king's name in behalf of the jews as seems best to you, and seal with with the King's signet ring- for no document written in the king's name and sealed with his ring can be revoked." Esther 8: 8.

This is why the original edict could not be rescinded. And this is why Mordecai was to stamp the new edict with the kings ring so that others in the courts could not try to change the new law. Soi basically Mordecai's edict "granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and protect themselves; to destroy, kill, and annihilate the armed men of any nationality or province who might attach them and their woman and children." Ester 8: 11

The Jews did indeed defend themselves. Not only did they kill Haman's ten sons. Most likely the sons were trying to kill Jews to avenge their father, but the bible tells us that ,

The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men and the ten sons of Haman in the citadel of Susa, What have they done in the rest of the king's provinces?" Esther 9: 12

I guess 500 + men thought they could kill the Jews without repercussions. The rest of the men of the city of Susa stayed home that night.

The King then asks Esther again what her request is. Some people criticize her for her answer. But remember Esther is fighting for her people. In essence this was a war against the Jews. She wanted to ensure their safety.

"If it pleases the king," Esther answered, "give the Jews in Susa permission to carry out this day's edict tomorrow also, and let Haman's ten sons be impaled on poles." Esther 9: 13

Perhaps Esther knew that in Susa there were still those who wanted to annihilate the Jews. As for putting Haman's dead sons on poles. This was a warning to the enemies of the Jews.

Esther was a complex woman. She is known for her beauty, but is revered for her character.

[lordgodjehovahsway]

1 Chronicle 9: The Genealogies Of The Kings Of Israel And Judah

1 All Israel was listed in the genealogies recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. They were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.

The People in Jerusalem

2 Now the first to resettle on their own property in their own towns were some Israelites, priests, Levites and temple servants.

3 Those from Judah, from Benjamin, and from Ephraim and Manasseh who lived in Jerusalem were:

4 Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, a descendant of Perez son of Judah.

5 Of the Shelanites:

Asaiah the firstborn and his sons.

6 Of the Zerahites:

Jeuel.

The people from Judah numbered 690.

7 Of the Benjamites:

Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah;

8 Ibneiah son of Jeroham; Elah son of Uzzi, the son of Mikri; and Meshullam son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah.

9 The people from Benjamin, as listed in their genealogy, numbered 956. All these men were heads of their families.

10 Of the priests:

Jedaiah; Jehoiarib; Jakin;

11 Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the official in charge of the house of God;

12 Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah; and Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer.

13 The priests, who were heads of families, numbered 1,760. They were able men, responsible for ministering in the house of God.

14 Of the Levites:

Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a Merarite; 

15 Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal and Mattaniah son of Mika, the son of Zikri, the son of Asaph; 

16 Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berekiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.

17 The gatekeepers:

Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman and their fellow Levites, Shallum their chief 

18 being stationed at the King’s Gate on the east, up to the present time. These were the gatekeepers belonging to the camp of the Levites. 

19 Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his fellow gatekeepers from his family (the Korahites) were responsible for guarding the thresholds of the tent just as their ancestors had been responsible for guarding the entrance to the dwelling of the Lord. 

20 In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar was the official in charge of the gatekeepers, and the Lord was with him. 

21 Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

22 Altogether, those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds numbered 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. The gatekeepers had been assigned to their positions of trust by David and Samuel the seer. 

23 They and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the Lord—the house called the tent of meeting. 

24 The gatekeepers were on the four sides: east, west, north and south. 

25 Their fellow Levites in their villages had to come from time to time and share their duties for seven-day periods. 

26 But the four principal gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. 

27 They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.

28 Some of them were in charge of the articles used in the temple service; they counted them when they were brought in and when they were taken out. 

29 Others were assigned to take care of the furnishings and all the other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the special flour and wine, and the olive oil, incense and spices. 

30 But some of the priests took care of mixing the spices. 

31 A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with the responsibility for baking the offering bread. 

32 Some of the Kohathites, their fellow Levites, were in charge of preparing for every Sabbath the bread set out on the table.

33 Those who were musicians, heads of Levite families, stayed in the rooms of the temple and were exempt from other duties because they were responsible for the work day and night.

34 All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs as listed in their genealogy, and they lived in Jerusalem.

The Genealogy of Saul

35 Jeiel the father of Gibeon lived in Gibeon.

His wife’s name was Maakah, 

36 and his firstborn son was Abdon, followed by Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab, 

37 Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah and Mikloth. 

38 Mikloth was the father of Shimeam. They too lived near their relatives in Jerusalem.

39 Ner was the father of Kish, Kish the father of Saul, and Saul the father of Jonathan, Malki-Shua, Abinadab and Esh-Baal.

40 The son of Jonathan:

Merib-Baal, who was the father of Micah.

41 The sons of Micah:

Pithon, Melek, Tahrea and Ahaz.

42 Ahaz was the father of Jadah, Jadah was the father of Alemeth, Azmaveth and Zimri, and Zimri was the father of Moza. 

43 Moza was the father of Binea; Rephaiah was his son, Eleasah his son and Azel his son.

44 Azel had six sons, and these were their names:

Azrikam, Bokeru, Ishmael, Sheariah, Obadiah and Hanan. These were the sons of Azel.

[veale2006-blog]

The Truth of Genesis: The Seven Feasts Of Yehovah, Part 4. The moadim of First Fruits controls when all of the other feasts are observed. At the end of the 12th month, called Adar, the barley is inspected to see if it has reached the stage of ripeness, called “aviv”. Originally, the first month of the Hebrew year was called Aviv.

If the barley is aviv, then the sighting of the renewed Moon starts the new year. If the barley is not yet aviv, as occurred last year (2016 AD), a second month was observed, called Adar Bet, meaning “second 12th month”.

The barley must be aviv in order to be used as the First Fruits Offering on the Sunday following the 15th day of the month.

The feast of unleavened bread, which we spoke of in Part 3, always starts at sundown on Passover, making it the 15th day of the first month, since Passover is the 14th day. The first fruits moadim mostly occurs on the next first day of the week, which is the following Sunday, except when Passover is on the Sabbath day, in which case another seven days must go by before the appointed time of First Fruits.

The following is what goes on. Ezra 3:10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.

King David put in place the ritual of the temple service, and the procedures which the High priest would follow concerning the Passover, and the First Fruits Offering. On the 10th day of the first month, the High Priest would go to Bethlehem to pick out the premiere perfect lamb that would be sacrificed, and bring it back thru the Damascus gate in Jerusalem, thru the streets and up to the Temple Mount to be inspected by the people. This is the path that Jesus took when He came thru the gate a half hour ahead of the High Priest of the Temple, riding on a donkey. On the 14th, after killing the last of hundreds of lambs, the last one beingthe premier or principal lamb, the priest would shout “it is Finished”. That’s what Jesus said on the cross.

The Kidron Valley runs north-south between the Mount of Olives and the eastern wall of the Temple Mount and the town of Bethlehem. This valley actually continues all the way from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. The total length of the valley is 20 miles, and it descends about 4,000 feet.

Before sunset at Passover, the High priest and his associates would leave the temple mount after putting the last Lamb in the oven, and walk to the Kidron Valley, crossing a bridge, into a field of barley that is alongside of the Mt. of Olives, where there is a large cemetery. The barley crop near Jerusalem is marked by tying about 10 bundles together, without pulling or cutting them from the roots. This could occur any day of the week, from Sunday to Saturday, depending on when the first day of the month begins.

Passover is in part, the day of the slaying of the thousands of Lambs, the 14th day of the month, and is the sacrifice itself. The remaining part of Passover is after sundown, which starts the 15th day of the month. It is that evening and night when Yehovah went throughout Egypt and killed the first born of every house, but He “passed over” houses that had the lamb’s blood on the door posts.

The Passover meal is the eating of the roasted lambs and unleavened bread after sundown of the 14th, or the start of the 15th day of the month. The barley from which the bread is made from must be from the previous year’s harvest, and not the current year’s harvest. What is called “the Last Supper”, was when Jesus sat with His 42 or more of disciples in a large room, but it was not the Passover meal.

Please read Matt 26:17-19 from the KJV 17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? 18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

I declare this to be a copy error in translation, because it is wrong, and impossible. Jesus was on the cross and put in the tomb on the 14th, and the feast of unleavened bread would not start until later that day after sundown.

That’s why it is wrong. They ate the “last supper” meal in the late afternoon of the 13th day, the day before Passover.

Then, they went to the Mt. of Olives. Afterward, they went to a place called Gethsemane. But after sundown, which started the 14th day, Jesus was betrayed by Judas and taken by the temple guards.

The morning of the 14th day, at about nine o’clock, is when the high priest begins the six hours of sacrificing the thousands of lambs on the temple mount. This is the same space of time that Jesus was on the cross. Yeshua was paraded around, tried, and convicted in the kangaroo court of the Sanhedrin, all through Tuesday night, and condemned by Pilate at about 8:30 Wednesday morning. The Sanhedrin wanted to hurry and kill Jesus before the Passover meal that evening. They didn’t want to wait another week.

The Pharisees were in charge of the Sanhedrin, a seventy member ruling body of Israel. Jesus had exposed them as wicked false teachers, which put their own doctrines and traditions into Jewish Law. The Sadducees were the chief priests in charge of the temple service, and the ones that perform the wave offerings of the first fruits.

When the disciples of Jesus were speaking of the Passover meal, they were expecting to eat it the next evening after the day of the Last Supper, which would have been the beginning of the 15th day, or the night of April 28th. But instead of eating the Passover meal, the disciples were together in shock and lamentation over the hasty trial, death, and burial of Yeshua.

After bundling the sheathes of barley on the evening of Passover, when the other priests go back to the temple, the High Priest goes under the temple Mount into Mt. Moriah, and stays secluded, by himself, untouched by any other human, until Sunday morning, perhaps 10:00, when he begins offering the first fruits of the new year’s harvest to Yehovah. Near sunset of the weekly Sabbath, which is Saturday evening, the associates of the High Priest have walked across the Kidron Valley bridge again, and the bundles of barley are cut after sunset and carried to the temple to be parched in fire.

If Passover, or the 14th day is on the Sabbath or Saturday, the gathering of the barley is delayed seven days because the first fruits and the feast of unleavened bread cannot begin on the same day. Also, the priests cannot bind or cut the ten stocks of barley on the Sabbath, and there must be at least one day from marking the barley until cutting the barley.

So they wait until the next day, which is the first day of the week, to bind the barley, and the High Priest stays in seclusion six days until the following Sunday.

In the case of Yeshua, when the earthquake split the rock where He was crucified, it also disrupted twenty-four graves in the cemetery at the Mt. of Olives. The priests would see the disrupted graves when they tied the 10 bundles of barley together. Jesus arose about 5:15 PM, two hours before sunset on Saturday, seventy-two hours after His burial. After sunset on that day, the priests would cut the barley and take them to the temple. However, after they left, the twenty-four elders rose from their “marked” graves, and followed the priests back into Jerusalem, where many people saw them.

The Day of First Fruits, also called Yom Bikkurim, occurs on the following first day of the week after Passover, which is Sunday. The first fruits offering is made in the Temple on Sunday Morning, giving thanks to Yehovah and asking Him for a good harvest year. If Passover is on the Sabbath, they wait until the following day, which is Sunday evening, to bundle the barley an hour before sundown, and will cut and carry the barley into the Temple after sundown the following Saturday, so that they will not do extra work on the Sabbath. Meanwhile, the High priest stays in seclusion, in a cave in Mt. Moriah, from the time the barley is bundled, until the time the barley is offered in the Temple.

On early Sunday morning, the first wave was when Mary (of Migdal) tried to hug Yeshua (John 20:17), He said “Touch me not, for I have not yet ascended to my Father”. What He was saying is that since He was the High Priest of the Kingdom, He was still in seclusion and could not be touched until after he had presented the First Fruits offering (the 24 elders) before the throne in Heaven, as the First Fruits of the resurrection of the saints.

Jesus returned to Earth later that morning and met the women of the second wave (Matt 28:9), allowing them to touch Him. Later that afternoon, He intercepted the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

The final feast of the Spring is the Feast of Weeks, which we will discuss next in Part 5.